Who Said White Men Can't Jump?

Often their is only one seen playing in urban neighborhoods. He goes from playground to playground saying "I got next."

At first glance the other players look him over and say alright we got us a shooter.

He does a fist-bump with his buddy as they nod in agreement. The game begins. At first he makes some sweet passes just setting everyone up. Then he gets a return pass swish step back jumper.

The other players nod their heads its what they expected waiting for; then it happens he makes eye contact with his friend. A quick step, back door alley-oop jam!

The other players nod in agreement his got their full respect.

This is a quick slide show of my tribute to those players who embody the spirit of that player.

Much Respect!

Tom Chambers

He would surprise you with a quick step to elevate over his opponents. If you ever saw footage of him dunking you would see the shear force and surprising power he through it down with.

I remember as a kid watching one of his games, I don't recall who they were playing but Chambers took of from just below the free-throw line and practically jumped over his opponent.

Best dunk he ever had.

David Lee

He has pretty good vertical leap ; he gets to the rim and rebounds well. No one expected Lee to be a walking double double by the time his rookie contract was up.

David is now going to be in high demand as a restricted free-agent.

Dan Marjerle

Before Matt Harpring, there was "Thunder" Dan Marjerle, a hard nosed player who was always ready to lace them up.

The only difference between the two is that Marjerle had hops. Dan was known for his thunderous dunks down the middleof the lane; hence the nickname.

Andrei Kirilenko

He never played on an American urban playground, but I'm sure he has imagined what it would be like, because this spindly built player can get up with the best off them.

Manu Ginobili

This third member of the firm Parker & Duncan can hurt you in a number of ways. Everyone knows he's left handed; they know he wants to go left, but they can never stop him.

Once this Argentinian assassin breaks down the defense he gets to the rim with surprising speed.

Chris Andersen

He was banned from the league for substance abuse, but just like a phoenix he has risen out of the ashes stronger.

His "bird-man" persona on the court has endeared him to Nuggets fans. He is the most popular player on the team.

This high-energy guy swoops in for offensive rebounds and gives his team just what they need with his dunk follow-ups.

B-I-R-R-D-M-A-A-N!!!

Rudy Fernandez

Rudy proved to be an integral part of the Blazers rotation; they made the playoffs this year and things can only get better for this young team and Rudy.

He entered the slam-dunk contest this year, though he didn't win Rudy showed his hang-time and hops in this reverse dunk effort.

Brent Barry

Before Rudy Fernandez there was Brent Barry. The NBA game and father-time has robbed him of his hops, but every once in a while he gets flashbacks of his slam-dunk contest days.

Steve Blake

He grew up in Penbroke Pines, Florida, with year round sunshine I am sure he had no problems finding a game.

Blake surprises his opponents sometimes when they think he is going to lay it up he slams it in their face.

Kevin Love

Don't be fulled by the way he looks; this kid has a throw back game like Jeff Ruland. No fear, unlike Ruland he can get up.

Love had a decent rookie season and was disappointed that he wasn't recognized for his efforts. With better conditioining next sason he should be a force in the paint.

Bobby Jones, Philadelphia Seventy-Sixers

I couldn't find an image of this guy, but I loved his game and hutzpah; he took it to the rim over anybody!