The Ringer NBA Show

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to the Cleveland Cavaliers defeating the Toronto Raptors in a historic sweep (0:11) and the Philadelphia 76ers avoiding a sweep from the Boston Celtics (30:42). Then, they preview the two Western Conference series (41:06) and discuss coaching changes around the league (55:46). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons to review how the Boston Celtics built a surprising 3-0 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers (2:27). Then, Shea Serrano calls in to discuss LeBron James and the Cavaliers dominating the Toronto Raptors (30:04). Finally, Haley O’Shaughnessy and Paolo Uggetti join to react to the Golden State Warriors overwhelming the New Orleans Pelicans (49:19) and the Houston Rockets pushing ahead of the Utah Jazz (59:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks are joined by Danny Chau to answer listener-submitted questions about the 2018 NBA draft. Topics include: finding next year’s Donovan Mitchell, Terry Rozier and the diminishing need for point guards, strategies for trading picks, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Haley O'Shaughnessy, and Kevin O’Connor go live to discuss the Eastern Conference semifinals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan are joined by Shea Serrano to discuss the Raptors’ LeBron-sized curse (2:20) and the return of Stephen Curry (13:00) before launching into the beefs surrounding the NBA playoffs (14:28). Then they examine the current state of the rift between Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs (25:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to the Boston Celtics’ convincing victory over the Philadelphia 76ers (1:19), debate whether LeBron could carry the Cleveland Cavaliers past the Toronto Raptors (41:46), and gauge the New Orleans Pelicans’ chances to make the series competitive against the Golden State Warriors (1:01:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez sits down with Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan to react to the Cleveland Cavaliers edging out the Indiana Pacers in Game 7 (3:40) and the Houston Rockets dominating the Utah Jazz (19:14). Then they preview the series between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers (25:27) and question the viability of the Oklahoma City Thunder’s future after they were bounced out of the first round (36:16). Finally, Kevin O’Connor joins to discuss the Golden State Warriors pummeling the New Orleans Pelicans (53:16), debate how the Cleveland Cavaliers will fare against the Toronto Raptors (58:46), and consider the ways in which the Washington Wizards and Milwaukee Bucks can learn from their early exits (1:05:03). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks are joined by Zach Kram to discuss the Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks going to Game 7 (2:39), the three series going into Game 6 (13:16), and the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans tipping off in the first game of the second round (40:42). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy, Jason Concepcion, and Paolo Uggetti to react to the night’s quadruple header and answer a few mailbag questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan discuss LeBron’s social media presence during the playoffs (1:30), fresh-out-of-prison Meek Mill attending the Philadelphia 76ers game (12:30), and Hassan Whiteside (16:55). Then they discuss Kevin Durant’s move to Malibu (28:35) and Chris Paul selling his Houston home (31:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to the Houston Rockets’ unbelievable 50-point quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves (0:28) and the Utah Jazz’s dominant victory over the flawed Oklahoma City Thunder (15:32). Then, they discuss the other series in the playoffs (44:18). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez sits down with Joe House to react to all of the weekend’s playoff action, including the Washington Wizards’ electric comeback against the Toronto Raptors (2:29), the Philadelphia 76ers’ impressive rise to contention (23:59), the New Orleans Pelicans’ surprising sweep of the Portland Trail Blazers (32:03), and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ rocky road thus far (50:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, and Danny Chau debate the pros and cons of taking traditional big men in the draft (2:07), discuss how the Portland Trail Blazers should rebuild their team (12:18), and receive grades for their analyses (25:14). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Kevin O’Connor, Jason Concepcion, and Paolo Uggetti to react to the night’s triple-header action and assess the state of the playoffs thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the Miami Heat vindicating themselves against the Philadelphia 76ers (0:40) and Joel Embiid’s frustration at not being able to play (12:08). Then they talk about the Spurs’ chances to keep their series against the Warriors competitive (18:10) and whether the Kawhi Leonard mystery will ever be solved (21:45) before previewing tonight’s games (35:02) and debating whether LeBron James will be able to carry the Cleveland Cavaliers through the first round (47:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez brings on Jason Concepcion to discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves blowing their chance at stealing a game against the Houston Rockets (2:33), the Philadelphia 76ers steamrolling the Miami Heat (10:09), and Oklahoma City Thunder flipping the switch against the Utah Jazz (19:10). Then, Kevin O’Connor comes on to talk about the Indiana Pacers pulling off an impressive upset against the Cleveland Cavaliers (28:26), the Boston Celtics’ thrilling overtime win against the Milwaukee Bucks (34:45), and the dominant Golden State Warriors coming back into form against the San Antonio Spurs (40:34). Finally, Justin Verrier and Danny Chau join in to review the New Orleans Pelicans edging out the Portland Trail Blazers (44:44) and the Toronto Raptors snapping their decade-long losing streak against the Washington Wizards (52:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, and Danny Chau debate their most-differing rankings from The Ringer's updated draft guide (2:27), discuss observations from the Nike Hoops Summit (19:33), and evaluate how the impressive rookie class will perform in the playoffs (22:26). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Justin Verrier and guest host Bill Simmons are joined by Jason Concepcion, Kevin O'Connor, and Haley O'Shaughnessy to discuss each of the NBA playoff matchups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Joe House is joined for the second pod in a row by his longtime buddy Bill Simmons to rank each of the potential NBA Finals cities based on their food scene. We're sorry in advance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor preview the battle between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets for the 8-seed in the Western Conference (2:03) and evaluate the potential matchups in the Eastern Conference (10:35). Then, they discuss how the playoffs will impact LeBron James’s looming free agency (31:59), debate whether the inevitability of superteams contending for the championship is bad for the sport (42:32), and react to the raised price for ownership of the Memphis Grizzlies (47:06). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Shea Serrano to debate how the Western Conference playoffs will shake out (1:49). Then, Kevin O’Connor and Justin Verrier come on to discuss which teams could rise above the fray in the Eastern Conference (25:52) and which players belong on the All-NBA teams (39:21). Finally, Michael Baumann and The Rights To Ricky Sanchez’s Mike Levin join to talk all things Philadelphia 76ers (48:27). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks answer listener-submitted questions about the 2018 NBA draft. Topics include: draft stock rising in the NCAA tournament, this year’s Donovan Mitchell, the safest pick in the draft, Deandre Ayton versus unicorns, and the Knicks’ rebuilding plan. Preorder new Ringer merch here: http://bit.ly/ringershop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Paolo Uggetti to react live to the Kyrie Irving knee surgery news (1:25) and discuss the impact of the injury on the rest of the Eastern Conference (13:04). Then, they debate which contending team will make it into the Western Conference playoffs (23:11) and look to the future for lottery teams (34:20). Preorder new Ringer merch here: http://bit.ly/ringershop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor project the futures of Villanova players who could leap to the NBA (1:09), discuss the various possibilities for playoff seeding (16:54), and debate the favorites in each conference (32:11). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Juliet Litman to discuss the matchups to watch for in the looming playoffs (2:57). Then, Kevin O’Connor comes on to evaluate the impact of players out with injury and returning from injury (26:12). Finally, Jonathan Tjarks and Danny Chau join to name the biggest surprises and disappointments of the season (49:17) and are quizzed on current scoring streaks in the NBA (58:29). Pre-order Ringer merch at http://bit.ly/ringershop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks debate who the Philadelphia 76ers should take with their lottery pick (3:01), examine whether any players in the Final Four could be taken in the draft (14:59), discuss which college coaches could leap to the NBA this summer (21:48), and evaluate the risks for prospects who return to college (28:23). For more draft coverage, check out The Ringer’s 2018 NBA Draft Guide. 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 bright future of the Philadelphia 76ers (2:41) and the Boston Celtics’ ability to elicit valuable production from unproven players (14:51). Then, they re-rank this season’s rookie class (26:02) and examine Karl-Anthony Towns’s complicated stardom (34:42). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan discuss Lakers guard Isaiah Thomas undergoing hip surgery (1:24), Markelle Fultz returning to the rising Philadelphia 76ers (7:02), and Ben Simmons’s recent exploits (9:59). Then, they discuss singer Lorde’s Oklahoma City Thunder fandom (15:55) and some struggling playoff teams (27:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to Markelle Fultz’s return to action (2:19), discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves’ puzzling loss to the Memphis Grizzlies (13:39), debate playoff teams that the top seeds want to avoid (24:25), and assess the value of dissent in draft evaluations (40:16). Check out Kevin’s analysis of Fultz’s return here: https://www.theringer.com/nba/2018/3/27/17167456/markelle-fultz-return-sixers-analysis. And pre-order Ringer merch at http://bit.ly/ringershop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Kevin O’Connor to weigh playoff concerns for the Golden State Warriors with a sidelined Stephen Curry (2:35). Then, Joe House calls in to discuss how LeBron James’s recent hot streak bolsters the Cavaliers’ title chances (21:25). Finally, Jason Concepcion comes on to apologize for underestimating the now-potent Philadelphia 76ers (38:06) and explain how the Knicks fail at tanking (47:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks is joined by Danny Chau to project the NBA future for Oklahoma sensation Trae Young (2:00), discuss Texas A&M big man Robert Williams (19:00), and analyze Kentucky freshmen Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jarred Vanderbilt (29:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Paolo Uggetti to discuss a new wrinkle in the strange case of Kawhi Leonard (0:48), debate whether the Cleveland Cavaliers have flipped a switch (9:56), evaluate how the Portland Trail Blazers will fare in the playoffs (20:52), and consider playoff teams on a hot streak (25:24). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss hypothetical first-round matchups in the Western Conference (3:54), how the Cavs will fare during Tyronn Lue’s hiatus (19:41), and the fluctuating draft stocks of NBA prospects who have been bumped out of the NCAA tournament (31:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Juliet Litman to discuss the impact of Tyronn Lue temporarily stepping away as the Cavaliers' head coach, due to illness (2:20). Then, Haley O’Shaughnessy and Danny Chau discuss how the Warriors’ recent slew of injuries affect the Western Conference playoff picture (24:44) and variability in the Eastern Conference playoff picture (39:54). Finally, Micah Peters and Justin Verrier come on to discuss the future of the New Orleans Pelicans regarding the passing of owner Tom Benson (44:16) and how superstar Anthony Davis is carrying his team into the playoffs (53:49). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Jonathan Tjarks, and Danny Chau debate the pros and cons of two highly touted Duke University freshmen, Marvin Bagley III and Wendell Carter Jr. (3:21), and highlight four prospects whose draft stock may rise over the course of March Madness (17:19). Check out The Ringer’s 2018 NBA Draft Guide with contributions from O’Connor, Tjarks, and Chau. 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 decimated Warriors’ triumph over the up-and-coming Lakers (1:55), to debate the turbulent career of former no. 1 pick Andrew Wiggins in context of the 2014 draft (17:59), and to consider how to reconfigure the Bucks to better complement their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo (28:19). Articles mentioned on the show Brew Hoop piece on the Bucks’ struggles with consistency ESPN piece on Julius Randle’s uncertain future Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman sit down to discuss Stephen Curry's and Tristan Thompson’s birthday festivities (01:00). Then they discuss how unhappy Andrew Wiggins is (29:50) and the potential rift between Nikola Jokic and Mike Malone (33:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the possibility for the Spurs to miss the playoffs for the first time in two decades (6:05), the Steph Curry–like ascent of Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard (14:47), the minimum number of wins necessary to make it into the competitive Western Conference playoffs (22:17), intriguing Eastern Conference teams on the rise (27:21), and prospects to look forward to watching during March Madness (47:23). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Shea Serrano and Kevin O’Connor to debate whether the Spurs dynasty is nearing its end (3:09). Then, Jonathan Tjarks and Danny Chau come on to discuss the dominant Toronto Raptors and the scorching-hot Portland Trail Blazers (23:01). Finally, Paolo Uggetti joins to highlight the most important players in the last month of the season (42:38). Articles mentioned in the show Kevin O’Connor on the Spurs’ concerns for the future 'NBA Desktop,' featuring Danny Chau’s take on tanking Paolo Uggetti and Haley O’Shaughnessy on the most important players of the final month Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks are joined by Mark Titus and Tate Frazier of ‘One Shining Podcast’ to discuss the impact of Missouri freshman Michael Porter Jr.’s return on his draft stock (2:49), compare two lottery prospects named Bridges (10:47), debate Ohio State junior Keita Bates-Diop’s NBA potential (23:21), and select sleeper picks for each position (34:51). 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 check in on the revitalized Cavs (3:20), DeMar DeRozan's MVP candidacy (10:45), and mid-tier playoff contenders, including the Pelicans and 76ers (20:15). Then Jason Concepcion stops by to talk Russ vs. Harden (37:55). Links: Kevin O'Connor on The End of The Spurs Dynasty Jason Concepcion on Russ vs. Harden Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the Portland Trail Blazers’ impressive late-season run (3:08), the questions surrounding Kawhi Leonard and the Spurs (9:47), the rapidly improving Lakers (20:23), the coach-GM conundrum as it relates to the Detroit Pistons’ struggles (28:01), regular-season award predictions (38:30), and draft prospects to watch for during March Madness (48:57). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Joe House to discuss J.R. Smith's Soupgate (3:17), the Cleveland Cavaliers’ concerns (9:12), and the Rockets’ chances to usurp the Warriors (15:17). Then, Chris Ryan comes on to discuss the legacy of former Sixers GM Sam Hinkie (27:05), the hypothetical of LeBron going to Philadelphia (35:02), and the future for Hinkie (42:28). Finally, Kevin O’Connor and Paolo Uggetti join to reevaluate draft-day debates (48:22) and Lonzo Ball’s recent improvements (63:16). Articles mentioned on the show: Paolo Uggetti on the Rockets’ regular-season dominance John Gonzalez on Sam Hinkie’s future Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier on how LeBron James would fit on the 76ers Kevin O’Connor on past draft-day debates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks answer listener-submitted questions about the 2018 NBA draft. Topics include: Michael Porter Jr.’s return to action, NBA prospects who could play football, Kawhi Leonard vs Luka Doncic, and more. 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 talk LeBron rumors (2:25), the red-hot Rockets (5:30), and Anthony Davis's MVP candidacy (13:10), before trying to pin down some of the teams between third and 10th place in the East and West who might make some noise in the playoffs (22:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman sit down to talk about teams tanking (2:55) and rumors about LeBron leaning toward joining the 76ers and what that would mean for Philadelphia (9:15). Then they do locker room check-ins for the Lakers, Cavs, Clippers, and more (14:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons brings on Haralabos Voulgaris and Jason Concepcion to discuss the trends of the modern NBA (3:09), the merits of advanced metrics (13:48), and how to fix tanking (34:17). Then they are joined by Justin Verrier to debate who belongs in the All-NBA first team (46:37), how much coaching matters (58:32), and the future of the post-trade-deadline Cleveland Cavaliers (69:14). Link — The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor on Takeaways From the Sloan Conference Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks debate whether the NBA should change the one-and-done rule (2:40), evaluate the potential of Arizona big man Deandre Ayton (12:47), and receive grades for their analyses (30:12). Links Jonathan Tjarks on how the NBA could adapt soccer’s youth academy model Jonathan Tjarks on the concerns about Deandre Ayton’s defensive prowess Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Danny Chau and Paolo Uggetti to briefly address the allegations surrounding the Dallas Mavericks (2:20) before they discuss Kawhi Leonard's current status, his relationship with the Spurs, and his longevity with the team (4:25). Then they examine Adam Silver's comments about exploring a radically different kind of NBA playoffs (23:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor debate whether LeBron James has a chance to catch up to Michael Jordan in the GOAT conversation (0:32) and discuss how the rest of the season will play out (35:17). Links The Ringer's Jordan-LeBron Week Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices