Monthly Archives: January 2023

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James passed Steve Nash for fourth place on the NBA’s all-time assist leaderboard following his 11-assist performance against the New York Knicks.

As reported by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst in 2016, his ability to efficiently distribute the ball is particularly noteworthy, especially at his position.

“LeBron breaks all the passing rules. You’re not supposed to leave your feet and pass. … You’re not supposed to pass through traffic. He throws backhanded fastballs that buzz the ears of two defenders. He always knows where everyone is going to be.”

James is still averaging seven assists per game this season.

James is in the presence of some elite company and is the only non-guard in the top 10. Here’s where he sits among the NBA greats:

Assists: 15,806

Games played: 1,504

If there was a prototype for point guards, its style of play would be very similar to that of Stockton. The Utah Jazz great had 19 consecutive playoff appearances during his career.

Per NBA.com, Stockton’s other assists records include: most in a season (1,164); highest average for a season (14.5); most seasons leading the league (nine); and most consecutive seasons leading the league (nine).

The two-time Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer also holds the No.1 spot on the NBA’s all-time steals list.

Assists: 12,091

Games played: 1,391

Selected second overall in the 1994 draft by the Dallas Mavericks, Kidd had a knack for dishing the ball. He was also a member of the Phoenix Suns, then-New Jersey Nets and New York Knicks

His 4,620 assists remain a franchise record for the Nets as he averaged more than nine assists per game with the team.

He won his only NBA championship alongside Dirk Nowitzki and Co. in 2011 and returned to Dallas as its head coach in 2021.

Assists: 11,246 and counting

Games played: 1,186 and counting

Nicknamed the “Point God,” Paul moved into the third place in November 2021.

He spent most of his career with the New Orleans Hornets (now New Orleans Pelicans) and LA Clippers, where he averaged 9.9 and 9.8 assists per game in the regular season, respectively. He is the all-time assists leader for both franchises.

The beginning of the 2021-22 NBA season was quite eventful for Paul. Along with reaching the milestone above, he became the first NBA player to tally 20,000 points with 10,000 assists and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team.

Assists: 10,339 and counting

Games played: 1,406 and counting

Still going strong in Year 19, James is firmly planted in the 10K-assist club — and within reach of passing the three players above him.

A self-proclaimed “pass-first guy,” his résumé speaks volumes as a four-time MVP, Finals MVP and NBA champion.

A significant chunk of his assists (6,228) came when he played for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Assists: 10,335

Games played: 1,217

Under head coach Mike D’Antoni, Nash was a part of an early 2000s Phoenix Suns team that was known for its offensive prowess. The “Seven Seconds or Less” Suns took the league by storm. And, for a few years, it worked, as Nash was named the league’s MVP in two consecutive seasons and finished as the runner-up to Nowitzki in a third.

Assists: 10,334

Games played: 1,296

Jackson played for seven teams across his 17 seasons in the NBA. He spent most of his career with the Knicks. Jackson averaged over 10 assists in his inaugural season and was named the 1988 Rookie of the Year.

He split time between the Indiana Pacers and Denver Nuggets in the 1996-97 season and averaged 11.4 assists per game.

Assists: 10,141

Games played: 906

As one of two players to record over 10,000 assists in less than 1,000 games, Johnson is regarded as the greatest point guard in NBA history.

Johnson averaged a double-double every season from 1982 to 1991 and led the NBA in assists four times. The Lakers’ legend remains the all-time leader in assists and triple-doubles for the franchise.

Assists: 9,887

Games played: 1,040

Robertson defined dominance and versatility at the guard position. In his first year, he averaged 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and an NBA-high 9.7 assists, earning rookie of the year honors.

In his second year, he became the first player to average a triple-double for an entire season, a distinction he held until Russell Westbrook joined him after the 2016-17 season. Robertson, a member of the 35th, 50th and 75th anniversary teams, has his jersey numbers retired by the Sacramento Kings (then-Cincinnati Royals) and Milwaukee Bucks.

Assists: 9,061

Games played: 979

Thomas and Johnson are the only players in the top 10 who played less than 1,000 games.

His “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons were known for their gritty defense, and Thomas brought that same approach to the offense. He spent his entire career with Detroit and sits atop the franchise’s all-time assists list, with the next closest entry being 4,449 less than his career total.

Assists: 8,996

Games played: 1,335

Widely known for being a lockdown defender, Payton is the only point guard to win Defensive Player of the Year. However, his offensive contributions are also noteworthy.

Payton recorded most of his assists (7,386) as a member of the Seattle SuperSonics (now Oklahoma City Thunder). He remains the franchise’s all-time assists leader, with Westbrook sitting in second place with 6,897.

A battery case against former NBA player Amar’e Stoudemire related to an alleged incident involving his daughter last month has been dropped, a Florida state’s attorney said Tuesday.

“The case was dropped due to the failure of the victim to cooperate in the prosecution of the criminal case,” the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office said in a statement.

Stoudemire, 40, a six-time NBA All-Star who retired from the league in 2016, said immediately after his arrest in mid-December that a full probe would show he’s innocent.

On Tuesday, Stoudemire credited authorities for the outcome.

“Today, I’m grateful that after a full investigation, all charges were dismissed,” Stoudemire said in a statement. “My faith in the goodness we all possess has never wavered and has never been greater.”

Stoudemire’s attorney, Alexander Fox, said in a statement that the dismissal was “consistent with Mr. Stoudemire’s immediate and public denials of the allegations when they were brought and recognition of his innocence here.”

Authorities have not identified the victim. The Miami Herald reported Stoudemire has two daughters. The affidavit does not make clear which one authorities believed was the victim.

An arrest affidavit alleged he attacked his daughter because she was being disrespectful to her grandmother.

Police who responded to Stoudemire’s Miami-Dade County home Dec. 18 said he told them his daughter “had received a whooping from him for being disrespectful and a liar,” according to the affidavit.

He allegedly punched her in the jaw and slapped her, causing a bloody nose, according to the police document. Officers said they “observed blood stains” on the victims’ sweater and pants and that her mother showed them a picture of the girl crying with blood running down her face.

Stoudemire then went silent under his constitutional right to do so, the affidavit states. He posted $1,500 bond on a misdemeanor battery charge and was freed the day of his arrest.

After his retirement from an NBA career that included play for the Miami Heat, the Phoenix Suns, the Dallas Mavericks and the New York Knicks, the center and power forward played professional basketball in Israel.

After his arrest, Stoudemire said his Jewish faith would preempt him from ever doing anything so violent. On Tuesday he said “this chapter” in his life, in which his “family’s world was turned upside down,” was now closed.

“Fortunately, my family and most importantly, my incredible children are all doing well,” Stoudemire said.

Though Major League Baseball may pride itself in its authenticity, there is one aspect in particular that does not align with the MLB’s aim to preserve the game in the most genuine way possible. When it comes to the actual baseballs that are used in the game, there seems to be a lack of consistency. 

The league reportedly used three different types of baseballs last season. The year before, there were two different versions used that season as well. This change impacts consistency which can create a shift in the offense. 

In case the overall jovial mood across Philadelphia — pole climbers and all — hasn’t tipped you off, the Eagles are headed to the Super Bowl.

Along with finalizing watch party plans (or trips to Arizona for those who have thousands of dollars laying around), fans are working on the perfect game day outfit, one that is festive, unique, shows team spirit and hopefully includes a sprinkle of good luck.

While the official Eagles Pro Shop sells a wide variety of recognizable merchandise, multiple designers in the area are putting their own creative twists on Eagles-themed gear.

Here are just a few of the locally-based shops selling Eagles apparel for fans who want to stand out during Super Bowl Sunday on Feb. 12.

ARTHISTORY101

ArtHistory101 sells authentic Philly streetwear, including tees, hoodies, pants, hats and even baby onesies. The store is a favorite among Eagles players and coaches, and is offering free domestic shipping.

Among the shop’s designs are “It’s a Philly Thing” shirts and hoodies and “Bleed Green” tees featuring images of Brian Dawkins, Brian Westbrook and Reggie White. Note some sizes and colors are backordered and stock is dwindling among what’s left.

ArtHistory101 also has created its own NFC Champions designs. T-shirts and hoodies are available for pre-order and will be shipped directly to customers.

BL215STORE

BL215Store (Brotherly Love 215 Store) sells Philadelphia-inspired hoodies, crewnecks and long-sleeve shirts, and they recently restocked their best-selling merchandise in honor of the Super Bowl. The stores Eagles apparel is printed with messages like “Fly,” “Brotherly Love” and “Bird Gang.”

BLESSED IN DISTRESS

Jennifer Basile, a sixth grade teacher in Philadelphia, started her Blessed in Distress line in 2020, originally selling concert tees before pivoting to fulfill the need for stylish game day outfits. The company now sells unique made-to-order Philly sports gear that can be ordered through Instagram.

CRACKED BELL

Cracked Bell is a Hatfield-based brand selling merch inspired by the local pro sports teams. Those looking for Super Bowl outfits can browse shirts with messages like “Out for Blood” and “Grease the Pole,” as well as a variety of hats. Fans who order ASAP can expect the apparel to arrive by the big game.

EXIT343DESIGN

Screen-print artist Stephanie Harvey created exit343design in 2007, and now prints her unique designs on all sorts of wares from her basement studio located just outside Philly. Fans can check out her Eagles-themed designs, including the beloved “Philly Special” play, on T-shirts and other merchandise.

For the Super Bowl, exit343design is making tie-dyed, Kelly green T-shirts with Harvey’s Bird Gang logo. Orders of that shirt are promised to be shipped by Feb. 9.

HOG ISLAND PRESS

Hog Island Press is a print shop and design studio founded by Mark Adams in South Philly in 2011. Along with tees from a recent collaboration with former Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, Hog Island Press currently has Eagles-themed shirts with quips like “Fuggin Birdgang” and “Grease those Poles.”

MADE BY TAYLOR NICOLE

Those looking for trendy options can check out Made by Taylor Nicole for unique crew necks and tees featuring players’ names in bubble letters and “Eagles Road to Victory Tour” concert-style designs. The custom clothing company was established in May 2020 by NHL cheerleader and Temple alumna Taylor Zubkousky, who wanted to create a game day line geared toward female fans.

PAUL CARPENTER ART

Paul Carpenter, a Philadelphia-based multi-disciplinary visual artist, has printed some of his Eagles-inspired illustrations onto T-shirts and sweatshirts. Fans can stand out at Super Bowl parties with intricate designs featuring Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia skyline doodled within an eagle.

SOUTH FELLINI

South Fellini, run by Temple alumni Tony Trov and Johnny Zito of South Philly, specializes in wares that put a fun twist on Philadelphia’s iconography. The unique apparel has been worn by legends like Adam Sandler, Bryce Harper and M. Night Shyamalan, and now fans can rock the brand’s Eagles-inspired apparel — like the new “Grease The Poles” shirts, available for pre-sale — during the Super Bowl. It’s all available on the online shop, but South Fellini has also fully reopened its brick-and-mortar store at 1507 East Passyunk Avenue, which had been operating in “lockdown mode” during the pandemic.

VETERANS SHIRTIUM

Veterans Shirtium, independently owned and operated by a Philly sports fan, has embroidered, printed and tie-dyed Eagles merchandise. The company, aptly named after the Eagles’ former stadium, recently released an “On the Road to Victory” Super Bowl drop. Plus, they have accessories like beer koozies that say “Dallas Sucks,” just in case fans need a friendly reminder while toasting to the Birds on Super Bowl Sunday.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The Houston Rockets are still a season or two – or three, really – away from real playoff contention. And the same can be said for the NBA club’s top stars when it comes to making the All-Star Game.

So, while Red Nation fans will need to wait until that’s fully realized, they’ll have to settle with stars Jalen Green, Alperen Sengün, and Jabari Smith Jr. making it to this year’s NBA Rising Stars showcase.

In past years, one of the events leading up to the All-Star Game is a matchup between the league’s first and second-year players. However, this season’s edition, which is tapped for Salt Lake City, Utah, invites 21 rookies and sophomores, as well as seven players from the NBA’s developmental G League, and places them in a draft pool to be selected by one of four teams.

The video above is from Smith and his fellow rookies’ introduction in June 2022.

Green, who leads the team in points per game, and Sengün, who leads the Rockets in rebounds and blocks during a breakout season for him, are among the sophomore invitees. The NBA invited Smith, who is sixth in scoring and fourth in minutes played among rookies, as the Rockets’ only first-year representative, bypassing teammate Tari Eason, who is coming into his own during his debut season in Houston.

The 21 NBA players will be drafted into three seven-player teams. Former NBA players Pau Gasol, Joakim Noah, and Deron Williams will serve as coaches for those teams, while former Rockets star Jason Terry will coach the G League team.

The four teams will then face off in semifinal games, with each winner facing off in a final. The games will also be played to a final target score, which is similar to the newly-instituted rules in the regular All-Star Game.

And, yes, there is a chance that the three Rockets could be on the same team or face off against one another.

The Rising Stars competition is set for Friday, Feb. 17.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Tony Parker isn’t sure why so many professional basketball players in the United States are into wine, but he has a hunch that it has something to do with changes in the NBA dress code that went into effect a few years after he joined the San Antonio Spurs. Since his debut in 2001 and rapid elevation to starting point guard, Parker won four championships, in 2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014. Over lunch at Le Gabriel, a Michelin two-star restaurant in Paris’s La Réserve Hotel, Parker explained that having been raised in France, he started drinking wine at home at the age of 17, but when he first joined the NBA, players were all about hard liquor and cocktail culture.

Parker says he was much more into wine, and his initial reaction was, “Oh, I don’t want to drink this.” The tide turned within a few years, and Parker posits that it was the 2005 NBA dress code, requiring players to wear “business casual” dress including sports coats, that influenced drinking culture. He explained, “The NBA changed; they added the dress code, and everybody had to dress nicely and we got into fashion. Everybody started to drink wine slowly but surely and then started to post wine on Instagram. Now you can see Lebron James showing what he drinks, what kind of Bordeaux he drank that night. For me it was pretty cool to see the evolution.”

He is right about Instagram: a scroll through NBA players’ feeds reveals prize bottles, and images of Lebron James’ recent collaboration with Rimowa on a specially designed wine suitcase were everywhere all at once. You can add Parker’s name to a steadily growing list of basketball stars who either invested in or bought a winery or are producing a wine brand that includes Dwyane Wade, Stephen Curry, Carmelo Anthony, C.J. McCollum and Channing Frye. While most of the brands are US-based, Parker, like Carmelo Anthony, went to France when he decided to turn his passion for wine into a business.

Chatting amiably with Parker over lunch that included his Champagne Jeeper Blanc de Blancs and Château La Mascaronne Rosé, he seems awfully laid back for such an accomplished and driven individual. In addition to buying a vineyard and chateau in the Rhône Valley and investing in Champagne Jeeper and Château La Mascaronne in Provence, Parker owns a school in Lyon (Tony Parker Adéquat Academy) with another on the way in Paris, French basketball team ASVEL Basket (on which he played during the 2011 NBA lockout), also based in Lyon, as well as a women’s basketball team, a ski resort, a horse stable and a health drink called Smart Good Things. It makes one wonder how Parker has time to sleep; after lunch he was off to a two-hour padel game with three friends, two of whom are professional padel players.

Parker credits his Spurs coach Gregg Popovich for much of his success on the court as well as introducing him to the fine wines he enjoys daily. Although his tastes run to Bordeaux and he’s happy to share treasures such as Château Margaux, Petrus, Angelus and Château Palmer with friends when they come to one of his homes in San Antonio, Paris or Lyon for dinner, Parker is an equal opportunity drinker, telling us, “I love to drink wine. I’m not a collector. I buy to drink, and I love to share with my friends and I love different regions. Besides Bordeaux, I love Bourgogne, like Clos de Vougeot and Gevrey-Chambertin. I like to drink in different styles; it depends on my mood. I love Spanish wine, Italian wine is very good, wine from Chile is really good too. I like to try different things too.”

When the athlete turned entrepreneur talks about his investments in wine, he treats business partner Michel Reybier with the same deference and admiration he reserves for Popovich. Reybier’s hospitality group owns La Réserve hotels throughout France and Switzerland, and in addition to Champagne Jeeper and La Mascaronne, he founded Champagne Michel Reybier and acquired legendary Bordeaux house Cos d’Estournel as well as Tokaj Hétszölö in Hungary—another winery Parker has his eye on.

“I love Tokaji,” Parker says. “I was just there last month. I’m negotiating right now. I think it’s got great potential. Obviously, Chateau d’Yquem is the reference, but I think that pricewise, Hétszölö can be unbelievable. So I told Michel, ‘I want to do this.’”

It was a combination of basketball and mutual friends that brought the two together; Reybier is the former owner of ASVEL Basket, but as Parker explains, “He likes sports, and it was known that I was looking to do something in the wine world. Mutual friends connected us, and we started talking. After six months we said, ‘Okay, let’s do something together.’ So, I felt very lucky and very blessed to be able to invest in a product where I know the product is going to be good. Michel’s name in the wine world is unbelievable.”

Not one to sit back and let his investments do their own work, Parker is very hands on at both wineries, where he sits on the board but takes part in blending sessions and marketing meetings and has even harvested grapes. His main role is to grow brand awareness, but he hints that there may be some special Tony Parker bottlings released in coming years, possibly a special blend or single vineyard wine at higher price point than current offerings.

He becomes cagey when we circle back to future plans. “You never know,” the former NBA Finals MVP says. “We’ve been talking and we’ll see how we’re going to do it; maybe do a special cuvee. I’m talking with Monsieur Reybier, but in the end it’s going to be his decision. It doesn’t matter to me if my name is on it or not. I just want it to be a project for people to enjoy what they’re drinking. When they talk about Michel or Tony’s wine, I just want them to say they like it; that’s what I care about. If we put my name on it, that’s okay.”