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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.

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Ray Ratto

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 26: Connor McDavid poses with the Ted Lindsay Award, The Art Ross Trophy, Hart Trophy, and Maurice 'Rocket' Richard Trophy at the 2023 NHL Awards at Bridgestone Arena on June 26, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brian Babineau/NHLI via Getty Images)

2023 NHL Awards – Winner Portraits

Give Me Weirdo Votes Over Unanimity Every Time

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Patrick Redford

BELGRADE, SERBIA - AUGUST 25: Nikola Jokic (L) of Serbia in action against Giannis Antetokounmpo (R) of Greece during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 Qualifier game between Serbia and Greece at Stark Arena on August 25, 2022 in Belgrade, Serbia. (Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images)

Serbia v Greece – FIBA World Cup 2023 Qualifiers

The Knowable Unknown Of The 2023 NBA MVP Discourse Is Breaking Our Brains

BUFFALO, NY - MARCH 6: Connor McDavid #97 of the Edmonton Oilers skates for the puck against the Buffalo Sabres during an NHL game on March 6, 2023 at KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York. Edmonton won, 3-2. (Photo by Bill Wippert/NHLI via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Connor McDavid

Edmonton Oilers v Buffalo Sabres

Is An Exhausting MVP Debate Any Worse Than A Boring One?

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 10: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Miami Heat during the first half in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at FTX Arena on May 10, 2022 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)

Philadelphia 76ers v Miami Heat – Game Five

Joel Embiid Is Right About Awards Voting

CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 20: Nikola Jokic #15 of Team LeBron and Joel Embiid #21 of Team Durant talk during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)

2022 NBA All-Star Game

Let’s Take Stock Of The NBA MVP Race