Max Burstin

Lonzo Ball’s Well-Set Stage

Lonzo Ball’s Well-Set Stage

Lonzo Ball is already perhaps one of the most polarising figures in basketball… and he’s not even in the NBA yet. The 19-year-old point guard phenom from Southern California has had his name all over news publications, sports shows and social media, and is maybe the most talked-about professional prospect since LeBron James was making high school kids look like… Read more →

If We Gave Out the NBA Awards Now

If We Gave Out the NBA Awards Now

By this point of the season, we’re starting to get a pretty good idea of who the major contenders are, who the busts are and which players have their teams primed for a playoff push. It’s the time of the year when everyone starts getting over that regular-season hump and begins looking ahead to the postseason. But one thing that’s… Read more →

At an Unhappy Crossroads

At an Unhappy Crossroads

It seems like Carmelo Anthony’s tenure as a New York Knick may be coming to an end. The Knicks are in the midst of another losing season, their fourth in a row. Their roster is aging, filled with former All-Stars and first-round picks whose careers (and joints) have seen better days. Among the old-timers is a young developing star in… Read more →

The Weakened Mystique of Pat Riley

The Weakened Mystique of Pat Riley

Pat Riley has long been one of the most respected figures in NBA basketball. He’s always found ways to make moves, bring in talent, and win. And in his two decades running the show for the Miami Heat, Riley has done just that. However, with his recent shortfalls in free agency and the apparent mishandling of his own star players,… Read more →

With Ben Simmons Out, Who Wins Rookie of the Year?

With Ben Simmons Out, Who Wins Rookie of the Year?

After this year’s draft, most people had Ben Simmons as the overwhelming favourite to win Rookie of the Year in 2017. However, after he suffered a broken bone in his right foot late last month, the award will in all likelihood be given elsewhere. During a scrimmage on the 76ers’ final day of training camp, Simmons rolled his ankle and… Read more →

Downtown’s 2016-17 NBA Predictions

Downtown’s 2016-17 NBA Predictions

A new NBA season begins Wednesday morning Australian time, making this a fitting moment for prognostication. Consequently, four Downtown writers are here with their guesses about what’ll go down in 2016-17. Conference Finalists Tom Hersz: Cleveland, Toronto, Golden State, Los Angeles Clippers Michael Collins: Cleveland, Boston, Golden State, Los Angeles Clippers Matt Johnson: Cleveland, Atlanta, Golden State, Los Angeles Clippers… Read more →

NBA Breakout Candidates 2016-17

NBA Breakout Candidates 2016-17

Picture: Reigning Most Improved Player CJ McCollum - who will take the trophy in 2016-17? It seems like there are a lot of guarantees heading into this season (I think we all have a pretty good idea who will be playing in June), but one thing that is never guaranteed is which players will step their games up and have… Read more →

Why the Wolves Could End Their Playoff Drought in 2017

Why the Wolves Could End Their Playoff Drought in 2017

For the first time in what feels like forever, there is a lot of hype surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves, and with good reason. With an emerging core of young studs and a new suit patrolling the sidelines, the Wolves’ future is bright. But for a franchise that hasn’t experienced the playoffs in over a decade, the question becomes how soon… Read more →