The Brushback: Archives-Basketballl '09

Paul Pierce Pleads For Ball With White Guy Defending Him 1/1/09
BOSTON--Celtics guard Paul Pierce pleaded for the ball Monday night after Jason Kapono sprinted over to cover him in the fourth quarter of a game against the Raptors.

Struggling Celtics Accused Of Tanking For Higher Pick 1/13/09
BOSTON--The Boston Celtics started off the season with a sparkling 24-2 record but have fallen on hard times, losing 7 of their last 11, including home losses to the Knicks and Houston Rockets.

Obama’s Message Of Self-Sacrifice Inspires Corey Maggette To Pass Ball 1/20/09
OAKLAND--As the nation prepared to swear in its first African-American president on Monday, Barack Obama’s message of hope and self-sacrifice spread to every corner of the globe, including the NBA, where it inspired Warriors forward Corey Maggette to pass the ball to another teammate.

Derrick Rose Never Imagined NBA Could Be So Depressing 1/27/09
CHICAGO--When Bulls rookie Derrick Rose was a child, he dreamed of someday playing in the NBA and competing alongside the greatest basketball players in the world.

Rondo Gains 70 Pounds Day After Signing Contract Extension 11/4/09
BOSTON--Celtics point guard Rajon Rondo finally got the long term contract extension he was waiting for over the weekend, and is now guaranteed $55 million over the next five years. With his future secure, the 23-year-old has relaxed a little and allowed himself to gain 70 pounds over the past 48 hours.

Bulls Players Lauded For Even Bothering To Show Up Anymore 12/10/09
CHICAGO--Chicago Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro lauded his players today for having the resilience and fortitude to bother showing up for games anymore. Following dispiriting losses to the Toronto Raptors and New Jersey Nets, the Bulls still, against all reason and logic, showed up to a game against the Atlanta Hawks, which they lost 118-83.

Lebron: ‘I Would Trade All My Individual Awards for Expansion of My Global Brand’ 12/16/09
CLEVELAND--Cavaliers star Lebron James has received many individual awards in his lifetime, but that's not enough for the NBA MVP, who says he would trade all those awards for one thing: the expansion of his global brand.