Author Archives: finleyk24

2026 Bench Mob Blog NBA Mock Draft

The 2026 NBA Draft is going to be a really exciting one. I say that because of how talented this crop of prospects is, which is something a million people have pointed out a billion times, but I also say that on a personal level. This is the most knowledgeable I’ve ever felt about aContinue reading “2026 Bench Mob Blog NBA Mock Draft”

Donovan Mitchell and What It Means To Be a Playoff Riser

Donovan Mitchell is under more scrutiny than ever before. Outside of a 39-point second half in Game 4 and an all-around awesome Game 7, Mitchell had what can be considered a subpar series against the Pistons. The same can be said about his first round against Toronto. It’s not that he was playing objectively poorly,Continue reading “Donovan Mitchell and What It Means To Be a Playoff Riser”

2026 NBA Draft Combine Scouting Notebook

I was lucky enough to be at the NBA Draft Combine this past week, acting as Brew Hoop’s boots on the ground, and it was an incredible experience. Now, I’m (unfortunately) back home, and I return with plenty of thoughts. In this article, I’m gonna dig into some winners and losers from the event, withContinue reading “2026 NBA Draft Combine Scouting Notebook”

Building My NBA Dream Team

This is an article I’ve been meaning to write for a long time. The “dream team” I’ve assembled here isn’t a homage to my favorite players, rather, a manifestation of my basketball philosophy. I’ve constructed a roster that represents the style of ball I’d want my team to play as a coach or a generalContinue reading “Building My NBA Dream Team”

What More Does LaMelo Ball Need To Do?

LaMelo Ball is having the most impactful season of his career. Ironically, though, it’s also the quietest one. We’re talking about one of the most loved stars of the 2020s here, especially amongst more casual fans. Ball has been a household name since high school. He’s a walking highlight reel with a distinct personality, andContinue reading “What More Does LaMelo Ball Need To Do?”

How Sam Merrill and Isaiah Joe Are Redefining the Three-Point Specialist Role

Sam Merrill is playing the best ball of his career this season. He’s averaging 13.4 points and 2.2 assists while shooting an absurd 47.4% from three on 7.3 attempts per game. The former 60th overall pick has become indispensable for the Cavaliers, regularly appearing in the starting lineup. Cleveland is 7.2 points per 100 possessionsContinue reading “How Sam Merrill and Isaiah Joe Are Redefining the Three-Point Specialist Role”

Cam Thomas, Moneyball and the Joy of Unwavering Fandom

Jon Horst is a fascinating fella. The moves he makes always seem to come out of left field. He works in silence and almost never does what’s obvious. You have to tip your cap to the guy, because the swings he takes have resulted in a championship, but also, more importantly, Giannis Antetokounmpo sticking aroundContinue reading “Cam Thomas, Moneyball and the Joy of Unwavering Fandom”

Jase Richardson Just Sneakily Won the Trade Deadline

The 2026 NBA trade deadline was full of activity and surprises and could go down as one of the most exciting ones in recent memory. Winners and losers of the deadline will be the talk of the town in the coming days. Which teams made the best and worst moves? Which players will succeed orContinue reading “Jase Richardson Just Sneakily Won the Trade Deadline”

2025-26 Bench Mob All-Stars

Bench Mob Blog’s core mission has always been to show love to the unknown players whose stories and impact go unnoticed by the average fan. That’s why the Bench Mob All-Star tradition was created back in 2022. This is a tribute to the NBA’s best end-of-bench ballers, guys who have been making names for themselvesContinue reading “2025-26 Bench Mob All-Stars”