And good stuff as usual by Brian McCormick open.substack.com/pub/brianmcc...

I think this captures much of it www.newyorker.com/magazine/202...

There are also lessons to learn from all these sons of professional athletes being drafted. It’s not just the genes. Resources, audacity, and know-how

“The broadcasts have become dominated by heavy-handed sports gambling ads — an industry that leagues and teams alike have embraced — and the halftime show is pushing prop bets to the masses. The games themselves feel diluted as a result.”

“Basketball has felt more attenuated from the league in recent years… It is reflected in the media coverage… where the transaction cycle is the be-all and end-all. Pregame shows are often about the hot trade talk of the day or the latest coaching search.”

I really want to bookmark this but I can’t on this app?

Also of note, these were not players of any particular importance to the franchise. I don’t think anyone on the court ended up making their roster or even their G league roster. It was late in the week, plenty of executives had already gone home and first round picks were resting by now

The player proceeds to swing it, and play goes on.

Again, it was dead quiet. Every soul in the gym witnessed this loud and clear. Meanwhile, I had rarely seen another NBA executive even change their facial expression while watching their team play. That’s when I knew the Pacers were different 🤣

One of their players caught it at the top of the key, held it for a half second, then tried to drive for one dribble before getting stopped. At the same time, the Pacers President of Basketball Operations stands up from his seat 10 rows up, free throw line extended, and yells “Move the ball!”

Trying to read your stuff! But keep getting this error message. Is it just me?