Yes, she can read. At a 5th grade level no less!
Further dispelling rumors that he and Vanessa are headed for divorce, Kobe told Jimmy Kimmel their fights are actually about rape Harry Potter. She reads the books, he watches the movies, she then tries to spoil the movie. Would that I could be a fly on the wall during those discussions.
While Kobe was busy showing that he's a big nerd who names his dog Dumbledore (Mamba my ass! More like Dumbledork), Kimmel showed his complete lack of soccer knowledge. When Kobe said his favorite athlete was Ronaldinho, Kimmel first responded "who?" before asking if he was retired. Seriously, even Posh knows who Ronaldinho is. Then again, it might just have been the way Kobe said it. He tried the whole I-can-speak-a-foreign-language accent. Whatever, Madonna. You can watch it here. Meanwhile, Kimmel-ites can watch the one and only Ronaldinho here.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Kobe Clarifies Questions About Wife
Thursday, August 09, 2007
NBA's Finest Parent/Coach: Del Harris
I did a NBA Parent ranking of current players a few days ago, and a couple people mentioned that I omitted Mary Thomas, the gold standard of NBA parents and parents in general. I left her off the list because 1) I only included current players, and 2) I'm desperately trying to track down a copy of A Mother's Courage: The Mary Thomas Story before I write about her. I like visual aids.
Anyway, I recorded NBA First Person on NBA TV last week, and yesterday, I finally got around to watching it. (I'll pretty much watch/read anything NBA-related, although Paul Shirley's book is killing me. I'll explain more later.) The show, hosted by Ahmad Rashad (who else), featured Tim Duncan, Reggie Miller, and Del Harris. Judging by Ahmad's weight (about 20 pounds less) and the fact that it was Timmy's 1st year in the League, it was filmed 10 years ago.
Most of the stuff on Timmy and Reggie is pretty much already known to NBA fans. However, the pleasant surprise was Del Harris, coach of the Lakers during that time. He's crazy - not in a Ron Artest way, but more in a Gilbert Arenas way.
He reminds me of what George Bush would be like if he had a brain. Between him and Avery Johnson, the Mavericks now have my favorite coaching staff in the League. I think Jack McCallum should follow those two around next season.
By the way, I included Del as a NBA Parent because while not a player, his son is part of the League. This way, I can also include Don Nelson and Jerry Colangelo in my list of NBA Parent/Coach or Executive. That list is pretty short though. The only other people I can think of are George Karl and Bill Walton and who knows how long Coby will last and Bill isn't a coach or executive. So basically, I need to rethink this whole premise. Either way, Del Harris is pretty damn cool.
Somebody to Love: Chris Webber
How is C-Webb not married yet? He’s intelligent, good looking, and has about $100 million in the bank. Oh, AND he likes kids. At a recent NBA Cares event, Chris said, “I could spend the rest of my life with a room full of kids.” Seriously, how is he still single?? Look at that smile! C’mon, ladies. Mark Cuban wants him. You should, too.
Chris Webber. Tall, dark, handsome. SINGLE! Go for it!
PS. In my great search for my NBA Rookies tape, I came across an old episode of Real Time with Bill Maher which featured Chris. They discussed the dress code and the Viking boat sex scandal. Chris more than holds his own against the mighty Bill. Watch it. He comes on about 2 minutes in.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Basketball Without Borders: France
Ronny Turiaf (Lakers), Boris Diaw (Suns), Yakhouba Diawara (Denver Nuggets), and Mickael Pietrus (Warriors) show their true bleu colors in Paris, minus their compatriot Tony Parker, who bowed out due to injury. Also in attendance were Luol Deng (Bulls), Chris Duhon (Bulls), and Bo Outlaw (Magic).
Did you know Boris's middle name is Babacar? Mrs. Boris Babacar Diaw. Just kidding. I don't want to be had (p110). I'd rather be Mrs. Chukwuemeka Ndubuisi Okafor. Incidentally, Emeka will be at the next BWB camp in South Africa!! I'm so jealous. I've wanted to go to Johannesburg forever. If anyone wants to see a really good documentary about South Africa, watch Amandla. It traces the struggle against apartheid through song. The music is absolutely amazing.
Photo Source: NBAE/Getty Images
The T-Wolves: So Young And Yet Still So Unhip
The Timberwolves held a press conference yesterday to unveil their new young, sexy lineup. One of the attendees was Craig Smith, a 24-year-old out of Boston College who's entering his 2nd year in the NBA.
As if to show that Kevin McHale isn't the only out-of-touch member on the team, Smith wore a Vote for Pedro shirt. A must-have item...3 years ago. It'll look nice sitting next to one of Kevin's sweaters. Gotta love the new look T-wolves!
Photo Source: NBAE/Getty Images
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
The Allure of Steve Nash
Sam Dalembert became a Canadian citizen today, thus allowing him to join the Canadian national team. The coach of the Canadians, Leo Rautins, was once a Sixer himself. At Sam's introduction, he said,
"Sam is a humble but driven individual, that has stepped up to lead the charge of helping Canada assume its place among the best in the world."
Beware o' Canada. Tempting people away with their free health care and higher standard of living and superior point guard! (No offense, JKidd.) Who do they think they are!
NBA Parent Rank
While I look for my NBA Rookies tape, I thought I'd make a fun little NBA Parent ranking. These are just some people who've impressed, amused, or inspired me. I think they serve as a good counter-model to Hollywood/sports parents who, because of their child's earning potential, forget the role they're supposed to play. The parents listed here are also probably the closest to my Mom, who wasn't afraid to kick a little ass (both literally and figuratively) when need be.
I may revisit this list for future posts before the season starts. 84 days and counting...
Previous posts: Shirley Garnett, John Nash
