The five most intriguing players of BIG3 basketball to watch this season
The Ice Cube-engineered BIG3 basketball league is back for a third summer, and like previous seasons, there are a batch of former players who offer intrigue for a variety of reasons.
Following Wednesday's draft, here's a look at the five players to keep an eye on for 2019:
Greg Oden, Aliens. The former 2007 No. 1 NBA draft pick has watched No. 2 pick Kevin Durant blossom into the NBA's premier talent. Considered one of the biggest draft busts of all-time, Oden dealt with career-debilitating knee injuries and depression. His mere appearance in this league is part of a redemption story. The 7-footer was drafted seventh overall by the Aliens.
Royce White, Enemies. The former Houston Rockets No. 16 overall pick wore a shirt on draft day that read, "I flew here," a knock on a criticism he faced while a member of the Rockets when he requested an accommodation for his anxiety towards flying on planes. White left the NBA out of frustration with mediocre mental health policies and has been critical from afar while leading Canada's National Basketball League in scoring in 2017-18.
In early 2019, White released a book, "MMA x NBA, A Critique of Modern Sport in America," and announced he's transitioning into mixed martial arts.
White also seemingly compared himself to LeBron James in an interview after being the No. 1 pick:
Lamar Odom, Enemies. Odom's return to the game after five years has been a whirlwind journey. Odom was found unconscious in a Nevada brothel nearly four years ago and was in a coma during which he said he experienced several 12 strokes and six heart attacks. The 39-year-old will be a co-captain alongside former fellow NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas.
“My doctors say I’m a walking miracle," Odom told The Los Angeles Times. "Just to be here is a win for me."
Jason Richardson, Tri-State. The two-time NBA slam dunk contest winner likely doesn't have the springs he used during his heyday. But the 38-year-old will try to dust off the rust while playing alongside talented teammates Nate Robinson, Jermaine O'Neal and Amar'e Stoudemire, all former NBA players. Richardson was the Big 3 draft's 14th pick.
Metta World Peace, Killer 3s. The man formerly known as Ron Artest needs no introduction for why he offers intrigue. Last summer he was ejected for kicking a ball into the stands.