Cheers!

To you and yours from Captain Jack and No Regard!

Monday Morning Dance Therapy: Amar'e Santamire Edition

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

Once again, not trying to turn this into a Knicks blog (especially after this weekend, ugh), but I came across this video last Monday and was super sad that I had to wait a week to put it up at the most holiday-appropriate time. Well, we're here, folks. 'Tis the season for Dancing Amar'e Santa.

No Regard Daily Previews: Bright Lights, Big Payback

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight:
Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks (aka LeBron James vs. New York City)


Lately, I've had to remind myself that this isn't a Knicks blog. It's been difficult, because for the first time in my adult life, my team is the talk of the League, in a good way. They are exciting, they are gellin' like Magellan, and they are looking like a playoff lock. With all that, it's hard for me not to think of the Knicks first and foremost when I currently think about the NBA (or when I think about anything, really). That said, I've told myself that, for this blog's purpose, I need to avoid the temptation of writing about the Knicks all the time.

Well, that's gonna have to wait, isn't it?

No Regard Daily Previews: Goin' Streaking!

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight:
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics


Something's gotta give tonight. And no, I'm not going to be watching the 2003 movie starring Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, and Keanu Reeves in which, according to IMDB, "A swinger on the cusp of being a senior citizen with a taste for younger women falls in love with an accomplished woman closer to his age." I'm talking about streaks, baby, either Boston's (ten straight wins) or New York's (eight straight wins). Tonight's epic Eastern Conference clash is perhaps the first Knicks-Celtics game I've witnessed that's had any significance. Both teams are good, finally. As a huge fan of the New York/Boston rivalry, I couldn't be happier. The NBA's version of this northeastern rivalry is exciting! On that note...

HOUSTON WE HAVE A DOG

Rocket Dog from Rocket Dog on Vimeo.

News broke late last night that Terrence Williams would be packing his bags and leaving Newark for Houston in a minor three team trade between the Nets, Rockets, and Lakers. It should be understood that the above title is not a dig at Terrence, nor a reference to his general resemblance to a canine. It's simply the catchphrase to my favorite Tracy Morgan sketch, that also happens to demonstrate the way I feel about the Nets right now. How many young, promising players can I watch my favorite team strap rockets to and send off into orbit?

No Regard Daily Previews: Holden Caufield

One Game We Will Watch Tonight:
Denver Nuggets Vs. Orlando Magic

I'm not in love with what is going on with either of these franchises these days.

I understand that Orlando is still one of the top teams in the East record-wise, Dwight Howard's offensive game has improved since last year and Stan Van Gundy is a great coach. Fine.

Something About a Number

The NBA minimum age requirement is the kind of issue that makes one feel as though all that can possibly be said already has been said. Yet, as last week's news that the players' union may use the abolition of the rule as a bargaining chip proves, it is an issue that still requires some conversation.

When the current rule, which states that a player must be both 19 as of his draft year and that he must be one year removed from high school in order to be eligible for the draft, went into place in 2006, I was cautiously supportive. Although I was fully aware of the class and racial implications that made the issue so heated, and although I was (and still am) a very liberal fan and believer in giving more power to players, I had also seen a lot of heartbreaking career turns that I imagined could have been avoided had this rule been in place. I had seen Darius Miles let mediocrity frustrate him and turn him into a "difficult" player. I had seen Kwame Brown fail to develop at an NBA level and become selfish and, perhaps, delusional. I had seen Jonathan Bender underperform in every way imaginable. I had seen Eddy Curry get eaten alive by the pressures of fame, expectations, and medical issues.

Monday Morning Dance Therapy: Ronnnnny Edition

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

This one goes out to the wastey-faced dudes sitting behind Andrew Abides and me at the Knicks game last week. They thought it was really funny to yell "Ronnnnnny" every five seconds. Guys, we get it, Ronny Turiaf is easy to make fun of. But he is also very good at dancing, so shut up.

No Regard Daily Previews: Three's Company!

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Dallas Mavericks Vs. New Jersey Nets

This matchup is deceptively interesting despite the chasm-like discrepancy in wins and losses between these two teams. Here are some of the story lines that make tonight's featured game worth checking out:

No Regard Daily Previews: Tortoise and Hare

One Game We Are Definitely Going To Watch Tonight:
Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets


Tonight's featured match up pits a classic run-and-gun high octane offense against a stone-cold, blue-collar defense. It should be great to watch and see if George Karl's hectic style can solve Boston's lockdown D. The key battle will be between Pierce and Anthony: can the Truth handle the jab-step and smile, or will Melo be able to handle the Truth?

Speaking of Melo (can you believe he's still on the Nuggets?), despite a drop in his scoring average, 22.8 down from last season's 28.2, he remains one of the best closers in the league and perhaps the purest scorer of his generation. (I'd love to hear some feedback in the comments section on that debate!) Off the bench, George Karl has found himself a sprightly backup for Billups in the form of former Tar Heel Ty Lawson, whose 8.8 points and four assists per contest have been pivotal in Denver's 13-7 start.

IYSSSS: Race and Gender

If You See Something, Say Something (IYSSSS) is our semi-regular Internet intelligence report, a liberal arts approach to following the NBA on the Web. E-mail us at jewsforjesusshuttlesworth@gmail.com if you've got any suggestions.

A couple interesting reads on important topics:

TrueHoop: Henry Abbott gives us the lowdown on the publishing of a study that examines the possibility of unintentional racial biases in NBA referees.

Fanhouse: Lisa Leslie thinks the WNBA's lack of popularity is the fault of the media, and the media alone. New sports journalism catchphrase: If it bleeds, it doesn't lead. (Sorry.)

The Right Hand Is Coming Back

"If they ask me to do it, I'll do it." - Blake Griffin on the NBA dunk contest.

No Regard Daily Previews: Throwing Down Ain't Nothing But A Thang

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors

In typical Dirk-era Dallas fashion, the Mavericks have been piping hot so far this regular season, most recently rattling off nine victories in a row. In typical Curry-era Golden State fashion, the Warriors haven't played any defense so far this regular season, allowing 106.9 points per contest, which ranks them 28th in the league.

Cuban's boys are defending the shit out of the ball, allowing only 92.2 points per game. Shocking, I know, for a team whose nucleus is made up of 67-year-old Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki who, in the past, played as if he'd rather take a swift kick to the nuts than actually try and check opposing bigmen in the post. This whole, allegiance-to-defending gig is a massive step for a team that has championship aspirations. Dirk could easily find himself bodied up against a particularly dexterous Spaniard come May, so everything he's doing now to learn how to defend down low is pivotal.

As for Golden State, don't tell Monta Ellis and Steph Curry that their team doesn't worry about defending.

Top 7 Player Tweets of the (Last Two) Week(s) - In Pictures!

From Skillanueva's half-time tweets to Gil's fateful outburst, we're keeping tabs on this whole Twitter thing.  Each week we wade through the rants, shout outs and sheer insanity to bring you the best micro-blogging the NBA has to offer.

7. "Where is the beach at?"

- Amir Johnson

6. "U think throw back jersey will ever come back in style???"

- Brandon Jennings

5."Clowns... Boy I tell ya"

- DaJuan Summers

No Regard Daily Recap: Strange but not a Stranger

One Game We Watched Last Night: Oh, you know.

Heat: 118 Cavs: 90

Will he throw the powder? He sure did.

Will fans throw stuff at him? No, and thank goodness.

Will he get a tribute video? No way, Jose.

Will Z get a tribute video? What would a Z tribute video look like anyway?

Will Z get booed? Not even close. Resounding applause. Very sweet.

How quickly into the game will Varajeo send LeBron to the floor? Not at all. Big hug pre-game. Very sweet.


Will LeBron's mother be in attendance? Don't think so. Can anyone confirm?

Will Bron drop 50? Not quite. But hell of a game.

What will the pre-game pleasantries between the two teams look like? Generally businesslike and unspectacular.

Will Mo Williams cry? Who?

Will LeBron smile once? ...


How many times will Dan Gilbert be shown on camera? Five by our count.

Will the actual game be any good to watch? Depends on whether or not you like torture porn.

Really, can you ever go home? Yes, you can. And when you get there, you can burn the house down.

No Regard Daily Preview: You Can Never Go Home

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Oh, you know.


Will he throw the powder?

Will fans throw stuff at him?

Will he get a tribute video?

Will Z get a tribute video?

Will Z get booed?

How quickly into the game will Varajeo send LeBron to the floor?


Will LeBron's mother be in attendance?

Will Bron drop 50?

What will the pre-game pleasantries between the two teams look like?

Will Mo Williams cry?

Will LeBron smile once?

How many times will Dan Gilbert be shown on camera?

Will the actual game be any good to watch?

Really, can you ever go home?

No Regard Daily Recap: Broken Promises, Happy Surprises

One Game We Watched Last Night Even Though We Told You We'd Watch Something Else: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Jersey Nets

Thunder: 123, Nets: 120 (3OT)

I was honestly excited for the Grizzlies-Hawks game. When Adam said those sorts of games are pretty much what we're about, I nodded silently but vigorously in my cubicle. Unfortunately, I didn't watch one second of said matchup. I was too busy detoxing in the Nets-Thunder triple overtime holistic sauna.

No Regard Daily Preview: Beasts of Land and Air

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Atlanta Hawks


In a lot of ways, this is the exact kind of game we had in mind when we decided to do a feature spotlighting one matchup each night. Some games feature two high profile teams with major star power (see tonight’s alternate game of Orlando vs. Chicago), and these games are often amazing to watch. Other games feature two down-in-the-dumps squads who are playing merely for pride, and these games often produce a sort of human drama that we enjoy greatly. But this kind of game—the kind that features two teams that are competitive but not elite, two teams with exciting players who are not quite household names, two teams that are likely to be fighting for a playoff spot come April—is sort of what we live for.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-30-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Civil War Part II: New Jersey Nets vs. New York Knicks

Finally, for the first time in a long time, things are looking up for the two NBA teams geographically located within a few miles of the Hudson River. And for a staff full of avid Knicks and Nets fans, we couldn't be happier. Personally, having no horse in this race (Let's Go Celtics!), I thought it would be interesting to point out some of the newly found similarities between the two ball clubs which suggest what may or may not be impacting each team's improvement.

First similarity: Russians. Prokhorov and Mozgov. Both newcomers to their respective franchises. Prokhorov has made an immediate impact on the Nets and declared that they must do whatever it takes to win a ring within five years. Conversely, Mozgov received a warm welcome to the league from Blake Griffin and the illest posterizing dunk of the year.

No Regard Daily Recap: Can There Really Be Only One?



Yeah, I know that's not Chris Paul on the far right, but 3/4s ain't bad.

One Game We Watched Last Night: New Orleans Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Hornets: 89, Thunder: 95

And One Game We Couldn't Help But Watch For A Bit Because The Point Guards Are So Good: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Utah Jazz

Bucks: 88, Jazz: 109


Point guards are really all that matter anymore. We've known this for some time now, but every night in the 2010-2011 NBA season is a blinding reminder. When I look at the schedule each afternoon, it reads not as a collection of teams, but a table of point guards. That's why I was surprised yesterday when Adam picked the Utah-Milwaukee contest as the game we probably wouldn't watch. But that's Brandon Jennings against Deron Williams! I thought to myself. Then I read what Adam actually wrote, only to hear that the Bucks would be decimated by injury, surely leading to them start at least one dude who has no business in a starting line-up (that turned out to be Larry Sanders), and giving relatively big minutes to someone I've never heard of (a person named Jon Brockman played 19 minutes). Still, I couldn't help peeking in a few times to see the two guards hopscotch with one another—and to make sure Deron Williams' hair still looked like it came from The Fifth Element future.

The game I did watch from start to finish, though, was a point guard game of chicken. The quickest way to say it is that Russell Westbrook outplayed Chris Paul (not to mention his own teammate Kevin Durant) in the fourth quarter, positioning his team for the win.

The longer way to explain what happened is that the NBA has turned into Highlander for the league's best point guards. Each night the top guys try to decapitate whichever guard stands in their way, with the eventual goal of being the final immortal standing. Guys who would have done damage in years past—Jameer Nelson, Raymond Felton, and even Tyreke Evans after what Derrick Rose did to him the other night—look like they've never held a blade before. The 2010-2011 season is the time of The Gathering, folks.

You can tell Chris Paul is not pleased with any of this. He thought he's lobbed off enough heads a few years ago to be considered number one, but an ungodly influx of young new point guards has forced him to polish his blade and start slicing. (Interestingly enough, his sword kind of looks like a huge knee brace now.) Last night his craftiness was one quarter away from besting Westbrook's athleticism, but Westbrook took over in the fourth. No one man should have all that power those Cheetos.

No Regard Daily Preview: Starry West

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: New Orleans Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder


When the season began, these two teams were in very different positions. The Thunder were the darlings of the basketball media and expectations were higher than for any team in the West that doesn't include Kobe Bryant. And while they haven't been bad, per se, their early season performance has been overshadowed by, among other teams, the New Orleans Hornets, who won their first eight games and 12 of their first 13. The Hornets have struggled a bit of late, losing to the shit-hot Spurs and Jazz and the shit Clippers. Tonight is a chance for the Hornets to get back on track and the Thunder to remind everyone that they're still the most exciting team that side of the Mississippi. This could be a preview of what would surely be a second round playoff match-up for the ages.


One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Utah Jazz


The Bucks look to be shorthanded for a game that already seemed unlikely to go in their favor. With Carlos Delfino out and Andrew Bogut, Corey Maggette, and Drew Gooden all questionable, the Deer will be relying heavily on Brandon Jennings, who will be kept quite busy by Deron Williams. The Jazz have won five in a row. Don't look for that streak to come close to ending tonight. As a matter of fact, we're not going to look at all.

Monday Morning Dance Therapy: Scalabrine Edition

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

Fuck turkey, let's Veal.

Turkey

Happy Thanksgiving!!

No Regard Daily Preview: 21 Minutes Out of Your Day

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Atlanta Hawks vs. New Jersey Nets

Terrence, you don't need to tell us: Most of the No Regard staffers will be on a train by 6:00 pm tonight and at the Prudential Center by 6:19 pm, sans donuts. It's a field trip, kids, and permission slips have been collected.

With Prokhorov in attendance, expect a strong effort from the Nets against this reeling Hawks team. (When the boss walks by your cubicle, don't you give a little more effort?) Not a game the Nets should win, necessarily, but close to it. Points of emphasis:

• If Horford and Favors match up at any point, consider it a dissertation in rebounding. Favors is more athletic, but Horford's positioning skills are supreme.
• Lopez has been harangued recently, by coach and media alike, for being too soft. Any interaction with the always-testy Zaza Pachulia should inject him with a bit of much needed vigor, as Pachulia seems to piss off pretty much anyone he's ever matched up against.
• Devin Harris is going to be handful for either Mike Bibby or young Jeff Teague; he's too fast for the former, too crafty for the latter. Now replace "Mike Bibby" with "Anthony Morrow" and "Jeff Teague" with "Terrence Williams"; that's the situation the Nets will face in Joe Johnson.
• Our drinking game for the Hawks-Mavs game from this past weekend can easily be adapted here. Most of the rules were about the Hawks anyway. Updating the one about Mark Cuban for this game is just too perfect. Drink up!

One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Indiana Pacers

I promise we'll watch the Pacers one day soon, and it would make sense to start paying attention to them after their rout of the Miami Heat in South Beach last night. But this screams let-down game to me. And anyway, after we get back home from the game tonight, we're not going to have this on our DVRs—we're going to be watching judge shows.

No Regard Daily Recap: 11-22-10

One Game We Tried To Watch Last Night, But Kept Getting Distracted By Blake Griffin And His Potential Energy:
San Antonio Spurs vs. Orlando Magic

Spurs: 106 Magic: 97

Learn this about us now: when we say in a preview that we'll "definitely" watch a certain game, we're lying. We're not trying to lie, but things come up, like say family coming into town a few days early for Thanksgiving or a basketball scrimmage against Eastern Europeans that will seal the fate of our team's regular season seeding. Or the possibility that Blake Griffin breaks the Internet again with a dunk. So, no, none of us watched this game in its entirety.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-22-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight:
San Antonio Spurs Vs. Orlando Magic

Since 1997, Tim Duncan's draft year, at least two things have been constant for the Spurs. Winning and the ability to avoid any sort of drama or controversy. So ever since hearing about Tony Parker's recent off the court activities, I've wondered how this Spurs club might be affected by their first ever wave of media attention for something other than their dominance on the basketball court. If their response is anything like their sizzling start to this season, then San Antonio will be fine.

Sometimes The Mirror Holds A Surprise

Monday Morning Dance Therapy: Vintage Crank That Edition!

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

Sometimes we get caught up in our Dougieing ways and forget where it all started: with "Crank That," the first dance ever invented. Here's a look at some VINTAGE footage of players showing us that old-timey dances were fun too.

Happy 6th Birthday, Malice in the Palace

On November 19th in 2004, Ron Artest was lying down on the scorers table after an altercation with Ben Wallace and other Pistons players. While peacefully abstaining from the pushing and shoving going on around him, Artest got hit by a cup of liquid thrown by a Detroit Piston fan named John Green. The rest is history.

I'll never forget where I was while I watched the chaos that ensued between the NBA players and fans thereafter. Never.

Top 3 Player Tweets of the Week - In Pictures!

From Skillanueva's half-time tweets to Gil's fateful outburst, we're keeping tabs on this whole Twitter thing.  Each week we wade through the rants, shout outs and sheer insanity to bring you the best micro-blogging the NBA has to offer.

3. "& I'm thinking about interning @ a real estate firm this summer."

- Chris Douglas-Roberts

2. "Yo just cooked spaghetti hats off to the women of the house cookin is a job. Had 2 clean afterwards 2. Man I'm tired. Last time doin that."

- Joe Crawford

1."Mike Vick for PRESIDENT!!"

- LeBron James

No Regard Weekend Preview: Get Drunk With Mike Bibby

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may remember a feature we started this offseason, NBA Happy Hour. In this Friday feature we presented a drinking game, giving readers the opportunity to get drunk while, let's say, watching the FIBA championship game, by giving them certain things to look for and celebrate. We are now carrying this idea over to our weekend previews, in which we will tell you one game we'll be watching over the next three days, and ways one could creatively reach Blackout City while enjoying the NBA action. So without further ado: Grab a beer, follow the rules, and start the weekend with a Don Nelson-level buzz!

One Game We Will Definitely Drink During This Weekend: Dallas Mavericks vs. Atlanta Hawks

We Believe in Greg Oden

If you don't already know, we hate to be the ones breaking the news to you. Greg Oden will undergo yet another microfracture surgery this Friday, sidelining him for the rest of the season.

We're kind of distraught, so are going to spend the day trying to pick up the pieces. Maybe we'll make him a mixtape.

We'll be back tomorrow. Head up, Greg, you'll make it.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-17-2010

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder


We are a few weeks into the season and have barely written about the Thunder, the team we spent all summer championing until our throats were sore. We even picked them to win the Western Conference. So a fair question is, "Wha' happened?!"

The simplest answer is, "The Minnesota Timberwolves became our spirit animal." The long answer would get boring, so let's just leave it at that and say we're sorry. The road to recovery starts tonight, when we watch the team we crushed so hard on for the better part of this year play the Rockets.

"Why the Rockets?" you ask. I just like them. But I know this shoudn't be a close game. The Rockets are venturing into the loudest arena in the NBA without their starting point guard and starting center. Those two absences would kill their chances in a tug of war or egg spoon race, and pretty much do the same for tonight's basketball exhibition. But the Rockets have pulled off wins against much steeper odds in the past few years (including most of those during their 22-game winning streak back in 2008). Regardless, I think Luis Scola's hair is nice and I'm excited to watch rookie Ishmael Smith. I've never seen so much as a picture of the guy, but dude's name just sounds fast.

Also, no matter what happens in the game, tomorrow morning I'm going to run the headline, "Houston, We Have a Dog!". And that's as fair a reason as any I can think of to watch a basketball game.

One Game We Probably Won't Watch Tonight: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Detroit Pistons


If we want to see innocent people get ruined by ruthless killers tonight, we'll watch Hotel Rwanda. At least that has a sort of hopeful ending.

No Regard Recap: 11-16-10

One Game We Watched Last Night: New York Knicks vs. Denver Nuggets


Knicks: 118 Nuggets: 120

Mike D'Antoni is confusing. And maybe a religious zealot. I get it that he's got a style of play he believes in, but the way he refuses to bend to any suggestion of defense or more patient offensive sets is mind-boggling. It borders on religious mania, a blind worship of the three-pointer.

Surely, two people who won't be attending mass anytime soon are Knicks announcers Walt Frazier and Mike Breen.

Bibby's World: Funsurance

Don't know how we locked this down, but we'd like to introduce you to No Regard's newest blogging sensation... Mike Bibby! He'll be checking in whenever he can, just to remind us: It's Bibby's World, we just live in it!

Hey guys, it's me again. Today we're going to talk about having a good time, and what you can do when you're not. Last Monday, after losing to the Orlando Magic by four (Not my fault. I scored seven points.), my teammates and I wanted to go out. Since we were in Orlando, I thought it made sense to suggest Disney World. But because my teammates are totally predictable, they suggested clubs. "Wow," I said, "Clubs AGAIN? We just did that in Phoenix!" But there was no stopping them, especially Etan Thomas, who always has to be the life of the party.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-16-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight:
Denver Nuggets Vs. New York Knicks

We all know that the Knicks are hoping to land a trade in the near future that would bring Melo to New York. With this in mind, our inside sources have leaked a letter sent directly from James Dolan's office with specific instructions on how the Knicks are supposed to treat the Brooklyn native in this evening's game in Denver. Here are the instructions, word for word:

Dear Knicks Coaching Staff and Players,

You all know that we are hoping to one day in the near future land a trade that would bring Melo to New York (hopefully for Fat Eddie and Gallo). As a result, it's extremely important that in tonight's game, we show Melo what this current Knicks team is all about. Therefore, we are requiring that the following rules be observed throughout the game this evening to ensure we leave Melo with a warm feeling about our team. They've been aptly named the "Melo Rules." I sure am a clever owner, eh?

Rajon Rondo: Legitimate MVP Candidate? Legitimate MVP Candidate.

About two weeks ago, PeteB11 and I had a very short Gchat conversation:

Peter: Adam

When do we start throwing Rondo in theMVP conversation

Adam: right now?

Peter: He's an MVP candidate

there I said it

As you should know, Pete is a very funny guy, and I thought it was a very funny dialogue. "What a jokester, that Pete!" I thought to myself.

At the time, the only Celtics game I had watched was their opening statement against the Heat. Since then, I've watched five more of their contests, and I'm starting to realize that there's a good chance Pete was being as serious as your life.

In Defense of Ass-Slapping

CNN just gave us the best defense for when our girlfriends question our on-court homoerotic behavior:



See, honey, it's for the team!

The Timberwolves are Comedy Gold

Watch out, Tina Fey. Next year's race for the Mark Twain Prize for Humor just got a little bit taller.

I would never betray the Knicks, but all I'm saying is that when I see the 'Wolves visit the Garden on December 6, I won't exactly be rooting against anyone. Love these guys.

Via BDL via Timberwolves official site

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-15-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight:
Dallas Mavericks vs. New Orleans Hornets

Perhaps the two largest surprises so far this season have been the mediocre Miami Heat and the perfect New Orleans Hornets. What's made CP3 and the gang so good so far this year? First, CP3 himself, quite obviously. With injuries cutting short his minutes last year, Paul looks like a rejuvenated man playing as if he's got something to prove. Maybe all the attention Rondo received after his playoff performance last spring pissed Paul off and he's taking it out on opposing defenses, hoping to show once again that he's the alpha dog of NBA PG's. Whatever the case may be, Chris Paul is back this year, in a big way.

No Regard Daily Recaps: Weekend Edition

One Game We Didn't Watch This Weekend:
New York Knicks Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

Wolves: 112 Knicks: 103

Kevin Love's 31 rebounds and 31 points Friday night marked the first time since 1982 that an NBA player recorded at least thirty boards and thirty points in the same game. For some perspective on this accomplishment, here are some fun facts about 1982:

Monday Morning Dance Therapy: Dancing with the Stars Edition

Monday mornings are tough. As the work week starts, we often need something to pick us up and remind us that things are going to be okay. That something is NBA players and other hoops figures dancing. This weekly column celebrates one of the finest things in life and gives you the kickstart you need to get the week started on the right foot.

R.I.P. Rick and Cheryl? I guess this is a thing?

No Regard Daily Preview: Happy Hour 11-12-10

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you may remember a feature we started this offseason, NBA Happy Hour. This Friday feature gave readers the opportunity to get drunk while, let's say, watching the FIBA championship game, by giving them certain things to look for and celebrate. We are now carrying this idea over to our weekend previews, in which we will tell you one game we'll be watching over the next three days, one game we won't be watching, and ways one could creatively reach Blackout City while enjoying either one. So without further ado: Grab a beer, follow the rules, and start the weekend with a Don Nelson-level buzz.

One Game We Will Definitely Watch This Weekend: Golden State Warriors vs. Milwaukee Bucks


Drink every time:

Top 3 Player Tweets of the Week - In Pictures!

From Skillanueva's half-time tweets to Gil's fateful outburst, we're keeping tabs on this whole Twitter thing.  Each week we wade through the rants, shout outs and sheer insanity to bring you the best micro-blogging the NBA has to offer.

3. Shower power yessur #wordaapp
-Terrence Williams

2. I luv definitions
-Da'Sean Butler

1. Me and Elvis share the same birthday, so it's only right that I order my jackets from LanskyBros.
-Chris Douglas Roberts

No Regard Recap 11-11-10

One Game We Watched Last Night: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

Lebron not committing a technical foul.

Hell of a night for underdogs... that is if we're still inexplicably considering the Boston Celtics underdogs. Which I'm sure now we shouldn't. Meanwhile, Miami continues to keep the "alternating clumsy/super-impressive style" playlist on repeat like Norah Jones on my iPod.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-11-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat

It seems like just yesterday that we were sitting here, jittery, waiting for these two teams to open up this season in Boston. Before that kickoff on October 26, expectations could not have been higher to watch these teams play each other, to see if the reigning Eastern Conference champs would be able to defend their turf against the newly-created behemoth.

We now find ourselves two and a half weeks into the season, and here we are, just as anxious to watch sparks fly, this time in Miami. Sure, we know more than we did then. We now know that this Heat team, at 5-3, is very human indeed, and also that the Celtics are more ready than a lot of us expected to reassert their dominance. We know that LeBron James probably won't give KD a run for the scoring title, but that there's a damn good chance he finishes in the top ten in assists. We know that Rajon Rondo is pretty much definitely going to finish first in that category, and probably in steals, as well. We know that Kevin Garnett is not the most sensitive person in the world (okay, we already knew that).

David Lee Draws Blood

Since time immemorial David Lee has been a fan favorite. My personal admiration of Lee began in 2001, during the McDonald's High School All American All Star Weekend. What I learned then was that he was a prospect on his way to Billy Donovan's resurgent, once again relevant Florida Gators and that he was also the only white dude to enter the Dunk Contest. Going against future college stars, among them Julius Hodge and Jawad Williams, a goofy and wily Lee outshone them all.

He possessed a mixture of pure athleticism (see where he catches the ball mid-air for the now classic through the legs one handed jam), old school creativity (see his standing at the foul line, bounce passing it to himself off the board for a reverse jam) , and affecting, perhaps unintentional humor (see the dunk where he passes the ball to himself, briefly struggles to take off his jersey, revealing straight up boxers--not compression shorts, not even briefs--with his shorts sagging almost below his ass, as was the style at the time). Kid looked like the teenager that he was and celebrated like one, with unbridled enthusiasm. It was a sporting moment that probably only a handful of people saw, but I'm sure no one who did forgot it. Something made it memorable.

The Pot Calls The Kettle Black

"He's a very mean guy. Where's the love? None at all. Ugly, too."
- Joakim Noah on KG

People living in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.