In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) and special guest Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) of the Gyro Step Podcast Network discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers' trade for Donovan Mitchell and preview the rest of the Central Division ahead of the 2022-23 season. 3:10: The Donovan Mitchell trade and the Cavs' outlook 21:19: Chicago Bulls preview 36:45: Detroit Pistons preview 51:04: Indiana Pacers preview 1:07:40: Milwaukee Bucks preview Check out the episode to hear Bryan and Ti discus...
Sep 02, 2022•1 hr 25 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Bryan Toporek and special guest Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) discuss the top players for the 2022-23 NBA season. 1:30: The superstar tier 9:01: The top All-Star candidates 21:35: James Harden vs. Damian Lillard 30:09: The fringe All-Stars 41:39: Young up-and-comers 57:13: The rest of the top 50 1:03:37: Toughest omissions from the top 50 Check out the episode to hear Bryan and Es discuss all of that and more. Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPod Odds via F...
Aug 29, 2022•1 hr 17 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) and special guest Josh Eberley (@JoshEberley) discuss the fallout from Kevin Durant's decision to rescind his trade request. 2:00: Do the Nets deserve credit for not caving to KD? 13:00: The Nets' outlook this year 19:49: The impacts on player agency and the next CBA 34:22: Should any team hvae been willing to meet the Nets' asking price? 44:40: What's the Lakers' Plan B now that Kyrie is off the table? 58:48: Which free agents might ...
Aug 25, 2022•1 hr 12 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss what LeBron James' extension means for the Los Angeles Lakers and the bigger-picture implications of Ben Simmons' grievance settlement. 2:05: What LeBron's extension means for the Lakers 12:48: Could LeBron's extension accelerate a Russell Westbrook trade? 33:00: Ben Simmons settles his grievance with the Sixers 49:20: How the next CBA should address players' mental health 58:50: How owners might se...
Aug 22, 2022•1 hr 9 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the highlights from the newly released 2022-23 NBA schedule. 1:40: Opening-week matchups 32:47: The Christmas Day slate 47:27: Rivalry week! 1:00:07: Other must-watch games Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more. Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPod Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook: https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/...
Aug 18, 2022•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss where Kevin Durant and the Brooklyn Nets go from here after he reiterated his trade request over the weekend. 2:00: Should the Nets give in to KD's ultimatum? 15:05: Would KD hold out? 28:20: Do the Sixers have enough to get Durant? 46:35: Should the Heat be willing to offer Jimmy Butler for KD? 1:01:47: A three-team Nets-Heat-Bulls trade idea Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss a...
Aug 11, 2022•1 hr 14 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the best players left on the 2022 free-agent market. 7:00: Collin Sexton 20:00: Montrezl Harrell's future 32:22: Best veteran bigs available 48:49: Dennis Schroder and Eric Bledsoe 1:07:35: Remembering Bill Russell Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more. Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPod Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook: https://sportsbook.fanduel.com/navigation/nba...
Aug 04, 2022•1 hr 19 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the NBA's tampering investigation of the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors' upcoming issues with extensions and the luxury tax. 5:30: The NBA's tampering investigation into the Sixers 12:37: How should the NBA enforce tampering rules? 23:10: Should the Warriors be willing to give Draymond Green a max extension? 43:30: Are the Warriors' luxury-tax gripes justified? 1:03:55: Where shoul...
Aug 01, 2022•1 hr 19 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) and special guest Anthony Irwin (@AnthonyIrwinLA) of Silver, Screen & Roll discuss the latest updates the Los Angeles Lakers' attempts to trade Russell Westbrook. 3:00: Should the Lakers be willing to include both first-round picks to dump Russ? 13:30: Are the Lakers holding out for Kyrie Irving? 26:08: Other potential Russ landing spots 40:47: Is there any chance the Lakers don't trade Russ before training camp? 58:30: Where shou...
Jul 28, 2022•1 hr 19 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) and special guest Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) of Indy Cornrows discuss what's next for the Indiana Pacers after they missed out on Deandre Ayton. 1:40: How would Ayton have fit with the Pacers? 13:35: Myles Turner's future in Indiana 31:49: Could the Pacers be the key to a Russell Westbrook trade? 44:26: Did the Pacers get enough for Malcolm Brogdon? 59:05: Takeaways from summer league Check out the episode to hear Bryan and Caitlin d...
Jul 22, 2022•1 hr 12 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss Deandre Ayton's return to the Phoenix Suns, where Donovan Mitchell might be headed next, Russell Westbrook's future and Keldon Johnson's extension. 2:15: The Deandre Ayton offer sheet saga 16:22: What should the Knicks be willing to give up for Donovan Mitchell? 33:00: Should the Knicks go all-in on Mitchell? 45:16: Which other teams should go after Mitchell? 1:01:16: What's next for Russell Westbro...
Jul 18, 2022•1 hr 27 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the biggest winners and losers from the first week-and-a-half of 2022 NBA free agency. 5:30: The Chicago Bulls (?) 8:10: The Boston Celtics (sigh) 14:53: The Los Angeles Clippers 21:00: The Sacramento Kings 22:00: The Dallas Mavericks 31:45: Other clear free-agency winners 40:50: The Philadelphia 76ers (?) 51:59: The Portland Trail Blazers (?) 57:50: Which teams were the big losers? Check out the ep...
Jul 11, 2022•1 hr 19 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the best and worst signings from the first week of 2022 NBA free agency. 1:20: Caleb Martin back with the Heat 3:30: T.J. Warren to the Nets 10:17: Kevin Knox to the Pistons 16:34: Donte DiVincenzo to the Warriors vs. Malik Monk to the Kings 23:45: Marvin Bagley III back to the Pistons vs. Jalen Smith back to the Pacers 43:02: The Clippers' and Lakers' moves 53:15: How Kevin Durant is impacting the ...
Jul 07, 2022•1 hr 27 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the biggest deals from the first two days of 2022 NBA free agency. 3:40: The Rudy Gobert trade 19:51: The Malcolm Brogdon trade 27:10: The Kevin Huerter trade 32:13: Kevin Durant's trade request 52:13: The max extensions (Beal, LaVine, Zion, etc.) 1:01:37: The Knicks' offseason moves 1:17:51: Favorite value signings Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and more. Follow ...
Jul 02, 2022•1 hr 38 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) preview the 2022 NBA free-agent class. 1:15: How James Harden's opt-out impacts the Sixers 7:10: Kyrie Irving's return to the Nets 11:33: The Knicks' pursuit of Jalen Brunson 24:11: The Clippers' addition of John Wall 29:05: Taurean Prince's extension with Minnesota 45:02: The Dejounte Murray trade 57:31: The market for Deandre Ayton and Miles Bridges 1:11:25: Which free agents should be getting more attent...
Jun 30, 2022•1 hr 27 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) go over the biggest winners and losers from the 2022 NBA draft. 2:30: Which team was the biggest winner of the draft? 14:33: Other winners from draft night 28:58: Value picks outside of the lottery 47:04: Did the Kings screw up? 1:02:08: The Knicks-Hornets-Pistons trade 1:18:51: Did the Hornets just screw themselves with Miles Bridges? Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all of that and m...
Jun 24, 2022•1 hr 38 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the Jerami Grant trade and the latest news and rumors leading up to the 2022 NBA draft. 1:30: Top three of the 2022 NBA draft set? 10:22: Who won the Jerami Grant trade? 15:45: Can the Blazers get OG Anunoby as well? 27:16: Where is John Collins going? 45:22: Is Kyrie Irving a real flight risk for the Nets? 57:03: P.J. Tucker to the Sixers? Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss all ...
Jun 23, 2022•1 hr 8 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by Ricky O'Donnell (@SBN_Ricky) to preview the 2022 NBA draft. 5:45: Who's the No. 1 prospect in this year's draft class? 18:49: Who will the Magic take at No. 1? 30:11: Ricky's favorite mid- and late-lottery picks 39:35: Top mid- and late-first-round targets 58:15: Will wing-heavy teams impact team-building strategy in the draft? 1:10:50: Later picks worth considering Check out the episode to he...
Jun 21, 2022•1 hr 27 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the Christian Wood trade, Kenny Atkinson's about-face on the Charlotte Hornets and the biggest offseason questions for the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors. 3:00: The Christian Wood trade 23:19: Atkinson bails on the Hornets 37:15: Biggest offseason questions for the Celtics 53:14: What's a fair extension for Grant Williams? 1:02:26: Biggest offseason questions for the Warriors 1:12:22: Shou...
Jun 20, 2022•1 hr 37 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) are joined by Bleacher Report draft expert Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) to preview the 2022 NBA draft class. 2:00: Who's the top prospect in this class? Is that who Orlando is likely to take at No. 1? 12:18: What should the Kings do at No. 4? 21:57: Favorite mid- and late-lottery picks 31:16: Who could be a steal later in the first round? 42:56: Which second-round picks could pop? Follow us on Twitter...
Jun 17, 2022•53 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss Games 4 and 5 of the NBA Finals, preview Game 6, then touch on the JaMychal Green trade and the Charlotte Hornets hiring Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. 2:20: Andrew Wiggins' impact on the Finals 17:12: How the Celtics can force Game 7 33:30: The JaMychal Green trade 51:03: Kenny Atkinson's fit in Charlotte 1:01:45: Latest rumors roundup Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan discuss...
Jun 15, 2022•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss Games 2 and 3 of the 2022 NBA Finals and whether the Utah Jazz are poised to blow their roster apart this summer. 2:00: Should Draymond have been tossed from Game 2? 13:55: What went wrong for the Warriors in Game 3? 31:45: Are the Celtics now the favorites to win the Finals? 40:15: Should Steph be Finals MVP even if the Warriors lose? 44:17: What does Quin Snyder's departure mean for the Jazz and D...
Jun 09, 2022•1 hr 32 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss Game 1 of the 2022 NBA finals and the big-picture takeaways from the playoffs. 1:45: Game 1 takeaways 12:01: Game 2 adjustments 30:37: Will these playoffs cause teams to shy away from one-way players? 43:36: The value of continuity 58:59: Will teams move toward starting even *more* wings now? 1:05:47: Do teams need the ability to switch everything on defense to go deep in the playoffs? Check out the...
Jun 04, 2022•1 hr 22 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) preview the 2022 NBA Finals and discuss the biggest offseason questions for the Miami Heat. 3:45: How do the Celtics defend Steph Curry? 11:35: How do the Warriors defend the Celtics' starting five? 20:57: Which team will have the bigger issue with turnovers? 33:06: Our Finals picks 41:03: Biggest offseason questions for the Heat 1:04:04: Which free agents will the Heat be able to retain? Check out the epis...
May 31, 2022•1 hr 13 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) preview Game 7 of Heat-Celtics, discuss the Mavericks' biggest offseason questions and round up the latest NBA news and rumors. 3:00: Heat-Celtics Game 7 preview 21:38: Will the Mavericks keep Jalen Brunson this summer? 30:40: Do the Mavericks need to add a second star next to Luka Doncic? 44:57: How will Darvin Ham fare with the Lakers? 57:34: Will the Nets really refuse to re-sign Kyrie? 1:08:44: Is Deand...
May 28, 2022•1 hr 40 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) give their updated conference finals predictions after the first few games of Celtics-Heat and Warriors-Mavericks. 1:30: What went wrong for the Celtics in Game 3? 14:34: Keys to Celtics-Heat Game 4 33:27: What went wrong for the Mavericks in Game 2? 46:28: How can the Mavericks get back into this series? 1:04:21: Reaction to the Kings hiring Mike Brown 1:20:58: Will the Nuggets pony up to keep Tim Connelly...
May 22, 2022•1 hr 33 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) discuss the biggest questions after the 2022 NBA draft lottery. 1:40: Orlando Magic's options at No. 1 17:50: OKC Thunder's options at No. 2 30:07: Houston Rockets' options at No. 3 39:35: What should the Sacramento Kings do at No. 4? 47:26: How the lottery affects Jalen Brunson's free-agency outlook 55:27: What do the Blazers do with the No. 7 pick? 1:02:23: Are the Wizards now more likely to trade Bradley...
May 18, 2022•1 hr 25 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) preview the Eastern and Western Conference Finals and discuss the biggest offseason questions for the Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks. 1:30: Eastern Conference Finals preview 17:43: Western Conference Finals preview 39:45: What do the Suns do with Deandre Ayton this offseason? 54:11: Other Suns offseason decisions 68:22: Bucks' biggest offseason questions Check out the episode to hear Morten and Bryan disc...
May 16, 2022•1 hr 26 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) preview Game 7 of the Celtics-Bucks and Suns-Mavericks series and discuss the biggest offseason questions for the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies. 2:05: Celtics-Bucks Game 7 preview 20:54: Suns-Warriors Game 7 preview 36:26: Sixers’ biggest offseason questions 48:06: Harden contract options 59:49: Can the Sixers win a title with Harden? 1:15:39: Grizzlies’ biggest offseason questions Follow us on T...
May 14, 2022•1 hr 36 min
In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) give their updated predictions for the conference semifinals and discuss the biggest offseason questions for the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors? How has Joel Embiid's return swung the Heat-Sixers series? Can Phoenix get its offense back on track? Do the Bucks have enough shot creation without Khris Middleton? Which teams should feel the most confident heading into Game 5? Should the Hawks ...
May 10, 2022•1 hr 36 min
