Inside Hornets camp, Andrew Bynum’s thinking All-Star, and do L.O. and Coach Phil need Dr. Phil?
Chris Paul (photo. Zach Wolfe)One of our favorite indicators that the NBA season is really, truly right around the corner is NBA TV’s “Real Training Camp.” If you’ve never seen it before, it’s basically one team’s entire practice session caught raw and mostly unedited. Yesterday’s debut episode focused on the New Orleans Hornets, and the fact that Chris Paul and crew are thinking championship in 2009 was evidenced in the noticeable swagger in the gym. On one hand, “Real Training Camp” can be a little boring if you’re not a basketball junkie; about half an hour into the two-hour show, even co-host Gil McGregor was like, “I think they’re about to run suicides and be done!” On the other hand, even when teams aren’t scrimmaging, there’s all kinds of entertainment value. The best part of the Hornets’ practice was when Byron Scott was betting CP and Mo Pete their per diem money during three-point shooting drills (and won both times). We’re guessing David Stern wasn’t too happy watching one of his feel-good, breadwinner franchises (and every soccer mom’s favorite NBA player this side of Steve Nash) engaging in gambling on national TV throwing around $100 a pop, even though it’s harmless and something coaches and players have been doing for years. We were waiting for Scott’s cell to go off mid-practice with Sterm on the other end like, “Yo, STOP IT.” … Other notes from watching the Hornets: CP and James Posey are already taking the vocal leadership role with this squad; David West was given the day off; Mo Pete is only 31 years old, and he can still dunk!; Peja’s facial hair is in midseason form, as is his jumper, which was soaking wet; and Rasual Butler is apparently still in the NBA … But nothing we saw in New Orleans could have topped what reportedly happened in Grizzlies’ camp down in Memphis. Trying to show new acquisition Hamed Haddadi a little support, GM Chris Wallace gave the Iranian center a thumbs-up (surely with a goofy grin attached). No problem, except for in Iran, a thumbs-up basically means, loosely translated, “F*** you.” … Is this Lamar Odom vs. Phil Jackson thing turning into a legit beef? First, Phil innocently mentioned he might want to bring L.O. off the bench this year, to which Odom responded by questioning his coach’s sanity. Phil clapped back with his trademark passive-aggressive sarcasm when he questioned Lamar’s work ethic. Then yesterday, Phil had this after the Lakers’ morning practice: “He’s not in shape. Lamar’s not ready to play.” Odom did admit he took it easy this summer so he could give his tendinitis-plagued knee a rest, but he’s kind of caught in a Catch-22; he wants to be healthy in a contract year, but he also doesn’t want to get a bad rap for showing up to camp out of shape. We’re not sure how this Odom/Jacksom dynamic is going to play itself out or if it will have any negative impact on the Lakers’ championship hopes, but it makes us that much more certain Odom will be playing for another team next year … On another Lakers-related note, the team is now among those interested in Shaun Livingston. It seemed like Shaun was headed for Miami earlier this week, and when that fell through, a deal with Minnesota seemed imminent. So long as Livingston’s people aren’t asking for unrealistic money, we’d imagine he’d be a low-risk, high-reward risk for whoever gets him … It’s the beginning of the preseason, which means everyone is making bold declarations and everyone has big dreams. Mike Beasley said he wants to be MVP, Sam Dalembert said he wants to be an All-Star, and Andrew Bynum is gunning for an All-Star nod, too. Is that realistic on Bynum’s part? Yesterday in our ‘08-09 Utah Jazz season preview, Memo Okur was mentioned as one of the best centers in the West, which a few readers took issue with. Let’s break down the candidates: Yao, Shaq, Bynum, Chandler, Okur, Camby, Kaman, Biedrins, Oden and Al Jefferson (if he plays center instead of Kevin Love). At most, three centers will make the All-Star team, but most likely it’ll be two. And considering Yao is a lock to start no matter how good or bad he plays, that basically leaves one All-Star spot … On the heels of Reebok dropping its Talkin’ Krazy kicks the other day, we got up with two Rbk guys, Jamal Crawford and Jason Terry, for a Q&A about their shoes and the season. Check out the interview with two of Seattle’s finest … In other sneaker news, if you haven’t seen Elton Brand’s new Converse EB1’s, take a look HERE … The Fab Five is still alive, albeit barely. Juwan Howard signed a one-year minimum non-guaranteed deal with the Nuggets; basically one of those deals where he’s trying out for the team rather than being given a spot. Denver is weak up front, so Juwan has a decent shot, but odds are even then he’s not gonna play much … In yesterday’s Smack we joked about Jerome James‘ nickname being “The Big Endless Shrimp Platter.” Turns out we were almost right. Jerome’s actual handle on the Knicks is “Big Snacks.” We’re not making that up … Have you heard this story about Spencer Hawes refusing to take a mandatory conditioning test in Kings’ camp? Reggie Theus has all of his players run 10 full-court sprints that have to be finished in less than 62 seconds, and you’ve gotta do four sets. Hawes initially didn’t want to do it because of his balky knees, and held out before finally relenting yesterday and completing the test while still standing upright. Did we mention Spencer is 20 years old and was a Top-10 draft pick? … We’re out like Big Snacks …
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:19 am
STR8BALLER says:
FIRST???
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:21 am
josh tha roc says:
Beasley for MVP = Most Valuable Pothead
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:26 am
smity far away says:
not good news for sacramento…
seems like another bunch of shots fired at yao (ya’ll at dime are notrious for it…but maybe other media outlets are too…and yao gives people reason to take shots at him so…nevermind.)
how long before phil is regarded as another larry brown but just with a bunch of championships…i wish coaches didnt play games with players through the media…why not just handle it behind closed doors with the player in question. You don’t see high school coaches talking to the school newspaper about their varsity center needing to get his grades up in order to play on the team. nah, things are handled the way they should be, one on one or with the team only. isnt that some coaches rule? the media people are so seductive (like tony yayo? whoever it was, it was wack…)
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:28 am
smity far away says:
if you have to ask “am i first?” then you are lame. be confident enough to look stupid saying “first” without looking extra stupid saying, “am i first? am i the first commenter?”
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:33 am
smity far away says:
@ josh, that’s cold man…
and also, on beasley, i agree with what some of the others said yesterday. i wish that he would have come out and said something like, “i want to become the best player on the best team in the nba this year.” or like, “my goal is to get final’s mvp” that would have been impressive…people would be like, “ok, my man beasley is thinking big “team oriented” things (like team success first) and be impressed by his statements.
instead, people may be impressed by the fact that he would say that but at the same time they are smiling, calling him insane or a weed head or something…
October 3rd, 2008 at 7:50 am
YOUNGFED says:
Josh most NBA players smoke.
@Dime
QUESTION: Has a ROY ever been MVP.
FEDRODOMOUS PREDICTS:
1.) Beasley will be ROY
2.) Yao and Al Jeff will be allstar centers if there is 3 it will go to Chandler
3.) Bynum and Oden will be IR
4.) Walter Sharpe (pistons) will when the dunk contest.
5.) Elton Brand and D-Wade will return to form.
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:15 am
len-e says:
LOL! “Sterm”
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:36 am
shake&bake says:
Looks like Hawes wants to be the 2nd coming of Big Snacks. What a crazy idea, making people run in training camp. Has he ever played basketball before? Does he not know how these things work?
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:46 am
peoples champ says:
‘Big Snacks’ - lol
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:46 am
jz_smoove says:
stupidity is the middle of most young basketball players nowadays. hawes is no different. Odom is good as gone. Phil lit the torch for his exit and will walk away from it scathe free and odom the bad one.
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:54 am
YOUNGFED says:
If yall didn’t know Jay-Z is putting on Concerts in Detroit (10-04-08) and Miami, to get people to register to vote. Anyone who registers can get tickets if you don’t register you can’t go tickets are not forsale.
This is why Hip-Hop started to give a voice to people who didn’t use to have one. Big-Ups to Jigga. BTW me and the wifey will be there. If you ain’t never vote now is the time.
BARACK 08′
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:55 am
YOUNGFED says:
Almost forgot here’s the site.
http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=25815
October 3rd, 2008 at 8:59 am
IGP says:
I don’t think David Stern has ever said “yo” in his entire life
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:00 am
BxBaller says:
Isn’t their anybody that Phil doesn’t get at during the season? No. I thought so.
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:15 am
BALLZ says:
I didn’t even think about how deep the center position is in the West this year till yall dropped those names…Could we be headed for a pivot revival? Like back in the early 90’s when cats like Dream, Ewing, Admiral, Young Shaq, Daugherty & even The Dutch Boy Rik Smits was holdin it down…
BTW Palin got that a** smacked last night. Holla.
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:17 am
alf (from melmak) says:
get phil and odom together with their wives to guest in the jerry springer show!
from what has been reported in the jazz training camp, okur is in the best shape of his basketball career. it is better to hush for now and let the big turk play. we just might be pleasantly surprised.
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:23 am
P_Dizzle says:
LOL at the Phil and LO drama. It ain’t going to end pretty!
Andrew Bynum will not be an All-Star this year. I still haven’t jumped onto the Bynum bandwagon yet.
I like the Jazz this year. Hell, Deron Williams alone took the Lakers to 6 games. If he would have even 2 or 3 other players remember to put on their jockstraps before the game they would have taken down the Lake-Show. I like the Jazz chances THIS year, next year will be a different story w/ free agency and all but THIS year will be good to them.
After all they had one of the best records after they got Kyle Korver. If they win 3 games in that awful December then they are tied for first with the Lakers and have home court throughout the playoffs. But hell we can all play the “what if” game. Watch ‘em this year make some noise.
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:27 am
yoda says:
@youngfed
its time that rappers get back to theirs roots and start making songs about social problems and not only about rims, grills and stuff like that. that’s why i like public enemy better then all rappers combined today, and i’ve never been in usa
as for hawes, that’s one more sign how players are spoiled. i can’t believe that someone is paid million+ dollars and they complain about anything. i can’t believe that players can’t have 2 contact practices a day.
as for phill and l.o., well, phill knows what hes doing
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:35 am
Ross says:
QUESTION: Has a ROY ever been MVP?
I’m assuming you mean in the same season. I doubt it.
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:57 am
John says:
@Ross
@Youngfed
Wilt Chamberlain was MVP in his rookie season, and I think that Wes Unseld was MVP in his rookie season too ,,,
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:18 am
YOUNGFED says:
@John
You gotta prove that son.
@Yoda
Like anything else in life things evolve, such is the state of rap music now. You may not agree with the content but you must agree with the fact that many of today’s rappers are bettering our country and the world thru charity.
Heres another link
http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=25879
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:35 am
Young Lebron 23 says:
McCain 08 just kiddin
October 3rd, 2008 at 10:50 am
Taj says:
LOL… Chris Wallace has been watchin too many George Bush Foreign Policy DVD’s. That Kevin Love bit looked a lil dicey to me though.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:04 am
P_Dizzle says:
John is right both Wes Unseld in 1969 and Wilt in 1960 won the MVP in their rookie years. Look it up on NBA.com
Beasley is nuts thinking he will get MVP his rookie year. I like the attitude but the reality is that Wade and Marion have to give him the rock in order to do that.
Marion has something to prove being in a contract year and all the trade talk he’s been rumored in. So he ain’t giving the rock to a rookie.
Wade also has something to prove, coming back from an injury season. After the Olympics he wants to prove that HE is the MVP and isn’t about to have a rookie show him up.
So I like the attitude that Beasley has, unfortunately the reality is it ain’t going to happen while playing for the Heat!
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:04 am
that's whats up says:
James Worthy 2.0 ???
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3623654
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:12 am
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
@ Andrew: Did you see how Clay Bennet not only stole your franchise, but he also got the Warriors logo.
Ray Ratto of the San Francisco Chronicle: “Finally, after a thoroughly cruddy summer, the good news fairy arrived at 11th and Broadway in Oakland, and it came in the form of a layoff. The Warriors learned that, because of the staggering lack of originality displayed by the Oklahoma City franchise (formerly Seattle), they no longer can bring us the mute acrobatic stylings of Thunder. He’s had to be let go, and on behalf of the entire sentient planet, let us offer our heartiest congratulations to the Warriors on this, the day of their deliverance from their least inspired moment since the Wilt Chamberlain trade. … He was, in short, a distracting, unoriginal cartoon without any of the things that make cartoons valuable. He was a stupid idea carried to its logical extreme.”
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:56 am
frankie says:
FED, please read the full article before you post. In yesterday’s article about Beasley, it clearly stated that Unseld and Wilt had won both awards in the same year before. “Son”.
Phil’s been doing this for years. Why question it? Also, if he said that Odom’s not in shape, and then Odom admitted the same…what’s the story? That they agreed? I mean, c’mon people. Issues get taken care of behind closed doors all the time. You just don’t hear about it. And when that’s the case, people like us (the ones clamoring for news) are the ones that get upset that there’s no headline.
Comparing Larry Brown to Phil Jackson is foolish, unless you’re making a list of the top 10 coaches of all time. “Phil is like Larry Brown but with more championships.” Ok, so that’s a bad thing? “Hey, Phil, those rings were nice, but now we’re trying to improve player-coach relations. So instead of getting on that player that wilts in big pressure situations, if you could lay off of him, that’d be great.” GTFOH.
October 3rd, 2008 at 11:58 am
Mike says:
stop throwing money all the money at veterans and give younger DLeague cats a chance to eat..
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:17 pm
YOUNGFED says:
Frankie fuk-u!!! Who do you think you are the post police, beat it. Don’t tell me what to do. maybe I didn’t wana read the whole article it seems a lot of others didn’t read it also.
“It’s hard to yell, when the Ba-rell’s in ya mouf” - Jay-Z
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
JC says:
@ ballz
wasnt Rik Smits name the “dunking dutchman” or the “flying dutchman” or something equally ironic?
October 3rd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
frankie says:
…but no one else is asking for help when the answer is right there. BTW, in case you didn’t know, Lamar Odom and Phil Jackson are apparently in an argument, training camp has started, and Mike Beasley wants to be the MVP. Is there anything else you want a bunch of random readers/posters to tell you that you could’ve known yourself if you had just…yknokw…read the article?
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:06 pm
that's whats up says:
FED, here’s the answer to your ROY/MVP question
http://sports.espn.go.com/wnba/news/story?id=3623772
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:15 pm
YOUNGFED says:
that’s whats up good looking
@Frankie
Beat it Cock Sucka
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:21 pm
YOUNGFED says:
@That’s whats up
Didn’t know Jim Brown was MVP and ROY maybe he was better than Barry Sanders….Maybe not..lol However thats still some next level ish.
October 3rd, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Dave says:
I thought Bynum was deserving of an all-star spot last season (if he didn’t get injured) so he should definitely shoot for it this year.
October 3rd, 2008 at 2:07 pm
shake&bake says:
@ Youngfed - I’ll take Barry Sanders. I’d feel bad for Lions fans right now, but I’m a Raiders fan.
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:33 pm
Three Stacks says:
Speaking of ROY and MVP in the same season, Candace Parker just won both for the WNBA.
October 3rd, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Quest is a Queer says:
Poopoo!
October 3rd, 2008 at 6:22 pm
schoops says:
@JC.. rik smits was the dunking dutchmen. dude now lives in upstate ny and wanders around little ass town around here driving pimp old school rides.
@dime.. my morning goes coffee, dime, shower and then i go to work. Without any one of those 3 my day will not be the same. a little earlier tomorrow please with the smack?
October 3rd, 2008 at 6:37 pm
sans says:
@ Yoda…here’s some music to jam too.
The Roots, Grouch, Zion I, Murs, Talib Kweli, Mos Def, Blackstar, Blue Scholars, Macklemore, Grime…
a lot of mainstream hip hop is cliche and devoted to material goods and stupid hooks, these rappers are a profound-thought-thinking list so to speak…
October 3rd, 2008 at 9:49 pm
VERTMAN says:
Dan Dickau is a badass of a baller & when he get his tick tick in games will show that he is the man with a plan, like his brother Stan, like Sam I am, green fuckin’ eggs and ham, therefore I am the man. He will show that he is capable ( is that a word? ) of being a STARTING PG in the NBA. He will show his stuff, he will strut. And he will do this in Golden State! And in Sac town, ( ahahha, SAC, get it? My sac! Hahha, I crack myself up ) BENO ( not the fat stop my fart stuff, but the great player will be the man as well. I predict the future, there will be TWO starting PG’s in Cali. by Feb 09′. Beno & Dickau. Word, drink Bud Ice, it’s really, really good. Peace.
October 4th, 2008 at 3:23 am
frankie says:
I’m out like YOUNGFED ever actually making sense despite the fact that he/she posts here every day…