The Ringer NBA Show

We open up the mailbag by answering questions on the Wizards’ dysfunction, the first-, second-, and third-year players we’re most excited about, pre-agency, the Lakers, and much more. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, Danny Chau Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Wall’s gargantuan contract stifles his trade value (2:27), the Sacramento Kings continue to outperform expectations in the crowded Western Conference (13:56), and the teams on a streak, winning or losing (33:19). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The devastatingly underachieving Washington Wizards look to sell, sell, sell (3:17) and the glut of talent in the Western Conference coagulates even further (31:13). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Joe House, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy Butler’s tight fit in Philadelphia (1:07), a sophomore focus in this week’s The Kids Are Alright (23:26), and a look ahead at the weekend’s best games (37:36). Hosts: Kevin O'Connor, Danny Chau, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jimmy Butler’s debut for the Sixers didn’t go quite as smoothly as it could’ve—what does that mean for Ben Simmons (2:00)? Plus, Kevin Clark on the Magic (11:38), and a whole lot of Draymond Green and Kevin Durant melodrama (24:36). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Paolo Uggetti, Kevin Clark Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Jimmy Butler trade reshapes both conferences (0:48), the Houston Rockets look to move on from their Carmelo Anthony experiment (10:06), the overachieving Los Angeles Clippers remain impressive (19:16), Caris LeVert’s injury sets back the Brooklyn Nets (26:44), and some teams’ expectations contrast with their performance (34:34). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Minnesota Timberwolves finally trade Jimmy Butler to the Philadelphia 76ers. Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Chris Ryan and Jason Concepcion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duke’s trio of outstanding freshman surpassed our lofty expectations (1:38), the NBA’s shooting guard renaissance has caught us off guard (14:03), and we’re not quite sure if Milwaukee has what it takes to handle a tough West Coast road trip (34:37). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyrie Irving is totally not mad online about Jamal Murray, and the Boston Celtics totally don’t have a problem with offensive distribution (1:20). Plus, could the Lakers be the best League Pass team in NBA history? (22:37). The Lakers May Be the Greatest League Pass Team in History, Justin Verrier Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A big night for Jamal Murray continues the Denver Nuggets’ hot streak (3:07), the torrid Toronto Raptors add another loss to the Utah Jazz’s disappointing start (14:53), precarious teams face sink-or-swim developments (32:58), and draft prospects look to shine as the college basketball season kicks off (47:55). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Los Angeles Lakers add another loss to their turbulent start to the regular season (4:07), and the league’s offensive explosion is transforming defensive schemes (27:34). Plus, examining the importance of providing context to Derrick Rose’s comeback narrative (55:04). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Juliet Litman, Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ringer staff writer Kevin O’Connor is joined by Jonathan Tjarks and Danny Chau to discuss the unfathomably bad Houston Rockets' start (2:27) and the bright futures of the Jazz and Nuggets (20:52). Then, the trio re-ups their patented "Draft Class" segment to talk about the tantalizing NBA prospects on the Duke Blue Devils (32:56). The State of the John Wall–Bradley Beal Union, Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan is joined by Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, and Paolo Uggetti to establish eight unique tiers of the NBA and place all 30 teams within them. Klay on Klay: The Warriors Guard on the Hidden Art and Craft of His Game, Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor recount the record-breaking night from Klay Thompson (0:50), debate how the still-undefeated Bucks have achieved early-season success (30:53), and discuss their concerns for underachieving Western Conference teams (44:44). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Shea Serrano to discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers firing head coach Ty Lue (4:32) and all the drama going on in the NBA regular season through two weeks (11:30). Then, Jonathan Tjarks comes on to talk about the undefeated Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors (33:36) as well as oft-overlooked teams with intriguing narratives (37:01). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor is joined by Danny Chau and Jonathan Tjarks to discuss the exponential growth of 3-pointers in the NBA (1:24) and the promising offense but problematic defense of Trae Young and Luka Doncic (13:46). Then, they throw an outlet pass to this weekend’s games, previewing a rematch of Lakers-Spurs as well as exciting matchups between the Jazz and Pelicans and the Celtics and Pistons (26:57). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan is joined by Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, and Paolo Uggetti to discuss whether fans will get sick of the routinely high-scoring games from the first week of the season (1:27). Then, they talk about the Thunder’s cramped roster and wonder whether some of the Cavaliers’ veteran pieces could help Oklahoma City (21:34). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the lack of shooting plaguing the Lakers and Thunder through Week 1 of the season (1:43). Then, they break down how Milwaukee and Denver have overhauled their style of play for the 2018 season’s pace, while Boston, surprisingly, has not (33:17). Five Takeaways From the NBA’s Opening Week, By Kevin O'Connor The Celtics Didn’t Get the Memo About the NBA Scoring Boom, By Paolo Uggetti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Kevin O’Connor, Paolo Uggetti, and Jason Gallagher to recount the brawl between the Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets during their Saturday-night matchup (2:47) as well as the basketball aspects of the game (20:01). Then, Dan Devine comes on to discuss the standout teams from Week 1 of the regular season (38:26). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor is joined by Danny Chau and Jonathan Tjarks in the debut of their revamped Friday show: The Corner 3. They kick the season off with some immediate reactions to LeBron in purple and gold (1:41). Then, they assess DeAndre Ayton’s early signs of stardom and Nikola Jokic’s ability to take another leap in year four (13:04), before looking ahead to some upcoming games of interest (31:40). Jonathan Tjarks: Finding the Nikola Jokic Blueprint Paolo Uggetti: You May Not Know Josh Hart Yet, but You Will Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan is joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy and Paolo Uggetti to share some immediate reactions to the first two days of NBA games, including whether they like Anthony Davis to win the MVP (2:25) and whether this will be the season the Suns’ future comes into focus. Then Justin Verrier joins to share his takeaways from being at the Clippers' home opener (28:00), before all four assess the state of Philadelphia’s young core (37:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman are joined by Joe House for the 2018 return of 'Sources Say,' live on stage during The Ringer’s 2018 NBA Previewpalooza. They dive back into NBA gossip with the latest Jimmy Butler rumblings, Ben Simmons’s dating life, and which players will see their NBA Twitter stock rise and fall this season. To see the video version of this podcast and the rest of Previewpalooza, head over the The Ringer’s YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor preview the imminent NBA season by answering and debating 20 questions about the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Jason Concepcion to discuss the latest development in the Jimmy Butler drama (3:23) and preview the Eastern Conference playoff picture heading into the season (9:15). Then, Haley O’Shaughnessy and Paolo Uggetti come on to preview the Western Conference playoff picture heading into the season (25:38). Finally, Kevin Clark, Riley McAtee, and Isaac Lee come on to adjudicate whose fan base is the saddest in the NBA (47:56). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy and Paolo Uggetti to break down the explosive Timberwolves practice that owned NBA Twitter for a day (1:50). Then, they discuss what the Lakers’ pace of play in the offseason means for a 33-year-old LeBron James (30:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to the news of Ryan McDonough being ousted from the Phoenix Suns GM position (1:10), discuss the expectations for key players going into the 2018-19 season (24:35), and hash out an NFL argument regarding Drew Brees (56:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Chris Ryan, Juliet Litman, Micah Peters, and Isaac Lee to draft all 30 NBA teams in order of League Pass watchability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy and Paolo Uggetti to preview the imminent Jimmy Butler trade to Miami (0:53) and discuss the uncertainty around the new Lakers (13:47). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor give their takeaways from watching the renewed Lakers (6:45) and reloaded Rockets in person (27:32). Then, they react to the GM survey (40:43) and discuss some story lines floating around the league (46:52). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Shea Serrano to assess the ongoing Jimmy Butler trade saga and new additions to the Eastern Conference elite (3:49). Then, comedian Ian Karmel comes on discuss the start of the LeBron James–era Lakers, J.R. Smith’s tattoo violation, and the Portland Trail Blazers’ season prospects (25:08). Finally, Jonathan Tjarks joins to examine Luka Doncic’s promising preseason debut, the return of Markelle Fultz, and the potential for Karl-Anthony Towns to elevate this season (53:02). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor explore the discussion around the Minnesota Timberwolves looking to trade away Jimmy Butler (0:52) and react to the highlights of an eventful media day (28:32). We are now on Twitter! Follow us at @RingerNBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Jason Concepcion to discuss the Los Angeles Clippers’ unconventional hiring of Lee Jenkins, the tension between Jimmy Butler and the Minnesota Timberwolves, and the New York Knicks’ future prospects (3:45). Then, Paolo Uggetti joins to talk about the rise of NBA offseason trainers and the new dynamic of the Los Angeles Lakers' roster (31:00). Finally, Mike Levin from 'The Rights to Ricky Sanchez’ comes on to evaluate the Philadelphia 76ers’ ongoing GM pursuit and their outlook on the season (47:15). Note: This podcast was recorded before the Philadelphia 76ers announced their hiring of Elton Brand as general manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss Anthony Davis’s uncertain future with the New Orleans Pelicans (15:30), Minnesota Timberwolves president-coach Tom Thibodeau acquiring his former players (24:08), and the most underrated acquisitions of the offseason (31:49). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Joe House to discuss interesting NBA story lines as training camp approaches (2:24). Then, Haley O’Shaughnessy comes on to parse the trade between the Phoenix Suns and the Houston Rockets (31:08) and debate some Are We Sure questions (40:09). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and John Gonzalez react to Spurs legend Manu Ginobili announcing his retirement (0:59) and discuss the Philadelphia 76ers’ ongoing search for a new GM (16:38). Then, they examine the NBA rookie survey (30:13) and debate Kobe fans’ scruples about LeBron James (38:26). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Shea Serrano to discuss Carmelo Anthony officially signing with the Houston Rockets (2:28) and to parse Kawhi Leonard’s farewell letter to San Antonio (14:17). Then, Justin Verrier joins to evaluate the "Are We Sure" questions about the Lakers’ playoff contention, Markelle Fultz, Devin Booker, and the Trail Blazers’ stars (24:22). Finally, Paolo Uggetti comes on to make the case for the Toronto Raptors as the East favorites (46:29) and to discuss NBA players’ use of social media over the summer (55:41). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor answer an array of questions from listeners, including who would be the starting five of underappreciated NBA players (9:10), whether or not Luke Walton will be able to handle the new Lakers (33:30), the guys’ favorite albums of 2018 (42:10), and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor highlight LeBron James creating a school for at-risk youth in Akron (0:11), discuss the Houston Rockets retaining Clint Capela as well as adding Carmelo Anthony (4:22), and react to Giannis Antetokounmpo gaining muscle (24:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to Kevin Love signing a four-year extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers (0:10), discuss the ripple effects of the Carmelo Anthony trade (14:21), and debate the Los Angeles Lakers’ questionable offseason moves (31:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy to discuss the impact of the Toronto Raptors acquiring Kawhi Leonard in exchange for a package led by DeMar DeRozan (0:54), Marcus Smart signing a four-year contract with the Boston Celtics (24:25), the uncertainties surrounding the Minnesota Timberwolves’ stars (29:03), and the next disgruntled stars to leverage their situations (37:12). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the report that Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey spurned the Philadelphia 76ers’ attempt to hire him (0:41), landing spots for Carmelo Anthony (9:02), the Denver Nuggets’ updated roster (18:14), Ben McLemore heading back to the Sacramento Kings (26:24), Jimmy Butler turning down an extension with the Minnesota Timberwolves (30:27), and questions surrounding the remaining free agents (40:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor sit down in Caesars Palace Las Vegas to talk NBA summer league. They discuss Jonathan Isaac's impressive play, Mo Bamba, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Kevin Knox. They revisit Trae Young's bust potential and discuss the uncertainty of college stats and the shortage of sophomores in this year's summer league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Justin Verrier and Jonathan Tjarks sit down in Las Vegas to talk about some of the rookies and sophomores playing in NBA summer league, including Harry Giles, Marvin Bagley III, Deandre Ayton, Collin Sexton, Jaren Jackson Jr., and more. They they talk NBA free agents and some possible landing spots for Clint Capela, Marcus Smart, Isaiah Thomas, and Jabari Parker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan is joined by Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks to discuss the free agency signings of the weekend thus far (0:11) and takeaways from day 1 of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas (13:29). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly parting ways with Carmelo Anthony (0:58), the possibility for Kyrie Irving to leave the Boston Celtics (8:15), how LeBron James affects the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching staff (16:20), and Trae Young’s struggles during NBA summer league in Utah (25:54). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to DeMarcus Cousins signing with the Golden State Warriors (0:11), examine the Los Angeles Lakers’ puzzling roster additions (11:23), debate potential Kawhi Leonard trade scenarios (26:00), and discuss takeaways from the start of summer league in Utah (40:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez and Chris Ryan react to LeBron James signing with the Los Angeles Lakers for four years (1:44). Then, HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons calls in to offer his thoughts on the LeBron signing and its ripple effect (26:56). Finally, Justin Verrier comes on to round up all the other free-agency news (48:59). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the recent trade by the Los Angeles Clippers that sent Austin Rivers to the Washington Wizards (01:12) and the potential for the Clips to deal DeAndre Jordan to the Dallas Mavericks (03:47). Then they discuss Paul George’s free agency and how what he decides will affect other free agents (16:26), what it would cost the 76ers to sign both Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James (30:16), and the free agents that aren’t being talked about (48:21). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Chris Ryan and Danny Chau to discuss Carmelo Anthony opting into his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder (02:40), free-agency rumors surrounding Kawhi Leonard and LeBron James (08:15), and their takeaways from the NBA draft (27:20). Then Bryan Curtis comes on to discuss Adrian Wojnarowski’s Twitter euphemisms (34:35) and LeBron’s media presence (45:25). You can buy new Ringer merch here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, and Danny Chau react to the trades and selections made at the 2018 NBA draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices