NBA Playoff Quickthoughts

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Usually, we do a longform playoff preview replete with predictions and structured picks by series.  This year we will try a different format because: (a) a normal preview is a little late and (b) the traditional format has gotten a little boring to me.  Having said that, let’s review the playoffs, FAQ style to examine a few things….   Has a team as good as OKC ever not won a title?   Absent injury, probably not.  OKC had the best SRS ever at 12.70, which was a good deal … [Read more...] about NBA Playoff Quickthoughts

A Closer Look At Taylor Jenkins’ Firing: What Was Memphis Thinking?

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I am as surprised as everyone else about the recent firing of Taylor Jenkins by Memphis.  At the time of his firing, Jenkins had a robust 44-29 record but did have some recent struggles.  He was replaced by his assistant Tuomas Iisalo, a first year NBA assistant (he coached in Europe from 2014 to 2025).  Firing a coach with a winning record so close to the playoffs is rarely done because the difficulty in getting a new head coach acclimated (even if it’s a promoted internal assistant), is likely … [Read more...] about A Closer Look At Taylor Jenkins’ Firing: What Was Memphis Thinking?

The Luka-AD Trade FAQ

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Needless to say, the shocking trade of Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis needs some examination.  Here’s a quick review: Who won the trade? Well, my gut reaction is that the Lakers feel like decisive winners.  AD Is a great player but he is six years older than Luka and Doncic’s shot creation skills are elite and not readily available on the open market.  For reference, here is the stat lines for AD and Doncic for this year: Davis: 34.3 mpg, 25.7 ppg, .528 FG%, .298 3FG%, … [Read more...] about The Luka-AD Trade FAQ

Jimmy Butler v. Miami Heat FAQ

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The Jimmy Butler-Miami Heat Feud has lingered long enough for us to finally weigh in on the issues as we see them.  Let’s quickly sort out the issues as we see them, FAQ-style… A Review of Jimmy Butler, Master Negotiator Making any conclusions about how to allot blame, both legally and karma-wise, really starts with a common understanding of the underlying facts.  So, let’s briefly run through the facts as we understand them: -Butler signed with Miami in 2019 for four years … [Read more...] about Jimmy Butler v. Miami Heat FAQ

Is The NBA Broken?

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Let’s get into the topic du jour…..ratings and the NBA.  As has been pointed out widely, recent reports show that NBA television ratings are down 19-25%, which is a larger proportional dip then the general decline in television viewership.  This trend has made the usual criticisms of the NBA more acute.  While I usually don’t write about the popular to do in NBA circles, I can’t help but wade into the current controversy about whether the NBA game needs some fixes.  Let’s do … [Read more...] about Is The NBA Broken?

Revisiting The Mavericks’ Three Js (Kidd, Jackson & Mashburn)

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In November 1994, roughly 30 years ago, the Mavericks debuted the famous “Three Js” lineup consisting of smooth scoring shooting guard Jimmy Jackson, shot happy small forward Jamal Mashburn, and exciting rookie point guard Jason Kidd.  The trio with the flashy nickname and flashy games captured the imagination of fans before quickly flaming out due to a variety of factors, most notably personality clashes between the three stars that may or may not have involved a love triangle with singer … [Read more...] about Revisiting The Mavericks’ Three Js (Kidd, Jackson & Mashburn)

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