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Paolo writes about the NBA based out of Los Angeles. He is originally from El Salvador and graduated from USC in 2017. When he’s not at Staples Center, he writes about other sports.

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The State of the G League Ignite, One Year In

Last season, the NBA’s development league launched a new team designed around prospects who wanted an alternative to the NCAA route. This year, the league has even bigger goals for the team—and for basketball at large.

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The Ben Simmons–Sixers Situation Is Past Tenuous. But What’s the Solution?

Through trade rumors and viral video clips, Simmons has been the talk of the NBA offseason. But it’s unclear whether he’ll enter this fall still with the Sixers—or where else he would be a good fit.

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The Lakers Are Betting Big on Experience—and Familiarity

After trading for Russell Westbrook last month, L.A. added four former Lakers (including Kent Bazemore and Dwight Howard) to round out the roster. The moves raised questions about the team’s age and stamina, while answering others about its direction.

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The Suns’ Future Is Bright, As Long As They Have Monty Williams

In just two seasons, Williams has helped bring Phoenix from a 19-win team to the edge of an NBA championship. And while he would never credit himself for that, his past and present colleagues and players are happy to do it for him.

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Suns Fans Find Meaning—and Connection—in Devin Booker and His Mexican Heritage

Booker has said that before he was drafted by Phoenix in 2015, he hadn’t really been able to connect with his Mexican roots. That’s changed after his years in the city—as has the place he holds in many Latino Suns fans’ hearts.

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Jae Crowder’s Playoff Experience Is His Greatest Asset, and He Knows It

The Suns forward has made eight straight postseason appearances with five different teams, and he’s the only player on the Suns or Bucks with prior NBA Finals experience. That has made him an invaluable resource for Phoenix—and a potential game-changer in this series.

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Trae Young’s Electrifying First Playoff Run Is Only the Beginning

The Atlanta star began the season with one primary goal: to make his first playoff appearance. One month after achieving that, he and the Hawks have made it further than many could have imagined—and he isn’t planning to stop there.

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The Ageless Wonder of Chris Paul

Paul may be 36 and playing in his 16th season, but his habits, drive, and deep obsession with basketball are allowing him to transcend age in real time—and come close to making his first NBA Finals

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The 2021 Postseason Is Rewriting the Narratives of the 2018 NBA Draft

The playoff runs by the Suns and Hawks are putting into new perspective the draft selections of Deandre Ayton and Trae Young—and how much patience and team building goes into molding a successful NBA star

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The Decade-long Odyssey of Blake Griffin’s Dunk-Contest Kia

Ten years ago, Griffin leaped over a Kia Optima to win the NBA dunk contest. Now, through a series of auctions, familial gifts, and an act by former Sooners coach Barry Switzer, the car has ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where it still generates plenty of shock and awe.