Biles, Basketball, and the Game We Never See
Simone Biles sat at the press conference table, not alone, but with her teammates by her side. The greatest gymnast the world has ever seen had just withdrawn from the Team All-Around Final in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games out of concern for her mental health. In her absence, the [...]
Isaiah Thomas and the Uncertainty of Hard Work
It had been a long day for Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas. Then again, it had been a very long year, the latest in a career he hoped would continue to grow longer. Earlier in the evening on August 30, 2017, Thomas had been traded from the Boston Celtics, the [...]
Tyrese Maxey is Blossoming in the Light
The Philadelphia 76ers began the season searching for optimism. After an offseason of drama surrounding star Ben Simmons, Philadelphia tipped off their opening night matchup without the former All-Star on the court, and the general attitude surrounding the team boiled down to a single assumption: until Simmons returned or the [...]
When Whole, the Nets are Nearly Unbeatable– but that may Never Come to Pass
In sports, one of the difficult tragedies to observe is that of wasted potential. A player losing what looked to be a promising career to injuries, or a solid team never having the pieces they need to put together a championship run. These occurrences are common-- heartbreaking, but common. Less [...]
Becky Hammon: Robbed By Precedent
As yet another year of NBA coaching vacancies are filled, a refrain that has become hauntingly familiar in the sport quiets down once again: “Who is going to hire Becky Hammon?" Hammon, 44, is a female assistant coach for the San Antonio Spurs and has filled that role since 2014. [...]
The Phoenix Suns Did Not Arrive Here By Accident
For many years, the most exciting day of the NBA season for the fanbase of the Phoenix Suns was one during which their team did not play basketball. One where lottery balls took precedence over basketball. One where the team could not be blamed for their failure. On those days [...]