Thad: Paying Tribute to Halberstam

“Playing for Keeps,” among other things, is a lament of the commodified world of the modern game, including the relationship between players and the media. It’s also the best, most insightful look at Michael Jordan and the obsessive, occasionally disturbing competitiveness that drove him to six NBA crowns. And, last but not least, it’s a tribute in its own way to Carolina basketball. There are many reasons (basketball being among the least of them) for Americans to mourn the death Monday of David Halberstam at age 73. (Inside Carolina)