NBA

black and white photo of bill walton at 1975 press conference

Bill Walton Was Once a Trailblazing Radical Bill Walton Was Once a Trailblazing Radical

The basketball great is now better known for his tie-dyed shirts and enthusiastic sports commentary, but in the 1970s, he was a polarizing anti-government activist.

Sep 6, 2023 / Dave Zirin and Frank Guridy

Marcus Smart, a Celtics player, lies on the hardwood, frustrated—hands up.

Boston Tears: Why the Sports World Rejoiced at the Celtics’ Loss Boston Tears: Why the Sports World Rejoiced at the Celtics’ Loss

The sense that Boston possesses a special sporting sparkle is grating. It’s also, at least in recent history, true.

Jun 1, 2023 / Dave Zirin

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant brings the ball up court

Ja Morant and This Country’s Sick, Hypocritical, and Racist Relationship to the Gun Ja Morant and This Country’s Sick, Hypocritical, and Racist Relationship to the Gun

The media shouldn’t be so sanctimonious about the NBA All-Star while ignoring the origins of American gun lust.

May 16, 2023 / Dave Zirin

Bill Russell smiles.

Bill Russell Was a Revolutionary Bill Russell Was a Revolutionary

The death of the basketball legend at 88 should remind us of his courage off the court.

Aug 1, 2022 / Dave Zirin

In Defense of “Winning Time”

In Defense of “Winning Time” In Defense of “Winning Time”

Laker legends Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Jerry West are none too happy with the new HBO series. But there is much to be said for it.

Apr 21, 2022 / Dave Zirin

Brittney Griner

Brittney Griner Is a Political Prisoner Brittney Griner Is a Political Prisoner

It’s time to raise the volume on the plight of the WNBA superstar, who is languishing in Russian custody.

Mar 15, 2022 / Dave Zirin

basketball players audience

NBA and NFL to America: Drop Dead NBA and NFL to America: Drop Dead

The major sports leagues have decided that the show must go on, body count be damned.

Dec 20, 2021 / Dave Zirin

Enes Kanter Freedom

Enes Kanter Freedom: The NBA Authoritarian Against Authoritarianism Enes Kanter Freedom: The NBA Authoritarian Against Authoritarianism

By attacking LeBron James and appearing on Tucker Carlson’s show, the NBA player has taken his causes and delivered them into the arms of the right wing.

Dec 1, 2021 / Dave Zirin

Protesters for Kyrie Irving holding signs

Kyrie Irving Needs to Say “Not In My Name” Kyrie Irving Needs to Say “Not In My Name”

The right wing is now using the basketball star’s name as an anti-vaccine rallying cry.

Oct 25, 2021 / Dave Zirin

The NBA logo on a baskbeball court

Being “Pro NBA Player” Means Being Pro-Vaccine Being “Pro NBA Player” Means Being Pro-Vaccine

For NBA players, like everyone else, getting vaccinated is about solidarity.

Sep 30, 2021 / Dave Zirin

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