Doc Rivers: DeAndre Jordan ‘sees himself now as a star’

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Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan was one of the standouts for Team USA at the Olympics this summer, and coach Doc Rivers thinks he’s just figuring out how good he is.

Rivers hopes and expects Jordan to bring the swagger and confidence he found in Rio back to the Clippers for the NBA season.

“He sees himself now as a star,” Rivers said, via Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe. “As good as he is, I don’t think he’s ever seen himself as one. He’s always been the third guy so he’s looked at himself as a role player in some ways. Now he knows how good he is and I think any time you’re around winning, it’s important, and I think DJ now knows what winning looks like.

“Of all our guys, I think he’s the most important guy this summer for us.”

Jordan’s drive and confidence has always been questioned. These quotes from the Olympics brought that to light again. Plus, Jordan isn’t an elite offensive presence and likely never will be – his game is more about creating space for other players. That’s perfectly fine, of course, and Ben Wallace was a star without having an elite offensive game as well. If Jordan does have renewed confidence, particularly on the defensive end, he could take the next step and really help the Clippers, who would certainly appreciate the boost.

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WATCH: Kawhi Leonard Stars in New Jordan XXXI Commercial

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Kawhi Leonard stars in the latest Jordan XXXI spot rocking the “Fine Print” colorway of the latest from Jumpman. Leonard, who is probably the most stoic player in the League, doesn’t do any talking, instead he makes noise with his play. The “Fine Print” will hit retail on September 17.

Check out the spot above.

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Jordan Brand Celebrates NFL Kick-Off Weekend

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His Airness never graced the court in a pair of Air Jordan IXs. They were the sneaker released right after his first retirement from basketball. He did bring ’em to the baseball diamond, in what would be only the first time the silhouette got outfitted with cleats.

Jordan Brand is bringing the spikes back for its NFL family this weekend. 12 Jordan Brand athletes will lace up different colorways of the IXs this Sunday.

Dez Bryant, Dwight Freeney, Michael Crabtree, Earl Thomas, Joe Haden, Alshon Jeffrey, Andre Johnson, Golden Tate, Corey Coleman, Jalen Ramsey, Thomas Davis and Jordan Reed are getting the special treatment from the Brand. Each of the players decided on a mid or low-cut and got personalized logos on the tongue of the cleat.

Check out pictures of the cleats up top. Looks like it’s going to be a pretty good season for on-feet heat.

Photos courtesy of Nike

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First Look at the Jordan Westbrook 0.2 ‘Banned’

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Russell Westbrook has evolved to be the face of Jordan. His recent trip to China was backed by JB. His first signature Jordan wasn’t for the hardwood. The Brodie’s keen eye for fashion was the inspiration behind the Jordan Westbrook 0. It was the first signature lifestyle sneaker Jordan Brand made.

While on The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon, Westbrook showed off his new Jordan Westbrook 0.2, in the “Banned” colorway.

“I like to change the game up a little bit, so I went with lifestyle,” he said on the show.

The 0.2s take up the “Banned” colorway that Jordan Brand has been running with lately. Keep it locked for more info on the silhouette as it becomes available.

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Kick of the Day: Jordan Reveal

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Michael Jordan Says Russell Westbrook is Him ‘Thirty Years Ago’

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Assuming he remains healthy, as the unquestioned franchise player in OKC, Russell Westbrook should put up even more monster numbers for the Thunder next season.

Michael Jordan knows a thing or two about that, and says Russ reminds him of his much younger self.

Michael Jordan says Russell Westbrook is a young MJ: https://t.co/gm5aWs9DGb pic.twitter.com/FDIK0YVXsr

— Complex Sports (@Complex_Sports) August 5, 2016

MJ—who, by the way, averaged a career-best 37.1 points thirty years ago during the 1986-87 season—spoke in glowing terms about Westbrook at a recent Jordan Brand event in Las Vegas.

Per Complex:

The film, which included clips of (designer Tate) Kuerbis and Westbrook and even Michael Jordan himself discussing the new shoe, also focused plenty on Westbrook, who will be the shoe’s primary endorser. Westbrook, who’d never seen it before, knelt on the couch facing backwards, poking his head out from the curtains to watch his own highlight-reel clips on the big screen. Then they cut back to Jordan. “Thirty years ago, that’s me,” he said of Westbrook. “The attitude, trying to prove myself, showing so much passion for the game of basketball. You see it in his play. You can tell he loves the game, he plays with energy and flair.”

 

This certainly wasn’t the first time Westbrook had been compared to a young Jordan, but for Michael himself to do it, well, that was different. “That’s crazy,” he told us during his interview. “I really don’t know what to say. To have the best player who ever played the game to say that about you as a player and as a person is something that is going to keep me striving.”

 

Like the young Jordan, Westbrook will now have to do everything for his team to remain competitive, and like the young Jordan, he’s more than capable of it. Last year Westbrook averaged 23.5 points, 10.4 assists, 7.8 rebounds and 2.0 steals, and equaled Magic Johnson’s modern NBA record of 18 triple-doubles. He played with—plays with—an intense ferocity that leaves stunned defenders in his wake, and occasionally leaves teammates just as shook.

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Air Jordan VII Retro ‘Tinker Alternate’ (KICKS)

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Stashed away in the Jordan Brand archives until now, the Air Jordan VII Retro “Tinker Alternate” is dropping on Saturday, August 6.

As you probably know, Tinker Hatfield designed the Jordan VII “Olympic” edition as MJ’s Dream Team kicks for the ’92 Games in Barcelona back in the day. Mike won his second gold medal, on top of his NBA accomplishments, and the shoe became a legendary icon itself.

“This one was in the works for a while,” says Hatfield via Nike press release of the red, white and blue Air Jordan VII. “I did one that was more white based and one that was much more contrasted. My recollection is that MJ thought the contrasted one was really cool. Ultimately, I left it up to him.” According to Hatfield, Jordan selected the white-based version.

Now, you can cop the alternate that never was. Scroll through the photos above to get a better look.

via Jordan

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BJ Armstrong: LeBron James needs to forget about Michael Jordan

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LeBron James openly admitted in a recent interview that he is chasing the legacy of Michael Jordan. In other words, LeBron wants to go down as the greatest NBA player of all time. According to one of Jordan’s former teammates, King James can only accomplish that goal if he pushes M.J. out of his mind.

B.J. Armstrong, who won three titles with Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the early 1990s, told ESPN’s Chris Broussard this week that LeBron won’t be the best if he compares himself to those who played before him.

“This is to LeBron James: If you want to be the best, get rid of the comparisons,” Armstrong said. “Get rid of all the comparisons that are out there. That’s what Michael Jordan did. Jordan realized that in order to be the best, you had to get rid of all the comparisons.

“When you compared Jordan to somebody else, it made him more and more upset. That was with guys who played before him, guys he was playing against and guys in the future. He got upset every time [the media] got on TV and started comparing him to other people. When you compared who is the best 2-guard — Jerry West or Michael Jordan — he was upset. When you talked about who was the best player in the NBA, he was upset. When you talked about who had the most championships, he was upset.”

James can’t stop fans and the media from comparing him to Jordan, but Armstrong believes it would be in LeBron’s best interest to stop fueling the fire with comments like the “ghost” one he made recently.

“Chasing a ghost is in make-believe land,” Armstrong added. “That’s far-out, that’s unattainable, that’s something you can’t achieve. This ain’t no ghost. If you want to do it, there’s a blueprint. It’s possible. There’s only one way to get there. It’s not possible for him to do what Jordan did because the circumstances are different, everything is different. What is possible for him is to be bigger than every situation that’s put in front of him, to dominate every situation that’s in front of him.”

LeBron is just 31. He has already cemented himself as a hero by returning to Cleveland and delivering Cavs fans their first NBA title in franchise history. If he wins three more championships and ties Jordan’s six, there’s no telling what basketball purists will have to say.

But for now, Armstrong has a point. LeBron is better off thinking about those who currently stand in his way (and it sounds like he’s doing just that) rather than worrying about a guy whose story has already been written.

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Michigan Football x Jordan Brand Unveil Official New Gear (PHOTOS)

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We’ve known for a minute that Jordan Brand is taking over as the apparel and footwear supplier for Michigan football and basketball, but today the brand finally unveiled the images of what the football team is going to be rocking this season. And all we can say is, Wow. Scroll through the photos above for a look at UM’s gear for next season, including the Jordan Trainer 1 Low in the school’s Maize and Blue colors.

We’re still waiting on the official basketball uniforms, but for now the football jerseys are a big-time hint at what we might see on the court. For even more details on the upcoming partnership and the football uniform itself, head over to the official Nike announcement, or read below:

The University of Michigan is more than just a school. It is a community and family represented by a single letter, two hues: Maize and Blue, and a longstanding tradition of excellence — a reputation of leading both academically and athletically.

 

On the gridiron, Michigan has, since fielding its first team in 1871, claimed more victories than any other school. The university also lays claim to 11 national championships, over 120 first-team all-Americans and three Heisman trophy winners, including Jordan Brand athlete Charles Woodson. Beyond, the program’s Winged Helmet, introduced in 1938, remains an icon of college football.

 

Similarly, the Jordan Brand is more than one man. For over 30 years, Jordan Brand has built a culture by pushing the boundaries of innovation and style; the Jumpman logo has come to represent greatness and unites athletes around the world who are willing to push their limits to be the best.

 

“Michael Jordan never settled. His career was defined by his competitive drive, unwavering work ethic and a dogged pursuit of winning,” says Larry Miller, President of the Jordan Brand. “These same principles have guided the Jordan Brand since its inception, and we see a like-spirit in the University of Michigan. What started with a phone call between Michael and Coach Harbaugh comes to life today in an unprecedented partnership which further diversifies the Jordan Brand’s commitment to football and athletes.”

 

This fall, that legacy will continue to transcend sport as the Michigan football team debuts the iconic Jumpman on the gridiron.

 

The Michigan jersey, built on the Nike Vapor Untouchable chasse, features a minimal-seam design and stretch woven materials. Focusing on fit, range of motion and breathability, the jersey includes tailored lines that are articulated to move with the body and laser perforations in the front and back panels to maximize ventilation.

 

Additionally, taking into account the importance of preparation to success, Jordan Brand will outfit the team with the Jordan Trainer 1 Low. Created by Jordan footwear designers to help eliminate distractions on the practice field and in the weight room, the shoe enhances natural motion, comfort and increased sensory feedback. Speed flex technology in the midsole, Zoom Air in the heel and a Flyweave woven upper facilitate stability and support.

 

The Jordan Trainer 1 low “Michigan” will be available August 6 on Jordan.com and at The M Den, the official retailer of Michigan Athletics.

 

Stay tuned to Jordan.com and GoBlueHailMichigan.com for more information on the Michigan x Jordan partnership.

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Michael Jordan would pick Blake Griffin, not LeBron James, for ‘Space Jam 2’

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Rumors have been flying for months — years, even — that a second “Space Jam” movie is in the works. The first, which featured Michael Jordan and some never-before-seen technology, was a huge box office success. Jordan hasn’t said a whole lot about the possibility of a sequel, but you might be surprised to hear which current NBA player he thinks should star in it.

We’ll give you a hint: it’s not LeBron James.

Speaking to some kids at a basketball camp recently, Jordan was asked who he would choose for the main role in “Space Jam 2.” He said Blake Griffin.

Michael Jordan picks who he would choose to star in Space Jam 2. (Submitted by @lashmiller)

A video posted by Sports Videos (@houseofhighlights) on Aug 1, 2016 at 9:52pm PDT

We don’t know if there will ever be another “Space Jam” film (here’s the latest info on a possible sequel), but we’re fairly confident Blake Griffin won’t be the star of it. Heck, the director of the first movie doesn’t seem to think anyone in today’s NBA is a big enough star for the film to be a hit, and we all know LeBron attracts more fans than Griffin.

Was that M.J.’s way of throwing shade at LeBron? We’ll probably never know.

H/T FOX Sports

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The Bachelorette finale: JoJo picks ex-Vanderbilt QB Jordan Rodgers as her fiancé

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When a quarterback takes a knee in football, it means he"s about to win. That turned out to be true on The Bachelorette as well, as Jordan Rodgers ended the show with a proposal to JoJo Fletcher.

From start to finish on this season of The Bachelorette, JoJo Fletcher had her eye on Jordan Rodgers. He earned the first rose of the season, and Monday night he earned the most important one, as JoJo picked the former Vanderbilt quarterback over ex-Florida State swimmer Robby Hayes.

Entering the final episode, it seemed like there was no way Jordan could lose to Robby. But there was drama, as Jordan initially opted not to ask JoJo"s family for permission to marry her, contrary to his previous statement that he would. After some tears, he eventually called up JoJo"s parents, got the words he needed to hear, and JoJo told him she was choosing him.

Jordan was a prime candidate to win JoJo"s heart for the entire run of the show. He was the first contestant to catch JoJo"s eye, earning the famed First Impression rose on the opening episode of the season. He earned the first rose of an episode four times over the course of a 10-episode season, meaning he virtually never had to sweat during a rose ceremony. As the contestants traveled from LA to Pennsylvania to Uruguay to Argentina to Thailand, Jordan always seemed to be a step ahead of the competition.

There was some controversy surrounding Jordan"s trustworthiness, as contestants and fans questioned whether he was on the show "for the right reasons" -- essentially, accusing the recently retired athlete of using the show"s extremely large platform to increase his visibility as he attempts to transition into a post-football career in television. It"s a strategy that worked for Jesse Palmer, who had a similarly forgettable NFL career, then appeared as The Bachelor, and landed a coveted gig as one of ABC/ESPN"s lead college football analysts. It may have already worked: Rodgers was reportedly hired by the SEC Network during the show"s run. The SEC Network is owned by ESPN, which is owned by ABC, which of course shows The Bachelorette.

Jordan started for two years as Vanderbilt"s quarterback, perhaps the most successful back-to-back years in the historically woeful history of Commodores football. He earned some looks from NFL teams -- the Jaguars, the Buccaneers and the Dolphins -- but never appeared in a regular season game.

Jordan did have an opportunity to show off his quarterbacking skills on the show. During the fourth episode of the show, Rodgers served as all-time QB during a game of 5-on-5 football at Heinz Field. The winners earned a date with JoJo, and it was deemed unfair for a former pro QB to be on one team or the other.

As a member of both teams, he "won" the game, but it was his performance after the game that won him that date"s rose from JoJo.

One of the major storylines involving Jordan this season was his strained relationship with his brother, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers. Normally The Bachelorette doesn"t spend too much time focusing on the relationship between contestants and their siblings, but with Rodgers it earned a lot of play for two reasons. Firstly, he"s Aaron Rodgers, and he"s very very very famous. Secondly, Jordan felt public perception was that much of his own career success was because he had a famous brother in the same field, where he personally felt self-made and resented constant comparisons to his extremely talented sibling. Aaron apparently didn"t appreciate the fact that their relationship is the stuff of headlines, commenting that it was "inappropriate" to discuss family matters, but wishing his brother the best on the show.

So now Jordan and JoJo are engaged, but if you"re excited for their happily ever after, you probably shouldn"t get your hopes up. According to reality TV blogger Reality Steve -- who used reality TV sources to accurately spoil virtually everything to take place on this season of The Bachelorette, including Jordan"s victory, months ahead of time -- their relationship is not exactly going smoothly. Steve speculates their relationship may already be over, and that they have been keeping up appearances for the sake of the show.

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Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler wait around to hug Jimmy Walker after winning the PGA

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A couple American superstars and likely upcoming Ryder Cup teammates wait around for more than an hour to greet the new PGA Championship winner.

Love & respect ❤️

After the win, Walker gets hugs from:
His caddie
His family
Jason Day
Rickie Fowler
Jordan Spieth https://t.co/BHNC2YV7Hk

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) July 31, 2016

Jimmy Walker is not the biggest superstar in golf. He stays pretty even and deadpan at all times, and those who don"t follow the game closely had probably not heard much about him before Sunday"s major championship win.

But he"s definitely one of his colleagues" favorites, so it was not surprising to see superstars everyone knows, such as Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler, wait around an hour or more after their rounds ended to greet Walker as he came off the 18th green as a new major champion. Walker and Fowler are particularly close, the two spending time off the course together since they were partners at the 2014 Ryder Cup. Spieth was also a part of the house they all rented a few weeks ago for The Open at Royal Troon.

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Michael Jordan, Chris Paul and Derek Fisher spent a whole afternoon disappointing children

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Athletes giving things away to kids create some of the most heartwarming videos in sports. This week at Michael Jordan’s Flight School things went very, very wrong. Jordan was joined by Chris Paul and Derek Fisher to put on a shooting clinic for the kids and because it was Michael Jordan there were side bets.

Bet 1: If Chris Paul makes all his shots Jordan gives the kids shoes.

#Mj rules.. if CP3, makes all his shots... Shoes for the whole camp.. !#MjFlightSchool16

A video posted by COACH SPOON (@coachspoon2) on Jul 26, 2016 at 9:40pm PDT

Result: CP3 misses the last shot.

Bet 2: If Michael Jordan misses three of his shots he gives the kids shoes.

#CP3 Rules.. If, MJ miss 3 shots the Whole camp get shoes The G.O.A.T didn"t miss #HeHadAFlashbackof96 #WetWitHisEyesClosed #MjFlightSchool16

A video posted by COACH SPOON (@coachspoon2) on Jul 26, 2016 at 9:51pm PDT

Result: Jordan nails all of them.

Bet 3: If Derek Fisher his all his considerably easier shots then Jordan will give the kids shoes.

#MJ rules... if D.Fish hits these shots.. Shoes for the whole camp.. #MjFlightSchool16

A video posted by COACH SPOON (@coachspoon2) on Jul 26, 2016 at 9:52pm PDT

Result: He misses a free throw.

---

On three occasions kids were excited thinking they might get new shoes. On all three occasions they were let down. There is no evidence that Flight School attendees actually got shoes after the shooting contest. Hopefully they did, because their hopes and dreams kept getting crushed.

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