Yardbarker

Sean Keane

NBA Writer

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible.com. His debut album “America’s Uncle Dad” debuted at No. 1 on the iTunes comedy chart and since 2016, he’s co-hosted the NBA podcast “Roundball Rock. In 2014, the San Francisco Bay Guardian named Keane an “Outstanding Local Discovery” and promptly went out of business.

EXPERTISE:

NBA, NFL, MLB

Rockets taking tough negotiating stance with superstar

Fifteen-time All-Star Kevin Durant has received the maximum salary whenever he's wanted it during his NBA career. That might not be the case if he re-signs with the Houston Rockets.

Five NBA coaches starting 2025-26 season on hot seat

Here are five NBA coaches who will start the season on the hot seat.

Celtics' moves suggest new guard will be traded — eventually

The Celtics have lost a lot of talent this summer, but they've saved a tremendous amount of money in the process.

Lakers star's new contract can save him from his Dallas disappointment

The new contract starts with the 2026-27 season and allows him to opt out of the final year in the summer of 2028, when he'll have 10 years of NBA experience.

All-Star guard's extension was a no-brainer for Spurs

De'Aaron Fox has only played five games with Victor Wembanyama in a San Antonio Spurs uniform. Now he's locked in for the next five years.

Warriors very unlikely to trade young forward — for now

After the Warriors made him the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, he's had moments of brilliance but failed to lock up a starting role.

Luka Doncic and four 'revenge' seasons that bode well for the Lakers

After a shocking trade to the Lakers, Luka Doncic has devoted months to intensive conditioning this summer. With the five-time All-NBA guard looking "lean as heck," Doncic seems intent on proving the Mavericks made a mistake in trading him.

Head-coaching change may have sealed Knicks star's extension

Mikal Bridges agreed to a below-max extension with the New York Knicks Thursday. The extension might not have been possible if Tom Thibodeau was still his coach.

Former lottery pick should be cautionary tale for Warriors' Jonathan Kuminga

Amid his contract impasse with the Golden State Warriors, restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has suggested he'll take the $7.9M qualifying offer. Nerlens Noel might caution against that move.

Lakers set to surprise next season

Somehow, the Lakers are underrated.

Bulls remain committed to mediocrity with head coach extension

Billy Donovan has led the Bulls to three straight play-in tournament appearances and three straight losses.

Which former player will the Warriors reunite with?

The Golden State Warriors are the only NBA team not to make a free-agent signing or trade this summer. They've got their eye on some familiar faces when they finally do make moves.

Umpire may have inspired future Hall of Famer to first win

Umpire Chad Whitson's harsh words for Justin Verlander might have lit a fire under him on Wednesday.

Clippers countering NBA champions' youth with age

The Oklahoma City Thunder were the youngest team in the NBA last season when they won it all. The Los Angeles Clippers decided to go the opposite direction for next year.

Lakers lost part of team's 'banshee' identity in roster move

Last season, Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick wanted his players to play like "banshees" on defense. Now, they've released one of the most aggressive banshees from last season.

Clippers risking their defensive identity with new additions

The L.A. Clippers have made some impressive veteran additions this summer to improve their offense and their depth. However, they might have compromised the identity that made them a 50-win team last season.

Clippers appear headed for reunion with their greatest player

The Clippers are "strongly, strongly considering" a reunion with a franchise great.

Wizards keep accumulating assets but still lack direction

The Marcus Smart era in Washington is over. His brief time with the Washington Wizards delivered a first-round pick, but it's still hard to see where the franchise is heading.

Lakers beef up defense with key veteran addition

This summer, the NBA buyout market has been nearly as vibrant as the free-agent market. The Los Angeles Lakers took advantage Saturday.  

Dwyane Wade's return to Heat should be cautionary tale for Blazers

While the Trail Blazers are thrilled to have Lillard back, these NBA homecomings don't always work out.

Timberwolves dodged a bullet with rejected superstar trade

The Minnesota Timberwolves reportedly had a huge trade proposal in place for Kevin Durant. They're fortunate that Durant wasn't interested.

Joel Embiid profile shows how he's sabotaged himself

ESPN's recent profile of Joel Embiid discusses the former MVP's struggles with injuries, mistrust and adapting to the NBA. But while the piece is sympathetic, it also details the way Embiid hasn't helped his own cause.

Grading the top eight draft picks in NBA Summer League

NBA Summer League is in its second week and the top picks from the 2025 draft have mostly had a chance to show off their skills. Here are grades for the Summer League efforts of the top eight picks in Las Vegas so far.

Clippers add another veteran rehabilitation project to roster

If you're an NBA veteran trying to rehabilitate your career, the Los Angeles Clippers are the place to go.

Injuries mean 76ers are facing a season of small ball

Seven years ago, Philadelphia 76ers team president Daryl Morey produced a basketball-based musical called "Small Ball." Thanks to injuries and free-agent departures, the upcoming Sixers season looks to have plenty of small ball, too.