Bad guys finish last: The diligent dismissal of Dillon Brooks

I have a friend who subscribes to the conspiracy theory that LeBron James runs the NBA. It’s an idea that’s not all that farfetched.  LeBron James is the most powerful player the NBA has ever seen.  If you don’t believe Continue reading Bad guys finish last: The diligent dismissal of Dillon Brooks

NBA First Round Playoff Ponderings: Kicks, Cup Checks, Barbs, Charges, Nurses, Nuggets and Old Man Strength

The Toronto Raptors have fired Nick Nurse, which immediately ranks as one of the most inexplicable coach-cannings in recent memory.  Four years ago, under Nurse, the Raptors won an NBA championship, becoming the first (and remaining the only) Canadian team Continue reading NBA First Round Playoff Ponderings: Kicks, Cup Checks, Barbs, Charges, Nurses, Nuggets and Old Man Strength

Ja Morant’s trying week (and his long road to redemption)

Dr. Garrison sat at the bar with his brother, both Memphis fans, both wearing Memphis shirts, cheering on their beloved Grizzlies as they faced the best team in the West: the Denver Nuggets. The confident young Grizzlies led by eight Continue reading Ja Morant’s trying week (and his long road to redemption)

The road to Ja (and more of what’s wrong with the Orlando Magic)

There are few generational talents playing in today’s NBA.  I’d obviously include LeBron and KD on that list.  Throw in Giannis and Steph for good measure.  The younger generation includes phenoms like Luca Doncic and Nikola Jokic.  And I would Continue reading The road to Ja (and more of what’s wrong with the Orlando Magic)

The summer of Kevin Durant’s miscontent

Regular readers of this website know I’m the first in line to sign up for some healthy, off-season drama.  When NBA trade rumors bubble to the top of my summer stock, I morph into the town crier spreading them even Continue reading The summer of Kevin Durant’s miscontent

Ja Morant and the Memphis Friggin’ Grizzlies

“There’s a new sheriff in town… and his name is Reggie Hammond.” -Eddie Murphy, 48 Hours, 1982 In the grand scheme of things, most NBA regular season games are relatively meaningless. Every so often, however, one comes along that demonstrates Continue reading Ja Morant and the Memphis Friggin’ Grizzlies

The trek to Fayetteville, Part “And Then There Were” Four

The Don Calvino finally arrived early Friday morning bearing gifts: a beautiful bottle of Bajan rum, officially making it the first bottle of Mount Gay to travel from Barbados to Atlanta to Memphis to Fayetteville and then to Tampa.  Somebody Continue reading The trek to Fayetteville, Part “And Then There Were” Four

The trek to Arkansas, Part “And Then There Were” Three

“Memphis is a city that hums and thrums. Its song is constant.” Robert Gordon, Respect Yourself: Stax Records and the Soul Explosion I have a few US cities left on my “to-visit” bucket list.  For example, I’ve never been to Continue reading The trek to Arkansas, Part “And Then There Were” Three