Verno and KOC discuss the good and bad from the NBA this week, beginning with the amazing run that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on before discussing the Suns, the Kings' resurgence in Sacramento, and the Knicks, who are starting to look better (02:17). The bad takes a look at two teams who have a single player carrying them: the Warriors with Steph Curry and the Nets with Kevin Durant (38:14). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit pod...
Nov 18, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Verno and KOC each give three things they like and three things that they don’t like from this NBA season so far. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 15, 2022•1 hr 14 min
Verno and KOC begin the show previewing Timberwolves-Grizzlies before diving into last night’s Blazers-Pelicans game (01:59). As the Jazz keep winning, the guys debate if it’s time to consider them a playoff team and whether or not Danny Ainge would make a move (23:44). They also discuss Luka Doncic’s struggles after the Mavs dropped their last two games against the Magic and Wizards. KOC then ponders if we truly need all these new City Edition jerseys before getting into the latest about Kyrie ...
Nov 11, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Verno and KOC open up the show discussing the Celtics-Grizzlies game and Jayson Tatum’s hot start to the season (02:42). After praising last night’s staggered start times in the NBA, they discuss the special bond that’s forming in Portland and dive into the Warriors' struggles. Despite not being given any chance to compete, Utah is in first place in the West—the guys discuss how the Jazz are winning and why they are not a fluke (30:29). Also, they discuss the Hawks after they took down the Bucks...
Nov 08, 2022•1 hr 24 min
Verno and KOC begin the show discussing Kyrie Irving’s apology (02:11). James Harden is expected to miss a month with a foot injury, but the guys believe the 76ers will be just fine (22:02). Also, they discuss the Cavs-Celtics game from Wednesday night, Darvin Ham finding his groove with the Lakers, and the terrible start for the Warriors (28:05). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 04, 2022•1 hr 4 min
The Nets and Steve Nash agreed to mutually part ways, so Verno and KOC discuss the fallout in Brooklyn before briefly discussing the noise around Kyrie Irving (01:09). They next discuss last night’s Pistons-Bucks game and go through Giannis’s monster start, which has helped the Bucks remain the NBA’s lone undefeated team (28:19). As the Jazz continue their winning ways, the guys debate how long it will last before Danny Ainge decides to do something (37:57). Kawhi Leonard has played only two gam...
Nov 01, 2022•1 hr 28 min
Verno and KOC go through the good, the bad, and the ugly of the NBA season. Some of the good includes stars playing like stars, the higher scoring around the league, Jalen Brunson and Christian Wood fitting in with their new teams, the excitement of being able to watch all of Victor Wembanyama’s games for free, and more (01:11). The bad focuses on teams that have been most affected by injuries, as well as the winless Kings (40:21). Don’t give up on the Kings just yet! Finally, the ugly features ...
Oct 28, 2022•1 hr 17 min
Verno and KOC go through a list of the hottest NBA topics in ‘That’s True, That Might Be True, or That’s Ridiculous!’ They discuss whether the Nets are a potential play-in team, the Blazers' hot start, and whether there’s growing concerns with the Timberwolves (01:34). Also, the guys debate whether Kyle Lowry is toast after his poor start to the season, whether the Lakers will ever figure it out, and whether Doc will still be in Philly by the time Christmas rolls around (25:42). They finish up t...
Oct 25, 2022•58 min
With the NBA season officially underway, Verno and KOC go through their first impressions. They begin discussing the bad vibes in Philadelphia before moving on to the 0-2 Lakers, how the Knicks look with Jalen Brunson, and KOC’s beloved Pelicans (01:56). Also, they discuss the brilliant debut of Paolo Banchero, not being impressed by what Steve Nash has done, and debate whether DeMar DeRozan will go off again this season (36:42). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Lear...
Oct 21, 2022•1 hr 15 min
Verno and KOC discuss who did and didn’t get contract extensions as NBA rosters are now set for the start of the season (01:59). Then, the guys discuss KOC’s latest article on The Ringer, a profile on 76ers GM Daryl Morey (20:58). The NBA returns Tuesday, and the guys are ready to give you their semi-bold predictions for the year (38:40). You can find KOC’s article here: Daryl Morey Changed the Game, but He Still Hasn’t Beaten It Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Lear...
Oct 18, 2022•2 hr 36 min
Vernon and KOC begin the show discussing reports that the Lakers are planning on moving Russell Westbrook to the bench for their final preseason game (01:58). Could this bring out the best of Russ on the Lakers? Next, the guys answer 10 questions about the upcoming NBA season (11:53). Some of the questions explored: Which team could push for 60 wins? Which team are you least likely to watch? Which game would you get courtside seats for? and more. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: ...
Oct 14, 2022•1 hr 10 min
Verno and KOC discuss the only potential flaw for Victor Wembanyama, before discussing Nikola Jovic’s near-perfect pairing with the Heat, and the latest going on with Jae Crowder (01:38). With the NBA starting up next week, the guys each pick five players they are most interested in going into the season (16:41). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 11, 2022•1 hr 20 min
Verno and KOC return and are joined by TNT’s Adam Lefkoe. They discuss KOC’s trip to Las Vegas to watch top prospects Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson (01:44). Everyone gushes about Wembanyama’s skillset, but Henderson’s star potential is also can’t-miss. Next, the guys dive into the video of Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole (24:46). They discuss what the leaked video means for Dray, Poole, and the Warriors. Adam puts on his host hat and unveils his Lefkoe Awards! They give their future...
Oct 07, 2022•1 hr 19 min
Verno and KOC begin the show by discussing the 76ers after KOC attended their media day (01:35). He shares his excitement to see a full season of Joel Embiid and James Harden playing together, and Verno asks if this is the year Embiid becomes the best player in the league. The guys move on to teams that are carrying the most drama right now in the Suns, Nets, and Celtics (10:54). They debate if the Suns are making a mistake with Jae Crowder, and discuss Ben Simmons’s interview on ‘The Old Man an...
Sep 27, 2022•1 hr 6 min
Before starting today’s show, Verno and KOC share memories of our friend and colleague Jonathan Tjarks, who passed away over the weekend due to cancer (01:30). Then Kevin and Chris answer your mailbag questions. Topics include the Magic’s future, which player on the Grizzlies will make the biggest jump, and tips to staying young (16:33). You can donate to the Tjarks family here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Lets-help-our-friend-jonathan-tjarks?utm_campaign=p_nacp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link&u...
Sep 13, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Verno and KOC give their first reaction to the Cavs’ trade for Donovan Mitchell (01:07). Can Cleveland take the next step to compete for a championship with Mitchell? They also look at the deal from the Jazz’s perspective (15:30). Even though Utah is set up for a “tank-tastic” season, Danny Ainge has primed the franchise for future success. After some offseason trouble, Montrezl Harrell signed with the 76ers; the guys react to the signing (33:16). Finally, they go through the release of the 'NBA...
Sep 07, 2022•59 min
Verno and KOC discuss the Knicks signing R.J. Barrett to a four-year extension and what this means for Donovan Mitchell (00:58). The Wizards are being mentioned as a possibility for Mitchell, but the guys don’t believe he’s a fit next to Bradley Beal (09:51). The fellas go into your mailbag questions next (24:00), with topics including the Pelicans, national vs. domestic MVPs, and Tyrese Haliburton. They also discuss KOC’s old Letterboxd reviews before diving into why video game culture is the w...
Aug 30, 2022•1 hr 11 min
Verno and KOC discuss the latest trade in the NBA as Patrick Beverly makes his way back to Los Angeles, but this time he’ll join LeBron James and the Lakers (01:05). Could this be the first step in the Lakers' attempt to move Russell Westbrook? The Thunder’s Chet Holmgren injured his foot in a pro-am game and will now miss the entire 2022-23 season, and the guys discuss how players with bodies like Chet’s are getting more frequently injured (17:43). Could the Thunder potentially make Shai Gilgeo...
Aug 25, 2022•55 min
Verno and KOC return as they discuss Kevin Durant backtracking his trade request to remain with the Nets (01:14). Verno shares what he believes to be the turning point on KD changing his mind (07:40). Now that KD has decided to stay, the guys debate how the Nets will look this season (24:55). Is it possible KD asks for another trade? Or would the Nets explore moving any other players? Also, why the Lakers have a better chance of winning the championship than the Nets, and how the Rudy Gobert tra...
Aug 23, 2022•54 min
Verno and KOC open the show by sharing their memories of NBA legend Bill Russell, who passed away over the weekend (01:02). As more charges of tampering continue in the NBA, the guys wonder if it’s time for the NBA to consider how they handle these charges (09:12). The guys open up the mailbag to answer your questions (15:12). Some of the topics they discuss include Zion Williamson’s impact, the best game the guys have watched live, wild trade deadline predictions for next season, the Hornets' f...
Aug 02, 2022•1 hr 9 min
Verno and KOC discuss whether the Celtics should go for it all and trade for Kevin Durant (03:25). As the guys debate what it would take for the Celtics to get KD, KOC points out that Brad Stevens has not been afraid to make trades. They debate whether a Jason Tatum–KD duo will be enough to put the Celtics over the top before discussing whether KD got a pass in last year’s playoffs after the Nets were the only team who got swept (18:39). After we all thought Donovan Mitchell was going to become ...
Jul 26, 2022•1 hr 4 min
Verno and KOC congratulate the Blazers for winning this year’s summer league tournament before discussing the top performers (02:00). The guys debate how many interesting teams there really are in the league right now before discussing whether the Raptors would be a possible destination for Kevin Durant (17:26). It has been reported that James Harden will return to the 76ers on a discounted rate and they discuss Harden’s impact fit with Joel Embiid (33:15). The guys also discuss LeBron James pla...
Jul 19, 2022•1 hr 19 min
Verno and KOC are back home as they discuss the Suns matching the Pacers' offer sheet for Deandre Ayton (01:30). While it’s been extremely quiet with Kevin Durant, Verno points out why it truly is only a matter of time before he is traded (13:21). The guys also discuss what it's going to take for the Knicks to acquire Donovan Mitchell (22:39). Despite the obvious flaws in a Mitchell-Jalen Brunson backcourt, KOC suggest you do what you can to acquire the star and figure it out from there. They la...
Jul 15, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Verno and KOC report from Las Vegas one last time, as they discuss the latest news on Deandre Ayton before going into James Wiseman’s Summer League debut and how good the young Warriors looked (01:03). Paolo Banchero has been one of the most talked about players in Summer League because of his play and his unexpected size when seeing him up close (13:08). They also discuss the strange comments made by Cam Thomas before diving into how much fun they’ve had at this year’s Summer League (26:06). Ho...
Jul 11, 2022•1 hr 1 min
Hey, it's Kevin; thank you for listening to The Void. Today’s guests are The Ringer’s own J. Kyle Mann and Jonathan Tjarks from Upside High. We are all about the NBA Summer League as we discuss the performances of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., and more. Here are today’s time-stamps: (02:14) - On Paolo Banchero (09:16) - The Magic's roster and how it fits with Paolo (14:55) - Jabari Smith Jr.’s Summer League struggles (17:27) - How do you see Jalen Green and Jabari playing toge...
Jul 11, 2022•1 hr 18 min
Verno and KOC are live from Las Vegas for the NBA summer league as they recap the debut of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, and others (01:05). They also discuss the unfairness of players like Josh Giddey and Paul Reed playing in the summer league. Verno mentions seeing Otto Porter in Vegas, which leads to a conversation about speeding tickets (15:13). While discussing Isiah Stewart, the guys take a look back at the 2019 high school prospect list to see where those players are now (29:48). Finally...
Jul 08, 2022•57 min
After the initial wave of signings, free agency has hit a stall as Verno and KOC discuss how the league is waiting for Kevin Durant to get traded (01:17). The T-Wolves traded for Rudy Gobert over the weekend, and Verno shares why he doesn’t like the trade for the Jazz while KOC defends the move and shares why Gobert will flourish in Minnesota (10:15). Staying with the Jazz, the guys discuss how Danny Ainge always manages to get what he wants and why the Gobert trade is all about Anthony Edwards ...
Jul 05, 2022•1 hr 8 min
Kevin Durant ruined all of free agency, so Verno and KOC open up the show by going through the potential teams that can put together the historical package for KD that the Nets are asking for (00:54). Despite KD putting the league on hold, the guys go over some of the deals that were completed yesterday (21:08). The guys debate the Thunder’s decision to give Lu Dort close to a $90 million contract (36:11). They last go through some of the under-the-radar signings before discussing the situation ...
Jul 01, 2022•1 hr 2 min
Hey, it’s Kevin! Thank you for listening to 'The Void.' With the news of Jalen Brunson possibly leaving the Mavs for the Knicks, I bring on Marc Stein to help break down all the implications from both sides. You can subscribe to Marc’s Substack by using the link below. Here are today’s timestamps: (03:30) - How much of a blunder is this for the Mavs? (05:18) - Why Jalen Brunson is worth the money he’s getting (12:44) - How can the Mavs replace Brunson? (18:52) - The Dejounte Murray sweepstakes (...
Jun 29, 2022•34 min
Verno and KOC return to give their reaction to how the NBA draft shook out (01:20). With free agency starting up this week, the guys dive into the hottest stories leading into Thursday (13:02). They discuss the Nets drama, where Deandre Ayton will go, John Wall to the Clippers, and more. While Russell Westbrook and Draymond Green calling out Skip Bayless is fun for Twitter, the guys hope Dray evolves his podcast skills to discuss basketball rather than calling out people (34:07). Lastly, Steve C...
Jun 28, 2022•58 min