The Ringer NBA Show

We go over the news out of Las Vegas that DeMarcus Cousins has torn his ACL—what does this mean for the rest of his career, and what will it mean for the 2019-20 Lakers (1:50)? Then, we bounce around the rest of the NBA and talk about the sale of the Nets and Team USA news (20:46). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA just officially announced the 2019-20 regular-season schedule. Which matchups are we most looking forward to? Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We discuss Kevin Durant's first on-the-record interview since his Achilles tear. What is the NBA going to look like in 2020 without its potential best player (1:00)? Then we break down the present and the future of Team USA, including who should and will make it this year, and who we’re most excited to see in 2020 and beyond (31:11). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guys react to Draymond Green’s four-year contract extension with the Golden State Warriors (0:42), scheduling news for the 2019-20 season (16:24), and NBA.com’s All-Decade Teams for the 2010s (35:03). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down CJ McCollum’s near-max extension, and what it means for the perennially good-but-not-great Blazers (1:00). Then, we briefly run through what it’s like for a coach and franchise to find out they lost their star free agent (25:10), before talking through some potential Carmelo landing spots (31:41). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeremy Lin bemoans the likely end of his NBA career (1:59) which begs the question: Which fringe NBA players could be valuable additions for contending teams (14:38)? Plus: Evaluating early Vegas odds for 2019-20 win totals (37:16). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We share our takeaways from the Los Angeles Clippers’ introduction of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (2:04) before discussing Zion Williamson’s Jordan brand deal (17:25) and the future of free agency (23:50). Then, Zach Kram joins to explore the best young cores in the NBA according to the numbers (33:31). Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Danny Chau, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The guys discuss the noise coming out of the Washington Wizards (0:50), the Los Angeles Lakers’ new pairing of LeBron James and Anthony Davis (31:35), Tim Duncan joining the San Antonio Spurs coaching staff (50:26), and Zion Williamson's signing with Jordan brand (55:37). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Chris Paul is reportedly “parked” in Oklahoma City. So how good will the Thunder be? (2:11) Plus: a way-too-early look at the FIBA World Cup (25:50) and a way-way-way-too-early index of 2020 championship contender tiers (39:19). Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the 2019 NBA summer league in the books, the guys discuss the bright future of the champion Memphis Grizzlies as well as other Las Vegas standouts (1:08). Then, they debate the merits of the controversial Russell Westbrook trade (22:40) and the increase in player movement in the modern NBA (49:21). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets just shook the league—again—by swapping Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul. We convene to discuss the ramifications for these two teams and the rest of the league. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With some distance from the initial shock value of the trade, we take a measured look at the unprecedented haul of picks that the Thunder received from the Clippers in exchange for Paul George (2:00). Then we try to find the ideal partner for Russell Westbrook at this stage of his career and consider which teams can make those partnerships happen (26:00). Finally, Tjarks shares his three biggest observations from NBA summer league in Las Vegas (47:30). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Live from Las Vegas at NBA summer league, the guys discuss seven topics they're most interested in from the offseason so far. Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that Kawhi and Paul George have joined forces, what is the market for Russell Westbrook (0:57)? Then we discuss Kawhi Leonard’s savvy moves as a behind-the-scenes general manager, and the Clippers’ potential next season (18:10). Plus, a check in on the Lakers’ new roster (34:20). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Kevin O'Connor, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Emergency pod! The Los Angeles Clippers win the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes and acquire Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hosts: Chris Ryan, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does anyone actually know anything about Kawhi Leonard’s impending decision (0:40)? Plus: Now that we’ve had a few days to think about the new signings, were our initial reactions correct (15:21)? Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kawhi Leonard seems destined to wind up with the Los Angeles Lakers, but whatever he decides to do will drastically shift the NBA landscape (0:36). The top Eastern Conference contenders reload for another run (16:59) while a handful of teams make some questionable signings (42:44). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Free agency is finally here! The Philadelphia 76ers sign-and-trade Jimmy Butler to the Miami Heat (1:24) and the New York Knicks strike out while the crosstown Brooklyn Nets sign two megastars (23:00). Plus: Where will Kawhi Leonard end up? Could the reloaded Utah Jazz be real contenders? What in the world are the Charlotte Hornets doing? And much, much more (39:26). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Chris Ryan, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer NBA crew gives instant reactions to the first wave of free-agency signings. Watch on The Ringer’s YouTube channel. Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the start of free agency on Sunday, we go over some of the emerging suitors for the top free agents and speculate about the order of operations that could determine which guys pair up on teams. Will Kawhi Leonard end up in a Lakers jersey? Will Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant pair up in Brooklyn? Will the Knicks strike out? And more. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Houston Rockets are doing what they can to insert themselves into the sweepstakes for free agent Jimmy Butler—can the Sixers convince Butler to stay in Philadelphia? Plus, after a new Kevin Arnovitz report about league schedule changes, we re-enter into past discussions about whether the NBA needs to be proactive in changing their schedule format and adding a midseason or a play-in tournament. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The results from the NBA awards were largely unsurprising (0:50), but free agency may have some surprises in store (27:48). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the start of free agency right around the corner, everyone is wondering where some of the league’s biggest stars will end up (3:55). Plus: Draft additions make a handful of young teams (hint: one of the teams has Zion Williamson on it) instantly exciting to watch (34:06). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Dan Devine, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the teams with the biggest draft hauls from Thursday night: the Pelicans, Hawks, and Grizzlies—who all seem to have gotten the exact guys they wanted in Zion Williamson, DeAndre Hunter, and Ja Morant, respectively. Then, we speed through recapping the rest of the lottery picks, including the biggest surprise in Cam Johnson going 11th and the awkward fit between Darius Garland and Collin Sexton in Cleveland. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Jazz are putting their chips in the center of the table, trading for an expensive, sure-handed star in Mike Conley—will it pay off in a wide-open Western Conference (1:00)? Plus, we break down all the reporting, theories, and future fallout in Houston after an explosive report of discord between James Harden and Chris Paul came out earlier this week. Should the Rockets do what they can to get rid of Chris Paul and his huge contract, or should they press the big red button and trade James Harden (22:37)? Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kawhi Leonard led the Toronto Raptors to the first championship in franchise history, but will he re-sign with them (1:46)? The Anthony Davis trade shifts the landscape of the offseason, including raising questions about the fate of the no. 4 pick in the upcoming draft (10:38). Plus: Verno’s annual list of draft picks who will not fail (34:41). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The blockbuster Anthony Davis trade kicks off a sure-to-be-dramatic offseason (3:57) as the now-imminent NBA draft shifts into focus (46:56). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Joe House, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers and Pelicans wasted no time in kicking off a game of offseason musical chairs in the NBA. What does Davis in L.A. this early in the offseason mean for the rest of 2019 free agency? Plus, does this make the Lakers title favorites, or do they have a lot more work to do? Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a thrilling Game 6 of the NBA Finals, the Toronto Raptors defeat the Golden State Warriors to win their first championship in franchise history. Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We briefly preview what the Warriors have to do to make up for the loss of Kevin Durant for the remainder of the Finals (more Boogie?) (1:30). Then, we run through each big-market team with cap space and wonder whether KD’s injury has dramatically affected their offseason plans (31:32). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Game 5 of the NBA Finals was headlined by Kevin Durant’s league-shaking Achilles injury and punctuated by an unusual number of bizarre moments (4:39). Plus: Teams around the league prepare for movement in the fast-approaching NBA draft (41:33), and the Memphis Grizzlies hire Taylor Jenkins as their new head coach (56:26). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Durant suffers an Achilles injury in his first game back, but the Golden State Warriors manage to pull out a win against the Toronto Raptors in Game 5 of the NBA Finals. Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Toronto Raptors push ahead to a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals after defeating the Golden State Warriors in dominant fashion. Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Dan Devine, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We review Steph Curry’s hero ball Game 3 of the NBA Finals—an interesting reversal of some past Golden State games against LeBron (1:32). Then, we pivot to talking about the teams that have multiple first-round picks in the upcoming NBA draft, and what the best plan of action is to capitalize on those picks (16:53). Hosts: Danny Chau and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A well-rounded Game 3 performance by the Toronto Raptors wins them back home-court advantage from the shorthanded Golden State Warriors despite a transcendent performance from Stephen Curry. Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We briefly survey the NBA Finals as it stands, tied 1-1 (2:00), before diving into swirling rumors about Kyrie Irving to the Nets or Lakers, Anthony Davis to anyone who will open their wallet, D’Angelo Russell to a mid-level franchise, and more (34:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The undermanned Golden State Warriors managed to take Game 2 from the Raptors in Toronto; as the series shifts to Oakland, will they be able to replicate that success (0:51)? Plus: With the draft approaching in two weeks’ time, which sleepers could rise above the fray (38:54)? Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Golden State Warriors win Game 2 of the Finals in impressive fashion, overcoming various injuries and ailments to their stars by locking up the Toronto Raptors with stellar defense. Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We briefly go over Thursday night’s NBA Finals Game 1 and look forward to what adjustments the Warriors can make in the face of a 1-0 deficit (1:46). Then, we hand out awards to the draft prospects who most closely mirror the roles that Finals participants like Pascal Siakam and Andre Iguodala are filling for their teams (15:00). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pascal Siakam dominates Game 1 of the Finals, leading the Toronto Raptors to a solid victory over the Kevin Durant–less Golden State Warriors despite a poor shooting night from Kawhi Leonard. Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sit down ahead of the NBA Finals to go through some of the news that has broken between the end of the Eastern Conference Finals and now. First, do the Rockets need to hit the reset button on their core if they want to win the title (2:45)? Then, the deluge of Lakers turmoil seems to be never ending, but will it ultimately trickle off if they go star-hunting this offseason (22:00)? Finally, we share our observations on NBA free agency and rumblings about a midseason tournament that have us thinking about the ways that basketball is starting to mirror soccer (37:40). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Toronto Raptors advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. How will they match up against the defending champs Golden State Warriors (0:44)? Plus: How will the outcome of this series affect free agency, if at all (40:18)? Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the NBA Finals still on hold, we convene our NBA draft experts to open up the mailbag and answer some of your pressing questions about the top prospects as we approach the 2019 NBA draft. From Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett to Ty Jerome and Matisse Thybulle, we break down our thoughts on top prospects and role players who might be available for late-round steals. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kawhi Leonard had one of the best games of his career en route to a surprising Game 5 road win over one of the best teams in the NBA. Will Mike Budenholzer have to shorten his rotation in Game 6 to avoid getting eliminated (1:30)? Plus, we react to the All-NBA team announcements and the potential salary cap implications for some of the league’s biggest stars in Kemba Walker, Damian Lillard, and Klay Thompson (33:00). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite Kawhi Leonard’s lingering quadricep injury, his stellar defense and the Toronto Raptors’ overall adjustments prove successful against the Milwaukee Bucks for the second game in a row as they tie the series (1:25). Plus: Rumors say Kevin Durant could sign with the Los Angeles Clippers in the offseason (23:41) while the New Orleans Pelicans navigate the happy dilemma of pairing Anthony Davis and Zion Williamson (31:33). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Golden State Warriors are headed to their fifth straight NBA Finals after sweeping the Portland Trail Blazers despite Kevin Durant out with an injury (0:48). Plus: belated reactions to the NBA draft lottery (43:09) and critical reactions to Magic Johnson’s recent comments on the Los Angeles Lakers (51:18). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kawhi Leonard and the Toronto Raptors take advantage of an off-night from Giannis Antetokounmpo to edge out a double-OT win against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 3 (3:12), while the Portland Trail Blazers fall behind 3-0 to the still-dominant Golden State Warriors (28:10). Plus: The Duffel Bag Boys weigh in on the NBA draft lottery order (38:34). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Mark Titus, Tate Frazier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We give immediate reactions to the Warriors' hot third-quarter comeback against the Blazers, behind strong performances from Steph Curry on offense and Andre Iguodala on defense (1:00). Then, we briefly preview Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals, where Toronto will look to make adjustments against the heavily favored Bucks (22:52). Hosts: John Gonzalez and Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We recap a hard-nosed win for the Milwaukee Bucks over the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals—one that featured a solid performance from Giannis and an outstanding one from his supporting cast (2:08). Then we bounce around to some other news from the league, including Blazers players’ comments about Terry Stotts’s pick-and-roll defense, the Pelicans' chance to draft Zion Williamson, and the NBA coaching carousel (21:09). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that we know the order of the NBA draft, we go over which teams might be the best fit for the non-Zion top talent: R.J. Barrett, Ja Morant, Darius Garland, Cam Reddish, and more (1:05). Then, we recap Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, in which Steph Curry was dominant and the Warriors of old routed the Trail Blazers (43:34). Finally, we wonder whether Toronto has run into LeBron 2.0 in Giannis Antetokounmpo (47:45). Hosts: Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices