With the 2006 NBA Draft less than a week away, what better time to take a walk down Draft days past, with the help of NBA Photos; first up, Grand-ma-ma himself, Larry Johnson:
We pretty much think Larry nailed what he was going for -- Odessa, Texas meets Miami Vice. Our two observations about Larry's attire are --
1.) If our country's economic prosperity were accurately represented by the amount of bling on the arms and necks (and ears) of NBA draft picks, then America would have come a really long way since 1991. A tiny wristwatch with a leather band? They won't even let you into the NBA with that anymore.
2.) The lowtop Nikes with dark socks -- a very nice touch. Obviously Larry knew this was a special occasion, and he showed respect by goin' with the dress socks. Good call LJ.
What's really unfortunate about the picture is that they couldn't find anything besides the emerald green backdrop for him to pose with. And whatever happened to a jersey or a team hat?
ESPN Insider Chris Sheridan reports, National Team Czar Jerry Colangelo plans to announce a core group of players, as few as four and as many as eight, sometime around the All-Star break. Formal invitations eventually will be extended to 20 to attend training camp in Las Vegas in mid-July.... Link
With Commissioner Stern and Mayor Goodman in their corner, the Maloofs couldnt have two stronger allies for their cause. They may not come right out and say it now, but I think its only a matter of time before Joe and Gavin Maloof truly are the Kings of Las... Link
We have talked about this before. Now SportsBiz passes along word of Chris McCosky of the Detroit News speculating the same thing: are the Kings already on the slow train to Las Vegas? Citizens of Sacramento, rise up! It would...... Link
What can we expect from Ike fantasy-wise?For those into Fantasy Basketball, Jeff Kakes, ESPN's Golden State Warriors correspondent wrote about how Ike fits into the Warriors plans and his effect on the fantasy world (for the full article).With the Las Vegas Summer League now in the books, there are... Link
Two members of the Hornets' front office will make their way here from Houston on Tuesday to begin scouting possible locations for the team to play "home" games this season. Sam Russo and Steve Martin will be driving into the...... Link
NBA front-office sources said the league has fined the Timberwolves $200,000 for holding a two-day minicamp in Las Vegas during the offseason, ESPN.com reported Tuesday. The voluntary minicamp was suggested by new coach Dwane Casey as a way for players...... Link
Eddie Griffin, still on probation for a 2003 assault case, checked with a judge about the possibility of joining Timberwolves teammates at their gathering with new coach Dwane Casey in Las Vegas the other day. The judge said that wouldn't...... Link
Kevin Garnett appears to be taking on a greater leadership role with the Timberwolves. Garnett telephoned teammates and asked them to attend new coach Dwane Casey's volunteer gathering in Las Vegas, Nev., this week. Garnett even asked owner Glen Taylor...... Link
According to this guy, Las Vegas is full of well-meaning soccer moms and David Stern is evil for thinking NBA basketball might not belong there. Remember "The List David Stern Never Wants You to See?" Here it is in...... Link
NBA Commissioner David Stern announced Friday that "Sin City" would become the first city without an NBA team to host the annual mid-season classic matching stars from the Eastern and Western conferences.... Link
The NBA will announce on Friday that it has selected Las Vegas to host the 2007 All-Star Game, according to Terry Jicinsky, senior vice president of marketing at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority ...... Link
There are a lot of stories out there saying the 2007 NBA All-Star game will be in Las Vegas. There are so many prostitutes at All-Star weekend (I am not kidding, it's like a hooker trade show in the hotel...... Link
It's no secret that Las Vegas wants a professional sports team. Oscar Goodman, the former mob lawyer and current mayor (a self-professed gin, sports-betting, and showgirl maven) has been outspoken about it. Without any commitments from any teams to move...... Link
Awarding the 2007 NBA All-Star Game to Las Vegas isn't all about a one-night stand, as far as the league's commissioner is concerned. "David Stern is playing some poker. This is about testing the waters. If it (the All-Star Game)...... Link
Casino regulators Thursday recommended suspending bets by bookmakers on the 2007 NBA All-Star game, if Las Vegas is awarded the event. The league will not consider the city's bid without the ban. Nongambling revenue from fans, players and media coming to the city would outweigh any losses to bookies,... Link
None of the NBA's 30 owners expressed any objections Friday to holding the 2007 All-Star Game in Las Vegas. ``It was not a contentious issue at all,'' said commissioner David Stern, who estimated the owners spent less than 10 minutes discussing the subject during the two days of meetings... Link
LAS VEGAS Las Vegas officials say they're talking with the N-B-A about the possibility of hosting a basketball All-Star weekend event in February 2007.... Link
Steve Wynn's public admission that he's still keenly interested in getting an NBA franchise in Las Vegas can only add fuel to Mayor Oscar Goodman's push for a major league sports franchise. Wynn, during an interview last week with Jon...... Link
