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davidaldridgedc.bsky.social

@davidaldridgedc.bsky.social

25K followers 270 following 715 posts

I write for @TheAthletic. I live in the District. I worry about our future. Co-Editor, The Basketball 100; 2016 Curt Gowdy Award, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; 2016 Sam Lacy Award, National Association of Black Journalists.

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

Guess Who’s Coming to My Dinner With Andre

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

THAT is an aggressive send!

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

The Wizards think they’ll be more competitive this season. A big part of that will be having Anthony Davis and his elite two-way skill on the floor. But will Davis be here long term? My man @joshrobbins.bsky.social & I explore (free to read), in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/765...

How long will Anthony Davis’ partnership with the Washington Wizards last? (Gift Article)

"AD is in a great frame of mind," a Wizards executive said. But that doesn't guarantee that Davis will remain in Washington beyond Feb. 11.

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

I have never seen that before - a ball hit so high that it hit the roof and bounced straight down in fair territory, and is then caught for an out. Crazy!

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...

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

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...

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.

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.”

static.klipy.com

ALT: Clint Eastwood

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

I never heard this song until it was in Captain Marvel lol. Great one.

100

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

The Commanders are 0-2, and the franchise QB is, again, injured. My colleagues @nickijhabvala.bsky.social, @barrysvrlugawp.bsky.social and I roundtable it on Jayden Daniels’ future, whether the front office has helped him enough & more. Free, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...

Should Jayden Daniels’ injury change our opinion of his potential? Our writers discuss (Gift Article)

Should a second elbow dislocation make you question whether Jayden Daniels can be the franchise quarterback in Washington?

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...

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

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...

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

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

How will the Eastern Conference shake out this season? Can the champion Knicks rip through the playoffs again? Who will surprise and make a move up? The dudes @hunterpatterson.bsky.social, @jxlorenzi.bsky.social, Eric Nehm and I chop it up, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...

Knicks are reigning champs, but what about the rest of the Eastern Conference? (Gift Article)

With the Knicks looking to repeat and the additions of star players in the Eastern Conference, how competitive can the East be this season?

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...

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

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...

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.

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

x.com/Steven_Ballm...

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...

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.

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

“My name is Abdullah!” :-)

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...

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.

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

It was horrendous. And I wanted to like it because of all the “D.C. in the ‘80s” gags…

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...

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.

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...

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.

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

“Punxsutawney Jill” !! Called her by her gubmint name lol…

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

I didn’t listen to a ton of country growing up…but even I know “Crazy” by Patsy Cline is a banger, now and forever.

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.

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...

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.

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...

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.

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

I seem to recall that Bambi and Thumper turned out differently:

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

HOW CAN I BE ONE OF LIZZ’S COOL FRIENDS?!? :-)

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

That’s, uh, not the first time he’s sat on that couch.

000

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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.

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Time for my annual 30-1 rankings of every NBA team’s offseason - just the offseason; these aren’t power rankings. We start with teams 30-21 today. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/745...

2026 NBA offseason rankings: Knicks, Warriors, Trail Blazers among bottom 10 (Gift Article)

We're asking a simple question with this assessment: Is the team better now, at the end of the offseason, than it was at the beginning?

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...

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.

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

I think it’s a live deer that’s ready to shred that guitar, Van Halen style!

static.klipy.com

Eddie Van Halen: Iconic Guitarist

ALT: Eddie Van Halen: Iconic Guitarist

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...

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

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

This is the job. Embrace it - and learn!

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

Next: Grizzlies-Bulls, aka Boozer-Wilson…

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...

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

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Tarris Reed, Jr.’s motor: as advertised.

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

The Commanders will put the Diesel in the rafters. Our @nickijhabvala.bsky.social on Washington’s announcement it will retire Hall of Fame back John Riggins’ number 44 next season. Free to read, in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...

Hall of Famer John Riggins to have No. 44 retired by Washington Commanders (Gift Article)

Riggins will be the third Washington player in as many years to have his jersey number immortalized by the franchise.

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

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

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

This game is nuts! @fifawc26.bsky.social #Mexico #England

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

It’s indescribably annoying inside the town. 😡

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 05/07/2026

What a lousy day. Boomerang to the rescue. Damn near a perfect movie…still.

static.klipy.com

Boomerang: Eddie Murphy & Pops Talking

ALT: Boomerang: Eddie Murphy & Pops Talking

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...

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.

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...

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

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...

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

davidaldridgedc.bsky.social @davidaldridgedc.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Our @danwoikesports.bsky.social with major LeBron James news, in our free agent blog in @theathletic.com: www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

BREAKING: LeBron James will leave Lakers, won't retire

LeBron James has informed the Lakers he is leaving and will be playing elsewhere next season, league sources say. He has not yet decided where he’ll be playing next season and felt it was time to move...

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.