Basketball Intelligence For 9/1/23
Today's Best NBA Reporting And Analysis
TEAM-SPECIFIC STORIES
BOS: Can newcomer Svi Mykhailiuk crack the Celtics rotation?
Chris Forsberg, NBC Sports
HOU: Tari Eason could be the elite role player the Rockets need to compete
Mat Issa, The Step Back
IND: Pacers Rookie Scale Team Options Are Easy Choice This Offseason
Tony East, Forbes
LAL: Q&A: ‘Damn, I’m actually known.’ Austin Reaves on fame, team bonding and Steph Curry
Dan Woike, LA Times
LAL: Austin Reaves at the FIBA World Cup looks like the star the Lakers have long pursued
Jovan Buha, The Athletic
MIA: Heat bypass NBA ‘stretch’ deadline, with Kyle Lowry’s final season to remain fully on books
Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel
MIN: Nickeil Alexander-Walker finds stability and role that’s long eluded him
Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic
OKC: 3 areas where the Thunder should be drastically improved in 2023-24
Ian Levy, The Step Back
PHI: The Sixers could use another wing. Who’s left?
Paul Hudrick, Liberty Ballers
SAC: Vezenkov ready to ‘show it on the court’ in Sacramento
Frankie Cartoscelli, Sactown Sports
SAC: What swayed Sasha Vezenkov's decision to join Kings now
Tristi Rodriguez, NBC Sports
SAS: Q&A with Jeremy Sochan
Bryan Kalbrosky, USA Today
LEAGUE-WIDE STORIES
Wild cards who could reshape the 2023-24 NBA season
Ian Levy, The Step Back
Holmgren's predraft profile was so unique — a slight, mobile 7-footer who blocked a ton of shots, drained 3-pointers and was comfortable handling the ball in transition — it's still hard to know what exactly will translate to the NBA. But any of his skills that materialize should directly address a significant weakness of the Thunder.
Oklahoma City was just an average 3-point shooting team and even if he's just a reliable spacing threat from the 4 or the 5 position, it will open things up for everyone else on their offense. His rim protection will be hugely important and make them much less vulnerable on the offensive glass, where they were absolutely crushed last season. And his grab-and-go ability in transition could make the Thunder one of the best fastbreak teams in the league.
The Thunder should be fighting for a playoff spot this year but if Holmgren is an immediate impact player they could be ready to challenge the power structure of the Western Conference much sooner than we think.
9 Players With A Surprising Skill
Mike Shearer, Basketball Poetry
Links to our World Cup coverage and The Draft follow for paid subscribers, below