The Ringer NBA Show

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and John Gonzalez discuss the curious case of the Cleveland Cavs (02:00), the ascent of Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets (06:30), Jusuf Nurkic flourishing with the Trail Blazers (10:30), and the NBA experience in Portland (31:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon talks to Zach Harper about the end of the NBA regular season and the nearly finalized playoff picture in the West (1:10). They also discuss the MVP race heating up between James Harden and Russell Westbrook (35:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Cavs' putrid defensive effort against the Spurs (5:00), historically bad defenses to win titles (12:00), the Celtics taking over the 1-seed (21:00), Toronto's five-year plan (28:00), the 2011 Spurs' thought experiment (39:00), and De'Aaron Fox vs. Lonzo Ball (45:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Jonathan Tjarks discuss the young Suns (01:00), J.J. Barea vs. Blake Griffin (05:30), the Knicks and the triangle offense (10:45), Josh Jackson's draft value (14:00), the shooting mechanics of Lonzo Ball (19:00), and under-the-radar NBA prospects in the tournament (29:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by The Vertical's Chris Mannix to discuss Avery Bradley's expanded game (5:00), Bradley Beal's scoring (12:00), contenders in the Eastern Conference (15:00), Isaiah Thomas's thoughts on the Celtics' top pick (22:00), Tony Parker's impact on the Spurs (28:00), and the top prospect in the 2017 draft (35:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the spat between the Warriors and Thunder in OKC (5:00), the injury-report model in the NBA (17:00), the impact of resting stars like LeBron (23:00), redrafting the 2016 NBA draft (29:00), Malcolm Brogdon's Rookie of the Year candidacy (36:00), and the best prospects through the first weekend of the NCAA tournament (42:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by former NBA champion B.J. Armstrong to discuss MJ's popularity (5:00), targeting players like Draymond Green (14:00), the lack of development in the D-League (25:00), the age-limit rule (33:00), and Derrick Rose's injury-riddled career (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Vince Carter's performance Monday night (01:00), Western Conference teams losing players (03:00), Rajon Rondo and the rebuilding Bulls (23:00), and college players to watch in the tourney (32:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Katie Baker discuss the Wizards' rise in the East (5:00), Scott Brooks's "forced sabbatical" (11:00), John Wall and Bradley Beal's relationship (17:00), Wall's candidness (24:00), and the stars in the D.C. market (33:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by USA Today's Sam Amick to discuss Kevin Durant's injury (01:00), the possible playoff matchups (08:30), MVP chants for Isaiah Thomas at Golden State (16:00), the universal love for Dirk Nowitzki (23:30), and the complicated MVP race (34:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Micah Peters sits down with Gary Payton, Horace Grant, and Theo Ratliff to discuss the generation gap in basketball today, the Westbrook vs. Harden MVP debate, and who is the best Batman villain of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Andrew Bogut's bizarre injury (5:00), Dwight Howard vs. Dennis Schroder (10:00), Kawhi's MVP moment (22:00), and Gordon Hayward's superstar season (36:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Shea Serrano discuss the Warriors' recent loss (1:00), wonder if the Spurs are actually good (3:15), and debate which Wilt Chamberlain myth is more likely to have happened (9:50). Later, they chat about the Cavs vs. the field in the East (24:40) and Shea’s upcoming book (28:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by The Washington Post's Tim Bontemps to discuss witnessing Kevin Durant's injury firsthand (5:00), the importance of the 1-seed in the West (8:00), Matt Barnes's role on the Warriors (18:00), LeBron's loss in Boston (23:00), contenders in the East (28:00), and Joel Embiid's injury-riddled career (33:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Andrew Bogut's final four team choices (6:00), Brandon Jennings on the Wizards (11:00), the three-quarter-season awards (15:00), Harden vs. Westbrook for MVP (24:00), the 15 most important players in each conference (29:00), and if the Pelicans are worse with DeMarcus Cousins (35:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Chris Ryan discuss the quiet NBA trade deadline, the Raptors' acquisition of P.J. Tucker (8:00), the Lakers' activity level (14:00), Nerlens Noel's value (19:00), Lou Williams to the Rockets (28:00), the Celtics' assets (32:00), and the overall impact on the playoff race (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Vivek Ranadivé's comments on Buddy Hield's star potential (8:00), what constitutes a bad trade (15:00), how DeMarcus Cousins fits with Anthony Davis (19:00), Jimmy Butler trade talk (26:00), Kevin Garnett's NBA TV interview (34:00), and final predictions before the trade deadline (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and HBO's Bill Simmons discuss the many ramifications of the DeMarcus Cousins trade to New Orleans. Topics include: Vlade Divac's cap knowledge (8:00), Buddy Hield's star potential (12:00), the rundown of every team's trade scenario for Cousins (16:00), why the Celtics didn't take the risk for Cousins (27:00), Ralph Sampson–Hakeem Olajuwon similarities with Anthony Davis and Cousins (35:00), CP3's return to New Orleans (40:00), and potential trades still on the table (48:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Sacramento Kings head coach Dave Joerger to discuss DeMarcus Cousins's desire to finish his career in Sacramento (5:00), Ty Lawson's comeback (11:00), unfounded criticism of Cousins's defense (18:00), Willie Cauley-Stein's improved play (23:00), if the Warriors are better or worse this season (26:00), and favorite All-Star Game activities (30:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and The Washington Post's Tim Bontemps discuss Carmelo replacing Kevin Love in the All-Star Game (6:00), Bradley Beal's snub (14:00), Lou Williams's trade potential (18:00), and the battle for the 8-seed in the Western Conference (24:00). Then, they address the relevance of the dunk contest (28:00), Klay Thompson in the 3-point contest (34:00), and Tim Hardaway Sr.'s LGBT advocacy (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the top 10 story lines of the NBA, including the Serge Ibaka trade (5:00), Kevin Love's injury (10:00), Mike Budenholzer backing Paul Millsap (14:00), Nikola Jokic's breakout performance (22:15), LaMarcus Aldridge's All-Star snub (34:00), the newly coined NBA G-League (41:00), and 'John Wick 2' (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon sat down on Tuesday, February 7, with Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley to discuss his early years in the league (02:00), adjusting his game to play with Steve Nash (04:50), a different vibe with the Clippers (10:40), moving to Milwaukee (16:40), the young stars on the Phoenix roster today (32:30), the difference between stars and superstars (38:15), learning he was traded on Twitter (48:30), and the most ridiculous purchase he saw a teammate make (50:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Monday night's epic showdown between Cleveland and Washington (01:25), DeMarcus Cousins's likely suspension (11:55), the Jahlil Okafor trade rumors (19:55), and the past, present, and future of the Phoenix Suns (29:10). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Markelle Fultz's potential to be the no. 1 overall pick (5:00), Lakers vs. Sixers tanking strategy (15:00), LeBron's open tryouts for the Cavs (26:00), the return of Dion Waiters (34:00), and their best personal NBA Twitter stories (39:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by former NBA executive vice president and current NBA TV analyst Stu Jackson to discuss his induction into the Pac-12 Men's Basketball Hall of Honor (5:00), Rick Pitino pioneering the 3-point shot (8:00), quality control of NBA gameplay (13:00), and whether he would have suspended Draymond Green in the Finals (18:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by USA Today's Sam Amick to discuss LeBron putting haters on blast (5:00), LeBron's business relationship with the Cavs (11:00), the Cavs' free-agent workout (15:00), Charles Barkley's status as a beloved figure (21:00), the biggest threat in the East (27:00), and the immigration executive order's impact on the NBA (33:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Zach Harper of FanRag Sports to discuss the All-Star lineups (2:05), Rajon Rondo and the Bulls (13:33), and the Knicks' continuing Carmelo Anthony saga (22:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by The Vertical's Chris Mannix to discuss the trade rumors around Carmelo Anthony (5:00), possible destinations for Melo (10:00), the Cavs' lack of depth (15:00), Brett Brown's positive outlook (22:00), the Sixers' bright future (28:00), and Danny Ainge's many assets (33:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss a weird evening in the NBA (0:55), Kevin's Isaiah Thomas interview (12:45), and whether or not acquiring Carmelo Anthony could put the Celtics above the Cavs (29:36). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor is joined by Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas to discuss about his stellar 2016 (00:24), improving his step-back jumper (02:47), his thoughts during the draft (10:35), and what he learned from Kevin Garnett (15:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Shea Serrano discuss Russell Westbrook's stare during warm-ups (2:40), Zaza Pachulia's flagrant foul (4:55), the surging 76ers (11:19), five non-obvious guys whom Shea loves (15:10), and the 'White Men Can't Jump' reboot (29:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Warriors' drubbing of the Cavs (5:00), LeBron's flopping (8:00), Melo's trade options (12:00), the improving Wizards (19:00), Buddy Hield's defense (25:00), All-Star ballots (28:00), Wade-Melo legacy picks (35:00), and League Pass problems (40:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski to discuss Mark Cuban's relationship with NBA referees (5:00), D-Rose's absence (16:00), potential trades on the horizon (24:00), LeBron's Eastern Conference dominance (32:00), Ice Cube's 3-on-3 basketball league (38:00), Adam Silver's open-door policy (42:00), and the origin of the "Woj Bomb" (46:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Jason Concepcion discuss the Knicks' demoralizing loss in Philly (5:00), Carmelo Anthony's no-trade clause (12:00), Ron Baker's children's book (16:00), Mason Plumlee's triple-double pursuit (23:00), Bucks vs. T'Wolves for the hipster belt (34:00), Giannis Antetokounmpo's stardom (39:00), Joel Embiid's rookie season (42:00), and Chandler Parsons's virgin status (45:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor is joined by Sixers forward and Rookie of the Year candidate Joel Embiid to discuss his nickname, the return of the big man in basketball, his desire to play point guard, and his strong social media presence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss MIA Derrick Rose (5:00), what's next for the Knicks (15:00), moving Paul Millsap (23:00), C.J. McCollum trade talk (28:00), Joel Embiid at point guard (36:00), and Steph Curry's cameo on 'Family Guy' (42:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon is joined by Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post to discuss the huge trade that brought Kyle Korver to the Cavs (0:50) and possible other moves before the deadline (4:15). They also discuss the MVP race (19:45) and voting for the All-Star Game (27:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by NBA superfan James Goldstein to discuss pioneering NBA fandom (3:00), growing up a Milwaukee Hawks fan (6:00), Goldstein's rivalry with Kobe (10:00), his love for Dominique Wilkins (13:00), Clippers fandom (16:00), Durant signing with the Warriors (20:00), potential NBA rules changes (24:00), the history of the Lakers (31:00), almost buying the Bucks (39:00), hosting Rihanna's birthday party (42:00), and the Ray Allen shot in 2013 (45:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Rockets' rise in the Western Conference (5:00), Eric Gordon's all-star candidacy (12:00), potential teams to challenge the Cavs and Warriors (19:00), superstar trade scenarios (26:00), the glut of good point guards (31:00), the MVP race between James Harden and Russell Westbrook (38:00), and coaches on the chopping block heading into 2017 (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Houston Rockets forward Corey Brewer to discuss his transition from back-to-back national championships to bottom of the NBA (4:00), running "the octagon" with the Timberwolves (8:00), returning to Minnesota (12:00), the Rockets' hangover last season (17:00), advice for his younger NBA self (25:00), the best trash talkers in basketball (30:30), Kawhi Leonard's potential with the Spurs (34:00), and his farming abilities at home (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Blake Griffin's durability and decreasing dunk numbers (6:00), Nerlens Noel vs. Jahlil Okafor (15:00), and Cheick Diallo's surprising rookie season (23:00). Then, Chris and Kevin draft their top-five Christmas wishes for the rest of the NBA season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by The Washington Post's Tim Bontemps to discuss who gets credit for the new CBA (5:00), the details on designated veteran player contracts (12:00), the new max contract (19:00), the addition of two extra roster spots (30:00), the unchanged one-and-done rule (39:00), and Chris Paul and LeBron's final max contracts (42:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the foundation of footwork (6:00), the Daryl Morey effect on offense (10:00), James Harden's greatest skill (20:00), potential first-time All-Stars (25:00), Grizzlies-Warriors (35:00), and the highest-scoring game in NBA history (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Trey Kerby of NBA TV to discuss Wednesday night's Warriors-Clippers game (3:13), the Cavs humiliating the Knicks (13:58), Tom Thibodeau's struggles in Minnesota (28:58), and the success of 'The Starters' (34:48). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor celebrate the first quarter of the NBA season by handing out awards, including MVP (17:00), then they talk Joel Embiid's Rookie of the Year bid (25:00), Gregg Popovich vs. Quin Snyder for Coach of the Year (28:00), the plethora of Most Improved options (34:00), and whether anyone can top Klay Thompson's 60-point explosion (40:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Chris Mannix discuss the state of the MVP race (5:00), Sean Kilpatrick's breakout game (12:00), the Clippers-Nets fiasco (16:00), the Celtics' struggling defense (24:00), the impressive Pistons backcourt (28:00), and the best plan for the Grizzlies post-Mike Conley injury (32:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Russell Westbrook's triple-double standard (5:00), decide which teams are out of the playoff picture in each conference (15:00), pick three guys who are better than their stats suggest (22:30), and break down Kevin Love vs. Klay Thompson(38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's historic statistical feat (6:00), tanking advice for the Kings (14:00), Mark Cuban vs. Chandler Parsons (19:00), Kawhi Leonard's improved shooting (31:00), Evan Turner's poor start in Portland (40:00), and the expected changes in the upcoming CBA (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by USA Today's Sam Amick to discuss Marc Gasol's Conor McGregor dance (6:00), the Clippers' "strength in numbers" model (12:00), Klay Thompson's numbers returning to normal (16:00), the D.C. catastrophe (20:00), the impact of a Boogie trade on Kings fans (28:00), and Phil Jackson's "posse" comment (37:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss overarching themes and intriguing developments 10 games into the season, including the Clippers' bench play (5:00), the issue with high-usage players (12:00), Luke Walton's Lakers (18:00), Willie Cauley-Stein's trade value (22:00), Malcolm Brogdon's impressive rookie season (33:00), DeMar DeRozan's improved scoring (38:00), and the Timberwolves' surprisingly good offense (42:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices