Cory Nelson, Author at The Lead

Aug 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun (13) shoots the ball against the Toronto Tempo during the third quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

Janelle Salaun Is Making a Strong Case for Sixth Player of the Year

This WNBA season has featured several impactful bench players who have helped shape their team’s success. However, few have been as consistently impactful...

Cory NelsonAugust 12, 2026

Apr 1, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) reacts against the Boston Celtics during the third quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Bucks NBA

Tyler Herro Could Be the Foundation of Milwaukee’s Next Chapter

The Milwaukee Bucks officially entered a new era this offseason after trading franchise icon Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat. In exchange, the Bucks acquired Tyler...

Cory NelsonAugust 4, 2026

Apr 28, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) makes space against Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) in the second half during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Celtics NBA

The Boston Celtics Should Retire Jaylen Brown’s No. 7 Jersey

Jaylen Brown’s tenure with the Boston Celtics came to a shocking end. After spending a decade with the Celtics and helping deliver the franchise’s...

Cory NelsonJuly 29, 2026

Jun 25, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards first round draft pick and number one overall pick AJ Dybantsa (left) poses for a photo with his jersey and Wizards general manager Will Dawkins (right) during a press conference at InterContinental Hotel. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images

NBA NBA Draft NBA East Wizards

The Washington Wizards Have Quietly Become a Playoff Contender

Last season, the Washington Wizards finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a 17-65 record. While calling them a potential...

Cory NelsonJune 29, 2026

Apr 3, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) dunks the ball against the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

Celtics NBA

Neemias Queta’s Breakout Season Should Earn Him an Extension

When the 2024-25 season ended, the Boston Celtics were faced with frontcourt issues. With Al Horford and Luke Kornet departing in free agency and Kristaps Porzingis being traded to...

Cory NelsonJune 9, 2026

Mar 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors center Sandro Mamukelashvili (54) dunks the ball for a basket against the Phoenix Suns in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

NBA NBA East Raptors

Toronto Must Keep Sandro Mamukelashvili for Ideal Offense

For years, the Toronto Raptors have searched for a reliable center — particularly one who can stretch the floor without disrupting offensive flow....

Cory NelsonMay 25, 2026

Jan 3, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Utah Jazz forward Cody Williams (5) and forward Lauri Markkanen (23) and guard Keyonte George (3) and center Walker Kessler (24) walk off the court during a time out in the second quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Jazz NBA NBA West

The Utah Jazz Have All the Right Pieces to Compete in the Future

Every NBA franchise talks about “building for the future”, but only a few are truly positioned to execute it successfully. Due to the...

Cory NelsonMarch 27, 2026

NBA NBA West Nuggets Spurs

Victor Wembanyama Is Becoming the NBA’s Best Big Man

With the NBA season well underway, the debate over who is the best big man is heating up again. With San Antonio Spurs...

Cory NelsonNovember 25, 2025

May 1, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) is defended by Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (0) in the first half during game six of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena.

NBA NBA East Pistons

Extending Jalen Duren Could Change Detroit

Last season, the Detroit Pistons got their first taste of the playoffs since 2019. Although they lost to the New York Knicks in...

Cory NelsonSeptember 17, 2025

Mar 11, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) looks to the basket in the first quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

NBA NBA East Nets

Cam Thomas Will Earn His Worth as a Bona Fide Scorer

Unfulfilled promises and shortcomings have marred the Brooklyn Nets’ organization. Ever since they decided to pull the plug on their superstar core of...

Cory NelsonAugust 18, 2025

Jul 27, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) reacts with forward Janelle Salaun (13) after a play against the Connecticut Sun in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Valkyries WNBA

Veronica Burton Deserves the Most Improved Player Award

Now that the WNBA season is over halfway completed, many players are starting to position themselves as frontrunners for seasonal awards. Napheesa Collier...

Cory NelsonAugust 11, 2025