Elaine Blum

Elaine Blum

Joined: Dec 15, 2021

Elaine Blum is the Site Expert at A Royal Pain. She has been writing about the NBA since 2021 and has received a degree in English and Journalism.

May 3, 1994; Portland, OR, USA: FILE PHOTO; Houston Rockets guard Kenny Smith (30) defends a shot by Portland Trail Blazers guard Rod Strickland (1) in the 1993-94 NBA Playoffs at Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The 6 greatest NBA players to never make an All-Star Team

NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

3 Steps for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to enter the MVP race next season

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 07: Children from the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) stand on the court as the United States national anthem is performed with (L-R) Austin Reaves #15, Walker Kessler #14, Jaren Jackson Jr. #13, Josh Hart #12, Jalen Brunson #11, Anthony Edwards #10, Bobby Portis #9, Paolo Banchero #8, Brandon Ingram #7, Cam Johnson #6, Mikal Bridges #5 and Tyrese Haliburton #4 of the United States before a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico at T-Mobile Arena on August 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

3 Players who will benefit most from playing for Team USA

James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers NBA (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)

NBA Trades: 4 NBA stars who will be next to demand a trade

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, Dallas Mavericks (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Ranking the 4 riskiest boom-or-bust NBA teams in 2023–24

Jul 7, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking the 20 greatest rookie seasons in NBA history

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - APRIL 26: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks on against the Los Angeles Lakers during Game Five of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at FedExForum on April 26, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

4 Memphis Grizzlies who must step up in Ja Morant’s absence

Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks, free agencyCredit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Ranking the 10 best available small forwards in NBA free agency

Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) and Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler (22) react after a play during the second half of game two of the Eastern Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Do or Die: 3 things the Celtics must do to bounce back against Miami

Jaren Jackson Jr, Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Grizzlies (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

3 Offseason moves that could transform the Memphis Grizzlies

Evan Mobley Cleveland Cavaliers (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

NBA Playoffs: 3 keys to victory for the Cavaliers’ series against the Knicks

Memphis Grizzlies (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

This under-the-radar trade deadline deal has been a steal for Memphis

Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn Nets (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

3 reasons Mikal Bridges is the Brooklyn Nets’ next star

(Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

The six worst free agent signings in Nets franchise history

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 19: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on along with Karl-Anthony Towns #32 against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 19, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Should Karl-Anthony Towns feel threatened by the rise of Anthony Edwards?

Kevin Love, LeBron David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Kevin Love could be a perfect fit for the Miami Heat