Off Guard with Austin Rivers - podcast cover

Off Guard with Austin Rivers

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
NBA veteran, Austin Rivers, is joined by one of his oldest friends, Pausha Haghighi, to give you that true insider’s perspective from someone who’s actively playing in the league on anything and everything happening in the National Basketball Association. They hit on the biggest headlines and stories going on in the Association and of course, sprinkle in some of the best stories and memories from Austin’s extensive career.
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Episodes

Summer League Shenanigans: Wemby-Mania, Scoot Henderson, and Much More

Logan Murdock and Tyler Parker are live from the concourse of the Thomas & Mack Center to talk through all the shenanigans that took place during the first three days of Las Vegas Summer League. They discuss the performances of the 2023 draft’s top three picks, the Sacramento Kings, and the many characters that showed up to this year’s summer league. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Tyler Parker Producers: Jessie Lopez and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 10, 202335 min

Dame Requests Trade, Class of 2020 Max Contracts, and More From Day 2 of Free Agency

J. Kyle Mann and Tyler Parker join together to talk about the latest news on the second day of NBA free agency. They start off with Damian Lillard’s trade request from the Blazers and the team destinations that sound most intriguing (03:14). Then, they discuss the max contracts signed by LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Hailburton, and Desmond Bane (16:02). After, they go into Houston’s latest acquisitions, the Lakers’ resignings, and more (28:43). Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Tyler Parker Producer: Eduardo Ocamp...

Jul 02, 202350 min

2023 Draft Reactions and WTF Is Up With This Warriors–Chris Paul Trade? | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha dive into the 2023 NBA draft and the trades made around the league. They break down the Bradley Beal trade and weigh the remaining pieces necessary for the Phoenix Suns (3:20), discuss the huge Porzingis trade to Boston (18:03), then contemplate what could have happened behind the scenes in Golden State to cause the Poole-CP3 switch-up (29:36). Then, they talk through the top picks from the 2023 draft and the impact these young players could have on their respective new teams (...

Jun 23, 20231 hr 7 min

Joker’s Interesting Championship Reaction, Miami’s Future, and More! | Off Guard

The Denver Nuggets won the Finals and Austin and Pausha are back to discuss all the reactions to the championship, including Nikola Jokic’s very tame reaction (7:03). Then, they switch gears and break down Miami’s future and their potential to create a star within their organization (15:41), touch on the Zion drama (28:12), and discuss news of the LIV Golf–PGA merger (as well as whether or not the NBA could be next) (53:13). Plus, more rapid fire questions and Austin’s Pet Peeves. Hosts: Austin ...

Jun 16, 20231 hr

Jokic-Murray the Best Two-Man Game Ever? Plus, Chris Paul’s Potential New Team and Mailbag Time! | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha break down Game 3 of the Finals and break down why the Nuggets took a firm 2-1 lead (4:43). They discuss another dominant Jokic performance and his potential to go down as the best center ever, and then touch on Jamal Murray’s role in making them such a lethal duo (12:53). Later, they discuss which team could suit Chris Paul best (38:52), and then answer your questions with an ‘Off Guard’ mailbag (52:20)! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes and Be...

Jun 09, 20231 hr 7 min

Jokic, the Nuggets, and the Altitude Dominate Game 1. Plus, Reaction to Monty Williams’s Historic Hire. | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha are back to talk through Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets’ dominant Game 1 performance in the NBA Finals. They discuss Austin’s feelings on seeing his former team being three wins away from a championship, what adjustments the Heat need to make for the rest of the series, and why they desperately need Tyler Herro back when he’s available. They close things out by addressing Monty Williams’s historic deal to become the new coach of the Detroit Pistons. Hosts: Austin Rivers an...

Jun 02, 20231 hr 7 min

Celtics Put Pressure on the Heat for Game 6 | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha are back to preview Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals (02:00). Then, the guys talk about LeBron’s retirement scare this week and his impact on the NBA (28:00). Later, Callie Curry joins Pausha to add to the Celtics vs Heat dialogue (54:00). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Guest: Callie Curry Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 27, 20231 hr 12 min

Doc Rivers Out in Philly, Wemby In with the Spurs and the Nuggets’ Championship Run | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha kick off the pod talking about Joe Mazzulla’s obsession with ‘The Town’ and if Austin has any similar traditions (07:48) Then, they discuss the Draft Lottery results, including Wemby’s fit in San Antonio and whether Portland should trade away Damian Lillard (11:04). They also give their thoughts on the Sixers letting go of Doc Rivers and the speed of turnover in the NBA (25:11). After that, they touch on Ja Morant’s second suspension, give their thoughts on the Conference Final...

May 20, 20231 hr 12 min

Would Austin Ever Coach in the NBA? Plus, the Warriors’ Future and All-NBA Team Reactions | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha are back to discuss JJ Redick’s head coach interview with the Raptors, the workload that it takes to be a coach, and if Austin would ever consider being a coach or executive (10:35). Then, they talk about Philly and Boston’s title chances, a potential Warriors’ break up, and the importance of depth in the playoffs (29:11). Later, they react to the All-NBA and All-Defensive teams, how it impacts Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown’s possible contract extensions, and why these selectio...

May 12, 20231 hr 22 min

Nikola Vucevic on His “Welcome to the NBA” Moment, Love for Batman, and More | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha welcome two-time All-Star and current Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic for an in-person, in-depth chat on everything from his brief time with the Philadelphia 76ers to becoming an All-Star with the Orlando Magic to the trade that eventually sent him to the Bulls (21:14). The guys also dive into Nikola’s off-court interests as he explains his love for Batman, ‘Star Wars,’ and his car collection (53:43), before throwing him into the deep end for another classic edition of Rapi...

May 05, 20231 hr 32 min

Warriors’ Title Chances, LeBron’s Playoff Run, and What to Make of Giannis’ Postgame Comments | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha are together in Florida for their first ever in-person recording! The guys kick things off discussing Austin's and the Timberwolves’ season and playoff run (2:20). Then, they turn their attention to the Nuggets-Suns second-round series (8:00), the Warriors potentially winning it all again (12:00), and what to make of Lakers-Grizzlies (14:40). Later, they highlight their favorite guards to watch, touch on Giannis’ comments in the media after being eliminated by the Heat, and ran...

Apr 29, 20231 hr 3 min

Draymond-Sabonis Reactions, T-Wolves’s Game 3 Adjustments, and More! | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha are kicking things off by offering their tips for choosing your best pick-up basketball team (8:05). Then, they jump back into the playoff rotation and discuss the Jarret Allen–Julius Randle and Draymond Green–Domantas Sabonis altercations (13:03), before talking through adjustments the T-Wolves have to make heading into Game 3 against the Nuggets (22:32) and which playoff series they're enjoying most (35:50). Lastly, they discuss a hard knocks solution for increasing the casua...

Apr 21, 202351 min

What Went Wrong vs. the Lakers, Play-In Part 2 vs. the Thunder, and the Kuzma-Dinwiddie Drama | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha unpack all that went down during the Timberwolves-Lakers play-in game on Tuesday, from the Lakers comeback to Mike Conley’s ridiculously clutch free throws, before addressing what needs to be done to clinch the eighth seed vs. the Thunder (3:52). Then, they break down teams to watch heading into the postseason, from the Cavs-Knicks matchup to a defending champion Warriors squad against the Kings (15:19). Later, Austin sets straight his thoughts on the Bronny James NIL valuation...

Apr 14, 20231 hr 2 min

Bronny James’s Massive NIL Valuation, the Angel Reese–Caitlin Clark “Drama,” and Austin’s Thoughts on the New CBA | Off Guard

Austin and Pausha are back and drop their thoughts on Bronny James’s NIL valuation (5:23), react to both NCAA tournaments and more specifically, the media-driven “drama” surrounding Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark (13:44). Then, they discuss the evolution of the game with thoughts on the changes coming to the new CBA (24:44). Later, they make the case for Joel Embiid as MVP (30:22), and then wrap things up with another round of Story Time and Austin Rivers’s Pet Peeves (37:50). Hosts: Austin River...

Apr 08, 202351 min

Karl-Anthony Towns on His Return and the T-Wolves’ Past, Present, and Future | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha are joined by Karl-Anthony Towns to discuss his triumphant return to the court after missing over 50 games with a Grade 3 calf strain (1:37). They reflect on Minnesota’s warm welcome, KAT’s big 22-point return, and how the team held it down without him for almost four months (8:23). Then, they go down memory lane and reflect on KAT’s career with his carousel of coaches, GMs, and playing with the Big Ticket himself, Kevin Garnett (39:05). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi...

Mar 24, 20231 hr

Tapping Into March Madness. Plus, a Ring Culture Debate and League Scuffles | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha tap into March Madness and recap Pausha’s in-person experience watching the wild Virginia-Furman game, before they discuss the difference between college and professional hoops (1:20). Then, they switch gears and try to make sense of scuffles around the league, including the recent confrontation involving Giannis, Trey Lyles, and Brook Lopez (13:58). They also weigh in on the “ring culture” debate (24:38) and Ja Morant’s recent interview about his current situation. Later, Aust...

Mar 17, 202344 min

Nikola Jokic’s MVP Discussion Takes a Turn, and Austin’s Biggest Pet Peeves | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha weigh in on the recent happenings with Ja Morant (6:12) and Kevin Durant’s ankle injury during warm-ups (17:12). Then, they break down Kendrick Perkins’s comments around Nikola Jokic’s MVP candidacy (25:31), address the ongoing feud between Dillon Brooks and Draymond Green (31:37), and discuss the teams leading both conferences ahead of the playoffs (41:17). Later, Austin outs himself as the “Larry David” of the NBA, revealing some of his biggest pet peeves (45:40). Hosts: Aust...

Mar 10, 20231 hr 5 min

KD’s Suns Debut, Load Management, and Five-Year Anniversary of the Rockets-Clippers Tunnel Debacle | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha are back and kicking things off by discussing KD’s debut with the Phoenix Suns (3:46). They touch on Durant’s performance alongside Devin Booker, dive into his role on this particular team, and discuss which tenure was more successful: KD with the Warriors or LeBron with the Heat (5:06). Then, they dive into Charles Barkley’s comments about load management and provide insight from today’s play while also comparing the older generation of players to this generation (16:16). Late...

Mar 03, 20231 hr 11 min

Debunking the Russell Westbrook Narrative, Ben Simmons’s Trajectory, and Why You’re Not as Good at Basketball as You Think | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha are back after the All-Star break to discuss how the weekend shook out and what could help improve ratings (3:28). Then, they discuss the turn of the season with 21 games left (18:50), touch on Mike Conley’s addition to the Timberwolves (21:22), and review Russell Westbrook's involuntary role as the best buyout player in the league (27:47). Later, they talk Ben Simmons’s career (43:55) and wrap things up with another round of rapid fire, focusing on Rihanna’s Super Bowl perform...

Feb 24, 20231 hr 4 min

D’Angelo Russell Traded to the Lakers, and Mike Conley Joins the Timberwolves. Plus, More NBA Trade Deadline Reactions. | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha are talking everything NBA trade deadline, starting with Austin's former T-Wolves teammate D’Angelo Russell being traded back to the Lakers and veteran point guard Mike Conley coming to Minnesota. They discuss what the Lakers are getting from D-Lo and touch on how the Timberwolves can use Conley on their roster (3:49). Then, they weigh in on the two biggest trades of the deadline, Kyrie Irving heading to the Mavericks and Kevin Durant to the Suns, and discuss how these trades a...

Feb 10, 20231 hr

Anthony Edwards on His All-Star Snub, Playoff Hopes, and Favorite Players to Go Against | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha are joined by Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, a.k.a. “Ant-Man,” for a fun, wide-ranging conversation. They start by reacting to the fresh news of Ant not being selected as a Western Conference All-Star and discuss other players who may have been overlooked (3:48). Then, they talk through his past playing football before eventually finding his passion in basketball (9:38) and dive into last year’s playoff run against the Grizzlies and how playoff experience has impa...

Feb 03, 202350 min

Supreme Scorers, the Evolution of Rivalry Week, and Dissecting the Latest NBA Drama | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha revisit the Wolves’ big win against the Pelicans, highlighting Anthony Edwards’s 37-point performance, then talk about the other supreme scorers around the league dropping 30-plus points per game (4:00). Later, they talk through some off- and on-court drama—including Draymond Green taking ownership for his actions in Golden State (28:46) and the recent incident with Shannon Sharpe and the Grizzlies, before discussing the NBA’s Rivalry Week and the evolution of competition with ...

Jan 27, 20231 hr 5 min

Potential Playoff Runs and Dunk Contest Disruptions, Plus Mid-Season Awards | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha recap the Wolves’ close win against the Raptors and discuss how certain teams should handle their playoff aspirations when they’re in that middle ground of tanking or making a run (1:42). Then, they touch on a player’s mentality when trade rumors circulate (4:38), look at how home-court advantage impacts teams (10:41), and revisit their viral highlight culture conversation. Later, they share their mid-season awards for MVP, Rookie of the Year, and best potential dunk contest pa...

Jan 20, 20231 hr 6 min

Young Talent, Veteran Exposure, and How Highlight Culture Has Killed Basketball | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha break down the latest in the world of hoops and start with Wednesday's game between the Timberwolves and Pistons, where they break down the Wolves’ underwhelming performance and discuss how they can continue to improve (2:49). Then, they weigh in on the structure of the game due to the play-in strategy (8:22), dive into the veterans that have helped mold Austin’s career (19:37), and discuss how highlight culture has killed the game of basketball (30:45). Later, they share thoug...

Jan 13, 202354 min
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