Opening the 2023-24 NBA season against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers would have been big enough news by itself, but tonight there is more. The team will probably come running out onto the court as the DJ blasts Tobe Nwigwe’s song “Fye Fye.” Flashing lights will shoot across the darkened arena like a European dance club. The Finals MVP, Nikola Jokic, will probably say a few words. And the Championship banner will slowly be hoisted to the rafters to deafening applause. But we are no longer just the Denver Nuggets. We are the reigning World Champion Denver Nuggets – and we’re... Read More

Late last summer, following the fast-growing trend, my gym made the decision to convert the entirety of its rooftop tennis courts into Pickleball courts. I get it. Pickleball is low-impact and all-inclusive. I see husbands and wives playing, the coordinated and the not-so-coordinated playing, the fit and not-quite-as fit, and plenty of elderly. Sometimes all on the same court! Gyms are now considered Judge Free Zones – so I accepted the change, tried not to judge, and moved on. A few months later, the gym continued its deconstruction by converting the indoor basketball court into permanent Pickleball... Read More

Let’s see if I have this right. Kyrie Irving demands a trade from Cleveland, bails on the Celtics, and eventually ends up a Brooklyn Net. In Brooklyn, Kyrie chases James Harden out of town, refuses to get vaccinated, shares antisemitic posts on his social media, refuses to apologize, eventually apologizes, and begrudgingly opts-in to stay with the Nets for $36.5 million. Things finally calm down in Brooklyn as Jacque Vaughn takes over for the fired Steve Nash, Kyrie rarely misses a start, averages 27 points-per-game, and the Nets start playing some of the best basketball in the NBA as they look... Read More

On July 23rd I sat glued to my television as the countries entered the arena.  Feeling a sense of patriotism, I smiled as the team representing The United States of America circled the stadium.  I vowed to watch every moment, cheer for all that is America, and stand for every victorious National Anthem played. But there was more than that. As the athletes continued to pour in, I cheered for the underdog of an athlete without a country.  The isolation of the few representatives from The Island of Tonga.  I watched that Olympic flame light up, and I promised myself to watch all 28 sports and... Read More

As Kevin Durant held the ball at the top of the key the entire arena knew what was coming.  Down by two points with just seconds left in a pivotal game seven, Durant went to work. A few dribbles, a spin, a step-back-three, and the crowd erupted. A storybook ending in which Durant single-handedly willed his team to victory by scoring 48 points, including the game-winner, advancing the Brooklyn Nets into the Eastern Conference Final. At least, that is how the story would have gone if it was not for Durant’s size 18 shoes. Instead, an official video review showed that Durant’s mammoth shoes barely... Read More

‘Twas a few nights before Christmas and filled with elation.  The NBA was now back from its tiny vacation.  Chris Paul now a Sun and Steph Curry a go.  A new Max-Player deal for Antetokounmpo. That last line a bit forced if we’re being quite honest.  Should’ve mentioned Durant and then simply used Giannis. There’s Doncic, and Zion, a few guys to the Sixers. James Harden’s late flights to loud Vegas mixers. Hayward to the Hornets in his warm Christmas sweater.  The Clippers got clipped while the Lakers got better. Westbrook now a Wizard and with Beal, he shall play. And an apropos... Read More

We wear their names on the back of our jerseys, display their posters on our walls, and dream that we are them.  Shooting baskets towards a rusty hoop we imagine we are Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, or Michael Jordan as the clock counts down to zero.  As plastic bats connect with whiffle balls, we round imaginary bases as Nolan Arenado, Mike Trout, or Willie Mays.  We lace up our skates like Nathan Mackinnon, cut off our sleeves like Rafael Nadal, and what we wouldn’t give to throw the ball, get the girl, and win it all, like Tom Brady. To us, athletes are superheroes.  To us, athletes are superhuman. COVID-19... Read More

The Denver Nuggets are off to their best start in 30 years as they lead the Western Conference with a record of 29-13.  They’ve won twelve home games in a row, are 18-3 at the Pepsi Center, and have already had quality wins over Toronto, Boston, Golden State, and others.  And after the early returns from the NBA All-Star balloting, the Nuggets look to have their first All-Star since Carmelo Anthony played in the game back in 2010-11.  That’s right NBA Nation! The Nuggets are center stage, and Nikola Jokic is ready to represent. The only problem is, he may not be selected. Yes, I know that... Read More