The two‑way contract, introduced in 2017 and expanded under the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement, represents one of the most consequential innovations in the NBA’s labor architecture. Far from a marginal roster mechanism, the two‑way system has become a central pillar of the league’s developmental strategy, reshaping the relationship between the NBA and the G-League while... Continue Reading →
Who Decides If a Player Is Hurt? Inside the NBA’s Battle Over Medical Authority
The Utah Jazz announced that Lauri Markkanen will miss two weeks after sustaining a hip injury during practice. This announcement raised alarms for many, given the heightened sense of animosity with the league over tanking. A premature report, which has since been walked back, suggested that Adam Silver was prepared to send an independent physician... Continue Reading →
The Law of Losing: Legal Constraints on NBA Anti-Tanking Rules
On Thursday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver informed the league's 30 general managers that the NBA plans to implement anti-tanking rule changes beginning next season. The proposed solutions include: reserving the ability to protect draft picks only for top-four selections; freezing lottery odds at the trade deadline; prohibiting teams from picking in the top four in... Continue Reading →
A Celebration Built on Tension: The NBA All Star Game’s Identity Crisis
Every February, the NBA’s biggest stars come together for one weekend in a made-for-television spectacle meant to celebrate the league’s brightest talents and give the fans something to get excited about. Yet what is supposed to be a showcase of joy and creativity has become a flashpoint for frustration. If the event feels increasingly strained,... Continue Reading →
Men’s Basketball Coach Billy Gillispie Reinstated at Tarleton State
Billy Gillispie, the coach at Texas Tech, “faced allegations of player mistreatment” in 2011 and 2012.1 In September 2012, he resigned due to health concerns.2 Gillispie resigned about a month after the school began to investigate the claims.3 The claims were from Texas Tech players raising concerns about their treatment by Gillispie.4 During Gillispie’s time... Continue Reading →
Dr. Wahab, Probably Accepting New Patients
The salaries of NBA players, professional athletes, and elite doctors are unimaginable to most of the general population. Yet, for some, these multi-million-dollar salaries do not seem to be enough. Several ex-NBA players went so far as to enlist the help of their health providers to “doctor” fake invoices that could be submitted to the... Continue Reading →
Come and Take ‘Em?: The Issue of Professional Sports and Firearms
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and Jack Jones of the New England Patriots have both run into trouble due to gun related incidents in the past month. In March 2023, the NBA suspended Ja Morant for eight games after he brandished a gun in a nightclub on Instagram Live.[1] The NBA said Morant had... Continue Reading →
How is Sports Betting Impacted by NBA Stars Sitting Out Games
Many people in the basketball community have expressed their discontent with star NBA players who sit out games. Players opt to sit out of games to rest for what they would consider “higher-pressure games.”[1] People have criticized this for a plethora of reasons. Magic Johnson’s criticism was twofold: first, he ridiculed the idea that players... Continue Reading →
Timberwolves Star Anthony Edwards Cited for Assault Following Playoff Elimination
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards has been cited for third-degree assault after swinging a folding chair that struck two female Ball Arena employees as he was running to the team’s locker room. The incident occurred following the Timberwolves’ series-ending loss to the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night in Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs.[1] Edwards... Continue Reading →
Projected NBA Lottery Pick Brandon Miller Linked to Fatal Shooting
The Alabama Crimson Tide men’s basketball program has found itself under a microscope since Darius Miles, a former player, was arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris, a 23-year-old woman. In addition to Miles, two freshman players have been tangentially linked to the case. One of... Continue Reading →