KD and Warriors in Championship Form; Is James Harden the NBA's Best 1-o...

On today's episode of #OutofBounds, streetball legend Bone Collector joins Gilbert Arenas and the crew to discuss the NBA playoffs, with four semifinal series seemingly headed to quick ends. Kevin Durant dropped 38 points on the Pelicans as the Warriors rolled to a 3-1 series lead. With Stephen Curry only recently returned from a knee injury, is Golden State already back to championship form?

The Rockets took a commanding 3-1 lead over the Jazz in their series, thanks in large part to Chris Paul's scoring and Clint Capela's rim protection. James Harden had an underwhelming night, but with ankle-breaker Bone Collector in the house the squad debates whether Houston's herky-jerky superstar is the best one-on-one player in the league right now.

Looking forward to Game 4 and potential eliminations in the Celtics-Sixers and Cavs-Raptors series, the panel predicts if Philadelphia and Toronto will lose and start their summer vacations. Plus, Gil and Bone break down the problems with Ben Simmons’ and DeMar DeRozan's games, and ask whether Toronto should blow their team up if/when LeBron bounces them for a third straight year.

In "Fire Fit," the guys rate the outfits athletes wore to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Which athlete had the best outfit at the Derby: Von Miller, Jason Witten, or Laila Ali? Plus, a curveball contestant you have to see.

The Bucks plan to interview Spurs’ assistant coach Becky Hammon for their head coaching job, making her the first woman ever to interview for such a position. Will she land that gig — or any other NBA head coaching spot — in the near future. In a heated debate, Gil explains what he thinks will be the biggest obstacle for Hammon at that level.

Finally, in "On This Day..." OOB looks back to May 7, 1994, when the Nuggets beat the SuperSonics 98-94 in OT to become the first eighth seed in NBA history to eliminate a one seed in the playoffs. The guys rank the feat among the all-time greatest upsets.

Jazz Ground Rockets; Grading Lonzo Ball; NBA's Top 5 Annoying Celebrity ...

On today's episode of #OutofBounds, NBA front office veteran and ESPN analyst Amin Elhassan joins Gilbert Arenas and the crew to make sense of Utah's surprise 116-108 win in Houston. Gil and Amin break down the defensive accomplishment of the Jazz — yes, even with James Harden posting 32 points, 7 rebounds, 11 assists — and debate whether Rockets coach Mike D'Antoni is a good playoff coach or not.
Looking forward to tonight's Cavs-Raptors Game 2, the panel predicts whether LeBron and Cleveland can grab another win in Toronto before wondering what's next for troll Drake after his Game 1 altercations with Kendrick Perkins. Speaking of Perk, Amin gives the man his due for one of the NBA's all-time best trash-talking quotes. Also, in the Celtics-Sixers series, can Philly's young stars overcome the moment and Brad Stevens’ masterful coaching of the injury-depleted Celtics?
While Drake is getting all the attention after his tough talk with Perk, he's not the only celebrity NBA fan who gets on people's nerves. In "Top 5," the panel runs down the Top 5 Most Annoying Celebrity NBA Fans, and even throws in a special honorable mention that's sure to piss a bunch of people off.
In a recent ESPN interview, the Lakers’ Lonzo Ball gave himself a letter grade for his rookie season. Taking it a step further than his on-court performance, OOB grades Zo as a player, brand, and rapper, and measures it all against his immense hype. His report card may shock you.
Finally, with the Knicks reportedly trying to finalize the hiring of a new head coach this week after interviewing many diverse candidates — some extremely head-scratching ones among them — Amin explains how New York's process is atypical for the league. He and Gil clarify what the woeful Knicks need to overcome a history of incompetence before everyone makes their picks for whom the team should hire.

Drake-Kendrick Perkins Beef; Steph Curry Cooks in Return; Raptors Alread...

On today's episode of #OutofBounds, Gilbert Arenas and the crew discuss the Cavs' Game 1 overtime win in Toronto and ask if the disappointing Raptors are already done. In another L for the Six, Drake got into two hilarious altercations with Cavs reserve center Kendrick Perkins, who would undoubtedly end him in a fight. Was Drizzy out of line, and does his heckling hurt the Raptors?
Despite Klay Thompson shooting a miserable 4-for-20, the Warriors beat the Pelicans thanks, in part, to Steph Curry returning from a knee injury and scoring 28 points off the bench. With his stars all back, what does Golden State head coach Steve Kerr need to do moving forward in the series?
Looking ahead to tonight's Game 2 between Houston and Utah, OOB breaks down the only possible way that the Jazz can stop James Harden and the Rockets' potent offense. Actually, there are two methods, but one is illegal.
A recent ESPN article pointed to Kawhi Leonard's new reps — one of whom is his uncle — and the Spurs' control issues as the source of the beef between the franchise and its star. In "The Pull-Up," Gil and the guys ask if the Spurs should still offer Kawhi the $219 million supermax this summer. Also, Gil explains how mixing business and family typically goes wrong.
In "Fair or Foul?" the team weighs in on Jaguars owner Shahid Khan's plan to buy Wembley Stadium and host the Super Bowl in London. Is it a good idea? Also, in discussing the idea of an NFL team in London, Gil explains how a star player's life would change overseas.

Greg Jennings on Dez Bryant's Future; Top 5 NBA Rivalries; Celtics Blow ...

On this special 100th episode of #OutofBounds, Gilbert Arenas and the crew share the table with two-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl XLV champion, and Fox Sports analyst Greg Jennings to discuss how impressive it was for the injury-depleted Celtics to blow out the Sixers in Game 1 of their semifinal series. What does Philly need to do to turn things around in Game 2?
With the start of a new chapter in the historic rivalry between Boston and Philadelphia, the panel runs down their Top 5 NBA Rivalries of All Time. Lakers-Celtics is obvious, but some of the picks will surprise you.
Looking ahead to tonight's playoff games, OOB asks if a "burnt" LeBron James will have anything left in his tank when the Raptors host his Cavs. On the flip side, how does Toronto win the series and avoid being knocked out by Cleveland for a third straight year? And, after the Warriors blew the Pelicans out in Game 1, will Steph Curry's return from a knee sprain after 15 games help or hurt the rolling Dubs?
After the Cowboys released him — he he turned down a multi-year deal in search of a one-year deal to prove his worth — wide receiver Dez Bryant remains unsigned. Greg picks the team he thinks Dez should go to, and he and Gil debate the merits of betting on yourself when you risk losing money.
Finally, with several recent sports news stories focusing on athletes' motivation, hustle, and competitiveness, Gil and Greg explain how you can measure those attributes in players, as well as what personally drove them to greatness. Plus, they reveal the most competitive players they played against and how those guys tried to get in their heads.

LeBron James and Russell Westbrook Take Over; Ball Bros Bounce From Lith...

Published on Apr 26, 2018

On yesterday's show, Gilbert Arenas and the #OutofBounds crew begin by discussing Elon Musk's plan to build a cyborg dragon. In related WTF news, Gil is apparently unfamiliar with the billionaire behind Tesla and SpaceX, and his reason why will have you rolling.
Looking back at last night's playoff action, Gil identifies the unexpected Raptors difference-maker who's causing his Wizards to lose. Next, Hibachi breaks down the unstoppable force that is LeBron James, after LBJ did it all in Cleveland, damn near posting a triple-double with 44 points and delivering a clutch block and the game-winning three. And despite the Rockets eliminating the Timberwolves in Houston, Agent Zero is unimpressed with the one-seed and explains why. Then, after the Thunder fought back from down 25 to avoid elimination, Gil makes sense of Russell Westbrook's crazy game (45 points on 39 shots), as well as Carmelo Anthony's irrelevance.
In "Face-to-Face," former NBA forward and Pacers analyst Scot Pollard joins OOB to discuss the Cleveland-Indiana series, including LeBron's dominance, his suspect supporting cast and how it compares to the team they played on together, and Victor Oladipo's struggles.
Looking ahead to tonight's Celtics-Bucks Game 6, the team asks if Giannis will be aggressive and have a superstar game to stave off elimination before picking which teams will advance in the unresolved series.
Then, with LaVar Ball pulling his sons LiAngelo and LaMelo out of Lithuania over a dispute with their coach, OOB discusses what we learned from the Ball Brothers' overseas circus and what's next for Lonzo's siblings.
Finally, with the NFL Draft mercifully upon us, in "Fair or Foul?" the guys weigh in on teams endlessly analyzing and picking apart players in the draft process, and Gil explains what they should really be looking at.

Freed Meek Mill's Effect on the Sixers; Pelicans Lowballing DeMarcus Cou...

On today's show, Gilbert Arenas and the #OutofBounds crew kick things off by responding to Nick Young's story about Gil breaking his brand new expensive glasses when he was a rookie. Hibachi has no problem admitting he gave Swaggy P hell — and shares details — but sets the record straight on that incident.
Looking back at last night's playoff action, OOB asks if the Celtics and Bucks are simply too mediocre to watch, and Gil explains how Jason Kidd's firing affected Giannis. Plus, what effect did Meek Mill’s release from prison and presence in the arena have in the Sixers' series-clinching win over the Miami? Also, has Heat star Dwyane Wade played his last NBA game? And with the Spurs eliminated, Agent Zero has an interesting take on what to expect from the Warriors-Pelicans semifinal series.
Next, OOB revisits Meek Mill's release and what it says about the sports’ world’s ability to bring attention to issues, create dialogue, and affect change. Gil makes an important distinction about who really has the power to make things happen. Plus, with Meek going straight from prison to the 76ers' playoff game, where does that put him amongst the all-time greatest Philly fans?
Looking forward to tonight's games, the squad asks if the Raptors, who’ve struggled with inconsistency in the playoffs, will be overwhelmed by the pressure to beat the Wizards in Toronto. And is Drake’s trash talk fueling the Wiz? Back home in Cleveland, will LeBron even need help from his teammates to finally take a lead in the Cavs' series with the Pacers? It's likely that the Rockets will close out the Timberwolves in Houston, but will James Harden and company win it all, as Suge Knight predicted while on trial for murder? Gil might need to watch what he says about Suge.... Will the Thunder make the adjustments needed to win and avoid elimination?
Finally, in "The Pull-Up," the team discusses a report that New Orleans may use DeMarcus Cousins's Achilles injury and the Pelicans' success without him to make him a reduced contract offer. Boogie may want to hire Gil as an agent, because Hibachi straight cooks the franchise for even considering lowballing the big man.

LeBron and Cavs Unfazed by Lance Stephenson; Raptors Falling Apart Again...

On today's show, Gilbert Arenas is back from China and dishes to the #OutofBounds crew about his travels as Agent Zero, International Man of Mystery. Able to put aside their understandable jealousy, the team talks Sunday's busy slate of Game 4's.
The Bucks tied their series with the Celtics in Milwaukee, but considering the C’s have been without stars Kyrie Irving and Gordon Hayward, should Giannis and company feel good about this being a competitive series? And, following Marcus Morris complaining about getting a tech, has playoff refereeing been any better than it was in the regular season?
The Spurs avoided elimination with Warriors stars Klay Thompson and Draymond Green shooting terribly, but is the feel-good moment worth a delay of the Warriors-Pelicans series Gil wants to see? The Raptors went to Washington up 2-0 and looking dominant, but now they're heading back to Toronto tied 2-2 with the Wizards. Given their history of playoff inconsistency, how worried should the Raptors be?
Lance Stephenson's antics haven't proved effective in stopping LeBron and the Cavs, but are they actually hurting the Pacers? Plus, how many fire emojis should Cleveland get in "Fire Fit" for their uniform black suit look?
Then, looking forward to tonight's Game 4's, OOB asks what the Timberwolves blowing out the Rockets in Game 3 means for the series and specifically for Karl-Anthony Towns, who finally came alive after struggling in his first two playoff games. The Thunder are in a 2-1 hole and have been letting rookie Donovan Mitchell and Ricky Rubio — who's not known for his scoring — go off on them. What is OKC doing wrong and how can they stop Pretty Ricky? The Pelicans completed a sweep of the Blazers on Saturday night in a playoff twist, and while Anthony Davis was dominant as usual, he got a lot of help from Jrue Holiday, Rajon Rondo, and Nikola Mirotic. Are the Pelicans a threat to win it all now? And what should Portland do in the offseason?

Finally, in "Fair or Foul?" Gil and the guys weigh in on Dana White and the UFC possibly signing disgraced NFL lineman Greg Hardy — who has an ugly history of domestic violence — as a fighter. Beyond the moral question, how would signing Hardy affect the UFC brand?

Podcast on the AVE: The SHOVANIST PIGS PODCAST Ep. 53 "Nba all-star draft, comedians value/worth"

Welcome to episode 53 of the Shovanist Pigs Podcast !! We talked about the NBA all-star draft, MONIQUE vs NETFLIX as well as JESSE WILLIAMS vs his EX, and our usual get down. We appreciate all who have supported us during this time and want y'all to Follow us on twitter, instagram, soundcloud, facebook ..like, share, subscribe on iTunes and Youtube @bigcrownmusic @chiguy705 @brokeniggaron @noemimediagroup on social media and Email us at shovanistpigs@gmail.com for promo/advertisement opportunities or if you would like to be a guest
Also fill out this survey and let us know what you like and don't like about the Podcast... survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.as…t8&ver=standard

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Games on the AVE: GAMESPOT Reviews NBA 2K14

on Xbox 360, XboxOne, PS4, and PS3

You have to feel a little sorry for Tim Duncan. Labeled as boring throughout his career, The Big Fundamental captured four rings but never the hearts of the basketball-loving public. And there's no secret why; the man lacks style. A 12-foot bank shot may be an effective tactic, but it's not going to convince a casual fan to jump out of his or her seat to bellow a rowdy cheer. It's why a high-flying underachiever like Vince Carter was so highly touted while a multiple champion could elicit a collective shrug. Style is everything in basketball. NBA 2K14 embraces the artistic expression that surfaces only when trading baskets with sweaty men, and in doing so, it's an impressive and exciting representation of the real sport.

You can't blame Bucks fans for not showing up.

Last year's edition of NBA 2K tinkered with right analog stick control, but 2K14 goes full steam ahead with this initiative. Depending on what direction you move the stick in and how long you hold it, you can mimic the movements of a real NBA player. It's a worthwhile improvement that gives you greater control over how you attack defenders, letting you infuse your own personality into the action. Smoothly performing crossovers, jab steps, sweeping hooks, and even flashier moves such as behind-the-back passes with ease lets you orchestrate a show so entertaining even Miami Heat fans would show up on time to watch.

There's an extensive tutorial to guide you through the vagaries of your basketball repertoire, but you're better off ignoring it completely. Oddly enough, the practice floor is the worst place to learn how to play. Fiddling with the stick to pull off specific moves is frustrating, because if you're off by just a few degrees, you do something completely different. Basketball is all about context and reacting to what your opponent is doing, and the stiffness present in the tutorial smothers that freedom. So just head straight to the court. The only way you learn is if you're pushing yourself against the NBA elite.

Defensive players swarm like rabid hawks, relentlessly attacking entry passes and hounding ball carriers. And the only way you're going to consistently score is by being smart with both the ball and your positioning. Lazy passes are turned into fast-break baskets faster than you can flop for a foul call, and the added defensive intensity forces you to play smart or lose miserably. Master your back-to-the-basket game, and you can demand a double team. Pass to your open teammate for a couple of wide-open jumpers, however, and your defenders have to concoct a new plan. There's an enticing chess match going on as you and your opponent size each other up, implement strategies, and then readjust on the fly.

Are you ready for the Evan Turner era in Philadelphia?

The improved controls are paired with diverse animations that make anything that could happen on an NBA court seem possible. Fouls happen because of how you and your opponent are positioned, so you know when you're smartly gambling for a steal and when you're just being stupid. Subtle body movements are important in creating (or eliminating) space between two players, and you usually feel in complete control of how things play out. Blocks are now a formidable weapon for a long-armed big man. Driving point guards can't expect to glide effortlessly to the hoop for free layups. If you're just trying to overpower your opponent, you're going to lose. You need finesse to get open shots, which makes you learn the intricacies of your players' skill sets and plan offensive sets accordingly.

There are still some oddities that detract from the realistic action. The most glaring quirk is that players often don't know how to react when there's a loose ball. They may stare longingly at a deflected pass instead of diving to control it, which would be worth a benching in real life. Plus, the ball doesn't always react like it should. Sometimes it might bounce as if covered in glue, or randomly ricochet like a Ping-Pong ball. These hiccups stand out starkly against the otherwise impressive visuals in 2K14. The franchise has always done a fine job of replicating the faces and movements of players, but now the rhythm of the action so closely mirrors the real thing it's almost eerie.

Someday there will be a mode designed exclusively around Gail Goodrich.

New in 2K14 is a mode called Path to Greatness that lets you follow LeBron James as he tries to elevate his place in the NBA's hierarchy. Two paths--one realistic and one zany--are on offer, and seeing the crazy hypotheticals play out is certainly interesting. Unlike a similar mode in NBA 2K11 that let you fill Michael Jordan's shoes, Path to Greatness doesn't require you to reach a specific stat line to progress. Because you need only win to proceed, you can play your way, which is a lot of fun given LeBron's wide assortment of talents. More fanfic than historical document, this mode is a good way to explore The King's options. And who knows, maybe he will end up back in Cleveland some day…

Despite the occasional technical missteps, NBA 2K14 is a great experience that deftly captures the essence of what makes the NBA so appealing. Nothing could perfectly replicate reality, but 2K14 has almost as much personality, and gives you the freedom to perform how you wish. With lifelike animations, realistic player models, and an assortment of moves that would make even Dwyane Wade blush, NBA 2K14 further blurs the line between the real game and its digital equivalent.

NBA "Where Are They Now?"

As we prepare to watch the 2012 NBA Finals, let's take a look again at those who paved the way for the players we watch today.

Here is BlvdAve's (@curtisshawflagg) Part II of 

NBA: "Where Are They Now?"

Kevin Johnson

"K.J."

 Kevin "K.J." Johnson among the fraternity of players that stayed with one team throughout the entirety of their careers. K.J. played a partial season for the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded and spending his entire career with the Phoenix Suns. This loyalty would be salutary later on in his career, but during his time playing for the Suns, he was arguably one the best point guards in the NBA. Finishing his career 7th All-Time in assists per game (9.1), and 18th in total assists (6711).

Kevin finished his career ranking among some of the NBA's most elite. He is one of only three players to have averaged at least 20pts and 12asts in a season (Isiah Thomas, Magic Johnson), at least 20-10 in three consecutive seasons (Oscar Robertson, Isiah Thomas). He also holds the NBA record for most minutes played in a Finals game, logging 62 minutes against the Chicago Bulls in the 1993 NBA Finals.

Kevin Johnson retired with the Phoenix Suns during the 1997-98 season. He returned to the Suns as Jason Kidd's replacement during the 1999-00  season for a playoff run. Phoenix lost to the Lakers in the second round. After that season Johnson retired for the final time.

Since retirement from his 13 year career in the NBA, he started and founded the Kevin Johnson Corporation, specializing in real estate development and management. Through that company he opened the St. HOPE academy in 1989. He served as its CEO until 2008, amid allegations that it did not spend AmeriCorps grant and educational award money appropriately.

During that same time, Kevin returned to his home of Sacramento, California to run for mayor. He challenged incumbent mayor Heather Fargo and won after a runoff election. He received 57.4% of the votes. Kevin still resides as the active mayor of Sacramento. He recently wed his wife Michelle Rhee, former Chancellor of the District of Columbia school system.

Hakeem Olajuwon

"The Dream"

Life-time Houston Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon took what he could get during the Jordan-era. Winning back-to-back NBA Championships in between the Bulls double 3-peat championships and amidst the retirement of Michael Jordan. This after the first of three Bulls titles and after the brutal murder of Michael's father, James Jordan.

Hakeem and the 1994-1995 Houston Rockets shifted dominance in the NBA to the West, defeating the New York Knicks in seven games (Olajuwon averaged 27ppg, 9.4rpg, 4.2bpg) in 94' and swept the Orlando Magic (Olajuwon averaged 32.8ppg, 11.5rpg, 5apg, 2bpg) the very next season.

Olajuwon revolutionized the center position. His agility, knowledge of proper pivot skills, and one the most lethal head fakes in NBA history combined for what was coined "The Dream Shake". This move consisted of a quick dribble drive, followed by a fake layup, counterclockwise pivot spin, shot fake and up-and-under finish. Olajuwon performed this to absolute perfection.

What extended far beyond his stellar on the court performance, was his involvement in charitable endeavors off the court. Olajuwon was one of the first players in the modern shoe marketing era to endorse a brand (Spaulding) that wasn't considered a "top" shoe brand due to prices of other brands such as Nike, Reebok, and Adidas. The shoe retailed for $35, a far cry from the $120 shoes Jordan and other players were marketing. When asked about why, Olajuwon stated,

"How can a poor working mother with three boys buy Nikes or Reeboks that cost $120?...She can't. So kids steal these shoes from stores and from other kids. Sometimes they kill for them."

After retirement from a near 20 year career in the NBA and college ranks, Hakeem spends most of time in Jordan where he practices his Islamic faith. He began observing this religion during the 1991 season, assuming the nameHa-keem instead of Akeem.

Beyond that he assumes various endeavors from real estate, to being one of the most sought out training guru at his annual "Big Man Camp" to the current crop of NBA stars. Most notably and recently LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Andrew Bynum, Yao Ming, Emeka Okafor, and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah plans to train over this summer with the Hall of Famer.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame with the class of 2008.

Bernard King

"B"

Just shy of making the "NBA's 50 Greatest Players" list, Bernard King had a historic impact on the NBA during his 14 year career. Drafted by the New Jersey Nets 7th overall out of the University of Tennessee, King immediately produced for the Nets, during his rookie season he set the franchise record for points by a rookie (1,909) and made 1st team NBA All-Rookie.

He would go on to average 22.8ppg during his two years in New Jersey, and was then traded to the Utah Jazz briefly before being traded to the Knicks forMichael Ray Richardson and a 5th round draft pick in 1984.

King would spend some his formidable seasons in New York, averaging over 26ppg during his 4 seasons with the Knicks, one of which include a 32.9ppg campaign in 1984-85. He lead the league in scoring that season but ultimately fell short in the MVP voting to Larry Bird, as King's Knicks were a Eastern Conference Atlantic worst 24-58, despite King's scoring heroics.

King suffered a tragic injury during the height of his career. During the 1985-86 season, he tore his ACL during a game against the Kansas City Kings. He would end up missing two seasons rehabbing the injury. King attempted a noble comeback, making the 1991 All-Star Game, Bernard averaged 28.4ppg, 4apg, and 5rpg. After the 91' season, King reinjured that same knee while playing for the New Jersey Nets. He was forced into retirement in 1993.

King now runs Bernard King and Thompson Energy Solutions, LLC. BKTEC is an energy venture, which helps companies improve efficiency. Bernard started the company with close friend Rickey Thompson in 2007. He still enjoys watching NBA games, as he looks to keep his Christmas Day scoring record of 60 points in Madison Square Garden.

Shawn Kemp

"The Reign Man"

In the wake of the Oklahoma City Thunder reaching the NBA Finals, Shawn Kemp may have been the franchise's first true marketable star. Kemp was drafted in 1989 by the Seattle Supersonics with the 17th overall pick. He was a super standout in the Indiana area, considered one the top 5 players in the nation, he lead Concordia High School to a state championship victory in his senior year.

Kemp initially signed a letter of intent to play basketball for the University of Kentucky, however an issue involving a stolen goldchain from teammate and son of UK Head Coach Eddie Sutton - Sean Sutton - forced Kemp to enroll at the Trinity Valley Community College in Texas. After just one semester Kemp declared himself eligible for the NBA Draft. Trouble would follow Shawn throughout his career.

Kemp arrived to a competitive Sonics team that just came off of a Western Conference Semifinal loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Kemp came in as the youngest player in the NBA at age 20. His first couple seasons were difficult, as he struggled to adjust to the NBA (6ppg/4rpg, 15ppg/8rpg, 15ppg/10rpg first 3 seasons). However -with the tutelage of All-Star and former All-Rookie Xavier McDaniel - Kemp emerged in his third season to average 17.8ppg, 10.7rpg and almost 2 blocks a game (1.9).

Shawn finally got it. And more importantly he found a way to add his flair and aggressive post skills to the forefront. Shawn Kemp was Blake Griffin before the Mozgov craze came about. His dunk exploits intimidated teams and was often strategically defended around. He earned commercial success donning the moniker "Reign Man", and appeared on MTV's Rock n' Jock celebrity basketball game. Casting the small market franchise into a reputable spotlight as a green light city for stars to play.

Shawn Kemp was the blueprint for Blake Griffin, (check the :58 second mark)

As the 80's came to a close and the 90's rang in, contract sizes increased with every new year. Despite working to become an All-Star and team leader, Kemp was earning a "max-contract" that was far less than his fellow stars. After requesting a reworking of his contract to reflect that of players more his caliber, Shawn was met with reluctance by the Seattle front office. Kemp was eventually traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a blockbuster deal that included Vin Baker, Terrelle Brandon, Tyrone Hill, Pat Garrity, and Sherman Douglas.

Kemp arrived to Cleveland virtually unrecognizable. He started training camp registering at over 300lbs, clearly overweight and out-of-shape. Despite packing on the pounds, Shawn managed to have his best scoring seasons of his career ( averaging 20.5ppg, 9.2rpg) in 42 games of play. Kemp would go on to have another productive season in Cleveland before being shipped to the Portland Trailblazers in a three-team trade.

Unfortunately, his final years in the NBA were plagued with drug abuse, alcoholism and more weight issues. He was waived before the 2003 season before signing as a free agent with the Orlando Magic to aid the loss of Grant Hill. Kemp averaged 6.8ppg (7.6ppg as a starter) and 5.7rpg (6.4 as starter) before being replaced by Juwan Howard following the 03' season.

Since his exit from the NBA Kemp has seen his fair share of legal problems, arrested in 2005 for cocaine, marijuana and gun possession. He was again arrested in 2006 for marijuana possession. In lieu of the legal trouble, he managed sign a contract with the Italian League for one year. Said to be back to great shape, Kemp played for a brief three preseason games before coming to the United States after Hurricane Ike damaged his home.

He now enjoys time watching his son - Shawn Kemp Jr. - play for the University of Washington. Kemp Jr. is now in his sophomore season with the Huskies.

For other sports posts from @curtisshawflagg, visit http://www.chicagonow.com/as-i-see-it

Sneaks on the Ave: THe RETURN !!! ( Nike LeBron 9 ‘All-Star’)

The Nike LeBron 9 ‘All-Star’ is just about ready for liftoff, do you have your ticket? Coming in a colorway set to rival the previous pinnacle set by the ‘South Beach’ in terms of sheer energy is this spaced out sneaker.

Of course it’s landing on an All-Star Weekend jam packed with similar goodies from his Nike Basketball comrades, so perhaps the on court performance will be the ultimate determine of which of the upcoming sigs carve out the greatest line in sneaker history.

 Until then we’ve got some new shots of the Nike LeBron 9 ‘All-Star’ which is starting to pop up now at select accounts like Mr. R Sports. Hit the jump for the full photos from ITSB and if you need a pair early, get yours now on eBay.

 Nike LeBron 9 ‘All-Star’
Total Orange/Metallic Silver-Team Orange-Mango
520811-800
02/24/12
$170

Check HERE for All NBA 2012 All Star Game information

Sneaks on the Ave: Nike Lebron 9 'Scarface'

Nike LeBron 9
White/White-Black-Sport Red (Home/Scarface)
469764-100
11/04/11
$170

Last year's Miami inspired colorways for the Nike LeBron 8 like the 'South Beach' and 'Miami Nights' were the clear kings of the hill for must haves, so will King James' latest signature shoe have a similar fate? With the Nike LeBron 9 finally starting to pop up on a slew of exciting colorways, this pair fuses the standard Miami Heat colors with a bit more sinister inspiration; the iconic imagery of the classic gangster film Scarface.

The stark combo of black and white mixes in swaths of red that make the inspiration clear. Let us know how these line up against the other Nike LeBron 9's we've seen so far and stay tuned for more info on the 'Scarfaces'.

Sneaks on the Ave: Nike Lebron 9 'Kentucky' Colorway, plus a couple other LBJ 9 colorways

 Late last week, Jason Petrie gave us a first look at the Nike LeBron 9 'Kentucky' during a Q&A video chat session. It features a Royal Blue/Black upper with a white swoosh and outsole for that complete Wildcats appeal, but as we've mentioned before, it's hard not to see this as an 'Air Penny' colorway. We've already seen some of the other NCAA-inspired colorways, like the Ohio State Buckeyes and the Miami Hurricanes, so which of the three do you like best? These are slated for a release at select retailers like Oneness in Kentucky this Friday at midnight, so check out the extra shot of the Nike LeBron 9 'Kentucky'  above and be sure to stick with Sneaker News and BlvdAve for more release updates and information. Bonus: Here's a look at a couple other colorways of the Lebron 9.