Sport Thoughts

The 2024-25 NBA season is down to the final week left. A lot has happened in the last 6 months among all 30 NBA teams. Injuries, blockbuster trades, and coach firings have all played a role throughout this memorable season. Several playoff contenders have clinched their playoff spot and lived up to their expectations, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Oklahoma City Thunder. There has also been a mix of surprise teams clinching playoff berths after long playoff droughts, including the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets. Seeding is mostly decided in the Eastern Conference, but that is not the case in the Western Conference. In the Eastern Conference, the Play-In Tournament teams are set. The Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, and Miami Heat will battle it out through the Play-In Tournament. Out of the 4 teams, the Miami Heat had the higher expectations entering the season. Their season took a turn following the trade of All-Star Jimmy Butl...

The 2024-2025 NBA Season is down to the final month of regular season play. League wide tanking has risen over the last few weeks entering the month of March. Tanking NBA teams including the Utah Jazz, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers are sitting starters in and out of the starting lineup on a frequent basis. The inflated injury reports haven gone as far as heavy fines and team investigations. The Utah Jazz were recently fined 100 thousand dollars after sitting former All Star Lauri Markkanen against the Washington Wizards. It has become more and more clear who the tanking teams are and where they stand in terms of draft lottery odds. These tanking teams focusing on draft position include the Toronto Raptors, Brooklyn Nets, Philadalphia 76ers, Charlette Hornets, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz. It is clear that NBA commissioner Adam Silver wants to stop league wide tanking. Changing the draft lottery odds would be a great starting point. It is widely known ...

It is NBA All Star season and the All Star reserves have finally been announced. Like with any sports All Star selection, there are several notable All Star snubs. As previously mentioned, the NBA All Star game consists of 24 selected All Stars. There are a total of 10 starters and 14 reserves selected. The fans, NBA players and the media vote for the starters, while the NBA coaches select the All Star reserves. Often times, majority of the NBA All Stars are selected from top teams in the conference standings. All Star caliber players from sub .500 NBA teams are snubbed often and lack the deserved recognition. Most NBA teams lack several All Stars, as only one or two total players represent their franchise at the Winter Class. The most notable All Star snubs include Lamelo Ball, Tyrese Maxey, Devin Booker, De’Aaaron Fox, Kyrie Irving, Norman Powell, Zach Lavine and Trae Young. These NBA All Star snubs rank in the top 25 scorers, all averaging more than 22 points per game. Each player s...

The 2025 NBA All Star game is approaching in the coming weeks. It is around that time where the All Star predictions begin. Like with many All Star games, there are usually several players making their All Star game debut. In the NBA there are a total of 24 players selected as NBA All Stars. Its time to analyze who the potential first time All Stars could be. It is noteworthy that many NBA All Stars are selected from winning teams at the top of each conference. Lets begin with the Eastern Conference. Potential first time All Stars from the Eastern Conference include Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic, Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat, Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Derrick White of the Boston Celtics. These potential first time All Stars are averaging career highs in points per game and impacting winning on both sides of the court in the Eastern Conference. Switching to the Western Conference, potential first time All Stars include Victor...

It has been well over a year since the last time a star put out a trade request in the NBA. That recently changed when Miami Heat’s star Jimmy Butler demanded a trade to another destination. Butler’s trade request revolves around a contract extension and the teams roster construction. The drama for the Heat began following the 2023 NBA finals. The Heat led by Jimmy Butler were 3 wins away from winning their first NBA title since 2013. The Heat proceeded to lose the next 3 games to the 2023 champion Denver Nuggets. The 2023 Finals showed a lot of promise from the Miami Heat. They overachieved during their playoff run. They were a title contender, who lacked a third star. Adding a third star would help elevate the Heat’s probability of winning a championship. The team needed to make major moves during the 2023 offseason. However, the Heat made minimal moves and lost several role players from their previous finals team. Fast forward to the 2024 NBA playoffs and Jimmy Butler is injured. Th...

As the holiday season approaches, it is time to analyze the current state of the NBA. While there are several teams finding surprising success including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets and Memphis Grizzlies; there are many underachieving teams in a state of flux. One could make the argument that these underperforming teams are readying to press the panic button. These disappointing teams include the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns and Sacremento Kings. These four Western Conference teams began the 2024-2025 season with championship expectations. Each team’s struggles have led to poor positioning in the Western Conference standing, falling below 6th place. The underachievement of these teams have also led to several trade rumors. These teams will be forced to buy prior to the NBA trade deadline. Selling is not an option as these teams look to take a leap in the Western Conference standings. A trade could be minimal or drastic depending on the player ...

The NBA Cup Championship game has concluded and the Milwaukee Bucks are crowned a champions. It was one year ago when the Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup Championship. To some fans and the media, the NBA Cup was first looked at as a marketing gimmick during its inaugural season. The Cup games were made in order to increase early season television ratings and limit load management among All Star players. The NBA Cup does not compare to the NBA Finals championship but it does embrace the vibe and emotion of winning the NCAA champion game. The Cup has its own meaning to NBA players and has its own legacy behind the throphys value. Players on the Milwaukee Bucks held the NBA Cup trophy high with pride, knowing that a championship is a championship no matter what the format is. A Superstar player like Damian Lillard can call himself a champion whether the media or the fans like it or not. The Cup allows teams who may not be built to win the NBA Finals championship a seperate opportunity fo...

As the NBA trade deadline approaches in two months, it is time to analyze and examine the trade market. There will be several sellers during the February deadline. Teams open for business will include the Chicago Bulls, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards, Portland Trailblazers, Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans. There will be several star caliber players and high-end role players on the move between December and February. Star caliber players potentially on the move will include Zach Lavine, Nicola Vucevic, Cam Thomas, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Cj Mccolum Mccollum and Zion Williamson. High-end role players, include Lonzo Ball, Dorian Finney-Smith, Cam Johnson, Malcolm Brogdan, Jonas Valanciunas, Jeremy Grant, Robert Williams, Anfernee Simons, John Collins, Jordan Clarkson and Collin Sexton. Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler could the wild card of the trade market. Butler remains on an expiring contract with no contract extention talks on the horrizon. All of these potential trade targets ...

Today begins the early stages of trade season in the NBA. Players who signed during the 2024 offseason are now eligable for trades. Several contendering NBA teams are now in the mix for trade upgrades to their playoff caliber rosters. The question becomes why would a team sell players with over 50 games remaining in the 2024-2025 season. The answer is simple: to tank. The NBA 2025 draft lottery is 5 months away but that wont stop many NBA general managers from selling high or low. Rebuilding NBA teams have a chance to impact their draft lottery odds by selling as soon as possible. Selling early often leads to impacting the number of game losses. For example, the Golden State Warriors traded multiple future second round picks and injured guard Deanthony Melton for Brooklyn Nets point guard Dennis Schroder. The Nets made this trade to impact their season’s tank, while gaining assets for the future. They are now essentialy waving the white flag and no longer foccusing on winning games. Ta...

The 2024-2025 NBA Season began on October 22nd, 2024. Each NBA team has played at least 14 games since opening night. There are a fair amount of surprising teams thus far. In the Eastern Conference, the Cleveland Cavaliers are the biggest surprise team. The Cavs are currently undefeated with a 15-0 record. Their offense and defense has dominated and showed consistency game by game, led by stars Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. In terms of disappoinment lies the Milwaukee Bucks and Phildelphia 76ers. Both teams are currently sit at the very bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. The Bucks and Sixers have underperformed and dealt with many injuries. Philadelphia star Joell Embiid has played just 2 total games during the 76ers first 12 games. Khris Middleton has yet to play in a game for the Bucks. Star Giannis Antetokounmpo has shown signs of frustration and disappointment during the Bucks 4-9 slow start. Things could get very ugly for both Eastern Co...

The 2024-2025 NBA season has arrived. It was a long 4 months since the conclusion of the NBA finals. Several teams made impactful free agent signings and trades during the Summer offseason. It is time to predict the Eastern and Western Conference standings. Begining in the East, it is best believed that the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks will finish as the top 4 teams. The superstars of Jayson Tatum, Jalen Brunson, Joell Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo will dominate the league. Mid tier teams including the Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat should also play well enough to make the playoffs. As for the West, the top of the conference should be led by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. Each team has their own MVP canidate including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards. There will be many playoff worthy teams battling in a deep confer...

The Boston Celtics won the 2024 NBA Championship exactly one week ago from today. Enough time has passed in order to analyize and reflect on the 2024 NBA Finals. For starters, the Boston Celtics proved to be the better team in comparison to the Dallas Mavericks. Celtics All Star Jaylen Brown was the best player on the basketball court, as he won the NBA Finals MVP award.  The finals exposes the Dallas Mavericks lack of scoring depth. All Star Luka Doncic was the only consistent scorer for the Mavericks. Luka’s co star Kyrie Irving struggled massively throughout the Finals Games. The Mavs role players including PJ Washington, Daniel Gafford and Derrick Jones were also unable to step up alongside Luka Doncic. The lack of fight was noticable from the Dallas Maverick in two of the four losses. The Boston Celtics playoff run was dominant and will be remembered as one of the greatest playoff runs in NBA history. The Celtics finished the NBA playoffs with a 16-3 record. None of the Celtic...

The 2023-2024 NBA playoffs have reached its final chapter: the NBA Finals. The Dallas Mavericks will take on the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA finals. The series will be one of better finals matchups in recent Finals history. The Boston Celtics coasted to the NBA Finals, beating contending teams missing All Stars and key role players. The Celtics eliminated the Miami Heat without Jimmy Butler, the Cleveland Cavaliers without Donovan Mitchell and the Indiana Pacers without Tyrese Haliburton. Some people will argue that the Celtics had the easiest path to the NBA finals in NBA History. The Mavericks had a difficult path to the NBA finals compared to the Celtics path. They were the underdog in all three playoff series, eliminating the 4 Seeed LA Clippers, 1 Seed Oklahoma City Thunder and 3 Seed Minnesota Timberwolves. The Mavericks showed road dominance as they won several of their playoff games as the away team. The battle of the Super Stars and supporting cast will be the main theme of...

The first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs has offically concluded. Eight NBA teams have advanced to the semi finals and eight teams have gone home. A lot was learned about these playoff teams closing out their series. Starting in the Eastern Conference, the 1 Seed Boston Celtics eliminated the 8 Seed Miami Heat in 5 games. The match up was a deep mismatch as the Heat poorly struggled to score the ball without injured stars Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier. It was a series loss that could lead to many changes this offseason. Next, The 2 Seed Knicks eliminated the 7 Seed Philadelphia 76ers in 6 games. The series was nearly neck and neck but exposes the 76ers and Knicks inconsistent supporting cast. A Game 7 was with in seconds of being forced. However, Josh Hart hit a Game 6 clinching 3 pointer, helping the Knicks advance past the 76ers in triumphant fashion. In term of a series upset, The 6 Seed Indiana Pacers eliminated the 3 Seed Milwaukee Bucks in 6 games. The Bucks were missing their in...

The stage is set for the 2024 NBA Playoffs. All 16 teams have been established following the conclusion of the NBA Play In Tournament. Some of these playoff matches will be predictable, while others are evenly matched and questionable. Starting in the Eastern Confefence, the 1 Seed Boston Celtics will face the 8 Seed Miami Heat. This matchup will be rematch of last years Eastern Conference finals. The Celtics will be considered the heavy favorites, as they improved their current roster during last offseason and finished with the best record in the NBA. The Miami Heat will also be missing injured All Star Jimmy Butler. The 2 Seed New York Knicks will face the 7 Seed Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks and 76ers series could go both ways as both teams have dealt with injuries to key rotational players. The Knicks will be missing injured All Star Julius Randle, while the 76ers will play All Star Joell Embiid, who not 100% healthy. That series could come down to 7 games, where the Knicks will h...

Sunday afternoon concluded the 2023-2024 NBA season. The final day of the regular season would reveal the final seedings of the NBA playoff and play in picture. In the Eastern Conference; The Philadelphia 76ers will host in the Miami Heat, while the Chicago Bulls will host the Atlanta Hawks. In the Western Conference; The New Orleans Pelicans will host the LA Lakers, while the Sacremento Kings will host the Golden State Warriors. The 76ers, Heat, Pelicans and Lakers will have at least two chances to reach the playoffs. The Bulls, Hawks, Kings and Warriors will enter win or elimination matchups. The Philadelphia 76ers Vs Miami Heat matchup could go eitherway as both teams will play with healthy rotations. The same availibility could be said about the LA Lakers Vs New Orleans Pelicans matchup. Those matchups will come down to levels of talent and playoff experience. The Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks will battle while missing several rotation players. The Bulls will be without All Star ...

The New York Knicks are in the midst of their final six regular season games. The team has struggled while playing undermanned without Allstar Julius Randle and 3&D wing Og Anunoby. The playing undermanned theme will continue in the upcoming NBA playoffs. The New York Knicks recently announced season ending shoulder surgery for All Star Julius Randle. Randle had been out since late January and was hoping to return before the regular season’s end. Several Knick role players have stepped up in Randle’s absense including Donte Divincenzo, Josh Hart, Miles McBride and Isiah Hardenstein. The disappointing Randle news changes the playoff ceiling for the current New York Knicks team. They were expected to be playoff contenders prior to Randle’s January injury. The Knicks have also missed Og Anunoby, who had played just 3 games since returning from elbow surgery. The Knicks will need Anunoby back for the upcoming playoffs. He is not a high volume scorer like Randle but his three point shoo...

The 2024 NBA Play In Tournament is a few weeks away from begining. These final weeks are crunch time for NBA playoff contending teams. With just a few weeks left, it has become clear which teams will be in the Top 6 in the Eastern and Western Conference. The possible Play In Tournament teams in the Eastern Conference include the New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Indiana Pacers, Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks. The possible Play In Tournament teams in the Western Conference include the New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, Sacremento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors. Health and remaining schedules will be key factors during these teams final stretch of games. According to Tankathon, Play In teams including the Suns, Kings, Pacers and Pelicans rank in top 10 most difficult remaining schedules. The Magic, Bulls, Mavericks, Warriors, and Heat rank in top easiest remaining schedules. The Knicks, 76ers, Hawks, Suns, Lakers and Warriors ...

The Brooklyn Nets are currently one of the worst basketball teams in the 2023-2024 NBA season. They have poorly underachieved, fired their head coach and botched the trade deadline. General Manager Sean Marks is responsible for this poorly constructed Nets roster and failed coaching staff. The Nets 2023-2024 roster is flawed but the team problems date back as early as three years ago. Sean Marks problems as General Manager began in January 2021, the year he traded multiple first round draft picks, future All Star Jarret Allen, role players Carris Levert and Taurean Prince for Super Stars James Harden. The future first round draft picks would go to the Houston Rockets, preventing the Nets from owning their own picks in the future. Just one year later, Sean Marks traded a disgruntled James Harden to the Philadelphia 76ers for former multi All Star Ben Simmons. Marks could have kept the Nets big 3 of Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden in tact for the 2022 playoffs. He would liste...

The NBA trade deadline has always been designed as a grace period for contending teams to make big or small changes. The deadline is also known as the final act for selling teams begining fire sales. NBA teams have the power to upgrade, retool or rebuild through the trade deadline. All Stars are often moved in the aftermath. The 2021, 22’ and 23’ NBA trade deadlines saw multiple All Stars moved including Nikola Vucevic, James Harden, Ben Simmons, Andre Drummand, Domantas Sabonis, Kristaps Porzingis, Russell Westbrook, Mike Conley, D’Angelo Russell, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant. The 2024 trade deadline did not feature any star power compared to those recent deadlines. Trades were made based on high quality role players and bench players. The newly added role players could make a solid impact but it will never be on the level of a newly added star. There were several former All Stars remaining with their current teams after the deadline. Those stars include Demar Derozan, Zach Lavine, D...