Tag: San Antonio Spurs

Artest struggles through spotty Dancing with the Stars debut

Good thing for Ron Artest — or Metta World Peace — that his old coach Phil Jackson wasn’t grading his first appearance on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Artest and partner Peta Murgatroyd were the first participants in Monday’s DWTS opener. And Artest looked more like a basketball player-turned-hoofer with a sloppy version of the cha cha cha that was of the competition.

Maybe producers of the show knew what they were getting from Artest, who sported a blond haircut with “world peace” etched into it.  He was first on the show and crowd favorite Chaz Bono received the coveted last slot at the very end of the program.

After his first night, it appears the Artest won’t have any trouble being available if and when the NBA camps open after the lockout is settled. His footwork was a lot closer to Greg Oden than Gregory Hines on the dance floor.

Artest could be available for his basketball interests by Wednesday morning — if the Lakers need him.

Durant’s huge new tattoo displays pride in Maryland

Maybe there’s some new-found pride in the Old Line State.

A night after comments about burned up Twitter, NBA superstar and Baltimore Kevin Durant is displaying some similar ostentatious pride in his state.

And even with a huge Maryland tattoed across his back,still looks tame compared to the Terrapins’ uniform.

Durant’s new tattoo appears like it would have hurt to receive it. It has Maryland written in huge letters that stretch from beyond each shoulder blade. Below it, there is an angel grasping a basketball between two large hands.

As far as tattoos go, it’s one of the biggest and most noticeable I’ve  seen in a long time. Obviously, an impressive work of art by .

But as legendary comedian Rodney Dangerfield once famously said in the movie “Caddyshack:”

“It looks good on you.”    

I’m wondering  if he can work the Maryland state flag below the hands — kind of like the work on .

Pop should be pleased with Spurs’ two Impact League players

Gregg Popovich likely couldn’t be happier about his two players who will develop this week in the Impact League in Las Vegas.

Both James Anderson and Kawhi Leonard have big upside during their professional careers. And both will be an integral part of the Spurs team next season after the lockout ends.

With the inactivity surrounding the NBA during the lockout, the chance for any development for young players is critical. Particularly so for Anderson and Leonard, who will be beginning this week.

Anderson looked to have made a big start for the Spurs last season before sustaining a stress fracture in his right foot. The team erupted on a fast start while he was out of the lineup. By the time he returned, his place in the rotation had been snapped up by others.

But Anderson is a critical part of this team and could legitimately challenge for playing time if he reports to training camp ready to play. The Las Vegas action will help him.

Leonard needs much work against top competition. The Spurs love his athleticism and competitive zeal, but he needs to play against the very best to accurately gauge how he much he will be able to help the team this season.

There’s a chance that the Impact League games will be streamed. If they are, bet a lot of laptops on Spurs Lane will be glued to the action for a glimpse of Leonard and Anderson.

Their performance will be vital as they prepare for the upcoming season — whenever it starts.