The ninth ranked Boomers side’s youth movement is just starting to take full effect, with Pat Mills’ game all shine against Iran, while Joe Ingles is also making a name for himself, with 15 points to top powerhouse Croatia by four in Rijeka, which might just ensure his permanent placement on the team. Jetlag was a concern prior to tip off, but David Andersen’s led the charge with Jingles’ mini-burst providing some much needed backup.
“Joe Ingles, Patrick Mills and Shawn Redhage came off the bench and got us going in the presses,” Coach Brian Goorjian said after. “They ended up playing big minutes and were really good for us.”
Australia plays Croatia again on Friday morning, Australian time, before flying to Athens to contest the Acropolis Tournament against Croatia, Greece and Brazil. The 12 man Olympic roster will be announced by the Australian Olympic Committee on July 11.
With his performance in mind, should Ingles be included?
Send us your thoughts at handle@handlemag.com.au
3/07/08 Team usa: 2008 edition
With issue 018 – handle’s Olympics edition – hitting newsstands this week, contributor Todd Spehr offers his thoughts on the worlds most watched basketball team:
"When USA Basketball announced its 12 man roster for Beijing, two characteristics were instantly notable: the team lacks interior size, and the roster is loaded with Nike endorsed athletes – 11 of them, to be exact.
Nike is the team’s official apparel sponsor, but could the swoosh have affected the selection process? Do 11 multimillion dollar deals add up to a international basketball team? Who has final cut here? However, conspiracies aside, it’s in everyone’s interest –Nike, the coaches and the players alike – to win back gold for the USA. So, how are the team’s chances?
The 2008 version of Team USA appears deeper than any of the previous three squads, with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as close to Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan as any tandem, ever. That, coupled with a newfound team chemistry built from the mandatory three year commitment and the recent two off season training camps, makes this Team USA a dangerous proposition.
The starting backcourt has upgraded from Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury to Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant, and supplemented by two of the best young point guards the league’s ever seen in Chris Paul and Deron Williams, as well as the zone busting marksman in Michael Redd and all around floor leader Michael Redd. In the frontcourt, five position defender Tayshaun Prince backs up a pair of transcendent small forwards in James and Carmelo Anthony, each of whom is capable of playing multiple positions and taking a game over single handily.
The obvious omission on this team is depth at centre. Dwight Howard, recently diagnosed with a fractured sternum, is the team’s only true centre, while Carlos Boozer and Chris Bosh are primarily power forwards. Reserves include Tyson Chandler, Mike Miller and Shawn Marion, but even those players will help little with depth down low as Howard, as much as anyone, seems to most likely to fall out due to injury.
However, if everything can come together for the team, and if it can keep Howard out of foul and injury trouble, gold should be USA’s for the taking in Beijing. "
3/07/08 Letter to the editor
Dear Handle magazine,
I read with great interest the Editor's intro in issue #18. It brought up a point of view that I have held since 1998.
The state of Australian Basketball sucks, both at a national and international level. But what can be expected, when a majority of Australian media largely ignores the sport, (In favour of the AFL, ARL, and A-League.) It is barely shown on F.T.A. Television, or given much depth in publication.
I was one of the many fans that grew up as a teenager in the 90's, or the "Heyday" of Basketball if you will. In the NBA I bleed Houston, and in the NBL, my bleeding was cauterised when the North Melbourne Giants were Amputated from the league, and presented to us in the form of the Tragic Titans. I never went back to the NBL.
Yes that's right, I haven't bothered to attend an NBL game in ten years now, one could argue I was just bitter about my team being one of the many to fall to the side due to lack of financial backing, interest in the league itself, or both. In truth, I simply stopped caring about the league, I figured if the league and Television networks didn't care about the fans of both the NBL and NBA, then why should I care? And I think you can draw a direct correlation in the decline of Australian Basketball, with the removal of both NBA and NBL from F.T.A. Television.
I used to love going to an NBL game, then getting home and being able to watch the NBA game of the week. The Timeslot of an NBA game didn't matter, you'd either watch it, or tape it, then watch it with friends the next day, before heading out to a local school, and trying to find a pickup game. Of course unless you have Pay TV you aren't going to watch any Basketball, (No I am not ignoring Channel 9 showing 1 NBL game a week. They do this because they have no AFL anymore.) And then when you head to your local School yard to shoot around, there are giant fences up, and threats of prosecution if you trespass. so young kids have limited or no places to go practice.
And don't even start me on Government funding, or lack of. I know that success breeds success, and for the NBL to gain more funding, it needs to prove that it is viable, (which given the current state of affairs, I would be pre-disposed to say it is not!)
Then there is the subject of heroes and Villains. Every sport has them, and every sport thrives off them. In the 90's NBA, you had names like Jordan, Drexler, Barkley, Olajuwon, Robinson, Malone, Stockton, Kemp, just to name a few. Kids had posters on their wall, Cards in their folders, it was a national craze. Starved for NBA Basketball, (Remember the Internet was still in its infancy,) you relied on NBA Action to keep you updated! People headed out to watch the NBL, and we had an exciting brand to watch. The Glory days of "Gaze Alley-Oop to Copeland!" Or the "D-Train" In Sydney, Dwayne McClaine and Ken McClary. The two Centres everyone loved to hate, Mark Bradtke and John Dorge. Electrifying highlight reels from players like "The Alabama Slamma" James Crawford, The Young, up and Coming "Slammin" Sam MacKinnon, the list goes on. It certainly wasn't the NBA, but it was exciting, and it was Australian!
Now we have a caricature of what the league was. We struggle to fill 4,000 strong stadiums, let alone somewhere like Rod Laver, or even Vodafone Arena for that matter. All our top talent heads overseas as soon as they get a chance, (and who can blame them.) And any imports we get, bolt at the first sign of a better contract. I will never forget the American/ Naturalised Australian players who came, and stayed, (Leroy Loggins, Derek Rucker, Cecil Exum, Ricky Grace, Cal Bruton, Steve Carfino, Dean Uthoff, Dave Simmons, Bruce Bolden, Lanard Copeland etc.) Some of these names are already, or will one day be NBL Hall of famers. They helped build a fledgling league into, at a time, the most played sport in Australia.
As much as I love the Basketball of the 1990s, I know that those days are gone. What we have now is a stagnant league, out of ideas, and sinking fast. I agree with the current downsizing that has been happening, to make clubs more financially viable, but until F.T.A. Television seriously comes to the table, and unless some serious corporate dollars and Government funding are put into the league, it will continue to sink towards an inevitable oblivion. And we will continue as a nation to languish in Olympic/World Championship mediocrity.
I will save beating on the WNBL for next time, although they are in a much better place than the Men's Basketball.
Michael Bennett.
3/0708 No second license for nbl
The NBL has formally stated that it will not include a second Sydney team, to replace the recently folded Kings in the competition for 2008-09.
Is anyone really surprised?
The upcoming NBL season commences September 13, meaning that time has a stranglehold on the proceedings. And even if a team could be crammed through in time, would fans even want to show up to support a new name and colours?
The last thing we need right now is a quick fire, desperately underqualified team destroying the long term possibility of a true Sydney team returning. We should wait and see what unfolds.
NO SECOND SYDNEY NBL LICENSE FOR 2008/09
The National Basketball League (NBL) will not include a second Sydney team in season 2008/09 after the two groups who had submitted proposals for a new license informed the NBL office they were unable to proceed with their bids.
The League office was informed on Wednesday that one of the bids would have to drop out of the race to gain a second Sydney NBL license. The group cited concerns about their ability to put in place the necessary logistical structures to support the team in the short timeframe still remaining until the start of the 2008/09 season on September 13.
The withdrawal left the bid backed by former Sydney Kings owners Harry Cousens and Dorry Kordahi as the only potential applicant for a license that could be considered by the NBL. Support from a major backer for the Cousens-Kordahi consortium failed to materialise however and the group advised the NBL late on Wednesday afternoon that they did not have the necessary financial assurances in place to proceed with their bid either.
The news left the League with no alternative but to cancel a planned teleconference of the NBL Participants on Wednesday evening that would have considered the license applications and make the decision to move ahead as an 11-team league in season 2008/09.
NBL interim Chief Executive Officer Chuck Harmison said the withdrawal of both bids at the eleventh hour was extremely disappointing but that the NBL could now focus on preparations for the 2008/09 season.
“The League had high hopes for both the proposed ownership groups, but ultimately when it came to crunch time both failed to produce the necessary backing to proceed despite the best efforts of some passionate basketball fans in both camps” said Harmison. “The League made a last-ditch attempt when it became apparent that both bids were faltering to bring the two groups together, but those efforts have been in vain. The NBL will therefore be an 11-team league in 2008/09 and we will now move forward and devote our energies to assisting our existing teams in their preparations for the season ahead.”
“Whilst we are obviously disappointed, we had been prepared for this eventuality since the Sydney Kings license was terminated and the League will continue on,” Harmison vowed. “We knew that the possibility of a consortium putting together a successful bid for a new license in time for the 2008/09 season was slim at best. The Razorbacks will now continue to ensure that we have a firm foothold in Australia’s biggest marketplace and they now have the chance to reinvent themselves as a team for all of Sydney. ”
Season 2008/09 will now see each of the NBL’s 11 clubs playing 30 games (15 home and 15 away). The regular season schedule is currently being revised and will be released later in July. The reduction in teams will see the top-eight finals format reviewed in the coming weeks.
1/07/08 NBL considers second Sydney License
handle received the following press release this morning from the NBL.
NBL STATEMENT ON SECOND SYDNEY LICENSE
National Basketball League interim Chief Executive Officer Chuck Harmison has issued the following statement with regards to the issuing of a possible second Sydney licence.
“Since the Sydney Kings license was terminated by the NBL on 12 June, the League office has received bids from two separate groups to purchase a new license for the Sydney market,” said Harmison. “Our initial analysis of the bids is encouraging, with both including detailed supporting data on their business plans, budgets and investors, as well as concrete evidence of their financial backing.”
“The NBL’s Steering Committee reviewed the applications in detail yesterday and we have since gone back to both groups to request some additional information in order to make the final determination as to which is the strongest.”
“The Steering Committee is now awaiting this extra information before making a final recommendation to the NBL Participant clubs. This recommendation will be made via a teleconference on Wednesday evening and the League expects to be able to announce its decision on Thursday.”
1/07/08 sneak peek at issue 18 web editorial-words: tom minear
Sneak peek at issue 18, out July 2! Don't miss your chance to get the latest issue, subscribe today!
BREAKDOWN OF THE BOOMERS
Right now, Australia’s finest athletes are breaking a sweat in preparation for an assault on the global hoops consciousness. Beijing marks our chance to spark a revolution. While many hold a vice like grip on the hope that a medal in Beijing will rejuvenate the common interest in the sport locally, a top three finish will send a message that the Boomers are ready to be considered a superpower on the basketball landscape, regardless of how seriously they are taken domestically. After the recent three game series against fellow Olympic qualifier Iran, where the squad compiled three easy W’s, question marks do remain but the definitive answers will be arrive once the National Team tours Europe and Andrew Bogut, David Andersen and Matthew Nielsen look to work themselves into the line-up. With Issue 018 about to hit news stands on July 2, handle thought it was time to check back with the National Team and assess their recent performances.
BIG MEN
Two workmanlike performances in Games Two (nine points, four offensive boards) and Three (nine points, two blocks) have Wade Helliwell in with a real shot at a place in Beijing. Although not the smoothest big man in the squad, Helliwell brought requisite toughness and a knack for being in the right spot at the right time against Iran. Still a border-line selection for Beijing, the southpaw’s admirable contributions against Iran will not be ignored. Although seriously undersized, ex-Sydney King Russell Hinder contributed solid performances in the power positions in Games Two and Three. Hinder’s ability to stretch the defense, pass out of the post and get on the boards was a nice combination, but doesn’t appear to possess the talent to be a dominant international force. Making his Australian debut in Game One, AJ Ogilvy remains one of the brightest and most underappreciated players for Australia right now. Although he played limited minutes both in Perth and Melbourne, with underlining boxscores, Ogilvy’s hustle and playmaking abilities were obvious. And after an extremely impressive training camp against older bodies, he is well placed as one of the most exciting prospects for the next decade. Against Iran, reigning dual NBL MVP Chris Anstey wasn’t his usual exceptional self. Playing the lions share of minutes in the post, shooting only 16% from the field and averaging four boards and three dimes in the process. His experience and leadership remain key for Brian Goorjian as he provides regular input into the team’s tactical direction but more will be expected from Anstey going into Beijing. The recently naturalized Shawn Redhage joined the Boomers with a bang. A combined 21 points on 7 of 12 shooting only tells half the story – Redhage’s length wreaked havoc defensively, and his energy sparked the team. Although undersized at the 4, he has improved his shooting range to become a candidate at both forward positions. With only one naturalized player allowed for Olympic competition under FIBA rules, and with Darnell Mee out of the picture, coupled with Sam Mackinnon’s injury, this ex-American is on the shortlist for China. Always been recognized as a quality player, Mark Worthington‘s inability to choose between forward spot often looms as a weakness. In typical fashion, he eliminated the doubt and posted a double-double of 24 points and 12 boards in Melbourne. Power forward fits like a glove, but an inconsistent outside jumper prevented the perfect campaign. His energy that got the Boomers over the line as they battled fatigue in Game Three, and Goorjian will hope that his intensity sparks the team moving forward.
SWINGMEN
Installed as the Boomers’ starting small forward, in the absence of Sam Mackinnon, David Barlow’s performances against Iran certainly suggest that he will reprise the role in Beijing. In Game One, he caught fire early and finished with 19 points, including five threes. Barlow cooled off as the series progressed, but continued to apply himself on the defensive end, rebounding with aplomb. His combination of size and skill make him a key ingredient in Goorjian’s Beijing broth. Veteran swingman Glen Saville reaffirmed why he is another mainstay of the Boomers. Playing his typical high standard against Iran, his 14 point, six board, four assist Game Two outing was one of the most well-rounded displays of the series. Against Iran, he showcased just how easily his skill set meshes with the baby Boomers. Against Iran, Joe Ingles stat lines did not do his tremendous competitive nature justice. Never afraid to pull the trigger, with an apparent all system go from Goorjian, he hit just two of seven in Perth and zero of four in front of the Adelaide faithful. That was rectified by his eight point, three board final game. In each match, Ingles showed a different capability, whether it be his excellent court vision, devastating first step or telescopic length on defense. With such an array of talents, he is the ideal candidate to back up both wing positions.
GUARDS
Putting up his consistently solid performances across the series, CJ Bruton posted 13 points and 3 dimes in Perth, 15 and 2 in Adelaide and 7 and 4 in the final clash in Melbourne. His play was vital in setting the tempo on both ends, creating his own or pushing the rock in transition. Bruton’s increased playmaking maturity was important to the team’s success against Iran which became beneficial to Brian Goorjian’s blood pressure. One of three debutants in the Iran series, James Harvey finally achieved well-deserved minutes in the green and gold. Playing in Games One and Three. Not posting overly impressive numbers, he did see limited opportunities, where he acquitted himself with gusto. His shooting woes will not worry the coaching staff – Harvey’s international chances have always been paralleled by his defensive intensity, which was solid in the free-flowing games against the Asian champions. Unfortunately, there won’t be enough space for him in Beijing, and although he will remain with the team, Harvey has been told that he is all but cut. A perennial Boomers squad member, Luke Kendall is again on the bubble following the Iran series. Ticking vital boxes, his ability to put it together will determine his selection on the national team. Despite selection in Game One, Darnell Mee was not able to play the rest of the way after struggling with injury concerns. At 37, he is past his best while seeing Patrick Mills reaffirmed as the new leader of Australia’s second unit. Standing as a key contributor to the Olympic qualification process, Mee’s Boomer run was limited but memorable. Instated as the love child of Aussie hoops Patrick Mills offered the Boomers vital speed and finesse, both of which were exemplified against Iran. His 11 points and two dimes in Game One set up his team leading 17 points in Game Two. His tendency to rush the tempo, as well as defensive struggles keep him bets served as a spark plug. After his successful season with Panionios BC in Greece, Brad Newley re-emerged as Jason Smith’s replacement as the starting two guard. After struggled for rhythm in Game One, but produced a magnificent cameo in his hometown of Adelaide – 13 points, three boards, three assists and a block in just 20 minutes of burn in Game Two. His Increased bulk was obvious against Iran and when combined with his improved explosiveness and trademark hustle, Newley proved essential for Goorjian.Italian-based sharpshooter Damien Ryan never really got started against Iran, and will now be left thinking of what might have been. Ryan is certainly a talented player, but his five scoreless minutes in Game One only served to solidify the belief that 28-year-old has now been overtaken by younger options Joe Ingles and Brad Newley. He will remain in and around the Boomers set-up for a while yet, looking towards the World Championships but with a much reduced role.
30/06/08 Bullets lose license
handle received the following press release this morning:
BULLETS TO HAND LICENSE BACK TO NBL
Brisbane Bullets owner Eddy Groves has informed the National Basketball League (NBL) that he will be handing back his team’s license after he was unable to find a new ownership group that could satisfy the League requirements regarding a license transfer.
Groves made public in March his intention to divest himself of his ownership of the Bullets license.
Whilst new investors had flagged interest in taking over the license in recent months, they had been unable to provide the league with the financial surety required to prove their ability to effectively run the team in the long term. Groves informed the League office over the weekend that he would therefore be handing back the Bullets’ license immediately.
NBL interim Chief Executive Officer Chuck Harmison said that the move meant that the Brisbane Bullets would not be competing in season 2008/09.
“The NBL is very disappointed that the Bullets license has been unable to be transferred to a new ownership group,” said Harmison. “There had been positive signs in recent weeks that the Bullets would be able to find a new owner, but they simply could not deliver the financial guarantees required by the League for a license transfer.”
“Eddy duly informed us this morning that he will therefore be handing back the Bullets license immediately. Given how close we are now to the start of the new NBL campaign in September, there is now no realistic possibility that the Bullets will be part of season 2008/09.”
Harmison said that the Bullets situation was extremely disappointing but thanked Groves for his efforts as a League owner.
“Eddy Groves has been a fantastic owner,” Harmison said. “We thank him for his efforts as both an owner, and as a sponsor of the league and wish him all the best as he switches his focus to his core business.”
“Whilst this is a very sad day for Bullets fans and the NBL, we take heart from the fact that we continue to have three strong teams representing the state of Queensland in the League. With the uncertainty surrounding the Bullets now resolved, and a final outcome regarding the second Sydney team expected this week, we can now move forward to prepare for the 2008/09 season, which will tip-off on September 13.”
27/06/08 More updates on the nba draft
In a major late draft day trade, the Minnesota Timberwolves packaged third overall pick OJ Mayo, a freshman out of the University of Southern California, with Serbian guard Marko Jaric, disgruntled former star Antoine Walker and journeyman Greg Buckner to the Memphis Grizzlies for number five pick Kevin Love, out of the University of California, Los Angeles, sharp shooter Mike Miller, big man bust Brian Cardinal and little used centre Jason Collins.
Love’s game has been compared to that of Timberwolves General Manager Kevin McHale, who reportedly fell in love with the big man’s skill set, but felt Mayo would garner more assets in a trade. The freshman bruiser will make up a much improved front court alongside Minnesota’s star Al Jefferson, with Mike Miller joining Randy Foye on the perimeter.
Meanwhile, Memphis finds its stocked with young, promising guards – including the just added Mayo, Kyle Lowry, Javaris Crittenton and Mike Conley – and may not be finished dealing yet.
Walker, Buckner and Collins are all very much throw ins to make the money work, but both Cardinal and Jaric have terrible contracts (two years, $13 million and three years, $21 million, respectively) that their former teams were attempting get out from under.
The deal was the second high profile draftee trade after the Indiana Pacers sent University of Arizona prospect Jerryd Bayless to Portland in exchange for University of Kansas shooting guard Brandon Rush, as well as Jarrett Jack and Josh McRoberts.
27/06/08 web editorial words: Anthony Roberts and Brad Graham
WHERE THE 2008 NBA DRAFT HAPPENS
The NBA Draft has come a long way since the 1973, 20 round version, that saw NBA franchises take as long as they desired to call out their selection. With the 24th edition of the NBA Draft now behind us, further player movements are inevitably about to take place as GMs try and match the Boston Celtics for ultimate bragging rights as the NBA’s finest. With Derrick Rose’s arrival in Chicago and the endless fan debates over whether or not the Bulls should trade their current backcourt stars, handle figured we should break down the new NBA additions, especially now that we have seen them all shake hands with David Stern (or his deputy’s) and 'dawned' the cap that bears their new team’s logo. First and foremost, without a doubt, the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively, were all on the money with their choices. Any roster that is able to add Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley and O.J. Mayo is immediately improved but what about…
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS.
Restricted free agent Emeka Okafor was highly talked about coming into the draft and with a need to go big, the Bobcats turned in another strange draft day move, and an early selection that confused us here in the handle office, with Michael Jordan taking DJ Augustin. Strange because the ‘Cats have a solid PG in Raymond Felton. Sure Brook Lopez was the obvious choice but maybe Mike and new Head Coach Larry Brown know something we don’t. We like the Texas guard a lot and believe he would be better served as a starter on a more needing squad. Sense a valuable trade move coming, anyone? Adam Morrison’s return will also add spice to what this team does heading into 09.
DETROIT PISTONS.
How on earth did Joe Dumars luck out again? Picking up Indiana Hoosier forward D.J. White may in fact turn out to be the biggest steal since the Pistons drafted guard Rodney Stuckey. Teamed with Rasheed Wallace, Tayshaun Prince, Antonio McDyess and that unbreakable backcourt – Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton, somehow the Pistons always find a way to improve. Expect to see them in the East finals again, regardless of whether or not they move Sheed.
INDIANA PACERS.
Firstly, handle loves the Jermaine O'Neal trade. Although not yet official, the Toronto Raptors have agreed, in principle, to a trade that involves six-time NBA All-Star Jermaine O'Neal and his $44m two year contract, along with Indiana's 41st pick, which turned out to be the reigning NBL Rookie of the Year, Cairns Taipans Nathan Jawai, in exchange for Raptor PG T.J. Ford, centre Rasho Nesterovic, Forward Maceo Baston, and Toronto's 17th pick, former University of Georgetown Centre Roy Hibbert. The handle team were also over the moon when Indiana selected guard Jerryd Bayless 11th, then were immediately crushed when he was traded to the Portland Trailblazers in a deal involving Brandon Rush. All in all, it was a very mixed day for handle contributor Anthony Roberts.
MILWAUKEE BUCKS.
Prior to the Draft, all eyes fell on the Milwaukee Bucks. General Manager John Hammond acquired forward Richard Jefferson from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for forwards Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian. We were actually tipped off by our friends in the NBA about West Virginian Joe Alexander being taken with the eighth choice. It is a good look for the Bucks who now boast four out of five positions and will look to bring Alexander and Desmond Mason off the bench. Andrew Bogut’s squad just got a lot stronger. As for the Bulls and Sonics…
CHICAGO BULLS
Yes, the Bulls have salary cap concerns but John Paxon’s notion that number one overall selection Derrick Rose will benefit, especially early on, from playing on a deep backcourt, with limited minutes, is apt. No rookie should have the burden of running a team in their inaugural season unless their name is Jason Kidd or Chris Paul. All eyes now fall on player movement and new appointed Head Coach Vinny Del Negro. Restricted free agents Ben Gordon and Luol Deng to add semi drama to the moves they are able to make.
SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
UCLA guard Russell Westbrook, at number 4, was ridiculously high in our opinion. Coming into the draft, after reading the mocks, we believed that taking him at 12 was above his level, despite his sensational play late in the NCAA season. Call us on it later but we are not yet sold on his play, not at the NBA level anyway. It is as if the Sonics have seen what former Kentucky point guard Rajon Rondo has been able to do and are banking on WestBrook replicating Rondo. Yes, he is also a good defender who doesn't have to score but it's different when you have Defensive Player of the Year Kevin Garnett, NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce and super sniper Ray Allen around you. While the W desperately needs a solid PG, it would have made more sense if the Sonics had drafted the other former UCLA standout, PF Kevin Love. Imagine a team with Durant at the two, Jeff Green at the three and K-love at the four. That’s a nice trio who offers an optimistic future. Not that Westbrook isn’t capable, it’s just that Love was on the board, no pun intended.
ADDITIONALLY
The Los Angeles Clippers had the handle team cheering when Indiana guard Eric Gordon was nabbed. Hearing the New York Knicks fans at the WaMu theatre inside Madison Square Garden will never get old. Sure Italian Danilo Gallinari was an obvious choice, given the families ties with new appointed head coach Mike D’Antoni, but how will it help the struggling Knicks? Oh that’s right, we haven’t seen him play either. It was fantastic to see the Phoenix Suns (via Atlanta) take forward Robin Lopez from Stanford while his twin brother, Brook Lopez, who fell to tenth, despite being the best Centre on offer, was nabbed by the New Jersey Nets. The Kosta Koufos selection by the Utah Jazz is curious, and offers them the diet version of Mehmet Okur, should injury ever keep him out. It appears Jerry Sloan knows what he likes and believes in the “if it ain’t broke…” rule. The Houston Rockets picking up Nicolas Batum, a highly heralded forward from France, is an exceptional late first round selection. Lastly, Kansas forward Darrell Arthur adds strength to an already impressive New Orleans front line that boasts All-Star David West and Tyson Chandler. While he went crazy late, and we are still not sure how that happened, it is a great pick up for last season’s number two seed in the Wild West. Like Carlos Boozer, Manu Ginobili, Gilbert Arenas and Nick Van Exel, Arthur will look to follow in the footsteps of these other studs who fell deep in their respective drafts, only to soar.
Here’s how the 2008 draft happened:
01 Chicago Bulls – Derrick Rose – Guard – Memphis
02 Miami Heat – Michael Beasley – Forward – Kansas State
03 Minnesota Timberwolves – O.J.Mayo – Guard – USC
04 Seattle Supersonics – Russell Westbrook – Guard – UCLA
05 Memphis Grizzlies – Kevin Love – Forward – UCLA
06 New York Knicks – Danilo Gallinari – Forward – Italy
07 Los Angeles Clippers – Eric Gordo – Guard – Indiana
08 Milwaukee Bucks Joe Alexander – Forward – West Virginia
9 Charlotte Bobcats D.J.Augustin – Guard – Texas
10 New Jersey Nets – Brook Lopez – Centre – Stanford
11 Indiana Pacers Jerryd Bayless – Guard – Arizona
12 Sacramento Kings Jason Thompson – Forward – Rider
13 Portland Trail Blazers – Brandon Rush – Forward – Kansas
14 Golden State Warriors – Anthony Randolph – Forward – LSU
27/06/08 Web editorial words: handle magazine- image Mark Nolan
The NBA Draft is upon us, and handle magazine’s senior contributor Bobby Ciafardini is on the ground to witness all the sights and sounds of the 2008 edition. Check back with www.handlemag.com.au for a full recap of the draft. With the NBA draft continuing to gain momentum each and every season, the handle team figured we’d take a minute and pay tribute to the one item that is more consistent than David Stern’s awkward pauses during his draft day announcements – the NBA Draft day caps. The 2008 installment of the caps made their debut on the NBA stage at the WaMu Theater at Madison Square Garden. As the NBA’s official outfitter, Adidas delivering the one item that marks the official moment when an athlete is recognized as an NBA player (next to shaking, posing and awkwardly smiling with NBA Commish David Stern of course), as Andrew Bogut discovered in 2005. Millions of fans across the globe tune into watch the NBA Draft and we hope you caught it live on ESPN Australia, if you’re fortunate enough to have Foxtel, and the day off school / work. Who doesn’t want to tip their cap and wear what Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, Eric Gordon, Kevin Love and even Nathan Jawai do on NBA Draft night? Seeing as the caps are (obviously) available in all 30 team styles, and retail at $24 USD, with the dollar being as good as equal, time is now to pledge your alliance and celebrate your favourite team’s selection in Draft day style. The caps are available at the NBA Store in NYC, online at www.nbastore.com and www.shopadidas.com, as well as various other retailers throughout the US. And if you’re not an online shopper, hopefully you’ll see the NBA Draft caps at your local sports retailer soon.
24/06/08 WEB EDITORIAL WORDS: BRAD GRAHAM
FOR BETTER OR WORSE?
In our upcoming issue of handle, 018, handle Editor Brad Graham expresses his views on the recent downfall of the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets, citing that Basketball, as a culture, needs to be awake and has to elevate above simply finding a way of surviving.
Basketball Australia released the a press release today (below) and handle felt it necessary to debunk the myths and weigh in on this merger between the NBL and the governing body of basketball in Australia.
Although the claim has been made that this proposed reform will "strengthen the position of basketball as a key sport within Australia", the reality is yet to unfold and it will be interesting to see just how this plays out. It has already been documented that former Sydney Kings owner Tim Johnston has been loosely associated with the Dynamic Sports and Entertainment Group (DSEG), responsible for over seeing the second instalment of the Government sanctioned inquest into basketball. Although the DSEG involvement begs certain questions of credibility, the association has been since ironed over by the NBL, in a hope of removing any scepticism over the report's findings.
On a vital nerve, one that is not often discussed by these findings is the fact that Basketball Australia retains a very different philosophy compares to than the NBL, one that is conflicting and should never operate under the single banner. How is it possible for a commercially- run league, like the NBL, able to fall under the guise of a body that's main objective is simply the promotion and development of the sport, on all levels, without favouritism and without a direct ideal of turning a profit? Additionally, Basketball Australia (BA) and the National Basketball League each come complete with their own set of problems.
Grouping them doesn't eliminate them, it only escalates them because the mess grows bigger and is harder to sift through. In the house of hoops, knocking down the wall and asking the parents, namely BA, to live in the same space as their working children, namely the NBL, does not automatically equal a happy family unit, if metaphors are needed to visualise the situation.
The following press release talks about "providing greater uniformity and a blueprint for a much improved positioning of the NBL." While we agree that the uniformity is key, and steps closer towards the NBA model are welcomed on a commercial front, the choice over which unity, and the savvy marketing directly by and from the NBL front office is what holds the key to success. This, and a close working relationship with the naming rights sponsors who care that they're invested and let the basketball interest in their association drive their relationship, not the other way around.
Of all the troubling and vague comments made throughout the press release, it states, "that the Board has decided to postpone the review meeting, initially planned for 19 July with key stakeholders, until 11 October 2008." This is because, "The revised timing will also ensure a positive focus is placed on supporting the efforts of the Boomers, Opals, Rollers and Gliders as they prepare for their Olympic and Paralympic campaigns in August and September." This makes no sense and basically signifies that the body in place would rather watch the Olympic and Paralympic Games than get their job done. While we see the point of not rushing the findings, what happens come September when the next NBL season is underway?
CEO Scott Derwin said the move to a unified body would help capitalise on basketball's strengths, reiterating that "Australia is currently ranked 2nd of 213 playing nations on the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rankings, while in Australia basketball is booming at a community level with more than 600,000 people participating in the sport and numbers continuing to grow."
What Basketball Australia failures to realise and, more importantly, state is that the majority of these players, and countless others who play streetball in social runs, during work breaks, in the playground at school and with any number of non affiliated Basteball Australia clubs, is that they are NBA fans and that drives their interest in the game, the culture and the fitness element. Getting this reform right hinges on the acknowledgement of fan interest in the NBA. Point in hand, how many people actually watched the Boomers play Iran Live on Fox Sports instead of watching the ESPN replay of Game 6 of the NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, if you were actually lucky enough to have Foxtel? Getting basketball right hinges on not forcing fans to choose but rather offering them a taste of both delights.
MEDIA RELEASE
24 June 2008
Basketball
Basketball Australia due to finalise review
Basketball Australia (BA) and the National Basketball League (NBL) have made the decision to merge in an effort to reform the sport in Australia. The structure and re-organisation is currently in the final stages of review, and will provide a positive move in strengthening the position of basketball as a key sport within Australia.
The decision to merge stems from a two-stage report, commissioned by the NBL, Basketball Australia and the Australian Sports Commission - the first stage of which was completed by Ernst & Young in November, with the major recommendation being a move to a single unified national body.
The second stage of the review, which is being undertaken by Dynamic Sports and Entertainment Group (DSEG), will see the completion of the final report on 30 June.
The interim Board appointed to oversee the review process has already made significant progress, and has been bolstered with the recent appointments of David Thodey, Group Managing Director for Telstra Enterprise and Government as Chairman of the Board, and Diane Sias, Group Executive, Westpac Business & Technology Solutions & Services.
They join Mark Peters (CEO of the Australian Sports Commission), John Maddock and Seamus McPeake.
To ensure a consistent, centralised and consultative process is maintained with all Basketball Australia and NBL stakeholders during this review period, Basketball Australia Chief Executive Scott Derwin has been appointed to the role of Interim CEO for the new organisation.
Both Basketball Australia and the NBL owners have welcomed the decision of a single governance and management structure.
For Basketball Australia stakeholders, it will mean strengthening its focus on building basketball in Australia across all levels of the sport, while putting in place a formalised franchise agreement between the new organisation and each of the NBL Clubs will provide greater uniformity and a blueprint for a much improved positioning of the NBL.
"The Board has received an interim report, and while satisfied with the content, has recognised there is a lot more to be done, with the report raising a number of critical issues that will require sufficient time to consider properly," said Chairman, David Thodey.
"As a result, the Board has decided to postpone the review meeting, initially planned for 19 July with key stakeholders, until 11 October 2008.
"It is vital for the future of our sport that we get it right. This will involve ensuring the necessary time to undertake a thorough review of the final report, and make sure that no stone is left unturned," stated Mr Thodey.
"It will also ensure that all key stakeholders are given adequate time to review the recommendations resulting from the report, and provide valuable feedback.
"The revised timing will also ensure a positive focus is placed on supporting the efforts of the Boomers, Opals, Rollers and Gliders as they prepare for their Olympic and Paralympic campaigns in August and September."
Mr Derwin said the move to a unified body would help capitalise on basketball's strengths.
"Basketball has a bright future in Australia, but there is no doubt that there is a substantial amount of work to do to ensure we set the right foundations for the next decade," said CEO Mr Derwin.
"Australia is currently ranked 2nd of 213 playing nations on the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rankings, while in Australia basketball is booming at a community level with more than 600,000 people participating in the sport and numbers continuing to grow.
"The challenge is to ensure greater unity and cooperation from a grassroots level right through to the elite level of the sport," stated Mr Derwin. "This is no short-term plan. The aim is to deliver a revised governance and management structure and a sustainable business model and plan to ensure the sport's successful future."
23/6/08 BOSTON CELTICS WIN NBA FINALS
SLAMonline contributor and wordsmith extraordinaire Aaron Kaplowitz delivered a memorable account of the NCAA Men’s tournament in issue 017, on sale now, and now he drops another gem for handle with his reflections on the Boston Celtics memorable play-off run that ended with banner number 17.
GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK.
I covered the Boston Celtics during the 2005-06 season. If you would have told me then that they are two years away from a championship, I would have slapped you silly on the spot.
That year, I watched a raw Kendrick Perkins use his left hand maybe once the entire season; I witnessed Ricky Davis chuck threes from the corner because his friend sitting courtside told him to; I heard Paul Pierce demonstrate a daily lesson in loyalty by saying all the right things about a young, uninspiring team with no playoff aspirations. I even saw Brian Scalabrine get significant playing time.
That was a Celtics team that couldn't care when its season ended, as long as \the paycheck was in the mail. The 2005-06 Celtics were a ragtag collection of individuals who happened to wear the green and white.
Then something interesting happened. After another dismal season, the Celtics revamped with a vengeance. Enter Ray Allen. Written off by many because of various ankle injuries that limited his playing time despite coming off a season that he finished with a career-high in scoring, the smooth-shooting veteran was brought in to patrol the perimeter while Pierce attacked the paint. It was a questionable marriage, one reeking of mediocrity.
A month later, general manager Danny Ainge unloaded a lackluster roster to acquire Kevin Garnett. Suddenly the Allen trade made sense.
Basketball fans were inebriated with the notion that the Celtics could actually return to glory and surpass respectability, a farfetched fantasy only months earlier. The haters warned that a single injury among The Big Three would devastate the team, and that the lack of solid role players would translate into more losses.
Then the season started and something amazing happened. The Celtics dominated their opponents.
It wasn't because Pierce was scoring at will, and it wasn't because Allen was dropping a barrage of threes every night. It wasn't because KG was posterizing his opponents either. The Celtics were winning because they bought into the defence of assistant coach Tom Thibodeau.
When the NBA got an early birthday present with a Boston Celtics – Los Angeles Lakers championship, the finals weren't really about the storied rivalry. The finals were about the league's top scorer, Kobe Bryant, taking on the league's top defence.
As has proven to be the case time and again, defence wins ball games. Bryant was played masterfully by an array of defenders – most notably Pierce – and Pau Gasol, Sasha Vujacic, Ronny Turiaf, Jordan Farmar and Chris Mihm (Yes, even Chris Mihm played.) couldn't lighten the load.
The 2007-08 Boston Celtics is a team for the ages, one assembled in the blink of an eye. We have never seen a team with this many top superstars on one team. Even the stacked Lakers and Celtics teams of the '80s and the Bulls dynasty in the '90s didn't have three of the top 20 players in the league.
When the Celtics raise Banner #17 next season, the expectations will be raised as well. The TD Banknorth Garden's rafters are a world's away from the 2005-06 team. Just ask the bench-warming Scalabrine.
13/06/08 Editor brad graham speaks about the loss of the kings
News broke yesterday that the Sydney Kings are dead. The team's license has been revoked and, for the immediate future, only the Razorbacks can call Sydney home. As troubling as this news is, there's must be a silver lining somewhere - we just haven't found it yet. While the Brisbane Bullets' ship shank under extreme and external financial circumstances, as the once powerful and mighty rulers of the NBL, the Kings could have avoided its Titanic and complete collapse.
Living in this city, we feel for the fans. Turned out and purple and gold, the loyal fans showed up day and night, summer and winter, at the Entertainment Centre and in Homebush, to watch their team battle. We feel for the administrators and the staff who worked tirelessly to see their team take to the timber, with or without pay, regardless of team record. And we feel for the alumni, the current and former players who wore the Kings jersey with honour and pride, who trained their arses off and lived the dream of playing pro hoops.
Growing up as Kings fans, we rode eight deep in a family station wagon to the city only to sit way up in row XX and watch Sydney take on Melbourne or Perth, and we hope that, someday, another generation can do the same. For now, however, we must leave Sydney where it lays and work like hell to make sure this doesn't happen to another franchise.
* Brad Graham
12/06/08 SYDNEY KINGS' LICENCE TERMINATED
The news came in this morning that the Sydney Kings have had their license terminated, effective immediately. The NBL has decided to terminate the licence due to failure to pay outstanding payments to players. NBL Chief Executive Officer Chuck Harmison made this statement: “The termination of a team’s licence is the most extreme action the League can take when a club is placed in default, but in the current circumstances it was quite simply the only course available to us,” said Harmison. “The team’s ownership and management were repeatedly warned that the League was prepared to take this ultimate step and yet they chose to completely ignore the latest default notice. As a result, the NBL Participants regretfully made the only choice open to them – to terminate the Kings’ licence. The Sydney Kings are no longer a participant in the National Basketball League.”
He also said that the NBL will be working closely with Kings Players to ensure that their interests are looked after.
6/06/08 KEVIN GARNETT, THE BOSTON CELTICS AND ADIDAS IN A COLLABORATION FOR THE AGES
With the NBA Finals about to tip off, everyone’s favourite NBA big man, Kevin Garnett; the most successful franchise in NBA history, the Boston Celtics; and the L’s official merchandise partner, Adidas have joined forces to commemorate the NBA Finals with a Limited Edition footwear launch. Better, all profits from sales of these hotter than lava sneakers will go to NBA Cares’ community partners in the Boston area. This ultra-rare version of KG’s 2008-09 Adidas Team Signature Commander shoe was designed to celebrate the Celtics’ historic run at the 2008 NBA Championship and only eight pairs will be available per game – do the math, and that means between 32 and 56 pairs, depending on how long the series runs.
All season it’s been about we, not me, so heading into the NBA Finals, I wanted to do something special for the Boston community. So we came up with these Limited Edition Adidas Team Signature KG Commander. Since day one, the fans of Boston have made me feel like family, so to be able to give back is a great honour. – Kevin Garnett
One special pair of sneakers, autographed by KG himself, will be auctioned off at NBA.com following the finals with all profits going back to the Boston community. The handle team is going gangbusters over this release – and we know you are too – so we’re putting forward our bid, not just because it’s a super-fine release, but also because it’s for a good cause – a chance to own a piece of NBA history and help out the less fortunate in the process. The kick will only be available through Celtics.com, The Garden shop and the NBA Store in New York City. Each pair will retail for $1017 – to commemorate the drive for championship number 17 – and will be available from 10am June 5 in the States. For a complete look at the Team Signature KG Commander, check out issue 018 of handle magazine, on sale July 2.
2/06/08 Basketball in Australia is doing well-BV president
Basketball Victoria President Dan Kirtley and CEO Wayne Bird have come out in defence of Australian basketball, in the wake of the dramatic news that aired last week with regards to Sydney Kings and their owner Tim Johnston. “It is a frustration that the perception of the sport's overall wellbeing is based on the condition of some of the privately owned NBL franchises,” they said.
In a press release sent out today, it states "Basketball Victoria can assure the basketball family and sporting community in general that the sport in Victoria continues to enjoy very strong demand across all our programs and has not been healthier."
Let's hope that this is definitely the case. The case of the Sydney Kings is still in question, with more news coming out today about James Henderson, charged with reviewing Basketball Australia, not disclosing his previous work for Tim Johnston and the King's sponsor Firepower.
26/05/08 FIBA moves back three point Line, changes shape of three-second area
This story broke a while back, but has been a topical point of discussion in the handle office… Words: handle magazine
FIBA moves back three-point line, changes shape of three-second area.
International basketball is going to look more like the NBA after two major rule changes take effect, starting 2010. The three point line will move back and the three second area under the basketball will change shape, FIBA, the sport’s world governing body, announced Saturday.
After October 1, 2010, FIBA will begin using new rules for major events, such as the Olympics and the World and Continental Championships. The three point line will move from 20 feet, 6.1 inches to 22 feet, 1.7 inches. The NBA line is currently 23 feet, nine inches.
FIBA general secretary Patrick Baumann said it was likely FIBA would move toward the NBA distance in the next 10 years. FIBA also will reconfigure the three second area to match the NBA shape, moving from a trapezoid to a rectangle.
What does this mean?
FIBA obviously understands that the game Dr Naismith created at the turn of last century has forever changed. The dialect it once spoke to athletes across the globe is now outdated and the language of the US game is becoming increasingly universal.
Many purists may disagree with this change, as they did with the inclusion of the three point line, or the no charge box, when each was respectively implemented, but let’s face fact, the NBA is the global leader – not FIBA. It makes more and better sense to follow the American’s lead, as its fans, players and coaches all buy into the court markings and rules. Some of the L’s rules are designed, essentially, to make money, by allowing franchise players to fly down the lane without weak floppers getting in the way of a daily highlight (not to mention jersey, season ticket and pay TV sales). And of course the NBA’s court markings favour its specific athletes’ style of play, but the no-charge box is a no-brainer; on any level, it helps officiating and that can only be good for the players, fans, coaches and refs alike.
The deepening of the arc is another smart move. While it may be flat-out rejected by certain, out of touch fans, the move to extend the line reflects the game at the current professional level and, last I checked, that is standard of the game. With players increasingly taller, more versatile, stronger, quicker, more athletic and more capable, this move is inevitable. We only pray that the NBL and Basketball Australia follow suit and deepen the arcs on every court across the nation. It would be advisable for BA to lead this charge through the junior and senior ranks to allow coaches and ballers the time to adjust to this increasingly global trend. We need to be at the forefront rather than lag behind, as we so often do.
Official NBA court dimensions:
a. A free throw lane shall be marked at each end of the court with dimensions and markings as shown on the court diagram. All boundary lines are part of the lane; lane space marks and neutral zone marks are not. The colour of the lane space marks and neutral zones shall contrast with the colour of the boundary lines. The areas identified by the lane space markings are two by eight inches, and the neutral zone marks are 12 by eight inches. b. A free throw line shall be drawn (two inches wide) across each of the circles indicated in the court diagram. It shall be parallel to the end line and shall be 15 feet from the plane of the face of the backboard. c. The three point field goal area has parallel lines three feet from the sidelines, extending from the baseline and an arc of 23 feet, nine inches from the middle of the basket, which intersects the parallel lines. d. Four hash marks shall be drawn (two inches wide) perpendicular to the sideline on each side of the court and 28 feet from the baseline. These hash marks shall extend three feet onto the court. e. Four hash marks shall be drawn (two inches wide) perpendicular to the baseline on each side of the free throw lane line. These hash marks shall be three feet from the free throw lane line and extend inches onto the court. f. Four hash marks shall be drawn (two inches wide) parallel to the baseline on each side of the free throw circle. These hash marks shall be 13 feet from the baseline and three feet from the free throw lane lines and shall be six inches in length. g. Two hash marks shall be drawn (two inches wide) perpendicular to the sideline, in front of the scorer’s table, and four feet on each side of the mid-court line. This will designate the Substitution Box area. h. A half-circle shall be created four feet from the centre of the basket.
Official FIBA court dimensions:
a. The playing court shall be a rectangular, flat, hard surface free from obstructions. For the main official competitions of FIBA, as well as for all newly constructed playing courts, the dimensions shall be 28 metre in length by 15 metre in width, measured from the inside edge of the boundary line. For all other events, the appropriate entity of FIBA, such as the Zone Commission or the national federation, has the authority to approve existing playing courts with the minimum dimensions of 26 metres in length and 14 metres in width. b. The height of the ceiling or the lowest obstruction shall be at least seven metres. c. The playing surface shall be uniformly and adequately lit. The lights shall be positioned so they do not hinder the players’ and officials’ vision. d. All lines shall be drawn in the same colour (preferably white), five centimetres in width and clearly visible. e. The playing court shall be the area limited by both the end lines (on the short sides of the playing court) and the sidelines (on the long sides of the playing court). These lines are not part of the playing court. The playing court shall be at least two metres from any obstruction, including seated team bench personnel. f. The centre line is the line drawn parallel to the end lines from the mid-points of the sidelines. It extends 15 centimetres beyond each sideline. g. A free-throw line shall be drawn parallel to each end line. It shall have its furthest edge 5.8 metres from the inner edge of the end line and shall be 3.6 metre long. Its mid-point shall lie on the imaginary line joining the mid-points of the two end lines. The restricted areas shall be the floor areas marked on the court limited by the end lines, the free-throw lines and the lines which originate at the end lines, their outer edges being three metres from the mid points of the end lines and terminating at the outer edge of the free-throw lines. These lines, excluding the end lines, are part of the restricted area. The inside of the restricted areas may be painted but must be the same colour as the centre circle. h. The free-throw lanes are the restricted areas extended into the playing court by semicircles with a radius of 1.8 metres and their centres at the mid-points of the free-throw lines. Similar semicircles shall be drawn with a broken line within the restricted areas. i. The centre circle shall be marked in the centre of the court and shall have a radius of 1.8 metres measured to the outer edge of the circumference. If the inside of the centre circle is painted, it must be the same colour as the restricted areas. j. A team’s three-point field goal area shall be the entire floor area of the playing court, except for the area near the opponents’ basket, limited by and including: Two parallel lines extending from the end line, 6.25 metres from the point on the floor directly perpendicular to the exact centre of the opponents’ basket. The distance of this point from the inside edge of the mid-point of the end line is 1.575 metres; a semicircle of 6.25 metres from the outer edge to the centre (which is the same point as defined above) which meets the parallel lines.
Now how many of these FIBA rules have been broken at your indoor / outdoor court? It’s time to clean up the courts in Australia; if your local court is half as bad as the ones we have unfortunately seen over the years, you have a legit reason to hold someone accountable. Let’s get it right, the FIBA rules are there and are simple to follow.
Write to us at handle@handlemag.com.au and tell us what you think about these rule changes. Feel free to send in images of your local association / council court, especially if the court is not to the FIBA specifications listed above. Please include FIBA Rule Changes in the header so we can respond promptly.
16/05/08 INTerview with kobe bryant
15/05/08 REVIEW OF nbA BALLERS: CHOSEN ONE
Reviewed on: Playstation 3, also available on Xbox 360. Words by Jeff Fox
NBA Ballers: Chosen One is in need of a good psychiatrist: it has a serious personality disorder.
Is it an arcade-style street ball or NBA simulation game? The answer lies somewhere in between, which causes the game to be somewhat less enjoyable than it could be.
Chosen One is the third installment in Midway’s NBA Ballers line, and it proves that the cover athlete jinx doesn’t necessarily extend to Midway as Dwight Howard and Al Horford both posted outstanding NBA campaigns and surprising playoff runs, and it’s nice to see some young guys get some love.
The game offers various game play modes, including one-on-one, two-on-two and shooting contests, but the main feature that gamers will want to sink their teeth into is Story Mode: within the game’s internal logic, following an NBA season, the top freshman and sophomore players compete against the league’s best in a “Chosen One Tournament” to decide, once and for all, who’s the top baller of them all.
Gamers can design his or her own baller, drape him in an outfit, set his skill attribute levels and hit the courts. Starting off with an unknown baller, players must battle through various contests on courts around the world before finally competing in the big tourney.
Game play basically revolves around “Shut ‘Em Down Super Moves”, which can either be an ankle breaking juke move, a rim-kissing dunk, a fancy shot or a momentum crushing steal. To enable these moves, the gamer needs to build up the Super Meter by either playing really well or pulling off “Act a Fool” combos, which involve a bunch of button punching to beat a defender. Once a “Shut ‘Em Down Super Move” is enacted, the game turns into a movie, showing the avatar pulling off the very cinematic move.
Hip hop legend Chuck D commentates the game action and hosts the in-studio parts of the game, which is a nice touch, and producer Just Blaze also provides a hip hop-influenced instrumental score for the game.
Where the game gets frustrating is in the game play, which tends to get a bit tedious, with massive repetition in order to build up “Shut ‘Em Down” power and doesn’t allow for much variety. Additionally, it often feels like a streetball game, but fouls and charges are called like an NBA simulator, which doesn’t mesh well with the way the game is presented. The graphics are good, but the long and frequent pauses while the game loads gets tiring, and the camera angles leave a lot to be desired.
For the NBA Ballers brand to really evolve, its developers should actively decide its identity. Is this a fantasy, arcade-style game or a simulator?
WHERE THE 2008 NBA DRAFT HAPPENS
The NBA Draft is upon us, and handle magazine’s senior contributor Bobby Ciafardini is on the ground to witness all the sights and sounds of the 2008 edition. Check back with 
MEDIA RELEASE
