We’re always tracking the important issues in NBA ‘staches here at Stacheketball. A little while back we posted this Michael Jordan Hanes commercial, which features a poor choice of mustache by His Airness. Well, Charles Barkley has weighed in on the issue with his considerable girth.

Take it away, Trey at Ball Don’t Lie:

“…because of his friendship with the greatest to ever do it — Michael Jordan, no doy — Barkley’s commentary on MJ is especially incisive. So when the Chuckster got to talking to Dan LeBatard about Jordan’s latest Hanes commercial, you knew something good was going to happen. From a transcription by Sports Radio Interviews:

“I have got to admit when I saw that commercial I had to take a double take… That is one of the stupidest things that I have seen in a long time. First of all, I can’t believe that they let that commercial get on the air like that. I mean in making commercials, they have got little ladies there making sure the cheese is right. When I am shooting the Taco Bell commercial they have got this little woman making sure that every cinnamon twist and every piece of cheese is in order and now they let my man get on TV with that terrible mustache. I was totally in shock and just, I just can’t believe that. That is really not good at all.

As usual, Chuck is right and hilarious. That really is a terrible mustache. And when you consider that Jordan’s made a few appearances on the cover of America’s premier men’s style magazine, this mistake is even more galling.”

Tell it like it is, Chuck.

[The original video]

Michael Jordan’s Hitler Mustache, Hanes Commercial. I am going to file this under “Very bad facial hair ideas”. MJ looks a little older since he has retired. When he rocks a full mustache, he looks even older. I am guessing that had a little to do with his choice to rock the mini pencil stache, which is a fashion statement that was originally made famous by some guy named Hitler.

This could have been avoided if Michael Jordan had a team of people that followed him around and helped him with his image. … What … he does have a team that does that?

As soon as they post a better video, I’ll update.

Scottie Pippen Talk about “The Patrick Ewing Dunk” Video. A ton of people, not you because you read this blog and know your Shtuff, do not know that Scottie Pippen is one of the best dunkers of all time. He was overshadowed by his Airness, but he is one of the best 50 to ever play, and he could levitate holmes.

In this clip, we see Scottie P reminisce of his dunk over Patrick Ewing. The Hapless Knicks were not like the Hapless Knicks of today. The Knicks of the 90′s had HOF’ers, coaching, defense, role players etc… They just could not get past the Bulls, so I still call them hapless. The “2000′s” Knicks had as many titles as the “1990′s” Knicks.

Anyways, check out this dunk. Listen to what Scottie has to say, and then just for good measure, check out Michael Jordan’s dunk over Patrick Chewing. Yep, I did it again. I am still trying to overshadow Scottie, but watch both vids, and you will see that Scottie holds his own.

Steve Nash misses the shot, but no problem, Jason Richardson is there for the putback. And what a putback!

Check the power on this one as J-Rich absolutely stuffs it through the rim with authority against the Chicago Bulls.

Editor’s Note: Today we take a look at five players who are gunnin’ hard for that number one spot. Which number one spot, you ask? The number one Most Improved Player in the NBA — that’s what. These guys have all picked up their game as compared to last season and look to legit to quit.

Marc Gasol

Trying to “hook” into the MIP race

Even though including a sophomore is unusual, Marc Gasol has increased his numbers across all major categories and is in the top five in the league in FG% (58%). His scoring has gone from just 12ppg to almost 15ppg (21% increase) , his rebounding from 7.4rpg to 9.4rpg (21%), and his minutes played from 30 to 36 per game. And all this within an offense that has gone from bottom five in the league in scoring to top five (and league leader in offensive rebounding). Besides the scoring and rebounding numbers, at 7’3″ he is a good defensive center who also is a great passer out of the post.

Andrew Bogut

“Hey, Brandon, have you heard I’m second in MIP… no offense, 2nd-place ROY?”

The Milwaukee Bucks are not all about the John Salmons trade, as they have been a playoff contender thanks to Andrew Bogut. His scoring has improved by 4.2 per game to 15.9 PPG (24% increase), and his blocks are at 2.5 after just 1 per game last year, a huge 150% increase. And this is despite the main scoring threat Michael Redd being down with a season-ending injury.

Joakim Noah

Pointing towards rebounding as important in the MIP.

The Chicago Bulls improved last season with Derrick Rose, but this year’s inside game has been the “Arc of Noah“. That has him improving from 7.6 rebounds per game to 11 RPG, making him in the top 5 of the NBA’s bounders in only his second season. And unlike others like M. Gasol and A. Bogut, he is the “sole provider” of rebounds (10.7 RPG, a 35% increase) down-low as Chicago is comparably weak inside. The scoring has gone up (10.3 PPG, a 35% increase) as well, and the Bulls are still a playoff contender. Noah this year makes a strong run as a young, third-year player who averages a double-double.

Monta Ellis

“Charging” towards a strong MIP finish

Almost 26 PPG? Seriously, those numbers are MVP-type. So it’s no surprise he should be in the Most-Improved-Race. Last year 19.0, this year 25.5 PPG (21%); not to mention assists up almost 2 a game to 5.4 APG(38%).   Even with a team that’s crazy-wild with offense, that’s still an improvement (Golden State Warriors were wide-open last year, too, so the numbers are a valid comparison).

Aaron Brooks

Strong drive towards the finish..

The speedy “Mr. Brooks” has compiled great numbers on an injury-decimated team that was supposed to be a basement-dweller this year. With Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady, both perennial all-stars, hurt this year the Rockets needed more punch and Brooks delivered. His assists numbers through the roof (5.2 APG, a 42% increase) and his scoring numbers a career high (19.7 from last years’ 11.1, 43% increase) With his speed to the hoop and great talent for finding teammates in a good spot to score, Brooks can almost single-handedly take credit for Houston’s unexpected run towards a playoff spot. He’s my choice from the combination of huge statistical increases, a depleted supporting staff, and a good record which at least contended for the playoffs.

What do you think? Do you have another candidate for Most Improved Player attention? Let us know in the comments!

All Statistics through Sunday’s (March 28) games.

Marc Gasol photo courtesy of NBA.com; Aaron Brooks, photo Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images); Monta Ellis,Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Danny Bollinger/NBAE via Getty Images); Joakim Noah Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images); Andrew Bogut,Copyright 2010 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)

Editor’s Note: Today jamjam365 brings you the second edition of the Stacheketball NBA Playoff Predictions for 2010. Those at the top of the heap are easy to predict, rather, we’re looking at the contentious positions here: the final four seats at the table. We present to you the last four teams who will make the Eastern Conference playoffs and the four who will miss out — accompanied by a fine dose of themed ’80s music! You can check out the Western Conference predictions here.

Best in the East : Last Four In

Milwaukee Bucks (Waylon/Brandon Jennings “Trouble Man”, Highwayman Tour edition)

Thanks to the Salmons trade with the Bulls, they now have a finisher in the paint besides the rookie Jennings. They will be a threat for an older, slower team (don’t pretend you’re not listening, Boston)

Toronto Raptors (From the Great White North, the Bob & Doug & Hedo and Demar mix)

With Turkoglu and a now-veteran Bosh, expect these guys to “Take Off” if the shooting holds up.

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Michael Jordan Destroys Santa, Commercial. I love that the Nike geniuses were looking for a way for Air Jordans to become a popular Christmas gift, as if it needed any help, and their first idea was for MJ to PWN Saint Nick on the court. Sweet!

BTW, I love the classic Air Jordan logo. Some things are timeless.

Here are my top ten winners at the NBA trade deadline.  The first five are Talent Winners; they upgraded their squad for the stretch run.  The second five are the Cap Winners, they downgraded talent or mortgaged their future via deals which lowered their payroll and will help with the pursuit of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, or other top-tier free agents. Continue Reading