The Ringer NBA Show

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Sam Amick of USA Today to discuss David Griffin's departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers (02:00), Jimmy Butler and the Boston Celtics (18:00), Paul George's interest in the Lakers (22:00), what the Clippers' addition of Jerry West means to Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the Clippers (26:30), and Phil Jackson's statement on possibly trading Kristaps Porzingis (34:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss the similarities and differences between LeBron James's and Kevin Durant's decisions to leave their first NBA teams (2:07). Later they talk offseason trades and the NBA draft (37:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Cavaliers falling short of beating the Warriors (1:20), Kevin Durant’s and LeBron James’s legacies (11:21), what superteams mean for NBA fandom (21:30), how teams could compete against the Warriors (41:48), and the biggest what-ifs of the playoffs (49:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor and Jonathan Tjarks look at the international prospects in their top 60 for the NBA draft. They discuss 'Filthy' Frank Ntilikina (2:02), Jonah Bolden (9:15), and Anzejs Pasecniks (14:08). Then, they talk about the most recent prospects to drop out of the draft (17:45) and finish up with two more prospect profiles (20:06). 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 who should be the Finals MVP, who’s to blame for Wednesday night’s loss, LeBron’s future, who the Celtics should select no. 1 overall, and how to plan for the Warriors from a GM's perspective. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor and Jonathan Tjarks discuss Adam Silver's updated stance on one-and-done prospects (5:00), Kobi Simmons's surprisingly low stock (12:00), Amile Jefferson's NBA potential (15:30), Derrick White's basketball smarts (19:00), Cameron Oliver's maturity (23:00), and Jordan Bell's ability to box out in the NBA (26:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by NBA writer Zach Harper to discuss LeBron's fatigue (5:00), the Cavs' chances to right the ship in Cleveland (13:00), the reason to blame Bill Russell for the Warriors' superteam (24:00), Durant playing center (28:00), and Russell's favorite TV show (34:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Washington Post national NBA writer Tim Bontemps to answer the 10 most important questions entering the 2017 NBA Finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Ryan brings on a roundtable of Ringer writers to discuss the stories they've been working on leading up to the NBA Finals. First, Jonathan Tjarks gives his thoughts on Kevin Durant's under-the-radar role (5:00). Then, Kevin O'Connor discusses the importance of isolation scoring (11:10). Finally, John Gonzalez gives his thoughts on the culture of the Warriors and the Cavaliers (20:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the major story lines heading into the 2017 NBA Finals. Topics include: Steve Kerr's absence on the bench (3:00), the importance of isolation scoring (10:00), the Warriors' defense (19:00), Tristan Thompson's importance (28:00), LeBron James's potential "greatest of all-time" label (34:00), and which is the favorite team for the casual fan (41:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor and Jonathan Tjarks discuss the best wing players in the 2017 NBA draft. Topics include: Justin Jackson's upside (8:00), Wesley Iwundu's sleeper status (14:00), the importance of basketball IQ (18:00), the next Malcolm Brogdon (23:00), and the best dark horse wing prospects (28:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Chris Ryan discuss LeBron's Game 3 illness (6:00) and his affinity for deferring (10:00), the Cavaliers' struggling defense (18:00), the best players on the Cavaliers and Warriors (23:00), Lonzo Ball on the Sixers (28:00), and the best TV shows to fill time before the Finals (36:00). Then, writer John Gonzalez joins to discuss Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, and Allie Clifton's in-season podcast, 'Road Trippin' With R.J. and Channing' (45:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Warriors' historic run to the Finals (5:00), Manu Ginobili's potential retirement (12:00), the Celtics' improbable comeback (24:30), Kevin Love's draft workout (33:00), the importance of "tweener" players in today's NBA (37:00), and the Celtics' impending free-agency decisions (41:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor and Jonathan Tjarks discuss the lottery-level guards in the 2017 NBA draft. Topics include: Markelle Fultz's defense (5:00), Frank Ntilikina's NBA frame (11:00), Dennis Smith Jr.'s fit on the Mavericks (17:00), Malik Monk's lack of assists (22:00), Donovan Mitchell's foundation of skills (26:00), and the ideal skill set of the modern NBA guard (30:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by CBS Sports columnist Gary Parrish to discuss Jaylen Brown's surprising play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals (5:00), Vegas's big spreads for the Warriors (15:00), Lonzo Ball on the Lakers (19:00), Markelle Fultz's lack of skeptics (25:00), LaVar Ball's premonition in AAU basketball (31:00), Josh Jackson's upside (37:00), De'Aaron Fox's demeanor (41:00), and Harry Giles's NBA chances (48:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor and Jonathan Tjarks give their initial reaction to the NBA draft lottery and discuss Boston's big night (5:00), potential Celtics chemistry issues (10:00), Josh Jackson's fit in Philly (17:00), the best players outside of the top three (21:00), the battle for point guards between Dallas and New York (26:00), a wide range of outcomes for Lauri Markkanen (31:00), and the biggest late-lottery sleepers (34:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss John Wall's game winner (5:00), the Wizards' consistency against the Celtics (10:00), the Spurs' chances without Kawhi Leonard (20:00), the Warriors' defensive mistakes (24:00), Durant and Curry's offensive explosion (29:00), Zaza Pachulia's closeout on Kawhi (33:00), the problem with 3-point shooters trying to draw fouls (37:00), and De'Aaron Fox's star power on draft night (47:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Shea Serrano discuss James Harden's no-show against the Spurs (5:00), the Spurs winning without Kawhi (15:30), the top moments in Spurs history (23:00), John Wall's cussing on the court (27:00), potential Wall vs. LeBron scenarios (34:00), and Harden's major shortcoming (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to discuss D.C.'s devastating sports night (5:00), the district's Friday-night crowd (11:00), the Wizards' end-of-game situations (16:00), James Harden's management of minutes (20:00), Kyle Lowry's injury (26:00), Otto Porter's midrange misses (33:00), and matchups of the best teams in NBA history against the Warriors (38:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Kyle Lowry's likely exit from Toronto (5:00), LeBron's demoralizing dominance (15:00), reasons to blow up teams with stars (25:00), Paul George's trade value (35:00), Wizards-Celtics (46:00), and the Rockets without Nene (54:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor and Jonathan Tjarks discuss the changing landscape of big men in the NBA (4:00), Jonathan Isaac's ability to play center (8:00), Jayson Tatum's NBA comparison (14:00), Josh Jackson's jump shot (18:00), OG Anunoby’s high ceiling (25:00), and potential fits for each top forward in the 2017 NBA draft (32:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Jason Concepcion discuss watching NBA games in L.A. (5:00), DeMar DeRozan's one-dimensional offense (14:00), Rockets-Spurs (24:00), James Harden's charging (29:00), ’90s basketball comparisons with Wizards-Celtics (35:00), and the NBA's investment in e-sports (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons calls his dad to talk about the Celtics' epic overtime victory over the Wizards on Tuesday night (02:00), John Wall's fatigue (08:00), if Avery Bradley is injured (11:00), if Isaiah Thomas is the best Celtics scorer since Larry Bird (13:00), and the upcoming NBA draft lottery (26:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Raptors' reliance on isolation against the Cavs (5:00), James Harden's masterful pick-and-roll play (10:00), LaMarcus Aldridge's dismal showing (15:00), the Spurs' discipline on defense (23:00), Wizards-Celtics (29:00), Scott Brooks's rotations (34:00), John Wall's scoring (40:00), and the Warriors' ridiculous spread over the Jazz (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Washington Post NBA writer Tim Bontemps to discuss Wizards-Hawks (4:00), the Bucks' point totals (10:00), the Bulls without Rondo (15:00), the Spurs' struggles (23:00), Joe Johnson and the Jazz (27:15), offseason moves for the Clippers (34:00), and Steve Kerr's absence from the bench (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss sweeps by the Warriors and Cavs (5:00), Raptors-Bucks (11:00), the Wizards' lacking bench (18:00), Taurean Prince's improvement (22:00), Hack-a-Shaq situations (30:30), Gasol and Conley (38:00), Kawhi's iso offense (44:00), and the Bulls without Rondo (55:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Chris Mannix of The Vertical to discuss Rajon Rondo's injury (01:00), an epic comeback by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavs (11:00), the Raptors' loss in Milwaukee (19:30), and the Grizzlies striking back in Memphis (26:00). Then, Ringer staff writer Rodger Sherman joins the show to analyze Russell Westbrook's performance in Game 2 (39:00) and the importance of Game 3 (46:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Celtics' struggles (5:00), Al Horford's disappearing act (11:00), Russell Westbrook's fourth-quarter collapse (18:55), John Wall's entertaining style (26:00), the Warriors' winning ways (32:00), Raptors-Bucks (39:00), Spurs-Grizzlies (42:00), and the Brooklyn Nets' playoff impact (50:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss David Fizdale's postgame rant (3:00), Kawhi's historic efficiency (14:00), Kevin Love's lack of shots (18:00), Raptors déjà vu (23:00), the Bucks defense (29:00), Bulls-Celtics (33:00), the loss of Rudy Gobert (40:00), Hawks-Wizards (44:00), Thunder-Rockets (48:00), and Warriors-Blazers (54:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Bill Simmons to discuss the most polarizing MVP race ever (5:00), James Harden's MVP case (10:00), CP3's attrition (15:00), Kyrie Irving and LeBron's disappointing win total (21:00), Celtics-Bulls (28:00), the Cavs's switch (32:00), Raptors-Bucks (35:00), the Celtics' formula (39:00), Thon Maker's wild-card potential (42:00), Kevin Durant's return (47:00), Spurs-Grizzlies (51:00), Clippers-Jazz (55:00), and the chance the Warriors-Cavs rubber match happens (58:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by NBA TV's Kristen Ledlow to discuss the end of the NBA regular season (5:00), the Cavs' playoff switch (11:00), Raptors-Bucks (16:00), Ahmad Rashad giving his blessing to her hosting ‘Inside Stuff’ (22:00), the best shoes in basketball (27:00), and advice for aspiring female broadcasters (31:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the end of the NBA regular season, the Heat's playoff push (6:00), the Bulls' best lineup (11:00), the best deal of the season (16:00), the underrated Clippers (22:00), LeBron's MVP argument (32:00), Westbrook vs. Harden (38:00), and the NBA awards banquet (48:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon is joined by Trey Kerby of NBA TV's 'The Starters' to discuss LeBron's Eastern Conference dominance (6:00), the most dangerous late seeds in the East (13:00), the Warriors' chances without Durant (19:00), Jazz-Clippers home-court advantage (25:00), Harden-Westbrook (31:00), and Harrison Barnes's upside (37:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Shea Serrano discuss Russell Westbrook's ridiculousness (5:00), Cavs-Celtics (13:00), Gordon Hayward's improvement (20:00), and the best NBA records yet to be broken (26:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the NCAA championship (5:00), Rob Hennigan’s leaked whiteboard (13:00), JaMychal Green’s market value (24:00), the Boogie–Anthony Davis experiment (35:00), and the best potential playoff matchups (43:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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