There was a clear top five in most fantasy formats this season, but one player didn’t care much for others’ opinions. He was a former number one lock in fantasy leagues until repeated injury-shortened seasons caused fantasy managers from Perth to Boston to push him down their draft boards. They said Karl-Anthony Towns was a newer, better and healthier version…. Read more →
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 →
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 →
Michael Jordan’s on-court killer instinct elevated him from an extremely talented ball player into a championship-collecting global phenomenon. While tales of his merciless treatment of opponents, teammates and animated bad guys are well documented, the question of how he came to be the most ruthless player in NBA history remains*. So we ask: who, or what, is responsible for inspiring… Read more →
When Jerry Maguire put himself out there 20 years ago with his “mission statement,” it was because he believed in something, as you will need to on draft day. In Part 1, we looked at breakout candidates, those players who are overhyped, ones not to forget about on draft day, those you can let go of and the guys who… Read more →
It can be uncomfortable to put yourself out there. Going out on a limb, making bold statements and saying something that no one else is saying can make you feel like you’re on an island. Tom Cruise’s character, Jerry Maguire, did just that in the 1996 movie of the same name, with his “mission statement” about the sports agency business…. Read more →
Now that the footy hysteria has waned, we can sit back and ask: So, who exactly distinguished themselves over the NBL offseason? Things change fast, in unpredictable ways, but now the league is entering a phase where each team is carrying genuine championship aspirations. Interpreting the roster moves, coaching hires and new import names while considering the impact on team… Read more →
Five Points to Be Proven This NBL Season The most anticipated NBL season in recent memory tips off on Thursday when the returning Brisbane Bullets host the reigning champion Perth Wildcats. Both teams will be out to prove right away why they should be taken seriously, but for different reasons. The defending champs will want to reassert their authority and… Read more →
Pre-Season Favourites: Melbourne United To mark the eve of the new NBL season, here are Downtown’s predictions of what’ll happen over the next five months. Top four, in no particular order Liam Santamaria (NBL.com.au feature writer): Melbourne, Perth, Illawarra, Cairns Tom Hersz: Melbourne, Perth, Cairns, Sydney Michael Collins: Melbourne, Illawarra, Adelaide, Cairns Alex Lyle: Perth, New Zealand, Melbourne, Illawarra… Read more →