NBA

Kyrie Irving wears

The Metamorphosis of Kyrie Irving The Metamorphosis of Kyrie Irving

The Dallas Mavericks guard could’ve left the NBA a villain, but he’s now played long enough to become a hero.

Jun 6, 2024 / Dave Zirin

An interior view of the betting odds video board at the Westgate Superbook ahead of the Super Bowl LVIII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers on February 9, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Is Sports Gambling a Public Health Crisis? Is Sports Gambling a Public Health Crisis?

Why a progressive approach might be a national intervention.

Jun 5, 2024 / Katrina vanden Heuvel

Video screen shows Ohtani speaking at press conference

Online Gambling Has Swallowed Professional Sports Online Gambling Has Swallowed Professional Sports

Sports leagues partnered with legal gambling operations to fill their coffers. The deals are bringing in millions, but now they threaten to undermine what makes sports special.

Mar 27, 2024 / Dave Zirin

A red banner with white lettering that says

To Find Excitement at the NBA All-Star Game, Look to the Stands To Find Excitement at the NBA All-Star Game, Look to the Stands

Members of the Palestinian Youth Movement and Jewish Voice for Peace unfurled a banner that read “Let Gaza Live.”

Feb 20, 2024 / Dave Zirin

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

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