The end of the NBA Lockout not only signifies the return of pro basketball, but also the abrupt end of all the side projects and budding non-hoops careers that players had been pursuing during their down time.

Apparently, Blake Griffin‘s professional ping-pong career is one of those casualties, with the end coming at the hands of this model/ping-pong pro Soo Yeon Lee. Read More »

While the Trojans decide to highlight some of their NBA success stories, there are two guys noticeably missing: O.J. Mayo and Brian Scalabrine. I can legally understand one, but the other just baffles me. Read More »

While the Magic seem bent on holding out until the last possible instant, or at least until Dwight Howard gives them a definitive answer, the Hornets are being aggressive. The Hornets, who have talked a little bit with teams in the past week about Chris Paul, are now reportedly engaged in serious talks with multiple teams around the league. A major trade is coming, and we’re guessing it’s before training camps open on Friday. The biggest names, according to CBSSports.com, are the Celtics, Clippers, Warriors and Mavericks. There are rumors flying all over the place, but we continue to hear that the Celtics offered Rajon Rondo, two future first round picks and Jeff Green in a sign-n-trade for Paul. Read More »

The power forward position in the NBA is crazy. Think about it: Sometimes you have seven-footers playing PF while guys who are 6-9 play center. There’s no other position where 20-and-10 is the standard, and there’s no other position as deep and talented. Power forwards win MVPs and championships – it’s that simple. Malone. Barkley. McHale. Rodman. In the modern era, these guys redefined the game. And the scary thing is, the players carrying the torch today are doing everything they can to make us forget them. Read More »

Some debates live on forever. And after a 149-day lockout, it’s safe to say that NBA fans have some things to say. Now, UNDRCRWN gives you a chance to let your opinion be heard with their new “Greater Than” capsule collection. Of all the pieces, my favorite has to be this: Read More »

Just in case you forgot, NBA TV will exclusively broadcast a first look at the 2011-12 NBA schedule tonight at 7 p.m. EST. As noted, the league’s 66th season will feature each team playing 66 games during the regular season, as well as two preseason games. Read More »

After 12 years holding down Fifth Avenue in New York City, the NBA Store closed its doors in February. But with a new season comes new beginnings, and just in time for the holidays, the NBA has opened a pop-up shop of more than 6,000 square feet.

Located at 590 Fifth Avenue between 47th and 48th Street, the temporary space will remain open as the league continues to scout potential locations for a new flagship store in Manhattan. Read More »

Even in Paris, basketball never stops. Which is why Nike Stadium has transformed into a playground and will present a 10-part series highlighting 10 players and their playgrounds from the City of Light in black and white. Directed by Yué Wu, 10 Paris Bball Stories tells many of Paris’ untold basketball tales featuring ballers such as Boris Diaw. Through their stories, we discover what Parisian basketball truly means, from the old school to the new school. Check out the trailer: Read More »

By now you’ve seen Monta Ellis‘ latest signature shoe, the AND 1 ME8 Empire Mid. But we guarantee you’ve never seen it like this. Introducing the “Christmas” edition, made exclusively for Monta’s game against the Clippers on Christmas Day. Check it out: Read More »

A negotiation always has to start somewhere, so it’s nice to see some actual numbers surface to go along with team interest. As we’ve said before, trying to gauge market value under the new CBA has been tough. Teams have been losing money so they don’t want to spend it irrationally, while players are still looking to get “what they’re worth.” Well, the Clippers have made the first move in an attempt to re-sign restricted free agent DeAndre Jordan, but it looks as though they’re going to have to wait. Read More »