The Ringer NBA Show

The 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

The 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

The 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 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

The 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

The 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

The 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 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

HBO 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

HBO 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

The 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

The 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

The 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

HBO 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

The 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

The 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

The 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 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

The 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

The 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

The 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

The 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

The 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

The 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

The 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

The 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 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

The 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

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan, Jason Concepcion, and Justin Verrier share their instant reactions to the blockbuster matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. 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 examine Joel Embiid's career-high display in the 76ers-Lakers game, Ben Simmons, and the state of Lonzo Ball (0:57). Then they give out some first month awards (14:30). Next, the guys are joined by Kevin Clark, who tries to explain the enigma that is the Orlando Magic (36:50). Finally, Haley rejoins the group to look ahead to an exciting Warriors-Celtics matchup (45:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor question whether LeBron James’s comments about Dennis Smith Jr. are true (1:55) and analyze how potent the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense really is (8:30). Then, they dissect the winning ingredients that make up the Boston Celtics (14:25), consider the Detroit Pistons as a sustainably good team (22:55), highlight Anthony Davis’s dominant string of games for the New Orleans Pelicans (31:00), project how the Utah Jazz will adjust to losing Rudy Gobert (39:00), and diagnose the extent of the Los Angeles Clippers’ problems (42:00). Afterward, they look ahead to the college basketball prospects who may make an impact in the NBA (48:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez deliberate on who the second-best team in the league is (0:17), analyze the implications of the Rudy Gobert injury for the Utah Jazz (10:08), and debate the most essential players for each team (13:36). Then, they play "Real or Not Real?" with LeBron James’s comments on Dennis Smith Jr. (17:06), Lonzo Ball’s apathy toward his triple-double (19:43), and Rick Carlisle’s apparent dislike of Nerlens Noel (21:33). After, they heat-check Jordan Clarkson and the new-look Milwaukee Bucks (24:14) before running through the most intriguing games of the week (28:27). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, and Paolo Uggetti discuss whether they are hyped or concerned about some teetering teams (1:59). Then they debate some hypothetical coach trades (29:19) and play another round of Take Tank (37:04). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman unpack the newest batch of drama surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers (1:02), speculate on the Chicago Bulls’ infighting scandal between Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic (13:13), celebrate the most fun teams in the league (17:03), and assess the state of NBA gossip thus far in the regular season (24:21). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Hillsong pastor and NBA confidant Carl Lentz to lay out how the secret NBA scrimmages come about in the summertime and many more inside-the-NBA stories from the likes of LeBron and reigning MVP Russell Westbrook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to Eric Bledsoe being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Greg Monroe (0:24), address the Jahlil Okafor trade rumors (14:43), and marvel at the Celtics’ surprising early-season success (16:40). Then, they discuss the drama within the Miami Heat concerning Hassan Whiteside (26:12), speculate on the meaning behind LeBron’s Instagram post (28:32), and debate whether Kristaps Porzingis could be in the MVP conversation (33:18). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez review the weekend’s exciting Thunder-Blazers matchup (1:30), laud the Celtics’ dominant winning streak (6:50), gauge their concerns about the precarious Cavaliers (11:55), and analyze D’Angelo Russell’s first return to Los Angeles as a Brooklyn Net (16:05). Then they play Real or Not Real with the Eastern Conference 2-seed Detroit Pistons (20:00), sensational Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell (21:35), and stats-stuffing savant DeMarcus Cousins (22:05). Finally, they heat-check the New York Knicks’ Kristaps Porzingis (23:40) and look forward to the week’s most intriguing games (27:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by recently departed ESPNer Tom Haberstroh to give his thoughts on the Cavs' lacking defense (18:00), potential Boogie Cousins trades (30:00), and re-drafting the 2017 NBA draft (42:00). 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 Cavs and the Bucks (0:57). Then they bring in Jason Concepcion to examine the current state of the New York Knicks (13:15). Finally, Haley O’Shaughnessy returns to tackle some more teams, including: the Suns, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Pistons, and Pacers (24:52). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the personnel problems with the Cavs (10:00), the surprising top teams in the league (28:00), Aaron Gordon's improvement (38:00), the impressive young Bucks (50:00), and Kobe's film crew (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez sit down to talk some NBA story lines, including some obvious trouble in Cleveland (1:35), Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors (9:55), and the Clippers' impressive start to the season with point-Blake (22:13). Then they go on rookie watch to talk Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Frankie Smokes, and more (28:40). Finally, they look ahead to some of this week's more exciting matchups (33:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Paolo Uggetti to chat about Eastern Conference parity, the improved play of the Magic and Nets, the Spurs' and Raptors' style contrast with the rest of the league, the Cavs' new roster having the same old issues, Draymond Green's deflection tactics, and Eric Gordon’s impressive play without Chris Paul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan wade through the murky news surrounding Markelle Fultz’s shoulder injury (1:10), react to the bizarre schism between Eric Bledsoe and the Phoenix Suns (9:45), and celebrate the return of Draymond Green’s expert trash talk (16:30). Then they run through the trending topics from the first eight days of the young NBA season, including the joyless Minnesota Timberwolves (20:50), the ever-tumultuous New York Knicks (24:10), and the surprisingly competent Brooklyn Nets (29:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Suns firing Earl Watson (2:00), Eric Bledsoe's trade value (8:00), D-Wade's move to the bench (18:00), Giannis Antetokounmpo's MVP-level start (24:00), LaMarcus Aldridge's improved play (32:00), the Warriors' early struggles (37:00), Denver's bench talent (45:00), De'Aaron Fox's 'Dragon Ball Z' infatuation (57:00), the undefeated Grizzlies (1:05:00), and Ben Simmons's hot start (1:08:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez sit down to talk some NBA story lines, including Oklahoma City's precarious start to the season (1:05), Giannis MVP watch (5:15), Eric Bledsoe's illuminative tweet (11:48), and Lonzo Ball's first few NBA performances (19:14). Then they indulge in a few overreactions (29:44) and end with some games to look forward to (32:30). 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 chat about the first Clippers-Lakers matchup of the season (1:10), Chris Paul's timely released short film (5:38), and the Rockets' impressive bout with the Warriors (10:00). Then they discuss rookies' updated stock values (16:40), speculate on this season's MVP prospects (34:15), and discuss the talent gap between some top and bottom tier teams (38:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor bang out a far-reaching NBA regular season preview. Topics include: LaMarcus Aldridge's extension (4:00), McCollum missing the opener (14:00), the Houston Rockets experiment (17:00), the OKC superteam (24:00), the unpredictable T'Wolves (33:00), Nurkic's inspired play (43:00), the Pistons' improvement (49:00), IT's belief in Boston's regret (53:00), the Coach of the Year contenders (1:00:00), and the potential first coach fired this season (1:05:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Haralabos Voulgaris after a long hiatus from the podcasting world to discuss the biggest offseason moves (6:00), Oklahoma City's potential contender status (13:00), Kyrie's lacking defense (19:00), LeBron's exit strategy (27:00), the Warriors' unselfishness (36:00), the myth behind the Warriors' reinvention of basketball (44:00), and Ben Simmons's Rookie of the Year campaign (55:00). 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 chat about the ballooning hype for Joel Embiid (1:20), the possible precariousness of the "new old-look" Cleveland Cavaliers (8:50), and the awkward roster fits for the revamped Minnesota Timberwolves (18:55). Then, they bring on Paolo Uggetti to debate the meaning behind Kyrie Irving’s bizarre comments regarding the Cavs (26:10), whether Kyle Kuzma can maintain his impressive preseason performance (35:55), and if Carmelo Anthony will be good for the Oklahoma City Thunder (38:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor express their astonishment at Joel Embiid’s contract extension (1:50), wonder about the reasoning behind Gary Harris’s contract extension (19:00), and discuss the importance of nutrition when it comes to young NBA players (25:10). Then they debate the trajectory for preseason standout Kyle Kuzma (33:35), take sides in the James Harden–Kevin McHale feud (42:15), and explain Markelle Fultz’s new shooting form (49:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices