HOOP November/December 2013

LeBron James

Kyrie Irving Stephen Curry

Kevin Durant

NOV/DEC 2013

Quadruple H

Howard Harden Hype Houston

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WARM UPS

LAYNE MURDOCH (6)/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

What makes Kevin Durant virtually unguardable (even against a highquality defender like Philadelphia’s Thaddeus Young) is that at 6-9 with such a fluid outside touch, defenders have to respect his jumper. Play too up on him and his first step—shown here in six stages—means Durant is just one dribble away from leaving you behind.

WARM UPS

ROCKY WIDNER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Golden State’s Klay Thompson is known for his sweet stroke from the outside, but here he displays a knack for defense. Just ask Sacramento’s Ray McCallum.

WARM UPS It’s obvious that the Miami Heat are in line for a threepeat as a result of having two stars like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in their constellation, but it also helps that the two competitors are going at each other on a daily basis, making for practices that might be tougher than the actual games.

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PASSION

CHANGES THE WORLD

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KEMBA WALKER FACEBOOK.COM/UABASKETBALL The NBA identifications are the intellectual property of NBA Properties, Inc. And the NBA member teams. ©2013 NBA Entertainment. Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE/Getty Images. All rights reserved.

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The UA Micro G® Anatomix Spawn’s layered system of fit works with the muscles, tendons, and bones of your foot, putting more support where you need it and more freedom everywhere else. It’s the perfect on-court Armour…a shoe that actually becomes your foot. We provide the technology. You provide the Will.

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WARM UPS

BILL BAPTIST/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

As iconic to Manila as the yellow cabs are to New York City (and maybe even more so), jitneys are small vehicles for hire that are ornately decorated to stand out. This one is skinned in full NBA regalia to commemorate the Global Games 2013 that took place in the capital of the Philippines.

And as Indiana’s Danny Granger—whose Pacers played the Rockets in Manila—shows, jitneys are unfit for NBA players.

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THE GAMEPLAN

NOV/DEC 2013

FEATURES

54 From Rocky to Rocket It’s funny how the Houston Rockets seemed to change from middle-of-the-pack team to Finals contender overnight. That’s what happens when over the summer you convince the best center in the NBA to don your jersey. Combined with an already promising core in James Harden, Jeremy Lin and Chandler Parsons and Howard becomes the rocket fuel that will bolster Houston’s ascent to the stars.

36 New To The Game With their draft night suits still awaiting a trip to the dry cleaners and memories of their podium face time with the Commissioner still fresh, the NBA Draft class of 2013 is ready to set sail on a frst year that will be flled with plenty of morning donut requests (good luck getting those cronuts while in New York), equipment lugging, and hopefully, playing time. Get to know this crop of NBA newbs.

70 Enter the 24 Chambers Unless you grew up in the Valley of the Sun as an NBA fan in the ’90s—or you’re Mark Jackson—the chances of you knowing about Tom Chambers is low. A shame, since Chambers is one of the most overlooked players of his generation.

62 As Easy as 1,2,3 In the golden age of basketball analytics, the numbers say that an effcient offense should be effciently boiled down to three types of attempts—the highreward three-pointer, the high-percentage feld-goal attempts at the rim and the even-better odds at the free-throw line. Every other shot may as well be a turnover. Or is it?

46 Crossover Move He was known for his keen decision-making and possessing a very overlooked change-of-direction dribble—two things that will serve Jason Kidd well as he embarks on his new role as head coach of the Brooklyn Nets after just hanging up his shorts over the summer. The move to the Nets’ sideline will be equal parts new waters and homecoming for Kidd as he attempts to make the quick transition from player to coach.

012

Poster Stephen Curry puts his dribble on display while Dell Curry’s (Steph’s dad) former teammate Larry Johnson time warps you back to 1991.

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THE GAME PLAN NOV/DEC 2013 DEPARTMENTS

2 Warmups 16 The Point 19 Jumpball Starting 5: Tony Allen is not shy about who he thinks should run alongside him; Numerology: The 123s of the NBA; First Five: Jimmy Butler, Jonas Valanciunas, Harrison Barnes, Bradley Beal, Nikola Vucevic; Head2Head: Former No. 1 pick John Wall goes up against fellow top-pick Kyrie Irving; In His Shoes: Kyrie Irving refects on his summer trip to South Africa; Transition Game: Looking back at two decades of Kevin Garnett faces; Celeb Row: Jerry Ferrara aka Turtle talks about the perks of being a celebrity NBA fan; Dance Life: Minnesota Timberwolves Dancer Tiana; Bread & Butter: How Monta Ellis blows past defenders with his wicked spin move.

34 24 Seconds: Larry Sanders We’re glad Mr. Sanders didn’t thwart our questions like he does shots.

100 Call-Out Where good deeds get noticed.

77 Check-It Spin Moves: If Andre Drummond had a stereo system on his go-kart, he’d be playing Bob Marley while on the track; Game On: For the frst time in a while, NBA gamers have a choice between NBA 2K14 and NBA LIVE 14; Gear: Reviewing the CP3.VI, Q96, Air Jordan XX8 SE, LeBron 11, KD VI, D Rose 4, Anatomix Spawn and the best product to keep them clean; Holiday Gift Guide: We help you decide what to give and get this holiday.

102 Stepback Just one frame from the Human Highlight Film.

104 Final Exam He might now be a super sophomore, but can Anthony Davis pass our test?

014

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THE POINT Time stops for no one.1 But sometimes the second hand seemingly slows down for the special ones during the most indelible moments.

••• There was that one time where an underdog Philadelphia 76ers outfit2 found itself pitted against a juggernaut3 Lakers team in the 2001 Finals. The Sixers were a cobbled-together band of players, most of whom weren’t even on fantasy team rosters,4 but were led by the littlest engine that could. Listed at 6 feet,5 Allen Iverson could’ve had his head coach Larry Brown strapped on his back and they would have still given up pounds to Shaq.6 But the man known affectionately as Bubba Chuck7 took on the best player in the League at the time, and in Kobe, a player who was hell bent on becoming the greatest player of all time. David didn’t quite slay Goliath, but he did produce one of the greatest NBA moments8 that will forever get airplay. In an overtime Game 1 that was going back and forth, Iverson found himself matched up against Tyronn Lue9 on the right baseline. With his signature crossover, Iverson shed Lue and stepped back for a 22-footer, leaving the Laker defender sprawled out on the floor. With the air sucked out of Staples Center, Iverson went for the gut punch, taking the biggest step known to mankind since Neil Armstrong as he walked over the sprawledout Lue with disdain,10, giving him a good look at the soles of Iverson’s Answer IVs.11 ••• Tracy McGrady could’ve been one of the greatest. As it turned out, he was—for just a single season.12 Post-Michael Jordan,13 McGrady was as close to the real Mike14 among the many clones that were bestowed the “next” title. He had the size, speed and overall game to be everything that LeBron is right now. Except he didn’t win.15 Not being able to get out of the first round16 became his M.O. as much as his sleepy eyes.17 Despite the tag, McGrady never failed to impress while on the court. Big games18 and off-the-backboard dunks aside,19 McGrady’s frozen moment undoubtedly had to be him bringing his Rockets back from 10 points with 49 seconds left and getting mobbing at midcourt. With most of the Toyota Center making its way to the parking lot, T-Mac scored 13 points in 35 seconds,20 stunning21 the Spurs, and almost causing the bulging vein22 on his right shoulder to rupture. McGrady did what every person has dreamed of: He punched the fat lady in the mouth mid-song.

••• Iverson and McGrady lost their relevance long before each officially called it a career over the summer. But we’ll always remember those seconds like they were yesterday. Iverson and McGrady might be gone, but each of them will always be nonchalantly stepping over his man to run back on D or throwing a fist and screaming in celebration after the improbable three.

Ming Wong #2

Volume 42, No. 1 Editor-in-Chief Ming Wong #2 Design Director Kengyong Shao #31 Assistant Editor Phil D’Apolito #14 Online Editor Darryl Howerton #21 Editor-at-Large Jeramie McPeek #4 Copy Editor Trevor Kearney #8 WNBA Editor Lois Elfman #40 Senior Writer Michael Bradley #53 Contributing Writers Russ Bengtson #43, Alex Bracetti #44, Jon Cooper #10, Jim Eichenhofer #12, Brandon Edler #36, Anthony Gilbert #1, Brian A. Giuffra #17, Vincent Goodwill #5, Melody Hoffman #34, Andy Jasner #27, Holly MacKenzie #32, Brett Mauser #25, McG #93, Jacques Slade #22, Earl K. Sneed #23, Duane Watson #7, Jared Zwerling #3 Illustrator Matt Candela #52 Retired Numbers #6, #11, #13, #30, #99 BONUS POINTS 1. As I write this, I’m hoping for more time before deadline.

2. No disrespect, but it’s possibly the worst Finals team ever, relatively speaking.

3. Shaq was in his prime, Kobe at peak thirst and they were going for the repeat. The Lakers trucked three 50-plus win teams (Trail Blazers, Kings and Spurs) in the West playoffs, going undefeated in the postseason entering the Finals.

4. Besides Dikembe Mutombo, it’s doubtful the likes of Aaron McKie, Theo Ratliff, Eric Snow, Tyrone Hill, George Lynch and others were on most fantasy teams.

5. Having stood next to him, AI was closer to 5-10.

6. It was widely assumed that whatever Shaq’s listed weight was (325 at the time), you added about 10 percent and that was his actual weight.

7. Before The Answer, Iverson answered to this.

8. The second greatest AI moment (and not by much) was of course the time he crossed over Michael Jordan for a jumper as a rookie.

9. Physically, Lue was an Iverson clone, down to the cornrows.

10. It was heat of the moment competition. Lue and Iverson are good friends to this day.

11. Coincidentally, on the sole of his signature shoes is an image of Iverson.

12. In 2002-03, T-Mac’s 30.27 PER was a mark only bested by the following luminaries: Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, David Robinson, Shaq and Dwyane Wade.

13. Actually 2002-03 was Jordan’s final NBA season.

14. McGrady was more Scottie Pippen with a better offensive game.

15. To be fair, all of his teams were either not very deep or beset by injuries during T-Mac’s peak years.

16. Excluding his limited postseason run with the Spurs last season, McGrady’s postseason record stands at 12-26.

17. McGrady had an uncanny ability to sleep anywhere, under any condition.

18. On 3/10/04, T-Mac notched 62 points, the 12th highest output in NBA history, and on 2/23/03, he put up a 46-point, 10-rebound, 13-assist trip-dub.

19. In the 00s, it wasn’t an All-Star unless either Shaq danced or T-Mac threw a self-oop.

20. Four threes, one of them an and-1.

21. Devin Brown’s look of disbelief at the buzzer said it all. Even T-Mac was grasping for words postgame with Craig Sager.

22. Another signature McGrady trait.

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AS TOLD TO JON COOPER #10 STARTING 5

TONY ALLEN MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES Pardon Tony Allen if he seems a little defensive.

There may not be a more defensive guard in the NBA—or at least defensive-minded.

That mindset has helped the 31-year-old Chicago native become a member of the NBA All-Defensive Team three straight years, the last two as a first-teamer. Last year, he earned more votes than any player in the League.

While he’s earned the reputation as the premier shutdown guard in the League, the nine-year veteran has become a cornerstone for a Memphis Grizzlies squad that featured three players on the AllDefensive Team last season (center Marc Gasol and Allen’s backcourt mate Mike Conley made second team).

As a Celtics rookie, he started 34 games, scoring 20 points in his first career start, tying for fourth among first-year players in steals and earning a spot at the Rookie Challenge at All-Star. He really began to blossom during the 2006-07 season, but suffered a season-ending injury on Jan. 10, 2007, against Indiana, tearing both the ACL and MCL in his left knee. He came back the next year and was a part of the 2007-08 World Champions, then became a key role player off the bench for the 2009-10 Eastern Conference Champions.

That offseason, Allen, seeking an opportunity to play more, moved west, signing with Memphis. He got his opportunity to start due to injuries and became a key leader for a Grizzlies team that stunned San Antonio in six games to win the franchise’s first playoff series.

Last season, Allen helped the team to the most wins in franchise history (56), and to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the Spurs.

From the time he became a member of the Grizzlies, he was a bear on defense, and he has been part of the NBA All-Defensive Team all three seasons in Memphis, earning second-team honors in ’10-11, and back-to-back first-year honors.

All the while, he has been a mentor for his Grizzlies backcourt mate, Conley, who has become one of the premiere young defenders in the Western Conference.

Allen chose an interesting mix for his starting five, which came from the talent pool of the primarily veteran former-Celtics and the up-and-coming Grizzlies, and he got extra defensive when it came to his wild card choice.

Here is Tony Allen’s starting five.

JUMPBALL POINT GUARD: Mike Conley CURRENT TEAMMATE (SINCE 2010) “He’s become more vocal. He’s one of the guys that’s really just getting into everybody, telling everybody what’s wrong whether they want to hear it or not. I think my first two years he didn’t really do that. He’s being more of a vocal leader in there. He’s more of a floor general and he’s being more aggressive on the offensive end.”

SHOOTING GUARD: Paul Pierce TEAMMATES IN BOSTON FROM 2004-2010 “Truth. That’s his name. He’s a Hall of Fame guy. He’s the No. 2 scorer in Celtics history.

The guy got the name ‘The Truth’ for a reason. He’s a smart vet. I learned a lot from him. I saw him for six years and he pretty much got me ready to defend anybody in the League. I saw a lot of moves from him so I’m not too impressed with too many guys in the League with their moves because I saw a Hall of Fame guy like him.”

CENTER: Marc Gasol CURRENT TEAMMATE, SINCE 2010 “He’s got a lot of moves in the post.

He’s one of the best passing big men in the League. He can get you work on the offensive end and he’s just a great team player.”

POWER FORWARD: Zach Randolph CURRENT TEAMMATE, SINCE 2010 “He’s a rebound gobbler and he can do a lot of things in that low post. He can’t jump that high but he definitely puts in work in the low post. He knows his game. He’s been in the League 12-13 years so he knows his game. It’s very fun because he listens, he’s ready to get better, he can take criticism and he’s just a great team player.”

SMALL FORWARD: Kevin Garnett TEAMMATES IN BOSTON FROM 2007-2010 “I just like his work ethic, I like the way he competes. He’s a 20-10-5 guy. He was always a great teammate to me.”

SIXTH MAN: Tony Allen GREATEST TEAMMATE, SINCE 2004 “I’m the greatest defender in the world.”

019 JOE MURPHY(4); BRIAN BABINEAU; NOAH GRAHAM; JESSE D. GARRABRANT/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

JUMP BALL NUMEROLOGY

The number of teams that have accomplished the threepeat. The Miami Heat are in line for the hat trick this year.

5

Minneapolis Lakers 1952-54

Boston Celtics 1959-66

Bill Russell 1961-63

32K The milestone for points that only three players have achieved. As of the start of the 2013-14 season, Kobe Bryant is just 383 points (or 4.73 81-point games) away from reaching the lofty plateau.

LeBron James (2003)

Kyrie Irving (2011) and Anthony Bennett (2013)

Greg Oden (2007)

Chicago Bulls 1991-93

Chicago Bulls 1996-98

Los Angeles Lakers 2000-02

3

The number of players who have ever recorded the MVP threepeat.

LeBron James has his eyes on becoming No. 4 and the 4th player to cop 5 Maurice Podoloff Trophies.

Wilt Chamberlain 1966-68

Larry Bird 1984-86

3,000 If Ray Allen sinks 143 threepointers this season (he’s averaged 151.4 threes over his past 5 seasons), he will become the 1st NBA player to reach that mark for 3-pointers made.

Kenyon Martin (2000) and Andrea Bargnani (2006) The number of teams (Cleveland, Miami, New York) this season that have former No. 1 overall picks on the same roster.

3

64

The number of years the Atlanta Hawks* were the only NBA team nickname based off of a bird—that is, until New Orleans changed its name to Pelicans this year.

7

The number of NBA franchises that have yet to ever grace the Finals stage. Totaled together, this spans 182 seasons. * In 1949-50, the franchise was known as the Blackhawks and played in Tri-Cities (Illinois) and there was another team called the Waterloo Hawks that played for one NBA season.

020

RAY AMATI (2); GREGORY SHAMUS; ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN; NOAH GRAHAM; DICK RAPHAEL; KEN REGAN; RICH PILLING/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; MIKE EHRMANN/GETTY IMAGES SPORT

BY MELODY HOFFMAN #34

FIRST FIVE

3

BRADLEY

BEAL

GUARD - WASHINGTON WIZARDS

As the saying goes, “Mother knows best.” So when the Washington Wizards’ young gun Bradley Beal finished his rookie season with a subpar1 shooting percentage, Beal went back to basics and spent the offseason in the gym—with his mom.

“I had to continue to get my reps up in the gym with my trainer and my mom, who taught me how to shoot,” the 20-year-old guard explains about his mother, Besta Beal, who hooped for Kentucky State. “Ever since I was 6 years old, she has been in the gym with me teaching me the form and the mechanics of shooting. She helps me stay on top of it and makes sure my confidence is still high.”

Beal, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 draft out of Florida,2 says he struggled with his shot selection and shooting off the dribble last season. Despite his first year in the League being cut short3 due to injuries,4 he proved to be a bright spot for the Wizards. In his 56 games, he averaged 13.9 points,5 the second highest average on the squad. Fans are looking forward to Beal and John Wall, the team’s leading scorer, being a formidable backcourt this year. Beal feels it is their chemistry that makes them an exciting duo.

“Wall has a great IQ and court vision so just knowing the floor, knowing John and having that bond to know where we are on the court, he just makes it easier for me,” Beal says. “All I have to do is find a gap and he’ll get the ball to me…it’s really all natural.”

BONUS POINTS 1. Beal had a rough start, but his shooting improved to 41 percent at season’s end.

2. Before becoming a Gator, Beal played at Chaminade High School in St. Louis, MO, where they recently retired his #23 jersey. The Class of 2011 All-American won a state championship as a sophomore and national player of the year as a senior. “I was only at high school two years ago, so it definitely means a lot,” Beal says of his accomplishments. “It was very emotional for me because that school has done tremendous things for me. I was there between sixth grade through my senior year and I worked hard both on and off the court.”

3. Beal missed 26 games because of ailments to his lower back, wrist, ankle and right leg.

4. When he wasn’t watching game film while he was sidelined, Beal was able to practice his hobby of drawing. “I drew all of my tattoos and I like to draw cartoons and sketch a little bit.”

5. He also averaged 3.8 assists and 2.4 rebounds last season. Beal finished third in Rookie of the Year voting and set a franchise record for 91 made three-pointers.

021 NED DISHMAN/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

JUMP BALL HEAD 2 HEAD

John Wall vs. Kyrie Irving

Former No. 1 picks. The future 1s battling for that No. 1 spot at their position. Each holding keys to possible championship glory for his franchise.

Who you got—John Wall or Kyrie Irving?

01 Scoring: Point guards used to be measured by their ability to control the flow of the game and setting the table for their teammates. Not that Wall and Irving are lacking in that department, but they are both scoring PGs who are their team’s best offensive force. Both Irving and Wall put their opponents on their back heels in different ways. Irving is the superior ballhandler, confusing defenders with his crossover, particularly the one where he adds a hesitation move before switching directions.

Wall is no slouch with the ball, but he’s got more athleticism and length, using his quickness and long arms to change directions. Once their defender is shed, Irving and Wall excel at finishing plays. Irving has exceptional touch around the rim, finishing well with both hands and a budding master at angles and spins off the backboard. Wall is more explosive, able to go over and through the help. What separates the two in scoring is perimeter shooting.

Irving’s jumper is pretty consistent across most areas of the floor and he’s a 39 percent shooter from three. Wall, on the other hand, is inconsistent from most areas on the floor outside of the paint. If Wall can hone his outside shot, this would be a tough call.

Advantage: Irving

02 Floor Game: We won’t get any deeper on the vicious handle that both guys possess, but don’t get too caught up in the number of times they put dudes on all fours. Irving is equal parts control and spectacular, taking better care of the ball, while Wall’s 0-to-100 game can result in mistakes with the ball. Irving might trail Wall in assists, but it’s also because the Cavaliers are dependent on Irving to score more and in the past he’s been surrounded by less capable shooters and finishers. Wall has a higher assist rate, but he is also prone to turning it over, something he’s done 673 times over his first three years. As said, both PGs will always score twice as much as they give—it’s not a knock, that’s just the type of player they are. On the break, Wall has a slight advantage as his speed and big hops make him every bit as deadly as a streaking wingman, but Irving clearly gets the check mark in halfcourt situations.

Advantage: Irving

022

PBHOOP

John Wall

Guard, 6-4, 195 pounds Washington Wizards

03 Defense: Despite some bad habits on defense—lack of effort, not boxing out, not being a good help defender—Wall flashes ability on D. His 6-4 height, long reach and speed gives him an edge against relative competition. If he can correct the other things and not gamble as much, Wall can be an elite defender. The knock on Irving during his rookie year was his porous defense. As a greenhorn, Irving looked lost at times on defense. Whatever the situation—isolation, on help, pick-and-roll, close-outs—Irving was atrocious, allowing 1.03 points-per-possession, according to Synergy Sports. Irving thankfully made strides as a sophomore, especially the ever-important job for a point guard: locking up the opposing 1. As a byproduct, his steals (a slightly overrated defensive stat) went up but more importantly, his man no longer averaged a point each time against him.

Irving will likely continue to get better on D, but as the Cavs depend so much on him offensively, he might just plateau as a defender, while Wall’s ceiling is higher.

Advantage: Wall

NED DISHMAN/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

BY MING WONG #2

Kyrie Irving

04 Leadership: The Cavaliers and Wizards, by virtue of making these two the top pick when they held the lucky ping-pong ball, have their hopes pinned on Irving and Wall, respectively. With those expectations comes the conch of leadership that usually falls to the point guard regardless. Like Irving, Wall entered the League after just one year of college seasoning. Unlike Irving, Wall came into a locker room full of veterans, making him more comfortable with taking donut orders than doling out orders on where to operate on the floor. By his third year, most of those with seniority were gone, putting him in a better position to lead. Wall is still working his way into the role, but he has time (he just turned 23 in September) on his side. Irving seems to have taken to the role more naturally from day one. Entering a roster filled with youth and a leadership void after the fallout of “The Decision” certainly expedited things. The All-Star nod last season also does a lot to add credibility, as did his time with USA Basketball over the past two summers (Wall participated for the first time this summer). You can expect Irving’s grip on the reins to be firmer this year as he enters the pivotal third year for every great player.

Advantage: Irving

Wall

Irving

PPG

18.5

22.5

APG

7.6

5.9

RPG

4.0

3.7

BPG

0.8

0.4

SPG

1.3

1.5

FG%

.441

.452

3PT%

.267

.391

FT%

.804

.855

PER

20.8

21.4

Based on 2012-13 season

DAVID LIAM KYLE (2); NED DISHMAN/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Guard, 6-3, 191 pounds Cleveland Cavaliers

05 Intangibles: Any evaluation of point guards will involve little things that even the deepest advanced metrics will struggle to catch: his innate ability to know which button to push on the floor, how he knows his teammates’ sweet spots and exactly how they like the ball delivered, knowing how to inspire the team, how to direct traffic on both ends of the floor, how to translate the coach’s gameplan into action. Those are just a few of the immeasurable things that fall on the point guard’s shoulders. At this minute, Irving is a bit more advanced than Wall in these areas. Some of it falls into the leadership area, some of it because Irving was just thrown into the fire and given the freedom to learn on the job. Most of it is because Irving is more at ease at the position while Wall can sometimes look like he’s fighting natural instinct while on the floor.

Advantage: Irving

The Verdict Despite the 4-1 domination by Irving over Wall, these two future premier point men have plenty in common. Besides the same lofty draft position, the two were relative late bloomers. In an age where players are hyped and scouted before their teen years, both Irving and Wall were unknowns as late as high school underclassmen. Now the two (along with a few other cats) are poised to take over the best-PG discussions in the near future. Although Irving holds a nice advantage now, both are PGs that any GM would salivate to add to their roster. As their games continue to hone with time, so will this debate.

023

HOOPPB

JUMP BALL IN HIS SHOES

KYRIE IRVING

ON HIS CHARITABLE TRIP TO SOUTH AFRICA I started planning my trip before last season ended.

The League asked me if I wanted to go and I said, “Of course.” Me and my dad talked about it last year, going to Africa, but this year it was partnered with the League and my agent. The way he set it up, I did part of it with UNICEF and I did part of it with Basketball Without Borders and NBA Cares, so I was there for eight days.

Any chance where you can go to another continent you’ve never been before and experience what they’re going through and see the other side of the world, that’s what I want to do.

The whole experience was awesome. With UNICEF, we went to some schools, donated money, put up some courts and got to be a part of their culture. I talked with the kids—they speak English over there as well—and we did a couple of in-home visits. That’s what intrigued me the most, is just being over there and experiencing everything they’re going through, with my dad especially.

Being partnered with UNICEF to start off the trip is probably the best thing I could have done. They’re willing to help any kid anywhere. The way they view

the next generation is that the kids coming up now is what’s going to make our future and that’s the most important thing for us.

Every moment was special.

The first time we got out there on the playing field, there were a whole bunch of rocks, hills and these kids are playing— no shoes on, no socks—and they’re just out there enjoying themselves.

When I got out there for the first time, that’s when it just sparked.

Being around those kids, that’s what sparked the dance battle. One of the NBA executives went before me, and then I had to come in after and kind of finish it off.

The kids were amped. It was great. But we got the kids in trouble in the classroom. The teacher didn’t

like us because we were having too much fun during that dance battle. But like I said it was just about the kids. KYRIE IRVING AS TOLD TO BRIAN A. GIUFFRA #17

TRANSITION GAME

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NATHANIEL S. BUTLER (3) DALE TAIT (2); BILL BAPTIST (2); SAM FORENCICH (2); DAVID SHERMAN (3); GARRETT ELLWOOD; JESSE D. GARRABRANT; MICHAEL MARTIN; BRIAN BABINEAU/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; ELSA (2); CHRISTIAN PETERSEN; JARED WICKERHAM/GETTY IMAGES SPORT

BY JON COOPER #10

FIRST FIVE

NIKOLA

VUCEVIC

CENTER - ORLANDO MAGIC

9

It takes a special hunger to be a successful rebounder.

Nikola Vucevic has it.

“It’s a big thing to rebound,” says Vucevic, the 23-year-old, 7-foot, 240-pound center from Switzerland.1 Wise words from a young man who is just beginning his third NBA season and second in Orlando. “It’s really just that will. I always go for every rebound. It’s something that I like to do.”

Vucevic has displayed a healthy appetite for board-crashing since coming to Orlando in the Dwight Howard deal.2 After a rather quiet rookie year in Philadelphia, he had an eye-opening season in Orlando and is establishing himself as the next in the line of dominant Orlando centers, following Shaquille O’Neal and Howard. 3 Establishing ground rules with nutrition has always been a priority. He’s even learned how to curb his appetite for his favorite food, although it was a test of his discipline.

“That would definitely be European crepes. Here in America it’s pancakes. In Europe it’s crepes,” he says with a laugh. “My mom makes very good crepes, so I can’t eat a lot of them anymore.

I used to when I was young but now I can’t. That’s probably the hardest thing.”

Self-sacrifice in laying off his mom’s crepes—as well as dedicated video study and work with Magic assistant coach James Borrego— has paid off, however.

Last season, he finished second in the NBA in rebounding (11.9 rpg, just behind Howard’s League-leading 12.4 rpg—Vucevic actually had a better average per 48 minutes, 17.2 to 16.7), had four 20-plusrebound games, and was one of eight players in the League to average a double-double (13.9 ppg and 11.9 rpg). He had 46 on the year (third in the League).

He also had 14 straight games with at least 11 boards—only Howard has done that in Magic history—and four 20-plus-rebound games, including a franchise single-game record-setting 29 on Dec. 31 against Miami, breaking O’Neal’s record.4 He also had a 30-point, 20-rebound, 5-assist game, the first in Magic history.5 He called that game a turning point and he’ll do anything to stay on that fast track to success, even if it means eating vegetables, which actually has kind of grown on him.

“When I was young, I barely liked eating vegetables, but now as I get older I’ve started eating vegetables more and more,” he says. “I really like broccoli. When I was younger, I couldn’t even get close to that. And mushrooms and avocado, when I was younger I didn’t like them but now I do.”

BONUS POINTS 1. Nikola was born in Switzerland but grew up in Belgium and moved to Montenegro when he was 13. He went to high school in Simi Valley, Calif., then played JUCO ball before playing his final two years at USC, where he was teammates with Chicago’s Taj Gibson and Toronto’s DeMar DeRozan.

2. The 8/10/12 deal included Denver, Philadelphia and the Lakers. Orlando acquired Vucevic and forward Maurice Harkless from Philadelphia, guard Arron Afflalo and forward Al Harrington from Denver and Josh McRoberts and Christian Eyenga from the Lakers along with Denver’s second-round pick in 2013, a first-rounder from Denver or New York in ’14, Philly’s conditional first- and L.A.’s conditional second-round picks in ’15 and a Lakers’ conditional first-round pick in ’17. Orlando traded Howard, Chris Duhon and Earl Clark to the Lakers and Jason Richardson to Philadelphia. Andrew Bynum went from the Lakers to Philadelphia and Andre Iguodala went from Philadelphia to Denver. Of all the players involved, only Orlando’s Vucevic, Harkless, and Afflalo and Richardson are still with the teams that traded for them.

3. Nikola actually comes from a bloodline of pro basketball players. His father, Borislav, played professionally for 24 years and teamed with former NBA star Drazen Petrovic on the Yugoslavian National Team.

His mom, Ljiljana, played pro in Sarajevo and also played for the Yugoslavian national team.

4. O’Neal had held the franchise record for almost 20 years, having grabbed 28 boards at New Jersey on 11/20/93. In addition to his 29 boards, Vucevic also scored a then-career-best 20 points.

5. On 4/10/13, against Milwaukee, Vucevic scored a career-high 30 points with 20 rebounds and five assists. He became the third player in the last 25 years to have a 30-20-5 night, joining Charles Barkley and Tim Duncan. That same night, teammate Tobias Harris added 30 and 19, making them only the seventh tandem in NBA history to score at least 30 points and pull down at least 19 rebounds in the same game and the first since 3/15/67, when New York Knicks Willis Reed (31 and 21) and Walt Bellamy (32 and 22) did it.

025 FERNANDO MEDINA/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

JUMP BALL me. They appreciate my loyalty. I always offer them, “Anything I can ever do.” Years ago, I did a commercial when Nate Robinson was a rookie that Spike Lee directed. I’ll always do countdowns and interviews.

There is no better sporting event and no better seat than courtside at the Garden or even at Staples Center.

It’s the most spoiled thing I have ever been a part of in life. To me, the greatest seat in sports is courtside at a Knicks or a Lakers game.

In 2012, right around the time Think Like a Man came out, kind of as a congratulatory gift one of my agents at WME, took me to a Lakers game, floor seats.

Kobe Bryant and Serge Ibaka dove into the crowd after a loose ball and took us out. It’s on video. Our chairs got ripped out from the ground and we went tumbling over. It was the greatest moment of my life.

CELEB ROW

JERRY FERRARA Few TV characters have made their sports passions as clear as the character Turtle on the long-running HBO series Entourage. While Brooklyn born and raised actor Jerry Ferrara is decidedly different than the lazy guy he portrayed, one thing was extremely true to life—an unwavering, lifelong love of the New York Knicks. Since wrapping Entourage in 2011, Ferrara has been working virtually nonstop. His film Last Vegas, in which he appears alongside screen legends Michael Douglas, Kevin Kline, Robert De Niro and Morgan Freeman, opens in November. Then in January, he can be seen in Lone Survivor with Eric Bana and Mark Wahlberg. Think Like a Man Too with fellow basketball lover Kevin Hart opens June 2014. And Ferrara is slipping into his Knicks jersey to bring back Turtle for an Entourage movie that will begin filming soon.

Let’s get right to it. Are you really a diehard Knicks fan?

Yes. Fortunately and unfortunately I have died pretty hard a couple of times. It’s the only sports team that I love that has never won a championship in my era.

Now you live in Los Angeles. What about the Lakers?

I am loyal. I’ve never changed a team my whole life. I liked the Yankees when they were terrible. Then they became great. I’ve loved the Giants and the Knicks. I enjoy watching the Lakers. Lakers fans are actually great—very, very passionate. Going to Lakers games is cool. I don’t root against the Lakers, but I don’t lose sleep if they don’t win.

What are some of your basketball memories growing up?

One of the first games I recall ever watching in my life and actually being able to follow was a Knicks-Bulls game with a very young Michael Jordan, who I think might have scored like 52 points. I remember being eight or nine years old and in awe watching what Michael Jordan was doing, but in the same breath, I wanted these Knicks—because they were from New York—to win. Trent Tucker hit a corner 3-pointer at the buzzer to win. So the first game I really watched that I knew what was going on happened to end in a buzzer-beater Knicks victory against Michael Jordan. Low and behold, that has never happened again.

Then really the Patrick Ewing years when they had that rough and tumble team with Anthony Mason, John Starks and Charles Oakley. My basketball identity was being molded right then and there.

After you were on Entourage and people recognized you, how did it pay basketball dividends?

I always say I act because I love to act. With acting there comes some really great perks that I truly, truly appreciate, but could live without. But the basketball perks would be hard to ever walk away from. The Knicks have been very, very good to 026

Do you think as time goes on the Knicks and Brooklyn Nets will become a great rivalry in sports?

Rivalries are made by two good teams who really, really want to win and give it all they’ve got. I think the rivalry has already happened. Rivalries are also made by storylines. So now you have Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce in Brooklyn. Now you have former Net, former Knick Jason Kidd coaching the Nets. You have Ron Artest (aka Metta World Peace) playing for [his hometown] Knicks. Can you imagine? It’s going to be a great rivalry.

What are the coolest sneakers you’ve got?

I am very much a nostalgic sneaker collector. Recently, I got a pair of Jordan 1s, which are like the original, the starter kit when you’re buying Jordans. Then, I also stumbled upon the rereleased Dee Brown Reebok Pumps.

The highest, the best sneaker in my collection, which will never touch the ground, is from the Entourage episode where the Vince character basically pays $20,000 for these sneakers from a famous Nike designer that Turtle missed out on getting the release. It’s such a unique sneaker and I got to keep them.

Let’s step off the basketball court for a few minutes and talk about your upcoming film. What was it like working with award winning actors like Michael Douglas and Robert De Niro in Last Vegas?

If you want to talk hall of fame of acting, you’re staring at four hall of famers. I kind of went into it with the mindset of, “Do your job, be professional, don’t get in their way. Don’t ask stupid questions. Above all else, don’t get fired because that would be a disaster.” Of course, the minute I get there, they’re just the coolest, most down to earth guys. These guys are actors just like me. Obviously, the things they have accomplished are far and away above any level I’ve even smelled at this point in my career.

I learned so much. I don’t care what anybody says about me in this movie. Maybe you love me, maybe you don’t, but either way I’m taking so many things away from this experience. It was life changing.

When you work on a TV show or film with an ensemble cast, how does that sports team mentality help fuel your work?

Especially in an ensemble cast, you’ve got to function from the standpoint of what’s for the good of the team. A lot of people don’t work that way, but that’s the thing with Entourage and even in Think Like a Man Too, those are ensemble casts at their best.

When it’s not one of the actors or actresses just doing it for their storyline or for what they have to do. Obviously, you have to take care of that, but it really is for the greater good of the team. Like, let’s win the game.

LOIS ELFMAN #40

BY CHRISTOPHER CASON #24

JIMMY

BUTLER

GUARD - CHICAGO BULLS FIRST FIVE

Jimmy Butler entered last season as an afterthought.1 Not that the potential wasn’t there. After being the last pick in the frst round of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Marquette product showed the defensive capabilities to be able to pester the League’s elite wing players. Butler also showcased the type of athleticism and versatility that would only make the defensive-minded Chicago Bulls am even better defensive team. All he needed was the opportunity.

Butler mostly came off the bench last season, but as the season went on, he earned more responsibility from head coach Tom Thibodeau, and with it, showed improvement as the season went on.

But it was during the playoffs that Butler took another jump,2 landing him the starting two-guard spot coming into the season.

In preparation for taking on more responsibilities in his new role, Butler spent his summer working3 on his ballhandling, posting up and shooting, all of which will come in handy as he’s sure to see easier looks with the return of Derrick Rose.4 “Jimmy is sort of under the radar but he’s really tough,” Thibodeau says. “I know he’s had a great summer, but Jimmy puts the work in each day.”

The Bulls are banking that Butler continues his progress, and if so, Chicago is hoping to make this a season to remember.

“We can do something special with the group of guys5 that we have,” Butler says. “It’s all about being that last team left standing.”

21 BONUS POINTS 1. At the start of last season, Thibodeau was non-committal on whether Butler would see any playing time, saying: “He’s put a lot of work in this summer but playing time is going to be based on performance. We have to be able to count on him every night, but we love the way he worked all summer.”

2. In 12 postseason games last season, Butler averaged 13.3 points a game and shot 40 percent from three. He also got to the line 55 times, where he converted 45 of his attempts.

3. Butler worked out with teammate Rose for a week during the offseason in Los Angeles. On what prompted him to, Butler said: “[Rose] wasn’t always this player. He’s always been really talented but just the work ethic that he puts into everything, there’s no doubt about the success; it shows. I just wanted to go out there and see how he did things and get in a few runs with him.”

4. Rose on having Jimmy playing alongside him: “We can give people hell out there on the court. I think his biggest adjustment is going to be just feeling comfortable, knowing that he can take shots and make decisions.”

5.The core of Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer and Rose has been together for four years now. This will be Butler’s third year playing with them.

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JUMP BALL BRACK-IT

EIGHT THINGS. ONE UNDISPUTED CHAMP.

BEST LEBRON “STOPPER” METTA WORLD PEACE

Metta World Peace vs. Tayshaun Prince Both World Peace and Prince are in their early-to-mid 30s, making them a tad slower against the fast LeBron, but they make up for in experience. MWP can still rise to the occasion, especially when the spotlight of guarding LeBron is on him.

He still moves his feet better than average, and that, combined with his strength and “veteran savvy” (define it as you see fit), makes him very capable. Prince has never been quick, but he uses his Gumby-like arms and smart positioning to give LeBron fits. And with his previous time in Detroit and with Team USA, he has seen LeBron more than anyone on this list, a huge advantage, so he gets our advantage.

KAWHI LEONARD Kawhi Leonard vs. Thabo Sefolosha It’s no surprise that the two runner-ups during the LeBron James reign each have a player who is geared to stop...um, make things difficult for LeBron. Sefolosha has the advantage of being a specialist, giving him the freedom to just focus solely on #6.

Sefolosha has given up plenty of big games to James, but his motor, footwork and defensive blinders make him a pit bull the Thunder sic against James. Leonard showed flashes of containing LeBron during the big stage of the Finals, and at 22, he’s got room to grow. Even at this point in his young career, he could very well be the front-runner in the “stopper” title.

IGUODALA LEONARD

PRINCE BUTLER SHAWN MARION

Shawn Marion vs. Jimmy Butler Another greybeard, Marion has been an elite defender for a long time (this is his 15th season). Like Prince, he’s seen plenty of James in his career (including a Finals series win aginst the Heat in 2011). He’s no longer the human pogo stick, but good timing and long arms keep him a defensive ace. Usually, the LeBron-stopping duties fall on his teammate Luol Deng, but with Deng injured during the last year’s Eastern Semis, Butler showed some resistance against the MVP. Butler’s energy and tenacity against LeBron showed great potential, enough to move him to the next round.

PAUL GEORGE

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BY MING WONG #2

ANDRE IGUODALA

Paul George vs. Andre Iguodala You have to feel for George, who went from Carmelo Anthony to LeBron James in last year’s playoffs. He held his own against Melo in the Semis, but met a brick wall in LeBron, particularly down low in the post. George has time to improve and add some more bulk to his already good length and athleticism to make things tough for LeBron down the road. Iguodala is an excellent pick-up for the Warriors since he gives them a staunch perimeter defender who has plenty of experience guarding LeBron during his time in Philadelphia. As chisled as Iguodala is, he still gives up some bulk to LeBron (who doesn’t?) but has the experience and enoguh strength to contend.

AI gets the nod.

TAYSHAUN PRINCE Leonard vs. Iguodala Similar defenders, Leonard and Iguodala rely on their good instincts, athleticism and length against LeBron with relatively success.

Iguodala’s advantage is his strength, while Leonard relies more on quickness. They both do their best at fronting LeBron and making it as difficult as possible for him to get the ball. Iguodala is skilled at defending without drawing the referee’s whistle (a very underrated facet of defense), using his excellent body control to stay with the play without too much contact. Leonard’s technique is a bit boring to describe: He simply makes the most of his abilities to keep LeBron in front of him, crowds his dribble when the opportunity arises and puts a hand in his face when LeBron elevates for a shot. It works, and he should get better at it, so we’re going with Kawhi.

Prince vs. Butler Sage experience vs. youthful enthusiasm.

Prince has seen plenty of James in his 12 NBA seasons, including 17 playoff games and two LEONARD summers of Team USA practices in 2007 and PRINCE ’08. His defensive smarts—taking good angles, understanding of tendencies and knowledge of team defense—gives him a leg up against a supreme offensive force like LeBron. Butler was the overambitious attack dog who Tom Thibodeau sic’d on LeBron in Deng’s absence with surprisingly good results. Butler wasn’t afraid to crowd LeBron despite giving up pounds and never shied away from the role. But in the end, Prince’s longstanding track record still counts for something.

JIMMY BUTLER

Leonard vs. Prince Before we crown a winner, it should be said that, like with all great players, the idea of a single man being able to stop them is a misnomer.

When it comes to LeBron, any head coach will be happy if his impact is limited, whether it be points or getting his teammates involved. That said, it comes down to Leonard and Prince—and it should also be noted that both play on teams with the personnel and gameplan geared towards defense— for the relative role of “LeBron Stopper.”

With his intimate familiarity to his game, Prince will forever be a thorn in the side of LeBron, but Leonard’s evenkeeled demeanor, skill set and youth make him a top contender with plenty of upside, so he’s the best man for the unenviable task.

BEST LEBRON “STOPPER”

THABO SEFOLOSHA

GARRETT ELLWOOD; ROCKY WIDNER; ISSAC BALDIZON (5); JOE MURPHY (2); ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN; RON HOSKINS; D. CLARKE EVANS/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; CHRIS TROTMAN; CHRISTIAN PETERSEN (2)/GETTY IMAGES SPORT

KAWHI LEONARD 029

JUMP BALL DANCE LIFE

TIANA MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES DANCERS When did you fall in love with dance?

I was probably about four or five years old and my best friend who lived next door was in dance, and had invited me to come to one of her recitals. The minute I saw dancers performing in these awesome costumes and just having so much fun on stage, I came home to my mom, tugging on her shoulder saying, “This is what I want to do. Can I be in dance too?” Unfortunately, because I lived in a single parent family, she had to tell me the reality that she couldn’t put me in dance cause it was very expensive. Every year I would go to that dance recital to watch my friend, and every single year I would come back, tugging on my mom’s shoulder hoping that she would have a different answer for me. But for years and years she would tell me, “I’m sorry honey, we can’t afford to put you in dance.” Then finally in fifth grade, which is the first year I stopped asking, cause I couldn’t take “no” anymore, she surprised me and said that she had signed me up for dance. She connected with a local organization called the Children’s Project, which funds low income families to be able put their children in activities.

When did you start thinking about dancing professionally?

The Timberwolves Dancers coach, who gave me an invitation to the open auditions during my senior year in college, scouted me. I turned her down at that time, because I was already on my college dance team and had commitments my senior year, but told her I would definitely keep it in the back of my mind. Right after graduating, I reconnected with a girl from my hometown that danced with the Timberwolves for two years and got her feedback before I looked into it.

What advice did she give you?

She was very real with me about the things that she enjoyed and the things that are challenging. She told me, “I definitely think that you should do it and you would be a great fit. It’s a great experience to be a part of, I’ve made some of my best friends on the team.”

You just completed your second season; did you make any rookie mistakes in your first year?

I absolutely did. I think part of the reason why I came back is I wanted to experience what it was like as a Timberwolves Dancer as a rookie, and also what it was like coming back as a veteran. One thing that steered me in the wrong direction is that I’m an absolute perfectionist. I always want to absorb everything that I can, as quickly as I can and I’m so enamored with wanting to do everything perfectly, I kind of took that to heart a little too much. When you join a job like

Timberwolves Dancers, you are exposed to a world that’s more than dance. It’s a world about speaking ability, a world about appearance and what you’re looking like and what your body looks like.

I took that to heart too much and fell into an eating disorder when I was in my rookie season. That was very hard for me to come to admit, because when I joined the team that is the one aspect I was really nervous about, joining the entertainment business, because that was one thing that I was really strongly opposed to. I’m a girl who dances, but I’m also a girl who eats and I don’t want anyone telling me what I can or can’t eat or what I have to look like. But then I actually ended up doing the exact opposite. Coming into your rookie year, you want to impress and you want to establish yourself. I was too hard on myself and by the end of the season all of that had come out and I knew I had to make a change. That was a huge driver for me coming back my veteran season.

What was the biggest difference between your rookie season and veteran season?

When I go out on the court, I want people to see who I am through my performance, that was my main goal and I knew that I had not achieved that goal at the end of my rookie season. I had fans who were talking to me about, “Oh my gosh, your body looks incredible!” They would just talk about my body and my heart absolutely sank, physically I was hurting, but also emotionally, that’s not what I want fans thinking. I want fans saying, “You are an incredible dancer and I love watching you dance.”

That’s really what hit home for me, it’s hard being my true self and I wasn’t being my true self and that was a huge struggle for me my rookie season. So I think that was the biggest difference between my rookie and veteran season, I was absolutely passionate about being myself.

You’re big on your bucket list. Anything interesting you checked off recently?

I wanted to run a marathon. I have run three halfmarathons and completed my first full marathon this past October, at the Twin Cities Marathon. It was a huge accomplishment for me, especially since I’d

taken on the marathon training and I was also in recovery from my eating disorder. I used that as a way to force me to stay in shape, but at the same time when you’re a marathon runner, you have to eat. I think that kind of played a two-way bridge for me that really worked in that aspect.

The Timberwolves had a lot of injuries last year. Does that happen with the Dancers sometimes?

We haven’t experienced it to the extent our players have, but a few of us have had minor injuries. There are a couple of girls who have back issues or hamstring strains, which makes sense with some of the mobility that we do throughout our dance movements. Similarly to the players, it definitely ups the scale that these injuries prevent you from being able to actually participate. When you have an injury they tell you, “You need to rest.” We’re like, ”What are you talking about? We don’t have time to rest. We have practice, we have games, we have something nearly every day. So how are you going to tell me to rest and not dance?” I can’t do that.

How would your teammates describe you?

They would say I’m a very energetic and motivated dancer and also I’m a very supportive teammate. Any time someone is going through any issues, I can pick up on cues easily.

What’s your favorite part of the game experience?

Right at the beginning when they start playing the intro video featuring the players. Of course being the Timberwolves we have the notorious howl at the moon, where we actually have a moon in the arena. The lights are low and the entire crowd starts howling. I don’t know what it is, but howling at the beginning of the game, before we go out to dance is my absolutely favorite part of performing at Target Center.

If you weren’t dancing what would you be doing?

I’m actually a licensed social worker and I have so many interests in what I want to do. Ever since I had the opportunity to dance through the Children’s Project, where an organization had given back to me, I’ve been so passionate about working with disadvantaged youth, because I was one once.

The Timberwolves Dancers are traveling to China.

What are you most looking forward to?

I’m looking forward to the extended time with my coach and my teammates and sharing the experience with them. It’s not necessarily about where I’m going. The season is over and I get this extended and personal time with these five other girls and our wonderful coach. DUANE WATSON #7

030 COURTESY MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

BY HOLLY MACKENZIE #32

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FIRST FIVE

After a rookie season filled with both highs —being named rookie of the month in March— and lows — missing 18 games in January with a broken finger—Toronto Raptor Jonas Valanciunas went home to Lithuania ready to work.1 Less than three months later, he unveiled a stronger physique in Las Vegas, and the 21-year-old destroyed summer league opponents en route to being named MVP during his first summer league campaign.2 A year into life as an NBA player, Valanciunas is as humble and unassuming as ever. Crediting long, daily sessions in the weight room, proper eating—without the help of a nutritionist, he adds—and the addition of protein shakes to his regimen for helping him to bulk up, he stressed the importance of balance when it comes to offseason training.3 “I’ve got to train hard to get my body to be able to handle those guys under the basket,”4 he says. “I’ve got to keep my quickness, but also pick up some weight. I did a little bit, added the weight, but now it’s about the power, the muscles.”

Valanciunas is thankful to have his rookie season behind him.

“Now I have some experience in NBA life. I have a lot of stuff to do still, a lot of things to learn5 still, to become a better player. You’ve got to do it. Every day.”

JONAS

BONUS POINTS 1. Immediately after Toronto’s season ended in April, Valanciunas flew back to Lithuania, took “about a month” to rest his body and then began training. He came back to Toronto before heading to Vegas to get work in with teammates Terrence Ross and Quincy Acy, and after Summer League, he represented Lithuania in the EuroBasket.

2. Valanciunas averaged 18.8 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 56 percent from the floor and 88 percent from the free-throw line.

3. When asked what he listened to during his summer workouts, Valanciunas didn’t hesitate in saying Drake, the team’s recently announced global ambassador. With a smile, he explained that he is a company man.

4. Valanciunas credited former Raptor and current Raptors basketball development consultant Jamaal Magloire for helping him with his post moves.

5. Ever the realist, Valanciunas sums up his work ethic simply, by saying, “If I’m not going to work, nothing is going to happen. It depends how I work, how I’m learning. What’s my learning process going to be like? I’m not thinking, ‘Oh now I’m a future star.’ I know I’m a simple guy and I have to work a lot to one day be a star.”

RON TURENNE/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

VALANCIUNAS CENTER - TORONTO RAPTORS

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JUMP BALL BREAD ’N BUTTER

MONTA ELLIS SPIN MOVE

A lot of people say that my spin move is one of the most lethal moves in the NBA, but I really just try to use my speed and ballhandling ability in my favor to get into the lane.

I’m just trying to create a little bit of extra space between me and the defender and use his own momentum against him, so once I get him reacting one way I spin and at that point I’ve got him. I can give him a little shake, crossover or hesitation to set him up, but I usually give a little dropstep to create some space, spin, and if I keep my dribble then I can get to the hole and fnish with the left. Otherwise I can pull up for a foater in the lane to get the ball over a bigger defender, but I’m really trying to take it right at them.

Man-to-man, I don’t think there’s nobody that can stay in front of me. I try to be a one-man fast break. I don’t feel like there’s a defender in the League that can match my speed, so I usually have him on my frst step, then I try to change directions in case the rest of the defense comes over to help.

In the open court, I really try to just get out and run, get to the hoop for easy baskets. But in the halfcourt, it comes down to just beating the man in front of you a lot of times, and I think I’m one of the best in the League at doing it. And very underrated. MONTA ELLIS AS TOLD TO EARL K. SNEED #23

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GLENN JAMES/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

FIRST FIVE

BY DARRYL HOWERTON #21

40

BONUS POINTS 1. Barnes’ 26-point, 10-rebound performance in a playoff win over the Spurs actually ranks 11th on the all-time postseason scoring list for players 20-and-under.

2. With All-Star power forward David Lee injured for most of the 2013 NBA Playoffs, Barnes stepped up his regular-season game (9 points and 4 rebounds in 25 minutes per game, with a .526 true shooting percentage) and played the stretch 4 role masterfully well in the postseason for a man his age (16 points and 6 rebounds in 38 minutes per game, with a .544 true shooting percentage).

3. “Now it’s more finite things that I’ve got to work on,” says Barnes. “When you drive and see the double team coming, it’s about finding others and creating shots for other people. I’m learning more game function, more skills. Things the Spurs master, the Heat master. Things that got them to where they were.”

4. Barnes, an impressive 36 percent three-point shooter as a rookie, has never beaten Curry in a practice shootout, but says, “I got Klay a few times, but it’s just when I get hot. They both regularly destroy me.”

5. “There are a lot of up and downs in the regular season,” says Barnes. “The playoffs kind of mask what happened for 82 games. My rookie year to the playoffs was filled with inconsistencies. There were some nights I’d be great and other nights I’d be bad. Just bad. Coming into this year, what I’ve got to work on is my consistency. Obviously when the big moments are there, the big lights are there, I have more confidence in my game that I’ll be able to come through and deliver. But over the course of 82 games all those days, all those nights, I want to be there every single night. That is what I’m trying to do.”

NOAH GRAHAM/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

There are only three 20-year-olds in NBA history who have played 450-plus minutes in an NBA Playoffs.

Harrison Barnes, do you have any idea who they are? I’ll give you a hint. Two of them are guards.

“Mmm, Magic Johnson? Uh, Kobe Bryant?”

Right with Magic. Wrong with Kobe. The other guard is Tony Parker. And the third player is…

“I have no idea.”

The third one is you.

Barnes breaks into laughter. “I had no idea,” says Barnes, legitimately caught off guard. “I heard something awhile ago I was one of dozens of 20-yearolds-and-under who scored 20 points in a playoff game.1 But I didn’t know this one.”

Consider yourselves informed, world.

This is one of the young men with the most upside this season.

It’s not every day that a 20-year-old plays in the postseason2 as much or as well as Barnes, a 2012-13 All-Rookie First-Team selection.

“The postseason was a crazy experience,” says Barnes. “Being able to play on that stage and play so well and win. It’s one thing to go out there and get knocked out in the first round, but we won the first round, beating Denver. That whole experience definitely makes us that much more excited for this season.”

Now 21 years old with 93 regular-season and postseason starts under his belt, the 6-8, 210-pound Barnes indeed knows what he needs to do to help his team reach the next level.3 And for that, he counts himself truly blessed, to be coached by Mark Jackson and also surrounded by shooters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson,4 a defender like Andre Iguodala and complementary bigs like Andrew Bogut and David Lee. “We definitely have a special team,” says Barnes, “and it’s probably the most special team and the most excitement I’ve had since I first started playing the game of basketball. I’m just really looking forward to enjoying the process this season.”5

HARRISON

BARNES

FORWARD - GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

033

JUMP BALL 24 SECONDS

with LARRY SANDERS HOOP: Somebody on Twitter called you the next Mutombo. Are you going to be wagging your finger at victims this season?

SANDERS: I’m going to let Mutombo have that finger wag (laughs). I’ve got to come up with something original.

HOOP: Who was your favorite shotblocker growing up?

SANDERS: I liked Dikembe. I liked Camby, Kenyon Martin, too, the way he played defense and affected shots.

HOOP: We saw your Instagram photos last season of you blocking Kobe.

SANDERS: That block was amazing. You know, it’s Kobe Bryant! He is one of the greatest of all time.

HOOP: How did he react?

SANDERS: He told me, “Next time, I’m going to pump fake, and one.” He didn’t do it that game, but when they came down to play us, he did.

He didn’t forget.

HOOP: You’ve got a lot of nicknames3, Dr. Blocktopus, LarryLuv, Nappy Gilmore... Where did they come from?

SANDERS: It’s just different dynamics of my personality. LarryLuv was given to me, but some of the others I gave myself, kind of dissecting myself.

HOOP: Which personality are we talking to now?

SANDERS: Just Larry. Ordinary Larry.

HOOP: Do you give your teammates nicknames?

SANDERS: Oh yeah. We’ve got a couple new faces this year, so we need to come up with some new ones. My favorite is probably John Henson’s. He is Johnny Boy or Johnny Cash.

HOOP: When you signed your contract extension, you said you loved Milwaukee.1 Why? SANDERS: I love the people, I love the way of life. There is a quality of life here that you don’t find everywhere.

HOOP: Why does Milwaukee love Larry Sanders?

SANDERS: They have an appreciation for hard work and that’s the type of guy I am. I understand that it’s my job to entertain, but it’s also my job to win. I don’t think anybody doubts I want that.

HOOP: You earned your extension with a big season2 a year ago. What are you hoping to accomplish this season?

SANDERS: I just want to gather everything I’ve learned these last three years, from all the players I got a chance to work with, and try to put everything together.

HOOP: You had a triple-double last season with 10 blocks in a game.

SANDERS: That was the first game where I really just let it all go. I didn’t think about how coach was going to view me, what was going to become of me... I just went out and played basketball. I’ve been doing the same ever since.

034

HOOP: Your son’s nickname is Prince, right? We loved the picture of him hanging on your arm as you were signing your extension.

SANDERS: He didn’t know what was going on right there, but he will.

That was big to me, feeling like this is my home, because my son was born here in Milwaukee. I have to represent that.

HOOP: You are obviously a proud father.

SANDERS: Oh yeah. It’s something I was looking forward to all my life, and yet it’s a feeling that I couldn’t even fathom, that unconditional love for someone who depends on you for so much.

HOOP: What’s your favorite thing to do together?

SANDERS: Either running around the house racing or playing basketball. He always wants to block my shot.

HOOP: You might have the best Instagram account4 in the NBA. Why do you enjoy sharing your life with fans?

SANDERS: They like to see what I’m doing, but I like Instagram because I can also see what they’re doing. I can be a part of their lives, comment on different things they do. I think that goes a long way.

JEFFREY PHELPS/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

BY JERAMIE MCPEEK #4

HOOP: What don’t fans know about you?

SANDERS: They know a lot (laughs). I’m just a guy like them. I am not anything special. I don’t have any fairy dust around me.

HOOP: Why do you use so many emoticons?

SANDERS: Once Emojis came out, I kind of ran with it. Facial expressions are what was missing when it comes to expressing yourself through social media.

BONUS POINTS 1. Milwaukee is the largest city in the state of Wisconsin, but is the 30th largest city in the U.S. with a population of 600,000 residents, according to Wikipedia.

2. The 6-11 center averaged 9.8 points, 9.5 boards and 2.8 blocks a game in ’12-13.

3. We forgot to mention Damier Duckets, Finestle Quick and LS8.

4. Although he has a lot of nicknames, @LarrySanders is easy to find and follow on Twitter and Instagram.

5. Larry’s cousins have their moms’ names on their neck, too. “It’s a tradition,” he explains.

6. Apparently, Larry’s tattoo artist didn’t know the rule, “i before e, except after c.”

7. In case you don’t remember, it was in Game 2 of the 2005 NBA Playoffs between the Rockets and Mavs. Search it on YouTube. Trust us. Sorry Shawn.

HOOP: You posted a tweet the other day that just said: iiiiiiinnnnnnkkkkkk!!!!! Tell us about your tattoos and what they mean to you?

SANDERS: They’re my artwork. I’m able to express something that is important to me. It’s like putting it on a canvas that no one can throw away, or that can never get lost. It’s always there with me to see.

HOOP: How many do you have and what was the first one?

SANDERS: I stopped counting around 60. [First tattoo] was on my 19th birthday, and I got my mom’s name on my neck.5 HOOP: It wasn’t that long ago that Dennis Rodman was unique for his tattoos. Why do you think it has become so popular with athletes?

SANDERS: I think tattoos are, in a way, a fad. They’re a fashion thing and are trendy, but I would not encourage anybody to indulge in that.

It really has to mean something to you, because it’s going to be there forever. It has to be something you are passionate about, and I am.

HOOP: We noticed some fans giving you a hard time over the misspelling of “RECIEVE”6 on your hand.

SANDERS: Oh yeah. You know, I’ve got a lot of ink on me and a lot of typos (laughs). But they’re all correctable.

HOOP: Aside from yourself, who has the best tats in the League?

SANDERS: I like Birdman’s. They’re real colorful and he has a lot of cool retro stuff on him.

HOOP: Imagery is obviously important to you. What’s your alltime favorite NBA photo?

SANDERS: It was probably a poster I had of T-Mac dunking7 over Shawn Bradley. He was just sitting on his shoulder. T-Mac was a relentless scorer.

HOOP: You said recently that you have the heart of a hippie. How so?

SANDERS: I feel so much unity with the people around me. We’ve got so much in common as human beings, but we use the smallest things to separate ourselves. I really rebel against that. I try not to cast judgment on anybody. So that’s why I say I’ve got a hippie’s mindset.

ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

035

NEW TO THE MASON PLUMLEE

TIM HARDAWAY JR.

ANTHONY BENNETT

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO 036

KELLY OLYNYK

BEN McLEMORE

GLEN RICE JR.

KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE

TREY BURKE

SHABAZZ MUHAMMAD

E GAME REGGIE BULLOCK

As NBA Drafts go, the most recent one was ямБlled with questions. The NBA Draft Class of 2013 will now provide some answers.

VICTOR OLADIPO

STEVEN ADAMS

By Brian A. Giuffra #17 Photographed by Nick Laham /NBAE/Getty Images

NATE WOLTERS

TONY SNELL

OTTO PORTER

NERLENS NOEL

CODY ZELLER

ANDRE ROBERSON

MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS 037

Cleveland Cavaliers Forward

ANTHONY BENNETT

How has your Nigerian descent influenced you as a person and a player?

It’s helped me a lot through my life. The constant hard work we had to do growing up and the constant work I had to do to stand out stays with me. My family has been working hard ever since they came over from Nigeria so that showed me what it takes.

Your teammate from Indiana [No. 4 overall pick Cody Zeller] was also selected high in the draft. Have you spoken with him about what you hope to accomplish?

We talk every day but we really talk about how we can get better, what we’re working on and how we can improve. We’re just looking 038

forward to getting acclimated to the League and showing everyone what we’re capable of.

Well what type of things do you enjoy doing away from basketball?

I like watching movies, singing on occasion. I like to sing to myself in the shower on occasion just like everybody else.

What kinds of songs do you like singing in the shower?

Whatever song is on my mind. You know everybody has a song of the day. You hear one song and you just sing it the rest of the day.

That’s kind of how I roll.

What about pregame, do you have a favorite song?

I like to listen to a lot of things pregame. There’s so many new songs that come out every week so that’s what I like to listen to.

OTTO PORTER

Orlando Magic Guard

Washington Wizards Forward

VICTOR OLADIPO

What are you like away from the court?

I’m shy. I don’t really like talking a lot. I don’t really like being out there in the scene. I just like to keep to myself basically.

Is it hard for you to stay out of the spotlight now that you’re the No. 1 pick in the draft?

You could say that. It’s weird. When I go back home and go outside everybody is freaking out.

It’s something I’m not used to yet. But I’m going to have to get used to it real soon.

How has life changed since you we’re picked No. 1?

It’s been crazy. I can’t even walk to the grocery store or a bookstore without everybody noticing and freaking out. But the whole thing, the whole experience has been great.

You mentioned liking to keep to yourself so what do you do in your down time?

I play Call of Duty. That’s my favorite game. I play online most of the time.

How long have you been playing Call of Duty?

I just started my 11th grade year. It’s something I wasn’t into back then. But now it’s great.

What about it do you like the most?

Most of the time I’m playing with people I know.

So it’s the whole competitive side of things, you know, talking smack and all that. It’s just a fun thing to do.

How big of a deal was it to you being the first Canadian being picked No. 1 overall?

I got the key to the city of my hometown, Brampton, Ontario. That’s where I live right now. They gave me the key to the city a couple days after the draft. It was a crazy thing.

Does it give you a leg up on the competition being drafted by the team that’s located in the same city where you went to college? [laughs] Yeah, I know the people up there, I know the place, my college is right up the street, the coaches are great, the fans know me.

It’s a great thing.

What’s your favorite part about Washington, D.C.?

The history around there, the monuments, the Mall. I just love the history. History is my favorite subject so it’s cool being around there.

Do you have a favorite monument?

I would say the Martin Luther King exhibit. It’s amazing to see the sculptures.

Is it harder to walk around now?

Actually I just walked through there a couple of weeks ago and, you know a couple people wanted a picture every now and then, but most of the people were touring all over. So they weren’t paying attention to me.

I heard you have a lot of great basketball players in your family. Is that true?

We do. We have a rich history of basketball players in my family that are pretty good.

And I heard you all won state championships back in St. Louis.

That’s why we all play, for the ring.

Is that a sense of pride?

Yeah, those days when my dad and my uncles were a little bit younger and I was young, they taught me how to make plays and win. That’s why I play the game.

So who is the best player in your family?

That’s a good question. [laughs] I mean right now it would probably be me because I made it but who knows.

Where you excited when you were traded from the Pelicans to the 76ers on draft night?

Yeah, I’m very excited, It’s a great organization with passionate fans so I want to go in there and be that player that I am, hard working and gritty. I feel like I fit into that city perfectly.

What’s something about you that nobody knows?

I can rap a little bit.

When did you start?

At Kansas. It’s just something I have fun with and joke around with is all.

Have you ever recorded anything?

Yeah, but it’s not out in public.

BEN McLEMORE

CODY ZELLER

Charlotte Bobcats Forward

What kind of NBA advice have you gotten from your older brothers [Tyler plays for the Cavs, Luke played for the Suns]?

They just told me it’s a long 82-game year. The first year as a rookie is going to be tough. You’re going to have ups and downs but you can’t get too high and you can’t get too low.

Philadelphia 76ers Center

Sacramento Kings Guard

What’s something about you most people don’t know?

I was the salutatorian of my high school. I had a 3.99 GPA. That’s something I’ve always been big on, academics.

What did you major in at Indiana?

I was in the Kelly School of Business at Indiana, which is known around the world. It’s tough to do both [play basketball and be a good student] but it’s something that’s very important to me.

Any plans in store to open up your own business?

Not really. My family already started a nonprofit organization so I try to help out with that as much as I can. It’s called DistinXion and they do basketball camps but they also teach family values. They teach table manners and how to shake someone’s hand and how to respect one another. It’s kind of taken off. They’ve been doing it for three years now and this year we had about 1,800 kids at 20 camps all throughout Indiana.

Have manners always been important to you?

Yes, especially in a business setting. How to dress right, how to talk. Manners are very important.

So you’re saying I should tuck in my shirt? [laughs] No, not at all. It works for you.

NERLENS NOEL

Was it hard for you before the draft not being able to workout because of your torn ACL? Yeah, it was tough, but it’s life. You have to make the best of each situation you’re put in.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I love eggnog around Christmas time. It’s been like that ever since I was a kid. It only comes out around that time of year so I have to stack up on it. I make sure I take advantage while it’s out.

What types of things do you enjoy doing away from basketball?

Just giving back, visiting churches and hospitals and doing a lot of community work. I want to stay positive for kids and be that good role model that kids can look up to and stay away from anything negative.

Are you involved with any specific charities?

I’m looking to start a foundation soon but right now I just do a lot of local stuff.

What’s it going to be like playing as yourself in 2K? It’s going to be crazy. As long as they give me a good rating then I’ll play as myself.

Are you concerned about that rating?

Yeah, I’ve been thinking about it. [laughs] What do you rap about?

It’s all about basketball and my life.

Dropping any mixtapes soon?

Nah, it’s just something to have fun with. It’s not something I would stop basketball for.

I understand you came from a humble background with not much money in Missouri. How important is giving back to your hometown to you now that you have a little more?

It’s very important. That’s where I grew up, that’s where I was raised, so whenever I can, whenever I have some free time, I go home and do things for my community.

What types of things are you planning on doing to give back to that community?

Right now I’m giving back to the community with school supplies, book bags, little things like that. But I always want to do more.

How did your upbringing motivate you?

It definitely motivated me a lot. Just the people around me, coaches, family members, my mom, sisters, brothers, all those types of people influenced me a lot to keep doing it what I’m doing.

Do you feel like you’re doing it for more than just yourself?

Yeah, I’m doing it for my city, where I’m from and also my family. Definitely the main thing is my family.

039

040

Utah Jazz Guard

Your real first name is Alfonso so where does Trey come from?

I’m the third Alfonso in my family, so that’s been my nickname my whole life.

Do many people know that?

I’m not sure, but you can look it up on my Wikipedia page and you’ll see it. There are a lot of people who know that but I’m sure there are a lot of other people who don’t know that.

Your dad was a good basketball player and also your assistant coach in high school, so what kind of advice did he give you?

He just told me this is a whole other level.

Making sure I’m in the gym everyday, making sure I’m doing the right things off the court.

I definitely think without him I wouldn’t be here so I have to thank him for all the advice he gave me.

Did he run you through any of the old workouts he used to go through?

Not lately. He hasn’t been working me out. But all of those old workouts got me to the workouts I’ve been doing recently so I think all of his help has really paid off.

How did he influence you?

He influenced me in a big way. Like I said, without my father I wouldn’t be here today. He’s the one that’s given me that drive that I have now and he’s the one who when I was growing up groomed me into the person I am today, so I definitely think he’s a big part of why I’m here.

TREY BURKE

Philadelphia 76ers Guard

MICHAEL CARTER-WILLIAMS

Detroit Pistons Guard

KENTAVIOUS CALDWELL-POPE

What type of person are you away from the court?

I’m silly. I like to laugh and have fun. When I look around, other people are really just serious and just like to be silly.

Where does that come from?

My family is silly. They like to have fun as well. My family, we joke around on each other, we have fun, we tell embarrassing stories about each other.

So what’s the most embarrassing story about you that your family likes to tell?

Ooooh, [laughs], I want to keep that to myself.

My family and my friends know but I have to keep that to myself. [laughs] What do you think of all the moves the Pistons made in the offseason?

I think it’s great. They’re bringing in a lot of great players. I can’t wait to get in a room and watch film and workout with them.

How has life changed since the draft?

It’s changed a lot. All the responsibilities, I’m on my own now away from my family, constantly on the go, so it’s changed a lot.

What’s been the biggest adjustment?

Being away from my family. It’s been a big adjustment.

Do you feel like you were underrated because you played at Georgia?

Yeah, a little bit. I feel like I was underrated because I was on a weaker team at Georgia. I mean I thought we had a good season. It just didn’t turn out the way that we wanted it to turn out. So coming into the draft I was an underrated player.

Does that motivate you?

Yeah, it kind of motivates me. The people who know what I can do and what I’m capable of, they saw me out here training and working hard and then getting selected eighth was just a blessing.

What do you like to do away from basketball?

I like all TV shows. I like all the popular ones from Breaking Bad to Homeland to Dexter. I’m really into TV. Do you have a current favorite?

It probably has to be Homeland.

What hobbies do you have away from the game?

I like to fish. I like to go on boat rides. I like to tube. I like a lot of water activities. I’ve always grown up with that.

What did you like to fish?

Mostly stripers. That’s what’s up around my way.

What’s the biggest striper you ever caught?

It was recently actually. It was big. I can’t remember the exact size but he was a keeper. He put up a good fight. It was tiring but I got him.

Are you looking forward to playing in Philly with its rabid fan base?

I know they can be tough but I can’t focus on those things. I just have to go in there and work hard every day and I know everyone will have to respect that.

Do you think you can help turn around the 76ers franchise back to perennial contenders?

Definitely. Maybe not this year but in a couple of years I definitely think we can turn it around.

How has life changed since you became an NBA draft pick?

It’s changed a lot. It’s a whole different lifestyle and I’m able to give back to my family so that’s a good thing.

STEVEN ADAMS

Oklahoma City Thunder Center

What was it like growing up in New Zealand?

It’s awesome. Once you go away from it, you realize how good you had it.

What do you miss about it?

Everything: People, atmosphere, everything.

What was the reaction in your hometown [Rotorua] when you were drafted?

It was pretty wild. People were texting me and saying how crazy it was. I guess I was the first one to be drafted so it was a big honor. I was really excited because I didn’t know I had the whole country behind me. So it was really good.

For someone who hasn’t been to New Zealand, how would you describe it?

Extreme. There’s the adventure capital of

the world, the South Island, so if you’re into living life on the edge, you’ll go there, jump off something and enjoy.

Do you like extreme sports?

Yeah, I get into it. The adrenaline rush is great.

What’s the most extreme thing you’ve done?

Nothing like jumping off anything. I may have jumped off a cliff into water but not bungee jumping or skydiving because I’m too big. It sucks.

So what kind of things can you do when you’re so tall?

Not much. Play basketball. It kind of narrowed things down for me.

What are you like away from basketball?

I’m definitely a Kiwi, that’s one way to put it.

I’m kind of easygoing.

What’s one thing about you most people don’t know?

I graduated from elementary school twice.

How did that happen?

In Toronto elementary school is grades 1-6, middle school is 7-8 and high school is 9-12.

And in BC [British Columbia]—I moved to BC in grade 7—elementary school goes from 1-7 and then high school is 8-12, so I graduated from grade 6 then went to middle school for a half year, then when we moved to BC I went back to elementary school and graduated again.

Did you feel like you knew more than the other kids the second time? [laughs] Yeah, I feel like I did better my second time. [laughs] Were you involved in outdoor sports?

My grandmother and grandfather’s house was right on the ocean so we did a lot of kayaking and tubing and then people are always having lake houses where you can go waterskiing.

Then in the winter obviously everyone snowboards and skis.

Are you a skier or a snowboarder?

I like to snowboard. It’s a lot of fun. It’s tough to learn but once you’re good at it it’s a lot of fun.

Is snowboarding hard for you because you’re so tall?

I guess you could say it is because of center of gravity and balance. But also it’s hard to find a snowboard that’s big enough. But once you do that you’re ready to go.

Did you have to get one custom made?

I got one, I don’t know if it’s custom made, but I got one that’s big enough for me to get up there.

Boston Celtics Forward

Minnesota Timberwolves Forward

I see that you’re eating Swedish fish. Are you a big candy person?

No, it’s just the only thing around right now and I’m hungry so I’m just eating it.

Do you have a favorite type of candy?

Yeah, Mike and Ike. What do you do when you’re away from basketball?

I actually like collecting trading cards a lot.

I like shopping. I like videogames. Mostly stuff like that.

Where does the card hobby come from?

I always used to love opening up packs of cards and getting autographed cards and jerseys so it’s a dream come true seeing my face on a card and an autographed jersey of myself. [Ed note: this interview took place during the annual Panini trading card photo shoot.]

Do you still have those cards?

Yeah, I do still have them. I have a Kobe rookie card, I have a whole bunch of cards, autographed cards.

Every collector has a grail. What’s yours?

I would have to say a framed Dwight Howard card with a jersey, and he signed on the jersey.

Have you met Dwight?

Yeah, I met him and got to know him on a personal level so that was great.

Do you do things away from basketball to take your mind off the game?

I try to play videogames, but it’s hard when you’re playing basketball to take your mind off of basketball. But shopping and stuff like that gets me away from basketball.

Do you have a favorite videogame?

Yeah, Call of Duty. I’m deadly. I’m not playing around on that.

KELLY OLYNYK

SHABAZZ MUHAMMAD

041

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO Milwaukee Bucks Forward

You grew up in Greece so I’m wondering what was life like for you growing up there? What types of things did you enjoy?

Well first of all, practice. I loved to practice. When school was over, I was always going straight to practice, and I was so happy. And going with my brothers to the movies. I love movies. And then hanging out with my family.

What’s your favorite type of movie?

I like comedy.

Do you have a favorite actor?

Yes, Eddie Murphy.

What’s your favorite movie of his?

Coming to America.

Fitting, since you just made the move here.

[With] that movie, I learned a little bit about what America is like. I know the American style and the people.

Has it been a big adjustment for you?

Yes. [laughs] What’s the biggest adjustment?

Well, first of all speaking. To adjust to speaking, like English is a third language and my English is not so good, so that’s been a big adjustment first of all. The other adjustment is the society. And then you have to adjust to the team and the players.

042

TONY SNELL

MASON PLUMLEE

TIM HARDAWAY JR.

Were you a Bulls fan?

I watched the Bulls my whole life.

Getting picked by them is a dream come true. I’m a huge Jordan fan.

I have his shoes on right now.

To be on the same team he was once on is big.

You played high school ball with [Spurs forward] Kawhi Leonard.

Did he give you any advice?

He gave me some advice about the rookie stuff, like what to watch out for and avoid, so he gave me some good advice.

Did you guys used to have some good battles in high school?

Yeah, definitely, in practice. It was great competition.

Who won those battles?

Honestly he did because he was a guard and I was playing center so you know, guards are quick so he won those battles.

Are you looking forward to having a friendly rivalry in the NBA? Yeah, it will be friendly. But on the court we don’t like each other. Off the court we do.

What’s one thing about you most people don’t know?

I can go a whole day without saying a word.

Where did that come from?

Growing up, I didn’t like talking much. I’m a shy guy so I’d rather not say anything.

What’s something about you most people don’t know?

I used to tap dance. [laughs] When did you start?

When I was a little kid, like 8, I tap danced for like two years.

How did you get into that?

My mom. She thought it would help me with my footwork.

Did it?

I don’t know. I was a little kid. [laughs] What was it like finding out about all those offseason moves?

I was a little taken back by it because I didn’t watch the news all day and then I got drafted and I go back to the media and everyone wanted to talk about KG and Jason Terry and Paul Pierce and I was like, hey I got drafted by the Nets.

It was kind of surprising but I was very excited about it. I think any rookie would love to play with a Hall of Famer and All Stars.

What are your expectations?

It’s going to be a little different.

We’re going to be like the Beatles.

Just as far as travel and TV and things. They just said enjoy it and make the most of it.

Championship or bust?

I think early in the season, just like any team, it’s about trying to get better each day. But like I said, [Nets GM] Billy King didn’t put this team together to make the playoffs. He put it together to win and win big.

What is something about you that most people don’t know?

Even though I’m skinny I love to eat; I just like all different varieties of food. So when I get a chance to go out in the city I want to try something new out all the time.

So is eating your biggest hobby?

Yeah. I don’t play videogames. I like to hang out with my friends but that’s about it. I love fishing. If I ever get the opportunity to go out fishing I’m always going to take advantage of it.

What type of fishing do you do most often?

I go out with my parents a lot in the Atlantic a little bit off of Miami and catch snapper and yellowtail and grouper. But it doesn’t really matter to me.

What’s the biggest fish you ever caught?

Probably like a grouper or something like that. But I had a barracuda on the line one time and I could see him on the surface of the water. But as soon as I tried to reel him in, the line snapped because his teeth were so sharp.

That’s the one I really wanted.

What kind of NBA advice did your father [five-time All-Star Tim Hardaway] give you?

He just said play your game. That’s what got you here, that’s what got you to the next level so keep on playing the way you play and be passionate for what you do.

Chicago Bulls Forward

Brooklyn Nets Forward

New York Knicks Guard

THE SEASON IS HERE. LIVE IT.

enebea.com

Ene-be-A.indd 1

10/9/13 11:03 AM

REGGIE BULLOCK

ANDRE ROBERSON

GLEN RICE JR.

NATE WOLTERS

What’s something about you most people don’t know?

I know every book of the bible. I grew up in the church.

Can you recite verses?

I can’t recite verses but I can tell you the majority of the chapters in the bible.

What do you like doing away from basketball?

Joking with my friends, traveling and shopping.

Where do you want to travel outside of the states?

Dubai, Australia and China.

What about traveling interests you?

I feel like you only have one life to live so you have to do it up while you can.

What are your expectations for your rookie season?

Just come in and give great minutes whenever I come in. I want to continue to be a great worker and what they drafted me for and that’s shooting the ball.

You have a lot of talent in LA, so what do you think the Clippers are capable of this year?

I feel like we’re capable of winning a championship.

That’s what we’re looking forward to. Hopefully we can get there this year.

What do you do away from basketball?

I’m a champion at Call of Duty, put that on the record.

Everyone is saying they’re the best at Call of Duty.

Nah, they’re not as good as me. I’m real deal. I’ve been playing since my senior year of high school.

What do you do outside the house?

I like to do outdoor activities, get out the house, get out the gym, get into open space and get some air. It’s always good to get out of the house.

What’s your favorite thing to do outside the house?

Swimming. Anything that involves water really.

Do you like water sports?

I can’t do them, but I enjoy watching them. I just enjoy swimming and being on the water.

What’s your favorite type of music?

R&B, I love oldies, too. I like some Bryan McKnight type stuff.

What are your expectations for your career?

Have a great, outstanding career.

I want to play at least 10 years in the League, that’s my goal.

What kind of advice did your dad [former NBA All-Star Glen Rice] give you?

Just stay focused and keep working. Nothing too much. I didn’t talk to him a lot because I didn’t live with him. My mom probably was a bigger influence than he was. She’s the one who took me everywhere and instilled good working habits. She’s the one that made sure I was everywhere I needed to be.

How do you think playing in the D-League last year impacted you?

It definitely helped. It’s another year of basketball at a better level.

You don’t have to go to class and what-not, so there is more time to work on your game and that’s exactly what I did. I worked on my jumper and other little things that have helped me become a better player.

Do you think you have a leg up on the other rookies because of that year playing in the D-League?

I’d like to think so. [laughs] I mean everybody is so talented so there isn’t too much of a leg up.

Do you feel like you’re more acclimated to the professional life?

A little bit. It is the D-League so it’s nothing like the NBA. It’s more than college but it’s not too much.

Besides basketball, did you play any other sports growing up?

I played tennis in high school. That was another sport I played.

Were you good?

I was all-conference. Nothing crazy. I played doubles. I didn’t play any singles. Apparently for a tennis player I’m long.

What was it like going to school in South Dakota?

Being a mid-major, you know you don’t get as much exposure as the other major conference schools.

But there are a lot of good players in the mid-majors. It’s pretty good basketball but we definitely get overlooked a lot.

How did that influence you as a player?

Well I was lightly recruited, didn’t have many D1 offers, so it just made me work harder. I was never really a high profile or have a lot of hype around me, so that’s definitely helped me. I didn’t think I was a high-major player and in college I just wanted to get better at basketball. I didn’t really care what other people thought of me. I just wanted to get as good as I could get.

What was it like getting drafted?

It was cool. I never really thought it was a possibility four or five years ago. But the last couple of years I had a really good time in college and we had a lot of success so that really helped me out.

Los Angeles Clippers Guard

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Oklahoma City Thunder Forward

Washington Wizards Guard-Forward

Milwaukee Bucks Guard

Comfort is confidence for the day ahead.

Hanes underwear and t-shirts for men at Macy’s and Macys.com

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As a Hall of Famebound point guard, he was one of the best at changing directions on the y. That skill should serve him well as Jason Kidd takes on the biggest transition game of his career.

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JENNIFER POTTHEISER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

BY MCG #93

NATHANIEL S. BUTLER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

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lashback to April 23, 2012, the Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.—the Nets’ last home game in New Jersey. Even for a franchise familiar with long stretches of mediocrity, the 2011-12 campaign had been a rough season, the second and last to be played in a temporary home before moving to Brooklyn.1 The team won a total of 22 games that year. It would also be the Nets’ ffth consecutive year missing the playoffs.

But this night provided a different atmosphere—seats were flled and the crowd was loud. Faces from the days when the Nets played with a red, white, and blue ABA ball were in attendance, as were those who in the ’80s donned the classic American-fag themed jerseys with the same patriotic colors. They were players often forgotten to basketball fans outside of Bergen County, but who held a special place in the hearts of those who spent many a winter night inside the cavernous Brendan Byrne Arena, staring up at bannerless rafters.2 During timeouts, the cheers grew for one-time saviors, players like Derrick Coleman and Kenny Anderson3 who famed out too soon. The applause was noticeable when Kerry Kittles4 acknowledged the Nets’ back-to-back Finals runs in 2002 and 2003. But there was one man missing from the festivities, the one man who meant more than anyone during the Nets’ existence in Jersey.

And then, during a break in action, he appeared on the scoreboard hovering over center court, delivering a message, thanking the fans. The speech was short and to the point, but what he said at the end sent chills down the spines of the most diehard Nets fans in attendance, those who cried the morning Drazen Petrovic5 died and slapped hands in the aisles with Sly, the Silver Fox mascot.6 “See you soon.”

The legend of Jason Kidd in New Jersey began the day he showed up in East Rutherford in the summer of 2001.7 When he met the press, reporters snickered when he said the team could go .500. When he met his teammates, he told them that losing was a thing of the past.

With every alley-oop to Kenyon Martin and behind-the-back pass to Kittles on the break, the Nets fulflled Kidd’s prophecy on the way to their frst Atlantic Division title and their frst trip to the Finals. The Nets were overmatched by Shaq and Kobe in 20028 and took the Spurs to six games the following year. Deep playoff runs became the norm off Exit 16W,9 thanks largely to Kidd.

During his time in New Jersey, he was an MVP10 contender, a fve-time All-Star and six times made the NBA All-Defensive team. But Kidd supplied more than just individual accolades. Playground ballers would imitate his pre-free throw kiss and young fans wanted autographs from his son, TJ, a courtside fxture. There were commercials and name drops in rap songs, and while these pop culture tchotchkes don’t add up to wins, it made Nets’ fans feel something that they hadn’t experienced in three decades of their NBA history: relevancy.

As the Nets became the more fun and more successful team in the New York area,11 they were undergoing a seismic shift internally. Then-owner Bruce Ratner was ready to move the team across the Hudson and East River, but the plan hit fnancial roadblocks. As a result, when it came time to sign free agents to complete the puzzle for a championship squad or re-up their own rising stars,12 the Nets didn’t have the money to do so.

Eventually, they lost a step to teams like Miami, Cleveland, and Detroit, putting them back in the middle of the pack of the Eastern Conference.

With the writing on the wall, Kidd wanted out, one last chance to challenge for a ring before his body told him he couldn’t withstand the grind any longer.

On February 19, 2008, Kidd was traded to the team where his NBA career started,13 the Dallas Mavericks. And just like that, Nets’ fans dreams of the true franchise savior leading them to a championship were gone.

Three years later, Kidd fnally won his ring, as the Mavericks upset the Miami Heat in six games in the Finals.

Perhaps Kidd was being as cunning with his words as he was with his passes when he addressed the fnal New Jersey Nets home crowd. On such a bittersweet night, why not throw a bone to the team that frankly, didn’t need any more dirt kicked on them? But was he onto something more?

In that upcoming offseason, Kidd could’ve signed as a free agent backup point guard and was briefy considered for such a role. But perhaps he was looking farther into the future, imagining the Nets as a landing spot after his career was done. Who better to be a team ambassador, a former franchise great to shake hands at PR events and smile for photographs at press conferences? Maybe Kidd really did want to come back to the team

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049 BRIAN BABINEAU/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Hall of Fame Transition Once retired, some players turn to the sidelines for the next stage of their career. Some of the best to ever do it—Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, Gregg Popovich—were all former players. But very few players-turned-coaches played at an elite, Hall of Fame level before transitioning to similar success calling the plays in a suit.

BILL RUSSELL The man with more rings than Jordan and LeBron combined was awfully good with the clipboard as well. In his second year as coach (he served as player-coach) of the Boston Celtics (’67-68), Russell won the title and repeated the feat the next season.

He won over 340 games as a coach, making fve playoff appearances with Boston and Seattle.

TOMMY HEINSOHN The 1986 Hall of Famer, Heinsohn also spent nine seasons as the head man of his beloved Celtics, winning two NBA titles, in 1974 and 1976.

From ’71-72 to ‘75-76, Boston won the division, helping Heinsohn add to his tally of 427 career wins.

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LENNY WILKENS

LARRY BIRD

A nine-time All-Star, Wilkens arguably surpassed his playing accomplishments as a coach. The second-winningest coach in League history (1,332), Wilkens won a title in 1979 with Seattle, was named Coach of the Year in 1994, and also led the 1996 Men’s Olympic Team to gold in Atlanta.

Larry Legend could never eclipse what he did on the court as a coach, but in his brief stint running the sidelines, he was one of the best in the game. He coached Indiana deep into the playoffs for three straight seasons in the late 90s, capped by a Finals appearance in 2000 where his team fell to the Lakers. During those three years, Bird racked up a .687 winning percentage.—#93

NATHANIEL S. BUTLER; DICK RAPHAEL (3); JIM CUMMINS; ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN (2)/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; ELSA/GETTY IMAGES SPORT

that rehabilitated his career14 almost as much as he had done for them.

Believe it or not, the Nets’ franchise has always meant something to Kidd when it didn’t to anyone else.

That’s why, on June 12, 2013, when Jason Kidd was named the 22nd coach in Nets’ history, it was shocking, but also felt so right.

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, Kidd sees magnifcence not on the parquet in Boston or among the palm trees of L.A., but in the swampland of New Jersey.

Describing his emotions before his interview at the Nets practice facility in East Rutherford, Kidd told reporters in early June, “I felt like I was home, I really did.

“This was the place where we practiced when we made our runs to the Finals. Whatever nerves I felt on the way over there, they really did settle inside me once I walked up the stairs.”

General manager Billy King has repeatedly shown a tendency of pushing all of his chips in during his tenure at the helm of the Nets. First, there was the trade for Deron Williams. Then he acquired Joe Johnson.

But signing Kidd as head coach topped them all—at least for a few weeks.15 No, Kidd wasn’t coming back as some retired lackey in a puff position. The Nets once again turned to “The Captain” to steer them to the promised land.

After the dust settled, the critical questions came from all circles—journalists, pundits, Knicks fans, etc.: Can a player, with no head coaching experience, lead a talented, yet underachieving team, to a title?

Granted, almost everybody in NBA circles acknowledged that Kidd had a keen understanding of the game and basically was the de facto coach on the court for much of his career. But would the late night video sessions, the advanced statistics, management of egos, and Xs and Os, the suit and tie prove too much?

One thing is for sure: His team has his back 100 percent.

“He has the fre in the belly we need, and has achieved as a player everything the Brooklyn Nets are striving to achieve,” owner Mikhail Prokhorov said after Kidd’s hiring. “We believe he will lead us there.”

New addition to the Nets and former rival of Kidd’s, Paul Pierce, is relishing the chance to play under a coach only fve years older than he.

“One of the best IQs we’ve seen as a basketball player,” says Pierce when describing Kidd. “I’m a big fan of his. I think the NBA needs more great basketball minds like his patrolling the sidelines.”

And his point guards, the ones who will perhaps receive the most scrutiny from their coach, were nothing but enthusiastic. “I love it,” says Shaun Livingston, a former blue chip prospect who signed with the Nets this offseason. “I’ve always respected his game as a player and for him to bring his knowledge of the game into the locker room, I just look forward to being a sponge, soaking it all up, learning.”

“People talk about his lack of [coaching] experience but I think he makes up for that in so many other ways,” adds Deron Williams. “As a point guard I’m honored to be able to learn from him every day and pick his brain.”

Williams recounts16 his time playing with Kidd during the 2008 Summer Olympics, where the elder point guard took plenty of time off the court to coach the younger foor general. “He gave me a lot of good advice about my game,” recalls Williams. “I remember him and Chauncey Billups talking to me about slowing down my pace, because I was excited—I was a young guy—just really kind of out of my element.”

Another former Olympic teammate of Kidd’s, from 2000, Kevin Garnett, says the experience17 playing with him was one he’d never forget and gives him confdence in Kidd’s coaching abilities.

“Jason goes 110 miles an hour and he works at the same rate, and if you’re not working at that rate he’s gonna tell you about it,” says Garnett.

“Everybody that’s played with Jason knows this.”

Unlike other new head coaches, Kidd is carrying a bit of an ace in the hole, in assistant coach and former Nets head coach Lawrence Frank.18 It’s well known Kidd has butted heads with a few of his coaches during his career, but he has always showed the utmost respect toward Frank, who 051

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was one of the frst people he called when he was hired.

“The two are a very good addition to each other,” says Andrei Kirilenko.

“Coach Frank, he’s a more strategic guy, he knows everything, he’s crazy about those numbers, all those plays. And I’ve seen him over the years and I think as a coach Jason is going to be a very good motivator and a guy who has a great respect among the players. So in tough moments he’s gonna be the guy who says, ‘No, we’re not going to do this. We’re going to do it this way.’ ” Joe Johnson also thinks that Frank and the rest of the staff will ease Kidd’s transition to the bench. “I think the coaches they put around him are very experienced and can help him along the way,” says Johnson.

With his roster and front offce having his back, in addition to returning to the team where he is revered like Bird is in Boston and Magic is in L.A., some may think Kidd is just spending his afternoons swinging in circles in a big comfy leather chair in his offce.

On the contrary, the pressure is on for Kidd to win. Now. General manager Billy King said during training camp the window to win a title is this season—no surprise, given the big offseason acquisition of 30-somethings Garnett, Pierce and Jason Terry. Kidd, with zero games of coaching experience, is expected to capture a title in his frst year on the job. No rookie coach has had a greater weight placed upon their shoulders.

“I think there are high expectations, but this is a process, so we have to take it step by step,” says Kidd. “We’ve got some new guys here, players and coaches, so we have to get to know each other and create that bond.

There’s a lot of excitement, a lot of unknowns. It kind of feels like I just got traded from Phoenix [to] here. Hopefully it ends a little bit better.

“I think right now there’s a lot of work ahead of us, but we’ve got guys, players and coaches here, willing to face that challenge.”

Kidd has compared his situation to going back to school. He even keeps his pen and notepad nearby wherever he goes. During the summer, he attended clinics and was a sponge around Gregg Popovich, Phil Jackson, Pat Riley, guys who have laid the winning blueprint19 on what he wants to create in Brooklyn.

As capable as he might still be with the ball, don’t expect Kidd to get into practices running offenses though. Jared Jeffries, who is himself going through the transition from player to front offce as a scout for the Denver Nuggets after retiring last season, says it is important for Kidd to adjust to the new role this season. “You gotta make sure everyone sees you as a coach or front offce person,” he says. “You gotta know exactly what you

BONUS POINTS 1. Former owner Bruce Ratner announced plans to move the Nets to Brooklyn in the mid-2000s. In 2010, before the Barclays Center in Brooklyn was completed, the Nets decided to leave their home of 30 years, the IZOD Center at the Meadowlands, and agreed to play two seasons at the newly built Prudential Center in Newark.

2. Every New Jersey Nets banner that hangs in the Barclays Center was earned during Kidd’s tenure with the Nets.

3. Coleman was the No. 1 overall pick by the Nets in 1990 while Anderson was the No. 2 overall pick by the team the following year.

4. Kittles was the Nets’ lottery pick (No. 8) in 1996, one of the most talented drafts in NBA history. He had an admirable Nets’ career, shortened by injuries, but did not live up to the potential of other future Hall of Fame draft mates like Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson.

5. Petrovic, along with Wendall Ladner, John Williamson, Bill Melchionni, Julius Erving and Buck Williams, have their numbers retired by the Nets.

6. The Nets replaced Sly upon their move to Brooklyn with the Brooklyn Knight.

7. In easily the team’s greatest front-offce move, Kidd was traded from the Suns to the Nets for Stephon Marbury. In addition, the Suns received Johnny Newman and Soumaila Samake, while Chris Dudley was sent to New Jersey.

8. That Lakers team was a beast, sweeping the Nets for the title threepeat.

9. The Turnpike exit that leads to the Meadowlands Sports Complex, notoriously known for its bumper-tobumper traffc on game nights.

10. Despite the franchise-altering play, Kidd was denied the MVP both times by Tim Duncan.

11. During Kidd’s playing tenure in New Jersey, the Knicks averaged 32.5 wins per season to the Nets’ 46.6.

12. When former No. 1 overall pick Kenyon Martin asked for a max contract, the Nets instead traded him to the Denver Nuggets.

13. Dallas drafted Kidd with the second overall pick in 1994.

14. Kidd’s stock was at an all-time low after he pleaded guilty to a domestic abuse charge.

15. Two weeks later, the Nets acquired Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry in a blockbuster deal from the Celtics.

16. Growing up in the Dallas area, Williams watched Mavericks games that saw Kidd running point.

17. Kidd and Garnett took part in a Nike commercial in 1995.

18. Frank was Kidd’s head coach for four seasons.

19. Between the three coaching legends, there are 20 championships.

20. Kidd said when he frst approached Garnett about resting on back-to-back game nights, the conversation “didn’t go too well.”

are, what you want to do. You can’t live in two worlds.

“You gotta get the player stink off of you.”

When the Nets took on the Bulls in the playoffs last spring, they were by far the more talented team. The Bulls were beset by injuries, but outhustled, outcoached and if “outhearted” was a word, that’s what happened to the boys from Brooklyn. In Kidd’s preseason press conference, he described the 2012-13 Nets as “vanilla.” They were talented, for sure, but not held responsible for their actions. Regular season wins against teams they were supposed to beat came easy. And then, in Game 7 against Chicago, they were backhanded across the face.

Who was responsible for the playoff debacle? Interim coach PJ Carlesimo and his rotation choices? Deron Williams? Injuries? This year, those questions won’t exist. Kidd and his players have made it known that everyone is responsible for what happens this year. If they fail, they do so as a team, just like if they win, they do it as a collective unit.

“The obstacles are there for us all,” says Garnett. “I think the obstacles of winning a ring itself is a major one, nonetheless winning it with an experienced coach or a frst-year coach. Jason’s a proven winner.”

There are unknowns about Kidd the coach, which can only be answered when the season tips off. There will be losing streaks. There will be challenges when Kidd, who was a veteran player just a few months ago, and at times struggled to convince his coach that he could still be a valuable contributor, becomes the guy that tells Garnett that he can’t play the same minutes he did ten, fve, even two seasons ago.20 Kidd will grow this year, Kidd will learn. He will have his bumps. And the world will be watching. Who could’ve believed just a year and a half ago, when the Nets were near the bottom of the League, singing their swan song out of New Jersey, that they would become one of the most interesting teams in the NBA? “I didn’t see that coming,” Johnson says before the season when asked about Kidd’s hiring. “But I think it’s gonna be fun.”

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HoopTroop.indd 1

10/9/13 11:06 AM

FROM ROCKY

Before Dwight Howard, the Rockets were a middling team staring at the worst place to be in the NBA: mediocrity. With him, they have elevated to the upper reaches of championship contention.

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KY TOROCKET

BY MICHAEL BRADLEY #53

SCOTT HALLERAN/GETTY IMAGES SPORT

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fter a while, it becomes evident that style of play and team culture can only do so much. And when you have a bunch of competitive guys in the front office and a coach who could be doing a lot of other things besides wasting his time with a rotten roster, tanking to get a high draft choice is out of the question.

At that moment, you realize that talent is the answer. The other stuff may get you an interesting distinction, like best-ever winning percentage without an All-Star,1 but that’s not enough. You need more. And getting it requires a plan.

So, before the 2012-13 season, Houston GM Daryl Morey met with owner Leslie Alexander and went over all of the players who might be available in the coming months. They calculated the odds of acquiring each and what it might take to accomplish that. Morey had spent the previous several seasons creating cap room, in case a rival team needed to unload a high-caliber player in a hurry. There was no way Houston would be unable to make a competitive offer, both from trade and contract standpoints.

The No. 1 target: James Harden. Chances of his ever wearing Rockets red-and-white? Minuscule.2 But a funny thing happened last October. The Thunder couldn’t afford Harden.

And Houston could.

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“I think you have to have at least one top-25 player3 on your roster,” Morey says.

The Rockets got one in Harden. Nine months later, they grabbed another.

Dwight Howard. Forget about top-25 talent. Houston was in a much more affluent zip code than that.

“We feel we have two of the top 10 in the League,” Morey says. “That’s good. Three is even better.”

Whoa, Daryl. Let’s not get greedy. In less than a year the Rockets went from a hard-working team with a numbers-crunching GM and a wisecracking low-post savant4 as coach to one of the favorites.5 Adding Howard and Harden has created the kind of expectations that haven’t been attached to the Rockets since Yao Ming was healthy. And even then, the vibe was more about world marketing domination than winning. This stuff is reminiscent of the Clutch City days, when Hakeem Olajuwon and Co. won two titles in a row. Even if the Rockets are still not complete enough to win it all, good luck convincing fans that they won’t. Morey wanted talent? Morey got talent. And with it, pressure.

“I don’t think it’s ‘title or bust’ yet,” he says. “We’re in title competition behind two or three other teams, maybe more. We’re so young.”

Even though Harden averaged 25.9 ppg last year and went from dynamic sixth man to front-line two guard, this is about Howard, the prize BILL BAPTIST/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

of the summer’s free agent class. Without him, the Rockets are good, but title talk is unreasonable. With him, just about anything is possible, and even if Houston doesn’t win it all, the excitement generated by his decision to join the team is overwhelming.

It’s all part of Morey’s plan, which for a while didn’t look like much more than some newfangled statistical analysis and plenty of time on the outskirts of Western Conference contention. In the NBA, it doesn’t pay to be pretty good. You either have to win big or stink it up, the latter being the en vogue way to rebuild. Hanging around the middle and going 34-32 during 2011-12 gets you things like the top winning percentage6 without anybody really good on your roster. “That’s not a good record to hold,” Morey admits. If you want real success, you need big names on the team.

Houston now has two of them. Adding Howard to a young, hard-working team creates great opportunities.

“I told [Howard] that we are going to win a lot of games without him, but if he joins us, he can put us over the top,” says third-year forward Chandler Parsons.7 You have to give the kid some credit. In the random world of Twitter where everyday people can interact with a famous person, Houston-area high-school student @21bcross did what probably happens on an hourly basis for Dwight Howard:8 He sent him a tweet.9 His simple tweet, inviting Howard to the George Ranch HS football game in late September, brought the big Rocket to Traylor Stadium in suburban Houston to watch the Longhorns knock off host Foster in a 4A Region 23 showdown between previously-unbeaten teams. There was Howard, with Parsons10 next to him, standing at the rail, blocking people’s views in the first few rows, wearing the “One Herd, One Heartbeat” white-out T-shirts and cheering on the ’Horns.

“I have a great opportunity here in the community,” Howard says. “It means a lot to me to be a part of it.”

People forget that before the “Dwightmare” in Orlando and last year’s debacle with the Lakers, Howard was thought of as one of the NBA good guys. He was the happy Superman—with copyright apologies to Shaq—who dunked and blocked shots while smiling. A lot.

He also won. In 2009, he led the Magic to the Finals. For the next two seasons, Orlando topped the 50win mark. Even in 2011-12, when Howard was crashing his coach’s press conference11 and assuring everybody that he wanted to stay in Disneytown (when he really didn’t), the Magic still went 37-29.

But that’s where the good times ended. Howard hurt his back. He hurt his reputation. He hurt his team. Moving on to L.A. wasn’t a good idea, either. Howard wasn’t fully recovered from his back woes The Rockets’ front office trio of (clockwise from left) GM Daryl Morey, head coach Kevin McHale and team and tried to gut out a season. The owner Leslie Alexander welcomed Howard to Houston with open arms.

Lakers dumped coach Mike Brown after five games. And things got LAYNE MURDOCH/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; BOB LEVEY/GETTY IMAGES SPORT

057

Dropping the Lin to Sanity After a rough first year in Houston, Jeremy Lin decided to go somewhere peaceful and quiet this summer.

China and Taiwan.

It may seem silly to think heading to a pair of countries where he was mobbed and celebrated as he was during his Linsanity period in New York as something of a respite, but after failing to satisfy the high expectations of fans who expected him to be a superstar last season, a little adulation was good for his basketball soul.

“I was supposed to save Houston basketball,” he said in Taiwan.

really strange from there. Howard couldn’t make a free throw.12 The Lakers staggered, and Howard’s final act with the team was getting thrown out of the team’s last playoff game.13 Moving to Houston was his best shot at a fresh start, even if he made $30 million less on the contract.14 What price is happiness?15 “I’m happy to have a chance to move forward,” he says. “Everybody’s always stuck in the past. Now, I can move forward and go. I’m excited about it. I think I made the right decision by coming here. I think I did something that will help me as far as going to the next level as a basketball player.”

Howard’s growth as a ballplayer is important, but the biggest questions about him 058

That’s not the case any more. Whether the Rockets’ coaches “lost faith in” or the fans “made fun of” Lin during the 2012-13 season doesn’t matter any longer. With Dwight Howard on the team, Lin can recede to the background and concentrate on his game, rather than live up to the overwrought hopes engendered by his remarkable turn in New York during the winter of 2012.

“It was kind of unfair the way people viewed Jeremy,” forward Chandler Parsons says. “People compared three weeks in New York to last year. [Linsanity] was one of the craziest things I ever saw. This year, he’s in a good place.”

That would make sense, since Lin no longer has to be a star beside James Harden. Even Harden has to take a step back behind Superman’s cape. Lin can now worry about setting up his higher-profile teammates, score when it’s easy and benefit greatly from working the pick-and-roll with Howard. In fact, thanks to Lin and Harden, that should be a dynamic part of the Houston offense.

“It’s great having those guys in the pick-and-roll,” Howard says. “James sees the floor well and is a great passer. Teams are going to have to make a decision whom to cover. It’s going to be great. And then you have Jeremy on the other side.”

Ready for a normal season. Or at least one that isn’t insane.—#53

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Omer Asik

Howard (center) is the newest addition to the Rockets’ legacy of big men (L-R): Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, Hakeem Olajuwon and Elvin Hayes.

now don’t revolve around his low-post game or his foul shooting. After the past two seasons, mild-mannered Dwight has turned into Superpain. Even when he tried to do the right thing during his free-agent courtship and tell the Lakers face-to-face he was moving to Houston, rumors circulated that he was backing away from the Rockets. That’s what happens when you play should-I-stay-or-should-I-go in Orlando, grouse about Mike D’Antoni’s system in Los Angeles and spar with alpha dog Kobe Bryant.

“The last couple years in Orlando and L.A. and losing took away some fun things on the court,” Howard says. “People don’t always remember the good. They think of the bad. I want to get back to having fun.”

He has to get back to being a dominant center every night, too. Granted, Howard averaged 17.1 ppg and 12.4 rpg last year, hardly disastrous, but each figure was lower than what he had done the previous five seasons.

A big part of that was his incomplete recovery and rehab from the surgery he had during the spring of 2012 to repair a herniated disc in his back. Howard was healthy but not at full strength, and his mobility was limited. Then there was the shoulder pain he experienced throughout the 2012-13 season.

If the only problems last year were of a physical nature, Howard would have received a pass. Or at least people wouldn’t have blamed him for some of the Lakers’ woes. But he was not happy in D’Antoni’s system, SCOTT HALLERAN/GETTY IMAGES SPORT; BILL BAPTIST; ISSAC BALDIZON/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Just as important as Howard’s arrival to the Rockets’ success is the continued development between Lin and Harden.

which does not place a premium on low-post play. Though hardly possessing a vast arsenal of moves and counters with his back to the bucket, Howard is more comfortable in the paint than near the foul line (especially after last season’s free-throw woes) or along the baseline.

Howard made it clear he wasn’t comfortable with the coach, and battling with Bryant is never a good idea. As the season unraveled in L.A., Bryant became a sympathetic figure, and Howard was vilified, in large part because of his own behavior. If he shows any dissatisfaction in Houston, he’ll absorb even more flak, since he picked the Rockets.

“It’s the one chance I’ve had in the NBA to choose a team,” he says.

Howard’s arrival means a lot to the Rockets, and the main impact likely won’t be when he has the ball in his hands. Houston was 28th in points allowed last year, 17th in opponents’ field goal percentage and 22nd in rivals’ three-point accuracy. It doesn’t matter if you can score 106 a game if you are letting the other guys pile ’em up, too.

“You’ve got to have a top-10 defense to win the League,” Morey says.

Don’t believe him? Well, Miami was tied for fifth in opponents’ field goal percentage last year and tied for third in 2011-12. The bottom of that category is packed with lottery inhabitants. The Rockets need Howard, who has averaged 2.2 blocks per game during his career16 and led the 059

Houston hopes the continued tutelage of Olajuwon will improve Howard’s low-post play.

League in that category twice, to help them improve dramatically.

“I think he is the best center in the NBA,” Parsons says of the man he helped recruit to Houston. “He is so strong and so big and will help us a lot on defense by altering shots and blocking shots. He’s also an unbelievable rebounder.

“When you throw the ball into him, he’s unselfish. He can pass, and we can cut off of him. He has a jump hook and is working on a face-up game.”

There can be no denying the impact Howard will have on the Rockets’ defense. He is a formidable last line of defense, someone who will let teammates gamble on the perimeter and clean things up if they are beaten. But Howard’s offensive game has been of more interest since his arrival, in part because the Rockets enlisted Olajuwon to work with McHale on diversifying Howard’s repertoire of moves. Both were practically unstoppable when they played, and teaching Howard to be more decisive and effective in the post will open up the Houston long-range game.

Howard says that when he was in Orlando, he was a “facilitator” and his job was to help get other people involved, rather than “do 30 moves a game.” He won’t have that many opportunities with the Rockets, but he will be a more important part of the offense, from the team’s active pickand-roll game to simple low-post activity. That’s where the Hall of Fame teachers came in.

“They want me to use my speed and quickness to get around people and get shots,” Howard says. “Dream [Hakeem Olajuwon] said that a lot. I don’t have to do a million moves. Back when he played, it was a one-on-one game. It’s so different now. They want me to dominate the paint by being quick and efficient. I can’t wait until I am double- and triple-teamed. I am working on my quickness. That’s the biggest thing.

“And I have been shooting a lot of free throws. That’s important for me to take it to the next level in the post.”

In late September, Houston CEO Tad Long predicted the team would sell out all 41 games at Toyota Center, a bold statement, given the Rockets were 18th in attendance last year and 16th in percentage of the building

filled. But there is big excitement around town, and not just because Howard and Parsons have become high school football fans. While McHale and Morey are trying to temper expectations, their voices are lost at times in the rising crescendo that has surrounded the team since Howard joined up. And one look at the team’s new, $7 million locker room inside the arena leads you to believe the Rockets are going big all over.

The facility includes video boards above each player’s locker that are capable of providing messages and statistics specific to the individual, the better to get a point across and provide “instant feedback,” Morey put it in one interview. There are the requisite comfortable lounges, but the workout center is one-of-a-kind and actually includes a hoop and key area that allows players to perform basketball specific drills while lifting or doing cardio work. It’s focused.

But all of the cool stuff and ticket sales won’t mean anything if the team doesn’t win. Excitement sells in the NBA, but success sustains. A firstround flameout would invite plenty of criticism, no matter how young the roster is. (Other than antediluvian reserve center Marcus Camby, who requires carbon dating to determine his age, no other Rocket is older than 28.) When a couple of the League’s best end up in the same starting lineup, big things are expected. Morey is fine with that. “We want high expectations,” he says. “Otherwise, we’re not doing our job.” Parsons, while saying he expects teams to go at the Rockets with fervor, knows some time is needed for the team to coalesce into a true contender.

“It’s good that we’re such a young team,” he says. “We’re growing together and learning together. We’ll develop chemistry off court and that will help us on the court.”

While everyone spoke about Howard and his impact during the offseason, Harden remained somewhat removed from the fray. Aside from some truly forgettable singing in a shoe ad,17 Harden and his 25.9 ppg were quiet. That’s unlikely to continue this season, especially if Howard becomes the interior offensive force he hopes to be. Watching him work the pick-and-roll with the new pivotman should be extremely entertaining for Rockets fans and tortuous for rivals.

060 BILL BAPTIST/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; THOMAS B. SHEA/GETTY IMAGES SPORT

BONUS POINTS 1. Care to guess? The team didn’t even have a borderline All-Star.

2. At the time, Harden was one-quarter of the young and burgeoning Oklahoma City core with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka.

3. Joining teams like Miami (LeBron James and Dwyane Wade) and Oklahoma City (Durant and Westbrook).

4. That would be Kevin McHale, widely regarded as one of the greatest on the low block.

5. Most have the Heat, Thunder, Spurs, Bulls and Pacers as the prohibitive favorites to reach the Finals.

6. The answer to bonus point No. 1.

7. And Parsons knows good advice. After all, he recently doled out some love advice to the readers of Seventeen magazine.

8. At the time of this writing, Howard had over 4.5 million Twitter followers.

9. The modern day fan mail. With the sheer volume of tweets celebrities and athletes get their way, unless they personally know you, 99 percent of the time they go unnoticed.

10. Howard invited his new teammate to the spectacle.

11. In one of the most awkward press situations ever, Howard interrupts head coach Stan Van Gundy’s press conference not knowing that Van Gundy just revealed to the press corps that Howard approached management about getting him fired.

12. Even for a guy who was a career 59 percent free-throw shooter before coming to L.A., Howard’s 49 percent showing at the line last season was bad.

13. Howard was ejected after two technical fouls in the Lakers’ Game 4 loss to the Spurs in the first round sweep.

14. The Lakers had Howard’s “Bird Rights,” meaning they were the only team that could offer him more money and an extra year on the contract.

15. In this case, $87.5 over four years.

16. More important than the ones he actually blocks are the shots he alters with his presence into a miss.

17. For a Foot Locker spot, Harden crooned out R&B as well as he, um, shaves.

18. It took every ounce of reserve to not use “Linsane” here.

19. Without the expectations, 13.4 ppg and 6.1 apg are respectable numbers for any second-year starting point guard, let alone one that was undrafted.

20. The ’80s Rockets team practically invented the whole “Twin Towers” concept with Olajuwon and Ralph Sampson.

Chandler Parsons

“James is the best shooting guard in the NBA,” Parsons says. “He can score from anywhere and is a point guard in a two-guard’s body. He’s unselfish and a great teammate. Last year, during one of his first practices with the team, he was telling everyone to tuck in their jerseys and was taking over in the huddle. We needed that.”

The Rockets needed Parsons last year, too. He boosted his scoring six points a game, to 15.5, and became an extremely effective three-point shooter, making 38.5 percent of his tries. The 6-9 third-year player is the kind of low-budget—he’s a second-round pick from 2011—high-impact player Morey tried to accumulate to create cap space. But instead of being a bench player, Parsons has blossomed into a reliable starter with the ability to become even more productive.

Then there is Jeremy Lin. The point man signed to a three-year deal last summer in the wake of his outrageous18 three-week star turn with the Knicks. Talk about expectations. Some thought Lin was going to be an AllStar. Instead, he had an erratic season and played like a second-year point man, not a worldwide phenomenon.19

“If Jeremy Lin’s first year in the League was last year, he’d be talked about as one of the up-and-coming point guards on a playoff team,” Morey says. “Instead, he got ‘He’s not the superstar he was for three weeks [in New York].’ We encourage people to see him the way we do: a young, improving player.”

All is not perfect in Houston. Omer Asik, the seven-footer who signed a three-year, $25 million deal with the Rockets before last season, demanded a trade after Howard signed. A capable pivot who averaged 10.1 ppg and 11.7 rpg in 30 minutes a game last year, Asik opened training camp playing the good teammate role, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll be compatible with Howard.20 Don’t be surprised if Morey trades Asik for another forward who can start. In fact one NBA executive feels it is an imperative.

“Until or unless they move Omer Asik for a quality point guard or small forward/power forward, Chandler Parsons is the only starter [other than Howard or Harden] capable of starting on any other Western Conference playoff team,” he says.

So, there is still work to be done, but that’s fine with Morey. He has his culture and style.

And talent. What a difference a year makes.

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WINNING IN TODAY’S NBA ISN’T ABOUT ASSEMBLING POWER TRIOS OR EVEN LEADING THE LEAGUE IN OFFENSE OR DEFENSE, IT’S REALLY AS EASY AS…

062

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BY DARRYL HOWERTON #21

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even years ago, in July 2006, former Houston Rocket and current Miami Heat brainiac Shane Battier had a conversation with Rockets general manager1 Daryl Morey and his assistant GM Sam Hinkie, who would go on to become the Philadelphia 76ers GM. It was a conversation that would change Battier’s life, in addition to changing the way basketball would be played around the NBA today.

Morey, Hinkie and the Rockets had just traded away young, scoring prospect Rudy Gay2 for Battier, the Memphis Grizzlies’ consummate team player.

Pundits criticized Houston’s brain trust for giving up Gay, a potential fantasy-basketball star and goto scorer in the NBA. But Morey and Hinkie were working on a new blueprint for a new game within the sport of basketball.

They were looking to build a contender around this 34-48 big-payroll squad they inherited, with max-contract, coming-off-injury3 stars Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady already on board.

The Rockets felt it was more important to get a top role player than it was to bring on yet another shooter to a team that already had plenty of scoring from its All-Stars.4 “When I was traded to Houston,” says Battier, “it really was the frst time someone had explained the analytics to me—what a good shot is, what a bad shot is. When Daryl Morey traded for me, he said, ‘You are our perfect, effcient player because all you do is take threes, layups and you try to get fouled. You never shoot long two-pointers.’”

Morey and Hinkie broke down the numbers,which were similar to today’s analysis of those same statistics: Free throws are converted 75.3 percent of the time, two-point shots at the rim are made 64.7 percent and three-pointers convert to a 53.8 percent rate, when you translate the 35.9 league average for the extra point scored.

“I never really thought about the threes, twos at the rim and free throws before that,” says the Heat’s 35-year-old forward. “That was just sort of the way my game had progressed. You look around the League today and you see it has become a whole new way of thinking about basketball. For me, a numbers guy, a guy who’s very analytical, it made complete sense.”

It was Battier who helped convince James to start tailoring his game to best maximize his offensive potential.

According to Houston GM Daryl Morey, last year’s Rockets team overachieved thanks to their belief in the roster built around offensive effciency.

So Battier would study further. He’d discover that the corner three was even more effcient than the abovethe-break three. So rather than water down his effciency with top-of-thearc threes—his specialty at Duke—he reinvented his game to become the king of the corner three,5 a title he holds today with his 88 corner triples last year.

“Here’s the way they described everything to me in that frst meeting: They said, ‘You have to think about the game of basketball the same way you would think about blackjack. When you sit down at the blackjack table, you play by the book. You play the higherpercentage play that your hand will allow you to play. Well, you translate that thought to the basketball court, on offense, that means you want to take a bunch of threes, a bunch of rim shots and you try to avoid fouling people as much as you can.’”

There you have it.

Winning basketball is as easy as 1, 2, 36 when you look at things that way.

Simple math that still holds true today.

In the 2012-13 season, threes translated to 54 percent when you accounted for the extra point, twos at the rim equate to 65 percent and ones at the line are a 75 percent proposition.

Every other two-point shot around

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the hardwood essentially is, on average, a 40-percent shot—give or take a percentage point or two—whether it be an eight-footer in the lane or a perimeter 18-foot jumper.

It has taken years for a majority of teams to fall in line with the NBA analytics crowd in this philosophy, but a simple observation of the average NBA team’s shot selection over the last fve seasons clearly shows a trend toward squads following the 1, 2, 3 formula more than they did fve years ago (64.1 percent of a team’s attempts are high-percentage shots in 201213; it was 61.0 percent in 2007-08).7 The movement picked up momentum the past three seasons, when you also saw a decline of midrange jump shots in the 16-to-23 foot range, with that amount dropping from 20.3 long twos per team each game in 2010-11 to 19.9 in 2011-12 and 18.5 in 2012-13, according to HoopData.com.

On top of all that, we also are seeing less reliance on individual scorers.

In 2007-08, there were 33 players in the NBA who averaged 20-plus points per game. In 2012-13, there were only nine.8 And what’s even more fascinating is that today’s top scorers signifcantly accrue more assists than the top scorers of fve years ago.9 “Teams that make the playoffs tend to shoot more threes, twos at the rim and ones because those teams in the playoffs have superior ball movement,” says Battier. “The ball really fies around the perimeter. Five different players are getting great shots. That has something to do with individual scoring being down.

“That said, you can’t win without a guy10 who can go get his own shot.

I think the emphasis on getting a clean, open look has received more importance than maybe taking a tough iso, one-on-one contested jumper.”

The meeting of the minds defnitely left its impact, but those three innovators—Morey, Hinkie and Battier—would go on to make their mark with those Houston salary-handcuffed teams, winning 50-something games11 and making the playoffs for three straight seasons, even taking the eventual 2009 NBA champion L.A. Lakers to a seven-game playoff series12 when both Yao and T-Mac were limited with injuries.

In time, Battier would take what he learned in Houston to Miami and help turn a ring-less LeBron James into a two-time champion and an

effciency monster (see sidebar), while also helping head coach Erik Spoelstra’s Heat become a smarter team, climbing up to ffth in the offensive good-shots percentage charts (see other sidebar).

Hinkie would get his very own GM job with the Sixers, but not before he helped Morey construct the best shot-selection team in NBA history, out of an assortment of low-salary youngsters who were drafted to ft the mold of a team that attacks equally afar as up close.

With a blank canvas of expiring contracts for summer ’12, Morey set out to land a superstar player to lead his roster of developing frst-round prospects. When that didn’t work, the Rockets GM did the next best thing and signed penetrate-and-pass point guard Jeremy Lin and defensive wall of a center Omer Asik each to reasonable and fexible three-year, $25 million deals.

When rising star James Harden, who hits the 1, 2, 313 formula as well as anyone in the League, became available14 in a trade, Morey gave the Oklahoma City Thunder an assortment of picks and prospects15 to make the deal happen, while also promising to pay Harden his desired max deal—a luxury Houston could afford since Morey had the cap room to do so.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

One of the fve youngest and lowest-paid teams in the NBA would go on to win 45 games, and was able to overachieve as much because players were taking an unprecedented 79 percent high-percentage shots throughout the 2012-13 season.

No team in NBA history had ever set such a standard for smart offensive play.16 It’s mind-boggling when you go back and look at how much juice they squeezed out of this concoction.

It’s hard to determine which is more impressive: Harden ranking sixth, 17th and second in the 1, 2, 3 categories or seeing the Rockets make 867 three-pointers (which was good for second in the League, 24 behind the Knicks) last season.

These high-effciency feats enabled a team built for only $55 million—$3 million below the League salary cap—to win 45 games last season, the same amount won by the Los Angeles Lakers, who ended up paying $130 million in total payroll.17 Morey modestly chalks up the feat to his players’ success, saying the results “were more personnel driven than anything.”

But truth be told, it was Morey and Hinkie who discovered the lowbudget fnds that were big contributors to Houston’s success last season.

In the Finals, San Antonio did its best to force James into the most ineffcient shot in basketball: the long two. To the Spurs displeasure (and to James’ credit), James made them at a good enough rate.

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Like James, Harden’s game naturally fts into the 1, 2, 3 system.

Second-leading minuteman and standout marksman Chandler Parsons was a pleasant surprise with the 37th pick in the 2011 draft. Key reserves Patrick Beverley and Greg Smith were bargain free agents.

Considering their production, leading salary men Lin and Asik were relative deals at just $8.3 million and Harden was an absolute bargain at just under $6 million.18 All told, last year’s Rockets squad averaged 24.4 years of age. Plenty of upside, especially when you add a centerpiece like an entering-his-

prime 27-year-old Dwight Howard into the fold.

“After what happened in Houston, the Rockets’ mentality is defnitely spreading in this League,” says Roland Beech, a pioneer in his own right as a noted statistical analyst at 82Games.com, who became a Dallas Mavericks assistant coach before moving on to the Mavs front offce.

“I wouldn’t say everyone’s on board with that line of thinking,” says Beech, “but nowadays you’re defnitely seeing the media harp on loweffciency, midrange shots, while saying teams need to shoot more threes and ones.”

Or as longtime head coach19 George Karl says, “We like the three-pointer, but we love the rim.”

Yet it’s even nicer to see Rockets head coach Kevin McHale coach his team up in all three categories to be in the quest to become kings of effciency.

“I tell people the next big thing coming will be when we see NBA head coaches with a more conventional coaching background enter the League, also having a kind of stats savvy,” says Beech. “I think that team is going to

ADVANCED ROCKETRY How good were the Houston Rockets at getting high-percentage attempts last season? Basically, almost four out of every fve shots—or 79.3 percent, to be exact— resulted in a three-point attempt, a two-point shot within fve feet of the rim or free throws. Not only is that an NBA all-time standard for shot selection, it’s also a trendsetter in the NBA’s ever-evolving effciency game. What’s important to note here is that while the 1, 2, 3 system might be a trend in the NBA, it hasn’t always translated to wins.

NET

1. Rockets 2. Lakers 3. Spurs 4. Pacers 5. Nets 6. Knicks 7. Timberwolves 8. Pistons 9. Hawks 10. Clippers 11. Heat 12. Kings 13. Trail Blazers 14. Bulls NBA AVERAGE 15. Thunder 16. Bucks 17. Cavaliers 18. Magic 19. Warriors 20. Raptors 21. Jazz 22. Grizzlies 23. Hornets 24. Suns 25. Celtics 26. Wizards 27. Bobcats 28. 76ers 29. Mavericks 30. Nuggets

.170 .083 .070 .062 .044 .037 .034 .028 .026 .020 .013 .013 .006 .003 .000 -.023 -.026 -.028 -.034 -.036 -.045 -.045 -.049 -.050 -.052 -.054 -.056 -.060 -.063 -.082 -.095

OFFENSE Off Good Shot% .793 .706 .667 .635 .660 .713 .647 .690 .657 .667 .669 .665 .659 .596 .641 .641 .643 .621 .599 .586 .609 .606 .581 .641 .585 .599 .571 .631 .572 .576 .571

% 3P Att .308 .263 .237 .217 .238 .318 .211 .193 .258 .236 .252 .218 .252 .170 .218 .213 .210 .205 .205 .215 .222 .184 .149 .202 .191 .193 .200 .185 .192 .213 .191

% 2P Att 0-5 Ft .366 .311 .328 .303 .306 .293 .303 .387 .302 .320 .301 .341 .296 .324 .317 .299 .338 .312 .315 .271 .279 .312 .329 .341 .301 .303 .267 .326 .299 .266 .260

% FTs .119 .132 .102 .114 .116 .102 .098 .110 .097 .112 .116 .106 .111 .102 .106 .129 .094 .104 .080 .101 .108 .110 .103 .098 .093 .104 .103 .120 .081 .096 .119

DEFENSE Def Good Shot% .623 .623 .597 .573 .616 .676 .613 .662 .631 .647 .656 .652 .653 .593 .641 .664 .667 .649 .633 .622 .654 .651 .630 .691 .637 .653 .627 .691 .635 .658 .666

% 3P Att .231 .218 .192 .181 .194 .250 .211 .225 .217 .232 .241 .229 .203 .178 .218 .231 .196 .221 .225 .243 .203 .204 .210 .234 .193 .215 .223 .245 .212 .229 .242

% 2P Att 0-5 Ft .292 .316 .312 .289 .327 .315 .303 .329 .319 .297 .312 .310 .352 .306 .317 .330 .367 .310 .303 .269 .324 .331 .311 .349 .337 .324 .294 .342 .318 .312 .321

% FTs .100 .089 .094 .103 .095 .112 .098 .108 .094 .119 .103 .113 .098 .109 .106 .102 .104 .118 .104 .110 .127 .116 .109 .108 .108 .114 .109 .104 .104 .117 .104

NBA categorical leaders denoted with boldface numbers Source: Stats.NBA.com 066

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Long a proponent of 1, 2, 3, the Spurs’ have utilized their core of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili to the system with great results.

be really well positioned. You can see it happening already in Boston.”

Beech would be referring to Celtics new coach Brad Stevens, whose love for analytics was quite known when he was coaching at overachieving Butler University, whether it be the stories of his consultations with analyst Ken Pomeroy, of KenPom.com fame, to Stevens actually hiring a college-aged stats wiz Drew Cannon to his staff at Butler … and then hiring him in Boston when he got the Celtics job.

“The love for advanced statistics that you’re talking about, it’s in my wiring,” says Stevens. “I like to fgure

out puzzles and those types of things. But I think the biggest misperception here is that I’m starting some trend.

“It’s been going on like this for years and years and years in the NBA. All coaches have always used statistics, some more than others. It’s more for me about what’s important to our team, how do we fgure out our strengths, how do we use the numbers to fgure out how we can be the best we can be. And then from there, fgure out if we’ve going to fgure out our opponents.”

Teams like the Pacers, Bulls and Spurs have taken that defensive mindset to heart. And for the past few seasons, those teams specifcally have succeeded on the defensive end by taking away the threes, twos at the rim and ones as well as anyone, actually ranking frst, second and third in 2012-13 in keeping teams from good-shot percentage selection as the only squads holding foes under 60.0 percent last season.

“I always knew it was important,” says Pacers center Roy Hibbert, “but during my summer workouts with Tim Duncan, he made me realize how important it was for me to take away the baskets at the rim without putting

FORGET MVP, LEBRON IS THE MEP When you chop down a tree, you can see the aging through the rings.

The same is true for LeBron James. When you break down his rings, you can see the maturity to his game.

The effciency as he ages.

In the summer of 2011, LeBron worked on his low-post game with Hall-of-Famer center Hakeem Olajuwon and came back with a left-block arsenal that led to his new position, power forward, in addition to posting his highest feld-goal percentage in the NBA yet (.531).

Not to mention his frst NBA championship ring at age 27.

The following summer, LeBron—recognizing the true meaning of effciency—worked harder than ever on his three-point attack, with that work paying off with a personal-best .406 three-point shooting percentage, which contributed to a personal-best .640 true shooting percentage.

Not to mention his second NBA championship ring at age 28.

This past summer, LeBron toiled through the heat once again, this time on his most ineffcient shot, the long two. LeBron did so even though he was already pretty good in that 16-to-23 foot range when compared with his peers, ranking among the 15 best, with a long twos percentage of .460.

Still, because it was his most ineffcient shot, it was a challenge the four-time MVP wanted to master.

LeBron turns 29 in December and goes for his third ring in June 2014.

Most Valuable Player? Debatable.

Most Effcient Player? Absolutely.

“For me, it’s all about effciency, so each summer I work on the part of my game that can make me my most effcient,” says James.

To see LeBron’s summer schedule is to see the infuence of 35-year-old Battier on his younger teammate.

“When I joined the Heat [in 2011-12], I didn’t want to inundate LeBron with the numbers, and say, ‘Look at this! Look at this!’ Instead, we’d look over a scouting report, and I’d say, ‘Hey, now I’ve had success starting Player X by making him shoot over his right shoulder as opposed to his left shoulder.’

Then, I would sort of give him the math behind it.

“You could see him sort of shake his head, and say, ‘OK. OK.’ Honestly, he was skeptical at frst because who am I to tell LeBron James how to play basketball.”

“In time though, I think he was able to incorporate some of the analytics into his game.

“He’s obviously one of the most effcient players in the League, especially with his improved twopoint shooting. So after a little bit of time, it wasn’t a tough sell for LeBron at all. He’s actually very cerebral and understands the edge he gains by the numbers. And the proof is in the pudding when you see the results.”

There’s no such thing as perfect in basketball, but with James, it’s about as perfect as it gets.—#21

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the other team on the line.”

“It really does go both ways,” says Bulls point guard Derrick Rose.20 “Me attacking frst on offense opens up everyone else on the court. When we play bad, it’s mostly because I was on the perimeter passing the ball, settling for jump shots. We do well when I push the ball and try to get to the line or fnd open shooters once I’ve already attacked. So on defense, if me and my team can take that away from the other team, that’s when we’re able to play a complete game.”

While the 1, 2, 3 formula isn’t as guarded as, say, the recipe to Coca Cola or the Colonel’s 11 herbs and spices, it’s not exactly foolproof either. Some teams have struggled The 1, 2, 3 is not without fail. A supreme midto deep-range shooter like Dirk Nowitzki can to come up with an fummox a defense that is geared to stopping offenses from attacking the basket and offense that can best getting open looks from three. And sometimes get them the threes, great players like James can overcome even the best strategy. twos and ones while others have problems building a roster suited for the gameplan.

Like everything in sports, there’s always a counterattack to even the best laid out plans.

Says Beech: “I think [the trend] will continue to grow. Teams will shoot more threes and at least work to get more paint shots and threes over the midrange shots. But eventually, you’ll need to make the contrarian play and use the really, really good mid-range guy. We have a couple of them. Dirk’s a phenomenal midrange shooter (he connects on 50 percent of his 16-to-23feet long-range twos) and Calderon’s a great midrange shooter (47 percent on long twos). These are guys who can take advantage of open looks if the mentality switches too far, where you’re getting midrange shots all day.

There are guys who can beat you with that.”

Look no further than the world champs. The Heat rose to ffth in the League in offensive good-shot percentage (66.9), but they ranked frst in overall offensive effciency because they had two of the top 15 midrange shooters in king of the long twos Chris Bosh (53 percent on 16-to-23 footers) and LeBron James (46 percent).21 Consequently, a long two in Miami is not as unfavorable as a long two on other teams.

That said, the Spurs still almost won themselves another championship by forcing LeBron to take long two after long two in that classic Miami-San Antonio Finals seven-game series.22 The Spurs defensive scheme says a lot about the 1, 2, 3 system. They weren’t trying to stop a LeBron, Wade or Bosh. They were just trying to make Miami less effcient.

“I’m surprised more people don’t play defense like the Spurs, especially against elite rim attackers,” says Battier. “It’s so hard to overcome the numbers, winning a game shooting long twos. That’s just math. When you think about an elite two-point jump-shooter like Chris Bosh, he’s a 50 percent shooter. So every two-point shot he takes, he averages 1.0

BONUS POINTS 1. Actually, Carroll Dawson was still had the GM title for the 2006-07 season and was grooming Morey to take over for him after the season.

2. Gay was the No. 8 pick by Houston and along with Stromile Swift was traded to Memphis for Battier.

3. The two combined to miss 60 games in 2005-06.

4. The duo had averaged 46.7 points per game.

5. Battier made a league-leading 88-of-191 corner threes for an insane .461 percentage that translates to a .691 effective shooting percentage.

6. To reiterate, it’s 1 (free throws), 2 (two-pointers at the rim) and 3 (three-pointers).

7. Because we wanted to just analyze shot selection, we did not account for turnovers in the shot-selection statistics. Also, free throws were adjusted at the 0.44 rate used by noted statistician John Hollinger, to account for extra free throws shot on technical fouls, along with and-one situations.

8. In order to qualify for scoring-leader status, an NBA player must play in 70 games or score 1400 points.

If you want to see the decline of 20-plus scorers under these terms, look no further than the year-by-year account: 33 in 2007-08; 23 in 2008-09; 20 in 2009-10; 19 in 2008-09; 13 in 2011-12.

9. For even more fun, we looked at the top 33 scorers from both the 2007-08 and 2012-13 seasons under this criteria and discovered that the scorers of today like to pass more: 16 of today’s 33 top scorers averaged 5-plus assists per game; only 10 of the 33 in 2007-08 averaged 5-plus assists.

10. For Battier, we know who his guy is: LeBron James.

11. During Battier’s fve seasons in Houston, the Rockets averaged 49 wins.

12. They were without McGrady for the series and only had Yao for three games.

13. Interestingly, Harden abstains from the corner threes. Last year he only took 18 from the corners (likely because he’s usually the primary ballhandler), but he did make 40 percent of threes from the right elbow, his favorite deep spot.

14. Not because OKC didn’t want him. Since the Thunder were pretty capped-out, they had no choice but to trade Harden.

15. Along with Cole Aldrich, Daequan Cook and Lazar Hayward, Harden was swapped for Jeremy Lamb, Kevin Martin, a frst-round pick that turned into Steven Adams and a future frst and second round pick.

16. It’s basketball’s version of Moneyball, which preached on-base percentage as a means to maximize scoring opportunities.

17. This takes into account the $30 million in luxury taxes for being over the cap.

18. Beginning this season, Harden’s rate goes up substantially at $13.7 million.

19. Karl has coached 1,887 NBA games, winning 1,131 of them.

20. In his MVP season, Rose led the Bulls to 62 wins. Playing just 39 total games over the past two season due to injuries, the Bulls have won just 47.5 games.

21. Takeaway: If you’re going to take ineffcient shots, you should at least have guys that are good at them.

22. Had James not buried them at a good rate, San Antonio could’ve possibly raised a ffth banner.

23. That Battier quote succinctly sums it up.

point per position. You think about some of the worst free throw shooters, they could shoot 50 percent at the line and they also average 1.0 point per position.

“So when you think about it like that, the most elite jump-shooter in the NBA Boston’s Brad Stevens represents the kind of new-age thinking head coach that heavily incorporates advanced has the same effciency as stats into his gameplan. one of the worst free-throw shooters in the League.

They’re different shots obviously and in a different context. But it’s just hard to overcome a defense that forces you to try to win shooting twopoint jumpers. I’m surprised more teams don’t play elite rim attackers like the Spurs.”23 They will.

In time.

When elite teams like the Heat and Spurs use the numbers to get that championship edge, the other teams notice.

But when teams like the Rockets use Moneyball tactics to show lowsalaried teams can also overachieve at such a high level … well, that’s when everybody notices.

And it certainly is no coincidence that the perennial All-Star Howard noticed too this summer, inking a four-year max deal with the Rockets, after he saw their 21st century game displayed in so many new and innovative ways.

One can only imagine what the conversation was like this time when Morey recruited his newest Rocket.

068 GLENN JAMES; JOE MURPHY; BRIAN BABINEAU/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

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Š 2013 NBA Entertainment. Photo by Scott Cunningham, Jesse D. Garrabrant, Andrew D. Bernstein. NBAE/Getty Images. All Rights Reserved.

ENTER THE

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M BERS

BY J ERA MIE McP EEK

#4

Mostly a forgotten man outside of Phoenix, it’s time to shed some sun on Tom Chambers.

W

hen Tom Chambers stepped through the black velvet curtains at Scottsdale Fashion Square on August 15, it was like he had just stepped out of Doc Brown’s DeLorean,1 time traveling from the 1993 Finals to the present.

Yes, he may have sprouted a little gray on the sides of his head, and may have picked up a few pounds in the 20 years since he was last seen wearing the sunburst across his chest, but the 6-10 NBA alum looked like he was ready to race up and down the runway once again on this summer night.

Chambers was one of several Phoenix favorites2 who modeled the different uniforms the Suns wore in their first 45 seasons, before the current crop of players such as Eric Bledsoe and Alex Len unveiled the team’s new threads during a public fashion show. While each retiree wore a piece of Suns history, none wore as big a smile as TC.

BRIAN DRAKE/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

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“I’m just glad I didn’t have to wear those short shorts,” jokes the now 54-year-old of the public event that drew hundreds of fans, who crowded around the runway and leaned over a balcony on the second floor of the upscale mall.3 Two decades removed from his playing days in the “Valley of the Sun,” Chambers still commands the respect and admiration of Phoenix fans, as one of the franchise’s most important contributors. And although his name may not be mentioned often in discussions of the game’s all-time greats, he does hold a significant place in NBA history, as well.

But before we give you the Trivial Pursuit question to which he is the answer, we need to start at the beginning. It was in June of 1981 that the athletic big man with the flowing, dusty blonde locks entered the Association as the No. 8 overall pick by the previously-San Diego Clippers.

A center at the University of Utah, Chambers transitioned to power forward in the pros and paced the Clips with an impressive 17.2 points a game his rookie run, while shooting 53 percent from the floor.

His stay in Southern California was short, but helped mold him into the hardnosed player he would become. It was his coach, Paul Silas, who persuaded Chambers to adjust to the more physical play of the NBA. “I came into the League at a time when the power forward was an enforcer type of position,” he recalls, noting that he was too nice as a rookie. “But [Silas] pulled me aside and basically said, ‘If somebody ever

pushes or hits you again, I’m going to suspend you.’ Well, I didn’t want my money taken away from me, so I had to stand up for myself.

“Obviously, there were times where people were like, ‘Boy, he’s got a chip on his shoulder. What a jerk.’ But it really helped me solidify myself in the League, because people were not going to take advantage of me.”

Chambers continued to develop his feisty personality in Seattle, which acquired him in a multiplayer trade in 1983. There he played five years, averaging more than 20 points and six-plus boards a night. His best season and his best game in the Seattle Coliseum, though, came in ‘86-87, when he made a surprising—make that shocking—All-Star debut.

He wasn’t voted to the team by fans or coaches. No, Chambers was handpicked by L.A. Lakers head coach Pat Riley, the coach of the Western Conference squad, after starting center Ralph Sampson was injured. But he wasn’t just chosen to fill a roster spot; he was handed Sampson’s starting position in the 1987 NBA All-Star Game.

“You talk about big huevos,” Chambers laughs. “I mean, he put me ahead of a bunch of guys who had been All-Stars for a lot of years... He felt like he wanted to get the home crowd on his side.”

He admits to being a “nervous wreck” to start the game, missing his first three shots, but the Sonics’ lone All-Star settled down soon enough and began to enjoy his moment. The hometown fans enjoyed the show, too, chanting his name as he shot out the lights like RoboCop.4

Chambers, as seen on the Sports Illustrated cover from 1988.

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BRIAN DRAKE (2)/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Chambers scored 34 points on the night, 10 of those coming in the fourth quarter, as the West charged back from a deficit to force OT. When all was said and done, Riley’s roster, which featured his vaunted Lakers trio Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, had claimed a 154149 victory over the East.5 But it was his unexpected, last-minute pick-up that picked up the All-Star MVP crystal, and held it high above his head, looking like the Space Needle.

“It was like a Cinderella story,” Chambers says, “You’re not supposed to even be there, but you have an opportunity to win the game and put up numbers that were pretty staggering.”

The performance caught the attention of basketball fans and media alike. The rugged cowboy was even profiled in Sports Illustrated6 a short time later wearing a white, 10-gallon hat with his Sonics warm-up suit.

It would be one of his last photo shoots in green and yellow.

Chambers’ contract was up at the conclusion of the 1987-88 season, which conveniently coincided with a change in the League’s rules.

A change introduced by NBA Commissioner David Stern that would completely rewrite the blueprint for building an NBA franchise.

“The commissioner told us at an owners meeting that unrestricted free-agency was going to be a part of our future,” recalls USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo, who at that time was the proud new owner of the Phoenix Suns. “I immediately looked at Barry Ackerly, the Sonics’

ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN (2)/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

owner, and thought to myself, ‘You’re going to lose Tom Chambers.’”

Sure enough, the Suns reached out to Tom’s agent at 12:01 p.m. on July 1, 1988, the first moment the first free-agent market opened its doors, and a meeting was set for the following morning. Colangelo was accompanied

by Suns head coach Cotton Fitzsimmons and assistant coach Paul Westphal, who were in search of a scorer to pair up with the new point guard that they had landed via a blockbuster trade7 with Cleveland only months earlier.

“We kind of teed everything up on the night that free agency went into effect and the next morning, I literally made him an offer he couldn’t refuse,” says Colangelo matter of factly.

And he didn’t.

Chambers quickly chose8 to accept the Suns’ paycheck, which was twice what the Sonics had offered to re-sign him, officially becoming the NBA’s first-ever unrestricted free-agent.9 Although he brought with him a reputation as being surly and even selfish, according to some, TC was a welcome addition in the locker room at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum. A year removed from a drug scandal that nearly destroyed the franchise, the Suns were starting to rebuild trust with their fan base, by way of new ownership, a new coaching staff and a whole new roster.

Chambers was viewed as the perfect piece for a young team that had a

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JUMPIN’ JACKSON

Tom Chambers had a lot of memorable moments over his 16 years in the NBA, but only one that was immortalized as a bronze sculpture, a two-foot-tall bronze statue as a gift from the Suns during his Ring-of-Honor induction ceremony. The Phoenix Suns’ legend is still asked about it today, nearly 25 years since his dunk on Mark Jackson.

“It’s kind of funny,” he says, “I think people think that was the only dunk I made in my career.”

No, Chambers made plenty of impressive dunks in his day, but none quite like this one.

It was a late January 1989, game in Phoenix vs. the Knicks. The game was tight, but not as tight as Suns guard Kevin Johnson’s defense, as Jackson crossed center court. Looking for help, the Knicks’ playmaker made a cross-court pass to Charles Oakley, but was picked off by Chambers, who immediately took off running and passed ahead to KJ on a two-on-one break. Johnson passed straight back to TC at the free-throw line, while Jackson back-pedaled and braced himself.

“It was like a perfect storm,” says former Suns swingman Eddie Johnson. “He took off and his knee just got to Mark’s shoulder, and he was able to propel himself even higher. It was almost like watching a fourth quarter display from the Suns Gorilla, only he’s jumping off a trampoline.”

Chambers says he enjoys when fans ask him about the dunk, but sympathizes for Jackson, now the Warriors’ head coach.

“He always puts his arms up with the ol’ cross when he sees me,” the Suns’ alum says. “Think about the razzing that guy must get every time he sees it.”

We weren’t about to ask Jackson about it ourselves. But we did find a YouTube clip from a SunsNets game in 2011, when Jackson was a member of the Yes! Network, which showed the classic dunk during a timeout.

“I remember it,” he said with a small smile. “In life, sometimes you’re the pigeon and sometimes you’re the statue.”—#4

lightning quick playmaker in Kevin Johnson at the point, shooters in Jeff Hornacek and Eddie Johnson on the perimeter, and talented role players like Dan Majerle at the three and Mark West in the middle.

“He was that guy that we needed, the go-to guy,” says West, now an assistant coach with the Suns. “Every team needs a guy who you know you can give the ball to and he is going to get you a bucket. That was Tom.” In his introductory season in the desert, Chambers got a lot of buckets, adding up to 25.7 points a game in 1988-89, while the Suns’ led the League in scoring10 at 118.6 points per. If KJ was the conductor, then TC was the steam engine that powered the Suns to 55 wins, an improvement of 27 over the previous season.

“They didn’t call him Tommy Gun for nothing,” smiles Hornacek, now in his first year as the Suns’ head coach.11 “But that was great. When we were fastbreaking, you could run a shooter on one side and him on the other, give him the ball outside the free-throw line and he would take one dribble and dunk it. He was phenomenal at that.”

If you don’t believe that a country boy and avid elk hunter can dunk, you might want to take a timeout and go YouTube Tom Chambers. It’s okay, we’ll wait for you.

Not only will you enjoy his appearance on the Arsenio Hall Show—check out his carefully combed mullet—but you will be amazed by all of the oldschool highlight reels of his high-flying jams. Sorry, Wesley Snipes, but this white man could jump. Just ask Mark Jackson.

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But the lanky and agile forward wasn’t just a dunker. Chambers could also shoot the midrange jumper or the three-pointer like a guard. He was unstoppable when paired with KJ in the pick-and-roll. And he could outrace just about any forward in the League in his Nike low tops.

“He was a runner,” says Eddie Johnson, now an analyst on the Suns’ TV broadcasts. “I mean, he could run all day. He would run the floor and he had great range when he ran, meaning his tempo was so good, he would always get himself in a position to score.”

Yes, Chambers scored a lot during his three consecutive All-Star seasons with the Suns.12 He averaged a new career-high 27.2 points per game in 1989-90, ranking fourth overall in the NBA behind Michael Jordan, Karl Malone and Patrick Ewing. But he never scored like he did on the night of March 24, 1990.

Only a month after dropping 56 points at Golden State, Chambers raised the bar in a game against Seattle. Coincidentally, there was some doubt over whether or not he would even suit up, as he was a “game-time decision” with a strained hamstring.

“It was against my former team and [coach] Bernie Bickerstaff, who I had had a couple of, I guess you would say, disagreements with,” Tom says, setting the stage. “I remember going by him after I had hit like 7-of-8, and he said, ‘I thought you weren’t going to play,’ and I said, ‘I wouldn’t have missed this for the world.’”

He didn’t miss much, knocking down 22 of 32 shots from all over the gym13 before hanging 60 on the scoreboard at the “Madhouse on McDowell,” which earned its moniker that night.

NBA PHOTOS/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; PHOENIX SUNS

BONUS POINTS 1. Tell us Chambers shouldn’t have been cast as a cowboy in Back to the Future III. 2. Fellow Ring-of-Honor members Dick Van Arsdale, Alvan Adams and Walter Davis joined Chambers in the fashion show.

3. Believe it or not, our editor-at-large and author of this particular profile worked at a long-since-closed Suns Team Shop at Scottsdale Fashion Square in the early ‘90s.

4. We really wanted to work in ’80s references to Milli Vanilli and Alf somewhere, too, but thought it might seem forced.

5. Moses Malone scored 28 for the Eastern Conference lineup, which included Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Dr. J, Dominique Wilkens, Isiah Thomas and Charles Barkley to name just a few.

6. The headline of the SI piece was “Yes, Tom Can Smile!”

7. In the spring of 1988, the Suns traded their lone star in Larry Nance to the Cavaliers for Kevin Johnson, Mark West, Tyrone Corbin and a draft pick, which was used to select Dan Majerle.

8. Chambers had another meeting with the Jazz scheduled on the first day of free-agency, but canceled upon receiving the Suns’ offer.

9. Tuck that fact away and it could earn you an orange pie piece for the Sports & Leisure category.

10. On 11/10/90, the Suns scored 173 points in a regulation (no overtime) game to defeat Denver.

11. From the Suns’ 1988-89 roster, Hornacek, Corbin, West, Gattison and Majerle all went into coaching, Chambers, EJ and Steve Kerr all went into broadcasting and KJ became the mayor of Sacramento.

12. The Suns faced the Jazz in a pair of regular-season games in Tokyo, Japan, to tip-off the 1990-91 NBA season.

13. Okay, “all over the gym” isn’t completely accurate. Chambers didn’t shoot a single three-pointer in the game and still scored 60. Think about that!

14. Just to give you an idea how large the spotlight was, Barkley beat out Michael Jordan for the MVP that season.

15. Chambers played 73 games off the bench, chipping in 12.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

16. He played just 10 minutes with Philly, taking two shots, but Chambers made the most of it, scoring 6 points as he was fouled on both makes, adding in 2 free throws.

Chambers is now the studio host for Suns TV.

The single-game mark still sits atop the Suns’ record book today, but Chambers’ biggest impact was felt in the standings and in the postseason.

After missing the playoffs for three straight years before his arrival, Phoenix made five consecutive trips during his time in the desert, reaching the Conference Finals three times the Finals once.

That 1992-93 season was his last in purple and orange, but it was one he will never forget. The Suns opened a new, state-of-the-art arena, which many referred to as the “House that Tom Built,” Fitzsimmons passed the coaching baton to Westphal and Phoenix acquired the always entertaining Charles Barkley, in an effort to get over the hump.

The addition of Sir Charles and his larger-than-life personality took the spotlight14 off of Chambers, but the veteran embraced his new sixth man role,15 giving the team a valuable lift off the bench. He returned to the starting lineup for one game, contributing 17 points in Game 7 of the West Finals to disappoint his old Sonics team once again.

Chambers never got a chance to see an NBA Championship banner hung in the rafters, as the Suns fell to the Chicago Bulls in a memorable six-game series. He would sign with Utah the following year and spend time in Charlotte, Philly16 and even Israel before retiring with more than 20,000 career points, 6,700 rebounds and 2,200 assists. But he would see a banner with his name and #24 unveiled high above the court at US Airways Center, when the Suns made him the first player inducted into their Ring of Honor in ‘99.

Nowadays, when he’s not out riding horses, bow hunting in the mountains of Utah, or spending time with his children and their children, the affable alum serves as a studio analyst for the team’s pregame and postgame shows. He enjoys watching the new generation of run-andgun Suns, whose new-look jerseys have nine sunrays on the front, each representing one of the players in the Ring.

“It makes you proud,” he says. “Now that I’m old and gray, and have been out of the League longer than I was in the League, it is awesome to be able to see that and remember. My years in Phoenix were obviously the pinnacle of my career and why I chose to make it my home.”

NATHANIEL S. BUTLER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; PHOENIX SUNS

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CHECKIT 78 SPIN MOVES 80 GAME ON 82 GEAR 90 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

GET WHAT YOU GIVE

Peep our annual look at what to give to the favorite people in your life. And if you happen to dig some of our choices, pass them a copy of the issue with the item you want flagged on the page as a not-too-subtle holiday reminder. You’re welcome.

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AS TOLD TO VINCENT GOODWILL #5

Andre Drummond

The burgeoning big man from Motown is just 20 but you can’t tell that from his entertainment choices (OK, maybe the go-karting gives it away).

Mature beyond his young age, Drummond organized workouts for the incoming Pistons rookies this past summer, and in a classy move, relinquished his #1 jersey number to Pistons legend Chauncey Billups when he returned to the franchise in July. When Drummond is not working his tail off to become one of the best bigs in the game, he can be found partaking in the following.

Music

Bob Marley more than anything. That’s my heritage. I’m Jamaican. I get my uncle to send me his stuff all the time. Can never get enough of him. I love a lot of Drake’s old stuff, too.

Apps

It’s just been the basics, Fun Run. I’ve downloaded it today, actually. You can play it with all your friends from anywhere.

Hobbies

Go-Kart racing. It was a spur of the moment thing, literally. I was like, “Let’s go go-kart racing” and I liked it. It’s highspeed, goes 45 miles per hour. They have a lot of bachelor parties there. Your driving skills can’t be terrible. Keep a hold of your phone; if it flies out, your phone is done.

TV

Definitely has to be Family Guy. Absolutely. It’s my favorite show, I’m a fan of everybody, I don’t have a favorite character on the show, just a great show to watch. I watch CSI with my mom. You gotta diversify, come on.

Videogames

Movies

I saw Insidious: Chapter 2, it was a weird movie. I didn’t see the first one so I didn’t understand this one. I saw Riddick with Vin Diesel. I saw The Butler. It was a really good movie. And Kick-Ass 2, it was a weird plot this time.

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I got NBA 2K14. I got it this morning. It was sent to me today.

I had to buy a PS3 today because the 2K people sent me the wrong game. I’m definitely getting the PS4 when it drops, that’s a must.

Haven’t played as myself yet but I will. I’ve played a lot of Grand Theft Auto, too, and Call of Duty.

ILLUSTRATION: MATT CANDELA

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NBA LIVE 14 EA Sports

EA’s basketball series can be best compared to the Boston Celtics. What once started as a dynasty throughout the 16- and 32-bit era progressively phased into an aging franchise that experienced one championship run in Live 2005 and progressively failed to compete with the competition. Then the publisher placed the series on the injury reserve list after its revamped attempt, NBA Elite, pulled a Greg Oden due to “concerns about gameplay polish.” Four years away from the court, EA’s decided to revive the basketball game, only this time saving its latest entry for next-gen platforms.

Since being announced back at E3 2013, the publisher’s been secretive over everything. In fact, it’s only granted a select number of publications some hands-on time, which some claimed was a demo of cover athlete Kyrie Irving showcasing the new bounceTek dribbling physics system, which is spearheaded by EA’s next-gen-operated Ignite Engine, on an empty court.

If that was anything like the gameplay footage trailer EA released weeks back, then dribbling looks to be in good hands with Irving displaying more fuid ball-handling skills such as smoother crossovers and transition moves like behind-the-back passes. Holding L1/LT triggers a modifer to perform signature stunts. Though dribbling looks to be similarly complex like 2K’s control scheme, as the left analog manages feet movement and the right controls hands. While showing minor signs of shaky animations in action, the system’s true potential can only be rated by how well the AI reacts to opposing defenders.

Judging from what we’ve seen, the fuency from dribbling to shooting is another area where developer Tiburon performed tweaks on, allowing players to perform breaking maneuvers and take fast shots in fawless fashion, DRose style. Speaking of stars, EA also brought in more than 50 players to replicate their trademark playing styles for a new feature called True Player Motion, adding to the game’s realistic on-court feel. Major Gatorade points. Facial animations look strikingly authentic and give EA the advantage on the PS4 and Xbox One, especially since 2K is concealing visuals for its next-gen offerings. And in an effort to keep the game fresh with the latest stats, data specialists Synergy Sports were brought in to provide updates that download instantly an hour after an NBA game ends. On paper, Live 14 clearly rejuvenates the franchise and provides for a compelling next-gen basketball experience, but EA needs to show more before walking away with the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

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BY ALEX BRACETTI #44

NBA 2K14 2K Sports

Based on critical acclaim and numerous “Sports Game of the Year” awards, the best sports gaming franchise of the past decade remains NBA 2K. Amazing presentation, remarkable gameplay, and endorsement deals with legends like Michael Jordan serve as testaments to 2K Sports’ tenacious commitment for creating the most realistic basketball games ever. NBA 2K14 is certainly no exception with the company bringing in the world’s greatest baller, LeBron James, to serve as this year’s cover athlete. And like the four-time MVP and two-time NBA Champion, the newest entry is poised to build on the 2K legacy by refning the gaming experience with advanced controls, exclusive career modes, and some enticing extras.

One of the biggest additions to this year’s game and biggest selling point comes in the new “Path to Greatness” mode, which grants players the luxury to decide Lebron’s future path and play through different scenarios all the way to the 2020 season. Some career routes seem far-fetched, such as the King leaving the Heat for the NY Knicks to play alongside Dwight Howard and Chris Paul, but others, including Lebron rejoining the Cavs to take on an L.A. Lakers team consisting of Kobe Bryant, Kevin Love, and Carmelo Anthony, serve as NBA fantasy fodder.

Popular modes like The Association, MyPlayer, and MyTeam return from last year, unchanged, yet still addictive. Classic teams are brought back as well, and though no new ensembles are introduced, 2K integrated Euroleague teams into the game, giving you the option to play with or against the top talent abroad.

Developer Visual Concepts enhanced the game engine to focus more on player interaction, introducing over 2,500 animations and several new signature skills. The new dribbling and shooting system is more polished this time around, so pulling off what 2K calls “Flashy Passes” such as no-looks and behind-the-back dishes is noticeably smoother in execution. Blocking’s also been improved, allowing you to swat dunks for the frst time. Player motion is optimized on the offense and defense side of the ball, therefore performing explosive cuts to the basket feels seamless. There’s even a fopping command that sends a player falling to the ground and adds to the realism of the game. Granted you’ll hear LeBron imply “basketball isn’t easy” every time the game loads, 2K Sports makes it look so with NBA 2K14. Consider it another winning season for 2K.

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CHECK IT

Nike

GEAR

LeBron 11 Weight: 14.5 oz.

Price: $200

Depending on your style of play you can take the laces out a row for more flexibility when you are tearing around the wing to beat your man to the bucket or keep them all the way up so you don’t roll an ankle.

The upper meshes Hyperfuse, Flywire, and Foamposite, and just like other parts of the shoe, the blend keeps the foot consistently secure and breathable so you don’t have to compromise comfort for safety.

Just like the Xs, the 11 features lace loops that are part of the internal Flywire system that help keep the foot tightened and secure.

Nike abandoned the full-length visible Zoom Air, getting the shoe even lower to the ground with a mix of Lunarlon and Zoom.

To compensate in cushioning, Nike increased thickness of the insole.

OUR TAKE: Much like the modern soldier’s gear, the shoe that LeBron is equipped with on the court is getting stronger, but at the same time, lighter. The 11 (Nike, please settle on either roman- or alpha-numerals on the naming scheme. End of digression.) still protects like a tank, but with all the fat trimmed so he can stay safe but still move without carrying too much weight. Three ounces were shed from the X, making them cruiserweight on the weigh-in but still ready for the heavyweight bout. The shoe jettisoned weight thanks to Nike’s Hyperposite technology, a fusion of Hyperfuse and Foamposite. It’s more lightweight than LeBron’s previous attempt of using Foamposite with the IVs (for those who remember, the IVs felt like wearing cement shoes) and the material and construction make flexibility a key feature with the 11, allowing guards to slash without feeling too restricted, but offering enough lockdown security for the foot that big men can wear them to pound in the paint, making it a perfect shoe for LeBron.

At the same time cushioning wasn’t compromised with the loss of the full-length Zoom Air, making the shoe lower to the ground.

In its place Lunarlon and Zoom—in the form of a thick Lunarlon insole (you really have to pull it out to see for yourself) with Zoom sandwiched between it and the outsole—handled landings without a hitch.

Traction was always an iffy thing with the storytelling sole of LeBrons, but Nike made sure the 11 gripped the court. A overlapping hexagonal pattern is utilized, but small cleats of rubber were added inside the hexagons to increase surface area, resulting in a very secure plant during stops and spins.

Aesthetically, Team Swoosh went big and no one is going to be disappointed with the 11. Like the X, expect Nike to roll out an array of 11s, given the shoe’s potential, especially the Chroma (basically an iridescent metallic effect) option that will find its way on certain models and on NIKEiD. The $200 sticker price (a jump from $180 on the stock X) might raise a few eyebrows, but keep in mind it’s a signature product and Nike basically threw everything from its Innovation Kitchen into the 11. If you’re the type that expects and needs it all from your basketball shoe, then the LeBron 11 is the only choice for you. —Brandon Edler #36 082

Jordan Brand CP3.VII

Treated leather upper for a more traditional feel with the benefits of durability of a synthetic.

Weight: 12.25 oz.

Price: $125

Sandwich mesh inner sleeve is integrated with the tongue to increase ventilation and reduce foot movement.

Dynamic Flywire offers a close fit that adapts and conforms to the foot.

Perforations on the upper provide ample ventilation.

TPU midfoot shank plate provides stability during change of directions.

Injected Phylon midsole for lightweight cushioning.

A hexagonal Zoom unit on the ball of the foot for highpressure cushioning and responsive pivots.

Multidirectional traction comprised mostly of herringbone on the outsole.

Four pillars of Podulite, pods of cushioning that protrude from the outsole, offer responsive cushioning on the forefoot.

OUR TAKE: As Chris Paul’s signature shoe (the seventh in the series), the CP3.VII makes no qualms about its intention as a speed shoe. Everything from the one-of-its-kind Podulite cushioning system to the choice of materials and the cut of the Justin Taylordesigned shoe is tailored to Paul’s game that is predicated on speed and change of direction.

Starting with the Podulite, the lightweight pillars of cushioning that the forefoot rests on, the CP3.VII is designed to keep the wearer constantly on the balls of his feet, ensuring the reaction time is lessened with every step—and you actually do feel it. If you’re properly staying on the “fronts of your feet” as every good coach and trainer teaches you, you will feel the nubs of Podulite between your foot and the floor, giving you a feeling of being on the runner’s block, ready to explode. The new addition of Zoom on the first metatarsal head of the foot gives much-needed shock absorption and responsiveness (for all of Podulite’s benefits, it can still feel a little “gummy”) on pivots and changes of direction.

The cut of the VII is just a little higher than the VI, so true low-cut fans might quibble. But it’s just a tad higher and barely qualifies for a mid-cut shoe. New to the VII is the dynamic Flywire which gives a noticeably better fit. We also liked the use of leather on the upper (at least on the reviewed “Bel Air” model; other models might use synthetic uppers) that was treated to increase its durability. It gives the shoe a more traditional feel that will appease some purists.

The bar has been set for perimeter-based players looking for a shoe focusing on speed and responsiveness: the CP3.

VII.—Ming Wong #2

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CHECK IT Full inner mesh bootie increases ventilation while reducing friction.

Padded Achilles notch conforms to the ankle while helping keep the heel stabilized.

Jordan

Air Jordan XX8 SE Weight: 13.6 oz.

Price: $150

Heel pull tab for ease of foot entry.

Dynamic Fit technology uses straps that wrap up from the midsole and join with the laces to form “fingers” that cradle the shoe into the foot.

External carbon fiber heel counter for lightweight rear lockdown.

The camouflage is used as a carryover of the stealth theme from the AJ XX8.

Flight Plate bridges the forefoot and heel Zoom units by compressing energy on landings and deflecting it for takeoffs.

Nike Zoom units in the forefoot and heel for lowprofile cushioning.

Carbon fiber shank in midfoot for torsional integrity.

OUR TAKE: This is the Air Jordan XX8 that should’ve dropped back in February. Nothing against Tinker Hatfield’s (the man’s many hits probably dot your sneaker collection, so he deserves a lifetime pass) use of the shroud (on a positive note, it does serve as a nice canvas for some ill make-ups), but peeling back the high-concept curtain on the XX8 makes for a better consumer-friendly shoe for the masses.

Performance-wise, the XX8 SE doesn’t deviate from the XX8 and there was little reason to, given the XX8’s high marks on court.

The runaway achievement on the SE is still the Flightplate, the carbon fiber moderator plate that de-couples the rear- and forefoot Zoom units to create a catapult effect upon a foot strike, causing energy to be transferred from back to front for a feeling of “springing forward” in a very noticeable fashion.

From a fit standpoint, the Dynamic Fit offers a very secure lockdown into the shoe without feeling like the laces are choking down on the top. Once locked in, the SE gives the foot plenty of support for lateral cuts while the multidirectional rubber outsole eases directional change of paces.

If you were holding off on the XX8 due to the shroud or the price tag (the SE is $100 less than the XX8), the SE is a great make-do

by Jordan to get your hands on one of the best performance models in the marketplace.—#2

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Those who purchased the KD V Elite already had an idea of where things were going with the KD VI. The low cut ankle was another direct request from Kevin Durant and allows for greater movement at the ankle. For a player like Durant, this is a huge benefit as the majority of his game is spent slashing and cutting. For those familiar with the KD V, you will see this is a dramatic change in terms of collar height, as well as the aesthetic of the shoe.

Nike

KD VI The KD VI has a two-layer ventilated tongue. The first layer wraps your foot from the outside in and features a perforated pattern to help with air flow. The second layer wraps over your foot from the inside out and protects the top of your foot from the tension of the laces. In addition to keeping you locked down, the two-tongue system helps to allow heat from your foot to escape so you don’t get extra sweaty feet.

Weight: 10.6 oz.

Price: $130

Two types of Flywire have been used for the Nike KD VI. An encapsulated version of the superlight, superstrong nylon cables is used across the quarter panels and extends up to the lateral toe area. The Flywire helps to keep your foot locked into the shoe and essentially “hugs” your foot from the stroble board. A second version of the Flywire is used for the lace eyelets. This version is thicker than the normal Flywire and is welded to the upper in a series of sections that lead up to the ankle.

Like the KD V, the Nike KD VI features a visible Air Max unit at the heel. Designer Leo Chang stated the addition of the Air Max to the heel was at KD’s request. He wanted a more cushioned ride at the heel and the unit also provides more protection.

Movement and court feel are crucial in the game of basketball, and Nike addresses this with the addition of Nike Zoom at the forefoot. Hidden beneath the rubber outsole, the unit is lightweight, keeps your feet close to the ground, and remains responsive to give you a better feel for the court.

Nike took to the KD VI with reckless abandon when it came to story telling.

From the initial launch colorway that celebrated his roots in Seat Pleasant, MD (pictured), to the hexagonal pattern on the outsole, Nike has made the KD VI more about Kevin; both on and off the court.

Hyperfuse remains one of Nike’s lightest and most durable materials.

For the KD VI, Nike utilized a two-layered approach, making it more durable and comfortable.

OUR TAKE: In theory, the look and technology of the KD VI should make it an awesome performer. The Air Max unit in the heel, the Zoom in the forefoot, the Phylon midsole, the Flywire; they all point to a really amazing shoe. While the shoe did play well, it did tend to buckle at the area between the toe and the foot when cutting. While all shoes collapse in some way in that area, the KD VI “popped” down. The traction was wonderful, a welcomed change since storytelling outsoles often sacrifice grip to tell a story.

The shoe also feels a bit narrow. It fits a conventional foot fine, but if you have a wider foot, you may want to try a pair out in the store before you walk out. Finally, the test pair we used caused some irritation at the ankle as a result of the asymmetrical tongue.

This is something that can be avoided if you wear higher cut socks, but if you like to play in ankle socks, you may experience some challenges. Overall, the KD VI is a solid shoe and at the current price of $130, is still one of the best values for the money.

—Jacques Slade #22

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Under Armour

GEAR

Anatomix Spawn

The tongue is made up of foam and synthetics that will conform to the foot over time.

Based on foot mapping, the upper is made up of varied zones of material depending on the foot’s needs.

Weight: 11.75 oz.

Price: $119.99

Stripped-out outsole for lower weight and increased foot movement.

Exposed mesh gives the shoe more flex and ventilation.

Micro G cushioning runs through the midfoot and is cored out strategically for increased weight reduction and flexibility.

The PDU shank runs from heel to forefoot on the lateral side for torsional strength.

OUR TAKE: After last year’s offering of the bold Charge BB with its over-the-top high cut, Under Armour went more conventional with its flagship basketball shoe this season, the Anatomix Spawn. As the name suggests, the Spawn is based off of the foot anatomy and its myriad of muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments that comprise the foot.

While the design on the Spawn might resemble the comic-book character, the aesthetics actually serve a function. Picture a topography map, but instead of colors indicating elevation, the added material is for areas of the shoe where additional reinforcement is needed; on the corresponding areas of the foot that bend and flex, less material is used. The same is done on the outsole, all to help shed excess weight from the shoe and increase foot movement.

From a cushioning standpoint, UA sticks with its much-applauded and simple Micro G foam that is what Lunarlon and Boost are to Nike and adidas, respectively. Micro G on the Spawn is thicker and denser in the heel and thins out in the forefoot.

As basketball shoes go, the Spawn has great flexibility, especially in the toes, thanks to the single-layered toe box and segmented outsole, making for toe-offs with little resistance from the shoe. The thin layers also serve to keep the foot cool. We wish UA went with it more on the tongue (thin rubber material) for even more ventilation.

Our one gripe with the Spawn would be the thin tongue (which we love), but during play, it would regularly slip to the side, necessitating adjustments. Low cut fans won’t like the high angled collar of the shoe. We’re hoping UA addresses this with a low version down the road, especially since its NBA roster is made up of nimble guards, including latest addition Stephen Curry, who signed on with the brand before the season. The Spawn represents the overall direction of Under Armour and a nice comeback effort for its basketball division.—#2 086

adidas

If you have ever watched Derrick play, you know that he wears ankle braces during every game. For the D Rose 4, adidas Basketball continued to keep this in mind and used GeoFit Ankle Support around the collar. The material, similar to memory foam, adapts to the extra space required

by Derrick’s ankle brace, while maintaining a snug fit for those who play without them.

D Rose 4 Weight: 10.6 oz.

Price: $140

Growing up in Chicago, Rose recognizes that some kids may only be able to afford one pair of shoes, so he wanted his shoe to be able to work on the court as well as in the streets. Adidas accomplished this with a very distinctive separation between the front and back of the shoe. The back harnesses the technology of performance aspects of the shoe, while the front is reserved for the street style.

For both form and function, the heel cup on the D Rose 4 keeps the rear of the foot locked in and adds stability to the shoe, while the placement of the Three Stripes gives the shoe a subtle air of speed when you look at it from behind.

Introduced as a shoe earlier this year, adidas Basketball is helping the Crazyquick franchise to evolve by including its outsole traction and shape in the D Rose 4. Incorporated into the medial side, the Crazyquick outsole gives Derrick maximum control, flexibility and traction.

Another core technology in Derrick Rose’s signature line, SprintFrame provides stability and motion control to the sneaker.

For the latest design, injection molded EVA was used to ensure the most lightweight, flexible and cushioned ride on the court.

OUR TAKE: One look at the D Rose 4 and it’s clear that the inspiration for the shoe didn’t stray far from the D Rose 3. However, adidas Basketball did a great job of paying attention to the details for this version of the shoe. The addition of the Crazyquick outsole had us worried at first due to the lack of cushioning found in the original Crazyquick. However, after giving the D Rose 4 some floor time, we found that the addition of the adiPrene at the heel helped balance out the court feel achieved by the Crazyquick outsole and the added flexibility at the forefoot helped with quick directional changes. Traction was also on par with what we would expect.

Herringbone continues to be the best and adidas made great use of the heel, toe, and lateral forefoot areas. One issue we did find with the D Rose 4 was with the laces, lockdown, and tongue. We had to tie the laces (adidas went with flat laces) pretty tight to get a secure fit, and the padding on the tongue is almost non-existent. Though there is padding at the top of the tongue, we would have preferred to have it lower near the top of the foot where the bulk of the pressure from the laces lives. Not a deal breaker by any means, but something we noticed while we were playing. Overall, we were happy with the D Rose 4. The traction was great, the feel is nice, and the look has gotten better with each year, not to mention how soft the GeoFit collar feels around your ankle. But the best thing about the D Rose 4: Watching Rose hoop in them this season.—#22

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Reebok

GEAR

Q96

Weight: 14.3 oz.

Price: $114.99

Molded collar for comfort and ankle support.

3D FuseFrame gives the shoe seamless and lightweight construction.

The internal ghillie system utilizes reinforced and stretchable bands to keep the foot locked in comfortably.

Fiberglass-reinforced midfoot shank for stability.

DMX Ride bottom with DMX Foam drop-in for cushioning.

OUR TAKE: Inspired by Allen Iverson’s iconic Question, the Q96 is an updated new performance model. Taking the most memorable elements of the Question—the toe box overlay, the “Reebok-ed” eyelets and the icy bottom—the Q96 is a little like a nip/tuck and botox for an old familiar face.

Aesthetics aside, the Q96 does its best to incorporate more than 15 years of shoe technology into the Question. The chunky padded leather upper is gone; in its place is 3D Fuseframe, Reebok’s fused upper technology that is becoming a norm in today’s shoe construction. As far as weight savings, it’s a boon, but it comes at the sacrifice of a little comfort. The signature toe overlay is more or less the same, including the integration with the shoelaces.

On the cushioning, Reebok replaced Hexalite on the original with full-length DMX Ride. Once again, while this move undoubtedly saved weight, we missed the pillow-y memories of Hexalite. From a traction standpoint, we’re surprised Reebok stayed with the wide circular patterns reminiscent of the Question, which were notorious for slipping on the court. The updated translucent sole is better from a material standpoint, but it could’ve used a tighter outsole pattern (herringbone almost always pleases) for better traction.

Whether it’s a song, a movie or a videogame, it’s always tough to update a beloved classic. You’re pitting yourself against more than a great piece of work, but also something that can never be bettered: the feeling of nostalgia. Had Reebok not positioned the Q96 as a redux of sorts, it could’ve worked better, but as it is, it’ll be unfairly be judged against one of the best shoes in the Reebok heritage.—#2

Gear Check

Hitting the Markk

If you wear your shoes (and please do so), they’ll get dirty—no matter how careful you are of avoiding the toddlers with ice cream cones, public transportation during rush hour and irresponsible dog owners. And if you’re playing ball in them and not getting them dirty, well, you really ought to consider taking up a different sport.

There’s nothing wrong with living with the blemishes of daily life on your kicks, but if you’re the type that likes to maintain freshness as long as possible, then you might want to consider the Jason Markk premium sneaker cleaning kit.

Whether it be leather, synthetic, nubuck or patent, the specially formulated cleaner forms a good lather on the included brush (comes with two, the synthetic brush for the heavy-duty areas like outsoles and midsoles and a hog-bristled brush for more delicate parts of the upper) that powers away most offending grime. Rinse, repeat if you want, wipe and then air dry.

It’ll remove most superficial build-up well, but don’t expect miracles from soak-able surfaces like mesh and nubuck. It’ll lighten the stain, but won’t erase it entirely. Like teeth whiteners, it’ll bring your shoe back a few wears ago, but that out-of-the-box crispiness? Buy a new pair.

For the truly obsessive, Jason Markk also has a line of Quick Wipes embedded with their cleaning solution for on-the-go freshening.

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CHECK IT

HOOP

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE GIFT GUIDE

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Starter NBA Satin Jacket

With the recent announcement of the return of Inside Stuff, it only makes sense another ’90s NBA icon returns this year as well. Starter jackets got relaunched and with them come the satin team jackets featuring the Tefon-like exterior and same snap closures that made them a pre-2K staple.

$149 01

Eastern Collective Cables

Upgrade your stock charging and audio cables to one of these

by Eastern Collective. The designer cables (shown: Lightning, micro USB, 30-Pin iPad, Auxillary Audio) give your devices some personality when they’re tethered while the braided cords offer durability.

$9.95-23.95 090

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Reebok ONE Guide

For runners who tend to pronate, the ONE Guide is designed to keep your foot from rolling over too much with its threepronged approach: three-foam midsole, fatter medial arch and an outsole release zone for stride integrity.

$115

Vitamix 7500

Standard blenders might have the same functionality— variable speeds and pulse buttons—but what makes the 7500 shine is the robust 2.2 horsepower motor and the relatively quiet operation, and other fne details, like the simple analog speed dial and cord management feature.

$529

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10 WHERE TO BUY: adidas Originals Down Vest, Chasker Boot, Jeremy Scott Bear adidas.com; Alpha Industries Slim Fit Cotton N-3B: alphaindustries.com; Cambridge Audio Minx Air 200: cambridgeaudio.com; Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Premium, Chuck Taylor All Star Leather: converse.com; Drop Rerun III GTX: dropmfg.com; Incase Campus Pack, Stüssy Backpack: goincase. com; Dyson Hard: dyson.com; Eastern Collective Cables: easterncollective.com; Epson Powerlite Home Cinema 2030: epson.com; Fjällräven Yupik Parka: fjallraven.us; HeadBlade S4 Shark Kit: headblade.com; HTC BoomBass: htc.com; Incase DSLR Pro Sling Pack: goincase.com; Jordan S. Flight OD Hyperply Jacket, Air Jordan 1 Trek, S. Flight OD Full-Zip Hoody, CP3.

VII Hyperply Tech Hoody, Varsity Hoody 2.0, Varsity Sweatpant, Flight Club Graphic Crew: jordan.com; LG G2: lg.com; LEGO Jabba’s Sail Barge: shop.lego.com; Microsoft Xbox One, Surface 2: microsoft.com; Nike Sportswear Tech Fleece AW77 1.0 Full Zip Hoodie, Fleece Crew, Luna Terra Arktos: nikesportswear.com; Nokia Lumia 1020: nokia.com; Outdoor Tech Privates: outdoortech.com; PUMA Mid City Menswear: puma.com; Reebok Question Mid, Kamikaze II Mid, ONE Guide: reebok.com Samsung Galaxy Gear, Galaxy Mega: samsung.com; Satechi Smart Lamp: satechi.net; Sony Xperia Z: tmobile.com; Starter Satin Jacket: starter.com; The North Face Sickline Jacket, Surge II Charged Backpack: thenorthface.com.com Under Armour Fleece Storm Eyenit Hoodie, Ruckus Storm Backpack, Deuces Warm-up Pants, Ball Day Long T-Shirt: underarmour.com; Vitamix 7500: vitamix.com; Zero Halliburton Classic Polycarbonate Travel Case: zerohalliburton.com

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Jordan S. Flight OD Hyperply Jacket

Filled with 700 goose down with baffle construction, the S. Flight OD Hyperply jacket will keep you warm without weighing you down.

$225 06

LEGO Jabba’s Sail Barge

Remember the scene from Return of the Jedi, where the notorious gangster Jabba the Hutt takes Luke Skywalker out into the desert to feed him into the Sarlacc Pit? If you recall, Jabba makes a day out of it, boarding all his baddie cohorts into his pleasure craft otherwise known as his Sail Barge for a gory execution, only to have the tables turned on him. LEGO reproduces the flying boat to great brick detail, making sure to include little touches like Max Rebo and his galactic keyboard, a fully stocked kitchen area to keep the gluttonous Jabba well fed and a minifigure of Princess Leia in full slave regalia. The force to have this situated in your man cave will be strong.

$119.99

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Alpha Industries Slim Fit Cotton N-3B

Unlike some other outerwear that aspires to be military gear, Alpha Industries has a longstanding history of producing authentic gear that the U.S. armed forces have relied on. The N-3B takes that rich track record and pares it down for the masses. The cotton exterior is rugged but plush at the same time, and practical details like front storm flap and a fur-lined snorkel hood keep you warm. A trim silhouette flatters, but keep in mind they run big, so size down.

$200 08

PUMA Mid City Menswear

Suede PUMAs never get old. This update keeps with all the classic stylings of suede PUMAs and adds a high top.

$70

Nokia Lumia 1020

If photography is the main driving point for any smartphone purchase, then forget all the other choices and get the Lumia 1020. Hands down the best camera in a phone, the Lumia 1020 can match—and even best—most dedicated point-and-shoot cameras with its 41-MP sensor. Technically it’s not 41 MP, but the Lumia 1020’s ability to capture more detail from each pixel results in an oversampled image. Which means you can digitally zoom into a captured photo and not lose quality. Another bonus is being able to change the focal point on pictures after taking them. The phone itself makes no attempt to hide its selling point: It feels like a camera in hand.

With Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Nokia, this a Windows 8 device, which just requires some adjustment if you’re coming from Android or iOS.

$299 10

Incase x Stüssy Backpack

Based off one of Incase’s backpack designs, this collaboration with Stüssy draws inspiration from military bags starting with its tough 1680D nylon construction and weather-resistant panels that give the all-black pack some contrast in hue and texture. The exterior velcro system allows for customization and upgrades of storage by adding utility pouches. A padded compartment holds a 17-inch laptop and a removable rain fly keeps everything dry in inclement weather.

$249.95 091

CHECK IT GIFT GUIDE

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Samsung Galaxy Mega

As the name suggests, the Mega goes where no smartphone has ever dared to go: 6.3 inches in screen size. The supersized form factor is not for everyone, but for someone with big hands (Kawhi Leonard comes to mind) or just in need of more screen real estate, the Mega flls an enormous void.

Along with all of the Galaxy S4’s robust features, the HD 1280 x 720 resolution allows for squint-free media consumption and the split-view and multi-view display options make for more productivity.

$149 (with 2-year contract)

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Reebok Question Mid

From the “Ghost of Christmas” pack is the “Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come” with its dark blue suede and fog-patterned design that harkens to Ebenezer Scrooge’s spectre that tells of his bleak future. Hopefully these will be in your future.

$125

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Cambridge Audio Minx Air 200

Don’t get the Minx Air 200 twisted with all the other “i-Docks” out there. Pick it up and you’ll feel the weight behind the build that can easily and fully fll a good deal of square footage (your average living room). The Minx Air connects to your device via Bluetooth and AirPlay (we found that Bluetooth’s direct connection was stronger since it’s not infuenced by your fckle Wi-Fi) and also has the option for Internet radio. The interface is kept clean and the remote control forgettable, but it’s by design since you can download the free accompanying Minx Air app that allows you to use your smartphone or tablet to control the Minx.

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Nike Tech Fleece AW77 1.0 Full Zip Hoodie + Fleece Crew The Swoosh is known for pushing the frontier on performance but they’ll also look back at improving existing product. Take venerable feece sweats. Every man has a set or 10 in his repertoire, but probably none like these. Part of the Tech Pack, both pieces feature traditional jersey (for comfort) with a synthetic spacer to help insulate without added weight.

Overlooked details like hems at the joints (for movement) and shoulders (no pinching of material) give it a modern tailored ft. The end result is a soft-handed sweatshirt that will likely be your go-to.

Hoodie: $100 Crew: $85 06 04

Samsung Galaxy Gear

Not quite a tablet, not quite a laptop, the Windows 8-running Surface 2 has the touchscreen and portability of a tablet (though heavier than most), yet it boasts more power (1.7 GHz quad-core chip) and connectivity (MicroSDCX and USB 3.0 ports) with a full HD (1080p) display. Paired with the thin Touch Cover 2 keyboard (optional $119.99 accessory) and the rear kickstand, and you have a compact workhorse or entertainment device.

An extension of the Note 3 (not pictured), Samsung’s latest “phablet” (large phone/compact tablet), the Gear is a wearable smartwatch that can do a lot of the things you need from the Note without requiring the large screen—make phone calls, check emails, getting bits of info and running simple apps— on the Gear’s 1.6-inch display. Once paired with your Note 3, the Gear gives you the ability to live out your Dick Tracy fantasies. Very slick indeed. Now if only it could be paired with other competing phones.

$449

$299

Microsoft Surface 2

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Microsoft Xbox One

It’s been eight years (centuries in the tech world) since the debut of the Xbox 360 and Microsoft is fnally going to turn the gaming world upside with the next-gen Xbox One. As expected, the innards of the system will get bolstered, but it’s the deeper convergence with home entertainment that is the key. Cable and satellite set-top boxes integrate into the One and it also doubles up as a Blu-ray drive and gaming DVR as Microsoft is hoping the gaming system becomes the hub for the digital living room. The bundled Kinect controller now has upgraded video sensors and also takes voice controls, making Xbox One a step closer to HAL 9000.

$499 08

adidas Originals x Jeremy Scott Bear The ubiquitous and infamous JS Bears gets into the holiday spirit with a coat that resembles golden tinsel.

$200

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Zero Halliburton Classic Polycarbonate Travel Case

When you have crafted aluminum cases to be used to carry moon rocks for Apollo space missions and Oscars for the Academy Awards, and have made cameos in Hollywood blockbusters like Independence Day, Mission Impossible and Ocean’s Eleven, it’s good enough for your travel needs. The super low weight yet sturdy blue polycarbonate shell can take a beating and still look good. The thoughtful compartments inside organize and keep things from shifting. And the fourwheeled, ball-bearing wheels and pull-out handle ensure a smooth ride to the gate.

$695

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Drop Rerun III GTX

The ideal pair of snowboarding gloves should have the following criteria: Gore-Tex insert to keep hands dry, leather reinforcement, removeable and washable microfleece lining, easy-to-adjust tab, magnetic catch for webbing end and nose wipe. The Rerun III GTX ticks off every check box.

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$60

$24.99

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Jordan S. Flight OD Full-Zip Hoody

You can wear this Hyperply-insulated hoody as part of Nike’s three-layer (over the base layer and underneath the Storm-Fit) system to stay warm or wear it on its own for outdoor basketball.

$120

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Under Armour Ball Day Long T-Shirt

We think the message on the chest is pretty simple and something we can all agree on.

Nike Luna Terra Arktos

Aptly named, the Luna Terra Arktos are like arks for your feet (seats just one pair of feet), taking any slushy abuse you can give it and keeping your feet dry and warm before a quick wipe cleans it all away. All credit goes to its anti-H20 fused upper, mudguard wrap and rugged outsole.

$190

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The North Face Sickline Jacket

Outdoor gearheads like to customize every piece of their equipment and as outer shells go, the Sickline makes a great exoskeleton. Waterproof and breathable with its Gore-Tex, the Sickline has the rider in mind with snowboarding features like an adjustable helet-compatible hood, YKK AquaGuard zippers with taped seams, wrist pocket with goggles cloth, powder skirt with clip integration, and Recco avalanche rescue reflector. And if you just want to stay dry and dig its colorblocked design, that’s cool, too.

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Outdoor Tech Privates

LG G2

Lost among the crowded field of flagship Android devices is the G2. Shedding itself of the previous “Optimus” name, the G2 is LG’s follow-up that makes its mark on performance.

No giant screens, fancy camera or waterproof designs are on the G2, as its focus is under the hood: a Snapdragon 800 processor (2.26 GHz quad-core) that adds noticeable pep when executing tasks and especially during graphicsintensive games, which look amazing when filling its luscious 5.2-inch IPS screen. LG went against the grain with its button placement, putting the volume rocker and power/sleep button on the rear of the phone, underneath the camera lens. It takes some getting used to and has its conveniences (adjusting volume during calls), but it’s the G2’s one quirk that thankfully doesn’t detract it from a being a Android contender.

In the world of headphones, it’s hard to stand out from the pack. Outdoor Tech adds a literal new touch to its phones in the form of an intuitive touchpad on the side that allows for flicking through tracks and volume adjustment. The wireless (via Bluetooth) Privates also have built-in call functionality that is also controlled via a press of the touchpad.

$199 with 2-year contract

$99.95

$60

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Under Armour Fleece Storm Eyenit Hoodie

UA lightened the traditional cotton sweatshirt (which got especially once it got saturated) with use of its proprietary Armour fleece to maintain comfort and warmth.

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The North Face Surge II Charged

Based off the tried-and-true Surge II daypack, this upgraded version, as its name implies, offers a removable lithium polymer battery that can juice up your smartphone, tablet or digital camera. All of the standard tech devices have a dedicated padded pocket (it can also hold a 17-inch laptop) and overall, the Surge II Charged can stow away up to 41 liters, making it a good option for extended jaunts among the techconnected crowd.

$229

Jordan Flight Club Graphic Crew

This oversized crewneck fleece has ribbed waist and sleeves with the AJFC graphic on chest.

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Under Armour Deuces Warm-Up Pants

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Pre- or postgame, these pants have you covered in comfort with their loose fit and Moisture Transport System that wicks away sweat.

The fall and early winter essential comes in a color-blocked scheme that will go with about 90 percent of your closet.

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adidas Originals Down Vest

Jordan Brand CP3.VII Hyperply Tech Hoody

Don’t let the thinness of this hoody fool you. Made of ThermaFit fabric, the Hyperply Tech Hoody from Chris Paul’s Jordan Brand collection insulates and warms enough before and after workouts.

$100

$94.99

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Jordan Air Jordan 1 Trek

$120

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Premium

The forever classic gets a refinement of leather on the upper and lining, and is easy to slip on with a zipper on the side.

$125 096

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Under Armour Ruckus Storm Backpack

As its name suggests, the Ruckus Storm can handle some rough play and downpours thanks to its water repellant finish, durable polyester exterior and reinforced bottom. It also keeps things comfortable with HeatGear padded shoulder straps and a compression-molded back panel. The pack also boasts a dedicated laptop pocket (up to 17-inches), a Tricot-lined headphone pocket and two water bottle pockets. And to our surprise, we discovered that the front flap can perfectly hold a basketball in place with no risk of it falling out. It would mean less interior space, but that’s a sacrifice we’ll always make.

$80

You never go wrong with Air Jordan 1s—unless it’s caked with mud or snow outside, then you ground that flight. The Air Jordan Trek 1 takes all the cues of the 1 but gives it a rugged makeover, in the form of a nylon upper and “snow tires,” a deeper and tougher outsole geared for whatever Old Man Winter deals your way.

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adidas Originals Chasker Boot

Infusing elements from both the Top Ten and Americana, the Chasker Boot is a hybrid of the two legacy basketball silhouettes in boot form.

$120

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Epson PowerLite Home Cinema 2030

Known for its business projectors, Epson has been quietly pushing affordable and high quality home entertainment projectors for a minute now and with its latest one, it has entered a sub-$1000 projector that will make you reconsider your next TV purchase. The prerequisite hallmarks of home displays are all there (1080p, HDMI connectivity, 3D capabilities) with a picture that remains sharp and bright even in a brightly lit room, making it a viable option for even a main display. As a dedicated home theater projector, the 2030 really shines as the hues are vivid, the picture bright and the blacks rich, making for an immersive experience. The MHL connectivity on the 2030 also allows for it to become a smart display, enabling instant streams from stream boxes, smartphones and tablets.

$999

Jordan Varsity Hoody 2.0 + Varsity Sweatpant

A reboot on the hybrid of two classics—the varsity jacket and the hoody—the 2.0 features a more slim fit with elephant print details in the neck. The sweatpant has a tapered leg and leg cuff.

Hoody: $95 Sweatpant: $75 10

Sony Xperia Z

Judging by its clean face and rectangular angles, you would think Sony’s best mobile device to date was all looks, but it’s not afraid to get dirty—namely dust and liquids, both of which it is resistant against (in the case of water, up to three feet for 30 minutes). The 5-inch screen takes up most of the front face with the three touch buttons familiar from Android devices lighting up when the screen is active. The rather large power button on the side is odd at first, but after some time, you will grow to love its convenience and placement. Power life, compared to other flagship devices, lacked, but viewing pictures and video on the Xperia Z is a great experience with its rich blacks and vivid hues. The only other complaints were the somewhat slow camera and the Xperia Z’s glossy shroud to attract grime. Good thing you can just give it a shower under the sink.

$549 (or $99 down on installment plan)

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Dyson Hard

The engineers behind the “Dual Cyclonic” vacuums are broadening their cleaning power. Not happy to just suck away your crunched up cereal on the floor, the Hard aims to vac and clean at the same time. Essentially a hybrid of their Digital Slim, their goose-necked handheld vac, the Hard incorporates a mop head that uses wet cloths to scrub away the offending stain while the bookended vacuum heads suck away the kibbles and bits. Verdict? It works really well. But at just 15 minutes on a charge (6 minutes on high mode), it’s built more for small apartments, not McMansions.

$329.99

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Reebok Kamikaze II Mid

We’ve seen Swizz Beatz do all sorts of things with the Kamikaze since he took the reins as Reebok’s creative director. This latest one, “Ghost of Christmas Past,” might be the most in line with the yuletide season. Its cheery cherry red that will even have Santa considering a swap from his traditional black boots.

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HTC BoomBass

Minimally designed, the Smart Lamp does away with the buttons and dials found on most traditional desk or side table lamps. In their place are sleek touch controls that let you choose from a variety of preset lighting modes that range from the lowest (bedtime) to the brightest (study). A simple but handy USB port in the rear takes care of device charging.

With its partnership with Beats By Dre, it’s only logical that HTC would be rolling out the BoomBass, a portable bassboosting (excuse the redundancy) cube that pairs with HTC phones’ excellent audio capabilities. The bass is obviously ratcheted up and other tones amplified, but don’t expect this to power your next party. With NFC, pairing it with your phone requires a simple tap to eastablish the Bluetooth link and it can go 9 hours of playback per charge. You can pair it with non-HTC devices, but expect mixed results.

$149.99

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Converse winterizes the venerable Chuck with a leather upper, rugged sole and boot laces.

It doesn’t get any better than the Campus Pack for day-to-day backpacking needs. It handles all your essential hauling needs (padded pocket for 15-inch laptop, a dedicated tablet sleeve and smaller interior pockets) in a thin profile that won’t weigh you down.

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Satechi Smart Lamp

Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Leather $75

Incase Campus Pack

$59.95

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Fjällräven Yupik Parka

With the brand’s name translating to “Arctic Fox” and roots in Northern Sweden where unrelenting conditions can be found in its peaks, rest assured that you’re in good hands when it comes to this line of outerwear. The Yupik Parka provides a shield to the harshest winter conditions thanks to its synthetic exterior that wards off moisture and the Supreme Micro Loft padding that insulates. And if you’re a fan of pockets, the Yupik can kangaroo away all of your essentials with dedicated pockets—15, all told—for things like your phone, camera and maps.

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HeadBlade S4 Shark Kit

The folks at HeadBlade have baldies in mind with an upgrade to their razor with the S4 Shark. Based on the previous ATX, with its car-like suspension that eliminates any scalp hazards that can cause nicks and rubberized grip, the limited edition S4 Shark sports a new hand-polished stainless steel body.

The kit comes with HB’s HeadSlick shave cream and six replacement blades.

$108

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*Rates valid until December 22, 2013. **Rates valid from January 1, 2014 through April 30, 2014.

Subject to availability and do not include taxes and resort charges. Š2014 Hilton Worldwide.

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CALL OUT Pelicans head coach Monty Williams is no stranger to giving basketball pointers, but this was the first time he ever did so in Johannesburg, South Africa, as part of the NBA’s Basketball Without Borders program over the summer.

For the second year, the NBA family gathered in Chicago to support the 2013 Chicago Peace Basketball Tournament at St. Sabina Gym. NBA legend Isiah Thomas, as well as NBA players Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and others, took part in the tournament dedicated to promoting peace in inner-city Chicago.

NATHANIEL S. BUTLER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

GARY DINEEN/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Minnesota Lynx Maya Moore is presented with the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award in September.

DAVID SHERMAN/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

Kemba Walker (center, cutting ribbon) and Hall of Famer Tiny Archibald (left of Walker) cut the ribbon to the Under Armour/NBA Fit Basketball Court Refurbishment dedication ceremony at the Sack-Wern Housing Development in the Bronx, NY. NATHANIEL S. BUTLER/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

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Kyle Lowry throws down a dunk during the 2013 Yao Foundation Charity Game in Beijing, China, which pitted NBA stars that included Lowry, Joakim Noah, Metta World Peace, Luis Scola and George Hill against a Chinese team that was coached by former Rocket teammates Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady (pictured in background).

LINTAO ZHANG/GETTY IMAGES SPORT

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10/9/13 7:29 AM

STEP BACK

November 25, 1986: Great Western Forum, Atlanta Hawks vs. Los Angeles Lakers From 1967-1999, The Forum was home to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Madison Square Garden Company, owners of Madison Square Garden and the Knicks, now own The Forum after purchasing it in 2012.

Dominique Wilkins averaged 29 ppg in 1986-87, trailing Michael Jordan’s league-leading 37.1 for the scoring title. Wilkins was also an All-NBA Second Team selection in 1987.

Entering the game, the Hawks and Lakers were two of the hottest teams in the League.

Atlanta was off to a 9-2 start while the Lakers won 9 of their first 10 games.

Wilkins led the Hawks in scoring this game with 26 points while also gathering 11 rebounds.

In 2009 Wilkins showed that even at age 49 he can still get up, throwing down a one-handed breakaway dunk during a exhibition game in Asia.

Michael Cooper would be selected to the NBA AllDefensive First Team in 1987, but even he was defenseless against Wilkins this night.

As his Human Hightlight Film attests, Wilkins was one of the best in-game dunkers ever. And as his two Slam Dunk Contest titles (in 1985 and 1990) show, his dunk artistry in exhibition was strong as well.

The Hawks flew over the Lakers, handing them their second loss of the season, 113-107.

The Lakers would finish season with a 65-17 record, tops in the Western Conference. The Hawks would go 5725, behind the Celtics in the East.

Over his 15-year career, Wilkins totaled 26,668 points and was selected for the All-NBA Team seven times, and entered the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.

The Lakers would go on to the win the championship in June; the Hawks were upset in the Semifinals in five games by the Detroit Pistons.

Frank Brickowski was a third round pick of the New York Knicks in 1981 who carved out a respectable 12-year NBA career with career averages of 10 points and 4.7 rebounds.

Playing sparse minutes and just 37 games for the Lakers in 1986-87, Brickowski was traded midseason to San Antonio, where he blossomed the following season with a career-best 16 ppg and 6.9 rpg.

Glenn “Doc” Rivers averaged the only double-double of his career that season: 14.6 points and 10 dimes per. contest.

Rivers had a good shooting touch that night, going 6-of-7 from the field and 7-of-8 from the line for 19 points.

Cooper was the blueprint for future perimeter defensive stalwarts who spot up from the three-point line. In 1986-87, Coop averaged 10.5 points per game while being the runner-up to Larry Bird in three-point shots with 89.

Now largely known for his retro Reebok Pump shoes, Wilkins previously wore Brooks on the court, including this pair of Technique KW.

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Although he netted 22 points with 8 assists, Magic Johnson had an “off” night.

Johnson would go on to win his first MVP trophy with one of his finest seasons: 23.9 ppg, 12.2 apg, 6.3 rpg with 1.7 spg.

Brickowski is currently working with the NBA Players Association and his twitter handle is @NBPAFrank.

The usually sure-handed Rivers had trouble with the ball, turning it over seven times that night, uncharacteristic of a point guard who averaged just 1.9 miscues per game over his career.

Rivers got his nickname when he was tabbed “Doc” by college coaching legend Rick Majerus during a summer basketball camp because of the Dr. J T-shirt he was wearing.

ANDREW D. BERNSTEIN/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES

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FINAL EXAM

DOES ANTHONY DAVIS MAKE THE GRADE?

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The D Rose 4, built for stunning control and explosive finishes.

Get the D Rose 4 at adidasbasketball.com

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