The Ringer NBA Show

Justin, Rob, and Wos discuss which NBA teams and players are in trouble right now (3:20), who has the best team (29:27), who is the MVP so far (43:24), what team or player has taken the leap (52:03), and who’s the most intriguing disgruntled star (1:06:37). Then, they predict what the answers to those questions will look like at season's end. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos take the aluminum pole out of the crawl space, stretch for the Feats of Strength, and, of course, gather everyone for the Airing of Grievances to celebrate the most anticipated holiday of the season: NBA Festivus. The guys go full Frank Costanza and share their NBA-related gripes, including hanging-on-the-rim technical fouls (4:42), Adam Silver’s All-Star Weekend location choices (36:47), and more that truly make this day a Festivus for the rest of us. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2023 Realys Awards | Real OnesLogan and Raja are joined by producer Kerm on the second edition of the annual Realys Awards, in which we celebrate the past year in the NBA. “Did You Practice That Shot?” Award (02:00) Best Newcomer (10:00) Biggest Surprise (21:00) Moment of the Year (37:30) Real One of the Year (50:00) The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos open up the mailbag and answer some listener questions about Ja Morant and the Grizzlies, best League Pass teams, player fashion, best players in bad situations, and more. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Howard are back to grade the success thus far of the Suns' and Bucks' experiments with retooling, with new superstar talent being added to their respective rosters (02:00). Later, Logan serves Howard a bunch of bigger-picture questions for the 2024 half of the season, including topics such as the Kings' playoff readiness, Anthony Edwards's potential as face of the league, and more (34:40). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Michael Pina joins Justin and Wos to examine some of the league’s biggest storylines and consider whether or not they are significant long term takeaways. First, they cover the Clippers improved play and defensive effort over their seven game winning streak (3:06). Then, they talk about the Warriors disappointing season and poor performances from Steph’s supporting cast (13:31). Later, they celebrate the Dante Exum renaissance and highlight how his impressive play factors into the Mavericks future (33:42). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Wosny Lambre Guest: Michael Pina Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss Draymond Green’s recent antics, the indefinite suspension handed down to him by the league, and what’s next for the Golden State Warriors forward (1:50). Next, the guys award their Real Ones of the Week (32:44). Later, Emmy-winning journalist and ‘The Right Time’ podcast host, Bomani Jones, joins the show to talk about transitioning to podcasting full time, how he gauges success as a creative in the modern-day media landscape, what he learned from his experience at HBO, and much more (36:12). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Bomani Jones Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos take a look at five teams at the start of trade season to determine whether they should be buyers, sellers, or stay put in the coming months Intro (00:00). New Orleans Pelicans (11:50) Chicago Bulls (30:00) Cleveland Cavaliers (37:50) Memphis Grizzlies (49:03) Atlanta Hawks (57:20) The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard deep dive on the overall success of the in-season tournament and how important LeBron’s treatment of the tournament was for how seriously it was taken by the rest of the league and NBA fans (02:00). Later, the guys react to Bronny James’s USC debut with LeBron in attendance, before looking ahead to the possibility of the first father and son duo in the NBA (38:30). Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Rob join to discuss the Lakers’ inaugural in-season tournament championship, highlight Anthony Davis’s dominant performance, and explore whether now is the right time for the Pacers to make a big trade (3:00). Later, they talk about the Spurs' and Pistons' historic losing streaks this season and explore what concerns them the most about both teams (50:08). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are finally recording together in person on the ground in Las Vegas! The guys kick things off by discussing what the NBA’s benchmarks are for a completely successful inaugural in-season tournament (8:00). Then, they talk through the biggest obstacles the Pelicans and Zion Williamson are facing on their path to achieving their true potential (15:40). They wrap things up by breaking down why this latest version of LeBron James is all about the vibes (37:17). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producers: Kai Grady and Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos provide their takeaways for each team after the in-season tournament quarterfinals (2:13). Then they preview the semifinal matchups between the Pelicans and Lakers and Pacers and Bucks (49:27). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Beck are back to take one last deep dive into the importance of the in-season tournament ahead of the quarterfinals (02:00). Along the way, the guys discuss Tyrese Haliburton’s early-season success with the Pacers (11:00), the vibes of the Knicks so far (43:00), the Giannis and Dame duo thus far (47:00), how the Lakers should be feeling with their middling start to the season (50:30), and much more. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos join to debate and rank the Western Conference teams in tiers to make sense of the first quarter of the NBA season (3:33). They highlight the Kings' success so far and explore hypothetical trade targets to fully unlock their potential (21:17). Then they discuss the make-or-miss nature of the Mavericks and explore their roster’s limitations (47:06). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing The Ringer NBA Show's 2025-2026 slate: 'Real Ones' with Logan Murdock, Raja Bell and Howard Beck on Tuesdays and Fridays as well as 'Group Chat with Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and J. Kyle Mann on Sundays and Wednesdays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss the Golden State Warriors getting eliminated from the in-season tournament after blowing a 24-point lead against the Sacramento Kings and what this game says about the current state of both teams (2:17). Next, they dissect each of the eight teams that made it out of the group stage, breakdown the matchups, and share their thoughts on how the in-season tournament has elevated play across the board (20:04). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (56:15). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos provide their thoughts on the final day of in-season tournament group play. They recap the results from the final day of group play, discuss what they like and dislike about the tournament so far, give their thoughts on the teams that made it to the knockout round, and more (3:14). They wrap up by discussing the LaMelo Ball injury news and Mark Cuban's sale of his majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks (42:41). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss Draymond Green’s recent quotes doubling down on his physical altercation with Rudy Gobert, and explore if the Warriors should consider trading Klay Thompson to bolster their supporting cast (8:59). Then, they talk about Gregg Popovich halting a game against the Clippers, where he told fans to stop booing former Spurs player Kawhi Leonard, and debate whether or not it’s okay to boo players (40:32). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With one month of the NBA season in the books, Justin, Rob, and Wos join to debate the best player, the best team, and the biggest positive surprise players and teams so far (5:20). Then, they discuss the biggest negative surprise players and teams, mulligans they’d like for a preseason take, and whose stock they're buying low on for the remainder of the season (34:37). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos have each brought three takes to the table this Thanksgiving week. They each start with their take about a player (4:33), then a team (33:20), then one general take about anything in the NBA (59:31). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss LeBron James’s Instagram post targeted at the people who “doubted” him after his move to Los Angeles, how NBA players spin narratives to motivate themselves, and what it’s like for athletes in the social media age who deal with constant criticism (1:12). Along the way, the guys react to James Harden’s early integration into the Los Angeles Clippers offense, the team’s rough start upon his arrival, and whether it’s time to hit the panic button (21:55). Next, they break down a handful of potential landing spots for Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine, and discuss which one makes the most sense (35:30). Later, Las Vegas Aces point guard Chelsea Gray joins the show to talk about winning back-to-back WNBA championships with the team, A’ja Wilson getting snubbed for MVP, having Hall of Famer Becky Hammon as a head coach, and more (55:32). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Guest: Chelsea Gray Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos join to discuss the Warriors' sixth straight loss, which occurred against the Thunder, and dispiriting performances from Steph’s supporting cast at the start of this season. They also explore some potential trade options (3:00). Then, they talk about the surprising start to the Rockets' season, the impressive development from their young star Alperen Sengun, and the structure Ime Udoka has installed within the organization (23:07). Later, they examine the Zach LaVine sweepstakes and consider the most realistic destinations and trade packages (37:19). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are joined by four-time NBA All-Star Rasheed Wallace to discuss how the league prioritized scoring over defense and how that changed how games were officiated (1:26). Next, the former NBA champion explains what it was like getting traded by the Washington Bullets after his rookie year, adapting to life in Portland and playing for the Trail Blazers, and perception vs. reality with media narratives (7:28). Along the way, Wallace breaks down the differences between his Portland team that lost to the Lakers in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals and his Detroit Pistons team that won the Finals in 2004 (27:48). Later, he talks about what it’s like to see today’s NBA big men model their game after him and how the style of play has changed (44:17). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (65:13). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Rasheed Wallace Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are joined by J. Kyle Mann to take a look at this impressive rookie class. They discuss the top three picks from this past draft, plus Chet Holmgren. Then, they go through a lightning round of a handful of other rookies who have caught their eye (57:02). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Guest: J. Kyle Mann Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss a few NBA teams who look primed to take the next step from scrappy, talented teams to legitimate conference contenders (2:00). Next, the guys make cases for and against young teams like the Indiana Pacers and the New Orleans Pelicans, their early signs of greatness, and any potential red flags that could hold them back (35:00). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Guest: Jomi Adeniran Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos join to discuss their varying concerns about the teams that have struggled throughout the first three weeks of the NBA season. They start with the Los Angeles Clippers and explore the impact of the James Harden addition and what needs to change for them to find success (4:22). Later, they cover the Memphis Grizzlies' disastrous start to the season and address their serious lack of success on the offensive end (27:22). Then, they talk about the Milwaukee Bucks' defensive struggles and examine their coaching, effort, and personnel issues (34:27). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja react to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ejection midway through the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons, the respect that refs give role players as opposed to stars, and stare-down technical fouls (1:05). Along the way, they discuss LeBron James’s comments on his tenure with the Miami Heat and whether his legacy would have been similarly dominant if he'd gone somewhere else (11:09). Next, the guys talk about how the Philadelphia 76ers have won six straight games since the season opener and how the team has been able to flourish without the distractions that accompanied James Harden’s trade request (32:08). Later, they talk about Anthony Edwards’s next potential leap this season and how he's continuing to develop into an NBA superstar for the Minnesota Timberwolves (44:43). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (50:28). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos discuss some of the biggest surprises so far this season and whether they believe the surprise is sustainable or not. They discuss Scottie Barnes's improvement, the Timberwolves defense, Cam Thomas, and more. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss the first batch of NBA in-season tournament games, their overall thoughts on the new addition to the regular season, and whether the level of competitiveness feels heightened (2:00). Later, the guys talk through a handful of teams that have had slow starts to the year and debate whether or not they deserve the benefit of the doubt (39:00). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan joins Justin and Rob to discuss their overall first impressions on the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament. They share what they’ve liked and disliked about the first set of games and hypothesize what the future of the tournament could be (1:20). Later, they talk about the 76ers' early-season success, the positive influence of Nick Nurse, and the Kelly Oubre Jr. renaissance (44:24). Lastly, they discuss what has been working for the Mavericks so far this season and analyze what Kyrie’s role has looked like in Dallas (56:23). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney Guest: Chris Ryan Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are joined by three-time NBA all-star and cohost of the ‘No Chill’ podcast Gilbert Arenas to discuss what it was like playing against Raja and the constant push and pull between primary defenders and elite scorers (1:41). Next, they talk about how Arenas evolved from a young scorer to a superstar in the NBA, what it takes to make that transition, and how the empowerment of stars has changed over the years (12:54). Along the way, the guys talk about what Jordan Poole needs to do if he wants to successfully lead the Washington Wizards and how that compares to Arenas’s time with the team (38:20). Later, they react to the early ups and downs of the Los Angeles Lakers and why still relying on LeBron James at this point in his career is unsustainable (45:45). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (60:31). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Gilbert Arenas Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos answer some next questions for all the parties involved in the James Harden trade. They discuss Harden’s fit on the Clippers, the next move for the Sixers, and more. Then they check in on a couple of young bigs in Victor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley and discuss their starts to the season (54:14). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard are back to discuss the Lakers' 1-2 start and what level of concern the team should have since it's led by an aging LeBron James (02:00). Then, the guys react to the Hawks beating the Bucks at home (32:00). Later, Raja and Howard Beck share some of their players-only meeting stories (41:20). Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos join to discuss their biggest takeaways from the first week of the season. They start by exploring what’s going wrong with the Chicago Bulls and hypothesize what moves could be in their future (4:20). Then, they talk about the Pistons' impressive first week and what’s been working for their defense (19:11). Later, they express their worries and injury concerns about the Phoenix Suns (51:33). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Howard are joined by Sam Amick, senior NBA writer for The Athletic, to unpack how Victor Wembanyama navigated opening night jitters as a rookie and what the San Antonio Spurs are going to do to manage the spotlight that comes with a player like him (2:55). Next, they discuss reports that James Harden returned to the Philadelphia 76ers practice facility but wasn’t allowed to travel with the team for the season opener and that trade talks with the Los Angeles Clippers have stalled (24:40). Later, the guys talk about the series of changes coming to the league this season, including the return to the East vs. West format for the NBA All-Star Game (43:50). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (58:37). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Guest: Sam Amick Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos give their thoughts on the NBA’s opening night games. They start off with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, who didn't skip a beat against the Lakers (03:47). They then discuss the Suns’ win over the Warriors, Devin Booker’s continued improvement, and Chris Paul’s debut in Golden State (28:13). After, they touch on Giannis’s extension with the Bucks (47:35) and the wave of rookie contract extensions (54:54). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard tackle some of the most pressing questions and story lines on the eve of the NBA season. They discuss their expectations for Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season (7:56), the potential long-term impact of James Harden’s trade request on the Philadelphia 76ers (17:36), the Boston Celtics’ championship window (26:10), how Dame and Giannis fit together on the Bucks (37:50), and how Chris Paul can impact this new-look Warriors team (50:20), before giving their NBA season predictions (59:29). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Mixing and Editing: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start by discussing Steven Adams’s season-ending knee injury and what it means for the Grizzlies going forward (3:05). Then, the guys dive into their entrance survey for the upcoming season and hypothesize who will be the next star to be traded (12:31), highlight their favorite league pass teams (20:43), and give their season award predictions and Finals picks (1:03:44). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja react to Steph Curry’s preseason game-winner against the Sacramento Kings, Jordan Poole dropping 41 points in three quarters, and whether or not both performances feel like statement games ahead of the regular season (2:58). Next, they discuss James Harden skipping 76ers practice and how his trade request has become a total distraction to the team (38:41). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (52:47). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with the finale of their preseason NBA power rankings, this time talking about the teams slotted fifth to first. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and identify this season's swing player. Lakers: (3:40) Suns: (22:32) Celtics: (37:55) Bucks: (1:00:45) Nuggets: (1:11:06) Listen to all the 'Group Chat' preseason power rankings here! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with Part 4 of their preseason NBA power rankings, this time talking about the teams slotted 10th to sixth. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and identify this season's swing player. Cleveland Cavaliers: (3:30) Memphis Grizzlies: (21:30) Philadelphia 76ers: (39:26) Miami Heat: (51:14) Golden State Warriors: (1:04:37) If you missed the beginning of the rankings, listen here! Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are joined by The Ringer’s Howard Beck to give their first impressions of Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks preseason debut and discuss why building on-court chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo is so important (2:00). Along the way, the guys discuss this new era of star player empowerment and how it’s impacting the rest of the league. Later, they talk about the arrival of San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and what his hybrid play style means for the NBA big man (37:00). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with part 3 of their preseason NBA power rankings, this time talking about the teams slotted 15th to 11th. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and identify this season's swing player. Thunder (4:22) Kings (27:10) Knicks (42:53) Clippers (56:13) Mavericks (1:07:10) If you missed the beginning of the rankings, listen here! Part 1 Part 2 Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with Part 2 of their annual preseason power rankings, this time talking about the teams from no. 20 to no. 16. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and tell us who they think the swing player is. Utah Jazz (03:18) Atlanta Hawks (17:47) Minnesota Timberwolves (35:25) Indiana Pacers (53:28) New Orleans Pelicans (63:50) The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha are back for the start of the preseason; they react to the news that Jrue Holiday was traded to the Celtics and discuss how this compares to the Damian Lillard trade and what this ultimately means for the Heat (6:04). Then, they address quotes from media day, starting with Jimmy Butler’s hair and Brandon Ingram’s take on a big payday (15:34). They finish off the show with another round of Lost in the Sauce, where they once again put their basketball knowledge to the test (51:22). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos deliver Part 1 of their annual preseason power rankings, starting with the bottom 10 teams in the league. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and tell us who they think the swing player is for each team Intro (00:00). Washington Wizards (09:10) Portland Trail Blazers (25:10) Detroit Pistons (43:37) San Antonio Spurs (54:28) Houston Rockets (1:02:24) Brooklyn Nets (1:14:36) Charlotte Hornets (1:30:21) Orlando Magic (1:43:08) Chicago Bulls (1:56:24) Toronto Raptors (2:02:47) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss the Boston Celtics landing Jrue Holiday, whether or not the move makes them the favorite in the Eastern Conference, and their thoughts on the new-look Milwaukee Bucks (2:00). Next, they briefly talk about James Harden not showing up to media day for the Philadelphia 76ers amid the ongoing feud between him and the franchise (22:00). Later, they react to NBA insider Chris Haynes’s article on Damian Lillard’s departure from Portland and how the relationship between him and the Blazers fractured on the way out (32:00). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (53:00). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha react to the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade and talk through why this is a rare triple win for all three teams involved (0:32). Then, they hit on the Travis Kelce–Taylor Swift relationship news (25:52) and likely NBA prospect Cooper Flagg’s UConn photo shoot. They wrap things up with Lost in the Sauce, a new segment that puts both guys’ NBA history knowledge to the test (53:51). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos give their instant reaction to the Damian Lillard three-team trade. They give their thoughts on what Lillard looks like on the Bucks, whether the Suns got better, where Jrue Holiday ends up, and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are joined by NBA veteran Austin Rivers to talk about navigating the balance between being an active player and hosting his own podcast and to discuss his life as a journeyman in the league (1:00). Next, they unpack what he said about trying to land a guaranteed contract later in your career as a pro and why the right situation is so important (27:00). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (43:00). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Austin Rivers Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices