NBA A to Z with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt - podcast cover

NBA A to Z with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt

USA TODAYart19.com

We’ve got the NBA covered from A to Z with this inside look at the Association from veteran journalists Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt. Great guests and gab for the hoophead in you. 

Episodes

NBA Finals Recap

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY Sports Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt reflect on the Finals and what the latest Warriors title means, discuss the draft and all the fireworks that might come with it and dissect LeBron James' free agency options from every angle.

Jun 15, 201841 minTranscript available on Metacast

NBA Finals Game 1 recap - JR Smith's historical brain cramp

On this week's NBA A to Z pod, we unpack the wild Game 1 of the Finals and what it means for the Warriors and Cavs going forward with USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick, Michael Singer and A.J. Neuharth-Keusch. Will LeBron James ever forgive JR. Smith for his late-game blunder? Was this the Cavs' last, best at challenging the Warriors? So many questions, and we're here for the answers.

Jun 02, 201834 minTranscript available on Metacast

Inside the Conference Finals and a look at the 2018 draft

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick discuss the Western finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets and Eastern Conference final between the Cleveland Celtics and Boston Celtics. Both series are going at least six games. Also, USA TODAY Sports’ NBA editor Mike Singer joins the pod to discuss the NBA draft combine and its impact on the June draft.

May 23, 20181 hrTranscript available on Metacast

Conference Finals Breakdown

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick discuss the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers and Western Conference finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. With a break between Games 2 and 3 in both series, Jeff and Sam dig deep and break down what’s transpired through two games.

May 17, 201854 minTranscript available on Metacast

Inside the NBA video room

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick talk with Mo Dakhil, a former video coordinator for the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs. Mo goes behind the scenes inside the video room and describes the role and life of a video coordinator during the regular season and playoffs. What do coaches want from the video coordinator? What do players want? Plus, Mo tells us how he found a way to stop of a Los Angeles Lakers play involving Kobe Bryant....

May 09, 201843 minTranscript available on Metacast

Learning how NBA teams roster moves work with Larry Coon, The Sports Business Classroom

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick talks with Larry Coon, the league's preeminent expert on the collective bargaining agreement, a longtime NBA writer and the founder of The Sports Business Classroom event that takes place every July at Las Vegas Summer League. Sam and Larry discuss the story behind his famous CBA FAQ, the behind-the-scenes discussions he frequently has with league executives about key roster moves, and the ways in which he's paying it forward by way of The Spo...

May 01, 201838 minTranscript available on Metacast

Ian Thomsen, basketball writer

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk to veteran basketball writer Ian Thomsen whose new book ‘The Soul of Basketball: The Epic Showdown Between LeBron, Kobe, Doc, and Dirk That Saved the NBA’ was just released. The book focuses on the 2010-11 season and how it revealed the NBA’s identity and its impact on the future of the league. Thomsen shares stories about LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Pat Riley, Doc Rivers and Gregg Popovich, and he explains why he want...

Apr 24, 201843 minTranscript available on Metacast

NBA First Round Playoff Breakdown

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the early part of the playoffs, from the mysterious Kawhi Leonard situation in San Antonio and what that might mean to the Cavs' struggles, Boston's battle against Milwaukee to the rest of the East and West matchups around the Association. 

Apr 18, 201842 minTranscript available on Metacast

C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk with Portland Trail Blazers star and new podcast host, C.J. McCollum. The 26-year-old whose team is on the verge of the playoffs, and who graduated with a journalism degree from Lehigh University, launched a new show, "Pull Up with C.J. McCollum," to discuss life on and off the court in the NBA. He discusses this season, his new venture and how sharing his opinion stirs emotions from fans. He also talks a...

Apr 11, 201839 minTranscript available on Metacast

Breaking down the playoff races; Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick discusses the Wild West playoff race with Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. They discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves' attempt to end their league-long playoff drought, the San Antonio Spurs' hopes of continuing their two-decade-long playoff streak, and the many other subplots of this race. 

Apr 03, 201838 minTranscript available on Metacast

Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz; Top stories from around the NBA

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick talks with Utah Jazz stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert about their surprise season and their respective candidacies for the Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards. Sam and fellow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt discuss other storylines as well, from LeBron James' place in the MVP race to the Washington Wizards and why getting John Wall back is such a big deal.

Mar 27, 201832 minTranscript available on Metacast

NBA writer Sam Smith

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY Sports Insider Jeff Zillgitt talks with veteran NBA writer Sam Smith, who covered Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls, about Sam’s new book titled Hard Labor: The Battle That Birthed the Billion-Dollar NBA . Sam shares his insights about an era of basketball that was historical – with its share of political, racial and social issues as players fought for their rights on and off the court. He discusses the way the game was played, Oscar Robertson’s lawsuit,...

Mar 20, 201850 minTranscript available on Metacast

Alvin Gentry, head coach Pelicans; Rajon Rondo Pelicans PG; Luke Walton, Lakers head coach

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick shares observations from his trip to LA over the weekend to cover LeBron James' one-and-only visit to Laker Land this season. He caught up with Lakers coach Luke Walton during the trip, and discusses his team's turnaround and the integration of Isaiah Thomas into the mix as he enters free agency this summer. This week's episode also focuses on the New Orleans Pelicans, who have survived and thrived without DeMarcus Cousins after his seaso...

Mar 13, 201838 minTranscript available on Metacast

The NBA A to Z Playoff Breakdown

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the wild playoff races in the East and the West and discuss all the possible ramifications of these final five weeks.

Mar 06, 201834 minTranscript available on Metacast

NBA on NCAA with Jalen Rose and Michele Roberts

On this week's NBA A to Z pod, Sam Amick shares his Sloan Conference conversations in Boston with Michele Roberts (National Basketball Players Association executive director) and Jalen Rose (ESPN analyst, former NBA players). From the NCAA controversy to the gambling issue that is making its way into the NBA to the question of diversity in NBA front offices, they hit a number of hot topics. Sam breaks down the issues with fellow NBA reporter Jeff Zillgitt as well.

Feb 28, 201858 minTranscript available on Metacast

Around the NBA with JZ and Mike Singer

On this edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY basketball insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Mike Singer take a look back at All-Star Weekend, address the workplace turmoil inside the Dallas Mavericks organization and look ahead to the storylines that will dominate the finals weeks of the regular season. 

Feb 26, 20181 hrTranscript available on Metacast

All Star Weekend News and Notes!

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt are joined by fellow USA TODAY Sports colleagues Michael Singer and AJ Neuharth-Keusch to talk about their forthcoming trip to Los Angeles for All-Star weekend. What to watch, what to know, and why the league's annual affair should be more entertaining than in recent years. Also, the guys look ahead to the home stretch of the season and discuss everything from the new-look Cavs to the Warriors, Rockets, Celtics, Raptor...

Feb 14, 201844 minTranscript available on Metacast

Trade Deadline Fireworks, Lakers beat writer Bill Oram, Paul George interview

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the trade deal that sent Isaiah Thomas from the Cleveland Cavaliers to the Los Angeles Lakers. The guys talk about what this means for both teams. Cleveland re-made its roster, but did it do something that can help it get back to the Finals? Did the Lakers make this move to free up space to go after LeBron James in the offseason? Sam also talks with Lakers beat writer Bill Oram of the Orange County ...

Feb 09, 201841 minTranscript available on Metacast

Blake Griffin Trade, John Wall's knee, and a discussion with NBA officials about the rising tension with players

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt debate what the Blake Griffin trade means for the Los Angeles Clippers and the Detroit Pistons and discuss the fallout of John Wall's knee injury for the Washington Wizards. Sam, in a recent conference call with NBA league officials Byron Spruell, Michelle Johnson and Monty McCutchen, also explores the hot topic of rising tensions between players and officials.

Jan 31, 201850 minTranscript available on Metacast

Jason Kidd firing, All Star reserves, the trade deadline, plus an interview with Tom Thibodeau.

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY Sports reporters Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the firing of Milwaukee Bucks coach Jason Kidd, the All-Star reserves and how they see them, and the Feb. 8 trade deadline that is looming large. Sam also talks with Minnesota Timberwolves coach and president of basketball operations Tom Thibodeau, whose team has gone from winning just 31 games in his debut season to legitimate Western Conference contenders.

Jan 23, 201848 minTranscript available on Metacast

Lou Williams, L.A. Clippers; Gary Payton NBA Hall of Famer

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick talks with Los Angeles Clippers guard Lou Williams about his career year that's coming in Season No. 13, the possibility that he might be traded by next month, the time he talked a would-be robber out of holding him up and much more. With All-Star weekend in Los Angeles coming next month, Sam also chats with former Seattle Supersonics star Gary Payton about his All-Star picks and the major differences between today's NBA and his play...

Jan 15, 201845 minTranscript available on Metacast

Kobe's Retirement, New Arenas, and the Christmas Day Games

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the retirement of Kobe Bryant's Los Angeles Lakers jerseys and how the Lakers wish they could concentrate on the future instead of having to celebrate the past. The guys discuss the new arenas being built in San Francisco and Milwaukee and what those will mean to the Warriors and the Bucks. They also break down the compelling Christmas Day games, including Golden State vs. Cleveland and Houston vs. Oklahoma City.&nbs...

Dec 20, 201735 minTranscript available on Metacast

Kareem Abdul Jabbar, NBA Hall of Famer

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk to the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar about everything from basketball to social issues to his new book, "Becoming Kareem," and his work with the Coaches v. Cancer organization that is so dear to his heart. Kareem discusses his view of the way in which today's pro athletes have learned to use the power of their voices, and a number of other topics as well. 

Dec 12, 201726 minTranscript available on Metacast

Jamal Crawford, Minnesota Timberwolves

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick talks with three-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford of the Minnesota Timberwolves on the eve of his reunion game against the LA Clippers. Crawford talks about how he wishes he was a bigger part of the rotation, especially since the team has been struggling of late. Crawford goes around the Association, sharing his view of title contenders and even where his own team might fit into that equation. Crawford and Sam chat...

Dec 06, 201736 minTranscript available on Metacast

Who are the biggest threats to the Golden State Warriors?

On this week's NBA A to Z, USA TODAY Sports' Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the would-be threats to the Golden State Warriors' throne. Can the Houston Rockets, with Chris Paul back in the fold, pose a problem for Golden State? Might San Antonio survive the extended absence of Kawhi Leonard to truly challenge the champs? Jeff breaks down the most familiar foe of all, LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, with beat writer Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. 

Nov 28, 201751 minTranscript available on Metacast

Isaiah Thomas, Cleveland Cavaliers; Carmelo Anthony, OKC Thunder

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick talks with the Cleveland Cavaliers' Isaiah Thomas about his comeback, the trade that brought his time in Boston to a stunning end and the docu-series that he recently launched to document it all. He also talks with Carmelo Anthony about Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the Oklahoma City Thunder's early growing pains as they attempt to become the NBA's newest super team.

Nov 21, 201733 minTranscript available on Metacast

Hall of Famer Bernard King on his new book

Jeff and Sam break down the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, the three best teams in the NBA so far and much more. Then Jeff sits down with NBA Hall of Fame legend Bernard King to discuss his new book, his career, how he came back from a devastating knee injury at a time when that injury ended a player's career and the current state of the NBA. He discusses, as one of the greatest midrange shooters of all time, how would he fit into today's game. It's all here on NBA A...

Nov 14, 20171 hr 2 minTranscript available on Metacast

Power Rankings; Chris Paul and G League president Malcolm Turner interview

On this week's NBA A to Z, insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt are joined by our power rankings guru, AJ Neuharth-Keusch, to break down the wild start to this season and why teams are ranked so high -- and the surprising low ranking of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Later in the show, Sam has an exclusive interview with Houston Rockets point guard Chris Paul about his knee injury and what he thinks of his new team. Sam also chats with G League president Malcolm Turner about the NBA's minor league sea...

Nov 07, 201749 minTranscript available on Metacast

NBA early season struggles around the league, plus the inside scoop on the Bucks and Lakers

On this week's NBA A to Z, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the early season struggles of the Cavs and Warriors, Sam talks all things Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo with Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat writer Matt Velazquez, and Sam also breaks down the Lakers and the Lonzo Ball beat with Tania Ganguli of the LA Times and Bill Oram of the Orange County Register.

Nov 01, 201757 minTranscript available on Metacast