Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk a heroic sideline debut, Luka’s strong performance for the Lakers in Dallas and if LA can actually make a playoff run. Plus, are the Knicks back on track after two big wins or does the roster still have too many concerns? Then, we discuss if Embiid will be an All-Star before breaking down why Giannis’ injury could be a better long term result for the Bucks including a high pick in a deep draft. Finally, an update on Kuminga’s future with the Warriors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and Anthony Slater to talk a brutal week for the Warriors following Jimmy Butler’s ACL tear and if it is time for some difficult conversations about the future of the franchise. Then, the guys break down the state of the Bucks & Giannis as we get closer to the trade deadline including if it is in Milwaukee’s best interest to trade him. Finally, former NBA Star Joakim Noah joins the show to talk his trip to Serbia with Brian and share some stories about Derrick Rose and the Bulls of the 2010’s ahead of D-Rose’s jersey retirement in Chicago this weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss Jimmy Butler’s torn ACL including the impact on Jimmy’s career and what this means for the future of the Warriors. Then, the crew talks the rising concerns around the Knicks’ abysmal defense of late and overall lack of cohesion before talking if it is time for the Pistons to go all-in on what is becoming a special season. Finally, we assess how Toronto will approach the trade deadline and some strange observations from the All-Star voting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the state of Ja Morant’s trade market after Ja said he wants to stay in Memphis before diving into how Giannis’ trade potential is holding up the rest of the NBA. Then, the guys break down the impact of some major injuries around the league and the Lakers getting a much needed win. Plus, will LeBron make the All-Star Game? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and Bobby Marks to discuss Jonathan Kuminga’s trade demand in Golden State including what the most likely resolution is to this saga. Then, the guys review the Knicks’ current rough patch breaking down if it is temporary or a symptom of a larger issue before diving into some chaotic and some unheard NBA stories. Finally, we talk how Denver has put themselves in a strong position while Jokic has been out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to break down the Thunder making a statement versus the Spurs, reestablishing OKC’s hold on the West. Then, with the latest updates on Anthony Davis’ injury the guys discuss what the future may hold for him including his potential trade market in Dallas. Finally, we discuss who is deserving of a starting spot in the NBA All-Star game before talking if Giannis’ future is becoming less clear in Milwaukee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to break down the state of tanking in the modern NBA including some of the measures certain teams are taking and how the league can fix it moving forward. Then, we discuss what Ja Morant’s trade market looks like for Memphis and talk Jaylen Brown’s unique fine request before finishing with some more key headlines around the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and Anthony Slater to break down the Trae Young trade for both Washington and Atlanta with some details that are not getting enough attention. Then, the guys talk the state of the Warriors including if this could be Steve Kerr’s final season as they reach the tail end of a dynasty. Next, the guys discuss Sacramento officially having a plan moving forward before talking some ideas for the NBA Draft Lottery and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to break down Trae Young and the Hawks working together on a potential trade including the best landing spot at the moment. Then the guys talk about the recent struggles for New York & Oklahoma City including Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s comments on the future goals for the team. Finally, some interesting comments form KD after a clutch shot and a major conclusion from the latest round of All-Star voting results. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk the Suns continuing to exceed expectations this season and if the Thunder still have a chance to reach 70 wins. Then, the crew talks why Boston is becoming a bigger threat in the Eastern Conference by the day while the 76ers should be getting more consideration as another contender in the East. Finally, MacMahon gives out the ever prestigious Cojones Factor Player of the Month award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to give out their Baller d'Or winner, our award for the best basketball player of the calendar year inspired by the Ballon d'Or in soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss what Jokic’s injury means for the Nuggets in the Western Conference and how it could impact the MVP with the minimum game requirements. Then, the guys react to the first round of NBA All-Star voting including if LeBron could miss out for the first time in two decades before talking a big matchup between the Knicks with newfound depth and the Spurs who have come down to earth after Christmas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the Hawks’ struggles since Trae Young’s return including if it is time for Atlanta to move on from Trae and the potential struggles in doing so. Plus, the guys break down why the trade market for Anthony Davis is challenging for the Mavs before talking the impressive play from the Nets and Jazz of late. Then, we talk Wemby’s development as the face of the franchise in San Antonio, the Clippers getting back on track with a historic game from Kawhi and finally the drama around Giannis’ late dunk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to another huge win for the Spurs over the Thunder. The guys discuss if San Antonio’s 3-0 record versus the defending champs shows that the Spurs need to be taken seriously as contenders and if this highlights any issues for OKC. Plus, we break down how concerned we should be about the Lakers' defense, talk about two role players starring for the Knicks, a very strange week for Golden State with Draymond and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the NBA brainstorming measures to combat tanking including how viable various solutions are to actually be put into place. Then, the guys talk if the Celtics could remain dangerous enough this season to make a return for Tatum make sense and how much that could impact the rest of the league. Plus, the Pelicans find some success and drama makes headlines for Draymond Green and Steve Kerr. Finally, the guys break down the Christmas Day games they are most excited for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk the Cavs’ ongoing struggles including what, if anything, they can do to turn their season around. Plus, the guys explain some key NBA officiating controversies in the last few days before talking about Anthony Edwards’ epic performance and OKC’s first stumbles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to Bontemps’ 1st MVP Straw Poll of the season including if we are set for another historic battle between Jokic and SGA, some surprising newcomers to the list and who truly has a chance for the award this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to break down the Knicks big victory to claim the NBA Cup over the Spurs including what San Antonio showed the league during this run. Plus, the guys discuss some big updates from NBA commissioner Adam Silver including if there may be a new home for the NBA Cup, some major updates on league expansion and what may come of the Heat & Terry Rozier. Finally, we talk Cooper Flagg’s outrageous play of late and a passionate reaction from Ime Udoka. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to some wild NBA Cup Semifinal action in Las Vegas. The guys talk the Spurs making a major statement against OKC including if this demonstrates San Antonio’s ability to be a top 4 seed in the Western Conference. Then, the guys break down if the Knicks are an elite contending team before talking about the Cavs continuing struggles. Finally, ‘International Windy’ describes his time at one of the greatest basketball events he has been to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vincent Goodwill and Bobby Marks to react to the Spurs exposing some of the Lakers' key weaknesses, the guys discuss if LA needs to address them at the deadline. Plus, we talk how far ahead of schedule San Antonio’s young talent may be. Then, the crew breaks down the challenges rebuilding in the NBA before talking the historic domination from the Thunder including if any team can stop them from achieving history. Finally, what players and teams to keep an eye on for trade season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the NBA Cup quarterfinals in the Eastern Conference including big wins for the Knicks and Magic. Plus, do the Knicks have a real chance to run away with the East? Then, the guys preview the NBA Cup quarterfinals in the Western Conference by talking if the Suns have any chance against OKC and if the Spurs can surprise the Lakers. Finally, can the Thunder win 70 games or more this year? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss LeBron’s major bounce back in a clutch win for the Lakers over the 76ers, why the Celtics improving play could open the door for a Tatum return, Pat Spencer’s new mantra for the Warriors, the Bulls’ struggles returning, Memphis stepping up and the latest on the Terry Rozier situation including what it means for the Heat. Plus, a new installment of 'Where in the World is Windy?’ begins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Anthony Slater and Vincent Goodwill to talk the possibility of a Giannis trade including what destinations could make sense and why a trade from the Bucks would be so challenging. Plus, the guys discuss Cooper Flagg continuing to improve, what to make of Chris Paul’s unique exit from the Los Angeles Clippers and get insight into Chet Holmgren’s development following his injury last season to where OKC wants him to be to create a dynasty. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss their concern level with LeBron’s struggles, if LA’s stars make sense together on defense and the huge game from Dillon Brooks for the Suns. Then, the crew talks the continuing disaster for the Clippers and the mounting injuries in Denver before awarding the Cojones Factor Player of the Month and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss a wild ending in Philadelphia between the Hawks & 76ers before discussing the state of Embiid in his return and how Atlanta looks without Trae Young. Then, the guys talk some potential lottery pick madness for the Thunder, some award drama, the Cavs & Wolves lingering struggles and the depth of the Spurs coming in handy without Wemby. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon for our special Friendsgiving episode as our crew welcomes some of our favorite guests to talk about everything from major NBA storylines to the best type of ice to put in your beverages. In this edition we welcome ESPN’s Anthony Slater to talk if it is time to be concerned about the Warriors, ESPN’s Vince Goodwill to discuss if the Pistons are ready to make a major move to be a contender, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne to talk new info on the sale of the Lakers & detail the arraignment for the NBA gambling investigation, ESPN’s Jamal Collier to break down the state of the Bucks & the future of Giannis, ESPN’s Bobby Marks on teams with the most flexibility in the NBA for the trade deadline, ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk to highlight some key travel components & sacred beverage insight, ESPN’s Mike C. Wright to tell us about his Thanksgiving spread & the latest on the Spurs & Rockets and ESPN’s Malika Andrews joins as she prepares for her first ever Syracuse basketball game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss some of the biggest lessons learned from the early NBA season including why an Anthony Davis trade will be challenging for Dallas, the MVP to this point, some injury concerns, emerging stars and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Kevin Pelton to discuss the reports that LaMelo Ball is open to a trade and some major shakeups in the Lakers’ front office. Then, we dive into our 2025-26 Small Sample-Size Theater to talk Houston’s unique path to the best offense in the NBA, if the Thunder can win over 70 games, the Rookie of the Year race, which conference is better and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the many injuries to the stars across the NBA and what is causing the rise in players missing time. Then, the guys discuss if the Bucks can survive without Giannis including if the depth in the Eastern Conference could be more challenging than the Western Conference. Plus, with Wembanyama, Castle and Harper sidelined can the Spurs stay alive in the West? Finally, we talk if the vibes around the 76ers are improving and what you can expect from a big matchup between the Rockets & Cavs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the incredible games we have already seen to start the NBA season including a wild slate of finishes over the weekend. Then, the guys discuss the significance of the Hawks’ success without Trae Young, the Knicks compounding injuries, why the Cavs have not reached their ceiling from last year yet and how wide open the Eastern Conference is. Finally, the crew talks Kevin Durant’s ability to remain an elite scorer, the Pelican’s parting ways with coach Willie Green and if the Thunder could win over 70 games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vincent Goodwill and Ramona Shelburne to discuss the Clippers’ concerning start to the season, Jokic’s historic performance in LA, why Denver are legit contenders, how LeBron will fit upon returning to the Lakers, the impact of Brunson’s injury on the Knicks and OKC’s dominance over the league thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss what led to the firing of Dallas GM Nico Harrison including a unique atmosphere for the Bucks-Mavs game, the impact on the team and why it happened now. Plus, what will happen for the Mavericks moving forward and if they should consider trading Anthony Davis or Kyrie Irving. Then, the guys talk a concerning injury to Cleveland’s star guard Darius Garland before discussing the ascension of Stephon Castle in San Antonio and if the Magic are turning things around. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk the Pistons looking poised for another big leap forward this season, the Rockets winning games how good teams do, the Suns outperforming expectations, if it's time to panic about the Clippers, Jokic’s dominance, the drama in Dallas and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Anthony Slater and Vincent Goodwill to talk Russell Westbrook’s turn back the clock night, if the Warriors’ early season injuries are a concern for the aging team, the sustainability of the Knicks finding their stride and how wide open the Eastern Conference is. Plus, could Detroit be a potential buyer at the deadline and are the Mavs hurting Cooper Flagg’s development with the squad’s current structure? All that and some bonus storytimes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk Victor Wembanyama looking to bounce back in a big matchup with the Lakers, LA’s surprising start despite injuries, the Cavs getting healthier, the Rockets high powered offense, the latest on Ja Morant’s future in Memphis and the surprising start to the season for the Jazz. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk Ja Morant’s suspension and his future in Memphis before diving into the Lakers’ strong start and the Heat’s change in offensive approach. Plus, the Pelicans disastrous start to the season, the Thunder’s historic start, the Mavs’ offense struggling and reaction to our voicemail line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk the start of the NBA Cup before diving into some of the most surprising starts to the NBA season. The guys tackle the Bulls’ incredible start, the Hawks and Magic struggling, the best backcourt in basketball, Austin Reaves’ incredible run and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and current partner in Pryor Cashman & former SDNY Complex Frauds & Cybercrime Chief Katherine Reilly to break down the NBA’s gambling scandal. The crew tackles how this case moves forward, why the NBA cleared Rozier, how strong the case is for each of the two indictments, why Billups was only fully listed in one indictment and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss some of the most interesting results from the NBA’s opening week of action. The guys break down some notable injuries, expectations for Cooper Flagg, some insane scoring outbursts, the future of tanking, if Celtics fans should be worried and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the impact around the league following the news of the arrests made in connection to the FBI's gambling inquiries involving Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and former Cleveland Cavaliers player and assistant coach Damon Jones. Then, the guys tackle Victor Wembanyama’s sensational season opener for the Spurs before talking an underrated aspect of San Antonio's victory. Plus, a sensational night for the 76ers’ guards, Embiid’s health concerns, the Knicks strong start and much reaction to the biggest moments to the start of the NBA season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vincent Goodwill and Bobby Marks to discuss the impact of some extensions around the league before discussing the significance of the injuries on the Knicks and if the 76ers are healthier than expected. Then, Cavs center Jarrett Allen joins the show to discuss the outlook for the upcoming season in Cleveland, the NBA’s movement back to an emphasis on size, his unique wedding dance and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the impressive unofficial debut from AJ Dybantsa at BYU, Joel Embiid’s return & what reasonable expectations are for the 76ers, how concerning Memphis’ injuries are, the latest additions to the Kings’ roster and the likelihood of the title defense for the Thunder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the future of the NBA's international business before breaking down the Western Conference into tiers of title favorites, contenders, playoff teams and lottery teams. Plus, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations James Jones joins the show to discuss the responsibilities that we don’t see in his role. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Anthony Slater and new member of the Hoop family Vincent Goodwill to talk the latest on the Steve Kerr’s future with the Warriors, how to end a dynasty and some possible locations for a theoretical Giannis trade. Then, the guys discuss Cooper Flagg playing point guard in Dallas, Victor Wembanyama's growth spurt and the amount of size across the league. Plus, some bonus storytime’s with Windy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to some noteworthy moments in preseason games and emphasize the importance of Embiid’s activity in the preseason. Then, the guys break down the Eastern Conference into tiers of title favorites, contenders, playoff teams, lottery teams and tankers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the latest update on Giannis’ future in Milwaukee including if he could leave for the Knicks, what his timeline looks like with the Bucks and what could impact his decisions in the near future. Then, the guys draft every team in the NBA based on who will win the most games in the NBA regular season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to Cooper Flagg’s NBA preseason debut before diving into the 10 biggest names who will define the upcoming NBA season including uncertain futures for LeBron & Giannis, some potential big leaps for star players, some fascinating drama around the league and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to Jonathan Kuminga’s contract with the Warriors including what it means for Golden State for the upcoming season. Additionally, the guys break down Steve Kerr’s interesting comments on his future with the Warriors and if the Thunder are not getting enough respect for winning the title. Then, the crew talks the Heat’s future after signing Jovic, Kevin Durant’s excitement for the upcoming season and Cooper Flagg’s expectations in Dallas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to take you around the league with the biggest stories of the new NBA season. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future remains in flux as he refutes the Bucks owner's claim about his commitment. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant shows Giannis how to move on from offseason speculation. Around the league, Jason Kidd wants everyone to know that Kyrie Irving is right on schedule in his recovery. Kawhi Leonard denies any wrongdoing amid the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers’ endorsement deal. LeBron James handles the spotlight like a true 22-year veteran. Nikola Jokic says he wants to stay in Denver forever. Plus, injury updates from the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and Miami Heat. 1:22 Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucs 9:34 Kyrie Irving right on schedule. Plus Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg updates. 16:59 The Houston Rockets and the Impact of Kevin Durant’s Arrival 29:30 Cleveland Cavaliers Updates: Darius Garland and Max Strus Expected to Miss Time 32:53 Kawhi Leonard Denies Wrongdoing Amid NBA Investigation Into Clippers 38:50 LeBron Handles Spotlight Like a 22-Year Veteran 43:05 Nikola Jokic says he wants to stay in Denver forever 44:22 Spurs' De'Aaron Fox says opener in doubt 47:32 Miami Heat’s Tyler Herro says he could be back in 8-12 weeks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to our latest NBA Future Power Rankings analyzing which teams have the brightest futures ahead of them. The guys break down why the Clippers moved up so much despite all of the headlines, how the Luka trade shifted the fortunes in Dallas & LA, how injuries impacted Boston and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices