The Ringer NBA Show

With so many story lines in the NBA, which ones are we in on (3:41)? Then: the New Orleans Pelicans’ continuing conundrum (30:55) and the most interesting MVP candidates of the season (44:21). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Shea Serrano, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We talk about the sustainability of the Lakers' flipping the switch and what it means for Western Conference playoff contenders the Kings, Clippers, and Spurs (1:00). Then, we do a mini Draft Class in light of the news that Zion Williamson dodged a bullet with just a mild knee strain (33:00). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We react briefly to the news that top prospect Zion Williamson has a sprained knee (2:40) before diving deep on the recent Kyrie Irving interview with Rachel Nichols (8:40). Then, news breaks that Anthony Davis will not only be active in the Pelicans game Friday night, but also will be the next guest on LeBron James’s ‘The Shop’ on HBO (29:20). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our hosts had an eventful time in Charlotte over All-Star Weekend, and they’re here to share some notable highlights. Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The New Orleans Pelicans’ Anthony Davis problem casts a shadow on All-Star Weekend (1:57). Plus: debating the Ringer staff’s ranking of the top 25 players (36:05). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Justin Verrier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We run down the list of the five Eastern Conference contenders that made deadline additions and where they’ll stand in relation to each other come playoff time (1:00). Then, Arcade Fire’s Win Butler joins the show for a second time to discuss the awkward Anthony Davis situation and the NBA Celebrity All-Star Game (37:52). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Guest: Win Butler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We parse last night’s news through the lens of some unnecessarily hot takes—Luka is the next LeBron, Jake Layman is first-team All-NBA, Buddy Hield is better than Jamal Murray, and more (2:00). Then, we steal a bit from Chris Ryan and Jason Concepcion and do our own 'True Detective' investigation: Who is to blame for ‘The Flat Lakers’ (28:55)? Hosts: Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O'Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul George’s MVP case grows as his scorching offensive streak continues (1:15), Marc Gasol bolsters the already-formidable Toronto Raptors (10:45), the Philadelphia 76ers’ new Big Four forms a threat in the East (27:35), and the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff berth is anything but certain (46:48). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The anticlimactic nonresolution of the Anthony Davis saga leaves the Western Conference at the mercy of the Golden State Warriors (3:03), while the reloaded Philadelphia 76ers look to rise atop the Eastern Conference elite (25:33). Host: Chris Ryan Guests: Justin Verrier, Michael Levin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The trade deadline delivered on medium deals—including Marc Gasol to the Raptors, Tobias Harris to the Sixers, and Nikola Mirotic to the Bucks—but it was missing the Anthony Davis trade we were hoping for. What does this mean for the Eastern Conference Finals race, and does any of this matter with the Warriors hanging overhead? Hosts: Justin Verrier, Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, and Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan hop on the Ringer NBA Show feed to talk about the Sixers spending what was left of their draft capital to acquire Tobias Harris and make a push for the NBA Finals this season (1:06). Then, Ben Detrick joins to break down how this Sixers lineup might jell come playoff time (28:04). Hosts: Bill Simmons and Chris Ryan Guest: Ben Detrick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Lakers may need to overpay to acquire Anthony Davis before the trade deadline (3:57). Plus: Which trade candidates could propel fringe playoff teams into contention? (37:10) Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Lakers, Celtics, Knicks, and Sixers are making noise as the trade deadline approaches (3:39), while the New Orleans Pelicans are still looking to move Anthony Davis (35:14). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Jonathan Tjarks, Micah Peters, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We break down the Kristaps Porzingis–to-Dallas trade from every angle: the Mavericks, the Knicks, Porzingis himself, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, the Pelicans, the Lakers, the Raptors, and more. NBA trade season is upon us! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We pore over the myriad teams that could offer a reasonable package for Anthony Davis: chief among them the Lakers and Celtics, but maybe equally as intriguing, the dark horse Clippers and Raptors. Disclaimer: This podcast was recorded prior to the Kristaps Porzingis trade news. For more on that, tune into 'The Bill Simmons Podcast.' Hosts: Justin Verrier, Chris Ryan, Paolo Uggetti Try Hopsy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Lakers are the clear front-runners to trade for Anthony Davis, but 28 other teams could look to acquire him (1:32). With the trade deadline fast approaching, teams bifurcate into buyers and sellers (28:54). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adrian Wojnarowski dropped a not-so-surprising Woj bomb on Monday morning, reporting that Anthony Davis will not sign a contract extension in New Orleans and has requested a trade. Will this shake up the Lakers? Does Boston have the most assets, or will another team woo the Pelicans? And is there something to the Klutch Sports conspiracy theory? Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Kevin O'Connor and Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The hype around the Toronto Raptors has died down despite their continued excellence (0:40). With the All-Star starters announced, which players will make the team as reserves? (14:05) Plus: Kevin O’Connor sits down with Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic to discuss his outstanding play this season (31:46). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We digest the news that Victor Oladipo is out for the rest of the season by wondering whether the Pacers should push on for the playoffs or reset until he gets back (2:30). Then, we debate who has a more promising future: the Hawks or the Mavericks (27:53)? And finally, we finish with one final chat about Carmelo Anthony (39:05). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The juggernaut Golden State Warriors look unstoppable as of late (4:10) and Carmelo Anthony looks to return to the court (15:00). Plus: Which players could benefit from a change of scenery at the trade deadline? (25:43) Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would the All-Star teams look like if they were selected on the merits of creating drama (3:11)? Plus: Lonzo’s injury, Boogie back, the PG-Russ dynamic, and the Dennis Smith Jr. saga's resolution (?) (33:03). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Jason Concepcion, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dennis Smith Jr. is the latest high draft pick to become uncomfortable with the ball being taken out of his hands. What does that mean for him and Luka Doncic (18:00)? Then we run down our All-Star ballots for this season (28:18). To wrap up, Kevin interviews Matt Quinn from the band Mt. Joy—a lifelong Sixers fan—about his favorite Sixers-Celtics media conspiracies and the overlap between touring bands and NBA players (39:42). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks Guest: Matt Quinn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We diagnose the problems that the Celtics, the Lakers, and the Grizzlies will have to address at the upcoming NBA trade deadline (1:10). Then, we call up Scott Kushner, the 'New Orleans Advocate' Pelicans beat reporter, to give us the Pelicans side of the Anthony Davis story and dish out his best DeMarcus Cousins stories (28:19). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O’Shaughnessy Guest: Scott Kushner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The fraying Boston Celtics slide even further (0:44), James Harden continues his historic scoring streak amid the Houston Rockets’ injury plague (23:04), and trade rumors pile up as the deadline approaches (34:42). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Clippers host Blake Griffin for the first time since the controversial trade (3:27), the Boston Celtics falter despite their talent (15:26), the New York Knicks accelerate their tank (28:08), and rookies’ statistical comparisons encourage or discourage fans (49:32). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Joe House, Dan Devine, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We take a stab at clairvoyance by each trying to predict two headlines that will be written over the coming weeks (1:05). Then, we throw an outlet pass to the weekend’s best games (34:00). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We award 2018-19 half-season awards for: Best Player, Most Surprising Team, Most Disappointing Team, Most Confusing Team, and League Pass Poison Teams (0:50). Then, Kings superfan Riley McAtee joins to talk about how he hopes the rest of Sacramento’s season unfolds (43:46). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Guest: Riley McAtee Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tom Thibodeau is out in Minnesota. So what does that mean for franchise cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns (1:00)? Then we dive deep into how the Spurs have reinvented themselves by turning the clock forward and backward at the same time (18:25). Finally, we take stock of the upcoming “pre-agents” and what their franchises have to do to ensure they don’t walk (43:25). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Minnesota firing Tom Thibodeau after a win, who could replace him, Kawhi Leonard’s return to San Antonio, and the drama-filled Sixers. Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Shea Serrano and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

James Harden daggered the Golden State Warriors Thursday night in overtime (1:30), and Kawhi Leonard was showered with boos while the Raptors got throttled by the Spurs (29:12). Plus, NBA prospect Bol Bol’s college season is done after just nine games (45:30). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Thunder beat the Lakers (sans LeBron) Wednesday night, but are we right to be concerned about Russell Westbrook’s continued shooting woes (1:30)? Plus, Chris spills his deepest, darkest concerns about the future of the Sixers as Ben Simmons still refuses to shoot jump shots (34:30). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Chris Ryan, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Indiana Pacers remain consistently among the Eastern Conference elite (2:59), the Denver Nuggets continue their dominant run atop the West (9:33), and James Harden’s propensity for drawing fouls fuels his scorching stretch of games (18:00). Plus, five questions for the NBA in 2019 (39:55). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We ring in the new year by giving 2019 resolutions for every team in the league — from the lowly Knicks and Hawks to the high and mighty Warriors. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Lakers handily defeat the Golden State Warriors despite LeBron James's groin injury (3:25), James Harden continues getting back to MVP form as his Houston Rockets beat the Oklahoma City Thunder (24:07), and more takeaways from the Christmas Day games (36:08). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the NBA regular season nears its midpoint, we share our favorite guilty pleasures of this year thus far. Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We try to temper our hype after Luka Doncic’s 32-point explosion in a loss to the Clippers, review Chris Paul’s nagging hamstring and the Rockets’ thin roster, and discuss the weird Buddy Hield age news (2:00). Then, we each choose the rebuilding franchise we think is best set up, or most intriguing, for the long term (18:45). Finally, we throw an outlet pass to the weekend’s best games (37:45). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trade season dawns on the NBA as free-agency restrictions get lifted (0:54), the James Harden–led Houston Rockets surge up the standings (21:07), and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s stellar defense keeps them rolling (33:49). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A three-team trade centered on the Washington Wizards acquiring Trevor Ariza falls through in dramatic circumstance and is reincarnated in altered form (4:21): The Phoenix Suns receive Kelly Oubre Jr. and Austin Rivers while the Memphis Grizzlies keep the status quo (30:36). Host: John Gonzalez Guest: Joe House, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Kings are our kings and we hope the trade market might heat up soon for guys like Kevin Love and Tim Hardaway Jr.. Plus, we throw an outlet pass to the games we’re looking forward to this weekend. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We try to sift through the noise of the Raptors’ blowout win against the Warriors (1:45) and diagnose the state of the Pelicans after Anthony Davis’s big night against the Thunder (13:33). Then, we take a look at two teams whose stocks are up and two whose are down (24:06). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James comments on having considered the New York Knicks as a free-agent destination (1:17), the Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks continue to overperform behind their young stars (14:50), the Boston Celtics return to excellence after a slow start (34:10), and the Los Angeles Lakers look to add Trevor Ariza to an already wing-heavy roster (43:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Turmoil continues for the Chicago Bulls under Jim Boylen (7:16), the three Texas teams deviate from expectations (14:12), growing pains afflict the Philadelphia 76ers’ Jimmy Butler experiment (32:12), and Buddy Hield emerges as the Sacramento Kings’ budding star (53:39). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Shea Serrano, Michael Baumann, Katie Baker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We review some of the Houston Rockets’ biggest problems and ask whether they could be remedied with a Kevin Love trade (1:30). Then we take a look back at the lessons we learned from the 2016 draft (25:00), before throwing an outlet pass to this weekend’s games (37:18). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We review the Lakers vs. Spurs and Thunder vs. Nets games from Tuesday night (1:30) before coming clean on our ballots for The Ringer’s Top 25 Players in the NBA Through 25 Games (31:24). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Denver Nuggets have proved themselves to be elite (1:07), the Oklahoma City Thunder’s stellar defense is leading their surge (9:51), the retooled Minnesota Timberwolves start to climb up (22:06), the New Orleans Pelicans’ struggles amplify in a loss to the rolling Los Angeles Clippers (32:50), and the Los Angeles Lakers finally begin to accelerate (44:11). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More than a quarter of the way through the regular season, what can we say about every team in the NBA? Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Jason Concepcion, Kevin O’Connor, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gregg Popovich’s disdain for 3-point shots (1:36), Andrew Wiggins’s future in the league (15:52), and R.J. Barrett’s less-than-stellar start at Duke (24:14). Plus, is Luka Doncic “tall James Harden” or “fat Steph Curry” (29:00)? Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyle Korver to the Jazz (0:40), Luka Doncic owns our hearts (7:30), the Wolves are looking up without Jimmy Butler (17:30), and the Clippers might be a playoff lock (22:08). Plus, we admit the takes we misfired on before the season (35:30). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Justin Verrier, and Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Houston Rockets’ slow start might be the new normal (0:50), the Orlando Magic are ... good? (19:40), and the young New York Knicks continue to develop (36:01). Plus, the quarter-season awards (47:03). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Somehow, the Los Angeles Clippers have climbed to the best record in the crowded Western Conference (4:02), and the Philadelphia 76ers’ Jimmy Butler experiment starts to bear fruit (21:32). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Dan Devine, Dan Pfeiffer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices