Best Places To Buy Your Jordan's Online

For all you hypebeasts and sneakerheads out there, I've compiled a list of LEGIT websites that you can order all of your Jordans, Nike's, and other apparel. Online shopping is growing huge, and this list will make it easier for you to navigate through and find those kicks you were always wanting! I've bolded the best sites, so that will save you some time if you're looking for those special kicks!

Jordan's, Nike's, and more!


23isback.com - Free shipping!
Air Gordon's
Alan's Store - England based store.
All Things Jordan - The name speaks for itself. A wide selection of Jordan's to add to your collection.
Al's Sports 
ANYC Online
Bargain Pump - Great discounts on Jordan's, Nike's, and other name brand shoes.
Before The Drop - Great place to find your Jordan's before the initial release date.
City Sole - HUGE selection of Jordan's and Nike brand footwear.
Crooked Tongues - London based store.
Extra Laces
Footalog
Footcandy
Flight Club LA and Flight Club NY - Shop where the celebrities shop for their Jordan fix.
Foot Patrol
Heat Slingers - All sorts of Nike's found here.
In Style Shoes
I've Had em All
Jumpman23 - The Official Jordan Website.
Kicks Crew
Lace Locked
Laced Up Authentics
Mental Kicks
Nike.com - The Official Nike Website.
Pick Your Shoes - Awesome website to find not only that pair of Jordan's you're looking for, but also a great selection of apparel.
Premium Laces NY
Rare Air Shoes - Australian Based Website.
Shoe Jocky - Great selection of Jordan's and Nike's and offers Free Shipping.
Sneakerhead - Good selection and OK prices.
Sneaker St.
Sole Redemption
Sole Stop
Suite 2206 - Great SB selection.
Uptempo Air - Great selection and Free US Shipping.
VMV Inc. - Check out brand new sneakers before they are released!


Caps and Laces

My Fitteds - Great site to find that fitted to match your shoes.
Stark Laces - Great sites to buy laces for your new shoes.


Other Apparel

NBAStore.com - Maybe not for kicks, but if you're looking for official jerseys, clothing, or other NBA related items.
Mitchell And Ness - THE best place for throwback jerseys.
Dicks Sporting Goods - Not necessarily a sneakerhead destination, but has plenty of apparel and items that could be great buys.
Eastbay - Great site for all of your sporting needs.
Finish Line - Can't find the item you were looking for at your local Finish Line? You can get it here.
Footaction - Same as mentioned above. Find items you can't find in your local Footaction.
Jimmy Jazz - Great selection of urban apparel.
Urban Outfitters - not a place for sneakers, but great shop for urban apparel.

For future reference, I've added this catalog on the top of the blog for quick viewing. If you want to get updated on all of your apparel and sneaker needs, like my Facebook Page or shoot me an email here.

Throw It Down, Big Man: Bill Walton And The People We Want To See Him Fight

A couple of weeks earlier, during the enshrinement of Hall of Famer Arvydas Sabonis, Bill Walton recalled a little mishap between Sabonis and then up-and-coming star Rasheed Wallace. Rasheed allegedly threw a towel at Sabonis, prompting Mr. Walton to say that he "should've punched Rasheed Wallace in the face." 

He later described it as "one of the lowest points of his life." Ok...Really?

Anyway, he's known for his funny color commentary, and sometimes random remarks. Now don't get me wrong, I love the guy and he's great for the game of basketball, but I think it would be awesome to see him lace it up and "throw it down" with some of these people in the NBA.

Rasheed Wallace

Aw, come on. Who wouldn't want to watch the most hot headed player in the league duke it out against the mellow Walton. Besides, Bill was the one who challenged 'Sheed. I'm pretty sure 'Sheed will give him one of his stare downs, then happily accept his challenge.

A stare down so menacing, it gave him a technical.

Shaquille O'Neal

After Shaq was traded from the Miami Heat to the Phoenix Suns, Walton put him on blast and told the whole basketball world that he was done. Shaq, never taking criticism lightly, told Walton to know your place in the "pecking order" of big men. Watching Shaq and Walton fight in their prime would be awesome. 

Greg Oden and Sam Bowie Cage Match

If you don't know who Sam Bowie is, here is his wikipedia page. In short, he was the guy that the Blazers drafted ahead of Michael Jordan. Sadly, Greg Oden is reminiscent of Bowie, an injury-riddled player that was drafted ahead of Kevin Durant. 

It would be entertaining to see these three injury-prone players duke it out in a cage match and see which one tears their ACL first.

Bill Walton wrote this book because he spent most of his time on the stationary bike then on the court.

Unfortunately, this is just a fantasy. We don't really want to see this guy fight, right? I would rather just chill with him, roll up a fat one, and listen to music as he rants about "seeing colors" and saying how Detlef Shrempf was one of the best in the world. You make the basketball world a better place, Mr. Walton!

Please take a second to Like the Facebook fan page or click the like button on the side! If you have any questions, suggestions, or anything else email us at theoffensiverebound@yahoo.com.

Til' next time hoop junkies!

Fully Loaded: The 2012 NBA Draft Class (Andre Drummond)

Yes, we all know that the 2011 NBA Draft was one of the weakest in years, due to the potential (I wouldn't call it potential anymore,) lockout. On the bright side, the 2012 draft class looks loaded. We'll take a look at a few of the potential players, and we'll start at the top of the board, starting with...

Andre Drummond (Committed to UCONN)

Physicals
Height: 6'10"
Weight: 275 lbs.
Wingspan: 7'5"

Strengths

- Athleticism and Size

- Basketball Skills

- High Basketball IQ

- Great ball skills and handles for a big man

Weaknesses

- Doesn't always play hard

- Doesn't use his size to his advantage, preferring to play in the perimeter

- Motivation

This kid has the potential to be great, and what I mean by great, is top 3 big men in the league. He has all the tools that's needed in a dominating big man. He has size, athleticism, quickness, and skills to be the top player of the draft. Players like him don't come along very often, and the team that has the top pick should seriously consider drafting him. Though he sometimes floats along the perimeter instead of playing inside, that will all change playing with Jim Calhoun. The only BIG question mark, does he have the motivation?

Best Case Scenario

- A bigger Kevin Garnett

- More skillful Greg Monroe

Worst Case Scenario

- Derrick Coleman

Javaris Critentton: The League's Most Dangerous Shooter?

Former Wizards guard Javaris Crittenton is in trouble this time, now charged with murder. I know you were supposed to work on your shooting, but I don't think NBA scouts meant it in that way.

Maybe their story can make it to the big screen?

On a more serious note, this will probably cost him another job in the NBA, and potentially the rest of his life. He's not proven guilty yet, so we'll see where this goes. Either way, this just puts a larger stain on his name.

Original story found here: http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/6899974/former-nba-player-javaris-crittenton-charged-murder

I'll be gone for the weekend readers, but please enjoy the rest of our content and check out the Facebook page! Have a great weekend hoopers!

Teams We Rooted For To Win It All: The 2006-2007 Golden State Warriors

We believed.

Sure, call them a one-hit wonder, but this team brought a brand of basketball that was too fun to watch! The Phoenix Suns were the "run and gun" team of the 2000's, but the Warriors were probably the most entertaining playoff team ever. They played like they had nothing to lose, and the atmosphere during home games at Oracle Arena was electric! I don't think anyone outside of Dallas and Utah were rooting against them during the playoffs. It was sad to see them lose in the second round, because for a moment, I was buying into their "We Believe" campaign!

The Roster

Led by their floor general Baron Davis, and coached by no other than Don Nelson, this team was built for running and gunning from the get go. Though on paper it don't look very strong, they all complimented each other and was probably one big man away from being a true playoff contender. Perhaps a defensive minded, "Ben Wallace" or "Andrew Bogut" type player would have done them a world of good.

Coach: Don Nelson
The Captain: Baron Davis
The Other Leaders: Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes
Key Contributors: Al Harrington, Monta Ellis, Jason Richardson, Andris Biedrins, Mickael Pietrus.


Why We Loved Them

Underdogs. Fun. Exciting. Personality. The perfect recipe for the perfect team to root for. Most of the team consisted of players that were considered enigmas to a team (ex: Baron Davis, Stephen Jackson) or players that had something to prove (Matt Barnes, Jason Richardson.) The team was filled with underdogs, and we just had to root for them. Their brand of basketball was something the Bay Area hasn't seen since the "Run TMC" days. And they were consistent losers; it would be nice to see them win for a change!

I'm pretty sure Dirk doesn't mind seeing this anymore. He has a ring now.

Defining Moment

Besides finishing 16-5 to make it to the playoffs? I could take the easy way out and say that The Warriors beating the number one seeded Dallas Mavericks would be their defining moment, but I'm not. I'm going to go deeper than that, and choose the play that no Warriors fan will ever forget.

Kirirlenko's career was never the same after this.

Unfortunately, those days are long and gone now. Baron Davis is dying in Cleveland, Jason Richardson is totally unmotivated in Orlando. Stephen Jackson is in Milwaukee now. I wish they could get back together and have a go at it one more time!

If you have time, please check out my Facebook Fan Page, and like it if you want!

Email me at theoffensiverebound@yahoo.com for any questions, comments, or suggestions!

More Hoops content coming soon!

The Scalabrine Awards: Showcasing Unintentional Humor in Basketball

Brian Scalabrine is probably the most entertaining player in the league, unintentionally of course. Every time he steps on the court, something hilarious is bound to happen. He's definitely a character, and it's even funnier that all of this buzz was never created by him (or by his game at least.) 

Only the best get Gatorade commercials

That's why I decided to create the Scalabrine Awards, to reward the players that make us laugh and giggle at their misfortunes. It's a tribute to players that not only entertain the most dedicated of basketball purists, but also the casual fan. So without further ado, lets introduce our winner of our First Annual Scalabrine Awards!

And the winner goes to...

Paul Pierce

Yes Paul, you absolutely deserved it.

The winner is none other than Brian Scalabrine's old teammate, Paul Pierce! 

Now don't get me wrong, Pierce is an incredible talent and is one of the all-time greats in Boston. It's just that sometimes he does things that are a little over the top, or he's just so passionate about the game that he forgets things. For example,

Paul Pierce doesn't give the kid any dap

After giving almost everyone near him a high five, he blatantly ignores the kid in the Cavs jersey, embarrassing him in front of the crowd near him, and potentially scarring him for life. Serves him right however, you never wear a Lebron jersey to Boston! In the end, sad for the kid but pretty funny for us!

Paul Pierces lands a right hook on the referee

Emotions get the best of Pierce again, and this time he lands a shot to the chin on an unsuspecting referee. You have to admit though, that ref did have a chin on him. This one had me laughing for a good while!

Move over, Denzel Washington...

You knew this was coming. There are a lot of games when players have to go through adversity (ex: Jordan's Flu game, Willis Reed, Derek Fisher with the Jazz), but I'm pretty sure this one doesn't belong in that category. This was more played out than Blake Griffin's dunk contest. The wheelchair, the training staff carrying him, and him just walking casually on the court; it's unintentional humor at its finest.

There you have it, ladies and gentleman! The winner of the first Annual Scalabrine Awards. Be sure to like my Fan Page on Facebook if you have time or email me at theoffensiverebound@yahoo.com. Be sure to check back soon for more hoops content!

This Is Why Blake Griffin Is The Best

Most recently, Clippers star forward Blake Griffin is interning at the popular comedy website Funny Or Die.

I think that's awesome! I think Blake Griffin is something the league really needs after the retirement of Shaq. He brings personality, charisma, and a fresh face to the league. He's known for putting out viral videos, but its nice to see that his work will finally be out on a more marketable front. Good Luck, Blake! I'll be posting your vids soon!

The next big thing in the league.

Original Article found here: ESPN.com - Blake Griffin of Los Angeles Clippers begins internship at website

Improving Your Game: The Jump Shot

Sorry for throwing you under the bus.

Quickly, name me the top five guards of all time.

Now tell me one thing that they all have in common?

You guessed it, shooting.

Shooting the ball is something that is so fundamental, yet many players have yet to perfect it. To be a great player, you have to know the fundamentals and mechanics of shooting. Imagine how many players in the NBA today would be dominant if they had a decent jump shot? (Yes, I'm looking at you Rajon Rondo.) 

Thankfully, shooting is something that you can work on at the later stages of your basketball career. Players work long and hard on their jump shot in the off-season so defenders won't play off of them. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant didn't have a reliable jumper early on, but they developed it through their career and it made them that much harder to stop.

Take it from this guy, he knows a thing or two about basketball

Shooting opens up many opportunities, and makes you less predictable on offense. It also adds longevity to your game. Shooters tend to have long careers (ex: Reggie Miller, Ray Allen) and are always of value to a basketball team. Here are some pointers to improve that jumper of yours.

Mitch Richmond, pure shooter.

Shooting starts from the ground up.

Shooting is one fluid motion. Notice the best shooters in the game? They don't look like methodical robots that have to take things one movement at a time. It's almost like an art form. Here are some things to look at if your jumper seems a little off.

1. Square up! - If your feet are crooked from the start, then that's one major thing to fix. Make sure your whole body is lined up so you have a direct line of sight to the basket. 
2. Bend Your Knees - By bending your knees, you will get more lift in your shot.
3. Balance - If you think that throwing up fadeaways and leaners will improve your shooting ability, then prepare to ride the bench. A balanced shot is the key. Why make things harder on yourself, when you can just square up and go up for the jumper?
4. Be Quick, But Don't Hurry Up - If you have the opportunity to take your time and follow your mechanics, then do it! You should always be quick with the basketball, but don't sacrifice form for the sake of speed.
5. Use Your Off-Hand As a Guide - Hand positioning is key. If you look at all the great shooters, you'll see one consistency. Their always using their off hand as a guide. Don't make it a habit of using both hands to shoot.
6. Release - You should release your shot at the peak of your jump, so your defender will have a hard time blocking it (unless you have a 4 inch vertical, then it wouldn't matter much) and be sure to follow through! 

All of the pointers I just explained are shown in this example. Example: Peja Stojakovic

Be Comfortable

A players jump shot is like a fingerprint, no two will ever look exactly the same. (Just look at Reggie Miller or Dirk Nowitzki) Just remember to do what's comfortable to you. As long as your jumper is fundamentally sound, you'll have the best chance of putting the ball in the basket.

Shooters Mentality

If you really want to improve that jumper, then don't be afraid to shoot! If you miss your first two shots, just think to yourself that you'll make the next eight. If you're a shooter and you're not shooting the ball, you're doing a disservice to the team.

Hit The Gym! 

“You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.” - Michael Jordan

You won't get better by just reading about improving. Go hit the gym and hit those shots! There are various techniques and drills you can do to improve in the video below (by the all time leader in three pointers, Mr. Ray Allen himself)

Remember, fundamentals are key on the basketball court, so go out there and polish your jumper. You'll be ripping the net in no time!

Where's The Love? The Game's Most Under Appreciated Players Part 1

Hello, Hoop Junkies!

Before we move on, I've got to clarify some things about my article (before the lovely readers of the internet are outraged by my decisions, and light my jersey on fire.)

We all know what underrated is, and we have a good idea which players in the NBA fall in that category (Sorry Kobe and Lebron, you've got to sit this one out today.) For example, LaMarcus Aldridge was highly underrated this year, missing the All Star Game despite averaging 22 and 10, and carrying the legless (literally) Trailblazers on his back. But unfortunately for him, that's not what we're looking for today.

We're now at looking at the Under Appreciated, and before you say "But isn't that the same thing?", well there is a small discrepancy. Think about the greatest musical artists ever. Lets say it's Michael Jackson or The Beatles. How about Stevie Wonder? There's always that one guy that's under appreciated that has the same credentials, then say "Oh, I forgot about him!"

We'll show you Part One today.


20. Mike Bibby

Although Bibby is a shell of his former self, his days with the Sacramento Kings is the reason why he is on this list. He was a warrior, always came through in the clutch, and he gave the team leadership and consistent play that nearly put them over the top. Together with Chris Webber and Peja Stojakovic, they made the once hapless Kings relevant again. 

That SHOULD be enough to an All Star Bid!

19. Marcus Camby

He did this on a daily basis

The former Rookie of the Year, Two Time All-Defensive Team and Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Camby is the definition of a defensive anchor who has been the patrolling the paint for years. He truly doesn't get the recognition he deserves, not playing in the All Star Game even once (though similar players like Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace are multiple All Stars.) A player ranking in the Top 15 in blocks all time and defensively played consistent throughout his whole career should be getting at least a little bit of love?

18. Joe Johnson

120 Million is a lot of money...

The smoothest player in the game today not named Carmelo Anthony, he's a 5 time All Star and even an All Star starter, yet people outside the basketball world don't even know his name. I put him low on the list however, because he just signed that ridiculous contract, and his production dipped since last year. Come on Joe, earn that paycheck!

17. Charles Oakley

If Patrick Ewing was the face of the Knicks franchise, then Charles Oakley was the heart and soul. Even I'll have to admit, I felt guilty putting Oak on this list because it was kind of a reach. (I'm a huge fan of the 90's Knicks) However, the more you see his impact on this team, the more including him started to make sense. He was tough. He was gritty. He was an Enforcer, making sure no one tried to step on his teammates, and he always made sure there was no easy baskets. And yes, even though he loved to run his mouth (and I'm sure no one would try to stop it), he would lead by example; diving for lose balls, making the hard foul, or even getting in the face of the other team, if need be.Though the Knicks had players like Ewing, John Starks, Anthony Mason, and Mark Jackson, whom which were very important to the team, no one epitomized the Knicks more than Oakley, and I think the basketball world should recognize that.

The team no one wanted to face in the 90's. Oakley was one of the leaders.

So there you have it, part one. Next entry, we'll have a player 75% percent of you haven't heard of, and some players that could really handle the rock. Please give me some feedback for some ideas or ways to make TOR better. A Million Thanks!

Please get your gear ready for Part Two soon!

The Pregame Routine

Hello to all, and welcome to The Offensive Rebound!

I really believe that basketball is more than just a sport. For some, its a lifestyle. From the clothes we wear, the way we look at life, and the way we tackle problems, basketball plays some sort of role. From one lover of the game to another, I felt it was only right to dedicate a blog to the game we all love. The Offensive Rebound is a blog that brings daily news and articles about basketball, but with a unique spin to it. Periodically, I'll cover other topics as well. We all know that a one dimensional player could only get so far, so I'm bringing an "all around game."

Some of the  topics that will be posted

• Articles about the game of Basketball and other sports.
• Player transactions and personnel changes.
• Basketball products (such as shoes, jerseys, and other apparel)
• Breaking news
• Scores and thoughts about the primetime game playing on a certain night (if the lockout ever ends)
• Movies, media, youtube videos, or other articles, and feedback. If things get rolling, I'll be glad to have guest bloggers write on my blog.
• Daily updates on changes, thoughts, and opinions about The Offensive Rebound.

So, now that the pregame meeting is about done, lets go out there and enjoy the game! 

Have a good one! 

If you have any topics you would like me to write about, please message me or email me at marctrabajo@gmail.com