Arnovitz, Beck, Letourneau, McMenamin, Weitzman win in 2019 PBWA Blumenthal Memorial Writing Contest

Kevin Arnovitz, Howard Beck, Connor Letourneau, Dave McMenamin and Yaron Weitzman have been named first-place winners in the 2019 PBWA Blumenthal Memorial Writing Contest, which honors the best work by members of the Professional Basketball Writers Association during the 2019 calendar year.

Arnovitz, of ESPN.com, won the magazine-length features category for his story about a chief revenue officer for an NBA team who stole millions of dollars from that team. The category recognizes articles of at least 2,500 words.

Beck, of Bleacher Report, received top honors in the game stories category for his account of Game 6 of the NBA Finals — an account that focused on the losing team, the Golden State Warriors.

Letourneau, of the San Francisco Chronicle, placed first in the moderate-length features category for his article about Willie Cauley-Stein and the tiny Kansas prairie town where Cauley-Stein was raised. The category recognizes articles below 2,500 words.

McMenamin, of ESPN.com, won the news category for his look at how LeBron James and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver handled the controversy sparked by a tweet in which Daryl Morey supported protestors in Hong Kong.

Weitzman, of Bleacher Report, won the columns category for a detailed look at the Philadelphia 76ers and Jimmy Butler.

Independent judges, all with extensive experience as writers or editors at major publications, evaluated the entries — one judge per category. The authors’ names and the names of the authors’ news outlets were redacted in all areas of the contest submissions before the judges received the articles for judging.

Founded in 1973, the Professional Basketball Writers Association is a nonprofit membership organization for people who regularly cover the NBA for newspapers, internet outlets and magazines.

During the 2019 calendar year, the PBWA had approximately 235 members.

The writing contest is named after Dan Blumenthal, who worked as the PBWA’s secretary-treasurer from 1980 through 1983.

Results of the 2019 PBWA Blumenthal Memorial Writing Contest

Columns

1st place: Yaron Weitzman, Bleacher Report, “As Butler, Brown Downplay Drama, Sixers Front Office Refuses Trade Calls”

Judge’s comment: There are columns that have opinion, some have analysis. This column had inside information, important stuff that gives reader true insights into a very popular subject, Jimmy Butler and the soap opera that is the saga of the Sixers.

From detailing that the owner wanted to trade for Butler, to a minority owner who pulled the trigger on a curious draft-day trade for Zhaire Smith (at the cost of a popular local Villanova player), it was critical information to show the complex ineptitude of the franchise all the while analyzing the enigma of Butler, all set up by a great lede.

2nd place: Howard Beck, Bleacher Report, “The NBA Can’t Change China; Deal With It”

Judge’s comment: It is not often you get to see such colorful descriptions as “right-wing bloviators” and “MAGA-bots,” but this was a column and a strong opinion was very clear regarding Daryl Morey’s statements that made China a focal point for freedom of speech and tested the NBA’s strange-bedfellows business relationship. But it went far beyond any political slant, crediting the NBA for being woke during previous domestic protests.

3rd place: Mike Vorkunov, The Athletic, “Time is a flat circle for the Knicks. Now they must fill what might be the NBA’s least-desirable job”

Judge’s comment: At least someone will be rewarded for the Knicks’ dysfunction: the author of this column. David Fizdale’s demise as Knicks coach was well-documented with lines like: “His paeans to positionless basketball turned out to be just platitudes.” “At Madison Square Garden, time is a flat circle.” “They all chatted afterward, a vision of harmony in the midst of turmoil.”

Honorable mention: Gordie Jones, Forbes, “Retired Sixer Mark McNamara Maintains Healthy Outlook On Life”

Judge’s comment: The NFL has CTE hanging over every player’s head after retirement. Mark McNamara, a 7-foot journeyman, watched as former teammates and opponents Caldwell Jones, Darryl Dawkins and Moses Malone, big men in a big-man era, succumbed to heart disease long before their time. His personal journey had come to possible surgery, and the league had instituted health screenings to detect an all-too-common occurrence for its players. Informative and poignant.

Honorable mention: Jared Weiss, The Athletic, “Adam Silver consolidates significant power with new anti-tampering regime”

Judge’s comment: Free-agent tampering is an important issue and this column made excellent use of quotes, had smart analysis and looked forward.

Game Stories

1st place: Howard Beck, Bleacher Report,“Requiem for a Dynasty: Finals Loss Brings an End to the Warriors Era”

Judge’s comment: Though nearly every submission could make a decent case for top-five consideration, this story was the wire-to-wire winner. The first time I read it, I was blown away. Never in subsequent readings did my enthusiasm wane. It had everything yet never wasted a sentence. The obvious theme, the end of the Warriors’ reign, is dealt with dutifully. Yet everything else — on-point quotes, details of devastating injuries, perspective on how the dynasty was built, speculation about the future — paints the complete picture. It’s a beautiful story and a deserving winner.

2nd place: Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, “Toronto Raptors dethrone the Golden State Warriors to win their first NBA title”

Judge’s comment: This story was bolstered by the best lede in the contest. The writer uses four terse paragraphs filled with poignant examples of the dedication required to pursue a championship. It’s the sort of structure that all too often lends itself to warmed-over clichés, but not this time. This is mesmerizing. The story includes just enough game detail to provide understanding, but not enough to get in the way of the writer’s voice. Only one player and one coach are quoted, but both are insightful and lend depth to the big picture.

3rd place: Tim Reynolds, The Associated Press, “The debut: Zion Williamson arrives, amid much fanfare”

Judge’s comment: It struck me as unusual to include a summer league gamer, but this story is outstanding. The writer weaves together three main themes — Zion Williamson’s debut, his subsequent injury and an earthquake. While deftly handling all that, the writer also deals with the big names in the crowd, a discussion of summer league attendance and even some game detail. And the first quote, just five paragraphs in, is perfect: “Seismic.”

Honorable mention: Chris Fedor, Cleveland.com, “Cleveland Cavaliers’ frustration builds after latest blowout loss: ‘It’s not fun, don’t think anybody signed up for playing like this’ ”

Judge’s comment: How do you write a compelling early season gamer on another blowout loss? By bringing context. That’s what happens here. The story begins with an intricate tableau depicting Kevin Love’s frustration. But as we learn, this only illustrates several bubbling problems the team is facing. That’s context — and more is provided via a comparison with the 76ers’ torturous rebuilding process, which the Cavaliers seem to be duplicating. Normally, nobody would care about a story on a 47-point loss. But if you skipped over this one, you cheated yourself.

Honorable mention: JasonQuick, The Athletic, “From rage to redemption: The night they roared in Rip City”

Judge’s comment: This story excelled because of a thoroughness that effortlessly stood Damian Lillard’s 37-foot buzzer-beater apart from the heartache that has been Trail Blazers history. The juxtaposition is made early and concisely, so even though the story is long, the writer’s intention is easy to grasp. Not much time is spent on the actual game-winning shot. Instead, the use of digestible quotes and details on two key off-the-court developments lend texture that enhance reader comprehension. 

Magazine-length Features

1st place: Kevin Arnovitz, ESPN.com, “How NBA executive Jeff David stole $13 million from the Sacramento Kings”

Judge’s comment: This story, frankly, is the class of this year’s entries in this category. I won’t be surprised if it wins multiple national awards, both in sports and general news writing contests. The subject matter alone is original and compelling, but the writer does a masterful job bringing the reader into the story with extraordinary reporting, a wealth of insightful detail and an uncanny knack of getting the culprit to cooperate for the article. The accounts from the family members are gut-wrenching; you feel you are in the room as they discover the deceit and have to cope with the bruising aftermath. That alone earns the author kudos! Yet while reporting is the essence of quality writing, the author also spins a complicated, multi-layered narrative with a skillful, succinct touch. An excellent entry.

2nd place: Baxter Holmes, ESPN.com, “Michelin restaurants and fabulous wines: Inside the secret team dinners that have built the Spurs’ dynasty”

Judge’s comment: What a creative way of expanding on the too-familiar story lines about Gregg Popovich, the NBA’s best coach and one of its most fascinating figures. Talk about multi-layered. We have all heard Popovich jousting with sideline reporters, engaging in sharp political discourse, joking in an engaging, self-deprecating manner. But this article reveals much more about the Spurs coach, and does it through the eyes and words of friends, former players and coaches and even restaurateurs! This was simply a splendid, wildly entertaining article. Crisp, dynamic writing. Excellent reporting. And again, very original.

3rd place: Shaun Powell, NBA.com, “Looking for closure”

Judge’s comment: This entry deserves applause for a number of reasons, starting with the fact the author addresses a story line that has mystified those within the league, as well as millions of NBA fans, since Kawhi Leonard entered the league. There have been rumors, innuendo, whispered asides from those who know him best about his father’s murder and its possible impact on a then-high school basketball player. But this is the first story that goes to the scene of the crime — the Compton scene where Mark Leonard was murdered — and attempts to piece it all together. The murder. Kawhi’s introverted personality. The renewed interest by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to finally solve the crime. The author does an excellent job describing the scene, eliciting observations from some of Leonard’s relatives and friends and providing insightful background information. The only thing missing in the piece is Leonard’s presence, particularly his own account of the murder and how and whether it affected him. My sense is that the reporter was given entrée to Leonard’s inner circle, but was told the Clippers superstar was unwilling to participate. So, kudos to the writer for crafting a terrific story about a terrible event.

Honorable mention: Jake Fischer, Sports Illustrated, “How Red Panda Became the NBA’s Favorite Halftime Performer”

Judge’s comment: This was a wonderfully original piece, featuring everything from an immigrant’s American success story to the often overlooked importance of NBA arena entertainment, which has evolved into a critical element of game day operations. The author provides compelling background information, explains the nuances of the Red Panda’s art form, details her emergence from freelance entertainer to iconic halftime performer and lets the reader feel her pain when her father dies and she experiences a horrific, career-threatening injury. Again, just lovely. Creative, evocative, gracefully written.

Honorable mention: Tim Cato, The Athletic, “Slovenia’s enormous passion is willing Luka Doncic to superstardom”

Judge’s comment: This is a very interesting article about the young man who, as we have come to realize, obviously listened to his people! The writer provides a compelling article without even interviewing his subject by taking the reader to Doncic’s homeland and introducing a small basketball-crazed country to the audience. The author effectively weaves in historical elements — the Balkan war and the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, how the conflict destroyed a once formidable basketball federation, the continued superiority (until recently) of basketball players from Serbia, Croatia and to some extent, Montenegro. But the interviews with Luka’s former coaches and Slovenia’s national basketball officials, who relate anecdotes and details about their young savant, bring it all together. This was original, informative, well-reported and beautifully written. There is no substitute for actually working on location!

Moderate-length Features

1st place: Connor Letourneau, San Francisco Chronicle, “Willie’s reckoning”

Judge’s comment: This is a compelling read about one of the league’s most confounding figures, an intelligent, talented 7-footer who is perhaps best known for continually tripping over his own feet. The author provides excellent details about the tiny town of Spearville — he takes the reader there — and weaves in anecdotes and insights about his subject’s upbringing that reveal much about Cauley-Stein, including his dreams of being an NFL wideout, growing up in a racially mixed family (and mostly by his grandmother), warm relationships with the “locals” as a youngster and how the NBA lifestyle, with all its trials and temptations, created emotional as well as physical distance from folks who helped raise him. Well reported, beautifully written.

2nd place: Stefan Bondy, New York Daily News, “The Harder They Fall: Big man Luther Wright battles ever-bigger demons”

Judge’s comment: Good writing starts with reporting, and it’s obvious the author went to great lengths to track down his subject, reach out to those within his circle and then did a marvelous job eliciting raw, difficult, immensely personal details from a clearly tragic figure. This is a well-written, cautionary tale that, sadly, is all too common in professional sports. Nicely done.

3rd place: Shams Charania, The Athletic, “ ‘They all slammed the door shut on me’ — DeMarcus Cousins on how he got past his injury and how he landed with the Warriors”

Judge’s comment: Cousins’ circumstances have changed dramatically since this article was written, but it is still deserving of high praise. Cousins has been arguably the NBA’s most polarizing figure this past decade, his considerable accomplishments often overtaken by his seething temperament, his reputation as being difficult to coach and as someone who treats coaches and teammates poorly. This article provides a deep dive into how Cousins matured to the point where he was a major contributor in New Orleans. (Of course, we now know that Cousins suffered a second career-threatening injury a year ago in the playoffs with the Warriors and is rehabbing in Los Angeles). The second recovery act (ACL) is a story for another day. This is a wonderful, wrenching piece that has all the elements of a good read: an interesting subject, clear, facile writing and excellent reporting. Perhaps best of all, the writer gives Cousins space to breathe — he elicits crucial details and expansive revelations that bring the reader into Cousins’ tortured world. Bravo.

Honorable mention: Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPN.com,“ ‘It’s either hoop or you sell dope’: Patrick Beverley never forgets his humble beginnings”

Judge’s comment: This story explains a lot about one of the league’s feistiest, well-respected and enduring figures. Beverley has overcome tragedy, multiple injuries and suspensions, and this article reveals how his experiences fuel his passionate play on the court. Reading this piece, one is left with an image of a player you want to pull for, someone who refuses to let life’s travails take him down and is remarkably candid about his thoughts and emotions. This guy deserves a break! I really enjoyed this article. It was well-written, included solid detail and was very interesting.

Honorable mention: Michael Scotto, The Athletic, “ ‘This could be an option. Why not?’: New generation of female coaches and front office”

Judge’s comment: While there have been numerous stories about individual women who have joined coaching staffs or front offices these past few years, this article takes an all-encompassing approach. It introduces the women as individuals, but tells their stories in the context of the league’s collective evolution, where Becky Hammon is no longer a solitary female figure. The reporting is excellent, the anecdotes insightful, and the writing ties it all together. Well done.

News

1st place: Dave McMenamin, ESPN.com, “Inside LeBron James’ and Adam Silver’s make-or-break moments in China”

Judge’s comment: The writer did an excellent job of detailing the controversy and confusion that resulted from the Daryl Morey tweet in support of Hong Kong protesters. The far-reaching impact of the tweet was explained with details of substantial monetary losses for players who had endorsement deals, the uncertainties of whether or not scheduled exhibition games would be played and ultimately on the popularity of the league. The writing was creative and concise, and the reporting was thorough.

2nd place: Jonathan Feigen, Houston Chronicle, “Six days in Vegas: How the Rockets landed Russell Westbrook”

Judge’s comment: The writer did an effective job of explaining the complexities that were part of the negotiations between the Thunder and Rockets that led to the trade of Russell Westbrook to Houston. The obstacles that had to be overcome to complete the deal were described thoroughly, giving the reader a sense of having inside knowledge. The writer was also effective in re-creating the dialogue and details that led to the trade and that added a strong element to the story.

3rd place: Fred Katz, The Athletic, “Ted Leonsis makes moves to bring Wizards into ‘the new NBA’, but will it work?”

Judge’s comment: The reconstruction of a franchise is a complex story, but the writer thoroughly explained drastic changes in the Wizards’ front office. The entire approach of the franchise is changing and was detailed in a compelling way that entertained and educated readers. The story was full of detail and it was presented in a well-constructed manner.

Honorable mention: Sam Amick, The Athletic, “Improper requests, an investigation, and a superstar chase gone sideways: The untold stories from Kawhi Leonard’s free agency that left the Lakers fuming”

Judge’s comment: This is a story full of mystery and intrigue that scrutinizes behavior in one of the biggest NBA stories of the year. The writer is able to get behind the scenes to explain the process that led to Kawhi Leonard jilting the Lakers for the Clippers. Details of questionable dealings during the free-agent process were in this article, and those were revealed methodically by the writer. It was an entertaining and informative account of what occurred.

Honorable mention: Jason Quick, The Athletic, “Mending fences: Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge find a connection on the precipice of a Blazers milestone”

Judge’s comment: This is a comprehensive story of how a lack of communication led to misplaced feelings and adversely affected the relationship of former teammates. With a mutual friend playing a key role, the relationship was not only repaired, but it was revealed that the player who left might return in the twilight of his career. It is a feel-good story full of new information that details the rebuilding of a relationship.