Who Wore it Best? 29-20

August 25, 2021 Chris CookAdrian Beltre, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Thrashers, Baltimore Orioles, Baltimore Ravens, Barry Bonds, Barry Sanders, Bert Blyleven, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Brian Dawkins, Brooklyn Nets, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Clayton Kershaw, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Avalanche, Curtis Martin, Dallas Cowboys, Darrell Green, Deion Sanders, Denver Broncos, Detroit Lions, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Devin Hester, Ed Reed, Eddie George, Elgin Baylor, Emmitt Smith, Frank Robinson, Fred Biletnikoff, Gary Payton, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Ken Dryden, Ken Griffey Jr., Kevin Garnett, LaDanian Tomlinson, Las Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, LeBron James, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Chargers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams, Manny Ramirez, Marc-André Fleury, Marshall Faulk, Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Michael Jordan, Miguel Cabrera, Mike Schmidt, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins, MLB, Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Expos, Nashville Predators, New England Patriots, New York Jets, New York Mets, New York Yankees, NFL, Oakland Athletics, Peter Forsberg, Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Penguins, Pittsburgh Pirates, Rick Barry, Roberto Clemente, Roger Clemens, Ryne Sandberg, San Antonio Spurs, San Diego Padres, San Francisco 49ers, San Francisco Giants, Scott Rolen, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Supersonics, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Tennessee Titans, Texas Rangers, Tim Duncan, Toronto Blue Jays, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., Wade Boggs, Washington Football Team, Washington Wizards, Willie MaysLeave a comment

We’ve arrived at an incredibly important edition of “Who Wore It Best.” In our latest, we’re digging into the roaring 20’s. Let’s find out together who made the cut in this extremely paramount, career-defining list.

29 – Eric Dickerson

His athletic excellence barely surpassed that of the rec specs. Dickerson put together the greatest single season rushing the football in 1984, going for an NFL record 2,105 yards. He wasn’t just a one season wonder, however. Before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, Dickerson was a five time first team All-Pro, four time rushing leader, has his number 29 retired by the LA Rams, and is in the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor.

Honorable Mentions: Adrian Beltre, Ken Dryden, Marc-André Fleury

28 – Marshall Faulk

Back to back running backs who played for the Rams and Colts. Much like Dickerson, Faulk both has his number retired by the Rams as well as being a member of the Colts Ring of Honor. Unlike Dickerson, Faulk has a Super Bowl ring. He also tacked on a MVP, three offensive player of the year awards, as well as three first team All-Pro selections.

Honorable Mentions: Bert Blyleven, Curtis Martin, Darrell Green

27 – Vladimir Guerrero Sr.

Vlad the Impaler was a 2018 Hall of Fame inductee. He earned his spot in Cooperstown after winning the 2004 MVP, hitting 449 career home runs while maintaining a .318 career batting average, and winning an incredible eight Silver Slugger awards.

Honorable Mentions: Eddie George, Scott Rolen

26 – Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson was one of the best ball hawks to ever do it; picking off 71 balls in his 17 NFL seasons. He was also a vital member of one of the greatest defenses of all time, the Super Bowl XXXV champion Baltimore Ravens. All of this (and more) cumulated in an induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Honorable Mention: Wade Boggs

25 – Barry Bonds

Even before he went to the Giants and things…changed; Barry Bonds was one of the greatest players in baseball. In his seven seasons in Pittsburgh before moving to San Francisco, Bonds was a three time NL MVP, won five Gold Gloves, and five Silver Slugger awards.

Honorable Mention: Fred Biletnikoff

24 – Willie Mays

Absolute stacked number here, but Mays takes the cake. The stats are gawdy; 660 home runs, 1,903 RBI, and 338 stolen bases. Along the way Mays made 24 All-Star games, won twelve Gold Gloves, two NL MVPs, and a World Series in 1954.

Honorable Mentions: Ken Griffey Jr., Rickey Henderson, Miguel Cabrera, Manny Ramirez, Rick Barry, Champ Bailey, Chris Chelios

23 – Michael Jordan

Next question.

Honorable Mentions: LeBron James, Ryne Sandberg, Devin Hester

22 – Emmitt Smith

Emmitt Smith did it all in his 15 NFL seasons. The league’s all time leading rusher (18,355 yards) won three Super Bowls, the 1993 NFL MVP, was a four time first team All-Pro, and lead the NFL in touchdowns three separate seasons.

Honorable Mentions: Clayton Kershaw, Elgin Baylor, Roger Clemens

21 – Deion Sanders

The swagiest swag that ever swagged. Deion was, and still is, one of the most raw athletes we’ve ever seen. He wasn’t too bad on the field either. Prime’s got two Super Bowl rings, six first team All-Pro selections, and is a member of both the 90’s All-Decade and NFL 100th Anniversary Teams. Oh, and he also played in the MLB for nine seasons. He was a .263 career hitter, with 39 home runs, 168 RBI, and 186 stolen bases. Absolute baller.

Honorable Mentions: Roberto Clemente, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, LaDainian Tomlinson, Stan Mikita, Peter Forsberg

20 – Barry Sanders

The twitchiest running back we’ve ever seen, just absolutely stupid stuff. A combo Heisman winner and NFL MVP, the four time first team All-Pro ran for over 15,000 yards and almost 100 touchdowns. Pretty good for a guy who retired early.

Honorable Mentions: Frank Robinson, Mike Schmidt, Gary Payton, Ed Reed, Brian Dawkins

The numbers get lower, and the lists get better. How about 24 and 21 just absolutely cleaning house? All four major sports represented on each. This was a great edition of “Who Wore It Best,” and we can only assume the names will get hotter the next time around.

Who Wore it Best? 39-30

August 11, 2021 Chris CookAeneas Williams, Arizona Cardinals, Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Thrashers, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Indians, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Detroit Red Wings, Dominik Hašek, Dustin Byfuglien, Earl Campbell, Eddie Murray, Gaylord Perry, Golden State Warriors, Hakeem Olajuwon, Henrik Sedin, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Jerome Bettis, Jim Brown, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kerry Wood, Kevin Durant, Larry Csonka, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams, Magic Johnson, Marcus Allen, Martin Brodeur, Miami Dolphins, Miami Heat, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Wild, Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Expos, New Jersey Devils, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Mets, New York Rangers, New York Yankees, NFL, NHL, Oakland Athletics, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Ottawa Senators, Patrice Bergeron, Patrick Roy, Pavol Demitra, Phil Niekro, Philadelphia Phillies, Phoenix Suns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Portland Trailblazers, Reggie Miller, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Sandy Koufax, Scottie Pippen, Seattle Mariners, Shaq, St. Louis Blues, St. Louis Cardinals, Steve Carlton, Terrell Davis, Texas Rangers, Thurman Thomas, Tim Raines, Tony Dorsett, Tony Esposito, Toronto Blue Jays, Toronto Raptors, Vancouver Canucks, Walter Payton, Washington Capitals, Zdeno CháraLeave a comment

We’re sadly on the downhill turn of “Who Wore It Best.” In this edition, we get into the 30’s.

39 – Dominik Hašek

Hot start for hockey! Hašek was one of the greatest goaltenders to ever do it. His career spanned four decades (1980-2011), and included two Stanley Cups, two Hart Memorial trophies, and six Vezina trophies.

Honorable Mention: Larry Csonka

38 – Pavol Demitra

Demitra seemed to be on track to becoming one of the best Czech players in the game. He recorded 768 points in 847 games before sadly passing in a plane accident in 2011.

Honorable Mention: N/A

37 – Patrice Bergeron

Bergeron has been a steady force for the Bruins since 2003. A part of the 2011 Stanley Cup winning team, Bergeron also made All-Star games in 2015 and 2016.

Honorable Mention: N/A

36 – Jerome Bettis

“The Bus” comes rumblin’, stumblin’, bumblin’ onto our list at 36. Bettis won a Super Bowl (in his home town of Detroit), was a two time first team All-Pro, and made six Pro Bowls.

Honorable Mention: Gaylord Perry

35 – Kevin Durant

An easy choice for what ended up being a stacked slot. Durant is potentially (based on how much you love/hate Lebron) currently the best basketball player on the planet. In a career with plenty of years left, Durant has already put together an incredible resume. The Slim Reaper has two NBA titles (Finals MVP in both), a regular season MVP, six first team All-NBA selections, and 11 All-Star appearances.

Honorable Mentions: Phil Niekro, Frank Thomas, Aeneas Williams, Tony Esposito

34 – Shaquille O’Neal

Another loaded number of selections here, but the most dominant big man of all time takes the cake. The Big Diesel’s career accolades are almost too much to list: four NBA championships, three NBA Finals MVPs, fifteen All-Star games, and eight first team All-NBA selections.

Honorable Mentions: Nolan Ryan, Kerry Wood, Hakeem Olajuwon, Walter Payton, Thurman Thomas, Earl Campbell

33 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

For as much good as Kareem has done off the court, he was as great on it. Six rings, a matching number of MVPs, 10 first team All-NBA selections, five first team All-Defensive teams, and lead the NBA in blocks in four separate seasons.

Honorable Mentions: Eddie Murray, Scottie Pippen, Zdeno Chára, Henrik Sedin, Dustin Byfuglien

32 – Magic Johnson

We all know how good Magic was as a player. For as good as he was on the court, he may have found his true life’s calling as a hot take artist.

Honorable Mentions: Steve Carlton, Sandy Koufax, Marcus Allen, Jim Brown

31 – Greg Maddux

Maddux is the second of the 90’s Braves big three to make the list, with Tom Glavine making the cut at 47. Mad Dog ended his 22 year career with 355 wins, 18 Gold Gloves, and four Cy Youngs.

Honorable Mention: Reggie Miller

30 – Terrell Davis

Probably going to be our shortest career to make the list. Davis only played in the NFL from 1995-2001, but was good enough to make the Hall of Fame in 2017. In seven seasons, he racked up two Super Bowls, an MVP, and three first team All-Pro selections.

Honorable Mentions: Tim Raines, Martin Brodeur

The 30’s were by far our most expansive edition yet. Huge names and the honorable mention lists were incredible, specifically 32-35. One can only assume the list is going to keep improving into the 20’s.

Who Wore it Best? 59-50

June 24, 2021June 24, 2021 Chris CookArtis Gilmore, Atlanta Hawks, Baltimore Ravens, Bobby Abreu, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, Brian Urlacher, Brooklyn Nets, Buffalo Bills, Carlos Carrasco, Carolina Panthers, CC Sabathia, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Clay Matthews, Cleveland Indians, Corey Crawford, Dallas Cowboys, David Robinson, Denver Nuggets, Dikembe Mutombo, Goose Gossage, Green Bay Packers, Horace Grant, Houston Astros, Houston Rockets, Jack Ham, Jack Lambert, Johan Santana, Jonathan Papelbon, Lawrence Taylor, London Fletcher, Los Angeles Angels, Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Rams, Luke Kuechly, Mark Buehrle, Miami Dolphins, Miami Marlins, Mick Tingelhoff, Mike Singletary, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, New York Knicks, New York Mets, New York Yankees, NFL, Oakland Athletics, Orel Hershiser, Orlando Magic, Patrick Willis, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Steelers, Randy White, Ray Lewis, Rickey Johnson, San Antonio Spurs, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Supersonics, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Football Team, Washington Nationals, Zach ThomasLeave a comment

The dog days are over, the dog days are done, and “Who Wore it Best” has returned. In this edition, we’re checking out the GOATs of the 50’s.

59 – London Fletcher

One of the most underrated players in NFL history. Fletcher racked up 2,031 tackles, four Pro Bowls, and a Super Bowl ring in 16 seasons. He also never missed a game, which is incredible considering the beating an NFL linebacker takes season in and season out.

Honorable Mentions: Luke Kuechly, Carlos Carrasco, Jack Ham

58 – Jack Lambert

This man was MEAN. One of the stalwarts in the Steel Curtain Defense of the 70’s, Lambert racked up pretty much any award that was available. Six time first team All-Pro, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Honorable Mention: Jonathan Papelbon

57 – Johan Santana

Johan Santana had some nasty stuff. Over his 12 year career, he won 139 games while maintaining a career 3.20 ERA, was a two-time Cy Young winner, and tacked on a Gold Glove in 2007. “No-han” threw an unbelievable 134-pitch no hitter in 2012.

Honorable Mention: Rickey Jackson

56 – Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor was an absolute DAWG. We’ve gushed over LT in previous blogs, but he’s that good that we’re going to do it again. Two Super Bowls, an MVP, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and eight first team All-Pros are just a fraction of what Taylor accomplished over his incredible career.

Honorable Mention: Mark Buehrle

55 – Dikembe Mutombo

Dikembe Mutombo was way more than his infamous finger wag; he was a defensive stud. Mutombo lead the NBA in blocks three times and rebounds twice. He made eight All-Star games, won Defensive Player of the Year four times, and has his number retired by two different franchises in the Nuggets and Hawks.

Honorable Mentions: Junior Seau, Orel Hershiser

54 – Brian Urlacher

Brian Urlacher was the epitome of a Chicago Bears middle linebacker. He played his entire 13-year career in Chicago; tallying 1,361 tackles, two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, and four first team All-Pros. The eight time Pro Bowler was also named to the NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team.

Honorable Mentions: Goose Gossage, Horace Grant, Randy White, Zach Thomas

53 – Artis Gilmore

Artis Gilmore was a stud in both the ABA and NBA. If you combine his career between both leagues, he was the Rookie of the Year, an MVP, made 11 All-Star games, and scored a shade under 25,000 points.

Honorable Mentions: Bobby Abreu, Mick Tingelhoff

52 – Ray Lewis

Say what you will about the overzealous speeches, or don’t say anything about the off field issues, but Ray Lewis could flat out ball. Two Super Bowls (including MVP in one), two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a seven time first team All-Pro.

Honorable Mentions: CC Sabathia, Patrick Willis, Clay Matthews

51 – Randy Johnson

The Big Unit! Easily one of the most dominant pitchers we’ve seen. Johnson ended his 22-year career with a 3.29 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, 303 wins, a perfect game, one no hitter, five Cy Young trophies, and was the MVP of one of the biggest World Series upsets when the Diamondbacks beat the Yankees in 2001.

Honorable Mention: Dick Butkus

50 – David Robinson

The very rare story of a service academy athlete becoming one of the best to do it in professional sports. Robinson reached the rank of lieutenant during his three years of service in the Navy, a great achievement. He wasn’t a bad basketball player either; in three separate seasons he lead the NBA in points, rebounds, and blocks. The Admiral also won Rookie of the Year, MVP, and two championships.

Honorable Mentions: Mike Singletary, Corey Crawford

A lot of solid athletes in the 50’s; strong showing by football and baseball. A severe lack of hockey here; will they recover in the 40’s? We’ll have to wait and see…

Coach K, Bob Baffert, Brad Stevens: Who Will You Miss Most?

June 2, 2021 Chris CookBob Baffert, Boston Celtics, Brad Stevens, Coach K, Duke Blue Devils, Kentucky DerbyLeave a comment

Enormous exodus day on Wednesday. All in a span of approximately six hours, three of the largest names in the coaching/training profession announced that their respective runs were coming to an end.

Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski, who has lead the Blue Devils since 1980, announced next season would be his last. After Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit tested positive for performance enhancers, Churchill Downs suspended Bob Baffert, horse racing’s most notable name, from entering any races at their track for two years. Lastly, and potentially most surprising, the Boston Celtics announced Brad Stevens would be leaving the bench as head coach and moving to the executive suite as their new Head of Basketball Operations.

All three moves are surprising, some more than others. These three are at the very top of their professions. Any time one of these names are the subject of movement it would be a big deal. We got all three in one day.

But one question remains: who will you miss most?

The thought of a Coach K farewell tour honestly makes me ill. Not to take away from five national championships, 12 Final Fours, and three Naismisth Coach of the Year awards…but can we all agree that the guy is a little full on himself? Like the time he (while on medical leave) brought his team to his house to rip them, or lecturing opposing players in the handshake line after a game, or answering student reports with max smarm and condescension.

What about Bob Baffert? Surely can’t take away from his impeccable resume; seven Kentucky Derby winners, same number of W’s at The Preakness, three victories at the Belmont Stakes, and most importantly two Triple Crowns. CNN does a great job outlining his shady history here, same with SI here, and Horse Racing Planet here. TLDR; the guy always seems to find himself in trouble.

Now Brad Stevens…this is a different story. Widely appreciated as a top basketball mind, Stevens will take on the new challenge of putting the team together off the court instead of coaching them on it. He’s had a pretty high level of success at both the collegiate level as well as the NBA. He made a Final Four/NCAA Championship game with Butler (yes, Butler), and made the playoffs in seven of eight seasons in Boston, three of those years making it to the Eastern Conference Finals. The guy doesn’t even have a “Controversy” section in his Wikipedia page for God’s sake, he’s clean as a whistle.

This seems like a pretty clear cut decision here. Coach K and Bob Baffert can kick rocks, they can both take their weird old guy hair (I’m just bald/jealous) and get the hell out of sport fans’ lives. But Brad Stevens…sweet, innocent, nerdy Brad Stevens…we will all miss you. Even though you’ll still be around, you’ll be behind the scenes, and not trolling the sidelines with a pocket protector and suspenders. We hope that this new position absolutely blows up in your face and you decide to get back on the court and in front of the camera soon, you sweet, baby-faced little scoundrel.

Who Wore it Best? 89-80

March 24, 2021March 24, 2021 Chris CookAlbert Belle, Alexander Mogilny, Allan Page, Antoine Walker, Antonio Freeman, Baltimore Orioles, Baron Davis, Boston Celtics, Buck Buchanan, Buffalo Sabres, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chris Webber, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Indians, Dallas Cowboys, Dan Otero, George Kittle, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders, Marian Hossa, Michael Irvin, Mike Ditka, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New York Knicks, Nikita Kucherov, Ozzie Newsome, Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel, Pittsburgh Penguins, Prince Fielder, Randy Moss, Rob Gronkowski, Sacramento Kings, San Francisco 49ers, Sidney Crosby, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tim Brown, Wes Welker1 Comment

Round two of who wore it best is here. We’re ranking the GOAT to wear each jersey number. If you missed part one for jersey numbers 99-90, check it out here. For now, let’s dive into numbers 89-80.

89 – Mike Ditka

Everyone knows Ditka lead the Bears to their only Super Bowl in ’85. Did you know on the field he was a five time Pro Bowler, first team all-pro four times, and was the rookie of the year in 1961? Ditka also has the number 89 retired for both the Bears and at the University of Pittsburgh.

Honorable Mention: Alexander Mogilny

88 – Patrick Kane

STRONG number here. Kaner takes the crown as a sure fire Hall of Famer with three Stanley Cups, the 2013 Conn Smythe trophy, and nine all-star selections.

Honorable Mentions: Albert Belle, Antoine Walker, Michael Irvin, Allan Page

87 – Sidney Crosby

Crosby has an even stronger resumé than Kane. Two Conn Smythe trophies, two Olympic gold medals, three Stanley Cups, and a partridge in a pear tree.

Honorable Mention: Rob Gronkowski, Dan Otero

86 – Antonio Freeman

Slim pickings at number 86. Antonio Freeman had a respectable NFL career; in 1998 he led the NFL in receiving yards, was named to the Pro Bowl, and was named first team All-Pro. He also tacked on a Super Bowl win in the 96-97 season.

Honorable Mentions: Buck Buchanan, Nikita Kucherov

85 – George Kittle

Kittle hasn’t been in the NFL for too long, but has already done some serious damage. In three and a half seasons (he only played eight games in 2020), Kittle has made two Pro Bowls, was a first team All-Pro in 2019, and has racked up 3,579 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: Antonio Gates, Baron Davis

84 – Randy Moss

One of the best athletes to ever play wide receiver. Moss has unreal runs with the Vikings from 98-04 and Patriots from 07-10. He lead the NFL in touchdowns in five different seasons, was a four time first team All-Pro, and is a member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Honorable Mentions: Prince Fielder, Chris Webber

83 – Wes Welker

Unreal bad luck for Wes Welker that he played six seasons with Tom Brady and two with Peyton Manning and has exactly zero Super Bowl rings. He did however revolutionize the slot receiver position, collecting two first team All-Pro selections and leading the NFL in receptions in 2007, 2009, and 2011.

Honorable Mention: N/A

82 – Ozzie Newsome

Ozzie Newsome was one of the first tight ends to stretch the field; he paved the way for the Gronks, Kelces, and Ertzs of the world that we see in the NFL today. He is a member of the Browns Ring of Honor, bringing in 662 catches, almost 8,000 yards, and 47 touchdowns during his career.

Honorable Mention: N/A

81 – Marian Hossa

Our second Blackhawk to crack the list. Hossa was a huge part of the Chicago’s three Stanley Cups in the 2010’s. He also was named to the All-Rookie team in 1999 and made five All-Star games.

Honorable Mentions: Tim Brown, Phil Kessel

80 – Jerry Rice

No doubter here; the original GOAT. The career accomplishments are almost embarrassing: three Super Bowls, ten first team All-Pro, 13 Pro Bowls, member of the 75th and 100th NFL Anniversary Teams, and first team All-80’s and All-90’s Teams. Rice’s career stats are also zany: 1,549 catches, 23,546 yards, and 208 touchdowns.

Honorable Mention: N/A

Heavy football and hockey vibes in this edition. We’ll crack into the 70’s in our next edition of Who Wore It Best.

Sunday State of Mind: March 1st-March 7th

March 7, 2021 Chris CookAnfernee Simmons, Ben Simmons, Boston Celtics, Bradley Beal, Brooklyn Nets, Cassius Stanley, Chicago Bulls, Chris Paul, Dallas Mavericks, Damian Lillard, Denver Nuggets, Devin Booker, Doc Rivers, Domantas Sabonis, Donovan Mitchell, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, James Harden, Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Kyrie Irving, LeBron James, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Luka Doncic, Mike Conley, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA, NBA All-Star Weekend, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Knicks, Nikola Jokic, Nikola Vucevic, Obi Toppin, Orlando Magic, Paul George, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Rudy Gobert, Steph Curry, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, Zach LaVine, Zion WilliamsonLeave a comment

NBA All-Star Sunday is our focus this week. We recap an enjoyable Sunday night, event by event, in this week’s SSM.

The premiere event in our basketball binge
Was the Taco Bell sponsored Skills Challenge
A long shot winner, Domantas Sabonis
Dribbling, passing, shooting, guy could not miss

Next event up, the three point contest
From behind the arc, let’s see who’s best
Trey’s were falling, it was a tree point flurry
An obvious winner here, the man, Steph Curry

The dunk contest was the halftime show
We had Obi Toppin and two names you won’t know
It was Anfernee Simons of Blazers fame
Who won the contest, and cemented his name

Now the main event, Team Lebron vs. KD
Alley oops, no defense, and plenty of three’s
A glorified scrimmage, but it’s always fun
170-150 was the score, Team Lebron won

Another ASG in the books, a way different look
Great job by the NBA, and all who partook
A normal All-Star weekend next year, fingers crossed
Without events like this, sports fans would be lost

The NBA Dropped the 2020-2021 “City Edition” Jerseys Today and We are Now Fashion Critics

December 3, 2020December 3, 2020 Chris CookAdam Silver, Alabama Crimson Tide, Atlanta Hawks, Bonnaroo, Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Bryant "Big Country" Reeves, Canada, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Chris Paul, Christmas, Cleveland Cavaliers, COVID19, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Devin Booker, Flint Tropics, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Lollapalooza, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Love's Truck Stop, Luka Doncic, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, New York Yankees, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Rik Smits, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Steph Curry, Steve Francis, Toronto Raptors, Vancouver Grizzlies, Washington WizardsLeave a comment

The NBA is the the best in the big four sports at a lot of things. They by far and away have the best commissioner in Adam Silver, they lead the charge in the “bubble” phenomenon while getting their sport back on track during the pandemic, and have been for the most part the league least afraid to take stands on both social and political issues.

They also are not afraid to get weird with it when it comes to uniforms, which I respect. Don’t get me wrong, I love the traditional uniforms of Alabama football, Yankee baseball, etc. But getting out of your comfort zone is always a good thing, both in uniforms and in life. In recent years, the NBA has begun creating new uniforms for teams, calling them “City Edition” jerseys that are meant to show “team history and unique city stories.” The 2021 versions were fully released today, and boy are they something.

THE SOUTH HAS SOMETHING TO SAY

Get your @ATLHawks Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️ https://t.co/6vdcKkvlNi

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/Oa319gIgim
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Atlanta Hawks – while the MLK tribute is awesome, this looks like a jersey from a low budget, late 90’s Disney movie about a team full of scrubs who pulled out all of the right tricks, and had juuuust the right amount of luck to upset the far superiorly talented rivals from across town.

TRADITION REFINED

Get your @celtics Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️️ https://t.co/PhftIeXGyg

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/NfYScyPSWa
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Boston Celtics – an ode to the 17 championship banners hanging in TD Garden, this jersey is the aforementioned far superiorly talented rivals from across town that the Atlanta Hawks beat in the low budget late 90’s Disney movie.

CROWN COUNTY

Get your @BrooklynNets Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️ https://t.co/5fjYcvlF92

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/3UAOM3R7Q9
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Brooklyn Nets – this jersey has the “Friends” font; and we all know how we feel about Friends around here.

BUZZ CITY MINTED

Get your @hornets Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️️ https://t.co/KkHnBT870H

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/9tXrcgAICo
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Charlotte Hornets – this jersey looks like mint chocolate ice cream, and it makes me mad because I don’t have any right now.

TOUCH THE CLOUDS

Get your @chicagobulls Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️ https://t.co/1jTHLdJHhu

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/HC0pP9eBaC
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Chicago Bulls – the Bulls slogan is “Touch the Clouds,” which is ironic because they haven’t touched anywhere higher than eighth place in the Eastern Conference in the past five years.

CLEVELAND AMPLIFIED

Get your @cavs Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️ https://t.co/v6ydAZgUZ0

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/yWVS6zYUSr
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Cleveland Cavaliers – the font on the Cavs jerseys is as unbalanced and messy as the organization itself.

MYTHICAL MOVEMENT

Get your @dallasmavs Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️ https://t.co/N4oOkRCo9T

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/1jMNWxeaWl
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Dallas Mavericks – hard to find much wrong with these, besides the fact that one of the NBA’s best players, Luka Dončić, wears number 77. Get the hell out of here and give the man a real number.

DENVER SUNSET

Get your @nuggets Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️ https://t.co/7mnAhtXYVM

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/FZUHDti4Yj
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Denver Nuggets – bold move by the Nuggets here to trot themselves out there wearing the Russian National Team’s uniforms.

TOUGH TOGETHER

Get your @DetroitPistons Nike NBA City Edition Jersey NOW ➡️ https://t.co/phzcO2COLq

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/toOoGAzhZC
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Detroit Pistons – very fitting slogan here, “Tough Together,” Pistons fans have had to watch some tough looking basketball together for the last decade or so.

BELIEVE IN THE BAY

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/GrFFwmBfnS
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Golden State Warriors – hard to argue with this one, paying tribute to Oakland after moving into their new arena in San Francisco. Like most things The Warriors have done since they drafted Steph Curry, this was done right.

THE COLORS OF LOYALTY

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/ImCVYWewRQ
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Houston Rockets – so we’re just copy and pasting the alternate Thunder jerseys here? Cool, cool.

TRADITION RUNS DEEP

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/vReUvKmjEi
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Indiana Pacers – a nice throwback here that reminds me of one of my favorite players of all time, Rik Smits.

THE ART OF THE GRIND

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/gjkoGKO8ge
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Los Angeles Clippers – these are pretty much identical to the Clippers 2019-2020 “City Edition” jerseys, so bonus points for fresh creativity. Bonus points for making me want to play Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas when I see the font.

LEGACY OF LAKER LORE

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/Cabyf6Cjzh
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Los Angeles Lakers – a throwback to the old Minneapolis Laker uniforms. Nice mix of old current uniforms with the updated Lakers font up top.

GRIT, GRIND & GROOVE

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/fBlEqPNHna
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Memphis Grizzlies – these are solid, but I wish they would’ve just went for it with the old Vancouver Grizzlies uniforms, which are just gorgeous and remind me of another one of my favorite old players, Bryant “Big Country” Reeves.

FIT FOR THE FUTURE

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/orKDuzm8op
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Miami Heat – this is the perfect city/team for something like “City Edition” jerseys. Miami can do anything with any neon pink, blue, orange, etc. and make it look great. A very solid, wavy effort here.

GREAT LAKES OF UNITY

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/LzseLnDsG0
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Milwaukee Bucks – does anyone really associate Milwaukee with the Great Lakes? I don’t, but can only assume this is what Giannis Antetokounmpo wanted, and The Bucks continue to do whatever they can to keep him happy and in Milwaukee.

THE NORTH STAR THAT GUIDES AND UNITES

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/WVdFyzx54I
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Minnesota Timberwolves – this is just generally boring. Also the slogan “The North Star That Guides & Unites” is pretty great for a organization that has seemingly no direction at this point.

NOLA STRONG

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/dQYQSkuxkT
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

New Orleans Pelicans – an ambitious stab here, although I think it came out looking more like what I would have came up with for uniforms of my “Create A Team” in NBA Live 2002. You know, the one with Steve Francis on the cover.

CREATED FOR OKLAHOMA

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/nKglKTpQHc
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Oklahoma City Thunder – there is A LOT going on here. But the Love’s Truck Stop patch is always good for a chuckle.

MAGIC ANTHEM

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/N13C87kuZL
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Orlando Magic – Orlando has messed around with incorporating orange into their uniforms in last years “City Edition,” and I just don’t get it. They have a great color scheme, and should use it here.

LIBERTY AT THE SHORES

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/N0nWGxNW7R
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Philadelphia 76ers – a lot of horizontal action happening here. This jersey looks like it belongs on an AAU team from Philly.

HOTTEST IN THE GAME

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/ma4ZkPivbv
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Phoenix Suns – these I can get into. The mountain formation of the classic Suns colors. Great look for Devin Booker and his new BFF Chris Paul.

OREGON ORIGINS

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/3Op33EwD6h
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Portland Trailblazers – fun fact: these jerseys are a tribute to a never-before released alternate jersey of the Flint Tropics.

THE LOYAL LEGION

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/s9KEl46BXN
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Sacramento Kings – I can see thousands of bros at Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza rocking these bad boys solely because is has “sac” on it, which is approval enough for me.

COURAGE AND CELEBRATION

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/T8WGGZuvwK
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

San Antonio Spurs – very smooth. Slick font, crisp lines across the chest. I’m all in here.

ROAM THE NORTH@Raptors City Edition jerseys are launching in March 2021. Shop the rest of the Raptors City Edition Collection today ➡️ https://t.co/NyoY8DuBlr

🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/f5iIlW1NSy
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Toronto Raptors – from a team that’s going to be playing in Tampa Bay next year, missed opportunity to double up on your sales by throwing “Tampa Bay” and “Toronto” across the chest. Those friendly Canadians are too nice to make people pay twice though, eh?

NATURALLY GIFTED

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/nWezqAJmx3
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Utah Jazz – cool idea, but why stop the color scheme at the top of “Utah?” Let those warm colors keep rolling in cold ass Salt Lake City.

CAPITAL STANDARDS

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🗓️ NBA Season Starts Christmas Week with Games Beginning Tuesday, December 22. pic.twitter.com/FAYsRU7fg3
— NBA Store (@NBASTORE) December 3, 2020

Washington Wizards – ending our recap here with a banger. These are great, from the throwback logo to the flag pattern moving down the sides. This is the best thing the Wizards franchise has done in a while.

Even though it seems like the NBA season ended last week, it will be back on Christmas Day. Bring on The Association and all of the great, and not so great, “City Edition” jerseys that come with it.

Sunday State of Mind: September 21st-September 27th

September 27, 2020 Chris CookBoston Celtics, Chicago Bears, COVID19, Denver Nuggets, LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Mitchell Trubisky, MLB, NBA, Nick Foles, SSM, Stanley Cup, Tampa Bay Lightning, World SeriesLeave a comment

Sunday, it’s here…so is this week’s SSM. Let’s hop in:

Last week of baseball, wrapping as we speak
The MLB made it through, and reached their seasons’s peak
The postseason starts next week, will be a wild story
To see who takes home the COVID World Series Trophy

The NBA is winding down, Lakers took out the Nugs
The Heat and Celts could be done soon, makes me sadly shrug
Either way, it’ll be the Lakers and LeBron
A few more games and before you know it, the NBA will be gone

The NHL is also close to closing out their year
The Lightning and Stars are wrapping up, with their grown out playoff beards
If the Lightning win on Monday, they’ll be hoisting up Lord Stanley
If the Stars pull it out, we’re talking game 7, the cup won’t be won handily

Your NFL surprise of the year, the Chicago Bears
Moved to 3-0 today, and this writer cares
Trubisky was benched, Nick Foles was the hero
Who would’ve thought after three weeks the Bears losses would be at zero?

Sunday State of Mind: August 24th-August 30th

August 30, 2020 Chris CookAlex Smith, Boston Celtics, Dan Snyder, Jose Martinez, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, Mitch Moreland, MLB, NBA, NHL, Tommy La Stella, Toronto Raptors, Washington Football TeamLeave a comment

Photo: Photo by Kunal Shinde on Unsplash

Happy Sunday evening, all. Please enjoy this late night version of SSM.

Boycotts and protests, all over sports
NBA, MLB, NHL, demonstrations of all sorts
Athletes taking a social lead
No way you haven’t seen it, all over social media feeds

Alex Smith, the comeback is here
Did a full team practice, in half-padded gear
Any good news for the Washington Football Team
The owner, Dan Snyder, a piece of shit it seems

The MLB hot stove is totally back!
Baseball trades are here, good players and hacks
Jose Martinez, Mitch Moreland, and Tommy La Stella
All have new homes, big moves for these fellas

The NBA Playoffs are moving along
Celtics took it to the Raptors, beat them like a gong
The Lakers, Clippers, and Bucks, have all advanced
The quality of remaining teams has highly enhanced

Best NBA Dunk Contest Dunks

August 25, 2020 Chris CookAaron Gordon, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Dunk Contest, Gerald Green, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, NBA All-Star Weekend, Orlando Magic, Spud Webb, Toronto Raptors, Vince Carter1 Comment

The NBA does their All-Star festivities better than any of the other big four sports. The rookie-sophomore game, three point contest, and dunk contest allow some of the best athletes we have to showcase their skills in unimaginable ways. We have seen some insane things over the years in the dunk contest. Why don’t we relive some of the greatness?

5. Dee Brown, “The No Look,” 1991

Video: Youtube

You know what makes dunking harder? Not being able to see. Dee went ahead and covered his eyes with the right, and threw it down with the left. Brown stood shorter than your average dunker at 6’1, making this dunk even more impressive.

4. Spud Webb, “The 360,” 1986

Video: Youtube

Spud Webb really did it for all of us short kings out there. Standing at the seemingly-undunkable height of 5’7, Spud couldn’t even palm a basketball. The athleticism to not only be able to dunk, but throw a 360 degree turn on top of it doesn’t even make sense.

3. Gerald Green, “The Cupcake,” 2008

Video: Youtube

This is by far the least athletic dunk on our list. However, it may be the most creative. Gerald Green brought a cupcake out, threw down a dunk, and simaltaneously blew the lit candle out mid-air. This dunk didn’t get points for freak athletic ability, but for thinking outside the (cupcake) box.

2. Aaron Gordon, “The Mascot,” 2016

Video: Youtube

My goodness. Aaron Gordon has always been a better dunker than a basketball player, so he clearly shined here. It seemed so effortless. Quick grab from the mascot, nice scoop under the legs, and a clean cut flush through the hoop. All while floating approximately seven feet in the air.

1. Vince Carter “It’s Ova,” 2000

Video: Youtube

This still gives me goosebumps. Vince Carter is the GOAT dunker, and there is no debate. This dunk itself, everything considered, is why it ends up at the top of our list. The visuals were so smooth, through the legs, flush, double point, and the cut throat statement afterwards: “it’s ova.” So simple, and so true. Long live Vinsanity.

The dunk contest has taken a hit over the last few years due to lack of creativity. I unfortunately tend to agree; how many different ways can one throw a ball into a hoop? Every once and a while though, we’ll see something that we haven’t seen before, which keeps me coming back every year.

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29 – Eric Dickerson

28 – Marshall Faulk

27 – Vladimir Guerrero Sr.

26 – Rod Woodson

25 – Barry Bonds

24 – Willie Mays

23 – Michael Jordan

22 – Emmitt Smith

21 – Deion Sanders

20 – Barry Sanders

39 – Dominik Hašek

38 – Pavol Demitra

37 – Patrice Bergeron

36 – Jerome Bettis

35 – Kevin Durant

34 – Shaquille O’Neal

33 – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

32 – Magic Johnson

31 – Greg Maddux

30 – Terrell Davis

59 – London Fletcher

58 – Jack Lambert

57 – Johan Santana

56 – Lawrence Taylor

55 – Dikembe Mutombo

54 – Brian Urlacher

53 – Artis Gilmore

52 – Ray Lewis

51 – Randy Johnson

50 – David Robinson

89 – Mike Ditka

88 – Patrick Kane

87 – Sidney Crosby

86 – Antonio Freeman

85 – George Kittle

84 – Randy Moss

83 – Wes Welker

82 – Ozzie Newsome

81 – Marian Hossa

80 – Jerry Rice

5. Dee Brown, “The No Look,” 1991

4. Spud Webb, “The 360,” 1986

3. Gerald Green, “The Cupcake,” 2008

2. Aaron Gordon, “The Mascot,” 2016

1. Vince Carter “It’s Ova,” 2000