PLAY PODCASTS
The Ringer's NBA Draft Show

The Ringer's NBA Draft Show

79 episodes — Page 2 of 2

What’s the Move at No. 2? Plus, Monitoring the Rockets and a Draft-Inspired Q&A.

KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the latest rumors surrounding the draft, starting with what the Hornets are thinking with the second overall pick (01:15). Will it be Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, or a trade? The Rockets are one of the more intriguing teams in the lottery, and the guys debate what moves (if any) they can make to contend for a playoff spot next season (11:34). The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide was recently updated, so KOC shares his motives for some of the risers and fallers on his big board (17:57). Also, the guys turn to Twitter for an NBA draft Q&A (25:13). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 7, 202359 min

Will Teams Copy the Nuggets and Heat? Plus, Taylor Hendricks, Emoni Bates, and Draft Philosophies.

KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss what the NBA's other 28 teams can learn from watching the Nuggets and Heat reach the Finals (01:35). They project forward with draft prospects like Jordan Miller from Miami (Fla.), debate UCLA’s Jamie Jaquez Jr.’s potential role in the NBA, and why they both are high on UCF’s Taylor Hendricks (12:01). After watching Jaylen Brown struggle with handling the ball against the Heat, the guys discuss similar prospects who struggle with the ball and whether they can succeed in the league without evolving that skill (32:50). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 31, 202351 min

Analyzing the 2023 NBA Combine

KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the combined performances of the Thompson Twins and where they could potentially get drafted (01:30). Next, they discuss Wake Forest’s Bobi Klintman skipping the combine and why the guys were impressed by UCLA’s Amari Bailey (19:39). They also discuss the combined performances of Ben Sheppard, Brandin Podziemski, and more (35:56). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 24, 202357 min

San Antonio Wins the Wembanyama Sweepstakes

KOC and J. Kyle Mann dive into the draft lottery, starting with San Antonio’s leap to the number one pick, and how drafting Victor Wembanyama will dictate the Spurs’ offseason. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Corey McConnell and Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 17, 202338 min

2023 NBA Mock Draft: The Final Pre-Lottery Edition

With one week left until the draft lottery, KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss which teams have the most and least to gain in the lotto before spinning the Tankathon wheel to have one last mock draft. Nos. 1-5 (22:22) Nos. 6-10 (35:47) Nos. 11-14 (45:19) Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 10, 202356 min

Killian Hayes, Marvin Bagley III, and the Lessons Learned From Our Biggest Draft Mistakes

KOC and J. Kyle Mann reflect back on their previous draft mistakes and discuss the lessons they've learned along the way. They each discuss their biggest whiffs and blind spots when evaluating, and they also talk about scouting in this era of basketball and more. Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 3, 202356 min

James Nnaji and the Importance of a Big's Role Versatility

KOC and J. Kyle Mann dive into the NBA potential of FC Barcelona's James Nnaji after he submitted his paperwork to enter this year's draft. They discuss what makes him an intriguing prospect and his offensive ceiling, and they debate how high he could get chosen and what team is his best fit. Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 26, 202344 min

Analyzing the Standout Young Players in the NBA Playoffs

KOC and J. Kyle Mann take a look at some of the young players who are having strong performances in the early going of the 2023 playoffs, starting with the Kings’ Davion Mitchell (01:12). They also discuss the Warriors' whiffs on their recent draft picks and debate if there are any pure scorers like Steph Curry or Damian Lillard in this upcoming draft class. Jordan Poole continues to sit on the bench to end the games, and the guys debate if Poole can turn his career around and follow a similar career trajectory to Malik Monk's (24:10). Next, the guys discuss the massive impact made by Jaren Jackson Jr. en route to a Defensive Player of the Year award after Ja Morant went out (37:45). Can he continue to grow his offensive game? With one month to go until the NBA draft, the league finalized the lottery odds, and the guys debate which team with bottom-five odds they would be most excited to see move up (41:55). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 19, 20231h 3m

The Weird Thunder, The Paw's Big D, Portland's Draft Plan, And Searching For Wings

KOC and J. Kyle Mann recap yesterday’s Play-In Tournament action beginning with the back-and-forth game between the Thunder and Pelicans (02:44). The guys are excited to see how the Thunder will continue to grow while having trouble remaining optimistic for the Pelicans. Moving on the Bulls, the guys give high praise to Patrick Williams for his fantastic game in their comeback win over the Raptors (21:25). Also, Kyle shares who would have voted for in the MVP race, Victor Wembanyama showing his strength in the paint, and debate if the Blazers should continue to go all-in with Damian Lillard or finally pull the trigger and begin their post-Dame era (36:07). After discussing Kyle Filipowski's return to Duke, the guys discuss seeing musical artists before their big breaks (55:04). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 13, 20231h 19m

NBA Draft Guide Risers and Fallers, Plus Wemby’s Weakness and a Look at the Lotto Standings

KOC and J. Kyle Mann go through the biggest risers and fallers in The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide! They begin by debating if UConn’s Donovan Clingan should take a chance and declare for this year’s draft or return to school and possibly become a top-10 pick (05:30). In looking at Arkansas’s Anthony Black, the guys are in agreement that he’ll thrive in the NBA, and they discuss which teams would be the best fit for his skill set (21:06). Also, which prospect who fell in the rankings stood out most: Iowa’s Kris Murray, Pepperdine’s Maxwell Lewis, Indiana’s Jalen Hood-Schifino, or Duke’s Dariq Whitehead (25:51)? After the guys discuss Victor Wembanyama’s amazing putback dunk, KOC explains how Wemby’s latest loss exploited his biggest weakness (34:54). Lastly, the guys take a look at the current lotto standings and discuss the major implications of tonight’s Jazz-Thunder and Spurs-Blazers games (45:46). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 6, 202358 min

Final Four Preview, Jordan Hawkins Lovefest, and Who Helped or Hurt Their Draft Stock

KOC and J. Kyle Mann go through the Final Four and dissect the NBA potential of each team (01:52). After debating if San Diego State or Florida Atlantic have any real NBA talent, they look at UConn’s Jordan Hawkins, Andre Jackson Jr., Adama Sanogo, and Donovan Clingan. Also, which top prospect on Miami’s team will become the best pro (28:40)? They discuss why Brandon Miller’s poor tournament performance is nothing to worry about, as well as why they believe in Jarace Walker at the next level (33:51). In looking at the Arkansas team, they debate just how good Nick Smith is and explain why they are confident about Anthony Black’s NBA potential. Finally, they discuss Kansas State's surprising duo of Markquis Nowell and Nae'Qwan Tomlin (42:42). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 29, 20231h 4m

March Madness Prospects to Watch, Plus Scoot Henderson Is Shut Down

KOC and J. Kyle Mann react to Scoot Henderson being shut down for the rest of the season (01:45). They debate if Scoot has shown enough during his time in the G League before discussing why Brandon Miller has leaped over Scoot as the no. 2 overall prospect behind Victor Wembanyama. Also, the guys give their predictions for March Madness before discussing which prospects to watch during the tournament (19:04). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 15, 202336 min

A Top-10 NBA Mock Draft, the Thompson Twins Are Champions, and Taylor Hendricks Is Rising Up

The Thompson twins' season is over after winning the Overtime Elite Championship; KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the twins' NBA potential, some shooting concerns, and the difficulties evaluating them in the OTE (02:47). They also discuss the rising stock of University of Central Florida’s Taylor Hendricks (19:59). Finally, the guys bring you the first mock draft of the season! They simulate the ping pong balls and give you their mock for the first 10 picks in the upcoming draft (26:10). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 8, 202353 min

How to Identify Sleeper Picks, Sidy on the Rise, and Worried About Scoot’s Shooting

While the rest of the league is keeping an eye on the standings for playoff seeding, KOC and J. Kyle Mann take a look at the lottery standings (04:50). They discuss how the flattening of the odds have made it more likely a middle of the pack team can jump into the top of the lottery. In looking back at Jalen Williams, they debate how to identify potential sleepers like him (14:58). Next, they discuss Bronny James’s surprising top-10 ranking and a rising G League Ignite player in Sidy Cissoko (31:35). Staying with the Ignite, they discuss Sidy’s teammate, Scoot Henderson, and why his shooting is starting to become an issue. Also, they briefly discuss Alabama’s Brandon Miller and his connection to the case of a fatal shooting (44:59). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 1, 202354 min

Weird Draft Prospects, Tank Race Update, and Another Frenchman Emerges

KOC and J. Kyle Mann play a game of buy or sell as they discuss the current draft stocks of several NBA prospects. Also, in this week’s Wemby update, the guys discuss the rising stock of his teammate Bilal Coulibaly (43:29). (04:47) — Nick Smith Jr., Arkansas (10:57) — G.G. Jackson, South Carolina (17:25) — Baba Miller, Florida State (20:47) — Dereck Lively II, Duke (29:53) — Dariq Whitehead, Duke (34:02) — Maxwell Lewis, Pepperdine (37:41) — Dillon Mitchell, Texas *The Ringer NBA squad is coming to Salt Lake City for NBA All-Star Weekend! Get your tickets here!* Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 15, 202355 min

Getting to Know Indiana’s Jalen Hood-Schifino and Trayce Jackson-Davis

After no. 18 Indiana took down no. 1 Purdue over the weekend, KOC and J. Kyle Mann take a look at two promising prospects from the Hoosiers: Jalen Hood-Schifino (03:25) and Trayce Jackson-Davis (15:27). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz *The Ringer NBA squad is coming to Salt Lake City for NBA All-Star Weekend! Get your tickets here!* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 8, 202335 min

College Prospect Progress Reports: Is Emoni Bates a Legit Pro? Has Gradey Dick Improved His D Enough? And Much More.

KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the progress of several prospects, beginning with Eastern Michigan’s Emoni Bates (01:32). After discussing his fun play style, they debate if he has shown enough outside of his offensive talent to be drafted. Next, they discuss the NBA potential of Purdue big man Zach Edey (20:38) and debate if Kansas’s Gradey Dick can become a passable defender at the next level (30:03). Also, they discuss Villanova’s Cam Whitmore and his shooting ability before diving into this week’s Wemby update (35:22). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz *The Ringer NBA squad is coming to Salt Lake City for NBA All-Star Weekend! Get your tickets here!* Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 1, 202350 min

The 2021 NBA Re-Draft: Analyzing Everyone from Mobley and Giddey to Grimes and Sengun

After passing the halfway mark of the NBA season, KOC and J. Kyle Mann decide to redraft the lottery portion of the 2021 NBA draft. Nos. 1-5 (03:15) Nos. 6-10 (23:57) Nos. 11-14 (41:46) Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 25, 20231h 6m

Latest Prospect Rankings and Previewing The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide

KOC and J. Kyle Mann open the show by discussing the recent performances of Alabama’s Brandon Miller (04:40), Florida State’s Baba Miller (14:21), and Kentucky’s Cason Wallace (22:16). Ahead of Thursday's release of The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide, the guys debate the rankings of prospects like Houston’s Jarace Walker (34:12), Alabama’s Noah Clowney (42:39), and more. They wrap up the conversation by debating whether UCLA’s Jaime Jaquez Jr. is worthy of a first-round pick, and if Kris Murray can rise up the board like his twin brother Keegan did in last year’s draft (50:03). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 18, 20231h 1m

Analyzing Cam Whitmore, Jarace Walker, and UConn's Rising Prospects

After briefly talking about Kentucky’s lackluster season, KOC and J. Kyle Mann dive into a potential top-10 pick, Villanova’s Cam Whitmore (06:52). They discuss their impressions of the freshman so far this season, what improvements he can make, and comparable wing players, before debating whether playing Whitmore in the G League is good for his development once he enters the NBA. The guys also touch upon rising Houston prospect Jarace Walker (21:08). Next, the guys discuss UConn’s loaded roster and debate the NBA potential of Jordan Hawkins, Andre Johnson Jr., Adama Sanogo, Donovan Clingan, and Arthur Kaluma (24:37). In this week’s Wemby update, the guys discuss his offensive ceiling and what type of teammates can maximize Wemby's skill set in the NBA (42:25). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 11, 202355 min

Tanking Teams, Scoot’s Poster, and Malibu’s Finest Prospect

KOC and J. Kyle Mann begin the show by discussing Scoot Henderson’s return from injury as well as his current draft stock and what he needs to do to solidify himself as the no. 2 prospect in this year's draft (03:08). The guys discuss what stood out from Victor Wembanyama’s play in the past week, as well as his performance in the 3-point shootout in the French All-Star game (15:30). Next, the guys look at five potential teams that could tank and debate if they should push for the playoffs, sniff around the league for trades, or completely blow it up. (30:10) - Jazz (38:45) - Raptors (48:40) - Bulls (54:13) - Wizards (58:00) - Hawks Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 5, 20231h 25m

New Year's Resolutions for NBA Draft Prospects

KOC and J. Kyle Mann give their resolutions for four promising prospects going into the New Year. Also, the guys share what games to watch with the New Year's edition of TV Guide (20:55). (06:42) - Jaime Jaquez Jr. (08:54) - Brandon Miller (10:57) - Dereck Lively (14:23) - Marcus Sasser Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 28, 202231 min

Are the Thompson Twins Trending Up? An Amen and Ausar Thompson Breakdown.

KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the draft stock and potential of the Overtime Elite's Amen and Ausar Thompson—a.k.a. the Thompson twins (01:29). They discuss the unconventional path the twins are taking en route to the NBA, how playing in OTE is affecting their development, whether the lack of a reliable jumper will hurt their draft stock, and the debate over where Amen should be ranked in this class. Also, this week's Wemby update (38:00). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 22, 202256 min

NBA Youngsters Rising and Falling, a Rising Unknown Freshman, and Games To Watch

With the release of The Ringer’s Top 100 NBA Player Rankings, KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss six of the younger players on the list and debate whether they will rise, fall, or stay the same as the season goes on (01:18). Some of the players they look at are Tyrese Haliburton ranked at 21, Desmond Bane ranked at 31, and Bennedict Mathurin at 90. In this week’s Meet and Greet, the guys introduce UCF freshman forward Taylor Hendricks (29:44). KOC previews his interview with Alabama’s top prospect, Brandon Miller, before sharing his experience attending the Houston-Alabama game over the weekend (37:34). The guys also give this the latest Wemby update before Kyle shares what games to watch this week (47:04). Check out The Ringers NBA Rankings, Ranking everything that matters in the NBA! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 14, 202256 min

First Impressions, a Sharpshooting Sleeper, and Why the Bulls Should Blow It Up

KOC and J. Kyle Mann give their first impressions of prospects Cam Whitmore from Villanova and Nick Smith from Arkansas (03:14). In looking at the success of players like Shaedon Sharpe and Darius Garland, the guys debate whether playing is the right decision for elite NBA prospects (23:17). In the debut segment of Meet and Greet, the guys introduce Tucker DeVries from Drake, a potential sleeper to keep an eye on (31:43). After this week’s Wemby update, the guys agree that it’s time for a reset in Chicago (39:55). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 8, 20221h 2m

The Way-Too-Early 2022 NBA Re-draft

After the first quarter of the NBA season, KOC and J. Kyle Mann decide to re-draft the lottery portion of the 2022 NBA draft. Nos. 1-5 (01:50) Nos. 6-10 (26:01) Nos. 11-14 (47:43) Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 30, 20221h 9m

Kings Beam Team Lessons, Arkansas-Creighton Takeaways, and the Emoni Bates Debate

KOC and J. Kyle Mann begin the show discussing the Kings' resurgence in the NBA, looking specifically at Domantas Sabonis (02:18). Next, they take a look at the Thompson twins and compare them to Ja Morant and De’Aaron Fox (15:55). Do the twins need to develop consistent jump shots to make it in the NBA? Also, they recap the Creighton-Arkansas game from Tuesday night and discuss the prospects from both schools (25:58). The guys debate the potential of Emoni Bates in their new segment, YouTube Obsessions, before diving into this week’s Wemby update (37:50). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 23, 202253 min

Champions Classic Prospect Rankings, Plus Scoot’s Big Week and Victor’s Floater 3s

KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the top five prospects from this weekend’s Champions Classic in Indianapolis (01:26). They also discuss some of the lesser-known prospects who competed before going into this week’s Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson update (25:23). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 16, 202244 min

Intro to the 2023 NBA Draft, Wings Galore, and Favorite College Prospects

Introducing The Ringer's 'NBA Draft Show' with Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann! They’ll get together every week to keep you up to date on all the top NBA prospects, including Victor Wembanyama. They discuss what to expect from the show before diving into what makes Wembanyama such a unique prospect and detailing the experience of watching him live (01:50). With Wembanyama locked in as the top prospect, they debate whether Scoot Henderson is locked in as the no. 2, and discuss the Thompson twins in Overtime Elite (17:32). Also, the introduction of the My Guys college draft, in which KOC and Kyle draft their five-man lineup of college players to watch entering the season (28:53). Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 9, 20221h 6m