Layne Murdoch/NBAE/Getty Images
Media day is mainly about the start of training camp, the moment the NBA season has officially arrived. Players meet with the media, talk about how excited they are and such and such and then get set for a couple weeks of hard work and preparation for the new season.
But they also get portraits done for some reason. I’ve never really understood why, but it happens every year and each time, there’s a batch of photos that one could put in the categories of awkward, weird, funny and boring. Here’s the best from Oklahoma City’s media day album.
There’s KD, in the traditional “Yell at the Camera” pose. It’s like the “Blue Steel” of media day looks. I wasn’t in the area where they were taking these, but I’ve always wondered if the player has to actually yell to get his face to that point, or if he can just do it on his own.
As you can see, Cole Aldrich couldn’t get into his comfort zone to let loose on a yell pose. He’s caught in between a yell, a smile and a tough guy look. What he ends up with is something that resembles a guy that’s taking a dump with a basketball in his hand.
It looks like Royal Ivey actually is trying the “Blue Steel” look. Or maybe it’s “The Tigra.” I can’t ever get those straight.
#BashBrothers.
I just cannot picture Nick Collison being cool with doing this. I envision it being the type of thing where he keeps just going halfway with it — also known as “The Cole Aldrich” — but the photographer keeps wanting more and making him re-do it. Finally, they get the shot they need because the photographer says, “One more Nick,” and he actually is yelling, “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”
My wish for this season: That the Air Congo becomes Oklahoma City’s version of “Tebowing.” I want people Air Congoing everywhere in Oklahoma — the Bricktown canal, the Paseo, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, on top of the new Devon Building, jumping out of Loud City while doing it… everywhere.
A candidate for Awkward Family Photos. Why? Because Perk is smiling and we all know how awkward that made everyone feel.
And finally, let’s finish with this one:
Make up your own caption for that one.
I probably bumped into Cole at crest and didn't even recognize him, he looks THAT different.
Rip hamilton to the bulls.
Aldrich looks like he has one crazy eye.
Aldrich.... is that you?
Also Mullens looks dirty. Nothing new.
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/7353823/thunder
good article. i think russ and kd are mature enough to handle this
Derrick Williams is struggling so far in practice. I said in here a 1000 times on draft night that he was going to be a bust.
@Lambchop He's immensely athletic and talented, but like Jeff Green, kind of a tweener. I wouldn't call him a "bust" just yet, but I agree that he's probably not going to be as good as everyone thinks.
aldrich looks like hes in killer shape
Looks like there is a new sheriff in LA. I always hoped I'd get to see the day when the clips are better than the lakers. We're a lot closer now than any time I can recall... At least all of the celebrities dont have to go to a different arena when they jump ship...
@TreyFiveOnMyBack 05-06 they finished ahead of the Lakers and made the second round of the playoffs (and took the Suns to seven games in round two).
@[censored] I have no problem with justin pointing this out. Ive been coming here for years and appreciate everyone for different reasons. I knew they got to the playoffs that year, but didnt recall how the lakers did.. To be honest, the few years before the thunder were acquired are kind of a blur as far as the NBA goes.. I just was pointing out how they may stay consistently better than the lakers for a while now..
@[censored]@TreyFiveOnMyBack
Justin, you are annoying. Were you abused as a child? Always gotta prove something wrong. #GetALife
From Royce's DT Commenting Guidelines:
4. Absolutely no personal attacks on other commenters or writers. If someone misspelled something or forgot a comma, don’t go grammar police and point out everything and disregard anything they said based on that fact alone. We’re all our own editors. People make mistakes. If somebody thinks Earl Watson should be an All-Star, don’t call them a moron — call them a moron and explain WHY. Not really, just disagree, make your point and move on. Instead of saying, “You idiot, Kyle Weaver could never be an All-Star,” say instead, “Kyle Weaver could never be an All-Star.” It’s actually pretty simple to be nice.
Why would you be mad at him for pointing out accurate information? Geeze! Some people...
@In_OKC@[censored]@TreyFiveOnMyBack Looks like he's just setting the record straight which practically everybody is very good at doing around here. :)
I love this team and I am their number one fan too...
Latest blog post: Les Arcs
Someone ought to organize some sort of Air Congo flash mob!
Regarding earlier comments, a good point was made. It was stated that 'Chris Paul and Blake Griffin don't make a team' which was followed by listing off the rest of LAC's roster, which is...laughable. They are a team of washed up has-beens and a weak bench. To further stress how LAC will be the most overrated team in the league, Chris Paul is injury prone, and I might start a riot by saying this, but Blake Griffin in arrogant and over-rated. I'm going to throw a fit if I hear much more of this Clippers hype.
@Bryson You need to take another look at their team, use 82games.com. Paul, Billups, Butler, Jordan, and Griffin all out performed their opponents last year. Billups at SG probably isn't the best spot. Thats a good team, not a favorite to win the west but if for as long as they can keep those pieces together, thats a team that will contend for the western conference title. Their depth is where they have problems, Gomes isn't that bad coming off the bench, Bledsoe might develop, and they will most likely trade Mo Williams for bench players. Having Caron Butler is a lot bigger than people think, he hasn't averaged below 15 ppg since 2003, and he averaged 15 with the Mavs who have plenty of other scorers. Billups is still a scorer as well who hasn't scored less than 15 ppg since 2003 as well, how he plays off the ball will be interesting but if anyone can make it work its Paul. I think it all comes down to how much teams can take advantage of the poor bench play and if Blake learns to play good defense.
@Its Raining 3's yeah they are more than just those 2 players and I wouldnt be surprised if mo williams gets traded for a sg. I think they are the best team in their division, but still behind us, dallas and spurs.
WTF?!?!? I had no idea those were gonna be as funny as they were. Boy, Cole looks so different with hair
Jarrett Jack is an incredible player,it is the third time that he joined a team as a backup but became a starter at last
hahaha, man that Mullens pic made me crack up!
At this point I think every sports writer in North America owes Stern an apology. That deal is much stronger long term for the Hornets than the Hou/La deal previously rejected.
@Steve H Doesn't changed the fact that the league said for weeks that Dell Demps had authority to make roster moves and then cut his legs out from under him at the last minute. Or that saying it was for "basketball reasons" with no explanation of what that meant. It was just as bad as Dan Gilbert asking players to "trust his gut".
I think he is referring to the comments from the national media that there was no way the Hornets would get a better offer than the one from the Lakers, which actually added to their payroll and made them older. This trade really resembles the initial trades that Presti made to rebuild the Thunder.
These are both good comments. I certainly wouldn't have predicted that Eric Gordon would have been offered along with the unprotected first round pick.
With regard to Stern's comments, the only person who mentioned that the goal of rejecting the trade was to re-tool with a younger roster that I remember was Tom Penn. Instead most media jumped to the conclusion that he was listening to Dan Gilbert and trying to impose his will on larger markets.
When the Thunder traded Ray Allen and began the process of rebuilding through the draft they were accused of destroying the team. I think it is a hard thing to tell the 10,000 people who have ordered season tickets that the team might have to endure a 3-29 start like the Thunder did.
It would have been better for David Stern to use your phrase of "a better roster to build on with cap flexibility" to describe the trade.
@Adub That makes sense. Still, though, this trade is only 'better' in the sense that it gives them a roster to build on with cap flexibility rather than an arguably better roster now (from the Lakers/Rockets trade) with little flexibility. My point is Stern could have avoided the entire situation by simply explaining that they were looking for a better core to build around for a new owner instead of acting like, well, Stern.
@Adub At the time, that was absolutely true.
Nobody actually paying attention in NBA circles thought Eric Gordon would get thrown in, and he's the only thing that puts this trade in the league of the LA/Houston deal.
Just because I successfully ran across I-35 at 5 p.m. doesn't mean it was a good idea.
@Steve H Why should they apologize? Stern still vetoed a good trade for them. Just because the Clips finally through in Eric Gordon doesn't mean Stern is absolved from a horrific situation he created.
BJ looks like Sloth from the goonies
The only thing with the Clippers is they are loaded up at PG and SF, but they don't have any depth at SG, PF or C. I imagine they will try to sign some people, but depth at these positions could be their biggest problem going forward.
Royce, Thanks for posting these pictures. Makes me want to head right to the Arena, sit in my seat.... and yell until I am able to yell no longer.
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@deleted_1998213_Don'tStoptheSergeing _ Yes.
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@deleted_1998213_Don'tStoptheSergeing Maybe not. Register for a VPN. I haven't tried it but I'm told it works.
screw the clippers, go thunder
I'm thrilled the Clips had to give up both Eric Gordon and Minny's pick. That makes it a fair trade, in my opinion. I wonder how they're going to work the guard positions though. They have 3 starting caliber PGs in CP3, Mo Williams and Chauncey. I wonder if Mo or Chauncey will start at 2 guard. Chauncey played the 2 in the World Championships last Summer and kind of looked out of place.
Clippers are still irrelevant. Two players does not a team make.
@Bryson They also have Chauncey, Mo Williams, Caron Butler, DeAndre Jordan, Eric Bledson, Randy Foye and Ryan Gomes. They are more than just 2 players and we should view them as a legitimate threat to us in the West. Plus, CP3 will make every man on that roster better.
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@Daniel Hawaii
That and his tendency to stare down the crowd after every basket he made. It's much easier to be a fan of his during the off-season/lockout
@deleted_1998213_Don'tStoptheSergeing LOL! Yeah, and if I remember from last year, Blake Griffin flops quite a bit himself. I think I remember being angry after watching an OKC-LAC game last year because of all of Griffin's antics.
anyone else think clippers shoudnt have traded gordon
@beardjr To get CP3, I think it was worth it to trade Eric Gordon. Skip Bayless made this argument on First Take this morning and I agree with him.
@Daniel Hawaii@beardjr not that I don't agree with you, but the words "Skip Bayless made this argument" are never a good look for proving a point lol
It's only worth it if CP3 stays with the Clippers and also stays healthy. Eric Gordon is a future all-star and would've more likely committed long term to the Clips. CP3 on the other hand has been known to be all buddy buddy with Melo etc so chances of him leaving are pretty high. I bet you if New York manages to get themselves in a better situation in 2012-13, CP3 will bolt for sure in free agency. If he leaves, and with no Gordon around, Griffin will have no reason to stick around. In conclusion, Hornets > Clippers in this trade. The Clipper jinx looks likely to continue. @Daniel Hawaii @beardjr
True, it would be incredibly awkward, especially for a star like CP3. But going back to New York, if they have any certainty of being able to have CP3 commit to them, they'll probably just dump Amar'e somewhere to clear space for CP3. Frankly Amar'e and Melo don't mesh too well on the offensive end as they are both high post face-up players. Furthermore, on the defensive end, having two matadors is hardly comforting. A trio of Melo, CP3 and Chandler would be more effective than the current trio. Seeing how heartlessly they amnestied Billups, I wouldn't put New York above ditching Amar'e somewhere for Paul. It's just how the business goes I guess. @Daniel Hawaii
@Olajuwon87 There is no way the Knicks can sign CP3 now that they have Melo, Amare and Chandler all signed long-term. I think CP3 recognized that and realized the Clippers were his best option. Where else could he go 2 years from now? Dallas is saving for next year, not 2013. Miami, Chicago will be capped out. Actually, in 2 years, the Lakers might have freed up some cap room and might make a run at him. But I would think that would be incredibly awkward to go from one LA to another.
@Olajuwon87@Daniel Hawaii i dont mostly because yes he can score and is probaly the best passer but with blake gordon and jordn they had they same situation the thunder had, which is a core group of young players growing together, i think if they really needed a pg there are plenty in next years draft they should have waited, mayeb they could have got him in FA or drafted one, but in the win now era i guess its a good trade
@beardjr bill Simmons wasn't a fan.
If Chris Paul sign long term with the Clippers after this deal then I think it was a good deal. If he bolts after two seasons then probably not.