Even since last week’s Part 1 of our end-of-season grades, there have been rumblings that a second bubble will take place (in Chicago) for the NBA’s worst eight teams. With details yet to emerge, it only seems appropriate to continue reviewing the performance of those franchises. Sure, not even receiving an invite to Orlando…
From Opinion
NBA End-of-Season Grades: Part 1
The season looks set to continue for 22 of the NBA’s 30 franchises, but competitive play is over for the eight that had zero chance of reaching the 2019-20 playoffs. Sure, not even receiving an invite to Orlando suggests that these teams’ end-of-season grades will be low, but for some, there is light at the…
NBA, WNBA Continue Fighting for Social Justice
George Floyd’s murder last month at the hand of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin appears to have jolted much of America’s collective conscience from an apathetic slumber. People of all ages, races and backgrounds have taken up their First Amendment rights of assembly to redress grievances—namely the extra-judicial killing of unarmed Black men by America’s…
The Remaining NBA Regular Season Will Have a Big Impact on These Teams
Anticipation for the NBA’s reboot might reach playoff levels of excitement immediately upon the regular season’s return on July 31. That’s because there is still a chance for several teams to reach post-season play. The play-in period will highlight how some franchises have plenty to gain beyond just reaching the playoffs. But for some that…
The NBA’s Hustle Leaders I’m Excited to Watch Again
I can feel that familiar rush of excitement coming back. The NBA is coming back, and I can’t wait to see real game action (not to mention, the playoffs!), even if it will be in a uniquely fan-less environment. Now I can zoom back in on the players I love watching the most. In an…
NBA G League Primed to Take Next Step
The NBA G League has steadily grown throughout the years and is primed to reach unprecedented levels in 2020-21. The league now boasts 28 team-affiliated franchises and a new elite talent squad featuring premiere young players who decide to bypass the NCAA’s rapidly outdated—and some might say, indentured servitude model—to receive better training and actual…
Meet Sarah Kustok: Basketball Lifer
Sarah Kustok has quickly become a fixture on Brooklyn Nets broadcasts with her quick wit and insightful analysis that stems from a career both playing and coaching the game. But Sarah’s path to broadcasting has also been as windingly diverse as her basketball background. She recently sat down with TBW’s Ray LeBov to discuss how…
Basketball Fans Must Express Their Support Beyond the Court
Sports have rightfully taken a backseat to the voices of many millions calling for social change. As demonstrations and protests continue after the horrific death of George Floyd, we are reminded by our black brothers and sisters that his is just one of so, so many lives extinguished by protected hatred in the United States.…
Meet Fran Fraschilla: From Coach’s Chair to Broadcast Booth
Sometimes, the path you’ve laid for your life takes an unexpected turn. And things are all the better for it. Fran Fraschilla has been a staple of ESPN’s basketball coverage at all levels for the past 18 years. But it all began as “life-long preparation” on the playgrounds in Brooklyn and then a successful journeyman’s…
It’s Time for Bold Experimentation in the NBA’s Return
As each day goes by, we appear closer to an NBA return. Over the weekend, the league’s resident bomb-droppers Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowksi both reported progress towards the securing of a neutral, safe site for return to play. While the nuts and bolts still need to be outlined, there are many avenues on the…