The Ringer NBA Show

As players begin to return from health and safety protocols, Justin, Rob, and Wos talk about the last few weeks of basketball and if anything can be taken away from these games with so many players out (1:45). Then they discuss four major story lines in the new year, including if the Bulls are serious contenders, who is the fourth-best team in the West, and more (18:25). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks open by discussing Jonathan Kuminga’s rookie season, his upside in the NBA, and his role with the Warriors (2:23). Then they finish by breaking down highly touted prospect Chet Holmgren's chances in the NBA, where he could fit into the league, and scouting him at Gonzaga (20:18). Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final episode of the year, Logan and Raja are joined by The Ringer’s finest and ‘Real Ones’ chief meme officer Jomi Adeniran and we get deep in our mailbag to answer some listener questions. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Jomi Adeniran Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan Tjarks and J. Kyle Mann return from Vegas and are ready to discuss up-and-coming prospects! First up is LaMelo Ball, and they weigh in on what one of the most famous young players working today can do to improve and make his mark (01:39). Then it's on to Anthony Edwards and how his ball dominance can be an asset as well as something to adapt to (25:01). Hosts: J. Kyle Mann & Jonathan Tjarks Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos begin by discussing all the replacement players that teams have signed and pick out their favorites so far (1:00). Then, they run through the Christmas Day slate and ask one question about each game, including whether Kyrie playing part time is a good idea (4:00), the best team in the West (26:00), and whether Trae Young has ascended to be the best guard in the East (46:00). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Associate Producer: Mike Wargon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks open by discussing their trip to the G League Showcase (2:00). Then they finish by discussing guys finding their roles in the G League and how the Ignite are coming together this season (18:26). Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja talk about Kyrie Irving’s return to the Brooklyn Nets (4:13) and Kyrie’s complicated personality (19:59). Then they react to the news of AD’s MCL sprain and what this means for the Lakers' potential title run (29:30). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Stefan Anderson To ask a question for the mailbag, call 510-469-0294 or email [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wos is joined by Ethan Strauss to talk about the Warriors. They start by talking about what makes the Warriors the the most fun story in the NBA this season (3:58) before getting into where the Warriors' young players stand (14:53). Then they discuss what makes Draymond Green so important to his team (20:41) Host: Wosny Lambre Guest: Ethan Strauss Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris is joined by Ben Detrick from Cookies Hoops to talk about the state of the Philadelphia 76ers and their concerns about the team's future. They wrap everything up by discussing Ben's new book, 'The Joy of Basketball.' (36:51) Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Guest: Ben Detrick Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are back with their takes on the dynamic between Luka Doncic and Rick Carlisle as reported by ESPN’s Tim McMahon (0:30), a quick update on how the Lakers have fared in light of Austin Reaves’s big moment against the Mavericks on Wednesday night (31:30), and a discussion about Steve Nash’s success as a head coach (43:00). Then they each award their Real One of the Week (49:25). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos open with a discussion on the current state of the league as it deals with COVID-19 (01:00). Then, they look at some of the biggest questions on their minds entering trade season, including potential Ben Simmons destinations and whether the Celtics should look into splitting up Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown (07:00). Later, they react to the Jazz hiring Danny Ainge as CEO (1:10:00). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J. Kyle Mann and Johnathan Tjarks are back for another edition of 'Upside High' in which they take a look at young prospects around the NBA. This week they take a look at Jalen Green of Houston to find out what makes him a key piece of the Rockets (03:14). Then they take a look at Franz Wagner to see about size and development (18:43). And they close with Joshua Giddey of OKC (34:30). Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Johnathan Tjarks Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja get to the shits today as they discuss the recent setback in Zion Williamson’s recovery from a foot injury that has prevented him from playing so far this season (0:40). Then they discuss whether Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the league (29:30) and how Matisse Thybulle defended Steph Curry on Saturday (42:30). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wos is joined by Kazeem Famuyide from the MSG Network to talk all things Knicks. First, they talk about the Knicks’ disappointing start to the season (1:45) before getting into the Knicks players who embody the struggles of Knicks fandom (12:38). Finally, they talk Kaz’s unique career arc (23:58). Host: Wosney Lambre Guest: Kazeem Famuyide Producer: Carlos Chiriboga Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Seerat examine the season’s most average teams and discuss which has the best chance of bucking the status quo and breaking out of the .500 gang. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Producer: Devon Manze Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are back to discuss all the rumors looming over Damian Lillard and whether or not he wants to continue playing for the Portland Trail Blazers (0:50). Then they have a little story time with Raja concerning some of the poor advice he’s gotten from team realtors (28:30) and Logan and Raja each award their Real One of the Week (38:00). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos dive into rumors and reports following former general manager Neil Olshey's firing by the Portland Trail Blazers (03:00). Later, the guys give out awards for the first quarter of the season, including Rookie of the Year, MVP, Most Improved, and more (25:00). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks begin their journey at 'Upside High' by looking at some of the standouts of the 2021 draft class to see the highlights and development of Evan Mobley (03:26), Cade Cunningham and his slightly slow start (14:50), as well as Scottie Barnes and his ability to fit with the Raptors (27:58). Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Podfather himself, Bill Simmons, joins Logan and Raja to discuss how kids are learning to play sports these days (0:55), the Warriors-Suns rivalry (9:40), whether the Warriors have any more moves to make this season (22:00), why the Lakers and Nets are disintegrating this season (35:40), whether the Bulls are ending the superteam era (42:15), and so, so much more. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Bill Simmons Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Seerat discuss the exciting Suns-Warriors game on Tuesday night and share their predictions for the Friday rematch and the rivalry moving forward. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are joined by Lakers beat writer and sideline reporter Mike Trudell to discuss the Lakers at this point in the NBA season (2:00). Then Jomi hops on to ask Mike some of his most pressing questions (40:40), before Logan and Raja each give their Real One of the Week (50:00). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guests: Mike Trudell and Jomi Adeniran Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start by discussing the Suns winning their 17th consecutive game last night against the Warriors (1:42). Then they discuss the Nets' close victory over the Knicks and some of the rotation changes that both teams have made (23:38). They wrap up by talking about some of this week's news including Michael Porter Jr. undergoing back surgery and the Bulls and Heat being punished for tampering (32:14). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos bring their plates and hot takes to the table this week to celebrate Thanksgiving and the first quarter of the NBA season. Each of the guys brings one team, player, and hot take to the table that they would like to discuss, including the Timberwolves, DeMar DeRozan, and whether James Harden is still a max player. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Jonathan Kermah Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Seerat discuss how the best teams in the league are getting a lot of help from older veterans and how the prime of NBA players appears to be older than what it used to be. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start by talking Stephen Curry and the Warriors continuing their impressive play after a comfortable win over the Nets. They also talk about what makes the Warriors so good right now and some of the potential major issues the Nets have (6:49). Then they give their thoughts on the muddled Western Conference (29:27) and they wrap by talking about the Atlanta Hawks' early season struggles (50:37). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja dive deep into this Tuesday’s battle between the Warriors and Nets in Brooklyn (0:30), including their impressions of the Nets so far this season (14:15), the differences between the two organizations (19:20), and much more analysis and player perspectives for this exciting matchup. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Seerat start their NBA affirmations by discussing the new rule changes and how they are affecting refereeing around the league (1;00). Then they dissect the Lakers' entertaining fourth quarters (6:00) and wax poetic about Gary Payton II (14:00) and Evan Mobley (23:00). They wrap everything up by showing the Chicago Bulls some love (33:00) and sharing their thoughts on the blooming Cade Cunningham vs. Jalen Green rivalry (40:00) and the NBA's new generation. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Production Assistant: Chris Sutton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos discuss whether the Warriors (2:36), Heat (18:38), Wizards (31:31), and Bulls (40:44) are championship contenders. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja go deep on the Celtics, their current struggles, and the question of whether Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown should be the leader of the team (0:30). Then they apologize for dismissing the Wizards in the offseason (22:25) and Sasha Mack defends Kyle Kuzma (30:55). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Seerat start by discussing the reports of racism and misogyny within Robert Sarver’s Phoenix Suns organization (0:50). Then they discuss Damian Lillard after a story comes out detailing his meeting with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in the offseason (22:15). Lastly they answer the core question of the episode: What if every team had their own Marcus Smart (37:42)? Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja sit down for a conversation about the bombshell reporting from ESPN’s Baxter Holmes detailing racism and misogyny within Robert Sarver’s Phoenix Suns organization (0:25). They discuss some of the anecdotes in the story, some of Raja’s personal experiences, and the pervasive issues of racism and sexism within the NBA. Then Raja airs his grievances about the most recent dysfunction in Boston and gives his Real One of the Week (46:25). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Additional Production: Juliet Litman and Tunde St. Matthew Daniel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos talk about their level of panic for a handful teams that have had slow starts, including the Celtics (1:35), Trail Blazers (28:45), and Clippers (46:18). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja welcome The Ringer’s own Shea Serrano to the podcast and he has a burning question for Raja Bell to start off the show. They get into the Spurs-Suns rivalry (0:50), the Spurs-Lakers rivalry (19:45), and the process of rebuilding after experiencing the glory of a dynasty (26:30). Then Shea tells a story from his new book, 'Hip-Hop (And Other Things)' (34:35), sends a message to friend-of-the-show Juan Toscano-Anderson (38:40), and makes some promises about the Aces next season (41:05). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Shea Serrano Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Seerat is joined by The Athletic’s Jovan Buha to discuss his feature on reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s reception in his home country of Serbia after choosing not to play in the Olympics. Seerat and Jovan discuss NBA players’ evolving commitments to their home countries, the differences in expectations for international players vs. United States-born players, and the increased demands of the NBA schedule. Hosts: Seerat Sohi Producer: Bobby Wagner Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja give their thoughts on an inconsistent Lakers team led by Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis in LeBron James’s absence (0:30). Then Raja tells Logan why he loves this Miami Heat team and they discuss their evolving opinions on the Brooklyn Nets (26:25). Finally, Raja gets something off his chest in a heated Mad Hooper (37:30) and they each award their Real One of the Week (39:20). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Rob talk about some surprising trends one week into the NBA season including the hot starts from the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls and the early struggles for Michael Porter Jr. and the Portland Trail Blazers defense (1:42). Host: Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja discuss their impressions from the first week of the NBA season, including how much you can really take away from the results, the differences between young and old teams, and what the Nets and Lakers look like so far (0:30). Then they talk about the young players who have caught their eye early on, including one man, Ja Morant, who has been playing out of his mind (29:10). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Seerat discuss the ongoing Ben Simmons saga and touch on the return of Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors (0:25). Then, Logan Murdock joins for a deep dive into the Warriors as they talk through Draymond Green’s role on the team, how the team has changed since 2016, how Jordan Poole continues to develop, and more (18:31)! Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Guest: Logan Murdock Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA is back, baby! Logan and Raja investigate Deandre Ayton and the curious case of the missing bag after his less-than-stunning performance against 2021 MVP Nikola Jokic (0:30). Then they debate whether Giannis Antetokounmpo or Kevin Durant is the best player in the NBA (20:38) and Raja wonders about the possibly muddled leadership hierarchy on the Celtics after Jaylen Brown dropped 46 points in their season opener (32:40). And finally, Logan recounts his experience at the Warriors-Lakers game and invites Jomi to air his concerns about Russell Westbrook and the new-look Lakers (38:50). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Jomi Adeniran Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start by discussing the Warriors’ impressive performance against the Lakers and Russell Westbrook’s struggles in his Lakers debut (1:15). Then they talk about the Bucks’ strong performance in their win over the Nets (20:50). They wrap up by talking about Jonas Valanciunas’s contract extension and a few thing that each of them are looking forward to this NBA season (29:42). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In anticipation of the start of the 2021-22 NBA season, Logan and Raja kick this momentous week off with a season preview (0:40). They name their playoff locks and fringe teams for the East and West (6:50), three teams they’re concerned about (16:25), and three teams they’re higher and lower on than consensus (27:47). Then they do some quick-hitter questions, including whether Ben Simmons and Giannis Antetokounmpo will take and make 3s this season (38:22), whether Damian Lillard, Simmons, or Bradley Beal will get traded (43:35), which new head coach will have the greatest impact on their team (46:45), and the likelihood of a Lakers-Warriors Western Conference final (49:35). Make sure to keep up with all of The Ringer's NBA coverage on Twitter and Instagram @RingerNBA. Experience the excitement on Tuesday, October 19 with the whole Ringer NBA team with our 2021-22 NBA Previewpalooza starting at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET on YouTube and across our social channels. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Seerat discuss how mid-market teams make themselves desirable for star players, and then they focus on how the Phoenix Suns and Chicago Bulls built their rosters and what their futures hold. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja give their final thoughts on the situation in Brooklyn after the Nets said he won’t play with the team until he can fully contribute and Kyrie put his reasoning on the internet (1:00). Then Logan asks Raja if Jordan Poole is a potential future All-Star (22:30) and airs his concerns about this Lakers team (29:10), before they each award their Real One of the Week (35:50). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos discuss the best teams in the NBA in Part 4 of our NBA preseason power rankings. They go 8-1 starting with the Warriors (1:37), Sixers (14:11), Heat (31:20), Jazz (40:55), Suns (55:24), Bucks (1:03:48), Lakers (1:11:00), and Nets (1:18:00). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Production Assistant: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rob Mahoney fills in for Chris, joining Seerat to run through some of the best- and worst-case scenarios for four of the NBA’s projected top teams, the Lakers, Nets (14:46), Bucks, and Suns (42:14). Hosts: Seerat Sohi, Rob Mahoney Producer: Troy Farkas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos buckle down for Part 3 of our preseason power rankings. This week, we count down from no. 15 to no. 6, starting with the Bulls (0:45) and moving on to the Trail Blazers (16:00), Clippers (24:50), Celtics (33:30), Hawks (44:00), Nuggets (52:20), and Mavericks (58:50). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off Warriors media day and the first preseason game of the season, Logan and Raja discuss Klay Thompson’s mindset going into this season (0:40) and what James Wiseman’s role will be (18:15). Then they talk about the absolute mess that the Ben Simmons situation has become (32:05), Zion Williamson’s position in New Orleans (45:05), and the money Kyrie Irving stands to lose by not getting vaccinated (52:00) before each awarding their Real One of the Week (53:30). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris and Seerat discuss how the Philadelphia 76ers handled media day in regard to Ben Simmons (9:03), touch on Zion’s role in the ongoing conversation around player contracts (24:00), and weigh in on how stories in the media affect how teams are perceived (29:30). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Seerat Sohi Associate Producer: Erika Cervantes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jonathan Tjarks joins Justin and Wos for Part 2 of our NBA preseason power rankings. This week we count down from 22 to 16, starting with the Hornets (0:45) and moving on to the Wizards (11:25), Pelicans (23:50), Raptors (35:15), Knicks (44:30), Pacers (52:35), and Grizzlies (1:00:15). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Wosny Lambre, and Jonathan Tjarks Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In light of Matt Sullivan’s recent article for Rolling Stone on the current showdown between the NBA and NBPA surrounding COVID-19 protocols, Logan and Raja have a frank discussion about what the outcome of these negotiations could mean for this season of basketball. They discuss players who are fighting to remain unvaccinated in cities that require it for entry to stadiums, athlete activism, and much more (0:40). Then they mention a few tidbits about Ben Simmons from the 76ers' media day (53:30) and each award their Real One of the Week (56:30). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices