We discuss the overperforming Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they should still consider dealing their desirable players at the trade deadline (1:02), before breaking down the KD vs. Kendrick Perkins Twitter fight that was spurred by Russell Westbrook’s return to OKC (28:46). Finally, we gauge whether the younger Spurs have a chance to reset their season, and briefly re-rank the 2019 rookie class (46:00). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...
Jan 10, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 560
Instant Replay: Anthony Davis busts his bum, Blake Griffin is no longer the bee’s knees, and more changes to the NBA (03:17). The Main Event: Dwight Howard gets a contract guarantee, and making the dunk contest amazing again (22:28). Good Call/Bad Call: Can you party too hard in Miami, Dramatic Apologies, Throwing Shade to Load Management. (31:33). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 08, 2020•38 min•Ep. 559
The Spurs, Pelicans, and Grizzlies have all looked quite encouraging as of late; do they have what it takes to make it into the playoffs (0:43)? As we approach the halfway mark of the regular season, the guys each give three overreactions from the season thus far (27:28). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 07, 2020•51 min•Ep. 558
The Sixers are 3-7 in their last 10 games—is the floor really dropping out from under them, or are they not suited to win regular-season games (1:07)? Plus: Where will Kevin Love end up? Are the Hawks just the Process Sixers but worse? And should the Thunder move Chris Paul? Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier, Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 06, 2020•56 min•Ep. 557
We take some time to review David Stern’s illustrious life and career after the news of his death (0:58). Then, we run down a list of teams that can go one of two ways: trade their valuable assets and tank or push for the lower playoff seeds (9:03). Finally, we try to contain our excitement for the rumors of Zion Williamson’s imminent return (43:15). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Jan 03, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 556
We break down a Western Conference trio that had high hopes coming into the season but have struggled their way to the bottom of the conference. Can any of them get hot and get back into the playoff mix (3:12)? Then, we re-draft what we think are the top four players from the 2016 NBA draft: Ben Simmons, Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown, and Pascal Siakam (31:45). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 31, 2019•58 min•Ep. 555
We recap the Christmas Day games: Are the Clippers better suited for the playoffs than the Lakers? Does the same go for the Sixers vs. the Bucks? Plus: Is James Harden getting off too easy for the Rockets' failures, including losing to the Warriors on Christmas? Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 27, 2019•51 min•Ep. 554
Kevin deep-dives on his spicy Ben Simmons take (1:10) before we run down our wishes for the rest of the 2019-20 season and preview NBA Christmas Day (24:08). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 24, 2019•49 min•Ep. 552
Instant Replay : The Denver Nuggets’ sneaky resurgence, a Siakam-less Raptors comeback, IT suspended because of … Frosties?, and Pop goes Pop on plus-minus (4:48). The Main Event : A bizarrely structured in-season tournament and other proposed schedule changes (21:47). Good Call/Bad Call : The Milwaukee Pro Wrestling Bucks, Romeo Langford heart-emoji Celine Dion, and Tacko Fall fever (31:28). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...
Dec 23, 2019•39 min•Ep. 553
The weekend is here, and we are here to talk about the excellent face-off between the Lakers and the Bucks. We discuss whether Giannis Antetokounmpo is the best player in the world (05:56), focus on the short-handed Raptors (36:26), and look ahead to some of the exciting Christmas Day matchups (39:05). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 20, 2019•58 min•Ep. 551
The New York Knicks win their third game in four against the Atlanta Hawks, exposing the Hawks’ roster construction issues and illuminating a larger problem with rebuilding in the modern NBA (1:20). The Philadelphia 76ers have proved themselves to be an elite defensive team, but can they live up to the championship predictions without a potent offense (32:29)? And finally: Now that free agents from the summer can be traded, it’s time to cut bait on some valuable players in ill-fitted situations ...
Dec 18, 2019•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 550
Instant Replay (03:24): News from around the league, including the end of the Bucks’ win streak, Dion Waiters's latest suspension, the excellent clapbacks from CJ McCollum, and more. The Main Event (18:32): Micah Peters stops in to talk to the gang about the absolute mess the Pelicans are in, and whether Zion and all the team's missing parts can even fix it. Good Call/Bad Call (30:11): Drake is being really weird again, gambling for 3-point shots, and we get Cubas mixed up. Host: Jawn Gonzalez G...
Dec 17, 2019•39 min•Ep. 549
With the Lakers and Bucks on a crash course to meet each other with identical 25-3 records, we wonder whether each team can continue its torrid pace (11:30). Also, Luka’s twisted ankle (2:25) and trades that could change the league (28:49). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 16, 2019•51 min•Ep. 548
With Luka Doncic continuing to put up gaudy numbers (this time in Mexico), we imagine a world in which the NBA continues its global expansion and increases its player pool. Are there enough talented players for 34 teams, or even 36 (3:50)? Then, we run down some of the potential players who could get moved in the coming weeks, now that the Dec. 15 restriction on trades for free-agent signings has been removed (32:17). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Dec 13, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 547
We run down our lists of the 25 best NBA players so far this season, including Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden as solo shows, but also Anthony Davis and LeBron James as well as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George as duos in Los Angeles. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 11, 2019•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 546
The Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers continue to thrive atop their respective conferences, but there is still more parity in the NBA than in years past (1:24). Then: It’s the most wonderful time of the year ... trade season is here (31:29)! And finally, the Houston Rockets’ protest gets denied (52:52). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 10, 2019•56 min•Ep. 545
Instant Replay (03:40): News from around the league, the state of the Cavs and what the price of Kevin Love might be, and the result of Clippers-Bucks and what this could mean for them down the line. The Main Event (14:08): Paolo Uggetti stops in to talk to the gang about the Knicks' firing Fizdale, the awkward fallout for the interim head coach, and who New York may have an eye on. Good Call/Bad Call (29:03): The city of brotherly love has another incident, Portland’s Terry Stotts gets ejected,...
Dec 09, 2019•36 min•Ep. 544
We discuss the James Harden dunk that wasn’t counted in the Houston Rockets’ double-overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs (1:21). Are the Rockets right to file a complaint in the hope that it will point out a flaw in the replay review system? Plus: what Zion will look like when he returns (26:09), David Fizdale’s clock is ticking (32:11), and LaMelo Ball’s chances at going first overall in the NBA draft (38:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...
Dec 06, 2019•44 min•Ep. 543
We take a look at the Rockets protesting their loss to the Spurs (2:00) and discuss the NBA’s plummeting ratings (14:00). Then Jonathan Tjarks joins the show to compare team power ranking tiers (29:30). Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 04, 2019•52 min•Ep. 542
The high-usage superstars of the league have all become so dominant and efficient that they’re in line to break historical PER records. Do we need to adjust the record books to reflect the 3-point era (3:00)? Plus: The Pacers have righted the ship while the Jazz haven’t, and the Raptors are more legitimate than anyone could’ve predicted (18:30). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Dec 03, 2019•56 min•Ep. 541
Instant Replay (03:16): The Clippers and Raptors had wonderful games with no signs of slowing down. Also, James Harden had a moment. The Main Event (21:25): The gang looks closely at the Nets in Kyrie Irving’s absence and his inevitable return. Brooklyn seems to be doing just fine without him. Will he be hindering them or putting more gas in the tank? Good Call/Bad Call (32:23): The Bulls' optimism through movie quotes, love chokes in Philly, and cussing in Boston.Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Hal...
Dec 02, 2019•37 min•Ep. 540
The ‘Group Chat’ crew answers questions from you, the listeners! Topics include: the biggest “pretender” team, help for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks, the 25-and-under power ranking, realistic midseason trades, and more. Host: Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 27, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 539
We break down the ins and outs of the proposed changes to the NBA schedule, including playoff reseeding, the midseason tournament, and more (2:00). Then, we talk about the NBA’s dip in TV ratings this year, wondering whether it has anything to do with the Western Conference's being loaded and a dearth of Eastern Conference stars (33:51). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 26, 2019•57 min•Ep. 538
Instant Replay: The Spurs and the Bulls pull one out of the hat, along with Jimmy Butler returning to Philly to an irate crowd! (03:43). The Main Event: Zach Kram breaks down new changes to the NBA that could have a drastic effect on the playoffs, finals, and beyond (17:21). Good Call/Bad Call: More Jersey redesigns even wilder than the last (29:20). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine, Zach Kram Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 25, 2019•35 min•Ep. 537
We talk about the Celtics' versatility, including Kemba Walker's range on and off the court (02:07), dive into how Brandon Ingram is the driving force making the Pelicans viable while Zion is injured (07:02), and ask whether Pascal Siakam is a legitimate no. 1 option (26:12). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 22, 2019•59 min•Ep. 536
We dive deep on the Blazers' roster building and how it created a need for Carmelo Anthony just two months into the season (1:16). Then, Jonathan Tjarks joins the pod to discuss Luka Doncic’s gaudy box scores, James Harden being a 6-foot-5 Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron and Anthony Davis sharing the MVP narrative, and Giannis representing the Eastern Conference (19:05). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Nov 20, 2019•58 min•Ep. 535
We discuss Luka Doncic’s incredible start to the season, including his run of triple-doubles and how it compares to Russell Westbrook's (1:31), before having a knock-down, drag-out argument about whether the Spurs should blow up their older core and try to rebuild around younger players on their roster (20:28). Then, we finish by marveling over James Harden’s incredible scoring season so far, assessing his fit with Westbrook, and wondering whether the Rockets pose a serious threat in the Western...
Nov 19, 2019•53 min•Ep. 534
Instant Replay: The Blazers sign Carmelo Anthony, Paul George’s Clippers debut, and Pop’s second-in-command (5:32). The Main Event: Pod Save America’s Dan Pfeiffer on the Philadelphia 76ers’ recent struggles and whether they can reach their fullest potential (18:00). Good Call/Bad Call: Jersey redesigns, Rivers-on-Rivers crime, and eating a waffle on the bench (37:03). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Isaac Lee, Dan Pfeiffer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices....
Nov 18, 2019•44 min•Ep. 533
We discuss last night’s breaking news that Carmelo Anthony will be joining the struggling Portland Trail Blazers (1:20), before analyzing the Knicks' revenge win over Kristaps Porzingis and the Dallas Mavericks (15:18) and Andrew Wiggins’s 11-game tear to start the season (43:43). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 15, 2019•56 min•Ep. 532
We are three weeks into the season, and LeBron has seemingly unlocked Anthony Davis. However, are the Clippers still the best team in the West? (1:15). Then, the enjoyment of watching the NBA’s “hipster” teams like the Hawks, Suns, and Grizzlies led by Ja Morant, Devin Booker, and Trae Young grow into established units (18:45) before we highlight some of the NBAs best up-and-coming duos (43:00). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier Guest: Jonathan Tjarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podc...
Nov 13, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 531
