The hottest Basketball Substack posts right now

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Do WNBA Players Really Want to Be Paid What They Are Owed?

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 24 implied HN points • 24 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. WNBA players are pushing for better pay, claiming they deserve a fair share of the league's revenues, like their male counterparts in the NBA. However, the financial situation of the WNBA is complicated, as the league often operates at a loss.
  2. The WNBA has seen growth and interest, particularly with players like Caitlin Clark, but the overall revenue and profitability of the league remain low compared to the NBA. This affects players' salaries and how much they can realistically demand.
  3. Critics argue that despite the players' demands for higher wages, the underlying financial issues in the WNBA make it difficult for the league to meet these expectations without further losses.

Nico Harrison's Dončić Disaster

House of Strauss • 57 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Nico Harrison, the Mavericks' GM, made a surprising trade that shocked everyone, trading superstar Luka Dončić for Anthony Davis. It seemed so unbelievable that even reporters thought their sources were hacked.
  2. Many people are trying to understand why the trade happened, but some believe it might be related to the team's ownership wanting to tank for better casino deals.
  3. Critics think that hiring someone from a sneaker marketing background like Harrison for a GM role was a mistake, as he's had previous failures that could impact the team's future.

The NBA is Better Off Because LeBronism is Fading Out

House of Strauss • 60 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. LeBron James has influenced the NBA by showing players they can prioritize their personal brand over team loyalty. This shift made some fans feel disconnected as players seem less committed to the teams they play for.
  2. As LeBron's career fades, younger players are becoming more loyal to their drafted teams. This trend could create stronger connections between fans and players, which is good for the game.
  3. The NBA is in a better place financially now compared to when LeBron entered the league. The growing loyalty among players and updates in the league may help boost its popularity moving forward.

Australian Junior Championships 2024: A wrap on standout male prospects at the U20 tournament

The Pick and Roll • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Australian Junior Championships 2024 showcased impressive new male prospects with standout talents.
  2. Kye Savage stood out as a scoring powerhouse, averaging 24.6 points per game, displaying strong athleticism and shot-making skills.
  3. Jacob Furphy played a key role in Tasmania's success with his all-around skills, providing balance to the team's offensive output.
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The NBA Finals may change Basketball

C.W.’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 13 Jun 23
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Basketball is evolving with a shift towards valuing a diverse skillset rather than just slam dunks.
  2. Players from around the world, not just the US, are becoming significant stars in the NBA.
  3. Teams may need to reevaluate scouting methods to identify underrated players who excel in areas like defense and teamwork.

Groundhog Day: Don't expect anything new (or young) from the Warriors next season.

C.W.’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 13 May 23
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Warriors seem to be sticking with their core players rather than incorporating new or young talent next season.
  2. The team's decisions on playing time have drawn questions, especially regarding young players like Moses Moody and Jonathan Kuminga.
  3. There is a need for the Warriors to get bigger, younger, and faster to improve their performance, but they may not make significant changes.

It is all about Draymond Green

C.W.’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Warriors' chemistry suffered due to a punch incident involving Draymond Green and Jordan Poole
  2. Draymond Green's behavior led to suspensions and technical fouls, posing challenges if he were to join another team
  3. Jordan Poole's potential is evident, but he needs to improve decision-making for his career to thrive

Bamboo Ceiling 2.0: James Wang and Asian representation in the NBA

The Pick and Roll • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. James Wang's journey from Taiwan to Sydney to professional basketball showcases the importance of hard work and persistence in pursuing dreams.
  2. The lack of Asian representation in the NBA, especially Chinese players, highlights challenges related to developmental focus on size versus modern game dynamics.
  3. Reflecting on the need for developing holistic basketball skills, like read and react decision making, to enhance the diversity and competitiveness in the sport.

It's Uncomfortable to Discuss How the NBA Saved Itself in the Mid Aughts

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The NBA faced a tough time in the mid-2000s but managed to recover from a drop in viewer interest. Recognizing how they turned things around can help address current issues in the league.
  2. There is a lot of negativity around the NBA today, especially from retired players and media pundits. Their comments can discourage casual fans from watching games.
  3. Discussing the NBA's previous comeback story feels uncomfortable to some people. It's important to reflect on past successes to find solutions for today's challenges.

Jett Howard and Taylor Hendricks: Surprise NBA Lottery Picks?

Chad Ford's NBA Big Board • 59 implied HN points • 24 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. College players Jett Howard and Taylor Hendricks are surprising NBA lottery picks after being ranked outside the top 50 in high school recruiting classes.
  2. Both players have decided to forgo their remaining college eligibility and enter the 2023 NBA Draft.
  3. Five NBA scouts provided evaluations on the unexpected rise of these two players this season.

The NBA All-Star Game is a circus (and that's okay)

Huddle Up • 28 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The NBA All-Star Game isn't as exciting as it used to be. Fans and players are showing less interest, which affects the overall vibe of the event.
  2. No matter how the league tries to change things up, like adding new rules or incentives, it doesn't seem to make a difference in player engagement.
  3. It's okay to recognize that the All-Star Game has become more of a show than a serious competition, and that's part of its charm for some fans.

How good will Victor Wembanyama be?

Silver Bulletin • 108 implied HN points • 24 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Victor Wembanyama is predicted to be a superstar based on his preseason performance.
  2. Players like LeBron James and Magic Johnson are compared to Wembanyama due to their hype and impact in their rookie seasons.
  3. There's a historical analysis showing that the majority of hyped rookies similar to Wembanyama have gone on to have successful NBA careers.

Warriors Twitter Negative?

House of Strauss • 24 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Some Warriors fans are being really critical on Twitter, even about big names like Steph Curry and coach Steve Kerr. This negativity seems to come from a mix of frustration as the team's success winds down.
  2. Fans often look back and criticize team decisions without understanding the context at the time. Many decisions had logical reasons behind them, and hindsight can be misleading.
  3. There's a sense that fans should trust the journalists who cover the team. These reporters have more access and knowledge about what’s really happening with the Warriors, so their insights can be valuable.

Subscriber questions on 2020 Election Fallout, Simmons + Klosterman, NBA, College Football

House of Strauss • 28 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The 2020 election had huge effects, and the actor's outcomes led to unexpected issues for the winning party. Winning didn't solve problems, and there's a feeling that it was a shaky victory for Democrats.
  2. In sports, the new NBA Cup feels forced and too focused on money, which makes it less interesting for fans. Authenticity matters, and the NBA needs to do better to connect with viewers.
  3. With college football playoffs expanding, there's a worry about too many teams making games less valuable. Sometimes, having fewer teams can make the competition more exciting.

My One Neat Trick to Save the NBA

House of Strauss • 25 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Allowing hand-checking behind the three-point line might help make the game more physical. This could encourage players to move more and not just rely on shooting threes.
  2. While adding some physicality could improve game dynamics, there's a risk of overdoing it and hurting the sport's appeal. Striking the right balance is key.
  3. Changing rules in basketball can be tricky, especially for referees. The idea is to allow some contact without making it too confusing or chaotic for players and officials.

The Timberwolves sale is one of the most unique transactions in sports history

Huddle Up • 20 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore are set to buy the Minnesota Timberwolves, and they'll see a huge $1.5 billion increase in value right away.
  2. A dispute over the sale led to an arbitration ruling that supports Rodriguez and Lore against the current owner, Glen Taylor.
  3. Rodriguez and Lore are expected to be approved as owners soon, making this one of the most unusual deals in sports history with a lot of drama behind it.

Michael Jordan is the GOAT and We're Not Done With the 90's

House of Strauss • 53 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the GOAT is ongoing, with arguments highlighting different aspects like championships and career longevity.
  2. Social media trends like 'We're done with the 90's' provoke discussions about basketball legends and the evolution of the game over time.
  3. Michael Jordan's impact and legacy as an iconic sports figure remain strong, transcending nostalgia and time, as seen through his enduring influence in popular culture.

Should Subscriber Norm Have Been Kicked out of Vince Carter's Jersey Retirement?

House of Strauss • 22 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. A fan named Norm was kicked out of an NBA game for heckling Vince Carter during his jersey retirement. He expressed his long-standing dislike for Carter, calling him a 'quitter' as he walked by.
  2. The incident highlights a growing rift between NBA players and fans, with players feeling elevated and fans feeling ignored. There's a sense that the NBA doesn't cater to fan opinions anymore.
  3. Norm feels the Raptors' response shows they care more about the players than their fans. Even though some fans appreciate the team's reconciliation with Carter, others feel sidelined and unsatisfied with the current state of the league.

NBA Western Conference preview

Silver Bulletin • 60 implied HN points • 16 Oct 23
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Eleven Western Conference teams are aiming to contend, with high aspirations and superstar talent.
  2. Balancing high expectations and the reality of a 1230-game season in NBA projections can be challenging.
  3. Teams like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns face uncertainties with roster changes, aging stars, and fit issues.

NBA All Star Weekend Buzz and Flubs

House of Strauss • 41 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The NBA All Star Game was heavily criticized and considered uncompetitive, with even the commissioner showing concern.
  2. There is speculation that NBA commissioner Adam Silver's recent focus on the product's quality is driven more by business interests than personal enthusiasm.
  3. The NBA is in a critical phase of securing its financial future, but the current players seem disinterested in putting on an engaging performance.

Cooper Flagg Will Have A Zion Williamson-Like Impact At Duke

Huddle Up • 17 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Cooper Flagg is expected to have a huge impact at Duke, much like Zion Williamson did. He has a lot of talent and skill that can change games.
  2. Fans and analysts believe Flagg's presence will draw attention and elevate the team's performance. His style of play can inspire those around him.
  3. His performance at Duke may lead to a bright future in professional basketball, similar to fandom and support experienced by Zion during his college career.

The All-Star Game Isn't The NBA's Biggest Problem

Huddle Up • 31 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The NBA's All-Star Game had issues with lack of defense and high scoring, but this highlights broader problems like declining viewership and owners selling stakes.
  2. Adam Silver is a unique NBA commissioner loved by many for his approach balancing on-court and off-court business, though the league faces challenges on the court with lack of defense and player engagement.
  3. The NBA's decline in viewership, financial-savvy owners selling stakes, and upcoming retirements of key players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry pose challenges for the league's future success.

Caitlin Clark Is College Basketball's Biggest Star

Huddle Up • 31 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Caitlin Clark is not only a star on the basketball court but also making a significant impact off the court by driving media rights deals higher and elevating women's sports.
  2. Caitlin Clark recently broke the NCAA women's all-time scoring record, showcasing her exceptional skills and dominance in the sport.
  3. Clark's performance and charisma have drawn large audiences to women's basketball, solidifying her position as the biggest superstar in college basketball.

Chat BCCing NBA Finals GAME 7

House of Strauss • 4 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. There will be a live chat during Game 7 of the NBA Finals. It's a great way to join in on the conversation about the game.
  2. One of the topics to be discussed is Rick Carlisle's mental state during the game. It's a point of interest among fans.
  3. You can participate and share your thoughts by joining the chat. It's a fun way to engage with sports discussions.

The Clippers New $2 Billion Arena + The PGA-Saudi Meeting In The Bahamas, NFL Wants Private Equity, A Record-Breaking NWSL Sale, And More

Huddle Up • 10 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Scottie Scheffler won the Players Championship, earning $4.5 million for the win and setting records with his earnings in the PGA Tour.
  2. Members of the PGA Tour's policy board are meeting with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, potentially leading to Saudi investment in the PGA Tour's new enterprise.
  3. The NBA's Clippers have a new $2 billion arena, reflecting major investments in sports infrastructure.

The End of a Warriors Era

The New Internet by Jeff Morris Jr. • 3 HN points • 02 Jul 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Warriors dynasty is officially over with Klay Thompson's trade, surprising many fans who imagined a different ending for this iconic team.
  2. Dynasties don't end in one moment; they fade over time due to injuries, changes, and struggles. It's a journey with both highs and lows.
  3. Celebrate your own achievements and good times, but also remember that all success, like dynasties, won't last forever.

Huck Farvard

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 09 Mar 11
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Ivy League basketball system is unique because only the regular-season champion goes to the NCAA tournament, making every game really important.
  2. Rivalries in the Ivy League may seem intense but often come off as more of a celebration rather than true competition between schools.
  3. Harvard basketball hasn't won an Ivy League title or been to the NCAA tournament in decades, so if they win this upcoming game, it could grab a lot of attention.

Checking in on the WNBL MVP race

The Pick and Roll • 0 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The Suzy Batkovic Medal is a prestigious award in the WNBL, with many notable winners.
  2. Jordin Canada from Melbourne Boomers is a top contender for the WNBL MVP due to her impressive stats and impact on both ends of the court.
  3. The debate over the best player in Townsville Fire creates an interesting situation in the MVP race.

Tales from the jar side: The Taylor Bowl, A couple of screen/podcasts, Gemini is partly here, UConn women's basketball, and the usual tweets and toots

Tales from the jar side • 0 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Taylor Swift made it to The Taylor Bowl in time for kickoff, causing a mix of excitement and annoyance among fans and spectators.
  2. Google released the Gemini Ultra version, but some users faced restrictions accessing it due to business account limitations and delays in new model integration.
  3. UConn women's basketball team had a victorious game against Seton Hall, highlighting the state's passion for the team despite recent challenges and changing game outcomes.

Three ideas for improving college basketball

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 12 Mar 12
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. Make scholarships last four years, so schools feel the impact when players leave early. This could reduce the focus on one-and-done players and help teams build more continuity.
  2. Turn all stationary fouls in the final two minutes into automatic intentional fouls. This would discourage teams from foul play, making endings of games more exciting and fast-paced.
  3. Give conference champions a bye in the first round of the NCAA tournament. This would make the regular season more important and keep the excitement of conference tournaments alive.

Madness, ctd.

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 17 Mar 11
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The author is frustrated with the way sports broadcasts name locations during tournaments. It seems like the naming has become absurd and unnecessary.
  2. There is a prediction that the following year's tournament won't have the same confusing naming style.
  3. The tone suggests a lighthearted but critical view on how sports media can sometimes overcomplicate simple things.

Posterior probabilities: A Bayesian update of the Miami Heat

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 27 Oct 10
🎾 Sports Basketball
  1. The updated probability of the Miami Heat being a top team, after their first game loss, is still high at 76%.
  2. The terms 'juggernaut' and 'disappointment' need clearer definitions when analyzing the team's performance.
  3. Revising the probabilities based on better historical data showed that even with a lower win rate, the Miami Heat's potential can still be seen positively.