Today, it is called “tanking.” In the early 1950s, we had an enormous point-shaving, or “dumping,” scandal involving a dozen major colleges in New York City and around the country. In recent years, thanks to people like Sam Hinkie — one of the analytic gurus — we have tanking (losing unashamedly and, often, intentionally) to […]
For the owners, sponsors and their friends, it was apparently entertaining. For anyone who truly loves the actual game of basketball – definitely not a part of the multi-event circus at New Orleans – the weekend was an embarrassing mess.
The made-for-TV event was moved out of Charlotte because North Carolinians cannot figure out who is […]
Phoenix Suns are eyeing Jaylen Brown, Cal’s Pac-12 Freshman of the Year, as a candidate for their No. 4 pick. An athletic 6-foot-7, 225-pounder, the 19-year-old’s physique has the Analytics drooling. He talks, too: “I think having a high level of intelligence translates right to the basketball court. I play chess all the time. I […]
“It’s really annoying for me,” Stephen Curry said before a Cleveland-Golden State final — billed as King James Vs. Baby Face Assassin. “That’s not what I’m playing for, to be the face of the NBA or to be this or that or to take LeBron’s throne or whatever. You know, I’m trying to chase rings, […]
When Oklahoma City was leading the semi-final series, 3 games to 1, it didn’t take the smart guys on TV long to begin making Curry/ Westbrook comparisons. No matter the outcome of Monday’s finale, the closing minutes of Game 6 is all you need to know about Westbrook. Let me add: the difference between Westbrook […]
Reading Sam Hinkie’s THIRTEEN-page resignation letter http://bit.ly/1VPk1X7 left me (almost) speechless. After reading it the second time, I have come to a conclusion: the guy could qualify as certifiable.
So … all you Hinkie apologists, stop with the making excuses and get the man some help!
I might add, after many years in the business, anayltics need to […]
Lest anyone get the idea wearing the NBA crown is an easy thing, remember:
There have been 18 expansion teams … but only eight of those franchises have won titles, 16 of them in total. Three of the eight franchises have won multiple titles (Chicago 6, Miami 3, Houston, nee San Diego, 2).
There were four ABA […]
Al Bianchi, much like the Phoenix Suns, spent 47 seasons in the NBA without celebrating a championship.
But I do have my own ring, so there!***
Some are concerned Alex Len – maybe the Suns’ most valuable piece – is having trouble shooting. I dunno if this relates to his “mentor,” Tyson Chandler, having played 15 years in the league with no other offensive moves than a dunk shot and a put-back. But it makes sense just to give Len some […]
“Captain of the team” Robert Sarver, as the apologetic owner referred to himself in Sunday’s disquieting interview with the Arizona Republic’s basketball writer, said he feels better about where the Phoenix Suns are than at any other point in the past 18 months.
And then he said GM Robert McDonough “definitely” will keep his job, despite […]