Verno and KOC are live from Las Vegas as they recap their Vegas trip before diving into the summer league action. They discuss Reed Sheppard’s impressive debut performance, debate if Tidjane Salaun will become the best French player from this draft class, get into what DaRon Holmes's unfortunate injury means for the Nuggets, and more. Also, they discuss Jalen Brunson’s extension and why he decided to take a lot less money to stay with the Knicks. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an em...
Jul 16, 2024•59 min
Verno and KOC go through the most intriguing rookie debuts from over the weekend, starting with Jared McCain and Adem Bona with the 76ers (02:12). Next, they discuss Zach Edey’s impressive debut with the Grizzlies and why he’ll fit perfectly in Memphis alongside Ja Morant (14:40). Also, the guys discuss who they are most excited to watch at this year’s summer league in Las Vegas, why they like DeMar DeRozan signing with the Kings, and how the Spurs’ offseason has set them up for success now and ...
Jul 09, 2024•53 min
Now that the free agency period has started, Verno and KOC react to all the free agent signings, extensions, and more, starting with Jayson Tatum’s record-breaking contract extension with the Celtics, as well as Paul George’s impact with the Sixers and where the Clippers go from here (01:26). They then move on to discuss the contracts of Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, and debate why the Nuggets wouldn’t match the contract that the Magic gave to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (20:27). Next, they disc...
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Verno and KOC recap the 2024 NBA draft, as they discuss picks they liked, picks they disliked, surprises, and more! They start off by discussing Zach Edey’s fit with the Grizzlies, the one big difference maker for Ron Holland’s development with the Pistons, and the importance of situation, fit, and opportunity for younger players entering the league (01:12). Next, they discuss why the Hornets taking Tidjane Salaun at no. 6 led to the Spurs trading away Rob Dillingham, Dalton Knecht’s surprising ...
Jun 28, 2024•1 hr 18 min
With the NBA draft this week, Verno and KOC dive into the latest draft news, including the uncertainty around the Hawks and the top overall pick and why people are suddenly high on prospect Zaccharie Risacher (01:48). As the conversation continues for who should be the top overall prospect, KOC shares which players he considers to be the safest prospects at the top of the draft, and Verno breaks down why Reed Sheppard would be a perfect fit with the Grizzlies and why the Rockets are big-name hun...
Jun 25, 2024•1 hr 15 min
With the Finals now behind us, Verno and KOC dive fully into the offseason, starting off with the Lakers' hiring of JJ Redick as their next head coach (02:34) and the Pistons’ firing of Monty Williams (23:44). Next, the guys discuss the surprising trade between the Thunder and Bulls that sends Alex Caruso to OKC and Josh Giddey to Chicago (31:01). They also discuss the latest news around the league, including Pascal Siakam re-signing with the Pacers, Sixers free agent rumors, and more (41:17). W...
Jun 21, 2024•1 hr 24 min
Verno and KOC congratulate the Boston Celtics on winning the 2024 NBA Finals! They discuss their dominant playoff run as well as their dominant play all season long en route to an NBA record 18th NBA championship (01:22). Where does this Celtics team rank among the all-time great teams? The guys also applaud Brad Stevens for making the necessary moves to win it all, what lessons owners can take from this year's Finals, as well as the redemption arc for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Next, KOC sh...
Jun 18, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Verno and KOC discuss their frustration with Luka Doncic, who fouled out in Game 3, and the ripple effect his fouling out caused (01:25). Would the Mavs have won if he didn’t foul out? Would a Mavs Game 3 win have completely flipped the series? They also discuss how Jaylen Brown’s impressive improvement should be a blueprint for Luka to get better, give credit to Brad Stevens for building out this type of roster, and share their hope for a Game 5 on Monday night. Next, Verno shares his experienc...
Jun 14, 2024•1 hr 21 min
As the Finals shift to Dallas for Game 3, Verno and KOC discuss how the Celtics have been able to exploit the Mavericks' defensive weaknesses, as well as limit their offensive production en route to a 2-0 series lead (01:24). They also discuss the impact of Kristaps Porzingis, Kyrie Irving's struggles, Luka Doncic's need to produce some of his signature magic, as well as Jayson Tatum’s poor shooting but effective playmaking and defense. Next, the guys debate whether Dan Hurley just used the Lake...
Jun 11, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Verno and KOC react to the Celtics' Game 1 blowout victory, as they take a 1-0 series lead in the Finals (01:54). They discuss Kristaps Porzingis's dominant return, how the Celtics defense dramatically affected the Mavs offense, shot-quality numbers, expectations for how the Mavs can respond, and more takeaways from Game 1. Next, the guys dive into the latest rumors involving the Lakers' head coaching search that now includes UConn’s Dan Hurley (38:32). Can the Lakers offer Hurley enough to make...
Jun 07, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Ahead of the Finals, Verno and KOC have a rendition of everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous (01:09)! They discuss various topics regarding the Finals, including Kristaps Porzingis’s health issues, the Mavs' defensive strategies, Luka’s first Finals appearance, and Jayson Tatum. They also give their predictions for the series. The guys then dive into some draft talk and discuss the vast parity that is currently in the league, as this season will have the si...
Jun 04, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Verno and KOC congratulate the Dallas Mavericks as they beat the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals to face the Celtics (01:07). They discuss Luka Doncic’s brilliant Game 5 performance, and give credit to Mavs GM Nico Harrison for finally building the right roster around Luka. Next, they debate what the future holds for the Timberwolves, as they are nearing the second luxury tax apron and will face several restrictions when it comes to improving the team (18:08). Do they run it back? Or will...
May 31, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Verno and KOC discuss the Celtics' comeback win as they sweep the Pacers and move on to the NBA Finals (00:55). They dive into why the Celtics have been so successful with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as what the sweep means from the Pacers' perspective. Next, they discuss the potential sweep in the West, as the Mavs look to finish the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals (25:27). The guys discuss the Mavs' terrific defense on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns all series long, a...
May 28, 2024•59 min
Verno and KOC discuss the absolute stomping of the Pacers by the Celtics as Boston takes a 2-0 series lead (01:00). They debate whether the Pacers stand any chance of coming back without Tyrese Haliburton, who left Game 2 with an injury, and discuss Jaylen Brown’s performance after he was snubbed for an All-NBA team. Moving on, they discuss how the Mavs defense was able to restrain Anthony Edwards to take Game 1 (23:48). They discuss the Timberwolves’ defensive strategies and whether Chris Finch...
May 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min
The conference finals are finally here, as Verno and KOC break down how the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets in Denver to reach the Western Conference finals (01:23). Now that the Nuggets are eliminated, the guys go through what they should prioritize this offseason in order to remain competitive in the rapidly growing West. Next, the guys dive into the Thunder’s weakness in the middle that was exposed in their series against the Mavs, and debate whether Zach Edey can be the missing piece (25:20). ...
May 21, 2024•1 hr 11 min
Verno and KOC discuss the Game 6 blowout win from the Timberwolves, as they force a Game 7 on Sunday in Denver (01:18). They then move on to tonight’s Game 6 between the Knicks and Pacers before discussing the Cavs' future after they got eliminated by the Celtics (23:14). Also, the guys debate whether the Thunder can push for a Game 7 against the Mavs and KOC shares his experience watching Dead & Company at the Sphere (42:42). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gm...
May 17, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Chris and Kevin immediately react to the Thunder’s comeback win against the Mavericks to tie the series at 2-2 (1:17). They discuss Luka Doncic’s current status, and who will win the series (5:24). Then, they discuss the Celtics' win over the Cavaliers to take a commanding 3-1 lead (22:52). Later, they compare the Knicks and Pacers’ benches and the difference it can make in their series (27:58). And then, they debate whether Anthony Edwards could have scored even more points to lift the Timberwo...
May 14, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Verno and KOC discuss PJ Washington’s performance in the Mavs' Game 2 win over the Thunder to tie the series (01:13). They also discuss Kyrie Irving’s impact, the Mavs defense, as well as Josh Giddey becoming close to unplayable. They then move on to the Cavs, who tied their series with the Celtics after the getting the best version of Evan Mobley, and also discuss why the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown era Celtics have been extremely inconsistent in the playoffs (20:34). Next, the guys discuss their...
May 10, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Verno and KOC go through the Timberwolves blowing out the Nuggets to take a 2-0 series lead (01:03). They discuss the Wolves stingy defense on Jamal Murray, Chris Finch’s shortened bench, and debate whether the Nuggets stand any chance to come back. The Knicks were lucky to escape with a Game 1 victory against the Pacers, and the guys debate whether the remainder of the series will be just as competitive, and if Tom Thibodeau can sustain playing his starters extended minutes (31:34). Also, they ...
May 07, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Verno and KOC go through Thursday night’s set of elimination games, starting with the Knicks surviving the 76ers and advancing to the next round (01:07). They debate who’ll get the blame in Philadelphia (other than Tobais Harris), how Jalen Brunson remains vastly underrated despite putting up Steph Curry-like numbers, and why Tyrese Maxey’s emergence is enough to keep Joel Embiid around for at least one more season. They then move on to the Pacers eliminating the Bucks, preview Game 6 between th...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Verno and KOC recap Monday night's slate of playoff basketball, starting with another Jamal Murray game-winning shot for the Nuggets, who eliminate the Lakers (01:06). They discuss Murray’s rise as a playoff performer and debate what the future holds for the Lakers, as well as for LeBron James. While the Lakers avoided a sweep, the Suns weren’t so lucky, as the guys discuss Anthony Edwards’s rise to superstar status while determining what’s next for the Suns (15:50). Also, they discuss the Thund...
Apr 30, 2024•2 hr 38 min
Verno and KOC recap Thursday night’s slate of playoff basketball, starting with the Nuggets' 11th straight win over the Lakers (01:13). With the Lakers in an 0-3 hole again, the guys discuss what the future holds for LeBron James and the team. They next discuss how the Magic and 76ers were able to win their Game 3 matchups against the Cavs and Knicks (24:10). The guys move on to preview Friday’s night games, starting with Bucks-Pacers, before moving on to Mavs-Clippers (46:28). After going down ...
Apr 26, 2024•2 hr 55 min
Verno and KOC go through all the playoff matchups from Monday night, starting off with Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot to put the Nuggets up 2-0 over the Lakers (01:26). Next, they discuss how the Knicks were able to grind out a victory over Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the Sixers (14:06). Also, the guys discuss what makes the Cavs a little different this year, and debate how far the Timberwolves can go with this version of Anthony Edwards (30:06). They then discuss why Khris Middleton is piv...
Apr 23, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Verno and KOC share what they enjoyed the most from KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama before turning their attention to the play-in games from earlier this week (01:29). They discuss their disappointment with Zion Williamson's injury and Brandon Ingram’s performance in the Pelicans' loss to the Lakers, as well as their surprise at the Kings easily defeating the Warriors (10:16). Do the Lakers stand any chance to upset the Nuggets? How far can the inexperienced Thunder go? The guys debate wh...
Apr 19, 2024•1 hr 6 min
Verno and KOC open the episode by briefly teasing KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama (01:52). They then turn their attention to the playoff matchups, as well as this week’s play-in tournament (13:20). Should the Lakers lose on purpose to avoid the Nuggets in the first round? Do the Timberwolves stand any chance against the Suns? They debate this and look at the other playoff series in the West. Also, while looking at the East, the guys discuss which teams are in the best positions to make a ...
Apr 16, 2024•55 min
Verno and KOC open up the episode by discussing Stephon Castle’s rise to no. 1 on KOC’s draft board (01:36). Next, they dive into everyone’s favorite segment: "That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous" (10:25). They discuss Jrue Holiday’s extension with the Celtics, debate whether this will be the last year we see Trae Young in a Hawks uniform, Luka Doncic’s MVP chances, how much pressure is on the Suns, and so much more. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailb...
Apr 12, 2024•56 min
Verno and KOC discuss last night’s national championship game, which saw UConn continue its dominance against Purdue as it secured back-to-back titles (01:07). They share their thoughts on watching basketball games at football stadiums, KOC's updated draft stock for Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey, the most obvious team for Clingan, and Tristen Newton’s NBA potential. With the season nearing its end, the guys discuss which playoff matchups they want to see the most in both conferences (30:51). Got...
Apr 09, 2024•57 min
Verno and KOC discuss the 76ers' impressive win over the Heat (01:30). How deep of a run can the Sixers make with the returns of Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey? They then turn their attention to the Bucks and debate whether they can still make a Finals run despite their struggles (14:46). Also, the guys discuss how far the Knicks can go now that Julius Randle is confirmed out for the season (24:01). Next, they discuss the Warriors' huge win over the Rockets, as well as their excitement for this we...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Verno and KOC recap last night's slate of games, beginning with the Suns as Devin Booker goes off against the Pelicans (01:47). Luka Doncic has the Mavs riding high as the guys debate whether they are the scariest team headed into the playoffs (05:46). As the Celtics continue to dominate the regular season, the guys debate who is going to be the key bench player for their playoff success (15:40). Josh Hart doesn't sound too optimistic about the Knicks’ health issues (24:03). Also, how close is J...
Apr 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Verno and KOC go through last night’s slate of Sweet 16 games and discuss which players' draft stock rose (01:33). After the Pelicans beat the Bucks, the guys debate just how high their ceiling is with Zion playing at this level (14:00). Next, they discuss the Hawks' OT win over the Celtics and debate what is going to happen with Dejounte Murray and Trae Young, as well as Tom Haberstroh’s latest report suggesting that Jaylen Brown is a better clutch performer than Jayson Tatum (22:38). They also...
Mar 29, 2024•57 min
