If You See Something, Say Something: Giraffes, Secret Gardens and Petro's Game

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.

LeBron James is Not Taller Than a Giraffe: After recently purchasing a stake in the historic English football club Liverpool, LeBron James headed across the pond to check out his investment in person. This video details the highlights of the King's trip, which includes meeting Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard and attending a Manchester United-Liverpool match. Skip ahead to the end of the spot to "Small Talk" in which LeBron is grilled by a group of English kids. Questions like, "LeBron, shouldn't your first name be James?" and "LeBron, have you always been tall?" keep the Miami Heat superstar on his toes. LBJ does confirm that he is in fact, not taller than a giraffe.

Our Favorite Canadian's Secret: Here's another neat video worth watching! This NBA.com player profile takes a peak into Steve Nash's lifestyle, specifically his work ethic, diet and fitness regime. While Thunder Dan Majerle believes Steve's success comes from his insatiable desire to be the best, Channing Frye has his own theory: He hypothesizes that Nash has a "secret garden of magical fruits and vegetables" that has kept him fit late into his 30s. I tend to agree with Frye.

Jay-Z's Value to the Brooklyn Nets: The New Jersey Nets are struggling and Jay-Z just became a new father. But as the Nets continue to prepare for their move across two rivers, the entertainment mogul won't let either of these variables affect his strong influence over almost all the decisions being made by the franchise. From providing opinions on jersey colors to weighing in on architectural design questions, it's clear that Hova is more concerned about the Nets going 0-82 than he lets on.

Johan Petro's Fascinating Story: We leave you with Johan Petro's website, http://www.johanpetro27.com. Not wanting to give away too many of the treasures this Internet goldmine contains, here's how Petro's game is described in the biography section: "When you describe the prototypical NBA center, he is not complete without superlative size, strength and athleticism. He'll fight for rebounds in the trenches, but is just as quick to burn you with a shot from 15 feet. Johan Petro possesses all these skills and more, and bears all the promise of fulfilling his vast potential." That pretty much sums up exactly how I feel about Petro's game. Wait, I'm sorry, I forgot who we're talking about.

No Regard Daily Previews: 11-9-10

One Game We Will Definitely Watch Tonight: New Jersey Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

It is strange to think about how different this matchup feels as compared to last season. One year ago, I was incredibly excited to be headed to the Izod Center to watch the Nets play the Cavaliers. Four things were certain that night: Jay-Z would not be there, Bron Bron was going to put on a show, I was going to try and sneak rum into the arena, and the Nets were going to lose. This time, Hova may actually show his face, Bron Bron is hosting D Will in Miami, I'm not headed to Newark, and the Nets have a good shot at winning.

World Basketball Festival Brings The Roc

Yes you heard correctly, it was announced today that Thursday's World Basketball Festival Opening Ceremony at Radio City Music Hall in New York City will be headlined by none other than Jay-Z.

For those of you who hide in caves, let me back up a bit. We admit we've neglected our obligation to keep you informed of the mania that is New York this week. We often assume that everyone lives in a tiny Brooklyn apartment and reads twenty basketball blogs a day.

So to all normal people, this weekend New York City will host the World Basketball Festival.

Event Horizon: Nets

This evening, LeBron James is slated to take up an hour of the world's time to tell us where he's going to be rapping and sleeping for the next couple of years. This gesture has so far been called vacuous, despicable, ego-maniacal and poisonous to sports. At No Regard, we think it's hilarious and have imagined some of our favorite possiblilities. Check back as Bron's 9 PM deadline approaches for more predictions...

Immediate Impact: Bron throws up the Roc. Newark mayor Cory Booker gleefully screams, "This is Newark, New Jersey!" then delivers an impromptu speech to his staffers that rivals Obama in his heyday. Prokhorov keeps smiling. Devin Harris keeps playing Call of Duty 3 on his PS3. As for the actual season?

Event Horizon: Cavs

This evening, LeBron James is slated to take up an hour of the world’s time to tell us where he’s going to be rapping and sleeping for the next couple of years. This gesture has so far been called vacuous, despicable, ego-maniacal and poisonous to sports. At No Regard, we think it’s hilarious and have imagined some of our favorite possibilities. Check back as Bron’s 9 PM deadline approaches for more predictions…

Immediate Impact: The so-called respectable choice for a player who clearly values his roots and his fans. If our hometown hero does indeed indulge the good people of Cleveland and returns to ticker-tape fanfare, we fear he may find himself at training camp in a few weeks, wondering whether he is in good company.