Metta World Peace gets 7 game suspension for violent 'bow' to 'dome' of James Harden

'Deez-am', Ron! Just when we all thought Metta World Peace was finally on the road to  non-violent court conduct, L.A. Lakers forward - [Ron Artest] showed up in the second quarter of a double over time defeat of the Oklahoma City Thunder. After completing a critical [dunk] play, Artest 'gives-it' to Thunder's shooting guard - James Harden, causing Harden to suffer a concussion -- boo!

    As a result of Ron's (no dis', Metta, but we gotta call you Ron Artest when it's like that) shockingly violent flagrant foul, intentional or not, apology or not, and violation of league conduct rules -- he has earned a seven game suspension. 

NBA Commissioner - David Stern said regarding the unfortunate incident, "The concussion suffered by James Harden demonstrates the danger posed by violent acts of this kind, particularly when they are directed at the head area." He also stated, "We remain committed to taking necessary measures to protect the safety of NBA players, including the imposition of appropriate penalties for players with a history of on-court altercations." 

Unfortunately for Artest and the Lakers, missing seven games of hustle, muscle rebounding, and dunking and stealing balls will be hard to replace, but the Lakers have shown a knack for adjusting to difficult situations. This is one tight jam, though, that is no doubt a concern for Laker management.

"Metta has for the most part been a model citizen both on and off the court since joining the Lakers. Still, his most recent lapse in judgment is not to be condoned or accepted. His actions could have seriously injured another player, and his absence during this suspension will hurt our team, as well. While we accept the league's decision, we will be supportive of Metta and try to help him be more professional on the court." -Mitch Kupchak

While fans appreciate Metta's passionate style of 'b-ball' swagg, they don't want to see cats take shots, especially to the 'dome', that could seriously hurt or fatally wound players. Considering Metta's apology to his teammates, the league, fans and Harden, no doubt, if he could do it all over again, just after dunkin' over Kevin Durant , 'MWP' would have pounded his chest (all good), then headed down court to 'D-Up' without incident. 

Blake Griffin's Monster Slam over Kendrick Perkins sparks passionate debate about best 'slam-dunk artist'

 BG:  The Definition of 'Posterize-Pimpin'!

Given all the well deserved hype surrounding the recent 'posterizing' featuring a 'monsterfied' dunk by L.A. Clippers starting center - Blake Griffin (BG), over Thunder's big man - Kendrick Perkins, it was no surprise to witness passionate debates about Blake's assault on Perkins being the 'dunk-dogg-dunkster' of the year, at familiar places like the 'hood' barbershop today. 

Young and old cats, who love the game of 'b-ball', argued for and against Griffin's dunk being slam of the year -- considering the year is still young. As to be expected, the discussion broadened into best dunk/slam-artist in the NBA. 

Of course, Blake was mentioned in this part of the chit-chat, as well. So what's your opinion? Was BG's slam the tightest dunk in the NBA this year? And to follow up: Who is the NBA's best dunk/slam-artist - period? 

The Aftermath of Blake's Jan.2K12 Assault

 

As the topic continued, names and big-swagg identities like Dawkins, Dr. J, 

MJ (Michael Jordan), (KB) Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, D. Wade, Big Shaq, Chocolate Thunder, Wilkins, King James, Stoudemire, D. Howard, Shawn Kemp, KG (Kevin Garnett), Downtown Shannon Brown

and many others were shouted from, and in no time short, a room full of barbershop regulars.

Like most non-moderated barbershop conversations, someone extended the talks by asking about distinctions between best dunks during a game and those performed during official [dunk] contests. 

It's a discussion, no doubt, that continued well after me and my 'baller-homie' finished gettin' our tops tapered-up and faded. So rather than make an endorsement for top 'slam-dogg', based on more than enough legitimate variables and circumstances, we decided to digg for some of the best quality video highlights we could find, and let you decide who is the NBA's 'King of Dunksville'. The clips include game and dunk contest highlights featuring dominant and creative NBA slams!

Feel free to consider style or swagg when deciding which player does his 'thang' with the best hustle, muscle... and flow. 

To help refresh your memory about the 'get-down', check out a few random examples of a 'jumpin-jams-gumbo-mix' of dunks and slams performed by the NBA's finest hardwood fly-guys and 'hard-in-the-paint' dunk 'doggs': 

Okay, is that enough to refresh memories? Although several worthy players may have been overlooked, a diss to none, due to time and space limitations, hopefully it's enough evidence to fuel the fire for further debate. After all, as time progresses, who knows who'll be tomorrow's next [top] NBA 'Dunk Dominator'.

If you can find better evidence don't hesitate to hit us up, or post to comments, loved one!

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Check Blake Griffin and fellow 2K12 NBA All-Star 'Swagg Mobb' members!

Day of The Get-Down: 2012 NFL Conference Championships

Sunday, January 22, 2012 is a date reserved for the get-down:  
The NFL Conference Championships! 

Representing the AFC will be the Baltimore Ravens 

battling the New England Patriots, 

 while the New York Giants 

and San Francisco 49ers bang-hard for the NFC title.

As always, Baltimore looks good and ready to tear the roof down. But so many teams have felt this way when confronted with New England's gate keepers of the grid-iron. As good as the Ravens look, New England just might figure out, yet again, another way to SuperBowl majesty. 

The New York Giants, as do the Ravens, look as though they may blow right through the 9ers. This particular contest will come down to raw passion and emotion. In other words, this game will be determined before it begins. 

It's been many seasons since San Francisco has smelled and tasted victory on one of the world's finest stages. If they play as hungry as they should be for world football domination, the Giants are in for a long and frustrating end to a hard earned trip to the post season.  

Eric Stark and Mike Gross share their picks for this season's SuperBowl team finalists. What a post-season it has been!