Just when we think Dennis Rodman's drag phase is over, he steps out on the red carpet and proves us wrong.
Hoopsvibe's quick call: Rodman is probably the first drag queen ambassador in the history of the world.
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Drake out partying with the Chicago Bulls.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: It didn't take long for the Chicago Bulls to get over their loss to Miami and start partying away the summer did it?
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The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls were arguably the best team in NBA history, led by arguably the greatest player in NBA history.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: The accomplishments of the 1995-96 Bulls only get more amazing as time passes.
17 years ago tonight, the Bulls defeated the Bullets 103-93 to finish the season with a 72-10 record and .878 winning percentage, which eclipsed the NBA record set by 1972 Lakers, who went 69-13 for an .841 percentage. The victory over Washington earned Chicago their 33rd road victory, the most ever in a season by an NBA team.
Chicago was ridiculously hot all year and consistent throughout. The Bulls finished the month of November with a 12-2 record but improved in each of the next two months, going 13-1 in December and 14-0 in January, running their record to 39-3 after three months. In February, the Bulls ran their record to 41-3 and became the fastest NBA team to 41 wins, again besting the '71-72 Lakers previous record.
After the incredible regular season, CHI didn't cool off, going 15-3 in the playoffs for a combined total record of 87-13. The Supersonics won three of those 13 games, while the Indiana Pacers were the only other team to beat them more than once that season, winning two games in the regular season by a total of five points.
During the same victory over Washington 17 years ago, Michael Jordan set an NBA record by winning his eighth NBA scoring title (breaking Wilt Chamberlain’s record of seven) after accumulating 2,491 points in 82 games for a 30.4 ppg average. The 30+ ppg average was the last time Jordan would score 30+ points per game. And of the eight seasons he did score 30+, 30.4 was the second lowest- how many guys would KILL for a season like that?
Another interesting piece of statistical information for you about MJ. Entering '95-'96, Jordan had made 303 of 987 attempts from beyond the arc in 10 seasons, hitting them .306% of the time.
In his 11th season, MJ hit 111 of 260, hitting treys at a clip of .427%, tied with Hubert Davis for 10th best percentage in the league.
It goes to show you why Jordan was great- even though he was the best ever, even already at that point, he worked on his weak areas until they were strengths.
With that kind of leadership and talent, it's no wonder why that Bulls had the success they did.
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It's official. Kris Humphries has finalized his divorce with Kim Kardashian.
Hoopsvibe's quick call: I am happy and thankful that we never have to hear about this ever again.
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The NBA's "real season" begins soon, as playoff time is finally almost upon us.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Upsets used to be the exception, now they are the rule.
The following five match-ups all feature an eighth seed upsetting a number one seed, a feat that has only happened five times in NBA history. Of the five times, three of those upsets ocurred in the last six years.
Golden State Warriors Upset Dallas Mavericks - 2007
At the time, the Dallas Mavericks were considered one of the biggest favorite one seeds ever, coming off of a 67-15 regular season record which was the only since legitimate claim to challenge the Bulls 72-10 all-time best NBA season. The Mavericks were also coming off of losing in the Finals to the Heat the previous season, a series many people felt like they should’ve won; expectations were high and facing Golden State in the first round they had every reason to be. The Warriors were a franchise at the time, much like now, that was mired in mediocrity with no real reason to be optimistic. After squeaking into the playoffs at 42-40, they were a complete after-thought. The Warriors qualified for the playoffs that year for the first time since 1994 with the 13 year drought between appearances being the second longest in NBA history. The Warriors beat the Mavs in six games, and this Baron Davis dunk over AK-47 (even though it took place in the following playoff series) shows you the level he and the Warriors were playing at:
Denver Nuggets Upset Seattle Supersonics - 1994
The year was 1994. Charles Barkley signature “Air Max” shoes, selling for $150 a pair, were king. The world was shocked by the unexpected death of Kurt Cobain. And Seattle Supersonics fans the world over were reeling from a first round playoff loss to the eighth seed Denver Nuggets. The Sonics had blown through the regular season going 63-19 which was a franchise record for wins and were the number one seed heading into the first round of the Western Conference Playoffs to face a Denver Nuggets team that no one had expected anything from. And with good reason; to that point in NBA history no eighth seed had ever beaten a number one seed. And no one expected a 42-40 Denver team to pose a legitimate threat, especially after losing the first two games in what was at the time a best of five game first round series. Game five was an epic back and forth game where the intensity never waned and every possession felt like the most important in the game. Kendall Gill’s layup with a half second left on the clock sent the game into overtime. But the Nuggets maintained the momentum throughout the extra frame and escaped with a 98-94 victory, winning the series.
New York Knicks Upset Miami Heat - 1999
The Pat Riley led Heat were the number one seed after posting a 33-17 record during the strike shortened season and the Knicks stumbled to 27-23, barely qualifying as the eighth seed. Both teams had dominant big men from Georgetown University; Alonzo Mourning and Patrick Ewing. Both had flashy offensive weapons that could make plays, Tim Hardaway for the Heat and a still dominant Latrell Sprewell. Down by one with 19.9 seconds left in the deciding game five, the Knicks did everything they could to screw up the possession and struggled to get a shot off. Ultimately after an inbound with 4.4 seconds, Allan Houston launched a running floater from the top of the lane that bounced off the rim and backboard before falling through the hoop securing a one point victory and the series for the Knicks.
Philadelphia 76ers Upset Chicago Bulls - 2012
Game one of the series, the Bulls are coasting right along, up by 12 with 81 seconds left. Then, this happens:
Series over, Philly wins four games to two. That's pretty much it.
Memphis Grizzlies Upset San Antonio Spurs - 2011
I remember at the time watching this series, particularly how slow and old the Spurs looked and thinking, "Man they had a great run, but they are definitely over the hill." Wrong again! The Spurs, essentially with the same core of players, will be the #2 seed in the West this year. The Spurs came into the 2011 playoffs as the #1 seed, with the second-best record in basketball and home court advantage against any Western Conference opponent and were dropped in the first round. Zach Randolph played out of his mind and Marc Gasol wore down Tim Duncan on both ends of the floor.
In this year's playoffs, if the Bucks were to beat the Heat, or the Lakers were able to vanquish the Thunder, would either be a bigger upset than any of the previous upsets on this list?
For more news, info and updates, follow us on Twitter @hoopsvibe
Now Derrick Rose isn't coming back this season, and in another development, Kris Humphries is being sued by a suit shop??
Hoopsvibe's quick call: The media has been teasing us with the Rose return for months, and Humphries can't seem to stay out of the media all together.
Top 5 reasons Derrick Rose shouldn't return this season.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Everyone want to see DRose back on the court, but at this point in the season he should probably just sit it out.
#5 Disrupt Chicago's Flow: Chicago is currently 5th in the Eastern Conference with a clinched playoff birth. I'm sure they'd be in the top 2 or 3 if Rose was playing, but Chicago is still a dangerous team and has proven they can beat top teams (ending Miami's 27 game win streak) even without Rose. His return at this point wouldn't help them finish the year strong, it would only disrupt whatever continuity and offensive flow they've taken the year to establish.
#4 Not Game Ready: Rose has been out almost a year. I know he's been practicing and feels great, but the reality is you are only truly in shape to play ball, by playing ball. Rose isn't in the shape he needs to be in to compete at playoff level NBA ball. It would take most player at least a couple weeks of games to get their legs back and with the playoff almost upon us, not isn't the time.
#3 Unrealistic Expectations: People are expecting DRose to swoop in and be the same player he was before his injury. He may never be that player again. If he does regain his former form, it may take time. Throwing him into the NBA playoffs and expecting him to save Chicago's season is unfair. He needs more time to come back gradually. Just let this season go and let him come back full strength next year.
#2 Not Mentally Ready: Rose has told the press he still doesn't "feel" ready. If a player doesn't feel confident with his body he should be on the court. Give, Rose may only ever get ready by getting back in the game, but his mental preparedness is key to his return. If his mind doesn't believe he's ready to be back, his effectiveness and susceptibility to injury should be concerns.
#1 Risk Injury: Chicago and Rose need to think of the big picture. His return for the last few games of the regular season and a playoff run that will likely be stopped in either the first or second round isn't worth the risk. Let Rose continue to rehab over the spring and summer, coming back completely confident in his ACL next season. Why risk it?
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Bo knows rehab.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: If anyone is qualified to have an opinion on the return of D Rose, It's Bo Jackson.
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In the most recent data gathered, Lebron James topped the list of the NBA's most popular jerseys.
Hoopsvibe's quick call: Here is the list of the top 5 most popular NBA jerseys.
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17 years ago today, MJ became just the tenth player in NBA history to eclipse the 24,000 point plateau.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Another day at the office, another milestone for Michael Jordan at that point in his career.
Who'd have thought at the time, that 17 years later to the day, he'd have a bogus paternity suit against him dropped?
Against the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center, Jordan poured in 38 points on 15 of 32 shooting as the Bulls won 98-94. The victory pushed the Chicago's record to 58-7. The Jordan led Bulls would ultimately set an NBA precedent for greatness that year, setting the all-time single season mark for victories in a season with 72.
Prior to Jordan, only nine players in the history of the league had scored at least 24,000 points- Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, John Havlicek, Moses Malone, Jerry West, Elvin Hayes, Oscar Robertson, George Gervin and Alex English.
Before it was all said and done, Jordan scored 32,292 points and retired having scored the third most points in NBA history. In 15 professional seasons, he led the NBA in scoring 10 times, including seven years in a row and 10 times in 11 seasons (!).
Kobe Bean Bryant is just 995 points away from tying MJ and wresting third place from his trophy case- as if Jordan even cares.
Since MJ got his 24,000th point in 1996, the accomplishment has become more commonplace. Currently, a total of 19 players (nine post-Jordan) have scored 24,000+ points, including Allen Iverson, Kobe, Karl Malone, Dirk Nowitzki, Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing and Kevin Garnett.
Boston's Paul Pierce is just 223 points short, and former Celtic/current Heat guard Ray Allen is right behind him, just 145 points less than Pierce.
While all the other players on this list are great scorers, no one was more electrifying than Michael Jordan.
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The D Rose ACL saga continues.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: At least this time we are hearing it straight from his mouth and not his brother's.
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Gotta love that it's Friday!
Hoopsvibe's quick call: What a better way to kick off the weekend than with three top NBA stories in Hoopsvibe's Workweek Wrap-Up?!
To start things off, word on the street is, Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony and Basketball Wife La La Vasquez are not just back together, but moving into a ballerific apartment in New York City. Click here to check out the clip courtesy of TMZ.com.
The couple signed a $29,000 per month lease last week on a 4,000 square foot, five-bedroom, four-bathroom apartment on NYC's iconic 5th Avenue. The New York Post reported that the apartment is owned by Bank of America exec Fares Noujaim, "who bought it for $6.08 million as an investment."
Rumor had it that Melo and La La were going through a rough patch and the two were even living on different coasts for a period of time. But it sounds like things are back on track. One thing's for sure: They're certainly not slummin' it.
#YouKnowYoureBallinWhen you drop 30k on a lease.
Anthony is currently listed as day-to-day due to fluid in his knee that has caused him to miss the past few games. Melo's averaging 28.2 points per game this season and the Knicks are currently first place in their division and second overall in the Eastern Conference.
Speaking of the Eastern Conference, Chicago Bulls fans rejoice!
Derrick Rose has been medically cleared to play.
According to Melissa Isaacson of ESPNChicago, the Bulls' point guard, who's been out for almost a year since going down with a knee injury in the first round of last year's playoffs, has been given clearance to return to the lineup.
But don't expect the All-Star point guard to return immediately, because according to Issacson and the Bulls, Rose isn't "100% mentally ready" to return just yet. Isaacson cites in her report that Rose is participating in 5 on 5 drills and looking strong, but neither the organization or Rose himself are going to pressure an immediate return, despite how much President Obama and every other Bulls fan wants to see their franchise player back in the lineup.
Regardless if Rose takes an extra few weeks to prepare mentally, we should definitely see his return to the court before the playoffs; which would obviously be crucial for Chicago. According to Accuscore, the Bulls are more than five times as likely to win the NBA title with Rose than without him.
The Bulls don't need to rush either. They have been playing impressively well in his absence. Despite Rose not having played in one game all season, they are 34-27 and currently hold the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Furthermore, Rose inked a 5-year, $94 million deal with the team in 2011; so it's much better to be safe than sorry.
And lastly, to round out the Workweek Wrap-up, we have Kobe Bryant getting clowned on by Jimmy Kimmel ... and loving it!
Kobe was on Kimmel Thursday night and at one point in the interview, the two talked took some time to discuss Dennis Rodman's friendship with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
(On a side note, does everyone out there realize that Dennis Rodman aka "The Worm" aka a lot of insane things, is pretty much acting as the United States Ambassador to North Korea??? I mean, it sounds like a joke but the joke is really that it's not a joke. I'm starting to think the Mayans were right.)
Anyway ... When Kimmel asked Bryant if he would consider heading over to N. Korea if Jong Un asked him to, Kobe replied, "Yeah, I would probably pass. I'd probably pass."
To which the witty talk show host quickly retorted, "Oh, for once you're passing?!" It was so hilarious even Kobe cracked up!
And that's the Workweek Wrap-up. Have a great weekend, Hoopsvibers!
And for more NBA stories and hilarious videos follow us on twitter @hoopsvibe
Dennis Rodman has been an ambassador of tattoos, of making high-level defense "cool" and of free thinking.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: A couple weeks after some successful nuke testing, the Worm is hanging out with Kim Jong Un, one one one (or maybe "un on un").
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Chicago Bulls fans celebrate as they think LeBron is injured (video).
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Celebrating a player's injury is tacky. Come on Chicago Bulls fans you are some of the best fans in the world. You've got more class than this.
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Most people had never heard of Reggie Rose prior to Thursday.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: And now that it's Thursday night, hopefully, he can drift back into obscurity- starting tomorrow.
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Once the #2 overall pick in the NBA draft finally comes clean about his suicide attempt and Bulls smoking weed before games.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Just goes to show that no one is immune to hard times, but it is great to see this baller back on his feet and doing great.
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"The Return" may be closer than we thought.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Who would've thought the Bulls would've done so well without him?
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Adidas drops the new D Rose 3.5 signature shoe.
HoopsVibe's Very Quick Call: Damn, Rose is a force like 2Pac. He drops more product when he's coming back from injury than 99% of most players do in their prime. DRose's presence is always felt.
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On 1/13/99, Michael Jordan retired from the NBA for a second time.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: He just kept "playing with our emotions", like Smokey from the movie Friday.
MJ's first retirement took place on on 10/6/93 and was a complete shock. No one could believe that Jordan, at the top of his game (leading the NBA the previous season in both scoring and steals), was serious. But after the murder of his father, he decided to make the move to professional baseball. Jordan famously came back a year later and won the NBA title in three straight seasons for the second time.
Jordan's retirement in 1999 was again surprising considering the level his game was at (leading the league in scoring with 28.7 ppg), but not surprising considering the state the Bulls were in at the time. Jerry Krause was hell bent on tearing apart the team and rebuilding. Phil Jackson's contract was up and everyone knew he wouldn't be renewed, as was the same for Dennis Rodman, while Scottie Pippen forced his way out via trade demand.
But perhaps as impactful as any other factor, the NBA was mired in a lockout, which would limit the upcoming season to just 50 games. So MJ would've had to come back and play without Pippen, Rodman, or Phil Jackson, while also missing several other key components of the championship squad who were either dealt or released. In a lot of ways, Jordan's back was against the wall; it was time for him to do something else.
Eventually, Jordan would return to the NBA almost three years later for his final act and what is potentially his most impressive feat; During the 2002-03 season, Michael Jordan turned 40 years old.
It wasn’t like MJ was only playing 20 minutes a game, hanging on even though his physical skills had disappeared. That season he played 37 mpg, second on the team only to Jerry Stackhouse. He was also second in points to Stackhouse (20.0 ppg), second in rebounding (6.1rpg), fourth in assists (3.8 apg) and first in steals (1.5 spg). He was even fourth on the team in blocks, of all things with 0.5 bpg. He was also the only Wizards player to appear in all 82 games, starting 67 of them.
That season he averaged 18.6 shots per game which was the second lowest of his career and a full four shots less per game than his career average of 22.9. Jordan scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times. Though it wasn’t rare for us to see MJ score 40+ throughout his career, the three games of 40+ represent the only times in NBA history a player over 40 years old has ever scored that many points.
Regardless of how you feel about his time as a Wizard, Jordan's second retirement marked the end of an era for the league because it was a symbolic ending to those great Bulls teams of the 90's.
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It's over Scott; pack your shit and move on with your life.
HoopsVibe Very Quick Call: Who will Milwaukee blame next when they continue to suck after this?
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