Oddest NBA Offseason Moments of the Last Two Decades

The 2011 NBA offseason just does not seem to want to end. Every time we hear a little good news about the lockout, our hopes are almost immediately dashed by ill will between the players and owners and greed on both sides.

So, we rabid NBA fans will have to continue to settle for discussion about a topic that usually isn't at the top of our list: the offseason.

Here are some of the strangest things that have ever happened while the players are on vacation. I want you, the reader, to tell me some of you favorites that I missed. I'll add your suggestions.

Ron Artest's Name Change

Ron Artest has proven himself to be one of the league's true eccentrics.

Wild hair cuts, a rap career and the malice in the palace are just a few of the money things we can point to as evidence.

Now, we can add one more eccentricity to the list.

The former defensive player of the year changed his name to Metta World Peace.

Stephon Marbury and His Vaseline

We all knew Stephon Marbury was a little different before he left us for China.

Well, this certainly confirms it.

Monta Ellis and His Scooter

Back in 2008, the Golden State Warriors suspended scoring machine Monta Ellis for 30 games for trying to have a little too much fun on his scooter (or moped, whatever you prefer).

Ellis injured himself and violated his contract in the process of this joy ride.

Kevin Durant Dominating Flag Football

This one isn't as much weird as it is plain awesome.

Kevin Durant recently engaged one of his followers on Twitter about his desire to play some flag football.

The follower told him where a game was, and Durant showed up.

Karl Malone and Dennis Rodman in WCW

Those of us who grew up during the glory days of professional wrestling (when Monday Nitro dominated the airwaves) remember this event fondly.

Both NBA players made great wrestling superstars.

The 2011 Exhibition Craze

With the league locking players out of team facilities, guys like Kevin Durant, Jimmer Fredette and plenty more have found other ways to get some good runs in.

Durant basically kicked things off with his domination of Rucker Park.

He and other players' desire to to enjoy the game they love however possible led to the organization of several high-profile exhibition games featuring some of the NBA's biggest stars.

As long as the league remains in a lockout, we'll see plenty more of these.

Planking

I, for one, think Tebowing is much cooler.

Kazaam

Shaq has had a long and illustrious career in the film industry.

It was tough to pick just one of his masterpieces (and maybe I shouldn't have limited it).

Just look at that frock.

Dennis Rodman Carries Eddie Vedder on Stage

Pearl Jam has been one of the world's biggest rock bands for a couple decades now.

But I'd say it was more than a little surprising to learn that Dennis Rodman was a big fan.

So much so that he once gave lead singer Eddie Vedder a piggy-back ride to the stage.

The Lockout (2011)

This is not only weird, it's just plain depressing.

The players and owners have looked to be on the verge of a deal a couple times, but the desire to resolve differences simply isn't strong enough.

The Decision

LeBron James' hour-long ESPN special was not only one of the weirdest moments in NBA offseason history, it was one of the weirdest moments in sports history.

LeBron has an unequalled level of self-pride, and it was on full display during this special.

Give Me Your Suggestions...

This list is obviously anything but comprehensive.

Tell me your favorite weird offseason moments, and I'll add them to the slideshow.

Andy Bailey is on Twitter. Follow @_Andy_Bailey