Playing It Safe Isn't Enough

Rediscovering My Version of Basketball Storytelling

I didn’t get around to writing up my thoughts on the Cleveland Cavaliers game yesterday. Instead, I spent my time hopping in the Wayback machine to look at some of my work from a few years ago.

There’s a method to my madness.

Lately, I’ve felt far too reliant on covering Xs and Os. Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy breaking down plays and dissecting wrinkles in how the Celtics approach things. But, at times, I feel like that sort of analysis can come across as condescending or patronizing.

Maybe I’m wrong.

But my gut instinct is talking to me here.

Not every article or post needs to be filled with endless terminology. And not every piece I write needs to be a thesis on what took place. I’m writing about basketball, not trying to remake Of Mice and Men.

There’s a fine line between offering (what I hope is) quality analysis and talking at your readers, trying to sound like the smartest person in the room. I’ve always tried to avoid the latter, but when reading back on some of my stuff over the last year, I feel like I’ve failed at that approach multiple times.

I want my work to be accessible, for people to look forward to reading it, and for people to enjoy what I’m putting out. But I also want to grow this newsletter. The aim is for this to become my full-time job.

I haven't set a timeframe for that happening, and it’s still a long way off. But that’s the aim nonetheless.

For that to happen, this has got to be fun.

Fun for me to write it.

Fun for you to read it.

And fun within the community that’s slowly growing in the chat and comments section.

It can’t be fun if all I’m doing is pontificating about a zoom action with a different entry or a chin action designed as a decoy for a weakside cut.

There’s a place for that stuff, and I never want to steer thousands of miles away from it. But, I mean, how many times can I write about the same 8-12 plays before we all get bored? That’s something I ran into with my Instagram account, but I never considered it could become a problem here, either.

So, there’s got to be a middle ground.

During my earlier years at CelticsBlog, my editor, the venerable Bill Sy — one of my favorite people on the planet, despite us never meeting in person — used to toss ideas at me after games (at my request, and possibly badgering).

At the time, I would see them as abstract. He would mention expanding on pace of play inside the paint or a specific aspect of the help defense. Eager to please, I wrote up at least 90% of his suggestions.

What I didn’t know then, and only realized yesterday, is he was training my eye. I’m not sure if that was his plan or if he was just sharing ideas that were unique, but it led to some of my favorite work, and arguably the most fun I had covering this team.

I spent yesterday reading most of those pieces.

I learned that after a while, I started leaning into those pieces more and more. I’d write 1000+ words on how Daniel Theis’ PnR versatility was unlocking Kemba Walker. Or why Brad Stevens’ 2020-21 Celtics struggled to penetrate defenses with sizable wings.

Both of those pieces were still technically rooted in Xs and Os, but the message was better. There was a story being told, with observations and ideas being woven in to create the analysis.

I got lost along the way.

Earlier this month, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst spoke about the dire state of sports journalism. He mentioned how the art of storytelling is being lost in favor of hot takes, and quick hit opinion pieces. I shared my take on his thoughts across X and BlueSky, but allow me to share some of that post with you.

“Obviously, I agree wholeheartedly. I think that storytelling is an essential part of covering a team and creating a strong connection between the fanbase, players and team.

As someone based 3,000 miles away from the Celtics, finding a way to create a consistent story without having access to or being on the ground was a major soul-searching effort for me when I initially began *attempting* to cover the team. That's why I settled on learning Xs and Os and trying to become a reliable source of information in that way because, at least then, I could provide a form of consistent storytelling to people who chose to follow me and/or interact with my writing or video work. I can point to changes in system. Counters to how the defense played the team last time around. And subtle player or team improvements.

There are multiple ways to tell a story. And not all of them require access. The disheartening part is when those stories are buried by hot takes or disingenuous debates. The TikTok and IG style of content that is made for clicks over substance. Engagement over community.

Social media, rightly or wrongly, can sometimes be a popularity contest. And right now, the popular stuff is the type of content that is killing fandom and hurting the league. I prefer to be proud of the work I do, that to know I pander to the whims of the data and algorithms...”

At the time of writing, I truly believed in what I was saying. But the truth is, I haven’t been telling stories, at least not how I used to. And when you’re not doing something the way you think you are, your subconscious can begin to send messages. Perhaps that’s why I’ve had so much writer's block lately or have struggled to find a rhythm.

I also think my recent approach (last year or two) has been partially out of fear. I’ve been open about my ongoing battle with anxiety and bouts with depressive periods. By focusing on straight-up play breakdowns and analysis, I’m not leaving myself open to too much criticism. There’s not much pushback when you lock away your takes behind plays that happened on screen.

I’ve been playing it safe.

Yet, playing it safe doesn’t bring the type of independence and success I’m after.

And here's the thing: this isn't just about writing styles or basketball coverage. This is about breaking out of a self-imposed cage. Still, recognizing the problem is only half the battle. The other half? Actually doing something about it.

That brings me to the point of this ramble.

Starting tomorrow, I will be shifting back to my previous style of coverage. There will still be the odd film piece, but more likely in breakdown format. Instead, I want to get back to what I find fun, and what I hope you all will find more enjoyable to read and interact with. And of course, what could help grow the newsletter to new heights.

There’s more to basketball than the name of a set or the wrinkle a defense threw out. I’m doing both myself and all of you a disservice by acting like that’s the only aspect that matters.

With that said, tomorrow's post (for paying subscribers) will dive into something that perfectly captures this spirit – a dive into how the Celtics adjusted their pick-and-roll coverage against the Cavaliers. A type of story, not just a breakdown.

Thanks for indulging me! Hope to see some of you in the comments!