LeBron James’ infamous free-agent “Decision”. Blake Griffin’s powerful skywalking dunks. Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and the rest of the original legendary Dream Team being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Allen Iverson fading away faster than we could have ever imagined.
And look at the picture to the right closely, please. We may never see Tim Duncan and Yao Ming face off as worthy adversaries again.
So sad.
Yes, the 2010 calendar year provided hoops fans with a plethora of memorable moments to cherish forever and in this column I wanted to highlight the many headlines and stories that captured my attention during the course of the year.
From Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Dirk Nowitzki reaching scoring milestones to Amare Stoudemire and Blake Griffin generating mass interest in two woe-be-gone franchises we were treated to some fantastic basketball.
Of course, I can’t forget about the Heat super-trio and a classic Celtics-Lakers NBA Finals.
Some of my choices below may not be your fondest memories but are headlines that really tugged at me personally, featured players who hit statistical milestones, or simply caused me to lash out in anger.
Yes, anger. Isn’t that a necessary emotion for the passionate sports fan?
And now, twenty 2010 NBA headlines and stories:
Allen Iverson heads to Turkey
WATCH A HIGHLIGHT CLIP OF IVERSON - CLICK HERE
Allen Iverson was one of my favorite players when I was a youngster. Watching him score 48 points against the vaunted Lakers in 2001 remains one of my most cherished NBA memories. In fact, the very first column I wrote here at The Sports Jury was on Allen Iverson and the potentially confusing legacy he leaves behind. You can read that piece by CLICKING HERE if you like.
Iverson’s final NBA game (for now) was on February 20, 2010 - he scored 13 points in 29 minutes of action as the Sixers were demolished by the Bobcats 122-90.
It’s nearly unfathomable to think that just three years prior he averaged 26.4 points and 7.2 assists while helping lead the Nuggets to 50 wins and a playoff berth in the loaded Western Conference.
Then, before we could even say goodbye, he was gone. Off to Turkey we go.
1992 Dream Team enshrined in Hall
WATCH THE 1992 DREAM TEAM IN ACTION - CLICK HERE
This was the greatest team ever assembled. No other squad before or after has ever come close.
When FIBA changed the Olympic guidelines in 1989 to allow professional basketball players the opportunity to compete at the games everyone knew the Americans would dominate. They just didn’t how by how much.
The Americans were so dominant that coach Chuck Daly didn’t call a single time-out throughout the tournament and they won each contest by an average of 43.8 points.
Magic Johnson. Larry Bird. Michael Jordan. No team will ever be greater.
LeBron James’ free-agent “Decision”
WATCH A CLIP OF “THE DECISION” -CLICK HERE
I’m actually embarrassed to say that I watched this. Despite my immense hatred of James I, along with 10 million others, watched LeBron destroy his public image live on ESPN during this incredibly silly free-agent announcement.
James tortured the entire Cleveland fan-base for several years with his free-agency flirtations and I swore that he was staying put until just days before the show aired LeBron landed in Miami on “vacation”.
Sure thing, pal.
The whole “taking my talents to South Beach” statement will forever be a punch line to LeBron-haters everywhere and while the Heat have turned around their season by destroying foes of late James may never fully recover image-wise from this ridiculous charade.
Blake Griffin throws it down in NY
WATCH BLAKE GRIFFIN’S JAMS VS. THE KNICKS - CLICK HERE
In just the 14th game of his NBA career Blake Griffin became a bona-fide superstar after posting a ridiculous stat-line of 44 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists against the New York Knicks on November 20, 2010.
He also threw down one of the most ferocious, awe-inspiring dunks I have ever seen. Check out the the clip I’ve included above for more Griffin vs. New York explosions.
I already thought Griffin would end up a superstar but never in my wildest dreams did I think he would make an impact this quickly. As of right now he has recorded 21-straight double-doubles and is on pace to become the first rookie since Shaq to average 20 points and 12 boards per night.
The fall of 2010 belonged to two players: Blake Griffin and…
Amare Stoudemire dominates the NBA
WATCH A CLIP OF AMARE WHEN HE SIGNED WITH NY - CLICK HERE
Amare Stoudemire has given Knicks fans real hope for the first time since Allan Houston and Latrell Sprewell roamed Madison Square Garden and his coming-out party began on November 28, 2010.
That night, in a win over the Pistons, Stoudemire scored 37 points. The next night he added 35 in another Knicks win. And so it went until a heartbreaking, last-second loss to Boston halted New York’s eight-game winning streak but not the dreams of New York’s fan-base.
Stoudemire racked up nine-consecutive games of 30 or more points before he was through, setting a Knicks record in the process and vaulting near the top of every MVP ranking list across the web.
You are a beast, Amare. The Knicks made the right choice by signing you.
Yao Ming goes down… again
WATCH A HIGHLIGHT CLIP OF YAO - CLICK HERE
Yao Ming played in just five games this season before going down indefinitely with a stress fracture in his ankle, causing all of us to wonder if we have seen the last of Yao at his best, or even at all.
I recently overheard a few members at my local gym talking about how Yao was incredibly overrated and that the Rockets are better off without him.
My initial response? I though about slugging them in the face.
At his best Yao was an incredibly graceful offensive force and towering presence at the rim who, alongside both Steve Francis and Tracy McGrady, may not have delivered a title to Houston but at least provided yearly hope.
He was also the NBA’s most marketable athlete during the early 2000’s and if we have seen the last of Yao I’ll be the first to admit that I’m going to miss him.
Please recover and get back out there!
Kevin Durant ascends to stardom at Worlds
WATCH DURANT AT THE WORLDS - CLICK HERE
Even though Durant had been the NBA scoring champ during the 2009-10 season it seemed like still wasn’t quite there with the Kobe’s, LeBron’s, and Wade’s of the league in terms of sheer superstar appeal.
That all changed during the Worlds with Team USA.
Durant was named MVP of the tournament as the USA captured their first Gold Medal at the Worlds in 16 years and broke a long-standing (1974) record by averaging 22.8 points. He scored 28 points in the final round win vs. Turkey and scored millions of adoring fans along the way.
Durant also garnered heavy praise for signing a contract extension quietly and graciously (unlike LeBron) with his current team despite the potential riches of entering the open market as a future free-agent.
I look forward to watching you dominant the pro game for years to come, Mr. Durant.
Tim Duncan sets Spurs scoring record
WATCH DUNCAN SET THE RECORD - CLICK HERE
Tim Duncan became the Spurs all-time leading scorer on November 19, 2010 by hitting a pair of free-throws in a win over the Utah Jazz. He ended the night with 20,797 points and continues to play well for the Spurs during their white-hot start despite logging under 30-minutes per night, the fewest of his career.
Those who appreciate flash over substance may never truly realize how great Duncan was in his absolute prime - he was pretty much unstoppable at both ends of the floor and when it came to the fundamentals of the game no one has been better.
I’m sure David Robinson didn’t mind you breaking the record, Tim.
Ray Allen sets NBA Finals three-point record
WATCH RAY ALLEN SET THE RECORD - CLICK HERE
I am a die-hard Celtics fan so the inclusion of moment from the 2010 NBA Finals should be expected.
Ray Allen has the most incredibly smooth jumper on the planet and he put it to good use in game two against the Lakers by draining a Finals-record eight three-pointes, seven of them in the first half alone.
While Allen and the Celtics eventually fell in an excruciating game seven I’m incredibly happy that, after suffering through the horrid mid-to-late 1990’s watching terrible Boston outfits, I’ve been able to witness such fantastic, sustained excellence by the gang in green.
Dirk Nowitzki passes Larry Bird on scoring chart
WATCH NOWITZKI PASS BIRD - CLICK HERE
Before Dirk’s recent injury he was having one of the finest seasons of his career for the surging Mavericks and on December 21, 2010 he added another milestone to an already stellar career by passing NBA legend Larry Bird on the all-time scoring chart in a win against the Magic.
Dirk has added quite a few points since then, of course, and now sits just two points from passing Sonics great Gary Payton and could conceivably pass Clyde Drexler before the season is through.
Nowitzki may be in his 13th season but hasn’t shown signs of slippage - he’s shooting more efficiently than ever from the floor and has continued a career-long trend of avoiding careless turnovers.
Well done, Dirk.
LeBron James “tanks” Game Five vs. Boston
WATCH A CLIP OF JAMES IN GAME FIVE - CLICK HERE
Never in my entire basketball-watching life had I seen a star player simply stop giving full effort like James did in Game Five of Cleveland’s semi-final clash with Boston this past year. If you didn’t watch the game I ask that you view the clip I included above and ask yourself if you’ve ever seen anything like it.
I understand being tired and taking plays off once in a while. I’m sure going 100% for an entire game is quite difficult, especially at the pro level.
But slacking off to that extent? In a huge playoff game? Blasphemous, I tell you.
Bird, Jordan, Magic, Russell, Isiah, Duncan - none of those guys would have ever let their teams down in such a manner.
Right then and there Cleveland fans should have known that the end was near.
Scottie Pippen and Karl Malone enter the Hall of Fame
WATCH PIPPEN AND MALONE ENTER THE HALL - CLICK HERE
I was privileged to watch these two greats in the prime of their careers that culminated in two wars for NBA supremecy in 1997 and 1998.
Pippen has finally started to receive his due as one of the greatest small forwards of all-time, especially on the defensive end, while Malone has long been considered one of the great power players of any generation.
Pippen asked Jordan to present for him and Scottie offered up the following quotes, via ESPN:
“MJ, you have touched so many people’s lives, but none quite like mine,”
“Who knew that No. 23 would be here 23 years later presenting me to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame?” Pippen said.
It was a pleasure to watch you both play. Congrats on this incredible honor.
Kobe Bryant hits 25,000 point plateau
WATCH KOBE HIT 25,000 POINTS - CLICK HERE
Kobe became the youngest player in NBA history to reach 25,000 career points at 31 years, 151 days in January 2010 and recently passed John Havlicek for 11th place all-time.
He won’t be in 11th for long, however, as Bryant is just 14 points away from passing Dominique Wilkins and will likely vault over Oscar Robertson and Hakeem Olajuwon before the season is over.
Next year? If he stays healthy he will no doubt pass Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, and old buddy Shaquille O’Neal, placing him fourth all-time.
Kevin Love notches first 30/30 game since 1982
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS OF LOVE’S 30/30 GAME - CLICK HERE
Kevin Love became the first player since Moses Malone in 1982 to record at least 30 points and 30 rebounds in the same game on November 12, 2010 in a win over the Knicks and he has since proven it was no fluke.
Love has grabbed 20 or more boards in four games since then, including 24 against Boston last night, and is on pace to average 20 points and 15 rebounds for the season.
If he sustains that pace he’ll be the first since Moses in 1982 to average 20 and 15.
Lakers win back-to-back NBA titles
WATCH THE LAKERS CELEBRATE THEIR TITLE - CLICK HERE
It’s fairly difficult for me to add this considering my love-affair with Boston sports but I can’t deny the accomplishment of back-to-back titles for Kobe and the Lakers despite my bias.
Los Angeles came back from 13 points down in the fourth in spite of Kobe chucking like it was 2005 and in the process won their 16th NBA title against Boston in a rematch of their classic 2008 battle.
It’s almost unbelievable to think how dominant the Spurs and Lakers were during the first decade of the 2000’s - Los Angeles made the NBA Finals in 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2009, and 2010.
San Antonio? 2003, 2005, and 2007. Talk about domination.
Shaquille O’neal scores 28,000 career point
WATCH SHAQ SCORE HIS 28000 POINT - CLICK HERE
Shaq arrived in Cleveland stating he wanted to “Win a ring for the King” and while he didn’t quite lead the Cavs to the promised land he did reach a significant career milestone that went largely unappreciated.
On January 19, 2010 O’Neal became on of just five players in NBA history to record more than 28,000 career points.
The others? Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain.
Solid company to be associated with, my friend.
Carmelo Anthony refuses to sign extension
WATCH A HIGHLIGHT CLIP OF CARMELO - CLICK HERE
After watching LeBron tear the hearts out of Cleveland fans this summer the last thing the NBA needed was another soap opera revolving around an impending free-agent superstar.
Good luck with that.
Carmelo refused to sign Denver’s three-year, $64 million contract extension offer and instead subtly requested a trade, preferrably to New York.
This is obviously still an ongoing issue and it threatens to derail an otherwise promising season for the Nuggets - despite all the hoopla surrounding Anthony they are still on track to make the postseason and are not far removed from challenging Los Angeles in the playoffs.
Greg Oden has microfracture surgery
WATCH A HIGHLIGHT CLIP OF ODEN - CLICK HERE
Greg Oden and the Portland Trailblazers just can’t catch a break.
Oden is scheduled to miss the rest of the 2010-11 season after another setback involving his knees and has now played in just 82 of a possible 256 career games.
First Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan. Now Greg Oden over Kevin Durant.
Geesh. Bad luck or bad decisions? I’m going with a little of both.
Miami Heat sign James, Wade, and Bosh
WATCH ALL THREE GET INTRODUCED IN MIAMI - CLICK HERE
This whole situation still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Watch the above clip and you’ll see why.
Miami pulled off the greatest free-agent heist in NBA history by signing the reigning MVP in James and a perennial All-Star in Bosh.
Of course, both those guys have to share the court with all-world talent Dwyane Wade.
I figured that Miami wouldn’t pull it together this season but it looks like I’ve been proven wrong.
Ron Artest auctions ring for charity
Alright! I admit that I’m a sucker for this type of stuff and since I wanted to end this list on a high note you’ll have to deal with it!
The Lakers may have lost to the Heat on Christmas but Artest followed through on a promise he made before the season began as he delivered his championship ring to the contest’s raffle winner and will donate all of the $650,000-plus raised since October to various mental health charities.
While Artest can still be a loose-cannon at times I think it’s fantastic that he seems to have matured over the years since the infamous Detroit-Indiana brawl.
Besides, isn’t that what the New Year is all about? Starting over?
I’m not your biggest fan, Ron, but congrats on doing a great thing for a worthy cause.
Thanks for reading and I hope you are looking forward to following another fantastic NBA year as much as I am.
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