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Tyrus Thomas... Slam Dunk Champion?

Tsonoqua_mask_tiny by Goostafer on

[From the Diaries. Mostly in a desire to push down that Bears-related post. ::shakes head:: -Matt]

As it turns out, Tyrus Thomas (not Tyrese Thomas, like Reggie Miller likes to call him) will be participating in the Slam Dunk contest.

NEW YORK, Feb. 5, 2007 - New York's Nate Robinson will defend his crown in the 2007 Sprite Slam Dunk competition to be held on NBA All-Star Saturday Night presented by EA SPORTS, Feb. 17 at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. Robinson will compete against three first-time entrants - Boston's Gerald Green, who is an alumnus of the NBA Development League, Orlando's Dwight Howard and Chicago's Tyrus Thomas - for this year's title.

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Hopefully
Ty is in a Memphis uniform by then.

With Du and Old Man Winter....

"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus on Feb 5, 2007 2:38 PM CST   0 recs

Hopefully,
if he's not in Memphis, he won't put his head thru the rim and hurt himslef!

by Goostafer on Feb 5, 2007 2:40 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

interesting (relatively)
that they have two tall guys amongst the contenstants.

too bad Nate gets to defend his title. yeesh.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 5, 2007 2:52 PM CST   0 recs

Thanks
for the fixing Matt!
-
Also, yes it is interesting with Howard and Tyrus. Obviously TT is more athletic, but it'll be interesting to watch.
-
Last night I was talking to a friend about the ASWeekend, and discussing Snubs. He mentioned how Melo wasn't included mostly because of the fight, and I wondered why Nate gets to defend his title...

by Goostafer on Feb 5, 2007 2:59 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Can't wait
for Nate Robinson to literally bore me and everyone else watching to tears.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 5, 2007 2:58 PM CST   0 recs

do you really watch the slam dunk contest?
It's been almost 20 years since I've even cared.

by bullshooter on Feb 5, 2007 3:08 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

It's not about caring who wins
it's about being a NBA freak, and rooting against the more annoying figures in basketball like the previously mentioned Nate the Great.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 5, 2007 3:10 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

When Andersen competed
I never laughed harder! It was a joy.

by Goostafer on Feb 5, 2007 3:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

well now we know
TT will be thinking about basketball when he's not playing......but I have that feeling that he's going to fuck up his career, or he's going to do some horrible dunk, and all the stupid pistons fans are going to give me crap day and night

by the way, here's my prediciton of rankings
green
robinson
howard
tt

by milesgmsu on Feb 5, 2007 3:33 PM CST   0 recs

And unlike the problem child,
it won't take him 4,815,162,342,000 tries to get it right.
"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus on Feb 5, 2007 3:42 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

interesting notes
all from east; and Jordan is a judge....

by milesgmsu on Feb 5, 2007 4:09 PM CST   0 recs

I wish
Tyrus good luck.
Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 5, 2007 4:12 PM CST   0 recs

Lets hope
That tyrus has some tricks up his sleeve. He isnt the type to make flashy dunks he practically has ups but i ahve never seen him do anything crazy.  Does he have the body control and coordination to even compete?  Strange selection, but its good to see the bulls represented in all star weekend.  

It be great if he surprises all of us with some flashy dunks but most likely he will jsut do the whole grasshopper thing and jump ridiculously high.  I bet you he has already started practicing...

by Sambossanova on Feb 5, 2007 6:30 PM CST   0 recs

I can't believe this...
Until this article, I liked TT.  Now I do hope he ends up in Memphis.  What an ungrateful idiot.
-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 5, 2007 11:23 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

not the brightest thing to say
but maybe he's just upset about not playing.

I don't understand why he'd go if he didn't want to...it's not like it's for that much money anyway.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 12:45 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

No big deal
He just hasn't learned to lie about it being all about the money yet, like every other player does.

by Big D on Feb 6, 2007 6:30 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

It shows a mindset
Comments like this indicate that Tyrus still somehow thinks anything about the game of basketball or the NBA All-Star weekend is about him.  The other guys who "lie" about it realize that the game is about entertaining the fans.

If Tyrus cared about the fans or how we view him, he'd say something like "I think it'll be a fun way to get experience at the All-Star weekend.  I get to rub elbows with some of the greatest the game has ever seen and spend a weekend with the biggest names in our game.  Not to mention it's a weekend in Vegas and I get a little extra money!"

The reason he'd say that is to not become a news story.  He'd say that so that fans could watch and cheer because he's a Bull.  He'd say that out of respect for the fact that Michael Jordan, Dominique, and Dr. J are going to be judging the competition, and none of those three would ever go for his idiot up-fake from 15 feet - the one move he apparently thinks should precede him attempting to dribble behind his back in the lane.

I don't care if he's upset about not playing - he should never say something to disrespect NBA Royalty or the fans who would give anything for the chance to be in his spot.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 7:14 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I feel like
Jimslam is peeing on my head from his soapbox.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 6, 2007 8:38 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Soapbox?
Well, yeah, so maybe this is a bit of a soapbox.  But it's not an attack on anyone except Tyrus Thomas.

And frankly I don't feel bad about having a soapbox from the standpoint of a fan who thinks overpaid athletes should at least respect fans and be appreciative of the position they're in.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:03 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

overpaid?
Well, Mr. Consumer, you have the right to boycott.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 6, 2007 11:12 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I also have the right...
to vent and air my opinions - as do you.  

As to overpaid, I doubt anyone here would think it's reasonable to pay a 20-year-old 3.2 million dollars a year.  I truly do understand the economics of the situation and applaud the capitalistic society we live in where it's acceptable for us to put more emphasis and money into professional athletes than educators.  

Seriously, the average school teacher makes $46,000/year.  I doubt Tyrus Thomas is doing more good than 69 school teachers, yet he's getting paid more than their accumulated salaries.  

I'm not here to bitch about the status of professional sports or salaries or anything else.  I do think most reasonable people would agree that most professional athletes are overpaid, so I don't think it's worth arguing that point.  

I'm simply upset that someone as privileged as TT can't grasp the opportunity he has and be grateful for it.  It's idiotic, and is a perfect example of the immaturity he so often displays on the floor.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:25 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

give me a break
"I'm not here to bitch about the status of professional sports or salaries or anything else."

Then don't. If schools made as much money as the NBA, teachers would get paid quite a bit more. If you don't think it's fair, stop watching, buying, and listening.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 6, 2007 11:32 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Of that Kit Kat Bar!
As I've mentioned, I understand the economics behind the entire situation.  Perhaps I should've been more clear.  Since ours is a Capitalistic society based on supply and demand, it does make some sense to me that athletes in high demand who help to produce an entertainment product which results in billions of dollars annually get paid a lot of money.  This I do grasp.

My understanding of the workings of our fine economy aside, their income is disproportionate when viewed from a broader scope of national averages.  And while there may be a case made for the happiness and distraction from life professional sports provides, I believe all would agree that Tyrus Thomas' impact outside of the limited context of the NBA is minimal at best.  Frankly, one might argue that even in the limited context of the Chicago Bulls organization, the equipment manager has been more valuable over the last few games.

I also have a firm understanding of the concept of not supporting the things I dislike.  I often skip movies I don't wish to see, and only choose to eat at restaurants where I find the service and food to be an acceptable value.  As I've mentioned, I do enjoy the NBA and the Chicago Bulls.  I've been a fan for 20 years and plan to be a fan for the rest of my life.

Just because I'm a fan, however, doesn't mean that I don't occasionally have complaints, or even valid points about issues such as the ridiculous 3.2 million dollar salary of an unproven and ungrateful rookie.  I believe it's possible support and enjoy something without enjoying everything about it.

For example, I doubt that you always agree with Scott Skiles' choices of playing time allotment.  I feel you have the right to disagree with him and still be a fan of the Chicago Bulls.  

I feel that perhaps your "just stop watching" response is a bit reactive, and based largely on the fact that you want to disagree with me but can't find a single logical point on which to stand.  This is not meant as an attack.  I feel that I've rather plainly stated my views on this matter and done so in great detail.  My point has been made.  Please feel free to counterpoint with well thought out and logical ideas of your own.  Simply telling me to stop watching is not a valid argument.

-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:57 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I already blogged about Tyrus
and I support a guy who cares about the dunk contest as much as I do. My opinion, which is far more important than yours, is sealed away from the ants (thanks again GWKD) in the comments section.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 6, 2007 12:01 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Well that settles it
You're absolutely right.  I appreciate the reminder that your opinion is far more important than mine.  Please forgive the infringement.  
-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 12:24 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Maybe it's just me
but to bitch about how much money somebody makes, or compare it to a teacher's salary is pretty lame.  It says to me that you are ignorant of the past, the cyclical nature of things.  Not that it's any justification for his salary, but 60 years ago, Tyrus might not have been allowed in to watch a game at the UC let alone earn a living doing it.  In 60 years I expect it will be completely different, too.  So to bitch about the conditions today is just lame.  And I don't even want to talk about the whole teachers angle...

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:32 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

but it's from an SNL bit,
so I wouldn't worry too much. Never cared for SNL though.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 7, 2007 9:28 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

If it's not his
s/he should attribute it too, which is also lame not to do.

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:36 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

So you're saying
I shouldn't put an Anchorman line into my signature?

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 7, 2007 10:00 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

You are absolutely right
There is really no point in saying this to the media, even if it is true.  Kid has a lot to learn about not being a douchebag in the media.  I'm sure the Bulls PR team wants to smash his face in right now.  He's said some stupid shit in the past, and I always tried to ignore it...but this guy kinda sucks.

by dcarioca on Feb 6, 2007 10:16 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Doesn't
it make you think that when his time is up to get paid, or things aren't going his way with the Bulls he'll pull a Vince Carter?... That's what I got from it. No loyalty. That's what it screams. Instead of making his team and Fans proud, now he looks like a complete ass. And if he is in the plans to be traded, why would anyone want to have someone like him no their team? I hope Im wrong cause the potential is there... Maybe that's why he didn't get ANY tick yesterday... Maybe that's why he hasn't gotten much tick before. Skiles and Pax were prob pissed.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 10:48 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I think it's a little early...
to throw him in with Vince.  And shit, at least vince is personable.  maybe he'll grow up...  (but probably not)

by dcarioca on Feb 6, 2007 2:33 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Yea..
You might be right.. but unfortunately, this league is all about perception and Market Value. Look at Randolph... not one serious mention for the ASG... Melo... Iverson apparently was a bad team player for the past ten+ years and didn't like to practice... Rasheed is not worth all those Technicals, yes he whines and cries, but so do many others... Kobe Slaps Flopper Manu and gets suspended, LeBron Clotheslined Wade and it's ok cause it's King James, and he loves Wade, and he didn't throw Shaq under the bus and wasn't charged with rape... Vince is presentable, but he gave up on his team at the end, and all Im saying is that's what I got from the comments he made.. All about him, not about the team. I hope Im wrong. And also that this never comes up again while he's a Bull.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 3:03 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Uh...
The dunk contest IS all about him and not at all about the team.

Did you read something different than me?  

by Moses Taylor on Feb 6, 2007 3:12 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Who's talking
about the Dunk contest? I have not once mentioned the Dunk Contest. I'm talking about how his comments might be perceived as negative and taint his image...
-
You know what? For get it man... Obviously you're reading too much into this or not reading at all what I'm writting.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 3:25 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

We're obviously talking past each other
But...the only comments that were linked to in this entire thread were Tyrus's about the dunk contest.  You specifically said "his comments."  Therefore, that's all I can assume that you're talking about.  Just about everyone in this thread is talking about the dunk contest and Ty's comments about the dunk contest.  Also, your comment is in a reply tree that quoted Thomas talking about the dunk contest.

I don't see how I'm the one being accused of reading too much into this.  If this was carried over from another discussion, then I'm obviously missing something.  But whatever comments you're referring to aren't mentioned here, as far as I can tell.  No need to get upset though, I'm not trying to be a smartass here or anything.  I just don't see what the big deal is, that's all.  

Maybe you're referring to the "stupid shit" he's said that dcarioca mentioned, but I'm not even sure what he's talking about.  If there are specific comments that you're thinking of, can you point me in their direction?  Thanks.  

by Moses Taylor on Feb 6, 2007 3:49 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Ok
I don't know if I can be clearer than I have been... Maybe I can.
let me try...
Tyrus makes comments.. I make comments about his comments, and how those are/can be seen as negative comments... how in my opinion he might taint his image if he shows his attitude about a contest is all about the check... He doesn't just go out there alone. He goes there wearing a Bulls Jersey. Representing the team. Obviously it's to accomplish a personal goal. And it is about HIM. And that is why he looks like a fool talking like that. I guess I was responding to you, as you BOLDLY said "The dunk contest IS all about him and not at all about the team." -
-
Whatever, I like the kid, he's young and he'll learn how to talk to the media to "protect" his image... if that's what he'd like, unless he wants to be treated or be judged by the comments he makes instead of how he plays on the court. I really think he was probably in a bad mood, or was just being a smart ass... If he's so Honest, and doesn't want to be part of it, I'd think he would not have agreed to go.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 4:11 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

i wish you hadn't posed this...
maybe it's alll a bad joke gone arye (i realize, i have no idea how to spell that). I like Tyrus, he's just a kid....let's hope he dind't mean it. Or at least will donate the money to charity

by milesgmsu on Feb 6, 2007 11:13 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

i deserve that...
but honestly...lhow do you spell it?

by milesgmsu on Feb 6, 2007 11:21 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

awry
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/awry

It's not the most intuitive spelling, I admit. I just hope PaxJax didn't see...

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 11:25 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

thats how i had it spelled at first
but it looked to much like away...

by milesgmsu on Feb 6, 2007 1:51 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Awry
-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:27 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Looks like I was a little late.
Sorry.
-- "I can picture in my mind a world without war, a world without hate. And I can picture us attacking that world, because they'd never expect it."

by Jimslam on Feb 6, 2007 11:29 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

Whoa.
I just lost any respect I had for Tyrus. He sounds very immature. I hope that Pax and Skiles did talk to him.
Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 6, 2007 12:41 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Slow down a sec
He's young, and he's talking about the dunk contest, not a playoff game or even the All Star game.  Why should we care that he said that?  I don't know why that should change anyone's opinion about him.

I'm not picking on you, Sue.  This is for everyone in this thread completely over reacting over an entirely harmless and meaningless comment.  

by Moses Taylor on Feb 6, 2007 1:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Seriously
I had no idea the dunk contest was the sacred cow of basketball.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 6, 2007 1:57 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I stand by
what I said. He came off as a jerk to KC in that interview. Doesn't matter if it is a dunk contest or a bean bag throw. He was thought enough of to be invited and he should act acordingly. His age should have nothing to do with it. Manners and respect have everything to do with it.
Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 6, 2007 2:20 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Jerk?
Because he was answering questions while tying his shoes?  Are the players not allowed to multi-task?  The players have to be doing stuff during those in-locker room interviews.  He could have either been getting ready for the game, or getting ready after the game.  He could have had a bad day (if it were after the game, for instance).  He gave a brutally honest and straightfoward answer.  No more, no less.  

If that really upset you so much, maybe you need to read something positive about him.

by Moses Taylor on Feb 6, 2007 2:57 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I appreciate
Tyrus as a player. He is exciting to watch and I think he will be a great player. I guess we will have to agree to disagree on that interview.
Thabo....the accent is sweet!!

by sue369 on Feb 6, 2007 3:08 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

He's a jerk
because this isn't an isolated incident.  If you read the His man Sam article, there is a precedent for his behavior and attitude; this isn't the first time, just the first time he's been called on it.  

by bullshooter on Feb 7, 2007 9:23 AM CST to parent up   0 recs

I doubt there is a bigger TT fan in the entire UC
on any given night, but those comments struck me as callow, insolent, and petty.

I hope that his words are a product of his dissatisfaction with his recent playing time, and not a reflection of his character.

He's young.

by 1958ChiTown on Feb 6, 2007 12:51 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

At least he's honest
"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus on Feb 6, 2007 2:42 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Honest?
So was Rex Grossman...

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 3:21 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

yea
But it doesn't do any good to answer that way, period.
And again, we weren't there to witness this interview, but just the statement about picking up his check looks bad. He looks very selfish.
At least he could've expressed appreciation even for the invite... at least.

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 3:29 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

period?
okaaay Iron Mike.

by Paxson Jackson on Feb 6, 2007 4:06 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Anyone know
when the three point shoot out participants will be named? If Ben isn't asked, I would be shocked.

by Option27 on Feb 6, 2007 3:30 PM CST   0 recs

Thursday
they'll announce the 3-point participants.

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 3:31 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

for some reason I remember reading...
that it was Jason Terry, Dirk, Arenas, and Damon Jones.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 3:39 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I also
Heard Damon Jones and Dirk, but nothing more than that...
I'd like to see Mike Miller and Ben go at it tho.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 3:46 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I dunno
Ben goes through a lot of motion when he shoots 3s...he'd probably take too long per-shot to do that well.

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 3:53 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

You're
right... It be funny if he tried all floaters... they come out of his hand faster... Who else?.. Kapono?... Matt Caroll?...

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 4:18 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Obiously Ben Gordon.
I don't like B-Jizzle. Ben Gordon sounds good enough.

by Goostafer on Feb 7, 2007 2:09 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Matrix
...how does he make that shot? Looks like a 2-handed shot-put.

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 4:20 PM CST   0 recs

YES!
I don't know who's shot is weirder.. his or Kevin Martin.

by Goostafer on Feb 6, 2007 4:24 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

in response to...
You're
right... It be funny if he tried all floaters... they come out of his hand faster... Who else?.. Kapono?... Matt Caroll?...

by Goostafer

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 4:24 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

I think I just heard on WSCR
that Tyrus was fined by the team $10k for the comments.

::shrug:: that's weird. I'm sure the beat writers are real happy that Tyrus will find even less reason to say anything interesting.

I'll leave it to NBAFanhouse to deal with the 'significant' racial undertones! (I'm kidding, there aren't any)

by your friendly BullsBlogger on Feb 6, 2007 4:41 PM CST   0 recs

but
the Players Association won't let that stand. It's just Paxson, saying, "Hey, don't be stupid, stupid. You're all ready getting a nice check."

by kingj41 on Feb 6, 2007 4:44 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

Apparently
$3,260,760 isn't a nice enough check to feed his family.
"all the girls loved BJ." -sue369

by Colossus on Feb 6, 2007 7:58 PM CST to parent up   0 recs

follow-up
They read the press release from Paxson about the fine. If someone can find it online, feel free to post it here.

Anyway, it was just 'representing the team and the league and etc....'

But he did mention that he was requested by the league to do this, which kindof softens my stance on it, as I thought he could've easily told the league to buzz off and ask someone else, but I don't think that was the case. So I understand his feelings (although I remember earlier in the season he was quoted as saying he wanted to go), but yeah, keep it to yourself. Whatever, he's 19, shit happens.  

Like I said earlier though, having his playing time cut to shit likely doesn't help his mood.

by your friendly