Check out this cool NBA Pick-Up Game I Witnessed Last Week
Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:23 pm
If there ever was a silver lining to this F'ed up lockout, it probably is that I've seen a bunch of NBA players and superstars, as they play pick-up ball in a gym that's in the same business complex that my office is in. Here's some pics that I got off, which were not allowed (which is why they're not that great).
http://postimage.org/image/otiu39rzv/
http://postimage.org/image/3uyh45eef/
http://postimage.org/image/qjtjsfy51/
Saw quite a few stars: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, John Wall, Danny Granger, David Lee, Javalle McGee, Ricky Rubio, Taj Gibson, JR Smith, Al Harrington, Glen Davis and probably 5-6 more that I didn't/don't recognize off-hand. I also have seen Tyson Chandler, Brian Cook, Chauncy Billups, Derek Fisher and a few others, not in this particular pick-up game, but outside of my office and walking to their cars.
It was really quite intense. Even though it was a pick-up game didn't mean that they took it easy on defense. The physicality was so intense, and all the rebounds, passes, etc. were caught so high up in the air, it was really cool to watch. The yelling also was very intense...I've never seen a pick-up game that loud. The basic setup was a game by 1's and 2's, going up to 7. There were constantly about 7-8 NBA players on the bench on the sidelines who would refresh the guys playing after the game was finished, and vice versa.
As far as the actual talent, I think that there was a bit of rust, but that could have also been because of the intense and physical defense being played. It was interesting to see John Wall - He's taller than I would have thought. He displayed some good skills....Was very aggressive in shooting and in driving to the hole, although I think that he kind of was ball-hogging a bit out there.
It really was a nice treat seeing Ricky Rubio out there. He's an awesome talent, and more importantly, I was impressed with how he looked like he absolutely belonged out there playing with and against the NBA elite. He was not a ball-hog, but showed really good court generalship, penetration and playmaking abilities. Very open to passing it to the open man for a shot. He also showed good abilities in driving to the basket, and a very good ability to hit the open, outside shot.
As far as the rest of the guys, it seemed like the game was dominated by the taller players. I can see why we've been so effective over the years, as KG and JaValle were on the same team, and that combination of height is extremely effective. What I also find is funny is that Al Harrington actually looked pretty good out there, even though I've never thought of him as that great of a player.
When I left, I saw KG, Big Baby, Pierce and someone else talking outside the gym. Even as I was much farther from them, I could still hear them. The one thing you can say about KG and Pierce (I've seen them both once before), is that If you see them, you're definitely going to hear them. Very talkative and loud guys. I can see how they get their reputation as trash talkers, and how they could potentially be seen as very abrasive to many in the league.
http://postimage.org/image/otiu39rzv/
http://postimage.org/image/3uyh45eef/
http://postimage.org/image/qjtjsfy51/
Saw quite a few stars: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, John Wall, Danny Granger, David Lee, Javalle McGee, Ricky Rubio, Taj Gibson, JR Smith, Al Harrington, Glen Davis and probably 5-6 more that I didn't/don't recognize off-hand. I also have seen Tyson Chandler, Brian Cook, Chauncy Billups, Derek Fisher and a few others, not in this particular pick-up game, but outside of my office and walking to their cars.
It was really quite intense. Even though it was a pick-up game didn't mean that they took it easy on defense. The physicality was so intense, and all the rebounds, passes, etc. were caught so high up in the air, it was really cool to watch. The yelling also was very intense...I've never seen a pick-up game that loud. The basic setup was a game by 1's and 2's, going up to 7. There were constantly about 7-8 NBA players on the bench on the sidelines who would refresh the guys playing after the game was finished, and vice versa.
As far as the actual talent, I think that there was a bit of rust, but that could have also been because of the intense and physical defense being played. It was interesting to see John Wall - He's taller than I would have thought. He displayed some good skills....Was very aggressive in shooting and in driving to the hole, although I think that he kind of was ball-hogging a bit out there.
It really was a nice treat seeing Ricky Rubio out there. He's an awesome talent, and more importantly, I was impressed with how he looked like he absolutely belonged out there playing with and against the NBA elite. He was not a ball-hog, but showed really good court generalship, penetration and playmaking abilities. Very open to passing it to the open man for a shot. He also showed good abilities in driving to the basket, and a very good ability to hit the open, outside shot.
As far as the rest of the guys, it seemed like the game was dominated by the taller players. I can see why we've been so effective over the years, as KG and JaValle were on the same team, and that combination of height is extremely effective. What I also find is funny is that Al Harrington actually looked pretty good out there, even though I've never thought of him as that great of a player.
When I left, I saw KG, Big Baby, Pierce and someone else talking outside the gym. Even as I was much farther from them, I could still hear them. The one thing you can say about KG and Pierce (I've seen them both once before), is that If you see them, you're definitely going to hear them. Very talkative and loud guys. I can see how they get their reputation as trash talkers, and how they could potentially be seen as very abrasive to many in the league.
