North Carolina All Stars 2019: Basketball roadtrip to Charlotte, Davidson, UNC and Duke

Hive mind: Purple Shirt Guy and the Cameron Crazies

As the clock ticked past midnight on New Year's Eve, I resolved that I'd embark on my 12th NBA city to tip off 2019. I'd been working on some zines to close out 2018 which put the Cameron Crazies on the brain. I don't put much forethought in my trips but as someone who revels in narrative, I can act quickly when things feel right. I went to Memphis for the 2017 playoffs sensing the core-4 of my favorite team would soon disband. I traveled for the inaugural NBLxNBA preseason knowing there was no better time to visit the northwest than being a part of Aussie basketball history.

All. Stars: Warriors Big5, Hornets Anniversary Team, Duke Freshmen

There were several reasons why North Carolina for February beckoned me:

• Experiencing my first All Star weekend
• The 30th Anniversary year of the Charlotte Hornets. Baron Davis, one of my all-time faves.
• Duke being the must-watch basketball team of the year. Featuring the most electrifying prospect of this era in Zion Williamson, flanked by 2 sure-fire stars in RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish 
• Now imagine that in the cauldron that is Cameron Indoor with the Crazies
• Better yet. Imagine THAT against sworn enemies, the UNC Tar Heels for the 'Blue Blood rivalry'. Arguably the fiercest in all of sports.
• Golden State at Charlotte was tantalising as the window to see the Durant-era Warriors was closing. This season's Boogie edition ramping up the star power.

The star-studded North Carolina tour:
Charlotte + Davidson + Durham + Chapel Hill (Feb13 -Feb27)

Spectrum Center
333 E Trade St,
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

NBA All Star Weekend Schedule
Fri Feb 15
- All-Star Celebrity Game presented by Ruffles
- Mtn Dew Ice Rising Stars ----------

Sat Feb 16
State Farm All-Star Saturday Night ---------- wishlist
- Taco Bell Skills Challenge
- Three-Point Contest
- Dunk Contest

Sun Feb 17
68th NBA All-Star Game ---------- wishlist

Charlotte Hornets NBA schedule
Fri Feb 22 - Washington
Sat Feb 23 - Brooklyn
Mon Feb 25 - Golden State ----------
Wed Feb 27 - Houston

Greensboro Coliseum Complex
1921 W Gate City Blvd,
Greensboro, North Carolina 27403

Greensboro Swarm
Thur Feb 28 - Westchester

John M. Belk Arena
200 Baker Dr,
Davidson, North Carolina 28035

Davidson Wildcats NCAA schedule
Fri Feb 15 - Saint Joseph's
Tue Feb 19 - Dayton ----------

Cameron Indoor Stadium
115 Whitford Dr,
Durham, North Carolina 27705

Duke Blue Devils NCAA schedule (Men's)
Sat Feb 16 - North Carolina State
Wed Feb 20 - North Carolina ---------- wishlist

Duke Blue Devils NCAA schedule (Women's)
Thur Feb 14 - Virginia Tech
Thur Feb 28 - Clemson

Dean E. Smith Center
300 Skipper Bowles Dr,
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

North Carolina Tar Heels NCAA schedule
Sat Feb 23 - Florida State ----------
Tue Feb 26 - Syracuse

#NBApostcards: Charlotte, North Carolina
 Wallpaper (1920 x 1080)

At this stage I haven't secured tickets for the two bucket list games as both cost upwards of $1000+.

• UNC at Duke (Wed Feb 20)
• NBA All-Star Game (Sun Feb 17)

The cheapest available seats for the rival showdown between the Blue Devils and Tar Heels costing more than my return flight from Sydney. I'll be on the ground come game day soaking the atmosphere, hopefully winging into an experience somehow. Plans are sudden and will be on the fly. If you have any North Carolina tips or friends in the area I may connect with, let me know.

As always I'll be documenting the journey on @30HomeGames. I'm buzzing.

Find my previous wishlists and NBA road trips here:

- NBL x NBA Wishlist for Salt Lake City, Oklahoma City and Phoenix

- Basketball Never Stops 2017 (Seattle and LA): NBA Roadtrip wishlist

- The South 2017: NBA Roadtrip wishlist

- Texas Triangle 2016: NBA Roadtrip wishlist

- Coolspotting: 30HG '2015 NBA RoadTrip' Champagne and Campaign spots (2 of 2)

- #30HGroadtrip on Instagram

Update:

30HomeGames country playlist

• Carolina SZN playlist

• NC road trip gallery 

Basketball Never Stops 2017 (Seattle and LA): NBA Roadtrip wishlist

Since the inception of the 30HomeGames project in 2011, I've embarked on biennial trips to watch FIBA tournaments around the globe. It began with EuroBasket '11 in Lithuania followed by FIBA Americas in 2013 (Caracas, Venezuela). Continuing on to FIBA Oceania (Melbourne, AUS + Wellington, NZ) and FIBA Asia (Changsha, China) for 2015. I cleared my August schedule this year for AfroBasket, which would've completed the set.

@30HomeGames taking summer seriously:
Los Angeles & Seattle (Aug 18 - Sep 1)

Originally slated for Congo-Brazzaville, the tournament was handed over to replacement hosts Angola. Due to VISA hurdles and uncertainty about competition dates in Angola, I organized alternative plans. With a premium on summer basketball options and hubs of culture, I've decided on a return American visit to Seattle and Los Angeles. What I've affectionately dubbed the Jamal Crawford AKA The Steve Ballmer tour. I'll be checking out the inaugural Big3 tourney at Key Arena and the recently rebranded Crawsover League. Both in their Playoff stages. I'll also be watching the Drew League in South Central LA. Fingers crossed, I can catch some Pistol Shrimps shenanigans despite them being on their summer hiatus.

☔☀️ Basketball Never Stops!

Both cities have plenty of cultural spots that take my fancy, particularly LA which I anticipate I'll visit multiple times on this 30HomeGames mission. It's the home for a vibrant comedy and theatre scene. I look forward to visiting spots like Jensen Karp's Gallery 1988 and one day catch a Pro Wrestling Guerrilla show. I'll be in California for the much anticipated McGregor VS Mayweather showdown, it'll be a treat watching the fight among American fight fans.

Greetings from Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES
Basketball
- Drew League (Weekends at King/Drew Magnet High School)
- The Pistol Shrimps (Tuesdays around LA)
- LA Sparks (Aug 22, 27 at Staples Center)
Wrestling
- Lucha VaVOOM (Aug 3 at Mayan Theatre)
- Championship Wrestling from Hollywood (June 25 at Oceanview Pavilion)
- Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (June 16)
Comedy
- UCB (Franklin & Sunset)
- Comedy Store
- NerdMelt LA 
- Largo at the Coronet
- Anthony Jeselnik and Enemies (Aug 30, 9pm at Largo)
- Set List: Stand-Up Without A Net (Aug 26, 8pm at NerdMelt Showroom)

Other
- Gallery 1988 (7308 Melrose Ave)
- Museum of Jurassic Technology (9341 Venice Blvd)
- Levitated Mass at LACMA (5905 Wilshire Blvd)
- And Still Shop (114 South La Brea Ave)
- New Beverly Cinema (7165 Beverly Blvd)
- 6 places to see magic in Los Angeles (TimeOut)

SEATTLE
Basketball
- Seattle Basketball Pro-Am (Aug 14, 19-21, 27-28 at Royal Brougham Pavilion)
- BIG3 3-on-3 (Aug 20 at Key Arena)
- Seattle Storm (Au 18, 27 at Key Arena)
- The Museum of Jurassic Technology (9341 Venice Blvd)

Comedy
- Rendezvous Jewelbox Theater (Comedy Nest and other weekly shows)
- The Stranger (Comedy things to do)
- Comedy Underground
- Laughs Comedy Club

Wrestling
- Defy Wrestling

Other
- Paramount Theatre (911 Pine St)
- Seattle Pinball Museum (508 Maynard Ave)
- Atlas Obscura for Seattle

MISCELLANEOUS
- Summerslam (Aug 20 in Brooklyn)
- Mayweather VS McGregor at T-Mobile Arena (Aug 26 in Las Vegas)
- Australian NBA Tourism: NBA Summer Leagues and other Pro-am Summer events

Texas Triangle 2016: NBA Roadtrip wishlist

TEXAS TRIANGLE: San Antonio | (Austin) | Dallas | Houston

The '30 Home Games' project began in Lithuania during a year long EuroTrip, it continued several years later when I backpacked for 6 months around South America. During those trips I had found a basketball experience in each country visited, what began organically turned into a concerted effort. Seeking local leagues and connecting with locals through pickup games or just a shared love of the game.

With the ordinary constraints of a full-time job, my mission to watch all 30 NBA teams at their home venue was a tangible goal to work towards. Organising month-long regional itineraries around the states to ultimately visit all 29 (Staples Center hosts 2 LA teams) NBA cities. In 2015, I completed a short east coast roadtrip with friends, going to 3 arenas to watch games. I had my first NBA experience at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks kindly treating my running mates and I to pre-game access. We got to see the likes of Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony warming up in an empty arena, a magical fan experience to tip-off my NBA adventure.

I'll be spending this November backpacking in America's Southwest which ticks off 3 more NBA teams in the "Texas triangle". As a bonus, the trip coincides with several notable events. Departing Sydney on my birthday, I'll be stateside to tip-off the NBA season, and be witness to the presidential election and 'Dia de los Muertos' (Day of the Dead).

Happy Texas #30HGsouthwest

I was initially tossing up between a Texas trip or a Californian one. The common thread being that they were both Mexican border states. I was keen on having a Mexican experience to mark 'day of the dead' festivities. I eventually decided on Texas due to novelty, having never been there. I was also drawn to Austin, being the base for SXSW and 2 of my role models in filmmakers Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez.

Austin, Texas

WRESTLING
- Anarchy Championship Wrestling
- Inspire Pro Wrestling (Oct 29, Red Oak Ballroom)
- Party World Rasslin'
- Total Championship Wrestling (Oct 29, Nov 12. Killeen Army National Guard Armory)

COMEDY
- Cap City Comedy Club
- Carousel Lounge
- ColdTowne Theater
- Esther's Follies
- The Hideout Theatre
- Moontower Comedy

FILM
Troublemaker Studios (Robert Rodriguez)
4900 Old Manor Rd, Austin,
TX 78723

Detour Film Production (Richard Linklater)
1901 E 51st St Austin,
TX 78723

- Filming locations for 'Boyhood' (2014)

I'll be visiting 3 NBA teams, a road trip famously dubbed the "Texas triangle". An ominous stretch for opponents as the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs have been consistently great for several decades. All 3 having won a championship in the past 20 years, sharing 8 in total during that span. Houston were the first team I supported when I began watching the NBA as a teenager in the early 90's. Their most iconic player, Hakeem Olajuwon is my all-time favourite player. On my first solo backpacking adventure in 2011, the Dallas Mavericks won that year which holds a sentimental place in my heart. Whilst multiple Aussie Boomers have won CHIPs for the past few champions, the San Antonio Spurs' famously had Aron Baynes and arguably Australia's best international performer in Patty Mills.

Luckily during the early stages of the NBA season, the 3 Texas teams will be hosting teams featuring the full gamut of Australian players represented in the NBA. Whilst not quite marquee franchises, they're all up-and-coming teams I'm intrigued by: The Philadelphia 76ers (Ben Simmons, Coach Brett Brown), Milwaukee Bucks (Matthew Dellavedova, Thon Maker), Utah Jazz (Joe Ingles, Dante Exum) and Detroit Pistons (Aron Baynes). With Dallas (Andrew Bogut) and San Antonio (Patty Mills) rounding out the squads with Aussie players. I'm aiming for an itinerary that can accommodate these games marked below:
Tues Nov 1 - UTA at SAS
Sun Nov 6 - MIL at DAL
Fri Nov 11 - DET at SAS
Mon Nov 14 - PHI at HOU
Sat Nov 19 - UTA at HOU

Greetings from Dallas, Texas

American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Avenue,
Dallas, Texas 75201

NBA GAMES:
Fri Oct 28 - Dallas
Fri Nov 4 - Portland
Sun Nov 6 - Milwaukee ----------
Fri Nov 18 - Memphis

COMEDY
- Backdoor Comedy at the Doubletree Hotel
- Dallas Comedy House

WRESTLING
- Pro Wrestling Dallas (Nov 11 at St Jude Hall, Arlington Texas )
- Ring of Honor (Nov 3 at Arlington Convention Center)

Greetings from Houston, Texas

Toyota Center 
1510 Polk Street,
Houston, Texas 77002

HOUSTON:
Sun Oct 30 - Dallas
Sat Nov 12 - San Antonio
Mon Nov 14 - Philadelphia ----------
Thu Nov 17 - Portland
Sat Nov 19 - Utah ----------
Wed Nov 23 - Toronto

WRESTLING
- Reality of Wrestling (Nov12 at World Gym Arena)
- Lone Star Championship Wrestling

COMEDY
- Joke Joint Comedy Showcase
- Miller Outdoor Theatre
- The Music Box Theater
- Rudyards British Pub
- Station Theater
'Comedy Scene in Houston' Events Calendar

Greetings from San Antonio, Texas

AT&T Center 
1 AT&T Center Parkway,
San Antonio, Texas 78219

NBA GAMES:
Sat Oct 29 - New Orleans
Sun Oct 30 - Miami
Tues Nov 1 - Utah ----------
Sat Nov 5 - LA Clippers
Wed Nov 9 - Houston
Fri Nov 11 - Detroit ----------
Mon Nov 14 - Miami
Mon Nov 21 - Dallas

COMEDY:
- Blind Tiger Comedy Club
- Laugh Out Loud Comedy Club
- Rivercenter Comedy Club

WRESTLING:
- NWA: Branded Outlaw Wrestling
- Ring of Honor (Nov 4 at San Antonio Shrine Auditorium)
- River City Wrestling (Nov 4 at Retama Park Horse Race Track)
- Texas All-Star Wrestling (Nov 13 at Traders Village)
- Texas Wrestling Alliance (Nov 5 at Good Shepard Lutheran Gym)
- Warriors 4 Christ Wrestling

As I do at home and abroad, whether in Sydney or on my FIBA adventures, I'll be indulging my hobbies and exploring various subcultures which you can track on my Instagram page. I unfortunately haven't played much ball with locals on the past few Australasian trips around China and New Zealand. I'm hoping to get back into it when I visit Texas.

Destination list:
- 30 Home Games mission: Southwest Division map
- 30HG Destination Spotlight: Troublemaker Studios (Austin, Texas)
- Champagning and Campaigning in the NBA Cities: Western Conference edition
- #30HGaustralasia Plans for 2016: 'Australian Boomers Farewell Series' in Melbourne and a Texas NBA Road trip

#SummerisSerious 2: Nike's Global Search for the "Baddest" streetballers

Nike have returned with their 'Summer is Serious' campaign and this time it's Global. Culminating in a pickup game in Barcelona, it seems to be capitalising on the congregation of basketball stars that will be in #Spain2014 for the newly named FIBA World Cup of Basketball.

Here is the promo:

Summer is Back and Summer is Serious. And this year we want to see your "baddest"... and because the baddest don't have borders get your passport because this time we're going Global.
We're going from LA to Liverpool, from Pittsburgh to Paris, from Chi-town to China. From the Parking lot to the Pool...
Ladies, fellas you can not hide if you've got game... so we wanna see your Hypnotic Handle, the Teardrop, the Crossover, your Eurostep. We wanna see it all. We don't care where you do it. We don't care how you do it and if you bring your baddest you could be drafted by one of these folks [Harden, Irving, Nowitzki, Diaw etc...] to play in the World's Biggest Pickup game this Summer in Barcelona.
- Film yourself
- Put it online
- Hashtag #SummerisSerious and we'll find it
If you've got game, it could be you. Move em!

'Summer is Serious 2' is going Global

Entrants are eligible from all around the World

Simply
1. Film yourself
2. Put it online
3. Hashtag #SummerisSerious and they'll find it

Get drafted by WNBA and NBA International superstars
from Kevin Durant to Marc Gasol.

I'm not sure I have the elite game to be a part of this but I definitely have the passion for Travel and Hoops which is what draws me to this campaign. It would also make it a trifecta having been at FIBA Americas 2013 and EuroBasket 2011. I'm encouraged that they're looking for the "Baddest", I'm sure I satisfy at least one of its meanings.
I'd love to be a part of this somehow.

- Go to the Nike Basketball 'Summer is Serious 2' minisite for more
- Find more about the the FIBA World Cup of Basketball

NBA Postcards: Finals Rematch - Miami Heat vs San Antonio Spurs

In case you don't already know, I've created a dedicated Tumblr to house the comprehensive collection of @30HomeGames NBA Postcards. The site also showcases other Postcard designs from featured artists.

To celebrate the NBA Finals rematch between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs, I've designed 3 complimentary card sets. Enjoy!

Greetings from the NBA Finals: OG Edition
- Miami Heat
- San Antonio Spurs

Greetings from the NBA Finals: Pastels Edition
- Miami Heat (South Beach)
- San Antonio Spurs (Texas Retro)

Greetings from the NBA Finals: Not Vanilla Edition
- Miami Heat (White Hot)
- San Antonio Spurs (50 Shades)

Find the original Postcard set that started it all - NBA Postcards: Greetings from Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas

NBA Postcards: Greetings from The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma Ciy Thunder

The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder have considerable overlap due to big Trades in recent years. It started when OKC were still the Seattle Supersonics, trading Ray Allen to the Boston Celtics for a package headlined by Boston's 5th pick Jeff Green. Years later OKC and Boston would make another big trade, the Celtics reacquiring Jeff Green alongside Nenad Krstic in exchange for Nate Robinson and bruiser Kendrick Perkins. Many speculated this disruption in Chemistry hurt Boston in the Playoffs, something Doc Rivers would later concede.

During Oklahoma's infancy (relocating from Seattle in 2008), Boston was amongst the League's Top Dogs whilst the Thunder stocked their team with quality Draft picks from their losing seasons as Seattle. OKC would suffer just one losing campaign under their new banner, improving every year to become Perennial Title contenders. The highlight, an NBA Finals berth in 2012 where they would lose 1-4 to the Miami Heat. En route to the title, Miami dispatched the Celtics in a hotly contested Eastern Conference Finals.

Today the tables are turned as a rebuilding Boston seem likely to dwell at the Bottom with Rondo the only remaining component of the Championship years, whilst OKC remain amongst the elites with their tandem of Russell Westbrook and newly crowned MVP Kevin Durant.

Greetings from Boston, Massachusetts (Atlantic Division)
Find a "Championship Celtics" variant on the 'NBA Postcards' Tumblr 

Greetings from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (Northwest Division)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
- Detroit, Michigan and Oakland (Golden State), California
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from the Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors

Both these teams rated high on Grantland's NBA League Pass rankings as the League's most watchable teams. Golden State earned the top honour with a rating of 89, Bill Simmons crediting it to the Warriors having the "Best home crowd in the league. Top-three uniforms, top-three colors, really nice floor". The Pistons finished with a rating of 79, Zach Lowe commenting lightheartedly "Detroit has all the essentials — very good announcing crew, nice court, nice jerseys, great team name. Let the midrange bricks fly!".

Both teams however finished with vastly different Grades in terms of overall team performance. Golden State  (51W - 31L) are locked in another exciting 1st Round series after claiming the sixth seed in the highly competitive West. Detroit (29W - 53L) never clicked together as a team, the retooling effort a bust with Head Coach Mo Cheeks dismissed 50 games into the Season. Team President Joe Dumars's contract as President of Basketball relations was not renewed at Season's end after starting with an incredible run that delivered a championship in 2004. Golden State was not without its own turmoil, Mark Jackson in the hot seat despite taking the team to two straight Postseason appearances. The Warriors entering the Playoffs with several executive shuffles, the demotion of fan favorite Brian Scalabrine and the ousting of Assistant Coach Darren Erman.

That said, ultimately all the Fans care about is the product on the floor. Winning solves a lot of problems. Looking forward to how the Warriors' 1st Round firefight with the LA Clippers plays out. Golden State attempting to make us all Believers again by improving on last year's dream postseason run. The Pistons on the other will return to the mechanics, hoping to deliver on the promise of their talent. Noone should be surprised if it involves Detroit replacing parts.

Greetings from Detroit, Michigan (Central Division) 

Greetings from Golden State [San Francisco], California (Pacific Division)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Phoenix, Arizona and Chicago, Illinois

The links between these two teams should be obvious to any longtime NBA Fan. I wouldn't be surprised if the NBA Finals between the Bulls and Suns feature big in the formative years of every Basketball fan born in the 80s. MVP Charles Barkley duelling with the GOAT Michael Jordan, not only in the Finals but in those iconic Nike commercials. After completing their first 3peat over Phoenix, Michael Jordan would retire from the NBA to pursue his Baseball dream.

Today both teams have had dream years playing above expectations. Phoenix were expected to be in the Tanking Sweepstakes without an All-Star in its young Roster and a Rookie Coach. Instead they battled to the very end narrowly missing out on a Playoff Berth in the competitive West. The team of unheralded players have made a name for themselves through the merit of their play. Former understudy Guards Goran Dragić and Eric Bledsoe have shined, Gerald Green has risen above his Highlight Film reputation and the Morris Twins have been outstanding.

Chicago without former 2011 MVP and floor leader Derrick Rose has looked formidable. Heart-achingly he was felled by another season ending injury to begin the year. Under Coach Thibodeau and the MVP play of Center Joakim Noah the Bulls continue to show incredible heart despite all their setbacks. It'll be interesting to see if the Bulls can continue their stampede in the Playoffs.

Grettings from Phoenix, Arizona (Pacific Division)

Greetings from Chicago, Illinois (Central Division)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Detroit Pistons and Golden State Warriors

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah

My last post featured star forward Rudy Gay tying both NBA Postcards together, this set follows the theme with Paul Millsap being the link. After spending his first seven years with the Jazz, Paul signed with the Hawks to start the year. He's enjoyed a breakout Season, earning a spot in the 2014 NBA All Star Game and a key piece in the battle to secure the final Playoff spot in the East.

For those partial to 'Champagning and Campaigning', Millsap's biggest upgrade might be moving from arguably the weakest party city (Salt Lake City) to an elite NBA "Black Guy City" in Atlanta.


Greetings from Atlanta, Georgia (Southeast Edition)

Greetings from Salt Lake City, Utah (Northwest Edition)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Chicago Bull and Phoenix Suns

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario

I've reached passed the halfway mark of my NBA postcard collection. Thanks to anyone who has enjoyed the series so far and shared them along. The next few sets will feature teams connected by a trade, in this case Rudy Gay.

After building his name as a Marquee player in Memphis, Rudy was traded to Toronto. The Canadian team was revitalized with exciting early wins as Gay poured in a record 74 points in his first three games as a Raptor. The Raps couldn't manage a playoff berth whilst the Grizzlies (Gay's former team) made its deepest playoff push advancing to the Conference Finals.

Within the year, Toronto changed course trading Rudy Gay to Sacramento. Continuing the perception that Gay helps teams by subtraction, Toronto surged to the Top of the Division and has held firm. Sacramento meanwhile has shown it has the makings of a formidable team with rising star Isaiah Thomas and the continued polish of Double Double machine DeMarcus Cousins. Rudy Gay seems to have found a better fit in Sacramento. Finding a Playoff spot in the competitive West isn't easy but the Kings are slowly assembling a squad that can get there.

Greetings from Toronto, Ontario (Atlantic Division)

Greetings from Sacramento, California (Pacific Division)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Atlanta Hawks and Utah Jazz

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definite collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Dallas and Houston, Texas

This set completes the Texas Trio, arguably the strongest cluster of teams you'll find on the NBA map. Houston was my team when I first started getting into basketball. It was nailbiting as I followed them on their Road to Glory doubling up as NBA Champions during Jordan's absence. Hakeem Olajuwon remains my All-time favorite player.
I've always had a soft spot for Dirk Nowitzki. I had mixed emotions when he was humiliated in the 1st round by my then favorite player Baron Davis and the Warriors. His redemption avenging an even Stronger Miami Heat team was inspirational. I paid tribute by forking out for a 'Championship Dallas Mavericks' tee I found in Istanbul.

The West is tightly packed and loaded this year, both teams are capable of an upset in the 1st round. Houston with the addition of Dwight Howard and the rising leadership of James Harden are threats to run the table with their high octane system.

Greetings from Dallas, Texas (Southwest Division)

Greetings from Houston, Texas (Southwest Division)

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions. Next two teams: The Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Brooklyn and New York City, New York

Today was a good day for New York fans as Brooklyn topped Division leaders Toronto and New York dispatched the lowly Sixers for their 4th straight win. Both teams have mortgaged their futures to win now so unlike storied franchises Boston and Los Angeles there's no incentive to throw away the season.

Brooklyn reloaded in their 2nd year since relocating from New Jersey, adding key (but aging) pieces from the Champion Celtics. They took a gamble enlisting the freshly retired Jason Kidd to coach the veteran lineup. He weathered early criticism for their 10 win, 21 loss start but have since turned the corner in the New Year with an above .500 record.

Hoping for a playoff push after the All-Star break, New York slid to 8 losses in 9 games. Heightening the speculation of star player Carmelo Anthony jumping ship. Fortunately 8th place Atlanta has been plummeting in turn as the bar remains low enough for the Knickerbockers to clear.

Greetings from Brooklyn, New York (Atlantic Division) 

Greetings from New York City, New York (Atlantic Division) 

I've made "One Colour" variants for both New York teams. For Brooklyn its an inverse negative of the original. The Knicks variant is inspired by the bright Orange jerseys they've rocked the past few Christmases.

New York (One Colour edition)
Find these variants at the '30 Home Games' Facebook page

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions.
Next two teams: The Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio and Washington, D.C.

I mentioned that my Postcards would be released as pairs in no particular order. That said I've found a meaning for each pairing, whether its sharing a mascot, sharing an arena or in this instance some Playoff history. The Washington Wizards offered LeBron James his first playoff rivalry, meeting several times in hotly contested First round matchups in his early days with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

VIDEO: LeBron James 41pts VS Gilbert Arenas 34pts
Cleveland @ Wizards, Playoffs 2006 

That rivalry dissolved long time ago, the Wizards Big 3 of Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison parting ways and LeBron moving on to his own triumvirate in Miami. Both teams are currently headlined by #1 pick Point Guards, John Wall leading Washington and Cleveland commanded by Kyrie Irving.

Greetings from Cleveland, Ohio (Central Division)

Greetings from Washington, D.C. (Southeast Division) 

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions.
Next two teams: The New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Los Angeles, California. Lakers and Clippers edition

Greetings from Los Angeles, California (Pacific Division)
Purple and Gold Lakers edition

Greetings from Los Angeles, California (Pacific Division)
Red and Blue Clippers edition

At the time of this writing, the storied Los Angeles Lakers are last in the powerhouse Western Conference. Posting a record of 19 wins and 39 losses, they're a shade behind Championship counterparts the Boston Celtics. 5 years removed from their 2010 NBA Finals showdown, both teams are league bottom-dwellers in rebuild mode. 2015 promises a stellar draft class, which hints at a quick return to glory for these legendary franchises.

Led by Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and new coach Doc Rivers, the once lowly Clippers have surpassed the Purple and Gold as the hottest ticket in town. The team formerly known as "Lob City" are arguably the most electrifying team in the NBA. It will take an eternity to reach the heights of their crosstown rivals but deep Playoff runs these next few years would be a nice start.

Los Angeles Postcard, Dynasty Edition.
Find Postcard variants at the '30 Home Games' Facebook page

To find a Dynasty variant of the Los Angeles Lakers postcard featuring the Laker squad at their most Golden. Juggernaut Shaq, Kobe rocking #8, a confident Pau Gasol and the clutch support of Derek Fisher, and Robert Horry.

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions.
Next two teams: The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Washington Wizards

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr

NBA Postcards: Greetings from Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana

Greetings from Charlotte, North Carolina (Southeast Division)

Greetings from New Orleans, Louisiana (Southwest Division)

I've paired Charlotte and New Orleans for this latest set of NBA postcards. Fitting as they've both shared the Hornets moniker, you'll notice a tribute to mascot "Hugo" on the special Hornets postcards below.

Charlotte and New Orleans have been making noise this year.
New Orleans made a splash leading into the Season with the acquisition of Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday. Being positioned in the lopsidedly talented West has always hurt they're Playoff chances. Putting on a great show as hosts of the recent NBA All Star Game, they showcased 2nd Year star Anthony Davis as a first-time All Star. Whilst former No. 1 pick Davis didn't take home 'Rookie of the Year' Honors he's been living up to his potential. People already projecting him as the League's third best player behind LeBron James and Kevin Durant in the coming years. Its not just the new uniforms and revamped branding attracting attention, the future's looking bright for the "Big Easy".

Al Jefferson was a promising offseason signing for the Charlotte Bobcats and he has delivered. Currently occupying the 6th spot and undefeated since the All Star Break, they're poised to return to the Postseason since their last showing in 2010. Equipped with a heavy frontcourt that have proven to be Miami's foil, they're looking to upset the Higher seeds come Playoff time.

New Orleans and Charlotte (Hornets Edition)
Find these variants at the '30 Home Games' Facebook page

I've made 'Hornets' variants for New Orleans and Charlotte. Owner Michael Jordan has announced that Charlotte will reclaim its former moniker following this season. For the postcard I've paid tribute to the retired greats who've represented the Charlotte Hornets, Alonzo Mourning and Baron Davis to name a few. See if you can guess the other greats.
The New Orleans postcard contains many of the players of the current roster in they're former branding. You can find the "Hornets" postcards in the 'Variants' album of the '30 Home Games' Facebook page

Kindly tell your friends and feel free to leave some comments and suggestions.
Next two teams: The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers

Update: After 10 years, Charlotte are the Bobcats no more as they return to their Hornets moniker for the 2015 season. I've made a Bobcats' tribute postcard featuring the key players that defined the Orange and Blue.

10 Years of the Charlotte Bobcats 2004 -2014
Find more art at the official NBA Postcards Tumblr

Find other "Greetings from" below:
- Miami, Florida and San Antonio, Texas
- Indianapolis, Indiana and Memphis, Tennessee
- Charlotte, North Carolina and New Orleans, Louisiana
- Los Angeles Lakers edition and Clippers edition
- Cleveland, Ohio and Washington D.C.
- Brooklyn and New York
- Dallas and Houston, Texas
- Sacramento, California and Toronto, Ontario
- Atlanta, Georgia and Salt Lake City, Utah
- Chicago, Illinois and Phoenix, Arizona
For the definitive collection go to the NBA Postcards Tumblr