Isaac
Years ago
Pearl Jam and basketball
Some people might know this already, but I didn't. In fact, when I first heard it, I thought it was a joke.
Prior to assuming the name "Pearl Jam", the well-known band played under the title "Mookie Blaylock" after their favourite NBA player, Daron Oshay "Mookie" Blaylock (Nets, Hawks, Golden State).
When they were signed by a label, there were concerns about the use of Mookie's name and so Pearl Jam emerged.
As a concession, they named their debut album "Ten" after Mookie's playing number.
Who would've thought.
Anyway, Bill Simmons has written his 2006 NBA Playoff preview with some pretty loose inspiration from Pearl Jam lyrics (Err, OK Bill).
To the GM who ends up signing this year's version of Jerome James after the playoffs (aka, the underachieving free-agent-to-be who breaks a sweat and makes himself an extra $20 million to $30 million). Whatever happens with Bonzi Wells, Drew Gooden or Lorenzen Wright over these next few weeks, don't be fooled. You have been warned.Hmm, funny he should make that prediction about Drew Gooden - he's got 22 points and 16 boards against Washington with 2 minutes to play in their game today...