Detroit thanks Dennis Rodman; Dennis Rodman has Detroit to thank

 By Kelly Dwyer
 As it was 25 years ago when the Detroit Pistons drafted him out of a small college in Oklahoma, Dennis Rodman didn't come to Detroit this week as much of a basketball player.
He had spent a good portion of the week doing what Dennis Rodman does now -- making personal appearances at product releases, in casinos, surrounded by filtered libations, flashing lights and flirting lasses. Prior to Friday's ceremony to retire his No. 10, Rodman took part in a pregame news conference sporting a hat with a clothing manufacturer's logo prominently featured. He's a pro at this now, to use one of his favorite words, "bro."
Something changed on Friday, though. Perhaps it was the shot of a young Rodman on the marquee outside the Palace at Auburn Hills, unfettered by jewelry or skin-and-ink artistry. Maybe it was the Palace setting itself -- the building was rightfully hailed as years ahead of its time when it debuted in 1988, but now even some of its gaudier elements seem quite tame. Perhaps it was the nostalgia, which has a way of both humbling and enervating even the person that's being paid tribute to. For whatever reason, as it was 25 years ago, the Detroit Pistons turned Dennis Rodman into a basketball player again on Friday night.
Detroit couldn't help it. They'd seen from afar the tattooed Rodman, the guy with the crazy hair and outlandish (for the 1990s, at least) style who courted Madonna and posed nude on the cover of his bestselling books as he played for the Spurs and Bulls. But Detroit never knew that guy. No, they knew the shy and sensitive Rodman that sheepishly made his way onto the Pistons roster as a 25-year-old rookie in 1986.
The quiet, do-it-all forward who rarely received the credit he deserved as a cog in a championship Pistons machine featuring Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Mark Aguirre and Bill Laimbeer. This suited Dennis just fine, initially. But though Rodman won two titles, two individual awards as the Defensive Player of the Year and nationally-televised endorsements (Dennis was among many that Reebok Pumped it up, back then), this relative anonymity eventually led to the resentment that forced his way out of Detroit.
By 1991, the Bulls had supplanted the Pistons as champions, Detroit coach Chuck Daly was entering his final year with the team, Rodman had just turned 30 and was seemingly past his athletic prime. Dennis was still regarded league-wide as the pest that came off the bench to check whoever had the hottest hand, whether they worked on the perimeter or in the post. That sort of defensive brilliance helps win games, but the effort behind such work often doesn't show up in the box score, and box score stats act as currency to the casual fan. Because Dennis sought both recognition and a million-dollar contract, he decided to start focusing his efforts intently on the glass.
What was once a sterling defensive player who did quite well on the boards suddenly turned into a still-sterling defensive player who planted his formidable skills and basketball IQ on the weak side to gobble up rebound after rebound. In his last two seasons with Detroit, Rodman averaged 18.7 and 18.3 rebounds per game, shocking numbers for a wiry guy who probably wasn't any taller than Clyde Drexler.
This was all part of the downfall, though. With Daly gone in 1992-93, Dennis found little joy in coming to work. The Pistons were more than happy to deal Rodman to San Antonio, where he discovered hair dye and Madonna's Motorola number. Outside of coming back to Detroit as a player, he lost all contact with the area, and his former identity. Rodman admitted last night that the last time he'd been in the Detroit area was during his final season with the Chicago Bulls, in January 1998.
It was the realization that, in his words, he "should have done more" in Detroit that led Dennis to break down in tears at that pregame news conference on Friday. "I didn't fully understand the value that I had for this organization."
Unsolicited, Rodman brought up the recent passing of Daly, Pistons owner Bill Davidson and former Pistons president of public relations Matt Dobek in the news conference. He talked wistfully about seeing longtime Palace arena workers for the first time in years. He sloughed off questions about Scottie Pippen and John Salley's recent remarks about the Bulls-Pistons rivalries as just two competitors, "good guys," playing the part. When asked about the possibility that he'll make the Basketball Hall of Fame next week, Rodman pointed out that he has a lot on his plate. Not casino appearances or cologne launches, but his children's birthdays, his upcoming marriage anniversary and his own birthday.
"In four weeks I'll be 50 years old," he pointed out. "I can't believe I've made it this far."
It was a touching about-face for a man who has mostly lived on the fringes of your cable dial for the last 13 years, decked out in party-guy finery, cigar in hand and bottle service at the table. Regarding the Pistons' video tribute the team had planned for him at halftime, Dennis admitted that "this is going to be the first time [my children] get to see a video of their father doing something positive with his life."
That video was, indeed, something else. And there wasn't a tattoo or stray blond hair to be found in it. And another thing was mostly missing, as well.
The greatest rebounder in NBA history didn't have many rebounds show up in his tribute video, mainly because Detroit never knew him that way. Detroit never saw him as Dennis Rodman, Rebounder for Hire. The montage mainly featured shots of Rodman the defender, the energizer, locking up point guards, shooting guards, small and power forwards, and the occasional hulking center with six inches on the guy.
And for the first time in years, the name "Dennis Rodman" evoked memories of a basketball player, and not some late-1990s cultural touchstone. More Hall of Fame, than Hootie.
Rodman pointed out on Friday night that he'd been asked to go to Houston on Monday, to take part in the announcement that he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this September. He said it not to brag, but as more of a "can you believe all this?" add-on to what was a remarkable night.
Well, yes, we can believe all this. Dennis Rodman was, pound-for-pound, the greatest defensive player of all time. Forgetting height and weight, he pulled in more available rebounds than any other player in NBA history. He was a whip-smart, if reluctant, offensive player. He was as good as teammates came, even if he came late to practice. He was a five-time champion and, as was pointed out by Rodman last night, a role model for college scorers who might have to temper their instincts and focus on the other end of the court should they want to succeed in the NBA.
Above all, as was reinforced last night, Dennis Rodman was a basketball player, and not a C-list celebrity. And for the second time in 25 years, he has the Detroit Pistons to thank for that.

Dennis Rodman breaks down at emotional news conference

By Kelly Dwyer
Emotions got the better of Dennis Rodman just minutes into a news conference he presided over in Auburn Hills, Mich., on Friday. Rodman is in town to have his No. 10 retired by the Detroit Pistons. He was remarkably composed throughout the better part of the question-and-answer session with media, but broke down while assessing his time spent as a part of Detroit's two championships in 1989 and 1990, telling the media that he felt as if he "doesn't deserve to have [the number] retired," because there "was so much else I should have done" in Detroit.
"I didn't fully understand the value I had for this organization," Rodman admitted. After his relationship with the Pistons soured following the breakup of the Chuck Daly-coached championship teams, Rodman forced a trade in 1993 to the San Antonio Spurs. He hasn't had much contact with the organization in the years since, pointing out that this was his first time back in the Detroit area since his final season with the Chicago Bulls in 1998.
Rodman also shed tears while discussing the recent passing of former Pistons president of public relations Matt Dobek, coach Chuck Daly and team owner William Davidson. Pointing out that those three "kept a lot of guys happy," Rodman spoke effusively about how the night would not be the same with the three absent from the proceedings.
The former two-time Defensive Player of the Year also relayed a story where Daly once pulled a frustrated Rodman into his office to remind him that "good things come to those who wait." And the lesson seems to have been picked up in Rodman's personal life, as relayed in his inimitable manner.
The Pistons put together a halftime tribute video for Rodman, whose children will watch the presentation. "This is going to be the first time," Rodman said, "they get to see a video of their father doing something positive with his life."

Sonny Weems is looking for love on twitter

NBA players lead difficult social lives from the fall to spring. Unlike most working adults, they're consistently on the road for the majority of the year, which makes it difficult to building lasting relationships with significant others. If you're wondering why a legitimate groupie culture exists in the league, it's because players get lonely very easily. Oh, and because they make lots of money.
Anyway, some players can feel unfulfilled even while achieving their professional dreams. Take it from Raptors vet Sonny Weems, who is looking for love wherever he can find it. From Dave Feschuk for the Toronto Star (via Eye on Basketball):

Still, it's not a stretch to suggest that when pro athletes, both male and female, seek romantic partnership, choice comes in quantity. Quality, Weems will tell you, is another matter.
"A lot of females come to you, and they tell you a story. 'I want to be your girl. I'm different from other females.' Or whatever. It happens all the time," Weems said. "Athletes really have it hard, trying to find that person. Who can you trust?" [...]
"It's hard for us to trust (women), and it's probably hard for them to trust us, too," acknowledged Reggie Evans, the veteran Raptors forward who is married with children.
Why, then, would Weems, at age 24, bother seeking a relationship via Twitter? Evans wondered aloud if Weems has grown tired of being a soloist while one of his closest friends on the team, 21-year-old DeMar DeRozan, spends quality time with a steady girlfriend.
"DeMar's been having a girlfriend for a while — it's probably taking a toll on Sonny," Evans said, a mischievous smile ever in place. "He probably thinks he needs someone."

As noted by Feschuk in the article's lede, Weems sent out a Twitter missive that it might be time for a girlfriend and promptly received around 50 responses showing interest. I'm not sure that's the best way to find a nice woman, but plenty of wonderful relationships start online, at least according to those commercials I see on TV.
Weems is living a life that most men would kill for, but it's interesting to note that he still desires a sense of stability that's hard to come by in a league where players can be dealt to teams in faraway cities with no warning. On the other hand, that uncertainty is usually a problem for relationships. It's a tough situation for athletes and their beloveds, with both sides having to make sacrifices and compromises on a consistent basis. Those are the elements of more normal successful relationships, too, but they're even more important when one person is regularly on the move.
We all wish Weems good luck on his quest for love. Like all people, he's going to need it.

Who's the best Muslim Hooper to ever play in the NBA?

Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf

Shareef Abdur-Rahim

Larry Johnson

Rasheed Wallace

Mehmet Okur

Hakeem Olajuwon

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Jalen Rose pulled off the air by ESPN for DUI controversy

By Eric Freeman

ESPN analyst and former NBA player Jalen Rose has been in the news quite a bit lately, mostly for his controversial statements about Duke's recruiting practices in the excellent Fab Five documentary Rose produced for ESPN. The story surrounding his "Uncle Tom" remarks has mostly focused on the accuracy of the term, but the context of the statement -- that, ultimately, Rose clearly held that opinion in the past and explained that it was the product of ignorance and bitterness -- has proven that Rose is a thoughtful commentator with a too rare amount of self-awareness.
Sadly, that quality makes the latest Rose news all the more disappointing. As reported earlier this week by WDIV in Detroit, Rose was cited for a DUI in early March and neglected to tell anyone at ESPN about the incident. The Poynter Review Project Blog, the network's ombudsman, rightfully noted yesterday that the situation has compromised ESPN. And now, as reported by Michael McCarthy at USA Today, Rose has been pulled off the air:

ESPN is pulling Jalen Rose off the air after a report found the NBA basketball analyst waited almost three weeks to tell his employers about his arrest in Michigan on suspicion of drunk driving.
"Jalen has accepted full responsibility for his actions. Both parties are taking this very seriously, and as a result, we've agreed that he will not be on our air while he addresses this situation," said ESPN spokesman Josh Krulewitz in an email to Game On!

To clarify, Rose has not been fired or officially suspended -- he's just off the air for the time being as ESPN sorts out what should be done. However, it wouldn't be shocking if they parted ways, which would be a sad turn of events given that Rose's profile as a commentator has only become larger since the Fab Five documentary aired last month.
At the same time, it's likely that Rose would not have been given such brand-building attention if his DUI arrest had become public knowledge. He should have told ESPN about his troubles, but the decision not to could very well have been influenced by the need to promote his documentary. There were considerations here beyond his responsibilities to his employer. While that doesn't excuse his actions, it does help explain them.
Still, even with this DUI controversy becoming an issue, it's likely that Rose will come out of the events of the past month with a net positive gain for his career. His work with the Fab Five doc has been recognized for its thoughtfulness and candor, and more people around basketball are starting to acknowledge that he's one of the best commentators working today. His career will be fine. That might not be a fair outcome given the seriousness of not being forthcoming about a DUI arrest, but it's also how the TV business usually works.


Original source:   Yahoo sports

Recovering Greg Oden aware of ‘Sam Bowie talk’

 By Marc J. Spears, Yahoo! Sports

Greg Oden knows that he can’t dodge the Sam Bowie comparisons. Sitting at his home, the often-injured center acknowledged that before watching his Portland Trail Blazers play the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday evening.
Once Oden returns to play, as he strongly expects, will the free agent be helping the Blazers or another team?

Greg Oden has largely been a spectator since he was drafted in 2007. He's played in only 82 games in the NBA because of injuries.
(Noah Graham/Getty Images)

 

“Some people may think it’s best for me being out of [Portland], getting out of that mode of being injured or Sam Bowie talk,” Oden said. “Some people are probably saying, ‘You owe the Blazers for four years.’

“I don’t know. For me, I just want to get out there and play. … I just want to get on the court and compete because that’s something I’ve been missing the past two years.”
Big things were expected from Oden when the Blazers selected him as the first overall pick in the 2007 draft over Kevin Durant. Injuries have derailed his promise, but Oden is just 23 years old, enough time to turn things around and distance himself from Bowie, the Trail Blazer best known as the man picked before Michael Jordan in the 1984 NBA draft.
Oden hasn’t played since December of 2009, when he needed surgery to repair a fractured left patella. He was averaging 11.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks at the time of the injury. That setback came off the heels of a lost rookie season (right knee micro-fracture surgery) and a ’08-’09 season where he missed 21 games (foot, kneecap injuries).
He says his current rehab, from November’s micro-fracture surgery on his left knee, includes weightless squats, leg strength and balancing exercises, and cardio. The 7-footer, who has played in only 82 games in his career, hopes to get back on the floor to do light shooting without movement sometime later this month. He is “aiming” for a complete return by November.
Oden misses the game. After watching his Blazers fall to the Hornets, he lingered on the night’s highlights, watching them three times along with other games.
“It’s kind of brought back the love of the game through humbling you,” Oden said of his injuries. “You go out there and do it. Some people might not work as hard on their game. But when it’s taken away for two years that’s all you want to do is go back on the basketball court and do whatever you can.”
The projected NBA lockout could aid Oden’s hopes of getting a better contract as each passing day would give him more time to heal and get stronger before next season. Portland declined to offer Oden an extension prior to the season. The Blazers, however, have from the day the Finals end until June 30 to extend an $8.8 million qualifying offer. Oden said he and his agent, Bill Duffy, haven’t had recent contract talks with Portland.
Expect the Blazers to make a qualifying offer that would keep him from being snatched by another team and force him to be a restricted free agent if he declines, a source told Yahoo! Sports.

December of 2009 was the last time Greg Oden played in an NBA game. He suffered a fractured left patella in this incident.
(Cameron Browne/Getty Images)

 

“Who wouldn’t want to play with those guys?” Oden said of the Blazers. “Watching them, it’s definitely a fun atmosphere and it looks like they are having a good time. They’re still winning. That’s always a plus.”
Oden cannot accept or decline a qualifying offer until after the next collective bargaining agreement is in place. If there is a prolonged lockout and Oden regains his health, it will be interesting to see how much interest he could garner as a restricted free agent by declining the qualifying offer.
“This year being my contract year, it’s definitely hard on me and my future,” Oden said. “Right now, I can’t control it. All I can do is get my body to where it needs to be and be ready when the time comes.”
As for the Bowie talk, only a healthy and productive Oden can end that.


Original Source: Greg Oden On the come back 

Isaiah Thomas Leaving Washington for NBA

By David Cassilo / @dcassilo

The list of early entrants in the NBA draft grew on Thursday with the announcement that Isaiah Thomas would be leaving Washington to pursue an NBA career. Thomas is coming off a junior season in which he led the Huskies in both scoring (16.8 ppg) and assists (6.1 apg).
Thomas’ greatest moment in a Washington uniform came in the Pac-10 final this past season when his jumper at the buzzer against Arizona gave the Huskies the conference championship. After defeating Georgia in the first round of the NCAA tournament, Washington lost to North Carolina 86-83.
The 5-9 point guard plans to hire an agent, meaning he will not be returning next season.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

“Isaiah Thomas has had an unbelievable impact on our program during his time with us,” Huskies coach Lorenzo Romar said in a statement. “We will definitely miss him, but we are behind him in his quest to fulfill a lifelong dream to play in the NBA.”
According DraftExpress, Thomas was projected as a second-round pick in the 2012 draft.

SLAM x Final Four Houston Party

 

SLAM Magazine is taking over Houston by hosting the “LLUX LOUNGE” on Friday, April 1 from 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.! Please RSVP talent and VIP to talent@dialectdigital.com. Details (table reservations) provided once RSVP is confirmed.

http://www.slamonline.com/

Amar’e Stoudemire at HOH NYC Sat.

 

by Chris O’Leary/@olearychris
http://www.slamonline.com

STAT will be dropping in at the newest House of Hoops, at 34th Street in NYC on Saturday, April 2 at 3:30 p.m.
Hosted by Peter Rosenberg and with music by DJ Parter, pop in to see the big man in person.
The official address:
House of Hoops by Foot Locker
Foot Locker, 2nd Level
11 West 34th Street

The 5 Best Beard In Basketball

Growing a beard is definitely an art. A lot of guys can grow one but many can pull it off with a look that makes them worthy of the beard. Let's keep it real, some beards just look better than others. Some people were meant to have a beard. I know guys who can't grow one for anything. I recently grew one that my 6 month old daughter can't get enough of. It takes work to pull off the bearded look but it can be done if done right.
Today at Bull City, we pay homage to the bearded athlete. Today we will take a look at the 5 best beards in basketball. Being that I no longer play ball, I will disqualify myself as a candidate but I would like to add that mine would definitely not have made the top 5 list anyway. Also King James is pictured but that beard failed to make the top 5 as well. Dare I say I was closer to the top 5 than the King.
The List goes like this:

5. Gilbert Arenas – Gilbert is looking like a lost soul but his beard is great.

4. Gregg Popovich keeps it clean as the most polished coaches beard in the NBA

3. Vince Carter – Bearded Vince was greater than un-bearded Vince. Some would say that he is not worthy of a beard like that.

2. James Harden – The smoothest dude with a beard on the list. Honestly I can’t remember ever seeing him without it.

 

1. Baron Davis – What can I say about this man’s beard that hasn’t already been said? He had it at birth and he will have it at death.
I am sure we left a few out but these beards were the best of 2010. If there are any that we missed hit us up in the comments section.

Suns refused Stoudemire a parking spot?

LeBron James went back to Cleveland Tuesday night so his Miami Heat could face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Not only did the Heat end up on the losing end, but James was initially turned away at the Cavs' parking garage by security as well.
The New York Daily News reports that the same thing happened to Amar'e Stoudemire when he traveled in January with the New York Knicks to play his former team, the Phoenix Suns.
"They wouldn't let me in," Stoudemire told the Daily News. "It's not like I left on bad terms." He drove himself to the game from the house he still has in Scottsdale.
Teams might want to avoid parking refusal to former stars: Stoudemire ended up with 23 points and 9 rebounds in the rout of the Suns in the game he was refused parking while James recorded his third triple-double of the season in the game against the Cavs.

Kobe Bryant doesn't see Phil Jackson returning

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson has led teams to 11 NBA championships and his players are looking pretty primed right now to give him another as they are on an eight-game winning streak while the Western Conference-leading San Antonio Spurs have lost their last five.
Jackson has said that this will be his last season and his players are hoping to give him a twelfth championship to help round out his already stellar credentials. Still, Kobe Bryant says he'll try to convince Jackson to come back for another year, according to CBS Sports, though the probable labor strife this summer is a big barrier to re-entry.
"It's tough because of the lockout situation because we don't know what the heck is going to happen with that," Bryant said, CBS reports. "We know how Phil feels about that, sitting out a year, and all this other stuff or whatever it may be. It's kind of looming on top of us and it's a hard sell."
If Jackson were to decide to coach for another organization, Bryant wished him well: "If he decides to coach again, someplace else, whatever it may be, or if he decides to just stay in Montana and fly fish every day, whatever it is, we just want him to be happy," Bryant said, the site notes.
Still, if the Lakers can give Jackson a championship, Bryant thinks it could be the last everybody sees of Jackson on the sidelines with a clipboard in his hand: "When he told me he was coming back, the reason he gave me for coming back is that 11 is just such a weird number. Twelve is just a nice even number and that should be something that he can walk away with," Bryant said, CBS reports. "Him coming back for 13, I just don't see him doing that."