Humility

"My city on the map, there is no other option like a slow quarterback..."


Wale - Work


The Oklahoma City Thunder are one of the best teams in the league...and they get the job done night in and night out flying seemingly under the radar.


Go Mode


There is no time like the present for the Thunder. They are quite arguably one of the more entertaining clubs to watch, and their 30-8 record makes them statistically the 2nd best next to the Chicago Bulls. 
Last week during their stay in Philadelphia, I took time to get a better understanding of their humble superstar Kevin Durant.


First I spoke with Royal Ivey, and then KD:


AXG: You're wearing the Nike Zoom KD IV...you're with Nike now?


Ivey:  Yeah, KD got me a deal...and I wear his shoes.


AXG:  The Thunder losing last year to Dallas is in my opinion the best thing to happen to y'all.


Ivey:  You're right! We can't wait for the playoffs to start, we're so hungry right now!


AXG:  You mentioned how the lockout games helped you win the All Star MVP.


Durant:  It gave me confidence playing in those games. I was trying a lot of different stuff, and once you try stuff in a game setting, it's easier to try it in a real game, so moves I was trying then...became muscle memory in my mind with the moves I'm doing now. 


AXG:  Did you really take Mega Bus during the summer from NYC to DC?


Durant:  Yeah I did, and it was a long trip too!


AXG:  How is it that you can stay so humble?


Durant:  That's the type of person that I am. No matter what, whatever happens...I always gotta be humble, and know that at any point this can be taken away.


AXG:  You always have your mother and family around supporting you.


Durant:  Like I told you, when I was growing up, I didn't think none of this would happen. My goal was to make it to the NBA, and I had my sights set on making it to the NBA, and once I did I was like cool...whatever happens after this is a bonus. The stuff that's going on for me right now...I'm just so blessed to be in this position. First of all to have people believe in me, every single night, and to showcase my skills, and have teammates that believe in me, they trust in me. But to become an All Star, and to win an All Star MVP...that's just like on a whole other level for me man. It's a blessing, so having my mom there is like we're going through this together. It was just me, mother, my brother, and my dad living in an apartment, 2-bedroom apartment, and to go from that so quickly to this...I was 18 living in a 2-bedroom apartment, with my mom, my dad, and my brother, and months later I was in the NBA, and 5-years later I'm an All Star MVP so stuff is coming quickly, and I never expected it.


This is just the beginning for Oklahoma City, and their budding star Kevin Durant.


Words: @axgilbert


Picture: Anthony Gilbert/AXG

Net Worth

"I keep that nine on me, ala Iguodala..."

Fabolous - The Way (Intro)

Tonight the Philadelphia 76ers enter their 21st game of the year as they host the Orlando Magic, and while that may not sound overly exciting, it's games like this that can make or break a season.

The test

If the NBA were a college or university, then this week could easily be the Sixers mid-term exams. They will play the likes of the Magic, Bulls, Heat, in Philadelphia...travel to Atlanta to face off against the Hawks, and then they will once again defend home court against the Lakers next Monday, San Antonio next Wednesday, and the Clippers to round out that week on Friday.

Philadelphia is a good team, however the knock on the young squad is that they have beaten the best of the worst from around the league, including the Washington Wizards twice by large margins. Okay so the schedule has been fairly kind, but if the 76ers are going to advance further than the first round of the playoffs, then this upcoming stretch will provide a glimpse of their future possibilities.

They play a fast-paced run and gun style with a decent half-court pressing defense. Things have continued to change for the better under the direction of Doug Collins, and while most teams have at least one All-Star, the 76ers have established a good team first philosophy with some emerging names and tough role players. Time will tell if this is a recipe for success in South Philly, but with a 14-6 record at the time of my writing this piece...that's not such a bad start.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Déjà vu

"I had to perilously face the danger..."

Lauryn Hill - Lose Myself

Watching Game 4 on Tuesday night left me with a familiar feeling...it was as if I've seen pieces of this contest before.

Redemption

Dirk Nowitziki once again carried his team to victory, as the Mavericks edged Miami 86-83 to tie the series at 2-2. Nowitziki scored, rebounded, and defended in the 4th quarter, pouring 10 of his 21-points, which included a driving lay-up with seconds left in the period. 

In Game 2, he was able to turn it on, as well as score a high percentage shot with a few ticks to go on the clock that lead to a Dallas win. Throughout the playoffs, the Mavs have made a habit of mounting great comebacks in a stunning fashion. 

What stood out more in my mind, was the duress that Dirk Nowitziki was able to play under. Flashback to June 11, 1997...as Michael Jordan was ravaged by the flu, however he was able to score 38-points (15 in the last quarter) , and grab 7-rebounds, while leading the Bulls to a Game 5 NBA Finals win over the Jazz.

I not making a comparison...I was just reminded of MJ, watching Nowitizki play through a sinus infection, amongst numerous other ailments.

The history books will be rewritten by the time this matchup is said and done. Miami didn't have much of an identity late in the game, and Dallas was able to capitalize on that.

It's now a best of 3 scenario...so instead of making a prediction, I'm just going to sit back, and enjoy the next game, which I'm sure will prove to be on par with the other four.

Words: @axgilbert

Photo: Mike Ehrmann

The Alchemist

"Taking out this time, to give you a piece of my mind..."

Mary J. Blige - Can't Knock the Hustle

There is nothing new under the sun...so when the hysteria of the NBA's free agency period reached a boiling point last Thursday, I didn't speculate on what would happen.

Internationally Known

For every action there is always an equal and opposite reaction, according to Sir Isaac Newton and his laws of motion...this being the case, the announcement or shall I say the decision tomorrow evening from Lebron James will not only get a worldwide reaction...it will undoubtedly change the state of professional basketball.

33-years ago Dr. J made the switch from the ABA to the NBA, earlier this decade MJ donned a Wizards uniform, and more recently Kobe flirted with the possibility of playing for the Clippers, and Bulls. In each scenario the Earth continued to turn...as it will most certainly be business as usual tomorrow...yet in still with each high profile case, it becomes big news throughout the industry and pop culture.

The question is will LBJ leave or will he seek greener pastures in another city? Personally I would love for him to finish his career in Cleveland, however James must do what's best for his family and career. As a sports fan, there is a lot to be said about a person that plays their entire career with one team (Derek Jeter)...yet in still this is life and as much as we try to control it...opportunities arise, and things change like the seasons.

LeBron James will play well in any uniform...the bottom line revolves around championships, and money. What I find most intriguing about this, is the fact that the press conference is being held in Connecticut, and James has been tweeting today with random facts...I don't get it, however by this time tomorrow, it should all make sense.

Photo: Webster Riddick

Return of the Man

"I emerged from it all without a stain on my shirt..."

Jay-Z - Guess Who's Back

Tonight the Lakers are in Texas to build upon their already successful season.

Repetition

Last night Kobe Bryant returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for 5 games, and 18-days...however once the contest began he regained his the form that has made him so impressive year in and year out.

The Lake Show struggled against the upstart Grizzlies, nevertheless Bryant stayed confident in his abilities, making a series of baskets including the game winner to outlast the home team.

Since the beginning of the season he has connected on five game winning shots including...Miami, Milwaukee, Chicago, Sacramento, and now Memphis.

He has a particular feel and love for moments like these that will continue to amaze and confuse alike.

The best thing about Kobe sitting out is that his team went 4-1 without him, and he was able to rest not only his ankle but also his other nagging injuries, so come playoff time the team should be in good shape to defend their title.

Photo: Joe Murphy

The Lake Show

Flight

"Don't think...feel..."

Bruce Lee - Enter the Dragon

Every era has a handful a players that dominate, and for the past 14-years, no one has achieved the success of one player in specific...

Intellect

To understand the dynamic that is Kobe Bryant, is to think about him on many levels...with each tier more complex than the next, yet in his simplicity...it all boils down to his competitive nature, and strong will to win.

Last night with broken index finger on his right hand, Bryant led his team to victory 96-87 over the Bulls, with 42-points, 3 assists, and 3 steals...he had a game high 8 turnovers, but no one is perfect.

My good friend Christopher Cason was in attendance, as it was his first time covering or seeing Kobe play...and he kept me updated with text messages. After the game I asked him if he had an opportunity to interview Beans?

Christopher's response made me smile, saying:

"Kobe is a class act. 40+ reporters, I couldn't get close. My blackberry froze on me, so my video didn't save, I spoke [with him] after he came out the locker room, he said you're family. It felt like I knew him, he came right out and we made eye contact, and he said what's up..."

Kobe is one of the best players ever...and one day it will all make sense.

Photo: Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images

He Got Game

David Falk is strictly business
When he talks, people listen
Black Cat

“A lot of people don’t like David, but he’s the best at what he does. What he does is get underneath your skin, whoever he’s negotiating with, because he figures out what your objectives are, your angles. He understands the market; he understands the players. He’s a brash, arrogant, egotistical, aggressive negotiator, which is good, because when you have someone represent you, you want him to do that. Marketing-wise, he’s great. He’s the one who came up with the concept of Air Jordan.”

Michael Jordan – from an interview with the USA Today

When I first began playing basketball, it was something that I wanted to learn for two reasons: it enabled me to tag along with my older brother to the playground, and then I wanted to get better so that could contribute to a team...instead of hearing ‘when you get the ball, don’t shoot it...pass it to me! As a futbol player, there were numerous amounts of things I didn’t understand on the court, so I practiced and I did some research.

The encyclopedia and dictionary were always a favorite in the Gilbert home, and I began learning by reading about the history and regulations of basketball. From there I relied on the hit television series NBA Inside Stuff, NBA Live video games by Electronic Arts, and NBA Entertainment home videos. The movies were the best of my discoveries as I was able to study the game and players like never before. I was raised a Philadelphia 76ers fan, however in later years I would cheer for the New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers. Nevertheless, I have always marveled at the play of Michael Jeffery Jordan, and his relentless attack on all teams that opposed the Chicago Bulls.

You couldn’t have been a fan of the NBA during the 1990’s and not cheered for Michael Jordan. No matter whom your team was, or your affiliation, MJ in some capacity had a place in your heart. Be it, the Slam Dunk contest, the annual All-Star game, his Jordan sneakers, Gatorade, Wheaties, McDonalds’s, Hanes, or Ball Park Franks, he is and was everywhere. As one that craved all that basketball had to offer, it wasn’t long before I learned the name, David Falk. I knew he was Jordan, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning, and Juwan Howard’s agent, but it wasn’t until many years later that I understood what it meant to represent a professional athlete.

I graduated from Temple University, on May 17, 2001. I’ll never forget that date, because it meant so much to my family and I. Needless to say, the next step after college was the bight lights and big stage of New York City, and the NBA. I secured a job within the Corporate Communications department at the League Office, and working there was my dream of making it to the NBA come true. When I was younger, I thought I would be playing professionally, but I did get there, just in a different light than I had always pictured. My experiences at the League continue to provide me with wisdom and guidance, as I have shifted gears into journalism.

My best friend Damon Jones worked in the Community Relations department, and he tried his hardest to teach me the difference between my internships and the corporate world. I struggled after my first month. I had never experienced anything like that environment. I wasn’t prepared nor was I ready, however Damon showed me the ropes, and assisted me where he could. The biggest thing he taught me was about the business side of pro ball. Through him, I learned about agents and their companies. Prior to that, I didn’t know SFX Sports, from BDA Sports. I know now, which makes my job as a correspondent that much easier. It is just as important for me to build friendships and working relationships with the athletes as it is with their representation. Not in all cases, but in some instances it helps.

This past Tuesday, I covered an event in New York City, and during the brief question and answer session I asserted myself and asked several questions, while making a few statements. A short time later I was approached by a man, as he walked over to me on the blind side, like a defensive end would encounter a quarterback. He spoke first and as I turned, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was David Falk, the BEST sports agent ever, and one of the most if not the most POWERFUL man in the NBA.

He complimented me on my statements, and he also served me with some great business advice. It’s difficult to put into words his importance in the game of basketball. If you are a fan of Jordan sneakers you can thank Falk first and then MJ, if you idolized Air Jordan you can thank MJ and Falk, if you or your children enjoyed Space Jam...you can thank Falk first, as it was his idea to pair Jordan with Bugs Bunny for the film, and then MJ, and if you ever wanted to grow up and be an agent, you can thank Falk.

Jerry McGuire, Arliss Michaels, Ari Gold, that’s child’s play, Falk Associates Management Enterprises...now that’s the real deal.

Watch the video below for more on David Falk: