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Articles by Chris Crouse
New NBA Draft Lottery Odds, EVs + Grizzlies-Jazz 2027 Traded Pick Value Analysis
The NBA will implement a new draft lottery system intended to mitigate the risk of tanking. The rules of the new lottery have been reported and much of the backlash revolved around how the Memphis Grizzlies have been adversely impacted by the new rules since a new restriction would be placed on the Utah Jazz 2027 selection they acquired in the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade (technically the least favorable of Cleveland/Minnesota/Utah, though Utah is widely projected to be it).
2026 NBA Draft Order
The Washington Wizards have won the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery.
Miami Heat Enter 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament With House Money
MIAMI FL — Shortly after the Miami Heat’s final game of the 2025-26 regular season, a win over the playoff-bound Atlanta Hawks, the media is allowed to enter the home locker room and finds numerous Heat players intently watching the tail end of the consequential Magic-Celtics game. “This is the only time you’ll ever see me root for the Magic,” Norman Powell says as he gets dressed.
The Story Behind Victor Wembanyama’s MVP Locker Room Debate That Sparked Conversation Original
MIAMI, FL — A debate about NBA awards is brewing in the visiting locker room as the media waits for Victor Wembanyama to speak following the Spurs victory over the Heat. There are no cameras recording or phones out in room. There weren’t many media members present. Keldon Johnson was campaigning for himself as the Sixth Man of the Year Winner.
2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Class: Heat’s Micky Arison, 2008 Olympic Gold Medal Team Among Inductees
Miami Heat Managing General Partner Micky Arison headlines a loaded class headed to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. Under Arison’s ownership, the Heat have won three NBA titles. The franchise also has also has six Olympic Gold banners hanging up inside the Kaseya Center from the Arison family tenure. Tim Hardaway (2000), Alonzo Mourning (2000), LeBron James (2012), Dwyane Wade (2008) and Bam Adebayo (2020.
5 Sports-Themed Exhibits at Art Basel and Miami Art Week 2024
Art Basel Miami Beach started in 2002, though it has a much different look today than it did at its inception. As the event gained popularity, ancillary events, such as Miami Art Week and a bevy of VIP parties, embed themselves alongside the original fair. It wasn’t until around 2016 that celebrities and star professional athletes began to flood Miami at the level that they do today.
Team USA Earns Top Seed For 2024 Paris Olympics Knockout Round
USA Basketball has earned the top seed in the knockout round of the LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and the other NBA stars of Team USA will face off against Brazil in the quarterfinals after winning all three of their matchups in group play. USA outscored their opponents in group play by a combined score of 64 points (most among all teams). Team Canada, which also advanced, is the only other team to go undefeated with a point margin of at least plus-20.
Basketball Leads Women's Sports Betting, Fantasy Sports Business Growth
BOSTON, MA — The popularity of women’s sports continues to rise and the business around the games has only helped to grow the sports. Basketball has been at the forefront of women’s sports growth over the past several years. In terms of viewership, the WNBA has set a plethora of records in the past year and four of the six most-watched women’s college basketball games in history have occurred over the past two seasons. In terms of fantasy sports and sports betting, it also leads the pack.
Derrick White Set To Make History On 2024 Team USA Olympic Roster Original
As rumored, Derrick White is replacing Kawhi Leonard on USA Basketball’s 2024 Men’s Olympic team. The Celtics will now have three members from their roster on the team. It’ll be the third time in history that Team USA will feature three players from one NBA team. Derrick White joining Team USA's roster gives the Celtics three players on the Olympic team.
The 7 Real 2024 NBA Championship Contenders (and Why 9 Teams Aren't)
Our weekly column at FortyEightMinutes.com brings you an in-depth look at different basketball and football storylines. This week, we’ll preview the field of NBA playoffs teams breaking them into two categories: The 9 Non-Contenders for the 2024 NBA Championship The 7 Real NBA Championship Contenders The analysis is conducted through the lens of whether or not the teams can win four straight playoff series to capture an NBA title.
22 Former Wizards Set To Impact 2024 NBA Playoffs
Our weekly column at FortyEightMinutes.com brings you an in-depth look at different basketball and football storylines. This week’s edition examines the 22 former Washington Wizards who’ll suit up in the 2024 NBA Playoffs, ranking the players in terms of how much impact they’ll have this postseason.
Washington Notes: Wizards, Commanders, Draft, Defenders, Trades
Our weekly column at FortyEightMinutes.com brings you an in-depth look at some basketball and football storylines. This week’s edition contains notes from the DMV, including: Good news for the Wizards’ draft outlook ahead of what’s expected to be an underwhelming 2024 draft class. What to watch for in the D.C. Defenders’ home opener.
Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday Considered Locks for 2024 Team USA Olympic Roster Original
USA Basketball has listed 41 NBA players as finalists to be considered for its 2024 Paris Olympics team, though it’s becoming more clear which players will be named to the final 12-man roster. Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday are considered locks to represent Team USA, according to Joe Vardon and Shams Charania of The Athletic (it’s worth noting that Vardon was one of the reporters credentialed to cover the Tokyo Olympics during the COVID-zoom era along with yours truly).
Deni Avdija's Career Night Fueled By 'Hard Work And Patience' Original
Deni Avdija had himself a career night on Valentines Day, scoring a career-high 43 points while grabbing 14 rebounds as he led the short-handed Wizards in New Orleans. Avdija became the first Wizard to record 40+ points and 15+ rebounds since Moses Malone on Jan. 12, 1987, per the team’s PR staff. “It’s a little emotional,” Avdija said after the game. “I never thought that coming to the league, seeing all those numbers, those big players score those points, [I’d be] able to be that hot.
Raptors Trade For Kelly Olynyk, Continue To Build Canadian Olympic Hub Original
The Toronto Raptors have added another member of what’s expected to be Canada’s most talented Olympic team in decades. Hours ahead of the 2024 NBA Trade Deadline, Toronto has traded for Kelly Olynyk, who was the captain of Canada’s Mens National Team that brought home the country’s first-ever medal (Bronze) in FIBA World Cup tournament play this past year.
Team USA: Latest Roster Plans For 2024 Paris Olympics
USA Basketball is expected to announce the pool of NBA players who will compete to be on the 2024 Men’s National Team in Paris. Roughly 30 players will be in contention for Team USA’s Olympic roster and the organization won’t cut down to the final roster to 12 players until after the 2023-24 NBA season. Who do you want to see play for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics?
Details on Olympic Flag Football: Scoring, Rosters, Rules To Know
Flag Football is on its way to becoming a part of the Olympic games as one of five additional sports being included in the 2028 games in Los Angeles. The games will be a variant of the rules used in American/Gridiron Football. Let’s examine some of the projected rules of the games (via Olympics.com). Rosters Flag Football games are 5-on-5 contests with rosters maxing out at 12 players. Game Clock Flag Football games consist of two 20-minute halves.
Former Warriors GM Bob Myers Joins NFL's Washington Commanders
The NFL’s Washington Commanders are going through an offseason overhaul—one that’ll be shaped by a committee of sports executives, including former Warriors GM Bob Myers. First-year Commanders majority team owner Josh Harris, who is also the majority owner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (the company that owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils), indicated that Myers will be an advisor to him beyond the process of coaching and front office search. “Bob Myers is a winner.
Evaluating Jordan Poole's True Trade Value
The following is an edited excerpt from our Washington Wizards 2024 NBA Trade Deadline Preview where we evaluated the chances of each player being traded, attempted to accurately identify each player’s trade value, and identified potential trade suitors. Wizards’ Biggest Name Who Could Be Traded G Jordan Poole If Poole’s time in Golden State was a roller coaster, his stint in Washington is a Tilt-a-Whirl: There’s been a lot of spin.
Washington Wizards: 2024 NBA Trade Deadline Preview
Happy trade season! The 2024 NBA Trade Deadline is February 8 and the Washington Wizards are one of the teams that are sure to be active ahead of it. Below is a breakdown of Washington’s roster in terms of trade value and educated predictions ahead of the trade deadline based on the NBA landscape.
Bilal Coulibaly: Rookie Report Card (First Quarter), Updated Career Projections Original
Rookie Bilal Coulibaly has been one of the bright spots for the Wizards in a season that has been deemed as a “reshaping” campaign. Coulibaly, who was the No. 7 overall pick in the 2023 draft, has shown promise for the franchise. He’s been a constant member of Wes Unseld‘s rotation, seeing the fifth-most minutes for Washington during the first 22 games of the season. Coulibaly’s offense was seen as a work in progress entering the draft and his defense was expected to be his calling card.
Wizards Leading NBA in Breaking Opposing Coach’s Spirits
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Wizards Leading NBA in Breaking Opposing Coach's Spirits
This article is not written by ChatGPT or any AI software (Be sure to check out our only piece to date involving ChatGPT where we audited the platform’s NBA knowledge). The Wizards are on their third one-game win streak of the season after defeating the Pistons and coach Monty Williams was not happy that Kyle Kuzma & Co. got the best of his team. Williams used just three words—”very,” “very,” and “poor”—to answer his first two questions from media members after the contest.
Cavs Notes: Frontcourt, Thompson, Mitchell, Trade Rumors Original
PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Cavaliers knocked the Sixers out of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament on Tuesday night and although there’s no doubt that the victory is monumental in terms of who will ultimately win the NBA Cup, in terms of who will win the Larry O’Brien in June, the major storyline is how Cleveland matches up with their potential state-adjacent playoff opponent.
NBA Buzz: Trade Rumors, Washington Wizards, Jordan Poole, Karl-Anthony Towns Original
Let’s get to the latest buzz from around the NBA, including the Wizards, Russell Westbrook, and Karl-Anthony Towns trade rumors: Wizards Rumors Wes Unseld Jr.’s job is safe. Despite the Wizards’ poor start, the Unseld’s job isn’t in danger, according to a report from Josh Robbins of The Athletic. Washington ushered in a new front office this offseason and the new regime is prepared to give Unseld “significant leeway” this season.
7 Sports Business Things From SBC Summit Latinoamérica
Nearly 3,000 executives and over 70 companies were in attendance at the Seminole Hard Rock Casino for the third annual SBC Summit Latinoamérica. The conference and trade show, which is just one of SBC’s annual events, brings together the sports betting and gaming industry’s top executives from the Latin American markets as well as many from North America and around the world.
Deni Avdija's Progress: Offseason Work Yields Bright Spot For Washington Wizards Original
MIAMI, FL — There’s power at the intersection of positivity and preparation. After a loss in the first game of the NBA’s In-Season Tournament at the hands of the Miami Heat, it might seem as if there isn’t much to celebrate for the Washington Wizards. One of the positives for Washington in a season that has a focus on the future, however, is the progress of Deni Avdija.
Washington Wizards' 2023-24 Schedule Might Help Team Win More Games Than Expected Original
Few expect the Washington Wizards to compete with the NBA’s best in the win column this season, though the schedule-makers did the franchise some favors. There are 28 instances during the 2023-24 NBA season where the Wizards likely have a schedule advantage and a few other matchups that just missed the list.
Inside The Wizards' Innovative Plan For Danilo Gallinari's Next Chapter Original
WASHINGTON DC — Danilo Gallinari is in good spirits. On NBA Media Day, the Italian sharpshooter joked with Wizards staffers, answered questions from the local media, and explained one of his goals for the upcoming season: proving that he could still play in the NBA. “The league has gotten so much younger.
Damian Lillard Trade Breakdown: Bucks Continue All-In Push
On the Wednesday before the Bucks settle in for their 2023 Media Day and open training camp, the front office has swung a blockbuster trade. Milwaukee acquired Damian Lillard from the Blazers in a three-team trade that includes the Suns.
Team USA Women Take Home 2023 3x3 FIBA World Cup
USA Basketball’s 3×3 Women’s team has taken home the 2023 FIBA World Cup title, winning the title game over France by a score of 16-12 on Sunday in Vienna. The 3×3 title game has a 10-minute clock (it’s usually eight minutes for non-Final games) with a score of 21 winning the game if either team approaches that number before the time is over (for more info on the 3×3 FIBA games, check out our piece on the 3×3 Team USA Qualifiers).
NBA Buzz: Lakers, Trade Rumors, Cavaliers, Hawks, Draft Notes
Let’s get you caught up on the latest buzz from around the NBA: Lakers Gaining Momentum Los Angeles is one win away from reaching the Western Conference Finals for the second time during LeBron James‘ tenure. Both James and Anthony Davis are probable for Game 5 and the former MVP isn’t worried about being ready to close out the series. “I think we’ll be ready. One thing about when you play Golden State, you don’t have an opportunity to relax.
Joel Embiid Accepts MVP Award: 'My Life Is A Movie'
Joel Embiid has officially won the NBA MVP and on Wednesday afternoon, the Sixers held a press conference to accept the award. “It’s amazing. It’s something that I’ve dreamt of and I’ve always wanted. This is just one step to whatever I want to accomplish, which is to win championships. It felt pretty good,” Embiid explained. “I’ve always said it – I feel like my life is a movie. I started playing basketball at 15.
Details on Washington Commanders' Sale, Magic Johnson's Stake
The proposal to buy the Washington Commanders led by Philadelphia 76ers team owner Josh Harris remains on the table and while it may not be finalized until the NFL holds a league meeting in late May, some details of the $6.05 billion bid have surfaced. Harris would own 30 percent of the team and be the managing partner under the proposal, Mike Ozanian of Forbes reports. NFL league rules stipulate that majority team owners must have at least 30 percent stake in the team.
Michelle Beadle Shares Life Advice, Financial Perspective
Michelle Beadle is an accomplished sports reporter, host, and media personality with a resume that includes hosting NBA Countdown on ESPN, co-producing and hosting SportsNation on ESPN 2, and anchoring coverage of the 2012 Olympic games in London for NBC. Beadle is currently part of the Spurs’ broadcast team and also hosts a new show on FanDuelTV called Run It Back.
NBA Buzz: Rockets Rumors, Coaching Changes, Executive of the Year
Let’s get you caught up on some of the latest buzz from around the NBA. including potential coaching changes, Houston Rockets rumors and checking in on the Executive of the Year award. Potential Coaching Changes The Wizards plan to retain Wes Unseld Jr. heading into next season, though several other teams appear more likely to undergo a coaching change. The Pistons, Rockets, and Raptors are teams to watch in regard to a coaching change, according to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports.
Video: Michelle Beadle Answers 21 Questions - Including Brunch Picks, NBA Dating Stories, Future Bets
We recently sat down with longtime NBA host and media personality Michelle Beadle to ask her 21 questions as part of our social media and digital content. Among the questions asked includes who her (all-time) starting five would be if she had to select a basketball team to defend Earth against a Space Jam-like alien attack. Beadle selected Magic Johnson. Michael Jordan.
Report: Wizards To Retain Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr.
The Washington Wizards plan to keep Wes Unseld Jr. as their head coach entering next season. “He is our coach moving forward,” Tommy Sheppard told the media in Washington (via Josh Robbins of The Athletic). Unseld was hired to be Washington’s head coach back in 2021., taking over for Scott Brooks.
Ben Simmons, Back Injuries & Reasons To Be Optimistic
Ben Simmons last suited up in mid-February and although various reports indicated that he could return to the floor for the Nets, it’s now clear that the former Sixers isn’t playing again this season. “For me as a coach, there’s some things that I can control, some things that I can’t control,” Nets Coach Jacque Vaughn said prior to Simmons being shut down for the season. “What I can’t control is the impingement. What I can control is getting this group ready to play.
NBA Buzz: Wizards, Draft, Trade Rumors, Knicks, MVP Voting, Cavs
Let’s take a look at the latest and more crucial buzz from around the NBA. Wizards Looking Down In a piece for The Athletic, David Aldridge opined that the Wizards are better off losing down the stretch than going on a run for one of the last play-in spots in the Eastern Conference. The team is dealing with a bevy of injuries, including Bradley Beal, who has a mild left knee sprain.
Michelle Beadle Talks Aliens, NBA Interviews, MVP Award Voting
Michelle Beadle is an accomplished sports reporter, host, and media personality with a resume that includes hosting NBA Countdown on ESPN, co-producing and hosting SportsNation on ESPN 2, and anchoring coverage of the 2012 Olympic games in London for NBC. Beadle is currently part of the Spurs’ broadcast team and also hosts a new show on FanDuelTV called Run It Back.
Asking ChatGPT Detailed NBA Questions: How Did AI Perform?
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has the public’s eye and it’s making its way through a variety of sectors, including the sports world. ChatGPT is just one of the newer models of a chatbot. With it gaining more and more buzz, we conducted an experiment, asking ChatGPT several NBA-related questions to see how precise its capabilities are. Which NBA franchises have the most championships?
Russell Westbrook Finds Perfect Landing Spot, Joins Clippers
Russell Westbrook is signing with the Clippers in a move that reunites him with former Thunder teammate Paul George. Westbrook was traded to the Jazz in a three-team trade at the deadline and Utah is completing a buyout with the point guard which allows him to sign elsewhere. While Westbrook isn’t the same player he was at his MVP peak, he’s still someone who can contribute to a winning team.
USA Basketball Announces 2023 Men's World Cup Qualifying Team Roster
USA Basketball’s 12-man roster is set to compete in the February 2023 USA Men’s World Cup Qualifiers, as the team announced. Team USA has two contests set with the first against Uruguay (in Montevideo, Uruguay) Thursday, Feb. 23 at 7:10 p.m. ET and the second against Brazil (in Santa Cruz, do Sul, Brazil) on Sunday, February 26 at 7:10 p.m. ET.
Team USA: Steph Curry 'Excited' About 2024 Olympics Opportunity
Stephen Curry has a long history with USA Basketball that includes two World Cup titles (2010, 2014), though the 34-year-old doesn’t yet have an Olympic Gold Medal to his name. Curry recently spoke with longtime NBA reporter Marc Stein (via Substack) about a range of topics, including whether he intends to play for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics. “I’m more than excited about the opportunity to do it,” Curry told Stein.
Moe Wagner Discusses Surreal NBA Life, Magic Season, Florida Things
Former University of Michigan standout Moritz Wagner has played for four different NBA franchises since being drafted by the Lakers (No. 25 overall pick in 2018) and he’s seen what NBA life is like being part of so-called rebuilding squads as well as playing alongside top stars like LeBron James and Bradley Beal.
Will Bradley Beal's Return Enliven Wizards' Playoff Hopes?
Bradley Beal is expected to return to the lineup vs. the Knicks on Wednesday night following a five-game absence because of his hamstring injury. The Wizards have gone 1-4 during Beal’s latest stretch of missed games. Can Wizards Turn Season Around? As we previously detailed, injuries are again defining the Wizards’ season.
Sixers Encouraged By Jaden Springer's Progress Original
PHILADELPHIA — Games like the Sixers’ 147-116 blowout win over the Pistons create opportunities for the team to evaluate players who don’t normally get playing time. Jaden Springer, who was the No. 28 overall pick in the 2021 draft, hasn’t seen much court time for the Sixers during his sophomore season in the league.
Wizards: Injuries Continue to Define Tommy Sheppard Era Original
Injuries are again defining the Wizards’ season—much like it has in every year during the Tommy Sheppard era in Washington. During Sheppard’s first season as team president of the Wizards, the local media began the year asking questions about John Wall’s availability, though it was no surprise that the former All-Star would miss the entire season as a result of an Achilles injury.
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