NBA Talking Points: Where Basketball’s 2Pac Is Back From The Dead

Over at SB Nation’s Spurs blog, Pounding the Rock, they have a really excellent look at Tim Duncan. Specifically, his dunking—why he’s doing it more this year, and what that means. It’s yet another example of why blogs are so awesome. Would this happen ten years ago? Or even five?

Seriously: Would someone look at Tim Duncan’s career dunking numbers, juxtapose them season-by-season, and compose a statistical analysis that proves he’s healthier than ever before? To wit:

That’s not the official description of the show, but this is the official cast:

And of course, quite possibly the greatest televison character in history:

His latest revelation, to Sporting News:

Would you expect anything else? This is the same man who once said, “I’m growing up … but at the same time I’m hood forever.” And of course, his timeless advice for the kids, “Stay focused and stay away from unknown females.” Ron Artest, ladies and gentlemen!

You could read this excellent overview of the Toronto Raptors to understand where the team is right now. Really, it’s a nice snapshot, and a comprehensive look at their struggles to play even average defense:

Well, then. That about it covers it then, huh? Every facet of the team is flawed. And Turkoglu, in particular: it’s always nice to add a $52 million free agent, only to have him three months later get his own special category on a “What’s wrong with the Raptors” list. But hey, did you know that he also turns 31 this year? (Maybe we should consolidate the management and Turkoglu categories…)

This is a new feature, but now, every week we’ll dedicate a song to a different team, player, or coach in the NBA. This week? Outkast, “Skew It On The Bar-B” to the Atlanta Hawks: