Underdog Stories
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Sports analysis & explainersWhy Did Mo Evans Go Undrafted in the 2001 NBA Draft?
Why did Mo Evans go undrafted in the 2001 NBA draft? His scoring and workouts pointed to a first-round pick; the teams making those picks saw him differently.
From Tales From the Association · Jan 12, 2019
Sports analysis & explainersHow Isaac Austin Went From NBA Castoff to Most Improved Player
The Isaac Austin NBA comeback story runs through a junior college, two years overseas and a Miami tryout that turned a castoff into the 1997 award winner.
From Tales From the Association · Mar 31, 2018
Sports analysis & explainersHow Bobby Jackson Became the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year
How did Bobby Jackson become Sixth Man of the Year? His path ran through a Nebraska junior college, a crowded backcourt and Rick Adelman's Sacramento Kings.
From Tales From the Association · Mar 3, 2018
Sports analysis & explainersWho Was Willie Burton? The NBA Career Behind His 53-Point Game
Who was Willie Burton and how did he score 53 points? His night against Miami began with a new role in Philadelphia and a career shaped by life off the court.
From Tales From the Association · Feb 24, 2018
Sports analysis & explainersHow Rick Pitino’s Kentucky Teams Anticipated Modern Basketball
How did Rick Pitino's Kentucky teams anticipate modern basketball? Tony Delk recalls skilled bigs, open lanes and a 1996 title built on threes and pressure.
From Tales From the Association · Feb 17, 2018
Sports analysis & explainersWhy Did the NBA Get Rid of Hand-Checking?
Why did the NBA ban hand-checking? Grant Long explains how the 2004 crackdown gave quick guards room to move, and why an earlier rule change had not done enough.
From Tales From the Association · Dec 16, 2017
Sports analysis & explainersWhy Did NBA Big Men Start Shooting Three-Pointers?
Why did NBA big men start shooting three-pointers? Will Perdue's stories of Dirk Nowitzki and Robin Lopez show how an outside shot can clear the lane.
From Tales From the Association · Nov 11, 2017
Sports analysis & explainersWhat Does It Mean to Be a Shaq Stopper?
What does it mean to be a Shaq stopper? Jim McIlvaine explains why tougher shots and a body in the paint could matter, even when Shaquille O’Neal kept scoring.
From Tales From the Association · Oct 28, 2017
Sports analysis & explainersWhat Is Life Like for an NBA Journeyman?
What is life like for an NBA journeyman? Paul Shirley’s stops in the NBA, minor leagues and Europe show how quickly a career can change.
From Tales From the Association · Oct 17, 2017
Sports analysis & explainersWhat Is Life Like as an NBA Role Player?
What is life like as an NBA role player? Scot Pollard's career shows how draft surprises, team fit, sudden trades and veteran lessons shape the job.
From Tales From the Association · Oct 14, 2017