Got 'Em Coach was supposed to be the world's foremost marketplace for user-based, online auctions, but unfortunately, and unknowingly, I started the site 15 years after eBay. That's when I turned to the NBA.

I'm not going to act like I know more about basketball than you. Neither of us played professionally, so we'll call it even. I have no access to games, and even less to players, but I think I can help you enjoy the sport.

The staff (just me) will work hard (more or less) to bring you the best basketball material (perhaps), so you keep coming back every day (why not?).

So sit back, or forward, depending on your current situation or seated preference, and enjoy the Internet ride.
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MUST WATCH:  THE NIKE BARBERSHOP

Nobody makes television commercials like NIKE.  From the inspirational, to the awesome, they rarely miss.  What I had forgotten is they once did “organic, funny, and real” too. 

In the early ‘90’s, Nike put their stable of athletes in a barbershop, let them talk to each other, and let the cameras roll.  You might remember the famous George Gervin line, “One thing I could do…was finger roll,” but did you remember that coming from a TV spot?

I defy you to watch the video above and not laugh.

By far, and without equivocation, the best part of this series is the laughter.  It’s raw.  It’s real.  And it puts you in that barbershop.  Also, of note, Tim Hardaway’s breakout role as Tim Hardaway.

CHRIS WEBBER + LATRELL SPREEWELL

“I don’t believe in role models, but, uh…you mine.”

They’ll show Shaq and Barkley fighting until they’re blue in the face, but I feel like Inside the NBA doesn’t play this clip enough.  Webb clowns Chuck, and Spree showcases his world-class laugh.

ALONZO MOURNING + CHRIS WEBBER

“My body is my business.”

I’m only posting this one, which is boring by comparison, for one reason:  noted Hollywood actress Elise Neal, perhaps best known for her turn as Yvonne, opposite D.L. Hughley, in his eponymously titled sitcom, plays the young barber. 

I’m guessing she has no clue how to cut hair by the sheer fact that she keeps combing and combing the back of Zo’s head.  NIKE actually scripted another spot where she’s desperately trying to act like she’s actually the purveyor of this hair-cutting business.  It’s a little painful, so watch it here.  Best part?  Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond rebounding parking lot shots.

DENNIS RODMAN + TIM HARDAWAY:

“Before he had them two rings he was like…”

Rodman’s known for a lot of things, but you sort of forget how cool he was and likely still is today.  He oozes self-confidence.  Ice-cold, jack.

DAVID ROBINSON + TIM HARDAWAY + DENNIS RODMAN:

“I think we might have to come up with some other way of celebrating.”

DENNIS RODMAN + GEORGE GERVIN + ARTIS GILMORE:

“They don’t put my name on this shoe.  They got Michael Jordan but they won’t put Dennis Rodman on there.”

 

@gotem_coach

MUST WATCH:  Jeremy Lin + Madison Square Garden

This has got to be one of the Top 5 performances we’ll see all year long in the NBA. 

Jeremy Lin is the the first Asian-American to play in the NBA since 1947.  Of Taiwanese descent and a Harvard graduate, Lin was signed by the Golden State Warriors last year with much fanfare.  After a rookie season with little chance to prove himself (he only played in 29 games), Lin was waived on the first day of training camp this past December.

The Houston Rockets promptly picked up Lin off waivers.  Then promptly waived him too.  The Knicks then claimed Lin, presumably as a roster spot. Head coach Mike D’Antoni, speaking about Lin, actually told reporters,

“If someone wakes up with a cold, he’s playing a lot. If not, then we’ll see.”

It wasn’t long before Lin earned the ignominious title as the “First Knick Ever Sent to the D-League.”  There he played for the Erie Bayhawks, which isn’t exactly playing at MSG. 

However, it wouldn’t be long before the Knicks needed some help at point guard, and with Mike D’Antoni on the hot seat to try something else, and the Knicks in a stretch of back-to-back games, Jeremy Lin got the call last night.

And what did he do with the opportunity?  You have to watch the video.

Yes, it was one game.  Yes, it was in Mike D’Antoni’s free-wheeling, point guard-driven offense that earned Steve Nash two league MVP awards (while never playing defense, ever).  Yes, he was playing the New Jersey Nets, where Jordan Farmar has made a career out of making people look like Tiny Archibald.  Yes, he’s Asian-American, and as a fellow Asian-American, I’m vicariously living through him.  Yes, as a New York resident, I have a soft spot in my heart for Madison Square Garden and anyone who has the guts to perform there.

But c’mon.  Listen to that place.  MSG is the BEST.  A lot of people shrivel under those lights.  This kid came alive.  Look at his face.  That’s motion picture material.  One game ago, the new Big Three Knicks fell apart against the Elderly Three Celtics.  Their parts looked discombobulated.  One night later, Jeremy Lin gives Tyson Chandler a role in the offense.  He keeps Amare happy.  And he gets to the cup.

I’m so happy for Jeremy Lin.  I’m glad he got another chance, and I’m glad it came at Madison Square Garden.  Those fans will never forget it.

And neither will Jeremy Lin.

@gotem_coach

MUST WATCH: Kobe and Ricky Rubio talk trash

After the Lakers win over the Minnesota Timberwolves recently, Spaniards and friends Pau Gasol and Ricky Rubio caught up with each other behind the scenes.  Enter Kobe Bryant, who couldn’t stop swearing if his 5 titles were on the line.

The topic of conversation?  The Olympics in London.

Kobe (to Rubio and Gasol): “You talking about London?”
Gasol: “Oh yeah.”
Rubio: “You’re gonna be there?”
Kobe: “Yeah.”
Rubio: “You know you’re getting the silver medal.  You know that.”
Kobe: “Shit. I’m taking bets.  If I win, I get the keys of Barcelona.”
Rubio: “I bet what you want.”
Kobe: “I’ll take it!”

I’ve pledged my allegiance to Ricky Rubio on twitter already, but now that he’s trash talking one of the greatest of all time…well…that makes me like him even more.

@gotem_coach

(Source: marca.com)

MUST WATCH:  The Best Crossover EVER!!!

This is one of America’s greatest things.

(via @SoleCollector)

MUST WATCH:  Blake Griffin just won Dunk of the Year.

And Kendrick Perkins is 6 feet deep.  Milk. Shake.

@gotem_coach

MUST WATCH:  Golden State Warriors - NBA Forever

For all my Warriors followers in the Bay Area and worldwide, reader KJEstrada sent in his version of the NBA Forever campaign, highlighting the history of the Golden Staters.

If you think about it, when was the last time Golden State put a boring team out on the court?  For a small market, that’s a lucky fan base.

No GSW tribute would be complete without a highlight of the Sleepy Floyd Game, and KJ doesn’t disappoint.  Rick, Jamal, Sarunas, Manute, Gil, Baron, Stack Jack, Monta…they’re all here.  It’s enough to make a guy into a Warriors fan.

Enjoy.

@gotem_coach

MUST WATCH:  Derrick Rose - The Rise

I’ve decided I’ve never seen anything like Derrick Rose.  That’s a good thing.

@gotem_coach

MUST WATCH:  Muhammad Ali saves man from suicide jump

Please watch this Terry Drinkwater report from Walter Cronkite’s CBS Evening News, 1981. 

Muhammad Ali was far from perfect, but Muhammad Ali was a great man.  Athletes today spend their time tweeting and hoping you buy their sneakers.

“I’m your brother. I want to help you.” - Muhammad Ali

We’re all brothers.  We should all help each other.

@gotem_coach

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