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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

Ray Ratto

Olympics

It Might Just Not Be Our Quadrennial

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Jrue Holiday goes the other way following a Chris Paul turnover.

Basketball Saved The Finals From The Refs

Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Engaged Smash Mode

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 08: Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges, middle, dunks against Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez, left, and Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, right, during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena on July 08, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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. (Photo by Ross D. Franklin-Pool/Getty Images )

The Suns Simply Have Too Much Juice

David Roth

Devin Booker and Chris Paul high-five at the end of Phoenix's victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals

Podcasts

The NBA Finals At The End Of The World, With Albert Burneko

Brook Lopez tries and fails to guard Devin Booker.

The Bucks Can’t Let It Be This Easy

This formulation was never going to work.

Guys Can Only Get You So Far

The Clippers Are Not Dead

Damian Lillard gestures to the crowd during a playoff game.

Scoopbrain Is A Contagious Illness

Shams Charania gestures during an interview.

Media Meltdowns

Can The Uncanniness Of This Shams Charania Sentence Be Increased To A Higher Platform Of Such? A Focused Execution Of Scrutiny

What Was Doc Supposed To Do?

Author Chris Bosh, seen here during his playing days.

Call Of The Ice Bath, With Chris Bosh

What The Damn Hell

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

Dan McQuade

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 06: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Los Angeles Clippers dunks the ball against Dorian Finney-Smith #10 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of Game Seven of the Western Conference first round series at Staples Center on June 6, 2021 in Los Angeles, California.

It All Changes So Quickly

Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Trae Young watch the ball.

The Sixers Can’t Get Away With Both Of These Guys Sucking

Cameron Payne in a Suns jersey, looking happy.

Cameron Payne Worked Hard To Arrive At The Point Of Nikola Jokic’s Surrender

P.J. Tucker warns the moron bodyguard who rushed him on the court during Game 3.

Kevin Durant’s Idiot Bodyguard Rushed The Court To Protect Him From P.J. Tucker

Patrick Redford

Mike Pence's new house as rendered by Google Maps' 3D imaging.

Politics

Look At The Weird-Ass Basketball Court In Mike Pence’s Ugly New McMansion

Chris Paul runs past Facundo Campazzo in a playoff game.

God Help Me, I’ve Been Charmed By Chris Paul

Kristaps Porzingis shoots warmup jumpers prior to the start of Game 7 against the Clippers.

Kristaps Porzingis Came Up Short

Andre Drummond May Not Have Been The Solution After All

The Knicks Look Like Crud

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 27: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against Jimmy Butler #22 of the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game Three of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at American Airlines Arena on May 27, 2021 in Miami, Florida. 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)