J.R. Smith talks about his 3,000 tattoos.

Okay, I might have exaggerated a little bit, but it is not actually hard to believe he has that many.

All Photos by Tom Heisler/The New York Times

J.R. Smith has by far the most tattoos on his upper body than any other NBA player and actually doesn't regret any of them. Here is a little story about the history of his ink.

From NYT:

Q. How many did you have before you think you lost count (of your tattoos)?

A. It was around 70-something. 

Q. How many tattoo parlors do you think you have been in?

A. Probably a thousand. I’ve been to so many where I didn’t get a tattoo. Sometimes I watch or go in to see what’s new. It really depends on how I feel. 

Being in the NBA, he probably have been to a tattoo parlor in every single city in America (well, that has a NBA team). Making it a pretty cool future Grandpa story.

Q. Which tattoo took the longest and how long was that?

A. My back. It took a day to do the outlining. I didn’t finish it until a few years later.

Q. Were you excited when it was done?

A. I wasn’t really excited. I was actually kind of mad because I wanted to do so much more stuff to it, but I had no more space.

 That sucks, after spending years to complete a tattoo, he wasn't excited because he had no space left to do anything else. Really?  Your back already looks like a street mural.

Q. Is there one tattoo that you wish you could remove?

A. I love all of my tattoos. 

Q. Were you always fascinated with tattoos? When did it start?

A. I actually hated tattoos. I told myself I would never get like this.

 

Q. When did it all change?

A. Once I got one, I was addicted.

Admitting is the first step, man. You will regret it once you get older and your tattoo stretches out because of the beer belly you develop after retirement.

All Photos by Tom Heisler/The New York Times

At this point is basically just one giant tattoo right? I wonder what is the percentage of his skin that is not inked, can someone figure it out for me?

Tyson Chandler and Jimmy Fallon had a Random Object Shootout.

People always underestimate Tyson Chandler's free throw shooting, he did start off terrible as rookie, but he has changed his technique over time and is hitting them at 70 percent. Jimmy should have just stuck with the good ol' Bick Barry grandma shot, because his "proper" form killed him.

Then again, I am not sure Jimmy wants to win and see this side of Tyson. (Hint: the link leads to the Greatest .GIF created of all time. No Question.)

The James Harden and Jeremy Lin combo + Knicks Defense.

Scott Halleran - Getty Images

Houston Rockets 109 - New York Knicks 96

The Good

Rockets: For one night, in the place where "Linsanity" started, Jeremy Lin and his new back court partner, James Harden were able to co-exist. These two are at their best when the ball is in their hands. They thrive off the pick and roll and only one of them can find other ways to be effective away from the ball. The problem is that the better player, the one you would rather have on the ball is James Harden and you would not want him to work off the ball for Lin's benefit.

This forms a weird dynamic between the two. Jeremy Lin is not a pass first guy, he looks to score as soon as the ball gets to him. He has a bad habit of stopping his dribble once he gets covered by defense. And trying to pass out of a tough situation, in turn results in a lot of turnovers. On the other hand, James Harden likes to use the pick and roll, and go over his options before taking his shot. If you were the Rockets, based on the above descriptions of their play, who would you pick. The answer, if it was not too obvious, is Harden. He can create for his teammates and put himself in a better scoring position (See free throw attempts).

Frankly, it is too early to call this a failure. They didn't even have training camp together. They are still figuring things out on the fly, learning each others tendencies. Kevin McHale has done a better job managing minutes they share on the floor, and there are slight improvements. The key is to make Lin a better spot up shooter, which he could fix with time.

I like Houston's playoff chances in the future, they have a good group of young players. Omer Asik has looked infinity times better on offense. In his Chicago Bull days, he would shit himself if he gets the ball on offense. Either botching a lay up or kick out to a teammate without looking at the basket. Chandler Parsons is emerging as one of the better Sophomores of last year's draft. His numbers have dramatically increased and makes the Rockets look like a promising team. (In terms of Rookie development).

Knicks: There wasn't much going for the New York Knicks, except for Chris Copeland. This 28 year old rookie knows how to score and has 29 points to prove it. He is a perfect fit in this system, a stretch 4 that can hit threes will provide Knicks plenty of space. If he can remain consistent, he can be huge off the bench once Carmelo Anthony returns.

The Bad

Rockets: The defense didn't sustain for long periods, most of it was gone by the first half. Both teams turned the ball over at least 17 times and scored 20 points off the mistakes.

Knicks: Well, when your offense relies on threes and a Superstar to create opportunities, you can't really hope to win without either of them. The highly praised ball movement of the Knicks was replaced by Raymond Felton's over dribbling. Felton definitely seemed like he was trying to prove that he is better than Jeremy Lin, which ultimately led to terrible possessions. He took the first shot after every single screen, and rarely looked for his teammates. I don't even know why Steve Novak was on the floor, considering that no one ran screens for him.

On the defensive side, it was the worst performance since the last Houston loss. The Knicks are 0-2 against the Rockets (Both were blowouts). The perimeter defense is letting people go in and out at will. Felton and Kidd could not keep up and gave all of the responsibility to Tyson Chandler. Who naturally, can not do everything. The Rockets scored 52 points in the paint, just look at Jeremy Lin's shot chart. (Via: @ESPNStatsInfo)

Things weren't any better in transition, they allowed 25 fast break points. Guys were leaking out and the Knicks didn't slow anybody down. This won't entirely become a problem, the real issue was effort, they didn't seem like they wanted to win.

Spike Lee bought Pablo Prigioni Knicks colored shoes.

If you play for the New York Knicks, Spike Lee will not allow you to Lakers colored shoes. I am sure in between all of Pablo's beautiful broken English, he really appreciates the gift. But he totally wasted Spike's effort because he stuck with his old shoes for the Houston game. Hey, at least he is in America, where he can get Nike ID. Canada never gets the cool things.

Carmelo Anthony destroys a bunch of 8 years olds.

NBA players playing basketball against kids is always entertaining. But in Melo's case, his recent success maybe because he is using the ol' picturing your opponent in/as something else technique and this commercial has more meaning than intended. All I took from it was that Melo never passed to any of his teammates.

Iman Shumpert raps with a shoe on his head.

.. And wore his Carmelo Anthony jersey backwards. The youngsters these days have one hell of a take on fashion. But I am not here to teach him how to wear his clothes properly, I just want you to know that he is the best NBA rapper. Sorry Stephen Jackson, please don't tweet me a threat.

Jason Kidd played with a helmet on in the second half.

Via: @porsche4door

After deciding the headband was not a good look to cover the stitches he received from Lance Stephenson on November 18th, he went with a band-aid instead. Unfortunately, Ty Lawson elbowed him in the head last night and forced the New York Knicks medical staff to take precautionary measures. Jason Kidd was advised to wear the NY Rangers helmet that are currently not of use during the NHL lockout that nobody cares about it, if he was to play in the game again.

Okay, I lied. But he did wear it during the entire half time warm ups and it was hilarious.

Via: @netw3rk and @BeyondtheBuzzer

Notes: New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat [12/06/12]

New York Knicks 112 - Miami Heat 92

The Good

Knicks: A few months ago, when the New York Knicks gave up on Jeremy Lin and signed a few older pieces, just about everyone wrote them off. There were a ridiculous, but acceptable amount of old man jokes made by basketball bloggers, including myself and none of us would have thought they will be sitting at the top of the East. Sure, the internet was much better back in the summer, but the reality is that this Knicks team has figured out their identity and are holding each other to it.

In the second meeting with the Miami Heat, they have managed to blow out the reigning champions again and this time without Carmelo Anthony. The veterans in this team completely changed the culture, the guys are always looking for the extra pass and never slow to move the ball. The spacing in this 1 in, 4 out offense opens up the floor for Raymond Felton to get into the teeth of the defense. He doesn't do anything phenomenal but he does get guys open and has a nice two man game with Tyson Chandler.

For those who doubt the Knicks ability to continue this high percentage shooting from the three can not be more wrong. Of course there will be nights where they won't hit anything regardless of defense, it happens to everyone. The fact is that NBA players will hit majority of their shots when wide open, and you can count on this to happen in this offense. Melo's return will just make this team all the more terrifying. His demand of defensive attention just creates more opportunities for his teammates.

I am still not convinced that Amare Stoudemire could co-exist with Carmelo and Tyson. The offense they are running is similar to the familiar days in Phoenix, however he was the Center back in the day. Look, the obvious answer would be putting him in the bench role, but it doesn't solve the 4th quarter problem, they have to learn to play together and it means that Amare will have to accept a reduced role, stay out of the paint and become a stretch big. Whether you are confident of his shooting abilities, that is up to you to decide.

Heat: On the night LeBron James goes nuts, 31 points, 10 boards and 9 assists. His teammates disappeared. James alone was responsible 50 percent and more of Miami's offense. In the few minutes he was off the floor, his team allowed runs and repeatedly failed to find a bucket. They only kept themselves into the game with free throws, because what else can the other two All Stars do when they combine for 6 of 25 from the field.

The Bad

Knicks: Their defense was not particularly great. The game was close up to 4th quarter because they allowed Miami to get inside via cuts. It got worst with Tyson Chandler on the bench, the Heat either got an easy layup or a pair of free throws.

Heat: Before I go through this disaster of a defense, I acknowledge that the NBA regular season play is far different than the playoffs. The Heat proved that last year, but as of right now, they look nothing like the team that won the Championship in June. The Heat relies on constant pressure and interior help to make up for their size deficit. They trap ball handlers off the screen hard and make their life miserable. A wrong move results in a turnover and pave way for the Heat's transition game. If somehow, the ball handler can pass out, one of the Miami players rotate right away and the offense will once return to a stand still.

None of what I mentioned above happened, Raymond Felton got in the paint whenever he wanted. He threw passes right into the middle of the paint to Tyson Chandler that normally would turn into a fast break for the Heat. These half ass rotations allowed threes after threes uncontested and the switches from the pick and roll that left Miami bigs out in the perimeter did not do them any favors. You can put the blame on the new additions that are struggling to adapt and Shane Battier's injury but the problem is the lack of effort. Until they decide to give it their all, this defense will continue to suffer.

A Quick NBA Round Up - December 6th, 2012.

Stats Rundown

In the rainstorm brought on by the New York Knicks, only LeBron James stood tall. 31 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 2 steals in the loss.

Honorable Mention: Raymond Felton put on his best Carmelo impression, 27 points (10 of 20 shooting, 6 of 10 from three), 4 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 steals in the blow out victory over the Miami Heat. This 20 point loss for Miami is the worst at home, since the Big 3 era.

Boards: Markieff Morris grabbed 17 rebounds (7 Offensive) to go with his 15 points, 3 assists and 2 blocks in the money-back guaranteed loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Not the greastest business idea.

Watered Down: Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh combined to shoot 6 for 25 from the field to much of LeBron's delight.

#STARER: Guessing she was not a fan of Wade's game tonight. (Via: @cjzero)

Tres: The New York Knicks shot 41% from the three point line today. Cashing in 18 of their 44 attempts, you may allow your jaw to drop on the floor in response to Miami's terrible defense.

SHEEEDDD: He is on that Novakane. (Via: @cjzero)

Speeding: A good rule of thumb when playing basketball against LeBron James is you don't ever get near him if he is at top speed.

Air Combo: Double-Oops.

Butt Dudes: Right in between 4 cheeks. (Via: @cjzero)

Jokes: Byron Scott knows how to get out of an interview.

No, that's not Mike Brown, but hilariously fitting.

Rasheed Wallace gets ejected, because "Ball Don't Lie."

I guess you can't yell all you want Sheed, especially not after messing up Luis Scola's beautiful locks. Everything about this was awesome, you knew Sheed was going give us another "Ball Don't Lie" to treasure, because the man never disappoint fans. He clearly knew he was going to get ejected if he did anything stupid (by stupid, I obviously mean great) during the heat of the moment, but he yelled anyway. And of course he wasn't even close to being done, Sheed can only leave games in the one fashion, something he will be forever remembered for - mouthing off and death staring refs as he exits the arena.

Oh, did I mention this was his first ejection after returning to the NBA and it took only 85 seconds? Now, this is a real welcome back.

Vintage Rasheed Wallace Moment - "Ball Don't Lie."

Oh man, I am so glad Sheed is back in the league. Without out him, the game just isn't same, the art of trash talk is nearly extinct. At least we don't have to worry about it for now, because we still have the Professor, maybe he can instill some of his skills into his fellow teammates. I am kind of surprised nobody laughed at the old guy on the court just yelling anything he can think of, I can't even stop watching this without cracking up. I guess Doc Rivers never warned his son about Sheed, you can never miss the first free throw from a foul by the man with a hole in the middle of his hair, otherwise these amazing moments in the NBA happens, and I, thank you.

Via: @jose3030

Raymond Felton never got into the weight room until this season.

That picture was taken 4 months ago, before the New York Knicks swept up the rest of the NBA, going undefeated for 7 straight games. Last year, Raymond Felton came in to the shortened lockout season out of shape for the Portland Trail Blazers. He even admitted he relaxed because he didn't think there would be a season. It was totally unprofessional, he became somewhat of a internet joke and was hated by every Blazer fan. It also really bothers me that his job was to ONLY stay in game shape, instead he ballooned up over the summer, and stuffed a few too many cupcakes in his face.

In a recent interview with the New York Post, Raymond FAT-ton explained how he got back in game shape in 4 months.

I’m probably in the best shape I’ve been in since college, since the first year I got into the NBA. I feel like I’m back to 21 years old starting off with the Charlotte Bobcats.

This is what he looked like as a Bobcat. Yea, pretty hard to believe, he once looked athletic and it went downhill from there.

Doug Benc/Getty Images North America

 To follow up:

... Probably getting in the weight room, something I never did in my life (chuckle). I did a lot of running ... training two times, three times a day ... and then I had a great chef on board. I didn’t drink nothing but water for like three months.

Seriously? A professional athlete like yourself, did not work out until your 10th season in the league. Unless you are Kevin Durant, you have no excuses. At least you are playing great in New York right now, but that doesn't mean the fat jokes will stop.

The Feed: New York Knicks vs. Memphis Grizzlies [11/16/12]

Recap:

The Memphis Grizzlies sits on top of the NBA with the 105 to 95 victory over the the New York Knicks, for their seventh consecutive win. The overwhelming size of the Grizzlies, bullied the smaller Knicks in the low post, ending New York's undefeated record. Marc Gasol led all scorers with 24 points and 7 rebounds. His front court partner, Zach Randolph added 20 points and 15 rebounds.

Memphis obliterated New York in offensive boards, cashing in 22 points on 12 of them, where as the Knicks scored only 12 points on 10 of them. Both teams shot well in this game, they shot at a field goal percentage of 60 to start and about 50 to end. The only difference was that the Grizzlies got another method for points. They got sent to charity stripe 32 times, and knocked down 26 of those shots (Knicks scored 16 of 21 from the free throw line).

The godsend gift to the Knicks have been revoked. Their scorching 43 percent three point shooting have dropped to 26 percent tonight, adding itself to the long list of offensive struggles. It definitely didn't help when their leading scorer Carmelo Anthony (20 points, 7 of 14 shooting) got in foul trouble early in the third quarter and having to sit for the rest of it. Just to watch Memphis go on a 19 to 1 run, that established a lead the Knicks never managed to comeback from.

New York did give the Grizzlies a scare in the fourth quarter, picking up their defensive intensity that led to a 12 to 3 run. They would eventually cut the lead that was once 21 points to 8, but it was the closest they ever go.

Offensive End:

In the first half, the Grizzlies did not go to their usual post up game early, instead they ran a very effective pick and roll with Mike Conley Jr.. This versatile set, allowed Conley to do what ever he wanted. If he gets doubled off the screen in the key, he can easily kick it out to a big, that can hit a mid range shot on a consistent basis. If not he could penetrate or find the roller (advantage from size) for more buckets.

In the second half, Memphis resumed their old play, punishing the Knicks with Marc Gasol's crafty moves. New York has a problem at the four if they have to defend a bigger guy like Gasol. Carmelo have no chance against Marc.

New York came out to play hot potato. They moved the ball quick and made the extra passes. Their off ball movement, combined with their off ball screens did some damage early in the game. Carmelo has developed in his willingness to pass, he tries to attack the basket more often than settling for a jump shot. I think LeBron really influenced him, Melo is probably not happy that his fellow 2003 draft pick got the ring before him, so he inspired to work harder on both ends of the floor. 

The Knicks offense became stagnant once Melo left with foul trouble, they over dribbled, stopped passing and just could not hit a shot. Without a guy that can draw multiple defenders on him, the Grizzlies took advantage.

Melo killed Rudy Gay in the isolation play, his strength always created enough space for his shot to fall over the long out stretched arms of the Memphis swing man.

I don't know if it would have held up, but they should have went to Rasheed more in the post. He got 10 points in the first half, just destroying his man in the low block. He should have remained down there, but he decided to stand outside to shoot in the second half.

Defensive End:

Memphis defense is solid, they rotate well and can get out to the shooters quick enough just to bother it. If you want to see how boxing out is done properly, please watch what the Grizzlies front court do. They are so good with their timing and positioning, it feels like every single ball willingly falls right into their hands.

New York was alright on the defensive end. They didn't give the 100 percent effort like they did in their undefeated streak. The Knicks really need to work on fronting the post, they were absolutely terrible. Either getting out-positioned or just not trying to do it at all. Rasheed is the laziest defender on the team, at one point he got Mike Conley Jr. off a switch, and decided to taunt him, instead of actually getting out to defend him. It resulted in three points and whole lot of trash talking.

Just a fact I picked up from this game, the Knicks are annoying good at stripping the ball and Jason Kidd can somehow always get his hands on them cleanly.

Notes:

• For all the amazing SHEED moments, please check out the Round Up, you won't be disappointed.
• New York got a lot of technical fouls in this game, I think J.R. Smith, Melo, Coach Woodson and SHEED got one each. 
• J.R. Smith and Jerrd Bayless almost threw down, which would have resulted in the least interesting fight ever. 

The Feed: Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks [11/02/12].

Recap:

In the opening night at the Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks defended their home court with a 104 to 84 victory over the Miami Heat. I guess the old guys must have been drinking their milk and eating their vitamins because they completely shut down all of Heat's role players and managed to keep all their joints intact.

Miami never led in this game, the big three combined for a total of 50 points, led by LeBron's 23 points and 7 rebounds, Wade's 15 and Bosh's 12/11. They had absolutely no help, besides Rashard Lewis (16 points), no one scored more than 6 points.

You would have thought that maybe Hurricane Sandy might affect New York a little, but they were on fire today, knocking down 19 three pointers, 5 of which came from Steve Novak, who finished with 17 points in the blowout win. Carmelo Anthony led all scorers with 30 points, 10 rebounds and put on a defensive clinic with the rest of his team forcing 21 turnovers, which is a sentence that I never thought I would ever have to type.


Offensive Set:

The Heat didn't run the ball like they did against Boston, and they suffered. Majority of the time, they just stood around and watched LeBron make something happen, the usual cuts and energy was not present. There were a few pick and rolls here and there and that was about it.

The Knicks exploited Miami's ball handler trap, recognizing it early and allowed threes followed by more threes. They start most possessions with a high Tyson Chandler screen, which activates the trap. Chandler quickly rolls, making the perimeter defender (Shane Battier) come down to help, leaving one of the wings wide open for a three. The key was quick ball movement with dribble penetration, and a surprisingly low amount of Melo isolation plays.

Defensive Set:

Miami was not themselves today, their quick rotations weren't always there, especially with Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, who were both slower on the move. The ball handler trap was in effect, but New York was quick to move the ball and it turned out to hurt them.

I haven't seem New York play such great defense in the Melo era since, ever. The individual defense was amazing, they moved quick and bothered everything. Tyson held it down, and altered any shot that came his way.

The Moments:

• Jason Kidd tipped one of LeBron's passes into his own basket.

• Am I the only one that is super bummed that Iman Shumpert was injured and we didn't get a flat top off between Norris Cole and him? Completely ruined my Friday.
• SHEEEEEEEDDDDDD!

• Unfortunately, he didn't get called for a technical, which is super disappointing.

Rookie Watch:

 

Nothing today.

Jalen Rose stole Patrick Ewing's TV.

I don't know how much trouble Jalen Rose is going to get into with his NBA buddies in his revealing podcasts, but these stories are great. He has already admitted to purposely trying to injure Kobe and now confesses to stealing, what else have he done. I am glad we finally got the Bat situation figured out, with all the crimes Jalen pulled , he will need that left hand swing to protect himself.

Source: Grantland

The Brooklyn Net's New Barclays Center has no toilet paper.

Photo by Adam E. Moreira

When the Net left New Jersey this year, they were were given a new home in Brooklyn. The city spent a billion dollars to build them the Barclays Center. You would think a billion dollar sports revenue would have all the luxuries in the world, but apparently you and I are both mistaken.

From DNAinfo:

Department of Health inspectors this month hit the freshly opened arena’s Calvin Klein Courtside Club with four violation points after they discovered the bathroom at the exclusive lounge was “not maintained and provided with toilet paper, waste receptacle and self-closing door.”

Maybe they are being interpret wrong, seeing that Calvin Klein are sponsors, they might be supplying towels for your butt wiping needs and fresh underwear as you leave. Or it is safe to assume that only rich people can afford the facilities in the center.I mean, who else can afford to wipe themselves with money. 

Just jokes Mikhail Prokhorov, please don't call your former Russian gangster bros to break my fingers, I can help you with this problem. I am sure you don't want your players to have to hold it in during games. If you are looking for some advice for long term NBA success, NEVER GO CHEAP ON THE 2-PLY, 3 is too thick, not optimum for a complete clean.


Source: Nets Are Scorching

Iman Shumpert freestyles to Kanye's Clique.

You should know by now that there are only a few NBA players that are given props for their rapping and Iman is in the "elite" list of them. But after seeing this video, it might change your mind.

Ok, so many problems with this and since it is the offseason, I have nothing to do then breaking it down for you.

First off, saying that you got Raymond Felton, Kurt Thomas and Jason Kidd, is not threatening to anyone. Before you go ahead and kill "em", you should be more worried about them suddenly fainting on court and wither to death. Which is very possible as Felton is still out of shape, no matter he says how many pounds he lost, and other two are near/at their 40s'.

Second, I will give him props for actually freestyling the right way, unlike rappers do now a days, where they write their verses out before performing them. With that said, that was not impressive at all, listing your teammates, do not showcase you abilities, no wonder Stephen Jackson called him whack.


Sources: Beyond the Buzzer (picture), and Knicks Now.

Iman Shumpert dunks an iPhone 5.

The New York Knick's sophomore added a little twist on the traditional drop test.