Vince Carter Says Fans Sat Next To Dallas Mavericks Players Were Cool
Great Seats To A Bad Product
A few nights ago when the Dallas Mavericks visited the Motor-city they not only faced a familiar but played hosts to some Detroit Pistons fans on their very own bench. Aaron Cohen and Chris Smokes sat next to Vince Carter and Delonte West and now the Carter is breaking his silence on the fans.
“They were cool,” Carter said. “I just didn’t have enough room to sit so I went on the other side of them. That happens sometimes. They were good dudes. That was where their seats were, so it wasn’t any big deal. But I have to admit, it looked funny when I saw the video.”
Yeah, Vince “That happens sometimes.” You’re just always seeing players get pushed off their bench and sitting with the fans. Not really, but OK.
The seats cost $750 for Cohen, which had Carter technically not on the Mavericks bench, but the NBA watching from league office caught wind of the situation when local cameras started to point it out to viewers and called to have Vince moved back to the bench area. Cohen said that night of the incident
“Because of the way it’s arranged and I guess there’s two vacant seats at the end (of the row) — we got (seats number) three and four, which is pretty much after the last player,” Cohen said. “Having those two seats open the players will down there and sit over there at times.”
Cohen has been sitting in those very seats since the season started, it’s just now that it has become a hot topic as he had previously posted pictures of him on Twitter from the edge of the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Can You Move Down One?
Danny Granger Calls Himself David Sterns Bitch
Bonafide
Danny Granger of the Indiana Pacers let David Stern know what he thought of the NBA blocking Chris Paul going to the Los Angeles Lakers on Twitter. Since New Orleans Hornets is a team that is owned by the league, the 29 owners of the team had the ability to veto the trade and did just that. Naturally, Paul is unhappy as evidence by his tweet that read “Wow” after it was announced that the deal is off. Granger took it personally as well.
“Due to the sabotaging of the LA/NO trade by David Stern,” Granger wrote on Twitter, “and following in the foosteps of my athlete brethern Metta World Peace and Chad Ochocinco, I’m changing my last name to ‘Stern’s Bi#&h’, effective immediately.”
There are appropriate ways to vent your frustration with a boss, this is not one of them.
MillerCoors Tells NBA Teams No Play, No Pay
Piss Poor Beer Anyway
The NBA and its players have reached a tentative deal to end the lockout. But team sponsors aren’t ready to pony up quite yet. Despite the deal, MillerCoors is still withholding payments from 11 NBA teams it sponsors, including the world champion Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, says spokesman Pete Marino.
The maker of beers such as Miller Lite and Coors Light has sponsorship deals in place with 11 NBA clubs. They are: the Mavs; Heat; Milwaukee Bucks; New Orleans Hornets; Atlanta Hawks; Memphis Grizzlies; Portland Trail Blazers; Indianapolis Pacers; Utah Jazz; Denver Nuggets; and Golden State Warriors.
Like everybody else involved with the NBA, MillerCoors is thrilled basketball appears to be coming back, Marino says. But it’s still not paying up.
“We are in discussions with all of our partners on our marketing plans. We’ll begin making payments — as soon as a lot of details get ironed out,” Marino says.
Here’s another issue. The tentative deal calls for a shortened 66-game NBA season starting Christmas Day. That’s 16 fewer games than the normal 82 games and 8 fewer home games. Is MillerCoors telling NBA clubs it wants a discount from clubs that will end up playing 20% fewer games this season?
“Perhaps. Not necessarily,” answers Marino. “This is all fresh information. We’re looking to get to the table and talk to these teams. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we’ll start putting pen to paper and get our plans ironed out.”
MillerCoors is exclusive beer sponsor of the Milwaukee Bucks. Don Walker of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel broke the news before the tentative deal ending the lockout was announced that MillerCoors was withholding payments to the Bucks.
So how much money are we talking? That depends on the team, the city and whether or not it’s an exclusive sponsorship. MillerCoors is only exclusive with the Bucks. It shares beers sponsorships on the 10 other clubs. So figure its withholding anywhere from a couple of hundred thousand dollars to to a few million dollars — from its 11 partners.
Here’s how these sponsorship deals typically work. The corporate sponsor contractually agrees to fork over a certain amount of sponsorship money per season. Most of it is advertising on the team’s local TV/radio game telecasts.
In return, the NBA club gives the corporate sponsor the rights to use its trademark in advertising, promotion and retails displays. They also usually gets a luxury box at home games. The deals are typically multi-year contracts.
Brian Shaw Says his association with Phil Jackson was why he wasn’t hired
Ball Dropped
Former Los Angeles Lakers assistant Brian Shaw says his association with former Lakers coach Phil Jackson was why he was not hired be the new Lakers coach this summer. In an interview with SI.com, Shaw said Jackson was concerned about Shaw’s future with the Lakers because Jim Buss was taking control of the team from his father, Jerry Buss.
“Phil let me know going into the interview [with the Lakers] for me to almost disassociate myself from him, that anything that I said about him or the triangle system would hurt me because of his lack of relationship with Jimmy Buss,” Shaw said.
Shaw described his interview for the Lakers job with Jim and Jerry Buss and Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak as a “kind of bashing Phil Jackson.” Shaw said Kupchak wasn’t the one speaking poorly of Jackson.
“It was more from Jimmy Buss just doubting some of the decisions he made in terms of how he was handling and running the team and coaching the team on the sidelines, and sitting down instead of getting up,” Shaw said. “People look at coaches and want them to pace up and down the sidelines, and bark instructions to the guys. That’s not Phil’s demeanor. That was viewed as a negative in my estimation.”
Regarding the meeting, Kupchak told SI.com, “I don’t know what you’re referring to what took place in that meeting. I don’t even want to speculate.”
Shaw remains miffed why his experience as an assist to one of the most successful NBA coaches was not viewed as a strength.
“I love the triangle and I love Phil Jackson, and I respect him and I appreciate everything that I was able to accomplish under him,” Shaw said. “But I’m not him. And so we did feel like we were lepers or something. I think somebody said there were 30 championship rings within the coaching staff of the Lakers, and then basically the whole staff is out on the street. Being affiliated and associated with Phil Jackson was to our detriment. … It’s the weirdest thing. It’s like we should be ashamed, when it should be the other way.”
He does take issue with how the Lakers cut ties with him.
“The only issue I ever had with the Lakers’ organization and the way things went down was the way I was handled after having given service for 12 years. I didn’t get [an answer] for three weeks after they hired Mike Brown.”
Shaw told SI.com that when he goes out on head-coaching interviews, “it makes general managers and owners cringe” when he mentions the triangle offense.
Former Jackson assistants Jim Cleamons (Dallas Mavericks 1996-98) and Kurt Rambis (Minnesota Timberwolves 2009-11) have tried and failed to install Jackson’s famed offense when they become head coaches, and executives have become skeptical that it can work without Jackson. Shaw was hired by the Indiana Pacers as the team’s associate head coach to new head coach Frank Vogel.
Danny Granger Offers To Take Out Of Work Arena Staff To Dinner
Bonafide
The players lockout PR strategy, in particular Derek Fisher’s LET US PLAY Twitter campaign, has been under heavy scrutiny, but no one can question a gesture made by Indiana Pacers foward Danny Granger.
”All the workers at our arena are invited to dinner with me in Indianapolis….. Date to be announced soon.. A little #nbalockout gift,” Granger tweeted. “Figured it’s the least I could do to help them out :/”
While wealthy players and wealthier owners argue over how to split up over $4 billion in annual revenues, ordinary people, such as the ones invited to dine with Granger, are missing paychecks or suffering pay cuts.
Samaki Walker Tries To Eat Marijuana Before Arrest
EAT IT
Former NBA player Samaki Walker tried to eat eight grams of marijuana before getting arrested in Arizona at a routine traffic stop. According to the Las Vegas Journal-Review, about 10 grams of marijuana was seized from Walker’s vehicle, along with some prescription drugs and eight bottles of liquid steroids.
The Dallas Mavericks selected Walker with the ninth overall pick in the 1996 draft and he later played for the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Washington Wizards, Miami Heat and Indiana Pacers.
In 2010 Walker signed with a team in Syria’s top-level D1 league.
Brian Shaw Rips Los Angeles Lakers For Handling Of Head Coaching Job
Ball Dropped
Brian Shaw finally opened up about not getting the Los Angeles Lakers head coaching job and was not happy when the team hired Mike Brown he said on ESPN Radio. Shaw told 710 ESPN that the Lakers never called to tell him that he didn’t get the coaching gig, instead he heard about the hiring of former Cleveland Cavaliers coach on ESPN.
“I wasn’t really told anything. Unfortunately, I found about not getting the job and who was hired for the job on ESPN. I didn’t really talk to anyone for about three weeks after that.”
Later in the interview, Shaw said he thought it was “peculiar” that he was told the Lakers needed a chance because during his tenure with the team, they won five titles and went to the NBA finals seven times. Kobe Bryant endorsed Shaw, who is now an associate coach with the Indiana Pacers.
Stephen Jackson Says Charoltte Bobcats Didn’t Try To Make Playoffs
Nothing Says NBA Like Praying Hands & A Glock
New Milwaukee Bucks guard Stephen Jackson says he isn’t bitter about being traded by the Charlotte Bobcats on draft day however says the team wasn’t committed to make the playoffs last season. Jackson says he was confused as to why the Bobcats held him out with an injury toward the end of last season.
“The last 10 games, I could have played. But they shut me down. The team shut me down. So I kind of assumed they didn’t want to make the playoffs.”
Charlotte lost its first six games with Jackson out of the lineup before winning its final two games of the season. The Bobcats finished 34-48 and in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, three games behind the eighth-seeded Indiana Pacers.
Jackson averaged 18.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 67 games for the Bobcats last season.
Indiana Pacers Danny Granger Has Plans For Molesters
Bonafide
Indiana Pacers Danny Granger thinks he has come up with the master-plan on what should be should be done with child molesters. Last night Granger went on Twitter and let the world know of his brilliant solution to this evil act.
“They should throw the molesters in the prison yard with some KY strapped to their chest and tell the inmates to have at em lol… Bet they wouldn’t be molesting anymore children after that lol”
Can we get him in charge of prison now.
Indiana Pacers Head Coach Was On David Letterman 25 Years Ago
Interim Indiana Pacers head coach Frank Vogel appeared on David Letterman 25 years ago as part of his bit “Stupid Human Tricks.” Even 25 years ago it centered all around basketball for Vogel as he spun a basketball held on top of a toothbrush. Letterman in his wildest dreams could have envisioned he was standing next to the future head coach of his beloved Pacers.
Former NBA Player Calls Phil Jackson Most Overated Coach Of Our Time
Entitled To His Opinion
Former Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics center Scott Pollard who battled Phil Jackson’s Los Angeles Lakers when they had Shaquille O’Neal, told on KHTK that he thinks Jackson is overrated:
“I just think he’s one of the most overrated coaches of our time. He’s only had the greatest players of our era on his teams. Put him in charge of the Sacramento Kings this year, and I don’t mean to offend Sacramento fans, but put him on a team with no Hall-Of-Famers on it at least no one that has established themselves as a Hall-Of-Famer already, put him as the Head Coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers right now and let’s see how he does next year with no Hall-Of-Famers on the team. That’s all I’m saying.”
Pollard went on to say that he respects Jackson’s championship rings, but he has “never taken a team that wasn’t a playoff team and turned them into a playoff team.”
Mare Bear Rips LeBron James & Boston Celtics
The NBA playoffs are upon us and Chicago Bulls number one fan Mare Bear better know as Mary Ann doesn’t even concern herself with the Indiana Pacers instead rips into LeBron James and the Boston Celtics.
Dwyane Wade Full Court Alley-Oop Pass To Lebron James
Watch as Miami Heats Dwyane Wade throws a 90 foot alley-oop pass to teammate LeBron James against the Indiana Pacers. If this basketball thing doesn’t work out I’m sure he could find a job as a right fielder for a MLB team.
Dallas Mavericks Jason Kidd’s New PEAK Commercial
Boston Celtics Ray Allen became the NBA’s all time leader in 3 pointers this week passing former Indiana Pacers Reggie Miller but do you know ranks third? That’s right Dallas Mavericks Jason Kidd, the same guy that came into the league and people said he couldn’t shoot and that same guy wants to let everyone know he can still play in his new PEAK commercial.
Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player: Ray Allen
Ray Allen
Every Tuesday Sports Grind Entertainment presents you with the Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player of the Week. This week the recipient of this prestigious honor goes to Boston Celtics Ray Allen for becoming the all-time leader in 3 point baskets made in NBA history. Allen passed former Indiana Pacers Reggie Miller, 2560 three pointers, early in the the first quarter of Thursday nights game against the Los Angeles Lakers. Allen did so in three fewer seasons and 300 fewer games than Miller to accomplish the feat.
Congratulations Ray Allen you are this weeks Buffalo Wild Wings Blazin Player.
Charoltte Bobcats Player Says Michael Jordan Still Has It
got my hands up, they playin my song
Short on players for practice the Charlotte Bobcats found an extra in owner Michael Jordan. The Hall of Famer suited up for Thursday’s workout, participating in a full-court scrimmage and showing a few of the old moves that helped make him a six-time NBA champion.
“He’s Mike. He’s been kicking our (butts). He still has it,” forward Gerald Wallace said. “He doesn’t have this quickness, but he can score, he’s a shooter. The last thing to ever go is your jump shot and he has that.”
Jordan, who turns 48 next week, has been spending more time at practices and shootarounds, getting on the floor and doing some teaching. Thursday’s practice was his most involved yet.
“He’s holding these guys accountable and it’s great. I love him out here,” coach Paul Silas said. “He’s teaching them how to protect the basketball, how to play hard on defense, how to talk. It’s a good thing. The guys work a little bit harder when he’s out here and rightly so because he’s working hard. You’re not going to let him do a job on you if you’ve got any pride.”
The Bobcats are 22-30 and have climbed back to just a game behind the Indiana Pacers for the final postseason spot in the Eastern Conference.
Lil Wayne Has His Hug It Out Moment With LeBron James
Hug It Out
A few weeks ago rapper Lil Wayne was unhappy Miami Heat star LeBron James and Dwyane Wade hadn’t acknowledged him at any of their home games. It really got to Wayne that after being released from prison one of the first things he did was go see the Miami Heat versus the New Orleans Hornets but didn’t even so much as get a glance. Well after complaining to Rolling Stone in an interview, Lil Wayne finally got his wish as James gave him a head nod during the Miami Heat-Indiana Pacers game on Tuesday night.
Asked after the game if their beef was squashed, LeBron played coy saying “I don’t know. That’s a question you gotta ask him. We just, for all the fans that come watch us play… we just try to do our job and win ball games.”
Wade though was apparently surprised to hear that James had acknowledged the rapper, asking LeBron “you did?” when he heard about the incident. As for Lil Wayne, he told NBC Miami he was satisfied with the nod.
Mama Margie’s Major Meltdown: Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland Cavaliers
Every Thursday Sports Grind Entertainment will present you with the Mama Margie’s Major Meltdown. The recipient of this honor goes to the Cleveland Cavaliers for their continued losing streak which now stands at 22 games after losing to the Indiana Pacers 117-112 at home last night. The Cavaliers record now stands 8-41 and is the first and only team to have lost 40 games and the league hasn’t even reached the all-star break yet. The Cavaliers are one game shy of the NBA’s single season record for most lost consecutively, a record shared by the 1995-96 expansion Vancouver Grizzlies and 1997-98 Denver Nuggets, who each dropped 23 in a row. Oddly enough Cavaliers head coach Byron Scott played on that Vancouver team.
Golden State Warriors Monta Ellis Game Winning Buzzer Beater
Golden State Warriors Monta Ellis made a game winning jumper with less than a second remaining to beat the Indiana Pacers 110-108. Ellis scored 36 points.
Los Angeles Clippers Blake Griffin Score 47 Points, Here They Are
Los Angeles Clippers rookie Blake Griffin scored a career high of 47 points yesterday against the Indiana Pacers and here’s a quick two minute video of them all. One dimensional? Not hardly as Griffin hits the Pacers with a mix of bank shots, hooks and turnaround jumpers. He also grabbed 14 rebounds for his 27th consecutive double-double.
Clippers beat the Pacers 114-107.
Indiana Pacers Josh McRoberts Can’t Dunk
Back on Tuesday, we posted the story of the Indiana Pacers marketing department trying to make a push for Josh McRoberts to get into the Sprite Slam Dunk contest. The Pacers had hopes of McRoberts appearing at the weekend festivities with teammate Brandon Rush and thought the best way to do this was come up a genius idea of them two portraying the movie “White Men Can’t Jump” with McRoberts playing the part of Billy Hoyle and Rush as Sidney Dean.
Now we have uncovered the video that accompanied the movie poster.
WTF: Indiana Pacers
Love It
Indiana Pacers recently tried to put together a marketing push to get Josh McRoberts into the Sprite Slam Dunk contest. It didn’t work but in pursuit of their marketing plan they came up with this brilliant idea of photoshoping the “White Men Can’t Jump” movie poster with McRoberts playing the part of Billy Hoyle and teammate Brandon Rush as Sidney Dean.
Milwaukee Bucks Andrew Bogut Buzzer Beater
The Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers were tied at 95 with .05 seconds left in the game at the Bradley Center. Bucks center Andrew Bogut tipped in an inbound pass from Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, giving his team the 97-95 victory.
Former NBA Player Gives R&B Singing A Shot
Former Charlotte Bobcats, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers and Rudy J’s all time favorite Los Angeles Laker Kareem Rush has decided its time to take his career path into a whole new direction. Rush is stepping away from the NBA court to lend his vocals to the R&B game.
Rush can be found in the recording booths at Felicia Khong Music where he already has recorded his single, “Hold You Down.” His first single has received airtime on 10 R&B stations across the country so far but San Antonio Spurs Tony Parker is not impressed.
Jodeci can just pack up their mics right now as Kareem is about to give the ladies a little adrenaline rush.
