Shawn Kemp apparently not a quitter

November 6th, 2006 | Posted by PostmanR

The man is trying to return to the NBA again. Or rather, is saying he’s still in contact with some teams and is trying to sneak back into the league. He’s quite the dichotomous individual. On the one hand, you have seed planter among many a woman and blow lover. (Perhaps both these titles should be qualified as ‘former.’ I can’t say for certain.) On the other, you have a guy that’s giving back to the community and kids of Seattle.

I applaud his sudden newfound work ethic and weight loss. But at what point do you say to yourself ‘It’s time to bow out on the NBA dream for good. I’ve tried it a few times; it’s just not in the cards.’

Why not just stick to the ‘giving back’ grind in Seattle and show people there’s another side to you?

It’s not to say Kemp won’t ever make it back to the Association or that I’m not rooting for him. (I certainly am quietly hoping he gets back in.)

But, the dude is 36. Perhaps, as unfortunate as it may be, it’s time to give up the chase.

National Basketball Association grab bag

October 30th, 2006 | Posted by PostmanR

With the Association season looming, let’s peer around the Interweb for stories of basketball past:

The year is 1997 and Sports Illustrated’s Phil Taylor lists the best and worst tippers of the NBA. “No Tippin’ Pippen” nickname is spawned.

John Feinstein pens his brilliant work on The General in 1986 and includes this wonderful tidbit about the minutes preceding the 1984 Olympic championship game:

“Now Knight was ready to deliver some final words of inspiration. But when he flipped over the blackboard on which he would normally write the names of the other teams’ starters, he found a note scotch-taped to the board. It had been written by (Michael) Jordan: “Coach,” it said, “after all the shit we’ve been through, there is no way we lose tonight.”

The U.S. and A. (I like!) beat Spain 101-68 and Jordan is a baller even before he reaches the heights of the Assoication with the Bulls.

Youtube also brings us visual treats from NBA past:

Larry Bird in all his glory.

Tom Chambers defying gravity. And again.

Shawn Kemp pre-obesity. (Highly recommended. Some of his dunkatron 3000s are simply jaw-dropping.)

(Aside: My roommate has hockey on the tube. Some dude on the Blues just got whaled on by a Mighty Duck player during an on-ice fight. RAWK.)