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Mat Issa

Sports Editor

About

Mat Issa is based in Sterling Heights, Michigan. Yes, he spells his name with one "t." He's obsessed with NBA history, so much so that he's dedicated nearly two years of research to his two mini-series', "Blazing the Trail" and "The Quest for the Best." Right now, Mat goes to law school and writes about the NBA for The Analyst, Forbes, and of course, Basketball Insiders. His work has also been featured in ESPN, SB Nation, FanSided, Basketball News, ONE37pm, and Raptors Republic. Also, he's a lifelong Spartans fan. Go Green!

Articles by Mat Issa (132)

Why Alex Caruso is the most valuable player on the trading block

Key Highlights: Alex Caruso provides a skill that is very valuable to today’s game: elite point-of-attack defense Caruso is not a defensive-only player – he also offers value through his passing, spot-up shooting, driving, and cutting Caruso is the most valuable player projected to be on the trade block this season As the ever-so-frustrating Chicago Bulls continue […]

Mat Issa  •  15 Nov 2023
The secret to Magic Johnson’s financial success revealed

Earvin Magic Johnson is one of the greatest players to ever grace the NBA hardwood. And along with putting together a hall-of-fame career (highlighted by five titles and three MVP awards), Johnson is one of the most financially well-off athletes in the world. The Secret To The Magic But this didn’t happen by accident. Long […]

Mat Issa  •  13 Nov 2023
Shaquille O’Neal may have made the biggest purchase in Walmart history

Along with being a Hall of Famer, four-time champion, and eighth on the all-time scoring list, Shaquille O’Neal apparently has another accolade that he holds near and dear to his heart. According to the Big Aristotle (one of O’Neal’s many nicknames), he is responsible for the largest single purchase in Walmart’s history. The Big Purchase […]

Mat Issa  •  10 Nov 2023
What makes the Minnesota Timberwolves’ defense so good

Key Highlights: The Timberwolves have been the best defense in the league to start the season Rudy Gobert is back to being the best rim protector on the planet Jaden McDaniels and company make this defense different than the ones Gobert played with in Utah Through three weeks, the Minnesota Timberwolves have the number one […]

Mat Issa  •  10 Nov 2023
Max Strus and Georges Niang change everything for the Cleveland Cavaliers

Key Highlights: Strus and Niang greatly improve Cleveland’s spacing By adding more shooting, Cleveland is losing some defensive value Spacing (both creating it and taking it away) is the key to basketball Take a look at these two plays in the clip below. What is the major difference between these two sequences? Yes, one (the […]

Mat Issa  •  09 Nov 2023
NBA discusses possibility of extending the draft

On Wednesday, the NBA met with league executives to discuss a multitude of topics related to the league. One of those subjects was, of course, everyone’s favorite thing to talk about: the NBA Draft. Making the NBA Draft Two Days Don’t worry, folks. They weren’t discussing canceling the draft! No, no, the league is currently […]

Mat Issa  •  09 Nov 2023
Clipper Starting Five Has Totaled 1.25 Billion in Career NBA Earnings

After pulling the trigger on a blockbuster deal to acquire former league MVP James Harden, the Los Angeles Clippers now field a starting lineup comprised of him, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac, and Russell Westbrook. That lineup comes with a lot of pros and cons on the court (more on that in this article by our very own […]

Mat Issa  •  08 Nov 2023
Former All-NBA guard Isaiah Thomas inducted into Washington Hall of Fame

Barring any drastic changes in circumstances, it seems unlikely that eleven-year NBA guard Isaiah Thomas will make the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. However, he will be a part of a different hall of fame. In September, the University of Washington announced its Husky Hall of Fame Class of 2023, and headlining their eight inductees was none […]

Mat Issa  •  08 Nov 2023
It seems that Mason Plumlee has avoided the worst with recent injury

On Tuesday, we were given an update regarding the status of Los Angeles Clippers big man Mason Plumlee. According to reporting from ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Plumlee has a left knee MCL sprain and will be headed back to Los Angeles for further evaluation. Could Have Been Much Worse Anytime you are dealing with knee injuries, […]

Mat Issa  •  07 Nov 2023
Portland Trail Blazers get devastating news about Robert Williams III

On Monday, it was reported that Portland Trail Blazers big man Robert Williams III will require surgery on his right knee – a procedure that could keep him out for a significant period of time. Portland Trail Blazers center Robert Williams III will require right knee surgery, sources tell ESPN. Conversations with doctors and his […]

Mat Issa  •  07 Nov 2023