Knicks Legend Bernard King Speaks On Scoring & Intensity

Bernard King is one of the purest scorers in NBA history and he finally gets enshrined in the basketball hall of fame. The 4-time all-star was recently featured in an NBA TV Documentary titled “Unstoppable” which premiered tonight on NBA TV. The film featured many NBA greats such as Magic Johnson and George Gervin speaking about the greatness of Bernard King.

When I watch film on Bernard King I see the 1^st of his kind which is a small forward who perfected the use of high post moves and really made pivot moves and the turnaround jump shot popular. The guys like Carmelo Anthony and Kevin Durant that we see use those same high post moves today to score the basketball followed in the footsteps of King. “Money Bernard King was Money” said Magic Johnson. During his time in the league King was one of the most feared scorers and the legend of so his greatest scoring efforts still love on today, such as his 60 point game against the Nets on Christmas day 1984. getting

“I couldn't play with a smile on my face like Magic, I had to play with an intensity or I wouldn't win” stated King. The Knicks legend carried himself a certain way and always played with a high level of confidence. Nobody could stop him from scoring “if you play off me I have the jump shot, force me left I have moves going left, force me right I have moves going right, If you overplay me I know how to get open”. He commands respect and displays unshakable confidence which is why he can go out and have back to back 50 point nights as George Gervin stated in the video.

King in many ways embodies the culture of New York basketball, that “ you can't stop me even if you tried mentality” if you will. Magic said it best “ We knew where he was going to that spot, the 18,000 fans in the arena knew he was going to that spot but you just couldn't do anything with this man”. It way to long but congratulations to Bernard King on his 2013 hall of fame induction!

The Best Mitchell & Ness NBA Caricature Shirts

Since 1904 Philadelphia based company Mitchell&Ness has been committed to making top of the line vintage sports clothing. The apparel variety ranges from Jerseys to Hats to even scarf's of your favorite teams. Some people like myself can't afford a 300$ vintage jersey of our favorite players so we look for a different alternative that satisfies our hunger to properly represent our favorite teams. I'm obviously a huge NBA fan so a throwback Larry Johnson Jersey is out of the question due to my current economic status but that's where the ever popular caricature t-shirts come in. At only 30$ plus tax caricature shirts pay tribute to some of the NBA's greatest players of yesteryear by cartoonizing every part of them along with your favorite teams logo. So if your NBA fan consider this countdown of caricature shirts your guide for smart purchases of fan apparel...lets get started.

  Larry Bird (Boston Celtics)

Larry Bird won 3 championships in his time with the Boston Celtics and is one of the best players the game has ever seen. If you're a Celtics fan who was a Bird fan and don't have the most money in the world then this shirt is perfect for you.  Mitchell & Ness shirts are comfortable and crafted at a high level. This shirt like many does a great job of painting the picture of what "Larry Legend" looked like when he had more hair and his mustache was thicker.

Patrick Ewing (New York Knicks)

Patrick Ewing never won any championships but was still a great player for the Knicks in his tenure. The Knicks in the 90's boasted one of the most physical front lines ever with guys like Anthony Mason, Charles Oakley and Ewing himself.  This is a great shirt surely you will see a few around Madison Square Garden among Knicks diehards.

Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers)

In the 80's the "Showtime" Lakers ran by Magic Johnson changed basketball. Magic was a great passer it almost seemed like he tried to out do his previous years highlight tape every time he stepped onto the floor in the Forum. Great shirt and the fact that this one has no sleeves makes it very suitable for people who live in LA.

Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets)

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is hands down the greatest player in Houston Rockets franchise history. Hakeem on the shirt looks just like him these days. I feel like for any Rockets fan that lived that era of basketball that this is a must have shirt. Hakeem is Houston Houston and just the image of this shirt should conjure visuals of his patented "Dream Shake" move or the back to back championships Houston Captured in the 90's

Shawn Kemp (Seattle Supersonics)

Although Seattle no longer has an NBA team one glimpse  at this shirt of Shawn Kemp should bring smiles and marries of all of the rim rocking dunks he threw down in the green and yellow .This shirt does a great job with details capturing Kemp in his essence all the way down to his Reebok Kamikazes. Kemp along with Gary Payton certainly represented a great time for the city of Seattle in its basketball history. Hopefully they bring back a team.

Dennis Rodman (Chicago Bulls)

In the 90's the Bulls were one of the most iconic teams and Dennis Rodman was one of basketballs most iconic personalities. Many people love the Bulls worldwide so this shirt should appeal to most people who followed the Bulls in the great era of winning. Dennis Rodman was an exceptional re bounder.

Shaquille O'Neal (Orlando Magic)

The Magic in the 90's were one of the most exciting teams with combination of Penny Hardaway and Shaq. In the time he spent in a Magic Jersey Shaq literally brought down the rim and practically broke it in half. Very few things were more entertaining to watch in the NBA than Shaq in the 90's.   

Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers)

What makes a great caricature shirt in my opinion is when the person or in this case NBA player's personality or signature style can be depicted through a visual. This shirt does that perfectly Allen Iverson has the headband on, you see the corn rose rolled tight around his head and obviously his signature "let me hear you" hand above the ear move that got the fans in Philly going on many occasions is being displayed on this shirt. Iverson was excited and he did a lot for the Sixers, just wish he would have brought home a championship.

Julius Erving (Philadelphia 76ers)

Dr.J-Julius Erving what more can you say this guy did so much for basketball and is such a big part of the Sixers history and tradition. The afro, the hang time, the dunks he was so ahead of his time. My dad tells me stories about watching the Erving on television as he was growing up so through the years I have grown to respect Julius. I actually own this shirt and its one of my favorite basketball shirts.

Larry Johnson (Charlotte Hornets)

"Grandmama" was a tremendous basketball player, he along with Alonzo Mourning and Muggsy Bouges represents a golden era in Charlotte basketball. The coolest thing outside of the Hornets teal on this shirt is the always recognizable gold tooth LJ had, its featured on the shirt. People loved those Hornets teams and Mitchell and Ness does a great job of making great nostalgic clothing of the Charlotte Hornets. Speaking as a Hornets fan I have this shirt and it is a must have. Looking forward to the Hornets return next year in Charlotte.

All in all these are all great shirts for NBA fans and if you are into sneakers they go really well with many different  Nikes, Reeboks, Jordans and Adidas in terms of matching. So hope you enjoyed the post and use it as a reference if your shopping for quality fan apparel.

Tony Parker: Greatness in Numbers

The San Antonio Spurs are a dynasty in the modern era whether they win a title this year or not. For the last decade they have appeared in half of the NBA Finals played and have won 4 times. They have been called boring to the casual basketball fan but for people who live this game they understand the greatness of the Spurs. Tim Duncan has always been the man in San Antonio but over the last few seasons Tony Parker has become “The Guy”. This whole season the Spurs have been riding Parker as #1 option while playing the usual Elite team basketball they are known for.

The Spurs have been dominant this postseason and what looked like an even match up in Western Conference finals became a one sided affair when the Spurs crushed the hopes of Zach Randolph and the Memphis Grizzlies with a 4 game sweep. Tony Parker has been playing great basketball but people may be unaware of the magnitude of the level he is playing at.

Tony Parker is 31 years old as of this year and you may be surprised on how similar or even better his numbers are in this postseason compared to several point guards In the hall of fame when they were 31 years old.

When Playing amongst stars like Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobli Its hard to shine sometimes but at 31 years old he has done that for the Spurs and became a leader kind of like Jason Kidd had been through out his career in his time in 2004.

In the 2003-2004 playoffs Jason Kidd was 31 years old just like Tony Parker is now but Parker s numbers are better then Kidd at 31 years of ago, check the numbers below.

Tony Parker at 31years old: 23 Points 7 Assists 4 Rebounds 1 Steal 47 % FG 37 % 3-Point 79% FT Through 14 games

Jason Kidd at 31 years of old: 13 Points 9 Assists 7 Rebounds 2 steals 33%FG 20% 3-Point FG 81% FT in 11 games

Kidd edges Parker in categories like Assists, Rebounds and Steals but Parker proves to be more efficient having a higher field goal percentage and 3 point percentage but the two are definitely comparable.

While Parker and Kidd are Parker certainly comparable at 31 you will be surprised which Hall of famer's numbers are worse at 31 years old in he playoffs. Isaiah Thomas is a beast anybody who drops a 25 points on a bad ankle in the NBA Finals is but at 31 years of age Tony Parkers Numbers are better.

Tony Parker at 31years old: 23 Points 7 Assists 4 Rebounds 1 Steal 47 % FG 37 % 3-Point 79% FT Through 14 games

Isaiah Thomas at 31 years old: 14 Points 9 Assists 4 Rebounds 1 Steal 40%FG 27% 3-Point 72%FT

Thomas is great and a 2 time champion but like Kidd Points and efficiency gives Parker the edge in postseason numbers at 31.

Arguably the greatest point guard of all-time has comparable playoffs statistics at 31 years of age with Tony Parker. Magic Johnson changed the way basketball was played running point guard for the “Showtime” Lakers of the 80's but his 31 year old playoff numbers are closer with Parker than you think.

Tony Parker at 31years old: 23 Points 7 Assists 4 Rebounds 1 Steal 47 % FG 37 % 3-Point 79% FT Through 14 games

Magic Johnson: 22 Points 13 Assists 8 Rebounds 1 Steals 44%FG 29%3-Point FG 83%FT in 19 games

Magic due to playing at some the fastest pace in NBA history has better numbers then Tony Parker but Magic is known for being one of the best all-around players in league history, so the fact that Parker Is comparable is an accomplish in itself. Magic Doubles Parker up in categories like assists and Rebounds but Parker averages more Points and has better Field goal percentage and three point percentage then Magic and we all know the importance of efficiency is in basketball.

If you didn't appreciate the greatness of Tony Parker before this article then I hope you this helped that. Tony Parker is a hall of famer and winner in this league. His numbers are comparable to some of the best who ever did it at his position.

Graduation Cards

As I am sitting here typing this it is 1:05 PM and I am less then 5 hours from graduating South Broward High School. Usually with graduation comes gifts, money and a bunch of hoopla from the family. My Mom chose to gave me money and being the avid Sports collector I am decided to take my behind to Hollywood Collectibles and spent part of my new found riches on some cardboard heroes of basketball, so lets begin!

Card #1 Sky Box 1990 Magic Johnson

People talk about how versatile Lebron James is and sometimes my man Magic gets lost in the shuffle. This man was also 6'9 played multiple positions and changed basketball with the offense he ran as point guard of the “ShowTime” Lakers. I found this card Digging through a dime box of assorted cards.

Price: 2$

Card #2: 1997 Topps Tim Duncan (Rookie)

The San Antonio Spurs are in the finals again and if Tim Duncan is to capture another ring it will make 5 and further cement him as one of the greatest the NBA has ever seen. Some people don't really appreciate his greatness the way I do so when finding this card I flipped. The Cards I gt is a rookie card and probably one of the best cards in my miniscule yet evolving basketball collection.

Price: 4$

Card #3: Sky Box 1991 Michael Jordan

Of all the cards I purchased yesterday none are as visually cultivating as this cardboard treasure which features MJ basking in the glory of what was his 1^st of 6 championship rings with the Chicago Bulls. The card speaks for itself.

Price: 2$

Card #4: 2007 Upperdeck Artifacts Jason Kidd Jersey Card

Of all the cards this one is definitely my favorite for many reasons. Its the only card I purchased not in a dime box. It was actually inside one of those shelfs with other nice expensive cards I can't afford. This was a steal though, I had a little more money then usual so I decided to splurge a bit. This card is rare numbered 12/100 so the feeling I have of purchasing something rare is comforting. Also Watching Kidd with the Nets growing up along with guys like Vince Carter,Keyon Martin and Richard Jefferson was some of the most fun I ever had watching basketball.

Price: 10$

So all in a another great day of purchases at Hollywood Collectibles. Now it's time to start practicing throwing my cap up in the air at the conclusion of graduation.

Kareem gets Statue (Finally)

After feeling like he was slighted and even sometimes belittled at times Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Will now get honored the same way Jerry West and Magic Johnson do. It was announced that sometime during this season the NBA’s all time scoring leader will get his own statue like Magic and West. This has been LONG overdue for a guy who is one of the games greatest players and arguably the best player in team history, its just great too finally see him get his due. Everybody who is a Laker fan  right now knows who Kareem is and with the statue Laker fans will never forget who he is. This man, Magic Johnson, James Worthy  and the “Showtime” Lakers of the 80s changed the game forever with there uptempo high octane style of play. They were a Dynasty and one of the models for greatness in the world of sports and are apart of what makes being a Laker so great. Kareem was a central part of those teams and its about time the Laker organization pay him with that gesture for his 20 years of longevity (If only they did the same for Elgin Baylor). If you don’t know who Kareem is or how great he was here are some of his many accomplishments.

38,387 Points

NBA’s All-Time Leading Scorer

19 Time All-Star

6 X MVP

6 Championships

2 scoring Titles

4X leading Shot blocker

Congratulations to Kareem-Abdul Jabbar

#Greatness

Dreams Come true for NBA 2K Fans

Over the last several years the NBA 2K series has dominated sports gaming and it looks like they took another step in doing so several days ago when they announced that the the 1992 “Dream Team” will be in NBA 2K13. It will have every player on that team except Scottie Pippen due to copyright reasons. As a fan who has been playing NBA 2k for years this is a HUGE day for me having the chance to play with the dream team. I know its just a game but boy I can’t wait to settle this WACK debate people keep having with me saying that the current USA men could beat the “Dream Team”. I know basketball has evolved into a more up tempo game based on athletiscm rather then fundamentals and half court sets. I Can’t wait to just throw down the ball in the post to guys like David Robinson and Karl Malone and just go to work on the wannabe “Dream Team”. The opportunity to settle this debate on the sticks is a great one and I really believe  NBA 2K does a great job of making the games as authentic as possible from the uniforms, to hardwood and just overall game presentation. The one thing they did best last year in NBA 2K12 and will continue too do in this years installment of 2K  is bridging the generational gaps between basketball fans. What I mean is kids who are my age didn’t get too see Oscar Robertson or Jerry west play get too learn about them and literally fell how great they were through the game play. With them Putting the Dream team in the game the younger generation will get to see how great that team was through game play. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, John Stockton the list of hall of famers go on and it the matchups up and down the court will be intriguing. Magic vs. Cris Paul or Kobe Bryant vs. Michael Jordan just too name a few., Whenever people decide to pickup the sticks and play as the 2 gold medal teams it should be entertaining and it will definitely spark debates not end them. So if you dunk on Clyde Drexler With Lebron James and Start Taunting your uncle you know its about to be an exciting 4 quarters. NBA 2K13 Having the Dream Team is a celebration of basketball and should be an improvement over last year. All I know is October 2nd cant come quick enough for me.