SI.com's 10 most popular stories from the week ending April 24

Here is a roundup of SI.com's 10 most popular stories this week. Be sure to read to the bottom for a bonus story from the SI Vault.

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Apr 24, 2015

Here is a roundup of SI.com's 10 most popular stories this week. Be sure to read to the bottom for a bonus story from the SI Vault.

Ten Mayweather observations

Ten observations from Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s training camp as he prepares for his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao, including insights about Mayweather's dog, his friends and his love of FaceTime. By Greg Bishop.

Aaron Rodgers' fall

Aaron Rodgers and Alex Smith were the two best quarterback prospects in the 2005 NFL draft. But after the 49ers picked Smith first, Rodgers fell all the way to the Packers at No. 24. How and why did Rodgers tumble? By Joan Niesen.

The NFL's must-see games

The NFL released its 2015 schedule in full on Tuesday night. Pittsburgh will visit New England in the regular-season opener on Sept. 10. What other matchups are must-see this year?By Chris Burke.

Roundtable: Fixing the 'Hack-a-Shaq' strategy

The Hack-a-Shaq strategy—the act of intentionally fouling a poor free-throw shooter to send him to the line—is becoming a more frequently used tactic around the league. What, if anything, should the NBA do about it?

Potential NFL draft trades

With one week before the 2015 NFL draft, trade rumors are hot as ever, and three prominent players could be trading chips: Philip Rivers, Adrian Peterson and Marcus Mariota.By Doug Farrar.

Ronaldo wants to play in L.A.

Cristiano Ronaldo has said he plans to play in MLS after his current contract with Real Madrid expires, and this week SI learned he desires to play in Los Angeles. Plus other notes from around U.S. soccer. By Grant Wahl.

Mayweather-Pacquiao drug testing sets precedent

For several years, disagreements about drug testing helped prevent Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao's mega-fight. But the sides eventually came together on USADA-administered testing, which could set an important precedent for a sport lacking an organized anti-doping structure. By Greg Bishop.

Durant's future depends on Presti

The Thunder fired coach Scott Brooks in a move that appears more proactive than reactive, the latest in a series of aggressive moves from Thunder GM Sam Presti. If Kevin Durant leaves Oklahoma City as a free agent next summer, Presti will be able to look in the mirror and tell himself that he played every card in his hand.By Ben Golliver.

Marlins' Mike Redmond on hot seat

The 2015 season is still in its infancy, but after a winter during which his team was recast as earnest contenders, Marlins owner Jeffrey Loria is showing his trademark impatience. In the wake of a five-game losing streak that has dropped Miami to 3–11, manager Mike Redmond's job is said to be in danger. But is the Marlins' poor start really Redmond's fault? By Jay Jaffe.

Inside Duke's recruitment of Derryck Thornton

When Duke point guard Tyus Jones declared for the NBA draft, he left behind a void at the point guard position. Enter Derryck Thornton, who signed with the Blue Devils this week. By Chris Johnson.