The hottest Basketball Substack posts right now

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Trick or Treat?

Knicks Film School • 714 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Tom Thibodeau is testing new substitution patterns and rotation strategies early in the Knicks' season. It shows they are trying to find what works best for the team.
  2. Karl-Anthony Towns' wrist injury could affect the team's lineup, and they might experiment with smaller lineups if he can't play.
  3. The Knicks are learning from each game and adjusting their playstyle, making the early part of the season a time for experimentation.

KAT's More Like It!

Knicks Film School • 833 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Karl-Anthony Towns had an amazing game, scoring 44 points and helping his team win. He showed he's still a top player in the league.
  2. New York made a strong comeback in the second half, especially with great plays from Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson. Their teamwork was key to securing the win.
  3. Josh Hart was crucial in the game with his hustle, grabbing 14 rebounds and making big plays. His defense and effort really helped the team during important moments.

Up & Down

Knicks Film School • 654 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks had a strong moment in their game with some effective plays, showing potential for improvement this season.
  2. Spacing on the court is crucial, as having an open lane allows players to make better moves and easier shots.
  3. Teamwork matters; players like Josh Hart played a key role in creating opportunities for others, showing how important passing and communication are.

Out of Whack

Knicks Film School • 813 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks struggled in their recent game, blowing a 13-point lead. This shows they still need to work on their offensive strategy.
  2. Key players like Karl-Anthony Towns didn't get enough shots during the game. Balancing shot attempts among players is crucial for success.
  3. Injuries and the losing stretch affected the team's performance late in the game. These moments highlight the importance of player health and teamwork.

It's the Little Things

Knicks Film School • 813 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks won because of teamwork, with four starters each scoring 20 points. This shows that success can come from everyone contributing, not just one standout player.
  2. Improving role players like Josh Hart and Mikal Bridges makes a big difference. Their ability to create opportunities and adapt helps the team play better together.
  3. The Knicks showed defensive improvement in their recent game. Solid defense is key to winning, and they need to keep building on that to stay competitive.
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That's More Like It

Knicks Film School • 1249 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks won their first game of the season against the Pacers, showing strong performance.
  2. It's important not to overreact to a single win, just like it was unwise to focus too much on the season's opening loss.
  3. A specific play might mark a significant moment for a player, suggesting changes in the team's future.

Turning the Page

Knicks Film School • 753 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks have a chance to improve after their last game against Boston. They need to focus on defeating teams that aren't as challenging as the Celtics.
  2. The discussion around the team's rotation is important now, especially since there are many games left to play this season.
  3. Analyzing their defense from the last game is key, as it was a major weakness that needs attention moving forward.

Death by 29 Cuts

Knicks Film School • 773 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks struggled in their opening game due to multiple defensive lapses, allowing the Celtics to score threes in several ways. These defensive issues were often caused by miscommunication or mistakes in execution.
  2. A lack of situational awareness cost the Knicks, leading to open shots for the Celtics after the Knicks failed to switch or cover properly. This shows the need for better communication on the court.
  3. Despite the disappointing loss, not all mistakes are worrying. Some missed plays will help the younger players learn, and there is hope for improvement as the season progresses.

Math Problems

Knicks Film School • 833 implied HN points • 23 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Celtics played really well, nearly breaking a record for the most three-pointers made in a game. Their shooting was impressive, even though they missed a lot towards the end.
  2. The Knicks struggled defensively, allowing the Celtics to score easily. Even when the Knicks had a good offensive moment, it didn't matter because they shot fewer threes than Boston.
  3. Some Knicks players stood out, like Deuce McBride and Jalen Brunson, but overall, it was a tough loss for New York.

Out of the Abyss

Knicks Film School • 952 implied HN points • 22 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks are starting a new basketball season tonight, which is exciting for fans after a long wait since their last important game.
  2. Several NBA players received contract extensions recently, highlighting the team's investments in their players for the future.
  3. The past years for the Knicks were tough, especially with bad trades that made the team's situation worse, but there's hope for improvement this season.

2024-25 Knicks Confidence Rankings

Knicks Film School • 753 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks are dealing with early injuries, particularly with Precious Achiuwa who will be out for a few weeks. This could change their lineup plans as they try to fill the gap.
  2. They have made some roster moves, waiving several players but may bring back some of them once players recover from injuries. They are also looking to save money on their salary cap.
  3. Some rookies on the team like Pacome Dadiet and Tyler Kolek have shown promise in preseason, which could lead to them getting more playing time as the regular season begins.

The Luol Deng Law

Freddie deBoer • 4084 implied HN points • 16 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Intentionally losing games and resting healthy stars for strategic reasons destroys fan trust and makes the product less enjoyable.
  2. Having good players who make a team competitive is better for fans than deliberately staying bad to chase draft picks, even if those players can’t single-handedly win a title.
  3. The league’s incentives are broken, so practical fixes (shorter season, removing protected picks, rethinking the draft) and a cultural shift away from ‘championship-or-nothing’ thinking are needed to restore competitive integrity.

Why I Hate Flopping

The Honest Broker • 8211 implied HN points • 21 Jan 26
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Flopping is now widespread in basketball, with players often falling theatrically to try to draw fouls.
  2. In earlier eras, theatrical flops were rare and would be mocked or rejected by teammates and fans.
  3. The old athletic ideal was to hide pain and get up like nothing happened to intimidate opponents and gain an advantage.

Last Man Standing?

Knicks Film School • 853 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks are facing uncertainty about their final player rotation spot just days before the season starts. There are many candidates, and this could change quickly, showing the team's depth challenges.
  2. Despite potential worries about the last roster spot, the team's starting lineup is strong. It might not matter much if the starters stay healthy, similar to last season's Celtics experience.
  3. Other teams are also struggling with roster questions as salary cap rules tighten. The Knicks, like many teams, need reliable backups to step up when starters are unavailable.

Youth Springs Eternal

Knicks Film School • 991 implied HN points • 16 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Landry Shamet got injured during a game, and it could be a big setback for him. His injury raises questions about his future on the team.
  2. The Knicks have some options regarding Shamet's contract, like waiving him or keeping him to see how he recovers. They need to decide quickly since the season is starting soon.
  3. Despite the injury, there were some bright spots in the game, especially from the rookies and some other players. The team's ball movement looked really good.

Behind the Numbers: A Deep Dive into 2025's Top International NBA Prospects (Part 1)

Chad Ford's NBA Big Board • 19 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Scouting international NBA prospects is tough because they often play less and face varying competition, making it hard to assess their true potential.
  2. Some young players, like Nolan Traore, show great promise but have mixed stats, indicating areas where they need to improve.
  3. The article highlights top players from Europe now, with plans to cover talents from Australia and China later, suggesting a strong international class for the next NBA draft.

And The '24-25 NBA Champion Will Be...

Knicks Film School • 654 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The NBA is seeing rising scoring trends, but this might change as the league is allowing more physical play. This could lead to lower scoring games in the upcoming season.
  2. There are discussions about adding players to teams, with specific names being considered for roster spots due to injuries and team needs.
  3. Former Knicks player Jamal Crawford will be joining the broadcast team, providing commentary for about ten games next season.

An Eventful Evening

Knicks Film School • 872 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Donte DiVincenzo had a tense moment with assistant coach Rick Brunson during the game, but it was all in the heat of competition. They both agreed to address it privately later.
  2. The Knicks won the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, though their shooting wasn't great. They made up for it by getting to the free-throw line often.
  3. The team is still figuring out how to best use its players, especially in the preseason. With more practice, their execution should improve as the regular season approaches.

Welcoming (Not So) Old Friends

Knicks Film School • 1051 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Julius Randle's journey with the Knicks has been full of ups and downs, but he played a huge role in turning the team's fortunes around. He went from being seen as an afterthought to an All-Star player.
  2. Despite his impressive stats and contribution to the team, Randle might not receive the love he deserves from fans. Many see him as a complex figure, and his departure has sparked mixed feelings among supporters.
  3. Randle's legacy in New York will be shaped by how the team continues to perform after his exit. His impact was significant, making him one of the most important Knicks, but fans will see how they remember him as time passes.

Getting a Glimpse

Knicks Film School • 853 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks had a strong performance in their preseason game against the Wizards, showing their potential even against a weak opponent.
  2. Jalen Brunson played exceptionally well, scoring 25 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns also stepped up with a double-double.
  3. The Knicks' defense looks tough this season, with their length being a significant factor in their game.

The Journey Begins

Knicks Film School • 1011 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks are starting a new season and had their first game with big hopes and changes. They're excited to see how the team plays together.
  2. There are some format changes to the newsletter, making it easier for readers to catch up on games. It will now include quick bullet points instead of long recaps.
  3. Patrick Ewing is back with the Knicks in a new role, and fans are hopeful about how this could help the team improve.

Top 5 Questions for the ‘24-25 Knicks

Knicks Film School • 535 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks have a strong chance to win the NBA Championship this season. They are healthy and have a great mix of skilled players.
  2. Rebounding will be a key focus for the team. With some player changes, it's essential to see who will step up to grab the boards.
  3. Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns could lead the team in rebounds. They both have a good track record, so expectations are high.

Who Should be the Fifth Starter?

Knicks Film School • 753 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. There's a debate about who should start as the fifth player on the team, with a focus on Deuce McBride and Josh Hart. Fans have strong opinions on who would be better.
  2. The idea of happiness comes up, suggesting that sometimes people aren’t satisfied and always want more, even if the team seems set for the season.
  3. As the team moves toward the opening night, discussions around player choices are heating up, reflecting ongoing excitement and anticipation for the season.

And the Award Goes To...

Knicks Film School • 615 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks are expected to be strong this season, with a significant number of general managers predicting they will finish in the top three of the Eastern Conference.
  2. Jalen Brunson is recognized as one of the best point guards, with many executives valuing his leadership qualities.
  3. The Knicks had a successful offseason, with their player acquisitions being highlighted as impactful moves, and the team's offensive efficiency being acknowledged as a strength.

Putting the Towns Trade on Trial

Knicks Film School • 833 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks traded Julius Randle for Karl-Anthony Towns to strengthen their center position, aiming to improve their chances for a championship. This was a big decision made amidst concerns about Randle's contract and fit on the team.
  2. Karl-Anthony Towns is a better offensive player than Julius Randle, especially when it comes to shooting from long range. His ability to stretch the floor can give the team more lineup options and improve their offense.
  3. While the trade carries risks, such as losing depth and Towns' potential defensive weaknesses, the Knicks believe that acquiring him will make the team more competitive in the playoffs. There's excitement about the team's chances moving forward.

COOPER women's NCAA basketball ratings

Silver Bulletin • 86 implied HN points • 15 Mar 26
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Final regular-season COOPER power ratings have been published for all 363 Division I women's basketball teams, tracking each team’s highs and lows over the year.
  2. COOPER is a new Elo/Bayesian-style rating system that blends wins, margin of victory, tempo, preseason polls, and conference strength, and it weights recent, close, conference, and tournament games more heavily with some customization for the women’s game.
  3. Paid subscribers get the full dataset and extras — offensive/defensive ratings, strength of schedule and home-court factors, an objective-only version, historical season-end ratings back to 2002–03, a spreadsheet to convert ratings into win probabilities, and NCAA tournament forecasts coming after the brackets.

Under-the-Radar Lob Threats for the 2025 NBA Draft

Chad Ford's NBA Big Board • 59 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Vertical lob threats are important in the NBA because they help create offensive space, making it easier to score. They can change games by forcing defenses to choose between protecting the rim or the perimeter.
  2. Having players who can catch lobs and finish at the rim opens opportunities for shooters and playmakers. This diversifies the team's strategy and keeps defenses guessing.
  3. Prospects like Miles Rubin show promise as lob threats and could surprise teams in the 2025 NBA Draft. Their unique skills might not always show in stats but can be crucial for team success.

The Argument That Lebron is the GOAT Is Running Out of Time

Freddie deBoer • 3496 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. LeBron’s claim to be the GOAT is strongest while he’s still playing, but it will weaken after he retires because cultural attention and recency bias shape who gets remembered.
  2. Comparing athletes across eras is misleading since rules, training, scouting, and media change how players perform and how we perceive them.
  3. GOAT debates are more about identity, nostalgia, and presentism than objective truth, so labels of "greatest ever" are temporary and context-dependent.

Freshmen Fireworks: Top Prospects Dominate in Exhibition Action

Chad Ford's NBA Big Board • 79 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Top freshmen are making a strong impression in exhibition games. Players like Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey are showcasing their talent and preparing for the upcoming season.
  2. Cooper Flagg is projected as a potential No. 1 pick for the 2025 NBA Draft. He had an impressive outing with 22 points and several assists and blocks in his debut.
  3. There are emerging talents from overseas like Mouhamad Faye who could surprise everyone in the 2025 draft. Keep an eye on these rising stars as the season progresses.

Bam Adebayo's 83 is Hated and That's Good

House of Strauss • 71 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Bam Adebayo’s 83 points feel like a stain because the game was shaped by tanking, intentional fouling, and contrived free throws rather than straightforward competition.
  2. The performance highlights bigger problems in the modern NBA — optimization, teams losing on purpose, and rule exploitation — making extreme stat lines easier and less meaningful than historic feats.
  3. The widespread disgust over the game could be useful: this controversy might catalyze real league reform, and the issue is with league policies and structure, not the player.

NBA or MLB: Which league is on top right now?

House of Strauss • 25 implied HN points • 16 Mar 26
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. People are arguing that MLB might now be more popular than the NBA, a debate reignited by recent events.
  2. The World Baseball Classic boosted baseball’s visibility and exposed cultural differences in how players celebrate, prompting mixed reactions about the sport’s image.
  3. Baseball’s decline and recent momentum seem linked more to structural issues and the rise of big stars (like Aaron Judge) than to players’ personalities or a supposedly stodgy American baseball culture.

Did Nerds Ruin the NBA?

House of Strauss • 32 implied HN points • 13 Mar 26
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Analytics and so-called "nerds" have reshaped the NBA, but they aren't the only cause of the changes.
  2. Players are also "playing like nerds" by adopting analytically driven styles, and their choices shape how the game looks.
  3. Saying nerds ruined the league is too simple — the shifts are complex and not entirely anyone's fault.

Toohey’s Hot Start and Traore’s Champions League Debut Highlight Top International Prospect Performances

Chad Ford's NBA Big Board • 59 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Nolan Traore had an impressive debut in the Champions League, showing his talent despite earlier struggles. His performance helped his team win a big game.
  2. Alex Toohey is off to a strong start in Australia, making a name for himself early in the season. His skills are catching the attention of scouts.
  3. Ben Saraf and Noa Essengue continue to excel in Germany, proving they are top prospects. Their consistent play is making them standout players in their league.

Luke Kornet vs. Magic City: An Atlanta Hawks Controversy

House of Strauss • 29 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Luke Kornet publicly criticized the Atlanta Hawks for promoting Magic City, arguing an NBA team shouldn’t endorse a strip club because it risks objectifying women and clashes with a family-friendly image.
  2. The backlash was mixed and heated: some people called his stance moral grandstanding or racially awkward, while others across lines of opinion supported his request to cancel the promotion and defenders framed Magic City as cultural and artistic.
  3. Magic City is a powerful local brand and the Hawks likely pushed the promotion to seem cool and reconnect with Black fans, but using an NBA platform for a strip-club tie‑in feels inappropriate and speaks to the franchise’s desperation for local relevance.

Taylor-Made

JoeBlogs • 5208 implied HN points • 08 Jul 23
🎾 Sports Basketball
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What's Wrong With College Sports?

Points And Figures • 532 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The messy controversies in college sports are largely the free market playing out, not a failure caused by NIL, and a lightly regulated market will likely produce better outcomes over time.
  2. Treating players like professionals with enforceable contracts, agents, and insurance gives them real choice and financial safety nets, and it fixes many problems of the old scholarship system where coaches could lock or cut players.
  3. Dismantling centralized NCAA control in favor of conference- and sport-specific market solutions will let schools and TV demand shape schedules and playoff systems, preserving rivalries and creating formats fans actually want.

Free Friday: Choose the Hall of Famer

JoeBlogs • 2044 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The game 'Choose the Hall of Famer' challenges perceptions about player value based on stats and accomplishments.
  2. Comparison between players like Jim Plunkett and Joe Namath shows that stats alone may not dictate Hall of Fame worthiness.
  3. Analyzing players like Scott Rolen and Jim Edmonds reveals how defensive contributions can impact Hall of Fame considerations.

For Me, the Lack of Individual Creativity and Shot Creation in the Half Court is the Real Problem with the NBA

Freddie deBoer • 3465 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The NBA has become too focused on team systems and analytics, which limits individual creativity and shot-making. This means fans don't see as much exciting, personal play on the court anymore.
  2. Players now are often coached to follow strict offensive structures, which can make their gameplay feel robotic and less entertaining, especially compared to past stars like Kobe or McGrady.
  3. The current rules and playing styles could be adjusted to allow more freedom for star players, making games more engaging and fun for fans.

Speechless

Knicks Film School • 1249 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Knicks had an impressive win that left fans speechless.
  2. Sports have the power to bring out strong emotions and create memorable moments.
  3. Jalen Brunson's performance in the game was described as inspiring and game-changing.