Sick Shot: Kobe Returns And Hits Game-Winner

After that shady ankle injury caused Kobe to miss the last 5 games, plus the All-Star festivities, the legend came back like 2-3, hitting this clutch game-winning 3-pointer with his squad down 2. Kobe didn’t look too rusty after the time off putting up 32 points, 7 rebounds and 6 dimes, and it didn’t hurt that it was against the Grizzlies. The Lake Show minus Kobe looked decent but with him back in the lineup they look like contenders once again. With the Cavs nasty interesting trade still needing to work play itself out the 2nd-best dude in the League, now has the top squad for the time being.

Holler Back: Allen Iverson Announces Retirement

TO ALL OF MY FANS:

I would like to announce my plans to retire from the National Basketball Association. I always thought that when I left the game, it would be because I couldn’t help my team the way that I was accustomed to. However, that is not the case.

I still have tremendous love for the game, the desire to play, and a whole lot left in my tank. I feel strongly that I can still compete at the highest level.

Stepping away from the game will allow me to spend quality time with my wife and kids. This is a reward that far exceeds anything that I’ve ever achieved on the basketball court. I have prayed for this day and I see it as my greatest gift.

I want to thank the people of Reebok International Ltd., for always allowing me to be me and for supporting me my whole career through all the ups and downs. I have enjoyed 13 wonderful seasons in the NBA, and I am grateful.

I want to first acknowledge my fans everywhere, who have been with me throughout my entire career. Without you, there would be no me. You should all know that I appreciate your support from the bottom of my heart. Thank you!

To Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, Charles Barkley and Larry Bird, you guys gave me the vision to play the game that will be forever in my heart.

To my Mom, who encouraged and inspired me to play every day, and to all of my family and friends who stood by me from the beginning. Thank you!

To my high school coach, Michael Bailey, Coach John Thompson at Georgetown University, Coach Larry Brown and to all of my other coaches, teammates, administrators, owners and staff who’ve been a part of my career, Thank you as well!

I’d like to give a special thanks to the people of Memphis. I never played a home game for your beloved Grizzlies, but I want you to know how much I appreciate the opportunity given me by a great owner in Michael Heisley, and the support of the city. I wish the Memphis Grizzlies’ organization all of the success that the game has to offer.

And finally, to the city of Philadelphia: I have wonderful memories of my days in a Sixers’ uniform. To Philly fans, thank you. Your voice will always be music to my ears.

God Bless all of you,

ALLEN IVERSON

Via Stephena.com

It’s a shame what they did to The Answer. Check out some of Iverson’s most legendary moments after the jump…

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A Bright Spot For Jewish-Muslim Relations

Apparently it’s Hamed Haddadi Day at The Chaser, but when we saw these pictures of Haddadi and Omri Caspi taken before Kings-Grizzlies game it brought a smile to our face. Caspi is the first Israeli-born player in the League and Haddadi is the first Iranian. Given the never ending tension in the Middle East between various Jewish and Muslim factions, these candid snapshots of both dudes giving each other some love is refreshing. Perhaps the rest of the World should follow their lead.

Courtesy: Clippers Having “Iranian Heritage Day”

In what appears to be a half-hearted attempt to apologize to Hamed Haddadi and Iranian’s across the country, the Clippers are planning an “Iranian Heritage Day” for their upcoming home game this Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies. As apart of the promotion, the Clippers are selling discounted tickets at a “Special Heritage Day Rate,” having a performance by the Persian dance academy before the game and are having Iranian singing sensation Andy perform the national anthem. Fans who purchase tickets will also get the opportunity to mingle with Haddadi during pregame, and get an 8 x 10 photo of the legend

This is a great PR move by an organization that has gotten a major black eye as of late for not rolling with minorities. Owner Donald Sterling recently agreed to pay nearly $3 million in a settlement for a lawsuit brought against the real estate tycoon for discriminatory practices towards Black, Latinos and families with children at various apartments that Sterling owns in the Los Angeles area.

“Iranian Heritage Day” is really just a courtesy apology for the racially insensitive comments made by Ralph Lawler and Mike Smith during the Clips game at Memphis last Wednesday. The Clippers broadcast crew made some questionable remarks in regards to Haddadi being the first Iranian player in the NBA, and also proceeded to clown his look, claiming that he looks like Sacha Baron Cohen’s Borat character. They were suspended for one game following the incident.

Apparently the outrage over the pairs comments have broken the Clippers back, and made them humble. Go here for more info on the event.

Check out Lawler and Smith’s comments about Haddadi after the jump…

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In The Face: Double Feature

Dunk Score: 9.8

Kansas wasted no time letting the world know that they want the Natty this year. Granted they were playing against Pittsburgh State, but Marcus Morris took advantage of the opportunity to bang-out on a few unsuspecting defenders. Somebody pick them up and wipe their faces. Geez

Travis Outlaw sharts all over Rudy Gay’s life after the jump…

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Holler Back: Allen Iverson About To Get Starbury’d

He’s still “The Answer” but the question is who’s still rolling with the Legend? At this point it might just be his Mom, Cru Thik, Mike Vick, Bad News’ finest, and a host of teams abroad because it seems like the entire league is turning their back on AI, like Paulie did Jimmy in Goodfellas. Iverson has allegedly parted ways with the Grizzlies after appearing in 3 games this season off the bench.

Iverson did a little bit of work in the 22 minutes he averaged before his departure, putting up a little over 12 points and nearly 4 assists in his reduced role. Although the Grizzlies owner has stated that AI bounced due to a family problem, pundits are convinced that he is gone for good.

The majority of the mainstream media has been quick to bash Iverson as a “cancer” and self-centered, but the reality is that the Grizzlies suck. Even though they are looking towards the future and developing their young talent, head coach Lionel Hollins has been giving AI the cold shoulder since the coach was bigtimed by the organization, who chose to sign Iverson because he was still marketable.

Even though the team claims this is a family issue, it’s a good bet that Iverson won’t finish the season in Memphis, if he is in the NBA at all. The Grizzlies have to hold on to his rights until at least December 15, when he is eligible to be traded. It is highly doubtful that a team would be interested in trading for the 14-year vet, and even if Iverson clears waivers, he can expect to get the Stephon Marbury treatment and may be forced to make that Euro trip if he wants to continue his basketball career.

Allen Iverson crossing Michael Jordan (aka The Greatest Of All Times…Besides LeBron) after the jump…

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In The Face: Big Gay Guy Bangs Out

Dunk Score: 9.2

For those of you that were expecting a perverted video because of the title, get your mind out of the gutter, we’re talking basketball. Grizzlies forward Rudy Gay has been doing work lately, including catching Laker center D.J. Mbenga slippin’ on the baseline drive and sharting all over his life. Too bad Gay plays for one of the nastiest teams in the league. Either way, somebody needs to wipe Mbenga’s grill for him.

Chris Bosh banging on Julian Wright after the jump…

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Chaser NBA Preview: Memphis Grizzlies

Last year’s record: 24-58

This year’s projection: 30-52

New Booty’s: Hasheem Thabeet, Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph, Demarre Carroll, Sam Young, Mike Taylor and Marcus Williams.

Holler Back: Hakim Warrick, Darko Milicic, Greg Buckner, Darius Miles and Quinton Ross.

Memphis was once one the NBA’s most promising franchises, head Coach Hubie Brown led them to several playoff appearances and they had one of the games bright young stars in Pau Gasol. Owner Michael Heisling eventually traded away Gasol to the Lakers, giving away the cornerstone of the franchise. The Grizzlies have struggled since, winning a total of 68 games the past 3 seasons. Coach Lionel Hollins is in his first full season as coach, and he will have his hands full. Though Memphis’ roster is loaded with talent, there doesn’t seem to be much chemistry at first glance.

In Allen Iverson, O.J. Mayo and Zach Randolph, Memphis has the most selfish trio of players in NBA history. Iverson and Mayo are notorious ball hogs, and Randolph is a black hole when he gets the ball down low. Mayo is a proven scorer, averaging 18pts a game last year as a rookie. He never met a shot he didn’t like, and floats on the perimeter too much for my liking. Randolph comes to the Grizzles with baggage, but will get you 20 and 10 on any given night. Once he learns how to find the open man out the double team, he will become a more effective player.

A.I. spent the summer Tweeting his desire to play another year in the league. Though one of this generation’s greatest players, he is not the Iverson of old, and has to evolve his game into the team concept. Nights going 9 for 27 are no longer acceptable, and I openly question the type of locker room presence Iverson will be. Can he buy into Hollins’ system and transition seamlessly into the team concept? Or will he be a divisive influence if his minutes are low, or O.J takes too many shots?

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