What matters in an NBA Playoff series when momentum and homecourt advantage no longer hold as much weight? Which teams in the Eastern Conference want to avoid matching up against one another? Which Western Conference squads have a chance of forcing a play-in series between the No. 8 and 9 seeds, and who could be…
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…
Only two words describe why Illinois sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu returned to the Fighting Illini this season: unfinished business. Being a Chicago native from Morgan Park, Dosunmu’s reason for staying home was to help coach Brad Underwood turn the university’s basketball program around. “I just want to bring good days back for basketball at Illinois, and…
The past couple of weeks have seen some contenders unravel themselves (looking at you, Houston Rockets, losers of 3 straight) while others have seemingly bolstered themselves with key late-season pickups. The Los Angeles Lakers—with their additions of Markieff Morris and Dion Waiters—and L.A. Clippers (via Marcus Morris, Reggie Jackson and Joakim Noah) all certainly qualify. …
The last time Team USA played in an international tournament was an embarrassment. The inaugural FIBA World Cup took place in China this past summer and, after taking home the gold in the previous five events, the Americans finished seventh. They lost back-to-back games against France and Serbia to close out the tournament. It was…
Bam Adebayo has emerged as a versatile All-Star for the Miami Heat in his third NBA campaign. The former Kentucky forward has become an especially tenacious rebounder, elite multi-positional defender and explosive offensive weapon this season. His multifaceted skills and elite physical tools have been crucial to the club’s resurgence toward the top of the…
From a young age, basketball players are taught not to get beat backdoor and give up layups, yet this still happens at the highest levels because the art of cutting is emphasized just as heavily. A few months ago, I published an article here regarding The Anatomy of a Backdoor Set, detailing all the necessary…
We like to get granular here at TBW, digging into the players and trends that help shape the NBA, WNBA, eSports and FIBA games we love so much. We also believe that irresponsible, clickbaity speculation is both out of control over the past few years and also not helping the game in the long run.…
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…
Never underestimate the value of a great backup point guard. Having a reliable floor general to lead the second unit—or step into a starting role when necessary—is a luxury most NBA teams don’t have. At first glance, the Philadelphia 76ers have questionable depth at point guard, but that shouldn’t be a problem for this title…
