Mark Deeks
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Creator of the CBA Glossary. www.cbaglossary.com/ and mark.s.deeks@gmail.com
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Articles by Mark Deeks
Former Heat Center Misses Easiest Shot Imaginable
The NBA season is not quite underway yet, but most other professional leagues around the world have already begun. This includes the EuroLeague, the best competition outside of the NBA, and one replete with former NBA talents accordingly. And one of them just had the miss of the season already. Former Miami Heat reserve big Chris Silva is currently beginning his second season with Turkish giants Fenerbahce, who also play in the EuroLeague.
Astros on Course for All-Time Baseball Futility Record
Having dropped the first game of their Wild Card series against the Chicago White Sox yesterday, the Houston Astros are one defeat away from elimination and from tying those self-same White Sox for one of the longest home postseason losing streaks in Major League Baseball history. Tuesday's 6-3 loss at Daikin Park extended Houston's home playoff losing streak to eight games. Another defeat would take that total to nine, matching the White Sox's run of home postseason losses between 1959 and 2000.
Former Net Becomes One of the Best Players Outside the NBA
Donta Hall played just five regular-season games for the Brooklyn Nets back in the weird 2019-20 bubble season. Six years later, however, he has built a considerably more substantial career in Europe, where his latest season of work puts him among the best professional basketball players outside the NBA. The 29-year-old spent the 2025-26 campaign with Greek giant Olympiacos, averaging 6.8 points, 4.6 rebounds and 0.9 blocks in only 15.3 minutes per game across 38 EuroLeague appearances.
Rays Forced to Drop Quality Bullpen Arm Original
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - JULY 29: Ian Seymour #61 is relieved by manager Kevin Cash #16 of the Tampa Bay Rays in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field on July 29, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) The Tampa Bay Rays are going back to the postseason.
Former Heat Center Misses Easiest Shot Imaginable
MIAMI, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 23: Chris Silva #30 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Jaren Jackson Jr. #13 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at American Airlines Arena on October 23, 2019 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that , by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Astros on Course for All-Time Baseball Futility Record
HOUSTON, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 29: Nelson Velázquez #30 of the Houston Astros celebrates after hitting a home run in the fifth inning against the Chicago White Sox in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Daikin Park on September 29, 2026 in Houston, Texas.
Former Net Becomes One of the Best Players Outside the NBA
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 04: Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots over Donta Hall #45 of the Brooklyn Nets during the second half at Visa Athletic Center at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 4, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Former Yankees Five-Tool Prospect Signs in Mexico
As the New York Yankees' highly anticipated Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox rolls on, so too does the eternal transaction cycle. And news out of Mexico is that Estevan Florial, once regarded as a potential long-term answer in the outfield and a player who spent parts of three years with the big league team, has joined Dorados de Chihuahua for the 2027 Mexican League season.
Former Yankees Five-Tool Prospect Signs in Mexico
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - SEPTEMBER 30: Estevan Florial #90 of the New York Yankees celebrates after scoring on a Gleyber Torres two-run single in the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) As the New York Yankees’ highly anticipated Wild Card series against the Boston Red Sox rolls on, so too does the eternal transaction cycle.
“F’d-Up Decision” – Giants Blasted Over Treatment of Young Player
In light of four consecutive postseason-less years of almost exactly .500 baseball, the San Francisco Giants needed the kind of breakthrough season that would blow away the criticisms facing the front office. They did not have one, though. Quite the opposite, in fact. They found themselves free-falling to a 65-97 record and fourth place in the division – and at least in part as a result, they are facing further criticism over their handling of a young prospect.
Cam Schlittler’s Career Numbers Against Red Sox Are Unbelievable
Cam Schlittler’s Career Numbers Against Red Sox Are Unbelievable NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees walks back to the dugout after being pulled against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
“F’d-Up Decision” – Giants Blasted Over Treatment of Young Player
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 27: Manager Tony Vitello #23 of the San Fransisco Giants reacts after being ejected from the game during the top of the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Oracle Park on September 27, 2026 in San Francisco, California.
Cam Schlittler’s Career Numbers Against Red Sox Are Unbelievable
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 29: Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees walks back to the dugout after being pulled against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning in game one of the American League Wild Card Series at Yankee Stadium on September 29, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City.
Athletics Infielder Files Lawsuit Against Another Team
Athletics Infielder Files Lawsuit Against Another Team SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Zack Gelof #20 of the Athletics celebrates after hitting a solo home run as he rounds the bases in the bottom of the third inning against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park on September 24, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Getty Rare is the day that the active professional sportsman sues another team. Very rare, in fact.
Harrison Barnes Among NBA’s All-Time Leaders in Unlikely Category
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes has spent his NBA career as a support act, and never as the main guy. Yet his record on one particular shot in one particular situation places him alongside some of the league's most prominent offensive players. As well as Moochie Norris. Research by HoopsHype has found that, with four game-winning three-pointers made as time expired, Barnes is tied with Damian Lillard for second all-time in NBA history, behind Vince Carter's five.
Athletics Infielder Files Lawsuit Against Another Team
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Zack Gelof #20 of the Athletics celebrates after hitting a solo home run as he rounds the bases in the bottom of the third inning against the Houston Astros at Sutter Health Park on September 24, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) Rare is the day that the active professional sportsman sues another team. Very rare, in fact.
Harrison Barnes Among NBA’s All-Time Leaders in Unlikely Category
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - DECEMBER 23: Harrison Barnes #40 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Frost Bank Center on December 23, 2025 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes has spent his NBA career as a support act, and never as the main guy. Yet his record on one particular shot in one particular situation places him alongside some of the league’s most prominent offensive players.
Former Nets Guard Retires Aged 31
Former Brooklyn Nets guard Isaiah Whitehead this week announced on social media that he has retired from professional basketball, at the age of 31. Whitehead indicated his decision in a post on Saturday to the platform currently known as X. His retirement comes ten years after he began his professional career as a second-round NBA draft pick, whereafter he spent two seasons with the Nets.
Where Does D’Angelo Russell Go From Here? Original
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: D'Angelo Russell #1 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles during the second half of a game against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) Once again, D’Angelo Russell, eleven-year NBA veteran, is looking for a new team. But he is starting to run out of both time and suitors.
Former Warriors Star Looks Unnervingly Like His Son Original
OAKLAND, UNITED STATES: San Antonio Spurs center David Robinson (L) and Golden State Warriors forward Donyell Marshall(R) struggle for a rebound 27 December in Oakland, CA. The Spurs defeated the Warriors, 105-83. AFP PHOTO John G. MABANGLO (Photo credit should read JOHN G. MABANGLO/AFP via Getty Images) There is such a thing as a strong family resemblance, and then there is the Donyell Marshalls. Or the Donyells Marshall. Whichever it is. Either way; Senior and Junior certainly do look alike.
Former Nets Guard Retires Aged 31
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 29: Isaiah Whitehead #15 of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles up court against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first half at Barclays Center on November 29, 2016 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Should Jazz Chisholm Take his $23 Million Qualifying Offer?
Twelve months ago, the idea of Jazz Chisholm Jr. accepting a one-year contract would have been improbable. Then again, nothing about Jazz is ever all that linear. Chisholm had just completed the best season of his career, hitting 31 home runs, stealing 31 bases and becoming only the third player in New York Yankees history to produce a 30/30 season.
Nuggets Starter Paid Millions Specifically Not to Touch the Ball
Last month, the Denver Nuggets chose to match the two-year, $12 million offer sheet that the Oklahoma City Thunder had extended to their two-year veteran guard, Spencer Jones. Jones, previously on a two-way contract, had played his way into that payday, and the Nuggets' rotation, through a combination of his play over his first two seasons in the NBA, and also through taking advantage of the Nuggets' depth falling away around him as they drifted out of title contention.
Should Jazz Chisholm Take his $23 Million Qualifying Offer?
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 23: Jazz Chisholm Jr. #13 of the New York Yankees reacts after hitting a single during the sixth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Yankee Stadium on August 23, 2026 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) Twelve months ago, the idea of Jazz Chisholm Jr. accepting a one-year contract would have been improbable. Then again, nothing about Jazz is ever all that linear.
Former Blazers Wing to Sign in Spain Original
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 10: Toumani Camara #33 high fives Justin Minaya #24 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter at Moda Center on October 10, 2023 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Former Rangers Prospect Becomes One of the Best Players in Korea
Five years ago, Wes Benjamin was trying to establish himself in the Texas Rangers' starting rotation. Last season, he had another go at making it in America, yet was back in Triple-A with an ERA above 6.00. Now 33 years old and having returned to South Korea for a second stint, the good news is that Benjamin is producing the best baseball of his career. Benjamin currently owns a 2.53 ERA through 19 starts for the Doosan Bears, second-best among all KBO pitchers with at least 96 innings pitched.
Why are NBA Player Salaries Published?
More than a decade ago, Andrew Bogut – then of the Golden State Warriors – spoke in an interview with an Australian newspaper about his dislike of the way in which NBA player salaries were so widely publicized. Bogut specifically alluded to the bad actors – particularly the well-known and yet barely-ever-mentioned NBA groupie scene – who would use this information to try and exploit players, a vulnerability that Bogut did not see the need for: What do you think of your salary being made public?
Nuggets Starter Paid Millions Specifically Not to Touch the Ball
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 30: Spencer Jones #21 of the Denver Nuggets shoots the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter of a game in Game Six of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on April 30, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
The Time Kevin Garnett Predicted Thon Maker Would be NBA MVP
Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves legend, is not and has never been the shy, retiring type. He gave opinions when he was a player and he still gives opinions now. And they are not all gold. Back in 2013, when Garnett was a member of the Boston Celtics alongside fellow forward Jeff Green, Garnett gave his teammate quite the lashings of praise. In an interview with CSNNE, he claimed that Green "is going to be one of the best players to ever play this game".
Baseball’s Best Prospect has Implausibly Good Baseball Name
Baseball’s Best Prospect has Implausibly Good Baseball Name PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 12: Jesus Made #12 of the Milwaukee Brewers on the National League Team runs during the 2026 MLB Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) Getty You know how baseball players, when doing a home run trot, tend to point to the sky at least once? One in particular might want to be particularly grateful to the man above.
Former Rangers Prospect Becomes One of the Best Players in Korea
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 24: Wes Benjamin #63 of the Texas Rangers pitches during a game against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field on June 24, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images) Five years ago, Wes Benjamin was trying to establish himself in the Texas Rangers’ starting rotation. Last season, he had another go at making it in America, yet was back in Triple-A with an ERA above 6.00.
Why are NBA Player Salaries Published?
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 27: Andrew Bogut #12 of the Golden State Warriors walks off the court after being cut during the NBA season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans at ORACLE Arena on October 27, 2015 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
The Time Kevin Garnett Predicted Thon Maker Would be NBA MVP
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 6: Thon Maker #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks sits on the bench in the first half against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on January 6, 2018 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Baseball’s Best Prospect has Implausibly Good Baseball Name
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JULY 12: Jesus Made #12 of the Milwaukee Brewers on the National League Team runs during the 2026 MLB Futures Game at Citizens Bank Park on July 12, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) You know how baseball players, when doing a home run trot, tend to point to the sky at least once? One in particular might want to be particularly grateful to the man above.
And Now for Baron Davis’s Rap Career
And Now for Baron Davis’s Rap Career OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Baron Davis #5 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during a game against the Sacramento Kings on November 16, 2006 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.
Could the Rays Actually Win it All This Time?
With their 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday evening, the Tampa Bay Rays secured their first winning season since 2023. Their 82nd victory guaranteed a positive win column after two relatively down seasons, saw their winning streak extend to four games, and sees them increasingly well positioned to receive one of the league's two first-round postseason byes.
And Now for Baron Davis’s Rap Career
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 16: Baron Davis #5 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during a game against the Sacramento Kings on November 16, 2006 at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images) Pretty much every former, current or future NBA career has some form of wider aspiration.
Former Athletics Wash-Out Revives Career in Korea
When the then-Oakland Athletics acquired Adam Oller before the 2022 season, they were sufficiently interested in the then-27-year-old to put him straight onto their Opening Day roster. Truth be told, they were also sufficiently short of established arms enough to give some newcomers a try. By the end of the following year, though, after Oller had produced some of the worst pitching numbers in the major leagues, he had already been cut.
Former Cubs Prospect Becomes One of the Best Players in Korea
Riley Thompson was a member of the Chicago Cubs organization for seven years, but never reached the major leagues. Two years after leaving them, however, the right-handed pitcher has established himself as one of the best pitchers in South Korea. Now in his second season with the KBO League's NC Dinos, Thompson has taken a significant step forward in 2026. Through 17 starts, the 30-year-old is 6-1 with a 2.92 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 132 strikeouts across 101.2 innings.
Could the Rays Actually Win it All This Time?
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 30: ManagerKevin Cash #16 of the Tampa Bay Rays watches the game in the eighth inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on August 30, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) With their 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Sunday evening, the Tampa Bay Rays secured their first winning season since 2023.
Former Athletics Wash-Out Revives Career in Korea
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 19: Adam Oller #36 of the Oakland Athletics pitches against the Chicago Cubs at RingCentral Coliseum on April 19, 2023 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) When the then-Oakland Athletics acquired Adam Oller before the 2022 season, they were sufficiently interested in the then-27-year-old to put him straight onto their Opening Day roster. Truth be told, they were also sufficiently short of established arms enough to give some newcomers a try.
Former Cubs Prospect Becomes One of the Best Players in Korea
MESA, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 20: Riley Thompson #93 of the Chicago Cubsposes for a portrait during Photo Day at Sloan Park on February 20, 2024 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) Riley Thompson was a member of the Chicago Cubs organization for seven years, but never reached the major leagues. Two years after leaving them, however, the right-handed pitcher has established himself as one of the best pitchers in South Korea.
Cam Schlittler may be Having the Best Season in Yankees History
When speaking about a New York Yankees franchise with more than a century of storied history and 27 World Series championships, claiming that somebody might be having the greatest single pitching season the team have ever seen is quite the claim. Yet with September approaching, Cam Schlittler has put himself into that conversation.
Cam Schlittler may be Having the Best Season in Yankees History
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - AUGUST 28: Pitcher Cam Schlittler #31 of the New York Yankees is pulled from a game against the Boston Red Sox in the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium on August 28, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Benjamin B. Braun/Getty Images) When speaking about a New York Yankees franchise with more than a century of storied history and 27 World Series championships, claiming that somebody might be having the greatest single pitching season the team have ever seen is quite the claim.
Nationals Slugger Leads All of Baseball by a Long, Long Way
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals runs the bases after hitting his second home run of the game in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park on July 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) Getty The Washington Nationals are scoring a lot of runs this year. And no one on the roster is scoring as many as James Wood.
MLB Trade Rumour: Phillies Linked to Orioles Outfielder Original
DETROIT, MI - JULY 29: Taylor Ward #3 of the Baltimore Orioles celebrates after scoring on a single by Colton Cowser to take a 10-9 lead over the Detroit Tigers during the 12th inning at Comerica Park on July 29, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images) The Philadelphia Phillies are continuing to search for ways to strengthen its line-up for the stretch run.
MLB Trade Rumor: Astros Targeting Cardinals Outfielder Original
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - APRIL 16: Lars Nootbaar #21 of the St. Louis Cardinals hits a 3-run home run against the Houston Astros during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium on April 16, 2025 in St Louis, Missouri.
Nationals Slugger Leads All of Baseball by a Long, Long Way
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 26: James Wood #29 of the Washington Nationals runs the bases after hitting his second home run of the game in the eighth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Nationals Park on July 26, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) The Washington Nationals are scoring a lot of runs this year. And no one on the roster is scoring as many as James Wood.
And Now a Look at Former Celtic Eric Williams’s Acting Career
They say that every musician wants to be an actor, and every actor wants to be a musician. Every NBA player, it appears, wants to be both. The list of former NBA players to have taken a turn at acting is too long to even attempt, although it is fair to say that often it is the big men that get a head start on it.
And Now a Look at Former Celtic Eric Williams’s Acting Career
4 Apr 2001: Eric Williams #55 of the Boston Celtics looks on the court during the game against the Orlando Magic at TD Waterhouse Centre in Orlando, Florida. The Magic defeated the Celtics 108-101. NOTE TO USER: It is expressly understood that the only rights Allsport are offering to license in this Photograph are one-time, non-exclusive editorial rights. No advertising or commercial uses of any kind may be made of Allsport photos.
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