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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

A Spalding ball sits on the court during the game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Houston Rockets at Philips Arena on November 20, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Some Basketball You Don’t Need To See To Comprehend

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Never Change, LaMelo

Maitreyi Anantharaman

Ish Smith #10 of the Charlotte Hornets in action against Bruce Brown #1 of the Brooklyn Nets during a game at Barclays Center on October 24, 2021 in New York City.

Sometimes You Just Need Ish Smith

Let’s Appreciate Some Randos Who Smushed The Hornets Flat As A Pancake

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

Dan McQuade

LaMelo Ball Is Back, And So Are His Otherworldly Assists

This Shrieking Hornets Broadcaster Must Knock It Off, Immediately

Samer Kalaf

Miles Bridges unleashes a big-time dunk over Clint Capela

Miles Bridges Dunks Clint Capela Into Another Realm

Barry Petchesky

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 20: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors reacts following a call during the fourth quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on February 20, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

Draymond Green Didn’t Stick Around To Get Buzzer-Beaten

Giri Nathan

LaMelo Ball’s Old Poem Is Good

charlotte hornets