Ed (rpf/ blaqmoon) cover cred.
SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
-
ballsohard
- Posts: 3816
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:11 pm
- PBSL Team: Philidelphia 76ers
SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
Ed (rpf/ blaqmoon) cover cred.
-
ballsohard
- Posts: 3816
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:11 pm
- PBSL Team: Philidelphia 76ers
SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
BoyD 2 Men
Entering Free Agency during your prime is a dream come true for most players. Boyd Cox, coming off a veteran minimum contract with the Wizards, was one of those players excited about cashing in (literally and figuratively) on a break out year with Washington. At the age of 26 with a unique skillset and potential comparable to (pre-downward spiral) Nerlens Noel, he had his sight set a big-time contract. He didn’t care if it was a contender or an up-and-coming squad; he knew that this was his time to set himself and his family good for life. But sadly, sometimes plans don’t work out like you expect them to.
* * * * *
Basketball ran through Boyd’s blood. His father, John “Chubby” Cox, and older brother, John Cox, were both professional basketball players. Chubby was playing international ball in Venezuela at the time of John’s birth, a connection that would always tie John to Venezuela basketball for much of his professional career. However, years later, after Chubby had long retired from playing, he and his wife had their second son, Boyd. “We weren’t planning on having another kid, especially not at the age of 38. I guess ole Chubby still had the magic, after all.” Boyd grew up idolizing his older brother. He would call John every day after practice to ask how it went, and he cheered John on his whole college career as he would end up leading the San Francisco Dons in all-time scoring. Unfortunately, John’s career in the NBA didn’t take off, which led him back to international ball. Admiring from afar but unable to watch, Boyd shifted his focus to his new favorite basketball player… his cousin, Kobe Bryant.
* * * * *
Chubby, John and Kobe all had the pedigree and size of your traditional guard, but as he went through high school, he shot up to 6’3”. By the end of his freshman year at Louisville, he was 6’6”. By the time he graduated, he had grown another 3 inches, and was 6’9” entering the NBA draft. “It’s like that Lil Jon song, we’d always joke about it. ‘3, 6, 9 damn Boyd’s a vine’.” A little slower you’re your prototypical guard, Boyd had transitioned from a SG to tweener forward.
Unfortunately for Boyd, the draft had many slow-footed “tweeners” coming out, and as a result, he followed in his brother’s footsteps one more time, going undrafted. Unlike his brother John, he did not leave to play for an international league. He stayed local and trained daily, quietly improving every season. His personal trainers noted gains every year after going undrafted. "If you go back and look at the tape, his improvement really is something you can only wish all players could go through. That drive and motor to get better," Dick Stiffton, Boyd's trainer, told us. The Mavericks took notice of his progress in 2017, but released him soon after, having not played a single minute for Dallas.
But finally, in the 2018 off-season, the Washington Wizards took a flyer on him, inviting him to training camp. “I went in, and just played. I actually gave Kobe a call the night before; he always has good motivational words for me. He told me, and I quote, ‘Pussies worry; Cox nut up’. I appreciated the name pun and the laugh; it really helped me loosen up.” The workout went better than he ever expected, and he didn’t leave the building without a veteran minimum contract in hand. Boyd ended up playing 66 games for them, averaging almost 6 PPG and 2.5 RPG in 14 minutes. His potential was through the roof, and he caught the eyes of many scouts around the league. If you had asked any of his friends, family, and inner circle, they all would’ve told you he punched his ticket to being a big-time player in the NBA.
* * * * *
July 19th came and passed. Boyd watched Twitter and ESPN all day as the league got shaken up and reshaped, one big time signing at a time. He had a few calls himself, although his agent Seymour Green highly encouraged him not to get anxious and impatient. “He urged me to stand pat and let teams miss out on their top targets. Strike outs meant check books out,” Boyd told us. So Boyd waited and waited. Calls came, and Seymour played hardball. “Seymour really rubbed teams the wrong way, I think. Tarnished my image and damaged relationships I was hoping to build with front offices.” Before he knew it, it was the last day of July and Boyd was still unsigned and money had all but dried up around the league. “I’m sitting here waiting for this pay day. I’m watching guys like Reggie Bullock, Trey Burke, and Kyle Anderson all get multi-year non-min deals. And I’m just sitting here like ‘where’s mine?’”
On the morning of August 1st, Boyd fired Seymour Green and represented himself for the remainder of free agency. Unfortunately, teams had pretty much locked up their cap and their roster spots through training camp, and Boyd would yet again have to wait for a phone call and an invite. “It was a reality check and guy punch. A humbling experience. Maybe I read too much of my own press.”
A few weeks later, the call came. The Utah Jazz had suffered a bit of a hit with John Hagerman showing up out of shape and not ready to play at the level they were expecting. Boyd saw this as an opportunity not only to sign with a team that needed someone with his skill set, but he would be able to get heavy minutes with this young Utah team. “I barely even went through the workout. GM D.G. Skunk invited me into his office, offered me a weirdly cut peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and told me they wanted me to be their starting Power Forward. I was so hyped… mostly about the PB&J sandwich, but also about the starting opportunity.”
Cox walked out with yet another vet minimum contract in hand. But this time, it’s not about money. It’s about proving to himself and the world that he’s ready. “I’m not taking anything for granted. But you’re damn right if you think I’m gonna go out there and make all those other 29 teams regret not taking a chance on me.”
Story by Iamquailman
Entering Free Agency during your prime is a dream come true for most players. Boyd Cox, coming off a veteran minimum contract with the Wizards, was one of those players excited about cashing in (literally and figuratively) on a break out year with Washington. At the age of 26 with a unique skillset and potential comparable to (pre-downward spiral) Nerlens Noel, he had his sight set a big-time contract. He didn’t care if it was a contender or an up-and-coming squad; he knew that this was his time to set himself and his family good for life. But sadly, sometimes plans don’t work out like you expect them to.
* * * * *
Basketball ran through Boyd’s blood. His father, John “Chubby” Cox, and older brother, John Cox, were both professional basketball players. Chubby was playing international ball in Venezuela at the time of John’s birth, a connection that would always tie John to Venezuela basketball for much of his professional career. However, years later, after Chubby had long retired from playing, he and his wife had their second son, Boyd. “We weren’t planning on having another kid, especially not at the age of 38. I guess ole Chubby still had the magic, after all.” Boyd grew up idolizing his older brother. He would call John every day after practice to ask how it went, and he cheered John on his whole college career as he would end up leading the San Francisco Dons in all-time scoring. Unfortunately, John’s career in the NBA didn’t take off, which led him back to international ball. Admiring from afar but unable to watch, Boyd shifted his focus to his new favorite basketball player… his cousin, Kobe Bryant.
* * * * *
Chubby, John and Kobe all had the pedigree and size of your traditional guard, but as he went through high school, he shot up to 6’3”. By the end of his freshman year at Louisville, he was 6’6”. By the time he graduated, he had grown another 3 inches, and was 6’9” entering the NBA draft. “It’s like that Lil Jon song, we’d always joke about it. ‘3, 6, 9 damn Boyd’s a vine’.” A little slower you’re your prototypical guard, Boyd had transitioned from a SG to tweener forward.
Unfortunately for Boyd, the draft had many slow-footed “tweeners” coming out, and as a result, he followed in his brother’s footsteps one more time, going undrafted. Unlike his brother John, he did not leave to play for an international league. He stayed local and trained daily, quietly improving every season. His personal trainers noted gains every year after going undrafted. "If you go back and look at the tape, his improvement really is something you can only wish all players could go through. That drive and motor to get better," Dick Stiffton, Boyd's trainer, told us. The Mavericks took notice of his progress in 2017, but released him soon after, having not played a single minute for Dallas.
But finally, in the 2018 off-season, the Washington Wizards took a flyer on him, inviting him to training camp. “I went in, and just played. I actually gave Kobe a call the night before; he always has good motivational words for me. He told me, and I quote, ‘Pussies worry; Cox nut up’. I appreciated the name pun and the laugh; it really helped me loosen up.” The workout went better than he ever expected, and he didn’t leave the building without a veteran minimum contract in hand. Boyd ended up playing 66 games for them, averaging almost 6 PPG and 2.5 RPG in 14 minutes. His potential was through the roof, and he caught the eyes of many scouts around the league. If you had asked any of his friends, family, and inner circle, they all would’ve told you he punched his ticket to being a big-time player in the NBA.
* * * * *
July 19th came and passed. Boyd watched Twitter and ESPN all day as the league got shaken up and reshaped, one big time signing at a time. He had a few calls himself, although his agent Seymour Green highly encouraged him not to get anxious and impatient. “He urged me to stand pat and let teams miss out on their top targets. Strike outs meant check books out,” Boyd told us. So Boyd waited and waited. Calls came, and Seymour played hardball. “Seymour really rubbed teams the wrong way, I think. Tarnished my image and damaged relationships I was hoping to build with front offices.” Before he knew it, it was the last day of July and Boyd was still unsigned and money had all but dried up around the league. “I’m sitting here waiting for this pay day. I’m watching guys like Reggie Bullock, Trey Burke, and Kyle Anderson all get multi-year non-min deals. And I’m just sitting here like ‘where’s mine?’”
On the morning of August 1st, Boyd fired Seymour Green and represented himself for the remainder of free agency. Unfortunately, teams had pretty much locked up their cap and their roster spots through training camp, and Boyd would yet again have to wait for a phone call and an invite. “It was a reality check and guy punch. A humbling experience. Maybe I read too much of my own press.”
A few weeks later, the call came. The Utah Jazz had suffered a bit of a hit with John Hagerman showing up out of shape and not ready to play at the level they were expecting. Boyd saw this as an opportunity not only to sign with a team that needed someone with his skill set, but he would be able to get heavy minutes with this young Utah team. “I barely even went through the workout. GM D.G. Skunk invited me into his office, offered me a weirdly cut peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and told me they wanted me to be their starting Power Forward. I was so hyped… mostly about the PB&J sandwich, but also about the starting opportunity.”
Cox walked out with yet another vet minimum contract in hand. But this time, it’s not about money. It’s about proving to himself and the world that he’s ready. “I’m not taking anything for granted. But you’re damn right if you think I’m gonna go out there and make all those other 29 teams regret not taking a chance on me.”
Story by Iamquailman
-
ballsohard
- Posts: 3816
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:11 pm
- PBSL Team: Philidelphia 76ers
Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
THE DIFINATIVE TOP 10 LIST
SLAM Magazine: The Definitive Top 10 Player List
In the world of SLOE/PBSL, being the #1 player in the league means a great deal to those who have been in the spotlight long enough to prove that they're worthy of such an accolade. For a league that's constantly evolving, rising high enough in rank to be crowned the undisputed best player in the league is a feat that becomes increasingly difficult as time passes by, leaving many to wonder who in fact is the league's best player.
In this exclusive article, Gary "Karate" Klatt will evaluate and scrutinize all of the top talent in the league in an attempt to solve this mystery once and for all. Will it be Kevin Durant? Will it be Kevin Love? Keep reading to find out! Or just skip ahead, I don't care.
#10. KYRIE IRVING.
It goes without saying that every good team has a player who can score the ball when needed, and that player is, without a doubt, Kyrie Irving of the New Orleans Pelicans. Kyrie Irving has quickly established himself as one of the most dominating shooting guards in the league today, scoring the ball seemingly at will regardless of who's guarding him. Last season was one to remember for the young phenom, as he would follow-up his 28.6 PPG season by averaging 26.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 49% shooting. Still only 27 years young, the sky is the limit for Kyrie Irving, who seems eager to cement his legacy as one of the best offensive players to ever play the game.
#09. RUSSELL WESTBROOK.
Ah, the high-flying, Ninja Turtle-impersonating, mean, green, scoring machine has landed on this list at #8. What makes him better than Derrick Rose, may you ask? Nothing in particular; I just couldn't decide who was ultimately the better player. Nevertheless, Russell Westbrook's athleticism and versatility has demanded much respect around the league; he's a multidimensional talent capable of mesmerizing dunks, high-arching 3s, flashy passes, and some pretty elite defense to boot. Last season, the fashion connoisseur averaged 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 2.5 steals — on 51% shooting! However, it wasn't until the playoffs that he really came alive: He would average 27.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists en route to a second round appearance, where his Nets would be promptly dismantled by the likes of the Detroit Pistons, who were lead by another player on this list.
#08. RICKY RUBIO.
In a game that's dominated by offensive-first point guards, Ricky Rubio is a throwback to the days when a smart-minded point guard was more of a strategic field general than an immediate offensive threat. However, for what he may lack in offense, Ricky Rubio more than makes up for in defense. With that said, over the course of the past five seasons, Ricky Rubio has averaged 15.4 points and 11.22 assists per game along with 5.34 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game, showing that "Pretty Ricky" is capable of getting it done on both ends of the basketball court. As most followers already know, one of Ricky's most impressive attributes is his field vision; in the past 5 seasons, Rubio has averaged 4.88 assists per turnover — a pretty impressive ratio which illustrates just how intelligent and gifted this little furball truly is.
#07. DERRICK ROSE.
Admittedly, it's hard to keep the Chicago kid off this list. Derrick Rose has proven time and time again why he still remains one of the most talented point guards in this league: because he has a knack for putting the ball in the basket and making his teammates better offensively. After being traded to the Trailblazers last season, Rose sought to redeem himself by putting up some pretty offensive numbers: He averaged 23.5 points and 11.3 assists with his new team. He would continue this pace into the playoffs, averaging 19.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 11.4 assists despite losing the series to the Phoenix Suns. Despite the early exit, Derrick Rose has proven that he still has what it takes to be a premiere point guard in this league, even at the advanced age of 31 years old.
#06. AL HORFORD.
It's only appropriate that we follow-up a series of point guards with an elite center who's earned his living the hard way: By bullying those in the paint and grabbing boards whenever humanly possible. For the past 12 seasons, Al Horford has stalked and haunted his opposition in the paint, leaving his mark wherever he goes. Unlike most centers, this 6x All-Star has proven his durability and consistency by earning 4 All-League First Team, 1 All-League Second Team, and 173 'Player Of The Game' awards — not too shabby. Last season was one of his most impressive to date: The 6'10", 277lbs big man would average 18.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks, easily adding yet another All-Star appearance to his resumé.
#05. PAUL GEORGE.
If Andrew Wiggins is considered one of the most exciting offensive talents in the league today, consider Paul George the mold in which he was created. Throughout his career, Paul George has dominated the game of basketball on both ends of the court, using his athleticism to score the ball and his versatility to be a menace on defense. He is, by all means, a basketball juggernaut. After polishing his offensive game and averaging 29.1 points per game between 2015‒2017, George focused on improving other facets of his game in 2018, bolstering his assists per game and lowering his amount of turnovers to just 1.9 per 33 minutes — all the while still averaging 25.2 points. If all goes according to plan, 2019 should prove to be a season to remember.
#04. BUDDY PEDRAZA.
Buddy Pedraza is, without question, the future of "big man basketball" in PBSL/SLOE. In just 4 seasons in the league, Buddy Pedraza has quickly elevated himself as one of the most elite big men in the game today. Renowned for his explosive dunks and relentless defense, many consider Buddy Pedraza to be a modern-day Shaquille O'Neal without the blocks. It isn't often that a young power forward averages 23.27 points and 7.75 rebounds in just four seasons in the league, but Buddy "Not Yo Buddy" Pedraza has managed to do just that — and oh, does he make it look easy out there. Nobody knows what's next for the 26 year old beast, but everybody is most certainly watching now that he's about to enter his prime. If Buddy Pedraza was a Tupac album, he'd most certainly be "All Eyez On Me", because when he's on the court, you can't help but be captivated by his abilities.
#03. KEVIN DURANT.
There are only two other players who can hold a flame to Kevin Durant's skillset in this league, and that's saying a lot. Almost as soon as he entered the league, he has mesmerized and entertained; he has commanded and conquered — such is the testament to Kevin Durant's legacy as a basketball player. Last season was a trying one for Durant, as he'd see his 2017 Clippers, who had won 57 games, reduced to a harrowing 18‒64 record. Nevertheless, he persevered when his teammates came up short: Once again, he rose to the occasion and averaged 37.7 points, 8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game — but it wasn't enough to raise his team from the dead. Still just 31 years old, the "Durantula" still has a lot left in the tank — but unless his team manages to improve this upcoming season, we should be seeing more superhuman-like performances from this bonafide superstar.
#02. KEVIN LOVE.
Few could have predicted that the quiet 6'10" kid out of UCLA would become one of the greatest to have ever played, but alas, Kevin Love has revolutionized the game like nobody has before him. Words alone do not do his legacy justice, so we'll just let the numbers speak for themselves: In 2018, K-Love averaged 38.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists; over the past 5 seasons, Kevin Love has averaged 37.12 points, 12.58 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. The scary part is knowing that he has consistently put up similar numbers throughout the majority of his career, and only continues to improve as he refines his game throughout the years. He's been elected to the All-Star Game 7 times in his 10 year-career, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he's primed for yet another appearance next season. However, he has his eyes on something much more important than that: the PBSL Finals.
#01. ANTHONY DAVIS.
Should this really come as a surprise to anyone? Ever since he first entered the league at the spry age of 19, the young phenom has been on a course for destiny ever since, annihilating nearly any competitor who dares to get in his way. Upon being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2012, Davis immediately set out to make a name for himself by averaging 21.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game en route to winning the prestigious Rookie Of The Year award. Following a rough 2013 season in which he averaged similar, albeit slightly lower statistics, he came out to prove his critics wrong by averaging an impressive 35 points, 11 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. It wasn't until 2017, however, that he'd finally reach the summit: He would average an incredible 44.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 3.6 blocks as he lead his Detroit Pistons to the PBSL Finals. What's next for Anthony Davis, might you ask? Nobody knows but the living legend himself.
STORY BY DUNKISKING
SLAM Magazine: The Definitive Top 10 Player List
In the world of SLOE/PBSL, being the #1 player in the league means a great deal to those who have been in the spotlight long enough to prove that they're worthy of such an accolade. For a league that's constantly evolving, rising high enough in rank to be crowned the undisputed best player in the league is a feat that becomes increasingly difficult as time passes by, leaving many to wonder who in fact is the league's best player.
In this exclusive article, Gary "Karate" Klatt will evaluate and scrutinize all of the top talent in the league in an attempt to solve this mystery once and for all. Will it be Kevin Durant? Will it be Kevin Love? Keep reading to find out! Or just skip ahead, I don't care.
#10. KYRIE IRVING.
It goes without saying that every good team has a player who can score the ball when needed, and that player is, without a doubt, Kyrie Irving of the New Orleans Pelicans. Kyrie Irving has quickly established himself as one of the most dominating shooting guards in the league today, scoring the ball seemingly at will regardless of who's guarding him. Last season was one to remember for the young phenom, as he would follow-up his 28.6 PPG season by averaging 26.8 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game on 49% shooting. Still only 27 years young, the sky is the limit for Kyrie Irving, who seems eager to cement his legacy as one of the best offensive players to ever play the game.
#09. RUSSELL WESTBROOK.
Ah, the high-flying, Ninja Turtle-impersonating, mean, green, scoring machine has landed on this list at #8. What makes him better than Derrick Rose, may you ask? Nothing in particular; I just couldn't decide who was ultimately the better player. Nevertheless, Russell Westbrook's athleticism and versatility has demanded much respect around the league; he's a multidimensional talent capable of mesmerizing dunks, high-arching 3s, flashy passes, and some pretty elite defense to boot. Last season, the fashion connoisseur averaged 24.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 2.5 steals — on 51% shooting! However, it wasn't until the playoffs that he really came alive: He would average 27.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.6 assists en route to a second round appearance, where his Nets would be promptly dismantled by the likes of the Detroit Pistons, who were lead by another player on this list.
#08. RICKY RUBIO.
In a game that's dominated by offensive-first point guards, Ricky Rubio is a throwback to the days when a smart-minded point guard was more of a strategic field general than an immediate offensive threat. However, for what he may lack in offense, Ricky Rubio more than makes up for in defense. With that said, over the course of the past five seasons, Ricky Rubio has averaged 15.4 points and 11.22 assists per game along with 5.34 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game, showing that "Pretty Ricky" is capable of getting it done on both ends of the basketball court. As most followers already know, one of Ricky's most impressive attributes is his field vision; in the past 5 seasons, Rubio has averaged 4.88 assists per turnover — a pretty impressive ratio which illustrates just how intelligent and gifted this little furball truly is.
#07. DERRICK ROSE.
Admittedly, it's hard to keep the Chicago kid off this list. Derrick Rose has proven time and time again why he still remains one of the most talented point guards in this league: because he has a knack for putting the ball in the basket and making his teammates better offensively. After being traded to the Trailblazers last season, Rose sought to redeem himself by putting up some pretty offensive numbers: He averaged 23.5 points and 11.3 assists with his new team. He would continue this pace into the playoffs, averaging 19.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 11.4 assists despite losing the series to the Phoenix Suns. Despite the early exit, Derrick Rose has proven that he still has what it takes to be a premiere point guard in this league, even at the advanced age of 31 years old.
#06. AL HORFORD.
It's only appropriate that we follow-up a series of point guards with an elite center who's earned his living the hard way: By bullying those in the paint and grabbing boards whenever humanly possible. For the past 12 seasons, Al Horford has stalked and haunted his opposition in the paint, leaving his mark wherever he goes. Unlike most centers, this 6x All-Star has proven his durability and consistency by earning 4 All-League First Team, 1 All-League Second Team, and 173 'Player Of The Game' awards — not too shabby. Last season was one of his most impressive to date: The 6'10", 277lbs big man would average 18.8 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 2.1 blocks, easily adding yet another All-Star appearance to his resumé.
#05. PAUL GEORGE.
If Andrew Wiggins is considered one of the most exciting offensive talents in the league today, consider Paul George the mold in which he was created. Throughout his career, Paul George has dominated the game of basketball on both ends of the court, using his athleticism to score the ball and his versatility to be a menace on defense. He is, by all means, a basketball juggernaut. After polishing his offensive game and averaging 29.1 points per game between 2015‒2017, George focused on improving other facets of his game in 2018, bolstering his assists per game and lowering his amount of turnovers to just 1.9 per 33 minutes — all the while still averaging 25.2 points. If all goes according to plan, 2019 should prove to be a season to remember.
#04. BUDDY PEDRAZA.
Buddy Pedraza is, without question, the future of "big man basketball" in PBSL/SLOE. In just 4 seasons in the league, Buddy Pedraza has quickly elevated himself as one of the most elite big men in the game today. Renowned for his explosive dunks and relentless defense, many consider Buddy Pedraza to be a modern-day Shaquille O'Neal without the blocks. It isn't often that a young power forward averages 23.27 points and 7.75 rebounds in just four seasons in the league, but Buddy "Not Yo Buddy" Pedraza has managed to do just that — and oh, does he make it look easy out there. Nobody knows what's next for the 26 year old beast, but everybody is most certainly watching now that he's about to enter his prime. If Buddy Pedraza was a Tupac album, he'd most certainly be "All Eyez On Me", because when he's on the court, you can't help but be captivated by his abilities.
#03. KEVIN DURANT.
There are only two other players who can hold a flame to Kevin Durant's skillset in this league, and that's saying a lot. Almost as soon as he entered the league, he has mesmerized and entertained; he has commanded and conquered — such is the testament to Kevin Durant's legacy as a basketball player. Last season was a trying one for Durant, as he'd see his 2017 Clippers, who had won 57 games, reduced to a harrowing 18‒64 record. Nevertheless, he persevered when his teammates came up short: Once again, he rose to the occasion and averaged 37.7 points, 8 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game — but it wasn't enough to raise his team from the dead. Still just 31 years old, the "Durantula" still has a lot left in the tank — but unless his team manages to improve this upcoming season, we should be seeing more superhuman-like performances from this bonafide superstar.
#02. KEVIN LOVE.
Few could have predicted that the quiet 6'10" kid out of UCLA would become one of the greatest to have ever played, but alas, Kevin Love has revolutionized the game like nobody has before him. Words alone do not do his legacy justice, so we'll just let the numbers speak for themselves: In 2018, K-Love averaged 38.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 6.1 assists; over the past 5 seasons, Kevin Love has averaged 37.12 points, 12.58 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. The scary part is knowing that he has consistently put up similar numbers throughout the majority of his career, and only continues to improve as he refines his game throughout the years. He's been elected to the All-Star Game 7 times in his 10 year-career, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he's primed for yet another appearance next season. However, he has his eyes on something much more important than that: the PBSL Finals.
#01. ANTHONY DAVIS.
Should this really come as a surprise to anyone? Ever since he first entered the league at the spry age of 19, the young phenom has been on a course for destiny ever since, annihilating nearly any competitor who dares to get in his way. Upon being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2012, Davis immediately set out to make a name for himself by averaging 21.5 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game en route to winning the prestigious Rookie Of The Year award. Following a rough 2013 season in which he averaged similar, albeit slightly lower statistics, he came out to prove his critics wrong by averaging an impressive 35 points, 11 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.1 blocks per game. It wasn't until 2017, however, that he'd finally reach the summit: He would average an incredible 44.3 points, 12.2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.6 steals, and 3.6 blocks as he lead his Detroit Pistons to the PBSL Finals. What's next for Anthony Davis, might you ask? Nobody knows but the living legend himself.
STORY BY DUNKISKING
-
ballsohard
- Posts: 3816
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:11 pm
- PBSL Team: Philidelphia 76ers
SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
BOBCATS: NOW OR NEVER
Patience.
It’s the first word that comes up in my discussion with Charlotte Bobcats GM Darth Vegito as we sit in a crowded bistro blocks from the Bobcats headquarters. Vegito is looking past me, trying to find our waitress who said she’d be right back with ketchup at least five minutes ago.
“I have incredible patience in my everyday life. For instance, this waitress probably forgot the ketchup. She probably won’t ever bring it. But it doesn’t upset me. I’m not going to ask again, or take it out of her tip. I need patience to deal with my family. When it comes to everything but running a basketball team, I am essentially Buddha.”
That one caveat. Everything but running a basketball team.
This comes as no shock to followers of the PBSL, who have seen Vegito run two other teams in this league. In Dallas he ended his reign with two rings. In Seattle he completed one of the most impressive turnarounds in league history. Both tenures were rife with high risk, high reward moves. The rewards mounted in Dallas, but went missing in Seattle. Vegito is hoping to recreate his first situation, but even as he speaks with confidence, you can tell he is constantly reminded of his second situation.
“This team can win,” he says. “This team should win. But I look around the league and see so many teams like that. Talent wise, we’re probably a top 5 team. But is that enough? Did I do enough?”
Most front office execs from around the league would say that yes, he did more than enough. Starting two seasons ago with mostly young talent, the Bobcats are looking to have four former PBSL All Stars on their team, none of which were on the roster when Vegito took over. And on face value, a team of Rudy Gobert, John Wall, Klay Thompson, and two-time champion DeAndre Jordan appear to be more than enough to contend for a championship.
But Vegito isn’t satisfied, and after less than five minutes it’s easy to figure out why.
“Kyrie. It all comes down to Kyrie.”
He’s speaking, of course, about this offseason, where Kyrie Irving turned down a 5 year max contract to sign with cross-conference rival New Orleans Pelicans. Had he stayed in Charlotte, the Bobcats would have had a squad as mighty as their current tax bill ($71M over the cap as of this article). Now, despite the talent, he still has doubts.
“If we had kept Kyrie, we would have won the championship. That’s a guarantee. Maybe not this year, but next year for sure. That team could score, could defend, could do anything. Without him, though…”
Through thirty seasons of PBSL basketball, there have been 16 GMs who have won a championship. So to the many that have not, perhaps the Bobcats’ future prospects – 50 wins, at least one playoff series victory, a generous amount of money made for the team – would be enough to be satisfied. Vegito highlights one executive in particular to make his point.
“That guy up in Minnesota,” he sighs. “That guy moves the goalposts so many times just to convince himself he’s done a good job. He actually has a plaque in his office for winning the western conference. He told me he would’ve considered the season a win just by winning their first round series. Now that’s all fine and good for him, if that’s what he calls success. That’s not how I run things. Anything less than a ring is an absolute failure.”
And if the Bobcats fail, what’s next? They don’t own their draft picks for the next three seasons. They are facing the prospect of a tax bill that they may not be able to pay. At this point, the only course forward may be to keep trying to win, because a rebuild seems impossible.
But Vegito disagrees. “Nothing’s impossible. If I think it’s time to start over, I’ll be able to do it quickly, and I’ll set myself up for a great rebuild going forward.”
Will he have the patience to see a rebuild through?
“…Where is that damn ketchup?” he asks, ignoring my question.
STORY BY THEJNR
Patience.
It’s the first word that comes up in my discussion with Charlotte Bobcats GM Darth Vegito as we sit in a crowded bistro blocks from the Bobcats headquarters. Vegito is looking past me, trying to find our waitress who said she’d be right back with ketchup at least five minutes ago.
“I have incredible patience in my everyday life. For instance, this waitress probably forgot the ketchup. She probably won’t ever bring it. But it doesn’t upset me. I’m not going to ask again, or take it out of her tip. I need patience to deal with my family. When it comes to everything but running a basketball team, I am essentially Buddha.”
That one caveat. Everything but running a basketball team.
This comes as no shock to followers of the PBSL, who have seen Vegito run two other teams in this league. In Dallas he ended his reign with two rings. In Seattle he completed one of the most impressive turnarounds in league history. Both tenures were rife with high risk, high reward moves. The rewards mounted in Dallas, but went missing in Seattle. Vegito is hoping to recreate his first situation, but even as he speaks with confidence, you can tell he is constantly reminded of his second situation.
“This team can win,” he says. “This team should win. But I look around the league and see so many teams like that. Talent wise, we’re probably a top 5 team. But is that enough? Did I do enough?”
Most front office execs from around the league would say that yes, he did more than enough. Starting two seasons ago with mostly young talent, the Bobcats are looking to have four former PBSL All Stars on their team, none of which were on the roster when Vegito took over. And on face value, a team of Rudy Gobert, John Wall, Klay Thompson, and two-time champion DeAndre Jordan appear to be more than enough to contend for a championship.
But Vegito isn’t satisfied, and after less than five minutes it’s easy to figure out why.
“Kyrie. It all comes down to Kyrie.”
He’s speaking, of course, about this offseason, where Kyrie Irving turned down a 5 year max contract to sign with cross-conference rival New Orleans Pelicans. Had he stayed in Charlotte, the Bobcats would have had a squad as mighty as their current tax bill ($71M over the cap as of this article). Now, despite the talent, he still has doubts.
“If we had kept Kyrie, we would have won the championship. That’s a guarantee. Maybe not this year, but next year for sure. That team could score, could defend, could do anything. Without him, though…”
Through thirty seasons of PBSL basketball, there have been 16 GMs who have won a championship. So to the many that have not, perhaps the Bobcats’ future prospects – 50 wins, at least one playoff series victory, a generous amount of money made for the team – would be enough to be satisfied. Vegito highlights one executive in particular to make his point.
“That guy up in Minnesota,” he sighs. “That guy moves the goalposts so many times just to convince himself he’s done a good job. He actually has a plaque in his office for winning the western conference. He told me he would’ve considered the season a win just by winning their first round series. Now that’s all fine and good for him, if that’s what he calls success. That’s not how I run things. Anything less than a ring is an absolute failure.”
And if the Bobcats fail, what’s next? They don’t own their draft picks for the next three seasons. They are facing the prospect of a tax bill that they may not be able to pay. At this point, the only course forward may be to keep trying to win, because a rebuild seems impossible.
But Vegito disagrees. “Nothing’s impossible. If I think it’s time to start over, I’ll be able to do it quickly, and I’ll set myself up for a great rebuild going forward.”
Will he have the patience to see a rebuild through?
“…Where is that damn ketchup?” he asks, ignoring my question.
STORY BY THEJNR
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ballsohard
- Posts: 3816
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2015 10:11 pm
- PBSL Team: Philidelphia 76ers
SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
WE GOT NEXT
We all grow up idolizing someone. For Ben Simmons, it was the electric play of Chris Bosh. From Emulating his all around scoring game, to his perimeter like abilities that no big should ever have, Simmons watched every game he could from Australia.
For Jeff, Duren it was T Mac. The scoring, dime dealing, ball-stealing savant caught Jeff’s eye early. These two were like a lot of kids their age, with one drastic difference; they were bursting with talent.
“When they recognize that you got what it takes to succeed
And that's around the time that your idols become your rivals
You make friends with Mike but gotta AI him for your survival
Damn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous
'cause we wanna be them and they wanna be us
Yeah so on behalf of the demanded
And the entertainment that you take for granted
You could thank me now,
And oh my goodness you're welcome
You're welcome“
Duren’s full of respect for the oft-called GOAT of SLOE, but he want to take things to the next level. “Being drafted by the Kings, you know, was a dream for me. My idol was a King. He was the king of basketball. But I’m not going to sit here all starry-eyed wishing and hoping. I’m going to come after every one of his records and I’m going to burn them all.” And Duren certainly has the ability. Drafted #2 by the Kings Duren didn’t feel slighted. Lecroix was a phenom in college, had the size, speed and all the abilities. The Kings knew they were getting a project with Jeff Duran, but when he came into training camp year 1 without ever having run an offense before the Kings decided to sit him for not 1 year, but 2.
Simmons story starts more than 9,000 miles away in Australia. Ben first picked up a ball at 14 and has been on YouTube ever since. “You know, I had to download games off of BitTorrent as a kid.. Am I going to get sued by the NBA for saying that? Anyway, yeah I had to download old Bosh games and man. No one could stop him. It still gets me drove when people bring up him not having a ring man. He did everything he could.” This drives Simmons more than anything, a ring. The 76ers took him number 1 overall over the more polished product Buddy Pedroza. Pedroza has already made significant waves in the league, but Simmons is catching up. Simmons came into the league with untapped potential and athleticism, but like Duren, he was benched his rookie year.
Being benched is probably where you think these 9,000 foreigners only connection lies, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Despite being benched, when given the opportunity, both showed potential. Despite great year 1’s the both showed that they were just scratching the surface after their year 2 performances.
It’s all but assumed that these two have got next, but how long will their ascent take?
If the past 2 years is any indication, it wont be long. But their reign of terror won’t come without resistance. There are many great young players in the league looking to take their preemptive crowns from their head. In the East, you’ve got KAT, Ellinger, F.C. Medina, G Baratheon, Desantis, Keitt, Gobert, McNary and de La Rosa. In the West, you’re looking at McKormick, Tatum, Kight, Lavar Ball, and LeCroix. That doesn’t even begin to mention the younger guys who are already there like Pedroza, Wiggins, Jokic, AD, Wall, and Randle. To say this league is in a good spot with young talent is an understatement.
As far as Duren and Simmons, they seem to know they’ll be linked forever. “Yo, I’ll take me, Haynes, and Small for the next 8-10 seasons over anyone, even Ben.” -Duren. “He said that? Ha, man tell him he’s going to have to go back to the lottery if he wants to contend with me , MF Doom, and the Grim Reaper son.” -Simmons. The budding rivalry seems to be taken light-heartedly now, but we’ll see if and when they meet in the finals if things are as friendly.
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We all grow up idolizing someone. For Ben Simmons, it was the electric play of Chris Bosh. From Emulating his all around scoring game, to his perimeter like abilities that no big should ever have, Simmons watched every game he could from Australia.
And that's around the time that your idols become your rivals
You make friends with Mike but gotta AI him for your survival
Damn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous
'cause we wanna be them and they wanna be us
Yeah so on behalf of the demanded
And the entertainment that you take for granted
You could thank me now,
And oh my goodness you're welcome
You're welcome“
Duren’s full of respect for the oft-called GOAT of SLOE, but he want to take things to the next level. “Being drafted by the Kings, you know, was a dream for me. My idol was a King. He was the king of basketball. But I’m not going to sit here all starry-eyed wishing and hoping. I’m going to come after every one of his records and I’m going to burn them all.” And Duren certainly has the ability. Drafted #2 by the Kings Duren didn’t feel slighted. Lecroix was a phenom in college, had the size, speed and all the abilities. The Kings knew they were getting a project with Jeff Duran, but when he came into training camp year 1 without ever having run an offense before the Kings decided to sit him for not 1 year, but 2.
Simmons story starts more than 9,000 miles away in Australia. Ben first picked up a ball at 14 and has been on YouTube ever since. “You know, I had to download games off of BitTorrent as a kid.. Am I going to get sued by the NBA for saying that? Anyway, yeah I had to download old Bosh games and man. No one could stop him. It still gets me drove when people bring up him not having a ring man. He did everything he could.” This drives Simmons more than anything, a ring. The 76ers took him number 1 overall over the more polished product Buddy Pedroza. Pedroza has already made significant waves in the league, but Simmons is catching up. Simmons came into the league with untapped potential and athleticism, but like Duren, he was benched his rookie year.
Being benched is probably where you think these 9,000 foreigners only connection lies, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Despite being benched, when given the opportunity, both showed potential. Despite great year 1’s the both showed that they were just scratching the surface after their year 2 performances.
It’s all but assumed that these two have got next, but how long will their ascent take?
If the past 2 years is any indication, it wont be long. But their reign of terror won’t come without resistance. There are many great young players in the league looking to take their preemptive crowns from their head. In the East, you’ve got KAT, Ellinger, F.C. Medina, G Baratheon, Desantis, Keitt, Gobert, McNary and de La Rosa. In the West, you’re looking at McKormick, Tatum, Kight, Lavar Ball, and LeCroix. That doesn’t even begin to mention the younger guys who are already there like Pedroza, Wiggins, Jokic, AD, Wall, and Randle. To say this league is in a good spot with young talent is an understatement.
As far as Duren and Simmons, they seem to know they’ll be linked forever. “Yo, I’ll take me, Haynes, and Small for the next 8-10 seasons over anyone, even Ben.” -Duren. “He said that? Ha, man tell him he’s going to have to go back to the lottery if he wants to contend with me , MF Doom, and the Grim Reaper son.” -Simmons. The budding rivalry seems to be taken light-heartedly now, but we’ll see if and when they meet in the finals if things are as friendly.
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ballsohard
- Posts: 3816
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digiskunk
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Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
Media Entry Of the Year!!!
"ass to ass!" —that old guy from Requiem For A Dream
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digiskunk
- Posts: 1601
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Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
i'm dying lmaoGM D.G. Skunk invited me into his office, offered me a weirdly cut peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and told me they wanted me to be their starting Power Forward. I was so hyped… mostly about the PB&J sandwich, but also about the starting opportunity.”
"ass to ass!" —that old guy from Requiem For A Dream
- Darth Vegito
- Posts: 2465
- Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2013 5:20 pm
- PBSL Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
<expletive deleted> Scott and authors. Love this and hope to see more and would love to contribute in a future one.
Also, that ketchup definitely would have come out of her tip
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Also, that ketchup definitely would have come out of her tip
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- Darth Vegito
- Posts: 2465
- Joined: Tue Sep 10, 2013 5:20 pm
- PBSL Team: New Orleans Pelicans
Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
Why is my expletive deleted...ugh. It said "fan-phuking-tastic"
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ballsohard
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- PBSL Team: Philidelphia 76ers
SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
Consider yourself in for issue 1.2 and thank you!DarthVegito wrote:<expletive deleted> Scott and authors. Love this and hope to see more and would love to contribute in a future one.
Also, that ketchup definitely would have come out of her tip
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Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
This was great
Pacers Ring of Honor
P.Ewing (90-93, 98) - R.Pierce (90-91) - S.Augmon (91-96) - D.Brown (93-96) - D.Strong (91-97, 99-02) - P.Pierce (98-05, 12-13) - D.Williams (05-17) - I.Shumpert (11-16) - D.Dedmon (13-18) - J.Williams (19-25, 31-32)
P.Ewing (90-93, 98) - R.Pierce (90-91) - S.Augmon (91-96) - D.Brown (93-96) - D.Strong (91-97, 99-02) - P.Pierce (98-05, 12-13) - D.Williams (05-17) - I.Shumpert (11-16) - D.Dedmon (13-18) - J.Williams (19-25, 31-32)
Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
Amazing read throughout, it’s basically multiple articles in one
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- NickMalone77
- Posts: 3631
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Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
I too, would love to contribute an article for the next magazine. Great job guys. Loved every article that was apart of the first edition.
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garbageman
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ballsohard
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Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
RPF
Ballsohard
JNR
Quail
Ding
Can all collect 5 Points
Thanks guys had a blast!
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Ballsohard
JNR
Quail
Ding
Can all collect 5 Points
Thanks guys had a blast!
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IamQuailman
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ballsohard
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- PBSL Team: Philidelphia 76ers
Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
Man you get such a hard on for auto corrects and typosIamQuailman wrote:Who the hell is Ding? :Lol:
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IamQuailman
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Re: SLAM Magazine Issue #1.1
i only say it cuz i glol'dballsohard wrote: Mon Feb 26, 2018 8:04 amMan you get such a hard on for auto corrects and typosIamQuailman wrote:Who the hell is Ding? :Lol:
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