Tag: Player

Jordan Crawford says he can be better than Michael Jordan – seriously

Maybe it was his while in college school that emboldened Jordan Crawford in a special way.

But on the , the Washington Wizards guard has some pretty lofty career aims. Namely, to be the greatest to ever play the game.

Crawford continued that line of thinking in a recent interview with the Washington Post, where he flatly predicted he will be the greatest player that has ever played the game — including Michael Jordan.

“I don’t tell nobody, but I feel like I can be better than Michael Jordan,” Crawford told the Post, with a straight face. “When I’m done playing, I don’t want people to say, Michael Jordan is the best player. I want that to be me. That’s how I am. That’s how I was built.”

Crawford was the 27th pick in the first round of last year’s draft by Atlanta. He was traded late in the season to the Wizards, where he averaged 16.3 points in 26 games last season. 

His dunk over James created a firestorm when Nike tried to confiscate the tape. Thanks to You Tube and below, the tape has made itself into the public domain.

But pulling on Superman’s cape in the form of saying he will be better than Jordan is another thing.

I applaud him for dreaming big. But he better not hope that Jordan gets the comeback itch at the age of 48.

Because if he does, I bet I know the first place that “His Airness” will be looking to once he restarts his career.

Here’s the video of Crawford dunking over James way back when.

Manu in holding pattern about Virtas Bologna offer

Spurs guard Manu Ginobili said Wednesday he’s unwilling to commit to playing for Italian team Virtus Bologna during an extended NBA lockout – yet.

Ginobili practiced with the Argentinian college team Weber Estudiantes earlier on Wednesday. While there, he to Buenos Aires journalist German Beder in remarks that were .

Ginobili said he is intrigued by the offer, but still unwilling to commit with the team — whether or not Kobe Bryant joins them.

It would mark his return to Italy after playing in Bologna before joining the Spurs.

“I did not go to Italy in the last six years and it could be a nice thing to return there,” Ginobili said.  “But right now I need to rest. I cannot give them an answer today.”

Because of that lag, Ginobili said the Italian team should consider adding other players instead of him.

“If they want another player, they are free to look for a new one,” Ginobili said. “I am not ready to play.”

To prepare for an eventual season — either overseas or with the Spurs after the lockout — Ginobili is intently working with the Argentinian college team. 

“I am going to practice with Weber, I help them,” Ginobili said. “Nothing more so far.”

Those comments reiterated what Herb Rudoy, Ginobili’s agent, said on Tuesday when he “” reports that Ginobili would agree to a deal with Virtus Bologna if  Bryant did not sign with them.

It looks like Ginobili and Bryant are unwilling to commit to playing in Italy before Monday’s deadline imposed by the NBA owners’ bargaining committee. At that time, it is expected  to be known if the start of the 2011-12 NBA season will be postponed after the remainder of the league’s preseason games were shelved on Tuesday.

Kobe, KG show up for Tuesday’s bargaining session

Kobe Bryant made his first appearance Tuesday at the bargaining session as players and owners frantically attempt to end the NBA’s lockout.

Bryant was joined by Boston forward Kevin Garnett among the first-timers, according to a . Others players who were attending outside of the NBPA’s bargaining committe included Paul Pierce, Ben Gordon and Amar’e Stoudemire.

The apperance of Bryant, arguably the league’s most marketable star player, underscores the seriousness of the talks. About 10 NBA owners also attended Tuesday’s bargaining session in New York City.

The wider negotiating sessions have not been as effective for either side as the meetings involving smaller groups.

Both Bryant and Garnett have the reputation of being among the fiercest on-the-court competitors in the league.

But something tells me that their  celebrated determination that makes opposing players wilt in pressure situations probably won’t faze David Stern or Adam Silver when they are on the other side of the negotiating table.