Jumping Off with Jordan Part One: The Most Interesting Man in the (NBA) World

Hello blogosphere. Welcome to the official launching (as opposed to the soft August opening) of The Dunk Face. I will write somewhat coherently about the NBA and its various goings-on with the hope of an eventual emergence of a more focused view of the league. But that probably won't happen. Focus is not one of my (otherwise numerous) strengths. The Dunk Face is sure to be updated throughout the next couple of weeks and after that…well, I make no promises (add motivation to list of non-strengths). But the intent is to keep this going for the foreseeable future because I have an abundance of free time that should be put to better use. You can only imagine how unproductive I currently am if blogging counts as a good use of time. Fortunately, the time is ripe for NBA blogging. The upcoming season should be the most interesting since Michael Jordan returned from his Birmingham Barons sabbatical fifteen years ago. The league has finally adjusted to the (over)expansion of the 1990s and all 30 teams have talent. Even the hapless New Jersey Nets trot out a starting lineup that includes Devin Harris, Brook Lopez and (maybe) Derrick Favors (or Carmelo Anthony?). In direct contrast to the college game (pre-NCAA tournament), nearly every game on the NBA schedule will be watchable and showcase elite talent. More importantly, a lot of that talent is gathered in a few places around the country and leaves the league with an upper echelon of teams that will draw in the casual fan and make for some excellent playoff basketball next spring. It’s a flashback to the “golden days” of the 1980s when Michael Jordan burst onto a scene that already featured loaded teams in Philadelphia, Boston and Los Angeles. Negative public reaction to “The Decision” aside, the interest in the 2010 free agency period only reinforced the good feeling brought on by this year's improved television ratings. Roger Goodell may not be worried quite yet, but the NBA is back (labor negotiations pending).

An Introduction

Another day, another blog. This one is about the NBA. The list of things you should know before reading this blog include the following…

Favorite Player/Team: Kobe Bryant and LA Lakers. I grew up a Washington Bullets fan but realized around age nine that I was a more capable GM than Wes Unseld. Deciding factors for my new team wound up being my (heterosexual, HIV free) love for Magic Johnson and Kobe taking Moesha to the high school prom.
Least Favorite Player: Kendrick Perkins. Mostly because I think he would eat my unborn children. Also, he is a Celtic. Also, in the right light his eyes seem to be yellow. Maybe he fights Edward Cullen on his off days?

Biggest Man Crush: The Chris Paul/Steve Nash hybrid. A biracial penetrating machine that can really dish it out. Ummm…yeah.
Biggest (Basketball-Related) Woman Crush: Dwyane Wade’s current girlfriend, Gabrielle Union. Appeared in two of my favorite chick-flicks of all-time in Bring It On and 10 Things I Hate About You. But…mostly self-explanatory.

Greatest Event in the History of the World: Creation of Gutenberg’s Printing Press
Second Greatest Event in the History of the World: "The Miracle on Ice"
Random Skills: Crosswords, Juggling, Scrabble, Fantasy Football, Mario Kart, Eating Chick-Fil-A

Best Dunk of All-Time: Vince Carter
Best/Worst Dunk of All-Time: European Guy

Best Dunk Face of All-Time: There can be no other. Michael Jordan.