The Ringer NBA Show

Despite concerns surrounding Joel Embiid’s incendiary comments earlier this week, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers; could this be the year the Embiid–Ben Simmons experiment succeeds (1:24)? Plus: The New York Knicks keep making headlines for all the wrong reasons, as their new brand consultant, Steve Stoute, publicly comments on the future of interim head coach Mike Miller (32:00), and rookie star Zion Williamson continues to amaze (41:35). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk about how Toronto’s unbelievable win streak has kept teams like Boston, Miami, and Philly in their rearview mirror in the East (3:32), before breaking down the drama with the Sixers, Joel Embiid, and Jimmy Butler (29:56). Finally, we finish by touching on the Western Conference standings ahead of All-Star Weekend (35:32). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay: The Raptors just can’t seem to lose, Kevin Durant wants all the smoke, and James Dolan isn't selling the New York Knicks (02:05). The Main Event: The gang breaks down the winners and losers of the trade deadline including the Heat and the Clippers, and even the Knicks (19:28). Good Call/Bad Call: D'Angelo Russell has a camcorder, Dame D.O.L.L.A. performs at All-Star Weekend, and we do art (33:47). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O'Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react to the biggest news of today’s NBA trade deadline, including the Golden State Warriors swapping D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins, the Miami Heat acquiring Andre Iguodala, the Philadelphia 76ers making modest upgrades in Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson, and more. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

News of a four-team, 12-player trade revolving around Clint Capela and Robert Covington broke late Tuesday night, with numerous implications for the entire league. We discuss what this means for each team, as the trade deadline looms. Host: Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run down the Andre Iguodala vs. Memphis Grizzlies timeline (1:21) before previewing Thursday’s NBA trade deadline (12:40). Then ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski breaks the news that the Knicks have parted ways with Steve Mills (46:56) and we react in real time. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay: The Lakers' touching tribute to Kobe Bryant, Damian Lillard's amazing streak, and the impressive run from the Raptors (3:05). The Main Event: Trade deadlines, along with main contenders and the Knicks pulling off yet another chef's kiss (19:32). Good Call/Bad Call: Changing the All-Star game format, snubs, and Aaron Gordon getting in the action (35:31). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run through the list of All-Star reserves and debate whether guys like Bradley Beal have a good case for feeling left out (2:33). Then, we talk about the emotion surrounding the Lakers return to the court following Kobe Bryant’s death (27:07), and finish by going over Kawhi’s latest knee trouble and the Rising Stars lineup announcements (30:00). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today on 'Heat Check,' John, Dan, and Haley take a look at the news around the NBA, talk about a few recent games, and examine some impressive 50-point performances (02:42). They also discuss and reflect on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant (19:33). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We try to come to terms with the life and death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant after a tragic helicopter crash killed him, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people in Calabasas, California, on Sunday. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney remember Kobe Bryant on the day after the tragic death of the legendary Laker and eight others in a helicopter crash. Host: Justin Verrier Guest: Rob Mahoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We review the announced starters for the NBA’s All-Star Game (1:02) before discussing Zion Williamson’s return (47:00), debating whether the Sixers should trade Al Horford (21:22), and considering what the Clippers should do with their rim-running center, Montrezl Harrell (33:49). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Clippers are really, really good. But does that make them uninteresting to watch (0:44)? With Zion Williamson making his regular-season debut tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans could look to make a push for the playoffs (18:35). Plus: What moves could we see at the trade deadline (36:44)? Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Chris Ryan and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers got walloped by the Celtics last night—is there more to take away from this one game than meets the eye (5:56)? Plus, Ben Simmons has been unleashed by the open space on the floor since Joel Embiid has been out with injury. How will Embiid be reintroduced into the lineup, and will the Sixers pursue Pistons guard Derrick Rose (20:00)? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay: The Blazers have cut ties with Kent Bazemore and Kyrie Irving is back saying weird things in the media (4:01). The Main Event: Our very own Dan Devine has been coronated as an All-Star voter! We run down his list of starters for the Eastern and Western conferences (24:04). Good Call/Bad Call: LaMelo has a horse named … LaMelo, Josh Richardson is out here naming random iguanas in his backyard, and the Memphis Grizzlies are bumping metal in their arena (35:17). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy and Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Brandon Ingram scored 49 points to outduel Donovan Mitchell, we wonder whether it’s realistic to think he’s already better than Ben Simmons and on a path to be in the class of Anthony Davis (1:34). Then, we discuss Zion Williamson’s imminent return and what it could mean for night-to-night interest in the league (13:00). Finally, we close with some thoughts on how Denver has set itself up with a deep roster, and how this year’s NBA draft is shaping up to be a real stinker (29:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss the impressive new-era Grizzlies (1:57), teams looking to go all in at the trade deadline (18:16), contenders that are positioned to make a big second-half push (31:39), and the blossoming of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (39:42). Then we debate why the Milwaukee Bucks are not getting prevalent recognition as the best team in the NBA (48:49). Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Jonathan Tjarks and Rob Mahoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We review Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic triple-double and look at what the Clippers gave up when they sent him to OKC (1:04), before discussing the Lakers-Clippers regular-season dichotomy (9:33). Then, we talk about two of the hottest teams in the NBA: the Mike Conley–less Jazz and the Memphis Grizzlies (23:01). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay: The Nets beat the Hawks, plus the impact of Spencer Dinwiddie's off-court interests, a possible Sixers trade, and debating whether Steph Curry should return this season (02:42). The Main Event: Paolo Uggetti joins us to talk about the Grizzlies' fight for the eighth spot and why you should never count out the Spurs (16:39). Good Call/Bad Call: KD and Kendrick Perkins get into a spat on Twitter, Rob Pelinka gets an extension, and the glorious gift of scratchers (32:15). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss the overperforming Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they should still consider dealing their desirable players at the trade deadline (1:02), before breaking down the KD vs. Kendrick Perkins Twitter fight that was spurred by Russell Westbrook’s return to OKC (28:46). Finally, we gauge whether the younger Spurs have a chance to reset their season, and briefly re-rank the 2019 rookie class (46:00). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay: Anthony Davis busts his bum, Blake Griffin is no longer the bee’s knees, and more changes to the NBA (03:17). The Main Event: Dwight Howard gets a contract guarantee, and making the dunk contest amazing again (22:28). Good Call/Bad Call: Can you party too hard in Miami, Dramatic Apologies, Throwing Shade to Load Management. (31:33). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Spurs, Pelicans, and Grizzlies have all looked quite encouraging as of late; do they have what it takes to make it into the playoffs (0:43)? As we approach the halfway mark of the regular season, the guys each give three overreactions from the season thus far (27:28). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Sixers are 3-7 in their last 10 games—is the floor really dropping out from under them, or are they not suited to win regular-season games (1:07)? Plus: Where will Kevin Love end up? Are the Hawks just the Process Sixers but worse? And should the Thunder move Chris Paul? Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take some time to review David Stern’s illustrious life and career after the news of his death (0:58). Then, we run down a list of teams that can go one of two ways: trade their valuable assets and tank or push for the lower playoff seeds (9:03). Finally, we try to contain our excitement for the rumors of Zion Williamson’s imminent return (43:15). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down a Western Conference trio that had high hopes coming into the season but have struggled their way to the bottom of the conference. Can any of them get hot and get back into the playoff mix (3:12)? Then, we re-draft what we think are the top four players from the 2016 NBA draft: Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, and Pascal Siakam (31:45). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap the Christmas Day games: Are the Clippers better suited for the playoffs than the Lakers? Does the same go for the Sixers vs. the Bucks? Plus: Is James Harden getting off too easy for the Rockets' failures, including losing to the Warriors on Christmas? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin deep-dives on his spicy Ben Simmons take (1:10) before we run down our wishes for the rest of the 2019-20 season and preview NBA Christmas Day (24:08). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay: The Denver Nuggets’ sneaky resurgence, a Siakam-less Raptors comeback, IT suspended because of … Frosties?, and Pop goes Pop on plus-minus (4:48). The Main Event: A bizarrely structured in-season tournament and other proposed schedule changes (21:47). Good Call/Bad Call: The Milwaukee Pro Wrestling Bucks, Romeo Langford heart-emoji Celine Dion, and Tacko Fall fever (31:28). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The weekend is here, and we are here to talk about the excellent face-off between the Lakers and the Bucks. We discuss whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the world (05:56), focus on the short-handed Raptors (36:26), and look ahead to some of the exciting Christmas Day matchups (39:05). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New York Knicks win their third game in four against the Atlanta Hawks, exposing the Hawks’ roster construction issues and illuminating a larger problem with rebuilding in the modern NBA (1:20). The Philadelphia 76ers have proved themselves to be an elite defensive team, but can they live up to the championship predictions without a potent offense (32:29)? And finally: Now that free agents from the summer can be traded, it’s time to cut bait on some valuable players in ill-fitted situations (41:32). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay (03:24): News from around the league, including the end of the Bucks’ win streak, Dion Waiters's latest suspension, the excellent clapbacks from CJ McCollum, and more. The Main Event (18:32): Micah Peters stops in to talk to the gang about the absolute mess the Pelicans are in, and whether Zion and all the team's missing parts can even fix it. Good Call/Bad Call (30:11): Drake is being really weird again, gambling for 3-point shots, and we get Cubas mixed up. Host: Jawn Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine, Micah Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Lakers and Bucks on a crash course to meet each other with identical 25-3 records, we wonder whether each team can continue its torrid pace (11:30). Also, Luka’s twisted ankle (2:25) and trades that could change the league (28:49). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Luka Doncic continuing to put up gaudy numbers (this time in Mexico), we imagine a world in which the NBA continues its global expansion and increases its player pool. Are there enough talented players for 34 teams, or even 36 (3:50)? Then, we run down some of the potential players who could get moved in the coming weeks, now that the Dec. 15 restriction on trades for free-agent signings has been removed (32:17). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run down our lists of the 25 best NBA players so far this season, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden as solo shows, but also Anthony Davis and LeBron James as well as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George as duos in Los Angeles. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers continue to thrive atop their respective conferences, but there is still more parity in the NBA than in years past (1:24). Then: It’s the most wonderful time of the year ... trade season is here (31:29)! And finally, the Houston Rockets’ protest gets denied (52:52). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay (03:40): News from around the league, the state of the Cavs and what the price of Kevin Love might be, and the result of Clippers-Bucks and what this could mean for them down the line. The Main Event (14:08): Paolo Uggetti stops in to talk to the gang about the Knicks' firing Fizdale, the awkward fallout for the interim head coach, and who New York may have an eye on. Good Call/Bad Call (29:03): The city of brotherly love has another incident, Portland’s Terry Stotts gets ejected, and snitches get bad calls! Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss the James Harden dunk that wasn’t counted in the Houston Rockets’ double-overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs (1:21). Are the Rockets right to file a complaint in the hope that it will point out a flaw in the replay review system? Plus: what Zion will look like when he returns (26:09), David Fizdale’s clock is ticking (32:11), and LaMelo Ball’s chances at going first overall in the NBA draft (38:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a look at the Rockets protesting their loss to the Spurs (2:00) and discuss the NBA’s plummeting ratings (14:00). Then Jonathan Tjarks joins the show to compare team power ranking tiers (29:30). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The high-usage superstars of the league have all become so dominant and efficient that they’re in line to break historical PER records. Do we need to adjust the record books to reflect the 3-point era (3:00)? Plus: The Pacers have righted the ship while the Jazz haven’t, and the Raptors are more legitimate than anyone could’ve predicted (18:30). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay (03:16): The Clippers and Raptors had wonderful games with no signs of slowing down. Also, James Harden had a moment. The Main Event (21:25): The gang looks closely at the Nets in Kyrie Irving’s absence and his inevitable return. Brooklyn seems to be doing just fine without him. Will he be hindering them or putting more gas in the tank? Good Call/Bad Call (32:23): The Bulls' optimism through movie quotes, love chokes in Philly, and cussing in Boston.Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The ‘Group Chat’ crew answers questions from you, the listeners! Topics include: the biggest “pretender” team, help for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, the 25-and-under power ranking, realistic midseason trades, and more. Host: Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the ins and outs of the proposed changes to the NBA schedule, including playoff reseeding, the midseason tournament, and more (2:00). Then, we talk about the NBA’s dip in TV ratings this year, wondering whether it has anything to do with the Western Conference's being loaded and a dearth of Eastern Conference stars (33:51). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay: The Spurs and the Bulls pull one out of the hat, along with Jimmy Butler returning to Philly to an irate crowd! (03:43). The Main Event: Zach Kram breaks down new changes to the NBA that could have a drastic effect on the playoffs, finals, and beyond (17:21). Good Call/Bad Call: More Jersey redesigns even wilder than the last (29:20). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk about the Celtics' versatility, including Kemba Walker's range on and off the court (02:07), dive into how Brandon Ingram is the driving force making the Pelicans viable while Zion is injured (07:02), and ask whether Pascal Siakam is a legitimate no. 1 option (26:12). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We dive deep on the Blazers' roster building and how it created a need for Carmelo Anthony just two months into the season (1:16). Then, Jonathan Tjarks joins the pod to discuss Luka Doncic’s gaudy box scores, James Harden being a 6-foot-5 Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron and Anthony Davis sharing the MVP narrative, and Giannis representing the Eastern Conference (19:05). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss Luka Doncic’s incredible start to the season, including his run of triple-doubles and how it compares to Russell Westbrook's (1:31), before having a knock-down, drag-out argument about whether the Spurs should blow up their older core and try to rebuild around younger players on their roster (20:28). Then, we finish by marveling over James Harden’s incredible scoring season so far, assessing his fit with Westbrook, and wondering whether the Rockets pose a serious threat in the Western Conference (43:17). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Instant Replay: The Blazers sign Carmelo Anthony, Paul George’s Clippers debut, and Pop’s second-in-command (5:32). The Main Event: Pod Save America’s Dan Pfeiffer on the Philadelphia 76ers’ recent struggles and whether they can reach their fullest potential (18:00). Good Call/Bad Call: Jersey redesigns, Rivers-on-Rivers crime, and eating a waffle on the bench (37:03). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Isaac Lee, Dan Pfeiffer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss last night’s breaking news that Carmelo Anthony will be joining the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (1:20), before analyzing the Knicks' revenge win over Kristaps Porzingis and the Dallas Mavericks (15:18) and Andrew Wiggins’s 11-game tear to start the season (43:43). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are three weeks into the season, and LeBron has seemingly unlocked Anthony Davis. However, are the Clippers still the best team in the West? (1:15). Then, the enjoyment of watching the NBA’s “hipster” teams like the Hawks, Suns, and Grizzlies led by Ja Morant, Devin Booker, and Trae Young grow into established units (18:45) before we highlight some of the NBAs best up-and-coming duos (43:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A rash of injuries has hit the NBA. We discuss the most impactful ones, including Gordon Hayward's and Steph Curry's (1:50). Then, we run through some Kristaps Porzingis troubles in Dallas and the absolute organizational debacle that is the New York Knicks (25:11). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices