Seven Wonders, Vol. 07

The best things I’ve read in sports

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I hope your summer is off to a great start. I went on vacation with my family last week and came back to even hotter weather at home.

For my new subscribers, every so often I round up the most interesting sports articles I’ve come across and put them in a Seven Wonders post. I’m now on the seventh iteration of such a post.

But first, here are some of my recent and relevant posts you may have missed:

Do the Saudis have their target set on the NBA?: This is actually one of my first-ever posts for my newsletter, but it’s relevant since Bill Simmons’ comments on a new league being promoted by LeBron’s business partner, Maverick Carter. The Saudis are reportedly behind some of the initial investment needed to get the league started.

Soccer in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq: I dive into the little-known story of Hussein’s son, Uday, and how he turned the Iraqi national team experience into a nightmare with torture and threats.

The NBA Is More Talented Than Ever: I examine advanced statistics to understand the depth of talent in the NBA compared to other eras. Spoiler alert–the NBA has never been better.

The Decline of the Number Nine: Today's style of play has contributed to the decline of world-class strikers in soccer/football, but how having one can make all the difference.

Eight Interesting NBA Playoff Charts & Graphs: In honor of the NBA playoffs, I shared charts and graphs that explain the game when it matters most. Plus, as a Blazers fan, I shared my thoughts on Dame Lillard after his injury.

I Think We Can Fix College Basketball: I propose a few ways to improve the college game using data and common sense and share the impact of doing so.

And now, here are the seven best things I've read in sports recently:

The Truth about Scott “The Extender” Foster by

Tom Haberstroh

. Everyone knows Scott Foster as “The Extender” because he is brought in to extend a series. However, Tom analyzes the data to understand the real implications of “The Extender” nickname and how it impacted Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

There Is No Ethical Hooping Under Basketball Capitalism by

Neil Paine

. Shai is known by opposing fans as the “free throw merchant.” Neil takes a look at the incentives of foul baiting and why we will continue to see players find innovative ways to get to the charity stripe.

Are the Thunder Cooking the Books for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander? by

Above the Break

. A look into Shai’s turnover differences when playing at home vs on the road and an investigation into what may be the culprit.

No system ever won a football match by

Clive Tyldesley

. While examining Amorim’s tactics, Clive argues that his rigid approach is hurting Manchester United instead of helping.

Mesut Özil, the politician by

Gëzim Qadraku

. The complicated relationship between Mesut Özil and Germany, the country he dazzled for on the pitch.

The Colour of Football by

Sam White

. A fun read into the reasons behind different international teams’ soccer jersey colors and why they don’t always match their country’s flag.

There is No Face of the NBA by

Alex Lewis

. The mystique of past icons like Michael Jordan is impossible to replicate in today's social media-driven landscape. What fans truly desire is great basketball.

I hope these reads help you beat the heat. Stay cool out there!

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