And then were two players back in the game.

Traditionally at A Stern Warning we've always brought you a preview of the battle for supremacy between the NBA 2K Sports franchise and the EA Sports NBA Live / NBA Elite offerings. Then we had a hiatius for a few years, as there simply was no battle, as EA fell out of the game.

This year, the promise is that NBA Live is making a reappearance in the NBA video games market, with the planned release of NBA Live 14. Of course, the saying "once bitten, twice shy" comes to mind here -- the team at EA has disappointed us one to many times. 

The last NBA Live series game that actually hit our shelves on full retail release was NBA Live '10 -- all the way back in late 2009. SInce then we've had a series of stops and starts as they attempted to rebrand the franchise as Elite 11 the following year (in an ill-fated move), before not even entering the market in the '12 series, and then cancelling the planned release of NBA Live '13, after deciding that the game was not up to scratch.

This time around, NBA Live is relying on rising star Kyrie Irving of the Cleveland Cavaliers as their cover boy. Let's just hope for his sake that the fabled NBA Live cover curse does not beset him!

Here's a quick teaser trailer of what EA has to offer. 

As you can see, the graphics and animations are quite smooth. NBA Live has gone for a streetball / And One style one-on-one battle in the trailer -- a very different approach to the traditional simulation style market they have always targeted in the past.

On the other side of the divide, the now dominant 2K Sports franchise has LeBron James as their cover boy, following on from the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. They certainly are at the top of their game.

Check out these trailers to see what we have in store for NBA 2K14:

Both games will be released on the new generation consoles being the Sony Playstation 4 and the XBox One. It currently looks like neither will be available on the Wii U, nor is there talk of a handheld release. However 2K14 will be available on PC, XBox 360 and the PS3 (thanks to commenter heavenlyfathersblessings for pointing this out!).

As for how both of the titles will shape up against each other, we wait with baited breath. Both companies are developing these games for entirely new consoles, and as such, there is a great deal of risk for both. And of course, we still have the very real chance that the NBA Live drop will not happen at all. 

We will watch for future details and compare the features of both games as they become available.

Like us (below) on Facebook to keep up with all of the updates as they come!

Every so often I need to revisit some of the great players of recent times, just to remind myself how phenomenal these talents truly were. Guys like Shaquille O'Neal, Michael Jordan and even the likes of youthful Grant Hill and Penny Hardaway are all worth remembering for the unusual talents they exhibited for us on the basketball court.

Allen Iverson was one of those players who just defied logic in how much he got from so little. Perhaps no player has wrung so much ability out of their genetic gifts as the diminuitive Iverson. Watching the footage (below) of Iverson taking on the Milwaukee Bucks during the 1999/2000 NBA season, it's remarkable how quick he is on the court, how he gets to the rim and his absolute toughness under pressure.

In this game, of January 3, 2000, Iverson led the Philadelphia 76ers to an overtime victory over the Bucks, behind his 45 points, four rebounds and four assists. 

Playing against a Bucks team featuring Ray Allen, Glenn Robinson and Sam Cassell, it's easy to forget that AI was surrounded by the likes of Tyrone Hill, Eric Snow, Matt Geiger and George Lynch as his main means of support. He simply willed his teams to victory in Philly most of the time -- he took this squad to the second round of the playoffs, which is quite amazing, given the supporting cast he had on hand.

New Zealand Breakers star swingman Tom Abercrombie is taking the first step in what he hopes will be his NBA journey. The athletic 25 year-old is making his way to Chicago where he will prepare himself for trials with several NBA clubs.

Abercrombie's Chicago-based agent has lined up mini-camp workouts with the Houston Rockets, Milwaukee Bucks, San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks. Whilst there, the 6'6" Tall Black will have the opportunity to show off his skills, with a both short-term and longer-term view to making an impression with scouts in those franchises.

Strongly Oceania-focused San Antonio (with assistant coach Brett Brown, Australian players Patty Mills and Aron Baynes, and exec and former player, Kiwi Sean Marks on board) is always an intriguing destination for any Australian or New Zealand player. Oddly enough, Abercrombie notes that he has never met Marks before -- the big-daddy of all Kiwis in the NBA.

In addition to his mini-camps, the 2011 NBL Grand Final MVP will have the chance to represent the Phoenix Suns at the Las Vegas NBA Summer League. Whilst there, Abercrombie will have to prove that his athleticism -- which is extraordinary in the NBL -- is of a sufficient level to be an asset at an NBA level, in addition to showing that he has sufficient other skills in areas like shooting and ball-handling, to be a swingman in an NBA team.

This from NBA.com regarding Las Vegas Summer League:

The ninth NBA Summer League in Las Vegas tips off on Friday, July 12, and will conclude with a championship game on Monday, July 22. All participating teams will play a minimum of five games. After the conclusion of games on July 16, all teams will have completed three games and will be seeded for single-elimination tournament play that will lead to a champion being crowned on July 22.

Below is a complete list of teams that will participate in NBA Summer League 2013 (years participated):

Atlanta Hawks (2010-12)*
Charlotte Bobcats (2008, 2012)
Chicago Bulls (2005, 2009-12)*
Cleveland Cavaliers (2004-12)
Dallas Mavericks (2005-12)
Denver Nuggets (2004-12)*
Golden State Warriors (2005-12)*
L.A. Clippers (2005-12)*
L.A. Lakers (2007-12)*
Memphis Grizzlies (2007-12)*
Miami Heat (2010-12)*
Milwaukee Bucks (2007-12)*
Minnesota Timberwolves (2006-12)
NBA D-League Select (2009-12)
New Orleans Pelicans (2005-12)
New York Knicks (2005-12)*
Phoenix Suns (2004-12)
Portland Trail Blazers (2005-12)
Sacramento Kings (2005-12)
San Antonio Spurs (2007-12)*
Toronto Raptors (2008-12)
Washington Wizards (2004-12)

*Indicates 2012-13 NBA Playoff team.

Should Abercrombie make the unlikely immediate transition to an NBA team, or (contract permitting) is offered a substantial European contract, or an attractive NBA D-League offer, the Breakers need to think about how they will restructure their team, without such a key piece of their three-peat roster.

Check out video interviews with Abercrombie here:

• http://tvnz.co.nz/basketball-news/high-flying-abercrombie-takes-off-nba-bid-5460406
• http://www.3news.co.nz/VIDEO-FULL-INTERVIEW-Tom-Abercrombie-heads-to-US-to-earn-NBA-contract/tabid/317/articleID/300871/Default.aspx
• http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/basketball/8773461/Tom-Abercrombie-jets-to-USA-for-tilt-at-NBA

In other interesting news mentioned by new Breakers coach Dean Vickerman, big man Alex Pledger will be working out with fellow One Management client Andrew Bogut in the off-season. This could be an ominous sign for Pledger's NBL opponents in 2013-14 and beyond.

Miami Heat hosting the San Antonio Spurs. Game 2. NBA Finals 2013. Fourth quarter, with the game already decided.

This happened.

What is your immediate reaction to this?

Sure, it's a solid and physically strong block by LeBron James. However, let's be serious here -- Tiago Splitter is not known as a big-time dunker in anyone's universe. Nor was this a game-changing play... it was already all but decided.

For these reasons, I don't particularly appreciate LeBron taking time to turn away from the play and facing the crowd in an arrogant stance. 

What do you think? Was this play significant enough for the attention it's getting from fans and the likes of ESPN?

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Speaking of ESPN, here's something for the Patty Mills fans amongst us. The always-awesome Henry Abbott at Truehoop conducted a pop quiz on a few Spurs players. Patty Cakes didn't particularly prove himself as a history buff in this piece -- but he continues to grow a legion of fans for just being an all-round cool guy.

http://m.espn.go.com/general/blogs/blogpost?blogname=truehoop&id=59485&src=desktop

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The NBA is launching a Teammate of the Year Award. This looks like something that has Mills' name all over it. Anyone who has watched a Spurs game this season has seen Mills wildly flailing his towel around in support of his teammates, patting them on the back and escorting them into the locker room. He's just the type of guy that every team needs.

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One last NBA Finals-related thing. I posted this animated GIF on Facebook, but for those that missed it, this is a cool comparison between the youthful Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili and their current "aged" selves. 

http://i.minus.com/ie2XlvbSSvYd4.gif

Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze has joined the likes of David Robinson and Teresa Edwards (USA), Zoran Slavnic (Serbia), Paula Gonclaves (Brazil) and Jean-Jacques Conceicao (Angola) as a 2013 player inductee into the FIBA Hall of Fame. He joins his father, Lindsay Gaze, as one of three Australians to be inducted to the Hall.

The press release from Basketball Australia lists the great man's outstanding career achievements:

Basketball Australia today congratulated Andrew Gaze AM on his induction to the FIBA Hall of Fame.

Gaze will be one of just twelve world class basketball personalities from 10 different countries to make up the 2013 Class that will be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame on 19 June 2013.

One of the greats of Australian and international basketball, Gaze led the Australian Boomers to an astounding five Olympic Games – including as the flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the Australian Team Captain.

He was inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2005 after becoming a member of the Order of Australia in 2002.

Gaze joins his father Lindsay, the legendary NBL and Boomers coach, in the FIBA Hall of Fame as just the third Australian (along with Dr Al Ramsay).

A humbled Gaze said to be honoured by the game governing body and to be recognised alongside basketball’s greats was an amazing experience.

“I’ve been very fortunate throughout my career to be a part of this great game both here in Australia and on the international stage,” Gaze said.

“To be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame is the highest honour in our sport and I feel truly humbled to join these amazing men and women who have served basketball so well.”

In a career spanning three decades, Gaze became an all-time great of the National Basketball League, winning 14 scoring titles and seven NBL MVPs to go with two NBL Championships.

Gaze was named NBL Rookie of the Year in 1984, going on to play all of his 612 games with the Melbourne Tigers, setting the all-time mark for points (18,908). 

On the international stage Gaze forged his reputation as one of Australia’s finest products, appearing at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games as a 19-year-old.

The Olympic Games and FIBA World Championships (4 – 1986, 1990, 1994 and 1998) weren’t Gaze’s only international foray, leading Seaton Hall University to the 1989 NCAA Championship game before stints in the NBA with the Washington Bullets (Wizards) and the San Antonio Spurs – winning the 1999 NBA title.

Chair of the Basketball Australia Board Scott Derwin praised Gaze’s contribution to basketball in Australia and internationally, congratulating him on the Hall of Fame accolade.

“Andrew is one of the icons of the game in Australia and around the world,” Derwin said.

“His contribution to basketball as a player is legendary, and now as a member of the Basketball Australia board, Andrew continues to devote himself to the game.

“We congratulate Andrew on becoming the third Australian to be inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame.”

Gaze has served on Basketball Australia Board since July 2008 and is currently Chair of the High Performance Commission. 

Andrew Gaze - Profile

NBL Career

• 612 NBL Games for the Melbourne Tigers (1984-2005)
• NBL Most Valuable Player: (7) 1991-1992, 1994-1998
• NBL Scoring Title: (14) 1986, 1988-1989, 1991-2001
• NBL Championship: (2) 1993, 1997
• NBL All-time Leading Scorer: 18,908 points

Australian Boomers

• Olympic Games: (5) 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000
• FIBA World Championships: (4) 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998
• Australian International Player of the Year: (6) 1990, 1994-1996, 1998, 2000
• FIBA Greatest 50 Players (1991)

Can't Buy A Basket has put together a cool Venn Diagram of all of the NBL team names since 1990. 

Go to CBAB to get on some other great NBL gear.

This 1989 NBA All-Star Weekend footage is a beauty. Kenny "the gambler" Rogers joins Dominique Wilkins in a 3-on-3 battle against Michael Jordan and Isiah Thomas. Of course MJ doesn't turn down his competitive side at all in this show game, but Kenny has some tricks too! Check it out.

No doubt, in his prime, Rogers would've been an NBA superstar. *wink* And did they have to put Rogers on the 'White' team?

News surfaced this morning via the Townsville Bulletin and social media that the Townsville Crocodiles (under the ownership of Barrier Reef Basketball Pty Ltd) were going to return their licence to Basketball Australia, under financial stress. 

Basketball Australia have responded to these revelations with a statement this afternoon:

Basketball Australia has this afternoon met with representatives from National Basketball League Clubs, in light of the Townsville McDonalds Crocodiles’ moves to surrender their license to participate in the League.

It is our intention to support a viable NBL into the 2013/14 season, and we are working collaboratively with NBL Clubs to that end.

Basketball Australia will continue to work through the NBL White Paper process in order to ascertain a strategic direction – endorsed by the Basketball Australia Board and the NBL – to give the League the best opportunity at financial success.

Regarding the Crocodiles, Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Kristina Keneally is writing to Barrier Reef Basketball Pty Ltd to advise Basketball Australia will not accept the immediate return of their license, as the Club has not complied with the terms of the NBL License Agreement which would allow immediate surrender.

An immediate surrender of license would require the club to demonstrate they are insolvent.

Regardless of what direction BRB takes in their ownership of the team, it would be great to see the Crocs continue in the NBL in 2013/14 and beyond. If a community model can be established, as has worked well with the Wollongong Hawks, all the better. 

Either way, the loss of the Crocs to the league would be a tragedy, given the strong supporter base they have provided in Townsville over the years, since their introduction to the league as the Suns in 1993. The Crocs have boasted such league talents/personalities as Robert Rose, John Rillie, Derek Rucker, Pat Reidy, Corey Williams, Peter Crawford, Russell Hinder, Gary Ervin, Sam Mackinnon, Clarence Tyson and Larry Abney -- to name but a selection. It would be a true shame to lose their rich history permanently to the NBL.

Time will tell how this scenario plays out. One positive is that the league has an entire off-season to look for a solution.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (7'2") looks short next to Big Bird (8'2") -- but only one is a Hall of Fame NBA centre. That said, I think the yellow fella would be pretty good at boxing out in the post. In this video clip from Sesame Street, Kareem and BB teach you all about how subtraction works. Watch and learn.

PS No, "Big Bird" is not referring to Luke Schenscher.

Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons did his best impression of Shaquille O'Neal against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday, as he airballed two consecutive free throws. Watch the video.