Sunaya Sapurji
@sunayas.bsky.social
Hockey writer. Senior editor @TheAthleticNBA
Celtics + Knicks + Pistons + Raptors
Dub Names aficionado. Ex-Toronto Star, Yahoo Sports, CBC News.
Celtics + Knicks + Pistons + Raptors
Dub Names aficionado. Ex-Toronto Star, Yahoo Sports, CBC News.
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Karl-Anthony Towns doesn’t expect an extension to get done before the season, thought it would be easy after winning the title.
Story here with his comments from Philly this morning:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
Story here with his comments from Philly this morning:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns on extension before season: ‘It don’t look good’
www.nytimes.com
October 5, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Karl-Anthony Towns doesn’t expect an extension to get done before the season, thought it would be easy after winning the title.
Story here with his comments from Philly this morning:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
Story here with his comments from Philly this morning:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Here’s more from Jalen Duren’s first availability since inking a five-year, $200 million deal:
“I want to be a Detroit Piston for life.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
“I want to be a Detroit Piston for life.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
Jalen Duren says he wants to be a Piston for life after signing $200 million deal (Gift Article)
Duren addressed his contract saga, playoff shortcomings and commitment to the Pistons on Sunday.
www.nytimes.com
October 4, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Here’s more from Jalen Duren’s first availability since inking a five-year, $200 million deal:
“I want to be a Detroit Piston for life.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
“I want to be a Detroit Piston for life.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/766...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Some reporting @theathletic.com on the timing of NBA expansion in Las Vegas www.nytimes.com/athletic/765...
Las Vegas expansion team's first NBA season could be delayed until 2029-30
www.nytimes.com
October 2, 2026 at 2:54 PM
Some reporting @theathletic.com on the timing of NBA expansion in Las Vegas www.nytimes.com/athletic/765...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Michael Jordan returned with the Wizards 25 years ago today.
For today’s edition of The Bounce, I asked some of my The Athletic NBA teammates for thoughts or memories from the Jordan Wizards era:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
For today’s edition of The Bounce, I asked some of my The Athletic NBA teammates for thoughts or memories from the Jordan Wizards era:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
The Bounce: Remembering when Michael Jordan became a Wizard, 25 years ago (Gift Article)
Plus: The WNBA playoffs are here!
www.nytimes.com
September 25, 2026 at 5:06 PM
Michael Jordan returned with the Wizards 25 years ago today.
For today’s edition of The Bounce, I asked some of my The Athletic NBA teammates for thoughts or memories from the Jordan Wizards era:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
For today’s edition of The Bounce, I asked some of my The Athletic NBA teammates for thoughts or memories from the Jordan Wizards era:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Here’s context on the weight clause in the Pistons’ offer to Jalen Duren, with @samamick.bsky.social.
Details on when Detroit initially wanted Duren to lose weight, monthly weigh-ins and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
Details on when Detroit initially wanted Duren to lose weight, monthly weigh-ins and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
A weight clause is adding another twist to Jalen Duren's $200 million Pistons standoff
www.nytimes.com
September 24, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Here’s context on the weight clause in the Pistons’ offer to Jalen Duren, with @samamick.bsky.social.
Details on when Detroit initially wanted Duren to lose weight, monthly weigh-ins and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
Details on when Detroit initially wanted Duren to lose weight, monthly weigh-ins and more:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/762...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
How will the Eastern Conference shake out this season? Can the champion Knicks rip through the playoffs again? Who will surprise and make a move up? The dudes @hunterpatterson.bsky.social, @jxlorenzi.bsky.social, Eric Nehm and I chop it up, in @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...
Knicks are reigning champs, but what about the rest of the Eastern Conference? (Gift Article)
With the Knicks looking to repeat and the additions of star players in the Eastern Conference, how competitive can the East be this season?
www.nytimes.com
September 17, 2026 at 1:19 PM
How will the Eastern Conference shake out this season? Can the champion Knicks rip through the playoffs again? Who will surprise and make a move up? The dudes @hunterpatterson.bsky.social, @jxlorenzi.bsky.social, Eric Nehm and I chop it up, in @theathletic.com:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/759...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
luke kornet finding out what "AF" means
September 16, 2026 at 6:07 PM
luke kornet finding out what "AF" means
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
if you’ve ever seen me talk about NBA jerseys, you know i’m anti the newer, plainer ones. bring back gaudy logos and anthropomorphic hoopin’ mascots!
got with Will Guillory and Christian Clark to discuss what jerseys we would bring back. free to read:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/757...
got with Will Guillory and Christian Clark to discuss what jerseys we would bring back. free to read:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/757...
Which NBA uniforms should make a comeback? One pick for every team
www.nytimes.com
September 14, 2026 at 3:06 PM
if you’ve ever seen me talk about NBA jerseys, you know i’m anti the newer, plainer ones. bring back gaudy logos and anthropomorphic hoopin’ mascots!
got with Will Guillory and Christian Clark to discuss what jerseys we would bring back. free to read:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/757...
got with Will Guillory and Christian Clark to discuss what jerseys we would bring back. free to read:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/757...
Is this how Palpatine felt when Anakin turned to the dark side?!
I know Eric will bring the same thoughtfulness, empathy and humour to editing as he did to writing. He's the best and I'm lucky to work with him.
Can't wait for his reporters to give him all the grief he gave me over the years. 😂❤️
I know Eric will bring the same thoughtfulness, empathy and humour to editing as he did to writing. He's the best and I'm lucky to work with him.
Can't wait for his reporters to give him all the grief he gave me over the years. 😂❤️
September 8, 2026 at 4:24 PM
Is this how Palpatine felt when Anakin turned to the dark side?!
I know Eric will bring the same thoughtfulness, empathy and humour to editing as he did to writing. He's the best and I'm lucky to work with him.
Can't wait for his reporters to give him all the grief he gave me over the years. 😂❤️
I know Eric will bring the same thoughtfulness, empathy and humour to editing as he did to writing. He's the best and I'm lucky to work with him.
Can't wait for his reporters to give him all the grief he gave me over the years. 😂❤️
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
From @theathletic.com: The NBA levied the largest punishment in league history on the LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer after a year-long investigation determined that they circumvented the league’s salary cap rules to help funnel millions to Kawhi Leonard.
NBA docks Clippers 5 first-round picks, levies $30 million fine after Kawhi Leonard probe
The LA Clippers will lose first-round picks from 2029-2033, while owner Steve Ballmer has been suspended for one year.
nyti.ms
September 3, 2026 at 1:57 AM
From @theathletic.com: The NBA levied the largest punishment in league history on the LA Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer after a year-long investigation determined that they circumvented the league’s salary cap rules to help funnel millions to Kawhi Leonard.
If you see someone bawling at Canada’s Wonderland - that’s just me.
RIP to one of the great singer/song writers in history and an even greater human being. May Dolly’s kindness, decency and advocacy be contagious. ❤️
RIP to one of the great singer/song writers in history and an even greater human being. May Dolly’s kindness, decency and advocacy be contagious. ❤️
August 25, 2026 at 7:46 PM
If you see someone bawling at Canada’s Wonderland - that’s just me.
RIP to one of the great singer/song writers in history and an even greater human being. May Dolly’s kindness, decency and advocacy be contagious. ❤️
RIP to one of the great singer/song writers in history and an even greater human being. May Dolly’s kindness, decency and advocacy be contagious. ❤️
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Joined forces with our @hunterpatterson.bsky.social to talk about Jalen Duren's situation in Detroit.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
Why Jalen Duren’s contract talks with the Detroit Pistons have dragged on
Former Grizzlies exec John Hollinger discusses the standoff between Jalen Duren and the Pistons.
www.nytimes.com
August 20, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Joined forces with our @hunterpatterson.bsky.social to talk about Jalen Duren's situation in Detroit.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/752...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
“Commas are important”
August 12, 2026 at 8:07 PM
“Commas are important”
There's also a CIUT benefit show happening this Saturday, hosted by the amazing crew at Equalizing-x-Distort.
Please support community radio.
Please support community radio.
August 10, 2026 at 6:29 PM
There's also a CIUT benefit show happening this Saturday, hosted by the amazing crew at Equalizing-x-Distort.
Please support community radio.
Please support community radio.
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Wrote about the pros and cons of the Knicks giving KAT a max contract extension.
He deserves it but does the franchise continue to prioritize strategy even after winning it all?
Much more here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...
He deserves it but does the franchise continue to prioritize strategy even after winning it all?
Much more here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...
Karl-Anthony Towns max extension with the Knicks? Working the pros and cons (Gift Article)
Towns is eligible for a big extension. Should the Knicks give it all to him? Let's explore the pros and cons.
www.nytimes.com
August 6, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Wrote about the pros and cons of the Knicks giving KAT a max contract extension.
He deserves it but does the franchise continue to prioritize strategy even after winning it all?
Much more here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...
He deserves it but does the franchise continue to prioritize strategy even after winning it all?
Much more here:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/749...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
. @curlyfro.bsky.social and I chatted about what ring chasing actually means, whether LeBron is doing it and if that's even a bad thing. I think we got somewhere! Free to read.
What is ring chasing, and is that what LeBron James is doing in Philadelphia? (Gift Article)
Some fans have criticized LeBron picking Philly as "ring chasing." But is that objectively a bad thing?
www.nytimes.com
July 31, 2026 at 12:50 PM
. @curlyfro.bsky.social and I chatted about what ring chasing actually means, whether LeBron is doing it and if that's even a bad thing. I think we got somewhere! Free to read.
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
LeBron James heading to the 76ers solidifies one thing: The East is back, baby.
Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
July 24, 2026 at 9:52 PM
LeBron James heading to the 76ers solidifies one thing: The East is back, baby.
Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
Story: www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Got together with @lawmurraythenu.bsky.social and Will Guillory to talk about today's minor transaction. Free to read.
LeBron James' latest decision shifts power in the East and could define his legacy
www.nytimes.com
July 24, 2026 at 8:54 PM
Got together with @lawmurraythenu.bsky.social and Will Guillory to talk about today's minor transaction. Free to read.
Are you on the West Coast? Do you like the NBA and have senior editorial experience? Come work with us!
jobs.lever.co/theathletic/...
jobs.lever.co/theathletic/...
The Athletic Media Company - Managing Editor, NBA (Remote)
About the Role This is a senior role providing comprehensive editorial oversight of our NBA news coverage, driving our unique reporting to produce distinct storytelling around the most prominent NBA t...
jobs.lever.co
July 23, 2026 at 6:19 PM
Are you on the West Coast? Do you like the NBA and have senior editorial experience? Come work with us!
jobs.lever.co/theathletic/...
jobs.lever.co/theathletic/...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
What began as a flurry of rumors about LeBron James’ next NBA destination has now congealed into a protracted waiting game.
“Nobody knows right now except LeBron,” said a source close to James, “and I’m not even sure LeBron knows.”
“Nobody knows right now except LeBron,” said a source close to James, “and I’m not even sure LeBron knows.”
LeBron James still hasn’t announced his next NBA team. What is he waiting for? (Gift Article)
It's been more than three weeks since James said he wasn't returning to the Lakers.
nyti.ms
July 23, 2026 at 4:32 PM
What began as a flurry of rumors about LeBron James’ next NBA destination has now congealed into a protracted waiting game.
“Nobody knows right now except LeBron,” said a source close to James, “and I’m not even sure LeBron knows.”
“Nobody knows right now except LeBron,” said a source close to James, “and I’m not even sure LeBron knows.”
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
Have the Pistons improved this summer as they look to build on their 60-win season?
Here’s my outlook on Detroit’s offseason moves so far with depth chart projections:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
Here’s my outlook on Detroit’s offseason moves so far with depth chart projections:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
The Pistons stuck to their offseason plan. Now comes the hard part with Jalen Duren (Gift Article)
With Jalen Duren's ongoing contract negotiations, what is the outlook on Detroit's offseason?
www.nytimes.com
July 22, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Have the Pistons improved this summer as they look to build on their 60-win season?
Here’s my outlook on Detroit’s offseason moves so far with depth chart projections:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
Here’s my outlook on Detroit’s offseason moves so far with depth chart projections:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/746...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
I spoke to Collin Murray-Boyles about the end of his rookie year and what's next, free to read
Collin Murray-Boyles has become central to the Toronto Raptors' future
www.nytimes.com
July 16, 2026 at 1:57 PM
I spoke to Collin Murray-Boyles about the end of his rookie year and what's next, free to read
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
What’s the latest on Jalen Duren’s contract negotiations? What led to the Isaiah Stewart trade? Are the Pistons done making moves?
After nearly a week in Vegas for summer league, here’s what I’m hearing about Detroit:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
After nearly a week in Vegas for summer league, here’s what I’m hearing about Detroit:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
Jalen Duren’s contract talks with Pistons, big swings and more: What I’m hearing (Gift Article)
Here's the latest on the Pistons from NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.
www.nytimes.com
July 16, 2026 at 3:07 PM
What’s the latest on Jalen Duren’s contract negotiations? What led to the Isaiah Stewart trade? Are the Pistons done making moves?
After nearly a week in Vegas for summer league, here’s what I’m hearing about Detroit:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
After nearly a week in Vegas for summer league, here’s what I’m hearing about Detroit:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/744...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
I sat down with Pistons rookie Ebuka Okorie for an exclusive on how he can help Cade Cunningham, his relationship with Trajan Langdon, his basketball superpower and more:
“He’s got some things you can’t teach.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
“He’s got some things you can’t teach.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
Pistons traded up for Ebuka Okorie. Why they believe he's a draft-day steal
www.nytimes.com
July 13, 2026 at 6:23 PM
I sat down with Pistons rookie Ebuka Okorie for an exclusive on how he can help Cade Cunningham, his relationship with Trajan Langdon, his basketball superpower and more:
“He’s got some things you can’t teach.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
“He’s got some things you can’t teach.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/743...
Reposted by Sunaya Sapurji
On Allen Graves, who has a big personality and a subtle game, free to read.
Raptors rookie Allen Graves has a big personality to go with a subtle game
www.nytimes.com
July 13, 2026 at 2:38 PM
On Allen Graves, who has a big personality and a subtle game, free to read.