‘1996: Karl and the Sonics’ (Andy Hayt - NBAE/Getty Images)
Recent news that Oklahoma City’s new NBA team will assume the name Thunder made real to me a truth that I’ve been denying for some time now. While the people of that sprawling Midwestern town will undoubtedly cherish their first major, league-level professional franchise, the […]

‘Gustav Aftermath with Hanna Approaching’ (AP)
I left New Orleans on Friday with an eerie feeling. Bound for Ann Arbor where the Michigan Wolverines awaited my beloved Utes in the Big House, I watched the Crescent City’s skyline fade in my rearview mirror as I sped toward the airport. While the plane lifted off, […]

For years now, I’ve been convinced that one day a misguided director will create a made-for-TV-life story about Robert Horry and Gary Payton. Based on physical resemblance, Will Smith will play the clutch-shooting, Steve Nash-attacking forward. Meanwhile, Don Cheadle will portray the trash talking former Sonics point guard. In a lesser role, Sam Cassell will, […]

‘Redeem Team: Olympic Dreams?’ (Associated Press)
Following USA Basketball’s destruction of the Chinese team on Sunday, a reporter asked Dwayne Wade—a former NBA champion—about playing on the world’s biggest stage. Wade gave all the right answers, making the obligatory comment about this experience being unlike anything else. And he’s right, nothing compares to the […]

‘Lebron: One of the Chosen Few’
I took a road trip into the Mississippi Delta this past week. Nothing but world class destinations when I get behind the wheel, for sure. As I drove, my mind began wandering like the country roads and abandoned train tracks that crisscross the region’s fertile farmland. With […]

‘Dominique Wilkins for John Who?’ (NBAE/Getty Images)
I wrote a blog a while ago about the best trades and free agent signings in Jazz history. My buddy J-Rod asked, “What about the worst deals?” About time, huh J-Rod? The following list highlights questionable trades that caused aching of heads and scratching of noggins among Jazz faithful. […]

‘Over Stockton?!?’ (NBAE/Getty Images)
I want to start a fight. Perhaps the sweltering heat and oppressive humidity of New Orleans in August has finally caused me to snap. I want to start some drama—some mess—as my students call it, and I’m going to do it over this blog. Now, before I sound like one of those […]

‘What’s a little shove among friends?’

Welcome to the Heartbreak Hotel. Located in downtown Salt Lake City, we have a rare collection of rooms guaranteed to draw moisture from even the driest of tear ducts. You must show your colors as a true Jazz fan to reserve a room here. This means no turning off the […]

‘San Antonio: Remember the…mermaid?’
I spent the last week in San Antonio, Texas, at a conference with some fellow teachers from around the country. Normally I love visiting new towns. But try as I might, I couldn’t find a place in my heart for the Alamo City. This got me wondering, do I […]

‘Ron Artest: Now Rocket Fueled’ (Associated Press)
My brother is usually the one to deliver breaking sports news to my attention. Thus, I learned of Houston’s recent acquisition of Ron Artest in a text message that read, “Rockets got Artest for Bobby Jackson. Little bit scary.” The move does scare me a little, potentially a lot.
For […]