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Drafting

All articles tagged with #drafting

Tank­ing’s Mirage: Knicks Should Embrace Smart Drafting and Trades
sports7 days ago

Tank­ing’s Mirage: Knicks Should Embrace Smart Drafting and Trades

Tank­ing is a false promise; history shows championships come from savvy drafting and trades rather than losing to improve lottery odds. None of the last 20 Finals MVPs was drafted in the top four, and in the past six years players like SGA, Jaylen Brown, Jokic, Curry, Giannis—and even LeBron James via free agency—have demonstrated that elite teams win through smart acquisitions and development, not tanking. The Thunder’s tanking approach under Sam Presti is a notable outlier. For the Knicks, the takeaway is clear: avoid chasing losses and focus on smart drafting and trades instead.

"The Aerodynamics of Drafting: Comparing Aero vs. Non-Aero Cyclists"
sports-science2 years ago

"The Aerodynamics of Drafting: Comparing Aero vs. Non-Aero Cyclists"

A recent discussion on the Performance Process podcast with Alex Dowsett raised the question of whether it's easier to draft behind an aerodynamically optimized cyclist or one with less aerodynamic efficiency. Surprising results from CFD simulations by Nablaflow's CEO Luca Oggiano revealed that it is marginally easier to draft behind a more aerodynamic rider, contrary to the common assumption that a less aerodynamic rider would provide a better draft. The simulations showed that a following rider experiences less drag behind an aerodynamically optimized lead rider, saving more watts compared to drafting behind a less aerodynamic lead rider. The study also found that the aerodynamics of the drafting rider can affect the lead rider's required effort, with different configurations leading to varying watt savings. The findings highlight the complex nature of aerodynamics in cycling and suggest that maintaining a closer distance to the rider in front remains the most effective way to maximize drafting benefits.

"Braves Secure 6th Consecutive NL East Title, Proving Their Dominance"
sports2 years ago

"Braves Secure 6th Consecutive NL East Title, Proving Their Dominance"

The Atlanta Braves clinched their sixth consecutive National League East title, becoming the first MLB team this season to secure their division. Despite significant changes to their roster since winning the World Series in 2021, the Braves have remained dominant and are now considered the favorites to win it all. Their sustained excellence can be attributed to shrewd drafting, lopsided trades with the Oakland Athletics, and a pre-existing core of talented players.