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…
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…
Carmelo Anthony has done it all in his basketball career. An NCAA champion with the Syracuse Orange in 2003, ‘Melo’ is a 10-time NBA All-Star and scoring champion (2013), as well as a multi-time Olympic gold medalist. Critics, however, have always been quick to point out his ball-stopping style of play. Another common notion is that…
I was too young to appreciate the 1992 USA Olympic Men’s Basketball Dream Team. And although I was old enough to enjoy the 1996 and 2000 American gold medalists, I took their success for granted. It wasn’t until the disappointment of the 2004 bronze and the ensuing 2008 “Redeem Team” campaign that I understood the…
I had watched several NBA Drafts before this. But there was something special to me, and to a lot of people, about the 2003 version. It changed the way I view the draft as well as the way I look at prospects and their NBA potential. It was also a big part of the reason…
We’re rounding the corner from the NBA All-Star Break and have less than two months from the playoffs. In the Western Conference, there’s a multi-team race for the final postseason spot that figures to go down to the wire. To prepare you for the final run of the regular season, I’m unveiling a scouting report…
Before the first game of the season, I threw out 50 fairly bold predictions for the NBA season, all of which were rooted in optimism and belief. As always, one subtle action can change how the dominos fall, whether it’s an injury (here’s looking at you, Stephen Curry) or the unforeseen ascension of talent. We’re…
Fans and local media consider the New York Knicks an iconic franchise, synonymous of what’s best about the NBA. For the last 20 years, they’ve talked (emptily) about reclaiming their rightful mantle. But, aside from some fuzzy memories, was the organization ever that great? Not really. The Knicks, 46 years and counting since their last…
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss Carmelo Anthony winning Player of the Week, dive into the Los Angeles Lakers’ upcoming stretch and discuss whether it’s time to be worried about the Utah Jazz or San Antonio Spurs. Was Melo’s Player of the Week award undeserved compared…
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss Carmelo Anthony signing with the Portland Trail Blazers, Ben Simmons hitting a three-pointer (!) and what Nikola Vucevic’s ankle injury means for the Orlando Magic. Can Carmelo help the Blazers turn their disappointing season around? If Simmons begins to regularly…
