Medal Detector's posts tagged NBA

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• James Harden won't admit he got crossed over by Nigerian player

  August 03, 2012 by sawleyv

  

  In its historic manhandling of Nigeria on Thursday, the U.S. Men's basketball team was decidedly impressive: 71 percent shooting from the field, 63 percent from three, a record 156 total points and a U.S. record 37 points from Carmelo Anthony. It was a near flawless performance for the Americans. Key words: "near flawless."

  There was one noticeable blemish on the day. It happened in the second quarter when Nigeria's Tony Skinn pulled a nifty move that caused Team USA's James Harden to lose his balance:

  By everyone's definition, it looks like Harden was the victim of a slick crossover dribble. Everyone except Harden himself, that is. When New York Knicks guard J.R. Smith called him out, The Bearded One had the excuses ready:

  

  Sounds like Harden is in denial.

  But let's settle this once and for all: Skinn quickly switched his dribble between hands. Regardless of bad shoes or a slippery floor, it still caught Harden off balance. Harden subsequently fell to the ground doing the splits.

  Harden got crossed over.

  End of story.

  H/T TBJ

  Photo: Getty Images

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• This Irish announcer had a lot of fun calling the USA-Tunisia basketball game (Video)

  August 02, 2012 by sawleyv

  From Ireland, here's RTÉ network's broadcast of Tuesday's mollywhopping of Tunisia by the U.S., during which play-by-play announcer Timmy McCarthy was utterly like a kid in a candy store calling the action.

  Watch as McCarthy shoots over the moon when a Tunisian player hits an ordinary deep three-pointer as if he shot it blindfolded while riding on the back of a tiger. There's also his bombastic "boooooom" call when LeBron makes a dunk we here in the States have seen a hundred times over. There's much more you have to see for yourself. And it gets better the longer the video goes.

  Quite simply, McCarthy is the Irish Gus Johnson. And if Ireland can't fall in love with this sport after hearing him, basketball has no hope on the Emerald Isle.

  H/T Grantland

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• Carmelo Anthony and Mike D’Antoni seem to be getting along at the Olympics

  August 01, 2012 by sawleyv

  

  When we last saw Mike D’Antoni, he was resigning as the Knicks coach, seemingly as the fall guy in an alleged contentious relationship with his star player Carmelo Anthony. That was in March.

  Now D’Antoni is an assistant coach at the Olympics on Mike Krzyzewski’s staff for Team USA. A team that, oh by the way, Anthony is also a member of. Awkward? One would certainly assume so.

  Even Anthony acknowledged that things between the two could have been weird. He and D’Antoni hadn’t spoken since the resignation until U.S. basketball convened for camp in Las Vegas earlier this month. That’s when they found themselves in a situation that forced them to break the ice.

  “I was on the elevator and he was coming onto the elevator,” Anthony told the New York Post. “We didn’t have much of a conversation. Then we walked to the meeting, then talked about it. It could have been an awkward moment, but it never was.”

  Carmelo also added that playing under D’Antoni, who was also an assistant on the 2008 Redeem Team in Beijing, has gone on without a hitch.

  “It’s been good,” he said. “He’s been Mike. His system is what we run here. It works best for us. We’ve been running the system four, five years now. He controls the offense, Nate [McMillan] controls the defense. [Jim] Boeheim controls the zone. He gets no love because we ain’t running no zone.”

  So, everything seems to be all hunky dory between Melo and D’Antoni in London, just like Melo said it would be. It’s almost kind of like how married couples on the rocks go on vacation to settle their differences.

  H/T Ball Don’t Lie

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers

  Photos: Getty Images
  

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• Kobe Bryant's twin spotted at opening ceremony

  July 27, 2012 by LBSports

  

  Kobe Bryant's long-lost twin was spotted at the opening ceremony of the London Olympics on Friday. Both Kevin Love and LeBron James shared pictures on Instagram and Twitter of Kobe and his "body double," as Love called it. The resemblance between the two men is strong. NBA player Brandon Jennings, who is not on the Olympic team, thought the twin picture was hilarious.

  After a bit of research, we learned via Kansas State's Twitter the identity of Kobe's doppleganger. The young man's name is Erik Kynard, and he is a 21-year-old high jump specialist who attends Kansas State University.

  While the two look really similar in the picture above, they look different in the photo snapped by LeBron James (seen below):

  

  That first photo really got me, but the second one is less convincing. If anything, Kynard looks like a young Kobe.

  Photos via Kevin Love, LeBron James

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• Grant Hill: 1996 U.S. basketball team players avoided being leading scorer because of drug testing

  July 26, 2012 by sawleyv

  

  Being a leading scorer is something a lot of basketball players take pride in and devote themselves to. But according to Grant Hill, the members of the 1996 U.S. Olympic men's basketball team deliberately tried not to be the leading scorer in each contest.

  Not for unselfish, team-first motives either. But because they were afraid of having to submit to a drug test after.

  Hill and his teammates on the gold medal-winning Atlanta squad hated being tested not because they were worried about testing positive for anything but rather because, as he told Bonnie Bernstein on "The Dan Patrick Show" on Wednesday, the testing process was a huge pain in the you-know-what.

  "It was actually pretty funny — nobody on the team wanted to be the leading scorer in those games, in the Olympic games," Hill said. "Because whoever was the leading scorer, ended up having to be drug tested.

  "And the reason for that is the drug testing process, you’d be there for two hours after the game. And so nobody wanted to be there and have to go through that whole process. So, if you watch those games and you watch the highlights at the end of the games, everyone is being super unselfish passing the ball. Because no one wants to shoot."

  Despite guys such as Hill, Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, and John Stockton practically playing a game of "hot potato" with the basketball, Team USA's average margin of victory in those Olympics was 32.3 points. Even the threat of a loathsome two-hour drug test couldn't stop U.S. basketball that year.

  Listen to Hill's entire interview here.

   

   

  H/T The Basketball Jones

  Photo: Getty Images

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• Kevin Love, Ricky Rubio exchange trash talk over US vs Spain game

  July 24, 2012 by LBSports

  

  The US men's basketball team beat Spain 100-78 in its final exhibition game before heading to London for the Olympics. The contest was a rematch of the 2008 gold medal game in Beijing won by the US, and Spain has made it clear it's out for revenge.

  Not only has Marc Gasol been critical of the current US squad, but Serge Ibaka has also said the Spanish team compares well to the US team. Spanish point guard Ricky Rubio, who is recovering from a major knee injury, talked a little trash to his Minnesota Timberwolves teammate and Olympics opponent Kevin Love before the game via Twitter:

  @kevinlove are u ready to lose against Spain tonight?

  — Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) July 24, 2012

  After the US won the game, Love, whose performance on Team USA has been scrutinized, responded:

  . @rickyrubio9 how'd that work out for you buddy?

  — Kevin Love (@kevinlove) July 24, 2012

  Love only played 13 minutes, but at least he had nine rebounds so he can semi-claim bragging rights. Carmelo Anthony had 27 and LeBron James scored 25 to lead the team. The trash talk could be categorized as "friendly," but there's little doubt Spain is gunning for the US.

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers.

  Photo Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

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• Kobe Bryant stands by opinion on Dream Team: 'They got beaten by a college team'

  July 21, 2012 by sawleyv

  

  You think Kobe Bryant has backed off his widely discussed and controversial belief that the current U.S. Olympic hoops team would beat the 1992 Dream Team? Think again. C'mon, this is Kobe Bryant we're talking about, after all.

  The debate that seemingly doesn't want to go away was revived again on Saturday in Spain when Kobe was asked if he's reconsidered his stance.

  Nope.

  "People who think we can't beat that team for one game, they're crazy," Bryant told reporters. "To sit there and say we can't, it's ludicrous."

  He was then asked if he plans to bring this up with Michael Jordan, who led the Dream Team, the next time the two legendary players (and trash talkers) come face to face.

  "He knows," Kobe said. "They got beaten by a college select team once. Doesn't mean we're a better team than them, but s***, we can beat them one time."

  Kobe is referencing the once-closely held secret that the Dream Team lost a scrimmage to a team of college stars prior to the 1992 Olympics, a story was that exposed in detail in NBA TV's Dream Team documentary last month.

  Since Kobe's initial remarks, he's received plenty of backlash through the media from nearly every single Dream Team member, particularly Jordan, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen.

  But I side with Kobe here. Not a seven-game series, or even a three-game series. One game. Anything can happen. Example: Brazil almost eeked out a win over Team USA last week. Oh wait, that really doesn't help Kobe's case.

  H/T Real GM

   

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers.

  Photo: Geoff Burke-US PRESSWIRE

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• NBC won't be bringing back NBA on NBC theme for basketball during Olympics

  July 21, 2012 by sawleyv

  Bad news for NBA fans from days of yore. According to Sports Media Watch, NBC, for unknown reasons, has decided to not bring back its popular NBA on NBC theme for its coverage of basketball at the Olympics.

  The song, officially known as "Roundball Rock," debuted in 1990 but was sent to the vault after NBC's broadcasting partnership with the league ended in 2002. However, the network dusted off the timeless, upbeat song for basketball at the 2008 Olympics, leaving many to hope the same would be done for the upcoming London games.

  Former TV personality John Tesh created the New Age tune, which has become more synonymous with the Peacock's coverage of the Association than Bob Costas or Ahmad Rashad or any of Marv Albert's classic calls are. To this day, it remains one of the most beloved sports themes. We're sad to hear NBC decided to snub it in favor of what's maybe going to be some Rihanna or LMFAO song.

  Alas, as a consolation, please enjoy this video of Tesh discussing the background of the song and performing it live:

  H/T Awful Announcing

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• Charles Barkley: Dream Team would beat 2012 Olympic basketball team by double digits

  July 11, 2012 by sawleyv

  

  After hearing that Kobe Bryant said the 2012 Olympic basketball team would beat the Dream Team, all Charles Barkley could do was laugh.
  
  Barkley, a member of the legendary 1992 gold medal-winning squad, was a guest on The Mike Missanelli Show on 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia on Wednesday and fired back at Kobe for his much-discussed remarks.
  
  "I just started laughing," Barkley said. "How old is Kobe Bryant, 36? He's 34? And he's calling us old? At the time, we were only like 28, 29. ... Michael Jordan and me were the same age. We were both 29."
  
  Asked by Missanelli if they would beat the 2012 squad by double digits, Barkley agreed:
  
  "Oh yeah, that's no disrespect," Barkley said. "I ain't got to badmouth them. ... Their point guards weren't going to beat us. That's a no-brainer."
  
  Supporting his belief that his team is the superior squad, Barkley said only three 2012 Team USA players would make the Dream Team.
  
  "Other than Kobe, LeBron (James) and Kevin Durant, I don't think anybody else on that team makes our team."
  
  Barkley also added that the London-bound squad would have problems matching up with the Dream Team's centers, a point even Bryant conceded when he made his remarks on Monday.
  
  "They would have no answers for David Robinson and Patrick Ewing, to be honest with you," Barkley said.
  
  Bryant's comments understandably sparked plenty of debate among fans and the media. You'd think we'd let the 2012 team play at least one game of Olympic competition first, but no. Anyway, thanks to Barkley, we can now also speculate over whose spots on the Dream Team Kobe, LeBron and Durant would take.

  Below is a video of former Dream Team member Christian Laettner talking about the '92 squad:

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers.

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• Kobe Bryant: current Team USA would beat the 1992 Dream Team (Video)

  July 11, 2012 by sawleyv

  Could the current U.S. men's Olympic basketball team beat the 1992 Dream Team? It's the inevitable question every Olympics. Team chairman Jerry Colangelo already gave a thought to it when he said there was a "fair comparison" between both squads. But that doesn't answer the question: Can this current group of guys heading to London score more points than arguably the greatest team ever assembled in a hypothetical, organized game of basketball?

  Naturally, Kobe Bryant thinks it can.
  
  "It'd be a tough one, but I think we'd pull it out," the Team USA guard told reporters during practice on Monday.
  
  Kobe conceded that the Michael Jordan-led Dream Team, which was comprised of NBA legends and Christian Laettner, would have the size advantage. But where the 2012 squad lacks in size, it makes up with athleticism. And lots of it. Even though the current team is missing some of its best players due to injury, it's still expected to dominate the Olympic competition because of its unmatched versatility and athleticism. And isn't the argument when comparing teams from different eras that teams from today have an advantage because they're vastly more athletic? Kobe also pointed out that Magic Johnson and Larry Bird were at the end of their careers in 1992.
  
  I'm not saying Kobe is absolutely right. I'm just saying I'd give the edge to the 2012 team. But I'd never count out a team that has Michael Jordan in his prime. Especially after Jordan would feel disrespected seeing Blake Griffin doing windmill dunks or something in warm-ups.

  Below is a video of former Dream Team member Christian Laettner talking about Kobe:

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers.

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• DeMarcus Cousins left off Team USA roster, Jerry Colangelo says he needs to grow up

  July 08, 2012 by SteveDel

  

  The 12 finalists for Team USA’s London Olympic roster have been set, and Mike Krzyzewski and company will be bringing only one center along with them. With multiple injuries to big men like Dwight Howard, LaMarcus Aldridge, Chris Bosh and Anthony Davis, we wondered if someone like DeMarcus Cousins might have a shot at making a team that is looking thin up front. Cousins felt as though he would be a lock for the team if he made the Select Team, but he wound up being wrong. USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo explained why on Saturday.

  “He needs to mature as a person (and) as a player if he’s going to have an outstanding NBA career,” Colangelo said according to USA TODAY. “Before there’s discussion about him being part of our program, he has a lot of building to do. … He has a lot of growing up to do.”

  Cousins has always had a reputation of having an attitude issue, but he seemed to be having more fun in Sacramento this year. Apparently he has not done enough to prove to Colangelo that he has matured. Krzyzewski praised Cousins more when asked about the decision to leave him off the team, but you have to assume he agrees at least somewhat with Colangelo’s assessment. The fact that the only center Team USA is taking with them to London is Tyson Chandler says a lot about the coaching staff’s opinion on Cousins.

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers.

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• Derrick Rose's injury could shake up the Team USA roster

  April 30, 2012 by SteveDel

  

  Prior to Saturday, Team USA chairman Jerry Colangelo still felt strongly about the finalists for the U.S. London Olympic basketball team. Despite an injury to Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum’s unwillingness to join the team, Colangelo said the Olympic roster would not be expanded. Now that Derrick Rose has suffered a torn ACL, his tune has finally changed.

  “What I said (previously) was that we didn’t plan to do any additions, but we had to continue to monitor the injury situation,” Colangelo said according to Sports Illustrated. “Obviously this is a big loss. (Point guard) seems to be, at this point, still a pretty strong position. But at this stage, quite honestly, I think all bets are off.”

  Of the 20 original Olympic finalists, it was widely believed that Rose would be one of the 12 players who would be going to London. Team USA still has a number of point guard options including Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Russell Westbrook, but the players mentioned above in addition to Lamar Odom, LaMarcus Aldridge and Chauncey Billups are no longer in the running.

  “I think now we’re going to wait until the very last moment to pick the team, because it seems ridiculous with a lot of playoff games to play that we would select a team,” Colangelo said. “We might as well keep the options open as long as we can, and continue to monitor (the situation).”

  Maybe DeMarcus Cousins has a chance to make the team after all. A number of players who were expected to be a part of the Select team in Las Vegas and help Team USA prepare for the Olympics could now become members of Team USA themselves. Typically Select team players are stating their case for the next Olympic Games (2014), but the injury situation has led to some desperation. It will certainly be interesting to see where Team USA is at when the NBA playoffs come to a close.

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers.

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• DeMarcus Cousins wants to play for Team USA

  April 27, 2012 by SteveDel

  

  As the London Olympics draw nearer, a lack of big bodies is becoming more of a pressing concern for Team USA. Dwight Howard is currently injured and Andrew Bynum has made it clear that he would rather rest up for next season than compete in the Olympics. Mike Krzyzweski and company are in need of front court help, and DeMarcus Cousins says he would be honored to provide it for them.

  “I mean, who wouldn’t want to play for Team USA?” Cousins said according to the Sacramento Bee. “Go over there and represent your country. I would love to do it.”

  Team USA chairman Jerry Colangelo says that the team for London will be chosen from the 16 remaining players who are healthy and willing and made the preliminary roster bac in January. Someone like Cousins could get an invite to Las Vegas for the Select Team — which competes against Team USA in practices and scrimmages — but Cousins is confident that if he goes to Vegas he’ll wind up on the team.

  “I feel like if I did go play for the Select Team, I probably would get a spot (on the Olympic team),” he said with confidence. “Honestly … but we’ll see.”

  The team needs centers, but typically the players who compete on the Select Team are considered for future Team USA rosters, not the upcoming team. Despite some character issues during his first NBA season, Cosins lightened up a bit this past season and was not an issue off the court. He also put up solid numbers as he averaged over 18 points and 11 rebounds per game. It’s unlikely at this point that Coach K and Colangelo would add him, but with Howard and Bynum out of the fold anything is possible.

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers.

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• Andrew Bynum not interested in Olympics team

  April 21, 2012 by LBSports

  

  Dwight Howard's back surgery created a need for more depth at center on the USA Basketball Olympics team, but don't expect Andrew Bynum to fill the spot.

  Bynum, who is considered by many to be the second-best center in the game behind Howard, says he prefers to rest his legs in the offseason.

  "Probably not," Bynum said after Friday's loss to the Spurs, when asked if he would consider playing in the Olympics. "I've got to take care of my legs in the offseason.

  "I've got some things (treatment) planned on my knees. I need it. I need to have some therapy," he told reporters.

  Bynum did not play in the 2008 Olympics because he was coming off a knee injury, and he has not been contacted by USA Basketball this week since the Howard news. The big men on the roster include Tyson Chandler, Kevin Love, Chris Bosh, and Blake Griffin.

  Chairman Jerry Colangelo confirmed on Friday that Lamar Odom, who was on the 2008 gold medal-winning team and one of the 20 finalists for the 2012 team, is not being considered.

  "Lamar Odom had a year that is a forgettable year for him," Colangelo said. "I don't think he possibly, physically or emotionally, could be ready to participate and contribute."

  Anyone who may consider Bynum selfish for prioritizing his personal health over trying to help his country win a gold medal should consider a few things. One, the international game doesn't require as much brute at center as the NBA, so Team USA should manage without him. Two, everyone should be thankful that Andrew Bynum is finally showing responsibility. Do you recall how immature he was when dealing with his last two injuries?

  Bookmark Medal Detector for more on the Olympics from Larry Brown Sports and other Yardbarker bloggers.

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