The Hall Dropped the Ball Last week, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame announced seven new members of it’s 2012 class, including; former NBA sharp-shooter Reggie Miller, the league’s all-time winningest coach, Don Nelson, University of Virginia standout Ralph Sampson, two-time Olympic gold medalist Katrina McClain, four-time NBA champion Jamaal Wilkes, longtime college referee Hank Nichols and the All-AmericanContinue reading “Reflections on the Basketball Hall of Fame”
Author Archives: Paul Knepper
Athletes Who Looked Strangest in New Uniforms
The Peyton Manning saga has finally come to an end (at least until it’s time to see whether he can actually still throw the ball) and the Colts legend will conclude his career as a Denver Bronco. If you find it difficult to picture Manning in a Broncos jersey, you’re not alone. Manning’s the latest in a long line of superstars who became so identified with the teamContinue reading “Athletes Who Looked Strangest in New Uniforms”
Manute, Muggsy and Spud
The Washington Bullets/Wizards have been a dismal franchise for the past thirty years (currently 9-30 this season) though at least in the 1980’s they were entertaining. Here’s a shot of the tallest and shortest players ever to play in the NBA when they were teammates with the Bullets during the ’87-’88 season, 7’7” Manute Bol and 5’3” Muggsy Bogues.Continue reading “Manute, Muggsy and Spud”
The Elephant in the Knicks Locker Room
It’s been a wild twelve months for the New York Knicks. They acquired Carmelo Anthony, let General Manager Donnie Walsh go, endured an extended lockout, cut Chauncey Billups, signed Tyson Chandler, began the season with an 8-15 record and ended the first half on an improbable winning streak fueled by a Linsanity which captured the imagination of basketball and non-basketballContinue reading “The Elephant in the Knicks Locker Room”
Magic’s All-Star Sendoff
It’s NBA All-Star weekend and this year’s festivities in Orlando mark the 20th anniversary of the most inspirational All-Star performance in the league’s history. Just months after being informed that he’d tested HIV positive, Earvin “Magic” Johnson received a rightful sendoff from the league he helped build. On November 7, 1991, Earvin “Magic” Johnson shockedContinue reading “Magic’s All-Star Sendoff”
Clyde Invigorated by Linsanity
The excitement and energy surrounding new Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin has reinvigorated Knicks Hall of Famer and broadcaster Walt “Clyde” Frazier. Clyde has taken his rhymes to twitter and is making appearances on national sports programs to discuss the new phenom, who Frazier’s former teammate and captain Willis Reed said this week reminds himContinue reading “Clyde Invigorated by Linsanity”
It’s Melo’s Time
When Donnie Walsh was named President of the Knicks in April 2008 he had a plan. The former Pacers GM intended to rid the franchise of the bloated contracts left over from the disastrous Isiah Thomas era in order to create cap space to sign one or two superstars during the free agent bonanza of 2010, the kind of superstars thatContinue reading “It’s Melo’s Time”
Which L.A. Team is More Likley to Win It All?
For decades the Los Angeles Clippers have been the laughing stock of the NBA, the red-headed step-brother to a Lakers franchise which has dominated the league with a flare that captures the glitz and glamor of Tinseltown. The Clippers have made the playoffs just twice since moving to L.A. in 1984. Their notoriously stingy owner Donald Sterling routinely allowedContinue reading “Which L.A. Team is More Likley to Win It All?”
We’re So Sorry, Uncle Albert
Albert Pujols has been the best player in baseball for the better part of the past decade and appeared to be hitting the free agent market at the perfect time this fall. The all-star first baseman just led the Cardinals to their second World Series championship during his tenure in St. Louis, becoming just theContinue reading “We’re So Sorry, Uncle Albert”
How Will NBA Teams Use the Amnesty Clause?
The final details of the collective bargaining agreement between NBA owners and players are still being ironed out, though one thing we know for certain is that the agreement will include an “amnesty clause.” The clause will allow teams to waive one player and though the team will still be required to pay the player,Continue reading “How Will NBA Teams Use the Amnesty Clause?”
Paul Knepper 