“It’s hard to say Ian Spector officially invented the meme. But he was, at minimum, a key early influencer.”
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The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Recommending stories from Alyssa Roenigk, Rachel Monroe, Brad Rassler, Will Bahr, and Zachary B. Hancock.
Dimes, Dunks, and Devotion: A Basketball Reading List
Seven essays that go beyond the box score.
A Car Ride and a Game 7 Loss That Activated Nikola Jokic Into an MVP
“For years, Jokic had been told … that he needed to get in better condition if he wanted to succeed in the NBA. But now it was coming from within.”
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Pieces from Benji Jones, Howard Bryant, Carey Baraka, Sally Jenkins, and Jeannette Cooperman.
The College Wrestlers Who Took On a Grizzly Bear
“Two junior college wrestlers were in the woods looking for antlers when they heard a crunch and saw the scariest thing you can find in the wilderness.”
The Top 5 Longreads of the Week
Featuring stories from Ryan Hockensmith, John Woodrow Cox, Ryan Nourai, Mary H.K. Choi, and Ferris Jabr.
Inside the NBA’s Great Generation War
“Not so long ago, retired NBA stars could put on a suit, go on ESPN, and lay into the next generation of young players with little pushback. Then something shifted.”
The Magic of Summer Basketball
“I am someone who grew up in a city without an NBA team.”
Andrew Luck Finally Reveals Why He Walked Away From the NFL
“He had no idea what came next, or how hard it would be to find out. All he knew was that he didn’t have to pretend anymore.”

