J-Will Retires

After recently signing with the Clippers in August, Jason Williams, the risky, flashy guard who primarily possessed the nickname, “White Chocolate,” has called it quits. The 32-year-old Williams had an entertaining 10 years in the league, from mouth-opening dishes to deadly ball-handling. His streetball style stretched his fundamental game throughout his career, resulting in a wide fan base and a bad assist/turnover ratio.

Williams made his first stamp into the league when he was drafted by the Sacramento Kings. His early companions consisting of a young Chris Webber and Vlade Divac spurned a great highlight reel for followers. After having his best season with Sacramento in 2001, J-Dub was traded to Memphis for Mike Bibby. Williams’ pairing with Pau Gasol and other Grizz turned out to mesh well under coach, Hubie Brown’s system. Under Brown, Williams’ flashy style of playing was toned down a bit. In the 2003-2004 season, Williams and the team secured their first playoff berth for the franchises history.

In 2005, Williams was traded to the Miami Heat. In his first year in Miami, Jason averaged 12.3 points and 4.9 assists per game. Williams’ also became an NBA Champion in his first year, alongside players Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O’Neal.

Williams’ career will forever be tattooed with his jazzy style and dangerous looks. Though it may only hit a few, his presence will be greatly missed by those who craved the dicey a guard with no concern over the basics. His departure from the league will personally sting, for he was one of the select players in history who I would easily classify as an innovator to the game.

Allan Houston Back to NY

It’s been reported that former Knick, Allan Houston, plans to make a comeback not only to the NBA but to the organization he’s spent 9 years with. The 37-year-old hasn’t participated in a league game since the 2004-2005 season, but has accepted the offer to attend New York’s upcoming training camp.

With Stephon Marbury’s spot in the air, New York’s invitation to Allan Houston can possibly become more than what was expected. Although Knicks President, Donnie Walsh, has denied reports that Marbury could be gone by week’s end, their recent hint towards Houston increases the chances of Marbury’s buyout. With the Knicks having 17 players on the roster, two over the max, Allan Houston is going to have to beat out Marbury and Patrick Ewing Jr.

The image of Allan Houston flashing the Knicks jersey could bring internal happiness to hardcore fans. The two-time All-Star has brought many memories to New York in the 90s, most importantly his clutch shot with 0.8 seconds left to put the eighth-seeded Knicks to the semifinal past the top-seeded Miami back in 1999. His age is the only concern at this point, even though Allan has stated his knees were stronger. With some solid, experienced, and smart play, Houston could become part of the new era the organization has begun to construct.

Uniform Watch: Orlando Magic

 

The pinstripes are back, and not only in in New Orleans. The Orlando Magic unveiled their 20th anniversary jerseys today and they didn’t disappoint. The new threads still hold that modern feel, as the pinstripes from their successful days in the 90’s are back. Dwight’s rough resemblance to the young Shaquille O’Neal gives Orlando fans a refreshing feel. The stats and superiority are nearly there, and now the threads are there for sure. The new Magic Jerseys drift away from their previous one’s barely, but definitely have their distinct difference in the end. 

Overall Rating: 8/10

Reinsdorf: Ben Gordon to Remain a Bull

 

With all these players swaps and fat contracts, one of the most talented free agents still remains without a reassuring contract. After more than two months without a negotiation, it appears as though Chicago expects Gordon’s contract to be settled soon.

 

There have been many assumptions towards Ben Gordon’s career future this summer, most importantly his probabilities of playing overseas. His return to Chicago is a critical part of the franchise’s near future. With the departure of Chris Duhon, who gave the Bulls their much needed perimeter shooting, Ben Gordon’s superior shooting mechanics are desperately needed. With Kirk Hinrich’s future as a Bull also in the air, Gordon is one of the best players to put alongside the team’s number one draft pick, Derrick Rose.

Arenas’ Absence

 

There, lies an injured Gilbert Arenas, the self-proclaimed “East Coast Assassin”, an image that’s become familiar for the people of Washington. When it comes to talking about his health, the word “surgery” is the most disturbing one. Due to his knee problems, the attendance issues are nearly as staggering as his scoring. 

 

After his third surgery this morning, Arenas told the Washington Post he’s expecting to come back “early December.” The news isn’t as shocking and impulsive to Washington as some would expect it to be, for they were in the same situation last year. Arenas’ severe injury problems led him to only suit up for 13 regular season games and four playoff games, ultimately spoiling the Wizards’ success. Their 43-39 record and first round exit in the playoffs unveiled their primitive need for a leader of Gilbert’s caliber. Others gained significant success in Arenas’ absence, statistically (Young, Mason, Daniels) and unnecessarily (Stevenson). Anyhow, the Wizards were left as hungry hopefuls last year behind efficient players in Jamison and Butler and fans, including myself, were left gasping for the return of one of the most eminent trios in the league.

This injury setback doesn’t appear to be as serious, with most of the recovering from Arenas happening last season. With a $111 million dollar contract settled in July, Arenas’ real test awaits him this coming season as the organization has already set him up to be the cornerstone of the Wizards franchise for years to come.I’m more than positive Gilbert Arenas will come back sometime in December, his knack for a heroic resurrection couldn’t happen at a better time than the Holidays.

Uniform Watch: New Orleans Hornets

I’ve been waiting a while to get my eyes on these. New Orleans is finally an elite team in the NBA and to help solidify their change, the new threads for the upcoming season provide their deserved distinction. The new Hornets uniforms bring back the pinstripes that the franchise used to sport back when they played in Charlotte. Truthfully, ignoring the stripes, these uni’s don’t flare any difference to what the Hornets franchise has offered when talking apparel. The threads have their fresh feel of course, but everyone will soon forget the fact that New Orleans is wearing anything different than previous years. This isn’t a fashion contest, the franchise did their part to bring back their uniqueness while remaining current. 

Overall Rating: 7/10