The Ringer NBA Show

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray sat out the Nuggets' victory over the Warriors Monday night, but is the reason for the stars sitting out plausible (1:14)? Speaking of Jokic, is he in the lead over Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the MVP (19:42)? Who’s down bad?! Should the Suns look to trade Devin Booker in the offseason (25:40)? Is there any hope for the Sixers after the latest news that Paul George will be sidelined for the remainder of the season (37:25)? Do the Mavericks have the bleakest future of them all after the Luka trade and Kyrie’s injury (41:38)? Plus, the highly anticipated mailbag (49:36)! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No Justin this week, so Rob and Wos are joined by J. Kyle Mann. Kyle walks the guys through some of the best NBA prospects in March Madness, what to make of Rutgers’s star duo, and much more. Hosts: Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Guest: J. Kyle Mann Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Warriors G Steph Curry hit 4,000 career 3s on Thursday night. Logan and Raja reflect on his career milestone (1:58). How dangerous are the Warriors? They’ve been hot since acquiring Jimmy Butler (6:49). Are the Thunder far and away better than the other teams in the West (22:20)? What would give you pause about the Boston Celtics (27:20)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back together to discuss the potential NBA Finals preview between the Thunder and the Celtics on Wednesday night. They discuss their takeaways even though both teams missed key contributors, who they’d pick if Boston and OKC meet in the Finals, and more. They then move on to discussing what the swing factors are for the top contenders. Lastly, it’s Take Forgiveness Day. Each of the guys bring an old take that they are holding themselves accountable for. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Movie star and filmmaker Ben Stiller joined Logan, Howard, and Raja to discuss all things Knicks and his decorated film career. How does Ben feel about the Knicks season thus far, and how far will the team go in the playoffs (2:49)? Has he ever gotten into it with opposing team players from the sidelines (19:44)? Where did Ben’s Knicks fandom come from (25:32)? The guys also get into 'Severance' conspiracy theories (35:50), Ben tells a great story about working with and getting to know Robert De Niro (51:05), and he also stays for the mailbag! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and John Richter Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Wos are joined by producer Isaiah Blakely, who is filling in for Rob this week, for the second edition of the White American Draft. This time, each person is allowed two European players. The guys fill out a 10-man rotation and discuss each pick. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Wosny Lambre Guest: Isaiah Blakely Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this Friday edition of ‘Real Ones,’ Logan and Raja open the pod by discussing LeBron's confrontation with Stephen A. Smith after the Lakers defeated the Knicks in OT on Thursday night (1:07). Was LeBron in the wrong for walking up to Stephen A. in defense of Bronny? The confrontation overshadowed what was a great basketball game. Has the Knicks’ offense been exposed to being Brunson or bust (15:28)? Logan and Raja then play a game in which they explore what they're seeing from specific teams and whether those teams are peaking too early (31:46). How do Steph and Jimmy balance their coexistence on the court, as it has been helping them win? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Keith Fujimoto Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos follow up their No-Power Rankings pod with the Future Power Rankings discussion. This time, they're ranking the best situations in the NBA from this point onward, excluding the Thunder, Celtics, and Cavs. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto This episode is sponsored by State Farm®. A State Farm agent can help you choose the coverage you need. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Michael Pina and Howard Beck sit down to give their thoughts on the new nine-part documentary series, 'Celtics City,' on HBO. They discuss how their perspectives were shaped after the documentary, what Celtics season they would’ve liked to have covered, whether their opinion on anyone changed, and much more. Then, Wosny Lambre sits down with the director of 'Celtics City,' Lauren Stowell, to discuss how Lauren got involved with the project, interviewing legends like Larry Bird and Kevin Garnett, handling the perception of the city of Boston, and more. Hosts: Michael Pina, Howard Beck, and Wosny Lambre Guest: Lauren Stowell Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell start the pod with the unfortunate season-ending injury news for All-Star guard Kyrie Irving (0:21). Irving’s injury adds to the long list of Mavs players that have been sidelined throughout the season, including Anthony Davis (who was traded for Luka Doncic). Just how catastrophic has this season been for the Mavs? On the flip side, the Lakers have been rolling and are 16-4 in their last 20 games. LeBron and Luka seem to fit perfectly together and Howard believes this still isn't the best version of Luka. How terrified should the Western Conference teams be (23:18)? Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer/Audio: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos kick off the week discussing what’s next for the Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid after the latter’s season was ended due to a knee injury (2:31), and talk out whether or not the Sixers should enter full tank mode. Then, the guys go through their latest edition of the No-Power Rankings and figure out which teams currently have the worst situations for the foreseeable future in the NBA (18:12). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Anthony Edwards received his 16th technical foul and was ejected during the Timberwolves' matchup against the Lakers Thursday night. Ant will now serve the mandatory one-game suspension for receiving his 16th tech. Former teammate Austin Rivers joins Logan and Raja to discuss how receiving so many technicals can affect his image and what steps Ant-Man should take to boost his stardom (3:37). Plus, Paul George has decided to halt his podcast to focus on the Sixers, getting healthy, and trying to win a championship. What’s the real reason George put the mic down, and can active player podcasts affect results on the court (38:42)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Guest: Austin Rivers Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Video: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos go through the past five years of the NBA draft and reselect the top five picks! 2020 (03:37) 2021 (18:32) 2022 (47:35) 2023 (65:40) 2024 (79:34) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss the Knicks falling to the Cavs and the Celtics in embarrassing fashion over the weekend (7:08). Can the Knicks realistically compete with top-notch competition, or should they be content with possibly reaching another 50-win season? The Sixers have been a complete dumpster fire since the start of the season, and Joel Embiid is facing lingering injury problems. Should the Sixers shut him down for the rest of the season and enter the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes (31:06)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Video: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos kick off the week by looking to answer five big questions heading into the NBA season’s stretch run: What’s the Lakers’ ceiling this season? (2:44) Can Jimmy Butler’s face-melting dark arts work in the Western Conference? (20:41) Are we sure the Knicks are the third-best team in the East? (35:40) With Wemby now ineligible, who are the five first-team All-NBA guys? (45:16) Who has it worse from this point on: Phoenix or Philly? (1:02:44) The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Wosny Lambre Producer: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard start off with the news that Victor Wembanyama will be ruled out for the remainder of the season (01:16). Then, Howard goes on a legendary rant about aggregators (09:07), their personal experience at All-Star Weekend (25:11), and their thoughts on the new format as well as the event as a whole (32:39). After, they discuss Luka’s underused role with the Lakers so far (48:59), before getting into whether or not expansion is really the best idea for the NBA (54:37). Hit the mailbag!: [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are joined by J. Kyle Mann and start with the news that broke right before the show: Victor Wembanyama will be out for the season (5:00). Later, with Expansion Week happening at The Ringer, the guys decide to do an NBA Expansion Draft (10:38). Justin and Kyle are the GMs of the first expansion team in Seattle, while Rob and Wos are the GMs of the second expansion team in Vegas. Each team picks nine players, then they walk us through who’s eligible for the draft and their reasoning behind each pick. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Wosny Lambre Guest: J. Kyle Mann Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard M’fin Beck are live from the Punchline in San Francisco during All-Star Weekend (presented by State Farm)! The guys discuss the true contenders from both the Western and Eastern Conference. Will this All-Star weekend be successful with the new ASG format? Plus, Raja dissects if AAU is affecting the NBA product and answers who were the top 5 overrated/underrated players he had to defend during his playing days. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag!: [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Video: Victoria Valencia Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With no Justin for this episode, Rob and Wos open up the listener mailbag! They start by giving their thoughts on the Brandon Ingram extension (5:41) before answering your questions about the Warriors (15:25), the Sixers' disastrous season (26:07), Russell Westbrook for Most Improved Player (37:51), who makes first-team All-NBA in 2030 (43:55), and much more. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard get right into Luka Doncic’s debut as a Laker. How will the new-look Lakers pan out with Luka and LeBron, and how far can they go in the Western Conference (01:42)? Whose team is it between LeBron and Luka, and how can the team balance satisfying both stars' needs (16:49)? Jimmy Butler has looked solid in his first two games with the Warriors. Can they make a playoff push and avoid the play-in with Jimmy (39:43)? Logan is also joined by Joel Anderson and Bryan Curtis to discuss the state of the NBA and where the league and its players stand on social issues (1:18:04). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag!: [email protected] Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Guests: Bryan Curtis and Joel Anderson Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here to discuss the latest news coming out of the Luka trade and the Mark Williams trade being rescinded (18:52). Then they each bring two questions they have after the trade deadline (29:33). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos get together to discuss some of the biggest questions we now now that the trade deadline is past. They discuss some of the more curious trades (3:40), who’s the most down bad (22:41), Jimmy Butler to GSW (40:41), Mark Williams to the Lakers (47:22), and more. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard start their trade deadline recap by discussing the Jimmy Butler trade and whether this was the right move for the Warriors (1:55). Then they discuss the Lakers getting Mark Williams from Charlotte (32:27) and De’Aaron Fox’s first game as a Spur (37:30). Then they pick out some winners and losers (45:32) and wrap up with their Real Ones of the Week (1:05:45). Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Get your tickets to the live show at Punch Line San Francisco on February 15 here. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard are still trying to process the trade that shocked the world. Where were the guys when they found out, and how shocked were they (1:42)? Just how concerned were the Mavs about Luka behind the scenes to warrant the trade (14:59)? How should LeBron feel about the move (40:36)? What can the Warriors do at the deadline to put a championship-contending team around Steph (52:17)? The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hit the mailbag!: [email protected] Get your tickets to the live show at Punch Line San Francisco on February 15 here: https://www.universe.com/events/the-ringer-nba-show-real-ones-live-tickets-9NVPKF Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back to give their thoughts on De’Aaron Fox getting traded to the Spurs and Zach LaVine getting sent to the Kings (3:50). They give their thoughts on each side of the trade. Then they take a look at the Luka Doncic–Anthony Davis trade. Wos gives his initial thoughts, and then they discuss the news that’s come out since the trade and what these teams will look like moving forward (32:49). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Justin Verrier are here to give their immediate reactions to the Dallas Mavericks trading Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis in a three-team deal. They begin with their initial thoughts on the deal and then they get into how this affects the Lakers this year and beyond, what this says about the Dallas front office and how the team will perform moving forward, what this means for LeBron and much more. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Justin Verrier Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Friday, and Logan and Raja start the show off by discussing the biggest All-Star snubs from the East (2:45) and West (9:23). Then they discuss Adam Silver’s idea of potentially having 10-minute quarters (13:30). They wrap up on Zion talking about not playing back-to-backs (22:26), the most recent De’Aaron Fox trade news (29:04), and their Real Ones of the Week (43:49). Hit the mailbag! [email protected] Get your tickets to the live show at Punch Line San Francisco on February 15 here. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos answer the biggest questions ahead of next week’s trade deadline. They take a look at suitors for De’Aaron Fox (6:05), Jimmy Butler, and Zach Lavine (30:35). They also predict which team makes a surprising move (45:42), and who doesn’t make a move but should’ve (47:31). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Heat guard/forward Jimmy Butler has been suspended yet again by the team after leaving a shootaround. Logan, Raja, and Howard Beck open the pod with a lengthy discussion on how Jimmy’s latest plea to be traded to another team could affect his career (1:12). Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder believes there should be three All-Defensive teams and two Defensive Player of the Year awards due to the differences in how you have to defend as a guard vs. as a big. Does he have a point (21:31)? Logan and Howard pick their All-Star reserves (39:06). Plus, mailbag! Hit the mailbag!: [email protected] Get your tickets to the live show at Punch Line San Francisco on February 15 here: https://www.universe.com/events/the-ringer-nba-show-real-ones-live-tickets-9NVPKF Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back to hand out some title pie. In this exercise, the guys divvy up the championship pie and tell us what percent chance each contender has to win the title and why (5:24). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are here with the Friday vibes. They begin the show by reacting to Anthony Davis’s comments about his preference to play the 4 (5:55). They also discuss possible centers that the Lakers could acquire. Then Raja provides a temperature check on how Miami Heat fans feel about Jimmy Butler now that he’s been suspended a second time (17:29). After that, they discuss some of the politics behind All-Star voting on the players' side, specifically in relation to LaMelo Ball and Victor Wembanyama not starting (34:11). They wrap up with their Real Ones of the Week (45:50). Get your tickets to the live show at Punch Line San Francisco on February 15 here. Email us your questions at [email protected]. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back this week with their Eastern Conference All-Stars (2:55). They run through their selections for starters, reserves, and wild cards. Then Rob and Wos have a take-off where Justin judges each of them on one new take and decides which one is better (55:16). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Howard Beck start the pod off with a deep dive on the Warriors following their MLK Day 125-85 blowout loss to the Celtics (2:55). Howard then announces his All-Star ballot and gives his take on why he chose those players for the game (35:51). Logan is then joined by Bomani to discuss the current political climate and how the NBA and the players are handling the transition to Trump's presidency (1:08:28). Get your tickets to the live show at Punch Line San Francisco on February 15 here: https://www.universe.com/events/the-ringer-nba-show-real-ones-live-tickets-9NVPKF Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Guest: Bomani Jones Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s Friday vibes here on Real Ones as Logan and Raja fire up their mics to discuss just how good the Thunder really are after their big win over the Cavaliers (5:44). After the break, they discuss how the Kings look so far under Doug Christie (23:02), just how nasty things are in Golden State (0:00), and the Timberwolves’ frustrating season (32:45). They add in some football talk with their NFL divisional round playoff picks (46:30). And in ‘Real One of the Week’ they discuss the discourse between Jimmy Butler and Pat Riley, plus Shaq’s comments on Jamal Murray (49:40) Get you tickets to the live show at The Punchline in San Fran 2/15/25 here: https://www.universe.com/events/the-ringer-nba-show-real-ones-live-tickets-9NVPKF Hosts: Logan Murdock & Raja Bell Producer: Brian H. Waters Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are in the All-Star spirit, so it is time for them to make their picks. They start out in the loaded Western Conference to break down (and, of course, debate) which players they would each pick as their starters (10:30), reserves (35:23), and wild cards. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Producer: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The pod opens with Raja, Logan, and Howard discussing a video of Raja getting hyped on the court after his son had an intense game versus another good player in Miami (00:57). The guys have a spirited conversation on how and why LaMelo Ball is getting so much All-Star love (6:09). The Pelicans suspended Zion Williamson on Friday prior to their matchup against the Sixers for a violation of team policies, but this has been a pattern for Zion. What’s next for his career and for the Pelicans (32:49)? Jimmy Butler wants out of Miami. Should he be careful about how he’s viewed across the league in requesting a trade (44:46)? Get you tickets to the live show at The Punchline in San Fran 2/15/25 here: https://www.universe.com/events/the-ringer-nba-show-real-ones-live-tickets-9NVPKF [email protected] The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos kick off the week by taking a closer look at a handful of teams to answer an all-important question: “Is this anything?” They start by talking about the recently resurgent Indiana Pacers and Tyrese Haliburton’s hamstring injury (7:31) before getting into the Miami Heat’s three-game win streak and Tyler Herro’s potential All-Star resume (22:03). Then, they discuss Paul George’s boredom playing center (34:45), the Kings’ turnaround under Doug Christie (44:09), and LaMelo Ball’s popularity in the league (50:55). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja start by talking about the Cavs’ historic start to this season and whether they should aim for the best regular-season record ever (9:40). Then they talk about another crazy Anthony Edwards dunk, and Raja talks about defending dunkers (23:02). After that Logan talks about his piece for The Ringer about LiAngelo Ball’s hit song, which leads to a discussion about hip-hop and music in general in the NBA (34:12). They wrap up with their Real Ones of the week (47:27). ‘Real Ones’ will be live at All-Star Weekend in San Francisco! Get your tickets here. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos discuss the Cavs' impressive win over the Thunder and whether they think any differently about those two teams (10:20). Then, they talk through how to fix three middling teams, attempting to save the Timberwolves (45:13), Warriors (58:27), and Bulls (1:06:53). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan finally makes his return from paternity leave, and Howard quizzes him on what’s been happening during this NBA season (15:41). The MVP race has been tight, but who truly deserves it (22:58)? An NBA All-Star revelation leads to a spirited discussion on whether the league is promoting the correct things (27:55). Raja’s Suns and Bradley Beal are at odds, but Beal holds all the cards with a no-trade clause. What’s next for both parties (38:55)? Plus, the mailbag and some love for Gelo’s new track bringing back the '99 and 2000s. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos come together and talk about some of the biggest stories in the recent NBA news cycle. They discuss where Jimmy Butler will land (4:05), Wemby vs. Jokic (38:50), and Kawhi Leonard’s return (57:06). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard and Raja are joined by three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford. They start by talking about his transition from basketball to being in media and the differences between working in studio and on the broadcast (14:57). Then they talk about Jamal’s workouts with Victor Wembanyama over the summer and what that was like (23:02). Then they wrap up with their thoughts on Jimmy Butler officially wanting out of Miami (33:23), how good the Knicks are (46:59), and Jamal and Raja talk about when they knew it was time to retire (57:35). Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Guest: Jamal Crawford Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos turn the page and welcome the new year with six questions to monitor at the start of 2025. They discuss contenders in the east (7:03) and west (29:15). They talk about which L.A. team can go farther in the playoffs (38:37), a refresh to their League Pass rankings (50:35), if a star will get moved at the trade deadline (59:48), and MVP favorites (1:12:34). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Raja and Howard are back with a New Year's Eve edition of 'Real Ones.' Raja explains what it’s like to play on New Year's (1:03). The Sacramento Kings have fired yet another coach in Mike Brown, who won Coach of the Year in 2023. Should De’Aaron Fox and the players take some accountability for Brown's firing, and where does this revolving coaching door come from with the Kings (7:40)? The Lakers and Nets traded D’Angelo Russell and Dorian Finney-Smith, along with some picks. Will DFS help the Lakers improve and contend for a title? And why can’t DLo find a permanent home (29:00)? Plus, Cliff’s Sixers are rolling and a mailbag! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Wos are joined by Kirk Goldsberry to discuss the D’Angelo Russell trade and what the ceiling is for the Lakers now (3:15). Then, they talk about Kirk's piece on TheRinger.com about what kind of player LeBron James is now. They also give their thoughts on the Russell trade from the Nets' perspective, and whether Brooklyn has more trades to make (27:36). They wrap up with their thoughts on the Kings firing Mike Brown and if that will change anything in Sacramento (41:36). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Wosny Lambre Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard and Raja are joined by three-time NBA champion Danny Green. They recorded before the Sacramento Kings fired Mike Brown so they started with talking about whether they have any concerns about the viewership in the NBA after an exciting Christmas Day slate (7:03). Then they discuss the trade rumors around De’Aaron Fox and Jimmy Butler and how that impacts their team (37:15). Later, they wrap up with Luka Doncic's injury and how it adds to the list of guys that will potentially be ineligible for post season awards (53:13). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Guest: Danny Green Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start this holiday-themed episode by discussing the news around De’Aaron Fox and whether he could leave Sacramento and where he could go. Then, they bring their grievances to the table for NBA Festivus. They discuss the All-Star Game format, the second apron, and much more.The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck is joined by The Ringer’s Tyler Parker to discuss the NBA Christmas Day schedule and why the Thunder are not playing that day (5:30). Then they discuss Tyler’s experience at the NBA Cup and whether he had any takeaways from the Thunder’s Finals loss against the Bucks. They wrap up by comparing this iteration of the Thunder to past teams (39:00) and quickly giving their thoughts on the new All-Star game format (1:06:10). Howard is then joined by two-time NBA dunk contest champion and reigning G-League MVP Mac McClung to get into his experiences as a two-way player on the Orlando Magic (1:17:24). They also talk about what it’s like to have that documented on “The Break”. Mac later touches on whether he’ll be defending his dunk contest title again. Host: Howard Beck Guests: Tyler Parker and Mac McClung Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos start by discussing the Bucks' impressive blowout win over the Thunder in the NBA Cup final (2:45). Then they pivot to the rest of the league and each talk about one story line they’ll be watching now that the NBA Cup is over (48:04). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard is joined by the legend Raja Bell to talk predictions! With the NBA Cup final approaching, they give predictions and talk about what being in the final tells them about the Bucks and Thunder (7:00). After, they talk about the potential impacts from the Schröder trade (26:20), and give their forecasts on the unofficial start of the trade season and the players they’d like to see dealt (38:20). Then, they end the show with a mailbag about the winner mentality and the difference between offense in football and in basketball (46:45). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Howard Beck Guest: Raja Bell Producer: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices