Finkel's Fast Five #156

BOOK: Best American Sports Writing 2020 edited by Jackie MacMullan

This is one of my favorite purchases every single year. I think I started buying it in the late 90s and if you’ve never heard of it, it’s a series that compiles the best sportswriting pieces every year with a big-time guest editor. This year’s editor is one of my all-time favorite writers, Jackie MacMullan. I love these books because you can read them in any order you want, whenever you want, and the pieces never get old. Also, it’s a who’s who of the most talented writers in the sportswriting game.

SIDE NOTE: one of the coolest moments in my career was when an article I wrote called The Night the Legend of the Driveway was Born, about me and my dad and brother, was a notable mention in the 2015 issue. If you played driveway hoops with your dad or your kids, I’m confident you’ll love it. Check it out here.

ARTICLE: Davante Adams is Peaking in Every Way Possible by Mirin Fader

I’ve recommended a few of Mirin’s longform features before. She’s a terrific writer and always tackles an athlete at the perfect time. Her most recent feature explores Packers’ star Davante Adams’ life, particularly his new role as a dad and his motivations to become a top receiver in the NFL. Enjoy it here.

THREAD: 5 Unique Presidential Fitness Habits

Biden’s bringing a Peloton Bike to the White House? Awesome. Beats Coolidge's dorky electric horse. Since I wrote the only book to rank every president’s athletic ability, I put together a special Inauguration Thread highlighting some of the goofier POTUS workout/sports habits. Read it here.

GEAR: SLOW GRIND CLOTHING

My Hoops Heist publisher and friend Isaiah Thomas has a clothing company based around the idea that success is a slow grind, and only by doing the work day-in and day-out can we succeed. I am 100% behind that ethos. I recently got my hands on some of the apparel from the Slow Grind line and I love it. I wore it during an early AM weight session this week right here. Check out the whole SLOW GRIND line and if you like it, hit me and Isaiah with a photo on Twitter and we’ll share it.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.”

- Alexis de TocquevilleThank you for reading! If you enjoyed this issue of the FF5, I would be grateful if you’d share it with someone who you think would like it as well. The button is below.

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PS - Did you buy Hoops Heist yet? Buy it today and send me a screen shot on Twitter and I’ll send you a signed, awesome bookmark ASAP. Here’s the link to BUY.