Dirk Nowitzki, Dime #32Sunday in the NBA was all about O.J. versus Kobe. Check that: O.J. vs. Coby, as in Coby Karl. The only legit NBA player on the Lakers’ summer-league roster went head-to-head with rookie sensation O.J. Mayo in the Vegas Summer League; Mayo had a run during the third quarter where he was lighting up Coby from deep and at the rim — including one gorgeous up-and-under reverse layup where he blew past Karl and evaded three defenders in mid-air — but Coby kept coming right back at him. Karl stuffed O.J.’s jumper one time, and on another play Coby hit a bucket and the P.A. announcer (accidentally) called him “Kobe Bryant.” Karl finished with 16 points in the Lakers’ win, while Mayo had 15 … There were times when the Grizzlies weren’t even running an offense, just clearing out for either O.J. or Mike Conley (11 pts) and letting them go. Question: Would Darko and/or Kyle Lowry be super-insulted had they been asked to play summer league this year? It’s not like they couldn’t use the work, especially Darko … For a minute, Nik Caner-Medley was the best player on the court. He had a nice follow dunk, then came down and pinned one of the Grizzlies’ shots against the glass. He might look like a young Pat Garrity in the face, but NCM was playing like Andrei Kirilenko. Of course if he was actually from Russia he probably would’ve been a late first-round pick … Marco Belinelli dropped 25 points and was the star in Golden State’s win over the Mavs. For whatever reason — perhaps it’s the less-than-NBA-caliber defense — that guy just shines in the summer league. As good as Marco was, though, that didn’t stop the announcers from killing him about his beard. Snapper Jones called it a “scruff-job” (compared to Baron Davis‘ “Hall of Fame beard”) and Rick Kamla said Marco had an “accidental beard.” Don Nelson said Belinelli will get more PT next year, since he’s the backup two-guard behind Stephen Jackson, who’s moving to the two with Corey Maggette coming in to play the three. Which means Monta Ellis will be expected to play PG — provided he re-signs. Snapper brought up a good point, though, that Nellie said this time last year that Belinelli was gonna start, and you saw how that turned out … So why exactly was the Spurs’ mascot roaming around the Vegas gym when the Spurs didn’t even play on Sunday? Are they just getting random mascots for random days down there? … In the first non-televised VSL game, D.J. Augustin scored a team-high 15 for the Bobcats, who lost to the Hornets. On the other side, Bobby Brown was balling. The former Cal State-Fullerton product put up 20 points, five boards and five assists, and hit the game-winner with 30 seconds left … Eric Gordon (hamstring) has been shut down for the remainder of summer league, and without him the Clippers got routed by Detroit. Sucks because we were looking forward to the Gordon/Rodney Stuckey matchup, crappy video feed and all. Stuckey had a quiet night (8 pts), but Arron Afflalo scored 25 … If you missed it Friday, here’s Part 1 and Part 2 of our Vegas Summer League Players to Watch … If the summer league ball isn’t doing it for you, today is the beginning of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Athens, Greece, where 12 teams are going for the last three spots in the Beijing Games. Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kaman lead the German team; Carlos Arroyo and J.J. Barea are playing for Puerto Rico; Sam Dalembert is with Canada; Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is on the Cameroon squad; and Rasho Nesterovic is playing for Slovenia. As far as we know the games aren’t on TV, but we’ll keep trying to track down any airings online … Since Josh Smith and Emeka Okafor are far from sure things in free agency, the Clippers are reportedly getting into the mix for restricted FA’s Andre Iguodala and Luol Deng as well. Two good players, definitely, but with Al Thornton already there at the three, L.A. should focus more on guys who can play the four … And you’ve heard about Elton Brand and Mike Dunleavy Sr. going back and forth in the media about what exactly happened surrounding Brand’s leaving the Clips for Philly. Corey Maggette weighed in via the L.A. Daily News: “I don’t know everything that went on with EB, but I know EB and he says they made him feel disrespected. Something obviously happened,” Maggette said. “I’ve got Elton’s back. I know what kind of guy he is. Bottom line is, when you feel like you’re wanted, that’s where you want to be. Elton wanted to be there in L.A. But he just felt like they didn’t treat him right. He was supposed to be their franchise player. But from what he told me, it seemed like they made him feel like they didn’t care either way.” Maggette later implied that the Clippers should have taken care of him and Brand right away, similar to how the Wizards locked up Antawn Jamison and Gilbert Arenas … When we talked to Dwyane Wade last week, he was looking forward to playing in the charity game at Zo’s Summer Groove in Miami. In the game yesterday, Wade caught an off-the-glass oop from Chris Paul shortly after tip, and by all accounts looked like the D-Wade who’s an MVP candidate year in and year out. LeBron also played, along with Kenyon Martin, Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers, Tim Hardaway, Damon Jones (yeah, he was surprisingly available), Tyronn Lue and Terrell Owens. Doctors reportedly told Alonzo Mourning not to play, but he got out there anyway and knocked down a five-pointer (apparently this was like MTV’s Rock-N-Jock) … Stephon Marbury isn’t letting the Starbury line die just because his retailers went bankrupt. Steph made a deal with Amazon.com to sell the Starbury kicks online, but they’ll be a little more expensive than before … From the “Greg Oden is a Lovable Big Lug” files: Oden went to a Kanye West/Rihanna concert earlier this summer, where he got to meet Rihanna backstage afterwards. “I was trying to be funny,” said G.O. about when he approached Rihanna by asking who she was. “It didn’t work.” … We’re out like Oden’s game …
Related posts:
July 14th, 2008 at 4:21 am
karke says:
I think Kobe is better,only Kobe has a bad team.When we chatted in the forum of Tall loving.c o m ,many fans oten said this.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:24 am
Art says:
1st
July 14th, 2008 at 4:25 am
Bruce says:
Agent Zero contract was a bad deal. You have Zero, Butler, and Jamison and still can’t beat one player, Lebron.
Zero left 16 millings on the table over 6 years, freaing Roger Mason Jr got himself a 4 millions per year for two years. Somewhere Posey is counting his money.
If Zero knee does not hold up. Butler should have gotten the big money, he play out of his mind every night.
Sucka can’t play defense one bit!
July 14th, 2008 at 4:26 am
karke says:
I think Kobe is better,only Kobe has a bad team.When we chatted in the forum of ~~~~Tallloving.com~~~~ ,many fans oten said this.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:26 am
Bruce says:
Is Oden eligible for 08-09 ROY? Just wanted to know, my hunch is a yes.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:32 am
Bruce says:
Who wears Starbury kicks? I haven’t seen a pair yet.
Just like the old days, Nike, Roobok, Converse, and Jordans. Well you have the fake Jordans too.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:32 am
Austin Burton says:
Oden will technically be a rookie next year.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:34 am
Austin Burton says:
@Bruce — I saw the Starburys all over New York pretty consistently ever since they’ve been out. Even saw some of the clothes (hoodies, jerseys, etc.)
July 14th, 2008 at 4:35 am
Bruce says:
When I was a rookie to Dime, I always wanted to be first. After being numero uno for a couple of posts, the magic wore off.
Plus other folks harass you for being numero uno.
So now, I just post. I learned something. Being first to post on a blog does not translate to anything.
Got that, Negro!
July 14th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Bruce says:
At Austin B — There lies the answer, I reside in Sacramento, CA.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:52 am
bill says:
Question:
Who is the oldest LOOKING YOUNG rookie ever?
And the nominees are:
Mureason (not sure of spelling)
Oden
Lebron? (that dude is a tank!)
July 14th, 2008 at 5:06 am
W says:
@ 10 jorge garbojosa(sp?)
July 14th, 2008 at 5:32 am
bill says:
Nice, lets also throw Dikembe into the mix…
July 14th, 2008 at 5:32 am
Austin Burton says:
Anthony Randolph doesn’t look very young.
July 14th, 2008 at 5:36 am
the_don_mega says:
@bill…
would Sabonis fit in your question?
July 14th, 2008 at 6:03 am
Ben Wallace says:
I wore Starburys…….remember me? I was the man in Detroit…..then Chicago gave me an extra ten mill to tank my once promisin career?I busted my ass in Washington and Orlando then I came over for Grant Hill…..I played every game hard till I got the flow….. I’m in Cleveland now……maybe you heard of me?
July 14th, 2008 at 6:15 am
Timmy says:
if anyone wants to watch the germany games:
download the the program ‘zattoo’(freeware)
tune into DSF (german sports network)
it’s in german but at least you can watch the game.
games that will be shown:
Tuesday 15. Juli, 14.15 - Germany-Cape Verde Islands
Wednesday 16. Juli, 18.15 - New Zealand
Friday 18. Juli, 18.15 Quartel Finals(if reached)
Saturday 19. Juli, 17.55 Semi Finals
Sunday 20.Juli, 18.55 Finals
all times are CET, so you will have to calculate your own time.
bigup T.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Damon says:
the games for the olympic qualifier are televised online.
after watching the whole playoffs on my laptop i thought that was over with for a while. but here in germany they just show the games of our team.
you should really check out our game. you guys will be surprised how bad the refs are, especially towards dirk who gets treated like a roleplayer. they play him like its rugby but nothing happens…
July 14th, 2008 at 7:12 am
Coop says:
L.A should have told Baron they were joking and then just had all the money in the world!
Could have gone after Josh Smith/Iggy this year and someone else next year. Baron on his own is doomed and he’ll be broken by the time they get someone to help him (unless they somehow manage to get Iggy from Philly NOW)
July 14th, 2008 at 7:41 am
Justin Solomon says:
I have to agree with Lowery needing to be in the summer league. I watched miss layups and air ball 3’s last night in the Charlie Mack celebrity game at Temple. BTW Lynn Greer was ballin and copped MVP.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:03 am
Luigi says:
Zero’s contract was aiight. a bit too much but i still respect it. i mean you have to look at the whole picture. not the past year. n prior 2 this yr n the final 8 gms of 2006-2007 [when he got inj
He was BALLLINNNNNNNNNNNN n the wiz were smart to look at the whole picture not just what the haters or fans or w.e. r sayin.
but overall i disagreee w/the contract JUST a little bit. he shuda gotten
6 yr/100 mill or 6 yr/95 mill thats reasonable enough n its STILL alot of $$$
oh well. i hope we can make it to the Conference Semis this year.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:08 am
Coop says:
But point guard gunners dont win championships. Gunners dont full stop actually unless you’re Jordan. I love Gil but he’s just not archetypal and that makes him a pain to build around.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:09 am
Ashlov says:
WTF, no mention of Miami Heat center Joel Anthony on team Canada. He gave Germany 22 points the other night. Not an offensive juggernaut by any stretch of the imagination, but homeboy can block shots all night.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:11 am
doc says:
I forgot the Charlie Mack game was last night.Philly stand up!I got practice in about a hour so Im getting my grub in and watching ESPN.Kyle game tight he probaly was out there bullshitting but when his contract run out with Memphis somebody like the Spurs gonna get him and he gonna shine.Lynn league material too but he get crazy money overseas and minimum over here.I been watching the games and I think OJ the real deal.You can tell talentwise he a step above.OJ,T-Young,Mareese,Randolph from GS,and Brendan Wright.Thats the best I played against in here so far.Mayo I played against when he was still in high school at a camp but the rest Im playing against here in games or practice.We dont play again until tomorrow so I can sit back and watch.On a day like today we practice get some free time,have a meeting,workout,and the day is yours after about 4 when the games start.Im having a ball though.Thad even kicked out a couple dollars of that good NBA money so we could go hit the crap tables Saturday night.Of course we took a L.Im loving playing for the Sixers but my main thing is getting to a training camp off of this.I should but I gotta keep working.Its funny how this ball shit work.When I was young Sean Singletary was my trainee and Kyle Lowery was his.Thats how the city put it not us.But he came that 1 year at Nova and balled his ass off.I guess they like that pit bull mentality philly points got.My little cousin Lik Wayns next he balling 18 & under on that team Lance Stevenson got cut from.He told me the dude aint get cut because his game he was bitching to much.He gotta get a handle on that.If I dont make the league soon Ima take my ass to one of them And 1 tours because I will put on a show.I would have professor and Hot Sauce falling all over the gotdam place.If yall dont believe me ask somebody who know Philly hoops.BEST HANDLE IN THE CITY.But ima holla back because this good breakfast is here.
July 14th, 2008 at 8:32 am
Truth says:
@doc
I ain’t no east coast n*gga, (kansas city), but I gotta gove you props, you doin ya thing, I been tryin to catch them games, but the video feed is GARBAGE. Keep doin ya thing boy!!!!
Yeah, O.J is that work!! Dude is in the running for that R.O.Y. Trust me!! All conley gotta do id run, and O.J. and Rudy gone run wit em and create a highlight film!
And Heck yeah, Gilbert got paid to much!! Dude ain’t played in like 2 years!!
July 14th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Kobeef says:
Anyone else notice that DeAndre Jordan went for 15 and 10 last night in summer league?
I know this is summer league but still this kid is not useless. I mean the Celtics just signed Patrick O’Bryant to a 2 year deal.
I don’t understand how a team like Minneasota (who needs a centre) passed on this kid twice in with their late draft picks. .
July 14th, 2008 at 9:11 am
mike says:
The Canadian national team games are on the television network The Score
July 14th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Justice says:
Good looking doc keep us posted,im at the office living through you…oh yeah oj is the real deal but the grizz would be able to guard anyone and they suck down low and off the bench so they’ll be back in the lottery…
July 14th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Dagomar says:
Damn sucks for Oden, that’s something I would have done . . . .
July 14th, 2008 at 10:06 am
focalmatic says:
http://sneakernews.com/2008/07/14/nike-mag-marty-mcflys-back-to-the-future-ii-prototype/
McFly!!!!!!!
July 14th, 2008 at 10:07 am
focalmatic says:
http://sneakernews.com/2008/07/14/nike-mag-marty-mcflys-back-to-the-future-ii-prototype/
McFly!!!
July 14th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Dennis Castro says:
Doc, keep doing your thing, and rep Philly well. Must be a nice feeling to put on that jersey(although it’s just a summer league jersey) and have it say “Sixers” on the front, knowing you could get a spot on the squad.
Stay focused and hungry!
July 14th, 2008 at 10:41 am
MoxWestCoastRep says:
I’m still not on the Mayo Bandwagon, he is too selfish to be a PG. I’m not down with the shoot first PGs (Gil Zero) I want someone that can get everyone else involved and score ( Nash, D-will, CP3)
OJ can score great, maybe he can be another Gil… But Gil has never and will never win a chip. Has a shoot first PG ever won anything? Just curious.
I’d rather have Doc, lol.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Truth says:
@MaxWestCoast
But Memphis isn’t going to play O.J. at the point if their smart, they will run him at the SG spot and let dude do his think, let Conley grab that point and let Gay run at the SF, they gotta pass Conley the reigns sooner or later to see what he can do, and there is no time like the present.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Big Daddy says:
Hey Timmy,
I managed to get Zattoo up and running, but can’t find your channel - its not in the list of standard channels in the side bar… Any ideas?
ps - thanks for the tip - tv looks great!!!
BD
July 14th, 2008 at 11:15 am
OKC Hicks says:
So is it certain that Mayo is going to the play the point in the NBA? Dude’s like 6′5″ right? Best case scenario for him is turning into a Joe Johnson type player where he can play the wing and play point at times during a game.
And honestly, could you see Oden spitting game at anyone? Even fat chics think he’s ugly, but I’m only assuming haha…
I wish the Olympics would get here sooner, I can’t wait to see USA bring back the G.
July 14th, 2008 at 11:48 am
doc says:
@Moxwest OJ is the 2 guard for Memphis.He just got crazy handles.I dont really see him ever playing point there.They got Conley and Kyle for that.He 6′5 anyway so it aint like he undersized.When he rose up on Hilton Armstrong the other day he looked like a perfect size 2 to me.I wouldnt never put a scorer of that caliber at point.Even if he was undersized Larry Brown threw that old 2 guard gotta be 6′6 shit out the window with AI.Bt the kid 6′5 and 6′4 at the least.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Doc — Have you ever gone against Bone Collector? He’s a Philly guy, right?
July 14th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
doc says:
He aint from Philly but he did play in a couple of all star games with me.I think he from NewYork.But if thats a question about handles AB put your money on mine.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Bron42 had springs before slamball says:
Would zeke thomas count as a shoot first guard who won a chip?
O.J don’t got that grit that iverson had though, so it aint really the same. And is crittenton ever gonna get burn lol
July 14th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Jim says:
Did you know OJ Mayo got a 29 on the ACT? I’m just saying, maybe that should get mentioned as much as his supposed hoodlemness.
July 14th, 2008 at 12:11 pm
Austin Burton says:
The main reason you don’t want a smaller guard playing the two is that you’re worried he’ll get burned on defense by bigger two-guards. OJ can play D, so that’s not a concern. And like someone said, he’s 6-5, he’s not small for a two by any means. Conley/Lowry play PG, OJ plays SG, Rudy at SF.
Here’s the real question: Is Darrell Arthur their starting PF over Hakim Warrick?
July 14th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Austin Burton says:
@Jim — What’s the max on the ACT? Like 36, right?
July 14th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Jim says:
Yeah, 36. But 29 is really good, like top 7%.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Austin Burton says:
Oh, I know. I got a high-20’s on the ACT myself. That was more for the people who are thinking he got a 29 out of 1600.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:28 pm
OKC Hicks says:
Weird thing about the ACT though is that some schools don’t even look at them, which I don’t know why they wouldn’t but I guess that’s their choice…
O.J. will be solid in the League, at least I think so. I can’t wait to see Stephen Curry though. I have a feeling dude will do big things…
Doc, has Elton Brand showed up to watch any games just to try to fit in with some of the guys since he’s new to the team and all that? Probably not but I thought I’d ask…
July 14th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Jim says:
LOL, right. We are behind the times, AB. The SAT is a big number now, like out of 2400 or something, so I can’t flex with mine on the young kids.
July 14th, 2008 at 1:31 pm
Truth says:
@Austin and Doc
The Bone Collector ain’t from NY either, he live in NY now, but dude is from Texas. I don’t know about that one though Doc. I would have to see you two go at it to believe you would eat him up. Dude got some handle.
July 14th, 2008 at 2:14 pm
Timmy says:
@BigDaddy
hey,
dunno shows up in my sidebar as the third channel.
i have a mac so i dunno if thats any diffent, but why should it be?!
what’s your version? i have 3.2.1beta
have you tried updating?
T.
July 14th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
daquest?on says:
@ dimemag i have a channel that puts the olympics qualifier games so when i can ill try to let u know wats going down. oh btw PR beat the germans n a friendly tournament the other day. @ doc good luck man ur living the dream hope u get into a training camp
July 14th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
Austin Burton says:
Thanks daquest?on
Germany didn’t have Kaman for that PR game, right?
July 14th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
daquest?on says:
no he couldnt play becaus of problems with his visa. Rasho Nesterovic played for Slovenia today and scored 26 points, had 9 rebounds and blocked one shot on 32 minutes. Slovenia won despite an almost upset by Korea
July 14th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
daquest?on says:
Nesterovic was playing like a beast, which also proves that success in the international game does not mean success in the NBA
July 14th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
daquest?on says:
Luc Richard Mbah a Moute is not on the Cameroon roster because he stayed in Milwaukee for the team’s training camp. There are also some NCAA players playing with Cameroon like Parfait Bitee(14 pts), who plays for Rhode Island University; Franck NDongo(8pts) plays for VCU; Alfred Aboya(0) plays for the UCLA Bruins(I confused him with Luc Richard for a second) and Alexis Wangmene(0) of the University of Texas. Cameroon was blown out, they lost 93 to 79.
July 14th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Truth says:
@daquest?on
I really believe international stars don’t have much success in the league is because of their reluctance towards weight training. They just aren’t strong enough! I mean look at dwight howard! Dude is a monster!! How in the heck Nestorivic gone body him without building bulk on frame. Weights make you faster, bigger and stronger and they don’t like weights. The ones I have seen do shoot better than most of the guys I see in the league though?
July 14th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
daquest?on says:
Sam Dalembert and Canada play tomorrow agaisnt Rasho and Slovenia. Germany and Dirk and Kaman play tomorrow agaisnt Cape Verde. Puerto Rico with Arroy and Barea play agaisnt Cameroon tomorrow.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
daquest?on says:
@ truth i sincerely have no idea, you see guys like rasho, esteban batista, carlos arroyo and jj barea kill the other international teams and when they get to the NBA they do not look like the same players. The same goes for players who are not in the league anymore who kill in the international games but cant even make it to the league
July 14th, 2008 at 4:26 pm
Austin Burton says:
Dwight Howard is an anomaly, though. Who in the NBA, Americaan or international, can really mess with him? Rasho does just fine against other centers on the strength tip.
July 14th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Truth says:
@Austin
Then what do you think the problem is? I think Carlos Arroyo is nice, but when he plays against other players in the L, he gets beasted.
July 14th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
OKC Hicks says:
Truth,
Sometimes I think just the familiarity of different systems and coaches in international ball can translate to a player who might not be as successful in the NBA as they are on the int’l stage. For example, most teams worldwide have played together since they were teenagers, therefore building continuity and chemistry. That’s why Team USA wanted the 3-year commitment and all that, hoping that they could grow together as a team rather than just assemble the best players in the League and say “Alright, time to go win.” So going back to your question, I guess Arroyo is comfortable with his teammates and knows what they can do, and probably knows the coach and his system better than any NBA system, and it probably revolves around his style, whereas in the NBA, he would never have a coach adhere to his attributes like the P.R. coach might. I could be wrong but I think that might help answer your question.
July 15th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Man Up says:
Arroyo is nice in international play because he is the focal point of the team. This makes him comfortable and allows his confidence to be sky high. Any real ballplayer knows this game is about confidence and heart. Try playing when you really scared of your opponent or if you know the coach will pull you after your first mistake. Trust me, you are going to play like shit. I have played with dudes who are superstars in their hood and local park. However when we play in tournaments in another boro or against guys we don’t know they play like shit. I always found that to be amazing. I real baller does what he does all the time whether he’s the best player on the court or not. Fellas Can I Get an AMEN.