
The Ringer NBA Show
1,814 episodes — Page 33 of 37

All-Star Weekend, Star Rookies, and Future Stars | Heat Check (Ep. 214)
EThe Ringer’s John Gonzalez is joined by Shea Serrano to review All-Star Weekend (3:05), including Jimmy Butler’s decision to sit out the All-Star Game (8:05) and the utilization of nostalgia in the dunk contest (11:11). Then Haley O’Shaughnessy and Micah Peters come on to discuss other All-Star festivities (21:17) and the Rookie of the Year debate (32:42). Finally, Kevin O’Connor and Danny Chau sit down to evaluate the upcoming free agency (42:13) and the future All-Stars (52:33). Links Ringer staff on regular-season awards Kevin O’Connor on potential player movement Danny Chau on the 2023 All-Stars Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learning From 2015, Concerns for Marvin Bagley, and Chau-ing Down on Lonnie Walker | Draft Class (Ep. 213)
EThe Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks are joined by Danny Chau to glean lessons from the 2015 NBA draft (1:16), debate the future of Duke’s Marvin Bagley III (14:30), evaluate an overlooked prospect (21:20), and receive grades for their analyses (29:32). Links The Ringer's 2015 NBA Redraft Jonathan Tjarks on Marvin Bagley III Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Should We Be Worried About the Warriors? | Group Chat (Ep. 212)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O'Shaughnessy to discuss the state of the NBA as we approach All-Star Weekend. They examine what sort of adjustments the Celtics can make (3:30), the Warriors' recent stretch of games (9:10), and the red-hot Utah Jazz (17:20). Then they talk about the Raptors and the Rockets (28:00), who are on top of the East and West, respectively. Finally, they revisit the Cavs' trade-deadline moves (39:40) and speculate on Isaiah Thomas's NBA future (44:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Inside the Cavs’ Trade Deadline, Drama in D.C., and More NBA Gossip | Sources Say (Ep. 211)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman sit down to discuss current NBA story lines, including Adrian Wojnarowski's inside story of the Cavs' drastic roster change (2:35), Steve Kerr letting his players coach (15:15), the Wizards' locker room problems (19:45), Blake Griffin's palimony lawsuit (28:00), Lonzo Ball expecting a child (34:10), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Red-Hot Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell for ROY, and Early Draft Debate | The Ringer NBA Show (Ep. 210)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the Utah Jazz on a 10-game win streak (1:24), consider Donovan Mitchell’s candidacy for Rookie of the Year (14:46), and debate their differing methods of evaluating the upcoming NBA draft (22:43). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rejuvenated Cavs, New Laker Isaiah Thomas, and a Markelle Fultz Update | Heat Check (Ep. 209)
EThe Ringer’s John Gonzalez brings on Juliet Litman to discuss the revamped Cleveland Cavaliers on display against the Boston Celtics on Paul Pierce day (4:30), Jason Concepcion to explain the bizarre phenomenon of Isaiah Thomas on the Los Angeles Lakers (22:09), and Chris Ryan to scrutinize the Philadelphia 76ers’ mishandling of once-prized rookie Markelle Fultz (40:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Don’t Win for Doncic, the Jaren Jackson Jr. Debate, and the Lakers' Anti-tank | Draft Class (Ep. 208)
EThe Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks explain the importance of the NBA draft (0:07), identify their current top prospects (3:23), consider the possibility of second-tier prospects jumping up to the no. 1 pick conversation (8:31), and evaluate the potential for Michigan State’s Jaren Jackson Jr. (10:14). Then they discuss the effects of Thursday's NBA trade deadline on the upcoming draft (19:43) and receive grades for their analyses (29:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cleveland's Midseason Rebuild and Other NBA Trade Deadline Reactions | Group Chat (Ep. 207)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by a plethora of Ringer staffers — Haley O'Shaugnessey, Kevin O'Connor (1:10), Jason Concepcion (13:50), Paolo Uggetti, and Danny Chau (26:10) — to try to explain the events of the NBA trade deadline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Future of the Cavs and Knicks With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Justin Verrier | The Ringer NBA Show (Ep. 206)
EHBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons sits down with Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier to discuss Kristaps Porzingis's recent season-ending injury and its effect on the trajectory of the Knicks' season (2:35), possible destinations for Avery Bradley (12:20), and just what the hell is going on in Cleveland (26:55). Then, the guys are joined by Jason Concepcion to commiserate about Porzingis and explore what kinds of changes he may make to his game when he returns (37:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Collapsing Cavs, New-Look Pistons, Wizards Without Wall, and Trade Deadlines | Heat Check (Ep. 205)
EThe Ringer’s John Gonzalez brings on Shea Serrano to discuss the tumultuous Cleveland Cavaliers (3:30), Jonathan Tjarks to deliberate over the Pistons’ future (18:45), Joe House to question whether the Wizards should trade John Wall (32:35), and Kevin O’Connor and Jason Concepcion to review previous trade deadlines and preview the upcoming one (44:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Playoff Standings Overview and Trade Deadline Preview | The Ringer NBA Show (Ep. 204)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor consider which moves the Cleveland Cavaliers should make (3:47), discuss the Houston Rockets’ chances at climbing atop the Western Conference (11:20), and analyze the shifting order of the playoff standings (16:27). Then, they explore which players will be targeted before the trade deadline (34:37), debate the conundrum of max contracts (41:01), and predict the biggest name traded before Thursday’s trade deadline (55:09). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unpacking the LeBron-to-GSW Possibility, Plus Trade Rumors | Group Chat (Ep. 203)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy to discuss LeBron saying he would "consider" going to Golden State (1:20), Nikola Mirotic's trade to the Pelicans (9:20), and possible trades for players including DeAndre Jordan (15:05) and Tyreke Evans (19:20). Then, they survey some NBA teams to figure out if they're at their best or worst for this season, including the Nuggets, Pacers, Wizards, and more (27:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who Is the Clipper That Was Promised? Examining L.A.'s Future in Basketball | Sources Say (Ep. 202)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman sit down to discuss the end of the Lob City era, Blake Griffin's new life in Detroit, and who may be L.A.'s next big star (1:25). Then they discuss Kevin Love's tumultuous last couple of weeks (20:40), the end of the Cavs era (26:25), and the Warriors' post-loss escape-room trip (28:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Blake Griffin Blockbuster | The Ringer NBA Show (Ep. 201)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the impact of John Wall’s injury on the Eastern Conference playoff picture (0:54), scrutinize the Blake Griffin trade (6:37), project the futures for both teams involved (30:24), and debate the fallacies of defensive metrics (41:39). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Griffin Trade With Bill Simmons, Justin Verrier, and Chris Ryan (Emergency Edition) | The Ringer NBA Show (Ep. 200)
EHBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Justin Verrier discuss the Clippers trading Blake Griffin to the Pistons in an emergency edition of 'The Ringer NBA Show.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boogie Goes Down, Fixing the All-Star Draft, and Boston vs. Philadelphia | Heat Check (Ep. 199)
EThe Ringer’s John Gonzalez and Kevin O’Connor discuss the impacts of DeMarcus Cousins’s Achilles injury (1:48), the Memphis Grizzlies’ future after Mike Conley’s season-ending surgery (8:12), potential improvements to All-Star Weekend (13:30), and possible trade-deadline moves (18:22). Then, they debate Boston vs. Philadelphia (25:30) and preview this week’s most exciting games (31:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cleveland's Very Bad Week, Trade Rumors, and Marveling at the Spurs | Group Chat (Ep. 198)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Kevin O'Connor to talk about the Celtics snapping their four-game losing streak and Kyrie Irving stepping into the role of team spokesperson (2:40), Ben Simmons's developing talent (6:25), and the multitude of rumors circling the Cavs (11:55). Then, they speculate about the "best version" of the Blazers (30:05), Spurs (39:00), Bucks (44:00), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

#RingerNBA Live: All-Star Reserves and Trade Deadline Preview | After-Party (Ep. 197)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, and Kevin O’Connor react to the announcement of All-Star reserves and perform a mock draft of the All-Star teams (1:28). Then, they are joined by The Ringer’s Haley O’Shaughnessy to discuss intriguing trade possibilities ahead of the upcoming deadline (29:53). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Firings, Accusations, Rifts: This Is Why We Play? | The Ringer NBA Show (Ep. 196)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor review the recent dramatic news in the NBA: the Milwaukee Bucks firing Jason Kidd (2:19), the seemingly imploding Cleveland Cavaliers (16:18), Kawhi Leonard’s rift with the San Antonio Spurs (29:25), and Damian Lillard’s reported discontentment with the Portland Trail Blazers' front office (35:05). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

East Teams in Strugglesville and All-Stars in Tinseltown | Heat Check (Ep. 195)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers’ continuing struggles (0:50), review Chris Paul’s recent exploits (7:27), and discuss Eastern Conference teams dealing with internal turmoil (16:32). Then, they debate the omissions from the All-Star starters (23:11) and preview this week’s most exciting games (32:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kemba Walker Trade Rumors and Mock-Drafting the All-Star Starters | Group Chat (Ep. 194)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Danny Chau and Paolo Uggetti to discuss the Kemba Walker trade rumors and possible destinations for him (1:30). Then, they talk about the NBA All-Star Game, the starters for the East and West, and who was left out (16:10), before implementing a mock All-Star starter draft (23:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Sources Say': NBA Fight Club and Celtics Legends Controversy (Ep. 193)
EThe Ringer's Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan marvel at the NBA fights of late, and offer theories to explain the recent rise in incidents (1:05). Next, they examine the Isaiah Thomas video tribute debacle (11:20) and Clippers-Cavs trade rumors (19:10). Then, they congratulate Jayson Tatum on his new child (21:05), wonder whether the Baby Lakers are friends (22:55), and examine Chris Paul's California real estate ventures (24:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The (Sort of) Brawl in the Hall and the Broken Cavs (Ep. 192)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Kevin O’Connor review the various altercations in and around the Rockets-Clippers game (1:13), answer fan questions regarding the aforementioned incident (17:56), and analyze the Cleveland Cavaliers’ issues, as were on display against the Warriors (24:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Heat Check’: The Jimmy Butler-for-MVP Campaign Starts Here (Ep. 191)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez check in on the state of the NBA through the first half of the season (0:34), preview Chris Paul's return to play the surging Los Angeles Clippers (15:20), laud the NBA’s efforts regarding social activism (26:15), review some quirky stories coming out of last week (35:52), and look forward to this week’s slate of games (39:34). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Group Chat': Sixers-Celtics, What Ifs, and the Future of the Warriors (Ep. 190)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy and Jason Concepcion to react to the London 76ers-Celtics game (2:18), then they ask some "What if..." questions about the NBA in general (18:35), before speculating on the future of the Golden State Warriors (28:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rule of Three(-Pointers) and Trade-Season Preview (Ep. 189)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the recent Jimmy Butler–led Minnesota Timberwolves surge (0:58), speculate about the Phoenix Suns’ future with Devin Booker at the helm (18:33), and debate the change in the role of 3-pointers (31:09). Then, they analyze how the San Antonio Spurs have managed to thrive in the absence of key players (37:31), wonder if DeMarcus Cousins should be shooting 3s (46:01), and evaluate the likelihoods of recent trade rumors (48:23). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Heat Check’: Turbulent Lakers, Triumphant Raptors, and Tampering in L.A. (Ep. 188)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez unpack the drama surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers (0:58), evaluate the updated All-Star voting process (8:52), project the impact of players returning to action (14:38), and wonder if the Toronto Raptors could contend with the top-tier teams (20:24). Then they discuss some regrettable choices by players named Paul (24:49), react to eccentric news stories in basketball (30:47), and preview this week’s slate of games (34:01). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Group Chat': Is Cavs-Celtics a Real Rivalry? (Ep. 187)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier sit down with Haley O’Shaughnessy and Paolo Uggetti to discuss the less than impressive Cavaliers-Celtics game and ask whether the teams have a real rivalry (0:50). Then they test out a new segment, "Illusion vs. Reality," in which they review the Raptors, Thunder, Nets, and more (10:30). Finally, they try to separate some of the middle-of-the-road teams from contenders and wannabes (30:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Sources Say’: The Air-balling of Grievances (Ep. 186)
EThe Ringer's Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan kick off the new year by discussing the photo of Baron Davis and Laura Dern (01:00), Isaiah Thomas's return (10:15), Jackie MacMullan's piece on Kyrie Irving (14:45), and the Lakers airing their grievances (24:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The King in the Fourth Joins King James, the Raptors Evolve, and the L.A. Teams Diverge (Ep. 185)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor anticipate the impact of Isaiah Thomas returning to action for the Cleveland Cavaliers (1:09), assess the potential consequences of James Harden’s injury on the Houston Rockets’ future (18:30), commend the Toronto Raptors’ improvements as evidenced by their recent winning streak (24:47), analyze the manifold implications of the Los Angeles Lakers falling down the standings (31:26), debate the plausibility of Donovan Mitchell winning Rookie of the Year (44:10), and evaluate the Los Angeles Clippers’ suddenly viable playoff hopes (49:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One Thing for Every Team With Bill Simmons, Part 2 (Ep. 184)
EHBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor discuss one topic for each of the 30 teams in the NBA. In Part 2, they break down teams with records over .500. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One Thing for Every Team With Bill Simmons, Part 1 (Ep. 183)
EHBO and The Ringer’s Bill Simmons and The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor discuss one topic for each of the 30 teams in the NBA. In Part 1, they analyze teams with records under .500. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Group Chat': The 12 Questions of Christmas With Bill Simmons (Ep. 182)
EThe Ringer's Justin Verrier is joined by Danny Chau, Paolo Uggetti, and HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons to discuss the Christmas Day slate and beyond through 12 questions, including: "Who are the 76ers?" (1:50), "Should the Cavaliers trade the Brooklyn pick?" (14:50), and others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kobe’s Past, Rockets’ Present, and Rookies’ Future (Ep. 181)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor review Kobe night at Warriors-Lakers (0:40), evaluate Jayson Tatum’s rapid maturation on display against the Pacers (9:33), and laud this year’s impressive rookie class (17:18). Then they discuss the Bulls’ surprising win streak stemming from Nikola Mirotic’s return (27:02), analyze the ingredients behind Houston Rockets’ continued dominance (33:42), and anticipate the return of key players in the Eastern Conference (43:44). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Heat Check’: Anyone Can Beat the Thunder, Including the Thunder (Ep. 180)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez review the Oklahoma City Thunder’s eventful week (1:26), debate which team is the worst in the league (13:24), preview the Kobe Bryant jersey-retirement ceremony (19:44), discuss some young players (26:58), and get excited for Christmas Day games (34:32). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Simmons on the NBA Trade Saga With Bill's Dad and Kevin O'Connor (Ep. 179)
EHBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by his dad and The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor to discuss some of the trades that shaped this NBA season, Russell Westbrook's off-ball play, the trade deadline, and way-too early NBA Finals talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Group Chat': Houston Is Good, OKC Is Bad, and Hezonja Is Back (Ep. 178)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Danny Chau and Haley O’Shaughnessy to throw out some LeBron relocation theories (0:50), try to pinpoint what's wrong with the Thunder (3:30), gush about the Rockets (14:45), and answer some rapid-fire questions (21:10). Then they bring back 'Take Tank' (27:25) and try guess the narrative for the upcoming Lakers-Cavaliers game (41:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rising Teams in the East, Setting Teams in the West (Ep. 177)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to Victor Oladipo’s transformation into a star (4:15), debate why the Oklahoma City Thunder superteam hasn't worked (17:54), and analyze the Toronto Raptors’ surprising success (29:09). Then, they gauge whether the dominant Rockets will contend with the Warriors (43:34), speculate around LeBron’s future (51:22), and consider which Western Conference teams will rise to playoff contention (56:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Heat Check’: Jah, Boogie, and the J-Team (Ep. 176)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez discuss the Stephen Curry–less Warriors (01:15), how the Sixers and the Nets have been adjusting since the Jahlil Okafor trade (11:00), and Victor Oladipo's impressive play for Indiana (19:15). Then they play an all–Boogie Cousins edition of "Real or Not Real" (23:30), talk about "the J-Team" catching on in Boston (28:15), and wrap up by looking ahead to this week's games (33:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Top 25 NBA Players of the First 25 Games (Ep. 175)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, and Danny Chau parse through their article ranking the 25 best players in the NBA through the season thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Group Chat' — LeBron James and Kevin Durant at Their Best (Ep. 174)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Paolo Uggetti and Haley O’Shaughnessy to discuss peak LeBron and KD (1:45). Then they wonder if some teams would've taken a do-over if given a second chance to make managerial decisions, including the Suns, T-Wolves, and more (18:33). Finally they tackle some NBA anomalies, including Bradley Beal's recent performance and DeMarcus Cousins's solo success (40:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Sources Say’ — Agent News, Frustrated Teams, and LaVar Ball Speaks (Ep. 173)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan examine the recent scandal regarding decertified NBA agent Andy Miller (0:43), wonder about the future of big men in the league (7:54), and debate the most frustrated teams so far (10:47). Then, Juliet is joined by ‘The 5th Quarter’ director and producer Michael D. Ratner and LaVar Ball to discuss the intersections between the NBA and Hollywood (21:26). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Underperforming Superteams, Overperforming Rookies, and the First-Quarter Awards (Ep. 172)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor review the Warriors’ eventful night against the New Orleans Pelicans (1:40), debate the roots of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ issues (12:43), laud Donovan Mitchell’s impressive scoring display (37:17), and explore potential trades for DeAndre Jordan (44:31). Then they give out awards for the season thus far (51:46). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Heat Check’ — Old Friends and New Foes (Ep. 171)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez discuss Chris Paul returning to Los Angeles with the soaring Rockets (0:20), speculate on the possibility of DeAndre Jordan joining his old teammate in Houston (6:36), examine the cratering young Lakers (9:12), and consider the significance of Derrick Rose returning to the dominant Cleveland Cavaliers (13:30). Then, they detail the feud between Andre Drummond and Joel Embiid (18:33), debate the best big men in the league (21:17), recount the bizarre story of Nerlens Noel getting a hot dog during a game (28:38), and run through this week’s most exciting games (32:09). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

'Group Chat' — NBA Watchability Rankings (Ep. 170)
EThe Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Danny Chau and Haley O’Shaughnessy to try to figure out just how bad the Thunder really are (1:44). Then the crew re-ranks the top five NBA teams based on watchability (20:04), before ending with Danny’s Odditorium—a new segment that dives into the mind of an NBA oddball (29:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Tale of Two Hot Seats: The Fractured Grizzlies and the Dismal Clippers (Ep. 169)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor parse the falling out between Marc Gasol and David Fizdale (1:16) and debate whether the Memphis Grizzlies should tank (15:34). Then they review the implications of the surging Pistons’ win against the Celtics (45:19), wonder how the San Antonio Spurs keep winning without Kawhi Leonard (51:02), and speculate as to what the latest Blake Griffin injury could mean for the Los Angeles Clippers’ future (52:49). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Heat Check’ — A Rose by Any Other Name (Ep. 168)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez discuss Derrick Rose considering leaving basketball (1:03), look forward to Isaiah Thomas’s looming return to action (5:49), examine the schism between Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies (9:23), scrutinize the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent struggles (19:29), check in on retiring NBA players (27:23), and list the games they are excited for (32:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Sources Say’ — The New NBA: Exciting for Basketball, Not As Exciting for Gossip (Ep. 167)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman discuss Klay Thompson’s comments on scaffolding (0:33), react to C.J. McCollum’s subpar trash-talking (5:25), condemn Danny Ainge’s questionable tweet regarding Kyrie Irving (7:50), speculate on the turmoil within the Oklahoma City Thunder (11:34), recount Ray Allen’s catfishing saga (17:28), and ruminate on Ben Simmons’s guarded personal life (20:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA Therapy Session and the Rorschach Test (Ep. 166)
EThe Ringer’s Chris Vernon and John Gonzalez react to the phenomenon that is the Boston Celtics’ ongoing winning streak (0:31), reinstate the Cleveland Cavaliers as a true contender (6:15), diagnose the problem with the free-falling Clippers (9:40), speculate on the future of the Utah Jazz without Rudy Gobert (16:28), and praise the surprisingly good Portland Trail Blazers (24:09). Then, they adjudicate which middling teams will rise above the fray (29:53). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Heat Check’ — Basketball Doesn’t Stop (Ep. 165)
EThe Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez review the Celtics’ continuing win streak (0:49), marvel at the Warriors’ effortless dominance (3:31), and tout the young 76ers’ impressive recent performance (9:45). Then, they play "Real or Not Real?" with the sinking Los Angeles Clippers (16:33), check in on James Harden and Lonzo Ball (22:50), and preview the holiday weekend’s slate of games (27:52). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices