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View Full Version : Obama, pros to face off in pick-up basketball game



sivartrenrag
08-08-2010, 02:32 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/08/AR2010080801558.html?hpid=topnews


President Obama will test his hoops skills before an important audience and against some big names in professional basketball Sunday afternoon, to coincide with a birthday-weekend barbecue at the White House.

The Phoenix Suns' Grant Hill says he's in town for a presidential pick-up game with the First Basketballer, along with a handful of other pros, including the Houston Rockets' Shane Battier.

Not sure if this is the right forum, and I don't want to start any kind of political arguments, but I didn't see this posted and I thought a few of you might be interested.

Looks like Battier is starting his journey... Battier/Hill 2016?

ricks68
08-08-2010, 04:04 PM
Well, I see that at least 3 of our guys are playing----all from some of our championship teams;)----but who else?

ricks

moonpie23
08-08-2010, 09:56 PM
i bet battier checks out some of the furniture in the white house......maybe a couple of desks.....gets the lay of the land and what not...





http://ui32.gamespot.com/479/702headbanginstick_2.gif

ACCBBallFan
08-09-2010, 02:13 AM
Well, I see that at least 3 of our guys are playing----all from some of our championship teams;)----but who else?

ricks

dukeblueplanet
.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
" Blue Devils Grant Hill & Shane Battier hooped with President Obama, LeBron, D. Wade, Magic, other stars for wounded warriors in DC today"

ACCBBallFan
08-09-2010, 06:21 AM
http://www.newser.com/story/97582/obama-nba-stars-play-hoops-for-troops.html

a few other names including Bill Russell and Maya Moore.

JasonEvans
08-09-2010, 09:16 AM
So, here are the list of pros who particiapted-- Battier, Hill, Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Derek Fisher, LeBron, Magic, Maya Moore, Alonzo Mourning, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Bill Russell, Etan Thomas, Dwyane Wade and David West.

The name that really sticks out is Etan Thomas, a guy who has pretty much been a benchwarmer for his entire NBA career and who would seem to be pretty out of place in that crowd. But, in case you did not know, Thomas is much more than an athlete. He is a published poet with a book of poetry called "More Than an Athlete" to his credit. He is also a big-time Obama supporter and anti-war activist who has spoken at rallies for Obama in places where his NBA and Syracuse pedigree make him popular.

--Jason "interesting mix of folks on the floor" Evans

sagegrouse
08-09-2010, 10:23 AM
BTW the OP's link (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/08/AR2010080801558.html?hpid=topnews) has been updated by the Washington Post. No word, however, on details of the game or whether the "keeper of the Holy Blackberry," Reggie Love, got some burn.

sagegrouse

g4orce
08-09-2010, 10:25 AM
Not to thread-jack or anything, but I thought this was a fairly classless thing to do. Let's play basketball in front on wounded soldiers who can't play.

I have no problem him having some fun on his birthday, but keep it in that perspective, not some event staged for the cameras.

du_bb1
08-09-2010, 10:36 AM
Not to thread-jack or anything, but I thought this was a fairly classless thing to do. Let's play basketball in front on wounded soldiers who can't play.

I have no problem him having some fun on his birthday, but keep it in that perspective, not some event staged for the cameras.


Not in their shoes, but would think watching some of the greats of BB and hobnobbing a bit would be cool !

ACCBBallFan
08-09-2010, 10:56 AM
So, here are the list of pros who particiapted-- Battier, Hill, Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Derek Fisher, LeBron, Magic, Maya Moore, Alonzo Mourning, Chris Paul, Derrick Rose, Bill Russell, Etan Thomas, Dwyane Wade and David West.
--Jason "interesting mix of folks on the floor" Evans

A couple of names to add to Jason's list, nad a picture with Joakim Noah

http://www.gatorsportsnation.com/basketball-m/obama-shoots-ball-with-noah-and-other-nba-stars.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

•Joakim Noah
•Pau Gasol
[Info courtesy of the Chicago Tribune/Mike Memoli]

BD80
08-09-2010, 11:48 AM
A couple of names to add to Jason's list, nad a picture with Joakim Noah

http://www.gatorsportsnation.com/basketball-m/obama-shoots-ball-with-noah-and-other-nba-stars.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

•Joakim Noah
•Pau Gasol
[Info courtesy of the Chicago Tribune/Mike Memoli]

The names that stick out (which names do not belong with the others) are Melo, CP3, Rose and Noah. Noah and Rose play for the Bulls and Rose has a Chicago connection, so I guess I get them. CP3 is developing a bad rep and I really don't see why he is there. The one that surprises me is Melo. He has some REALLY bad connections and there is a distinct possibility for Melo to pose a PR problem for POTUS. If Melo goes to NYC next year, I predict bad things for him, ala Plaxico Burress.

Why did Obama pick a Spaniard as his token white guy? He should have picked an American! He could have picked ... um .... well ... how about ... errr ... ahem ... oh never mind. Well, he should have at least invited Shaquille so there would be an Irishman in attendance!

sivartrenrag
08-09-2010, 12:08 PM
Not to thread-jack or anything, but I thought this was a fairly classless thing to do. Let's play basketball in front on wounded soldiers who can't play.

I have no problem him having some fun on his birthday, but keep it in that perspective, not some event staged for the cameras.

Press wasn't allowed in the gym.

airowe
08-09-2010, 12:17 PM
Not to thread-jack or anything, but I thought this was a fairly classless thing to do. Let's play basketball in front on wounded soldiers who can't play.

I have no problem him having some fun on his birthday, but keep it in that perspective, not some event staged for the cameras.


Press wasn't allowed in the gym.

Yep,


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/08/AR2010080801556.html?waporef=obinsite


The reporters assigned to keep tabs on the president were shut out of the gym, forced to wait in vans outside. Asked why media coverage was blocked, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Obama "just wanted to play."

4decadedukie
08-09-2010, 12:18 PM
Not to thread-jack or anything, but I thought this was a fairly classless thing to do. Let's play basketball in front on wounded soldiers who can't play.

I have no problem him having some fun on his birthday, but keep it in that perspective, not some event staged for the cameras.

With respect, g4orce, I am compelled to disagree. I wore the uniform for two decades and I strongly believe the wounded warriors who were privileged to be at the White House perceived this as a wonderful, Presidential-level, statement of national appreciation for their services and their sacrifices -- and, doubtless, as a major highlight in their lives. I certainly understand why you feel as you do, however, I am sure the effort made by the President and the NBA stars was extremely well received (and, not to be political on DBR, I say this as one who is not universally enamored with the Obama Administration).

g4orce
08-09-2010, 01:25 PM
Thanks for allowing me to add my two cents in about this. As to no press allowed, this has become the norm, per se, for this administration. Press isn't allowed, but then press photos appear. If press wasn't allowed, and this wasn't a 'staged event' then why have photos already appeared? The situation was the same at Biden's house. A wounded warrior event took place with a select group of wounded soldiers invited for a cookout at Biden's house. Since no press was allowed, this sounded like a good event to honor these soldiers. But, when an entire photo spread was included on Food network's magazine, as well as another magazine whose name I do't remember, it makes the comment 'no press allowed' seem contradictory.

Maybe I'm just jaded, but to me it appears as a staged event. I'm sure that anyone would have loved to have seen these guys play, not just these soldiers. I just think this had a political purpose masquerading as not being so, and including soldiers who had been wounded while serving in duty was the wrong approach.

IMHO, if this was just to acknowledge the sacrifice of soldiers, why not sit on the sidelines with them, watch the pro's play and chat up the soldiers about the game? Throwing yourself into the game makes it not about the pro's, but about you. That was my point.

AZLA
08-09-2010, 01:46 PM
So now does this mean POTUS will pick Duke to win the 2011 NCAA Tourney?

JasonEvans
08-09-2010, 03:11 PM
Thanks for allowing me to add my two cents in about this. As to no press allowed, this has become the norm, per se, for this administration. Press isn't allowed, but then press photos appear. If press wasn't allowed, and this wasn't a 'staged event' then why have photos already appeared? The situation was the same at Biden's house. A wounded warrior event took place with a select group of wounded soldiers invited for a cookout at Biden's house. Since no press was allowed, this sounded like a good event to honor these soldiers. But, when an entire photo spread was included on Food network's magazine, as well as another magazine whose name I do't remember, it makes the comment 'no press allowed' seem contradictory.

Maybe I'm just jaded, but to me it appears as a staged event. I'm sure that anyone would have loved to have seen these guys play, not just these soldiers. I just think this had a political purpose masquerading as not being so, and including soldiers who had been wounded while serving in duty was the wrong approach.

IMHO, if this was just to acknowledge the sacrifice of soldiers, why not sit on the sidelines with them, watch the pro's play and chat up the soldiers about the game? Throwing yourself into the game makes it not about the pro's, but about you. That was my point.

The Prez enjoys playing basketball. He is, by all accounts, fairly good at it and enjoys testing himself against the best. He is not even close to being in their league, but I am sure it is fun for him to be on the court with them.

I was not there, and neither were you, to see how much Obama or the players interacted with the wounded soldiers. I think it is a safe bet that there was plenty of chatting with the soldiers and sitting with them in addition to being on the court for the game. If you choose to take the cynical view that this was an affront to the soldiers, that is fine, but I think most folks will see it as something that genuinely sought to honor these fallen heroes and give them something special.

As for the press attendance and photos being released. I am a former member of the press so I know firsthand that this is standard operating procedure in the White House. With the exception of closed-door meetings, there is an official White House photographer who follows the Prez and takes pics of darn near everything he does. Those photos are made available to the press. The reason the president keeps the press out of some events is so the event can be more natural and relaxed. I am sure everyone in attendance had a better time not having to worry about the press capturing their every utterance and movement.

You can choose to view the world cynically and with suspicion at everyone's motive... but I think it is a lot more fun to dare to imagine that our commander in chief actually cares about wounded soldiers and thought this might be a nice treat for some of them.

--Jason "sure wish I could have been there to watch-- I bet it was waaaay cool" Evans

Duke4life92
08-09-2010, 04:40 PM
Why did Obama pick a Spaniard as his token white guy? He should have picked an American! He could have picked ... um .... well ... how about ... errr ... ahem ... oh never mind.
Did'nt think racism would be a factor here aswell,not 1 single white american NBA past or present player available:confused:Maybe they were all just busy,hmmm.:confused:

BD80
08-09-2010, 05:10 PM
Did'nt think racism would be a factor here aswell,not 1 single white american NBA past or present player available:confused:Maybe they were all just busy,hmmm.:confused:

Missed my point. The players he invited were all exceptional (some off the court). I have trouble coming up with a white American that starts in the NBA, let alone coming up with an exceptional one. My point was that it WASN'T racism, except to the extent someone felt compelled to invite a white guy.

jjh1080
08-09-2010, 05:33 PM
Missed my point. The players he invited were all exceptional (some off the court). I have trouble coming up with a white American that starts in the NBA, let alone coming up with an exceptional one. My point was that it WASN'T racism, except to the extent someone felt compelled to invite a white guy.

OMG, just what kind of Duke fan are you?

Mike D

Seriously, just how much of a Duke fan are you?

BD80
08-09-2010, 05:46 PM
OMG, just what kind of Duke fan are you?

Mike D

Seriously, just how much of a Duke fan are you?

Been a supporter of the team for a few years and have seen a few games live and a few more on TV. Read a bit about the team and have been known to participate in a discussion or two on this board.

Why? Are you going to tell me Dunleavy is a starter? Josh? Shav? JJ? Zoubs?

BattierD12
08-09-2010, 06:13 PM
If you watched the Road to Redemption series on ESPN leading up to the 08 Olympics, you saw how Coach K set up a few hours where the Redeem team talked, thanked, and played in front of the soldiers. It was touching seeing Wade tear up thanking a soldier who had lost his sight while serving abroad, and others took time out while playing to personally speak with these soldiers. I imagine this event was no different.

sagegrouse
08-09-2010, 06:42 PM
Not to thread-jack or anything, but I thought this was a fairly classless thing to do. Let's play basketball in front on wounded soldiers who can't play.

I have no problem him having some fun on his birthday, but keep it in that perspective, not some event staged for the cameras.

Holy cow! When, years ago, we visited Versailles, we heard a lot about the lives of Louis XIV and the French kings of the era. They lived a public life. They were born surrounded by witnesses, for reasons having to do with the succession to the throne; they were raised in a public way; they ruled with citizens coming to see them every day, many paying to serve as courtiers-for-a-day; and they died in the attendance of many other people. The President of the United States, for his four years or eight years in office, lives the same way.

Having NBA stars play with the President in front of wounded service men and women ain't ever gonna be done without lots of cameras present. That's the way the world works. If the White House didn't arrange for cameras and reporting, the Defense Department would have done so ... or the military services. Or the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen present would have taken a gazillion pictures. This was never going to be a secret event. And, I would have to think, it was a really special moment for those in attendance.

Moreover, since no one is housed in the facility at Fort Meyers where the game took place, everyone in attendance would have to be transported, and one would assume only those who wanted to go went.

Or maybe I don't understand your problem with the event...

sagegrouse

SilkyJ
08-09-2010, 07:06 PM
Missed my point. The players he invited were all exceptional (some off the court). I have trouble coming up with a white American that starts in the NBA, let alone coming up with an exceptional one. My point was that it WASN'T racism, except to the extent someone felt compelled to invite a white guy.

In addition to Mike Dunleavy, which someone else mentioned, off the top of my head you Troy Murphy (on Dun's own team) Kirk Hinrich, Mike Miller, and Steve Blake has actually started about 60% of his career in the NBA. Brad Miller was a starter earlier in his career but is getting older now. I also believe Spencer Hawes has started most of his games with the Kings, or at least did this past year.

To part of your point, though, none of these players are particularly exceptional. Its funny, my dad called me a couple months ago from a cocktail party where someone had posed the question "who is the best white, american basketball player in the NBA today" Given his body of work, and the fact that I was in the car, all I could come up with was Kirk Hinrich. The only other person I could think of was Mike Miller, who has similar career stats to Hinrich.

ACCBBallFan
08-09-2010, 07:09 PM
Well if Bill Russell and Magic could play, no reason Larry Bird or Jerry West or any number of other old guys could not suit up.

Maybe just working on his Spanish/Latino fanbase, or to appease his wife who was vacationing in Spain.

jjh1080
08-09-2010, 09:23 PM
Been a supporter of the team for a few years and have seen a few games live and a few more on TV. Read a bit about the team and have been known to participate in a discussion or two on this board.

Why? Are you going to tell me Dunleavy is a starter? Josh? Shav? JJ? Zoubs?

Me smells a troll!

El_Diablo
08-09-2010, 09:36 PM
Well if Bill Russell and Magic could play, no reason Larry Bird or Jerry West or any number of other old guys could not suit up.

Maybe just working on his Spanish/Latino fanbase, or to appease his wife who was vacationing in Spain.

This thread is rapidly descending into uncharted depths of stupidity.

ElSid
08-09-2010, 09:42 PM
Not to thread-jack or anything, but I thought this was a fairly classless thing to do. Let's play basketball in front on wounded soldiers who can't play.

I have no problem him having some fun on his birthday, but keep it in that perspective, not some event staged for the cameras.

Wait...what happened to the little icons that allow me to actively dislike something? This would get a double.

ElSid
08-09-2010, 09:47 PM
So now does this mean POTUS will pick Duke to win the 2011 NCAA Tourney?

I betcha he will...provided the regular season goes as planned. Any bball fan with a shred of objectivity should be able to recognize Duke has the most talent heading into the season. He's a reasonable guy.

diveonthefloor
08-09-2010, 09:57 PM
Missed my point. The players he invited were all exceptional (some off the court). I have trouble coming up with a white American that starts in the NBA, let alone coming up with an exceptional one. My point was that it WASN'T racism, except to the extent someone felt compelled to invite a white guy.

Not that it matters, but Shane has a white mom.

Newton_14
08-09-2010, 10:43 PM
Me smells a troll!

Me thinks that someone's troll detector needs to be re-calibrated!;)

I have no issues with the game. I think it was a nice gesture for the troops. The Prez loves hoops and really nothing is wrong with that. The NBA guys took time out of their lives to participate and I imagine the troops appreciated the event as well.

I am with Jason Evans on this one, the event should be seen as a positive thing rather than a "me" moment for the POTUS. I am pretty sure he could invite NBA guys over anytime he wanted to for hoops and most guys would show up. This event was for the guys watching the action, not for the guys playing.

JBDuke
08-09-2010, 11:02 PM
Time to shut this down. Too much politics entering the fray.

This thread is CLOSED.