Thomas Neumann

@okcthunder.bsky.social's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: “We prioritize getting better every day. We did that all last season. We did that throughout the whole playoff run. Because we did that, we have no choice but to be a better team.” My @athlonsports.bsky.social dispatch tinyurl.com/mrxpyvth

As they both wrestled how to finalize their accomplished NBA careers, LeBron James and the late Kobe Bryant evaluated their health, their play and the Lakers' direction. My @athlonsports.bsky.social on how LeBron & Kobe faced strongly different circumstances tinyurl.com/msw5x7fx

Shaquille O’Neal wearing a short-sleeved suit in 2002.

Shaq in that short-sleeved suit, seen in the tunnel at the end of the clip, is the stuff of legend.

My @athlonsports.bsky.social piece on Warriors' Jimmy Butler's leadership, including San Diego gathering (tinyurl.com/n6kf2t7z): "The highlight for me was watching Steph and myself beat up on everybody in dominoes."

For @athlonsports.bsky.social, I share why I believe Luka Doncic will win regular-season MVP as well as my picks for DPOY, Rookie of the Year & more. I also share more on Spectrum SportsNet tinyurl.com/44rnvsw5

For @athlonsports.bsky.social , I provide 9 predictions on the NBA season, including if Thunder will defend their NBA title, how LeBron James' retirement will play out & if Giannis Antetokounmpo will stay with the Bucks tinyurl.com/3me4r2as

Kevin Durant's Last Stand After the historic seven-team blockbuster trade that brought KD to Houston, the Slim Reaper wants to end his legendary career on his terms, writes Marc Stein.

Many thanks to @thesteinline.bsky.social for this incisive deep dive into Kevin Durant's next career chapter.

This article is from Athlon Sports' 2025-26 NBA Preview magazine.

@athlonsports.bsky.social

athlonsports.com/nba/houston-...

Why Lakers Can Expect Best Version of Luka Dončić This Season The superstar guard appears fit and focused heading into his first full season in Los Angeles, writes Mark Medina.

Lakers coach JJ Redick on Luka Dončić: I expect the best version of Luka. And it’s my job as a coach to bring that out on a daily basis." @athlonsports.bsky.social dispatch on why the Lakers can expect that best version of Luka. tinyurl.com/38a7b9t6

hey this guy tarik skubal is pretty good

Why Not Memphis? Tigers Have Clear Path to College Football Playoff Memphis sits atop the Group of 5 with a favorable schedule ahead, writes Thomas Neumann.

Memphis is quietly 5-0 with a logical path to the College Football Playoff.

My story on the Tigers after their 55-26 win at Florida Atlantic:
athlonsports.com/college-foot...

5 Takeaways From Lakers' Season-Opening Press Conference Athlon Sports' Mark Medina discusses JJ Redick's contract extension and a quartet of other topics from Thursday's presser.

Rob Pelinka & JJ Redick addressed LeBron James' future, Luka Doncic's improved conditioning, JJ's extension and how the current roster can help LeBron & Luka. Pelinka: "We would love it if LeBron’s story would be that he retired a Laker." Via
@athlonsports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/489dcf2h

Miami Manhandles Florida in Rugged Romp The Hurricanes flexed their muscles and looked like a championship contender against the Gators, writes Thomas Neumann.

Miami didn't play its best game and still rolled over a talented Florida squad. That's what champions do.

My dispatch from Hard Rock Stadium:
athlonsports.com/college/miam...

A score bug featuring the Minnesota-California game on Sept. 13, 2025.

Outshined.

Outshined.

Outshined.

South Florida Blasts Boise State in Surprising Season-Opening Display of Dominance The Bulls knocked the Broncos off their perch atop the Group of 5 with a blistering performance on Thursday night.

USF punched Boise State in the mouth and never let the Broncos catch their breath.

My article on the Bulls’ surprising win:

athlonsports.com/college-foot...

Shout-out to Chucky Brown.

7 Key Takeaways From the 2025-26 NBA Schedule Release The NBA is poised to tip off a new era with new TV partners. Athlon's Mark Medina analyzes the highlights of the 2025-26 slate.

What are the NBA's best opening night & Christmas Games? What is the NBA's best 'revenge game.' I share my NBA schedule takeaways for @athlonsports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/4ztmm9f6

The Greatest Assistant Coaches in NFL History The NFL's most important assistant coaches are rarely given the historical credit they deserve for their innovations. Doug Farrar looks to remedy this.

New on @athlonsports.bsky.social: Another Hall of Fame class, another group of great assistant coaches throughout history ignored. Assistants never get the credit they deserve for changing the sport for the better, so here's my all-time list of the all-time best. athlonsports.com/nfl/greatest...

Brian Dawkins Wants to Save Your Life Hall of Fame safety Brian Dawkins reflects on his football journey, the present and future of the game, and an off-field initiative that hits close to home.

I spent some time w/one of the most iconic defenders in #NFL history.

athlonsports.com/nfl/hall-of-...

ESPN's Dan Orlovsky Talks QB Traits, Development On "Best Podcast Available" On this week's episode of "Best Podcast Available," Athlon Sports NFL Draft expert Luke Easterling talks QBs with ESPN's Dan Orlovsky.

For this week's episode of BPA, I sat down w/ESPN's Dan Orlovsky to talk about what young QBs can do to help themselves (regardless of surroundings), how athleticism is a now a necessity (instead of a bonus), and how to build the perfect QB using 6 key traits:

athlonsports.com/nfl/dan-orlo...

Analyzing Lakers’ Boom-or-Bust Move for Deandre Ayton Athlon Sports’ Mark Medina assesses the enigmatic center’s fit in Los Angeles.

Which version of Deandre Ayton will be with the Lakers? My @athlonsports.bsky.social dispatch on Ayton's dueling identities & more insight on his comments to me last year: "I got nothing to prove in this league. I’m a max player, and I’ll continue to be a max player." tinyurl.com/rz6df9hd

5 Bold Predictions for NBA Free Agency Athlon Sports’ Mark Medina projects a quintet of significant moves ahead of the legal tampering period.

How will NBA free agency/offseason movement play out? Per @athlonsports.bsky.social, here are five free agent predictions involving Giannis, LeBron, Kuminga & more. tinyurl.com/54mu6966

Why Cooper Flagg Is Expected to Be 'Adaptable' with Mavericks Dallas will benefit from Flagg's shape-shifting versatility, exquisite skill set and extraordinary maturity, writes Mark Medina.

What impresses NBA execs & scouts the most about Cooper Flagg? Matt MacKenzie, Flagg's trainer: "It’s his ability to adapt to his environment and impact winning in so many different ways." For @athlonsports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/yvnk2r44

Thunder Solve Gritty Pacers to Win NBA Finals Make no mistake, OKC earned its championship despite Tyrese Haliburton’s injury, writes Mark Medina.

Despite Tyrese Haliburton's injury, the Thunder earned the 2025 NBA title and the Pacers should still feel proud for their Finals run. My @athlonsports.bsky.social dispatch tinyurl.com/msdjeaap

How Pacers Overwhelmed Thunder in NBA Finals Game 6 Indiana relied on guts, resilience and mettle to topple OKC and force a Game 7, writes Mark Medina.

Once again, the Indiana Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton showed why they should never be counted out. My @athlonsports.bsky.social dispatch on the Pacers' dominating Game 6 win over the Thunder tinyurl.com/yjpkh96u

Pacers Face Tyrese Haliburton Conundrum Indiana is suddenly staring at elimination while its clutch superstar is ailing, writes Mark Medina.

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton in lose-lose situation with injury during Game 6 loss to Thunder. My dispatch for @athlonsports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/mr3nyuue

How Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sparked Game 4 Win With Clutch Rally The NBA MVP showed mettle and fortitude in lifting Oklahoma City to a series-tying victory, writes Mark Medina.

How Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Sparked Game 4 NBA Finals Win over Pacers With Clutch Rally. My dispatch for
@athlonsports.bsky.social tinyurl.com/58trrnk2

How Pacers Swarmed Thunder to Snatch Game 3 Feisty Indiana turned to its deep bench to overwhelm mighty Oklahoma City, writes Mark Medina.

The Pacers didn't need a late-game comeback or a Tyrese Haliburton game-winning shot to beat the Thunder in Game 3. My @athlonsports.bsky.social on the Pacers tapping into their depth with Haliburton and key role players tinyurl.com/7d9ydunk