Kobe Bryant

MF Doom - Dead Bent


Viktor Vaughn - Popsnot

Kendrick Perkins

"This is so unfair" (c) Mos Def

While teammates were caught out of position (sup Serge? Russy?), Perkins tried to make a defensive stop on the play. Unfortunately things didn't work out the way he or his teammates would have hoped, and for about two days he became the laughing stock of the league.

He's probably a little embarrassed right now, as this era of the NBA is largely fueled by individual players, and Sportscenter highlights (now compounded by Twitter). But I'd like to say to Perk, keep your head up, dawg. Hopefully your teammates appreciate your effort, and it might even become a rallying point for the duration of the season.

Nothing remedies the blues like a championship.

Toronto Raptors: 2011 NBA Draft

The experts have spoken.

More accurately, they have long speculated that this would be one of the weakest draft classes in past 10 years. Duke point guard Kyrie Irving, and Arizona forward Derrick Williams are projected to go one and two in the draft. Beyond these two, it's pretty much a crapshoot.

Being that I'm a Toronto resident, my main concern is the Toronto Raptors, and who they will draft with the #5 pick. I don't watch NCAA college basketball, or pay any attention to the international leagues, so I decided to gather** a panel of experts and ask simply --  Who do you want the Raptors to draft?  Who do you think they will get.

**gather = asking them all the same question on Twitter

Kahwi

Zack Cooper - Sportnet Radio Fan590 Toronto

"I like, and I think they can get Kawhi Leonard"

Tom Liston - Raptors Republic

"I'm with Zack. #Kawhi@5"



Architect Ed

"I say Kemba Walker if they keep the #5 pick. If  (Brandon)Knight falls, he's the pick"                                                                            

 Kemba

Kris Cuaresma - GamePoint

"Kemba is the sexy pick, but I think they end up with Biyombo; maybe both?

Boothe

Both? That's interesting. You like both, or you think they'll end up with both? If so, who do you trade?

Kris Cuaresma

Possibly Milwaukee involving bargs? (Andrea Bargnani) I like both, and would like to pick up both. I think we'll be able to get a wing next year.

Biyombo

Hasan Tahir - Arbitrary Opinions

"Kemba is the best talent at 5 probably, but I wouldn't mind Kawhi"

Architect Ed 

Biyombo could get someone fired if picked in top 5. If Raptors could get in on Josh Smith, it's worth trading #5.

-------

Kemba Walker (small player, big heart) is my pick, and seems to be the popular choice here, though I do believe everyone (myself included) was under the assumption that Brandon Knight would go either 3 or 4. Hoops Hype is now reporting differently. According to the reputable basketball blog, both Minnesota and Cleveland (with their second pick) are looking to draft big. That may leave the door open for Toronto to draft the second ranked point guard in this draft.

Brandon Knight

Could the letter T he's pointing to, be an omen?

This draft may lack future all-stars, but it definitely is not lacking in intrigue.

2011 NBA Draft: Link

Kevin Durant - 2011 NBA Playoffs

"Knapsack on the back, that's just my flavor ock"

Grand Puba - 360 (What Goes Around) [SD50 Remix]


Rampage - Beware Of The Rampsack (Boyscout Acapella Mix) [Radio Edit]


Rough House Survivors - Check Da Back Pack


KD, bringing the 90s back.

The Best and Worst NBA Style, Round 2: Link

LeBron James & Dwyane Wade

Remember this?

A Tribe Called Quest - Sucka Nigga

What The F*** is Michael Jordan Wearing

My favorite Tumblr blog at the moment.

You thought Tim Duncan was bad? Wait till see what 'His Airness" has in his closet.

What The F*** is Michael Jordan Wearing: Link

Tim Duncan

...

No words.

Sock Game

The spotlight you so craved is shining, but so far your performance on the court has been average at best. That championship you also covet, I hope it comes your way because you're at serious risk of becoming a forgotten man -- the third wheel to a couple of superstars.

Post Update:

Jason Whitlock on Chris Bosh: Link

Reasons To Look Forward To The Coming NBA Season: Blake Griffin

Nice shirt Griff Dawg

Based on what I've seen and heard, this kid can play. It's only preseason but everyone who has seen him has remarked on his fearlessness and energy level. These games are not at all important, but he's playing like a man possessed.

He missed what was supposed to be his rookie season due to injuries, and it looks like he's ready to more than make up for lost time.

Hopefully he can stay healthy.

Reasons To Look Forward To The Coming NBA Season: "It's The New Style..."

Enter Wes Johnson.

2010 First round draft pick of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and one of the players bringing more style to the league.

David Stern took a lot of heat when he introduced the dress code in 2005. A lot of accusations were thrown around (including 'cism), but the commish did them a big favor, which I'm sure they're now beginning to appreciate.

We're starting to see a lot more of what is pictured above, and a lot less of this...




Wes Johnson: Twitter

Reasons To Look Forward To The Coming NBA Season: 2010 Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady?

They're probably not as gifted as the Florida born cousins, but Sonny Weems and DeMar DeRozan both seem to have the desire to bring back the show that's been absent since the dinos were purple.

The Raptors finished the Summer League with a 5-0 record, and both Weems and DeRozan played extremely well. Sure it was against a bunch of castoffs and rookies, but I'm hoping the confidence they showed will carry forward to training camp and the regular season. With the departure of Chris Bosh, Colangelo seems to be moving forward with his plans to create a younger more athletic team. If these kids are willing to become the focal point of the offence -taking it away from Andrea Bargnani - I'm all for it.

With the Eastern Conference continuing to become more competitive, a number of Sportscenter highlight dunks may be the most we can ask for this season.

Kobe Bryant

Been thinking about Kobe Bryant lately.

An epic game 7 is to take place tonight at the Staples Center, and if this situation were setup any of the previous years, I would be rooting for The Celtics to destroy and humiliate Mr. Bryant.

This year I've come in with a different feeling. I haven't become the biggest Kobe fan overnight, but I've come to appreciate his determination to win which is unmatched in the NBA today. Sure there might be some selfishness involved as he looks to strengthen his legacy, but he's a paid athlete who gets paid to win, and very little else seems to matter (as it should be).

This sort of determination seems to be missing in many of today's top NBA talents. Many seem occupied with developing themselves off the court. Playing cities against each other in bidding wars, developing online identities through Twitter, Facebook and personal websites, marrying Kardashians...etc. When their season comes to an end, it just doesn't appear to be a big of a deal as it once was. Living and breathing basketball has become secondary in this age of celebrity.

I won't be cheering for him tonight, but because he cares so much, I can guarantee that I will not cheer against him.

That's a big step for me.

Basketball Wives

I watched it so you won't have to.

Some thoughts:



I have a better appreciation for the 2004 Vince Carter trade. Eric Williams is now my favorite retired spare part. Dude is hilarious.



I think there's a correlation between Michael Olowokandi's impact on the court and his ability to find fine women. I'm not easily offended, but god damn that woman made my eyes bleed.


Shaunie & Shaq

Shaunie (also an executive producer on the show) is set up as some sort of Corleone godfather type figure. The other girls on the show ride for her harrrrrrrrd. It's a little disturbing. Also, the obvious cue card reading during her interviews...annoying as hell. Her sage like advice is straight from The View, or Oprah.


Superman's baby mamma

My initial reaction to Royce was, "Dwight Howard, wtf?". But then I thought about it a bit, and pictured that goofy ass n...on-championship winning, always on the court smiling, look at my fit body flexing fool, and it made a little more sense to me.

and finally



Matt Barnes, I'm in love with your wife.

Andre 3000 - All Together Now

Meh.

Sorry Dre, but your southern twang doesn't work with this song.

Paul better.

Steve Nash

With one eye, he eliminated the San Antonio Spurs from the 2010 NBA Playoffs.

Canada!

Mind The Cyclops - Gerald Marino, Mike Reagan, Winifred Phillips, Ron Fish, & Chris Velasco