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The Ringer NBA Show

The Ringerwww.theringer.com
The Ringer NBA squad provides the insight, reporting, and analysis that you need in your life right here on The Ringer NBA Show. On Sundays and Wednesdays, check out 'Group Chat' with Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and J. Kyle Mann . Tap in on Tuesdays and Fridays for 'Real Ones' with Logan Murdock, Raja Bell and Howard Beck.
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Episodes

Future Power and No-Power Rankings | Group Chat

By the 2025-26 season, which teams will be in the best or worst situations? Justin, Rob, and Wos each pick the five teams they believe have the worst outlook, including the Wizards, Rockets, and Blazers (01:11). Then, they each pick the teams they believe have the brightest future, including the Cavaliers, Thunder, and Grizzlies (53:18). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 22, 20231 hr 23 min

Does the Rookie of the Year Award Indicate a Hall of Fame Career? | The Answer

Seerat and Kyle get together to discuss the NBA Rookie of the Year award. They start their conversation by talking about past winners of the award and debating if players who win the award are destined for all-time greatness. This leads to a conversation about the ’09-10 season race between Tyreke Evans and Steph Curry and other particularly impressive rookie debuts in NBA history (11:59). After the break, they take a look at the current race for the award, which heavily favors Paolo Banchero an...

Mar 22, 20231 hr 9 min

Dillon Brooks–Klay Thompson Trash Talk, Michael Jordan’s Time in the Front Office, and ‘Snowfall’ | Real Ones

Logan and Raja are back to discuss the recent back-and-forth between Dillon Brooks and Klay Thompson and the significance of a team enforcer (3:00). Next, they briefly talk about Michael Jordan as a front office executive (33:46). Later, Kerm joins the guys for ‘Snowfall’ talk (40:56). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 20, 202355 min

The Rise in NBA Scoring, the Milwaukee Bucks, and Potential MVPs With Seth Partnow

Wos returns with The Athletic’s basketball analytics writer, Seth Partnow, to discuss the drastic explosion of scoring in the NBA and how that is affecting the game, the Milwaukee Bucks as the leading Eastern Conference team, and where they see the Bucks as finals contenders. Lastly, the two discuss the their potential picks for MVPs. Host: Wosny Lambre Guest: Seth Partnow Producer: Brian Waters and Jade Whaley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 17, 202340 min

Tapping Into March Madness. Plus, a Ring Culture Debate and League Scuffles | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha tap into March Madness and recap Pausha’s in-person experience watching the wild Virginia-Furman game, before they discuss the difference between college and professional hoops (1:20). Then, they switch gears and try to make sense of scuffles around the league, including the recent confrontation involving Giannis, Trey Lyles, and Brook Lopez (13:58). They also weigh in on the “ring culture” debate (24:38) and Ja Morant’s recent interview about his current situation. Later, Aust...

Mar 17, 202347 min

Brian Windhorst on Victor Wembanyama, LeBron James, and Don Nelson Stories | Real Ones

Logan and Raja are joined by longtime ESPN sports writer and two-time New York Times best-selling author Brian Windhorst to discuss his story on top NBA prospect Victor Wembanyama and how the French phenom is readying himself for the league (8:09). Along the way, Windhorst highlights how Wembanyama compares to LeBron James as a generational prospect (31:57). Later, he talks about the impact of the late trade deadline moves from the Los Angeles Lakers and what that means for LeBron’s relationship...

Mar 16, 20231 hr 5 min

Clippers Win Despite Steph’s 50, Sixers Defeat Cavs, and Ja Morant Suspended | Group Chat

Justin, Rob, and Wos recap the Clippers’ victory over the Warriors (03:00). They discuss how Stephen Curry’s 50-point performance wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s struggles and whether the Clippers are starting to jell. Then they break down the Sixers’ victory over the Cavaliers (21:29). They debate whether Philadelphia will be able to jump over Boston for the second seed in the East. Finally, they discuss Ja Morant being handed an eight-game suspension by the NBA and his one-on-one intervie...

Mar 16, 20231 hr 1 min

How Do We Determine the Value of the Most Improved Player Award? | The Answer

Kyle and Seerat begin by discussing the online responses to Kyle’s “sicko” segment from a couple of weeks ago. They then dive into the complicated history of the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award, from its awkward and sometimes controversial beginnings as the “Comeback Player” prize to its current context and philosophical application (5:15). Next, they take a look at past award winners and examine the types of leaps those players made to achieve this prestigious recognition (19:10). They end the...

Mar 15, 20231 hr 8 min

Ja Morant’s Ongoing Absence, Breaking Down the MVP Race, and ‘Snowfall’ | Real Ones

Logan and Raja are back to give their reactions to Monday’s Memphis Grizzlies–Dallas Mavericks matchup before discussing Ja Morant’s ongoing absence from the Grizzlies and how the team has responded (2:00). Along the way, they talk about the injuries to Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic and debate whether the All-Star pairing is working out (17:00). Next, they touch on this year’s tight MVP race and make the argument for each candidate’s chances at winning the award (38:00). Later, Kerm joins the guy...

Mar 14, 20231 hr 6 min

Instant Reactions to Bucks-Warriors

Justin and Kyle share their instant reactions to Saturday’s overtime thriller between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Golden State Warriors. They talk about the inconsistency issues that have plagued the Warriors this season, Stephen Curry’s incredible performance, and the significance of tonight’s big win (1:14). Later, the guys talk about the depth of the Bucks’ bench, Khris Middleton’s recent struggles, and the impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence (10:50). Hosts: Justin Verrier and J. Kyle M...

Mar 12, 202321 min

Nikola Jokic’s MVP Discussion Takes a Turn, and Austin’s Biggest Pet Peeves | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha weigh in on the recent happenings with Ja Morant (6:12) and Kevin Durant’s ankle injury during warm-ups (17:12). Then, they break down Kendrick Perkins’s comments around Nikola Jokic’s MVP candidacy (25:31), address the ongoing feud between Dillon Brooks and Draymond Green (31:37), and discuss the teams leading both conferences ahead of the playoffs (41:17). Later, Austin outs himself as the “Larry David” of the NBA, revealing some of his biggest pet peeves (45:40). Hosts: Aust...

Mar 10, 20231 hr 7 min

New York Knicks Talk With Jerry Ferrara | Weekends With Wos

Wos is back, and he sits down with Jerry Ferrara, an actor on the HBO comedy series ‘Entourage’ and Starz series ‘Power,’ to talk all things New York Knicks in the midst of their 10-game winning streak, including the team's run this season and where they see the Knicks in the upcoming playoffs. Host: Wosny Lambre Guest: Jerry Ferrara Producers: Brian Waters and Jade Whaley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 10, 202353 min

The Impact of Recent Injuries to NBA Stars, Fred VanVleet’s Postgame Ref Comments, and the Draymond Green–Dillon Brooks Beef | Real Ones

Logan and Raja are back to discuss the wave of injuries to NBA stars and how it’s impacting the playoff runs for certain teams (1:50). Along the way, Logan goes through potential playoff matchups around the league and asks Raja to give his series predictions (17:34). Next, the guys discuss Fred VanVleet’s postgame comments on officiating (26:15). Later, they talk about the fiery back-and-forth between Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks ahead of tonight’s Warriors-Grizzlies matchup (43:14). Finally...

Mar 09, 20231 hr 7 min

Western Conference 'Survivor' | Group Chat

In the style of ‘Survivor,’ Justin, Rob, and Wos cast their votes for every team in the Western Conference. Who will be voted off the island first, and who will ultimately be declared the best team in the West? Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Eduardo Ocampo Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 09, 20231 hr 25 min

Should We Believe in the Philadelphia 76ers? With Michael Pina | The Answer

Seerat is joined by The Ringer’s own Michael Pina to discuss the state of the Philadelphia 76ers heading into the playoffs. They begin by examining Joel Embiid’s recent performances, the adjustments he’s made within his game throughout the season, and the possible effects of his incredible usage rate. Then they debate whether or not they believe in James Harden’s playmaking abilities and his compatibility with Embiid’s skill set (21:03). Next, they look at past iterations of the team that fell j...

Mar 07, 20231 hr 4 min

Are the Knicks and Kings Legit? | Real Ones

Raja and Logan open the show with reactions to the Suns-Mavericks game (02:00) before pivoting to the Knicks and their success this season (12:00). Then, the guys dive into the Sacramento Kings and what to expect from them in the postseason (24:00). Later, they take a break from talking hoops and give their thoughts on the final season of ‘Snowfall’ (52:00). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...

Mar 06, 20231 hr 3 min

KD’s Suns Debut, Load Management, and Five-Year Anniversary of the Rockets-Clippers Tunnel Debacle | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha are back and kicking things off by discussing KD’s debut with the Phoenix Suns (3:46). They touch on Durant’s performance alongside Devin Booker, dive into his role on this particular team, and discuss which tenure was more successful: KD with the Warriors or LeBron with the Heat (5:06). Then, they dive into Charles Barkley’s comments about load management and provide insight from today’s play while also comparing the older generation of players to this generation (16:16). Late...

Mar 03, 20231 hr 13 min

The Biggest Questions About the Season’s Stretch Run

Michael Pina is joined by CBS Sports writer James Herbert to ask and answer some of the biggest questions about the season’s stretch run. Are the Lakers dead? Can Ty Lue ever figure out his rotation (and bench Russell Westbrook)? Is Golden State a sleeping giant? Which teams are going to make the playoffs at the bottom of the Eastern Conference? What’s different about the Sixers this year as opposed to their disappointing past? Will the Celtics or Bucks finish first in the Eastern Conference? An...

Mar 03, 20231 hr 10 min

The Main Takeaways From KD’s Debut in Phoenix and Ja Morant in Hot Water | Real Ones

Logan and Raja are back to recap Kevin Durant’s first game with the Phoenix Suns and discuss how he fits with the team (0:00). Later, the guys address the serious accounts about Ja Morant's behavior and what that means for him and for the Memphis Grizzlies (0:00). Finally, the guys close out with their Real Ones of the Week (00:00). Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Associate Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Mar 02, 20231 hr 7 min

Everything Left to Sort Out Over the Stretch Run | Group Chat

Justin, Rob, and Wos figure out what to make of some of the story lines surrounding the league as the end of the regular season approaches. They start off by debating whether the Lakers are cooked (03:30), if the Pelicans are even more cooked (11:24), and the teams from the West that have a shot at the play-in (18:23). Later: the Grizzlies (24:39), Quin Snyder’s arrival in Atlanta (30:03), the Bucks (37:53), and who the title favorites are (51:58). Finally, they end with Nikola Jokic, his impact...

Mar 02, 20231 hr 14 min

What Are the Characteristics of a Great NBA Sixth Man of the Year? | The Answer

Kyle and Seerat start their conversation by talking about their time at All-Star weekend and a particularly contentious experience Kyle had at a local restaurant recently. They then talk about the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, the general philosophy of the role, and the history of the position (10:09). Next, they dive into the evolution of the sixth man, how Manu Ginóbili embodied its true spirit, and areas where the league may have gotten the definition wrong (29:03). They end the pod by exa...

Mar 01, 20231 hr 5 min

Breaking Down the Historic Scoring in the NBA, the Future of the Atlanta Hawks, and the Lakers’ Late-Season Playoff Push | Real Ones

Logan and Raja are back to discuss the recent stretch of historic scoring performances from both players and teams, what’s behind the surge, and the current culture around scoring (4:00). Next, they talk about Quin Snyder’s five-year contract to become the head coach for the Atlanta Hawks and what that means for the future of the franchise (22:00). Along the way, the guys unpack what the Lakers-Mavericks matchup says about those two teams moving forward into the latter part of the season (32:00)...

Feb 27, 202348 min

Debunking the Russell Westbrook Narrative, Ben Simmons’s Trajectory, and Why You’re Not as Good at Basketball as You Think | Off Guard with Austin Rivers

Austin and Pausha are back after the All-Star break to discuss how the weekend shook out and what could help improve ratings (3:28). Then, they discuss the turn of the season with 21 games left (18:50), touch on Mike Conley’s addition to the Timberwolves (21:22), and review Russell Westbrook's involuntary role as the best buyout player in the league (27:47). Later, they talk Ben Simmons’s career (43:55) and wrap things up with another round of rapid fire, focusing on Rihanna’s Super Bowl perform...

Feb 24, 20231 hr 6 min

The Balkan Basketball Boom

In this special audio feature, Ringer senior staff writer Jordan Ritter Conn traveled to the Balkans to answer one simple question: How are so many of the world’s greatest basketball players—including two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and potential future MVP Luka Doncic—coming from such a small region? Interviews with current and former NBA players, as well as scouts and coaches in the region, peel back the layers of the rise and sustained success of the Balkan "basketball school.” Host: Jordan Ritter ...

Feb 21, 202358 min

Ringer NBA Show Live at NBA All-Star Weekend 2023

The Ringer NBA Show crew (Logan Murdock, J. Kyle Mann, Kevin O’Connor, Wosny Lambre, Seerat Sohi and Michael Pina) took over The State Room in Salt Lake City, Utah for an epic live podcast in front of a sold out crowd. They talk everything from first half of the season analysis, draft preview and make their predictions for the rest of the 2022-2023 NBA season. Hosts: Logan Murdock, J. Kyle Mann, Kevin O’Connor, Wosny Lambre, Seerat Sohi and Michael Pina Producers: Ben Cruz, Elizabeth Fierman, an...

Feb 20, 20231 hr 30 min

Hype for the Upcoming All-Star Weekend and Trade Deadline Final Thoughts With Ben Golliver. Plus, Race Relations in the NFL With Tashan Reed. | Weekends With Wos

On this packed episode, Wos sits down with Ben Golliver, the National NBA writer for ‘The Washington Post,’ to talk all things All-Star Weekend in the days leading up, then discuss the dunk contest, skills competition, and the All-Star draft. They also touch on their final thoughts regarding the trade deadline ,honing in on the Mavericks with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Later in the episode, Wos sits down with the sports writer for ‘The Athletic’ and creator of podcast ‘Between the Lines,’ Tas...

Feb 17, 20231 hr 10 min

How the NBA All-Star Weekend Has Changed Over the Years | Real Ones

Logan and Raja are back to discuss how changes to the All-Star Weekend are representative of league-wide trends and specifically why, in recent years, the spotlight has shifted from the Slam Dunk Contest to the 3-Point Contest (1:44). Along the way, Raja talks about what it takes to prepare for the 3-Point Contest as well as what it’s like to experience the rest of the All-Star Weekend festivities (20:56). Later, they make predictions for the winners in both contests (39:54). Finally, the guys c...

Feb 16, 202352 min

The Seven Most Important Questions After the Trade Deadline | Group Chat

Justin, Rob, and Wos answer some of the biggest questions around the league now that the trade deadline has passed, starting with whether the Suns are the best team in the West (02:16). They also discuss the outlook of the Knicks and Nets (09:36), whether the Lakers or Warriors will be more miserable to watch (21:16), and whose on-the-margin acquisitions will matter most (29:35). Finally, they talk about the Mavericks (37:31), the buyout guy that will have the most impact (47:16), and which play...

Feb 16, 20231 hr 1 min

How Would You Draft an NBA All-Star Team for a Playoff Series? | The Answer

Kyle and Seerat examine the 2023 NBA All-Star selections and perform their own personal drafts with a hypothetical playoff run in mind. They dissect how the teams' on-court chemistries would mesh and pit their individual squads against each other. They end the pod by discussing 'Mad Men' and ranking the top Don Draper mistresses (50:16). Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Seerat Sohi Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Feb 15, 20231 hr 2 min

Breaking Down the NBA Trade Deadline With Sam Amick | Real Ones

Logan and Raja are joined by Sam Amick, senior writer for The Athletic, to recap this year’s momentous trade deadline, discuss some of the most significant moves around the league, and highlight some of their favorite trades from last week (1:03). Along the way, they talk about Russell Westbrook’s next landing spot and his strained relationship with the Los Angeles Lakers (16:55). Later, the guys talk about the new-look Dallas Mavericks and Kevin Durant’s decision to leave the Brooklyn Nets for ...

Feb 13, 20231 hr 11 min
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