FanHouse TV: NBA Tip-Off 08

There's nothing I enjoy more than trudging my way through pouring rain to huddle under a small tent with people I don't know to wait to speak with people who, as a general rule, want nothing to do with me. But I hold my commitment to FanHouse with too much gravity to stay safe in a warm (dry) bed, so I made the trek to New York City's Union Square for the NBA Tip-Off 08 presented by KIA Motors Basketball Celebration on Tuesday and, with the exception of the weather (and maybe David Stern), it wasn't a disappointment.

Video, and some details, after the jump.

On hand were a smattering of legends, including Kareem and Scottie Pippen, who were escorted along with Stern as security guards herded my fellow reporters and I to the side. Former Knick John Starks showed up as well, but with less pomp and circumstance. I watched from the safety of the tent as the poor guy wandered around with an umbrella trying to find where he was supposed to sign autographs.

Spike Lee also signed some 'graphs, which makes sense. I assume more people went to Knicks games last year to catch a glimpse of him than to watch the games themselves. And even though I didn't get to interview him, he did ask me for the time [twice: 4:02 pm EST and 4:17 pm EST].

While I didn't get to speak with everyone I'd hoped to, I did get a hold of Pippen and Knicks forward Malik Rose, both of whom are in the video below (a masterpiece of videography, I might add. You try interviewing a giant from a foot away while holding your hand back to videotape it. Webby's here I come!).