@davidaldridgedc.bsky.social
I write for @TheAthletic. I live in the District. I worry about our future. Co-Editor, The Basketball 100; 2016 Curt Gowdy Award, Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame; 2016 Sam Lacy Award, National Association of Black Journalists.
Pinned
This is now real.
A labor of NBA love with co-editor @johnhollinger.bsky.social, the great editor @shotdrjr.bsky.social, and our amazing NBA writers at @theathletic.bsky.social. You can pre-order now; dropping 11/26. Humbly, it’s a pretty cool book.
A labor of NBA love with co-editor @johnhollinger.bsky.social, the great editor @shotdrjr.bsky.social, and our amazing NBA writers at @theathletic.bsky.social. You can pre-order now; dropping 11/26. Humbly, it’s a pretty cool book.
Of course the Commanders should have gone for two, and the win, in OT Sunday. They didn’t convert, but the process of being aggressive was the right move, serving as a good reminder of who they were last year, and would like to be again. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
The Commanders went for the win and lost, but it reminded them of who they were, and could be again
www.nytimes.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Of course the Commanders should have gone for two, and the win, in OT Sunday. They didn’t convert, but the process of being aggressive was the right move, serving as a good reminder of who they were last year, and would like to be again. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/685...
CJ McCollum got on an epic heater (46 points) Tuesday, leading the Wizards past Atlanta, for their first Cup win. It was a reminder of what Washington could look like with a lead frontman that brings out the best in the rest of the band. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
CJ McCollum isn't the Wizards' future, but he gave them a glimpse of it
www.nytimes.com
November 26, 2025 at 1:07 PM
CJ McCollum got on an epic heater (46 points) Tuesday, leading the Wizards past Atlanta, for their first Cup win. It was a reminder of what Washington could look like with a lead frontman that brings out the best in the rest of the band. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Wizards break their 14-game losing streak, and win for the first time in 10 tries in NBA Cup play over the past two-plus seasons, with a 132-113 win over the Hawks at Capital One Arena. C.J. McCollum goes for 46 points, on 10 of 13 shooting from 3. Alex Sarr adds 27 and 11.
November 26, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Wizards break their 14-game losing streak, and win for the first time in 10 tries in NBA Cup play over the past two-plus seasons, with a 132-113 win over the Hawks at Capital One Arena. C.J. McCollum goes for 46 points, on 10 of 13 shooting from 3. Alex Sarr adds 27 and 11.
Siri, when will the Wiz win a Cup game?
November 25, 2025 at 10:41 PM
Siri, when will the Wiz win a Cup game?
The NBA’s first month has featured great performances from expected (OKC) & unexpected (Daniss Jenkins!!) sources. But it’s also seen injuries to many of the game’s superstars. What can the league & its key stakeholders do about it? In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Many NBA stars are getting injured. Will the league and its partners dive deep for answers?
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 PM
The NBA’s first month has featured great performances from expected (OKC) & unexpected (Daniss Jenkins!!) sources. But it’s also seen injuries to many of the game’s superstars. What can the league & its key stakeholders do about it? In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
The Nationals are certainly taking a risk in hiring 33-year-old Blake Butera, who’s never been on a Major League bench, as their next manager. But after the last six seasons of error-filled, awful baseball, what do they really have to lose? In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Blake Butera’s age may be a sticking point — but, really, what do the Nationals have to lose?
There is certainly no guarantee that Butera is the man for the job. But at least the Nationals are all pointing in the same direction now.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:34 PM
The Nationals are certainly taking a risk in hiring 33-year-old Blake Butera, who’s never been on a Major League bench, as their next manager. But after the last six seasons of error-filled, awful baseball, what do they really have to lose? In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Mavericks fans were never going to forgive Nico Harrison for trading Luka Dončić. They got their wish; the Mavs fired the GM Tuesday. But Harrison didn’t operate in a vacuum. Will Dallas’ owners, who approved the deal, face similar public wrath? In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Nico Harrison got fired for trading Luka Dončić, but he didn't make that call by himself
www.nytimes.com
November 12, 2025 at 1:13 PM
Mavericks fans were never going to forgive Nico Harrison for trading Luka Dončić. They got their wish; the Mavs fired the GM Tuesday. But Harrison didn’t operate in a vacuum. Will Dallas’ owners, who approved the deal, face similar public wrath? In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
The Commanders, along with the decisions they have to make amidst a lost season, have to pick a name for their new stadium. It should not be named after President Trump, as he reportedly wants, for obvious, financial & historical reasons. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
A new stadium named after President Trump? The Commanders have better options
Naming their next stadium after Trump, or any other modern pol, would be a cosmically bad decision for Josh Harris and his ownership group.
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 1:07 PM
The Commanders, along with the decisions they have to make amidst a lost season, have to pick a name for their new stadium. It should not be named after President Trump, as he reportedly wants, for obvious, financial & historical reasons. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Commanders ownership is expected to discuss the impending new RFK Stadium deal, and its potential name, with President Trump during Sunday’s game with the Lions. Our @nickijhabvala.bsky.social and I with details, in @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Commanders owners anticipate possible stadium name discussion Sunday with President Trump
No formal request has been made about naming the new development after him.
www.nytimes.com
November 8, 2025 at 9:06 PM
Commanders ownership is expected to discuss the impending new RFK Stadium deal, and its potential name, with President Trump during Sunday’s game with the Lions. Our @nickijhabvala.bsky.social and I with details, in @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
There was no reason for Jayden Daniels to still be on the field Sunday night, after the Seahawks had dominated the Commanders for three-plus quarters. It led to catastrophe. And Washington has to do better building around its franchise QB.
In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Jayden Daniels’ gruesome elbow injury wasn’t bad luck — it was a preventable mistake
After Washington's franchise quarterback was injured in garbage time Sunday night, it's more than fair to ask why he was even in the game.
www.nytimes.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:24 PM
There was no reason for Jayden Daniels to still be on the field Sunday night, after the Seahawks had dominated the Commanders for three-plus quarters. It led to catastrophe. And Washington has to do better building around its franchise QB.
In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/677...
Commanders in the ‘80s unis tonight. Very, very cool.
November 3, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Commanders in the ‘80s unis tonight. Very, very cool.
I was pulling for Toronto because they haven’t won it all in so long, but am more glad I won’t be up until 3 am until the end - even with Falling Back tonight.
November 2, 2025 at 4:30 AM
I was pulling for Toronto because they haven’t won it all in so long, but am more glad I won’t be up until 3 am until the end - even with Falling Back tonight.
Everyone hates tanking, and says it’s a scourge. Except …it still, often, works, as is the case with the 76ers, who went paws up to end last season and got gifted a huge talent in V.J. Edgecombe, who’s brought some hope back to the Illadelph. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Tanking is a blight upon the NBA, until you get VJ Edgecombe by … tanking
Teams tank because it still works. Or, at least, it works enough.
www.nytimes.com
November 1, 2025 at 12:43 PM
Everyone hates tanking, and says it’s a scourge. Except …it still, often, works, as is the case with the 76ers, who went paws up to end last season and got gifted a huge talent in V.J. Edgecombe, who’s brought some hope back to the Illadelph. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Wonderful work from @curlyfro.bsky.social and James Jackson on NBA pioneers Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, who broke the league's color barrier in the '50s, & are being honored during the NBA's 75th anniversary season. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
The NBA integrated 75 years ago with the debuts of three Black players
The stories and legacies of Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton have been woven into the fabric of the NBA.
www.nytimes.com
October 31, 2025 at 2:56 PM
Wonderful work from @curlyfro.bsky.social and James Jackson on NBA pioneers Earl Lloyd, Chuck Cooper and Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, who broke the league's color barrier in the '50s, & are being honored during the NBA's 75th anniversary season. In
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
@theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/676...
Savages, reconsidered:
5) Augusta
4) Beast
3) Trey Ye
2) Fred
1) The One and Only:
5) Augusta
4) Beast
3) Trey Ye
2) Fred
1) The One and Only:
October 30, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Savages, reconsidered:
5) Augusta
4) Beast
3) Trey Ye
2) Fred
1) The One and Only:
5) Augusta
4) Beast
3) Trey Ye
2) Fred
1) The One and Only:
Annnd … they’re going to the 18th in Chavez Ravine:
a man in a suit and tie is making a funny face while sitting in front of a microphone .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is making a funny face while sitting in front of a microphone .
media.tenor.com
October 28, 2025 at 6:30 AM
Annnd … they’re going to the 18th in Chavez Ravine:
Wizards fans have heard this over & over the last 50 years: be patient. But, this time, it’s true: the Wiz have rising young players to build around. If Washington gets a top-3 pick next year in a loaded draft, it could be ready to move. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
Wizards (really!) have some promising young talent, but they still need some lottery luck
www.nytimes.com
October 27, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Wizards fans have heard this over & over the last 50 years: be patient. But, this time, it’s true: the Wiz have rising young players to build around. If Washington gets a top-3 pick next year in a loaded draft, it could be ready to move. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...
I still expect the Wiz to have a long season, but they may have two real pieces to build around going forward in Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson. George with a career-high 34 points, including seven 3s, with 11 boards; Johnson with 17 on 7 of 13 (three 3) in a rather convincing win at Dallas.
October 25, 2025 at 3:03 AM
I still expect the Wiz to have a long season, but they may have two real pieces to build around going forward in Kyshawn George and Tre Johnson. George with a career-high 34 points, including seven 3s, with 11 boards; Johnson with 17 on 7 of 13 (three 3) in a rather convincing win at Dallas.
Thursday's indictments announced by the FBI, involving alleged gambling schemes involving NBA players and Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, again exposed the imminent and future danger the league has by not dealing, finally, with tanking. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
Outlaw tanking. Abolish the draft. Solve the NBA’s crisis
www.nytimes.com
October 24, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Thursday's indictments announced by the FBI, involving alleged gambling schemes involving NBA players and Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, again exposed the imminent and future danger the league has by not dealing, finally, with tanking. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...
The NBA is back, and that means it’s time to fearlessly forecast what will happen this season in my annual 24 Questions column. Which means next year, I’ll remind you of the three predictions I got right, and ignore the 21 I got wrong! In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
Will OKC repeat? Is Luka an MVP candidate? 24 questions for the 2025-26 season
www.nytimes.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:03 PM
The NBA is back, and that means it’s time to fearlessly forecast what will happen this season in my annual 24 Questions column. Which means next year, I’ll remind you of the three predictions I got right, and ignore the 21 I got wrong! In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/670...
NBA champs? League MVP? Flagg and Wemby impact? The …NBA Cup winner? Cats and dogs, living together, mass hysteria: our NBA staff’s picks for everything under the sun this NBA season, in @theathletic.com :
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
A Thunder repeat? Knicks in the Finals? NBA expert picks for the 2025-26 season
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:13 PM
NBA champs? League MVP? Flagg and Wemby impact? The …NBA Cup winner? Cats and dogs, living together, mass hysteria: our NBA staff’s picks for everything under the sun this NBA season, in @theathletic.com :
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
Twenty-plus years after losing its broadcast rights to the NBA, NBC is back, with a new era of NBA coverage starting tonight. And that means John Tesh’s iconic theme, “Roundball Rock,” synonymous with NBC’s package in the ‘90s, is back as well. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
'Roundball Rock' returns to its sports theme mountaintop with the NBA back on NBC
www.nytimes.com
October 21, 2025 at 11:01 AM
Twenty-plus years after losing its broadcast rights to the NBA, NBC is back, with a new era of NBA coverage starting tonight. And that means John Tesh’s iconic theme, “Roundball Rock,” synonymous with NBC’s package in the ‘90s, is back as well. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/671...
The Commanders lost Jayden Daniels to a hamstring injury in the second half of a 44-22 drubbing in Dallas Sunday. With no receiving corps and a porous defense, Washington needs to sit its franchise QB for a while. Maybe a good long while. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
With their season spiraling, the Commanders need to sit Jayden Daniels for a while
Their D is in tatters. Their best wide receivers are injured. The Commanders are flirting with disaster by playing Jayden Daniels on Monday.
www.nytimes.com
October 20, 2025 at 10:55 AM
The Commanders lost Jayden Daniels to a hamstring injury in the second half of a 44-22 drubbing in Dallas Sunday. With no receiving corps and a porous defense, Washington needs to sit its franchise QB for a while. Maybe a good long while. In @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/673...
Second and 17 at their own 21, after a sack, and Dallas called time with 31 seconds left. Why? Because they know they can get whatever they want, whenever they want. Prescott burns Lattimore for 44 down the sideline to Pickens; Javonte Williams runs rampant for 33; 2-yard Prescott to Ferguson TD.
October 19, 2025 at 10:09 PM
Second and 17 at their own 21, after a sack, and Dallas called time with 31 seconds left. Why? Because they know they can get whatever they want, whenever they want. Prescott burns Lattimore for 44 down the sideline to Pickens; Javonte Williams runs rampant for 33; 2-yard Prescott to Ferguson TD.
That would qualify as another not-good start for the Commanders; Dallas wins the toss, and takes the ball first. When teams do that, they expect to run right down your throats downfield. Five plays, 66 yards, touchdown. Dallas, 7-0.
October 19, 2025 at 8:33 PM
That would qualify as another not-good start for the Commanders; Dallas wins the toss, and takes the ball first. When teams do that, they expect to run right down your throats downfield. Five plays, 66 yards, touchdown. Dallas, 7-0.