Celtics captain Paul Pierce has enjoyed his extended offseason thus far. “The Truth” showed he can bluff with the best of them at the main event of the 2011 World Series of Poker, lasting 17 hours and 40 minutes on the felt, according to the ESPN Poker Blog.

This begs the question: What else are NBA players doing during the lockout? Who is making the best (or worst) use of the extra time? Find out in the list below.

10. McGee stays cool during the summer

Wizards center JaVale McGee showcased his dunking ability last year, throwing down two balls into two hoops and three into one, on separate attempts. Now, he’s showing off his planking ability.

9. J-Rich hits the greens

Free agent swingman Jason Richardson has been spending time on the golf course. The former Arthur High School star hosts an annual charity tournament that has raised $23,000 for the United Way over seven years. Richardson hopes to eclipse the $30,000 mark this year, and also find a team to play for.

8. Bye, bye, Kurt Rambis

Though the Timberwolves are not a player, per se, they made good use of the lockout by firing head coach Kurt Rambis. Rambis was 32-132 in two seasons in Minnesota and led the Wolves to a league-worst 17-65 mark in 2011.

7. B-Easy gets wheezy

Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley was caught with 16.2 grams of marijuana after being pulled over for going 84 mph on a 65 mph road, according to KARE11.com. It’s an unlikely combination of petty misdemeanors, and one would expect Beasley to be going 20 below the speed limit rather than above it. With multiple marijuana issues in the past (including a hastily posted Twitter pic shown below), Beasley should expect a hefty fine from NBA Commissioner David Stern once the lockout is lifted.

6. Nate headed to the gridiron?

Thunder guard Nate Robinson is considering playing in the NFL (assuming there is a season), according to SlamOnline.com. The former Celtic was recruited to play football by the University of Washington. After one impressive season for the Huskies, he decided to focus on the hardcourt.

5. D-Wade seeking employment

After the lockout began, Heat guard Dwyane Wade tweeted “Any1 hiring?” His onetime employer, KFC, saw that and sent him a letter, offering him his job back, according to TMZ. Though Wade hasn’t taken up KFC on this offer yet, be sure to take a good look around the next time you’re in a KFC, just in case. You may be able to go tell your friends you saw Wade make bucket after bucket.

4. Parker keeping Spurs young

Spurs guard Tony Parker had been the subject of trade rumors before guard George Hill was shipped off to the Pacers. Now, the 10-year veteran is doing what he can to keep a veteran San Antonio team youthful. Most recently, TMZ spotted the Frenchman flying a jet pack across the Mediterranean Sea.

3. Delonte raps again

Many Celtics fans have heard Delonte West‘s “Hot Sauce In My Bag” rap. In his most recent YouTube appearance, West freestyles over Wiz Khalifa.

2. Pierce gambles his way to Day 2 of WSOP

After posting the $10,000 entry fee, Pierce increased his chip count to 63,000 heading into Day 2 on Monday but was knocked out with just 20 minutes to go in Level 9. He wore green and white footwear and rocked his 2008 NBA championship ring throughout the tournament.

1. Artest changes name to Metta World Peace

Lakers forward Ron Artest had to find some way to make headline news, and to be honest, it wasn’t very original. Artest filed paperwork to change his name to Metta World Peace. Coming from someone with such a violent background (see video below), this makes about as much sense as most of his actions.

4 Comments for “LEEInks List: Best uses of the NBA lockout”

1. Blake Monroe Says:
   July 18th, 2011 at 3:10 am

   Aha, did you happen to catch the NBA Lockout commercial, hilarious! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51rdAN0Y2xI

2. Cary Roy Says:
   July 18th, 2011 at 3:12 am

   In the midst of this NBA Lockout various NBA and NFL players have come together to make this funny video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51rdAN0Y2xI

3. Brett Cote Says:
   July 18th, 2011 at 3:14 am

   lol, did you happen to see the NBA Lockout commercial, hilarious! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=51rdAN0Y2xI

4. franchise for pita pit Says:
   September 11th, 2011 at 8:26 pm

   you for making something price reading.

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