Photos

Strictly Business

CHN — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 14:53:09 -0700

Photo by Atiba Jefferson
Originally published in SLAM 84
Allen Iverson, at times known equally for his image as his incredible game on the court, posed in a suit in accordance with the newly implemented dress code. AI made it look good in only a way that he could—sporting baggy slacks and a chain to supplement the collared shirt that David Stern deemed to be oh so important for the league’s image. — Adam Fleischer

Jrue Holywood Story

CHN — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:51:40 -0700

Photos by Dan Monick
Originally published in SLAM 116
After finishing his high school career, Jrue Holiday went Hollywood, enrolling in UCLA. Fans of UCLA shouldn’t get too used to him, though; his combination of speed and smarts will have him in the NBA in no time. —Tzvi Twersky

Zo Fresh Zo Clean

CHN — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 14:38:13 -0700

Photo by Atiba Jefferson
Originally published in SLAM 52
Zo was among the last of a dying bread: bangers who possessed real skill. Now that he’s left the court for the last time, we salute you. Through the illness and the injury he always brought his all. We’ll miss you. —Tzvi Twersky

Jordan Forever

CHN — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 13:34:52 -0700

Photo by Atiba Jefferson
Originally published in SLAM 100
Ryan Jones wrote it best, so let me steal from him: “It isn’t accurate to say that SLAM exists because of Michael Jordan. But it is fair to say we probably wouldn’t be here without him.” Thanks Michael. —Tzvi Twersky

Class Act

CHN — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:40:19 -0700

Photos by Jeffrey McCullough
Originally published in SLAM 120
Can he make it in Europe? Should he have made the move to skip college? Will this start a trend among top high school players? All of these are valid questions. One that isn’t so valid: Does Brandon Jennings have game and style all his own? Well, that one’s pretty simple. — Adam Fleischer

Mr. Blue Collar

CHN — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:33:10 -0700

Photo by Pier Nicola D’Amico
Originally published in SLAM 103
Ben Wallace’s stare, along with his work ethic, hustle and tenacious defense, once sent chills throughout the League and caused opponents to think twice before coming in the lane. Undrafted out of college, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year probably never saw himself kicking it in a whip that nice. Playing D pays off, kids. — Adam Fleischer

Fear the Reapa

CHN — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:22:01 -0700

Photo by Atiba Jefferson
Originially published in SLAM Streetball 4
Smush did the NBA thing for a minute, repping the purple and gold. But his real bread-and-butter has always been the park—and the freedom it provides a PG like him. —Tzvi Twersky

Rock Solid

CHN — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:38:47 -0700

Photo by Atiba Jefferson
Originally published in SLAM 89
Ask these three Spurs. Basketball sure is fun when you’re winning. – Tzvi Twersky

Got Ice?

CHN — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 10:22:15 -0700

Photo by Atiba Jefferson
Originally published in SLAM 47
Possibly, and silently, the best player of the decade, nine winters ago TD21 told us that his only fears were heights, sharks, and “not being able to play anymore.” Still playing at high level, he doesn’t have to worry about that last fear for at least a few more seasons. —Tzvi Twersky

Rimwrecker

CHN — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:37:52 -0700

Photo by Atiba Jefferson
Originally published in SLAM 76
Kenyon Martin has been known to tear down rims. Granted, in recent years, this trend has decreased in frequency. But in the pre-microfracture surgery early years of the decade helping the Nets reach the Finals with his play on both ends of the court, the former Bearcat was a real force. — Adam Fleischer