Tom Hersz

When you’re introduced to the NBA as a 6 year old in 1984, staying up late to watch Bird, Magic and Dr. J, it’s pretty hard not to fall in love with the game. I became consumed with the Association, and as my own game was developing, I tried to emulate as much as I could at an early age and learn how to play “the right way”. I have memories as a teenager of being glued to Saturday Basketball on TV and spending every spare cent I had on basketball cards and replica jerseys and so began my obsession with NBA knowledge and stats. I played my first season of Fantasy Hoops in 2002, as my serious playing days were slowing down. I now play in 5 or 6 leagues every year. To say I’m obsessed with Fantasy Hoops would be an understatement. To say I love nothing more than sharing my opinion on a player’s value would be entirely accurate, and I guess, the reason why I’m here.

Follow me on twitter: @tomhersz @downtownball

NBA Draft Series: Kris Dunn

NBA Draft Series: Kris Dunn

In this series, Tom Hersz profiles projected lottery picks ahead of the NBA draft on June 23 (US time).  The series continues today with an in-depth look at Kris Dunn of Providence. “One who gains strength by overcoming obstacles possesses the only strength which can overcome adversity.” - Albert Schweitzer (philosopher, theologian) Tales of childhood hardship are common amongst professional athletes. From… Read more →

NBA Draft Series: Brandon Ingram

NBA Draft Series: Brandon Ingram

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In this series, Tom Hersz profiles projected lottery picks ahead of the NBA draft on June 23 (US time).  The series continues today with an in-depth look at Duke’s Brandon Ingram. As the ESPN broadcast team will tell you, it’s a “make-or-miss league.” Shot-making may be one of the most valuable skills that scouts and executives look for when assessing NBA prospects… Read more →

NBA Draft Series: Buddy Hield

NBA Draft Series: Buddy Hield

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In this series, Tom Hersz profiles each of the top projected lottery picks ahead of the NBA draft on June 23 (US time).  The series commences today with an in-depth look at Buddy Hield from the University of Oklahoma. Upside may be the most difficult thing to measure, but also one of the most important factors in scouting basketball prospects today. Having… Read more →

Downtown’s 2016 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Downtown’s 2016 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

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“Hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies.” - Andy Dufresne, The Shawshank Redemption (1994) In just two weeks, the fan bases of most NBA franchises will have new hope. Hope that their fortunes have changed. Hope that they’ll become or remain relevant. Hope that the kid they just drafted will become… Read more →

Downtown’s 2016 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

Downtown’s 2016 NBA Mock Draft 1.0

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  Representatives got dressed up, brought their lucky charms with them (literally in one case) and then prayed to the lottery gods that the balls would fall their way on Tuesday night US time in the NBA draft lottery. Yet, for the second straight year and only the fifth time since the lottery era began, the team with the worst… Read more →

Checking on the NBA’s Coaching Carousel

Checking on the NBA’s Coaching Carousel

Checking on the NBA’s Coaching Carousel One of the most interesting subplots of playoff season each year has nothing to do with any of the teams involved. In fact, teams only enter this conversation when they’ve been eliminated from the playoff race. I speak of course of the annual NBA coaching carousel. We’ve already seen several front offices make changes… Read more →

Processing the Process: A Sam Hinkie Retrospective

Processing the Process: A Sam Hinkie Retrospective

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” - Lao Tzu, Chinese philosopher This was the logic behind the Philadelphia 76ers’ unorthodox rebuilding strategy when Sam Hinkie was hired as the GM and president back in 2013. The team was heading nowhere, out of the playoffs (where they’d most recently been an eighth seed)… Read more →