Fansided

Hardwood Paroxysm summer reading recommendations

By HP Basketball Network

Jun 27, 2014; Independence, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers first round pick Andrew Wiggins speaks to the media at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 27, 2014; Independence, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers first round pick Andrew Wiggins speaks to the media at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; iHouston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) last second shot in the second half in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center.Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; iHouston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) reacts after Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) last second shot in the second half in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center.Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

Redshirts by John Scalzi, Recommended for Every Player on the Houston Rockets not named Harden or Howard

By Seth Partnow (@WhrOffnsHppns)

Kirk, Spock and two guys in red jumpers beam down to an unknown planet. One of the dudes in the red shirts (and really, probably both) ain’t coming home unless infected by some horrific, almost certainly painfully deadly, alien parasite. This phenomenon is so widespread across the science fiction universe that these expendable, largely faceless guys and gals who exist solely to pump up the body count while leaving our named heroes alone. These redshirts have become something of a running gag.

However, imagine life as a redshirt. You’re quietly living your life. You have your dream job aboard the flagship of human achievement. Until one day, compelled by the Great Narrative, you find yourself in a situation where it’s you or the captain. And away you go. Probably wondering “why the hell did I just do that?”

Redshirts imagines just that life in masterfully comedic tones. Once the background players learn they are just in place to be killed as plot points, they begin to wonder how can they take back control of their own destiny?

Players on the Houston Rockets must have some understanding of the realization of helplessness, seen as they are as pawns in Daryl Morey’s great game of Big 3 Acquisition. Maybe Chandler Parsons taking the money and running to Dallas will allow them to wake up to the reality that their fate isn’t their own. Maybe there will even be some pushback against all the wheeling and dealing as a Robert Covington or a Patrick Beverley says “Enough. We’re people too.” Maybe this will even allow a real team to come together in Houston and not just a Big Two with a rotating cast of replaceable supporting actors and walk-ons.

But who am I kidding, they’ll probably be gone to Sacramento the next day because the Narrative demands it.

Apr 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles out of his half against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 108-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) dribbles out of his half against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Knicks beat the Raptors 108-100. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Just Give Me the Damn Ball by Keyshawn Johnson, Recommended for Carmelo Anthony.

By Robby Kalland (@RKalland)

Duh!

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