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This is Defector, a new sports blog and media company. We made this place together, we own it together, we run it together. Without access, without favor, without discretion, and without interference.

Defector

Patrick Redford

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 29: Domantas Sabonis #10 of the Sacramento Kings looks for a rebound during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 29, 2024 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

An Ode To The Modern Rebounder

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla points in two directions while looking in a third.

This Is So Stupid

Do You Have What It Takes To Put Two On The Ball?

The Detroit Pistons huddle before the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 16, 2023.

The Pee Stains Alone

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Ja Morant demonstrates check ball situation for his attorney.

“Is A Basketball A Lethal Weapon?” And “Is Pulling Up Your Shorts A Fighting Stance?” Among Stupid Questions At Issue In Ja Morant Hearing

Rafi Kohan is an Atlanta-based writer and editor. His first book, The Arena, 
was a finalist for the 2018 PEN/ESPN Award for Literary Sports Writing. 
Previously, he has served as deputy editor at the New York Observer and as 
executive editorial director for the Atlantic’s creative studio, Re:think. His 
writing has appeared in numerous publications, including GQ, Men’s 
Journal, Rolling Stone, The Ringer, and the Wall Street Journal.

Rafi Kohan

Gary Payton of the Seattle SuperSonics sneering disdainfully at Jerry Stackhouse, who is trying to guard him in 2002. The cover of Rafi Kohan's book "Trash Talk" is at upper left.

Book Excerpts That Don't Suck

Gary Payton And The Art And Strategy Of “Talking Crazy”

Giri Nathan

Pat McAfee conducts an interview with Adam Silver

Media Meltdowns

Adam Silver Can’t Resist Praising Henry Kissinger On ‘The Pat McAfee Show’

Now Is The Season Of Noticing The Indiana Pacers

Draymond Green talks to a teammate during a timeout.

Draymond Green Remains In Pursuit Of Method For Attacking Opponents That Won’t Get Him Suspended

The Wizards Are Exploring New Horizons Of Permanent Suckitude

Cameron Payne walks onto the court during his final appearance for the Phoenix Suns, during the 2023 playoffs.

Phoenix’s Title Push Has Maximums, Minimums, And Nothing In Between

David Roth

Grant Williams of the Boston Celtics holds the ball while Jimmy Butler makes a Jimmy Butler Face in an Eastern Conference Finals game..

Podcasts

Sacred Oafs, Holy Madmen, Culture Wars, Things Of That Nature

Malik Monk prepares to push the button that illuminates the beam after Sacramento's win against Golden State in Game 2 of their NBA Playoffs series.

The Beam Shines For All, With Patrick Redford

Donovan Mitchell watches the Cavaliers lose.

The Cavaliers Paid The Price For Arriving Ahead Of Schedule

Laura Wagner

Elder Wisdom

What Can A Hoop Do?

The Dallas Mavericks Now Emit The Stench Of Death

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee.

Ja Morant Needs This Time Away

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

A corner shot of a packed Palestra shot with a wide angle lens

High School Sports

Go Out And Watch Some Basketball

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 18: Mac McClung #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball during the AT&amp;T Slam Dunk Contest as part of 2023 NBA All Star Weekend on Saturday, February 18, 2023 at Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mac McClung Was A Star All Along

Albert Burneko

Ben Simmons takes a short shot during the Brooklyn Nets' loss to the New York Knicks on Monday night.

Nets Coach: The Challenge With Ben Simmons Is He Is A Crappy Player

Those Who Fear The Deal Zone Risk The Consequences

LeBron James and Kyrie Irving shake hands.

For The Lakers, Kyrie Irving Would Be A Risk Worth Taking

Ben Simmons Has Stumped Another Coach

In Tidy Role Reversal, The Lakers Profit From The Wizards’ Dysfunction

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 9: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks plays defense on Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the game on December 9, 2022 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)