In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss Tom Thibodeau's firing, Jimmy Butler's frustration with his role in Philly's offense and the Justin Holiday trade. Why did the Timberwolves decide to fire Thibodeau now? Would Fred Hoiberg be a good replacement for Thibs? Is Jimmy Butler right to be frustrated with his role in the Sixers offense? Were the Memphis Grizzlies wise to trade for Justin Holiday? Will John Wall's surgery change the Washing...
Jan 10, 2019•1 hr 6 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) break down the All-Star race at the end of December. Can Luka Doncic become the first rookie to make the All-Star Game since Blake Griffin in 2011? Will Mike Conley receive his first-ever All-Star nod? Which Eastern Conference guard will be named a starter other than Kyrie Irving? Who will be snubbed? Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more. Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAP...
Dec 28, 2018•1 hr 12 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) preview the NBA's 2018 Christmas Day slate. Will Giannis Antetokounmpo have an iconic performance against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden? Without Chris Paul, do the Rockets stand a chance against the Thunder? How will Jimmy Butler affect the Sixers-Celtics matchup? Can LeBron James and the Lakers topple the Warriors? Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more. Follow us...
Dec 25, 2018•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the Trevor Ariza trade and the three-team trade that fell apart because of confusion between Dillon Brooks and MarShon Brooks. Who's to blame for the failed three-team trade? How much will Ariza help out in Washington? Do the Phoenix Suns now have too many wings? Why are they waiving Austin Rivers without attempting to trade him first? Where would Rivers work well? Check out the episode to hear Mort...
Dec 20, 2018•56 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the Bulls' attempted mutiny, the three-team trade for George Hill and Joel Embiid's frustration with his recent role. Are things only going to get worse for the Bulls given the clash between the players and new head coach Jim Boylen? How much of a difference will George Hill make for the Bucks? Is Joel Embiid right to be frustrated with his role? And are the Lakers in danger of striking out on top-t...
Dec 12, 2018•1 hr 7 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the Chicago Bulls' decision to fire head coach Fred Hoiberg. Did Hoiberg deserve to get fired? Is Jim Boylen the Bulls' long-term answer? Do the Bulls have any hope so long as John Paxson and Gar Forman remain in place? Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more. Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPod
Dec 04, 2018•53 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the front-runners for every major NBA award through the first quarter of the 2018-19 season. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the way in the MVP race? Can anyone challenge Luka Doncic for Rookie of the Year? With Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz struggling, who's the front-runner for Defensive Player of the Year? Who's in the mix for Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year? Check out the episode...
Nov 30, 2018•1 hr 10 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss whether some early-season surprises are sustainable or will regress to the mean. What's plaguing the Boston Celtics? Can the Orlando Magic continue staying competitive? Are the Miami Heat in legitimate danger of missing the playoffs? Can the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers stay in playoff contention? How can the Utah Jazz fix their broken offense? Check out the episode to hear Morten and ...
Nov 23, 2018•1 hr 19 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss dysfunction around the NBA, starting with the Washington Wizards. Is it time for the Wizards to trade John Wall, Bradley Beal and/or Otto Porter Jr.? Can the Philadelphia 76ers count on Markelle Fultz in the wake of his latest shoulder issue? How can the Cleveland Cavaliers find a taker for J.R. Smith? Would the Kings be crazy to fire Dave Joerger? Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan disc...
Nov 20, 2018•1 hr
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the Kevin Durant-Draymond Green drama, revisit the key players in the Jimmy Butler trade and weigh in on Carmelo Anthony's professional limbo. Could tension between KD and Draymond upend the Warriors franchise? Should Sixers fans be worried after the team lost in Jimmy Butler's debut? Are the T-Wolves better off without Butler? Which team makes the most sense for Carmelo Anthony after he leaves the ...
Nov 15, 2018•1 hr 12 min
Nov 13, 2018•53 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss reaction to Derrick Rose's 50-point night and the ongoing drama with the Los Angeles Lakers.What's the best way to put Derrick Rose's 50-point night into context? Does Luke Walton deserve the blame for the Lakers' slow start? Will Tyson Chandler help fix the Lakers' ailing defense? Is Kyrie Irving being overly sensitive about Jamal Murray going for 50 with the game already in hand?Check out the epis...
Nov 07, 2018•1 hr 23 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the Cavaliers' decision to fire Tyronn Lue, the Rockets' godfather offer for Jimmy Butler and much more. Do the Cavaliers have a clear direction after firing Lue? Are the Rockets under more pressure to trade for Butler given their slow start to the season? Is Klay Thompson a threat to top Kobe Bryant's 81-point night at some point? Are the Sacramento Kings not total garbage?Check out the episode to ...
Oct 31, 2018•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) highlight the biggest surprises and disappointments from the first week of the 2018-19 NBA season.Among the surprises, they discuss the Denver Nuggets' stout defense, Blake Griffin's MVP-caliber start to the year and the New Orleans Pelicans turning into an offensive juggernaut. For the disappointments, they weigh in on the lackluster starts from the Los Angeles Lakers, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Hou...
Oct 24, 2018•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) fire off their most scorching hot takes about the first two nights of the 2018-19 NBA season.Is Markelle Fultz now officially a bust? Is Jayson Tatum already the Celtics' best player? Are the Rockets title pretenders rather than contenders? Has Anthony Davis already sealed up MVP? Is Kemba Walker going to average 35 points per game? Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more...
Oct 18, 2018•1 hr 18 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) run through the major awards races and make their playoff predictions for the 2018-19 season.Is Giannis Antetokounmpo poised to run away with MVP? Can anyone challenge Rudy Gobert for Defensive Player of the Year? Is Isaiah Thomas headed for Sixth Man of the Year? Who will emerge in a wide-open field for Most Improved Player? Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more.Follow...
Oct 13, 2018•1 hr 18 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the storylines they're most excited to watch throughout the 2018-19 season.How will LeBron James fare with the Lakers? Can Kawhi Leonard bring the Raptors to the Finals? Will Markelle Fultz remember how to shoot? How will DeMarcus Cousins fit in with the Warriors? Will the Timberwolves implode?Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more.Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPo...
Oct 10, 2018•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by Nekias Duncan (@NekiasNBA) of Miami Heat Beat to preview the Southeast Division ahead of the 2018-19 season.What's the most the Miami Heat should be willing to give up for Jimmy Butler? Are the Washington Wizards doomed to implode because of chemistry issues? Should the Charlotte Hornets trade Kemba Walker by February? Who's the Atlanta Hawks' best young player? WTF are the Orlando Magic doing...
Oct 06, 2018•1 hr 23 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) of The Athletic to preview the Atlantic Division ahead of the 2018-19 season.Is it Finals or bust for the Boston Celtics this season? With Kawhi Leonard in the fold, are the Toronto Raptors a legitimate threat to win the title this year? What constitutes a successful season for the Philadelphia 76ers? Is D'Angelo Russell a long-term keeper in Brooklyn? Should the N...
Oct 01, 2018•1 hr 20 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by Ian Levy (@HickoryHigh) of FanSided to preview the Central Division ahead of the 2018-19 season.Can Victor Oladipo build upon his breakout 2017-18 campaign, or is he headed for regression? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo have a career year under Mike Budenholzer? What should the Bulls expect from Jabari Parker? Is the Minnesota version of Kevin Love coming back this season? How can new Pistons head...
Sep 24, 2018•55 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss Jimmy Butler's trade request and the Philadelphia 76ers' decision to hire Elton Brand as their new general manager.Do the Minnesota Timberwolves have to trade Butler ASAP? Which teams should be trying to trade for him? What should the T-Wolves be seeking in exchange? Did the Sixers miss an opportunity to bring in a big-name GM? How will their collaborative front office approach fare? What will Lee J...
Sep 20, 2018•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by Mason Ginsberg (@MasonGinsberg) of Bourbon Street Shots to preview the Southwest Division ahead of the 2018-19 season.How will Julius Randle fit with the New Orleans Pelicans? Will the Houston Rockets get anything out of Brandon Knight or Marquese Chriss? Is Luka Doncic the runaway Rookie of the Year favorite? Should the Memphis Grizzlies consider trading Marc Gasol? Is DeMar DeRozan headed fo...
Sep 16, 2018•1 hr 11 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by T.J. McBride (@TJMcBrideNBA) of Mile High Sports to preview the Northwest Division ahead of the 2018-19 season.Do the Denver Nuggets already have a top-five backcourt? How will Dennis Schroder and Russell Westbrook fare together? Are the Minnesota Timberwolves at risk for an implosion? Where will the Utah Jazz get offense outside of Donovan Mitchell? Should the Portland Trail Blazers break up ...
Sep 10, 2018•1 hr 25 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by Anthony Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) of Silver Screen & Roll to preview the Pacific Division ahead of the 2018-19 season.What's the realistic ceiling and floor for the new-look Los Angeles Lakers? Do the Golden State Warriors have anything to play for during the regular season? Why are the Phoenix Suns seemingly gearing up to compete for a playoff spot? Will the Los Angeles Clippers blow up the...
Sep 02, 2018•1 hr 27 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by original co-host Sarah Cilea (@wildhorses65) to discuss which teams will be the most fun to watch in 2018-19.Could the San Antonio Spurs be sneaky fun this year? Is there any reason to watch the Portland Trail Blazers aside from Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum? Does Luka Doncic make the Dallas Mavericks a must-watch? Who will be the top League Pass teams this season?Check out the episode to hea...
Aug 25, 2018•1 hr 26 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) make their picks for every Eastern Conference team's over/under. Which teams did Las Vegas miss the mark on? Are the Boston Celtics headed for 60-plus wins? Will the Milwaukee Bucks or Indiana Pacers be legitimate contenders in the East? Can the Philadelphia 76ers top 55 wins?Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more.Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPod
Aug 20, 2018•1 hr 9 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) make their picks for every Western Conference team's over/under. Which teams did Las Vegas miss the mark on? Are the Los Angeles Lakers headed for 50-plus wins? Why are expectations so low for the Portland Trail Blazers and San Antonio Spurs?Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more.Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPod
Aug 15, 2018•1 hr 2 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) go through the highlights and lowlights of the 2018-19 NBA opening week and Christmas Day schedules.Which opening-week games should already have you excited? How did we rank each of the Christmas Day matchups? Which teams should have been featured that weren't?Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more.Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPod
Aug 08, 2018•1 hr 11 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss all of the latest free-agent signings, including Clint Capela re-signing with the Rockets, Kevin Love's new extension and much more.How much of a steal is Capela's deal for the Rockets? Why did the Cavaliers sign Love to such a huge extension? How will Carmelo Anthony fit in Houston? Did the Celtics overpay Marcus Smart?Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more.Foll...
Jul 31, 2018•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the winners and losers from the recent Kawhi Leonard and Carmelo Anthony trades.Did the San Antonio Spurs get enough for Leonard? How will DeMar DeRozan fit in San Antonio? Are the Raptors now the favorites in the East with Kawhi?How will Dennis Schroder fare with the Oklahoma City Thunder? Why were the Hawks so desperate to dump him? Why did the Philadelphia 76ers give up on two young wing prospect...
Jul 24, 2018•1 hr 4 min
