SPORTS REWRITTEN ARCHIVE

NBA

Research-driven NBA alternate histories built around the decisions, injuries, drafts, trades and championship swings that could have changed the sport.

Draft What If

What If the Detroit Pistons Drafted Carmelo Anthony in 2003?

Detroit selects Carmelo Anthony second in 2003, reshaping the Pistons into a dynasty and sending consequences through two decades of NBA history.

26 min read

Injury What If

What If the Pelicans’ Young Core Stayed Healthy and Stayed Together?

Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart stay healthy and together as New Orleans grows from must-see young team into a two-time champion.

25 min read

Draft What If

What If the 76ers Drafted Len Bias?

In 1986, Philadelphia traded away the No. 1 pick before Cleveland selected Brad Daugherty and Boston took Len Bias second. Sports Rewritten keeps the pick in Philadelphia, pairs Bias with Charles Barkley, and follows the consequences through championships, the Dream Team, Michael Jordan, the legendary 1996 draft and an NBA transformed by two extraordinary forwards.

23 min read

Injury What If

What If Derrick Rose Never Tore His ACL?

What if Derrick Rose never tore his ACL in the 2012 playoffs? Instead of losing the heart of his prime to injuries, Rose stays healthy, Chicago keeps building around him, and the Bulls remain one of the NBA’s defining teams of the decade. From championships and MVP races to James Harden, Jimmy Butler, Kevin Durant and a completely altered league, one healthy landing changes far more than Derrick Rose’s career.

29 min read