Fred Katz

I never realized how much I would respect a flopping tech during the preseason.

Story from today:

What does a new-look Lakers defense actually look like? Can the Timberwolves speed up their offense? Where does the Rockets' playmaking come from?

Here are five Western Conference storylines I'm looking forward to following this season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...

Story from today:

NEW EPISODE of Katz and Shoot, running through our biggest takeaways from the Knicks’ preseason opener with @jledwardsiii.bsky.social: www.patreon.com/posts/140301...

The Knicks and 76ers are playing a basketball game. NBA season has begun.

Can the Cavaliers justify their price tag? How will the Knicks adjust? Will Derrick White and Andrew Nembhard take the reins?

Here are five Eastern Conference storylines I'm looking forward to following this season: www.nytimes.com/athletic/665...

Wild stat:

Kevin Durant has shot better than 50 percent on long 2s — an outrageous number, especially considering how many of his long 2s are contested and off the dribble — in six of the past eight seasons. During each of the two seasons he was under 50 percent, he was at 49.

Story from today. Check it out:

Why might Mitchell Robinson's status in the starting lineup or off the bench have nothing to do with the on-court product?

What schematic changes might we see in Knicks preseason?

Linked up with @jledwardsiii.bsky.social to talk Knicks.

Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/666...

I am biased. Clearly.

And Cal Raleigh is an incredible player. Clearly.

I also don’t understand why Aaron Judge is anything other than the clear MVP.

NEW EPISODE of Katz and Shoot, discussing our most interesting thoughts from media day with @jledwardsiii.bsky.social.

Listen/Subscribe: www.patreon.com/posts/episod...

Josh Hart said he re-aggravated the finger he had a procedure on over the summer and may have to play with a splint once games begin.

An always sarcastic Josh Hart on how he would feel about not starting: "If I don't start, I'll probably ask for a trade."

Josh Hart on Tom Thibodeau: "I love Thibs. I'm always gonna have love for Thibs for the things he helped me with, putting me in a position to be paid." Says but now, they have Mike Brown and they're moving forward with him.

Karl-Anthony Towns, refuting a report from July, said he did not undergo procedures on his finger or knee this summer.

Jalen Brunson on the Knicks firing Thibs: "It's sad to see a man I've known for a long time part ways with this organization. He's meant a lot to me. I've expressed that to him publicly and personally. He's meant a lot to my career."

Gonna be historic when he plays a half a guy

Here at Knicks media day, where new head coach Mike Brown says he hasn't settled on the starting lineup and plans to use a nine- or 10-man rotation.

NEW EPISODE of Katz and Shoot, breaking down alllll the Knicks’ moves with @andrewjclaudio.bsky.social.

Listen/Subscribe: www.patreon.com/posts/139118...

Jazz Chisholm, what an athlete.

As the roster stands today, Knicks could keep only one of Brogdon/Mathews/Shamet. However, I wouldn’t rule out them making a move to clear some money so they were able to keep two. Non guaranteed salaries don’t count against the cap until the season starts.

Good luck

I have thoughts on OG Anunoby: www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...

NEW EPISODE of Katz and Shoot, discussing NBA life from the perspective of an agent with EJ Kusnyer: www.patreon.com/posts/138430...

NEW EPISODE of Katz and Shoot, discussing the art of beat writing with @chriskirschner.bsky.social.

Listen/Subscribe: www.patreon.com/posts/episod...

Jonathan Kuminga's contract, intriguing teams and more lingering NBA offseason questions

Is this thing on?!

A late summer NBA discussion with @fredkatz.bsky.social and @thompsonscribe.bsky.social, at @theathletic.com

Talking Jonathan Kuminga (and the other RFAs), the revamped team we're most excited to see and the one that, well, we're not.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/658...

What's the latest with Jonathan Kuminga and the rest of the RFAs?

Which teams that made changes are we most excited for?

Which are most confusing?

Got together with @samamick.bsky.social and Marcus Thompson to discuss: www.nytimes.com/athletic/658...

Listen

NEW EPISODE of Katz and Shoot — drafting big men with @jledwardsiii.bsky.social until we get to the Knicks.

Listen/Subscribe: www.patreon.com/posts/136949...