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Vinny Somma

Vinny Somma boasts nearly a decade of experience as a sports writer and editor. He held the positions of NBA and UFC Editor at Heavy. Prior to this role, he acted as the lead contributor for Heavy's coverage of the New York Giants, Boston Celtics and Fantasy Football. 

Daryl Morey's stubbornness holding up James Harden trade to Clippers

Despite being adamant in his desire to be traded and the Los Angeles Clippers being the lone team bidding for his services, James Harden remains a member of the Philadelphia 76ers — thanks in large part to the inflexibility of Daryl Morey. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo doubles down on Bucks' future despite Damian Lillard trade

Talks of Giannis Antetokounmpo jettisoning Milwaukee for greener pastures have drastically diminished since the Bucks acquired Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.

Could Jets RB Dalvin Cook return to the NFC North?

When the New York Jets signed Dalvin Cook in mid-August, the running back was touted as the final piece to a Super Bowl-contending roster. Now, just six games into his Jets tenure, the franchise may be ready to cut ties with the former Pro Bowler. 

Ceiling, floor for Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards-powered team primed for playoff run?

After back-to-back playoff appearances, the Minnesota Timberwolves look to assert themselves as a true contender in the West.  Minnesota rightfully gave Anthony Edwards a five-year extension this summer that could pay him up to $260 million.

Ceiling, floor for New Orleans Pelicans: Playoff bound with a healthy Zion Williamson

With a healthy Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and a tantalizing core, the New Orleans Pelicans look to show their early season success from a year ago wasn't a fluke. Ultimately, New Orleans' ceiling depends on the health of Williamson and Ingram.

Ceiling, floor for Utah Jazz: A competitive rebuild

The arrow is pointing up in Utah as the Jazz appear ahead of the curve in their rebuild after the Donovan Mitchell-Rudy Gobert era. 

Ceiling, floor for Toronto Raptors: Time for a rebuild?

Are the Toronto Raptors on the verge of a full rebuild?

Ceiling, floor for Atlanta Hawks: Trae Young and co. not ready to compete with the East elite

For all of Trae Young's natural ability on the basketball court, the Atlanta Hawks are still looking to step it up to the level of the best teams in the East.

Ceiling, floor for Houston Rockets: Ready to make noise in the West?

The Houston Rockets have an intriguing mix of young prospects and veteran playmakers, but the question is whether the team is truly ready to make a run toward the postseason upcoming.

Ceiling, floor for San Antonio Spurs: Welcome to the Victor Wembanyama show

Despite not sniffing the postseason in four seasons, generational prospect Victor Wembanyama has all eyes honed in on the Spurs. 

Ceiling, floor for Chicago Bulls: Make or break year amid trade rumors

Despite trade speculation surrounding Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan for much of the summer, the Bulls remain committed to their core as they gear up for a make-or-break season.

Ceiling, floor for Dallas Mavericks: Can Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving coexist?

The Mavericks look to make noise in the Western Conference in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving's first full season together. Will the two stars mesh well?

Ceiling, floor for the Brooklyn Nets: Ben Simmons' revenge arc

The Brooklyn Nets look to turn over a new leaf as they move on from their superstar-centric era that yielded forgettable returns. 

Ceiling, floor for Milwaukee Bucks: Championship or bust after Damian Lillard trade

 The addition of Damian Lillard in Milwaukee has the Bucks thinking championship. After looking like a shoo-in to join the Miami Heat, Dame D.O.L.L.A. ultimately landed with the Bucks this offseason, immediately establishing Milwaukee as title favorites.

Ceiling, floor for the Miami Heat: Jimmy Butler or bust

Despite missing out on Damian Lillard this offseason, the Miami Heat should remain in the thick of the Eastern Conference race this year.

Brock Purdy's MVP bid gets stamp of approval from NBA star as 49ers steamroll Cowboys

For much of Purdy's young career, many have tried to discount the success of the 2022 Mr. Irrelevant, instead praising the offensive genius of head coach Kyle Shanahan. After Sunday night, the pendulum appears to be finally swinging in Purdy's favor.  

Sixers prolonging James Harden saga amid Clippers trade offer

 The Los Angeles Clippers continue to court James Harden amid his dispute with the Philadelphia 76ers organization.

Larry Fitzgerald takes strong Kyler Murray stance as Cardinals ponder major QB shake-up

While Murray's upside is still tantalizing, expect Arizona to attempt getting out from under the quarterback's massive contract this offseason and start fresh under center in 2024.  

Commanders are doing an all-time bad job of protecting Sam Howell

One of the Commanders' biggest faults has been their inability to keep second-year signal-caller Sam Howell upright. 

Tyreek Hill reacts to Dolphins trade for Chase Claypool after injury scare

After spending Thursday night on his couch watching the Chicago Bears win their first game in 347 days, Chase Claypool has gone from a healthy-inactive for a last-place NFC North team to a member of the Miami Dolphins — a legitimate Super Bowl contending squad tied for the best record (3-1) in the AFC. 

Derrick Rose puts Grizzlies star Ja Morant on notice amid NBA suspension

Derrick Rose knows his role with the Memphis Grizzlies and has made it clear it's not to babysit star teammate Ja Morant.

Tyler Herro fires back on Heat trade rumors

Despite his accolades, Tyler Herro was dangled in trade discussion throughout much of the summer — most of which circulated around the Portland Trail Blazers and their disinterest in acquiring him.  

D.J. Moore pays tribute to Bears legend Dick Butkus after snapping 347-day losing streak

Thursday night brought forth a whirlwind of emotions for the Chicago Bears franchise. Mere hours before kickoff, the family of NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus confirmed the Bears legend had passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, Calif. 

Ezekiel Elliott takes firm stance on Mac Jones after Patriots QB's benching

Since Jones's benching on Sunday, naysayers have rigorously picked apart his viability as an NFL starting quarterback. Nevertheless, Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott is standing firmly behind his QB1. 

49ers' Kyle Shanahan fires back at 'ridiculous' Brock Purdy narrative

Clearly, Shanahan and the personnel in San Fran are all reasons for the team's offensive success. Nevertheless, that shouldn't discount what Purdy has brought to the table.