D’Angelo Russell’s impersonation of Kobe is golden

Good morning. You know what I think we should do? I think we should basketball.

THESE HILARIOUS ROOKIE IMPERSONATIONS: Our staff went to the rookie photo shoot in New York on Saturday and asked the players to do their impersonations of various NBA stars. Hilarity ensued. I especially enjoy the D’Angelo Russell attempt at Kobe and everyone struggling with Dirk’s one-legged fade.

NEW GILDED AGE: Charles Pierce with the molten lava hot column on Milwaukee’s arena deal and stadium subsidies in general. While we’re at it, here’s the great Pablo Torre on the matter.

WELP: Tristan Thompson still hasn’t signed. His agent, who is also LeBron James’ agent, says that Thompson may sign the qualifying offer and that if he does, he will not return to Cleveland next summer. Welp welp welp.

Brian Windhorst goes deep on the issue.

STRADDLING THE LINE: Yaron Weitzman on how the Knicks are attempting to compete and rebuild at the same time, and in doing so are risking both.

THANKS FOR CHECKING IN, MIKE: Jordan says that in his prime he could have beat LeBron one-on-one. I personally think Adrian Dantley would have beat both their asses. Why isn’t anyone asking Adrian Dantley if these dudes could beat him one-on-one?

SPEAKING OF MJ ... He played basketball against the Sheens in 1987.

Happy Tuesday. See you next time.