Is Tracy McGrady becoming Allen Iverson?

You have to wonder what the deal is with Tracy McGrady and the Houston Rockets. He is finally healthy and ready to play. So it was interesting to see the report today that McGrady is taking a leave of absence from the team. That he is unhappy with not playing much. If I remember right it was just a few short years ago that McGrady was mentioned in everyone's current top five...I even remember hearing people ask "Who is better, Tracy McGrady or Kobe Bryant?"... Well we know the answer to that question. But unless McGrady has forgotten how to play, why is he not fitting in with the Rockets. He could be their missing piece if their coach (Rick Adleman) could figure out a way to work him in. Of course it might be all about Tracy. Who knows what the real story is. I would think after the whole Allen Iverson craziness, Tracy and the Rockets could find a solution for the rest of the season.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/recap?gid=2009122617&prov=ap



Reality Basketball - Chris Bavelles

MASHED POTATOES AND BASKETBALL - NOTHING BETTER

Christmas Day is fast upon us. I am lucky to have in-laws who love to blend the beautiful traditions of Christmas Day brunch and NBA Basketball. This year the Lakers play the Cav's.
Lebron vs Kobe .... Shaq vs Kobe. 
All this is great but what really makes the day is that my mother in-law Paulette is cooking and the family will gather. 

So while Kobe is draining three's over LeBron, I will be among family and friends watching the game on a 46"HD Plasma TV (Thanks Vern) eating the best cheese mashed potatoes in the history of the world. Does it get any better?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM REALITY BASKETBALL!!!




Created by: Chris Bavelles 2009

GAIL GOODRICH SUPERSTAR

After writing about Allen Iverson re-signing with the 76'ers  and old friend of mine was curious why I haven't written about my all time favorite player Gail Goodrich. I wondered the same thing and it got me thinking about all the great little guys in NBA history. Bob Cousy, Calvin Murphy, Nate Archibald, John Stockton and Isaiah Thomas to name a few. But in my eyes Goodrich is one of the all time great little guys. Most people do not know that he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 1996. He's a five time NBA All-Star, one time NBA Champion, two time NCAA All-American and won two NCAA titles with UCLA

Because I grew up playing basketball in Los Angeles just like Gail did, I might be a little biased, but there is no denying how great he really was. He was one of my two sports idols growing up (the other was Jerry West). Gail was told at every level that he was too short and too skinny to compete-just like me.
He was quick, had great fundamentals and could really shoot the ball-just like me. He went on to an illustrious Hall of Fame NBA career. Just like me...in my head. His dedication and strong work ethic has truly motivated me in basketball and throughout life.

Thanks IR for reminding me!

Here are a few clips and other links I found on Gail.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ug-ikmg6Fg (NBA)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9bEA4NcBlc (College)

http://www.nba.com/history/players/goodrich_summary.html (NBA.Com)

This NBA star is known as "The Answer"

Final answer-
Who is Allen Iverson?

Allen Iverson came out of retirement today to rejoin the Philadelphia 76er's. It really is the right place for him. He will start, the fans will love him and he should be able to find some wrinkles in the Princeton offense that Eddie Jordan runs. He just might be the answer Philly has been looking for to help them get into the playoffs.

Here is his emotional press conference on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2nJf3myysE

Here is a video of some of his best crossover moves:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5Rv4AtufwE


Posted by Reality Basketball's Chris Bavelles