Michael Pina
Michael Pina is a staff writer for VICE Sports who covers the NBA.
The Spurs Need to Tank the Season
This is not the San Antonio team we have grown used to under Gregg Popovich, but they're not far off from getting back there.
Lonzo Ball is a Force in Transition
When Lonzo starts running coast-to-coast, throw the analytics out the window and trust your eyes.
The Outlet Pass: The Spurs as We Knew Them No Longer Exist
Also: Collin Sexton is Lord of the Long Two, Nick Nurse is a mad scientist, Lonzo Ball's eye test vs. analytics debate, Karl-Anthony Towns is turning into a guard, a backup point guard who equals mid-90's nostalgia, and more!
Nikola Vucevic is the NBA Hipster's MVP
We're already a quarter of the way through the 2018-19 season, and Vucevic might be more important to the Orlando Magic than any other player is to their team right now.
The Clippers Don't Care About Threes, They "Just Hoop, Bro"
Los Angeles has the sixth best offense in the NBA and they are doing it without the three-point shot.
Eric Gordon Will Have the Rockets Firing on All Cylinders
The Rockets have been struggling, but the perennially under-appreciated Gordon will get them back on course.
Warriors-Raptors is Not a Finals Preview
It will be Golden State and the Milwaukee Bucks. (Unless it's the Raptors.)
The Outlet Pass: Don't Worry About the Rockets, They Have...Eric Gordon
Also: Noah Vonleh is good, how the Clippers are scoring without the three ball, a glimpse of Orlando's scary (in a good way) future, checking up on a juicy Sixth Man race, and more!
The NBA Player Who Went from Anonymous to Irreplaceable
You might not know Rodney McGruder's name, but he is Mr. Miami Heat, and his journey is one of the great stories in today's NBA.
What is Tom Thibodeau if His Defense Stinks?
He became known as a defensive tactician, but as the NBA continues to make life easy for offenses, how does that impact Thibodeau’s stock?
How Philly is Hiding Ben Simmons's Shooting Woes
Regardless of how physically imposing, rare, and breathtaking Simmons can be, building a championship contender with someone who can’t shoot as a focal point is exceptionally difficult.