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Monta Ellis and the Problem with Being Better Than Good
Monta Ellis is no longer the volcanic scorer and personal enigma he was in his early career, but even in his NBA middle age he makes for a fascinating paradox.
In Praise Of The Giannis Antetokounmpo Point Guard Experience
Last decade, the NBA was in thrall to the idea of the do-it-all point forward. That idea didn't work out, but Giannis Antetokounmpo is bringing it back to life.
Watching Draymond Green, the NBA's Contingent Miracle
Draymond Green is defiant, devastating in many roles, and a vital player on the most dominant NBA team in decades. So why can't we accept him as what he is?
Jared Dudley's Not A Journeyman, He's On A Journey, Man
Jared Dudley has played for four teams in four years, but he also has played different roles on each. He may not be done moving, but he has arrived as a player.
The Utah Jazz Are Growing Into Something Scary
The Utah Jazz have emerged as one of the NBA's most interesting young teams this season, and they've done it thanks to a homegrown core that's growing up together.
Watching John Wall, Who Keeps It Moving
The Washington Wizards are enduring a bummer of a season, but their star is going as hard as ever. It's what makes John Wall great, and makes him John Wall.
Reggie Jackson Bet On Himself, And Is Winning
Reggie Jackson spoke up about wanting to be a starter while in OKC, and caught hell for it. He's getting the last laugh in Detroit, where he's emerging as a star.
It's Time For The Pelicans To Face The Future
This was supposed to be a breakthrough season for Anthony Davis and the New Orleans Pelicans. It wasn't, and now the challenge is trying to figure out what's next.
Watching The Los Angeles Clippers, Who Are More Themselves Than Ever
The Los Angeles Clippers are team with talent and problems to spare. But, more than anything else, they are their own weird and uniquely self-defeating thing.
NBA Rookies Deconstructed: Kristaps Porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis has quickly become one of the most intriguing players—and most productive bigs—in the NBA. There are many different shades of greatness, here.
Karl-Anthony Towns Is Too Big To Fail
The Minnesota Timberwolves are a mess, but Karl-Anthony Towns is in the middle of a rookie season that promises not just an All-Star future, but an all-world one.
Watching Al Horford, the NBA's Most Reasonable Superstar
The Atlanta Hawks are not a team that delivers much in the way of inspiration, but their centerpiece star still manages to make reasonable basketball beautiful.