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IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya set to return against Rajasthan Royals, confirms bowling coach Mhambrey  Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will be available for the IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed on Monday.The all-rounder sat out of MI’s previous clash against the Delhi Capitals after being unwell in the lead-up to the game.“Hardik Pandya is available. He had a couple of nets session. He is fine. He was not injured, but was unwell. That’s the reason he was unavailable last game,” the bowling coach said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash.RELATED | 14 defeats in 22 matches: Does CSK have a captaincy conundrum or will its ethos prevail?Hardik’s spot was taken up by Deepak Chahar, who managed to scalp the wicket of KL Rahul in the first over, although there was a big slice of luck invovled in the strangle down legside.Despite picking two in the first six overs, the Mumbai-based franchise couldn’t prevent DC from chasing down the 163-run target with eleven balls and six wickets to spare.Hardik struck an unbeaten 18 with the bat in MI’s first game against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium and returned figures of one for 39.Published on Apr 06, 2026  #IPL #Hardik #Pandya #set #return #Rajasthan #Royals #confirms #bowling #coach #Mhambrey

IPL 2026: Hardik Pandya set to return against Rajasthan Royals, confirms bowling coach Mhambrey

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will be available for the IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed on Monday.

The all-rounder sat out of MI’s previous clash against the Delhi Capitals after being unwell in the lead-up to the game.

“Hardik Pandya is available. He had a couple of nets session. He is fine. He was not injured, but was unwell. That’s the reason he was unavailable last game,” the bowling coach said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash.

RELATED | 14 defeats in 22 matches: Does CSK have a captaincy conundrum or will its ethos prevail?

Hardik’s spot was taken up by Deepak Chahar, who managed to scalp the wicket of KL Rahul in the first over, although there was a big slice of luck invovled in the strangle down legside.

Despite picking two in the first six overs, the Mumbai-based franchise couldn’t prevent DC from chasing down the 163-run target with eleven balls and six wickets to spare.

Hardik struck an unbeaten 18 with the bat in MI’s first game against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium and returned figures of one for 39.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

#IPL #Hardik #Pandya #set #return #Rajasthan #Royals #confirms #bowling #coach #Mhambrey

Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya will be available for the IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Barsapara, Guwahati, bowling coach Paras Mhambrey confirmed on Monday.

The all-rounder sat out of MI’s previous clash against the Delhi Capitals after being unwell in the lead-up to the game.

“Hardik Pandya is available. He had a couple of nets session. He is fine. He was not injured, but was unwell. That’s the reason he was unavailable last game,” the bowling coach said during the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash.

RELATED | 14 defeats in 22 matches: Does CSK have a captaincy conundrum or will its ethos prevail?

Hardik’s spot was taken up by Deepak Chahar, who managed to scalp the wicket of KL Rahul in the first over, although there was a big slice of luck invovled in the strangle down legside.

Despite picking two in the first six overs, the Mumbai-based franchise couldn’t prevent DC from chasing down the 163-run target with eleven balls and six wickets to spare.

Hardik struck an unbeaten 18 with the bat in MI’s first game against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium and returned figures of one for 39.

Published on Apr 06, 2026

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#IPL #Hardik #Pandya #set #return #Rajasthan #Royals #confirms #bowling #coach #Mhambrey

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Deadspin | Reports link UNC search to Billy Donovan, Michael Malone <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666205.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28666205.jpg" alt="NBA: Phoenix Suns at Chicago Bulls" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 5, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan directs his team against the Phoenix Suns during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Conflicting reports have linked North Carolina’s coaching search to Billy Donovan and Michael Malone.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Field of 68 reported Sunday that the Tar Heels were focused “solely” on Donovan, the current Chicago Bulls coach who led Florida to back-to-back national championships in 2006-07.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>ESPN reported Monday, however, that North Carolina intends to hire Malone, who won an NBA championship in 2025 with the Denver Nuggets but has never been a collegiate head coach.</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Donovan, 60, has been coaching in the NBA since compiling a 467-186 record with the Gators from 1996-2015.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>He is 224-253 with the Bulls (29-48 this season) after going 243-157 with the Oklahoma City Thunder (2015-20).</p> </section><br/><section id="section-6"> <p>Malone, 54, has been working as a studio analyst for ABC/ESPN this season after being fired by the Nuggets on April 8, 2025.</p> </section> <section id="section-7"> <p>He owns a career record of 510-394 as the head coach of Denver (2015-25) and the Sacramento Kings (2013-14). He was previously an assistant with the Golden State Warriors, New Orleans Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks.</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Malone was an assistant coach in the college ranks at Manhattan (1999-2001), Providence (1995-98) and Oakland (1994-95).</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>North Carolina parted ways with Hubert Davis after last month’s first-round loss to VCU in the NCAA Tournament. </p> </section><section id="section-10"> <p>Michigan coach Dusty May and Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd are among the potential candidates who have decided to remain at their current posts.</p> </section><section id="section-11"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section></div> #Deadspin #Reports #link #UNC #search #Billy #Donovan #Michael #Malone

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Debunking NBA Playoff Narratives and Breaking Down Award Races | Deadspin.com <div id="section-1"> <p>As we enter the and-1 final week of the NBA regular season, there’s still much to be decided.</p><p>It’s just not what we’re being led to believe.</p><p>The promos say …</p><ul><li>The Thunder and Spurs will duel to the finish to determine the top seed in the West.</li></ul><p>Not true: Even though they would lose a tie-breaker, Oklahoma City, with the Jazz, <a href="https://deadspin.com/how-los-angeles-lakers-might-need-bronny-james-in-nba-playoffs/" target="_blank">a crippled Lakers team</a> and a struggling Clippers squad as its next three opponents, has this thing wrapped up. Put them on TV next Sunday and you’re likely to get a whole lot of Brooks Barnhizer.</p><ul><li>The Lakers, Nuggets and Rockets will do everything they can to avoid finishing fifth in the West.</li></ul><p>Not true: While the third- and fourth-place teams will earn home-court advantage in the first round, these squads – along with No. 6 Minnesota – are so evenly matched, the site really shouldn’t matter. Big picture, the third-place team – if it can survive the Timberwolves – then gets the Spurs in Round 2 … and who wants that?</p><ul><li>The Cavaliers can benefit from passing the Knicks for third in the East.</li></ul><p>Not true: The third seed – after a tough first-round matchup – would get the red-hot Celtics in Round 2. It says here: You’re better off landing fourth, where you possibly luck into Atlanta in the first round, then get the Pistons in the Eastern semifinals.</p><ul><li>The scramble for play-in spots in both conferences is wide-open.</li></ul><p>Actually, this is true: But all are glorified lottery teams that will be nothing more than cannon fodder for the Thunder, Spurs, Pistons and Celtics in Round 1. So who cares?</p><p>In other words, there isn’t a single must-watch matchup on the docket next Sunday, when the NBA has clumped all its games into two TV windows, hoping to double-dip on meaningful stuff.</p><p>So, you might be asking, what then is left to get excited about?</p><p>The NBA’s major awards are all up for grabs, with one signature performance – especially as a lasting impression in the regular-season finale – quite possibly making the difference.</p><p>Unfortunately, the NBA’s silly 65-game rule has already dampened the enthusiasm on what should be considered major accomplishments.</p><p>So instead of simply looking at the candidates for the two most glamorous awards, let’s examine how shifting importance to total points – not total games – could have resulted in a fantastic finish and multiple must-see matchups in Game 82.</p><h2 id="2026-nba-mvp" class=" uppercase break-words">2026 NBA MVP</h2><p>Sadly, one of the toughest decisions in recent hardware history is being caught up in: Will<a href="https://www.theringer.com/2026/04/06/nba/nba-mvp-odds-awards-2026-shai-gilgeous-alexander-nikola-jokic-victor-wembanyama" target="_blank"> Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama </a>make it to 65 games? It didn’t have to be this way.</p><p>If the NBA simply would switch over to totals rather than averages in citing statistical leaders – you know, like baseball and football do in basically every category – it would demonstrate the importance of showing up without disqualifying anybody.</p><p>It’s interesting to note that Luka Doncic leads the NBA in scoring. But since he’s injured and done for the regular season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, just 91 points behind with five games left, has a great opportunity to seize the league’s most prestigious statistical crown.</p><p>That has to be worth something. As does the Thunder’s best record in the league and SGA’s likely spot on an NBA All-Defense team.</p><p>Jokic will win the assists title, but all those games he’s missed have cost him on the rebounds (fourth place) and scoring (10th) lists. Those aren’t MVP-level achievements.</p><p>And then there’s Wemby. He’ll be the blocks king, but he’s even farther behind in rebounds (fifth) and scoring (18th).</p><p>Total points – coupled with Defensive Player of the Year consideration and the most overachieving of the elite teams – point out why Jaylen Brown, currently third in scoring, is actually a better candidate than the two big men.</p><p>If SGA, who played his 65th game Thursday, were to take a game off this week, the door would be open for Brown, already with a 50-point game to his credit, to go nuts in the finale against the Magic and steal the scoring crown George Gervin-style.</p><p>I’d tune in for that … and maybe later on when SGA would be forced to counter-punch in an otherwise unwatchable pre-playoff exhibition against the Suns.</p><p><strong>My pick: Gilgeous-Alexander.</strong></p><h2 id="rookie-of-the-year" class=" uppercase break-words">Rookie of the Year</h2><p>Here’s where the focus on the 65-game qualification is likely to produce the wrong winner.</p><p>Cooper Flagg reached 65 with a record-setting, 51-point explosion Friday against the Mavericks. Some believe that clinched the award.</p><p>But reaching this so-called magic number is only serving to detract from the fact that college teammate Kon Knueppel has had a better – and certainly more complete – season. He’s shown up WAY more often (77 games) and has helped lead a surprisingly entertaining team (the Hornets) rather than compiling big numbers for a bad club (Flagg’s Mavericks) that hasn’t scored a meaningful point all season.</p><p>Most importantly, unless things go completely sideways in the final week, <a href="https://deadspin.com/why-kon-knueppel-is-now-the-favorite-over-cooper-flagg-for-nba-rookie-of-the-year/" target="_blank">Knueppel will win the rookie scoring title</a>. He begins play Sunday with a 101-point lead, while only trailing Flagg by insignificant amounts in rebounds and assists.</p><p>The problem is: Knueppel couldn’t possibly have to deal with a harsher gauntlet than what’s in front of him – the Timberwolves, Celtics, Pistons and Knicks, all defensive stalwarts.</p><p>A couple more Flagg 40’s could make the finale – against a defenseless team already in fishing gear (the Bulls) – potentially historic.</p><p>Again I say: I’d tune in both early (Hornets-Knicks) and late (Bulls-Mavericks).</p><p><strong>My pick: Knueppel.</strong></p> </div> #Debunking #NBA #Playoff #Narratives #Breaking #Award #Races #Deadspin.com

KL Rahul’s scintillating unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season has once again brought to the fore the paradox posed by the 34-year-old in 20-over cricket.

Often criticised for his slow strike, Rahul has also shown glimpses of his aggressive avatar with knocks such as the 67-ball 152 on Saturday, which is the highest individual score by an Indian in the league’s history.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Rahul possesses the skills to excel in the shortest format at any position, provided he doesn’t put too much of a premium on his wicket.

“KL Rahul has the ability to make an impact at any position. And I believe that if he thinks too much, the opening position is slightly risky because then he starts thinking that in these 20 overs, I’m a crucial player in the side,” Manrekar said on Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.

“And that’s when he has those 20 balls, you know, (slow) start. And that’s a dangerous one. I’m saying that today, and come the playoffs, if he does that and gets out in trying to accelerate, that’s a lot of damage done.

“Down the order, he doesn’t have to think. He just has to go and start hammering, as he does for India in 50-over cricket. So, I like him down the order, at the top of the order, provided he doesn’t think that his wicket matters.”

After batting in the middle order for the bulk of the last season for Delhi Capitals, Rahul has played as an opener in all games this year. Though he started this season with scores of 0 and 1, he bounced back with two fifties before smashing a scorching hundred.

Manjrekar believes Rahul has also been at the receiving end of some role-clarity confusion at Delhi Capitals.

“… With KL Rahul, there’s been some sort of role-clarity confusion for him as well. So, he originally was at number four for DC. Now he’s opening,” Manjrekar said, while acknowledging that DC’s lower-order firepower has allowed Rahul to play with more freedom.

Though Rahul has struck at an impressive 187.89 this season, Manjrekar highlighted the batter’s slow starts.

“So, he plays these kinds of innings, but the very next innings could be 20 of 20 balls. Starts off very slow for some reason… Even when he got a 90 recently, his first 20 balls, he got 20, 25 runs. The problem with that approach is that when you decide to change gears, OK, you’ve got 24 off, say, 21 balls or 32 of 24 balls. OK, now the time has come for me to accelerate. You’re taking a risk always. And if you get out at that time, trying to take a risk, and that has happened a lot with KL Rahul, more when he was batting for Punjab Kings. Then you’ve done your team harm because you can’t recover 20 balls or 30 balls; 30 balls is 25 per cent of the entire innings. And if you’ve gone at a strike rate of 110, you’re done, you’re finished. You won’t get as many runs on the board. So, that’s a very dangerous ploy.”

The likes of Rahul have often been termed ‘anchors’, a role that Manjrekar believes has no place in modern-day T20 cricket.

“I believe, in T20 cricket, no batter has the right to anchor the innings. When you have eight pure batters of a certain quality and just 20 overs, you just don’t have the right, especially when you’re batting first. You see a lot of teams get 190, 200 and lose games because there’s been somebody at the top who’s got 20 of 20 balls and went on to maybe accelerate later. But those 20, if they were 35, 40, you’ve got those 10, 15 extra runs. And with the impact sub, even more reason for nobody to start off getting 20 or 20, unless it is chasing 140, 150.”

Drawing a parallel between Rahul and Virat Kohli, Manjrekar said the latter had evolved his game and had started scoring more briskly by shunning the idea that he was indispensable to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lineup.

“Someone like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli’s style is similar in the way they sort of master and structure their innings. And I’ll say this, very methodical. And Kohli often talks about how he calculates when to attack, when to take that single… It’s only that he’s decided that he’s going to bat quicker. And why was it decided? Because you could see the pressure building and people talking about him batting a little too slow. This 150 strike rate was 125, 133 four years back.

“And it was only because Virat Kohli would hit a boundary and then pick up a one or two, because he wanted to extend his innings and play longer, because he felt that he had to be the man batting most of the innings and didn’t quite trust the batters down the order. RCB changed when Virat Kohli at the top started batting a little quicker and didn’t make himself sort of almost indispensable. And that’s when the others also blossomed under him.”

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Sanjay #Manjrekar #Rahul #bat #position #providedhe #doesnt #wicket #matters">Sanjay Manjrekar: KL Rahul can bat at any position, provided he doesn’t think his wicket matters   KL Rahul’s scintillating unbeaten 152 against Punjab Kings in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season has once again brought to the fore the paradox posed by the 34-year-old in 20-over cricket.Often criticised for his slow strike, Rahul has also shown glimpses of his aggressive avatar with knocks such as the 67-ball 152 on Saturday, which is the highest individual score by an Indian in the league’s history.Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Rahul possesses the skills to excel in the shortest format at any position, provided he doesn’t put too much of a premium on his wicket.“KL Rahul has the ability to make an impact at any position. And I believe that if he thinks too much, the opening position is slightly risky because then he starts thinking that in these 20 overs, I’m a crucial player in the side,” Manrekar said on        Sportstar’s Insight Edge podcast.“And that’s when he has those 20 balls, you know, (slow) start. And that’s a dangerous one. I’m saying that today, and come the playoffs, if he does that and gets out in trying to accelerate, that’s a lot of damage done.“Down the order, he doesn’t have to think. He just has to go and start hammering, as he does for India in 50-over cricket. So, I like him down the order, at the top of the order, provided he doesn’t think that his wicket matters.”After batting in the middle order for the bulk of the last season for Delhi Capitals, Rahul has played as an opener in all games this year. Though he started this season with scores of 0 and 1, he bounced back with two fifties before smashing a scorching hundred.Manjrekar believes Rahul has also been at the receiving end of some role-clarity confusion at Delhi Capitals.“… With KL Rahul, there’s been some sort of role-clarity confusion for him as well. So, he originally was at number four for DC. Now he’s opening,” Manjrekar said, while acknowledging that DC’s lower-order firepower has allowed Rahul to play with more freedom.Though Rahul has struck at an impressive 187.89 this season, Manjrekar highlighted the batter’s slow starts.“So, he plays these kinds of innings, but the very next innings could be 20 of 20 balls. Starts off very slow for some reason… Even when he got a 90 recently, his first 20 balls, he got 20, 25 runs. The problem with that approach is that when you decide to change gears, OK, you’ve got 24 off, say, 21 balls or 32 of 24 balls. OK, now the time has come for me to accelerate. You’re taking a risk always. And if you get out at that time, trying to take a risk, and that has happened a lot with KL Rahul, more when he was batting for Punjab Kings. Then you’ve done your team harm because you can’t recover 20 balls or 30 balls; 30 balls is 25 per cent of the entire innings. And if you’ve gone at a strike rate of 110, you’re done, you’re finished. You won’t get as many runs on the board. So, that’s a very dangerous ploy.”The likes of Rahul have often been termed ‘anchors’, a role that Manjrekar believes has no place in modern-day T20 cricket.“I believe, in T20 cricket, no batter has the right to anchor the innings. When you have eight pure batters of a certain quality and just 20 overs, you just don’t have the right, especially when you’re batting first. You see a lot of teams get 190, 200 and lose games because there’s been somebody at the top who’s got 20 of 20 balls and went on to maybe accelerate later. But those 20, if they were 35, 40, you’ve got those 10, 15 extra runs. And with the impact sub, even more reason for nobody to start off getting 20 or 20, unless it is chasing 140, 150.”Drawing a parallel between Rahul and Virat Kohli, Manjrekar said the latter had evolved his game and had started scoring more briskly by shunning the idea that he was indispensable to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lineup.“Someone like KL Rahul and Virat Kohli’s style is similar in the way they sort of master and structure their innings. And I’ll say this, very methodical. And Kohli often talks about how he calculates when to attack, when to take that single… It’s only that he’s decided that he’s going to bat quicker. And why was it decided? Because you could see the pressure building and people talking about him batting a little too slow. This 150 strike rate was 125, 133 four years back.“And it was only because Virat Kohli would hit a boundary and then pick up a one or two, because he wanted to extend his innings and play longer, because he felt that he had to be the man batting most of the innings and didn’t quite trust the batters down the order. RCB changed when Virat Kohli at the top started batting a little quicker and didn’t make himself sort of almost indispensable. And that’s when the others also blossomed under him.”Published on Apr 27, 2026  #Sanjay #Manjrekar #Rahul #bat #position #providedhe #doesnt #wicket #matters

I’ve seen the future of the NBA. It’s part Caitlin Clark, part Waymo and, of course, a heaping helping of IT.

There have been 30 NBA playoff games to date. And there have been – according to no better source than players on the losing team – 30 poorly officiated boat races.

Coincidence? Hardly.

For years, perimeter play in the NBA postseason has resembled that of the NFL, complete with the chucking, hand-fighting and illegal picking.

If you’re wondering why Stephen Curry shoots more 30-footers now than ever before, it’s because apparently bear-hugging is legal inside 25 feet. So what’s a little guy to do?

Clark has received this kind of hands-on treatment since Day 1 of her miserable WNBA life. She’s bumped endlessly attempting to dribble around screens and held constantly while simply trying to use picks to free herself without the ball.

To its credit, the WNBA has created (they don’t call it this, but let’s be honest) the “Clark Compromise” this season. If you watched the preseason games over the weekend, you undoubtedly heard the broadcasters complaining about it.

I applaud Cathy Engelbert, and that’s hard to do. The league has instructed its refs to clean up the perimeter mess – from the clutching and bumping of defenders preventing offensive players from legally utilizing screens, to the hip-checking and general bullying screen-setters routinely employ on undersized defenders.

The constant whistles made Saturday’s games hard to watch, as the broadcasters noted. But that’s missing the point.

The goal is to use otherwise meaningless exhibitions to make the fast-approaching regular-season openers more enjoyable to watch. You know, by actually calling fouls now so that players are hard-taught to play by the book by the time the finicky viewers start tuning in.

Imagine that, NBA.

The premier men’s league has half-heartedly attempted to take this type of approach in the past couple of seasons, and clearly it’s not working. Ask Curry. Ask Devin Booker. Ask anybody trying to guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden or Jaylen Brown.

Let ‘em play has become the unofficial motto of the NBA postseason. And what has it given us?

In general: Less entertainment, poorer shooting opportunities, frustration, more extra-curriculars among players and an inordinate number of key injuries.

Specifically: There have been 30 playoff games so far. In those games, three of the 60 teams have been held under 90 points. That’s 5%. In the regular season, it was 1.7%.

Same with scores under 100. There have been 16 of them so far in the postseason (26.7%). In the regular season: 10.6%.

Sunday was the worst: More teams failed to reach triple figures than did. Number of watchable games: Zero.

That’s letting ‘em play. But play exactly what, I’m not sure.

In fact, with all the fouling that’s going uncalled, they’re not playing at all. They’re moshing.

It’s time to get with the times and take corrective steps. My solution is extreme – gee, imagine that – but when you’ve got people switching off a Thunder-Suns playoff game to watch Day 3 of the NFL draft, you’ve got problems.

The NBA needs to take a Waymo approach. You know, an implanted chip that tells the brain: All contact is bad. Avoid at all costs.

No, I’m not suggesting tattooing a sensor into every player’s forehead. Rather, a simple memory scan of each player’s arms – the major culprits in most of these so-called victimless crimes – so that when someone’s shoulder or elbow or forearm or hand simply touches an opponent, the referee gets buzzed and the actionless action is stopped.

Why? Because touching an opponent should be illegal. Think baseball. Not football.

As Waymo has taught us: All contact is bad.

And if cars can learn it, why can’t humans?

Then it’s IT’s turn.

Within one second, IT has the ability to study every available angle of a “collision” and make the determination: Which player caused this to happen?

Was it Brown pushing off Paul George in order to create space to get off a clean shot? Or was it George sticking a forearm into Brown’s back, stalling his initial move toward the hoop?

In today’s game, it doesn’t matter. More possessions than not resemble DK Metcalf and Carlton Davis wrestling inside the 5-yard, anything-goes NFL passing zone.

Only the NBA has no such thing.

Really. One second. That’s all it would take IT to point its virtual punitive finger.

And then guess what? Brown wouldn’t do it again. Or Harden. Or SGA.

That’s how you clean up and speed up the NBA game. Or at least start to do so.

Imagine an NBA rule in which you’re not allowed to touch your opponent. Yes, it’s hard to envision. But think about it for a minute.

Fifty years ago, when Lester Hayes was literally using stickum to latch onto wide receivers, who would have thought a hands-off rule would revolutionize football?

And that was back when the only IT was Isiah Thomas.

The NBA had hand-checking back then. Remember that thrill-killer?

That was banished and the game became great. But the problem has resurfaced, more so in the postseason than in the regular year, when it was a lesser issue because star players weren’t complaining. They were resting.

It’s time to get with the times, Commissioner Silver. Take the leap.

Thank you Caitlin Clark for saving the NBA.

#Technology #Fix #NBA #Officiating #Bold #Solution #Playoff #Issues #Deadspin.com">Can Technology Fix NBA Officiating? A Bold Solution to Playoff Issues | Deadspin.com   I’ve seen the future of the NBA. It’s part Caitlin Clark, part Waymo and, of course, a heaping helping of IT.There have been 30 NBA playoff games to date. And there have been – according to no better source than players on the losing team – 30 poorly officiated boat races.Coincidence? Hardly.For years, perimeter play in the NBA postseason has resembled that of the NFL, complete with the chucking, hand-fighting and illegal picking.If you’re wondering why Stephen Curry shoots more 30-footers now than ever before, it’s because apparently bear-hugging is legal inside 25 feet. So what’s a little guy to do?Clark has received this kind of hands-on treatment since Day 1 of her miserable WNBA life. She’s bumped endlessly attempting to dribble around screens and held constantly while simply trying to use picks to free herself without the ball.To its credit, the WNBA has created (they don’t call it this, but let’s be honest) the “Clark Compromise” this season. If you watched the preseason games over the weekend, you undoubtedly heard the broadcasters complaining about it.I applaud Cathy Engelbert, and that’s hard to do. The league has instructed its refs to clean up the perimeter mess – from the clutching and bumping of defenders preventing offensive players from legally utilizing screens, to the hip-checking and general bullying screen-setters routinely employ on undersized defenders.The constant whistles made Saturday’s games hard to watch, as the broadcasters noted. But that’s missing the point.The goal is to use otherwise meaningless exhibitions to make the fast-approaching regular-season openers more enjoyable to watch. You know, by actually calling fouls now so that players are hard-taught to play by the book by the time the finicky viewers start tuning in.Imagine that, NBA.The premier men’s league has half-heartedly attempted to take this type of approach in the past couple of seasons, and clearly it’s not working. Ask Curry. Ask Devin Booker. Ask anybody trying to guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden or Jaylen Brown.Let ‘em play has become the unofficial motto of the NBA postseason. And what has it given us?In general: Less entertainment, poorer shooting opportunities, frustration, more extra-curriculars among players and an inordinate number of key injuries.Specifically: There have been 30 playoff games so far. In those games, three of the 60 teams have been held under 90 points. That’s 5%. In the regular season, it was 1.7%.Same with scores under 100. There have been 16 of them so far in the postseason (26.7%). In the regular season: 10.6%.Sunday was the worst: More teams failed to reach triple figures than did. Number of watchable games: Zero.That’s letting ‘em play. But play exactly what, I’m not sure.In fact, with all the fouling that’s going uncalled, they’re not playing at all. They’re moshing.It’s time to get with the times and take corrective steps. My solution is extreme – gee, imagine that – but when you’ve got people switching off a Thunder-Suns playoff game to watch Day 3 of the NFL draft, you’ve got problems.The NBA needs to take a Waymo approach. You know, an implanted chip that tells the brain: All contact is bad. Avoid at all costs.No, I’m not suggesting tattooing a sensor into every player’s forehead. Rather, a simple memory scan of each player’s arms – the major culprits in most of these so-called victimless crimes – so that when someone’s shoulder or elbow or forearm or hand simply touches an opponent, the referee gets buzzed and the actionless action is stopped.Why? Because touching an opponent should be illegal. Think baseball. Not football.As Waymo has taught us: All contact is bad.And if cars can learn it, why can’t humans?Then it’s IT’s turn.Within one second, IT has the ability to study every available angle of a “collision” and make the determination: Which player caused this to happen?Was it Brown pushing off Paul George in order to create space to get off a clean shot? Or was it George sticking a forearm into Brown’s back, stalling his initial move toward the hoop?In today’s game, it doesn’t matter. More possessions than not resemble DK Metcalf and Carlton Davis wrestling inside the 5-yard, anything-goes NFL passing zone.Only the NBA has no such thing.Really. One second. That’s all it would take IT to point its virtual punitive finger.And then guess what? Brown wouldn’t do it again. Or Harden. Or SGA.That’s how you clean up and speed up the NBA game. Or at least start to do so.Imagine an NBA rule in which you’re not allowed to touch your opponent. Yes, it’s hard to envision. But think about it for a minute.Fifty years ago, when Lester Hayes was literally using stickum to latch onto wide receivers, who would have thought a hands-off rule would revolutionize football?And that was back when the only IT was Isiah Thomas.The NBA had hand-checking back then. Remember that thrill-killer?That was banished and the game became great. But the problem has resurfaced, more so in the postseason than in the regular year, when it was a lesser issue because star players weren’t complaining. They were resting.It’s time to get with the times, Commissioner Silver. Take the leap.Thank you Caitlin Clark for saving the NBA.   #Technology #Fix #NBA #Officiating #Bold #Solution #Playoff #Issues #Deadspin.com

her miserable WNBA life. She’s bumped endlessly attempting to dribble around screens and held constantly while simply trying to use picks to free herself without the ball.

To its credit, the WNBA has created (they don’t call it this, but let’s be honest) the “Clark Compromise” this season. If you watched the preseason games over the weekend, you undoubtedly heard the broadcasters complaining about it.

I applaud Cathy Engelbert, and that’s hard to do. The league has instructed its refs to clean up the perimeter mess – from the clutching and bumping of defenders preventing offensive players from legally utilizing screens, to the hip-checking and general bullying screen-setters routinely employ on undersized defenders.

The constant whistles made Saturday’s games hard to watch, as the broadcasters noted. But that’s missing the point.

The goal is to use otherwise meaningless exhibitions to make the fast-approaching regular-season openers more enjoyable to watch. You know, by actually calling fouls now so that players are hard-taught to play by the book by the time the finicky viewers start tuning in.

Imagine that, NBA.

The premier men’s league has half-heartedly attempted to take this type of approach in the past couple of seasons, and clearly it’s not working. Ask Curry. Ask Devin Booker. Ask anybody trying to guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden or Jaylen Brown.

Let ‘em play has become the unofficial motto of the NBA postseason. And what has it given us?

In general: Less entertainment, poorer shooting opportunities, frustration, more extra-curriculars among players and an inordinate number of key injuries.

Specifically: There have been 30 playoff games so far. In those games, three of the 60 teams have been held under 90 points. That’s 5%. In the regular season, it was 1.7%.

Same with scores under 100. There have been 16 of them so far in the postseason (26.7%). In the regular season: 10.6%.

Sunday was the worst: More teams failed to reach triple figures than did. Number of watchable games: Zero.

That’s letting ‘em play. But play exactly what, I’m not sure.

In fact, with all the fouling that’s going uncalled, they’re not playing at all. They’re moshing.

It’s time to get with the times and take corrective steps. My solution is extreme – gee, imagine that – but when you’ve got people switching off a Thunder-Suns playoff game to watch Day 3 of the NFL draft, you’ve got problems.

The NBA needs to take a Waymo approach. You know, an implanted chip that tells the brain: All contact is bad. Avoid at all costs.

No, I’m not suggesting tattooing a sensor into every player’s forehead. Rather, a simple memory scan of each player’s arms – the major culprits in most of these so-called victimless crimes – so that when someone’s shoulder or elbow or forearm or hand simply touches an opponent, the referee gets buzzed and the actionless action is stopped.

Why? Because touching an opponent should be illegal. Think baseball. Not football.

As Waymo has taught us: All contact is bad.

And if cars can learn it, why can’t humans?

Then it’s IT’s turn.

Within one second, IT has the ability to study every available angle of a “collision” and make the determination: Which player caused this to happen?

Was it Brown pushing off Paul George in order to create space to get off a clean shot? Or was it George sticking a forearm into Brown’s back, stalling his initial move toward the hoop?

In today’s game, it doesn’t matter. More possessions than not resemble DK Metcalf and Carlton Davis wrestling inside the 5-yard, anything-goes NFL passing zone.

Only the NBA has no such thing.

Really. One second. That’s all it would take IT to point its virtual punitive finger.

And then guess what? Brown wouldn’t do it again. Or Harden. Or SGA.

That’s how you clean up and speed up the NBA game. Or at least start to do so.

Imagine an NBA rule in which you’re not allowed to touch your opponent. Yes, it’s hard to envision. But think about it for a minute.

Fifty years ago, when Lester Hayes was literally using stickum to latch onto wide receivers, who would have thought a hands-off rule would revolutionize football?

And that was back when the only IT was Isiah Thomas.

The NBA had hand-checking back then. Remember that thrill-killer?

That was banished and the game became great. But the problem has resurfaced, more so in the postseason than in the regular year, when it was a lesser issue because star players weren’t complaining. They were resting.

It’s time to get with the times, Commissioner Silver. Take the leap.

Thank you Caitlin Clark for saving the NBA.

#Technology #Fix #NBA #Officiating #Bold #Solution #Playoff #Issues #Deadspin.com">Can Technology Fix NBA Officiating? A Bold Solution to Playoff Issues | Deadspin.com

I’ve seen the future of the NBA. It’s part Caitlin Clark, part Waymo and, of course, a heaping helping of IT.

There have been 30 NBA playoff games to date. And there have been – according to no better source than players on the losing team – 30 poorly officiated boat races.

Coincidence? Hardly.

For years, perimeter play in the NBA postseason has resembled that of the NFL, complete with the chucking, hand-fighting and illegal picking.

If you’re wondering why Stephen Curry shoots more 30-footers now than ever before, it’s because apparently bear-hugging is legal inside 25 feet. So what’s a little guy to do?

Clark has received this kind of hands-on treatment since Day 1 of her miserable WNBA life. She’s bumped endlessly attempting to dribble around screens and held constantly while simply trying to use picks to free herself without the ball.

To its credit, the WNBA has created (they don’t call it this, but let’s be honest) the “Clark Compromise” this season. If you watched the preseason games over the weekend, you undoubtedly heard the broadcasters complaining about it.

I applaud Cathy Engelbert, and that’s hard to do. The league has instructed its refs to clean up the perimeter mess – from the clutching and bumping of defenders preventing offensive players from legally utilizing screens, to the hip-checking and general bullying screen-setters routinely employ on undersized defenders.

The constant whistles made Saturday’s games hard to watch, as the broadcasters noted. But that’s missing the point.

The goal is to use otherwise meaningless exhibitions to make the fast-approaching regular-season openers more enjoyable to watch. You know, by actually calling fouls now so that players are hard-taught to play by the book by the time the finicky viewers start tuning in.

Imagine that, NBA.

The premier men’s league has half-heartedly attempted to take this type of approach in the past couple of seasons, and clearly it’s not working. Ask Curry. Ask Devin Booker. Ask anybody trying to guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden or Jaylen Brown.

Let ‘em play has become the unofficial motto of the NBA postseason. And what has it given us?

In general: Less entertainment, poorer shooting opportunities, frustration, more extra-curriculars among players and an inordinate number of key injuries.

Specifically: There have been 30 playoff games so far. In those games, three of the 60 teams have been held under 90 points. That’s 5%. In the regular season, it was 1.7%.

Same with scores under 100. There have been 16 of them so far in the postseason (26.7%). In the regular season: 10.6%.

Sunday was the worst: More teams failed to reach triple figures than did. Number of watchable games: Zero.

That’s letting ‘em play. But play exactly what, I’m not sure.

In fact, with all the fouling that’s going uncalled, they’re not playing at all. They’re moshing.

It’s time to get with the times and take corrective steps. My solution is extreme – gee, imagine that – but when you’ve got people switching off a Thunder-Suns playoff game to watch Day 3 of the NFL draft, you’ve got problems.

The NBA needs to take a Waymo approach. You know, an implanted chip that tells the brain: All contact is bad. Avoid at all costs.

No, I’m not suggesting tattooing a sensor into every player’s forehead. Rather, a simple memory scan of each player’s arms – the major culprits in most of these so-called victimless crimes – so that when someone’s shoulder or elbow or forearm or hand simply touches an opponent, the referee gets buzzed and the actionless action is stopped.

Why? Because touching an opponent should be illegal. Think baseball. Not football.

As Waymo has taught us: All contact is bad.

And if cars can learn it, why can’t humans?

Then it’s IT’s turn.

Within one second, IT has the ability to study every available angle of a “collision” and make the determination: Which player caused this to happen?

Was it Brown pushing off Paul George in order to create space to get off a clean shot? Or was it George sticking a forearm into Brown’s back, stalling his initial move toward the hoop?

In today’s game, it doesn’t matter. More possessions than not resemble DK Metcalf and Carlton Davis wrestling inside the 5-yard, anything-goes NFL passing zone.

Only the NBA has no such thing.

Really. One second. That’s all it would take IT to point its virtual punitive finger.

And then guess what? Brown wouldn’t do it again. Or Harden. Or SGA.

That’s how you clean up and speed up the NBA game. Or at least start to do so.

Imagine an NBA rule in which you’re not allowed to touch your opponent. Yes, it’s hard to envision. But think about it for a minute.

Fifty years ago, when Lester Hayes was literally using stickum to latch onto wide receivers, who would have thought a hands-off rule would revolutionize football?

And that was back when the only IT was Isiah Thomas.

The NBA had hand-checking back then. Remember that thrill-killer?

That was banished and the game became great. But the problem has resurfaced, more so in the postseason than in the regular year, when it was a lesser issue because star players weren’t complaining. They were resting.

It’s time to get with the times, Commissioner Silver. Take the leap.

Thank you Caitlin Clark for saving the NBA.

#Technology #Fix #NBA #Officiating #Bold #Solution #Playoff #Issues #Deadspin.com

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