The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez discuss Derrick Rose considering leaving basketball (1:03), look forward to Isaiah Thomas’s looming return to action (5:49), examine the schism between Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies (9:23), scrutinize the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent struggles (19:29), check in on retiring NBA players (27:23), and list the games they are excited for (32:28). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 27, 2017•35 min
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman discuss Klay Thompson’s comments on scaffolding (0:33), react to C.J. McCollum’s subpar trash-talking (5:25), condemn Danny Ainge’s questionable tweet regarding Kyrie Irving (7:50), speculate on the turmoil within the Oklahoma City Thunder (11:34), recount Ray Allen’s catfishing saga (17:28), and ruminate on Ben Simmons’s guarded personal life (20:13). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 22, 2017•27 min
The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and John Gonzalez react to the phenomenon that is the Boston Celtics’ ongoing winning streak (0:31), reinstate the Cleveland Cavaliers as a true contender (6:15), diagnose the problem with the free-falling Clippers (9:40), speculate on the future of the Utah Jazz without Rudy Gobert (16:28), and praise the surprisingly good Portland Trail Blazers (24:09). Then, they adjudicate which middling teams will rise above the fray (29:53). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Nov 21, 2017•59 min
The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez review the Celtics’ continuing win streak (0:49), marvel at the Warriors’ effortless dominance (3:31), and tout the young 76ers’ impressive recent performance (9:45). Then, they play "Real or Not Real?" with the sinking Los Angeles Clippers (16:33), check in on James Harden and Lonzo Ball (22:50), and preview the holiday weekend’s slate of games (27:52). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 20, 2017•30 min
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan, Jason Concepcion, and Justin Verrier share their instant reactions to the blockbuster matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Boston Celtics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 17, 2017•31 min
The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy to examine Joel Embiid's career-high display in the 76ers-Lakers game, Ben Simmons, and the state of Lonzo Ball (0:57). Then they give out some first month awards (14:30). Next, the guys are joined by Kevin Clark, who tries to explain the enigma that is the Orlando Magic (36:50). Finally, Haley rejoins the group to look ahead to an exciting Warriors-Celtics matchup (45:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...
Nov 16, 2017•51 min
The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor question whether LeBron James’s comments about Dennis Smith Jr. are true (1:55) and analyze how potent the Milwaukee Bucks’ defense really is (8:30). Then, they dissect the winning ingredients that make up the Boston Celtics (14:25), consider the Detroit Pistons as a sustainably good team (22:55), highlight Anthony Davis’s dominant string of games for the New Orleans Pelicans (31:00), project how the Utah Jazz will adjust to losing Rudy Gobert (39:00)...
Nov 14, 2017•1 hr 4 min
The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez deliberate on who the second-best team in the league is (0:17), analyze the implications of the Rudy Gobert injury for the Utah Jazz (10:08), and debate the most essential players for each team (13:36). Then, they play "Real or Not Real?" with LeBron James’s comments on Dennis Smith Jr. (17:06), Lonzo Ball’s apathy toward his triple-double (19:43), and Rick Carlisle’s apparent dislike of Nerlens Noel (21:33). After, they heat-check Jordan Clarkson and...
Nov 13, 2017•30 min
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Haley O’Shaughnessy, and Paolo Uggetti discuss whether they are hyped or concerned about some teetering teams (1:59). Then they debate some hypothetical coach trades (29:19) and play another round of Take Tank (37:04). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 09, 2017•44 min
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Juliet Litman unpack the newest batch of drama surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers (1:02), speculate on the Chicago Bulls’ infighting scandal between Bobby Portis and Nikola Mirotic (13:13), celebrate the most fun teams in the league (17:03), and assess the state of NBA gossip thus far in the regular season (24:21). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 08, 2017•28 min
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Hillsong pastor and NBA confidant Carl Lentz to lay out how the secret NBA scrimmages come about in the summertime and many more inside-the-NBA stories from the likes of LeBron and reigning MVP Russell Westbrook. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 08, 2017•1 hr 8 min
The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor react to Eric Bledsoe being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Greg Monroe (0:24), address the Jahlil Okafor trade rumors (14:43), and marvel at the Celtics’ surprising early-season success (16:40). Then, they discuss the drama within the Miami Heat concerning Hassan Whiteside (26:12), speculate on the meaning behind LeBron’s Instagram post (28:32), and debate whether Kristaps Porzingis could be in the MVP conversation (33:18). Learn more about your ad...
Nov 07, 2017•44 min
The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez review the weekend’s exciting Thunder-Blazers matchup (1:30), laud the Celtics’ dominant winning streak (6:50), gauge their concerns about the precarious Cavaliers (11:55), and analyze D’Angelo Russell’s first return to Los Angeles as a Brooklyn Net (16:05). Then they play Real or Not Real with the Eastern Conference 2-seed Detroit Pistons (20:00), sensational Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell (21:35), and stats-stuffing savant DeMarcus Cousins (22:05...
Nov 06, 2017•31 min
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by recently departed ESPNer Tom Haberstroh to give his thoughts on the Cavs' lacking defense (18:00), potential Boogie Cousins trades (30:00), and re-drafting the 2017 NBA draft (42:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 03, 2017•50 min
The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy to discuss the Cavs and the Bucks (0:57). Then they bring in Jason Concepcion to examine the current state of the New York Knicks (13:15). Finally, Haley O’Shaughnessy returns to tackle some more teams, including: the Suns, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Pistons, and Pacers (24:52). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 02, 2017•47 min
The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the personnel problems with the Cavs (10:00), the surprising top teams in the league (28:00), Aaron Gordon's improvement (38:00), the impressive young Bucks (50:00), and Kobe's film crew (1:02:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 31, 2017•1 hr 11 min
The Ringer's Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez sit down to talk some NBA story lines, including some obvious trouble in Cleveland (1:35), Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors (9:55), and the Clippers' impressive start to the season with point-Blake (22:13). Then they go on rookie watch to talk Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Frankie Smokes, and more (28:40). Finally, they look ahead to some of this week's more exciting matchups (33:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices...
Oct 30, 2017•37 min
The Ringer's Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Paolo Uggetti to chat about Eastern Conference parity, the improved play of the Magic and Nets, the Spurs' and Raptors' style contrast with the rest of the league, the Cavs' new roster having the same old issues, Draymond Green's deflection tactics, and Eric Gordon’s impressive play without Chris Paul. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 26, 2017•39 min
The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan wade through the murky news surrounding Markelle Fultz’s shoulder injury (1:10), react to the bizarre schism between Eric Bledsoe and the Phoenix Suns (9:45), and celebrate the return of Draymond Green’s expert trash talk (16:30). Then they run through the trending topics from the first eight days of the young NBA season, including the joyless Minnesota Timberwolves (20:50), the ever-tumultuous New York Knicks (24:10), and the surprisingly competent Broo...
Oct 25, 2017•31 min
The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Suns firing Earl Watson (2:00), Eric Bledsoe's trade value (8:00), D-Wade's move to the bench (18:00), Giannis Antetokounmpo's MVP-level start (24:00), LaMarcus Aldridge's improved play (32:00), the Warriors' early struggles (37:00), Denver's bench talent (45:00), De'Aaron Fox's 'Dragon Ball Z' infatuation (57:00), the undefeated Grizzlies (1:05:00), and Ben Simmons's hot start (1:08:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...
Oct 24, 2017•1 hr 16 min
The Ringer's Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez sit down to talk some NBA story lines, including Oklahoma City's precarious start to the season (1:05), Giannis MVP watch (5:15), Eric Bledsoe's illuminative tweet (11:48), and Lonzo Ball's first few NBA performances (19:14). Then they indulge in a few overreactions (29:44) and end with some games to look forward to (32:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Oct 23, 2017•34 min
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy to chat about the first Clippers-Lakers matchup of the season (1:10), Chris Paul's timely released short film (5:38), and the Rockets' impressive bout with the Warriors (10:00). Then they discuss rookies' updated stock values (16:40), speculate on this season's MVP prospects (34:15), and discuss the talent gap between some top and bottom tier teams (38:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...
Oct 20, 2017•46 min
The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor bang out a far-reaching NBA regular season preview. Topics include: LaMarcus Aldridge's extension (4:00), McCollum missing the opener (14:00), the Houston Rockets experiment (17:00), the OKC superteam (24:00), the unpredictable T'Wolves (33:00), Nurkic's inspired play (43:00), the Pistons' improvement (49:00), IT's belief in Boston's regret (53:00), the Coach of the Year contenders (1:00:00), and the potential first coach fired this season (1:05:00). ...
Oct 17, 2017•1 hr 11 min
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Haralabos Voulgaris after a long hiatus from the podcasting world to discuss the biggest offseason moves (6:00), Oklahoma City's potential contender status (13:00), Kyrie's lacking defense (19:00), LeBron's exit strategy (27:00), the Warriors' unselfishness (36:00), the myth behind the Warriors' reinvention of basketball (44:00), and Ben Simmons's Rookie of the Year campaign (55:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoic...
Oct 16, 2017•1 hr
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy to chat about the ballooning hype for Joel Embiid (1:20), the possible precariousness of the "new old-look" Cleveland Cavaliers (8:50), and the awkward roster fits for the revamped Minnesota Timberwolves (18:55). Then, they bring on Paolo Uggetti to debate the meaning behind Kyrie Irving’s bizarre comments regarding the Cavs (26:10), whether Kyle Kuzma can maintain his impressive preseason performance (35:55), and if Ca...
Oct 13, 2017•40 min
The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor express their astonishment at Joel Embiid’s contract extension (1:50), wonder about the reasoning behind Gary Harris’s contract extension (19:00), and discuss the importance of nutrition when it comes to young NBA players (25:10). Then they debate the trajectory for preseason standout Kyle Kuzma (33:35), take sides in the James Harden–Kevin McHale feud (42:15), and explain Markelle Fultz’s new shooting form (49:50). Learn more about your ad choices. V...
Oct 10, 2017•56 min
HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons outlines the entire Eastern Conference with help from Joe House and Jason Concepcion. Topics include: the inferior Eastern Conference (6:00), the Bulls' tanking efforts (10:00), the Nets not tanking anymore (18:00), the lack of incentive for the Knicks (24:00), reasons why the Pacers will stay competitive (29:00), the awful Orlando Magic (35:00), Philly's chance to take the next step (42:00), the Miami Heat's dark-horse title chances (57:00), Jabari Parker's tra...
Oct 04, 2017•1 hr 22 min
The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor kick off their preseason discussion by speculating the meaning of Tommy Heinsohn’s comments on Aron Baynes (1:05) and wondering about the Orlando Magic’s future with Jonathan Isaac and Mario Hezonja (7:55). Then they react to Russell Westbrook’s contract extension (15:25), Ben Simmons playing with Markelle Fultz during his de facto rookie season (27:25), Klay Thompson’s looming free agency (35:45), Jaylen Brown’s lukewarm comments on the new Boston ro...
Oct 03, 2017•54 min
The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor is joined by Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler to discuss the influence of Hakeem Olajuwon (1:30), the state of the Rockets (4:00), the beauty of the Spurs (8:00), beating Matt Bonner in a 3-point contest (11:00), the Pelicans' potential (12:30), the rise of Canadian basketball (18:30), and the idea of "sticking to sports" (24:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 28, 2017•31 min
The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss Carmelo Anthony's trade to the Thunder (2:30), the history behind superteam success (10:00), the new-look Cavs (19:00), Chicago's complete overhaul (28:00), LeBron vs. Western Conference contenders (34:00), and potential changes to the current playoff format (44:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 26, 2017•54 min
