RU-DY, RU-DY, RU-DY!!

So the NBA got all "interactive" this year with a fan vote for the last competitor in the NBA Slam Dunk contest. While the campaign was cute, I always questioned the highlights they used to showcase Fernandez, Joe Alexander and Russell Westbrook, really nothing spectacular. Granted they're all rookies, so their highlights may have been somewhat limited, (especially since Joe rarely gets burn).

However the clip above was seen by millions, and the newest Spaniard on the block will be competing in the Dunk Off this year, as voted by the people. If this wasn't a North American geo-targeted vote, the other guys were doomed from the start. I like Rudy, but I think his ability to dunk on people is his strong suit, and he won't have that luxury. Creativity is the key, not saying it's in question, but Dwight Howard has the market cornered right now, and he's my pick to take it, (again).

My vote was for Russell Westbrook, I like short guys not named Nate Robinson.

With compliments to The Oregonian.

Adidas' Brotherhood Bounces Back.

So Adidas has launched their new campaign for Basketball is a Brotherhood, definitely stepping it up from last year, they got T-Mac, KG, Chauncey, Timmy, J-Smoove, Dwight Howard, Jordan Farmar, and Bassy going at it on the court. While the squad isn't as stacked as Nike's, the non-playing footage is just as good, with Dwight Howard suggesting that KG call him "Superman".

What happened to McGrady though? He used to be the crown jewel of the 3 stripes, he's barely noticeable in this spot. Maybe they're waiting for him to get out of the first round of the play-offs before he gets shine?

Aside from what I've seen in the spot, the kicks look alright, however, if the good folks at Adidas want to send me a pair, I'd be more than happy to provide a review.

Chris @ SLAM Online, hipped me to the run, enjoy the Raps game in E-Town my man.

2009 Rookie of the Year Picks.

With Summer League officially over, that means the NBA season is just around the corner. With the draft behind us and the new kids having shown off their goods, ABDB checked in to see who the pros have pegged for Rookie of the Year.

Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets: Greg Oden.
Michael Redd, Milwaukee Bucks: I have to go with Greg Oden, he’s a rookie and a fellow Ohio State Buckeye.
Deron Williams, Utah Jazz: Greg Oden would be a good choice, Michael Beasley is a good pick as well.
Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons: Greg Oden is considered a rookie, so he’s going to be up there. Michael Beasley is up there. The talent is so good, it's going to be a toss-up. Obviously with Oden being eligible its going to be interesting.
Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic: I’m going to go with Derrick Rose.

While we're hardly pros, All Balls Don't Bounce is picking Michael Beasley for Rookie of the Year. He has the heart, attitude and skills, and likely will be getting the minutes on a rebuilding Heat squad. With Dwayne Wade getting back to form and Shawn Marion, he won't have to carry the squad, but is a deadly third option.

A picture is worth a thousand words.

With that being said, coming across this photo album on Flickr of NBA players and random women, there are 8 million stories told in the club, this was a sampling of 151 of them.

What I really find interesting is how some of the least, how-shall-we-say photogenic players are even asked to pose, like Calvin Booth, Tyrone Hill, Sam Cassell and our main man Gheorge to the left. We'll refer to them as the "Sixth Man".

Then you have the "Starters", they're just there in the mix, not dominating, but just playing their part, like Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and David Lee.

Of course there is the upper echelon, the "All-Star", players in the club who strive to be the best that they can be. Best exemplified by Luther Head, Randy Foye and Chris Duhon. Even the retired players like Kenny Smith, Glen Rice, Ron Harper and Gary Payton still get love, guaranteeing their entry into the club "Hall of Fame".

So get in where you fit in NBA-wannabees, and don't be led to the dark side, as evidenced by the awesome Nowitzki & Nash pics, that made their way around the interwebs some time ago.

Much respect to my purple and gold compatriots at Bynum Brigade for setting my club game straight.