New York is often considered the Mecca of Basketball. There have been a plethora of NBA greats, legends, and Hall of Fame players that have come from the area. Other regions have produced great basketball players as well. Area’s such as Chicago, DC, Philadelphia, LA, and the states of Texas, Indiana, Michigan and Florida have all had their basketball talent illuminated in the NBA.
Nevertheless, I would venture to say, “that you could find more basketball talent on the playgrounds of New York more so than any other city or state in America. By the same token, the LA area has produced a magnificent amount of NBA talent. With that being said, there is one area of the country that is probably 2nd to New York in producing the best NBA talent. The San Francisco Bay Area. While most of the Basketball talent has come from the city of Oakland, the Bay Area is home to past and present major NBA players. Therefore I have composed my All Bay Area NBA team. Keep in mind that my list is made up of real Bay Area cats. I’m talking about players from the Bay, not just born in the Bay. Thus Paul Pierce (born in Oakland- but raised in Inglewood) would not be on my list. However, I have included Sacramento on my list considering that it is lest than 40 miles from parts of the Bay. That distance is less than say, Long Beach to Pasadena (yet they are both considered LA) or Coney Island to the Bronx.. Also keep in mind that San Francisco, Oakland, and Sacramento has a combined population of about 1.5 Million. Far less than NY, LA, Chicago, DC, and many other regions of the country.
Starters:
C- Bill Russell. McClymonds High Oakland/ University of San Francisco. There us no need to justify this selection. One of the greatest players of all-time. 11 NBA titles!
PF-Paul Silas McClymonds High Oakland. The Bay area may not have produced many big men. But Silas averaged 9.4 PPG and a solid 9.9RPG. He is a two time ALL-Star and has three NBA championships.
SF-Brent Barry-De la Salle Concord- This might seem like a strange selection. However, every teams needs a role player and a three point shooter. Don’t’ forget Brent was a all-around player at one time, averaging 14.4 PPG 5.3APG & 5.4 RPG for Seattle. Solid! Career 40% three point shooter Great! He was also a NBA slam dunk champion.
SG- Gary Payton Skyline High School Oakland. The career point guard would be moved to shooting guard on this team. When you think of Payton, don’t think of the Payton that played for the Bucks, Heat, or Lakers. Think of the Payton in his prime for Seattle. The Point guard that once averaged 24 PPG, 9 APG, 7 RPG, & 2 steels in a season. Man , Steve Nash won the MVP with less states then GP. Very tough defensive player and at 6’4 could guard 1s, 2s and 3s. Nine-time All-Star, Defensive player of the year in 1996 and two time Olympian.
PG- Jason Kidd- St Joseph Alameda High/CAL Kidd’s talents make him a better true point guard for this team. Kidd is a leader, ball hawk, and has everything a true point guard should have. Could be a better scorer however, he has career averages of 9.3 APG, 6.7RPG 2. Steals while maintaining a 14.2 PPG average. Nine-time All-Star and also a two time Olympian
Reserves:
PG-Kevin Johnson- Sacramento High School/ CAL The ultra quick point guard is so talented that I almost put him in the starting lineup (run a three guard attack). Career 17.9 PPG to go along with 9.1 APG wow! Three-time All-star and made the ALL-NBA team 5 times. In 1989-90 Kevin averaged 22.5 PPG and 11.4 APG. Would add scoring, defensive, and free-throw (.841% career) shooting off the bench.
K.C Jones Commerce High San Francisco/USF Hall of Fame Member (1989), 8 time NBA Champion, and Olympic Gold Medalist (1956). Followed Bob Cousy as Boston’s point guard and was known for his tenacious defense.
G- Isaiah Rider Ecinal High Alameda. The often troubled guard had a plethora of talent. Do you remember his between-the -leg behind the back dunk that won him the 1994 NBA dunk contest? Once averaged 20.4 PPG 3.3 APG and 4.6 RPG for Minnesota. Would add toughness and scoring off the bench. With Payton and Rider on this team I would dare any guards to pop off at the mouth. Keep Rider away from the Chronic and dice games on the corner and he would make a great off-guard on this team.
G-Nate Williams McClymonds High Oakland- the 6-5 guard played 8 seasons in the NBA. His best season came in 1973-74 when he averaged 15.5 PPG and 4.4 RPG.
G/F Phil Smith/ Washington High School San Francisco/USF. Smith had size, athleticism and could shoot. Won NBA title with Golden State in 1974-75 and was a two-time All-Star 1976-77. Could start over Barry (and I think a better NBA player) but at 6-4 better to come off the bench.
F- Cliff T. Robinson Castlemont High Oakland. Not that Cliff Robinson. But the Oakland product who played 12 years for 6 different teams. Robinson career average is 17.2 PPG 8.3 RPG 2.0 APG and SPG. Wait a minute this guy should be starting.
F/C Antonio Davis McClymonds High Oakland. A solid reserve for either Russell or Silas. A tough and rough player from the streets of Oak-Town. Test him if you want to and you might get knocked out! Take Payton, Rider, and Davis with you and go to any hood in America and play three-on-three. Believe me they won’t be scared and/or back down to anyone. Career average of 10 PPG and 7.5. Averaged 8 or more rebounds in at least 8 seasons.
F/C Drew Gooden El Cerrito High School. Made NBA All-rookie team in 2002-03 and has a lifetime average of 12. PPG and 8.0 RPG
C Bill Cartwright Elk Grove High School./University of San Francisco. Won three NBA titles with MJ and the Bulls. Was a 1st team All-rookie and one time all-star.
Honorable Mention:
PG- Brian Shaw Bishop O’Dowd Oakland. A sturdy veteran and role player. Can add dept at the guard positive to Payton, Kidd, and Johnson.
G- Jon Barry- De la Salle Concord. Excellent three point and free throw shooter.
G- Eddie House Hayward High School. Can be a lights out shooter when he gets hot, recently won NBA title with Boston.
G/F Matt Barnes Del Campo High Sacramento. Sac-Towns finest is a hustle player who can do a little bit of everything. Very nice player to have on any team.
F-Leon Powe Oakland Tech/CAL. The show just won a NBA title with Boston. Been watching him play since a freshman in High School. Hopes he makes it to the top of this list.
F- Don Barksdale Berkeley High School. Barksdale had a short NBA career which included being the 1st African American to make the NBA All-Star Game, Nevertheless Barksdale accomplishments reach a lot further than basketball. For Example, he was the 1st Black DJ in the Bay Area (1948). Worked in television, owned a beer distributorship, a recording label, and two nightclubs in Oakland.
C- Jeff Foster Skyline High School Oakland. Had a decent NBA career. But probably better known as Gary Payton’s teammate at Skyline.
This team might not be the best. However, the defensive would be unbelievable with Payton, Kidd, and Russell. If there is a region with a better team than this, let me know.
As a big fan of Track & Field I wait in egger anticipation of the Olympic Games. I love to watch the competitors compete head-to-head to see who is the fastest, strongest, and best athlete in Track & Field. Since I could remember, NBA players have always been considered some of the top athletes in the world. Recently I started to ponder the thought of which NBA players would make the best Track & Field athletes? By the same token, in which event would they participate? Thus, here is my list of the NBA players that I would take with me to compete in Track & Field at the Olympic Games.
400 Meter Relay:
The 400
A. Team:
Monte Ellis
-The “Mississippi Missile” is ultra quick and one of the fastest players in the NBA. Monte has 2 gears, “See ya” and “see ya later”
Labron James
Don’t be fouled by is size. Labron can flat out fly. He was a all-American WR in High School.
Nate Robinson
Played DB for Washington and had to guard all those fast Pac10 WR‘s. Also, had the fastest time in Orlando(pre-draft camp) his rookie season.
T. J Ford
One of the fastest players in the League with the ball in his hands. Just imagine how fast he is without a ball.
Nate would run the 1st leg and should be able to run the turn very well. Ellis would run the 2nd leg and let his super speed accelerate down the straightaway. Third would be T.J Ford and his smaller sleeker size would be perfect for the turn. Lebron would bring it home, and just watch those legs cover and eat up the track with tremendous speed.
B. Team:
Leandro Barbosa-
The “Brazilian Blur” is Lighting quick and many think he might be the fastest player in the NBA
Allen Iverson-
Several years ago AI wound have been on the A team. However I feel he has lost a step. Iverson in High School was a All-American QB with plenty of speed. He would be an alternate and travel with the team because of his savvy and experience.
Tony Parker-
O So fast and o so determined to succeed. Blessed with amazing speed and quickness
Speedy Claxton-
Anyone with the name “Speedy” has to be on the team
100 Meter Dash:
For the 100 meter I just want players with flat-out speed.
Monte Ellis
Lebron James
Nate Robinson
200 Meter Dash:
In the 200 meter I like runners with longer legs , can run the turn, and hold their top speed for a long period.
Shawn Marion
Very fast for his size and would be able to open it up in the 200. Imagine Marion running a 200 meter fast break.
L. James
His size and speed is more perfect for the 200 Meter than it is for the 100 meter
Leandro Barbosa
I believe he can stay at top speed longer than Monte, Nate, or TJ, that’s why is on the 200 meter team.
Alternate: Devin Harris-
Underrated guard is very fast and could do damage if called upon in the 200 meter.
400 Meter Dash:
The 400 meter takes a bit more heart, determination, and technique than the short sprints. It is considered a long sprint , therefore the runners must be fast and well conditioned.
Matt Barnes-
High School All-American WR is very fast, just does not possess the all out burners that the 100 meter runners have. Yet he has a rare combination of size, speed and straight to be perfect for the 400 meter
Jason Terry
Nicknamed, “The Jet” and often times he looks like a runner on the hoop court. Has the frame o####reat 400 meter runner
Gilbert Arenas
All I would need is for someone to tell him he could not run the 400 meter very well and Gilbert would run around that track like Michael Johnson.
1500 Meter & Up:
Looking for topnotch conditioning, heart, and intelligence. Oftentimes the long distance race is won by will and strategy.
Steve Nash
It just looks like Nash could run all-day. He played Soccer growing up and that’s all they do is run. Nash seems to never be tired and that what you need in a long distance runner.
Rip Hamilton-
Rip and many others say Rip is the most conditioned athlete in the NBA. All that conditioning and running around screens would payoff in the longer races.
Mike Dunleavy
Mike is not as fast as most. Yet, I believe he would be able to put in much work over 1500 meters. He also seems to never get tired.
Alternate:
Josh Howard- Josh is a horse. He just looks like he can run all day. Just keep him away from the Chronic!
Long Jump:
The long jump requires speed, skill, and jumping ability. This is definitely the right event for NBA players. Truth be told, there are probably some NBA players (if properly trained) that could be Olympic Long Jumpers.
Labron James-
Labron’s speed and his leaping ability would be like poetry in motion. I think Labron could go out a jump over 23 feet right now without any training.
Kobe Bryant-
Gerald Wallace
I believe Wallace has the right tools to be an explosive long jumper
Triple Jump:
Very similar to the long jump, however it takes a bit more technique. All of the long jumpers on the team could be great triple jumpers. Nevertheless, I wanted to take some fresh bodies and not wear anybody out.
Tracy McGrady
He used to be on of the best jumpers in the NBA. Those times are gone, but T-Mac still has the grace and agility to be a great triple jumper.
Richard Jefferson
Excellent athlete, excellent body control, and exceptional jumping ability makes Jefferson an ideal triple jumper.
Andre Iguodala
Oftentimes they call the triple jump the “hop, skip, and Jump” However, Andre might just jump into the pit on the hop and out of the pit on the skip….no need for the jump. Just like they raised the rim because of Wilt Chamberlin, they might have to lengthen the long jump pit for Andre.
High Jump:
Another event perfect for the NBA athlete. Power, grace, and jumping ability. I would not mind actually seeing an NBA high jump competition.
Jason Richardson
Explosive athlete with major hoops. The two-time NBA slam dunk champion would fly over the bar. More of a two foot jumper, would have to learn how to jump of one leg.
Andre Iguodala-
Josh Smith
so much talent, so much ability. Can’t you just imagine him flying over the bar to pin someone’s shot against the glass.
Alternate:
Vince Carter- One of the best dunkers of all-time. He has lost some of his vertical, but anyone that can jump over a 7 foot man DURING A GAME deserves to be on the high jump team.
Pole Vault:
For the pole-vault I need someone with good speed, not too heavy, nice body control , and with upper body strength.
Barron Davis-
is there anyone stronger pound -for-pound in the NBA than Baron. He has good speed to get down the runway and use his upper body strength to go flying over the pole.
Jeff Fisher
Rashad McCants
T
Discus:
In the discus you need more than just strength and power. You need to be powerful, graceful, and very fundamental.
Tim Duncan
-
Jermaine O’Neal
O’Neal is a nice combination of strength, and skill. He displays nice balance on his feet, which is great for the Discus.
Elton Brand-
Brand is light on his feet for a big man. Would be able to spin around with the discus with grace and unleash it with tremendous power.
Javelin:
The same formula that makes a good discus thrower also makes for a good Javelin thrower.
Tim Duncan
Jermaine O’Neil
Amare Stoudemire
- Amare just might throw the javelin out of the stadium.
Shot-put:
Just need some of the NBA’s strongest men for this event
Carlos Bozier
Ben Wallace
Dwight Howard
The hurdles require speed and technique. In essence you need the speed of a sprinter and the leaping ability of a long jumper. Theses guys are all fast, long, smooth, and having nice jumping ability.
Rudy Guy
Young Rudy Guy is very athletic and smooth. Oftentimes it appears that he is just gliding when everyone else is grinding.
Kevin Martin
Very smooth and can jump, everything looks easy for Kevin. Watch him play and your like “cool he’s having a good game” next thing you know he has 30 points. I can see him running the hurdles the same way. “Looks like he’s running cool” next thing you know he beat everyone by 10 yards.
Brandon Roy
Young rising star is very, very smooth. He seems very quick, but never in a hurry. Great quality for a hurdler.
There you have it, my NBA Olympic Track & Field team. There might be other NBA players that are stronger, faster, and/or smarter. However, this is the team that I’m taking with me to China. Think you have a better NBA Track & Field team…come get some!
---
Alternate: Emeka Okafer,
Hurdles:
- What better choice than the big fundamental ? Perfect choice for the discus. He is strong and would manifest perfect foot-work. - his might seem like a strange selection. However, McCants upper body is solid and he looks like a natural athlete. He would be very smooth, but don’t let the smoothness fool you, he’s strong. -Fisher is very solid and posses plenty of upper body power. He is very smart and would learn the technique it takes to master the pole-vault. - The same skill that would allow him to succeed in the triple jump would manifest itself in the High Jump- ----Can anyone elevate and stay in the air longer than Kobe. Just tell Kobe MJ jumped over 24 feet (just to motivate him) and Kobe would be out there practicing the next day.---- - --
Alternates: Ford, Barbosa, & Iverson.
---meter relay I don’t only want my fastest runners, but also the players I think can make smooth baton passes. By the same token, there must be strategy in which leg the players will run.
KNBR San Francisco reports that the Warriors got PG Marcus Williams from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for a lottery protected first round draft pick.
Williams is a 22 yeard old 6"3' PG from UConn. In 53 games last year he adveraged 1.9 rpg 2.6apg & 5.9ppg.
Williams was 2nd on New Jersey's dept chart behind Devin Harris and appears to have a chance for extra minutes as Monte's backup.
The move also seems to clear the way for the Warriors to Match the Clippers offer for Azubuike. Futhermore, the Warriors still have about 3-5 Million in cap room.
It appears that GS is headed in the right dirrection so far this summer. While losing Baron to the Clippers GS has added nice pieces to a bigger puzzle. Here is the finishing pieces to the puzzle.
Trade Al Harrington to OKL for Earl Watson and Chris Wilcox. Earl Watson is a great back up point guard and a decient starting point guard. OKL just drafted Westbrook and has Luke Ridnour at the point. Watson plays nice defence and could guard bigger 2 guards, thus allowing Monte to guard the point. OKL also has plenty of Big's on the roster and Harrington's game might fit better for K D than Wilcox. Wilcox is a big that can run and would fit really well in GS system. By the same token, GS would have some nice options with the big's. Wilcox, Turiaf, and Andris could play the 5. Wilcox, Turiaf, and Wright can play the 4 (with Cory playing the 4 in small ball lineups). Watson could start along side Monte and guard the 2 or come off the bench. The best starting lineup (if Don Nelson changes his style a bit) would be Earl Watson PG, Monte SG, Maggette SF, Wilcox PF, and Andris C. 1st off the bench would be Jackson SG-SF, then Turiaf C-PF, CJ Watson PG, Belinelli G, and Wright PF-SF. Nevertheless, with Nellie ball GS can start Monte PG, Jackson SG, Maggette SF, Wright PF, and Andris C. This would allow E. Watson to be the first guard off the bench, Wilcox or Turiaf as the first Big and Wright as swing (need to sign Azubuike to play 1st swing of the bench), and Belinelli as SG. I like it, I like it a lot! Plenty of flexibilty for GS. I love Monte and i think he can play the Point. However, GS still must pickup a point guard.
