Good morning. Happy NBA Trade Deadline Day. Let’s basketball.
The NBA trade deadline is here
Good morning. We have that and more in Thursday’s NBA newsletter.
THE OTHER ALL-STARS: Mike Prada unleashed his Film Room All-Stars on Wednesday. These are 12 role players who are damn good at their typically non-glamorous jobs. Lots of clips of what they do and how, and great explanation and analysis of their value. The names include Jae Crowder, Jrue Holiday, Cory Joseph, Robin Lopez and Andre Iguodala. Check out the full list and read away as you wait for the Kings to do something hilarious trade deadline.
PAU RIGHT IN THE KISSER: The Vertical reports that the Kings have talked to the Bulls about Pau Gasol. The rumor implies Pau and Tony Snell for Ben McLemore and Kosta Koufos is on the table. Because when you can add a 35-year-old free agent who completely replicates what you’re only good player does ...
THE HEAT IS ON: To me, the Miami Heat are the most interesting team in the league now and entering 2016 NBA free agency. In Wednesday’s Hook I wondered how Dwyane Wade and Hassan Whiteside fit into the team’s future.
HMMM: If the Cavaliers get crazy and trade Kevin Love today, is Ryan Anderson a nice attainable replacement? If they keep Love, how about adding Channing Frye?
WHAT TOOK SO LONG? The Sixers are reportedly gauging league interest in Jahlil Okafor.
[NODS]: Yaron Weitzman on how Tobias Harris fits into Detroit’s young core. I think this is a great move for the Pistons.
HE ALWAYS GOES LEFT: Les Carpenter with an essential story on Bernie Sanders’ pick-up basketball game.
PRODUCTIVE: Damian Lillard apparently spent All-Star Weekend producing a song about his All-Star snub. Dame is great.
OOOH: The Spurs are reportedly throwing money and promises at Sean Marks to keep him from leaving. Time for Mikhail Prokhorov to play the odds and back up the money truck.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GOAT: The six greatest photos of His Airness on the occasion of his 53rd birthday.
BREAD AND CIRCUS: The Kings are doing a very cool thing by installing a retro floor at Sleep Train Arena for a few throwback games and the season (and arena) finale.
GOING GOING BACK BACK ... Sam Amick reports the NBA is likely to hold the 2018 NBA All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
IMPORTANT: Via REDEF, a tremendously and unfortunately essential admonition from D.J. Gallo reminding us that we absolutely do not know our favorite athletes.
MOST IMPORTANT GAMES: If the Warriors are gonna hit 73-9, these are the 10 key matches remaining for them, according to Aaron Barzilai’s numbers.
GLUE GUY TEXTBOOK: Shane Battier on what it takes to become an elite glue guy.
ON THE AIR TONIGHT: We have games! The NBA’s All-Star layover ends for six teams. The TNT doubleheader at 8 p.m. ET features Bulls-Cavaliers followed by Spurs-Clippers. League Pass has Jazz-Wizards at 7 p.m. ET.
Happy Deadline Day. See you Thursday evening for a special newsletter.
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