Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 at 3:38 pm  |  72 responses

NBA JAM Remix

What would today’s tandems look like?

by Brad Graham

ESPN’s Jon Robinson recently reported that EA Sports have announced they’ll be releasing (an updated version) of the ’93 Midway arcade classic NBA Jam – only this time it’s be exclusively available for everyone’s (new) favorite console, the Nintendo Wii.

Not only does NBA Jam rank as the greatest two-on-two video game ever (note: not an opinion, it’s fact. Sorry Arch Rivals fans), it apparently still holds the record for most monLamar Odom, Kobe Bryant, Rashard Lewis & Dwight Howardey earned (by a coin-op) collecting a $1 billion. Even for ’93, when Wreckx-N-Effect had us shaking rumps, Jurassic Park was king of the cinema and Chris Webber was the hottest player on the market, that’s impressive. Come to think of it, that’s more than a fistful of quarters. Crazy stuff right? Oh, so that’s how David Stern found the money to start the WNBA.

It’s been reported that Mark Turmell, one of Jam’s creators, has been brought back (from the dead) to consult on EA’s “updated” version. It’s still unclear whether or not the game will include kick ass characteristics of the original version like hidden characters, the iconic commentary and Fatalities (wait, wrong game). For those who grew up on Jam, this is a biggie. Kind of like a Wu-Tang Clan reunion – it only works if you have all the pieces, otherwise what’s the f**king point?

During my research, further mysticism (to Jam) was added thanks to the impossible to find original arcade machine upgrades that reportedly feature both Michael Jordan and Gary Payton (both where exclusions from the original release because of personal licensing concerns). What, MJ elected to be excluded because he didn’t want anybody to make a Benjamin from his image? That doesn’t sound like Jordan, oh wait… anyways, MJ and GP have since made their way onto select arcade machines… Don’t worry, I’ve looked on eBay for one, no luck. Doesn’t Santa owe me one? More so, this MJ/GP info could have really helped in ’93, you know, when my life depended on ruling the local arcade and girls where only something you cared about once you reached into youJames Worthy & Vlade Divacr pocket and released you had run out of change. Those were the days…

For those interested, the full ESPN Jam article (and interview with Turnell), can be found here and here. Other useful NBA Jam information (and lets face it, whenever Jam is concerned, there is no other kind) can be found here and here.

With the news of an updated version of NBA Jam on the horizon, it’s only fitting to roll out a top shelf serving of tandems that this blogger would like to see included and just because I know you want it, I’ve included the original ’93 duos (when applicable because back then, there were only 27 NBA franchises).

ATLANTIC DIVISION

New York Knicks
2010: David Lee / Nate Robinson
1993: Patrick Ewing / Charles Oakley

New Jersey Nets
2010: Devin Harris / Brook Lopez
1993: Derrick Coleman / Drazen Petrovic

Philadelphia 76ers
2010: Andre Iguodala / Allen Iverson
1993: Hersey Hawkins / Jeff Hornacek

Boston Celtics
2010: Kevin Garnett / Paul Pierce
1993: Reggie Lewis / Kevin McHale

Toronto Raptors
2010: Jose Calderon / Chris Bosh
1993: -

CENTRAL DIVISION

Milwaukee Bucks
2010: Andrew Bogut / Brandon Jennings
1993: Brad Lohus / Blue Edwards

Chicago Bulls
2010: Joakim Noah / Derrick Rose
1993: Scottie Pippen / Horace Grant

Cleveland Cavaliers
2010: LeBron James / Shaquille O’Neal
1993: Mark Price / Brad Daughtery

Detroit Pistons
2010: Rip Hamilton / Ben Wallace
1993: Isiah Thomas / Bill Laimbeer

Indiana Pacers
2010: Danny Granger / Troy Murphy
1993: Reggie Miller / Detlef Schrempf

SOUTHEAST DIVISION

Orlando Magic
2010: Vince Carter / Dwight Howard
1993: Shaquille O’Neal / Scott Skiles

Miami Heat
2010: Dwyane Wade / Michael Beasley
1993: Rony Seikaly / Glen Rice

Washington Wizards
2010: Gilbert Arenas / Antawn Jamison
1993: Tom Gugilotta / Harvey Grant

Charlotte Bobcats
2010: Gerald Wallace / Raymond Felton
1993: -

Atlanta Hawks
2010: Joe Johnson / Josh Smith
1993: Dominique Wilkins / Stacey Augmon

NORTHWEST DIVISION

Denver Nuggets
2010: Carmelo Anthony / Chauncey Billups
1993: Dikembe Mutombo / LaPhonso Ellis

Utah Jazz
2010: Carlos Boozer / Deron Williams
1993: Karl Malone / John Stockton

Minnesota Timberwolves
2010: Kevin Love / Al Jefferson
1993: Christian Laettner / Chuck Person

Portland Trail Blazers
2010: Greg Oden / Brandon Roy
1993: Clyde Drexler / Terry Porter

Oklahoma City Thunder
2010: Kevin Durant / Jeff Green
1993: Shawn Kemp / Benoit Benjamin

PACIFIC DIVISION

Los Angeles Lakers
2010: Kobe Bryant / Pau Gasol
1993: Vlade Divac / James Worthy

Los Angeles Clippers
2010: Baron Davis / Blake Griffin
1993: Danny Manning / Ron Harper

Phoenix Suns
2010: Steve Nash / Amar’e Stoudemire
1993: Charles Barkley / Dan Majerle

Golden State Warriors
2010: Monta Ellis / Corey Maggette
1993: Tim Hardaway / Chris Mullin

Sacramento Kings
2010: Tyreke Evans / Kevin Martin
1993: Wayman Tisdale / Spud Webb

SOUTHWEST DIVISION

Houston Rockets
2010: Trevor Ariza / Shane Battier
1993: Hakeem Olajuwon / Kenny Smith

San Antonio Spurs
2010: Tony Parker / Tim Duncan
1993: David Robinson / Sean Elliott

Dallas Mavericks
2010: Jason Terry / Dirk Nowitzki
1993: Derek Harper / Mike Iuzzolino

New Orleans Hornets
2010: Peja Stokajovic / Chris Paul
1993: Larry Johnson / Kendal Gill

Memphis Grizzlies
2010: Rudy Gay / OJ Mayo
1993: -

My picks (remembering this is solely for video game purposes)…

Best new school duo: Vince Carter / Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)
Silver: Baron Davis / Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
Bronze: Andre Iguodala / Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers)

Best old school duo: Dominique Wilkins / Stacy Augmon (Atlanta Hawks)
Silver: Charles Barkley / Dan Majerle (Phoenix Suns)
Bronze: Dikembe Mutombo / LaPhonso Ellis (Denver Nuggets)

Looking through these tandems, I lust for the ’93 arcade Kenny Smith more than ever – just thinking about being able to play as either Brad Lohus/Blue Edwards or Tom Gugliotta/Harvey Grant is making my mouth water, yeah right. Although it would be pretty cool to have a video game where you match up Reggie Lewis on Drazen Petrovic or Wayman Tisdale on the now deceased Seattle SuperSonics. I guess, if nothing else, these athletes/franchises will live forever through Jam (I think I just started to cry). Looking over the rosters, it’s interesting how certain teams have altered their states completely (think Houston, Chicago and Denver) while others are simply mirrored version of their ’93 self’s (think Utah, Indiana and Boston).

Note: If NBA Jam were created today, Greg Oden would be the machine that’s being repaired every time you and your buddy’s want to play and Gilbert Arenas would be the faulty arcade machine that is chewing up everyone’s money… And for those who are interested, no, Rony Seikaly’s ex-wife was never included in any version of the game.

Brad Graham’s a hoop culture aficionado attempting to flee the once proud Australian basketball scene. He can be reached via email at brad.graham.creative@gmail.com.

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  • Ryne Nelson Posted: Jan.6 at 3:44 pm
    I can’t wait for this game, though some people are going to be angry it’s exclusively for Wii (not a problem for me!). I played the later home version for SNES, which didn’t have Jordan, Payton or Charles Barkley and Shaq. It was all good, though. Played with KJ and Danny Manning. Great times!

  • Ryne Nelson Posted: Jan.6 at 3:46 pm
    … oh, and the ‘later’ version was Tournament Edition. So fresh.

  • Hussman25 Posted: Jan.6 at 3:48 pm
    I am very excited to see how this comes out… (I wrote about this on my FB status and most of my friends *even my wife* was hype about this!) Personally tho, the best combo on the game was in Charlotte w/ Larry Johnson and Not Kendal Gill, but ZO! I made many adults loose money and kick the machine wit that combo… LOL! Wii got it right with this and making it exclusively got the Wii is xtra nice! (Sony and Microsoft will be pi**ed with they see the numbers this will do! Young kids who never played and old-heads like me are gonna love this!)

  • niQ Posted: Jan.6 at 4:12 pm
    YESSS! I had the SNES version of NBA JAM. I even got the similar NBA HANGTIME. Both were awesome back in the day. But I think part of why I liked it so much was the fact you could push people around. Good ol days. LLOL

  • LA Huey Posted: Jan.6 at 4:27 pm
    They’ll find a way to make it available for other systems. Unless its made by Sony, Nintendo, Microsoft, nothing ever stays “exclusive”.

  • Pve84 Posted: Jan.6 at 4:29 pm
    Ha. Great write up. I’ll dust off the Wii for this.

  • Wayno Posted: Jan.6 at 4:39 pm
    I used to own with Terry Porter and Clyde Drexler…I’d love the Howard and Dwight combo now though…that’s solid NBA JAM material.

  • ENDS Posted: Jan.6 at 5:01 pm
    Howard and Dwight? it was all abou that pippen and grant they should have a mode to play in the old format instead of just digitizing everything. I had thought about this way back. I have the arcade cabinet at the crib

  • UnRel Posted: Jan.6 at 5:10 pm
    kemp and benoit were solid.. remember the hidden tank game?.. all four joysticks had to be pulled down and all 12 (or so) buttons had to be pressed.. all at the same time.. ya’ll don’t know about that.. huh?

  • UnRel Posted: Jan.6 at 5:21 pm
    and i’d have Yao on the rockets.. i’d love to see his 7’6″ ass do spins in the air..

  • UnRel Posted: Jan.6 at 5:21 pm
    and don’t get me started on seeing Joakim Noah on ‘big head mode’

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Jan.6 at 5:26 pm
    NBA Showtime?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Jan.6 at 5:26 pm
    That’s my favorite oldschool NBA jam.

  • data187 Posted: Jan.6 at 5:29 pm
    i think they should have multiple players for each team to chose from. for example, it would be great to choose from payton, kemp, perkins and mcmillian on the 93 sonics team. or imagine the 93 knicks teams with ewing, starks, oakley, and mason.

  • Gerard Himself Posted: Jan.6 at 5:54 pm
    don’t you think a new version would be almost the same as the NBA Street series? I’m not sure about a new NBA Jam.

  • davidR Posted: Jan.6 at 6:00 pm
    “Wayman Tisdale on the now deceased Seattle SuperSonics.” crazy sentence. RIP to both parties

  • albie1kenobi Posted: Jan.6 at 6:03 pm
    Jeff Horney was still a 6er as late as 93? i thought he’s played with malonetostockton for years!
    btw, it’s disheartening to see shawn kemp as the 93 version of OKC thunder. sigh.

  • davidR Posted: Jan.6 at 6:04 pm
    nba street was fun, but it’s different from jam cause the focus is on pulling moves to build your gamebreaker meter. man i’m hyped for this game! i hope they keep the game simple by not adding a bunch of streetball moves

  • [...] posted here:  SLAM ONLINE | » NBA JAM Remix By admin | category: nba | tags: after-the-hoopster, alien-force, arcade-classic, gilbert, [...]

  • Rome Posted: Jan.6 at 6:15 pm
    1993: Brad Lohus / Blue Edwards WOW

  • d.Y. Posted: Jan.6 at 6:18 pm
    Great duos, but I would take Russel Westbrook over Green. I used to be unstoppable with Dream for 3 from the near corner.

  • Rome Posted: Jan.6 at 6:23 pm
    No one could beat me with Chris Mullin and Hardaway for GSW!!! Was banned by my friends from using them as it was deemed unfair…lol

  • Rome Posted: Jan.6 at 6:34 pm
    From the article!!!
    “The Pippen Jinx
    Did Scottie Pippen’s ratings really drop when he played certain teams or was I just the least clutch shooter every time I played Detroit? “It’s true, but only when the Bulls played the Pistons,” explained Turmell. “If there was a close game and anyone on the Bulls took a last-second shot, we wrote special code in the game so that they would average out to be bricks. There was the big competition back in the day between the Pistons and the Bulls, and since I was always a big Pistons fan, that was my opportunity to level the playing field.” As a HUGE Pistons fan, Mark Turmell, I thank you!!!

  • Wayno Posted: Jan.6 at 7:13 pm
    oops, I meant Vince and Dwight…long day…

  • thesubwayconnection Posted: Jan.6 at 8:03 pm
    My friend still has Tournament Edition and a working Sega Genesis. We bust it out from time to time.

  • Largo Posted: Jan.6 at 9:25 pm
    retrouprising.com play all day.

  • SLAM ONLINE | » Hot Topics Posted: Jan.6 at 10:07 pm
    [...] NBA Jams is Back [...]

  • michael scorn Posted: Jan.6 at 10:34 pm
    I always played as Golden State and just shot threes all day from the top corner with Mullin and Hardaway.
    I also remember putting in the codes for tournament edition so I could dunk from full court with fire coming out of my ass.

  • Sopas Posted: Jan.6 at 11:57 pm
    What happened to the Stockton/Malone duo?? And if there was a 3 0n 3 option then it’d even more awesome.

  • Joel O's Posted: Jan.7 at 12:03 am
    Zeke was UNSTOPPABLE in Nba Jam. So quick and he never ever misses.

  • Nick Gibson Posted: Jan.7 at 12:04 am
    Petrovic and D-Coles…fie.

  • Joel O's Posted: Jan.7 at 12:04 am
    “HE’S ON FIRE!!!”

  • Logues Posted: Jan.7 at 12:05 am
    my fav was nba live 95 for sega, everytime u hit a three u hear the announcer say THREE! and shawn kemp doing a 720 and pointing/shakin his head haha classic, also i wish on these new nba games like 2k10 u could go back and play seasons with teams from the 90s

  • litetitan Posted: Jan.7 at 12:22 am
    the duo that had the best partners:
    .
    Seikaly and Rice.

  • litetitan Posted: Jan.7 at 12:23 am
    @Logues. I also loved NBALive 95!

  • litetitan Posted: Jan.7 at 12:24 am
    Is it the shoes!!?!?
    Boomshakalaka!
    Fingeroll!
    He’s heating up!
    From Down Town!
    ….
    I wish the modern day commentary was like this for live games.

  • litetitan Posted: Jan.7 at 12:25 am
    litetitan Posted: Jan.7 at 12:22 am
    the duo that had the best partners:
    .
    Seikaly and Rice.
    ____
    actually there is a new entrant: Jidd and Jackson when they BOTH had Toni Braxton.
    O_o

  • DMC14 Posted: Jan.7 at 1:53 am
    TE gave you 3 people to choose from Suns – Barkley, KJ and Dan Marjle (spelled it wrong leave me alone). And i dominated the local machine.

  • Yesse Posted: Jan.7 at 2:21 am
    This should be cool.There came an arcade game for Xbox360 and it was just like NBA Jam, except it was 3-on-3.I remember playing Nba Jam on a PS2 and it was awesome!

  • NJ4Life Posted: Jan.7 at 3:14 am
    Damn. This is 7 years too late. I’d have loved to run the court with JKidd and KMart. here’s hoping an xbox version is released.

  • jdn41 Posted: Jan.7 at 3:49 am
    all the players retired except shaq and he would still be a starting…man is he old

  • litetitan Posted: Jan.7 at 7:24 am
    Mike Iuzzolino!!! The original maverick player that wore number 13!

  • Michael Posted: Jan.7 at 8:33 am
    schrempf and miller unbeatable with miller sitting in the corner waiting for the late kick off and drainign the three (i thought smits or dale davis was an option too??)

  • Boing Dynasty Posted: Jan.7 at 9:58 am
    JJ and J Smooov > All 3 of your new school picks.
    On the sixers its Thad Young over AI. And it should be Westbrook over Green on OKC. And i dunno about yall but my game definetly had GP/Kemp for the sonics.

  • C U Next Tuesday Posted: Jan.7 at 10:18 am
    Tell me when College Hoops 2k comes back thenn ill be excited

  • vmcb Posted: Jan.7 at 10:36 am
    BOOM SHAKA-LAKA!!!!!

  • Slick Nick Da Ruler Posted: Jan.7 at 10:38 am
    Boom shaka laka!

  • Gerard Himself Posted: Jan.7 at 12:44 pm
    sometimes the games that are most fun are the games that are the easiest to pick up. I can probably this game with friends who are not interested in basketball at all (all of my friends except 1) and have some fun with it. A simple cool game. Let’s bring it on. I already thought about getting a PS3 this year because of the game Red Dead Redemption, and now this is coming out… could be a lot of fun!

  • Daunte Posted: Jan.7 at 1:09 pm
    People used to always lie and say that you could unlock Jordan on the game. Anybody else remember that lol

  • 360vue Posted: Jan.7 at 1:23 pm
    NBA Jam was filth. Got it when they released a game in 98 I used to play Kukoc and Pippen, they walked everyone!

  • jumpman3224 Posted: Jan.7 at 1:32 pm
    I’d like to see the ability to play original squads versus new or mix and match players. Kobe and Big Game James, LBJ and Mark Price, Grandmama and CP3

  • nbk Posted: Jan.7 at 1:36 pm
    Still waitin for a rerelease of showtime

  • 6marjons Posted: Jan.7 at 2:54 pm
    this was the GREATEST game ever created, please please please please please bring it back.
    i remember playing it and never fully understanding why jordan wasn’t with the bulls, but if he’s in this new one that would make up for it (hidden characters anyone? BOO YA!)
    and on the wii? damn life is soooo good right now

  • doyouwantmore Posted: Jan.7 at 4:20 pm
    I just realized how good Denver could be right now. Weird. I’d even go so far as to call them this year’s Orlando Magic.

  • Mr. Cook Up Posted: Jan.7 at 4:41 pm
    As i remember Petrovic wasn’t on the Nets in NBA Jam, it was Kenny Anderson instead.

  • pl Posted: Jan.7 at 9:54 pm
    undefeated with timmy hardaway and chris mullin. those old school duos are wack none of them would make my top 5 – how you forget LJ and Zo with their ridiculous 3pt ratings?

  • Gerard Himself Posted: Jan.7 at 11:14 pm
    Crap, I forgot it’s a Wii game. I don’t have a Wii, nor do I plan on buying one. I’m not a Wii fan.

  • O Posted: Jan.7 at 11:47 pm
    Don’t forget that in the arcade if your pressed select you’d be able to pick a few different characters. Knicks had Ewing, Oakley, Starks and Mason. You just had to flip em around to whatever duo you wanted. I hope the new one gives you a choice of 3-4 different players too. There was nothing like when the ball was on fire. Whew! Can’t wait.

  • Name (required) Posted: Jan.8 at 1:47 am
    Wow! Just the other day I found my old Nintendo 64 and have been playing NBA Hangtime nonstop. Was NBA Jam an earlier version of Hangtime ?

  • FLUD Posted: Jan.8 at 7:42 am
    That’s what I’m ‘dalkin about! Great write, makin’ my head explode with b.ball thoughts and pics and memories. WOOOOOOO!!

  • Mansonovic Posted: Jan.8 at 10:41 am
    It was the Hornets and Muggsy/LJ all day, every day.

  • spock Posted: Jan.8 at 11:13 am
    used to have this in snes. Remember that dinosaur? REX…. who will spot up from anywhere and drain it? a little slow though always on fire…. partner him with pippen…. then you will never lose. Barkley and Dan majerle is the shit.

  • spock Posted: Jan.8 at 11:13 am
    used to have this in snes. Remember that dinosaur? REX…. who will spot up from anywhere and drain it? a little slow though always on fire…. partner him with pippen…. then you will never lose. Barkley and Dan majerle is the bomb.

  • RetepAdam Posted: Jan.14 at 4:09 pm
    I need to have my Genesis shipped to school so I can fire up some TE.

  • JL Posted: Jan.14 at 7:07 pm
    I hope they are making it in the TE edition.

  • k Posted: Jan.14 at 10:34 pm
    Greg Oden over LaMarcus Aldridge?

  • [...] For those interested, you can also read my NBA JAM Remix selections here. [...]

  • [...] For those interest, you can also read my NBA JAM Remix selections here. [...]

  • [...] For those interested, you can also read my NBA JAM Remix selections here. [...]

  • Marc Posted: Feb.24 at 2:48 am
    wtf…never heard of Mike Iuzzolino. Brad Lohus and Blue Edwards i’ve heard of (there’s a chance i still own their trading cards), just didnt know they were in the original Jam. cool list, though.

  • [...] For those interested, you can also read my NBA JAM Remix selections here. [...]

  • arthur Posted: Mar.23 at 11:26 pm
    I remember the first one, I was about 16 years old then, I played one of the guys that made the game, it was at the metrodome, thats where they was having the all-star game at, he beat me the first time by 2 on the supernintedo, then i played him on the sega and i beat him by 5, they gave me a sega, controllers for the supernintedo, and the game, so i had it 4 months before anybody ever had it, I went on and played in tournaments and went underfeated, I was so good I beat the computer 77-0, i think i still might have the pictures at my mom house, my record was like 1000-6, I was just amazing, if this game come out, i would like to play the guy that made it one more time,he was from california, well i cant wait

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