Joel Kimmel, that is, a Brooklyn based illustrator/painter currently toiling on a series of basketball portraits. Some of ’em more provocative, than others, as Kimmel explains to And One‘s Carolyn :

Q. Your NBA portrait series is unique. I love the explanation for each photo (on Etsy) and the fact that you make a point to have each player in a setting peculiar to their personal story. Stephon Marbury is a good example. In your words:

A: I wanted to portray him back in his hometown of Coney Island on an old sideshow-style poster.

The poster advertises Starbury as Coney Island’s finest (he has a tattoo stating the same), but the boardwalk is completely empty, and maybe the curtain is closing – as if the once popular attraction is shutting down.