NBA Middle Names: Serge Ibaka

We at No Regard spend a lot of time in our NBA knitting circles trying to figure out the human side of these players. Whether it's musing about their commutes to work, how much "Call of Duty" they play, or what their favorite snack food is, we like to remind ourselves that NBA players are nothing more than young men with enviable jobs. What better way to humanize our heroes than look up their middle names?

 

Sergeballu LaMu Sayonga Loom Walahas Jonas Hugo Ibaka

Houston, we Have a Dunk Contest

Wowzers, do we ever! According to the LA Times, this year's dunk contest will field the following four competitors: Blake Griffin, Serge Ibaka, JaVale McGee, and Brandon Jennings. Which means we have, respectively, the most exciting dunker to come along in years; the biggest dreamboat in the NBA; the man who dominated this past summer league's highlight reel, and the league's cult star du jour.

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am about this lineup. Another Dwight/Nate showdown would have literally made me vomit up my heart. Literally.

But this...whew. A chance for legit creativity. The promise of at least two players becoming household names. No gimmicks, just sheer, awe-inspiring athleticism.

Good look, dunk contest. This one's for you:

Weekend Edition: Nenad Jailed, Thunder Sound Off

Oklahoma City Thunder Center Nenad Krstic, generally known for his jumpshot and aversion to physical contact, spent last night in jail after throwing a chair in a brawl that erupted during an international game between Serbia and Greece.

The Thunder met their demise this post season due to their lack of a true big man. Krstic's tenure with the Thunder has been regarded as a stopgap, a space-filler until the team can develop one of their young Centers. We've offered a few ideas for them, but so far none have taken. So at 8.4 points and 5 rebounds per game, Nenad Krstic remains their man. A Krstic suspension could spell bad news for the young guns of OKC. The Thunder have plenty to say about Nenad's brawl. Here are some highlights: