Justin, Rob, and Wos discuss some of the biggest surprises so far this season and whether they believe the surprise is sustainable or not. They discuss Scottie Barnes's improvement, the Timberwolves defense, Cam Thomas, and more. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: ...
Nov 08, 2023•1 hr 30 min
Logan, Raja, and Howard discuss the first batch of NBA in-season tournament games, their overall thoughts on the new addition to the regular season, and whether the level of competitiveness feels heightened (2:00). Later, the guys talk through a handful of teams that have had slow starts to the year and debate whether or not they deserve the benefit of the doubt (39:00). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the epi...
Nov 06, 2023•1 hr 14 min
The Ringer’s Chris Ryan joins Justin and Rob to discuss their overall first impressions on the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament. They share what they’ve liked and disliked about the first set of games and hypothesize what the future of the tournament could be (1:20). Later, they talk about the 76ers' early-season success, the positive influence of Nick Nurse, and the Kelly Oubre Jr. renaissance (44:24). Lastly, they discuss what has been working for the Mavericks so far this season and analy...
Nov 05, 2023•1 hr 9 min
Logan and Raja are joined by three-time NBA all-star and cohost of the ‘No Chill’ podcast Gilbert Arenas to discuss what it was like playing against Raja and the constant push and pull between primary defenders and elite scorers (1:41). Next, they talk about how Arenas evolved from a young scorer to a superstar in the NBA, what it takes to make that transition, and how the empowerment of stars has changed over the years (12:54). Along the way, the guys talk about what Jordan Poole needs to do if...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 8 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos answer some next questions for all the parties involved in the James Harden trade. They discuss Harden’s fit on the Clippers, the next move for the Sixers, and more. Then they check in on a couple of young bigs in Victor Wembanyama and Evan Mobley and discuss their starts to the season (54:14). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Logan, Raja, and Howard are back to discuss the Lakers' 1-2 start and what level of concern the team should have since it's led by an aging LeBron James (02:00). Then, the guys react to the Hawks beating the Bucks at home (32:00). Later, Raja and Howard Beck share some of their players-only meeting stories (41:20). Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Jonathan Kermah Production Assistant: Kai Grady Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 30, 2023•1 hr
Justin, Rob, and Wos join to discuss their biggest takeaways from the first week of the season. They start by exploring what’s going wrong with the Chicago Bulls and hypothesize what moves could be in their future (4:20). Then, they talk about the Pistons' impressive first week and what’s been working for their defense (19:11). Later, they express their worries and injury concerns about the Phoenix Suns (51:33). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Jack Sanders Addition...
Oct 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Logan and Howard are joined by Sam Amick, senior NBA writer for The Athletic, to unpack how Victor Wembanyama navigated opening night jitters as a rookie and what the San Antonio Spurs are going to do to manage the spotlight that comes with a player like him (2:55). Next, they discuss reports that James Harden returned to the Philadelphia 76ers practice facility but wasn’t allowed to travel with the team for the season opener and that trade talks with the Los Angeles Clippers have stalled (24:40...
Oct 26, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos give their thoughts on the NBA’s opening night games. They start off with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, who didn't skip a beat against the Lakers (03:47). They then discuss the Suns’ win over the Warriors, Devin Booker’s continued improvement, and Chris Paul’s debut in Golden State (28:13). After, they touch on Giannis’s extension with the Bucks (47:35) and the wave of rookie contract extensions (54:54). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out thering...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Logan, Raja, and Howard tackle some of the most pressing questions and story lines on the eve of the NBA season. They discuss their expectations for Victor Wembanyama’s rookie season (7:56), the potential long-term impact of James Harden’s trade request on the Philadelphia 76ers (17:36), the Boston Celtics’ championship window (26:10), how Dame and Giannis fit together on the Bucks (37:50), and how Chris Paul can impact this new-look Warriors team (50:20), before giving their NBA season predicti...
Oct 23, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos start by discussing Steven Adams’s season-ending knee injury and what it means for the Grizzlies going forward (3:05). Then, the guys dive into their entrance survey for the upcoming season and hypothesize who will be the next star to be traded (12:31), highlight their favorite league pass teams (20:43), and give their season award predictions and Finals picks (1:03:44). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Jack Sanders Additional Production Supervi...
Oct 22, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Logan and Raja react to Steph Curry’s preseason game-winner against the Sacramento Kings, Jordan Poole dropping 41 points in three quarters, and whether or not both performances feel like statement games ahead of the regular season (2:58). Next, they discuss James Harden skipping 76ers practice and how his trade request has become a total distraction to the team (38:41). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (52:47). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checko...
Oct 19, 2023•1 hr 1 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with the finale of their preseason NBA power rankings, this time talking about the teams slotted fifth to first. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and identify this season's swing player. Lakers: (3:40) Suns: (22:32) Celtics: (37:55) Bucks: (1:00:45) Nuggets: (1:11:06) Listen to all the 'Group Chat' preseason power rankings here! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to f...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 30 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with Part 4 of their preseason NBA power rankings, this time talking about the teams slotted 10th to sixth. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and identify this season's swing player. Cleveland Cavaliers: (3:30) Memphis Grizzlies: (21:30) Philadelphia 76ers: (39:26) Miami Heat: (51:14) Golden State Warriors: (1:04:37) If you missed the beginning of the rankings, listen here! Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 21 min
Logan and Raja are joined by The Ringer’s Howard Beck to give their first impressions of Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks preseason debut and discuss why building on-court chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo is so important (2:00). Along the way, the guys discuss this new era of star player empowerment and how it’s impacting the rest of the league. Later, they talk about the arrival of San Antonio Spurs rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and what his hybrid play style means for the NBA big man (37...
Oct 16, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with part 3 of their preseason NBA power rankings, this time talking about the teams slotted 15th to 11th. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and identify this season's swing player. Thunder (4:22) Kings (27:10) Knicks (42:53) Clippers (56:13) Mavericks (1:07:10) If you missed the beginning of the rankings, listen here! Part 1 Part 2 Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional ...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 24 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos are here with Part 2 of their annual preseason power rankings, this time talking about the teams from no. 20 to no. 16. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and tell us who they think the swing player is. Utah Jazz (03:18) Atlanta Hawks (17:47) Minnesota Timberwolves (35:25) Indiana Pacers (53:28) New Orleans Pelicans (63:50) The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen ...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 23 min
Austin and Pausha are back for the start of the preseason; they react to the news that Jrue Holiday was traded to the Celtics and discuss how this compares to the Damian Lillard trade and what this ultimately means for the Heat (6:04). Then, they address quotes from media day, starting with Jimmy Butler’s hair and Brandon Ingram’s take on a big payday (15:34). They finish off the show with another round of Lost in the Sauce, where they once again put their basketball knowledge to the test (51:22...
Oct 05, 2023•1 hr 3 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos deliver Part 1 of their annual preseason power rankings, starting with the bottom 10 teams in the league. For each team, they give their general thoughts, answer one essential question, and tell us who they think the swing player is for each team Intro (00:00). Washington Wizards (09:10) Portland Trail Blazers (25:10) Detroit Pistons (43:37) San Antonio Spurs (54:28) Houston Rockets (1:02:24) Brooklyn Nets (1:14:36) Charlotte Hornets (1:30:21) Orlando Magic (1:43:08) Chicago...
Oct 05, 2023•2 hr 21 min
Logan and Raja discuss the Boston Celtics landing Jrue Holiday, whether or not the move makes them the favorite in the Eastern Conference, and their thoughts on the new-look Milwaukee Bucks (2:00). Next, they briefly talk about James Harden not showing up to media day for the Philadelphia 76ers amid the ongoing feud between him and the franchise (22:00). Later, they react to NBA insider Chris Haynes’s article on Damian Lillard’s departure from Portland and how the relationship between him and th...
Oct 02, 2023•1 hr 2 min
Austin and Pausha react to the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade and talk through why this is a rare triple win for all three teams involved (0:32). Then, they hit on the Travis Kelce–Taylor Swift relationship news (25:52) and likely NBA prospect Cooper Flagg’s UConn photo shoot. They wrap things up with Lost in the Sauce, a new segment that puts both guys’ NBA history knowledge to the test (53:51). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Learn more about ...
Sep 28, 2023•1 hr 14 min
Justin, Rob, and Wos give their instant reaction to the Damian Lillard three-team trade. They give their thoughts on what Lillard looks like on the Bucks, whether the Suns got better, where Jrue Holiday ends up, and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 27, 2023•57 min
Logan and Raja are joined by NBA veteran Austin Rivers to talk about navigating the balance between being an active player and hosting his own podcast and to discuss his life as a journeyman in the league (1:00). Next, they unpack what he said about trying to land a guaranteed contract later in your career as a pro and why the right situation is so important (27:00). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (43:00). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ...
Sep 25, 2023•53 min
Austin and Pausha review the Charlotte Hornets conversation from last week’s episode and Austin responds to comments made around the league (1:05). Then, they hit on Jarred Vanderbilt’s extension with the Lakers and Kelly Oubre Jr. signing with the Sixers (8:31). Later, they make their preseason award predictions for MVP, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved, and more (11:57)! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 5 min
Logan and Raja are back to discuss their thoughts on the NBA’s new policy that punishes teams for resting their stars in an attempt to limit load management and what it means for the upcoming season (4:57). Next, they react to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s public comments over the last few months regarding his future with the Milwaukee Bucks and the uncertainty that surrounds it (28:58). Finally, the guys close with their Real Ones of the Week (52:30). The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, pl...
Sep 14, 2023•1 hr
Austin and Pausha are back to discuss why Team USA came up short in the FIBA World Cup and the potential dream team that will be heading to Paris for the 2024 Olympics (07:30). They briefly discuss the Lakers' signing of Christian Wood (25:00). The guys also share their thoughts on the NBA’s new rules regarding load management and sitting out games (28:00). Later, they address Kevin Porter Jr.'s arrest on assault charges (36:00). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Jonathan Kermah...
Sep 13, 2023•55 min
Justin and Rob start by discussing Christian Wood signing with the Lakers and how he fits on their team (3:44). Then, they answer five questions one month before training camp starts, including any dark horse teams trading for Damian Lillard and James Harden, which players make the FIBA leap, story lines to keep an eye on, and more (16:35). Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob Mahoney Producer: Isaiah Blakely Additional Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...
Sep 07, 2023•1 hr 16 min
Austin and Pausha are ramping up for the 2023-24 NBA season and kick the show off with Austin’s thoughts on Noah Lyles’s viral comments on the NBA. Then, they talk through Team USA’s quarterfinal FIBA win and how a potential championship game against Canada may shake out.The guys also do some looking ahead and discuss which players have the most to prove this upcoming season before closing things out with some classic 'Off Guard' rapid-fire questions. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Pro...
Sep 05, 2023•1 hr 11 min
Rob and Wos discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo’s statements in The New York Times regarding the status of a potential contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks and what it means for his future with the franchise (1:40). Next, they react to James Harden’s ongoing beef with Daryl Morey, the president of basketball operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, and the NBA’s subsequent decision to fine Harden $100K (15:38). Last, the guys check in on the 2023 FIBA World Cup and give some of their biggest take...
Aug 31, 2023•1 hr 7 min
Seerat and Michael return from their European vacations to preview the FIBA 2023 World Cup. Throughout their conversation, they share their team projections and individual player rankings while shining a light on some NBA stars who may be able to take advantage of international rule changes. Hosts: Seerat Sohi and Micheal Pina Associate Producer: Chris Sutton Production Supervision: Benjamin Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 24, 2023•1 hr 6 min