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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

It’s NBA Media Day! We’re fanned all across the Association to tell you what’s going on as the league begins gearing up for the 2026-27 season. Keep up with all the updates via our live blog, free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

nytimes.com

NBA Media Day 2026 live updates: LeBron James jokes with reporters, Jalen Duren's absence and Wemby's emotions

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

After Washington lost both the game and its franchise QB in Dallas, the season seemed lost. But this is the NFL. Everything can change in seven days. And Sunday, the Commanders pulled out an improbable win over the Seahawks. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/763...

nytimes.com

In the NFL, everything can change in 7 days. Just ask the Commanders (Gift Article)

For the Commanders, a season that appeared hopelessly lost just a week ago now seems salvageable again.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

West Virginia RB goes 70+ yards on a run before being tackled from behind by Oklahoma State DB Mo Horn. My man doing color on the broadcast says “Mo Horn is inflation, and the running back is real wages. One is catching up.”

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Our @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social on the man in the Commanders spotlight: QB Marcus Mariota, who’s seen and done it all in 12 NFL seasons- including stepping in for an injured Jayden Daniels, which he now has to do again. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...

nytimes.com

Commanders QB Marcus Mariota reluctantly steps back into a role he’s built to handle

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

All during training camp, Jayden Daniels spoke gratefully about being back on the field, after injuries took football away from him last year. But, cruelly, it’s happened again, leaving him and the Commanders back at square one. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/761...

nytimes.com

Jayden Daniels' injury sends Commanders back to frustrating square one, yet again

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Adam Silver closed the door Tuesday on Steve Ballmer and the Clippers potentially getting any relief from their unprecedented cap circumvention penalties. And that sent an unmistakable message to the NBA’s other owners. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...

nytimes.com

In closing door on Clippers, Adam Silver sends a message to NBA's owner class

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The Commanders made way too many mistakes Sunday to beat the Eagles on the road. But their new offense came to life in the fourth quarter. More importantly, Jayden Daniels finished a game for the first time in almost a year. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/758...

nytimes.com

Mistakes doomed the Commanders — but Jayden Daniels finished standing upright (Gift Article)

Washington's offense wasn't electrifying in its season-opening loss, but it gives Daniels a better chance to stay in one piece.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

The Commanders’ new offensive coordinator, David Blough, is changing not just the unit’s plays, but how it gets to them. His ability to teach it all in real time will be key to whether Washington bounces back from an awful 2025. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/756...

nytimes.com

The Commanders bet on David Blough’s ability to remake their offense — and teach it (Gift Article)

As the first-year offensive coordinator teaches Jayden Daniels and the Commanders his offense, the how matters just as much as the what.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Much of the NBA waited to see what Adam Silver would do if a probe into alleged cap circumvention by the Clippers bore fruit. A white-shoe law firm, on Wednesday, said the team broke the rules. And Silver acted, decisively. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/756...

nytimes.com

With entire NBA watching, Adam Silver’s punishment of Clippers met the moment (Gift Article)

By handing the Clippers the largest team punishment in team history, Adam Silver channeled his inner David Stern.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The NBA’s business is, by most metrics, booming. But is the significant number of recent franchise sales, with private equity becoming an increasing part of those deals, creating more distance between teams and their fans? Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/753...

nytimes.com

The NBA’s never been more flush with cash. But is it losing its connection to its fans? (Gift Article)

NBA franchise values are soaring, and the league appears to be in a good place. But there's a downside to having so much money in the sport.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

The Commanders finished preseason badly. With the Eagles and the regular season looming in two weeks, they need to shore up their interior offensive line pronto-and hope they can lean on their rebuilt defense early. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/754...

nytimes.com

Commanders’ shaky preseason requires immediate fortification before the regular season (Gift Article)

The Commanders have a lot of cleaning up to do before the regular season starts, and a brutal early schedule demands a sense of urgency.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Godspeed. A legend in every sense of the word. 10 toes down for her and all of the goodness she brought to the world. I know she is back with her husband, and at peace.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

A force unto himself, Russell Westbrook made himself into a superstar, an iconic figure that reset record books over 18 never-dull seasons. His retirement Wednesday had Hollywood flourishes even as it celebrated his grind. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/750...

nytimes.com

Russell Westbrook leaves NBA letting his significant actions do talking (Gift Article)

It is hard to imagine Westbrook ever saying, as a matter of record, "I can't play in the NBA any more." His actions and resume say plenty.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Losing Laremy Tunsil is a gut punch for the Commanders. They plan to weather the storm on the left side of their O-line with Brandon Coleman and Chris Paul - who were competing with each other for the left guard spot just a week ago. Free, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/750...

nytimes.com

Left side up: Commanders need offensive line harmony from Brandon Coleman and Chris Paul (Gift Article)

The fate of Washington's offense in 2026 might rest on the performance of two young offensive linemen.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

My annual 30-1 rankings of every NBA team’s offseason conclude with the top 10 - rebuilding squads w/high lottery picks, playoff teams that didn’t stand pat and elite teams that made tough calls. (And Philly's in there somewhere.) Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...

nytimes.com

NBA offseason rankings: No surprise, but the 76ers stand alone at the top

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Today is the first day that the Wizards can offer Anthony Davis a contract extension. Lots of “experts” have speculated that Washington was going to go fast, & big. Our @joshrobbins.bsky.social knows what’s actually happening. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...

nytimes.com

Sources: Anthony Davis, Washington Wizards will have extension talks during season

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

We’re on to the middle 10 in my annual 30-1 ranking of each NBA team’s offseason. This year you’ll find the Lakers and Celtics there, the (re-)ascendant Spurs, and a mix of strong playoff teams and rebuilding squads. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...

nytimes.com

2026 NBA offseason rankings: Where do the Spurs, Celtics, Lakers fall? (Gift Article)

The teams in the middle 10 have been active since their seasons ended, aggressively looking to address shortcomings. That goes a long way.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 30/07/2026

A 5-12 season brought change across the board for the Commanders, in and out of the locker room. But Washington’s future is still all about 5 - Jayden Daniels - as the quarterback enters a pivotal third season in D.C. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/747...

nytimes.com

Jayden Daniels healthy, ready to lead Commanders back after rough sophomore year (Gift Article)

Daniels organized separate offseason workouts for his offensive skill players in Los Angeles.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

LeBron James could have ended his career back in Cleveland or Miami, where he’s won titles. In picking Philadelphia, with its 43-year NBA championship drought, its rabid fans and often caustic media, James is taking a harder path. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...

nytimes.com

By choosing the 76ers, LeBron James is taking the tougher, more meaningful path

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

It was just a summer league game. But for the Wizards, who have been so bad for so long, A.J. Dybantsa’s pro debut mattered greatly. The top pick in this year’s draft displayed the force, skill and charisma of a leading man. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...

nytimes.com

Wizards' AJ Dybantsa looked like a leading man on his first night as a pro

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

On a scale of 0-100, level of drunkenness in this subset of humans?

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Cade Cavalli has expressed remorse for his use of the word “boy” during a confrontation with Willson Contreras Tuesday. But the Nationals need to help him truly learn from this by connecting more with the city he represents. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/741...

nytimes.com

Cade Cavalli is contrite. What he and the Nationals do next is much more important (Gift Article)

Cavalli can use this moment to connect with the diverse community that supports him and the Washington Nationals.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Cade Cavalli has expressed true remorse for his use of the word “boy” during a confrontation with Willson Contreras Tuesday. But the Nationals need to help him grow further by connecting more with the city he represents. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/741...

nytimes.com

Cade Cavalli is contrite. What he and the Nationals do next is much more important

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

The “debate,” such as it is, about Jaylen Brown’s worth as a player has us back where we always are these days: arguing. We need to ask ourselves a different question, though: who does it benefit for us to keep yelling? Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/740...

nytimes.com

Debate over Jaylen Brown's worth is misguided, but a perfect metaphor for our hot-take world

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

I’m still really happy that Ecuador won and got to the knockout round. But I must admit to being a little sad that Tom Hanks and his team had to lose.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Asked A.J. Dybantsa the last time he was humbled on the basketball court, and what he learned from it. He said, “my last game (a loss to Texas in the NCAA Tournament). We were a six seed, and they were an 11.”

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

The Wizards didn’t surprise with the first pick in the NBA draft. They took AJ Dybantsa, the powerful wing the team believes can be a centerpiece of its rebuild. A full house at the team’s watch party Tuesday was a first sign. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...

nytimes.com

Wizards get their man in AJ Dybantsa, hopeful he can lead them out of the dark (Gift Article)

With AJ Dybantsa, the Wizards' front office finally was able to draft a player with true superstar potential.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

Our @joshrobbins.bsky.social is on it, as he noted last week: the Wizards and Trae Young agree to a new four-year deal worth more than $212 million, with a player option in the fourth year. Free to read here, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/738...

nytimes.com

Trae Young, Washington Wizards agree to new 4-year max contract: Source

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 22/06/2026

The Wizards got a gift when they won the first pick in Tuesday’s NBA draft. They should cash in that golden ticket by taking AJ Dybantsa, the kind of physical talent they’ve rarely had and been dominated by over the years. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/737...

nytimes.com

The Wizards' NBA lottery gift? Taking AJ Dybantsa with the No. 1 pick

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 21/06/2026

My annual NBA Draft Confidential concludes with a look at the top big man prospects, starting with Duke’s Cameron Boozer and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson. Real talk from college coaches, NBA scouts and team executives. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/737...

nytimes.com

2026 NBA Draft confidential: Coaches, scouts on Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson and top big prospects

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

The second installment of my annual NBA Draft Confidential dives into this year’s top wing prospects, led by BYU’s do-everything AJ Dybantsa, and is loaded with length, shooting and potential difference makers on defense. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/736...

nytimes.com

2026 NBA Draft confidential: Coaches, scouts, execs on AJ Dybantsa, top wing prospects

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 19/06/2026

The Wizards haven’t been secretive about their hopes of getting back into the first round to add to number one. Michael Winger said so after Washington won the lottery: “It’s not inconceivable that, you know, we find ways to acquire another pick or whatever the case may be.”

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

Mandami with the deep cuts at the Knicks’ victory rally : shouting out Toney Douglas, Langston Galloway, Lance Thomas, Renaldo Balkman!

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

We’re less than a week from the NBA draft, so it’s Confidential time! I’ve spent the last several weeks talking to coaches, NBA scouts & execs about the top prospects. We start with Darryn Peterson and a strong guard group. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/736...

nytimes.com

2026 NBA Draft confidential: Coaches, execs, scouts on Darryn Peterson, guard prospects

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

The Lakers announce that the incomparable Lawrence Tanter, the team’s PA announcer at The Forum and Crypto.com Arena for the last 43 years, is retiring - God’s baritone overlaying the team’s great moments for generations. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/736...

nytimes.com

Lawrence Tanter, Lakers’ longtime public address announcer, retires (Gift Article)

Tanter, 76, suffered a health incident last March and did not return for the rest of the season.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

This is becoming a really cool story. Very glad we have @spencernusbaum.bsky.social to tell it, every day, in @theathletic.com (free to read here): www.nytimes.com/athletic/736...

nytimes.com

For the first time in 7 years, the Nationals are 3 games over .500

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

I am by no means a hockey expert. But love the tradition of the Stanley Cup playoffs, and what that trophy represents to the team that wins it every year. Congrats to the Carolina Hurricanes!

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

In a league of killers, Jalen Brunson is one of the best winners of his generation. He won two chips at Villanova in three years, and he's made the New York Knicks into NBA champions. At 6-foot-1-ish. He's a great, GREAT basketball player.

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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 13/06/2026

VAR for “Mistaken Identity.” Sounds like an ‘80s film in the Dirty Harry series. “DNA? More like DOA, punk.”

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Dirty Harry: Go Ahead, Make My Day

ALT: Dirty Harry: Go Ahead, Make My Day

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