Sports Throwback: LeBron James & His First NBA All-Star Game

 

From the opening moments of his career, it was obvious that LeBron was the future.
(c) USA Today

LeBron James won Rookie of the Year for the 2003-2004 NBA season. 

He then followed that up by punching averages of 27.2 points, 7.2 assists and 7.4 rebounds a night for his second campaign during the 2004-2005 season.

As he approaches his 19th season, those averages are identical to his career per game numbers. The commitment to his craft and entertaining manner with which he has displayed his gifts have been nothing short of sensational.

James made the 2005 NBA All Star Game as a starter at tender age of 20. 

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Sports Throwback: NBA Live 2004 Cameos

 

The ultra-high flying Vince Carter was the cover athlete for 'Live 2004'.
(c)Wikipedia

2003-2004 NBA season was truly a fascinating year that saw the rise, primes and endings of the career's the league's greats.

Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson were in the thick of their athletic and skillful peaks. 

Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, Reggie Miller, Allan Houston and Steve Smith were in the finals years of their careers.

The youth of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh were on full display.

'NBA Live 2004' allowed players, fans and video game lovers to experience the fun of competing with their favorite stars.

Here are the intro cameos of 'NBA Live 2004'.

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Sports Throwback: JJ Redicks Drops 40 Points vs Virginia

JJ Redick's collegiate career at Duke University was one for the history books.
(c) Daily Press

Jonathan Clay Redick is one of the greatest shooters to have ever graced the NBA hardwood and today we wish him happy retirement as he made the announcement on his YouTube page.

He played for six NBA teams but found his niche playing alongside his collegiate rival and superstar Point Guard Chris Paul with the Los Angeles Clippers. His point per game average would never dip under 15 points during his time in LA  and his 3-point percentage per game peaked at .475.

However during his time at Duke University, their were moments his prolific shooting prowess would stop all watchers in their tracks. This game against the University of Virginia was a prime example.

The 2006 consensus national player of the year scored 40 points on 13 shots. Out of those 13 shots, he only missed two.

We wish JJ Redick all the best in retirement.

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Sports Throwback: Hakeem Olajuwon Blocks 12 Shots Against The Utah Jazz - 1989

"The Dream" is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA History.
(c) DAR

In the 1989-1990 NBA season, Houston Rockets superstar Hakeem Olajuwon led the league in Blocks Per Game with 4.6. This performance against the Utah Jazz is one of the reasons why.

While matching up against future hall of famer Karl Malone, "The Dream" displayed a defensive exhibition for the ages with 12 blocks, 5 steals and 21 rebounds along with dropping 24 points.
 

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Sports Throwback: Madden NFL 06 Player Cameos

(c)Wikipedia

Madden NFL 06 was the first Madden game to debut on the XBOX 360.

It was also feature the Truck Stick for players in possession of the football, QB Vision Control and Superstar Mode but as always the tradition of player cameos continued.

The feeling of starting your game console system and seeing your favorite player quote "EA Sports! It's In The Game" was timeless.

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Sports Throwback: Adrian Peterson's Extraordinary Freshman Season At Oklahoma

Peterson was special as soon as he arrived on campus in Norman, Oklahoma.
(c)The Oklahoman

Adrian Peterson's freshman year at the University of Oklahoma was a historic masterpiece.

He ran for 1,925 yards, became the first freshman to finish as a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy and to be named as an unanimous All-American.

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Sports Throwback: Lil Penny Opens The 1996 Eastern Conference Finals - NBA on NBC

 

Penny Hardaway and "Lil Penny"
(c)Fox Sports

Penny Hardaway was a very special player for both the NBA and the Orlando Magic in the 1990's.

The NBA, Nike and many other companies had their sights on the star that was on the way to carrying the torch after Michael Jordan. This was evident as Nike began the "Lil Penny" campaign with the release of Hardaway's first show, the Nike Air Penny 1.

The NBA on NBC had a very long list of exciting intros and knew it would be good for business to get Lil Penny (voiced by Chris Rock) involved as the Orlando Magic took on the Jordan and Pippen led Chicago Bulls in Game 1 of the 1996 Eastern Conference Finals.

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Sports Throwback: Peyton Manning Gets His First Postseason Win - 2003-2004 Playoffs

The 2003 NFL Co-MVP took a good step forward in the playoffs vs the Denver Broncos.
(c)Denver Post

Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts were no stranger to adversity as they began to rise to NFL championship contention.

In the 2002-2003 NFL playoffs, they were absolutely obliterated by the New York Jets in a 41-0 loss. After his third straight playoff defeat, the questions about Manning's ability to led a team to the top went to another level.

Manning responded in a magnificent way and the 2003 season was where he took his game and team to new heights.

Along with Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, Reggie Wayne, Brandon Stokley and a stout Offensive Line led by Jeff Saturday, the Colts welcomed the Denver Broncos into town and sent the home in a swift manner.

They would roll into Kansas City the following week on a mission against the #2 seeded Chiefs.

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Sports Throwback: The Public Does Not Recognize John Stockton At 1992 Olympics

 

John Stockton finished is still the all time leader in assists and steals.
(c)USAB

John Stockton was arguably the best point guard in the world in 1992. His per game averages for the '91-'92 NBA season were 15.8 points, 13.7 assists and 3.0 steals.

To summarize, he was simply a problem for the best basketball players in the world to deal with while leading the Utah Jazz offense.

However, as he was selected and chosen to represent the United States at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics with the Dream Team many street goers truly did not recognize the dynamic guard that shared space on the same squad with Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley, etc.

What an interesting time that must have been for the Stockton family.

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Sports Throwback: Ronaldinho's Free Kick vs England At 2002 World Cup

 

English Goalkeeper David Seaman said "We didn't know how good Ronaldinho was."
(c)Planet Football

Brazil's rising megastar Ronaldinho Gaúcho let his name ring out on the world stage during the 2002 World Cup with this Free-Kick against England.

The Selecao would go on to defeat the Three Lions 2-1 en route to their fifth World Cup title.

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Sports Throwback: NBA on NBC's Final Montage

 

For 12 years, the NBA shined bright on NBC.
(c) Wikipedia

There are very few things better for basketball fans (particularly those of the 1990's) than hearing John Tesh's "Roundball Rock" as the theme music for the NBA on NBC broadcasts.

In 2002, the NBA signed a new contract with ABC ending its phenomenal 12-year run with NBC that showcased one of the golden periods in league history.

As NBC could not keep up with the fluidity of cable and broadcast offer Disney was presented with ABC and ESPN, basketball fans had to say goodbye to their beloved NBC viewing that showcased the likes of the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s and the rise of superstars such as Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant and Penny Hardaway. 

As the 2002 NBA Finals closed with the Los Angeles Lakers sweeping the New Jersey Nets, the network gave viewers a look back of memories during their 12-year period with the NBA.

Most NBA on NBC broadcasts were presented by Marv Albert, Bob Costas, Ahmad Rashad, Hannah Storm, Mike Fratello and Bill Walton.

Along with Steve Jones, Albert, Walton and Costas would close the network's final NBA broadcast.

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On This Day In 2003: Cesc Fabregas Signed With Arsenal

 

Fabregas elevated Arsenal's midfield during his time with the club.
(c) Goal

On This Day In 2003: Barcelona's youth academy 'La Masia' no longer has Cesc Fabregas on their program. The then 16 year-old young star would sign with Arsenal for £2.88 million.

During his time with Arsenal, he would amass 35 goals, 75 assists in 212 premier league appearances.

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Sports Throwback: Grant Hill Crosses Scottie Pippen

Grant Hill is in the hall of fame for a reason.
(c) GQ

Grant Hill was on pace to be one of the best players of the 2000s and it was supremely evident in the late 1990s as he finished the decade as a 5 time NBA All-Star. 

In 1999-2000, Hill averaged 25.8 PPG, 5.2 APG and 6.6 RPG.

He was ascending and promising but unfortunately ankle injuries derailed his path to the top tier of the NBA. However in-spite of that, Hill continued to strive on and have a successful career.

Whether it be on film or in the minds of fans, there are still memories of the past.

During a game against the reigning champion Chicago Bulls in 1998, Hill found himself on an island against the great Scottie Pippen. 

What transpired next is one of the reasons why Grant Hill is so highly respected in his profession.

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Sports Throwback: Lionel Messi Activates Playstation Mode vs Arsenal With 4 Goals

Lionel Messi was in peak form vs Arsenal in the 2010 UEFA Champions League.
(c) Twitter - FC Barcelona

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said "He made the impossible, possible." 

On the night of April 6th, 2010, FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored 4 ridiculous and stunning goals to help push his squad to the UEFA Champions League Semi Finals in a blowout win against Arsenal.

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Sports Throwback: Giannis Antetokoumpo's First Television Interview

With an outstanding resume at 26 years, Giannis Antetokunmpo has certainly risen quickly from his days as a basketball beginner.
(c) Bleacher Report

Giannis Antetokounmpo has come a long way since his days as a teenager in Greece.

Here he is during his first interview talking about his journey and how he got discovered by Spiros Velliniatis as a basketball player.

His love for the game was realized after his first practice. 

What a story for someone who rejected the offer from Coach Velliniatis until he decided to follow his brother, Thanasis to practice three months later. 

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Sports Throwback: Barry Bonds Gets Walked In The 9th Inning....WITH THE BASES LOADED!!!

 

Bonds was one of the 2 best players in baseball during the 1990's.
(c) Sports Illustrated

Barry Lamar Bonds was a different type of baseball player. By 1998, The Sporting News had listed him as the 34th greatest player in MLB history. He was only 13 seasons into his career at this point.

That is absolutely astounding and legitimized for reasons such as this. 

On May 28th 1998, the Arizona Diamondbacks began to relinquish their lead against the San Francisco Giants and Barry Bonds approached the plate in a 8-6 game with the bases loaded in the 9th inning.

Buck Showalter, Diamondbacks manager said "If I wanted to end the game for sure, I would’ve let Barry hit."

Since 1955 when the intentional walk became a stat, no player had ever been walked with the bases loaded until this unforgettable day.

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Sports Throwback: Kobe Bryant Makes Spectacular Layup vs Houston Rockets - 2004 NBA Playoffs 1st Round Game 2

2003-2004 season was rocky for Bryant but his brilliance shined through.
(c) WTOP

Game 2 of the 2004 Western Conference 1st Round match-up between the Los Angeles and Houston Rockets was certainly an outcome that most expected. 

The home team featured Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Gary Payton and Karl Malone. The away team featured Yao Ming, Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Jim Jackson .

Though the Rockets boasted All-Star firepower with great potential, at that point and time it simply was not enough to overcome the Lakers fantastic four.

In the midst of this all, it was a rocky and uncharacteristic season for Lakers despite their success. Drama, legal issues and egos loomed large over the Staples Center but when the games were played, they had more than enough to win regardless.

This play by Kobe Bryant was the ideal example. 4 Houston Rockets tried. 4 Houston Rockets failed.

An incredible sequence of skill, charisma, talent and showmanship.

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Sports Throwback: Patriots vs Colts 2003 Season - The Brady vs Manning Rivalry Takes Off

What a finish this game was at the RCA Dome.
(c) Boston Globe

Week 13 of the 2003 NFL season put many things into perspective for the playoff outlook and was also a sign of things to come.

There were two particular match-ups that ended being the NFC and AFC championship games. With one of them being the New England Patriots vs the Indianapolis Colts, the Peyton Manning and Tom Brady rivalry really took off.

In hindsight, at the time many didn't think Brady was all world like Manning. However on this day it was certainly clear that the Patriots defense was.

Especially when they needed to be.

Also, enjoy the vintage Peyton Manning 2nd half surge.

What an era.

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