Our very own Chris Ryan recaps what he saw last night at the Lakers-Sixers game (1:45). Spike Lee addresses his feud with the Knicks and the infamous James Dolan (19:15). Plus: Line ’Em Up—a Jonathan Tjarks Joint, a new segment where Tjarks highlights the most pressing story lines in the league (28:30). Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Chris Ryan and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 04, 2020•48 min•Ep. 590
In Kevin’s return to the show, we return to our old ways: arguing about James Harden’s gather dribble and Giannis’s claim to the MVP (10:30). Then, we discuss the Knicks' awkward handling of Spike Lee (29:40), the Elam ending in the All-Star Game, and Jayson Tatum’s ascendance since Kevin’s absence from the podcast (56:26). Host: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Mar 03, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 589
Instant Replay: The Knicks make a hire, developments in the Giannis-Harden beef, and the Timberwolves get a resting policy violation (03:16). The Main Event: We play Heat Check Survivor and vote tired conversations off Heat Check Island (22:58). Good Call/Bad Call: Dan Devine gets a new nickname, the aftermath of the mystery box, and should the gang try a disgusting smoothie (37:49)? Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O'Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...
Mar 02, 2020•46 min•Ep. 588
We parse James Harden’s comments in response to Giannis Antetokounmpo passing him over during the All-Star draft (16:28), before breaking down which middle-seeded Western Conference playoff teams should be the most feared (22:47). Finally, we take a look at the lowly Chicago Bulls, who are getting good minutes from Coby White, and try to determine which of their young players most deserve to stay for the long haul (44:34). Host: Chris Vernon Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choice...
Feb 28, 2020•58 min•Ep. 587
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks walked away with a win over Toronto, but who deserves the credit? Zion Williamson faced off against LeBron James in their first matchup and gave us a glimpse into what we can anticipate for the rest of the season from this young Pelicans team. Plus, Ben Simmons's back injury and the tentative timeline for his return to the court. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Chris Ryan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 26, 2020•59 min•Ep. 586
We recap some news from around the league, including Vanessa Bryant’s moving tribute to Kobe Bryant, Bradley Beal’s big scoring night, and Ben Simmons’s back injury (2:15). Then, we preview what it will mean when Zion Williamson plays in Los Angeles against LeBron James for the first time in his career (46:39). Finally, we finish by talking about some draft prospects that might fly under the radar (58:03). Host: Chris Vernon Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastc...
Feb 25, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 585
Instant Replay: Dwyane Wade's jersey is retired, Mark Cuban has a very expensive meltdown, and we analyze the buyout market (03:08) The Main Event: The gang takes a look at Dan's ranking of the NBA’s five most interesting teams of the stretch run , including the Rockets, Pelicans, and podcast favorite Grizzlies (21:31). Good Call/Bad Call: Zion debuting some new shoes, spending time at a Milwaukee casino, and deciding to go in on a $100 mystery box (40:39). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O'Sh...
Feb 24, 2020•49 min•Ep. 584
We go over some highlights of the first night the NBA returned to action, including Trae Young's and Joel Embiid’s big games against the Miami Heat and Brooklyn Nets, respectively (1:27). Then we try to make sense of the Western Conference playoff race and predict who will grab the eighth seed out of Memphis, Portland, and New Orleans (25:39). Host: Chris Vernon Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 21, 2020•47 min•Ep. 583
With a new head coach and a less-than-impressive season, what does the future look like for the Cleveland Cavaliers (3:30)? Plus, major story lines for the rest of the regular season: the impact of buyouts for the league (16:30), what Kyrie Irving’s injury means for the Nets (28:55), and Giannis’s MVP reputation (39:28). Host: Justin Verrier Guest: Rob Mahoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 19, 2020•51 min•Ep. 582
We run down a list of items, including rumors that John Beilein might be on his way out in Cleveland and news that the G League is unionizing (1:23). Then, with the All-Star Game in the rearview, we ask four questions about the landscape of the league, including: Who should the Bucks and Lakers fear most in their respective conferences (27:12)? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 18, 2020•49 min•Ep. 581
Instant Replay: John Beilein is reportedly not long for the Cavaliers, and we recap the All-Star events from Friday and find out who is the league's best one-on-one player (03:50). The Main Event: The skills competition results, the 3-point contest shockers, and Team LeBron taking the All-Star Game by a single free throw (17:58). Good Call/Bad Call: Honoring Vince Carter, controversial billboards for the Kings, and Bam Adebayo's strange training drill (38:44). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O...
Feb 17, 2020•45 min•Ep. 580
Despite concerns surrounding Joel Embiid’s incendiary comments earlier this week, the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers; could this be the year the Embiid–Ben Simmons experiment succeeds (1:24)? Plus: The New York Knicks keep making headlines for all the wrong reasons, as their new brand consultant, Steve Stoute, publicly comments on the future of interim head coach Mike Miller (32:00), and rookie star Zion Williamson continues to amaze (41:35). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Chris...
Feb 12, 2020•51 min•Ep. 579
We talk about how Toronto’s unbelievable win streak has kept teams like Boston, Miami, and Philly in their rearview mirror in the East (3:32), before breaking down the drama with the Sixers, Joel Embiid, and Jimmy Butler (29:56). Finally, we finish by touching on the Western Conference standings ahead of All-Star Weekend (35:32). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 11, 2020•50 min•Ep. 578
Instant Replay: The Raptors just can’t seem to lose, Kevin Durant wants all the smoke, and James Dolan isn't selling the New York Knicks (02:05). The Main Event: The gang breaks down the winners and losers of the trade deadline including the Heat and the Clippers, and even the Knicks (19:28). Good Call/Bad Call: D'Angelo Russell has a camcorder, Dame D.O.L.L.A. performs at All-Star Weekend, and we do art (33:47). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O'Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your a...
Feb 10, 2020•42 min•Ep. 577
We react to the biggest news of today’s NBA trade deadline, including the Golden State Warriors swapping D’Angelo Russell for Andrew Wiggins, the Miami Heat acquiring Andre Iguodala, the Philadelphia 76ers making modest upgrades in Alec Burks and Glenn Robinson, and more. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 06, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 576
News of a four-team, 12-player trade revolving around Clint Capela and Robert Covington broke late Tuesday night, with numerous implications for the entire league. We discuss what this means for each team, as the trade deadline looms. Host: Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 05, 2020•51 min•Ep. 575
We run down the Andre Iguodala vs. Memphis Grizzlies timeline (1:21) before previewing Thursday’s NBA trade deadline (12:40). Then ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski breaks the news that the Knicks have parted ways with Steve Mills (46:56) and we react in real time. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 04, 2020•55 min•Ep. 574
Instant Replay: The Lakers' touching tribute to Kobe Bryant, Damian Lillard's amazing streak, and the impressive run from the Raptors (3:05). The Main Event: Trade deadlines, along with main contenders and the Knicks pulling off yet another chef's kiss (19:32). Good Call/Bad Call: Changing the All-Star game format, snubs, and Aaron Gordon getting in the action (35:31). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Feb 03, 2020•43 min•Ep. 573
We run through the list of All-Star reserves and debate whether guys like Bradley Beal have a good case for feeling left out (2:33). Then, we talk about the emotion surrounding the Lakers return to the court following Kobe Bryant’s death (27:07), and finish by going over Kawhi’s latest knee trouble and the Rising Stars lineup announcements (30:00). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 31, 2020•50 min•Ep. 572
Today on 'Heat Check,' John, Dan, and Haley take a look at the news around the NBA, talk about a few recent games, and examine some impressive 50-point performances (02:42). They also discuss and reflect on the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant (19:33). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 29, 2020•47 min•Ep. 571
We try to come to terms with the life and death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant after a tragic helicopter crash killed him, his daughter Gianna, and seven other people in Calabasas, California, on Sunday. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 28, 2020•50 min•Ep. 570
Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney remember Kobe Bryant on the day after the tragic death of the legendary Laker and eight others in a helicopter crash. Host: Justin Verrier Guest: Rob Mahoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 27, 2020•38 min•Ep. 569
We review the announced starters for the NBA’s All-Star Game (1:02) before discussing Zion Williamson’s return (47:00), debating whether the Sixers should trade Al Horford (21:22), and considering what the Clippers should do with their rim-running center, Montrezl Harrell (33:49). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 24, 2020•57 min•Ep. 568
The Los Angeles Clippers are really, really good. But does that make them uninteresting to watch (0:44)? With Zion Williamson making his regular-season debut tonight, the New Orleans Pelicans could look to make a push for the playoffs (18:35). Plus: What moves could we see at the trade deadline (36:44)? Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Chris Ryan and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 22, 2020•53 min•Ep. 567
The Lakers got walloped by the Celtics last night—is there more to take away from this one game than meets the eye (5:56)? Plus, Ben Simmons has been unleashed by the open space on the floor since Joel Embiid has been out with injury. How will Embiid be reintroduced into the lineup, and will the Sixers pursue Pistons guard Derrick Rose (20:00)? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 21, 2020•52 min•Ep. 566
Instant Replay: The Blazers have cut ties with Kent Bazemore and Kyrie Irving is back saying weird things in the media (4:01). The Main Event: Our very own Dan Devine has been coronated as an All-Star voter! We run down his list of starters for the Eastern and Western conferences (24:04). Good Call/Bad Call: LaMelo has a horse named … LaMelo, Josh Richardson is out here naming random iguanas in his backyard, and the Memphis Grizzlies are bumping metal in their arena (35:17). Host: John Gonzalez ...
Jan 20, 2020•43 min•Ep. 565
After Brandon Ingram scored 49 points to outduel Donovan Mitchell, we wonder whether it’s realistic to think he’s already better than Ben Simmons and on a path to be in the class of Anthony Davis (1:34). Then, we discuss Zion Williamson’s imminent return and what it could mean for night-to-night interest in the league (13:00). Finally, we close with some thoughts on how Denver has set itself up with a deep roster, and how this year’s NBA draft is shaping up to be a real stinker (29:10). Hosts: C...
Jan 17, 2020•57 min•Ep. 564
We discuss the impressive new-era Grizzlies (1:57), teams looking to go all in at the trade deadline (18:16), contenders that are positioned to make a big second-half push (31:39), and the blossoming of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (39:42). Then we debate why the Milwaukee Bucks are not getting prevalent recognition as the best team in the NBA (48:49). Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Jonathan Tjarks and Rob Mahoney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 15, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 563
We review Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s historic triple-double and look at what the Clippers gave up when they sent him to OKC (1:04), before discussing the Lakers-Clippers regular-season dichotomy (9:33). Then, we talk about two of the hottest teams in the NBA: the Mike Conley–less Jazz and the Memphis Grizzlies (23:01). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 14, 2020•52 min•Ep. 562
Instant Replay: The Nets beat the Hawks, plus the impact of Spencer Dinwiddie's off-court interests, a possible Sixers trade, and debating whether Steph Curry should return this season (02:42). The Main Event: Paolo Uggetti joins us to talk about the Grizzlies' fight for the eighth spot and why you should never count out the Spurs (16:39). Good Call/Bad Call: KD and Kendrick Perkins get into a spat on Twitter, Rob Pelinka gets an extension, and the glorious gift of scratchers (32:15). Host: John...
Jan 13, 2020•39 min•Ep. 561
