Elvin Hayes Bio

Elvin Hayes

- Devin Gray

"The Big E"

San Diego/Houston Rockets, Baltimore/Washington Bullets – 16 Years, 1303 games

6’9” – 235 lb – 21.0 pts – 12.5 reb – 1.8 ast – 2.0 blk – .452 fg%

SLAM #130 “The New Top 50” June 2009 Ranking: 23

“Book of Basketball”- Bill Simmons’ Ranking: 49

The only players to score more career NBA points than Elvin Hayes' 27,313 were Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Karl Malone, Moses Malone, Shaquille O'Neal and Michael Jordan. Big E sits in good company. He was recently surpassed by Kobe Bryant on February 27, 2011 and now sits seventh place all-time, a testament to his skills and dedication to basketball.

     Elvin Hayes is fifth in games played, and third in total minutes in an iron man career where he missed only nine games in sixteen professional seasons. Standing 6'9", 235 pounds, a turnaround jumper and aggressive defense were his trademark style. As a rookie for the Rockets in 1968-69 he was an athletic force and led the league in scoring with 28.4 ppg, ranked fourth in rebounding with 17.1 rpg, averaged 45.1 minutes per game (out of 48, a rookie record) and started at center for the West in the NBA All-Star Game, but did not win rookie of the year. Wes Unseld won both ROY and MVP that season. Throughout his career he made 12 All-Star teams (his first 12), six All-NBA teams (3 first-team selections), and the all-defensive second team twice. He was never considered clutch and had a penchant for disappearing in the fourth quarter. It was his stubborn nature that kept him playing and placed him in the record books amassing many points over exactly 50,000 minutes (he planned it that way).

 

     Big E had a Jeckyl and Hyde personality and his never-ending desire for singularity, and demand for respect distanced him from teammates and coaches. After attending the University of Houston, he was drafted first overall by the San Diego Rockets who moved to Houston after three years. Elvin was where he wanted to be, but he and coaches Alex Hannum and Tex Winter never saw eye to eye. Although statistically dominant and consistent, the Rockets were at best a mediocre team and missed the playoffs three straight years. Elvin was always blamed for this and his critics ran him out of town. Soon, Elvin was traded to the Baltimore Bullets. With the relocated Washington Bullets, Elvin found his first (and only) NBA championship, ten years into his professional career in 1978. He ended his career back in Houston over his final three seasons. 

   Youtube clip, one minute summary of his career

   

Raptors Coverage: Feb 25, Phoenix. Feb 27, Dallas

Game 58 – Phoenix (L 110-92 / 16-43 / streak L1) Friday February 25, 2011

Watched live at ACC

Easily the worst game I have ever been to. The Raptors were exposed on all of their offensive and defensive weaknesses and the Suns pressed them. Steve Nash ran the pick and roll to perfection all game (11 assists, 1 turnover) and we could seemingly do nothing to stop it. The Raptors never once got the clue that Steve Nash is the pick-and-roll god and will use screens like no other guard in the history of the NBA. Did you think the coaching staff could get a clue though? Triano and the coaches called two coaches-only timeouts and never adjusted to take away the pick-and-roll. Bargnani proved that he is an offensive weapon with 24 points, but his defense was sorely lacking with four rebounds. Sonny Weems looked lost and a fragment of the talent and promise he showed earlier this season. Calderon shares the ball and facilitates well, but can’t find the basket on his shot. In the first play of the game Steve Nash catches the Raps napping and tosses an alley-oop to Vince Carter cutting in from the right baseline for a reverse jam. At least things couldn’t get any worse, right? They got worse throughout the game, the Suns led by 21 after the first quarter, it was ugly, DeMar and Triano both picked up technical fouls and the Raps put up a stinker on Canada night at the ACC. Awful, but a trial of fandom.

Game 59 – Dallas (L 114-96 / 16-44 / streak L2) Sunday February 27, 2011

Watched about 50%

I can live and die by the Raptors. On Wednesday, the Raps used the adrenaline of new player James Jones to counter the Bulls and surprise a much better team. Games like that one are the reason that Toronto can be so fun to watch. They are so unpredictable and inconsistent that some games they’ll hold their own with the best teams in the league and the next minute they’ll look totally lost and out of their league. In this game the Raps gave us the best of both worlds. Triumph and heartbreak. After Dirk starts the game with a field goal, the Raptors go on an energetic, dominating 18-0 run. The Raptors look like a championship team and lead 22-3 at one point against one of the best teams in the league, but they let it slip away. Amir Johnson had a team-high 21 points to go along with 7 rebounds. James Johnson had a great double-clutch dunk, while DeMar put on perhaps his highlight of the year with a block on Shawn Marion on the defensive end and a two-handed cram through the lane on the ensuing offensive possession. DeMar had 19 points, but Shawn Marion had 20 in a return to Toronto where he spent nearly one entire NBA season. Jason Terry always seems to kill the Raptors and he had 19 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists, while Dirk grabbed 31 points, 13 rebounds. The Raptors were outscored 64 – 39 in the second half and lose a game they probably could have won.

Special Edition: Trade Capper DEADLINE

 New Jersey gets: Deron Williams
Utah gets: Devin Harris, Derrick Favors, 2011 first-round pick, 2012 first-round pick via Golden State


Utah ships out Deron Williams just a few games removed from the Williams-Jerry Sloan drama. Utah is left a shadow of what it was just a week ago without coaching legend Sloan and their All-Star guard. The Nets make a deal out of nowhere after failing to lure Carmelo for the past few months, both teams needed to get a deal done. The Jazz aren't too poorly off either with legitimate value for one of the best PGs in the league.


Atlanta gets: Kirk Hinrich
Washington gets: Mike Bibby


Cleveland gets: Baron Davis
LA Clippers get: Mo Williams and Jamario Moon

Phoenix gets: Aaron Brooks
Houston gets: Goran Dragic and first-round pick (lottery protected)


Many more deals finish up the changing of the guard for NBA teams who swap floor-leaders like Pokémon cards before you could read. Some strange deals, Hinrich is a minor improvement, but not the ultimate fix the Hawks had in mind at PG. Baron Davis bucked his way to LA to pursue his personal interests in his hometown and has documented motivation issues... welcome to post-LeBron Cleveland and good luck! And Blake Griffin gets a new highlight buddy, but it will never be the same, Mo just isn't the passer Boom Daddy is. Brooks was displeased with the Houston situation and last year Most Improved Player moves into the backup/ offguard spot until Steve Nash's tenure in Phoenix closes.


Charlotte gets: Joel Przybilla, Dante Cunningham, two future first-round picks
Portland gets: Gerald Wallace


Wallace is a tough guy and surprising iron man despite his playig style that has earned him the nicname 'crash.' Let's hope the Blazers curse doesn't take his luck away. With so many injuries, the Blazers needed to make a move and the gritty Wallace will be a good fit. After becoming the Bobcats' first ever all-star one season ago, Wallace dipped in production slightly this year and says goodbye to the franchise that took him in their expansion draft.


Oklahoma City gets: Nazr Mohammed, Kendrick Perkins, Nate Robinson
Boston gets: Jeff Green, Nenad Krstic
Charlotte gets: DJ White, Morris Peterson


Perkins was the Boston rock on defense, but with Shaq and Jermaine O'Neal in the post and Krstic in return, Boston remains strong and grabs Jeff Green whom the initially drafted and traded for Ray Allen on draft night. Nate Robinson will be missed for his antics, but Jeff Green is a young and underrated stud. Perk should anchor the defense in OKC and give them a post presence with Nazr, that they didn't have before.

Raptors Coverage: Feb 23, Chicago

Game 58 – Chicago (W 118-113 / 16-42 / streak W1) Wednesday February 23, 2011

Didn’t watch

Wished I could have, but I was out on the town in T.O. Walking along Queen’s Park, I could see the lights next to the ACC dancing against the CN Tower and didn’t need to check my score tracker to know that the Raptors had won. The first time the Raps ever beat the Bulls, in a meaningless regular season contest, the city rocked harder than was necessary to the tune of fireworks, streamers, confetti and rushing the court in Skydome in ’96. Times have changed since then, and both teams have dipped to new lows to secure a number-one overall draft pick, and reinvent their basketball culture. Toronto is centred around speed and grace with European stars and youthful talent and athleticism, but without toughness or defensive intensity. The Bulls have a defensive-minded coach, super-star point guard, and yin and yang post players to provide a scoring punch and a shot-blocking presence. 

Two different teams met in Toronto tonight and one man made all the difference. James Johnson was traded to the Raptors by the Bulls, just one day previous to this game, and stepped into the Raps starting lineup against his former squad. His energy and adrenaline made up for his inexperience and unfamiliarity with the Raptors offensive and defensive schemas. And he brought a little bit of what the Bulls had in plenty, and the Raptors desperately seeked, toughness. The trivia tidbit that had followed James Johnson throughout his professional career is that he possesses a ‘blackbelt.’ Whether this translates to in-game toughness is yet to be seen, but the thought is nice, and maybe he’ll wrestle Bargnani into submission in the dressing room for good measure. Nonetheless, this was Johnson’s night and he performed well enough to ensure a story-book ending. The Raptors, under his guidance, prevailed at home against the Bulls who, although they are not in the midst of a 72 game season, have emerged as an Eastern conference powerhouse, with Derrick Rose as potential league MVP.

As for the game itself, Joachim Noah returned after missing 31 games with thumb surgery, and had ten rebounds in the first quarter en route to 7 points and 16 rebounds in his return. Rose looked like an MVP with his control of the game and 32 point, 10 assist double-double, including a clutch three that had Raps fans gasping for air. Carlos Boozer flushed out the trio with 24 points and 6 rebounds. A Bargnani reverse dunk and DeRozan clear-path one-handed dunk overshadowed what probably should have been the highlight of the night, with DeMar serving it up top to James Johnson for the big alley-oop throwdown. The winner of this game though, was the Raps dependable big man (and original Johnson) Amir who posted up Boozer for the game-sealing bucket with 11 seconds remaining in the game, and blocked Rose on the other end. The Johnson’s had three blocks apiece, Amir finished with 17 points, 4 rebounds while James finished with 9 points and 5 boards. Calderon had 17 assists and continues to pile up the dimes, although his scoring woes continued. Bargnani and DeRozan each had 24 points and Bargs collected a respectable 8 rebounds. Weems, Barbosa and Davis played strong off the bench and secured a strong Raptors win, and a new beginning, for at least one new Raptor.

"James Johnson catches the DeMar alley, throws it down"

Raptors Coverage: Feb 22, @ Charlotte

Game 57 - @ Charlotte (L 114-101 / 15-42 / streak L2) Tuesday February 22, 2011

Watched whole game

This is a game the Raps should be able to win, but always seem to get out-gritted by the Bobcats. Sandwiched between the All-Star festivities of the weekend and the impending trade deadline and Carmelo trade to New York, this game was an afterthought in the NBA season picture. Raptors were able to cut it to eleven late but that wasn’t very exciting. The Raps gave up a 50% shooting night to the Bobcats and allowed them to reach the free-throw line twice as much as they got there. Many turnovers in the first half, but not the fault of José, who has 57 assists and only 5 turnovers over a stretch that covers the last few games, yet has struggled to score or shoot a high percentage. Sonny had 19 points, Bargs had 18 and 8 rebounds, Calderon had 6 and 11 assists, while Bayless had 11 and 10 assists, DeMar had a solid 14 points. Of note, the Raptors also picked up James Johnson prior to the game from Chicago and he should play tomorrow against the…Bulls (who will also welcome back Joachim Noah).

Special Edition: Trade Capper

Knicks get: Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Renaldo Balkman, Anthony Carter, Corey Brewer

Nuggets get: Raymond Felton, Timofey Mozgov, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, Knicks 2014 first-round pick, two second-round picks from New York via Golden State, and $3 million dollars

Timberwolves get: Anthony Randolph, Eddy Curry

The Knicks gave up quantity, not necessarily quality. Getting Carmelo is a big steal no matter how you look at it. Some say the Knicks gave up too much but what they forget is that the league/ world will not end after this season. If not this season, then next year or the next, the NY star-power will draw other players to the Big Apple like a magnet. Players always seem to follow the stars. NY will fill out its roster, and Mike D'Antoni has some real firepower to work with (the 2nd and 5th leading scorers this NBA season). They're not expected to win this season anyways but should make the playoffs interesting if they can gel quick enough. At the same time, the Nuggets don't lose too much steam despite losing their franchise leader. Impressive deal by both sides, T-Wolves an afterthought.

"Hi Friend"

Raptors get: James Johnson

Bulls get: 2011 first-round pick via Miami

I only remember jumping out of my seat when LeBron stared down the poor rookie, then dunked on him which may be the best dunk I have ever watched happen live, I'm not even exaggerating. He's a solid sophomore that fits the Raptors youth movement, and could thrive if given time in the Raptor rotation. Raps don't give up much either, sending Miami's first round pick the had acquired in a previous deal (would've been late first-round anyways).

All-Star Weekend Reflections

This'll be brief

Dunk Contest
- DeMar was robbed, the off-the-stanchion to between-the-legs gets only a 44? While Blake's off the side of the backboard gets a 46? Are you kidding me?
- The "Showstopper" was the dunk of the night, and DeMar pulled it off first try.
- Ibaka made the free-throw line dunk look easy, and only gets a 45? for one of the most legendary dunks in NBA history (MJ, Dr. J?) he got ripped off. AND Dr. J was a judge and only gave a 9...
- JaVale dunked with his baseball-mit sized hands, who cares how many balls you can hold JaVale? Give me athleticism any day!
- Blake jumped over the hood of a car; plain dunk weak, the two-handed 360? soft, any of the participants could have done that, the side of the backboard windmill was alright, but the off-the backboard to arm in the rim was off the chain. I'm surprised he didn't rip his arm off. So strong and powerful.
- Blake was always going to win this contest and it came down to a fan vote, just wish JaVale hadn't have given up when he still had the last dunk of the tournament...
- Always makes me wonder what dunks DeMar was saving for the second round, in fact he says he is done with 'prop' dunk contests and will enter next year if the judges and fans reward true creativity and athleticism. Here's the showstopper in Slooooooo-Mo.

"Soft"

All-Star Game
- Kobe took it to the East early
- All the commentators were picking LeBron fo game MVP and Kobe didn't want that to happen
- the onus of the league has lately been on young talent, but Kobe came out and proved he is still the player to beat and took home game MVP with 37 points
- the highlight of the night was Kobe looking back then dunking with LeBron helplessly chasing hoping for a block, followed by Kobe's butt-slap on Bron. Jordanesque some would say, I say Kobesque
- Kobe 37 and 14 rebounds > LeBron 25, 12, and 10 assists
- a close game late thanks to LeBron's leadership both vocally and on the floor. He yelled at teammates, ran the timeout huddle, barreled through the lane like a true "L-Train," he forgets it's an All-Star game, but ultimately makes this a better, more enjoyable game (All-Star or not)
- A real Kobe-LeBron showdown has me aching for it in the finals... (love Boston though)
- when Doc put in the "big 4 Celtics" the crowd went wild with boo's, it was funny
- all of the East threw up the talcum powder with LeBron, it was sad
- Durant and Westbrook both have huge highlight dunks, but Kobe lights up LA with a reverse and an under-the basket dunk that he crams with two hands
- Blake remembers to put on a show as well with a HUGE oop from Deron Williams
- Ray Allen had a huge three at the end of the game to keep the east in it, it made up for his first-possession airball at the start of the game... kinda
- Kevin Love gets some highlight-reel rebounds
- One of the best games I remember, good last year too

"You can't beat me in June"

Raptors Coverage: Feb 16, Miami

 Game 56 – Miami Heat (L 103-95 / 15-41 / streak L1) Wednesday February 16, 2011

Watched live at ACC

Being at this game was unlike any other game I have ever been to. In a season where not much was expected of the Raptors, the club has neither disappointed nor surprised. The Raptors are trudging through a mediocre season with a mediocre team that was never expected to make the playoffs anyways, and now seem a distant dream. Even though the teams had met in Miami twice already this season, it was the first in T.O. This being the case, Chris Bosh and the Miami Heat coming to town means more than ANY other game this season for the team, but most importantly for the town. Bosh, Toronto’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, and blocks, took his talents to South Beach this summer and has found jeers rather than cheers from not just Raps fans, but the entire NBA. The Heat are the unquestioned villains of the NBA, the Yankees, the Goliath, and as such they find no love especially in T.O. I had not decided whether to boo or not, and held my breath during the raucous booing during the warmup and player introductions for Bosh. I didn’t boo Gilmour, Sundin, Delgado or Halladay for taking their talents elsewhere, I applauded their T.O. toils and wished them the best in “greener” pastures. For seven years Bosh was the man, and I still appreciate his low-post arsenal and he has some of the best footwork of any big man in the league. I like his game, but let me clarify, I like his offensive game.

The Raptors put up a strong effort for real in this game. Let me tell you, seeing Bargnani go hard at Bosh and post him up on some of the early possessions has never made me happier. Bargs’ arsenal of stutter-steps, jukes, and head fakes followed by lanky drives to the basket are a product of being a Bosh protigé in his NBA youth, and it was great to see them match up. Bargnani put on a show on offense hitting clutch three-pointers (something Bosh never mastered though he tried), with 17 points in the fourth quarter en route to 38 points. Plenty of highlights by the Miami trio, reverse dunk by Bargnani and a nice put-back dunk by DeMar, and a solid competitive game altogether. DeMar had 24, but some Miami guys had a combined 76 points (I don’t remember their names, something like James, something like Wade). Bosh himself had 25 and 6 boards. The game was actually winnable and close late, but Calderon missed open mid-range jumpers on consecutive final-minute possessions, and Bargnani was exposed on the defensive end. For all of Bargs offensive outpour, he could not clog the lane, change shots or intimidate defenders and his 4 total rebounds was truly telling. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, Miami had a couple of rough seasons after their chip in ’06 (including a 15 win debacle in the 07-08 season), but their highs and lows balance out. The Raps can only hope that some day their careful planning, flexibility, cap space, and euro/ young talent can lead them to “greener” pastures right here in Toronto.

Link to the NBA.com video 

"Lest We Forget"

Raptors Coverage: Feb 13, LA Clippers

Game 55 – LA Clippers (W 98-93 / 15-40 / streak W1) Sunday February 13, 2011

Watched whole game

Hello! Welcome back to the ACC! I wondered all year how a team with Blake, Eric Gordon and Baron Davis could have such a poor record, now I know. They were outplayed and outhustled by the Raptors. Coming off losing to the Cavaliers (to snap their 26-game losing streak), the Clippers fail to shoot above 45% and Blake is stuck on the bench with early fouls. Toronto moved the ball well and got out and ran the fast break, which allowed  them to play the game at a pace they excel at. Ed Davis looked supreme with his second straight double-double (13 and 14 rebounds), and played active defense. Everything was dropping for the Raps especially Bargnani and Barbosa, whose undependable shots frequently ended up through the mesh. Calderon really set up the offense and dictated the tempo of the game and DeRozan had 17 once again. This looked like a game the Raps would win all along, it just felt right tonight and the crowd felt it too. Blake got his highlights in and the Raps got their 4^th win of the New Year, so a good, entertaining game for Raptors fans. Next game will be hosting the Miami Heat with Chris Bosh back in the ACC for the first time since leaving Toronto. The reception will be interesting and I WILL BE THERE!!!

"Watch out for Blake"

Ray Allen Milestone

Ray Ray

Day and night, night and day, the jumpers rain,

Efficient as machines, his stroke obsessed,

Night and day, day and night, mechanic aim,

Where rational and accurate are stressed.

A military child, in green he’s dressed,

From on the Hillcrest looking down the road,

Precise in shot and aim, he’s Jesus blest,

He snipes, a shuttle’s worth of treys unload.

A fluid nature, skill and heart will bode

Of human limits back and forward beat,

Yet human, not machine, his essence flowed,

Toward a ring and medal gold elite.

Day and night, night and day, Ray Allen’s rhyme

Night and day, day and night, it’s winning time.

   This Sonnet was written in an abstracted form of the Spenserian sonnet form. A Sonnet is usually 14 lines of iambic pentameter, but it can be far more complicated as writers seek to bend but not break sonnet conventions. For more info on the literary form click here. 

   As far as the actual milestone, SLAMonline compiled all the relevant clips and info into one handy video which you can access here via this link. With 2561 career 3-point baskets, Ray Allen is now the All-time leader surpassing Reggie Miller's longtime record. Congrats, to a great guy, and an amazing example of NBA talent and dedication.

"Picture Perfect"

Raptors Coverage: Feb 11, Portland

Game 54 – Portland (L 102-96 / 14-40 / streak L3) Friday February 11, 2011

Didn’t watch

Late game exection and too-little, too-late efforts hurt the Raptors in this game. Their inability to cover LaMarcus Aldridge (37 and 10) or get rebounds hurt too. Bargs finished with a typical 29 points in underwhelming fashion, while DMDR had 17 points and Calderon 10 assists. This is a common formula for the Raps, unfortunately not a winning formula. The Raps made a late comeback attempt, but were stumped by Portland’s All-Star snub LaMarcus Aldridge. Amir Johnson missed his first game ever with the Raptors (for wear and tear), so Ed Davis started and did his best to rebound for the entire Raps frontcourt with 13 boards. Jerryd Bayless hit all 18 points in the final quarter including 4 three-pointers. Get ready because the Blakeshow comes to town Sunday, and we have something to look forward to Raptors fans…

Raptors Coverage: Feb 8/9

 Game 52 - @ Milwaukee (L 92-74 / 14-38 / streak L1) Tuesday February 8, 2011

Watched first half

Let out that deep breath from last games win, and prepare to take in another huge breath and hold it because the rest of February isn’t looking any easier. Although six of the remaining seven February games are at home, they are against SA, Portland, Clips, Heat, Bulls, Suns and Mavs with the road game in Charlotte. Hopefully the Raps can steal a couple of these games but they’re not really going to playing teams of similar records any time soon.

Barbosa was back after missing twelve games and added some much needed punch on offense for the Raptors other than DMDR and Bargs. DMDR finished with 18, Bargnani with 22 but the Raps only totaled 74 points in the loss. Five Bucks scored in double-digits and Bogut held down the middle for the Bucks with 5 blocks, providing a solid presence in the paint, on the glass and an intimidation factor on defense (something the Raps desperately need so they can slide Bargs over to power-forward). Start of another losing streak? or can the Raps put on a winning mentality and start playing spoiler for some teams.

Game 53 – San Antonio (L 111-100 / 14-39 / streak L2) Wednesday February 9, 2011

Watched fourth quarter

Sometimes Bargnani either looks lost on defense or clearly isn’t applying himself and hustling for the ball, looking to defend his man or playing effective helpside defense. Sure, he can get his points and finished with a game-high 29, but he finished with only 2 rebounds. Bargs should be able to score naturally as a seven-foot shooter who is the focal point of the offense, but to be a winner must focus on defense. DeMar played well and had 25 points, Barbosa added his one-dimensional scoring with 20 points, and gritty Amir Johnson picked up the slack with 12 points, 13 rebounds.

The Raptors were up by one in the fourth quarter and were maintaining an even ground with the NBAs best team. If I could quote my father, “Nice finish to the half. Didn’t expect it to be only 4 points at this stage. I expect they’ll be a little tired and fade away late.” I taught him everything he knows… the Raps indeed have a snooze-fest of a 4^th quarter and are outscored 30-16 in the final frame. They were tired, outworked, and simply outplayed by the best team in the league who knows how to win and put teams like the Raptors away in the fourth quarter. The Spurs also were able to lean on the strong play of their bench, DuJuan Blair had a career-high 28 points with 11 rebounds and the mighty Spurs wrap up another win. At the end they kindly allowed the Raps one more bucket for fan pizza at 100 points.

NBA.com game link 

All-Star Remix

In the languor of another NBA all-star weekend, what I look to most has always been All-Star Saturday night. It was entertaining and unpredictable, some of which was tarnished last year, but it has always stood out for me as the real important and memorable even of All-Star weekend. This year, much care has been taken to re-instill hype into All-Star Saturday night's festivities with a competitive field for the 3-point shootout, Chris Paul's challenge for the skills competition, and NBA golden child Blake Griffin bringing the boom back to the dunk contest. Saturday night seems set, but the All-Star game Sunday threatens to be ho-hum. Last year's event was on a grand stage in front of 107,000 and this year the game is in LA, why not do a Hollywood swap and shake up the teams. The NHL All-Star game shook things up this year with a "team captains" system where teams were chosen by the players. Fans loved it, the entertainment value of the selection process was TV gold, and the game was a huge success. If this scenario were to be employed imagine a Kobe vs LeBron team-picking scenario? Imagine Kobe had first pick and took Wade? Imagine the possibilities... with that being said, here are three other All-Star scenarios that I feel could spice up the game and breathe some life into the Sunday night festivities as well,
Nike                            vs             Adidas
PG: Chris Paul             vs   Derek Rose (Adidas)
SG: Kobe Bryant        vs   Chauncey Billups (Adidas)
SF: LeBron James       vs  Josh Smith (Adidas)
PF: Dirk Nowitzki      vs   Kevin Garnett (Adidas)
C: Amare Stoudemire   vs   Dwight Howard (Adidas)
6: Carmelo Anthony   vs   Tim Duncan (Adidas)
7: Kevin Durant         vs   Eric Gordon (Adidas)
8: Pau Gasol               vs   Raymond Felton (Adidas)

- this one maybe a little unbalanced, it was a little harder to find appropriate All-Star substitutes for the Adidas side. The Nike side on the other hand could have at least three teams full of players who are arguably NBA all-star talent. Nike definately has the monopoly and that's why it would be so fun to see an ADIDAS upset led by Dwight and D-Rose. It would be huge for sponsorship money too for the NBA and for the players, but would it be overly commercializing?


No Tattoos               vs       Tatted Up
PG: Chris Paul        vs    Deron Williams
SG: Dwyane Wade   vs    Kobe Bryant
SF: Kevin Durant     vs   LeBron James
PF: Dirk Nowitzki    vs    Kevin Garnett
C: Dwight Howard    vs  Amare Stoudemire
6: Steve Nash           vs    Derek Rose
7: Manu Ginobili      vs    Carmelo Anthony
8: Ray Allen             vs    Chris Bosh


- this matchup actually provides some interesting possibilities but provokes a subculture bias and argument. I don't want either of these teams to win. David Stern would never approve for fear that a tattoo-led team would trounce the good old boys, and the NBA would again decline into that horrible, early 00's gangsta culture all over again. I would have fun though, and the NBA needs to get some anti-culture flare back, it's getting too mainstream anyways...

High School                  vs  One and Done         vs Sophomore+
PG: Monta Ellis             vs Derek Rose           vs Chris Paul (2yrs)
SG: Kobe Bryant         vs Kevin Durant            vs Dwyane Wade (2 yrs)
SF: LeBron James         vs Carmelo Anthony     vs Blake Griffin (2 yrs)
PF: Amare Stoudemire  vs Chris Bosh               vs Al Horford (3 yrs)
C: Dwight Howard       vs Kevin Love               vs Tim Duncan (4 yrs)
6: Kevin Garnett         vs Brandon Jennings        vs Paul Pierce (3 yrs)
7: Josh Smith               vs John Wall                   vs Ray Allen (3 yrs)
8: Tyson Chandler       vs Tyreke Evans              vs Deron Williams (3 yrs)

- these lineups speak for themselves, I tried to include some guys that wouldn't normally be here too. What method best prepares players for the NBA we'll find out if Stern was right and if the NCAA is really necessary...

Raptors Coverage: Feb 4, Minnesota

 Game 51 – Minnesota (W 111-100 / 14-37 / streak W1) Friday February 4, 2011

Watched whole game

My hand quivered over the L key when typing the above boxscore for this game. Really, it had been a long time since the Raptors have induced a W keystroke from me. Back home it was time to take care of business and just get a win. Even though the Raps have a 13-game losing skid, the Cavaliers are the ones suffering with an NBA record 24-game losing streak.

Sonny Weems is back and rounding into shape, just in time to replace Kleiza who’s out for the season officially with knee surgery. With Weems and DeRozan flying down the wings, the Raptors should be more potent on offense, but if the two of them can crash the glass and pick up crucial rebounds, the Raptors defense will be immensely bolstered. Bayless and Barbosa are also on the mend and may be back at any time. When Bargnani is playing well, he can change the Raptors fortunes and he does with 30 points and 6 rebounds. Amir Johnson counterbalances the frontcourt grabbing 12 rebounds to go along with 19 points and plenty of hustle. DeRozan was solid with 20 points and Calderon was spectacular with a career-high 19 assists.

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ forward Kevin Love was snubbed of an All-Star position, but was graced by one in place of a lame Yao Ming. He discovered this immediately before the game, and the ‘rebounding king’ padded his NBA-leading 15.4 rebounds per game, finishing with 15 and 20 points for his 35^th consecutive double-double. As Charles Barkley says, you can fake being a big scorer on a bad team, but you can’t fake rebounding. Love’s Wolves fall and the Raptors pick up a desperately needed win. They can now take a deep sigh of relief and move on with the season, with this ugly losing-streak behind them.

This is a link to the NBA.com game video! 

"See you at All-Star Weekend"

All-Star Rosters

Eastern Conference                                    Western Conference
C: Dwight Howard                                                                      C: Yao Ming*
PF: Amar'e Stoudemire                                                               PF: Carmelo Anthony
SF: LeBron James                                                                       SF: Kevin Durant
SG: Dwyane Wade                                                                      SG: Kobe Bryant
PG: Derek Rose                                                                          PG: Chris Paul
---------------------                                                                       -------------------------------
Bench                                                                                          Bench
Kevin Garnett                                                                             Tim Duncan
Paul Pierce                                                                                  Pau Gason
Ray Allen                                                                                    Dirk Nowitzki
Rajon Rondo                                                                               Russell Westbrook
Al Horford                                                                                  Deron Williams
Joe Johnson                                                                                Blake Griffin
Chris Bosh                                                                                  Manu Ginobili
---------------------                                                                       -------------------------------
Snubs                                                                                          Snubs
Josh Smith                                                                                  Kevin Love (Yao's injury spot?)
Raymond Felton                                                                         LaMarus Aldridge
Andrew Bogut (leading the league in blocks)                            Monta Ellis
Shaquille O'Neal (Always an All-Star)                                      Steve Nash
Joachim Boozer (both missed too much time)                           Tony Parker

Raptors Coverage: Feb 2, @ Atlanta

Game 50 - @ Atlanta (L 100-87 / 13-37 / streak L13) Wednesday February 2, 2011

Watched fourth quarter

Fifty games into the season and the Raptors are on a real slide. Their losing streak now totals thirteen games, which is also their win total for the season. The Raptors have lost 13 in a row for the first time in nine years. During this 13 game losing streak, the Raps have scored over 100 points just three times (once in overtime). For a team that has always relied on one of the highest scoring offenses in the league to counteract one of the worst defenses in the league, both offense and defense seem to be suffering.

The Raptors stayed within six points at the start of the fourth quarter in this game thanks to the efforts of Amir Johnson (20 points, 14 rebounds) and DeMar DeRozan (16 points). Bargnani has been really flat lately and shooting about 27% over the last couple of games, he finished with 12. The Hawk's Joe Johnson proved his All-Star worth putting up a season-high 37 points and 8 assists, while Josh Smith and Al Horford both finished with rebounding double-doubles with 18 and 11, and 12 and 14 respectively. The Raptors look for a win next at home Friday against Minnesota.

GameLink: http://www.nba.com/games/20110202/TORATL/gameinfo.html?ls=gt2hp0021000719#nbaGIboxscore

 PS. All-Star Reserves announced tonight at 7 before Orlando Magic-Miami Heat game!

Hakeem Olajuwon Profile

Hakeem Olajuwon

by Devin Gray

“The Dream”

“Dream Shake”

“The Tower of Power”

Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors – 18 Years, 1238 games

7’0” – 255 lb – 21.8 pts – 11.1 reb – 2.5 ast – 1.75 stl – 3.09 blk – .512 fg%

SLAM #130 “The New Top 50” June 2009 Ranking: 13

“Book of Basketball”- Bill Simmons’ Ranking: 10

Hakeem Olajuwon was the perfect post player. His greatness is affirmed because he won championships. When questioning a player’s legacy and worth, historians look at a number of factors and championships are just one of these. Many of the greatest NBA players have never won an NBA title, but greatness nonetheless is judged based on ultimate, objective results.

In winning, Olajuwon beat many hall of fame big men who never got their chance to secure an NBA title during the MJ era. Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Karl Malone, Shaquille O’Neal and David Robinson were among those unable to win a championship in the mid-nineties. Only Robinson eventually won a title (with the help of a young Tim Duncan) in 1999, after Jordan retired (again) and Olajuwon was winding down his career. Watch him dominate David Robinson; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW4uXlRGAF0&feature=related

Although Olajuwon averaged a playoff career 25.9 points per game (9^th best all-time), he may have never won an NBA championship if Jordan hadn’t decided to retire following his first three-peat. During Jordan’s “baseball sabbatical,” Olajuwon found a way break through in the void of an NBA struggling to replace its most magnificent star. So while MJ claimed chips in ’91, ’92, and ’93 and doubled up his dynasty from ’96, ’97, and ’98, Hakeem’s Rockets “mini-dynasty” was sandwiched in the middle, winning back-to-back championships in ’94 and ’95.

Both drafted in the 1984 draft, Olajuwon was selected first overall by the Houston Rockets out of the University of Houston. Jordan was taken third overall by the Chicago Bulls. The two never met in the NBA finals, but were widely considered the benchmark for both ends of the talent spectrum, and the gauge by which all guards and big-men were compared to in their era. Watch his top-10 plays; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0GCyU0sKxqI&feature=related

A quick and relentless seven-footer with talented guard skills, Hakeem developed post footwork as a young soccer player, which he combined with uncanny balance, finesse and offensive ingenuity, making him into an unstoppable force close to the basket. Olajuwon’s defensive awareness and quick hands balanced his all-around skill-set on both ends of the floor.

In 1993/94, Olajuwon became the only player to ever be named NBA defensive player of the year, regular season MVP, and playoff MVP, a record that stands today. Hakeem was devotedly competitive; he measured his success by the level of his peers, and took pride in besting them in the field of athletic competition. His offensive jukes, headfakes and patented “Dream Shake” got opposing big men off balance and out of position for easy drives to the basket. Watch him explain the "Dream Shake;" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29WpgU0pqN8&feature=related

 He had long, strong arms that disrupted opposing teams’ offense and racked up steals and an NBA record 3830 blocks (550 more than #2 Mutombo). He actually recorded a combined 5992 steals and blocks, no other player even reaches 4500.  Hakeem was more than solid on the defensive end, he was sensational, winning defensive player of the year honours in ’93 and ’94.

Hakeem averaged 20.6 and 11.9 as a rookie in 1984/85 and never dipped below 21 and 10.8 for the next twelve years, and in 1999 he averaged 19-10; fifteen years into his NBA career. He made the playoffs every year but once in his first fifteen, often carrying Rockets teams surrounded by lackluster talent. Hakeem was a truly consistent force on offense and defense for much of the eighties and nineties. He made All-NBA teams 12 times, All-Defensive teams 9 times, and All-Star teams 12 times. Watch his clutch block to preserve the '94 championship; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzUv5_YFhPI

Hakeem took on the “H” at the start of his name following the 1991 season when he embraced the Muslim faith, began to pray and speak in proverbs. In a way this added to his character as a moral and spiritual authority for the Rockets during their championship days, and he serves as a Houston icon to this day. He also donated 2.5% of his salary to the poor each season beginning in 1991 and has always been conscious that basketball can provide opportunities outside of the game and players can contribute to both their team and society through their actions.

Olajuwon now runs a kids camp started in 2006 called Big Man Camp where he teaches post players not to rely on their size and to develop their skills. He says the modern NBA style of play may be more suited for guards than "for a big man who is just big, maybe. But not if you play with speed, with agility. It will always be a big man's game if the big man plays the right way. On defense, the big man can rebound and block shots. On offense, he draws double-teams and creates opportunities. He can add so much, make it easier for the entire team." He has also tutored NBA players Emeka Okafor, Yao Ming, Kobe Bryant (who recently passed Hakeem for 8th place all-time scoring) and Dwight Howard, as he passes the wisdom of the big man craft down to the next generation, as it was passed to him by Moses Malone. Watch him tutor Dwight Howard; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mArHU1ewSog 

Olajuwon's Career Stats: http://www.nba.com/playerfile/hakeem_olajuwon/

All-Time NBA Blocks: http://www.nba.com/statistics/default_all_time_leaders/AllTimeLeadersBLKQuery.html?topic=4&stat=15