I Love Basketball Game: August 2007

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Adidas T-Mac 6

Tracy McGrady depends on this elite basketball shoe to dominate the game. With its five-pod Ground Control System™ the adidas T-MAC 6 gives him and you the stability to score at will.
Synthetic upper. Molded EVA insole offers anatomical comfort.

Ground Control System provides motion control and ground adaptability. Torsion System adds midfoot integrity. Non-marking rubber outsole. Wt. 17.2 oz.

Featuring a five-pod Ground Control System for awesome motion control and ground adaptability, the T-Mac 6 adds points to your game.

On and off the court, you'll love the look of this elite hoops shoe with synthetic mix uppers shaped for supreme style and a non-marking rubber outsole.

The T-Mac 6's Torison System gives you midfoot integrity and its molded EVA insole provides the anatomical support you need all game long.
Here are some colors:

Black/Silver

White/Dark Indigo/Cardinal

Running White/University Red/Metallic Silver

Black/Metallic Gold

Metallic Gold/Black

Black/Varsity Red

Running White/Black/University Red

Nike Zoom LeBron V

Here is a sample pic of the Nike Zoom LeBron V. Similar to the “China” LeBron IV, the China colorway of the Nike Zoom LeBron V features a mix of Dark Red and White with Gold accents. No word on the release date yet. Stay tuned for more updates.

Both colorways do not offer anything that appealing to the eye or stand out in any great way. As with many shoes though, once they are released the final look may be a lot better. I will keep you informed as to the final product and any release date information.
Here are two other colors of Nike Zoom LeBron V:

Nike Zoom LeBron IV

The China Edition Lebron IV’s will only be available in China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The shoes are limited to only 4500 pairs and will be released actually before the first Zoom Lebron IV’s in the USA are. They release on November 11th, in China and Taiwan, and November 13th in Hong Kong. With how many are releasing and the hype around them, expect sevearl pairs to end up on eBay.

Yi has signed with Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks announced today that 2007 first round draft pick Yi Jianlian has signed a multi-year contract. The Bucks 6th overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft, Yi Jianlian signed his contract in Hong Kong following a negotiating session with Mr. Chen Haitao, owner of the Guangdong Tigers. Bucks owner and team president Senator Herb Kohl, General Manager Larry Harris and Bucks Vice President Ron Walter were able to meet with Mr. Chen, as well as Yi and his family, as part of the process.

Yi expected that he will joins the team for training camp that begins on Monday, October 1 at the Bucks Training Center in St. Francis, WI.

Yi is a skilful and changeable young man whom we saw playing of many times during these last years including this summer in the NBA Summer League.

NBA Commissioner David J. Stern commented, “We are happy that Yi will be playing with the Bucks to further develop his skill and his contribution to both the Chinese National Team and the NBA. This is another great example of cooperation between the CBA and the NBA and I want to congratulate the CBA, Mr. Chen, the Guangdong Tigers and the Milwaukee Bucks.”

Yi competed for the Chinese National Team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the 2006 FIBA World Championship in Japan.

[source: nba.com]

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Kevin Durant and Jeff Green

Green and Durant have known each other as acquaintances for the past three years, but in the past two months, they have spent nearly as much time together as apart. The Maryland natives became teammates June 28 when the Seattle SuperSonics selected Durant with the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft then made a trade with the Boston Celtics to acquire the former Georgetown star Green, the fifth pick.

Since then, they've played on the SuperSonics' summer league team and spent the past week participating in Team USA's preparations for the FIBA Americas Olympic Qualifying Tournament, which begins Wednesday at Thomas & Mack Center. The United States needs to finish first or second to qualify for Beijing.

Green and Durant are in Las Vegas for different reasons -- Green was invited as a member of a 10-man select team of young NBA players to scrimmage with members of the men's senior national team while Durant was on the bubble for the official 12-man roster before being cut with Nick Collison late Monday night -- but they have breakfast together each morning and have eaten dinner together a few times, since both players are too young to partake in all that Las Vegas has to offer.

Both players appear to have remained grounded and humble despite the drastic changes in their basketball lives and bank accounts in recent weeks. They became millionaires when they signed NBA contracts last month, and Durant hit the jackpot when he signed a seven-year, $60 million shoe deal -- which included a $10 million signing bonus -- with Nike. "I'm the same person I was before I got drafted," Durant said. "When I really put that Sonics jersey on and play my first game, I'm going to feel a little different."

Green turns 21 next week, so he has stayed clear of the casinos and the clubs in Sin City -- "I don't go out and party anyway," he said, but he hasn't even tried to watch any of the elaborate shows. "Too expensive," Green said. "I can't live the lavish life yet. I haven't done anything yet, to make a name for myself. I'm not trying to get too far ahead of myself."

Green said his only indulgence was purchasing a car. "It's something I need," he said, declining to name the make and model.

Green and Houston's Aaron Brooks were the only rookies to be chosen for the select team, and Green viewed it as more affirmation of his decision to leave Georgetown after his junior season. Matching up with superstars such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony the past week in practice has been "the highlight of my NBA life so far," Green said.

Green finished his service to the country after the final practice Monday and planned to go to Seattle to find a place to stay. He hasn't decided whether to buy a house or rent an apartment, with the SuperSonics' future in the city still in limbo. Durant is in the process of closing on a home in the Seattle area.

Heat's Rookie, Daequan Cook

The rookie of Miami, Daquean Cook, attended the camp of shooting, the former player Pro Price Mark close to Atlanta, with its young fellow-members of Heats, Jeremy Richardson, Marcus Slaughter and Devin Green.

Daequan Cook was drafted by the Miami Heat largely for his shooting ability. That doesn't mean the NBA rookie is done learning that kraft drank.

Since the draft, Cook has played summer league ball, bought his mother a house and trained with new teammate Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway.

Cook attended the rookie trading card photo shoot and signed about 3,000 cards.

Cook said he and ex-Dunbar and OSU standout Mark Baker will train for a couple weeks and put on a basketball skills clinic Sept. 1 before Cook leaves for Miami on Sept. 3.

When that camp is over, Cook will get ready for the Heat's training camp Oct. 1.

Though basketball is now his job, Cook still enjoys it: "If you love the game, you're going to have fun."

On Nov. 1, games begin.

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Converse Wade 2.0

The Converse Wade 2.0 is the new signature shoes of NBA All-Star Dwyane Wade. The Converse Wade 2.0 will be coming out on March 3rd, 2007.

The Forgotten Star?

A lot has been said and written about the additions of Kobe Bryant, Jason Kidd and Chauncey Billups to Team USA this summer. Amare Stoudemire is also a big (literally and figuratively) addition, as he's fully healthy this time around. And there's always hype surrounding LeBron James, who is coming off his first trip to the NBA Finals.

But let us not overlook the man who was Team USA's best player when they won the bronze medal at last year's World Championships.

While Kidd is the leader and floor general, Bryant is the go-to scorer down the stretch and LeBron is the runaway train on the break, Carmelo Anthony's role might be as or more important than all of them.

Throughout the first three practices of this second session of training camp, Coach Mike Krzyzewski has had a primary lineup of Kidd, Bryant, James, Anthony and Stoudemire. He has said that it won't be his only starting lineup, but it's safe to say that Anthony will spend a lot of time playing the power forward position.

That means that he will be asked to bang with the big guys, rebound and defend the paint. It's not the same role that he plays on the Nuggets for sure, when he plays alongside Marcus Camby and Nenê. Bryant though, believes that Anthony can handle the role just fine.

Full Story: NBA.COM

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Dada Fadeaway

Patent leather upper with airbrushed fade. Removable sockliner made with the latest in cushion comfort technologies, enhancing feel and performance. CMEVA midsole with embedded midfoot shank for added stability.
Here are another colors:

Adidas Crazy 8

Worn by Gilbert Arenas, the adidas Crazy 8 basketball shoe is the perfect mix of on-court performance and on-court style. Bootie construction helps minimize friction for hardwood comfort. An airmesh lining keeps you cool possession after possession. Leather and synthetic upper. EVA midsole. Torsion� System plate. Non-marking rubber outsole.
Here are some views:

And1 Highlight

On of And1’s coolest basketball shoe, the Highlights Mid’s mesh tounge provides comfort and breathability. The bottom layer is a resiliant, durable foam giving the shoe energy return.

Yao got married

NBA star Yao Ming is getting married at an upmarket Shanghai hotel Monday in front of 100 relatives, with an equal number of security guards expected to work the event, a sports newspaper reported.

After the ceremony and dinner at the five-star Shangri-La Hotel, the newlyweds and their guests will cruise the Huangpu River in a luxury houseboat, the Titan sports newspaper reported. The wedding cost about $130,000, the paper said.

No teammates, coaches or basketball officials will be at the nuptials, the Beijing Morning Post reported. However, 100 security guards would be on hand.

The 7-6 Houston Rockets center and his bride, Ye Li, received their official marriage certificate on Friday. Widely circulated photographs showed the couple in tuxedo and off-the-shoulder gown having their wedding portraits made at a scenic resort in eastern China last week.

Ye, 26, who is 6-2, plays on China's national women's basketball team.

Recap of the Summer's Transactions

Here are the NBA transactions of the summer since July 1, team by team.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Bobcats: Sign Jason Richardson; Resign Gerald Wallace & Matt Carroll

Bucks: Resign Maurice Williams; Sign Desmond Mason & Jake Voskuhl

Bulldozers: Sign Joe Smith; Resign Andres Nocioni

Cavs: No transaction

Celtics: Sign Kevin Garnett, Eddie House, Jackie Manuel & Ray Allen

Hawks: No transaction

Heat: Sign Smush Parker

Knicks: Sign Fred Jones, daN Dickau & Zack Randolph

Nets: Resign Vince Carter; Sign Jamaal Magloire

Orlando: Sign Rashard Lewis; resign Dwight Howard (extension of contract)

Pacers: Sign Travis Diener & Kareem Rush

Pistons: Resign Chauncey Billups & Amir Johnson & Antonio McDyess (extension of contract)

Raptors: Sign Jason Kapono; Sign Maceo Baston

Sixers: No transaction

Wizards: Resign DeShawn Stevenson

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Blazers: Sign Steve Blake & James Jones; Resign Travis Outlaw

Clippers: Sign Brevin Knight; Resign Yaroslav Korolev

Grizzlies: Sign Darko Milicic, Andre Brown & Casey Jacobsen

Hornets: Sign Mo Peterson

Jazz: Sign Jason Hart; Sign Ronnie Price

Kings: Sign Mikki Moore; resign Justin Williams

Lakers: Resign Luke Walton & Chris Mihm; Sign Derek Fisher

Mavericks: Resign Jerry Stackhouse & Devean George; Sign Eddie Jones

Nuggets: Sign Chucky Atkins

Rockets: Sign Mike Harris, Mike James, Steve Francis, Jackie Butler & Luis Scola

Suns: Sign Grant Hill; Resign Sean Marks

Spurs: Resign Fabricio Oberto, Matt Bonner & Jacque Vaughn

Sonics: Sign Delonte West & Wally Szczerbiak & Kurt Thomas

Twolves: Sign Juwan Howard, Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Sebastien Telfair, & Theo Ratliff

Warriors: Sign Austin Croshere; Resign Matt Barnes

Friday, August 3, 2007

The "real" reason of Yi Jianlian

I think everyone wanted to talk about Yi Jianlian, the Milwaukee Bucks’ top draft choice.

Why not?

Yi, a 7-foot forward, has created a buzz by saying he won’t play for the Bucks, although I’m convinced he will. Beyond that, Yi has the physical and mental makeup to be a special player.

Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak, who also was at the summer league, concurred.

"I’m a big fan of Yi’s," Krystkowkiak told me last week before heading out to Montana for a little R&R. "It’s amazing how fast he can get from one end of the floor to the other end of the floor and he has a nice shooting touch.

"He’s very intriguing. I think he can be a great player."

Considering Krystkowiak is hardly prone to hyperbole, that’s quite a statement.

Now we know the "real" reason Yi Jianlian is balking at playing in Milwaukee.

Said Ma Jian, a former Chinese basketball star: "Of course, definitely, CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) and Yi’s agents would prefer that he play in cities with large Chinese population. It will benefit both CBA and Yi; it will help promotion. And it will guarantee him better restaurants and perhaps better looking Chinese girlfriend."

Starbury believes the Knicks should not be afraid of the new-look Celtics

Stephon Marbury said late last season he would love to reunite with Kevin Garnett. But Marbury feels no remorse Garnett is headed to Beantown and believes the Knicks should not be afraid of the new-look Celtics.

In an exclusive interview with The Post, Marbury also took shots at Minnesota GM Kevin McHale, expressing concern his cousin Sebastian Telfair, involved in the blockbuster, has to play for him.

McHale's trade has made Boston the East's team to beat in some circles. Marbury isn't granting the Celtics the Eastern title.

Isiah Thomas would've loved to snare Garnett, though Zach Randolph is a solid consolation prize.

Marbury's dislike for McHale stems from his Minnesota days. Marbury felt betrayed after he was dealt by Minnesota, and McHale leaked Marbury was jealous of Garnett.

"As far as my little cousin, I wish him all the best because he's got to deal with Kevin McHale," Marbury said. "I wouldn't want to play for Kevin McHale. When I left, all of a sudden I became a bad person from his standpoint. I became selfish and jealous of Kevin."

Marbury feels good for the other Kevin.

"I'm very happy for him," Marbury said. "He finally put them in a corner from what I hear. He said he wanted out. He was tired of losing. Nobody likes losing."

Marbury, working out this week at the Knicks facility, will resume his Starbury discount sneaker tour Aug. 18. Marbury will make appearances at Steve & Barrys in Albany, Rochester and Buffalo before appearing Aug. 21 in Manhattan with two 18-wheelers for a giveaway of sneakers, haircuts and food.

KG sign with Celtics

Boston Celtic announced yesterday that they acquired the 10 times All Star Player and MVP 2004, Kevin Garnett of Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange of Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Al Jefferson, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, a first pick of 2009 Draft. Minnesota receives also financial considerations in the exchange.

The deal of Kevin Garnett now concluded, the team and the league revealed the final version of its contract which, from now, will force Celtics to pay the luxury tax the next season.

By signing the deal with Garnett, the three years extension will cost a total of 60 million dollars.

The real extension totals 51 million dollars 14.6 M of $ for the season 2009-10, 17 million M of $ per 2010-2011 and 19.4 million M of $ per 2011-12.

But the wages of Garnett will increase by 1.8 million dollars each year during the five years of its contract, the repercussions of the trade and the premiums will be absorbed throughout the contract.

Consequently, Celtics will pay 105 million dollars with Garnett during the five next years (23.8 million dollars for the next season, 24.8 M of $ per 2008-09, 16.4 M of $ per 2009-10, 18.8 M of $ per 2010-11, $21.2 per 2011-12).

In Celtics, KG will not wear the number 21, because Celtics withdrew number 21 in 1966 to honour the Hall Famer, Bill Sharman. It seems that Garnett will carry number 5.

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