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 →
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 →
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 →
“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 →
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 →
It’s not every year that the headline player in an NBA draft class becomes news in Australia, but then it’s not every year that an Australian player is the favourite to be drafted number one overall. Ben Simmons, who played just one year at LSU, is likely to hear his name called first by commissioner Adam Silver on draft night… Read more →
With all fantasy leagues on break and some great playoff action to captivate you, it’s easy to forget that you may have some decisions to make. If you play in a dynasty or keeper league format, then you’re never really on break—the box scores just take a breather for a few months. And if you’re like me, you’re already planning… Read more →
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 →
“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 →
It’s always fitting when March Madness rolls around as it usually coincides with the start of the Fantasy Playoffs. The NCAA Tourney is a one and done affair. Win and advance or go home and your season is over. We’ve already seen several upsets in the first round with Michigan State, West Virginia and California sent packing early. Maybe they… Read more →