Posts Tagged ‘Allen Iverson’

Midnight YouTube: An Ode to the Crossover!

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Posted 06 Jul 2010 — by T.T.S.
Category NBA, Random, YouTube

The crossover is arguably the most exciting move in basketball. Anybody can dunk, but only few can crossover. YouTube has a plethora of videos containing the utterly embarrassment of getting crossed-over. Even Shaq gets in on the fun. The crossover has many nicknames such as sliced up, put on skates, ankle- breaking and being the bearer of concrete shoes. Many players have mastered the artform from Deron Williams, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, and Dwyane Wade (but he sort of pushes). But Tim Hardaway, and Allen Iverson are head of the class in highlights and using the crossover against all who dared crowd them while they dribbled. Here a few highlights of the crossover in use.

Play the above video and enjoy the music stylings of EPMD while you watch the videos below.(Make sure you turn the volume down on the videos)*All videos in HD, Enjoy!:

Derrick Rose has tons of highlights making players dance, but this one of Andre Miller falling on his ass back in 08′ is worth it.

Allen Iverson utilized the crossover just as regularly as a Samurai utilizes a sword. John Stockton, Isiah Rider, Terrell Brandon, Gilbert Arenas, and poor-poor Jacque Vaughn all learned the hard way what happens when you over defend a player masterful at dribbling a basketball.

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Allen Iverson in trouble!?

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Posted 09 Mar 2010 — by T.T.S.
Category NBA
NBA sources say Allen Iverson is facing alcohol and gambling issues that have derailed his career and threaten his post-basketball well-being, Stephen A. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports in a column published Monday.

According to multiple NBA sources, there is widespread concern that the four-time NBA scoring champion, who left the Philadelphia 76ers in February to deal with his daughter’s illness and will not return this season, “will either drink himself into oblivion or gamble his life away,” Smith reported. Iverson’s gambling problem is serious enough that he has been banished from casinos in Detroit (that one casino) and Atlantic City, N.J., according to Smith.

The report comes as Iverson is dealing with significant personal problems. Iverson’s wife Tawana filed for divorce on March 4, the same day the Philadelphia 76ers announced that the All-Star guard would not return for the rest of the season. In the divorce filing, made at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta, Tawana Iverson said the couple’s 8½-year marriage is “irretrievably broken” and sought full custody of the family’s five children, child support and alimony. Iverson, who played 25 games for the Sixers this season, returned to Atlanta in February to be with his family and deal with an undisclosed illness affecting his 4-year-old daughter, Messiah. Smith, who has covered Iverson closely for years, wrote in Monday’s column that Iverson needs someone with “the ideal combination of compassion and toughness” in his life. And former Temple coach John Chaney said that person is John Thompson, Iverson’s former college coach at Georgetown. ”[Thompson] is the one guy who’ll have a chance of slowing this train wreck down, who could wrap his arms around Iverson and have an impact, because clearly it has not been done,” Chaney said, according to Smith. “But there’s still this one question: Will [Iverson] listen?” (we hope so)

Iverson posted four messages Monday night on his Twitter account telling fans he expected to overcome the most recent obstacles in his life.

“To my fans: You all know that my life isn’t perfect. I am going through some very tough times right now, like I am sure that we all do from time to time,” Iverson wrote. “However, I will stand tall like always with ‘rhino’ thick skin.”

Allen Iverson said on Twitter it hurt to hear stories about his personal life that aren’t true.

“Even though I have become used to hearing people say things about me that aren’t true, it still hurts,” Iverson wrote. “I encourage you to continue your ongoing support and I want you to trust that this is another obstacle in my life that, with God’s help I will overcome.”

We wish Iverson all the best in whatever struggle he is going through. He has millions of fans that all understand playing basketball is what he loved to do. Now in his “second life” he must find a constructive way to live. Iverson said doing his press conference upon his return with the 76ers that he was put on this Earth to play basketball and be a good father. Now is that time to be that good father, and if he needs any help along the way we (thetruthsports) are there for him.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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NBA TEAM OF THE DECADE

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Posted 11 Dec 2009 — by T.T.S.
Category NBA

The Truth Sports: NBA Team of the Deacade

Shaquille O’Neal: From his first game to now Shaq has been one of the most dominant players to ever play the game. His size and suprising quickness has caused defensive problems for all of his opponents. O’Neal’s “drop step”, (called the “Black Tornado” by O’Neal) in which he posts up a defender, turns around and, using his elbows for leverage, powers past him for a very high-percentage slam dunk, has proven an extremely effective offensive weapon. O’Neal was also voted the 99′-200′ MVP, 2000 All-Star Game (co-MVP) and NBA Finals 2000, becoming only the third player in NBA history to accomplish that feat. O’Neal also won the scoring title that year while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots.  The ability to dunk frequently contributes to his career field goal accuracy of .582; he is the second most accurate shooter of all time.He has averaged 24.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.3 blocks, 0.60 steals and 35.7 minutes while shooting 58.2 percent from the field and 52.8 percent from the foul line. Shaq is a 4-time NBA Champ, and 3-time NBA Finals MVP recipient. Shaq and Wilt Chamberlain only two players in league history to lead the league in field goal percentage nine times. One of four players in the 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 2,000 blocks(Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon)

Kevin Garnett “The Big Ticket” came into the NBA straight from high school to the highest paid player in NBA history. Garnett was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves who relied on Kevin for everything, which he was able to provide. Holds Timberwolves franchise career records for points, rebounds, assists, blocked shots, steals, and games played. Before the 2008 he was traded to the Boston Celtics joining Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. The “Big Three” made good on their commitment for a championship, bring the Celtics their 17th championship. NBA MVP (2004), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2008), USA Olympics Gold Medal(2000), NBA All-Star MVP (2003), 12-time NBA All-Star: 1997, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 9-time All NBA selection: 9-time All-Defensive:

Tim Duncan: He was drafted with the first pick of the NBA Draft 1997 by the San Antonio Spurs, and immediately made an impact, averaging 21.1 points per game in his first season. n the 2001-02 season, Duncan was named the league’s Most Valuable Player. After 2002-03, Duncan was named MVP for the second season in a row. Duncan and his Spurs teammates made it to the finals once again, defeating the New Jersey Nets to win the NBA championship. Duncan was named NBA Finals MVP once again. His lifetime averages in points, blocks, assists, and rebounds are higher in the playoffs than in the regular season. In the last game of the 2003 NBA Finals, Duncan was two blocks away from a quadruple-double, finishing with 21 points, 20 rebounds, 10 assists and 8 blocks. In 2005 Duncan won his third NBA Finals MVP Award, joining Michael Jordan ,Shaquille O’Neal, and Magic Johnson as the only players to win it three times. Duncan is famous for his graceful finesse on the court and for his low key demeanor. Possessing a sound all-around game, he has been dubbed “The Big Fundamental” and ”Groundhog Day” because of his ability to produce very consistently on a day-to-day basis. One of four players in the 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, 2,500 assists, 2,000 blocks(Kareem Adbul-Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, Hakeem Olajuwon) His signature offensive moves are his smooth footwork and his accurate bank shot. Duncan scored a career high 53 points in an NBA game on December 26, 2001 in a home game against the Dallas Mavericks. NBA Rookie of the Year(98′), NBA MVP (2002, 2003), NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)

Kobe Bryant: One of the most determined and focused players to ever play the game. Kobe was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 96′ and traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for Vlade Divac. He joined the Lakers who were full of gaurds at the time, and Kobe was by far the youngest player on the team. Kobe and teammate Shaquille O’Neal were a one-two punch carrying the Lakers to three consecutive championships. Upon the trading of O’Neal Kobe became the face of the franchise. In 2006 Kobe scored 81 points against the Toronto Raptors, the second highest total for points scored. He earned MVP honors in 08′, but fell in six games to the Celtics in the Finals. The following summer Kobe joined the USA Basketball team and help them to win Gold at the Beijing Olympics. Kobe returned to the Finals the following year and earned his 4th NBA Championship and his first Finals MVP. MVP (2008), All-NBA first team (2002-04, 2006-09), All-Defensive team (2000, 2003-04, 2006-09)Finals MVP(2009)

Allen Iverson: Allen Iverson revolutionized the NBA by incorporating the “streets” with NBA marketing. The NBA instituted a dress-code primarily due to Iversons doo-rags and urban wear. Ranked 16th in scoring and third in scoring average behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain are the two stand-out stats for the 6 foot point guard or should I say shooting guard. Allen Iverson has never met a shot he didn’t like on route to the sixth fastest player to 20,000 points. MVP in 2000 and 4-time scoring champ. He also ranks 12th in All-Time steals.

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The Iverson Interviews

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Posted 06 Dec 2009 — by T.T.S.
Category NBA, Philadelphia 76ers

Part1

Part 2

Part 3

Iverson is Back!

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Mafia Made Me Do It!

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Posted 04 Dec 2009 — by T.T.S.
Category NBA

Tim-Donaghy & buddies

Disgraced ex-NBA referee Tim Donaghy claims he won 75% of the bets he placed on basketball games, but the “euphoria” of his picks turned to terror when the mob moved in on his action.

Breaking his silence for the first time, Donaghy tells CBS’ “60 Minutes” that the Gambino crime family threatened his wife and kids to get him to be its gambling guru. ”They basically told me that I needed to give them the picks and if I didn’t, that it’s a possibility that somebody would go down and visit my wife and kids in Florida,” Donaghy said in the interview set to air Sunday. He said the mafia made millions on his scheme, but paid him only $2,000 for each correct pick. It was unclear how much he raked in before the mob got involved. Donaghy, who was booted from the NBA and imprisoned for 11 months for his wayward wagering, said his dirty betting scheme was based on the inside-knowledge he gleaned from his hardcourt colleagues. ”I knew there were certain relationships that existed between referees and players, referees and coaches and referees and owners that influence the point spreads in games,” said Donaghy, adding that he bet on about 100 games over four years.

He explained that he often bet against teams that had players or coaches hated by the crew refereeing a game. Donaghy claims hoops star Allen Iverson was disliked by many of his whistle-blowing comrades when he played for the Philadelphia 76ers. Donaghy said that when Iverson, who returned to the 76ers yesterday, once threatened a referee, other refs vowed to seek revenge. ”I do believe Allen Iverson knew this … all the players know this … certain referees treat them better than others,” Donaghy said. He said his knowledge of biases and schedules of individual referees were tips that helped him achieve a 75% winning average on his wagers. ”When you talk about gambling and the euphoria that comes with it, making winning picks is what excites you,” said Donaghy, insisting that his on-court calls were honest.

I find Donaghy’s claims against the Mafia to be quite bold. What type of security is he rolling with to be able to “drop the dime” on his former gambling partners. The Mafia doesn’t care that you are promoting your new book, or that you spent 11 months in prison. It would be in Donaghys best intrest to keep “Mafia” out of his statements. I see witness protection in Donaghy’s future.

The NBA is far from perfect, but the thought of any master corruption by the league seems far-fecthed and only in the minds of conspiracy theorists. The NBA is run by the general mangers, owners, and the players themselves. The Lakers and Celtics are the best teams, and have the best players.

Referees are to be “shadows” during each game, simply keeping the game in order, and avoiding the limelight.

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“The Answer”

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Posted 04 Dec 2009 — by T.T.S.
Category NBA, Philadelphia 76ers

Iverson is Back!

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Hennessy+Artest+Kanye+Iverson=Happy Holidays

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Posted 02 Dec 2009 — by T.T.S.
Category Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, Philadelphia 76ers

I used to drink Hennessy … at halftime,” Artest says in the interview, which hits newsstands this week. “I [kept it] in my locker. I’d just walk to the liquor store and get it.-Sporting News

Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Copyright 2009 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Ron Artest confesses to drinking liquor at halftime of Bulls games, really Ron, really. In the wild-wild world of @thugraider37 (his twitter name) the notion that he drank Hennessy  during half-time seems fitting based on his behavior during his time in the NBA.

What I find intresting is the last time we witnessed a crazy haired celebrity drinking Hennessy,kanye_vmas_drinking1he ran onto the stage at the VMA’s stealing a 19 year-olds moment. Ron knows all about shocking the audience, and this is just another act in the wild-wild world of Ron Artest and his quest for celebrity.

In related news the “The Anwser” has returned to Philadelphia.

Iverson signed a free-agent contract with Philadelphia on Wednesday, three years after their acrimonious split led to his trade and seemingly ended any chance of his return. Iverson’s brief retirement is over and he’s expected to make his debut Monday at home against Denver.

The Sixers needed a replacement once they lost starting point guard Lou Williams, who’s expected to miss eight weeks after jaw surgery. Williams, who averaged 17.4 points and 5.1 assists, broke his jaw in a loss to Washington on Nov. 24.  Iverson, his agent and business manager met with team president Ed Stefanski, coach Eddie Jordan and two other members of the organization Monday to talk about returning.9696AllenIversonRookieDraftPick1

“Without really seeing him on the floor, I would like to compare him to Brett Favre, a guy who people think is too old to play and he’s almost having an MVP year,” Jordan said. “That’s off the top of my head. When I woke up this morning, I said, ‘Maybe he can be that.’ It’s not a big maybe. I think he can be that.”

Iverson has a career average of 27 points in 889 games over 14 seasons, and is tied for the fifth-highest scoring average in NBA history. He ranks third among active players. He will get a chance to go up against old teams playing Denver and Detroit on back-to-back nights December 7th and 9th. The 76ers will travel to Denver January 3rd, and Detroit on January 9th.

Ed Stefanski referred to Iverson as a “rock star” and his return to Philly feels like the right move. We will try and imagine that he never left at all.

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Allen Iverson-Gone Too Soon

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Posted 26 Nov 2009 — by T.T.S.
Category Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, Philadelphia 76ers

The day before everyone gives thanks for what they have, Allen Iverson chose to send a letter of thanks to his fans and announced his retirement. We here at The Truth Sports are deeply saddened by the news and have enjoyed the last 13 years of “The Anwser”. We wish A.I. the best, and will quietly root for some situation where Iverson can return to the game he loves.

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

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NBA ALL-STAR voting has begun!

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Posted 11 Nov 2009 — by T.T.S.
Category NBA

nba-2010-all-star-logo

NBA All-Star Ballot

The NBA season is a mere 2 weeks underway and no time like the present to start voting for the starters for the 2010 All-Star Game. The 2010 NBA All-Star Game, which will air live on TNT and ESPN Radio in the U.S., and reach fans in more than 200 countries and territories in more than 40 languages, will be played at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, before an expected crowd of more than 80,000 — the largest group ever to witness a live basketball game — on Sunday, Feb. 14, 2010.

2010 NBA All-Star Balloting presented by T-Mobile, with associate partner 2K Sports, allows fans around the world to vote daily for their favorite players as starters for the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. For the first time in balloting history, fans can vote for All-Stars any time by texting a player’s last name from their mobile phones. Fans can cast one SMS vote per day, per phone number.

There are several ways fans can cast their votes, including: at each NBA arena; in 20 languages on NBA.com; and through mobile phones by texting the player’s last name to 6-9-6-2-2 (“MYNBA”), via Web2Go® on T-Mobile phones or wap.nba.com for any wireless carrier. A T-Mobile-branded All-Star Balloting widget will also be available (scroll down and look to the right)on NBA.com so that fans can “grab” the widget and place it on their blogs, social network pages or personal Web sites allowing others to vote directly from the widget. Paper balloting will continue through January 10, while wireless balloting and voting on NBA.com will conclude January 18. Starters will be announced live on TNT on Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010.

The NBA All-Star ballot lists 120 players — 60 each from the Eastern and Western conferences — with 24 guards, 24 forwards, and 12 centers from each conference comprising the list. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center from each conference. The 120 players on the ballot were selected by a panel of media who regularly cover the NBA: Mike Breen (ABC/ESPN), Eddie Sefko (Dallas Morning News), Doug Smith (The Toronto Star and President, Pro Basketball Writers Association) Marc Spears (Yahoo! Sports), Marc Stein (ESPN.com) and Ian Thomsen (Sports Illustrated).

The daily voting can bring about some interesting picks, if say for instance Allen Iverson gets to start for the Western Conference while being on the inactive list for the Memphis grizzlies. With that said happy voting, and Iverson we will see you in Dallas. {via}

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NBA-20 DAYS AWAY!

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Posted 07 Oct 2009 — by T.T.S.
Category Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, NBA, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors

So we at The Truth Sports have been in our own training camp preparing for the 09′-10′ NBA season. Wind sprints, shuttle cones, 500 jumpers, and the ice bag to the knees to keep swelling down. This upcoming season is 20 days away and its looking to be a pretty interesting year. The replacement refs add a spice to the league, that I’m sure Rasheed Wallace, and Stan Van Gundy are gonna love. Speaking of Rasheed Wallace, Rasheed Wallacecan you believe he is coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics. The Eastern Conference has a chance of being the more competitive conference this year. Shaq and Lebron, Ben Gordon and Rip Hamilton, Hedo and Bosh, Howard and Vince, and D-Wade(aka Basketball Robot#3) all by himself. The team that makes it out of the East will most likely be facing off against the defending champs the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers “on paper” seem unstoppable, and Phil jackson loves BIG lineups. The Bynum, Gasol, Odom, Artest, Bryant lineup has to strike fear in the hearts of every team with players not named Dwight Howard, Kevin Garnett, or Shaq. The Lakers will receive the majority of the spotlight as the season goes along, but in Memphis they actually have a reason to go to the FedEx Forum. The Iverson experiment in Memphis has a Brett Favre like scenario to it. Can or better yet, will Iverson mentor the young Grizzlies or will he be a distraction. Hopefully he practices with them, at least.(Are we talking about practice?) So back to the gym, with my cut-up sweats on, with the pockets pulled out. Nuggets Camp Basketball

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