LeBron’s Terrifyingly Plausible Path to Boston
Shoutout to Michael J. for the link. I wanted to get this out there in case it does happen, since LeBron just passed on his option. Oy. Please don't be real. - Lakers Fan Calvin
Cavaliers are surviving in the playoffs despite the dilemma of LeBron James' rest
A really interesting breakdown of how Lebron finds moments to rest during games while he's not on the bench. –Calvin
Let me guess: it's when one of his other teammates is in ISO? And he can stand around with his hands on his hips? -Brian
A discussion on ISO vs Motion offense and where the league is headed
If you've been watching the NBA playoffs this year, you've probably heard the term "ISO" thrown around a lot because the Rockets and Cavs are alllll about it. Just in case you don't have a solid understanding of the various offensive strategies that are most common in basketball, I did a little Googlin' and found this gem of a thread for you to read. –Calvin
ISO makes basketball unwatchable and is the primary reason I've tuned out the last few years. Lebron turns his back to the hoop for 25 seconds while his 4 other teammates stand around with their hands on their hips. With a few seconds left in the shot clock Lebron turns around, drives to the hoop, and makes (or misses) a layup. Repeat 55 times per game. No thanks. -Brian
Five Ways to Fix the Dumbest Rule in Football
Hey Calvin! Did you know there's another variant of basketball played with an oblong ball and gigantic, upright open hoops?! -Brian
The Mississippi State Fan Who Took His Revenge On Ole Miss And The Football Press
Thanks to Kerry for this one. What a fun little story. If you like Mississippi State, or if you just really don't like Ole Miss, or if you missed the whole controversy surrounding Hugh Freeze and want to catch up, check out this story. And if you're on campus for a State game this season and see this man, buy him a beer for doing hard work.
Also I think this is the first sports story I've shared that isn't about basketball. "A whole new wooorrrlllddd..."
Thanks to Gerry for sending me this so that I could CRY QUIETLY IN BED THIS MORNING WHILE MY FAM WAS STILL ASLEEP. GEEZ.
This is Tony Allen's love letter to Memphis and it is wonderful.
The Kyrie Irving–Isaiah Thomas Trade Is Unlike Anything We’ve Ever Seen - The Ringer
More quality content from The Ringer. This one's from Gerry; he and I were recently discussing why we keep coming back to Ringer posts. I think we decided it's because they age better than your standard breaking sports news or posts about that crazy play that happened last week; I wouldn't say they're evergreen, but something close to that. Like the Kobe post I shared in Issue 14 - that's going to be one I go back to just because it was fun to read.
Anyway, if anyone has some kind of summary I should read of all the bonkers action we've seen this NBA offseason, please send it my way.
What football will look like in the future
This is one of the most entertaining, um, pieces of content I've consumed on the Internet. It takes a long time, but it's hilarious and worth it. My advice would be to read it on a device at least as big as an iPad. Thanks to Brian F. for the great find.
A quick teaser: It's the year 17776, people have stopped dying, satellites we launched years ago became conscious, and most people in the US spend their unlimited time playing football on fields the size of states. Go ahead. Click that link.
Which Kobe Bryant Shot Was the Kobe-est Kobe Shot?
A logical scoring of two Kobe shots that were particularly Kobe. After reading this post and clicking every YouTube link within, I'd like to point out a couple of things that I'm sure you've forgotten (as I had). One, Steph Curry takes some outrageous shots, but he'll never be on Kobe's level because he actually has a chance to make most of those shots. Kobe didn't let "make-ability" influence his shot selection as much as Steph does. Two, Gary Payton was on the Lakers at the same time as Kobe, Shaq, and Karl Malone. They did not win a championship that year.
If you click none of the YouTube links, at least watch this one.
How to Fall in Love in the NBA Summer League
A little late for this now, but there's always next year. Go find yourself a Bryn Forbes to fall in love with this year (or just be like me and go ahead and commit to loving Wayne Selden this year).