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Sam Amick

@samamick.bsky.social

33K followers 112 following 181 posts

Senior NBA writer, The Athletic Previously: The Sacramento Bee, AOL FanHouse, Sports Illustrated, USA Today The Athletic archive: www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/sam… The old-school stuff: nbaconfidential.wordpress.com/the-a…

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Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Finals news and notes, at @theathletic.com * On Gregg Popovich’s pre-Game 3 plane speech in San Antonio * Talking with Steph Castle about why he pushed his way to San Antonio in the draft (and not Houston) * Sources: Kings and Hornets talk Sabonis trade www.nytimes.com/athletic/734...

Calm, confident Spurs continue to show the influence of Gregg Popovich in NBA Finals (Gift Article)

Legendary coach gave a message to the team ahead of Game 3 that reinforced the qualities that got San Antonio to the finals.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

On KAT, his incredible play that has set the stage for Knicks history (while quieting the Giannis noise), Adam Silver’s load management logic, and Jalen Brunson winning the small point guard debate, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/733...

What we’re hearing about Karl-Anthony Towns’ NBA Finals play impacting Knicks, Giannis (Gift Article)

How will Karl-Anthony Towns' evolution in the 2026 NBA playoffs impact the Knicks' future payroll and Giannis Antetokounmpo's trade market?

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

What we’re hearing about the Giannis Antetokounmpo landscape, and how he might see some of the top suitors, as the Bucks’ (self-imposed) draft day deadline nears, w/ @ericnehmbot.mirrors.bot, at @theathletic.com (Story open to all) www.nytimes.com/athletic/732...

What we’re hearing about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade market as NBA Finals begin (Gift Article)

Miami? Boston? Orlando? Cleveland? Each playoff round provides more intel for the Milwaukee Bucks as they weigh an Antetokounmpo trade.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

It has been a very productive postseason for the Milwaukee Bucks, even if they’re not in it… Re-assessing the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market now that so many potential suitors had disappointing finishes, w/ @ericnehmbot.mirrors.bot, at @theathletic.com (Free) www.nytimes.com/athletic/726...

What we’re hearing about the potential Giannis Antetokounmpo trade market (Gift Article)

With many teams that have been tied to Antetokounmpo losing either in the Play-In or the first round, the Giannis market may open up again.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Who's overrated and underrated in the NBA? The most, and least, impressive coaches? Best defensive player (duh)? The latest returns from our anonymous player poll, at @theathletic.com (free link) www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...

Anonymous NBA player poll: Who's the most overrated player? Underrated? Best coach?

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Austin Reaves was bad - arguably worse than ever - in the OKC opener. On what it means, what it doesn’t mean, and why this Thunder defense couldn’t care less that he’s not himself just yet, at @theathletic.com (Free link) www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...

Austin Reaves' struggles put the Lakers at an even bigger disadvantage

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

What I’m hearing about the coaching carousel, the Taylor Jenkins payday that set the market very high, and two familiar names who are still hoping to hop back on, at @theathletic.com. More draft reform talk too. (Free link) www.nytimes.com/athletic/725...

What I'm hearing about the Trail Blazers, Tom Thibodeau, lottery reform and more

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

The NBA's latest solution to end tanking, obtained by @theathletic.com, was presented to the league's 30 GMs at a virtual meeting today. All the details of the "3-2-1" lottery ball proposal here, with a Board of Governors vote looming on May 28. www.nytimes.com/athletic/723...

NBA proposes new '3-2-1' draft lottery system, sources say. Here's how it works

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

What I’m hearing on NBA Draft reform (we have a heavy front runner proposal - and another GM call tomorrow), the playoff coaching hot seat and season-saving roster moves, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/723...

What I’m hearing about NBA draft lottery changes, coaching hot seats and more (Gift Article)

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has made addressing tanking a top priority before next season.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

The Reed Sheppard experience has been quite a thing these past two games. At any given moment - in between occasional reminders that he can actually play basketball at a high level - the Monstars come calling.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

The Lakers are well aware that Kevin Durant despises double teams. That’s why they did it - relentlessly, and effectively. Again. On this Rockets ride turning rocky at the wrong time, as LeBron keeps leading these undermanned Lakers, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/721...

The Lakers are causing Kevin Durant double trouble and the Rockets have no answer

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 19/04/2026

Marveling at LeBron James’ middle-aged magic, and how he somehow has the Lakers in position to stun the Rockets here, @theathletic.com Come for the injury report on yours truly. Stay for the insightful convo on LBJ with Marcus Smart. www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...

LeBron James still has it after all these years: ‘His body’s never stopped moving’

In his 293rd career playoff game, 41-year-old LeBron James had 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds and was in complete control.

Reposted by Sam Amick

The Athletic @theathletic.com · 19/04/2026

“There’s no way a guy at 41 should still be moving and doing the things at that level that he does it at, right?” @samamick.bsky.social on LeBron James' command in the Lakers' Game 1 win over the Rockets ⤵️ www.nytimes.com/athletic/720...

LeBron James still has it after all these years: ‘His body’s never stopped moving’

In his 293rd career playoff game, 41-year-old LeBron James had 19 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds and was in complete control.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Donovan Mitchell Unplugged: Reading material for the breaks in this (one-side) Cleveland-Toronto game, at @theathletic.com * His long history with James Harden * Behind the scenes on the Harden-Garland deal * Updated view of his Cleveland future www.nytimes.com/athletic/719...

Donovan Mitchell believes these playoffs — with James Harden — are his ‘best shot’ at a title

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

Sources: Despite the Kings’ brutal season, and amid league-wide speculation that they might make a coaching change, Doug Christie is safe. Why the Kings chose to keep him at the helm for next season, and where they go from here, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/718...

Sacramento Kings expected to retain head coach Doug Christie: Sources

The Kings are expected to keep Christie, who signed a three-year deal last summer, despite a 22-59 record.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Why the discussion about Steph Curry sitting for the rest of the season, while the Warriors go tanking, was always so silly, at @theathletic.com Anyone who saw the reaction to his pregame routine on Wednesday night at Chase Center would see that much. www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...

Steph Curry is close to returning for the Warriors, and we should all be thankful

Curry, who has been out since Jan. 30 with a knee injury, is aiming to come back for the 10th-place Warriors this weekend.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 01/04/2026

Sources: After a successful scrimmage on Tuesday, Warriors star Steph Curry is targeting Sunday's game against Houston for his possible return. More here, at @theathletic.com (w/ Nick Friedell) www.nytimes.com/athletic/716...

Steph Curry, Warriors targeting Sunday return after successful workout Tuesday

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Wemby vs. SGA and the great MVP debate, my read on Giannis vs. the Bucks and the 65-game rule discussion rages on, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...

Wemby’s MVP campaign is tough to argue, plus all signs point to Giannis-Bucks divorce

OK, I was wrong about the 65-game rule, though Adam Silver insists that it is working.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

The @thenbpa.bsky.social wants the 65-game rule gone. Story here on the union's strong statement about Cade Cunningham's disqualification from awards and the many top-tier players still in danger of being ineligible (w/ @joevardon.bsky.social) @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...

NBPA calls for 'arbitrary' 65-game rule for awards to be 'abolished or reformed'

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Why the resurgent Lakers, with Luka dominating and LeBron beaming ear to ear, are back in the contender conversation, at @theathletic.com A look at how they got here, what it might mean for LBJ’s future, and more (free link) www.nytimes.com/athletic/714...

The Lakers are better off with this version of LeBron James

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 14/03/2026

On the (unimpressive) week that was for the Jekyll-and-Hyde Timberwolves, who played with their food in a win against the Warriors, and why this won’t work against the best of the best (like OKC on Sunday). @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/711...

Wolves survive Warriors, turn focus to 'great challenge' of their matchup with Thunder

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Why Bam Adebayo and the Heat should have stopped at 81 - just like the broadcast said - rather than taking Kobe’s mark, @theathletic.com (Free link) www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...

Why Bam Adebayo and the Heat should have stopped at matching Kobe Bryant’s 81 points (Gift Article)

What Adebayo did Tuesday was remarkable in its own right, but here's why he should have called it a night a little bit sooner.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 09/03/2026

Monday morning musings, at @theathletic.com * On SGA catching Wilt in the 20-plus club, and why it warrants a pause in the officiating conversation * ROY race: Cooper returning & Kon’s (compelling) candidacy * The Warriors’ Porzingis problem (Free link) www.nytimes.com/athletic/710...

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander nears Wilt’s record, Kon Knueppel’s ROY case and more (Gift Article)

Plus, more on the Warriors' Kristaps Porziņģis, his mysterious health history and his impending free agency.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

On the Timberwolves’ race to pass the Nuggets in the West standings, and on the way to the local airport, en route to the title-contending conversation, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/708...

Timberwolves making sure they’re part of the conversation in crowded West

Minnesota beat Denver then beat the Nuggets to the airport. Can the Wolves find themselves ahead when it matters most?

Reposted by Sam Amick

joevardon.bsky.social @joevardon.bsky.social · 21/02/2026

‘He sounded more like Stern than Silver.’ Debate, confusion and a ‘message’ sent: Inside the NBA’s call with GMs on tanking w @samamick.bsky.social www.nytimes.com/athletic/706...

Debate, confusion and a 'message' sent: Inside the NBA's call with GMs on tanking

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Additional details from the GM meeting where the anti-tanking discussion was in full force, including messages sent by NBA commissioner Adam Silver and (adviser) Mike Krzyzewski, at @theathletic.com “We’re all to blame,” one GM said. www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

Adam Silver tells teams NBA plans to make anti-tanking rule changes

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 19/02/2026

Taking on five top-of-mind topics as we head down the home stretch of this NBA season: Clippers investigation, Rockets' descent, Giannis/LeBron futures and...tanking, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...

What I’m hearing about the Clippers investigation, Giannis, LeBron and more

There has been a significant upswing in league-wide speculation that the NBA’s hammer is likely to fall on the LA Clippers.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 12/02/2026

Inside the Suns' surprise season, and Mat Ishbia's choice to overhaul the organization his way, at @theathletic.com "I'm unapologetically Mat Ishbia." The Suns owner unpacks it all: The unorthodox GM hire, coaching changes, Durant, regrets and much more... www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...

Mat Ishbia sank the Suns by chasing superstars. Then he turned Phoenix into winners

The Phoenix Suns owner realized he was going to get criticized regardless. So now, "I'm unapologetically Mat Ishbia."

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 06/02/2026

Why the Bucks, who still believe they can compel Giannis to stick around, stuck with Plan A(ntetokounmpo) at the trade deadline, at @theathletic.com It’s about to get complicated - again. www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...

For Giannis, Bucks stick to Plan A(ntetokounmpo), but it’s about to get complicated

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 23/01/2026

What I’m hearing about the Knicks’ struggles and the Karl-Anthony Towns questions, a look at the LaMelo Ball situation and what Charlotte might do at the trade deadline, Kings corner and much more, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/699...

What we’re hearing about Karl-Anthony Towns’ Knicks future, plus more NBA trade intel

With the Knicks floundering, would they really consider trading Karl-Anthony Towns? Plus more on Lamelo Ball, Ja Morant.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 20/01/2026

Story with Nick Friedell on the Warriors' devastating loss of Jimmy Butler, whose torn ACL is expected to cost him this entire season, and what it means, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...

Warriors’ Jimmy Butler tears ACL, expected to miss the rest of the season: Source

The Warriors' star wing suffered the injury after coming down awkwardly in the third quarter of Monday night's win over the Heat.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Weekly roundup of of our NBA trade buzz, at @theathletic.com, including my read on the Ja Morant situation and why what he wants (Miami) isn’t what matters most here. A boo-bird/Bucks watch on the Giannis front, Kuminga, AD, Timberwolves and more… www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...

What we’re hearing about Ja Morant’s tepid trade market, plus more deadline buzz

Ja Morant's trade saga underscores the difference between teams simply showing interest in a player and legitimately pursuing him in a deal.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 15/01/2026

It’s Jonathan Kuminga day - and he’s still on the Warriors. An inside look at this broken relationship and why, even with Jan. 15 finally arriving, a resolution still isn’t in sight, with @thompsonscribe.bsky.social and Nick Friedell, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/697...

How Jonathan Kuminga and the Warriors drifted apart — and why a split maybe isn’t imminent

With Kuminga now trade eligible, the Warriors' front office faces a defining decision.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

From Sacramento to the Clippers, Wolves, Miami, Toronto, Brooklyn and beyond, the one and only @johnhollinger.bsky.social weighs in on the Ja Morant market in Memphis, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...

Why Grizzlies put Ja Morant on the trade market and which teams could be interested

Morant is now at the center of the NBA trade market solar system, and he might be leaving Memphis sooner than later.

Reposted by Sam Amick

Mike Vorkunov @mikevorkunov.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

Well this is a hell of an interview that @samamick.bsky.social had with Giannis. Not gonna spoil it but Giannis made a lot of strong declarative statements about his present and future in Milwaukee www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...

Giannis says he will never ask for trade from Bucks: ‘That’s not in my nature’

In an exclusive interview with The Athletic, Antetokounmpo reiterated his commitment to Milwaukee but noted it's "as of today."

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

A late-night discussion with Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tells me he’ll never ask for a trade out of Milwaukee. “It’s…not…in…my…nature, ok?” the Bucks big man said. Much more here on his superstar saga, from the loading dock, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/695...

Giannis says he will never ask for trade from Bucks: 'That's not in my nature'

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

The latest on Anthony Davis, why his camp wants him traded before the Feb. 5 deadline, and the difficult dynamics Dallas is dealing with among suitors, at @theathletic.com (w/ @christianclark3.bsky.social) www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...

What we’re hearing about Anthony Davis and a possible trade from the Mavericks

With Dallas struggling to hold down a Play-In Tournament spot, will the team look to deal its star big man before the Feb. 5 trade deadline?

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 05/01/2026

Talking NBA trade season, with @johnhollinger.bsky.social and @joshrobbins.bsky.social, at @theathletic.com Weighing in on Giannis, AD, Trae, LaMelo, Ja et al... www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...

Will Giannis or Trae Young be moved? Our experts debate biggest NBA trade deadline questions

It's not only the stars that could make a difference with the trade deadline coming in one month.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

Jamal Murray’s choice to take a basketball break last summer sparked his start. We talked in camp about the welcome difference from his (Olympic) offseason. Little did he know he’d be doing this w/out Joker, AG, Cam, Christian or Jonas 🤦‍♂️ @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...

Jamal Murray is walking tall as the Nuggets' last starter still standing

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 02/01/2026

On this brutal challenge facing the battered Nuggets and why Jamal Murray - whose All-Star drought should come to an end this year - is the key to surviving it, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...

Jamal Murray is walking tall as the Nuggets' last starter still standing

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

Under pressure: A deeper look at five teams that are front and center as the NBA trade deadline nears. Intel on the Hawks (Trae, AD/Risacher?), Clippers plans, Bucks buying, the Warriors’ dilemma, and Lakers’ pursuits, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/693...

Five NBA teams that desperately need to make a trade before the deadline

With Hawks, Lakers, Warriors and more feeling the pressure, here's what they're considering ahead of the trade deadline.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 30/12/2025

Nikola Jokic newser, at @theathletic.com In the midst of another MVP-caliber season, the Nuggets big man goes down with a left knee injury in Miami. More details here… www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...

Nikola Jokić leaves Nuggets-Heat game with left knee injury

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 28/12/2025

On Giannis’ windmill that left the Bulls seeing red late Saturday night, at @theathletic.com Amid all of the messiness that surrounds him, and with the Bucks stubbornly signaling that he’s going nowhere, it was a refreshing reminder that he’s one of a kind. www.nytimes.com/athletic/692...

Giannis throws down: ‘We’re fighting for our lives and we gotta get our hands dirty’

His late windmill may have been an affront to basketball decorum, but to Giannis Antetokounpo, it was an absolute necessity.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

Talking all things NBA on “The Athletic Show,” where the intentional fouling debate was in full swing. Episode (on Amazon Fire and YouTube) features a strong Steve Kerr interview from @zenakeita.bsky.social @theathletic.com @robertmays.bsky.social and Jason Goff youtu.be/nKkjYi6jx1k?...

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

The Spurs lost the finale, but the message sent to the Thunder - and the league at large - was still the most meaningful NBA Cup moment of them all. On San Antonio’s emergence as a real threat and questions surrounding their ascent, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/689...

The Spurs lost the NBA Cup, but the rest of the league remains on notice

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

(Early) NBA trade talk: What I’m hearing about Giannis, Anthony Davis, the Timberwolves’ plans, all things Kings, and Jonathan Kuminga (with a Pelicans tie-in) as the key Dec. 15 date nears, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...

What I'm hearing about Giannis, AD and other major NBA trade situations

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

The annual NBA front office rankings are back - with 36 execs weighing in - and one thing remains unchanged: OKC stands alone at the top. See how the top 10 unfolded, with a bonus question about front offices on the rise, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...

Which NBA teams have the best front offices? Here’s how 36 executives voted

Three dozen decision-makers across the league weighed in on their peers, what they admire and who stands above the rest.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

An urgent call for a meeting, change of travel plans, plane delay and a late-night hoops divorce that shocked the NBA world: Inside the stunning Chris Paul exit from the Clippers, with @lawmurraythenu.bsky.social and @joevardon.bsky.social , at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...

How Chris Paul’s short-lived reunion with the LA Clippers fell apart

Chris Paul returned to a Clippers team many believed could compete for a title. Instead, LA is 5-16 and Paul is no longer with the team.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Can OKC - now 21-1 after beating Golden State - break the 73-win record? The resident experts, Steve Kerr and Draymond Green, weigh in. A deep (data) dive on how this Thunder team compares (so far) to the 2015-16 Warriors, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...

Can the Thunder break Golden State’s 73-win record? The Warriors say yes

After beating Golden State to improve to 21-1, OKC is chasing the 2015-16 Warriors. "I do think they're capable," Draymond Green said.

Sam Amick @samamick.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

Embattled Grizzlies star Ja Morant has gone from "go ask the coaching staff" to...joining the coaching staff? Sort of. A look here at how he's using his voice during his absence, the trade rumors that persist, and more, at @theathletic.com www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...

Ja Morant can be a headache for Memphis. He's also 'a huge advantage,' even on the bench