Author: Jay

Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell. You can follow him on Twitter @jaywrong.

Read some of Jay's 129 posts

New Beginnings, Same Basketballs

by: Jay

Folks, as the title alludes, we are beginning something special here! I mean, not that it wasn’t special before… as some of you may or may not know; SON, your fearless leader (it works because he’s Korean and it’s not racist because I am also sorta-kinda Korean. Half. It’s enough. Maybe.) has recently stepped back as the Editor-in-Chief here at Razz Basketball so he can concentrate on other things. I believe he’s starting a research project on Kyrie Irving’s life story and its effect on global warming and Israel. A riveting subject to be honest.

Anyways, the point is, we are just going to be doing a different kind of special. As we move towards the new season, you, the readership, might have certain questions. First and foremost, why me? Well, that question is better left for our mustache’d-overlord Grey. The question you really should be asking is– why should I read you? Which makes you sound like a telepath. From the future. Where there are dragons with lasers. Which sounds pretty cool, until you realize there are dragons with lasers reigning terror down from the sky. Which is not cool. It’s horrifying.

See? You just read me. Did you feel a tingling anywhere? That’s your soul (it better be your soul!) saying: “You don’t need to know why, I know why, in ways that you will never understand, so go forth on this journey, and I shall accompany you. And we will be one with the Jay.” You got a deep soul there, yo.

Some other questions might follow, more serious questions, like, what is my pedigree… what makes me a “Fantasy Basketball Expert” and what can I expect for the 2023-24 season? Let’s go over those, shall we?

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Dodging Denver

by: Jay

Not sure if y’all have noticed, but the MVP debate has gotten a bit heated the last several weeks with an interchangeable group of three players charging the discussion. While you could still say that Giannis Antetokounmpo should be part of that discussion (I think he still has a strong case), much of the animated debate by literally everyone from the talking heads down to the water-cooler loiterers (still a thing?) has been the case between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. Both deserving, both amazing players, but one most remember when dealing with a Philadelphia fanbase, one must wear helmets. While the discussion has been both riveting content and a dumpster fire, mostly stemmed from Kendrick Perkins being the toxic fire-starter he’s paid to be, the discourse has gone sour the past month, and to some, a bit tiresome.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

The Hardest Road, Literally

March 21, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: Jay

Lo and behold, it is the gift quote that keeps on giving… Not only is “The Hardest Road” still very much meme-worthy, mostly because the always fragile Kevin Durant still seems a bit hurt that Chuck labeled him a bus-rider dating back to last season, and Durant can’t help but remind us every time there’s a mic within a five-mile proximity (the irony of doing this in a Suns jersey is too rich for my blood), but also because of the insane yet symmetrical home-road split that the Warriors have sustained. Probably with dark magic or something. So many hard roads, so little time!

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Ja Morant Now Florida Man

March 14, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: Jay

I’ve heard Florida is where woke goes to die, which seems like a pretty fair assessment. I remember my dad living in the Tampa Bay area back in the day and generally napping all the time, so I have to assume America’s nursing home has only gotten more sleepy. And while this war on being awake continues, it’s always important to remember that America’s armpit is home to one of our country’s most sacred of figures: the Florida Man. I’d say any rational character would legitimately wonder how they got themselves into this poor state (Pun Achievement Unlocked), but then again, I am no Ja Morant. As the Grizzlies continue their underdog (and somewhat hated?) push into the playoffs (garnering their 41st win last night against the now 34-35 Mavs), Morant has kept himself in the headlines in the most audacious ways possible, from flashing a piece on IG, to a dumping of negative stories ranging from terrible parenting practices to wholesome strip club experiences. Range on and off the court, I say.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Playoffs Embiided

March 7, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes | 4 Comments

by: Jay

As I’m sure many of you have noticed, NBA play the last several weeks has been pretty fun to watch. I mean, unless you’re getting a gun pointed at you on IG Live, but the games themselves have been stellar. From the resurgent Knicks and Julius Randle in the clutch, to a game that went to triple-OT with a bajillion points (RIP Clippers) and the continued stat-padding (lol) by the Joker. Luka and Kyrie both scored 40 too, marking the end of the world as we know it. We even get the pleasure of witnessing the Celtics fall back to Earth… And this is all just scratching the surface, so the question is; can this product get any better? The Sixers answer is an overwhelming: YES.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

RIP Lakers, February 9th – February 27th

February 28, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: Jay

We hardly knew ye. Not the performance spectacle that is Kanye, the Olde English ye, by the way. I know, it gets confusing sometimes. But yes, the Lakers, they’re dead, Jim. You know it’s true because I’ve used a Star Trek quote. But look, I could be wrong, after all, the injury LeBron James suffered in the win against the Mavs didn’t prevent him from finishing the game. However, Shams Charania tweeted late last night that there’s a fear in the front office that he’s likely to miss an extended period of time, putting a damper on this new iteration of the Lakers that seemed to be putting it together the last few weeks. And I could still be wrong!

Please, blog, may I have some more?

“Constitutionally Round”

February 14, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes | 1 Comment

by: Jay

Look, I understand that like 70% of my lede’s this season have been Nets-centric, and I don’t even care about them. I’m a Clippers fan, I already hate myself enough to add another heart-breaking franchise. But to be fair, they’ve only been Nets-centric because any time Kyrie Irving opens his dumb mouth, it attracts all the hot takes. You think I’m gonna watch all these hot takes and not bring the hottest of takes as well? SEO baby. As reported yesterday, a role player for the Cavaliers gave some behind-the-scenes look at Irving’s flat Earth theory and its originations. The entire read is worth it, but here’s the money quote:

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Cam and Klay Sitting in a Tree…

February 7, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes | 4 Comments

by: Jay

….Making all the threes! What, where did you think I was going with that? But yeah, reaching the 48-hour mark until the NBA trade deadline hits, many things are happening both on the court and off it. With the trade of Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks complete (don’t let it near the Jewish space lasers!) marking the end (or beginning?) of the Net’s introspective journey on finding out what happens when you let two idiots have their way with the franchise (three if you count Joe Tsai), one has to wonder what could top that? Will KD be next? (Doubtful, but of course I would never rule out a return to the Warriors just for the lols.)

Please, blog, may I have some more?

Can’t Spell Luck With Luka

January 31, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes | 2 Comments

by: Jay

I mean, you can, but would it be allowed in modern English? Perhaps, perhaps not. Am I supposed to know English? But let’s go deeper, something your mother enjoys all the time. In this regard, one might ponder not just about your mother, but also the fact that you can’t spell “luck” with Luka because the dude is just pure talent and skill. Luck is the last thing he needs. And don’t look at me, I’m not a Luka Doncic fanboy either, I’ve honestly never seen so much basketball talent executed in the slowest way possible. Man moves like the most agile molasses I’ve ever seen and I swear it takes roughly 18 minutes to wind up his shot. And the constant chirping… sure, I understand he doesn’t get the same calls like Steph does, but 18 technical fouls per quarter can sometimes be exhausting to watch.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

You’ll Rui The Day

January 24, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes | 3 Comments

by: Jay

While we normally focus on game performances in the lede, it’s open to any big news story that’s trending the day before. Plus, when a pun like this is available, you don’t ever hesitate grabbing that low hanging fruit. Literally every mission objective by any content creator, spoiler alert! Indeed, this also is what you call a double whammy, in that anything Los Angeles sports soothes that SEO soul… but enough about internet metrics and writer’s fruit. Let’s talk about the bromance between the Lakers and Wizards front office that started with the Russell Westbrook trade last season and then culminated into a Kendrick Nunn and three second-rounders for the enigmatic Rui Hachimura.

Please, blog, may I have some more?

LeMLK Day

January 17, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: Jay

With a 48-point performance, why can’t LeBron James share in the festivities with the great Martin Luther King? I mean, there’s actually some real answers here, like, you know, I don’t think MLK would let China get in the way of social equality. And if we’re still being serious, this performance came against the worst team in the league. But therein lies the LeRub, if you will… Monday’s performance is yet another reminder of how bad the Lakers as a whole actually are. Check this fun stat out; over the last 16 games, LeGreat has a +143. In the minutes he’s sat on the bench, the Lakers have accumulated a -106. Yikes. Granted, I get the feeling that Lakers’ ownership would rather miss the play-in than pay the repeaters taxes, but Pelinka and others need to get him some more help. A healthy AD isn’t enough. And as much fun as it is laying into the Lakers, it’d be true shame (even with the bubble Chip) to waste LeAgeless in his year 38 when he can still dominate. Here’s what else I saw during last night’s games…

Please, blog, may I have some more?

The Joker Is Always Smiling

January 10, 2023 | 2022-23 Fantasy Basketball, Fantasy Basketball Daily Notes |

by: Jay

Really, I think any famous “Joker” quote would work when describing Nikola Jokic. And we’re talking of course about Batman’s Joker, not some random funny dude. And of course, we are talking about NBA’s Nikola Jokic, not those really great tasting Swedish cough drops… or whatever. Well, maybe the movie line about cutting up someone’s poodles may not work, but still, after producing the most Jokic triple-double ever of 14/11/16 on 100/100/100 shooting splits, one must look out for those poodles. While yes, I also do tire a bit of how much he’s been in the MVP conversation the last half-decade (even winning some here and there), it’s probably because he puts up the most elite boring performances I have ever seen and we’re all better off for it, for sure. Fun fact, in 37 games so far this year, Jokic has only shot below 50% in one of them. Another fun fact! In just the 12 games he’s scored under 20 points, he’s averaged 11 rebounds and 12 assists with a +12.5. Can someone really sleepwalk to the Hall of Fame? I think we’re about to find out. Here’s what else I saw during yesterday’s short slate of games:

Please, blog, may I have some more?