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Ron Artest Changing Name To 'Metta World Peace'

Ron Artest - I drank booze at halftime of NBA games

Artest: I drank booze at halftime of NBA games

Ron Artest, the often-controversial Los Angeles Lakers' forward, told a magazine interviewer he used to drink alcohol at halftime of NBA games.

Shaquille O Neal With Girlfriend Photos | Nicole Hoopz Alexander Shaquille O Neal Girlfriend Pics | Shaquille O Neal Rare Pictures

Shaquille O'Neal and Hoopz Spotted Outside The Late Show, with David Letterman

Shaquille, his bedroom shoes, and fiance` Nicole 'Hoopz' Alexander were seen arriving at The Late Show. I know it's winter time, so someone tell me why Shaq is walking around in track suit and those faux-corduroy Wal-mart house shoes.

James Harden Is Showing His Potential | James Harden Rare Photos | James Harden Pics | James Harden Images | After All-Star Break

Harden is finally starting to show why
he was the # 3 overall pick in the 2009 draft

James Harden's game is finally starting to translate to NBA success.


After being selected 3rd overall in the 2009 draft, James Harden has not lived up to the expectations that a prospect taken that high has. This has not been an issue for his team, however, because of the successes of other young talents placed around him: Durtant, Westbrook, and Ibaka. This was a perfect situation for a player like Harden, who has an old school style of play, looking to set up team mates opposed to creating his own shot.

At Arizona St. he was a prolific scorer for his two years in college. When he came out he was also touted as having under estimated athletic ability and great passing ability and vision. I saw him in person, at Mac Court in Eugene, as he tore apart the Ducks single handedly. He scored 44 points effortlessly. When I looked at his stats the next day I noticed how efficient he was. He scored a large portion of his points at the free throw line, while shooting a very few amount of shots to score such a high amount.

So far in his NBA career Harden has struggled to find his niche. He has become the Thunder's sixth man, along with Ibaka. His first year he struggled with his efficiency, shooting only 40% from the field and not producing many assists or steals. So far this year, to the chagrin of Thunder fans, he has mostly produced the same as last year. As far as role players in the NBA go, he is effective, although one would wish he would shoot a higher percentage, or specialize in one thing such as three point shooting.

Although his production is not where many would like to see it be, Harden has shown flashes of brilliance this year. When Durant was injured at the beginning of the year Harden started, and scored 20 points 2 or 3 games straight. The difference was that he was needed to be a scorer, because of the lack of offensive production from Sefaolosha and their other role players. I hoped that once he went back to the bench he would continue his improved play and continue his new found aggressiveness, but this did not happen. He reverted back to the mediocre averages from a year ago.

During the all-star break Harden had a huge game in the sophomore-rookie challenge. I think this may have given him some confidence coming out of the break. At the same time, Jeff Green was shipped to Boston. This left a void in scoring that needed to be filled. In the five games since the break Harden has upped his production to 17 points per game, improved his shooting percentage, and is getting to the line and making 95% of his free throws.

2011 NBA Mock Draft Shadule | 2011 NBA Mock Draft Teams Info | 2011 NBA Mock Draft Pics

2011 NBA Mock Draft
(May 18, 2011)

The Cleveland Cavaliers were projected to have the number one overall pick for most of the season. Not only do they pick first, but they also have the fourth overall pick which gives them leverage. Find out who falls and who rises in my latest mock.

(Picks 15-30 to be added soon, as well as round two.)

1. Kyrie Irving, PG, Duke

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 180 lbs. | Class: Freshman

Analysis: Cleveland, looking to rebuild, needs talent all across the board. Kyrie Irving is the best player in the draft, and would be their point guard of the future. Drawing some comparisons to Chris Paul, Irving has the quickness and play making ability that the Cavaliers lack, and would add some depth to the back court.

2. Derrick Williams, F, Arizona

Ht: 6-8 Wt: 241 lbs. | Class: Sophomore

Analysis: Minnesota is in a tough spot. There is early speculation that the Timberwolves are looking to move the number two pick, and I don't blame them. Derrick Williams would be the best player on the board, but isn't an ideal fit. Enes Kanter makes some sense, as well, but they have to draft the best player available if they keep this pick, in this case it's Williams.

3. Brandon Knight, PG, Kentucky

Ht: 6-3 Wt: 185 lbs. | Class: Freshman

Analysis: Brandon Knight can be the point guard of the future for Utah. For now, he can step in at the two guard and team up with Devin Harris in the back court. Kemba Walker could also be an option, but I believe Knight is higher on their board.

4. Kawhi Leonard, SF, San Diego State

Ht: 6-7 Wt: 225 lbs. | Class: Sophomore

Analysis: Once again, the Cavs need talent across the board, so they can afford to draft the best player available. Enes Kanter could be that guy, but Kawhi Leonard is not too far behind him in terms of ranking, and would fill their need for a wing player. Leonard is gaining momentum as the draft approaches, and it may very well make him a top five pick.

5. Enes Kanter, C, Kentucky

Ht: 6-11 Wt: 260 lbs. | Class: Freshman

Analysis: Kanter is the best player on the board that makes sense for teh Raptors. Andrea Bargnani is more of a perimeter based big man, and as a true big man Kanter would complement Bargnani's skill set.

6. Jan Vesely, F, Czech Republic

Ht: 6-11 Wt: 230 lbs. | Class: International

Analysis: Vesely is an intriguing prospect. He has the size of a 4, but has the skill set of a three. The Wizards need some help on the wing so this pick makes sense.

7. Kemba Walker, PG, Connecticut

Ht: 6-1 Wt: 172 lbs. | Class: Junior

Analysis: If the Kings want to stay in Sacramento, they must sell tickets. Kemba Walker will help do that. Not only can he contribute right away with his quickness and scoring ability, but he can develop into a true point guard and form a flashy guard duo with Tyreke Evans.

8. Bismack Biyombo, PF, Congo

Ht: 6-9 Wt: 248 lbs. | Class: International

Analysis: Replacing Tayshaun Prince is the top priority for Detroit, but the top wing players are off the board. Bismack Biyombo is an athletic prospect with an amazing 7-7 wingspan. He is raw in terms of talent, but he has all of the physical tools necessary to transition to the NBA.

9. Marcus Morris, PF, Kansas

Ht: 6-9 Wt: 235 lbs. | Class: Junior

Analysis: Charlotte will likely miss out on the top three point guards: Irving, Walker, and Knight. I also don't see them reaching for Jimmer Fredette. They need some size and depth inside, which is what Marcus Morris would provide along with a nice inside/outside game.

10. Alec Burks, SG, Colorado

Ht: 6-6 Wt: 185 lbs. | Class: Sophomore

Analysis: Burks is the best shooting guard in the class, and he can flat out score the basketball. Milwaukee was the worst offensive team in the NBA this past season, and they also need to replace some upcoming free agents in the back court.

11. Jonas Valanciunas, C/PF, Lithuania

Ht: 6-11 Wt: 240 lbs. | Class: International

Analysis: Another interesting international prospect, the Lithuanian big should be able to play center at the next level. He has great upside, and would give the Warriors some much needed energy and quickness coming off the bench.

12. Jordan Hamilton, G/F, Texas

Ht: 6-7 Wt: 220 lbs. | Class: Sophomore

Analysis: Gordon Hayward is an ideal wing player, but the Jazz may have to upgrade him with Jordan Hamilton. A lethal scorer with range on his jumper, Hamilton is best suited to play on the wing, but can easily play the 2 guard, which is a position of need for the Jazz (especially if they don't play Knight at the 2).

13. Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas

Ht: 6-8 Wt: 225 lbs. | Class: Freshman

Analysis: Most mock drafts don't have the Suns drafting a power forward. But Tristan Thompson is the best player on the board at this point, and would be an upgrade at that position. Thompson lacks size, but he is a terrific offensive rebounder, and he continues to develop his offensive game.

14. Jimmer Fredette, PG, BYU

Ht: 6-2 Wt: 195 lbs. | Class: Senior

Analysis: Without many glaring holes on their roster, the Rockets can afford to draft Jimemr Fredette here. He can give them another three point shooter, and eventually take over as the starting point guard if Kyle Lowry and Goran Dragic don't work out.

Celebrity All Star Game 2011

NBA Celebrity Game 2011 Roster features Jason Sudeikis and Trey Songz

In Los Angeles, the actual All-Star game is days away, but tonight the NBA Celebrity game 2011 featured a roster full of interesting talent. Included on one the game rosters were several of Virginia's own, actor Jason Sudeikis and singer Trey Songz.
Sudeikis is currently among the ensemble cast of "Saturday Night Live." He also hails from Fairfax, Virginia. The 35-year-old is starring in the new motion picture "Hall Pass," but also took the court as part of the East celebrity All-Stars Friday night.

Justin Bieber Named MVP of NBA All-Star Celebrity Game

Justin Bieber won Most Valuable Player honors at the 2011 NBA All-Star celebrity game on Friday, although his West squad lost to the East team.

The Never Say Never star tallied eight points, four assists and two rebounds despite being at a huge height disadvantage in a game featuring former NBA stars and other celebs.

“I’m just running back and forth. I’m controlling this whole team,” joked Bieber during the game at the Los Angeles Convention Center. ”I’m just kidding.”

2011 All-Star Weekend Friday Night: Celebrity All-Star Game, Rookie-Sophomore Game, D-League Dream Factory Preview and Open Thread

REMINDER: You have until 6PM tonight to enter the Welcome to Loud City All-Star Challenge! Click here to read the rules and enter! Go! Go now!

Also, feel free to post any thoughts about tonight's games in the comments.

It's my favourite time of the NBA Season! All-Star weekend is finally upon us, and things kick off tonight with the BBVA Celebrity All-Star Game, the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge and Youth Jam, and the D-League Dream Factory.

2011 NBA All-Star Weekend: Let The Festivities Begin

Feb 18, 2011 - The 2011 NBA All-Star Game itself is not until Sunday night (8 p.m. ET, TNT), but the All-Star Weekend festivities are already well underway. Following is a schedule of televised events.

Friday

All-Star Celebrity Game (7 p.m.m ESPN) -- A slightly ridiculous game involving celebs who think they have game.

Rookie Challenge (9 p.m. , TNT) -- NBA rookies face second-year players. New Jersey's Derrick Favors and New York's Landry Fields will play for the rookies.

Saturday

NBA Celebrity Game 2011 Roster: Justin Bieber, Ty Burrell and more

What do you get when you mix a teen idol, a "Modern Family" star and one of the Kardashians?

The team for the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game, of course! And guess which little nugget of basketball awesomeness won the title of game MVP? The teen idol in the equation: Justin Bieber. We bet you thought he was too short and would never win MVP. Well, never say never! The 16-year-old scored eight points, two rebounds and four assists.

NBA Celebrity Game 2011 Roster: NBA Legends, Justin Bieber, and Everyone Else

NBA Celebrity All-Star Game Featured Plenty of Big Names and Some Not-So-Big Names

No matter how hard you try, you will never be able to conjure up a more pointless sporting event that the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game.

"Oh, come on, Rymer! It's all in good fun!"

2011 NBA All-Star Weekend: Justin Bieber Takes Over Los Angeles Again In Celebrity All-Star Game

Every year the NBA All-Star Weekend is like the Super Bowl for basketball. It is the marquee marketing event for the NBA. Parties, meetings, and speeches are held, and clients are wooed over the four days at Staples Center. Outside of having the world's greatest basketball players consolidated in one spot for a weekend, there might be no better way to impress than to increase the celebrity wattage of the event. The Celebrity Game, held this afternoon, is a mix of basketball icons and celebrities, and this year features Justin Bieber taking over Los Angeles...for the second time this season.

2011 NBA All-Star Weekend: John Wall Earns MVP Honors In Rookies 140-128 Win Over Sophomores

Update: 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend: Rookies End Seven Year Losing Streak To Sophomores In T-Mobile Rookie Challenge

John Wall got his first taste of NBA All-Star Weekend action on Friday night during the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge. Both during the game and during the halftime entertainment, the Washington Wizards rookie stole the show.
2011 NBA All-Star Weekend TV Schedule: Slam Dunk Contest, Celebrity Game, And More

2011 NBA All-Star Weekend from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca. is upon us and Atlanta will be well represented in the festivities.

Here is a breakdown of the main events of the weekend along with a special emphasis on your Atlanta Hawks that will be participating in the events.

All times ET. Visit SB Nation's NBA hub for more on non-Hawks.

Friday, February 18

BVAA All-Star Celebrity Game 7:00 p.m.. ESPN: Magic Johnson. Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber. Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson. Justin Bieber. Stars and former basketball greats will take to the court for a basketball game like no other. I mean, where else will you see Magic and tween recording artist Justin Bieber on the same court? Do you have Bieber fever? If not, Scottie Pippen, Chris Mullen, Jimmy Kimmel, Jason Alexander and the rapper Common will take to the Staples Center L.A. Convention Center court. Just don't ask me what BVAA stands for. I don't know and I don't care.

MVP Bieber shows off his pro-style game in defeat

LOS ANGELES -- It was arguably the most anticipated performance in celebrity game history. A few thousand people packed Center Court at All-Star Jam Session on Friday and many more watched at home to catch a glimpse of teenage hoops sensation Justin Bieber.

Bieber, who turns 17 next month, will be eligible for the 2013 NBA Draft. At this point, it's too early to project when or if he would be selected but, whatever happens, the 2011 BBVA All-Star Celebrity Game provided the first opportunity to see Bieber against a higher level of basketball competition. ( Read Celebrity All Star Game 2011 more... )

NBA All-Star Weekend Kicks Off Tonight With Justin Beiber

The NBA has reached the half-way points of its season, as the players stop playing games for the weekend to participate in the annual All-Star Weekend, taking place in Los Angeles this year.

The competition kicks off tonight with the All-Star Celebrity game at 7 p.m. on ESPN. The game will feature celebrities such as Justin Bieber, Rob Kardashian, as well as past NBA legends such as Magic Johnson and Scottie Pippen.

NBA All-Star Weekend a showcase for McDonald’s All-Americans

NBA All-Star Weekend is in full effect for the basketball world. The rookies, sophomore and celebrities are set to put on a show tonight. Blake Griffin has the world anticipating this year’s Slam Dunk contest like it’s Dr. Dre’s Detox album. The main course in this basketball feast is the All-Star Game itself. We get to see the best 24 basketball players in the world competing under the lights of the Staples Center. This is sure to satisfy your basketball appetite.

NBA All-Star Events Give Houston Little To Root For

This year's NBA All-Star Game will take place this Sunday in Los Angeles, with a typical Saturday lineup that involves the Slam Dunk contest, the Three-Point Shootout, Shooting Stars, and the Skills Challenge. Friday night will yield the Celebrity Game and the Rookie/Sophomore Challenge.

And out of those three nights, a grand total of 0 current Rockets will be involved in the proceedings. Not a one. Yao Ming will probably wave to fans in a suit, sure, but no one will actively be participating. Part of this is just Daryl Morey's way: he values basketball skills first. For that reason, we have Shane Battier instead of Rudy Gay, and we have a hardworking team of role players instead of athletic youngsters that can really dazzle anyone. Well, except Terrence Williams, who just doesn't play for whatever reason. I don't mean that as a criticism, it's just a function of the type of teams the Rockets build. Kevin Martin and Luis Scola are efficient scorers, but they aren't going to throw down a jaw-dropping dunk.
All-Star 2011: Rondo & McLovin?

The NBA All-Star game always brings together the worlds of basketball and entertainment regardless of location, but a Hollywood backdrop for this year's game should only increase those opportunities in Los Angeles.

Heck, last year in Dallas, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, better know as McLovin from the movie Superbad and a noted Celtics supporter, stormed an NBA TV interview to chat with Boston's trio of stars, including Rajon Rondo

Michael Jordan Statue

 Like all the great mysteries throughout history, this one features Canadian pop stars, a late-night talk show host, bald caps, a counterfeit statue of the greatest basketball player who ever lived and, of course, Will Perdue. Join us as we unravel the mystery of the incorrectly numbered Michael Jordan statue.