Michael Shearer

Michael Shearer

Joined: Dec 15, 2022

NBA analyst. Follow me @bballispoetry or at www.basketballpoetry.com

Denver Nuggets v Philadelphia 76ers

Why MVP races have become victory laps instead of actual competitions

Stephen Curry guards Jaylen Brown, Golden State Warriors v Boston Celtics

What is the average and median NBA salary for 2023-24 by position?

Dec 9, 2022; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler (24) and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) battle in the first half at Vivint Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Swinger-USA TODAY Sports

Why don’t the Minnesota Timberwolves have a 1st-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft?

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 02: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by P.J. Tucker #17 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first half of a game at Fiserv Forum on April 02, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Why don’t the Milwaukee Bucks have a 1st-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft?

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 21: Jarrett Allen #31 of the Cleveland Cavaliers is fouled by Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks as Mitchell Robinson #23 defends during game three of the Eastern Conference playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

3 teams exposed in the NBA Playoffs that need a rebuild

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 16: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks to pass under pressure from Zach LaVine #8 and Coby White #0 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 16, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Which No. 10 seed has the best chance to advance to the playoffs, Thunder or Bulls?

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 05: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the New York Knicks reacts after scoring against the Boston Celtics during overtime at the TD Garden on March 05, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)

3 bench players who could swing an NBA Playoffs series

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Nylon Calculus: LeBron James and the slam dunk aging curve

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 05: Fred VanVleet #23 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the first half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on February 05, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)

4 point guards who could elevate this contender into a favorite

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JANUARY 14: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies dunks the ball in the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on January 14, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

3 stats explaining the Grizzlies’ win streak — and 1 reason it’s doomed

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 2: Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball as Aaron Wiggins #21 of the Oklahoma City Thunder pressures in the first half at American Airlines Center on February 2, 2022 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Why Aaron Wiggins is the key to the Oklahoma City Thunder

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - DECEMBER 11: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on December 11, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

3 ways the Los Angeles Lakers can survive — and maybe thrive — without Anthony Davis