Press Kit of NBA Legend Otis Birdsong

Bio Having truly earned the right to be called an NBA Legend, Otis Birdsong, now Vice-President of the NBRPA, was a basketball star in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. He was Player of the Decade for the old Southwest Conference, a star at the University of Houston and made the NBA All-Star team three times as a member of the Kansas City Kings.

Birdsong’s Professional Basketball career began when he was drafted second overall in the 1977 NBA Draft by Kansas City. He would play 12 NBA seasons with Kansas City, New Jersey and Boston – averaging 18 points per game for his career and more than 20 points per game four times.

He also gained notoriety as the 1st NBA player to secure a multi-year contract, compensating him one-million dollars annually when he signed with New Jersey as a free agent in 1981.

A native of Winter Haven, Florida, Birdsong is one of 12 children who knows the true meaning of family and that has helped him to always see the greater good in community and giving of himself.

He now dedicates his time to doing just that, holding basketball camps for underprivileged children with friend and NBRPA Member, Michael Ray Richardson. Birdsong also makes appearances on behalf of the NBA to various community events.

He now calls Little Rock, Arkansas where he resides, enjoying life with Deborah, his wife of more than 27 years.

SPORTS

Birdsong to Attend Magic-Bird on Broadway

By Nate Griffin, SportsRadio 610 April 18, 2012 2:34 PM HOUSTON (CBS Houston) It’s one thing to just show up at a play on Broadway. It’s another to be invited. Of course, one might be humbled by the invite if one is a former NBA All-Star who played with and/or against one or both of the show’s Hall of Fame stars.

Former consensus University of Houston All-American and four-time NBA All-Star guard Otis Birdsong is that special guest. He has been invited to attend the Magic Johnson-Larry Bird play Saturday night, April 20, on Broadway in New York City.

“I am the newly elected Vice President of the Retired Players Association and (the reception that follows) it is a fund raiser for our organization.”

The play is written by Academy Award-winner Eric Simonson. It attempts to replicate the lives and Hall of Fame careers of Johnson and Bird. The play reflects back on the legendary NCAA title game to their shared participation in the 1992 Olympics as members of the Dream Team.

Birdsong is thrilled to be attending and anxious to somewhat relive the moment as a player, teammate, and fan, albeit on Broadway. He expects the play to slightly reflect that era of the NBA. “Lots of entertainment,” says Birdsong. “The history of the rivalry between Magic and Bird as it unfolded throughout their careers – but more-so than that; the friendship that was established from the rivalry.”

HISTORIC BEGINNING It all began with the historic 1979 NCAA title game between Magic Johnson of Michigan State versus Larry Bird of Indiana State. Indiana State was undefeated coming into the game.

However, it was Magic Johnson, Greg Kelser, and bunch that defeated Larry Bird and Indiana State, 75-69.

The game is currently one of the most revered finals in NCAA history. It is also the highest-rated college basketball game ever. However, that game was just the tip of the iceberg as the two were able to also write a storybook ending to their NBA careers.

“It will be interesting to see how they tie that in because they were fierce competitors when they played against each other, but grew to become best of friends,” said Birdsong. “So, it will be interesting how the play can tie that in.”

BIRDS-EYE VIEW Birdsong played against and briefly with Larry Bird and drew assignments to guard Magic Johnson on a nightly basis during his 12-year career. Birdsong was drafted by the Kansas City Kings out of the University of Houston with the second pick of the 1977 NBA Draft.

During his All-Star career in the NBA, he scored over 14,000 points with the Kings, New Jersey Nets, and Boston Celtics.Birdsong’s number 10 jersey was retired on Jan. 18, 1997 and currently hangs in Hohfeinz Pavillion on the campus of the UH. He was a member of the Boston Celtics along with Bird during the 1988-89 season. While Bird had seen his best playing days prior to Birdsong getting to Boston, the Hall-of-Famer Bird still made his presence felt, says Birdsong.

“When I was in Boston towards the end of the season, it was the year that Larry’s back was actually hurt. I mean he had hurt his back and he really didn’t play. So, I really didn’t get a chance to play with him as I would have liked. It was the year that we lost in the first round to Detroit.”

“That’s when I believe Detroit won their first (NBA) Championship. They beat us in the first round- swept us actually.” Really, there’s no need for Birdsong to have any regrets. Detroit was tremendous during the 88-89 season.”

Pistons Head Coach Chuck Daly, guards Joe Dumars, Isaiah Thomas, Vinnie “Microwave” Johnson, and the rest of the Pistons only lost two games – total – in the playoffs to Chicago on their way to the NBA Championship. They swept the Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks, and lost two to the Bulls. That was it! They won all four games in a sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers to win the NBA Title.

Injuries hurt the Lakers. But it’s hard to imagine with Magic Johnson still a member of those great Lakers teams that a sweep would occur. Birdsong recalls having to defend the 6’9” Johnson and says night-in night-out, games were memorable.

“It was always fun because Magic, even though you wanted to win and you competed hard against him, it was fun because he just made it fun,” says Birdsong. “It was fun to play against him. I had to guard him – ah, that wasn’t much fun because he’s real big.”

“But, the thing about Magic was he really didn’t look to score a lot except in the open court. He really got great enjoyment out of passing the ball and seeing others score.”

HOLDING COURT The National Basketball Retired Players Association has announced the launch of a new TV-style talk show that will air regularly on The HuffingtonPost.com website. The show is called Holding court.

“I am the first guest which I’m excited about that,” said Birdsong. “I am the first official guest of this new website that they’re launching to do interviews of former and current players. So should be interesting.”

The play along with the newly launched internet based TV-style talk show should make for a fun weekend for Birdsong and his Wife, Deborah.

Follow me at www.twitter.com/coloranalyst and facebook.

NBRPA TO LAUNCH TV-STYLE LEGENDS TALK SHOW ON HUFF POST March 27, 2012

For Immediate Release CHICAGO, ILL. – The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA), the only Association comprised of NBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrott ers alumni, has announced the launch of a new TV-style talk show that will air regularly on one of the most-visited news web sites in the world – the Huffington Post. Holding Court – presented by the NBRPA’s Legends of Basketball will debut in April, 2012 at HuffingtonPost.com – a web site and community that boast more than 50 million users each month.

“The NBRPA and Legends of Basketball brand is all about our members – former NBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters players that literally built the game of basketball into the worldwide industry it is today,” said Arnie D. Fielkow, CEO for the National Basketball Retired Players A ssociation. “Holding Court will help us deliver our Legends of Basketball to the Huffington Post’s captive worldwide audience.”

Holding Court will be hosted and co-produced by Huffington Post sports writer Dave Hollander, who will work in tandem with Paul Corliss of the NBRPA to put each program together. Hollander is the author of 52 WEEKS: Interviews with Champions! (The Lyons Press) – his collection of personal stories and stunningly candid interviews with fifty-two famous sports figures including Lawrence Taylor, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Rickey Henderson, George Plimpton, Mariano Rivera, Steve Nash and John Wooden. Hollander was the Executive Producer, Creator and writer for Gate D, a hip, fast-paced variety show for young fans of the New Jersey Nets, which aired on Fox Sports New York in the late 1990s. Hollander was also Co-Creator of Album Covers on MTV2, featuring Dashboard Confessional, Michael Stipe, Guster and The Violent Femmes, 2004.

“I’m like a kid in a candy store,” Hollander said. “Colorful stories you just don’t hear anymore, super-honest and relevant commentary – there’s a huge audience of smart sports fans who want to hear from these guys.”

Holding Court will feature NBRPA Legends of Basketball in candid and lively sit-down interviews on camera with Hollander. The show will debut with Hollander’s interview of Otis Birdsong, a four-time NBA All-Star and the first guard in NBA history to be paid $1 million per season.

Holding Court will air regularly on the Huffington Post and archived episodes will be available at the NBRPA’s official web site – LegendsofBasketball.com.

According to eBizMBA.com, the Huffington Post is the sixth-most visited news web site in the world, with 54 million monthly users. Great Britain’s Observer – the oldest Sunday newspaper in the world – recently ranked the Huffington Post as the most powerful blog in the world.

About the National Basketball Retired Players Association The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is comprised of former professional basketball players from the NBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters. It is a 501(c) 3 Organization with a mission to develop, implement and advocate a wide array of programs to benefit its members, supporters and the community. The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. The NBRPA works in direct partnerships with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Arnie D. Fielkow is the CEO, and the NBRPA Board of Directors includes President & Chairman of the Board Robert A. (Bob) Elliott, Vice President Otis Birdsong, Treasurer Marvin Roberts, Secretary Steve Hayes, Past President Dr. George W. Tinsley Sr., Thurl Bailey, Harvey Catchings, James Donaldson, Johnny Newman, LaRue Martin and Danny Schayes. For more information, please visit www.LegendsofBasketball.com.

Nets Exit New Jersey In Fitting Fashion

By Devin Kharpertian TrueHoop Network

NEWARK, N.J. -- The Nets made it close, but their final game in New Jersey ended up being the Philadelphia 76ers' night.

Andre Iguodala and Elton Brand wreaked havoc on both ends of the floor, stifling attempts at the rim and creating out of multiple offensive sets to lead the Sixers to a 105-87 victory, spoiling the Nets' final game in the Prudential Center.

"We don't have to trap as much [with Deron Williams out]," Brand said. "The defense won the game for us. Offensively, we shot the ball well, but we try to keep them out of the paint. Especially with [Deron] out, we wanted to make them play more one-on-one, and that's what we did."

AP Photo/Julio Cortez MarShon Brooks and Kris Humphries led New Jersey's isolationist attack, scoring 18 and 16 points respectively. But a full Sixers' rotation was too much for the Nets to handle, allowing eight players to score between eight and 15 points in their Newark farewell.

The victory guarantees a playoff spot for the struggling 76ers, who have been freefalling since their red-hot 20-9 start. "It's a huge sigh of relief," Brand added.

The Nets' former stars -- er, players -- were out in full force, as the farewell prompted visits from players of Nets' seasons past. Honored players included Derrick Coleman, Kenny Anderson, Otis Birdsong, Albert King and Darryl Dawkins, whose pink suit came straight from the Craig Sager School of Wardrobe. Video tributes from former Nets, such as Buck Williams, Vince Carter, Kerry Kittles, Kenyon Martin and "Mr. Captain" himself, Jason Kidd, played throughout the evening.

Even Chris Morris, who once famously wrote "Trade Me" on his sneakers, was honored at the fireworks-and-flash festivities.

"It's an emotional time for the fans," Nets guard Anthony Morrow added. "It's exciting, but at the same time it's bittersweet."

Brook Lopez, the Nets' big man who'd played 246 consecutive games before this season's injuries limited him to just five, kicked off the ceremonies. "We would like to thank you this season or all of your support. You guys are a huge part of what we do," Lopez said. "We can't wait to see you next season."

Lopez will be a restricted free agent on July 1.

A sellout crowd by Newark standards -- the game was technically sold out, but there were open seats in nearly every section -- made more noise than the city has heard for a Nets game in two seasons. Fans booed the opponents, cheered big plays, expressed dismay at blunders, and most notably chanted "M-V-P!" when Kris Humphries -- yes, Kris Humphries -- shot free throws.

"I think they've been great," Humphries said of the fans. "We kind of wish we had a little more support, more numbers at least, but the people that came were great."

Brand and Iguodala did their damage in the first half in pick-and-pop sets, piling up a 10-point lead at halftime. When the Nets threatened in the second half, cutting the lead to one, Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young created in transition and converted midrange jumpers to widen the gap. The Nets made two late pushes, riding Brooks and Gerald Wallace, but the Sixers' tough interior defense and calmness helped Philadelphia emerge victorious.

"We slowed down a little bit, got our sets together, got some stops, and guys got their confidence," Iguodala noted. "It was a group effort."

The evening was a fitting end to 35 years of New Jersey basketball: an early deficit, a frantic late comeback and a final collapse, handing their opponents a valuable victory.

Devin Kharpertian writes about the Nets and the NBA at Nets Are Scorching

Former Nets honored at halftime

By Mike Mazzeo | ESPNNewYork.com April 23, 2012

NEWARK, N.J. -- The New Jersey Nets honored several former players and executives at halftime of their final game after 35 years in the Garden State on Monday night.

Jason Kidd, widely considered the greatest player in the franchise’s New Jersey history, gave a recorded video message to the sellout crowd in attendance at Prudential Center.

“Congratulations on the celebration of 35 years. That’s a long time,” Kidd said. “Being a Net was a great time of my career and a great honor. So I hope you guys enjoy tonight and hopefully I’ll see you guys soon. Take care.”

The Nets introduced Tim Bassett, Mike O’Koren, Darwin Cook, Albert King, Otis Birdsong, Micheal Ray Richardson, Darryl Dawkins, Chris Morris, Derrick Coleman, Chris Morris, Derrick Coleman, Kenny Anderson, Kendall Gill, Maurice Williamson, son of the late John Williamson and Biserka Petrovic, mother of the late Drazen Petrovic.

The Nets also honored several members on the 2001-02 team that reached the NBA Finals: trainer Tim Walsh, assistant coach Tom Barrise, executive Bobby Marks and GM Rod Thorn, who orchestrated the trade that brought Kidd to New Jersey, Todd MacCullough and Kerry Kittles.

“It was nice. It was well-done,” Kittles said, “recognizing all the good teams and players that have played here.”

The Nets are moving to Brooklyn and the $1 billion Barclays Center next season.

Gary Sussman jumped back in and served as the PA announcer. Co-owner Jay-Z was in attendance, though he was sporting an “N.Y.” hat.

Former NJ Net & NBRPA VicePresident, Otis Birdsong

Brook Lopez addressed fans before the game.

“I’d just like to thank you this season for all your support on behalf of myself and the entire organization. ... Thanks for your support and we can’t wait to see you next season,” Lopez said.

With about 7 1/2 minutes left in the first quarter, a loud “Let’s Go Nets!” chant started.

The Nets showed two other tribute videos: one featured Vince Carter, Kenyon Martin and Buck Williams; the other featured Byron Scott, Brian Scalabrine and Coleman.

Press Kit created by: Toni L. Rousell, Publicist & PR Professional www.tlrpubnpr.com toni@tlrpubnpr.com 205.523.4782