The Ringer NBA Show

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

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons outlines the entire Eastern Conference with help from Joe House and Jason Concepcion. Topics include: the inferior Eastern Conference (6:00), the Bulls' tanking efforts (10:00), the Nets not tanking anymore (18:00), the lack of incentive for the Knicks (24:00), reasons why the Pacers will stay competitive (29:00), the awful Orlando Magic (35:00), Philly's chance to take the next step (42:00), the Miami Heat's dark-horse title chances (57:00), Jabari Parker's trade value (1:06:00), the Wizards' chance for a Boogie trade (1:11:00), the Celtics' new core (1:15:00), and Kyrie's relationship with Brad Stevens (1:18:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor kick off their preseason discussion by speculating the meaning of Tommy Heinsohn’s comments on Aron Baynes (1:05) and wondering about the Orlando Magic’s future with Jonathan Isaac and Mario Hezonja (7:55). Then they react to Russell Westbrook’s contract extension (15:25), Ben Simmons playing with Markelle Fultz during his de facto rookie season (27:25), Klay Thompson’s looming free agency (35:45), Jaylen Brown’s lukewarm comments on the new Boston roster (38:15), and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ fluctuating starting five (42:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor is joined by Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler to discuss the influence of Hakeem Olajuwon (1:30), the state of the Rockets (4:00), the beauty of the Spurs (8:00), beating Matt Bonner in a 3-point contest (11:00), the Pelicans' potential (12:30), the rise of Canadian basketball (18:30), and the idea of "sticking to sports" (24:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Carmelo Anthony's trade to the Thunder (2:30), the history behind superteam success (10:00), the new-look Cavs (19:00), Chicago's complete overhaul (28:00), LeBron vs. Western Conference contenders (34:00), and potential changes to the current playoff format (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor dissect Kevin Durant's multiple social media accounts and discuss the best ways to respond to backlash on the internet in the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the most interesting rookie-scale candidates heading into the 2017-18 season (7:00), Joel Embiid's future in Philly (16:00), Rodney Hood's chance to shine in Utah (27:00), the Warriors' repeat potential (36:00), Pat Beverley in Los Angeles (54:00), and Hoodie Melo in an actual NBA game (1:01:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan discuss the Celtics and Cavs finally finalizing the deal for Kyrie Irving (5:00), Blake Griffin and Chandler Parsons's double date (12:00), and Rob Pelinka sticking to basketball even in the summer (17:00). Then, Mallory Edens joins to give her thoughts on owning an NBA franchise and dealing with the TMZ photo-snapping process (24:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman discuss the ridiculously wild NBA summer, including CP3's trade (4:00), Rob Pelinka's press conference parables (11:00), LeBron's interesting summer (21:30), Kyrie's personality (24:00), and what's going on with the Banana Boat crew (29:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Jonathan Tjarks discuss the possibility that Kyrie Irving is traded (8:00), the impact of David Griffin's departure (20:00), Eric Bledsoe's defensive upside (28:00), reasons Carmelo Anthony doesn't make sense as a one-year rental (34:00), and LeBron's rebuttal on Twitter (41:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the ire toward Lonzo Ball (5:00), Donovan Mitchell's shooting (12:30), Josh Jackson's jumper (20:30), the young Phoenix Suns (30:10), and the best free agents on the market (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor report live from summer league in Las Vegas to discuss the major story lines from the first weekend of games, and to rank the best and worst NBA offseasons so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon is joined by NBA TV’s Tas Melas to discuss the Toronto Raptors’ free-agency moves (1:00), Gordon Hayward’s potential landing spots (9:45), the dearth of talent in the Eastern Conference (21:15), Blake Griffin’s max deal with the Clippers (31:40), and the possibility of LeBron leaving Cleveland again (41:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Ryan brings on Bill Simmons to offer up initial reactions to the news that Chris Paul is heading to the Houston Rockets (3:00). Then, The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor joins to give his thoughts on what's next for the Clippers (17:30). Finally, Knicks fan Jason Concepcion of The Ringer bids farewell to the Phil Jackson era in New York (56:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the NBA Awards ceremony and some memorable moments (2:33). Then they take a hard look at upcoming free-agency moves (24:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor and Jonathan Tjarks recap the NBA draft. They start with the top six (0:32), then dissect the questionable Jimmy Butler trade (1:58), their draft surprises (9:45), and their draft steals (14:33). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices