Yahoo Sports NBA

Big NBA Playoff questions & X-factors with Es Baraheni + Moussa Diabate talks Hornets | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 19:16:38 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by The Athletic’s Es Baraheni to discuss the biggest questions going into this year’s NBA playoffs. Who’s the league’s most dangerous play-in team? Can LeBron James & the Lakers make it past the first round without Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves?

Plus, Moussa Diabate joins the show to talk about his growth and give his thoughts on the Charlotte Hornets’ special run going into the play-in tournament.

(1:30) Wolves vs. Nuggets RD 1
(15:06) Rockets vs. Lakers RD 1
(19:55) West Play-In preview
(25:30) Raptors vs. Cavs RD 1
(29:31) Hawks vs. Knicks RD 1
(32:01) East Play-In preview
(42:06) NBA Playoff superlatives
(1:01:47) Moussa Diabate joins the show

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Biggest questions for East contenders, Sparks add Nneka Ogwumike + Ariel Atkins, WNBA free agency reactions | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:31:28 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones look at the top-six in the Eastern Conference (Pistons, Celtics, Knicks, Cavaliers, Raptors, Hawks) and share their biggest questions for each team as we inch closer to the playoffs.

From there, the guys shift to the WNBA and react to the Los Angeles Sparks making major moves -- first closing in on a trade centered around sending Rickea Jackson to the Chicago Sky for Ariel Atkins, then bringing back franchise legend Nneka Ogwumike. They discuss the fits for each move, and how those moves impact their plans moving forward.

They continue their WNBA discussion by analyzing the Diamond Miller-to-Connecticut trade, saluting Aces wing Jackie Young -- officially the WNBA's first $1 million player -- exploring the rumor mill, and catching up on other news.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:45 Detroit Pistons
16:30 Boston Celtics
26:15 New York Knicks
36:15 Cleveland Cavaliers
43:01 Toronto Raptors
49:28 Atlanta Hawks
55:14 WNBA news

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All-NBA chaos, Doc’s resume & inside the GM meeting + Donovan Clingan & Deni Avdija talk player development | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 9 Apr 2026 18:31:54 +0000

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh go over the biggest news from the last week of the NBA regular season, starting with Cade Cunningham's return and the Detroit Pistons' dominance.

The pair discuss Doc Rivers’ resume rant to the dispirited Milwaukee Bucks, the woes of the 65-game rule and Adam Silver’s “full stop” efforts to stop tanking. Then, KOC shares insight into the NBA GM's meeting where he heard rumors of a tanking solution that might actually work!

Plus, Donovan Clingan and Deni Avdija join the show to review their spectacular seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.

(1:11) Cade Cunningham returns
(4:51) Doc Rivers tells Bucks players to “Google me”
(7:47) All-NBA players out injured
(11:47) KOC’s All-NBA ballot
(19:20) An anti-tanking proposal that might actually work
(37:24) Bulls clean house
(40:07) Michael Malone to UNC
(42:50) Donovan Clingan joins the show
(1:03:06) Deni Avdija joins the show

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Hornets' sensational second half of the season + Steph Curry returns to the Warriors lineup | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 19:16:22 +0000

On an action-packed episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine take a deep look into the Charlotte Hornets' sensational second half of the season.

Tom and Dan round out the show by taking a closer look at aging stars and their fight against Father Time.

All that and more on this episode of The Big Number!

1:15 Big Number: +10.8 -Charlotte Hornets’ NetRating in 2nd half of season
18:30 ROTY race: Cooper Flagg vs. Kon Knueppel
30:03 Little number: 278 - amount of points Hornets’ starting 5 outscored opponents
34:17 Little numbers:127 - Hornets’ offensive rating in minutes without LaMelo Ball on the floor and Coby White on the floor
40:03 Little numbers: 3 - Hornets’ ranking among likely postseason teams in both average distance covered per game and average speed traveled per game
46:50 Steph Curry’s return
52:13 LeBron, Curry, Kawhi & Kevin Durant continue dominance

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Jay Bilas talks NBA Draft, college basketball, NIL & the evolution of the game | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 8 Apr 2026 13:00:00 +0000

Kevin O’Connor sits down with basketball legend Jay Bilas to break down the evolution of basketball from college hoops to the NBA. Bilas shares insights on player development, coaching at every level and the impact of NIL and the transfer portal.

They discuss solutions to tanking, load management and the backwards incentives in the NBA today. Bilas also weighs in on top NBA Draft prospects like Aday Mara, Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff & more.

(1:23) Memories with Bill Raftery

(4:35) Love & evolution of basketball

(14:17) Tanking & load management solutions

(21:27) Why won’t NCAA & NBA work together?

(28:58) NIL, transfer portal & potential player contracts

(48:51) NBA Draft prospects to watch

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Biggest questions for West contenders + breaking down the Angel Reese trade

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 18:50:08 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones look at the top-six in the Western Conference (Thunder, Spurs, Nuggets, Lakers, Rockets, Wolves) and share their biggest questions for each team as we inch closer to the playoffs.

From there, the guys shift to the WNBA and react to the Chicago Sky's shocking trade of Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. They explore the logic behind it, evaluate the trade package itself, and discuss Angel's fit with the Dream.

Sticking with the W, the guys give their big takeaways from Friday's expansion draft and catch up on other news.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

3:33 Oklahoma City Thunder
14:19 San Antonio Spurs
22:12 Denver Nuggets
27:00 Los Angeles Lakers
33:20 Houston Rockets
41:43 Minnesota Timberwolves
47:38 Dream acquire Angel Reese
01:12:46 Expansion Draft reaction
01:21:11 Other WNBA news (Mystics, Aces, Liberty)

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Wemby vs. Jokic, salute the Flagg & Final Four takeaways with Jon Rothstein & Terrence Oglesby | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 6 Apr 2026 18:33:08 +0000

Kevin O’Connor sits down with Terrence Oglesby at the NCAA men’s Final Four. The duo breaks down the Jokic vs. Wembanyama duel, what makes each superstar special and dives deep into the Rookie of the Year race between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. Plus, KOC asked Terrence which NBA draft prospects should ‘stay or go.’

Then, Jon Rothstein joins to break down Michigan’s domination of Arizona in the Final Four and what’s powering their NCAA tournament run. The pair analyzes UConn’s postseason, roster strengths and how the Huskies match up against the Wolverines in the upcoming National Championship.

(0:33) Terrence Oglesby joins

(1:15) Jokic & Nuggets beat Wemby & Spurs

(7:40) ROTY race between Flagg & Knueppel

(17:27) NBA Draft prospect check-in

(44:29) Lakers season jeopardized by injuries

(47:23) Jon Rothstein joins

(47:36) Michigan beats Arizona in Final Four

(56:29) UConn vs. Michigan in National Championship

(1:04:23) Guardrails needed for NIL in NCAA

(1:13:42) Will NCAA tournament expand?

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Cavaliers deep dive, Lakers lose Luka + Sky trade thoughts | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 3 Apr 2026 17:29:57 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones are joined by Justin Rowan and Carter Rodriguez (The Chase Down Podcast) to discuss all things Cleveland Cavaliers! They talk through schematic shifts compared to last season, James Harden's addition, Donovan Mitchell's shift in responsibility, the (hidden) growth of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, lineup questions and much more.

From there, the guys react to the latest injury news. More specifically: how equipped are the Lakers to deal with Luka Doncic's hamstring injury? Nekias also provides a list of notable names to watch in terms of award eligibility (Wemby, Jokic, Kawhi, Ausar and more).

Finally, the guys discuss the Chicago Sky's pair of trades ahead of Friday's expansion draft. They talk through the logic of the moves, and debate if they were ultimately worth making.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:50 Cavs discussion, starting with how the team has shifted schematically

31:26 Evaluating the Donovan Mitchell-James Harden partnership

44:52 Putting Evan Mobley's season in its proper context

56:04 Jarrett Allen's leap in aggression

1:09:52 Who's the ideal 5th starter/closer?

1:23:09 Lakers without Luka Doncic

1:30:00 Award Eligibility Watch

1:32:25 Chicago Sky expansion draft trades

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‘One Thing For Every Team:’ Tatum’s back, Wemby’s a basketball god & Detroit is winning without Cade + 27 more takes, questions & thoughts | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 2 Apr 2026 19:28:51 +0000

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh go over all 30 NBA franchises and share “One Thing for Every Team." The pair discuss Jayson Tatum’s return to form, Victor Wembanyama’s ascent to basketball deity, how the Golden State Warriors should handle Steph Curry’s desire to play and much more.

(1:02) One thing for every team in the Atlantic Division
(15:02) One thing for every team in the Southeast Division
(30:46) One thing for every team in the Central Division
(46:44) One thing for every team in the Pacific Division
(1:08:09) One thing for every team in the Southwest Division
(1:26:18) One thing for every team in the Northwest Division

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Pistons keep rolling without Cade + who makes first team All-NBA? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 1 Apr 2026 17:53:39 +0000

We have an action-packed episode of The Big Number coming your way!

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss the Pistons’ keys to success without Cade Cunningham and what to expect heading into the Pistons-Wolves matchup.

Next, Tom shares other teams that have experienced the same twisted reality of performing better without their superstar. What does this mean?

Then, the duo makes their cases for who should land the fifth spot for First Team All-NBA. Should Kawhi Leonard’s elite offense land him a spot? Is Jaylen Brown’s resume enough? Will Kevin Durant make his seventh All-NBA First Team appearance?

Later, they preview what to expect with the electric Lakers-Thunder matchup between the two juggernauts. Is this a potential MVP showdown between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic?

All that and more on this episode of The Big Number!

The Big Number: (01:54)
Little Number 1 Kawhi: (25:45)
Little Number 2 All NBA: (32:17)
Little Number 3 KD: (38:42)
Lakers - Thunder Preview: (44:16)

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The Clippers look dangerous + WNBA expansion draft preview | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 17:40:10 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss the epic turnaround of the Los Angeles Clippers! After a 6-21 start, they've gone a ridiculous 33-15 over their last 48 games. The guys discuss Kawhi Leonard's play, how Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin have slotted into their new home and how dangerous they could be in a playoff setting.

From there, the guys react to the latest foundational news in the NBA. Anti-tanking measures are coming, and we may be on the cusp of two new teams joining the league soon. They talk through the latest proposals and debate whether the league needs to add two teams right now.

Finally, it's time to talk about the upcoming WNBA expansion draft! We have the rules and the timing (April 3, 3:30 ET) -- now it's time to discuss who may actually be joining new rosters. The guys go team by team, talking through the five players each team may choose to protect. Strategy and shenanigans may be afoot!

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:30 Los Angeles Clippers check-in
26:28 NBA anti-tanking proposals
44:17 Should the NBA expand?
49:03 WNBA expansion draft expectations

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Duke's choke, UConn’s comeback & Final Four preview with Mark Titus + KOC’s thoughts on NBA lottery reform | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 18:32:23 +0000

KOC reacts to the NBA’s new anti-tanking concepts and shares what his league sources have to say about each one. Then, he’s joined by Barstool’s Mark Titus to go over the electric Elite Eight over the weekend.

The pair discuss Braylon Mullins' historic game-winning 3-pointer against Duke, review freshman returns for some of college’s most talented NBA prospects and ponder if some freshmen would benefit from another year in the NCAA.

(0:19) NBA anti-tanking reform
(14:24) UConn epic comeback vs. Duke
(30:43) Cam Boozer freshman season recap
(37:41) Importance of size in NCAA tourney
(42:05) Keaton Wagler tournament check-in
(47:03) Which freshmen should go back to school?
(50:28) Yaxel Lendeborg tournament check-in
(54:22) Final Four preview

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All-Defense check-in, Jalen Duren's rise + Breanna Stewart joins the show | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 27 Mar 2026 17:23:40 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

After having a broader discussion about evaluating defense on the last episode, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss their top candidates for Defensive Player of the Year and the All-Defense awards.

From there, the guys talk about the awesome play of Jalen Duren. He's been great all year, earning All-Star honors for the first time. He's been even more dominant as of late, thriving while taking on more offensive responsibility in Cade Cunningham's absence. They discuss his growth areas, award merits (Most Improved, All-NBA), and his ranking among centers right now.

Finally, Breanna Stewart -- one of the greatest basketball players and winners of all-time -- joins the show! In a wide-ranging conversation, the trio talk about Stewart's basketball journey, her defensive prowess, Sarah Strong's dominance, her new life as a podcaster, and much more.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:47 DPOY +All-Defense discussion
9:37 Jalen Duren breakdown + center rankings
01:01:50 Breanna Stewart interview

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Houston, the problem is Ime Udoka + Celtics beat Thunder, Silver needs to take a stand + what to watch in the Sweet Sixteen | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:40:53 +0000

Kevin O’Connor & Tom Haberstroh break down the surprisingly fiery NBA Wednesday, giving their thoughts on Jaylen Brown’s best SGA impression, the historical overtime collapse of the Houston Rockets vs. the Minnesota Timberwolves and the return of Joel Embiid & Paul George to the 76ers.

They react to Adam Silver’s recent press conference with big questions about tanking and expansion and discuss Victor Wembanyama’s MVP case. KOC & Tom also preview the biggest matchups and players in watch in the Sweet Sixteen round of March Madness games.

(1:03) Celtics beat Thunder at home
(13:28) Wolves comeback vs. Rockets in OT
(30:09) Heat blow out Cavs
(37:12) Embiid & George return to 76ers
(39:46) Will Billy Donovan leave Bulls for Tar Heels?
(45:34) Will Steph Curry move to Charlotte?
(51:16) Draymond Green comments on Wemby MVP case
(1:00:45) State of Milwaukee Bucks
(1:04:05) Adam Silver talks tanking, expansion & 65-game rule
(1:23:31) NCAA Sweet Sixteen preview

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Wemby vs. SGA for MVP + time to scrap the NBA’s 65-game rule for awards?

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 19:51:16 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the NBA MVP debate between Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander by diving deep into the advanced stats. With Wemby’s league-best +16.5 on/off swing and SGA’s dominance across nearly every all-in-one metric, the MVP race may be closer than the odds indicate.

Tom & Dan also discuss why the NBA’s 65-game rule might be overdue for reconsideration and react to the possible NBA expansion into Las Vegas and Seattle.

(1:12) Wemby’s MVP case
(22:22) SGA’s MVP case
(40:43) NBPA calls for awards rule changes
(1:02:50) NBA votes to explore expansion

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Evaluating the defense awards, Jayson Tatum check-in + Derik Queen joins the show | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 18:14:44 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones have a broader discussion about the Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive team races. They discuss what they're evaluating, how they weigh different types of defenders and the value of their responsibilities, what statistics they find useful, and a PSA to always, always #WatchTheTape.

From there, the guys check in on Jayson Tatum ahead of a potential Finals preview between the Celtics and Thunder. They talk about his growing fit within the offense, growth areas they're keeping an eye on (OTD shooting, drive, lower-body power generation), and have a mini-debate about the Celtics potentially tweaking his usage to aid his comfort in the offense.

Next, Nekias asks Steve about a couple of end-of-game defensive mishaps that led to game-winning baskets -- Amen Thompson's putback against the Heat, and Luke Kennard's three against the Magic -- to see where he thought blame, if any, should go.

Finally, New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen joins the show! In a wide-ranging conversation, the trio talks about Queen's basketball journey, his stacked Montverde team, adjusting to the Pelicans vs. his teammates adjusting to him, the Baltimore Ravens' offseason and more!

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

3:58 Defensive award discussion
35:38 Checking in on Jayson Tatum
49:28 What went wrong: Amen Thompson's game-winner
52:26 What went wrong: Luke Kennard's game-winner
56:22 Derik Queen interview

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Lakers playoff chances, JDub’s return, Darryn Peterson tourney recap + are NCAA Cinderella teams gone for good? | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 15:55:43 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by FS1’s Danny Parkins to talk NBA & NCAA hoops. They discuss the white-hot Lakers, the future of Dylan Harper, the upcoming returns of Jalen Williams & Steph Curry and the historic tank put on by the Wizards and Pacers.

Next, they cover the big March Madness games over the weekend—St. John's vs. KU and Iowa vs. Florida—and ask some big questions about the state of the NCAA and this year’s draft class.

(1:03) Lakers extend win streak

(11:43) Jalen Williams to return to OKC lineup

(20:50) Dylan Harper season check-in

(26:48) Steph Curry injury update

(30:29) Pacers & Wizards 16-game losing streaks

(34:14) Darryn Peterson NCAA Tournament performance

(42:46) AJ Dybantsa NCAA Tournament performance

(45:28) Death of NCAA Cinderella teams

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Is Luka Doncic coming for MVP? A role player draft + WNBA CBA thoughts | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 18:10:57 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones start the show discussing the absurd run Luka Doncic has been on over the past 24 hours -- 100 points across two games?! They talk about what makes him so tough to deal with, and dabble in some "Best In The World" talk. From there, Nekias asks Steve how concerned he is (if at all) about the Pistons, Wolves, Bucks, and Rockets.

Next, the guys have a Role Player draft! Based on a recent article written by Steve, the two chose from a 13-player pool to build a starting five of some of the most impactful role players in the league this year. Make sure to grade their roster this weekend!

You can also read Steve's piece here: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/the-nbas-most-impactful-role-players-who-elevate-these-title-contenders-175656183.html

Finally, a new WNBA CBA has been agreed to! Nekias and Steve salute the transformational nature of the deal, then dig into some of the details that intrigue them most. What will this expansion period look like? How much movement will we see in free agency? Who's going to be the biggest domino of the offseason? Are we truly ready for a 52-game season?

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

2:20 -- Luka Doncic is unreal
20:11 -- Are we concerned? (Pistons/Bucks/Wolves/Rockets)
40:02 -- NBA Role Player Draft
55:11-- WNBA CBA thoughts

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NBA teams streaking, others skidding, Cade Cunningham's collapsed lung + is expansion really a good idea? | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 17:58:48 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to discuss the latest NBA news. First, they talk about Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung and the implications that come with it for the Pistons and for his award chances.

Then, they talk the longest winning streaks and recent losses in the league and debate whether they're a 'big deal' or 'no big deal.' From the Atlanta Hawks’ 11-game win streak to the NBA embracing expansion to a continuation of Giannis' drama with the Bucks, KOC and Tom go over it all.

(1:05) Cade Cunningham collapsed lung

(15:16) Hawks 11-game win streak

(20:56) OKC win 10 in a row

(33:04) Lakers 7-game win streak

(40:38) Rockets lose both games vs. Lakers

(49:34) Nuggets lose to Grizzlies

(58:57) Giannis won’t be shut down

(1:00:44) Jaylen Brown's leadership

(1:04:55) Is expansion a good idea?

(1:12:17) Final Four predictions

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The revived Lakers + NBA board of governors to vote on expansion | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 19:14:54 +0000

We have an action-packed episode of The Big Number coming your way!

Dan Devine and Tom Haberstroh break down Luka Doncic’s dominance this stretch. They discuss the recipe for success for the Lakers and Marcus Smart’s contributions this year. Where do the Lakers actually stand in the West? Is this the peak version of Luka?

Next, they share how the Lakers’ defense is improving in the stretch. But is this a real top-10 defense, or is the sample size too small? Plus, the duo analyzes the impact of LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves on the court together and how their roles are evolving. What version of LeBron will we see in the postseason?

Later, Tom and Dan discuss the NBA holding a vote to explore adding expansion teams, exclusively in Las Vegas and Seattle. What does the potential return of the Seattle Supersonics mean for the NBA? What are the ripple effects of expansion?

All that and more on this episode of The Big Number!

(1:10) The Big Number - Luka's Hot Streak
(22:26) The Little Number 1 - Luka from 3
(26:34) The Little Number 2 - Lakers Defensive Efficiency
(32:35) The Little Number 3 - Lakers Big 3 +/-
(43:11) NBA Expansion

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The Lakers & Hawks Can't Stop Winning, Luka & Wemby Pushing for MVP + Team USA Takeaways | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:33:17 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks, boasting six and ten-game winning streaks respectively. They discuss what's standing out to them during this stretch, and how much they believe in them moving forward.

Next, Nekias has some quick-hitting questions for Steve. How real are the MVP chances for Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama right now? Can Kawhi Leonard land an All-NBA First Team selection among a crowded group of contenders? How close is Stephon Castle to being the Spurs' second best player?

Finally, they discuss Team USA's undefeated weekend. Team USA assistant, and Phoenix Mercury head coach, Nate Tibbetts took over for Kara Lawson as she returned to Duke ahead of this year's tournament. The guys discuss what looked different under Tibbetts, and have a broader discussion about who's led the way through four games, and who's put themselves in (better) position to ultimately make the 2028 Olympic roster.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(1:38) -- Los Angeles Lakers
29:02 -- Atlanta Hawks
39:55 -- Victor Wembanyama for MVP?
45:20 -- Kawhi Leonard for All-NBA First Team?
48:22 -- How close is Stephon Castle to being the Spurs' 2nd best player?
51:08 -- Team USA

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Is NBA expansion finally happening? March Madness what to watch for & the 2025 NBA Re-Draft with Corey Tulaba | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:32:19 +0000

KOC is joined by Corey Tulaba from No Ceilings to talk NBA and March Madness. First, they cover the recent news regarding the NBA’s plan to expand to Seattle and Las Vegas. Next, the pair discusses key NBA draft storylines entering March Madness, including the best opening weekend matchups. Plus, KOC & Corey do a way-too-early 2025 NBA re-draft.

Then, KOC is joined by Cameron and Cayden Boozer to talk about their experiences at Duke and their expectations for the Blue Devils in March Madness.

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SGA & Bam make history, early Team USA takeaways + Gordon Hayward joins the show | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones celebrate a week of incredible performances around the league. From Bam Adebayo's 83-point game, to Shai breaking a seemingly unbreakable Wilt record, to Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic having legendary performances on their own. There's so much joy to be had watching basketball these days.

Next, the guys discuss the early returns of Team USA during FIBA World Cup qualifying. Young stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese make their senior club debuts; head coach Kara Lawson experimented a ton with her defensive coverages and lineup combinations. Steve and Nekias discuss how they analyzed these games, what stood out, and growth areas they'll be keeping tabs on.

Finally, Gordon Hayward joins the show! The conversation ranges from his role as an Executive Basketball Advisor at Butler, the validity of Bam's 83-point performance, tennis, the importance of brushing your teeth -- and more!

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(2:04) The league's in a great place
(4:26) Bam Adebayo's 83-point game
(24:52) SGA breaks Wilt's record (plus quick Jokic & Luka love)
(39:08) Early Team USA thoughts
(51:17) Gordon Hayward interview
(01:09:10) Steve has a bone to pick with Nekias

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Bam's 83, SGA topping Wilt & more amazing things in the NBA this week with Tom Haberstroh + Aaron Gordon talks Nuggets & skill development

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 18:58:07 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh give a full breakdown and add their takes on Bam Adebayo's historic 83 point night. Does his performance need an asterisk? From there, the pair check in on a contentious Western Conference battle between SGA & OKC and Wemby & the Spurs.

To round out the show, Aaron Gordon joins Kevin to talk all things Denver, shooting mechanics, meditation and more!

(0:38) Bam Adebayo scores 83 pts
(15:50) State of the Spurs
(30:15) SGA’s historic scoring streak
(36:15) Have Pelicans turned their season around?
(41:47) Are 76ers done for this year?
(46:45) Kawhi & Clippers on the rise
(56:45) Aaron Gordon joins the show

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Bam's Big Night + Austin Reaves and Luka shine without LeBron | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 19:02:25 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine marvel at Bam Adebayo's big night as he passed Kobe Bryant for 2nd most points in a game in NBA History with 83.

To round out the show, Tom and Dan take a look into the Lakers' success with Austin Reaves and Luca Doncic on the floor without LeBron James.

All this and more on this week's episode of The Big Number!

1:10 Big number: 83 - Bam Adebayo’s points vs. Washington
27:10 Little numbers: 6 - players in play-by-play era w/30 pt quarters
31:05 Little numbers 26: number of personal fouls Adebayo drew
36:25 Little numbers: 22 - number of Adebayo 3pt attempts
40:10 Most unlikely sports record ever?
42:24 Lakers 10-2 without LeBron

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Early Jayson Tatum returns, Shai's statement win & rookie award check-in | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 18:05:39 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down Jayson Tatum's first two games back from injury. They discuss what they liked, his usage, how his minutes have been dispersed, and things they're looking for moving forward.

Next, the guys discuss the latest epic battle between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. Was there anything to learn about this game tactically, or was it simply a great game? And it had to be asked: did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander officially slam the door for MVP with his performance?

From there, the guys check in on a couple of reeling teams in the Eastern Conference: the top-seeded Detroit Pistons (four straight losses) and the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers (1-4 in March). Are they just going through a bit of turbulence, or are there real flaws here worth acknowledging?

Finally, Steve talks through his latest Rookie Rankings, and they both share what their Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie teams would look like as of today.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

2:45 Jayson Tatum + Boston Celtics discussion
24:05 Thunder-Nuggets
41:15 Pistons concern levels
51:40 Sixers concern levels
59:04 Let's talk rookies

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NBA Ex Files: Glowups, mistakes and Tatum’s back with David Jacoby + Darius Acuff breakdown with Rashad Phillips | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 9 Mar 2026 23:04:42 +0000

On an action packed episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor catches up with David Jacoby to discuss all things around the association including, are the Lakers and LeBron headed for a split?

From there KOC talks with Rashad Phillips to break down Darrius Acuff Jr. and the rest of the loaded 2026 Draft Class.

All that and more on this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show.

Biggest Mistake Award: 03:25
Biggest Glow Up: 15:52
Worst Rebound: 22:50
We Need to Talk: 40:25
Most Likely Reunion: 49:00
Best Unexpended Chemistry: 01:00:00
Best Side Piece: 01:15:00
Draft Deep Dive with Rashad Phillips: 01:20:45

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Examining the New-Look Miami Heat with Couper Moorhead, Jayson Tatum Returns + Unrivaled Recap | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 6 Mar 2026 19:28:43 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones are joined by Couper Moorhead (HEAT.com, After The Buzzer podcast) to talk all things Miami Heat. They explore Miami's drastic shift offensively, their still-elite defense (and zone) usage, and bring much-needed nuance to the conversations surrounding Bam Adebayo, Kel'el Ware, Tyler Herro and more.

After that, Steve and Nekias discuss the imminent return of Jayson Tatum. They get into what he adds to the fold, what they'll be looking for in his debut, and the (annoying) conversations around his return.

Finally, the guys give a salute to Mist BC for winning this year's Unrivaled championship. In light of the game ending with a made free throw, they also discuss 1) whether that should be allowed moving forward and 2) potential tweaks in the case that it isn't.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

3:25 Preseason expectations vs. reality
13:05 Evaluating the new offense
16:46 Bam Adebayo (usage, role, award talk)
33:41 Kel'el Ware (growth, role, usage)
52:04 Tyler Herro's offensive growth
58:50 Rapid fire, starting with Andrew Wiggins' fit in Miami
1:01:37 Is Pelle Larsson a core piece moving forward?
1:05:34 Jaime Jacquez Jr. for 6th Man of the Year?
1:10:15 Early returns for rookie Kasparas Jakučionis
1:13:33 What is Miami's best/ideal closing lineup?
1:17:55 Jayson Tatum is (coming) BACK
1:26:35 Unrivaled championship recap

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The NBA’s late-season coma, the must-watch Hornets & the irony of Carmelo giving Tatum comeback advice with Tom Haberstroh | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 5 Mar 2026 19:43:45 +0000

On an action packed Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh take a look at the current 44 game losing streak the bottom 10 NBA teams have combined for.

The NBA has reached the March lull, how can the league spice things up?

From there KOC and Tom break down the beat down the Charlotte Hornets handed to the Boston Celtics.

To round out the show, the guys take a look at Carmelo Anthony's comments on the return of Jayson Tatum and the Philly trade for Kawhi that never happened. All that and more on this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show.

44 Game Losing Streak: (0:45)
Ethical Tanking (7:25)
How can the NBA spice up the March lull (21:05)
Hornets thrash Celtics (32:35)
Carmelo Anthony thoughts on Jayson Tatum's return (43:25)
The Kawhi trade that never was (50:35)

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Is the buzz in Charlotte real + will Jayson Tatum return this season? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 4 Mar 2026 20:09:43 +0000

On today’s Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the NBA’s hottest team: the Charlotte Hornets. What’s the secret behind their sudden rise to dominance?

Then, the pair discuss the nuances of the Achilles injury return on the back of rumblings that Jayson Tatum may return this season. Is it a good idea, or should Tatum take it easy?

That and more on today’s TBN!

(01:04) The Big Number: Kon Knueppel's historic year from 3
(19:20) Little Number 1: Ball and Miller effectiveness
(26:45) Little Number 2: When Diabate starts the Hornets win
(31:00) Little Number 3: LaMelo has found his role
(39:39) Should Jayson Tatum return?

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Here come the Hornets + Giannis returns | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 3 Mar 2026 20:32:36 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones take a look at a tightly contested East play-in picture. The Hornets have been one of the best teams in the league for months now. The Hawks are rolling, but have tests coming up. Can the Orlando Magic find consistency? Can the Milwaukee Bucks play their way into the play-in picture?

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

0:00 Welcome
3:40 Charlotte Hornets
21:04 Orlando Magic
27:08 Atlanta Hawks
38:11 Milwaukee Bucks

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Hornets hot drop with JoeWo + Giannis is back, McCain resurgence, Cam Johnson in the gulag, Diawara reality check + Draft Class with Ben Pfeifer | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 2 Mar 2026 20:10:49 +0000

It’s a jam-packed Kevin O’Connor Show! KOC is joined by COD streamer JoeWo and Ben Pfeifer from Swish Theory to chat about all things NBA.

First, KOC offers five observations from the NBA weekend before talking with JoeWo about the Charlotte Hornets’ roaring success. Then, Ben Pfeifer joins to discuss Aday Mara, Jayden Quaintance and other overlooked NBA Draft prospects.

(0:30) 5 takeaways from the NBA weekend
(14:58) Giannis to return to Bucks lineup tonight
(18:09) JoeWo talks Hornets
(45:21) JoeWo talks Call of Duty
(59:00) Draft Class with Ben Pfeifer

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Detroit Pistons deep dive, polarizing Paolo Banchero + Unrivaled awards

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:29:04 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones are joined by Ku Khahil (LockedOnPistons) to discuss the league-best Detroit Pistons. The discussion ranges from the growth of Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson's shifting (and sometimes confusing) role offensively, JB Bickerstaff's impact, the Pistons' title chances and more.

From there, the guys have a conversation about Paolo Banchero -- and the conversation around Paolo Banchero. They discuss his strengths, his weaknesses, how Orlando's context impacts him, and if it's fair to question his place as a no-doubt-about-it building block.

Finally, Nekias reveals the rest of his Unrivaled award ballot (DPOY, Coach of the Year, All-Unrivaled Teams) to Steve as the two discuss a talented field of candidates.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:53 Preseason expectations for the Pistons
6:52 Impressions of JB Bickerstaff's tenure
11:58 Growth of Cade Cunningham
33:02 Ausar Thompson's role and usage
43:42 Rapid fire questions (Cade MVP, DET vs the West, best lineup, Duren's ranking among East bigs)
47:58 Paolo Banchero conversation
01:06:23 Unrivaled awards

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West contender power rankings, hot Spurs & wasted Warriors with Tom Haberstroh + the state of Luka Doncic & how fandom changes with Jason Gallagher | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 21:01:25 +0000

On a packed episode of The Kevin O’Connor Show, Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to break down the latest NBA headlines, including James Harden’s broken thumb and Lauri Markkanen’s injuries.

KOC and Tom go back and forth on their Western Conference power rankings.

From there, KOC is joined by Jason Gallagher to tackle questions about what’s going on with Luka Dončić and why fandom has changed so much.

All that and more on this episode of The Kevin O’Connor Show.

Harden Injury (1:06)
Markkanen Injury (4:00)
Zion's Shooting Fear (26:30)
Western Conference Power Rankings (33:40)
Jason Gallagher on Luka Dončić (1:04:20)

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MVP paradox: teams win big without their stars + Luka & LeBron’s clutch time collapse

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:00:00 +0000

On today's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine take a deep look into the MVP favorites. Are SGA and Jaylen Brown hurt by having a great team that performs just as well with them on the floor as they do off?

From there Tom and Dan react to Luka Dončić's interesting choice to pass up a good look at a game-winning shot, potentially costing the Lakers the game vs. the Magic. All that and more on this week's Big Number!

(1:50) The Big Number: OKC without SGA
(18:48) Cade Cunningham points created
(24:57) Jaylen Brown on/off
(32:43) Can Spurs finish #1 in West?
(41:59) Luka & LeBron botch final possession in Lakers loss

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Calvin Booth opens up with KOC about building a championship team & how it all fell apart | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:00 +0000

Kevin O’Connor sits down with former Denver Nuggets GM Calvin Booth for an unfiltered look inside team building, executive strategy and the realities of finding success in the NBA. How did he manage the team during their championship run?

Booth also shares candid reflections on his relationship with former head coach Michael Malone, insights on sustaining a championship window and his philosophy behind drafting players and developing talent.

(1:11) Keys to building a championship team

(10:06) Bruce Brown’s development

(11:30) Jokic’s growth in Denver

(16:30) Nuggets post-championship

(31:33) Friction between Booth & Malone

(40:43) What would Booth do differently looking back?

(49:42) Is Denver on the path to a dynasty?

(52:18) College basketball landscape & impact on Draft

(1:03:53) Overrated traits & underrated players

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Western Conference check-in + who's the Unrivaled MVP?

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 19:46:03 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss bounce around the Western Conference for a how-good-should-we-feel check-in. The Thunder and Spurs (winners of nine straight!) have separated themselves from the pack; how poised are the Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, or Timberwolves to make a run? Do they have a fatal flaw in their profile?

From there, the guys recap the recent happenings in Unrivaled -- from Angel Reese's return, the Phantom and Laces' battle for the top seed, and potential dark-horses in this year's postseason. Finally, Nekias talks through his top candidates for MVP with Steve, with official ballots due this week.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:50 How to decipher post-All-Star break play
10:42 Houston Rockets
24:55 Denver Nuggets
37:16 Los Angeles Lakers
54:26 Minnesota Timberwolves
01:02:53 Salute to the Spurs
01:09:45 Unrivaled thoughts

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Contender power rankings, Cade’s MVP case, Celtics/Lakers lessons, Team USA & Boozer vs. Dybantsa with John Fanta | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:25:21 +0000

On today’s Kevin O’Connor Show, KOC is joined by NBC broadcaster John Fanta to talk everything NBA. They start with Eastern Conference contender power rankings: who’s the number one team in the East? Could Cade Cunningham really be MVP?

Then, they turn to Team USA hockey’s gold-medal win against Canada before John tells the story of his call-up to the NBA on NBC by Mike Tirico.

Plus, they discuss if Anthony Edwards is the face of the league, address the troubles in Phoenix & Houston, and take a look at the top prospects in this year’s fiery draft class.

That and more, today!

Eastern Conference Contenders (1:39)
USA Hockey and John's NBC Career (43:16)
Draft Class (1:10:20)

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Cade Cunningham for MVP? Dunker mailbag + Unrivaled preview | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 18:20:50 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss Cade Cunningham's awesome performance against the Knicks (42 points, 8 rebounds, 13 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks), as well as his status in the league. Is he gunning for MVP? Is he the best player in the league right now?

From there, the guys open up the Dunker Spot mailbag. They talk through anti-tanking proposals sent in by the Dunkers, explore the Dallas Wings' ability to compete immediately with Paige Bueckers, share their favorite-looking jumpers in the NBA and much more!

Finally, the guys preview the upcoming slate of Unrivaled games -- Angel Reese is back, y'all! -- with the playoffs rapidly approaching.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

2:27 Cade Cunningham is awesome
11:21 Anti-tanking rules are coming (plus proposals from the mailbag)
26:33 Appreciating Alanna Smith's defense
29:51 Deni Avdija's right-hand drives
33:25 Can Paige Bueckers and the Wings contend for a title next season?
37:05 Kawhi Leonard or Chelsea Gray shot-making?
39:17 Most aesthetically pleasing jump shots in the NBA
41:46 Why players are more willing to compete in the 3PT contest vs Dunk contest
44:36 Factors impacting the "Face of the League" selection
47:54 Ayo Dosunmu's 6th Man of the Year chances
50:22 What should Kings fans look forward to for the rest of the season?
53:12 The schematic balancing act of implementing new players + Nekias' basketball background
58:37 Who's the most rudderless team in the NBA?
01:00:10 Unrivaled preview

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Key second half storylines with Tom Haberstroh! Plus, faith in Luka, irrelevant Warriors and Prince’s invitation with Claire De Lune, Sam Esfandiari & Daman Rangoola | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 19:37:30 +0000

Today on the Kevin O’Connor show, KOC is joined by Tom Haberstroh to ask some big questions in the NBA world: Are the Houston Rockets done? What teams have the most to prove in the 2nd half of the season? Which young players might break out and which coaches are on the hot seat?

Then, the pair look at two of the hottest names in college basketball: Darius Acuff and Darryn Peterson. How does Acuff’s 49-point explosion affect his draft stock? Is Peterson’s self-check-out gambit for Kansas threatening his no. 1 draft pick potential?

Later, KOC is joined by Daman Rangoola, Sam Esfandiari & Claire De Lune from All-Star Weekend to talk the latest with the Lakers and Warriors. That and more on today’s show!

(1:11) Contenders with the most to prove

(13:38) Young players to watch

(20:26) NBA coaches on the hot seat

(33:46) Kings decimated by injuries

(37:12) Darius Acuff drops 49 points vs. Alabama

(41:44) What's going on with Darryn Peterson?

(56:32) Daman Rangoola & Sam Esfandiari join from All-Star

(1:43:10) Claire De Lune joins from All-Star

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Player development deep-dive, Embiid’s resurgence, CP3's legacy & more with Drew Hanlen | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:39:42 +0000

NBA skills coach Drew Hanlen joins Kevin O’Connor to break down the season’s hottest topics, from star player development to the reality of tanking in the league. Drew shares inside stories about working with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jayson Tatum and others and explains why self-belief can be both a gift and a curse for rising talent.

(0:48) When will Tatum return for Celtics?
(12:13) Player development & Deni Avdija
(21:43) Can Hornets maintain their winning ways?
(26:25) How can NBA stop tanking?
(31:09) Joel Embiid's recovery and development
(43:02) How teams use data & analytics to improve
(49:03) Chris Paul retires from NBA
(56:43) How will defensive coaching evolve?
(01:00:11) Future of the All-Star game

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Brian Windhorst talks tanking troubles + biggest storylines after All-Star | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Tom Haberstroh is joined by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst to dig into the NBA’s $500,000 fine for the Utah Jazz and debate whether fines can truly deter teams from benching their stars. Windhorst breaks down four of the league’s core values to explain why proposals to “fix” tanking rarely last.

The duo also look ahead to the second half of the season as the Spurs continue to close in on the Thunder in the Western Conference and Jayson Tatum’s return to the Celtics in the East begins to feel inevitable. Don’t miss Windhorst’s behind-the-scenes stories about his time covering the Miami Heat with Tom and where LeBron might have landed if the draft didn’t exist.

(1:32) The Big Number: Jazz fined $500k
(4:23) How can NBA fix tanking?
(20:57) Would LeBron have gone to Cleveland without the draft?
(27:44) Is the Jazz fine unfair?
(36:08) Are Thunder vulnerable to Spurs in West?
(54:46) Should Tatum return for Celtics this season?

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Recapping All-Star Weekend, second half storylines + Unrivaled 1-on-1 recap | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 19:29:02 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones give their broad thoughts on this year's All-Star Weekend, before breaking down their favorite (and funniest) moments from each event.

From there, the guys discuss a few storylines they'll be following closely as we begin the post-All-Star push towards the postseason. They talk about the Rockets and Timberwolves needing to find consistency, the importance of Jalen Williams, Jayson Tatum's potential return to the Celtics and more.

Finally, the guys recap the 1-on-1 tournament -- congrats to Chelsea Gray! -- before previewing the upcoming double-header as we get closer to the playoffs.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

0:00 General All-Star Weekend thoughts
12:45 Rising Stars recap
19:51 Shooting Stars recap
23:50 Three-Point Shootout recap
29:50 Dunk Contest recap
38:17 All-Star Game recap
59:47 Can the Rockets and Wolves find consistency?
1:08:00 Jalen Williams rounding into form
01:10:43 Who's the second-best team in the East?
01:12:25 How much will Jayson Tatum factor into the second half of the season?
01:14:30 Unrivaled 1v1 recap + double-header preview

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7 biggest takeaways from All-Star Weekend, NBA tanking crisis & Cedric Coward joins the show! | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:00:34 +0000

Kevin O’Connor gives his seven biggest takeaways from a star-studded NBA All-Star Weekend. Was the new format a success? Is expansion back on the board? Kevin gives his thoughts.

Next, Ben Golliver joins the show to break down the tanking crisis and which teams are most guilty of tanking the most.

Plus, Cedric Coward joins to share his lessons from his rookie season, his progression as a player and the toughest players to defend.

0:28 Seven biggest takeaways from All-Star Weekend

15:41 Ben Golliver joins the show

45:23 Cedric Coward joins the show

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NBA All-Star Weekend preview + Jazz & Pacers fined | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:38:38 +0000

We have an action-packed episode of 'The Dunker Spot' coming your way!

Steve Jones and Nekias Duncan give you the latest news and updates surrounding the 2026 All-Star Weekend. They dive into their predictions for Team USA vs. World, who will come out victorious in the skills competitions and what to expect with the new format.

Next, they dive into the news of the NBA fining the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers hefty amounts for tanking. Does the league have a tanking problem? What are possible solutions?

Plus, Angel Reese is back in Unrivaled! They give their takeaways, recap the 1v1 tournament and preview the latest matchups.

All that and more!

1:03 Rising Stars showcase preview
9:29 3-point contest preview
14:35 Shooting Stars competition preview
18:07 Dunk contest preview
22:14 New format expectations
27:26 All-Star replacements
32:16 Lineup predictions
35:26 Key players to watch
38:25 Team USA vs. World predictions
39:02 Jazz & Pacers fined
47:40 Unrivaled takeaways & thoughts

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NBA's big tanking problem, JJJ injured, awards check-in + thoughts entering All-Star break | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:11:50 +0000

In today’s Kevin O’Connor Show, KOC goes over his NBA awards rankings approaching the midway point of the season. Plus, he reacts to the news of the Jaren Jackson Jr. season-ending surgery, and proposes a new system to weed out the problem of tanking in the NBA.

Then, KOC does a live mail-bag segment with questions from the YouTube chat. That and more for today’s pre-All-Star Weekend show!

(0:33) NBA Awards check-in

(8:36) How can the NBA solve tanking?

(29:07) Live YouTube Q&A

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Jazz sit their stars, Pistons & Hornets players suspended + trade deadline fallout for Cavs & Bulls | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:24:36 +0000

We have an action-packed episode of The Big Number for you!

First, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss the controversial way the Utah Jazz are utilizing Jaren Jackson Jr.

Next, the duo dives into the league-wide tanking concerns and why it is a significant issue in light of the NBA gambling indictments. What solutions can the league establish?

Later, Dan and Tom discuss the small numbers, including James Harden's role in the Cavaliers’ success and why Donovan Mitchell is thriving with Harden. Also, they break down how many teams will have salary cap space this summer, the number of trades the Bulls have made and whether the Bulls are a hopeless organization.

Plus, they discuss the suspensions following the Detroit Pistons-Charlotte Hornets fight earlier this week. What are the implications of the suspensions for the race in the East? Can the Pistons maintain their top spot?

All that and more on The Big Number!

The Big Number: 00:00:28
The Little Numbers: 00:26:19
Pistons and Hornets Suspensions: 00:41:46

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New Faces in New Places + Unrivaled 1-on-1 preview | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:24:51 +0000

We have an action-packed episode of 'The Dunker Spot' coming your way!

To kick us off, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones take a look at how the big movers from the trade deadline have already affected their new squads. James Harden making his impact on Cleveland, Jaren Jackson Jr. doing what he can on a tanking Utah and more!

From there, the fellas dive into the fracas from the Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons matchup, where the Hornets also saw their 9-game win streak snapped.

Finally, to round out the show, Nekias and Steve break down all the Unrivaled action from the weekend, break down a trade, and preview the highly anticipated 1-on-1 tournament.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at
dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:24 James Harden debuts with Cavs
11:57 Jaren Jackson Jr. debuts with Jazz
18:43 NBA tanking?
24:36 Nikola Vucevic debuts with Celtics
33:25 Jose Alvarado debuts with Knicks
38:09 Ayo Dosunmu debuts with Timberwolves
46:20 Chicago Bulls’ newest guards
51:29 Jared McCain debuts with OKC
54:00 Pistons vs. Hornets brawl
57:41 Cam Thomas debuts with Bucks
1:00:26 Unrivaled discussion (weekend recap, trade talk, 1-on-1 preview)

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The rising Celtics, the falling Wolves, Charlotte looks legit & Caleb Wilson shines for UNC with Dane Moore, Drew Carter & Matt Powers | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 9 Feb 2026 21:07:37 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Dane Moore to talk Timberwolves on today’s Kevin O’Connor Show. What’s behind the meltdown in Minnesota?

Next, KOC is joined by Boston Celtics play-by-play announcer Drew Carter to talk all things Celtics—particularly what needs to be done to right the ship after trading for Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline.

Then, KOC mulls over the question: is this year’s Charlotte Hornets team the new Indiana Pacers? What is the key to their newfound success?

Plus, KOC is joined by Swish Theory’s Matt Powers to chat Draft Class—which draft prospect has improved most in the new year? How does AJ Dybantsa bring BYU out of a 4-game losing streak? That and more on today’s show!

(0:14) Dane Moore talks Timberwolves

(30:40) Drew Carter on Celtics

(1:07:20) Are the Hornets this year's Pacers?

(1:13:21) Matt Powers joins KOC's Draft Class

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Trade Deadline Reaction + Winners and Losers | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 6 Feb 2026 19:45:58 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

The NBA trade deadline has officially passed, and we have plenty of deals to sort through. Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss the headliners like Jaren Jackson Jr. (Utah), Anthony Davis (Washington), and James Harden (Cleveland); stealthier acquisitions like Ivica Zubac (Indiana) and Nikola Vucevic (Boston), and much more.

From there, the guys discuss the winners and losers of #TradeSZN. Teams like the Pistons, Thunder and Hornets should feel pretty good; the Heat and Rockets? Not so much. Players like Spencer Jones and Dominick Barlow should have more security; guys like Cam Thomas will be looking for a new home.

Finally, they preview the weekend slate of Unrivaled
games -- plenty of standings shuffling could be on the way! -- and Nekias reveals his media ballot for the upcoming 1-on-1 Tournament.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at
dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

2:15 -- Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Jazz
9:57 -- Anthony Davis to the Wizards
15:55 -- Ivica Zubac to the Pacers
22:53 -- Kristaps Porzingis to the Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga to the Hawks
28:21 -- Nikola Vucevic to the Celtics
33:12 -- Trade Deadline Winners
01:03:01 -- Nekias' Miami Heat rant
01:10:38 -- Other Trade Deadline losers + Cam Thomas landing spots
01:19:57-- Unrivaled preview + 1-on-1 ballot reveal

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The weirdest NBA trade deadline ever: The KOC Show explains everything that did & didn’t happen | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 5 Feb 2026 23:11:16 +0000

On today’s Kevin O’Connor show, we’ve got a trade-deadline special! Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to dissect any and all movement in the league before the 3 PM ET buzzer, going through the biggest winners and losers in what may be the weirdest trade deadline in NBA history.

First, the pair discuss the Milwaukee Bucks’ decision to retain Giannis Antetokounmpo, and what that means for the landscape of the NBA–and for the future outlook of the Golden State Warriors, especially after the anticlimactic end of the Jonathan Kuminga saga. Were the Warriors the biggest losers of the trade deadline? Will another team arise in the summer to win the Antetokounmpo sweepstakes?

Next, they discuss the James Harden trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers, and if this move can bring the city of Cleveland to the Finals once again.

Then, they muse on what exactly made this deadline so weird: multiple All-Stars being traded to bad NBA teams. They ask: why are bad teams trading for good players? Why are the Utah Jazz putting their top-8 protected first round pick in jeopardy? Why such a paltry return for Anthony Davis, who was traded for Luka Doncic just last year?

Plus, they cover all the bases with the more local trades made, from the Chicago Bulls picking up 9 second round picks to the Boston Celtics acquiring their long-coveted big man in Nikola Vucevic. Plus more questions: why didn’t the Sacramento Kings trade for Ja Morant? Why did the Philadelphia 76ers let go of Jared McCain? All that and much, much more on today’s KOC Show!

(0:16) Trade deadline instant reactions
(4:33) Giannis not traded by Bucks
(10:39) Warriors trade Kuminga to Hawks
(25:49) Cavs get James Harden
(43:34) Wizards acquire Anthony Davis
(48:22) Clippers trade Zubac to Pacers
(55:57) Jazz trade for Jaren Jackson Jr.
(1:02:18) Ja Morant stays in Memphis
(1:07:45) Timberwolves trade recap
(01:10:18) What are the Chicago Bulls up to?
(01:13:05) Celtics trade Simons for Vucevic
(01:19:04) 76ers trade Jared McCain to OKC

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How will James Harden fit with Cavs? + Anthony Davis traded! | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 4 Feb 2026 23:23:53 +0000

It’s trade deadline mania for the Big Number!

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine recap the out-of-nowhere James Harden-Darius Garland swap between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Cleveland Cavaliers and discuss the implications for both teams, as well as an impatient Donovan Mitchell.

First, Tom live reacts to the biggest trade deadline shock yet: Anthony Davis to the Washington Wizards? What were the motivations behind this trade? Winners and losers? Is this all that Luka Doncic was ultimately worth?

Later, the pair make the rounds for the rest of the big headlines before deadline day: Jaren Jackson Jr. to the Utah Jazz, and the de facto love letter Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered to the city of Milwaukee via local media.

Plus, why are the Jazz making a win-now move with all the incentives in the world to tank? Is Giannis Antetokounmpo really going to be moved? Will James Harden have a shot at a championship with his fourth team in six years? All that and more, today!

00:00 Welcome
00:05 Anthony Davis traded
11:44 Big number: 179.7 - James Harden career win shares
34:42 Little number: 112.4 - Cavs' offensive rating without Donovan Mitchell
41:20 Little number: 161- minutes the Cavs’ “core four” players have played
45:13 Little number: 53,817,156 — amount Donovan Mitchell is owed on the player option he holds for the 2027-28 season
55:21 Giannis watch
1:03:27 Jaren Jackson Jr. traded to Jazz

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James Harden on the Move? Defensive Trends + Unrivaled Makes History in Philadelphia | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 3 Feb 2026 19:31:32 +0000

We're a couple of days away from the NBA trade deadline, and things
are heating up. Could James Harden (and Darius Garland) be on the
move? The guys discuss the latest there, as well as give their initial
thoughts on the three-team trade involving the Cavs, Kings, and Bulls.

From there, the guys discuss the biggest (or most interesting)
defensive trends and tactics across the league. Among the things
brought up: a rise of full-court pressure, increased willingness to
send help (or switch!) from the strong side corner, and funky zone
defenses from teams like the Lakers and Timberwolves

Finally, they close by recapping the weekend slate of Unrivaled
games, including a historic outing in Philadelphia. They discuss the record-breaking attendance and what it means, salute the shot making
of Marina Mabrey, and bounce around with some general team thoughts.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com. 4:07 -- Is a James Harden/Darius Garland swap happening?

4:07 -- Is a James Harden/Darius Garland swap happening?
16:57 -- Cavs/Kings/Bulls trade discussion
39:30 — All-Star reaction
41:48 -- Defensive trends across the league
01:08:48 -- Unrivaled recap

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NBA trade deadline preview, Luka trade anniversary & Darryn Peterson’s cramps with Kyle Neubeck, Kirk Henderson & Corey Tulaba | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 20:56:52 +0000

In a jam-packed Kevin O’Connor show, KOC discusses the first trade of the deadline week and what it means for Keon Ellis, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Sacramento Kings. Then, he discusses updates in the Ja Morant trade market: is there a new interest in him coming out of Chicago?

Next, Kyle Neubeck joins to talk Sixers: what’s up with the Paul George suspension? Is Joel Embiid back? Is a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo without giving up VJ Edgecombe a possibility?

Later, KOC chats All-Star reserves before being joined by Kirk Henderson. They look back at the Luka Doncic to Los Angeles trade one year later, marvel at Cooper Flagg’s 2-game tear and ask the question: will Anthony Davis be traded this season?

Corey Tulaba then joins the pod for this week’s Draft Class to chat AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson, the future of Richie Saunders and the biggest college games to watch for this weekend.

(0:25) Cavs trade for Ellis & Schroder
(6:31) Bulls interested in Ja Morant?
(8:22) Kyle Neubeck talks 76ers
(27:27) All-Star reserves announced
(30:48) Kirk Henderson talks Mavericks
(46:01) Hornets win 6 straight games
(01:00:00) Draft Class with Corey Tulaba

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How Soon Should the Bucks Trade Giannis? Houston Rockets Check-in + Unrivaled Preview | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 19:10:38 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Giannis Antetokounmpo is reportedly "ready for a new home" -- which opens a host of questions. Should the Bucks move him? If so, how soon,
and who makes sense for him? Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones Jr. discuss it all.

From there, the guys talk about the very-good-but-kinda-flawed Houston Rockets. From the budding Kevin Durant-Alperen Sengun two-man game, to the highs and lows of the Amen Thompson experience, to the importance of role guys like Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith.

Finally, they close by previewing the upcoming slate of Unrivaled games. Friday's slate will be played in Philadelphia, the first time Unrivaled has taken its show on the road! The guys talk about those matchups, as well as some interesting lineup and advanced data through
the early portion of the season.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:34 -- Giannis Antetokounmpo trade discussion
20:55 -- Houston Rockets deep dive
52:19-- Unrivaled weekend preview

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NBA Trade Deadline preview: new homes for Giannis, Ja's value & impact of the draft | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 19:52:18 +0000

Kevin O’Connor & Tom Haberstroh dive deep into the unfolding Giannis Antetokounmpo trade saga ahead of the February 5th deadline. The pair give an extensive breakdown of the teams—Warriors, Timberwolves, Hawks, Heat, Knicks and more—positioned to make big moves for the Bucks superstar.

They also debate which teams stand to benefit most from their lottery odds in a loaded NBA Draft, analyze Ja Morant’s market value, talk Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations and more!

(0:44) Giannis 'ready for a new home'
(6:52) Warriors case for getting Giannis
(9:57) Should Timberwolves trade for Giannis?
(20:29) Rockets & Spurs not interested in Giannis trade
(28:46) Could Blazers facilitate the trade?
(36:14) 5 teams for Ja Morant
(44:48) Should Lakers trade for MPJ?
(54:05) Draft Class: Dybantsa vs. Peterson
(1:06:47) KOC Show mailbag

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Giannis FINALLY asks out of Milwaukee, but where will he go? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:27:39 +0000

It's an emergency live podcast for today’s Big Number! Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade request from the Milwaukee Bucks.
The pair discuss the paltry roster Milwaukee has built around the Greek Freak that has him “ready for a new home,” and mull over potential trade scenarios. Do the New York Knicks and the Miami Heat have a shot at Antetokounmpo? Are there any dark horse candidates that can provide the Bucks’ demand for young talent and draft picks? Can Stephen Curry and Giannis team up in the Bay?
That and more in today’s Big Number!
(1:14) Giannis 'ready for a new home'
(15:44) Giannis to Nets?
(29:22) Giannis to Heat?
(35:54) Giannis to Hawks?
(42:10) Why Giannis won't go to New York
(55:42) Giannis to Pistons?
(1:03:07) Giannis to Spurs?
(1:10:29) What if Giannis stays with Bucks?

Single sentence summary: Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade request from the Milwaukee Bucks.

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Are these trends or traps? These teams need answers + biggest Unrivaled takeaways | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 20:00:00 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down whether what we're seeing across the NBA is a 'Trend' or a 'Trap'? From there, the guys dive into the big questions that the Magic and the Bucks have to answer ahead of the trade deadline. Is it time for Milwaukee to move on from Giannis? The Rising Stars rosters are out! Who deserved the nod, and who got snubbed?
To wrap things up, they take a look at the action from Unrivaled, corner threes, no calls, dunks, and more!

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(0:00) Welcome
(01:30) Trend or Trap?
(2:22) Trend or Trap: Cade Cunningham vs. traps
(28:54)Teams with the biggest question marks
(54:41)NBA Rising Stars announced
(01:00:54) Unrivaled takeaways

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What's Going On With the Knicks? Rookie Awards + Unrivaled Preview | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 19:58:01 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

The New York Knicks have struggled since their NBA Cup win over the Spurs; Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones assess their concern level, talk
through what's wrong, and discuss potential fixes to turn things around.

From there, the guys continue their mid-season award check-ins by talking through their Rookie of the Year, All-Rookie Team, and Coach
of the Year selections. Finally, they close by previewing the upcoming slate of Unrivaled games.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:37 -- New York Knicks discussion
35:20 -- Rookie awards
01:31:02— Coach of the Year
01:37:05 -- Unrivaled weekend preview

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5 NBA teams that must make a trade + Butler injury fallout, drama in Laker land + Draft Class with Tyler Rucker | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 20:22:22 +0000

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh discuss the implications of Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury and what’s next for the Warriors. Does Golden State need to make a trade to save their season?

Next, the duo breaks down Wemby’s jump shot development, reacts to the details of the Lakers’ drama with Jeanie Buss and LeBron James, and discusses the Knicks’ bounce back performance over the Nets.

Later, they share the five NBA teams that must make a trade before the deadline. How can the Orlando Magic improve their shooting and what will it take to make the San Antonio Spurs legitimate contenders? Plus, Tyler Rucker joins for this week’s NBA Draft Class and Lottery Lessons.

(0:38) Jimmy Butler out for season with ACL injury
(19:55) Is Wemby's jumpshot his greatest weakness?
(28:54) Los Angeles Lakers off-court drama
(38:32) New York Knicks obliterate Brooklyn Nets
(44:09) 5 NBA teams that need to make a trade
(01:13:48) Draft Class with Tyler Rucker

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Can Golden State survive without Jimmy Butler + KAT causing chaos for Knicks? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 20:45:36 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to Jimmy Butler's season-ending ACL injury and discuss its impact on Golden State. Is there a Kuminga or Butler trade that could possibly save the Warriors' season?

Plus, they break down what’s going on with the New York Knicks as their downhill slide continues after the NBA Cup. Is the criticism of Karl-Anthony Towns fair, or should Mike Brown shoulder the blame?

(1:06) The Big Number: Jimmy Butler out for the season
(28:08) The Little Numbers: Warriors offense without Butler
(32:44) The Little Numbers: Draymond Green's salary
(36:53) The Little Numbers: Golden State's playoff odds
(42:56) Is KAT what's wrong with the Knicks?

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Warriors in trouble without Jimmy Butler, All-Star + Awards Talk | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 20:57:01 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss the unfortunate season-ending injury to Jimmy Butler, and the ramifications that may have on the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga.

From there, the guys react to the All-Star starters for each conference being announced, then try their hands at predicting who
the coaches will select as reserves. Finally, they react to this most recent weekend of Unrivaled basketball.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.1:47 -- Jimmy Butler out for season

15:28 -- All-Star starters announced
38:44 -- MVP discussion
56:42 -- All-NBA discussion
1:10:45 -- Unrivaled takeaways from the weekend

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NBA trade deadline hot topics & unhappy teams with Jason Timpf + NFL Playoffs talk with Justin Boone | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 21:25:09 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Jason Timpf to check in with unhappy fan bases across the NBA. They discuss whether the criticism of Karl Anthony-Towns is fair and offer solutions to the problems in New York. Then, they break down the root of Atlanta’s issues since the Trae Young trade. Plus, what’s going on in Los Angeles and can it even be fixed?

Next, KOC shares why Collin Murray-Boyles could be the next Draymond Green and why the Celtics-Pistons matchup is the game of the week. Who should the Pistons target before the trade deadline? KOC gives his picks! Plus, is Ja Morant’s stock rising? Do the Timberwolves need to make a trade to find success this season?

Later, Justin Boone joins to discuss why the Buffalo Bills parted ways with Sean McDermott, recap the wild NFL divisional games and preview the upcoming championship weekend.

(0:15) Jason Timpf joins
(1:23) Unhappy fan bases: New York Knicks
(9:18) Unhappy fan bases: Atlanta Hawks
(15:49) Unhappy fan bases: Los Angeles Lakers
(25:16) Collin Murray-Boyles = Draymond Green
(29:13) Celtics vs. Pistons preview
(41:56) Is Ja Morant's stock rising back up?
(49:19) Do Timberwolves need to make a trade?
(1:06:23) All-Star starters announced
(1:10:26) NFL 6 Points! with Justin Boone

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Thunder's Return to Dominance + a Conversation with Becky Hammon | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 22:10:39 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on the now-streaking Oklahoma City Thunder, fresh off a pair of blow-out wins against potential Western Conference contenders. From Shai's process against traps to OKC's effective game plan against Victor Wembanyama (on both ends), the guys break down what they've liked and what they're keeping an eye on.

From there, they give their early thoughts on the Most Improved Player award -- how the award should be decided on, and some names they have in consideration right now.

(Don't worry, a full-blown deep dive on the award will be coming soon!)

The guys then preview the upcoming slate of Unrivaled games, sharing the matchups, lineups and scheme questions they're most interested about.

Finally, Hall of Famer Becky Hammon (head coach, Las Vegas Aces) joins the show to discuss her journey and upcoming documentary, her evolution as a coach, coaching A'ja Wilson and so much more.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

5:34 -- OKC problem solving
8:06 -- OKC offense vs Spurs
15:06 -- Shai dealing with traps + overall decisiveness
22:47 -- OKC defense
28:07 -- Most Improved check-in
40:57 -- Unrivaled weekend preview
50:46 -- Becky Hammon interview

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AD on the move? Rich Paul stirs the pot in LA + Kuminga officially wants out | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:48:20 +0000

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh give you the latest as the NBA trade talks heat up! The duo breaks down why Anthony Davis wants out of Dallas and whether the Lakers should trade Austin Reaves after Rich Paul’s latest comments. Plus, they discuss Jonathan Kuminga demanding a trade out of Golden State. Would Michael Porter Jr. be a good fit for the Warriors?

Next, the pair discusses potential suitors for Ja Morant. Will the Heat be his new home after he purchased a house in Miami? Plus, they break down how Franz Wagner's return to the Magic’s lineup will impact the team, the growing tension with Giannis in Milwaukee and Nikola Jokic’s return at the end of January. How did OKC end their losing streak against the Spurs? Why is the NBA in a scoring slump?

Plus, KOC & Tom react to the latest intel on the point shaving scandal indictments in college basketball.

(0:49) AD wants out of Dallas
(6:58) Should Lakers trade Austin Reaves?
(10:41) Jonathan Kuminga demands a trade
(15:58) Should Lakers trade Austin Reaves? continued
(20:35) Would Golden State trade for Michael Porter Jr.?
(23:32) Clippers back on the rise
(33:06) Ja Morant buys house in Miami
(38:31) Franz Wagner returns to Magic lineup
(40:28) Giannis boos at Bucks fans
(45:31) Nikola Jokic to return at end of January
(48:39) OKC beats Spurs on Tuesday
(53:09) Why is NBA scoring down?
(58:12) 20 men indicted for point-shaving
(1:01:13) Trae Young recovering from injury

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Jaylen Brown calls out NBA refs + NBA Trade Deadline rumor mill heats up | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 21:30:46 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss Jaylen Brown’s $35,000 fine after calling out the NBA refs, break down how the lack of foul shots is impacting the league in the new year and ask what can be done to end the scoring drought.

Next, they dive into the latest NBA trade deadline rumor mill news. The duo breaks down Rich Paul’s comments surrounding a potential Austin Reaves trade and gives their thoughts on the best fit for Ja Morant.

Later, they react to Giannis being booed by his home crowd. Should the Bucks trade Giannis for Jalen Johnson? Plus, they discuss Anthony Davis not undergoing surgery for his hand injury and confirm he is back on the trade block. Where would he fit best?

1:12 - The Big Number: $35,000 - Jaylen Brown’s fine for criticizing refs
3:50 - NBA scoring drought: What's causing the slump?
15:57 - The Little Numbers: 77 - 3-shot fouls called since January 1st
22:11 - The Little Numbers: 12 - teams with at least 17% of total points from free throws
26:43 - The Little Numbers: 3.4% - OKC’s FTA rate increase in the new year
30:49 - Latest with the trade deadline
32:41 - What’s next for Ja Morant?
37:37 - Anthony Davis back on the trade block
47:10 - Giannis gets booed by home crowd

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NBA Tiers, Ranking Each Team in the NBA | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 20:32:22 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

For this episode, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones cycle through each conference and place teams in tiers. Are the Thunder still in a class of their own, or should they have company? How big is the elite tier in the East? Who's truly capable of making a (Conference) Finals run?

From there, the guys discuss Joel Embiid's recent play and what it means, teams looking for answers against Victor Wembanyama, and the latest on Ja Morant.

Finally, the guys discuss some of the elite performances and interesting trends developing so far in Unrivaled.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

9:24 -- Western Conference tiers

25:47 -- Eastern Conference tiers

43:35 -- Joel Embiid blending into the Sixers' offense

47:38 — Ja Morant (and maybe Jaren Jackson Jr) could be available

57:32 -- How teams are trying to poke at Victor Wembanyama defensively

1:04:24 -- Unrivaled takeaways from the weekend

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Point guard musical chairs & the NBA’s 10 most underrated players with Andrew Sharp + Draft Class with Mohamed Farah | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:35:59 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Andrew Sharp to break down the Ja Morant situation in Memphis. They discuss the Grizzlies reportedly entertaining offers for Morant, his trade value and potential suitors for Ja.

Next, they check in on the ongoing 'point guard musical chairs' situation in the NBA. Is LaMelo Ball going to follow Trae Young’s lead or stay in Charlotte? Should the Cavaliers explore Darius Garland trades? Will a point guard solve Houston’s problems? Plus, the duo drafts their 10 most underrated NBA players for this season.

Later, Mohamed Farah joins for this week’s Draft Class to highlight Kingston Flemings, Darryn Peterson and more of the top NBA draft picks.

(0:44) Grizzlies open to trading Ja Morant
(5:19) Ja Morant trade destinations
(22:07) Point guard musical chairs
(42:37) Underrated NBA player draft with Andrew Sharp
(1:08:31) Draft Class with Mohamed Farah

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Exploring Trae Young's Fit In Washington, Anthony Edwards' Breakout + Unrivaled Weekend Preview | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 9 Jan 2026 22:02:57 +0000

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down all angles of the Trae Young-to-Washington trade: how will he fit, who will he help, what does he have to prove, and what his situation says about the state of small guards in the NBA. We also explore how CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, for however long they're in Atlanta, can boost the Hawks -- and if the Hawks should make other moves.

From there, the guys discuss the breakout season of Anthony Edwards and where he slots into the MVP discussion and the second round of All-Star voting (welcome to the top 20, Scottie Barnes and Cooper Flagg).

Finally, the guys discuss the upcoming slate of Unrivaled games -- with Nekias providing some insight from his time in Miami.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

1:00 -- Trae Young to the Wizards

22:50 -- CJ McCollum, Corey Kispert to the Hawks

33:27 — Anthony Edwards is leveling up

50:56 -- Second All-Star voting returns

57:54 -- Unrivaled practice takeaways + weekend preview

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Trae Young gets traded, Nuggets silver linings, rolling Pistons, Deni’s rise + the future of Giannis | The Kevin O'Conner Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 8 Jan 2026 19:03:42 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh react to the Hawks trading Trae Young to the Wizards. They ask whether Young will fit well in Washington and how the trade will impact Atlanta. Plus, should the Hawks now consider trading for Anthony Davis?

Then, the duo breaks down why the Pistons are dominating in the East, whether Giannis will remain with the Bucks and how the Nuggets are continuing their dominance despite Nikola Jokic’s absence. Later, KOC answers your burning mailbag questions.

(0:20) Trae Young traded to Wizards
(26:46) Deni Avdija shines for Trail Blazers
(34:48) Giannis won't ask Bucks for a trade
(43:00) Denver surviving without Jokic
(48:52) Pistons continue to lead East
(54:59) Charlotte Hornets lose to Raptors, but it's still fun
(1:01:38) Can Celtics contend if Tatum returns?

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NBA Cup hangover: why winning in Vegas means losing in January + Trae Young trade watch | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 7 Jan 2026 20:45:08 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss if what happens in Vegas, truly does stay in Vegas. The numbers show that the NBA Cup champions face a very interesting decline in the Cup’s immediate aftermath, and the New York Knicks are the most recent victims of the NBA Las Vegas hangover, losing 4 straight.

They also look into other teams suffering post-NBA Cup, including the once-seemingly invincible Oklahoma City Thunder and the preseason Eastern darling Orlando Magic. What’s causing this sudden slip for these contenders? Tom and Dan investigate.

Plus, the pair look into Trae Young’s fit as a Washington Wizard and predict next season’s success with the star guard at the helm.

(0:57) The Big Number: NBA Cup hangover

(16:10) Jalen Williams shooting woes

(24:37) Knicks defensive drama

(33:17) Magic struggling without Suggs

(43:17) Does trading Trae to the Wizards make sense?

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The Celtics Are Contenders, Concern Level for the Thunder + Unrivaled Day 1 Takeaways | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 6 Jan 2026 23:56:17 +0000

We're bouncing around on today's episode of The Dunker Spot!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss the surging Boston Celtics, who recently climbed to the East's second seed. They discuss their current standing and the non-Jaylen Brown standouts, as well as appreciate the level of buy-in Joe Mazzulla has gotten from this group.

From there, they bounce around. From the Pistons' consistent winning, to the Nuggets finding offense without Nikola Jokic, playoff-level questions for the Rockets and Thunder (what's going on there?), a Rudy Gobert check-in and more.

Finally, the guys close the show with reactions to the first day of the Unrivaled season.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(2:08) -- Boston Celtics
(9:45)-- A quick Pistons salute
(15:19) -- Back to the Celtics
(24:13) -- Portland Trail Blazers
(31:46) -- Denver Nuggets
(41:20) -- Atlanta Hawks
(45:36) -- Houston Rockets
(51:21) -- Oklahoma City Thunder
(56:36) -- Rudy Gobert
(01:03:27) -- Unrivaled takeaways

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NBA surprises, Jaylen Brown’s MVP case & Warriors trouble with Wosny Lambre + Hawks talk & Draft Class with David Lee | The Kevin O'Conner Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 5 Jan 2026 21:46:33 +0000

KOC is joined by Wosny Lambre to break down Jaylen Brown’s standout performance this season, proclaiming himself the ‘best two-way player in the game’ and his career of proving people wrong. Is he having an MVP-caliber year?

Next, they discuss the Suns’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, the keys to the Suns’ victory and OKC being on track to now win “only” 68 games. Should OKC make a trade to avoid complacency?

Plus, they analyze which teams should trade for Michael Porter Jr., whether the Nuggets can survive without Jokic and trades the 76ers should consider. The duo breaks down the current state of the Golden State Warriors. What moves must they make to become legitimate contenders?

Plus, David Lee joins to discuss what’s going on in Atlanta, whether the Hawks should trade for Anthony Davis and what the Hawks should do with Trae Young. Then, it's time for Draft Class as David & KOC share this week’s Lottery Lessons and Weekly Movers.

(0:29) Jaylen Brown MVP?
(12:14) Suns beat Thunder in comeback fashion
(28:51) Michael Porter Jr. trade suitors
(31:41) Gordon & Braun return for Nuggets
(34:26) Nuggets @ Sixers tonight
(42:10) State of the Warriors
(55:53) State of the Hawks
(1:18:28) Draft Class with David Lee

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What to Make of the Lakers and Sixers, Jaylen Brown's breakout + Unrivaled Questions | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 2 Jan 2026 20:14:31 +0000

Happy New Year from The Dunker Spot!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones dissect two of the most interesting teams in the league to this point: the Los Angeles Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers.

How good are they/ What are the growth areas? How seriously should we take them come playoff time?

Then, the guys discuss the breakout campaign Jaylen Brown is currently on.

They close with thoughts on the upcoming Unrivaled season, slated to tip off on Monday.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(2:13) — Los Angeles Lakers

(33:15) — Philadelphia 76ers

(58:49) — Jaylen Brown's breakout

(01:10:28) — Key questions heading into Season 2 of Unrivaled

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One bold prediction for every NBA team in 2026 | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 1 Jan 2026 19:46:04 +0000

Kevin O'Connor shares his 2026 NBA predictions in this solo episode, delivering one key forecast for every team in the league. From blockbuster trade hypotheticals—like Anthony Davis to Atlanta and Giannis possibly landing with the Knicks—to unique player trajectories, Kevin predicts potential statistical trends, trade rumors and team dynamics for the upcoming year.

(0:52) Hawks prediction

(2:52) Mavericks prediction

(4:51) Lakers prediction

(8:28) Nuggets prediction

(10:07) Spurs prediction

(13:48) Nets prediction

(14:13) Thunder prediction

(15:13) Celtics prediction

(16:16) Pacers prediction

(17:21) Pelicans prediction

(18:57) Rockets prediction

(20:23) Warriors prediction

(21:58) Trail Blazers prediction

(22:56) 76ers prediction

(24:07) Clippers prediction

(26:13) Heat prediction

(27:17) Hornets prediction

(28:13) Wizards prediction

(29:41) Jazz prediction

(32:02) Timberwolves prediction

(35:31) Grizzlies prediction

(37:03) Kings prediction

(38:22) Bulls prediction

(39:57) Raptors prediction

(40:51) Pistons prediction

(42:05) Suns prediction

(42:39) Magic prediction

(43:20) Cavaliers prediction

(44:36) Knicks & Bucks predictions

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Nikola Jokic injury implications + should Trae Young be WAIVED? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 23:06:43 +0000

In the final Big Number episode of 2025, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss the major implications of the Nikola Jokic knee extension and how it affects both the NBA’s MVP race, as well as the Denver Nuggets’ playoff chances.

Then, they take a look at some of the most trade-eligible players for the new year, leading with Anthony Davis, who despite being one of the most effective players while on the court, still provides question marks on his ability to stay on it. The pair also address the Zach LaVine situation in Sacramento - should he get traded, and where to?

Finally, the Trae Young fiasco in Atlanta is picked apart - what should the Hawks do? Is waiving the former superstar point guard on the table? That and more on today’s Big Number.

(01:08) The Big Number: 4 - minimum number of weeks Jokic misses with knee injury
(19:08) The Little Numbers: 1.5 - Anthony Davis’ estimated plus minus
(21:03) New team, new year: potential landing spots for Anthony Davis
(24:06) The Little Numbers: 13 - players avg. 25+ points on .600 true shooting percentage
(26:16) New team, new year: will Michael Porter Jr. have a new team in 2026?
(28:51) The Little Numbers: 10 - Zach LaVine 3-point attempts per possession
(38:18) The Little Numbers: 126.2 - Hawks’ defensive rating with Trae Young
(49:06) Should the Hawks waive Trae Young?

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Clippers on the Rise, Spurs & Thunder Questions + All-Star Returns | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 30 Dec 2025 22:39:31 +0000

Happy New Year's Eve-Eve from The Dunker Spot!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss the hot play of the Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat and surprisingly-plucky Brooklyn Nets. Next, they check in on the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks.

Finally, the guys react to the first return of All-Star voting. There may be a rant included.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(1:44) — How to evaluate this stage of the NBA season

(7:33) — Los Angeles Clippers

(21:21) — Miami Heat

(27:21) — Quick check-in on the Pistons' offense

(30:08) — Brooklyn Nets

(36:54) — San Antonio Spurs

(43:18) — Oklahoma City Thunder

(47:40) — Cleveland Cavaliers

(50:34) — Quick Atlanta Hawks disappointment

(52:18) — First All-Star returns are out

(01:10:46) Free Throws

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NBA New Year's resolutions with Dave DuFour + Draft Class with Jonathan Givony | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 21:16:21 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Dave DuFour to break down the Spurs' 3-0 winning streak against the OKC Thunder this season, Victor Wembanyama’s defensive impact and why San Antonio’s 3-guard rotation is so successful.

Then, they discuss the Los Angeles Clippers' winning streak and Kawhi Leonard dropping 55 points against the Detroit Pistons. Has Keyonte George officially broken out for the Utah Jazz? Is Nikola Jokic better than ever? Should the Warriors consider trading for Anthony Davis? Plus, the duo gives their New Year's resolutions for several NBA teams.

Later, Jonathan Givony joins to discuss James Nnaji committing to Baylor after playing in the G-League. Should professional players be allowed to return to play in college? Then, Jonathan gives the latest on the 2026 Draft Class, including whether AJ Dybantsa or Cameron Boozer will secure the number one pick.

(0:52) Spurs 3-0 against Thunder this season
(13:31) Kawhi drops 55 pts vs. Pistons
(20:33) Keyonte George shines for Jazz
(24:26) Jokic best he's ever been?
(27:29) Scottie Barnes monster triple-double
(36:05) Should Warriors trade for AD?
(41:23) NBA New Year's resolutions
(1:11:14) KOC's Draft Class

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A Holiday Mailbag | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 26 Dec 2025 17:16:14 +0000

Happy Holidays from The Dunker Spot!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones went back to the mailbag for this one.

Questions range from the Minnesota Lynx's ideal draft strategy, to the Portland Trail Blazers' late-game offense, to the Houston Rockets' ideal closing five, to zone-beaters for rec league basketball teams. We bounced around quite a bit — thank you to everyone who sent in questions.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(1:29) — What should the Minnesota Lynx do with the #2 overall pick?

(4:28) — Examining Marina Mabrey landing spots + the most entertaining Unrivaled team

(7:38) — What's the most top-heavy position in the (W)NBA?

(10:21) — How do coaches decide when to make an adjustment?

(22:53) — What's behind teams being able to erase big leads more easily?

(28:55) — What lineup(s) should the Rockets close playoff games with?

(33:50) — How sustainable is the Pelicans' offense?

(38:28) — Examining the Blazers' late-game offense & Tiago Splitter

(43:43) — What can we take away from this Pacers season?

(49:28) — The perception around Bam vs Evan Mobley, Jaden McDaniels' switching, and 2nd round pick trade value

(57:52) — Memorable role player performances

(01:01:49) — How should rec-level teams attack a 2-3 zone?

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NBA Christmas Day players to watch + should the NBA ditch the Draft? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:09:30 +0000

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the NBA’s Christmas Day slate and preview Cooper Flagg’s historic holiday start at just 19 years, 4 days old. Dan then shares four little numbers for the top players to watch in each Christmas Day game: Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive leap for the Knicks, Stephon Castle’s ascent with the Spurs, LeBron James’ shift away from predominantly creating his own shots and Jamal Murray’s elite efficiency for Denver.

Later, Tom & Dan push for radical reform and suggest the NBA get rid of the Draft system to prevent teams from tanking.

(1:23) The Big Number: Flagg’s Christmas Day debut
(17:28) The Little Numbers: KAT at-rim defense
(22:21) The Little Numbers: Stephon Castle a superstar?
(27:35) The Little Numbers: LeBron’s assisted baskets
(33:11) The Little Numbers: Jamal Murray’s efficiency
(38:24) Should the NBA get rid of the Draft?

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NBA Christmas Day Previews | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 20:03:51 +0000

Happy Holidays from The Dunker Spot!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones previewed this year's Christmas slate.

We have Cavaliers vs. Knicks, Spurs vs. Thunder, Rockets vs. Lakers, Mavericks vs Warriors and Timberwolves vs. Nuggets as the nightcap. Steve and Nekias are examining the key matchups, mini-battles and potential swing factors in each game.

Also, shout out to Wilt Chamberlain.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(1:17) — Cavs-Knicks

(15:23) — Spurs-Thunder

(30:32) — Mavs-Warriors

(42:22) — Rockets-Lakers

(54:16) — Wolves-Nuggets

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NBA ‘Naughty & Nice Lists’ with KOC & Tom Haberstroh | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:48:14 +0000

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh discuss who is on the NBA 'Naughty' and 'Nice' lists. The duo breaks down how the Celtics’ rookies have made a splash without Jayson Tatum, how the Detroit Pistons can raise their ceiling and how the Warriors can maximize their opportunity with Steph Curry. Plus, should Anthony Edwards be the new face of the league for the next generation? Is Maxime Raynaud the steal of the draft? Are the Pacers tanking??

Next, they discuss why the New York Knicks opting out of raising the NBA Cup banner landed them on the naughty list, Evan Mobley taking a step back this season and why referee and player relations are spiraling. Later, does Giannis truly want out of the Bucks? Is it time for the Lakers to trade Austin Reaves?

(0:13) NBA Naughty & Nice List

(0:49) Nice: Boston Celtics

(4:52) Nice: Detroit Pistons

(8:47) Nice: Steph Curry

(14:32) Nice: Minnesota Timberwolves

(17:51) Nice: Maxime Raynaud

(21:05) Nice: Indiana Pacers

(22:51) Stocking Stuffers

(26:21) Naughty: New York Knicks

(30:59) Naughty: Evan Mobley

(36:03) Naughty: Referee relations

(50:06) Naughty: Giannis

(56:24) Naughty: Los Angeles Lakers

(1:03:43) Naughty: Nico Harrison

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All-Star Check-In + a Knicks Offense Breakdown | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 22:21:42 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot on deck!

With All-Star voting officially live, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones give their current All-Star teams — the games played minimum is (annoyingly, amusingly) in play for Nekias.

From there, they salute the NBA Cup champion Knicks and dive further into the shifts they've made offensively. They discuss the uptick in tempo, the empowerment of non-Brunson/KAT initiators, their lineup versatility and more.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(5:38) — West All-Star thoughts

(20:46) — East All-Star thoughts

(39:44) — Knicks offense breakdown

(59:14) — Free Throws

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New York Knicks are NBA Cup champions + how can the NBA solve the injury crisis? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:02:21 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the New York Knicks’ first NBA Cup championship run. Following the departure of Tom Thibodeau, has the Knickerbockers’ offensive scheme unlocked a new level? With the defense maintaining its integrity as the offense continues to explode, are the Knicks now a real championship threat? Then, the pair discusses and shares their thoughts on the Knicks' decision not to celebrate their NBA Cup championship with a banner.

Later, they respond to commissioner Adam Silver’s comments regarding the NBA injury crisis and propose solutions to end the prolonged absence of star power for the league.

(1:14) The big number: $530,933 - Knicks player earnings from NBA Cup
(11:20) Knicks refuse to hang NBA Cup Banner
(19:32) The little number: +21.5 Knicks net rating with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart on the floor
(22:36) The little number: 7.9 minutes per game Jalen Brunson has possession of the ball this season
(26:40) The little number: 11th - Knicks defensive efficiency ranking
(32:07) Injury Crisis Update

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Knicks win NBA Cup + Harden, Kawhi, Ja trade watch, old Warriors & Giannis update with Raheem Palmer & Kelly Iko | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:08:21 +0000

Kevin O'Connor breaks down the Knicks’ dominant NBA Cup final win against the Spurs and what it means for the team’s NBA title chances. He reacts to Victor Wembanyama’s tough night and the standout performances from Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Dylan Harper.

Kelly Iko joins to talk Giannis Antetokounmpo’s possible trade destinations, and shares why both the Rockets and Spurs are unlikely to mortgage their future for the superstar. Then, Raheem Palmer dishes on the Clippers' openness to dealing James Harden & Kawhi Leonard and why the Rockets may be the Thunder’s top challenger for the NBA title.

(0:32) Knicks win 2025 NBA Cup

(14:49) What's next for Ja Morant & Grizzlies?

(21:53) Giannis trade destinations

(28:30) Will Nuggets make a trade?

(37:36) Clippers open to trading James Harden & Kawhi Leonard

(43:20) Are Lakers & Warriors too old to contend?

(51:18) Which teams can challenge OKC?

(56:23) Should there be an NBA team in Vegas?

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MVP + ROY Check-Ins, Wemby's Strong Return, NBA Cup Final Thoughts | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 21:48:00 +0000

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot on deck!

First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on the MVP and ROY races — the top two for each award will be heavily contested throughout the year. Then, the guys react to a thrilling game between the Rockets and Nuggets, and open a broader discussion about the top of the West.

From there, they quickly salute the Knicks before diving into the Spurs' upset victory over the historically-good Thunder. They examine Victor Wembanyama's impact — and the ways the Thunder bothered him — as well as potential growth areas for the Thunder to hone in on. Then, it's a quick peek into Tuesday night's Final between the Spurs and Knicks.

(1:59) — MVP discussion

(30:51) — Rookie of the Year discussion

(48:08) — HOU/DEN thoughts + Who's the 2nd best team in the West?

(01:01:27) — NBA Cup discussion (NYK salute, OKC-SA, NYK-SA thoughts)

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Blake Griffin talks Wemby, Chris Paul, Lob City Clippers, rookie stars & NBA evolution | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 19:47:14 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Blake Griffin to break down the impact of Wemby in the Spurs’ victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals. Did the Spurs find the formula for stopping OKC? Is Victor Wembanyama on track to become the greatest of all time?

Next, Blake Griffin shares his favorite dunks, how his game evolved throughout his career and the evolution of the NBA. Then, he shares his experience of being traded during his career path and his reaction to the Clippers sending Chris Paul home.

Later, the duo discusses Jalen Brunson's performance against the Magic in the NBA Cup semis and their top candidates for Rookie of the Year this season.

Plus, who will be crowned the champions of the NBA Cup this year?

(0:45) Wemby vs. OKC in NBA Cup semis
(5:01) Did Spurs unlock formula for stopping OKC?
(8:26) Could Victor Wembanyama become the GOAT?
(14:28) Blake Griffin’s greatest dunks
(18:36) Evolution of Griffin’s game
(26:18) Evolution of the NBA
(31:58) Griffin’s experience when traded by Clippers
(37:33) Reaction to Chris Paul sent home by Clippers
(44:30) Jalen Brunson vs. Magic in NBA Cup semis
(47:49) Rookie of the Year candidates this season
(51:50) Blake Griffin life after basketball
(58:31) NBA Cup Final predictions

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NBA Cup Semifinals reaction with Amin Elhassan + Giannis trade rumors with Chris Haynes | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 23:57:47 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Amin Elhassan to recap the San Antonio Spurs ending the Oklahoma City Thunder’s winning streak in their electric NBA Cup semifinal victory. They break down Victor Wembanyama’s immediate defensive impact and the Spurs’ formula for success against OKC. Should the Spurs be aggressive with trades or stick with their young roster?

Next, the duo breaks down the keys to the New York Knicks' NBA Cup semifinal win over the Orlando Magic. They discuss Jalen Brunson’s showstopping 40-piece, why Paolo Banchero isn’t fitting in with the Magic and whether Jamahl Mosley is the best fit for the Magic’s head coaching role. Are we overthinking the New York Knicks?

Plus, they give their final picks for who will win the NBA Cup Finals. Who does Wemby defend? Can KAT pull Wemby out of the paint? How will the NBA Cup MVP title impact the legacy of the greats?

Later, Chris Haynes joins the show, giving the latest news, including potential landing spots for Giannis, what moves the Warriors need to make and whether the Clippers should trade James Harden or Kawhi Leonard?

(1:31) Spurs beat Thunder in NBA Cup semis (16:40) Should Spurs or Thunder trade for Giannis?
(27:39) Knicks beat Magic in NBA Cup semis
(42:04) NBA Cup Final preview
(53:32) Giannis trade rumors with Chris Haynes
(1:08:14) What is Trae Young's future with Atlanta?
(1:12:07) Should Mavericks make a trade?
(1:19:46) Will Clippers trade Kawhi Leonard or James Harden?

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NBA Cup Semifinals Preview + Quarterfinals Recap | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 12 Dec 2025 21:21:24 +0000

Ahead of this weekend's NBA Cup slate, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones recap how the Magic, Knicks, Thunder and Spurs earned victories in the quarterfinals.

Then, the guys preview the semifinals — Knicks-Magic and Spurs-Thunder — asking and answering big picture questions about each matchup.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(1:22) — Heat-Magic

(13:08) — Knicks-Raptors

(20:25) — Suns-Thunder

(27:31) — Lakers-Spurs

(35:55) — Knicks-Magic preview

(51:52) — Spurs-Thunder preview

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NBA Cup predictions, Ja check-in & the AD sweepstakes with Tom Haberstroh + Draft Class with James Barlowe | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 19:29:25 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to break down the Oklahoma City Thunder dominating the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Cup quarterfinal as they continue their historic winning streak. Can OKC break the NBA record for longest single-season win streak? Then, they discuss the San Antonio Spurs' victory over the Los Angeles Lakers without superstar Victor Wembanyama and share their picks for who will reign supreme in the NBA Cup.

Next, the duo shares why the NBA is seeing a rise in calf strains across the league and shares their thoughts on the NBA’s response. And, are the Grizzlies better without Ja Morant? Where are potential landing spots for Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo?

Plus, James Barlowe joins to discuss AJ Dybansta’s electric game against Clemson, Darryn Peterson’s return to Kansas and how Nate Ament can bounce back from his struggles.

(0:47) OKC defeats Phoenix in NBA Cup quarterfinals
(6:10) Spurs beat Lakers in NBA Cup quarterfinals
(8:54) Thunder vs. Spurs NBA Cup semifinal preview
(13:00) Increase of calf strain injuries in the NBA
(23:54) Knicks vs. Magic NBA Cup semifinal preview
(34:35) Ja's last chance to make things right with Memphis
(43:36) Queen continues to shine for Pelicans
(46:28) Anthony Davis trade suitors
(57:20) Draft Class with James Barlowe

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NBA Cup reactions + are the Knicks the team to beat in the East? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 21:37:33 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the keys to the New York Knicks punching their ticket to Vegas with their victory over the Toronto Raptors, including Jalen Brunson’s impact this year and the Knicks’ elite 3-point shooting game. Are the Knicks now the East favorite?

Next, they discuss the Magic’s victory over the Heat as they advance to the next round of the NBA Cup. They share how Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black are the difference makers for Orlando and discuss the keys to Orlando’s success in the next round of the NBA Cup.

Later, the duo shares their picks for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. Are the Thunder untouchable? Can the Spurs take down the Lakers without Wemby?

1:42 Are the New York Knicks the top contender in the East?

20:02 Are Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black better on the floor without Banchero?

29:10 NBA Cup Eastern Conference semifinal preview

36:56 NBA Cup Western Conference quarterfinal preview

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Suns-Thunder, Lakers-Spurs Preview + Examining Paolo Banchero's Return | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 9 Dec 2025 21:06:45 +0000

Ahead of this week's NBA Cup slate, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones offer temperature checks in the West, ask key questions of the East, and bounce around with observations — and ice-in-cereal thoughts.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:29) — Suns-Thunder

(16:24) — Lakers-Spurs

(29:49) — Orlando Magic

(45:02) — Toronto Raptors

(50:51) — Dallas Mavericks

(58:37) — Golden State Warriors

(01:00:57) — Player Shoutouts

(01:10:19) — Free Throws

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‘Slightly Biased, Spot On or So Wrong?’ Contenders, Celtics, Lakers, Embiid, Nembhard & more | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 8 Dec 2025 19:24:15 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Slightly Biased to break down whether Ryan Nembhard is the next Steve Nash and his impact on the Dallas Mavericks. Plus, are the Lakers the most overrated team in the NBA? Is Joel Embiid finished?

Next, they discuss if the Thunder could still make the play-in even if you took all the starters off the roster, whether the Celtics will win 55 plus games if Tatum returns by March and Zach Edey’s defensive impact for the Grizzlies. Plus, should everyone besides Steph Curry on the Warriors be available for a trade?

(1:24) Ryan Nembhard the next Steve Nash?
(9:42) Are Lakers overrated?
(14:49) Is Embiid finished?
(20:21) Could OKC's bench make the play-in?
(29:55) Clippers could blow it all up
(36:30) Are Celtics actually any good?
(42:34) Zach Edey defensive improvements
(49:00) Is Zaccharie Risacher officially a bust?
(54:36) Can Kings turn their season around?
(57:55) Should Warriors make a trade?
(1:07:59) NBA Cup predictions

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Where Do the Clippers and Bucks Go from Here + a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Breakdown | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 5 Dec 2025 21:24:12 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones have an honest conversation about the Los Angeles Clippers and the Chris Paul fallout, and talk through how the Clippers can still salvage their season.

From there, they check in on the Milwaukee Bucks in light of the recent Giannis Antetokounmpo injury, break down the excellent play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, then close with a round of Free Throws.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(2:48) — Los Angeles Clippers

(30:00) — Chris Paul

(45:59) — Milwaukee Bucks

(54:09) — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is leveling up

(01:06:35) — Free Throws

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Giannis trade scenarios, Clippers send Chris Paul home + Draft Class with Tate Frazier | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 4 Dec 2025 19:22:16 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to break down the latest between Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers after Paul was sent home Wednesday morning. What teams are the best fit for the unexpected free agent?

Then, has Giannis played his last game with the Bucks? The pair discusses reports that Giannis and his agent have been in conversations with the Milwaukee Bucks about his future with the organization. The duo breaks down various trade scenarios across the league, including whether the Oklahoma City Thunder would be willing to make a move for the two-time NBA MVP.

Later, Tate Frazier joins for this week’s Draft Class, including Koa Peat’s impact on Arizona, why Milan Momcilovic is a player to watch and what to expect from Duke vs. Michigan on Saturday.

(0:31) Clippers send Chris Paul home
(16:56) What's wrong with the Cavs?
(23:50) Giannis trade speculation
(31:40) Giannis to the Knicks?
(33:44) Giannis to the Warriors?
(37:22) Giannis to the Lakers?
(41:43) Giannis to the Spurs?
(47:24) Giannis to the Rockets?
(56:01) Giannis to the Thunder?
(1:02:55) Will Giannis ever play for the Bucks again?
(1:08:20) Draft Class with Tate Frazier

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No championships, no Finals & now no Chris Paul for Clippers | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 3 Dec 2025 21:17:05 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dissect the corpse of the Los Angeles Clippers' franchise! The pair react to the Clippers' 3 AM disposal of Chris Paul and discuss potential new destinations for the 40-year-old veteran guard. They also analyze both the historical and current woes of the Clippers, noting the Herculean offensive efforts from James Harden and horrific team defense. Norman Powell's success in Miami is also discussed, making this episode deliciously miserable for fans in Clipperland.

(1:05) The Big Number: Clippers send Chris Paul home
(30:57) The Little Numbers: LAC half-court defense
(35:35) The Little Numbers: James Harden’s offensive impact
(41:04) The Little Numbers: Clippers missing Norm Powell

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Knicks and Spurs Rolling, What are the Celtics, and is it Panic Time in LA? | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 2 Dec 2025 19:46:48 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones are back to bounce around the league!

First, they discuss the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks racking up wins despite missing key talent. From there, they discuss the good-but-just-how-good Boston Celtics, the streaking Memphis Grizzlies (Edey time!), and the disappointing Los Angeles Clippers.

Finally, they close the show with some well deserved player shoutouts; Steve also hits Nekias with a Free Throw he wasn't prepared for.

Fun all around!

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:22) — San Antonio Spurs

(13:29) — New York Knicks

(33:58) — Boston Celtics

(53:48) — Memphis Grizzlies

(01:06:17) — Los Angeles Clippers

(01:11:59) — Player Shoutouts (plus an evil Free Throw)

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NBA Cup contender check-in with J.E. Skeets | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 20:00:55 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by J.E. Skeets to break down the matchups in the knockout round of the NBA Cup. They discuss reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency and the Oklahoma City Thunder's continued dominance with a historic start to the season.

Then, they share why Dillon Brooks is in heaven with the Phoenix Suns, whether Austin Reaves and Luka Dončić are the most dynamic duo in the NBA and how the Lakers can solve their defense.

Next, the duo breaks down how the San Antonio Spurs are continuing to develop without Victor Wembanyama and whether the Magic are playing their best basketball without Paolo Banchero. Plus, is Sandro Mamukelashvili a top contender for Sixth Man of the Year? Are the Knicks the favorites in the East?

(0:13) NBA Cup contender check-in
(0:58) Oklahoma City Thunder
(8:00) Phoenix Suns
(14:04) Los Angeles Lakers
(21:45) San Antonio Spurs
(26:49) Orlando Magic
(33:16) Miami Heat
(39:57) New York Knicks
(45:07) Toronto Raptors

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Thanksgiving Mailbag + A Chat with Gary Payton II

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:00:00 +0000

For the first time this NBA season, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones go to the Dunker Spot mailbag!

They answer questions about league-wide defensive trends, potential shifts to the Heat's offense, Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations and much more.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:27) — Common themes for teams that have made leaps this year

(8:41) — Will we see more zone and/or college-style press defenses?

(18:05) — Who are we most excited to see explore and develop during the Unrivaled season?

(24:20) — How do we judge (good) defense + potential Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations

(35:43) — Building defensive chemistry + potential tweaks to Miami's offense moving forward

(45:48) — How will young role players fill in for key rotation pieces across the league?

(49:46) — What makes the Cade Cunningham/Jalen Duren partnership effective + a Jaden Ivey trade idea

(56:52) — Who could use Trendon Watford?

(59:09) — Is it time for NBA realignment?

(01:02:22) — An All-Star game format suggestion

(01:06:23) — Does LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves make up the best passing trio EVER?

(01:12:52) — Gary Payton II conversation

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NBA fanbases with the most to be grateful for this Thanksgiving | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 19:27:07 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss gratitudes in the NBA for this Thanksgiving episode. The pair chat about LA's luck with Luka Dončić—who's on a historic tear, even in Lakerland. They break down Lonzo Ball’s mini-resurgence and offer appreciation for Erik Spoelstra and Jalen Suggs for the Heat & Magic.

Tom brainstorms nicknames for Derik Queen, the Raptors and Deni Avdija receive some love, and they ask the big question: can the Thunder REALLY win 77 games?

(1:25) Lakers are lucky to have Luka

(15:56) Cavs thankful for Lonzo Ball

(19:33) Heat grateful for Erik Spoelstra

(26:45) Magic thankful for Jalen Suggs

(31:53) Pelicans grateful for Derik Queen

(39:13) Dan thankful for the Raptors

(42:46) Tom grateful for Deni Avdija

(47:13) Thankful for the Thunder

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Pistons, Heat, Raptors rolling + a Salute to Chris Paul | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 19:48:46 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones salute the streaking Pistons, Heat, and Raptors, then talk about teams, players and other things they're grateful for this season. From Chris Paul, to absurd Thunder runs, to alternate courts, to broadcast gimmicks. Basketball is awesome and we're glad we have it.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:24) — Detroit Pistons

(9:29) — Miami Heat

(18:35) — Toronto Raptors

(25:20) — Teams (and things) we're grateful for

(41:41) — Players we're grateful for

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Point guard drama, biggest surprises & NBA draft risers with Justin Termine, Kelly Iko & Ricky O’Donnell | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 20:39:50 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Justin Termine to discuss Kawhi Leonard returning to the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden continuing his legacy and whether the Clippers can revive their season.

Next, they break down the heated moment between Klay Thompson and Ja Morant, Chris Paul’s career after announcing his retirement and Norm Powell shining for the Heat. Later, Kelly Iko joins to discuss his report of LaMelo Ball growing frustrated with the Hornets’ organization and being open to a trade. Where could he possibly land? KOC gives his pick. Then, they discuss how KD’s absence will impact the Rockets, Jalen Johnson’s All-Star potential and the state of the Chicago Bulls.

Plus, Ricky O’Donnell joins to share his thoughts on the 2026 NBA draft class and key players and games to watch this week.

(0:28) Kawhi returns, but Clippers still struggle
(12:23) Chris Paul to retire after this season
(16:19) Ja Morant vs. Klay Thompson
(24:14) Norm Powell shines for Heat in Herro’s absence
(28:33) Suns comeback vs. Timberwolves
(33:51) Kelly Iko on LaMelo Ball trade possibilities
(43:28) Rockets without KD for 2 games
(52:04) Jalen Johnson All-Star potential
(55:27) Who is Pistons #24?
(1:01:36) State of the Chicago Bulls
(1:05:38) Draft Class with Ricky O’Donnell

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Breaking Down LeBron James' Laker Debut + LaMelo Ball & Kings Trade Destinations | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 19:28:18 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down the season debut of LeBron James, discussing the positives, growth areas, and things to keep track of as the sample grows.

Then, they react to the recent reporting surrounding LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets. How did we get here, how solvable is it, and who are some potential fits for LaMelo if the plug is pulled?

Finally, the guys check in on the Sacramento Kings. The vibes are bad and the record is worse; they discuss the current state and how they should move forward.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:20) — LeBron James' debut

(22:51) — LaMelo Ball discussion

(43:13) — Should the Sacramento Kings blow this up?

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12 big NBA questions with Tom Haberstroh + Boozer concerns and a Flagg debate with Sam Vecenie | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 19:52:04 +0000

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh answer the twelve biggest NBA questions at this point in the season, including whether Houston is a top-tier contender and which team should trade for Anthony Davis. Then they explain why star player injuries have increased and how the league can address this.

Next, they discuss Coby White’s impact on the Bulls, Jonathan Kuminga’s fit with the Golden State Warriors and whether the Nets are featuring Michael Porter Jr. for a trade. Plus, they break down LeBron’s season debut, Bam Adebayo’s defensive player of the year odds and the best player comparisons for Kon Knueppel.

Later, Sam Vecenie joins the show to break down which rookies are making an impact with this week’s edition of Draft Class.

(0:22) Rockets' strange offense
(7:27) Who should trade for AD?
(13:21) Coby White's impact for Chicago
(18:30) Where does Scoot fit with the Blazers?
(20:35) Magic, Celtics & Bucks Finals odds
(25:47) NBA injury issues
(34:31) Updated assessment of Kuminga’s fit
(41:27) Michael Porter Jr. recent performances
(49:03) LeBron returns to Lakers' lineup
(50:51) Bam Adebayo for DPOY?
(53:54) Player comps for Kon Kneuppel
(59:55) Derik Queen drops 30 on Nuggets
(1:09:07) Draft Class with Sam Vecenie
(1:20:29) Lottery Lessons: Cam Boozer
(1:31:22) Lottery Lessons: AJ Dybantsa
(1:39:13) Weekly Movers: Kingston Flemings

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Way-too-early NBA awards & LeBron returns to Lakers lineup | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 23:05:40 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine give their way-too-early awards for the NBA season thus far. They debate whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or
Nikola Jokić should be the NBA MVP and whether the Rookie of the Year award should be awarded to Cooper Flagg or Cedric Coward. Next, they discuss why it’s a unanimous decision to give Victor Wembyanama the Defensive Player of the Year despite his injury and why Ryan Rollins has the strongest case for Most Improved Player of the Year.

Plus, why has there been an increase in star player injuries this year? Tom gives his insight. Lastly, LeBron James made his season debut last night against the Utah Jazz. Will he continue to bring the Lakers to life? All that and more!

1:14 SGA for MVP?
4:10 Jokic for MVP?
9:15 Honorable mention MVP: Giannis
14:48 Rookie of the Year picks
21:02 Wemby for Defensive Player of the Year?
27:35 Ryan Rollins for most improved player?
29:59 Jalen Duran for most improved player?
37:07Jaime Jaquez Jr for 6moy?
44:41 NBA star injury crisis
55:41 LeBron makes his debut

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NBA 'Good News/Bad News’ with Ariel Helwani & Molly Morrison | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 01:10:44 +0000

Ariel Helwani joins Kevin O’Connor in-person for a look at the Knicks’ season so far, from Mike Brown’s uptempo system and deep bench rotation to the frustrations of injuries to Brunson and Anunoby. Kevin and Ariel also react to the latest on the Clippers-Kawhi drama.

Then, Molly Morrison joins Kevin O’Connor to break down the latest NBA news including Victor Wembanyama’s injury and Jalen Duren’s rising star. Morrison shares insights on Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ evolving identity and why her Memphis loyalty still runs deep despite roster chaos. The duo unpacks what makes Nikola Jokic’s elusive greatness so compelling and Molly recounts her journey from anonymous Twitter user to a unique voice in basketball media.

(0:25) Ariel Helwani on the Knicks

(10:58) Ariel Helwani on the Clippers

(33:39) Molly Morrison on Victor Wembanyama

(54:38) Molly Morrison on Ja Morant

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Thunder Look Like Juggernauts, What's Wrong with the Timberwolves + Early All-Star Rosters | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 22:36:03 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones roam the baseline with praise for the Oklahoma City Thunder and surprisingly-feisty Atlanta Hawks.

Then, they check in on the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks as they deal with teams working to take away their strengths.

Finally, the guys do their first All-Star check-in of the season. Who's in? Who's close? What will the US-based teams look like?

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:27) — Oklahoma City Thunder

(20:42) — Atlanta Hawks

(36:35) — Minnesota Timberwolves

(51:01) — Cleveland Cavaliers

(01:03:34) — Milwaukee Bucks

(01:08:42) — All-Star check-in

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Hawks better without Trae? Houston's offense unstoppable? NBA overreactions with Es Baraheni | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:03:53 +0000

Kevin O’Connor asks Es Baraheni if he's gone ‘too far or not far enough,' as they break down if the Atlanta Hawks are better without Trae Young, if the Rockets are truly the best offense in the NBA and whether Lauri Markkanen is worth five first-round picks. Plus, will LeBron's return to the reshaped Lakers be clunky?

Next, they share some early-season overreactions, including whether the Nuggets have the best defense of the Nikola Jokic era, if Scottie Barnes is an All-Star and whether the 76ers are now Tyrese Maxey’s team? Speaking of overreactions, they analyze whether Draymond Green takes it too far in a heated fan exchange.

(1:08) Hawks better without Trae?
(9:14) Do Rockets have the best offense in the NBA?
(20:51) Is Markkanen worth 5 first-round picks?
(27:45) Will LeBron fit well back with Lakers?
(32:18) How good is Denver's defense?
(38:09) Scottie Barnes All-Star potential
(45:20) Do 76ers belong to Maxey or Embiid?
(49:22) Draymond gets into it with a fan

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The Phoenix Suns are Winning + Explaining Why Nikola Jokic is Unstoppable | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 22:03:53 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones are joined by Stephen PridGeon-Garner (PHNX Sports) to discuss the surprisingly hot start of the Phoenix Suns.

Then, the guys break down the recent play of Nikola Jokic, who's setting the world on fire with an unrivaled blend of scoring efficiency and playmaking.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(2:23) — Similarities between the Suns and the Phoenix Mercury

(4:03) — Early expectations & results of new head coach Jordan Ott

(12:19) — Devin Booker's growth and usage

(28:46) — Complementary play of Grayson Allen, Dillon Brooks and Royce O'Neale

(37:08) — Suns defense

(53:43) — Rapid fire questions (Jalen Green, Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, Collin Gillespie, best lineup)

(01:06:03) — Nikola Jokic breakdown

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Jokic dominates, Thunder surge & Draymond calls out KOC + NFL talk with Field Yates | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:47:44 +0000

Kevin O’Connor welcomes Tom Haberstroh to discuss Jokic’s historic 55-point night against the Clippers and the impact of Bradley Beal’s injury for LA. Next, they break down the Thunder's defensive masterclass, detailing their victory over the Lakers. The Thunder now boast a 12-1 record, but can they realistically win 70 games this season?

Later, KOC & Tom break down Steph Curry’s 46-point game against the Spurs and Draymond Green’s impressive night holding Wemby to 2/10 with multiple turnovers. In a dramatic twist, Draymond and KOC get into a heated exchange via Threads over Kevin’s analysis of Podz’s comment that he hopes to be better than Steph one day.

Plus, Tom shares his top picks for who will replace Nico Harrison and KOC gives his top Rookie of the Year candidates so far this season.

(0:38) Jokic scores 55 in Nuggets win
(7:03) Bradley Beal out for the season
(11:07) Thunder beat Lakers 121-92
(21:39) Warriors get win vs. Spurs
(25:04) Draymond Green comes at KOC online
(37:27) Nico Harrison fired as Mavs GM
(53:44) Are Kings planning to rebuild?
(56:48) Way-too-early ROTY picks
(1:00:08) Silver linings for bad teams
(1:06:01) NFL Six Points! with Field Yates
(56:48) Way-too-early ROTY picks
(1:00:08) Silver linings for bad teams
(1:06:01) NFL Six Points! with Field Yates

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Can Mavericks rebuild after firing Nico Harrison? + Anthony Davis trade watch | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 21:10:13 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the Dallas Mavericks firing Nico Harrison just ten months after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers and ask if drafting Cooper Flagg accelerated Nico’s exit timeline. The pair deep dives into Jason Kidd’s future with the Mavs and his role in Nico’s firing. They debate how Dallas can improve its lackluster offense while Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving have been sidelined, and ask if it might make sense to trade AD away.

Later, Tom & Dan react to the new NBA All-Star format. Can the new changes really bring life back to the All-Star Game, or will it be more of the same?

(1:28) The Big Number: Nico Harrison's plan that never was
(21:19) The Little Numbers: Mavericks' offensive woes
(27:05) The Little Numbers: Anthony Davis missing games
(30:56) The Little Numbers: Time to trade away AD?
(37:39) The Little Numbers: Mavs 2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds
(42:50) NBA announces new All-Star format

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Nikola Jokic Looks Like the MVP, Kevin Durant Thriving in Houston and Nico Harrison Out in Dallas | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 11 Nov 2025 21:46:05 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones roam the baseline with some Western Conference love (Nuggets, Rockets) and some surging teams in the East (top-seeded Pistons, rising Raptors).

Then, they react to the breaking news out of Dallas — bye-bye, Nico Harrison — before diving into an odd Memphis Grizzlies season. Finally, they close with some well-deserved player shoutouts.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:58) — Denver Nuggets

(19:45) — Houston Rockets

(34:50) — Detroit Pistons

(44:02) — Toronto Raptors

(47:27) — Mavericks to fire Nico Harrison

(51:23) — Memphis Grizzlies

(01:11:06) — Los Angeles Clippers

(01:14:39) — Player Shoutouts

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PeeWeeDaPlug on Nico’s future, Magic mediocrity & Fox’s debut + James Barlowe joins Draft Class | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 21:18:31 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Pierre Andresen, aka PeeWeeDaPlug, to discuss the current state of the Dallas Mavericks and if their disappointing 3-7 start will lead to Nico Harrison being fired. They also react to De’Aaron Fox’s return from injury for the Spurs and ask if San Antonio can truly be a title contender when they’re firing on all cylinders. Speaking of firing, with the Orlando Magic struggling despite high expectations, the pair debates whether head coach Jamahl Mosley is truly on the hot seat or if the Orlando players are primarily responsible in this blame game.

Later, KOC is joined by James Barlowe to take a look at some of the top prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft. They spotlight standout performances from Koa Peat, AJ Dybantsa, Neoklis Avdalas, Cameron Carr and more.

(1:30) Nico Harrison likely to be fired by Mavs

(8:21) De'Aaron Fox returns to Spurs lineup

(19:45) Rockets mount 4th quarter comeback vs. Bucks

(29:38) State of the Phoenix Suns

(41:53) Chicago Bulls lose 3 of last 4 games

(45:40) Where does Paul George fit on 76ers roster now?

(52:12) Is Jamahl Mosley on the hot seat in Orlando?

(1:04:32) Draft Class with James Barlowe

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VJ Edgecombe's Stellar Season, Rookie Rankings and Unrivaled Rosters Announced | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 7 Nov 2025 20:18:25 +0000

It's time to check on the rookies!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones give their early impression on 10 of the top rookies from this year's class, digging into what they like and some things they'll be keeping an eye on. The plan is to do a rookie-centric episode at the beginning of each month, with a rotating cast of names to discuss.

After that, the guys give their early impressions of each of the eight Unrivaled rosters and discuss their early favorites.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:59) — VJ Edgecombe (Sixers)

(13:58) — Cedric Coward (Grizzlies)

(21:53) — Cooper Flagg (Mavs)

(32:29) — Dylan Harper (Spurs)

(40:09) — Kon Knueppel (Hornets)

(47:00) — Jeremiah Fears (Pelicans)

(52:34) — Collin Murray-Boyles (Raptors)

(01:00:20) — Tre Johnson (Wizards)

(01:07:13) — Ryan Kalkbrenner (Hornets)

(01:11:52) — Derik Queen (Pelicans)

(01:17:56) — Quick shoutouts (Sion James, Will Richard, Hugo Gonzalez, Jazz)

(01:19:27) — Early thoughts on Unrivaled, Season 2

(01:27:28) — Free Throws

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Memphis a mess, Houston’s high-power offense & the Dallas downfall continues + Donovan Mitchell on latest NBA trends | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 6 Nov 2025 19:59:26 +0000

Kevin O’Connor welcomes Tom Haberstroh back to the podcast to unpack the top stories in the NBA this week, starting with Ja Morant & Memphis as they speculate whether the Grizzlies should trade Ja and what they ought to get for him in return if they do. The duo breaks down Minnesota’s flaws, especially their defensive collapse without Rudy Gobert and analyze whether the Timberwolves’ current roster construction has hit a ceiling.

KOC & Tom also talk Houston’s offensive surge, Portland ending OKC’s unbeaten run and Detroit’s surprising two-big experiment. Later in the show, Kevin gets a surprise appearance from disgruntled Mavs fan Slightly Biased, who details his frustrations as Dallas struggles without Luka Doncic.

Plus, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell joins the show to talk about how he’s improving his game, the impactful addition of Lonzo Ball to the Cavs and the latest trends in the NBA.

(0:31) What should Memphis do with Ja Morant?

(8:11) Can Timberwolves really contend?

(15:21) Is Houston's offense for real?

(21:35) Trail Blazers end OKC's winning streak

(28:26) Time for Jaylen Brown to go bald?

(32:55) Walker Kessler out for the season

(36:09) Pistons playing with two bigs

(42:50) Way-too-early MVP picks

(45:26) Ayton shines in Lakers win

(48:09) We need more Wemby on national TV

(53:17) Slightly Biased on the Dallas Mavs

(1:12:54) Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell joins

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Time for the Grizzlies to move on from Ja Morant? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 5 Nov 2025 21:03:11 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the Grizzlies’ most recent drama with Ja Morant and ask: is it time to move on from him? Or should Memphis ride out the turbulence?

With Morant’s dunk numbers slumping and his future in Memphis clouded by tension, Tom & Dan evaluate potential trade destinations including the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and more.

(1:27) The Big Number: Ja Morant’s declining dunks

(20:43) The Little Numbers: Morant to Sacramento?

(26:20) The Little Numbers: Should Dallas trade for Morant?

(28:16) Does Ja fit with the Nets?

(32:24) The Little Numbers: Morant to Houston?

(35:13) Could Ja fit with Milwaukee?

(37:57) The Little Numbers: Should Memphis keep Morant?

(42:27) OKC starts season 8-0

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Thunder Keep Rolling, Lakers Surging and More Weekend Takeaways

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 4 Nov 2025 21:09:39 +0000

We're bouncing around the league again!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones "Roam the Baseline" with a few Western Conference shoutouts — and a hat tip to a hot start out East. Then, it's time for an identity check for a few teams looking to find themselves. The show closes with player shoutouts, free throws, and an apology to Saints fans.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:15) — Lakers

(12:25) — Thunder

(19:27) — Blazers

(25:32) — Bulls

(34:39) — Mavericks

(49:27) — Spurs

(52:07) — Knicks

(54:12) — Suns

(56:46) — Making us sad (Pelicans, Grizzlies, Nets)

(59:45) — Hawks

(01:01:03) — Jazz

(01:03:02) — Player shoutouts

(01:16:43) — Free Throws

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Ja Morant drama, small sample takeaways + college basketball prospects to watch with Jason Timpf and Jeff Goodman | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 3 Nov 2025 19:43:17 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight to discuss Ja Morant’s one game suspension. Is it time to panic about Ja’s future with Memphis, or should the organization continue to exercise patience with Morant? The duo also breaks down how the Suns stalled Wemby with double teams as they handed the Spurs their first loss of the season. Plus, is it possible that the undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder could win 70 games this season?

Later, KOC is joined by Jeff Goodman from The Field of 68 to preview the 2025-26 college hoops season and share his players to watch ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.

(0:22) Jason Timpf joins the show

(1:07) Small Sample Theater

(22:05) Panic or Patience?

(48:40) The Lineup Lab

(1:04:07) College basketball preview with Jeff Goodman

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Austin Reaves Dominating for Lakers, Rockets Finding Their Groove + What's Spooking You | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 15:00:00 +0000

We've got a Halloween-themed episode of the Dunker Spot today!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on a few Western conference teams, then have some fun as they bounce around the league. They discuss what's spooking them — good or bad — in the early portion of the season. Then, they close with a round of Trick or Treat, a game where they discuss some interesting early trends and decide if it's unsustainable (trick) or something they believe in (treat).

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:09) — Lakers/Blazers League Pass Strategy Stream announcement

(2:00) — Lakers

(8:59) — Wolves

(21:32) — Rockets

(23:55) — Clippers

(29:49) — What's Spooking You? (Steph, SGA, KAT, Pelicans, Cavs, Celtics and more)

(50:47) — Trick or Treat (Bucks, Bulls, Nuggets, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and more)

(1:04:46) — Free Throws

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NBA ‘Trick or Treat’ with Adam Mares | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 19:50:55 +0000

Kevin O'Connor welcomes Adam Mares for a rapid-fire ‘Trick or Treat’ Halloween special. From Austin Reaves’ breakout start for the Lakers to the Pelicans’ locker room woes, Adam and KOC determine which teams and trends are merely illusions and which are genuine treats.

The pair breaks down Jonathan Kuminga’s impressive start for Golden State, Miami’s innovative offense and why Paolo Banchero may not be the right star for Orlando’s future. Plus, is the full-court press revolution here to stay?

(0:42) Austin Reaves All-NBA?
(4:22) Winless NBA teams
(8:47) Jamal Murray’s best season yet?
(10:23) Miami’s new offense
(16:53) Can Bulls & 76ers really contend?
(24:29) Magic struggle to start season
(30:08) Has Kuminga figured it out with GSW?
(34:04) Full-court press popularity
(39:02) Can stars maintain their current stat lines?
(43:08) Is Kon Knueppel the new Klay Thompson?
(47:16) Jazz 2-2 to start season
(49:19) Cam Johnson, David Adelman & Nuggets
(53:07) NBA Cup begins Friday

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Spurs start 4-0, but are Wemby's stats sustainable? + NBA Cup preview | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 18:36:14 +0000

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down what makes Victor Wembanyama’s 4-0 start with the San Antonio Spurs truly historic, as he does something no other NBA player has EVER done before in a four-game stretch. The episode details how Wemby’s on-court presence reshapes defensive strategy, deters shots at the rim and generates a ripple effect for Spurs teammates. Tom and Dan also dissect the numbers behind San Antonio’s surprising 4-0 start and discuss how the team’s revamped tempo and lineup versatility could sustain a playoff push. Plus, a deep dive into the Emirates NBA Cup—format, contenders, group predictions and what fans can expect as the tournament tips off.

(1:03) The Big Number: Wemby is one of a kind
(19:00) The Little Numbers: Spurs opponent winning percentage
(22:39) The Little Numbers: San Antonio starting 5
(26:45) The Little Numbers: Spurs transition points per play
(30:05) The Little Numbers: Dylan Harper drives to the basket
(36:56) NBA Cup begins Friday

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Wemby & Giannis' Dominance + NBA Opening Week Takeaways | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 28 Oct 2025 21:52:25 +0000

We're roughly a week into the 2025-26 regular season, and the guys have you covered with analysis! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones give more of their early takeaways and questions from the season, including: the early dominance of Wemby and Giannis, the Heat pressing the turbo button, the Magic's shaky offense, the Raptors shaky defense, and much more.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(:32) Introduction

(1:25) Teams Impressing Us: San Antonio Spurs

(14:31) Teams Impressing Us: Miami Heat

(21:44) Teams Impressing Us: Milwaukee Bucks

(28:52) Teams Impressing Us: Denver Nuggets

(34:15) Teams Impressing Us: Philadelphia 76ers

(41:07) Teams making us think: New York Knicks

(45:51) Teams making us think: Orlando Magic

(49:42) Teams making us think: Houston Rockets

(51:36) Teams making us think: Detroit Pistons

(55:13) Teams making us think: Toronto Raptors

(1:00:06) Teams making us think: Utah Jazz

(1:04:18) Player Shoutouts

(1:17:34) Free Throws

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T-Wolves PG problems, rise of the full court press + more NBA week 1 reactions with Dane Moore | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 17:56:26 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Dane Moore, host of the Dane Moore NBA Show, to dig into the Timberwolves' complicated point guard situation and the team's shifting identity in a stacked Western Conference. Recorded before the news of Anthony Edwards' hamstring injury, Kevin & Dane react to his evolving role as a potential lead guard with Julius Randle acting as an offensive hub. Plus, why is Minnesota’s defensive rating sliding in non-Gobert minutes?

The pair also react to the Lakers stellar start to the season, powered by outstanding performances from Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton & Austin Reaves. Elsewhere in the NBA, the Pacers deal with an overwhelming amount of injuries as they start the season 0-3 and the Trail Blazers step up their full-court press.

(0:34) Early impressions of Timberwolves

(22:06) Pacers start season 0-3

(24:52) Lakers stars shine even without LeBron

(30:11) Trail Blazers defensive improvements

(32:30) League-wide increase of full-court press

(47:13) KOC’s week 1 reactions

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Warriors Beat Nuggets in OT Thriller, SGA Scores 55 to Top Pacers + Early Season Observations

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 24 Oct 2025 18:36:34 +0000

The NBA regular season is underway, and the guys have you covered with analysis! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down some of their early takeaways from the first few days of the season. You'll get thoughts on contenders like the Thunder and Warriors, superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama, and much more.

The show closes with WNBA news, as three head coaching jobs are slated to be filled soon. You'll get our quick thoughts on the Toronto Tempo, Portland Fire and Dallas Wings.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(:33) Introduction

(1:28) Warriors vs. Nuggets recap

(17:58) Thunder vs Pacers recap

(34:01) Bounce around the NBA

(45:09) More teams using full court pressure

(47:06) Raptors vs. Hawks recap

(51:23) Heat vs. Magic recap

(55:32) Hornets vs. Nets recap

(59:50) Lakers defense

(1:03:26) DeAndre Jordan signs with Pelicans

(1:04:02) WNBA coaching hires

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Wemby’s special game, NBA betting scandal + opening night reactions with Kirk Henderson, Spike Eskin & Jonathan Macri | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 19:33:12 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined Spike Eskin to discuss VJ Edgecombe’s incredible rookie debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in their win over the Boston Celtics and debate whether Sixers fans should be concerned about Joel Embiid. Kevin is then joined by Kirk Henderson to unpack Victor Wembanyama’s dominant performance against the Dallas Mavericks and ask what's going wrong with Dallas’ current lineup.

KOC reacts to the news that Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups and at least 30 others were arrested by the FBI on allegations of illegal gambling. Later, Jonathan Macri joins the show to talk the Knicks first win of the Mike Brown era against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

(0:16) Kirk Henderson on Mavs loss to Spurs
(16:42) Rozier, Billups & other arrested
(20:35) Spike Eskin on 76ers victory vs. Celtics
(43:47) Jonathan Macri on Knicks win vs. Cavs

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NBA's opening night on NBC: Sengun destined for MVP? + Warriors actual title contenders?

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 22:39:36 +0000

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to the NBA's opening night. They discuss Alperen Sengun's impressive three-point shooting to open the season. What kind of impact could this have on the Houston Rockets' season, and could Sengun be an MVP candidate? The duo also share their takeaways from the Golden State Warriors' win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Are the Warriors title contenders? What do the Lakers need to do to improve their defense? Plus, does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston's system after struggling in the opener?

Then Tom and Dan share their thoughts on Michael Jordan's sit down with Mike Tirico for the debut of "MJ: Insights to Excellence." What do they expect going forward?

(2:05) The Big Number: Alperen Sengun's 3-point shooting

(24:14) - Little Numbers: Warriors title contenders?

(28:25) - Little Numbers: Lakers defensive struggles

(32:19) - Little Numbers: Rockets unique defensive approach

(36:37) - Little Numbers: Does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston

(44:56) - "MJ: Insights to Excellence" debuts

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Rockets-Thunder OT thriller, Lakers look lackluster vs. Warriors + Ace Bailey on his role in Utah | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 19:07:49 +0000

Kevin O’Connor welcomes Andrew Sharp to break down the NBA’s opening night action. From the double-overtime Rockets-Thunder thriller and SGA’s game-winning free throw to standout performances by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, the duo examine early trends and dynasty potential in Oklahoma City. Kevin and Andrew also spotlight Lakers-Warriors, questioning Deandre Ayton’s usage and what LeBron James’ odd body language on the bench might mean for his future in LA.

Then, Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey joins the show to break down his game, from implementing dribble-handoff sets to why he wants to perfect the mid-post. Ace talks learning reads, modeling his game after Kevin Durant, embracing life in Utah and his rookie goals.

(0:34) Rockets vs. Thunder recap

(21:16) Warriors vs. Lakers recap

(42:44) NBA on NBC

(1:08:44) Ace Bailey joins the show

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NBA Awards Predictions + Pacific Division Preview | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 19:55:08 +0000

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones kick off the episode with their final preview: the Pacific division. They discuss what they're excited about, key questions they have, potential breakout candidates, and the lineups that intrigue them the most.

Then, they get into some way-too-early award talk: who are the names you should keep an eye on for MVP, DPOY, and Rookie of the Year?

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(:25) Introduction

(1:07) Los Angeles Lakers Preview

(18:08) Los Angeles Clippers Preview

(32:57) Golden State Warriors Preview

(50:46) Sacramento Kings Preview

(1:03:01) Phoenix Suns Preview

(1:14:24) MVP Predictions

(1:21:18) DPOY Predictions

(1:27:55) Rookie of the Year Predictions

(1:30:55) Free Throws

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Chris Vernon & KOC reunite: ‘Semi-Bold Predictions’ for the 2025-26 NBA season | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 15:57:07 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon make semi-bold predictions for the 2025-26 NBA season, including which rookies will break out, MVP hopefuls, and surprise playoff teams. The pair predicts big things for Victor Wembanyama, Devin Booker, and even a potential LeBron James move away from the Lakers.

Later, KOC & Verno react to NBA news such as Russell Westbrook signing with the Kings, Michael Jordan's role on NBA on NBC and even talk a little NFL.

(0:48) Semi-bold predictions

(17:07) Semi-bold predictions continued

(47:25) Russell Westbrook signs with Sacramento

(52:18) NFL Week 7 reaction

(58:57) Expectations for Cedric Coward

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Russ signs with Kings, Atlantic + Central Division Previews | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 13:49:09 +0000

We have a mega episode for you!

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones kick off the episode with the latest news, covering the Kings’ latest news and ending with a salute to Malcolm Brogdon.

Then, the guys continue their NBA season preview series with both the Atlantic and Central divisions. They discuss what they're excited about, key questions they have, potential breakout candidates, and the lineups that intrigue them the most.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

(:29) Introduction

(1:10) Kings sign Russell Westbrook, re-sign Keegan Murray

(5:14) Malcolm Brogdon retires

(7:09) Boston Celtics preview

(18:42) New York Knicks preview

(34:18) Toronto Raptors preview

(46:05) Brooklyn Nets preview

(53:20) Philadelphia 76ers preview

(100:35) Cleveland Cavaliers preview

(110:09) Indiana Pacers preview

(118:04) Milwaukee Bucks preview

(127:12) Detroit Pistons preview

(134:37) Chicago Bulls preview

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16 biggest NBA questions with Bobby Marks, Tyrese Haliburton predicts NBA trends & fantasy basketball draft advice with Dan Titus | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:01:56 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Bobby Marks to preview the 2025 NBA season and react to major preseason headlines, including Russell Westbrook signing with the Sacramento Kings and Keegan Murray’s extension. The pair discuss whether Lonzo Ball is the most underrated offseason addition, if the Spurs are being undervalued, whether the Pistons and Timberwolves can take the leap from good to great and more.

Then, Tyrese Haliburton joins KOC and the pair predicts the next big NBA trends. Will double-big lineups dominate the league again? Could more teams incorporate the full-court press? And what’s contributing to the decline in pick-and-roll usage?

Kevin is then joined by Dan Titus who shares advice for drafting your fantasy basketball team.

(0:39) 16 big questions with Bobby Marks
(52:27) Tyrese Haliburton joins the show
(1:11:38) Fantasy basketball advice with Dan Titus

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How 13 preseason post-ups could make Wembanyama NBA MVP + Russell Westbrook signs with Sacramento | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 19:44:20 +0000

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry.

Plus, Russell Westbrook signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings and is expected to join the team later this week. But where exactly does Westbrook make sense on this Kings roster?

(1:20) The Big Number: Victor Wembanyama MVP case
(21:40) Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP case
(24:37) Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić MVP case
(29:13) Little Numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP case
(32:55) Little Numbers: Steph Curry MVP case
(38:44) Russell Westbrook signs deal with Sacramento Kings

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Previewing the Southwest Division featuring Cooper Flagg & Kevin Durant + Aces win third title in four years

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 14 Oct 2025 20:38:05 +0000

Nekias Duncan & Steve Jones dive into the Tuesday podcast by taking a look at a Southwest Division stacked with talent, starting with the Houston Rockets, who feature a potentially strong combo of Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson causing havoc for opposing teams.

Later in the show, Nekias & Steve share their thoughts on the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs, with Ja Morant and Victor Wembanyama returning and looking to make an impact for their squads after last season was largely a lost one for both. They then discuss how the addition of Cooper Flagg to the Mavericks could potentially be a game-changer for the division and help elevate the Mavs to a higher level.

The guys wrap the episode by talking about the possible impact of having a fully healthy Zion Williamson for the New Orleans Pelicans, as well as naming their X-factors for the team this season. Finally, Nekias & Steve examine the Las Vegas Aces’ sweep of the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals, securing their third title in four years.

1:41 – Houston Rockets preview

24:46 – Memphis Grizzlies preview

40:28 – Dallas Mavericks preview

57:20 – San Antonio Spurs preview

1:14:54 – New Orleans Pelicans preview

1:25:03 – Aces win WNBA title

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Aces look to sweep Mercury, Southeast division preview & Lakers without LeBron in October | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:42:42 +0000

Nekias Duncan & Steve Jones kick off this Friday podcast reacting to the Las Vegas Aces' 90-88 last second win over the Phoenix Mercury to go up 3-0 in a WNBA Finals series that may end tonight in Arizona. The guys break down A'ja Wilson's impressive 34 point performance and what the Mercury can do to avoid a sweep on Friday night. They also break down the recently announced WNBA All-Defensive Teams which A’ja Wilson, Alanna Smith, Alyssa Thomas, Napheesa Collier & Gabby Williams nominated to the first team.

Later in the show, Nekias & Steve break down the NBA's Southeast division heading into the 2025-2026 season. Will the Orlando Magic take advantage of a wounded Eastern Conference and elevate deeper into the playoffs with Desmond Bane joining Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and company? Are the Miami Heat able to get out of the muddled middle or will they be a trade deadline seller?

Finally, the guys break down some injury news affecting both conferences. First and foremost, LeBron James will miss at least the first 2-3 weeks of the season with a right sciatica. For the first time ever, LeBron will miss a season opener, which will just feel strange all around. How will Lakers fans and the league as a whole react?

Also, the hits just keep on coming for the Indiana Pacers as T.J. McConnell will also miss at least 4 weeks to start the season with a right hamstring injury. With Tyrese Haliburton already out with an Achilles injury suffered in last June's Finals Game 7, can the Pacers backcourt catch a break?

(0:00) - Aces take Finals Game 3, what will happen in Game 4?

(23:45) - Orlando Magic season preview

(39:05) - Atlanta Hawks season preview

(50:40) - Miami Heat season preview

(1:03:00) - Charlotte Hornets season preview

(1:11:10) - Washington Wizards season preview

(1:18:50) - LeBron James to miss opening 2-3 weeks of season

(1:23:10) - Indiana Pacers injuries keep stacking up

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties -- they're free, and easy to sign up for -- you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

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KOC Mailbag: Giannis trade scenarios, Mavs variance, Ace Bailey's debut & more | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 9 Oct 2025 18:03:13 +0000

Kevin O’Connor answers fans' biggest questions ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season, starting with questions about if Giannis will still be in Milwaukee at the end of the season what with all the trade rumors surrounding him. What teams could actually put together appealing trade packages for Giannis?

KOC weighs in on the Dallas Mavericks’ low floor and high ceiling, and reveals his favorite sleeper rookie prospects. Plus, hear KOC’s optimistic takes on breakout teams like the Utah Jazz, how the Philadelphia 76ers could surprise us all and the evolving future of the Indiana Pacers.

(0:30) Which team has best Giannis trade package?
(9:08) Mavs could contend, or TANK
(12:06) Rookie sleeper picks
(14:41) Is KOC wrong about Kuminga's fit with Golden State?
(16:39) Can Utah & Ace Bailey take the next step?
(20:06) Will the 76ers be this season's surprise team?
(24:58) Can Luka win MVP this season?
(27:56) The Wemby-Kornet connection in San Antonio

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How Milwaukee’s offseason set up Giannis’ possible exit & Grizzlies injury nightmare now includes Ja Morant | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 8 Oct 2025 19:48:46 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the stats to determine if the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after he revealed that the trade rumors surrounding him this summer were not only true, but that he has a preferred destination in mind: the New York Knicks. Is now the right time for the Bucks to consider moving Giannis in order to set themselves up for success in a future without him? And if so, how can the Knicks realistically make a move for Giannis when they only have one first round pick to offer?

Plus, the duo reacts to Ja Morant's 'week-to-week' sprained ankle injury and how it will impact the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup just days away from opening night.

(1:56) The Big Number: Should Bucks trade Giannis?

(18:12) Little Numbers: Wins Above Replacement Bucks lost this offseason

(22:57) Little Numbers: When will Bucks control their own 1st round pick?

(29:24) Little Numbers: Knicks tradable 1st round draft picks

(33:56) Little Numbers: OG Anunoby & Mikal Bridges trade offers

(38:06) Ja Morant week-to-week with ankle sprain

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2025 WNBA Finals Game 1 & 2 Review + Northwest Division Preview | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 7 Oct 2025 14:00:00 +0000

On this episode of The Dunker Spot, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones examine how the Las Vegas Aces have taken a 2-0 lead over the Phoenix Mercury, and discuss potential adjustments ahead of Game 3 and beyond.

On the NBA side, the guys begin their NBA season preview series with the Northwest division. They discuss what they're excited about, key questions, potential breakout candidates, and the lineups that intrigue them the most.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(:47) Introduction

(1:04) WNBA Finals Game 2 recap

(11:06) Did the Aces find something with A’ja Wilson’s pick and roll?

(19:06) Mercury in a must-win situation

(22:39) Thunder season preview

(38:18) Nuggets season preview

(50:30) Timberwolves season preview

(101:09) Trail Blazers season preview

(1:10:29) Jazz season preview

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2025 WNBA Finals Preview + Preseason Takeaways | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 3 Oct 2025 18:55:01 +0000

On this episode of The Dunker Spot, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones preview this year's WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, discussing key matchups, schemes, lineups, X-Factors and more.

On the NBA side, the guys give their opening preseason takeaways for the New York Knicks under Mike Brown, 76ers and Pelicans — with some Melbourne United love sprinkled in. Then, they discuss the supposed end of the Jonathan Kuminga saga, the Warriors filling out their roster, and the recent deals of Nikola Jovic with the Heat and Quentin Grimes with the Sixers.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(:32) Introduction

(1:04) WNBA Finals Preview

(14:34) Most interesting matchups between Aces and Mercury

(27:35) WNBA Finals X-Factors

(44:05) NBA Preseason: Knicks vs. Sixers

(57:23) NBA Preseason: Pelicans vs. Melbourne United

(106:46) Restricted Free Agency signings

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NBA Atlantic Division preview with Nekias Duncan + NFL Week 4 reaction/Week 5 preview with Joel Smyth | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 2 Oct 2025 16:43:27 +0000

KOC & Nekias Duncan react to Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors finally agreeing to a contract--but will this deal really last? Or have the Warriors just kicked the can down the road for now as they wait to trade Kuminga for a star? The pair then preview the Atlantic Division with analysis on the Knicks, Celtics, Raptors, Sixers and Nets. Check out their takes on prospects like VJ Edgecombe, Collin Murray-Boyles and a look at Boston’s retooled rotation without Jayson Tatum and the Knicks long-term identity with coach Mike Brown.

Later, Joel Smyth joins KOC to recap Week 4 of the NFL season and give his biggest fantasy football takeaways, from Lamar Jackson’s injury impact to buy-low trade targets--whether your team is 0-4 or 4-0.

(0:58) Kuminga finally signs contract with Warriors
(11:52) New York Knicks preview
(20:23) Philadelphia 76ers preview
(31:05) Boston Celtics preview
(41:58) Toronto Raptors preview
(50:01) Brooklyn Nets preview
(59:53) NFL 6 Points with Joel Smyth

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Clippers have ZERO evidence of innocence, Kuminga contract conclusion & more from NBA media day | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 1 Oct 2025 19:52:26 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the biggest stories from NBA Media Days around the league including how little clarity came from Kawhi Leonard and Clippers president Lawrence Frank concerning the salary cap circumvention allegations against them during their press conference. The pair also unpack Giannis Antetokounmpo commenting how he wants to compete for another championship, it just might not be in Milwaukee. Plus, is LeBron James really going to be willing to share the ball more with Luka? And did the Warriors and Kuminga only kick the can down the road with his contract or will he finally find his fit on the Golden State roster?

(1:52) The Big Number: Clippers have no evidence to prove their innocence

(20:20) Little Numbers: Giannis wants 2nd championship

(25:12) Little Numbers: Will LeBron really share the ball more with Luka?

(31:40) Little Numbers: Denver's plus/minus without Jokic

(37:01) Little Numbers: Cleveland's new starting 5

(42:35) Kuminga finally agrees to contract with Warriors

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Sunshine & Rainbows | The Dunker Spot

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 19:01:34 +0000

On this episode of The Dunker Spot, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss the upcoming Game 5 between the Aces and Fever, put a bow on an awesome Mercury-Lynx series, then react to the All-Rookie team.

On the NBA side, the guys break down the quotes and updates that intrigue them the most from this year's Media Days.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at dunkerspot@yahoo.com.

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties -- they're free, and easy to sign up for -- you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(:43) Introduction

(2:22) WNBA Playoffs: Aces vs. Fever Game 5

(15:10) Mercury defeat Lynx to advance to WNBA Finals

(27:10) Lynx season shouldn’t be forgotten

(30:51) WNBA All-Rookie Team

(40:27) NBA Media Day headlines

(43:03) Excitement for the Atlanta Hawks

(46:54) Will the Thompson twins take another leap?

(102:31) Anthony Edward’s offseason improvements

(106:06) Victor Wembanyama primed for a big season

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NBA media day reactions + Central Division preview with Alex Golden | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 23:25:31 +0000

Kevin O'Connor reacts to the biggest news from NBA media days around the league on Monday. The LA Clippers leadership continues to deny the salary cap allegations hurled their way, meanwhile the Dallas Mavericks staff gives conflicting updates on Kyrie Irving's injury status. Elsewhere, the Houston Rockets & Denver Nuggets boast big, flexible lineups ahead of the upcoming NBA season and, later, Alex Golden joins KOC to preview the Central Division.

(0:32) Top stories from NBA media days
(20:24) Central Division breakdown
(20:35) Indiana Pacers preview
(32:47) Milwaukee Bucks preview
(44:52) Cleveland Cavaliers preview
(51:59) Detroit Pistons preview
(57:07) Chicago Bulls preview

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NBA Southeast Division preview with David Thorpe: Magic’s big moves, lackluster Heat & sleeper Hawks | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by David Thorpe to preview the NBA Southeast Division. Can Desmond Bane and Paolo Banchero’s Orlando Magic win the East? What’s happening with the Miami Heat roster and can Trae Young be counted on to lead the Hawks to a title? Plus, why Charlotte’s hopes hinge on LaMelo Ball meanwhile the Wizards wait to see if there’s a true star on their young squad.

(0:20) Southeast Division breakdown

(0:27) Orlando Magic preview

(14:16) Miami Heat preview

(20:31) Atlanta Hawks preview

(32:39) Charlotte Hornets preview

(43:57) Washington Wizards preview

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Is Houston's season in jeopardy with Fred VanVleet ACL injury? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 19:37:22 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the Houston Rockets’ outlook after Fred VanVleet's devastating ACL injury and reveal just how big a blow it is to Houston’s contender status. Can Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard fill that void or does losing VanVleet put the brakes on their title chase, even with KD on the team? Plus, Dan shares insights from Knicks Media Day with fresh details on Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns.

(2:35) The Big Number: Fred VanVleet's injury

(15:37) Little Numbers: Amen Thompson Net Rating

(22:08) Little Numbers: Reed Sheppard 3PT shooting

(26:30) Little Numbers: Rockets $1,255,588 under first apron

(32:07) Little Numbers: Rockets future first round picks

(39:11) New York Knicks media day recap

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Fred VanVleet injury ripple effects with Kelly Iko, Desmond Bane on the Magic & NFL Week 3 reaction with Adam Levitan | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 23:49:01 +0000

Kevin O’Connor breaks down the latest NBA headlines, starting by diving back into the Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention investigation. Kelly Iko joins to analyze the impact of Fred VanVleet's ACL injury and its impact on the Rockets’ title hopes and rotation with Kevin Durant. Orlando Magic’s Desmond Bane joins to preview the Magic’s revamped offense and where he fits into it. Later, Adam Levitan and KOC recap NFL Week 3 and look at sleeper waiver wire moves.
(0:31) Kawhi Leonard & Clippers Aspiration allegations update
(4:45) Kelly Iko talks Fred VanVleet injury
(18:39) Early media day observations
(26:22) Desmond Bane joins the show
(45:29) NFL Six Points Week 3 with Adam Levitan

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Clippers' Kawhi Leonard experience, Jayson Tatum's bold statement and Vin's farewell with Bomani Jones | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 21:08:17 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Bomani Jones for his final episode.

Vin and Bo reflect on Kawhi Leonard’s time in Los Angeles with the Clippers and discuss if despite no championships, has his time benefited the Clippers organization.

Next, the pair unpack Adam Silver’s recent comments on the NBA being a “highlight league” and why fans may struggle adapting to the streaming era for the sport.

Later, Vince and Bomani discuss Jayson Tatum’s top 5 claim, pressure for the New York Knicks and Vinnie says goodbye.

(1:21) Hosting a podcast and doing documentaries

(8:41) The Kawhi Leonard era for the Los Angeles Clippers

(17:20) Is Kawhi a better player than Kevin Durant?

(22:32) NBA opinion you had that you were wrong about

(26:48) Adam Silver backtracks on “highlight league” comments

(34:57) Jayson Tatum’s top 5 comments

(43:04) The rush to get to the next thing in the NBA

(45:09) The pressure that awaits the New York Knicks

(53:15) The Final Word: Vin says goodbye

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Kuminga contract clash continues for Golden State + Silver responds to Kawhi controversy | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 19:15:14 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the latest in the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga restricted free agency standoff. Has Kumingа played his final game for the Warriors? If so, Tom & Dan weigh the pros and cons of the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets and others as potential fits. Later, the duo reacts to Adam Silver’s shifting public stance on the Kawhi Leonard and LA Clippers salary cap circumvention allegations.

(1:51) The Big Number: Jonathan Kuminga contract stalemate
(19:02) Little Numbers: Chicago Bulls free throw attempt rate
(24:22) Little Numbers: Kuminga points scored rolling after setting a screen
(32:01) Little Numbers: Washington Wizards individual 20-point performances
(37:02) Little Numbers: Brooklyn Nets top-10 picks
(42:51) Adam Silver comments on Kawhi controversy

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NBA Southwest Division preview with Mo Dakhil + NFL week 2 reaction with Robert Mays | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 11:00:00 +0000

Kevin O'Connor & Mo Dakhil break down the Southwest Division and preview the Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and New Orleans Pelicans ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. Later, Robert Mays joins to assess if the Bengals can survive the season without Joe Burrow, if the Chiefs are in trouble after an 0-2 start, the rise of Daniel Jones with the Colts and more of the biggest moments from Week 2 in the NFL.

(0:29) Southwest Division breakdown
(0:34) Houston Rockets preview
(8:17) Memphis Grizzlies preview
(15:02) Dallas Mavericks preview
(22:22) San Antonio Spurs preview
(32:20) New Orleans Pelicans preview
(42:42) Six Points! NFL Week 2 recap

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Kawhi controversy continues, Warriors-Kuminga standoff & EuroBasket recap with Mo Dakhil | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 21:12:22 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Mo Dakhil for a deep dive into the latest twists around the Kawhi Leonard-Aspiration scandal and its potential impact on the LA Clippers.

The pair also unpacks the Warriors’ contract stalemate with Jonathan Kuminga, debating whether or not he should continue to pass on Golden State’s offers.

KOC & Mo recap Franz Wagner’s performance for Germany in EuroBasket and what it means for the Orlando Magic next season, plus can Alperen Şengün carry his dominance for Türkiye into a winning season with KD & the Rockets?

(1:10) Latest Kawhi Leonard update

(19:20) Jonathan Kuminga, Warriors stalemate

(27:26) Should Kuminga focus on next offseason?

(31:54) Germany wins Gold at EuroBasket 2025

(39:45)Türkiye didn’t have enough to outlast Germany

(42:12) Giannis calls Bronze medal his greatest accomplishment

(46:31) Will Lauri Markkanen’s EuroBasket performance aid him in NBA?

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Adam Silver's thoughts on Kawhi Leonard, NBA rule changes and Ben Simmons' sad career with Amin Elhassan | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 22:22:37 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Amin Elhassan react to Kawhi Leonard’s alleged no-show job and Adam Silver’s role if the alleged reports are true.

Next, Vince and Amin take a look at one major rule change that came from the Board of Governors meetings and how Silver calling the NBA a “highlight-based’ sport was a misstep by the commissioner.

Later, Vince and Amin take a look at Ben Simmons’ career and dissect where it went wrong and if there’s any hope for it to be resurrected.

(1:59) Pablo Torre’s new report sheds more light on Kawhi controversy

(8:47) What is Adam Silver’s role in the Kawhi drama?

(28:35) How should Adam Silver penalize the Clippers if the reports are true?

(36:30) Adam Silver’s “highlight-based” sport comment doesn’t land well

(45:29) Half-court heaves will not count against individual player FG percentage

(54:13) Ben Simmons’ disappointing career

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Latest on Kawhi, NBA Northwest Division breakdown with Steve Jones + NFL week 1 reaction with Justin Boone | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 20:37:59 +0000

Kevin O’Connor & Steve Jones break down the Northwest Division heading into the 2025-26 NBA season. The pair dive into the Thunder’s title defense, Denver Nuggets’ revamped depth and whether the Minnesota Timberwolves belong in the true contender tier. Plus, could the Trail Blazers play with two bigs? And how will the Utah Jazz’s promising young core and cast of veterans impact their development?

Then, Justin Boone joins to break down early fantasy football surprises and key NFL storylines after Week 1. From J.J. McCarthy’s breakout with the Vikings to Caleb Williams’ accuracy concerns, waiver wire pickups and head coaches who might already be on the hot seat—all this and more on The Kevin O’Connor Show.

(0:30) Kawhi Leonard update

(13:09) Josh Giddey re-signs with Bulls

(15:49) Northwest Division preview with Steve Jones

(16:10) Thunder preview

(26:26) Nuggets preview

(37:01) Timberwolves preview

(44:08) Trail Blazers preview

(53:05) Jazz preview

(1:02:58) NFL Week 1 recap with Justin Boone

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Debating the 2026 Hall of Fame class: Andre Iguodala, Blake Griffin + Bulls PAY UP for Josh Giddey | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 17:10:07 +0000

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine deep dive on the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class: who's a lock, and who deserves more consideration than they're getting? The duo start with Andre Iguodala, who has one big number going his way that could make him a lock. Next, Dan breaks down the chances of Marques Johnson, Blake Griffin, Shawn Marion and Lamarcus Aldridge based on their career numbers and advanced stats.

Tom & Dan finish things off with the news that the Chicago Bulls re-signed Josh Giddey to a multi-year contract. The hosts look back on their free agency predictions (2 for 2 so far!) and discuss whether Cam Thomas made the right move taking his $6M qualifying offer.

(1:45) - Is Andre Iguodala a Hall of Fame lock?

(16:45) - Does Shawn Marion have the stats to make it in?

(22:35) - Lamarcus Aldridge's Hall of Fame chances

(28:10) - Marques Johnson's scoring average deserves consideration

(31:40) - Is Blake Griffin being overrated as a HOF prospect?

(39:40) - Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas & other free agency news

Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:

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Solo Luka, Sengun’s glow-up & Giannis the cheat code: EuroBasket quarterfinals preview with Donatas Urbonas | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 8 Sep 2025 18:27:04 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews to break down all the drama & preview the quarterfinals at EuroBasket 2025.

From Germany’s dominant squad and Slovenia’s Luka-centric miracle run, to upsets that shook expectations—no favorite is safe. The two take a dive into Serbia’s shocking exit, France’s point guard issues, the impact of naturalized players, and more.

(:32) Donatas Urbonas joins the show to talk EuroBasket

(1:20) Luka, Slovenia facing off against Germany in quarterfinals

(6:02) Nikola Jokic, Serbia lose to Finland

(13:44) Georgia upsets France

(19:14) Naturalized Players

(23:55) Can Poland upset Türkiye?

(28:41) How can Lithuania contain Giannis?

(36:10) Impressions of Kristaps Porzingis

(38:32) EuroBasket winner predictions

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Kawhi Leonard bombshell, LeBron + Kyrie Cavaliers tenure and Michael Porter Jr.'s hot take | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 3 Sep 2025 20:56:00 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus of Yahoo Sports react to the bombshell Pablo Torre report on Kawhi Leonard allegedly receiving $28 million for a ’no-show” job from the Los Angeles Clippers in an attempt to circumvent the salary cap. Vince and Dan unpack all the details including Steve Ballmer’s quick denial of any wrongdoings.

Next, Vince and Dan take a look at Nike’s most recent LeBron James commercial. Is Nike getting the ball rolling on how to market James with the end of his career looming? The two also react to Tyronn Lue’s comments on ‘Club Shay Shay’ with Shannon Sharpe about LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

Later, PJ Washington gets a new contract with the Dallas Mavericks and Michael Porter Jr. is back with more interesting comments.

(1:46) Kawhi allegedly paid $28 million for no show job

(9:14) Kawhi’s uncle Dennis role in his free agency

(21:51) LeBron James’ new Nike commercial

(30:55) Ty Lue comments on LeBron, Kyrie tenure in Cleveland

(41:42) Michael Porter Jr.’s bold claim

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Is NBA free agency DEAD? and Kawhi’s ’no show’ job | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 3 Sep 2025 20:53:13 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine deep dive into this offseason’s free agency moves—or rather the lack thereof. What’s changed in the NBA that’s keeping All-Star level players with their current teams or moving via trade rather than making moves during free agency? The pair also assess the Clippers’ alleged cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and a $28 million endorsement deal, unpacking what punishments the NBA may dole out if the claims are proven true.

(2:27) The Big Number: All-Stars in free agency

(15:54) Little Numbers: Orlando Magic pull-up 3s

(21:03) Little Numbers: Atlanta Hawks 3-pointers

(25:26) Little Numbers: Cam Johnson offensive EPM

(28:49) Little Numbers: Clippers defense without Zubac

(34:17) Kawhi Leonard earns $28M for ‘no show’ job

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NBA Pacific Division breakdown with Legend of Winning + NFL season preview with Ben Solak | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 2 Sep 2025 20:10:19 +0000

Kevin O’Connor previews EVERY NBA team this month, starting today with the Pacific Division. NBA content creator Legend of Winning joins him to recap the summer and preview the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Suns and Kings.With the offseason additions made by both teams in Los Angeles, are the Lakers and Clippers in a position to be legitimately dangerous in the West?

Meanwhile, the Warriors made almost no offseason moves-- are they going to find themselves in the play-in AGAIN? Elsewhere in the division, KOC and Legend try to be positive when discussing the Suns and Kings, but it's no small task.

With the NFL season opener just days away, KOC is joined by ESPN’s Benjamin Solak to unpack the Micah Parsons trade to the Packers. Will Parsons be the missing piece in Green Bay's defense and how damaging is this move for the Cowboys ahead of their season opener against the Eagles? The two also preview the Ravens vs. Bills season opener and discuss how high the Vikings' ceiling can be when J.J. McCarthy takes the reins.

(1:22) Pacific Division preview with Legend of Winning

(1:47) Los Angeles Lakers preview

(14:25) Los Angeles Clippers preview

(27:41) Golden State Warriors preview

(40:10) Phoenix Suns preview

(49:09) Sacramento Kings preview

(1:04:54) NFL news with Ben Solak

(1:05:11) Micah Parsons fit with Packers

(1:16:54) Cowboys @ Eagles preview

(1:19:28) Vikings season expectations

(1:23:05) 49ers WR room still in trouble?

(1:27:36) Bills @ Ravens preview

(1:31:16) Bill Belichick loses big in 1st CFB game

(1:32:34) Arch Manning & Texas lose to Ohio State

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One BIG question for every NFL division + Orlando Magic expectations with Kevin Clark | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 14:00:00 +0000

Kevin O'Connor asks Kevin Clark one BIG question about every NFL division. Is Titans rookie QB Cam Ward criminally underrated? Are we sleeping on Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers? What can we REALLY expect from the Chicago Bears & Carolina Panthers? Plus, the how and why older quarterbacks are having such a positive impact on the league.

The pair also preview the Orlando Magic's upcoming season and debate if the addition of Desmond Bane is enough to get them to the NBA Finals in 2026.

(0:26) One BIG question about every NFL division

(1:01) AFC South

(24:19) AFC North

(27:46) AFC East

(35:00) AFC West

(39:20) NFC North

(41:04) NFC South

(43:06) NFC West

(45:05) NFC East

(47:21) Can the Orlando Magic contend?

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The NBA's eerily quiet offseason, Vince and Jared Greenberg play a game and choose their All-Century teams | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 19:46:57 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Jared Greenberg of NBA TV and Turner Sports discuss the NBA offseason being eerily quiet. Is there a big move on the horizon?

Next, Vince and Jared play a game of “Better Odds.” Are there better odds that LeBron James will own an NBA team within 3 years or he’ll still actively be playing? Are there better odds Luka Doncic will make an all-defensive team or become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer?

Later, Vince and Jared make their choices for the All-Century team and debate if the current team could compete with the previous team. All that and much more on Good Word with Goodwill!

(1:50) Quiet NBA offseason

(6:11) Better Odds: LeBron is an owner or still playing in 3 years

(23:51) Better Odds: Steph Curry plays for another team or wins a 5th ring

(34:43) Better Odds: Luka makes all-defensive team or becomes all-time leading scorer

(41:56) All-Century NBA teams

(49:27) Would this All-Century team defeat the past one?

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The ‘Nobody Believes In Us' teams + ‘League Pass Darlings’ with Trey Kerby | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 17:56:57 +0000

Trey Kerby joins KOC for a look at which NBA teams nobody believes in that could potentially make a deep run, teams who should spend this season taking ‘the next step’ and those who are ‘NBA League Pass darlings’—hard to watch, but still fun! From why the Cavaliers’ postseason hopes still hang in the balance, to the Clippers’ aging but deep roster, the pair debate which teams are poised for a breakout and which squads are destined for another year in the lottery.

(1:15) Trey Kerby joins

(1:43) Teams ‘nobody believes in’

(17:19) ‘League Pass darlings’

(41:04) Teams taking ‘the next step’

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Fantasy Football advice with Matt Harmon + Battlefield 6 impressions with Iron | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 16:43:50 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports NFL Fantasy Football expert Matt Harmon who offers some key drafting advice for this season. With the Cincinnati Bengals defense being as lackluster as it is, should Joe Burrow be a no brainer QB1? They also discuss WRs to target in the later rounds and which rookie running backs will have an immediate impact.

Kevin is then joined by streamer Iron for an in-depth look at Battlefield 6 beta and discuss the future of Battle Royale gaming. Later, the pair breaks down whether Victor Wembanyama and the revamped Spurs can finally make the leap, and if Nico Harrison’s controversial decision to trade Luka Doncic can ever be redeemed.

(0:47) Matt Harmon Fantasy Football advice

(34:03) Iron on Battlefield 6 & COD Warzone

(53:46) Iron on Spurs, Mavs & State of the NBA

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Warriors outlook, Kevin Durant's influence on Steph Curry and John Wall was a real hooper | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 00:21:43 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Marcus Thompson give their best and worst case scenarios for some prominent NBA teams for the upcoming season. What went right for the Knicks if Mike Brown wins coach of the year? What went wrong for the Warriors if they have another first round exit?

Next, Vince and Marcus react to the John Wall retirement. Will Wall be remembered for being a great player?

Later, Rick Carlisle gets a well deserved contract extension. Is he one of the best coaches in the NBA?

(3:17) What Went Wrong: If the Warriors get bounced in the first round this upcoming season

(11:15) Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry’s dynamic

(23:47) Warriors unlikely 2022 championship

(28:24) What Went Wrong: Lakers back in the Play-In

(31:50) What Went Right: Laker make a deep playoff run

(35:32) What Went Wrong: Knicks don’t secure a top-3 seed

(40:17) John Wall announces retirement

(49:54) Rick Carlisle gets contract extension with Pacers

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NBA Offseason Grades: Utah’s gamble, Pistons’ roster shuffle & Magic on the rise | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 20:13:20 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Wosny Lambre to hand out offseason grades across the Eastern and Western Conferences, and EuroBasket. The duo debate Luka Doncic’s weight loss: is it functional or cosmetic? And will it do the Lakers any good regardless? Do the New York Knicks get a good grade for moving on from Thibs and hiring Mike Brown? And did the Orlando Magic make the right move by adding Desmond Bane? The also pair break down if Utah was right to keep Lauri Markkanen during their rebuild, and react to Giannis’s loyalty to Milwaukee (so far).

Out West, they question if the Warriors’ front office is really all-in on winning a title, celebrate Denver’s upgrade from MPJ to Cam Johnson, and push back on the hype surrounding OKC’s long-term dynasty odds. Can OKC really keep talent in a small market or are their hopes of a repeat title already over?

(0:25) NBA Offseason Grades

(0:47) Luka’s weight loss journey

(6:06) Utah Jazz keeping Lauri Markkanen

(11:19) Giannis stays loyal to the Bucks…so far

(26:40) Myles Turner leaves Indiana for Milwaukee

(30:44) Knicks roster changes

(38:22) Pistons shuffle their roster

(43:41) Magic roster shake-up

(50:01) Jonathan Kuminga’s offseason approach

(55:21) Nuggets replacement of MPJ

(58:26) OKC only re-signs their own guys

(1:08:43) Who will win each conference?

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KOC’s NBA schedule takeaways & NFL fantasy sleepers with Danny Heifetz | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 14 Aug 2025 19:15:00 +0000

Kevin O’Connor reacts to the 2025-25 NBA schedule and shares the games he’s most excited for this season! Can a revamped Nuggets team challenge the defending champs in OKC? And is the NBA pushing the Chet Holmgren vs. Victor Wembanyama rivalry with home-and-home games at Christmastime? Plus, elite rookie matchups on March 3rd and the biggest ‘return’ games of the season as KD returns to Oklahoma City and Myles Turner faces Indiana.

Next, Kevin is joined by NFL Fantasy Football expert Danny Heifetz to talk 2025 fantasy draft strategy, quarterback sleepers, and rookie wide receivers to target—and avoid. Danny dives into the undervalued impact of running QBs like Justin Fields, and offers a bold sleeper pick for the Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray📷

(0:23) 2025 NBA schedule released

(11:37) NFL Fantasy Football preview with Danny Heifetz

(43:18) Could Knicks win the title THIS season?

(54:06) Why don’t other teams mimic OKC’s process?

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NBA schedule, LeBron vs. Steph, MPJ's awful comments and who should or shouldn't have a podcast | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:16:59 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus react to NBA Opening Night and Christmas Day games leaking. Which games are the most fascinating?

Next, Vince and Dan make their way too early MVP predictions and Vince goes off on Michael Porter Jr.’s gambling comments.

Later, Vince and Dan discuss if the Los Angeles Clippers can win a championship before choosing which current or former NBA player should have a podcast.

(2:33) NBA Opening night games have leaked

(11:30) The LeBron and Steph era

(15:06) Most interesting Christmas Day games

(21:56) Teams that will make a major leap this upcoming season

(29:26) Way too early MVP predictions

(37:19) Michael Porter Jr. comments on sports gambling

(43:27) Bradley Beal, Clippers real contenders?

(46:47) What current or former NBA player should have a podcast?

(52:23) Blazers sell for $4 Billion

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NBA schedule leaks, rookie showdowns & early season predictions with Slightly Biased | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:38:04 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Slightly Biased to break down leaks of NBA Opening Night and Christmas Day matchups ahead of the Thursday full schedule release.

One of the biggest games includes no. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks taking on no. 2 pick Dylan Harper and the San Antonio Spurs. But don't miss out on LeBron James vs. Steph Curry as the Lakers and Warriors face off on opening night and the Houston Rockets square up against reigning NBA champs Oklahoma!

Later, Kevin and Slightly react to listeners' hottest NBA takes. Will Victor Wembanyama win MVP as well as DPOY next season? Is it possible Jayson Tatum returns for the Celtics AND they’re in the Eastern Conference Finals?! All this and much more on the Kevin O’Connor Show!

(1:08) Rockets @ Thunder on opening night

(5:23) Warriors @ Lakers on opening night

(11:41) Harper & Spurs @ Flagg & Mavs

(17:27) Christmas Day games

(23:49) Slightly Biased, Spot On, or So Wrong?

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Wemby + Fox, stagnant Warriors & front office lessons with Grant Liffmann + 7 NFL questions with Nate Tice | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 7 Aug 2025 20:10:21 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by NBA on NBC's Grant Liffmann to break down De’Aaron Fox’s extension with the San Antonio Spurs. Was it really a good deal or does the team still needs to prioritize getting more shooters?

Plus, the pair dives deep into the stalemate between the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga. Could the Warriors be holding on to Kuminga and STILL be pursuing a Giannis trade?!

Later, Kevin is joined by Yahoo's Nate Tice to talk NFL. Why has the Kansas City Chiefs offense dropped in Tice's ratings? Do the Eagles win because of or in spite of Jalen Hurts? And is Baker Mayfield overrated??

(0:20) Grant Liffmann joins the show

(2:36) De'Aaron Fox signs extension with Spurs

(11:29) Grant's experience in Atlanta's front office

(18:27) Lessons learned working in front offices

(26:14) Are Warriors still waiting to trade for Giannis?

(37:03) Nate Tice joins the show

(38:32) 2025 NFL season preview

(1:11:35) Favorite Tom Brady moments

(1:19:39) Expectations for Timberwolves this season

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De'Aaron Fox needs to be the ideal point guard for Victor Wembanyama | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 6 Aug 2025 18:40:27 +0000

This week, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into De’Aaron Fox getting big money with an extension from the San Antonio Spurs to play alongside Victor Wembanyama.

Can Fox be the ideal running mate with Wemby and will it end with a playoff appearance? We break down all the reasons this could, or could not, be the perfect longterm marriage.

Plus, Luka Doncic and Mikal Bridges get their extensions with the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks and George Niang’s homecoming gets rerouted to Utah.

(1:33) The Big Number: 5 games with Fox + Wemby

(15:45) Little Numbers: Fox shooting averages

(20:01) Little Numbers: De’Aaron drives to the basket

(23:08) Little Numbers: Fox 3PT shooting

(27:24) Little Numbers: Spurs playoff drought

(33:23) Luka signs extension with Lakers

(37:22) Bridges re-signs with Knicks

(41:21) Celtics trade Niang to Jazz

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Knicks outlook under Mike Brown, Luka Doncic on a mission and LeBron's next business venture | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 20:25:34 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Ian Begley discuss the outlook for the New York Knicks with Mike Brown at the helm.

Next, Vince and Ian react to Luka Doncic’s slim stature and how it can benefit him on the court.

Later, Vince and Ian unpack LeBron James’ potential plan for creating an international basketball league and is it leverage for him to eventually own an NBA team.

(1:31) New York Knicks outlook under Mike Brown

(12:01) Is Mikal Bridges future with Knicks tied to Giannis Antetokounmpo?

(18:26) Luka Doncic and his substantial weight loss

(25:38) Jonathan Kuminga’s battle with restricted free agency

(32:50) LeBron James’ potential new business venture real or leverage?

(41:47) Raptors still searching for new team president.

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Do the Nuggets & Rockets threaten OKC? + Kuminga latest & CBA changes with Adam Mares | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 15:49:14 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Adam Mares from the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas to break down Denver’s offseason moves, including the Cam Johnson-MPJ swap. Could the Nuggets revamped roster shake up the West enough to challenge Oklahoma City? Or are the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant in a better position to threaten the Thunder? Plus, the pair dive into how the new CBA could change the landscape of the league forever.

(0:11) Latest on Jonathan Kuminga

(3:20) Adam Mares joins from Summer League

(4:33) Nuggets trade MPJ to Nets for Cam Johnson

(10:33) Can Nuggets threaten OKC?

(12:45) Can Rockets threaten OKC?

(16:32) How has the CBA changed the NBA?

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Luka Dončić 2.0: shredded, motivated… and finally an MVP? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:53:49 +0000

This week, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into Men’s Health Luka — the shock heard 'round the NBA. Is this the season Luka Doncic finally cashes in on all that MVP hype? We break down the jaw-dropping 1.4 expected MVPs stat, why his shredded transformation could change everything and whether the Lakers' roster chaos might hold him back. Plus: RFA contract predictions, why 40-point games don’t always equal big paydays, and the very real possibility that Cam Thomas is better than Tim Duncan (kidding).

(1:20) - Is Luka 2.0 ready for an MVP run?

(15:55) - Can Lakers win enough games for Luka to win MVP?

(19:30) - Lakers' defensive concerns

(23:30) - Can Lakers offense be good enough to support Luka MVP bid?

(27:20) - Can Luka stay healthy enough to win MVP?

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NBA players headed towards a breakout season and Tyrese Haliburton reflects on achilles tear | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 20:40:38 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus make their predictions for what players and teams will make substantial improvements next season.

Next, Vince and Dan react to Tyrese Halliburton’s comments on Pat McAfee about why he believes there has been an increase in achilles tears.

Later, Vince and Dan discuss Hulk Hogan’s recent passing and his impact on wrestling.

(1:36) Players that should have massive improvements next season

(14:13) Teams you expect to make significant improvement

(19:09) Make the Case: Why the Pistons and Sixers can get to the Conference Finals

(27:12) Are NBA players playing too many games?

(32:51) Hulk Hogan passes away at age 71

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Lakers vs. Clippers: who won the summer? + Summer League superlatives & standouts | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 19:10:10 +0000

KOC and Jack Simone both grew up in Boston, so naturally both were stunned to see the Marcus Smart/Lakers news! Don't miss their reasoning for why they think it was a great move by the Lakers. Both think this move could unlock PEAK Luka Doncic -- is he primed for his 1st ever MVP season in the NBA?

Then Kevin and Simone recap a wild Summer League: which rookie impressed them the most, which Year 2 player left the best mark in Vegas -- and conversely which players disappointed?

Then, KOC is joined by Es Baraheni at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas to break down the performances of the league’s newest stars including Carter Bryant, Dylan Harper, Yang Hansen & more. Plus, what can we REALLY expect from the Toronto Raptors this season?on?

(1:32) CP3 returns to Clippers

(7:27) Lakers sign Marcus Smart

(14:46) Summer League superlatives

(38:39) Ben Simmons free agency update

(44:41) Summer League recap with Es Baraheni

(59:29) Expectations for Raptors this season

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2025-26 LA Clippers = the OLDEST team in NBA History | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 18:47:09 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine crunched the numbers after the CP3 news became official: the 2025-26 LA Clippers are now, officially, the oldest team in NBA history. With an average age of 33.2 years old (!), the Clippers have surpassed the previous record held by the Stockton-and-Malone Utah Jazz. Could this actually work out in LA's favor? Tom and Dan think the Clippers' depth and versatility could propel them to the top of the West if things break their way. Don't miss this episode of The Big Number, which deep dives on Brook Lopez, Bradley Beal, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Chris Paul and the rest of the seasoned vets that have their eyes on the prize after an interesting offseason.

(1:45) - Clippers have the oldest roster in history

(16:05) - Little Numbers: Are Clippers built to succeed in 2025 despite their age?

(33:40) - Marcus Smart joins the Lakers + our favorite offseason additions

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Chris Paul returns to Los Angeles, WNBA players want more money and will next season be LeBron's farewell tour?

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 21:23:02 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and J.A. Adande discuss if the Los Angeles Clippers have elevated themselves to one of the top teams in the Western Conference after signing Chris Paul and various other free agents.

Next, Vince and J.A. give their thoughts on whether they believe LeBron James will retire next season and how the Lakers organization will handle it.

Later, Vince and J.A. unpack the tension between the WNBA and its players as they seek a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

(2:39) Do the Clippers have enough to contend in the Western Conference?

(11:41) Who are the top teams in the Western Conference?

(17:19) Will this be LeBron’s final season?

(23:01) What team will LeBron identify with the most when he retires?

(30:53) Damian Lillard reunites with the Portland Trail Blazers

(35:39) Is Dame the greatest Blazer ever?

(40:23) NBA Expansion

(48:36) WNBA players fighting for new CBA

(101:22) Most Likely: The NBA sees another LeBron or another Steph?

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Damian Lillard returns to Portland, Bradley Beal joins Clippers, LeBron is unhappy and Knicks under pressure | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 20:37:50 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Dan Titus and Dan Devine react to Damian Lillard signing a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Next, Titus and Dan give their thoughts on Bradley Beal signing with the Los Angeles Clippers after receiving a buyout from the Phoenix Suns. Also, LeBron James is reportedly unhappy with the direction of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Later, Titus and Dan discuss if the New York Knicks are under pressure to make it to the NBA Finals next season in a weakened Eastern Conference.

(2:01) Damian Lillard signs deal to return to Portland Trail Blazers

(8:17) Is Dame’s return an indictment of Scoot Henderson?

(11:56) Was brining Dame back a money move more than anything?

(15:46) What do you make of the no-trade clause?

(19:08) Bradley Beal signs with the Los Angeles Clippers

(25:08) What is the ceiling for the Clippers?

(30:25) LeBron reportedly not happy with Lakers direction

(35:29) Can Mike Brown handle pressure that comes with coaching the Knicks?

(40:32) Can Jalen Brunson play off the ball?

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Dame goes home, Beal's LA fit + Giannis' Bucks future with Ben Thompson & Andrew Sharp | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 00:20:53 +0000

Kevin O'Connor reacts to the stunning news that Damian Lillard chose to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Why KOC loves the fit, and could see this working out great for Portland. PLUS Kevin says the Los Angeles Clippers are winning the offseason after adding Bradley Beal, who is a clear-cut upgrade over Norm Powell. And then KOC is joined by Andrew Sharp and Ben Thompson to discuss the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee — have the Bucks done enough? Could the Myles Turner signing backfire? And the guys deep-dive on Andrew's favorite squad, the Washington Wizards. Is there optimism in DC after landing Tre Johnson? It's all ahead!

(00:25) - Damian Lillard returns to Portland

(3:25) - Bradley Beal returns to LA

(7:20) - Talking Bucks & Wizards with Ben Thompson & Andrew Sharp

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Should 76ers move on from BOTH Embiid & Paul George? + reacting to Beal joining Clippers & BIZARRE Malik Beasley story | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 22:36:15 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to Paul George's latest injury. Do the Philadelphia 76ers have serious reason for concern here, especially after the disaster that was PG13's debut season with the team? And the guys wonder if the team is better off trading both George AND Joel Embiid -- should Morey embrace the youth movement and move forward with the core of Maxey and Edgecombe? Would Philly fans riot if Embiid was moved??

PLUS -- Tom broke the internet on Tuesday with his in-depth reporting on the Malik Beasley investigation. Don't miss his further sleuthing on that insane story involving "Moose NBA."

Lastly, before the buzzer Tom weighs in on the news that Bradley Beal was finally bought out by the Phoenix Suns and is now a member of the LA Clippers. What is their ceiling now with Beal? It's all ahead.

(2:09) The Big Number: 15 Sixers big three games played together

(19:15) Little Numbers: Jared McCain shooting

(25:06) Little Numbers: Quentin Grimes impact

(30:11) Little Numbers: VJ Edgecombe potential

(35:16) Little Numbers: Joel Embiid plus-minus

(40:50) Malik Beasley gambling allegations

(57:26) Bradley Beal agrees to buyout with Suns

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One move away teams + Flagg, Curry, and the flawed two-timeline plan with Bobby Marks, Sam Esfandiari & Kirk Henderson | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 04:00:00 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by ESPN’s Bobby Marks to break down the Eastern Conference landscape after major injuries to Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton. They analyze which teams have taken the biggest leaps and which others still have a move or two to make to be considered contenders.

Later, Sam Esfandiari (Light Years) and Kirk Henderson (Mavs Moneyball) join to discuss Cooper Flagg’s summer league breakout for the Mavericks, Jonathan Kuminga’s future with the Warriors, and if either franchise should consider trading for LeBron James?!!

(0:45) Bobby Marks joins

(1:37) Magic: contenders or one move away?

(5:15) Hawks: contenders or one move away?

(9:44) Knicks: contenders or one move away?

(11:39) Cavs: contenders or one move away?

(14:18) Pistons: contenders or one move away?

(16:05) Bucks: contenders or one move away?

(23:14) Sam Esfandiari & Kirk Henderson join

(23:35) Flagg’s impact on Mavericks already

(30:58) What’s up with Warriors & Kuminga?

(42:38) Should Mavs or Warriors trade for LeBron?

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Cooper Flagg vs. Dylan Harper, LeBron no longer priority in L.A. and Klay Thompson's new girlfriend | Good

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:11:02 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Marc Spears talk Cooper Flagg vs. Dylan Harper at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

Next, Vince and Mark discuss why the Warriors have been so quiet this offseason and what’s ultimately going to happen with Jonathan Kuminga.

Later, Vince and Marc unpack the Lakers being a Luka Doncic run franchise and how that will impact LeBron James. Finally, Klay Thompson has some big news in his dating life.

(1:23) Cooper Flagg vs. Dylan Harper at Summer League

(12:49) Outlook for the Golden State Warriors

(18:19) Will Jonathan Kuminga sign with Warriors?

(23:48)) Lakers now a Luka Doncic led franchise

(28:26) Klay Thompson has some interesting news in his dating life

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Chris Vernon joins KOC from Las Vegas! Plus ARod & Marc Lore talk Wolves ownership | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:24:38 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Chris Vernon from the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. Chris makes KOC defend his take that Grizzlies fans overrate Ja Morant and discuss the offseason moves Memphis made. The pair also talk about how Cedric Coward can be a star for the Grizzlies and share their initial reactions to Hugo Gonzalez and Cooper Flagg's performances in Summer League.

New Timberwolves owners Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore then join The Kevin O'Connor Show to discuss their bold vision for Minnesota basketball. From empowering Tim Connelly to innovating fan experiences with “Jump,” they’re laying the groundwork for a championship culture. They open up about their long-term goals, Anthony Edwards’ development, their admiration for Rudy Gobert, and how fast, decisive leadership shapes winning franchises.

(0:30) Chris Vernon joins

(1:00) Is Ja Morant overrated?

(19:54) First impressions of Cooper Flagg

(23:41) Is NIL good for NBA?

(35:48) Timberwolves owners Alex Rodriguez & Marc Lore join

(44:00) How to maximize Ant's potential

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Cooper Flagg vs. Bronny and more Summer League takeaways + State of basketball in LA | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 05:51:16 +0000

How did Cooper Flagg fare in his NBA Summer League debut? KOC breaks down the Mavericks' matchup against the Lakers, with Dallas edging out Los Angeles 87-85. He shares more of his observations from around the league, including Herb Jones' contract extension with the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, KOC is joined by Jason Timpf from Hoops Tonight and Daman Rangoola from Stratechery to discuss the state of basketball in Los Angeles. Is LeBron James' silence towards Deandre Ayton a sign he wants out of LA? And which Western Conference team is most likely to take out the OKC Thunder in next year's playoffs?

(0:26) - Biggest takeaways from day 1 of NBA Summer League

(5:30) - What’s going on with Lebron and the Lakers?

(23:43) - Are the Clippers or Lakers in a better position to win this season?

(32:58) - Which team is best poised to come out of the West next season?

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Chet Holmgren gets extension, Draymond Green comments on free agency and understanding the first & second apron | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 9 Jul 2025 21:38:04 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Titus react to Chet Holmgren getting a huge $250 Million deal from the Oklahoma City Thunder and discuss if the team can keep its young core intact under the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Next, Vince explains the NBA’s first and second apron and highlights why it has made free agency very different for the players.

Later, Vince and Dan discuss if Luka Doncic should sign a long term deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and make an early prediction on who will be the top teams next season.

(2:15) Chet Holmgren gets rookie max extension from Thunder

(11:15) What is the NBA’s first and second apron?

(18:26) Draymond Green says CBA ended free agency

(30:34) Can Anthony Davis return to All-NBA form?

(35:12) Will Cooper Flagg struggle in his first season?

(38:26) Should Luka sign long term deal with Lakers?

(42:20) Steve Nash, Kevin Durant reflect on their time in Brooklyn

(48:38) Top three teams in each conference

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Where should Beal & Lillard sign? Best fits + Summer League stars to watch! | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 8 Jul 2025 18:07:14 +0000

What are the best fits for the big-name free agents that are still on the market? KOC and Tom Haberstroh debate the best potential landing spots for Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul and Al Horford. But first, they question who won the Clippers-Heat-Jazz trade that sent Norman Powell to Miami, John Collins to Los Angeles, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson and a 2027 Clippers second-round pick to Utah. They finish up the show by previewing the NBA Summer League games in Las Vegas. Who has the most to prove? And who are the guys most excited to watch?

(0:49) Jazz, Clippers & Heat three-way trade

(24:26) Best fits for remaining free agents

(45:57) NBA introduces new ‘heave’ rule

(49:15) Summer League preview

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Mike Brown under pressure as Knicks head coach, Deandre Ayton's fit in L.A. and Chris Paul's all-time ranking | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 7 Jul 2025 20:09:43 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and The Athletic’s James Edwards discuss what Mike Brown should expect while being head coach of the New York Knicks.

Next the Clippers and Heat make a big trade. Also, how will Deandre Ayton fit in with LeBron James and Luka Doncic?

Later, Vince and James react to the news that Chris Paul intends to retire after one more season and discuss where he ranks among all-time great point guards.

(2:29) What should Mike Brown expect as Knicks head coach?

(13:42) Teams that can threaten the Knicks in the Eastern Conference

(26:27) Clippers, Heat make trade surrounding Norman Powell & John Collins

(33:14) Bradley Beal could get buyout in Phoenix

(37:18) Will Deandre Ayton mesh well with LeBron & Luka?

(42:50) Where does Chris Paul rank as an all-time point guard?

(50:05) How many years was Chris Paul the best point guard in the league?

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Damian Lillard gets waived, Mike Brown Knicks new head coach and teams that excelled during free agency | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 2 Jul 2025 23:14:20 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Amin Elhassan discuss the surprising news that Damian Lillard was waived by the Milwaukee Bucks and Amin names a team that would be perfect for his next destination.

Next, Vince and Amin react to Mike Brown being hired as the New York Knicks head coach and what he needs to do to be successful.

Later, Vince and Amin take a look at some of the recent free agency signings and Amin picks three teams that have impressed him with their additions.

(2:44) Bucks waive Damian Lillard

(8:23) Should Dame sign with another team this season?

(11:14) Where does this leave Giannis Antetokounmpo?

(21:28) The brilliance of Sam Presti

(24:46) Knicks hire Mike Brown as head coach

(31:31) Will Mike Brown get more out of KAT & Jalen Brunson?

(35:20) How will JJ Redick mesh with DeAndre Ayton?

(42:42) Is the current CBA hurting the NBA?

(48:38) Teams that made the most impressive free agency moves

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Why the East vs. West talent imbalance may send LeBron James BACK to Cleveland | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 2 Jul 2025 20:56:48 +0000

It's no secret the NBA's Western Conference has been better than its Eastern Conference for some time now, but how big is that imbalance? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine kick off this week's Big Number with a shocking stat: the East could win their next 1,318 consecutive games vs. Western Conference teams and STILL not be .500 vs. the their opponents in their head-to-head record since 2000.

Tom argues that the East vs. West power imbalance is greater than ever and that it might send one LeBron James seeking a trade or some sort of move back to his hometown in Cleveland to put the final chapter on his Hall of Fame career. Tom even brings a crazy four-team trade to the table that would make it all work!

Later in the show, Dan shares some little numbers around the Chicago Bulls without Lonzo Ball (which they should get used to now that he's on Cleveland), the Knicks starters' minutes per game vs. the Western Conference, the Orlando Magic's offensive rating against the West and the Atlanta Hawks defensive efficiency in the Trae Young era.

Also, Mike Brown will be reportedly the next coach of the New York Knicks. The guys react to the news live & share a touching get well soon message for the one and only Red Panda.

(1:30) - 1,318: West's head-to-head advantage over the East since 2000

(5:40) - Why East vs. West talent disadvantage could send LeBron back to CLE

(17:25) - Why Chicago will struggle more without Lonzo Ball

(23:35) - Knicks roster minutes per game vs. West

(29:10) - Breaking: Mike Brown to New York Knicks

(35:40) - Orlando's offensive rating vs. West

(39:30) - Atlanta's defensive efficiency in the Trae Young era

(45:30) - Get well soon to Red Panda & Jaren Jackson Jr.

(48:30) - Unpacking Milwaukee's move from Lillard to Turner

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Bucks waive Damian Lillard & sign Myles Turner: 7 BIGGEST NBA Offseason Moves (So Far!) | he Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 1 Jul 2025 18:54:43 +0000

What do Milwaukee's latest moves signal for Giannis Antetokounmpo's future? KOC pontificates on the shocking news that the Bucks are waiving Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner. Then, Kevin moves on to more of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason. Is Cam Johnson an upgrade over Michael Porter Jr. for the Denver Nuggets? And what do the Lakers' moves mean for LeBron James' future in Los Angeles?

00:19 - Bucks waive Damian Lillard to sign Myles Turner

07:20 - Nuggets trade MPJ for Cam Johnson

09:57 - Hawks land Nickeil Alexander-Walker

11:38 - Knicks sign Guerschon Yabusele

13:18 - Bigs musical chairs!

16:30 - What are the Lakers going to do?

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LeBron puts Lakers on notice, Malik Beasley investigation and NBA Free Agency | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 21:29:13 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Mo Dakhill react to LeBron James opting into his deal with the Los Angeles Lakers and if he is passively aggressively seeking a trade.

Next, Vince and Mo unpack Malik Beasley being investigated for gambling before turning their attention to free agency.

Later, Vince and Mo discuss the idea of Mike Brown being the next New York Knicks head coach and if he would be the ideal fit.

(2:37) Does LeBron want to be traded?

(10:55) Can Lakers prioritize both LeBron and Luka?

(20:25) Clippers give James Harden two-year deal

(26:31) Malik Beasley under investigation for gambling

(39:21) Pre-Free Agency Signings

(53:14) Knicks impressed by Mike Brown

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LeBron’s future with Jovan Buha + what KOC’s hearing & offseason things to watch for | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 17:37:47 +0000

KOC is joined by Jovan Buha, who covers the Los Angeles Lakers as well as anyone. What is next for LeBron James?? After opting in, the rumors started right away... could he actually be traded? Will a buyout option surface? Does Luka want him there 100% next season? Does LeBron want to go back to Cleveland, or would he accept a trade to a surprise team like the Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors or even the Denver Nuggets? It's all on the table in this edition of the KOC Show that also hits on other free agent and trade news around the league involving the following names: James Harden, DeAndre Ayton, Lonzo Ball, Isaac Okoro, Collin Sexton, Nurk, NAW, Ty Jerome, Jabari Smith, Bobby Portis, and of course the bizarre situation involving Malik Beasley. Lock in!

(00:45) - Jovan Buha on Lakers & LeBron's future

(26:20) - KOC runs through news of the week: Beasley, Ball for Okoro & more

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Draft night steals, dumbest trades, Ace Bailey’s future + Masai FIRED | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 19:02:30 +0000

(0:57) Ace Bailey Utah Jazz drama

(13:24) Raptors fire Masai Ujiri

(20:49) Did Pelicans make a HORRIBLE trade for Derik Queen?

(29:29) KOC’s favorite draft hauls

(44:19) Pacers surprise draft of Taelon Peter

(49:12) NBA champs OKC draft Thomas Sorber

(52:53) Teams looking to take ‘the next step’

(56:53) Blazers draft Yang Hansen

(1:02:03) BetMGM Rookie of the Year odds released

(1:05:26) Are Mavs NBA title contenders now?

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NBA Draft Recap, Celtics being punished for drafting well, best NBA draft class and Jared Greenberg was right

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 19:29:50 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Jared Greenberg react to the NBA Draft and debate if the San Antonio Spurs are under pressure to make the playoffs next season.

Next, Vince and Jared discuss the risky trade the New Orleans Pelicans made on draft night and unpack why the Boston Celtics are trading key pieces from last year’s championship team.

Later, Vince and Jared make their picks for the best draft class in NBA history and Jared gets to gloat about being right about the Houston Rockets and Kevin Durant.

(2:41) Should the Spurs have traded No.2 pick?

(8:09) Victor Wembanyama is ready to win

(13:47) Sixers pass on Ace Bailey

(19:28) Pelicans make questionable draft day trade with Hawks

(32:59) Celtics trade Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis

(37:07) Celtics being punished for drafting well

(43:00) Nuggets owner mentions odd scenario with Nikola Jokic

(50:15) Best NBA Draft Class Ever

(56:05) Jared gloats about being right about Kevin Durant

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2025 NBA Draft Reactions, Shockers & Perfect Picks | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 26 Jun 2025 06:13:55 +0000

Kevin O'Connor recaps the 2025 NBA Draft with King McClure and Vincent Goodwill. The best picks of Round 1, the head-scratching ones and everything in between! Are the Dallas Mavericks a Finals contender with Flagg?? Did the Philadelphia 76ers get it right with Edgecombe over Ace Bailey? What were the Brooklyn Nets doing? Lock in for a full round 1 recap on the KOC Show!

(00:45) - Most intriguing draft so far?

(10:25) - Biggest surprise of the night?

(16:15) - Dylan Harper's fit in San Antonio

(20:45) - Worst draft of the night?

(24:05) - Best non-Cooper Flagg pick?

(27:55) - Are the Mavs contenders with Flagg?

(31:55) - Did Philly make the right call with VJ Edgecombe?

(35:45) - Thunder pick up Thomas Sorber

(39:40) - Looking ahead to Day 2

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The 5 teams that could STUFF the Thunder chances of going back-to-back | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:34:20 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine unearth the data that proves the Oklahoma City Thunder dynasty could reign supreme for a long while, starting with going back-to-back next season. But contenders do exist — the 5 teams that could stifle OKC's plans, and why. Plus, Tom & Dan analyze Jrue Holiday's fit with the Portland Trail Blazers. All ahead on this episode of The Big Number.

(1:10) - Thunder are favorites to win 2026 Finals

(12:35) - How much does KD help Houston Rockets' Finals chances?

(18:10) - Can Cleveland Cavaliers take advantage of chaotic East?

(23:15) - Where's the Golden State Warriors' ceiling with Jimmy Butler?

(29:25) - Should New York Knicks be a Finals sleeper even without a head coach?

(33:10) - Are the LA Lakers Finals odds too low?

(40:05) - Trail Blazers acquire Jrue Holiday

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Tyrese Haliburton tears achilles, Thunder equipped to be dynasty and will Kevin Durant be Rockets No.1 option? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 22:28:30 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Bomani Jones react to Tyrese Haliburton’s torn achilles before then discussing if the Oklahoma City Thunder are in a position to become a dynasty.

Next Vince and Bomani react to the Kevin Durant trade to the Houston Rockets and debate if he is expected to be the No.1 option for Ime Udoka’s young team.

Later, Vince and Bomani reflect on the 2024-2025 NBA season and what was their biggest takeaway.

(2:12) Is Tyrese Halliburton’s torn achilles NBA has a injury problem?

(10:20) Thunder set up to be a dynasty?

(15:32) Pacers playing with immense confidence

(23:52) SGA proved he’s a top-2 player in the NBA

(30:05) Surprised by the haul Phoenix received for Kevin Durant?

(37:01) Will KD be the No.1 option in Houston?

(42:37) What happens with the Eastern Conference?

(46:54) Biggest standout from the 2024-2025 NBA season

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Part 2: The Weirdest Finals Game 7 Ever, OKC dynasty begins, what's next for Pacers + KD trade ripple effects with Tom Haberstroh | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 04:58:02 +0000

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh react live to the Oklahoma City Thunder winning the 2025 NBA Finals in Game 7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC to its first championship since relocating, while Tyrese Haliburton suffers a heartbreaking Achilles injury early in the game. KOC and Tom break down how the Thunder closed it out, what Haliburton’s injury means for the Indiana Pacers' future, and what this Finals run says about the league's youngest champion in decades. Plus Tom grades the KD trade and he isn't exactly glowing about what the Suns got back. Will the San Antonio Spurs regret not going after KD? Could both the Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs still be in play for GIANNIS? And what are the Spurs going to do at #2? It's all on this packed post-Game 7 pod.

(00:20) - Thunder win the NBA Finals & reacting to Haliburton's injury

(21:30) - Start of something legendary for OKC?

(40:40) - Fallout of the Kevin Durant trade & NBA Draft talk

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Part 1: Kevin Durant Emergency Pod with John Gambadoro + NBA Draft Risers with J. Kyle Mann | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 21:34:33 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and the rest of the NBA world woke up to the stunning news on Sunday morning that Kevin Durant had finally and officially been traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the #10 overall pick and 5 future second rounders was the haul, so who won the deal? John Gambadoro covers the Suns and has been all over these KD rumors for weeks - don't miss this must-hear conversation between KOC and Gambo.

Later, KOC is joined by J. Kyle Mann to discuss the fallout of the KD trade, mainly who Phoenix will now target at #10 overall. Plus the guys go through some players whose stock is falling — why is J. Kyle Mann starting to be out on Richardson and Fears?? Why is KOC downgrading Khaman Maluach? What does Mann see in Danny Wolf that Kevin just isn't buying? Nearly every Round 1 prospect is hit in this comprehensive NBA Draft conversation, with just a few days til Draft Night 2025 — lock in!

(00:40) - KOC & Gambo react to the KD trade

(21:45) - J. Kyle Mann deep dives on all things NBA Draft

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Pacers force Game 7, Thunder under pressure, Lakers get sold and Giannis likely staying with Bucks | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sat, 21 Jun 2025 00:16:49 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Gary Washburn react to the Indiana Pacers defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder and forcing a Game 7 in the NBA Finals.

Next, Vince and Gary discuss which team has the edge in Game 7 before explaining what the Lakers being sold to Mark Walter’s means for LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Magic Johnson.

Later, Vince and Gary react to Ime Udoka signing an extension with the Houston Rockets and how the Milwaukee Bucks can build a team around Giannis Antetokounmpo.

(1:56) Thunder vs. Pacers Game 6 reaction

(10:13) Notable Game 7’s in the NBA Finals

(15:32) Pacers playing with immense confidence

(18:53) T.J. McConnell’s impact

(21:49) Pressure on SGA & Thunder franchise

(26:43) This Game 7 is very unique for Thunder and Pacers

(36:55) Lakers sold for $10 Billion

(46:30) Ime Udoka gets extension as Kevin Durant rumors swirl

(51:54) If Giannis stays in Milwaukee how will they handle next season?

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GAME 7!!! Pacers blowout OKC, trade speculation, NBA expansion & KD confusion | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 20 Jun 2025 05:03:14 +0000

KOC and Tom Haberstroh went LIVE to react to the Indiana Pacers destroying the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 6. Is Indiana about to prove to the world on Sunday that they are a team of destiny? GAME 7!! Plus, all the latest NBA Trade and NBA Draft rumors! Kevin Durant, Paul George, Ace Bailey and tons of rumors — and of course the guys react to the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers AND the Seattle Supersonics potentially coming back with talks of "expansion" in the air.

(00:45) - Pacers blow out Thunder to force Game 7

(24:15) - Is Ace Bailey skipping Philadelphia 76ers visit cause for concern?

(33:15) - Haliburton was right to play tonight

(47:15) - League news: Lakers plan to sell + latest on NBA expansion & rule changes

(56:40) - Latest on Cooper Flagg

(1:01:10) - NBA trade tumors: Kevin Durant & Paul George

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38.4 miles per game: why the 2025 NBA Finals are truly next-level | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:12:18 +0000

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the electric 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers by spotlighting the record-setting intensity measured by 38.4 miles run in each game this series. They dive into why this series marks a HUGE shift in playing styles, Pascal Siakam’s transformative two-way play for Indiana and Jalen Williams’ historic 40-point game at just 24 years old. Plus, the pair debates whether Desmond Bane is the missing piece Orlando needs to become true contenders in the Eastern Conference.

(1:27) The Big Number: 38.4 miles per game

(21:07) Little Numbers: Thunder open shots in NBA Finals

(24:36) Little Numbers: OKC & IND 3-point shooting

(29:29) Little Numbers: Siakam’s impressive averages

(33:25) Little Numbers: points scored in transition

(39:02) Grizzlies trade Desmond Bane to the Magic

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Ace’s fall + more NBA Draft rumors, sleeper trade targets & Game 6 Finals preview with Es Baraheni | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 18:01:46 +0000

KOC and Es Baraheni offer up their insights on all the latest NBA Draft and trade rumors, including: Ace Bailey's stock, is it falling? Would Dallas really consider moving Anthony Davis? Would the Lakers trade Austin Reaves in order to land a Lottery pick in this Draft? Should Minnesota swing for the fences on Kevin Durant, even if he doesn't want to be there? What are the Toronto Raptors going to do this summer? Are the San Antonio Spurs most likely to keep their #2 pick and have Dylan Harper join the Fox + Castle backcourt, or could one of those assets be moved for an even bigger prize like Giannis or Jaylen Brown? All this and much more — plus an NBA Finals Game 6 preview as the Oklahoma City Thunder look poised to hoist the Larry O.

(1:10) - NBA Draft talk: potential trade-ups & predictions

(25:00) - NBA trade talk: Kevin Durant, Spurs & more

(52:40) - NBA Draft news: Cooper Flagg & the Mavs, Pacers-Pelicans trade

(1:04:45) - Are SGA and J Dub the NBA's next great duo?

(1:08:00) - Finals Game 6 preview: can Pacers make magic?

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JDub’s 40 bomb, OKC takes control, Bane to Orlando, Ja’s future, & KD’s trade list | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 05:20:47 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Dan Titus offer their instant reaction fresh off Jalen Williams helping the OKC Thunder grab a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals. KOC explains why he thinks it's over come Thursday night, and why he expects it to be a blowout! Then the guys react to the Desmond Bane trade that sent him to the Orlando Magic -- was it an overbuy or not? And on the Grizzlies side of things, Kevin stands his ground on the take that Ja Morant is a "good, not great" NBA player. Top 40-50 is what Kevin says, AND he's got the list of players he considers to be ahead of Ja... wait til you see some of the names. And of course, the absolute latest on Kevin Durant trade rumors, and some NBA Draft chatter, too!

(0:32) NBA Finals Game 5 reaction

(17:02) Latest KD trade rumors

(36:34) Magic trade for Desmond Bane

(40:41) Is Ja Morant even a top 40 NBA player?

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NBA Finals Game 5 Preview, Desmond Bane traded, Ja Morant's future and should Miami want Kevin Durant | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 19:30:17 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Jared Greenberg preview Monday’s huge Game 5 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

Next, Vince and Jared react to Desmond Bane being traded to the Orlando Magic and discuss if Orlando gave up too many assets in the trade.

Later, Vince and Jared take a look at the Memphis Grizzlies and debate what they should do moving forward with Ja Morant. Also, Vince and Jared give their thoughts on if the Miami Heat or Houston Rockets should make a push for Kevin Durant.

(1:56) NBA Finals Game 5 preview

(10:00) Rick Carlisle brings up officials

(17:01) Orlando Magic trade for Desmond Bane

(24:22) What does Bane trade mean for Ja Morant, Grizzlies?

(33:09) Can Ja Morant be the best player on a contending team?

(35:36) Should the Rockets pursue Ja Morant, Kevin Durant?

(41:58) Does Kevin Durant to the Miami Heat make sense?

(50:38) NBA needs to rethink Draft Night coverage

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Thunder rally, Pacers gag in Game 4 + KD trade watch & draft smoke | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 05:20:12 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh went LIVE following Game 4 between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers. The guys react to OKC's insanely clutch 4th quarter comeback, where SGA showed up big — and the Finals is all even at 2-2 as we head to a pivotal Game 5 on Monday. PLUS the latest on trade news surrounding Kevin Durant, and KOC's got you covered on new NBA Draft intel! What types of offers can the San Antonio Spurs expect to get for the #2 pick, likely to be Dylan Harper? It's all on this Friday night installment of the KOC Show!

(00:50) - Instant reaction: OKC's incredible comeback to tie the series 2-2

(27:50) - Favorite landing spots for Kevin Durant

(38:00) - Russell Westbrook declines player option

(40:10) - New York Knicks to meet with Taylor Jenkins

(42:15) - NBA Draft talk: Sixers want to make a big move up?

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NBA trade rumors, Daryl Morey's failures, Knicks lacking toughness and LeBron's longevity | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 22:18:52 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Marcus Morris discuss trade rumors surrounding Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Next, Vince and Marcus take a look at the New York Knicks head coach search and why Daryl Morey has failed the Philadelphia 76ers.

Later, Vince and Marcus discuss Luka Doncic’s weight loss since the end of the Los Angeles Lakers season and what the team needs to do to get back to being contenders in the Western Conference.

(1:00) Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors

(6:41) Do Celtics need to make major changes?

(11:56) Did Daryl Morey fail the Sixers?

(18:48) Marcus Morris’ favorite place to play

(23:33) Knicks still don’t have a head coach

(32:35) Are Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns enough?

(36:09) Best fit for Kevin Durant

(39:31) Kevin Durant under appreciated?

(45:35) Can a healthy Luka and LeBron have Lakers contend in the West?

(49:07) How much longer can LeBron be this great?

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Pacers win Game 3, Giannis' plans for Milwaukee and Knicks head coach search continues | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 21:54:36 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Titus react to the Indiana Pacers’ impressive Game 3 win in the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder before previewing the pivotal Game 4 on Friday.

Next, Vince and Dan take a look at reports that Giannis Antetokounmpo may want to remain in Milwaukee and discuss what the Bucks need to do to put a team around him.

Later, Vince and Dan unpack why the New York Knicks don’t seem to have a plan for their next head coach and Vin asks Dan an important question about how he makes eggs.

(1:19) Pacers get impressive Game 3 win vs. Thunder

(13:38) SGA needs historic performance in Game 4

(17:07) The importance of winning Game 4 for nothing teams

(20:26) Giannis may want to remain in Milwaukee

(29:01) Could Giannis, Bucks be working on a trade behind the scenes?

(32:41) Do the Knicks have a plan for hiring next coach?

(40:07) Do you season your eggs?

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How Indy keeps making doubters pay, including Jay-Z's failed $1M Thunder bet | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 20:43:13 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine are back with this week's big number: 1 million dollars. That's how much Jay-Z allegedly wagered and then lost, when he placed a milly on OKC to win the Finals in 5 games. Indy won Game 3, which rendered that bet moot -- and Indy added another victim to its pool of people that doubted them. Don't miss the guys break down the stats that prove Indy may very well be the better team, both offensively and defensively. Plus later in the show, Tom wonders if Kevin Durant could return to Oklahoma City — especially if the Thunder get packed up in 5 games!

(1:10) The Big Number: $1,000,000 wager on OKC in 5

(18:14) Little Numbers: Pacers record in first 25 games

(23:50) Little Numbers: Indiana’s MPH

(29:15) Little Numbers: Pacers passes per game

(32:41) Little Numbers: Indiana’s defensive rating

(37:14) Best landing spots for KD in trade

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Pacers flip the NBA Finals, fake KD trades and a bonkers summer ahead | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 05:18:41 +0000

Kevin O'Connor's live, postgame reaction following Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, plus the latest trade rumors surrounding Phoenix Suns superstar Kevin Durant! Dan Titus joined KOC for this pod that covers it all: KOC puts the blame squarely on Chet Holmgren, and Kevin explains why he still thinks this series is going 7! And on the Durant front, wait until you hear KOC's blockbuster trade proposals involving the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Orlando Magic. PLUS Kevin and Dan also hit on the New York Knicks failed Head Coaching search and the Jaylen Brown surgery news. Monster pod, lock in!

(00:30) - Instant reaction: Pacers defeat Thunder in Game 3 of NBA Finals

(24:00) - Kevin Durant trade: potential landing spots

(44:40) - Jaylen Brown & the future of the Boston Celtics

(54:05) - Knicks coaching search debacle

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Thunder vs. Pacers Game 3, LeBron claps back, Kevin Durant's future and Jason Kidd to the Knicks? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:10:14 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Sam Amick do a quick recap of Game 2 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers before previewing Game 3. Vince and Sam also take a look at the performances of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyrese Halliburton.

Next, Vince and Sam react to LeBron James clapping back at people saying he has no bag before discussing what team is the best fit for Kevin Durant.

Later, Vince and Sam address Jason Kidd being tied to the New York Knicks and end with some NBA Finals trivia.

(2:01) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s big Game 2 performance

(6:03) Will Tyrese Halliburton be more aggressive in Game 3?

(10:22) Is the Pacers only chance to be more physical?

(17:07) Name an all-time great defender that could give SGA trouble

(23:16) LeBron spending too much time on social media

(28:34) What will determine where Kevin Durant is traded?

(38:57) How will KD be remembered?

(47:16) Knicks trying to steal Jason Kidd from Mavericks

(55:12) NBA Trivia with Vin

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Trade buzz with Chris Mannix, Playoff prospects with John Fanta & Game 3 preview with Caitlin Cooper | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:30:29 +0000

On this triple-header, STACKED edition of the KOC Show: Chris Mannix stops by to talk about the latest rumors he's hearing around the NBA. Jaylen Brown to the SPURS? Giannis Antetokounmpo latest -- and a spicy take on Jason Kidd's name being tied to the New York Knicks HC gig. Then John Fanta swings by to chat about the NBA Draft -- whose stock is rising? Why is Ace Bailey such a terrible fit with the Philadelphia 76ers? And since John's a Cavs fan, a BLOCKBUSTER Darius Garland trade proposal you've got to see (you'll want to check this out Los Angeles Lakers fans). And lastly Caitlin Cooper stops by to talk about her Indiana Pacers. What are the keys for Indy, if they want to defend home court and get the Game 3 win? And why the vibes all around Indiana are truly immaculate at the moment.

(0:23) Chris Mannix joins to talk trade rumors

(32:42) John Fanta on Cavs future + NBA Draft

(1:15:06) Thunder @ Pacers Game 3 preview with Caitlin Cooper

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OKC strikes back in Game 2, Cooper Flagg watch & Knicks fallout with Adam Mares | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 9 Jun 2025 04:35:22 +0000

Kevin O'Connor went live immediately following Game 2 of the NBA Finals! Adam Mares joined in on the fun as the show reacted to Oklahoma City getting their revenge on the Indiana Pacers. With the series now tied at 1-1, KOC was disappointed in tonight's lackluster performance by Tyrese Haliburton. The guys also gave plenty of love to SGA, who showed up ready for battle. And WHAT WAS UP with the digital trophy display on the court?! Plus - the guys discuss Cooper Flagg's upcoming meeting with the Dallas Mavericks, and react to the news that Dolan "spearheaded" the Thibs firing in New York.

(00:50) - Reacting to Thunder beating Pacers in Game 2

(28:10) - Thoughts on Michael Jordan as an NBA analyst

(34:00) - Thibs' firing spearheaded by James Dolan?

(37:15) - Cooper Flagg to visit Mavericks

(39:05) - On-court Finals logo digitally returns

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Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers steal Game 1 against Thunder, Knicks head coach search and more All-Star changes | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 6 Jun 2025 19:54:42 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Steve Jones Jr. do an in-depth breakdown on the Indiana Pacers stealing Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Next Vince and Steve speculate what the New York Knicks are looking for in their next head coach and how they may differ or be similar to Tom Thibodeau.

Later, Vince and Steve react to the new USA vs. World format for the NBA All-Star game and discuss if this change will save the game.

(2:18) Mark Daigneault changes starting lineup for Thunder

(7:24) Pacers keep fighting despite turnovers

(12:15) Pacers strategy to not let anyone beat them but SGA

(17:46) Pacers, Tyrese Halliburton’s comfort in the clutch

(29:20) Knicks head coach search

(41:09) Big 3’s might not be done just yet

(44:30) Changes to the All-Star game

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Clutch Hali AGAIN! Game 1 takeaways + KD rumors with Tom Haberstroh & NBA Draft talk with the Barlowes | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 6 Jun 2025 04:57:56 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh reacted LIVE immediately following Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals. The Oklahoma City Thunder choked away a huge lead, and Tyrese Haliburton came up clutch yet again! The guys weighed in on what they just saw transpire, with Indy taking the 1-0 series lead. KOC and Tom were left stunned! Plus, the 2 discuss Kevin Durant trade rumors and whether the Phoenix Suns would consider a deal with the Los Angeles Clippers. Later in the Pod KOC was joined by Rafael and James Barlowe to talk about all the latest intel surrounding the NBA Draft. What’s real, what’s a smokescreen, and how a Giannis trade could change everything.

(0:25) Pacers STEAL Game 1 from Thunder on the road

(28:36) Could Clipper trade for Kevin Durant?

(33:37) Suns hire Ott, should Booker get out of Phoenix?

(46:12) NBA Draft talk with Rafael & James Barlowe

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Proof: PACERS PATH to Procuring Prize & Parade🏆 | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 5 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine are well aware that the Oklahoma City Thunder are LIKELY to win this year's NBA title. But what is Indiana's path to a championship, and just how viable is it? The Big Number has unearthed the key stats that prove how the Pacers could walk away with the Larry O, as improbable as it may seem. It would have to start with Tyrese Haliburton becoming ultra aggressive, which will be easier said than done against his #1 kryptonite: Lu Dort.

(1:23) The Big Number: Haliburton scoring vs. OKC

(11:59) Little Numbers: Pascal Siakam points produced in postseason

(16:21) Little Numbers: Thunder corner 3’s

(19:41) Little Numbers: What happened last time OKC lost a series?

(23:50) Little Numbers: Thunder vs. zone defense

(28:54) Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau

(38:50) Suns hire Ott as head coach

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NBA Finals preview and Thibs gets axed with Mo Dakhil + Draft boards are shifting with Corey Tulaba

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 3 Jun 2025 23:37:35 +0000

Old friend of the show Mo Dakhil joins KOC to preview the NBA Finals in full -- how both guys landed on the Oklahoma City Thunder to take care of business in 5 games. BUT the guys play out the scenario, "what is the path to an Indiana Pacers Finals victory?" PLUS during the taping -- the guys' live reaction to the stunning breaking news that the New York Knicks were parting ways with Thibs! Dakhil says New York should reunite with Jeff Van Gundy to go for some real Garden Nostalgia.

Up next, Corey Tulaba and KOC weigh in on which NBA Draft Prospects have a real level of toughness, nastiness and tenacity. After a physical and grueling NBA Playoffs, Kevin and Corey discuss the 1st Round names that aren't afraid to mix things up and get their hands dirty. Some names discussed: Kon Knueppel, Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, Noa Essengue, Cedric Coward, Carter Bryant and more.

(0:20) NBA Finals Game 1 preview with Mo Dakhil

(37:40) Knicks fire Tom Thibodeau

(45:48) What went wrong for Ant & Timberwolves?

(59:25) NBA Draft talk with Corey Tulaba

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Knicks Karl-Anthony Towns dilemma, NBA Finals Preview and Inside the NBA on TNT's cultural impact | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 2 Jun 2025 19:51:31 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and David Aldridge discuss what the New York Knicks should do about Karl-Anthony Towns and preview the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers.

Next, Vince and David do a deep dive on how Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle will try and formulate a winning plan against the Thunder’s stellar defense.

Later Vince asks David how he will remember Inside the NBA on TNT and why the show was so impactful for so many years.

(1:47) How should the city of Seattle feel about the Thunder’s success?

(6:12) What should the Knicks do with Karl-Anthony Towns?

(16:16) Will the Eastern Conference see a seismic shift this offseason?

(23:09) NBA Finals Preview

(30:40) How will Rick Carlisle look to utilize Tyrese Haliburton against Thunder?

(36:16) How will Pacers attack Thunder’s defense?

(39:37) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be a problem for Pacers

(45:21) David Aldridge reflects on Inside the NBA on TNT

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7 NBA questions keeping me up at night: Finals, Draft & trade rumors with Nick Gallo & CP The Fanchise | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 2 Jun 2025 18:03:17 +0000

Kevin O'Connor has 7 NBA questions keeping him up at night! He's joined by Nick Gallo to talk all things Oklahoma City Thunder and NBA Finals, and additionally CP The Fanchise stops by to talk about the New York Knicks dream season coming to an end. Let's start there: what should New York do first, get rid of Thibs or trade KAT? KOC's got an idea and it involves bringing in former NBA MVP Kevin Durant. Trade talk doesn't end there -- Kevin rattles off his top 10 biggest names that could be moved this offseason, and that list includes the likes of Kawhi Leonard, Desmond Bane, Austin Reaves, Jaylen Brown and of course Giannis. And Kevin gets into the nuts and bolts of the NBA Finals matchup itself, AND still has time to hit the NBA Draft and specifically what on earth the Spurs could do at #2 with Dylan Harper.

(0:46) Can Nembhard do to SGA what he did to Brunson?

(3:06) Will Pacers play zone defense?

(5:49) Should Knicks trade KAT?

(6:32) CP The Fanchise joins

(24:00) Will an East team go from worst to first?

(30:31) Which stars will be available for trade?

(32:11) Should the Spurs take Dylan Harper?

(34:46) Is OKC’s dynasty about to begin?

(35:08) Nick Gallo joins

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Pacers & Thunder face off in NBA Finals! Who has the upper hand? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sun, 1 Jun 2025 02:46:03 +0000

Dan Devine and Tom Haberstroh break down the historic matchup between the Indiana Pacers & Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2025 NBA Finals. With only a 1% chance of this pairing at the start of the season, the hosts dissect why both teams surged to the top, challenging long-held NBA assumptions about youth, roster continuity, and midseason trades. The conversation spotlights star performances from Tyrese Haliburton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, plus the impact of strategic additions like Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso. The episode explores why these Finals are one of the most improbable in recent memory, what sets each team apart, and what this means for the future of team-building in the NBA.

Don’t miss the discussion on what’s next for the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks, and the unique blend of clutch play, defense, and team chemistry fueling this unlikely Finals.

(1:10) - Pacers & Thunder defy all odds to face off in the NBA Finals

(20:40) - Why Thunder excel at avoiding turnovers

(26:15) - Caruso & Hartenstein fuel OKC's defensive engine

(31:50) - Pacers: clutchest team in the NBA?

(34:50) - Pacers & Thunder have both dominated in 2025

(43:20) - What's next for the Timberwolves?

(50:00) - What's next for the Knicks?

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Knicks survive, OKC thrives: Tom Haberstroh on the playoffs, Tate Frazier on the draft & Marcus Morris takes the hot seat | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 30 May 2025 04:01:51 +0000

Do not miss this STACKED triple-header KOC Show. First up Tom Haberstroh joined Kevin following the Knicks' huge Game 5 win over the Indiana Pacers to keep hope alive. Could New York actually pull off the improbable and WIN this series now? And the guys on why Indy looked so sloppy.

Plus -- Marcus Morris is back! The longtime NBA veteran rejoined the KOC Show, and didn't hold back on anything. Kevin had Marcus play "Double Down or Walk It Back," in regard to the many HOT takes Marcus has uncorked over the last 2 months. Do the Thunder really lack the depth to win a title? Is Tyrese Haliburton the next SGA? Nikola Jokic is NOT Top 20 all-time? The Luka and LeBron pairing will definitely work? Get your popcorn ready... Marcus and KOC absolutely brought it.

Lastly Kevin's longtime pal Tate Frazier stops by to talk about the NBA Draft, which is now just a month away. Could the Spurs figure out a way to make Dylan Harper work? Is there any chance at all that the Dallas Mavericks would at least LISTEN if the Bucks called offering Giannis for #1 overall? Who are the biggest DEEP sleepers at each position? Which shooters in the Draft should the Orlando Magic target? Who should the Minnesota Timberwolves draft? Nearly every prospect that declared for the 2025 NBA Draft is discussed in some manner on this awesome convo with basketball guru Tate Frazier.

(0:37) Knicks beat Pacers in Game 5

(13:49) OKC awaits NBA Finals opponent

(25:40) Marcus Morris doubles down on his hot takes

(59:17) Tate Frazier talks 2025 NBA Draft prospects

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Thunder NBA Finals bound, next steps for Minnesota and Knicks poor roster construction | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 29 May 2025 19:30:34 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Titus react to the Oklahoma City Thunder punching their ticket to the NBA Finals after a dominant Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Vince and Dan also take a look at the Thunder’s stellar defense and what changes could be coming to the Timberwolves.

Next, Vince and Dan discuss the Pacers and Knicks pivotal Game 5 at Madison Square Garden and if Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive limitations will be too much to overcome for Tom Thibodeau.

Later, Vince and Dan assess if this current Thunder team is better than the 2012 team that went to the NBA finals and the 2016 team that almost made it.

(1:56) Thunder blowout Timberwolves, punch ticket to NBA Finals

(12:02) Thunder have the makings for a dynasty

(16:24) Timberwolves outlook for next season

(27:58) How does Thibs overcome Brunson, KAT defensive liabilities

(32:45) Do the Knicks just have a flawed roster?

(39:21) Is this Thunder team the best ever?

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Thunder's Big 3 dominating Timberwolves, growing pains for Anthony Edwards, and pivotal Game 4 between Knicks and Pacers | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 27 May 2025 19:28:19 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and James Edwards react to the Oklahoma City Thunder taking a commanding 3-1 lead against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals.

Next, Vince and James agree that the Thunder have a “Big 3” and unpack Anthony Edwards’ growing up in real time throughout this series.

Later, Vince and James take a look at the pivotal Game 4 between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers and dissect the dialogue around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Brunson being foul merchants.

(1:37) Thunder take commanding 3-1 lead against Timberwolves

(9:29) Thunder have a homegrown Big 3

(18:58) Anthony Edwards and the growing pains of being a young star

(26:42) Did Knicks find something repeatable for Game 4?

(34:44) Is Game 4 a must-win for Pacers?

(43:25) Should the NBA get rid of the take foul?

(44:57) Foul merchant NBA Finals?

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Anthony Edwards = Playoff Harden? Plus OKC’s Big 3, Knicks-Pacers & Draft talk with Andrew Sharp + my conversation with Derik Queen | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 27 May 2025 18:29:28 +0000

Andrew Sharp joins KOC on this episode to discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder's 3-1 lead in the WCF. Has Anthony Edwards regressed to the point of being this era's version of Playoff James Harden? Have the Thunder "big 3" emerged to the point where a title is almost guaranteed in June? Plus speaking of OKC - Kevin and Sharp wonder if SGA has officially become the greatest player to ever wear a Thunder uniform (even beyond Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook). And the guys hit the Pacers-Knicks series out east, plus talk Chris Paul news, and NBA Draft latest.

Then, Kevin sat down with Derik Queen, one of the stars of March Madness and current projected Lottery pick in this year's NBA Draft. Is he really "baby Jokic?" What does he need to work on? What sets him apart? Plus, a look back at what went through his mind during his all-time classic buzzer beater back in March.

(0:40) OKC goes up 3-1 vs. Wolves

(21:42) Could SGA be the best OKC player EVER?

(32:09) Knicks beat Pacers in Game 3

(42:13) Chris Paul won’t return to Spurs

(46:32) Brooklyn may trade Cam Johnson + picks to move up in Draft

(48:49) Who should Wizards target in NBA Draft?

(1:04:52) Draft prospect Derik Queen joins the show

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SGA’s MVP night & OKC’s smothering D with Tom Haberstroh and Knicks fan therapy with Jonathan Macri—plus Asa Newell talks NBA Draft | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 23 May 2025 04:50:18 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh saw SGA and the Oklahoma City Thunder lay the absolute smackdown on Anthony Edwards and the Wolves on Thursday evening, and both are ready to declare the series a wrap. Little hope remains for Ant and company in their 0-2 hole, and KOC takes it a step further declaring that the MVP is clearly levels better than Minnesota's young superstar.

Up next, Knicks fans: Kevin sees you, and Kevin hears you. Please sit down, get comfortable, and tell KOC how Tyrese Haliburton and Aaron Nesmith hurt you. Because that's what his friend and New York Knicks diehard fan Jonathan Macri did after the never-say-die Indiana Pacers did the unthinkable, yet again.

Plus, projected 2025 NBA Draft first-rounder Asa Newell joins Kevin O’Connor from the Combine in Chicago to break down Newell’s game as a floor-spacing, switchable big.

(0:37) Thunder vs. Wolves Game 2 reaction with Tom Haberstroh

(26:27) NBA All-Defensive Team announced

(29:36) Nuggets hire David Adleman as head coach

(31:31) Pacers beat Knicks in heartbreaking fashion

(34:07) Post-game Knicks therapy session with Jonathan Macri

(1:12:27) Asa Newell joins from the NBA Draft Combine

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Thunder dominate Game 1 vs. Timberwolves, Pacers and Knicks set to clash and SGA wins MVP | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 21 May 2025 20:33:56 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Chris Hine react to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominant Game 1 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and make some predictions as to what Minnesota may do differently in Game 2.

Next, Vince asks Chris about his book “Ant: The Incredible Journey of NBA Rising Star Anthony Edwards” and how his upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia has played a massive role in Edwards' career.

Later, Vince and Chris preview the Indiana Pacers vs. New York Knicks series and predict a winner before reflecting on this season’s MVP race.

(1:18) Thunder dominate Timberwolves in second half of Game 1

(9:00) Timberwolves too focused on officiating

(14:44) Game 2 adjustments for Minnesota

(17:28) Chris’ book on Anthony Edwards

(35:08) Pacers vs. Knicks preview

(29:38) Knicks vs Pacers preview

(41:49) Are you surprised Karl-Anthony Towns hasn’t succumb to NY pressure?

(43:29) Pacer vs. Knicks series prediction

(47:36) Recapping this season’s MVP race between SGA and Nikola Jokic

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SGA vs. Ant takeaways, OKC’s amazing defense & KOC’s Tre Johnson interview | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 21 May 2025 20:17:40 +0000

Kevin O’Connor reacts to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s dominant win against the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals. Is SGA’s grifting really as big of a deal as it’s made out to be? Or is a poor shooting effort from the Wolves more to blame for the lopsided box score? Plus, later in the episode, Kevin is joined by NBA Draft prospect Tre Johnson to break down his current game and how he expects to fit in the NBA.

(0:30) OKC beats Minnesota in Game 1

(0:41) Is SGA's grifting a big deal?

(4:03) Shocking shooting differential from Game 1

(6:57) Thunder's depth advantage vs. Wolves

(8:39) Why OKC's depth will win them this series

(13:23) Tre Johnson joins the show

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"The BEST DEFENSE I have ever seen!" - How OKC is so SUFFOCATING | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 21 May 2025 18:46:44 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine have uncovered the jaw-dropping truth: the Oklahoma City Thunder now possess "the best defense in Playoff history." The guys explain what OKC is doing to make things so uncomfortable for their opponents, and how the juggernaut defense likely won't be solved any time soon.

(1:05) - Is the Thunder defense best in postseason history?
(10:05) - Numbers behind Thunder's suffocating defense
(15:20) - Live-ball turnovers forced by Thunder defense
(19:10) - How Thunder stifled Anthony Edwards
(22:40) - Thunder shut down Wolves' corner threes
(28:10) - How will SGA's MVP win be remembered?

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7 questions about the NBA Playoffs, the Draft and trade rumors + my Kon Knueppel conversation | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 19 May 2025 21:34:26 +0000

KOC has 7 big questions to start the week, and you need to hear them all. For starters, who does Kevin have winning the Eastern Conference Finals and how? Might the Boston Celtics consider trading Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade to the Houston Rockets? Whose NBA Draft stock is rising, and whose is FALLING? It's all on this must-hear Monday episode of the KOC Show.

(0:43) How long until we see Nesmith on Brunson?

(3:10) Will the Knicks create a size advantage?

(5:38) Can KAT have the series of his life?

(7:14) Can Haliburton reach a new level?

(10:14) What changes should the Celtics make?

(18:12) Who are Draft Combine fallers?

(20:08) Who are Draft Combine risers?

(24:06) Kon Knueppel & KOC from the Combine in Chicago

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Nuggets next move, Shai vs. Ant-Man, Knicks vs. Pacers and Celtics uncertain future | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 19 May 2025 20:23:01 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and David Dennis Jr. give their final thoughts on the Denver Nuggets season before turning their attention to the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder series and who has the most to gain between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Anthony Edwards.

Next, Vince and David assess the New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers series and why it could go seven games.

Later, Vince and David discuss what the Boston Celtics should do next season with Jayson Tatum sidelined and the good and bad of the NBA Playoffs thus far.

(1:25) Nuggets outlook after Game 7 loss

(10:39) Who has the most to gain from Thunder vs. Wolves series?

(17:00) How important is Julius Randle in this series?

(19:39) Rest or rhythm?

(21:14)Have the Thunder grown up enough for this moment?

(27:43) Jalen Brunson has the opportunity to be immortalized as a Knick

(29:38) Knicks vs Pacers preview

(36:14) What do Celtics do next season with Tatum likely out the entire year?

(43:04) What do we make of the playoffs so far?

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Game 7 BEATDOWN! OKC crushes Denver & now awaits Ant's Wolves! | The KOC Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sun, 18 May 2025 23:47:46 +0000

KOC's live, postgame reaction to Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder! OKC dismantled the hapless Nuggets, are they primed to do the same to the Minnesota Timberwolves? Dane Moore, who covers the Wolves, joins KOC to break down what's to come in the Western Conference Finals -- plus the pair on whether MAJOR changes are coming for Nikola Jokic's squad this offseason.

(0:57) Dane Moore joins the show

(1:20) Thunder beat Nuggets in Game 7

(11:54) Thunder vs. Wolves Western Conference Finals preview

(32:55) What’s next for the Nuggets?

(48:59) Western Conference Finals preview continued

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Flagg pulling an ELI? 'Playoff Jimmy' a MYTH? + Game 7 preview! | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 16 May 2025 17:25:21 +0000

KOC is joined by Tom Haberstroh on this INSANE edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show. The guys both think it's well within the realm of possibilities that COOPER FLAGG could pull an Eli Manning, and demand his way to the Boston Celtics. Kevin has sources that told him Flagg met with the Celtics at the Draft Combine in Chicago! Plus KOC absolutely destroys "Playoff Jimmy" Butler, and explains why Golden State is in trouble for years to come. And of course, the guys preview Sunday's Game 7 between the Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder, plus Tom and Kevin on why the Boston Celtics are still VERY MUCH ALIVE vs the New York Knicks.

(0:53) Nuggets force Game 7 vs. Thunder

(14:26) Wolves advance to Western Conference Finals

(20:05) Is ‘Playoff Jimmy’ a myth?

(28:34) What’s next for the Warriors?

(36:46) Celtics vs. Knicks Game 6 preview

(42:15) Boston interviews Cooper Flagg at NBA Draft Combine

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Timberwolves send Warriors home, Knicks feeling pressure and the end of an era | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 15 May 2025 22:26:35 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Titus react to the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminating the Golden State Warriors in Game 5 by giving credit to Julius Randle’s consistent play in the postseason and then discuss what the future looks like for the Warriors.

Next, Vince and Dan debate if the pressure is on for the New York Knicks after losing Game 5 to the Boston Celtics and what would be the reaction if New York blew a 3-1 lead.

Later, Vince and Dan decide if the era of LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry has finally come to an end as younger stars continue to elevate.

(1:51) Vince apologizes to Julius Randle

(4:44) Outlook for the Warriors moving forward

(20:27) Celtics beat Knicks in Game 5

(28:11) What if the Knicks blow a 3-1 lead?

(30:45) Knicks should go after Giannis

(35:50) Cavaliers have another disappointing playoff run

(47:14) Nikola Jokic could use some help against the Thunder

(54:24) End of the LeBron, KD, Curry era?

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23 NBA Draft questions with Jonathan Givony + Cedric Coward joins | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 15 May 2025 21:44:36 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by the legendary NBA Draft guru Jonathan Givony on this edition of the KOC Show from the Chicago Combine. KOC pays tribute to Michael Jordan and hits Givony with exactly 23 NBA Draft Questions. Could Ace Bailey be a bust for the 76ers? Which player is the best shooter in this class? Who's more likely to trade up, the Wizards or Jazz? What should the Bulls do, period? And Cooper Flagg is the best college prospect since WHO??

Plus, Cedric Coward joins to break down his remarkable rise from DIII basketball to NBA draft prospect. Cedric explains what's special about his game, shares lessons learned from his Olympic gold-medalist grandfather, his NBA player comps (including Kawhi Leonard) and what drives his obsession with basketball.

(0:53) 23 questions with Jonathan Givony

(1:00) Questions 1-5

(8:38) Questions 6-10

(18:55) Questions 11-15

(25:03) Questions 16-20

(31:08) Questions 21-23

(35:19) Cedric Coward joins

(44:58) How would Cedric describe his game?

(59:58) Reaction to Luka traded to Lakers

(1:02:04) NBA Playoffs breakdown

(1:04:49) Best basketball memories

(1:08:01) 7 random questions with Cedric Coward

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NBA Combine day 1: draft board shakeups, NIL impact + fallout from physical playoffs with Rafael Barlowe | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 14 May 2025 21:53:28 +0000

Kevin O’Connor is joined by NBA draft expert Rafael Barlowe from Chicago to break down how the NBA playoffs’ rise in physical play is shifting their 2025 draft boards and prospect evaluations. They spotlight prospects like Cedric Coward and Jase Richardson and debate whether double-big lineups could become the NBA’s next big trend. The pair also break down how NIL has reshaped the draft pool, leaving it older and deeper with late withdrawals.

(0:35) OKC takes series lead vs. Denver

(2:46) Pacers advance to Eastern Conf Finals

(5:23) Rafael Barlowe joins

(5:32) Impact of playoffs on draft evaluations

(6:44) Evaluation of Cedric Coward

(8:26) Evaluation of Jase Richardson

(11:18) Evaluation of Colin Murray-Boyles

(16:04) Is Dallas certain to draft Cooper Flagg?

(18:55) What should Spurs do with #2?

(20:47) Evaluation of Thomas Sorber

(23:50) Evaluation of Maxime Raynaud

(25:50) Impact of NIL on NBA Draft

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This absurd stat that PROVES the Pacers could win it all, + Flagg for Giannis: who says no? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 14 May 2025 18:48:23 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine have unearthed the data that shows Indiana is NOT to be messed with. The Big Number guys explain how the Pacers laid waste to the #1-seed Cleveland Cavaliers, and likely won't be stopped anytime soon. Plus the guys ask the question, would Nico Harrison ever, shockingly, consider trading the #1 overall pick? What caliber of superstar would need to be offered to the Mavs' GM for him to come off of Cooper Flagg?!? The guys think Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks may convince Nico to do the unthinkable (again)!

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Blake Griffin and Dwyane Wade talk NBA Draft Lottery, Cooper Flagg, Anthony Edwards and Michael Jordan | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 14 May 2025 00:04:55 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Blake Griffin react to the Dallas Mavericks winning the NBA Draft Lottery and what Cooper Flagg could expect as he potential No.1 pick.

Later, Vince and Dwyane Wade take a look at Anthony Edward’s early success and why his slaying of legends such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant is so important.

All that and more on this episode of Good Word with Goodwill!

(1:00) NBA Draft Lottery

(2:20) What comes with being the No.1 overall pick

(5:24) Would Blake do things different in Los Angeles?

(7:08) Cooper Flagg playing under the shadow of Luka Doncic

(9:10) Jayson Tatum’s injury

(11:51) Pacers headed to the NBA Finals?

(15:03) Most physical playoffs in years

(16:29) Blake joining NBA Amazon Prime team

(20:59) Anthony Edwards similarities to D-Wade

(22:46) Edwards slaying the GOATS

(25:54) Have people forgotten how good Dwyane Wade was?

(29:23) Michael Jordan joining NBC

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Draft Lotto winners and losers: Mavs! Poor Jazz and Wiz! Giannis trades! Plus, Tatum’s injury and Knicks go up 3-1 | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 13 May 2025 04:40:08 +0000

One of the wildest days in NBA history is recapped in full on this edition of the KOC Show. First, the Dallas Mavericks pull off the dang-near-impossible, winning the NBA Draft Lottery with only 1.8% odds! Will Nico Harrison KEEP or TRADE that pick? Don't miss KOC's full Round 1 Mock Draft based on the outcome of a WILD lottery. Plus, Tom Haberstroh joins to discuss the heartbreaking Jayson Tatum injury, and the Knicks taking a commanding 3-1 lead.

(0:52) NBA Draft Lottery recap

(7:46) Does Flagg fit in Dallas?

(12:41) Should NBA change lottery again?

(16:38) Draft Lottery winners & losers

(34:29) Knicks vs. Celtics Game 4 recap

(49:36) Pacers vs. Cavaliers Game 4 recap

(54:04) Thunder vs. Nuggets Game 4 recap

(59:18) Wolves vs. Warriors series update

(1:02:12) KOC’s 2025 NBA Mock Draft

(1:02:33) Picks 1-5

(1:12:55) Picks 6-10

(1:21:26) Picks 11-20

(1:38:55) Picks 21-30

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Thunder wearing down Nikola Jokic, Giannis' future uncertain and Michael Jordan joins NBC | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 13 May 2025 01:27:44 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Jason Goff react to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 4 victory over the Denver Nuggets and if Nikola Jokic is starting to wear down.

Next, Vince and Jason give their thoughts on what’s wrong with the Cleveland Cavaliers as they face a 3-1 deficit to the Indiana Pacers.

Later, Vince and Jason unpack Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future with the Milwaukee Bucks and Michael Jordan joining NBC Sports.

(2:40) Nikola Jokic looking worn down?

(14:23) Is Shai ready to dominate if necessary?

(17:35) Physicality is back In Playoff Basketball

(25:18) Pacers take commanding 3-1 series lead

(33:00) Bennedict Mathurin, De’Andre Hunter skirmish

(38:32) What team is the best fit for Giannis Antetokounmpo?

(51:53) Will the Warriors dynasty bt the last one we see?

(55:27) Michael Jordan joining NBC

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Blown leads, series adjustments & NBA Draft Lottery preview | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 9 May 2025 04:42:15 +0000

KOC and Tom Haberstroh react to the Wolves evening their series with the Golden State Warriors at 1-1. Anthony Edwards suffered a bad-looking ankle injury, but miraculously returned for the 2nd half. But does it even matter, as Kevin thinks the Warriors are DONE after this one? PLUS - what team would be the absolute dream landing spot for Cooper Flagg on Monday night's NBA Draft Lottery? The guys preview the Lotto that is just a weekend away!

Up next, NBA Skills Coach Drew Hanlen is back on The KOC Show to talk about how his client Chet Holmgren bounced back to have a great Game 2. What did the Oklahoma City Thunder do different on both ends of the floor to completely neutralize Nikola Jokic? Hanlen also works with Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, calling him "the best passer in the NBA." With the Pacers set to take on the Cavs in Game 3, KOC wants to know, why doesn't he shoot more??

And then, Noa Dalzell and Jack Simone join KOC to break down how the Boston Celtics have fallen into the completely unexpected 0-2 hole vs the underdog New York Knicks. How much of the blame should superstar Jayson Tatum get, and how much of it falls on HC Joe Mazzulla? Find out the answers to all those questions in this awesome KOC Show conversation!

(0:22) Tom Haberstroh joins the show

(0:33) Wolves beat Steph-less Warriors in Game 2

(18:41) NBA Draft Lottery preview

(35:33) Drew Hanlen joins the show

(36:06) Thunder dominate Nuggets in Game 2

(55:10) Pacers take 2-0 lead vs. Cavs

(1:11:57) Noa Dalzell & Jack Simone join the show

(1:12:32) Celtics blow ANOTHER 20-pt lead to Knicks

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Stephen Curry out, Anthony Edwards criticized, Cavaliers in trouble and biggest playoff surprises | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 7 May 2025 23:59:07 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Titus react to Stephen Curry injuring his hamstring and discuss if Jimmy Butler and Draymond can carry the Golden State Warriors against the Minnesota Timberwolves until Curry returns.

Next, Vince and Dan dissect what went wrong with the Timberwolves and why Anthony Edwards is responsible for the team’s poor performance.

Later, Vince and Dan take a look at the Indiana Pacers’ commanding 2-0 lead against the Cleveland Cavaliers and what are some of the biggest surprises of the playoffs thus far.

(1:02) Stephen Curry out with injured hamstring

(9:24) Can Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green carry the Warriors?

(21:02) How Jimmy Butler has impacted Buddy Hield

(29:25) Indiana Pacers take commanding 2-0 lead against Cavaliers

(40:16) Biggest surprises of the NBA playoffs

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Why Golden State has a CHANCE without Steph, plus Haliburton's Pacers pull off impossible YET AGAIN! | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 7 May 2025 18:47:25 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine answer the question "do the Warriors have a chance WITHOUT Steph Curry?" The answer may surprise you. Plus, are the Indiana Pacers starting to show they're a team of destiny? Tyrese Haliburton's numbers in the clutch will leave you stunned. But not as stunned as Cleveland Cavaliers fans... yikes! The insanity of the NBA Playoffs is peaking and Tom and Dan are here to break it all down on this installment of The Big Number.

(1:20) The Big Number: 0

(20:29) Little Numbers: Warriors possessions in the bonus

(24:47) Little Numbers: Anthony Edwards Game 1

(29:02) Little Numbers: Draymond Green contested shots

(30:45) Little Numbers: Warriors offensive rebounding

(36:30) Pacers stun Cavaliers AGAIN

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Warriors eliminate Rockets, James Harden's postseason struggles continue and Kofie's eulogy for Detroit | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 5 May 2025 21:09:38 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Kofie Yeboah react to the Golden State Warriors defeating the Houston Rockets in game 7 and preview their series with the Minnesota Timberwolves

Next, Vince and Kofie take a look at James Harden’s poor performance in the Los Angeles Clippers Game 7 loss to the Denver Nuggets and preview the matchup between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the second round.

Later, Kofie gives his eulogy to the Detroit Pistons promising season that ended at the hands of the New York Knicks.

(2:29) Warriors win Game 7 vs. Rockets

(12:15) Should the Rockets pursue Kevin Durant or Giannis?

(17:51) Warriors vs. Timberwolves preview

(28:51) James Harden struggles in Game 7

(40:54) Thunder vs. Nuggets preview

(49:47) Kofi’s eulogy to the Detroit Piston’s season

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The Buddy Hield game, Pacers wake-up call, Clippers collapse (again), and the zone wars ahead in Round 2 | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 5 May 2025 04:55:52 +0000

Kevin O'Connor was joined by Yahoo's Dan Titus to instantly react to the Golden State Warriors' win over the Houston Rockets in Game 7. Don't miss KOC's thoughts on what he's calling "The Buddy Hield Game." Do the Dubs have a chance to keep the magic rolling in Round 2 against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves? Plus Dan and Kevin react to the Indiana Pacers' SHOCKING win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on the road. Kevin is now picking Indy to win the series. Speaking of shocking upsets, don't miss Titus explain why the NEW YORK KNICKS have a chance to knock off the Boston Celtics! Plus the guys preview OKC-Denver, but not before tearing the Los Angeles Clippers to shreds. Does Kawhi Leonard deserve some of the blame that James Harden has been getting?

(0:42) Warriors beat Rockets in Game 7

(14:20) Nuggets beat Clippers in Game 7

(22:38) Nuggets vs. Thunder Game 1 preview

(30:22) Pacers beat Cavs in conf. semis Game 1

(37:33) Celtics vs. Knicks Game 1 preview

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Hello Game 7! + Pop steps down, LeBron's leverage & clutch Brunson | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 2 May 2025 18:09:28 +0000

On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC and Tom discuss the 2 best words in sports: Game Seven. Who will walk away the winner in the grueling Denver Nuggets-Los Angeles Clippers series, and will Nikola Jokic fix his late-game struggles? Will we get a Game 7 in Golden State-Houston, too? Jalen Brunson says "goodbye" to the Detroit Pistons as the New York Knicks advance to take on the Boston Celtics. Plus mid-pod Kevin and Tom react to the stunning news that Gregg Popovich would be stepping down from his HC role with the San Antonio Spurs. And lastly, might LeBron James consider returning home (again!) to Cleveland for a final season, poetically season #23? It's all on this news-packed Friday edition of the KOC Show!

(1:09) Knicks defeat Pistons in Game 6

(16:21) Clippers force Game 7 vs. Nuggets

(25:22) Rockets vs. Warriors Game 6 preview

(30:09) Could Giannis go to Spurs or Rockets?

(40:34) Pacers vs. Cavs semifinals preview

(45:37) Gregg Popovich steps down as Spurs HC

(49:36) Suns hire Brian Gregory as GM

(54:50) Lakers not in ‘championship shape’

(57:38) Could LeBron leave LA for Cleveland?

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Timberwolves eliminate Lakers, Warriors feeling pressure and Celtics battling injuries | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 1 May 2025 23:51:33 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Gary Washburn react to the Timberwolves eliminating the Los Angeles Lakers from the playoffs and what’s next for Luka and LeBron.

Next, Vince and Gary express why the Golden State Warriors can’t afford to have their series with the Houston Rockets get to a game 7.

Later, Vince and Gary take a look at some of the Boston Celtics injuries and react to the Phoenix Suns hiring a new general manager.

(2:05) Timberwolves eliminate Lakers

(13:02) Lakers struggle in loss to Timberwolves

(23:40) Dysfunction in the Lakers organization

(30:25) Game 6 a must-win for Warriors?

(37:13 ) Is Jalen Green capable of carrying the Rockets?

(41:56) Will the Celtics injuries catch up with them?

(49:36) Suns hire new GM

(53:31) John Haliburton repercussions

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Luka’s flaws, LeBron’s future & Lakers carnage with Nick Wright + 7 NBA Playoff questions and KOC’s latest mock draft | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 1 May 2025 18:07:16 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by the one and only Nick Wright of FS1 to put a bow on the Los Angeles Lakers' 2024-25 season. Nick didn't expect things to end so early and abruptly for LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but here we are. Where did things go wrong? Nick thinks you can point at JJ Redick's Head Coaching decisions in the Playoffs, and he's noticing a disturbing pattern emerge with JJ shrinking in big moments. Where does LeBron James go from here; could that be the end of his career? And how do the Lakers move forward, rebuild and trade for the right pieces around Luka? Plus Nick and Kevin hit on every other Playoff series, and even weigh in on the conspiracy surrounding Victor Wembanyama's "real" height.

With the NBA Draft Lottery about a week away, KOC has you covered on this 1st Round mock that spans all 30 picks. With the Lottery draft order totally randomized, wait until you see where Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey all wind up.

Read KOC’s most recent mock draft: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/draft/

(0:39) Nick Wright joins the show

(1:10) Wolves knock out Lakers from playoffs

(36:47) LeBron’s legacy in LA

(43:23) Who do Wolves want in conf semis?

(45:56) Can Rockets win Game 6?

(47:48) Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 6 preview

(50:07) Pistons vs. Knicks Game 6 preview

(51:47) Can Bucks do anything to keep Giannis?

(54:42) How tall is Wemby really??

(55:46) Nick disrespecting Evan Mobley?

(57:38) KOC’s latest 2025 NBA mock draft

(58:07) Picks 1-5

(1:02:30) Picks 6-10

(1:05:51) Picks 11-20

(1:13:38) Picks 21-30

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These stats PROVE we're witnessing most exciting 1st round in NBA Playoff history + Knicks putrid offense | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 21:23:46 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the New York Knicks' offensive struggles. Could they actually blow this series to the Detroit Pistons?

Plus, Tom and Dan have unearthed the numbers that prove this is one of the most exciting NBA postseasons of ALL-TIME, and the 1st round is still going!

The duo also recap the Milwaukee Bucks blowing a 7-point lead with 40 seconds left on Tuesday night to end their season, and perhaps the Giannis Era in Milwaukee. How did things get so bad for the Bucks that they may have no choice but to entertain offers for their generational superstar? It's here on this installment of The Big Number.

(1:05) - What makes this first round so competitive

(16:05) - Cade Cunningham’s early dominance

(18:55) - Knicks’ concerning pace of play

(24:35) - Jalen Duren making plays for Detroit

(28:25) - Knicks offensive struggles without Brunson

(32:20) - Should Bucks trade Giannis?

(46:55) - Cavs-Pacers thoughts & predictions

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NBA Playoff weak links and must-make adjustments with Marcus Morris, Warriors-Rockets series breakdown with Ethan Strauss and Sam Esfandiari | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 21:23:03 +0000

Marcus Morris is back on The Kevin O'Connor Show, and didn't hold back on any of his takes. Find out why Marcus believes Anthony Edwards is exposing JJ Redick as a rookie Head Coach, why he thinks the conditioning (and defense!) of Luka Doncic is perfectly fine, and what the Lakers need to do to make this a series. Plus, Marcus weighs in on what Ty Lue needs to change for the Los Angeles Clippers to regain the upper hand against the Denver Nuggets. Morris explains why he sees Giannis Antetokounmpo taking his talents to South Beach this summer, and why the Orlando Magic need to trade for Trae Young this offseason, too. Morris went in on everyone from Pat Riley to Ja Morant to NBA refs, and even had time to tell us why Shedeur Sanders' NFL Draft slide made him angry!

Then Ethan Strauss and Sam Esfandiari both stop by to give their takes on the Golden State Warriors' 3-1 lead on the Houston Rockets. Ethan says it's finally time to admit that the Steph Curry-Draymond Green duo has joined Stockton/Malone and Jordan/Pippen as an all-time legendary tandem. Sam gives Draymond Green his flowers too, but acknowledges that even some Warriors fans still don't like Green. And, is Steve Kerr soundly out-coaching Ime Udoka?

It's all on this must-consume episode of the KOC Show!

(0:26) Marcus Morris joins the show

(0:47) Clippers vs. Nuggets Game 5 preview

(12:17) 'Weak link' vs. 'strong link' NBA

(21:10) Lakers vs. Wolves Game 5 preview

(35:59) Ja Morant says ‘I had them figured out’

(38:59) Pistons vs. Knicks Game 4 replay review controversy

(45:01) Celtics vs. Magic Game 5 preview

(48:50) Bucks down bad after Damian Lillard injury

(57:33) Cavs sweep Heat

(1:00:45) NBA Draft’s Shedeur Sanders equivalent?

(1:08:47) Sam & Ethan join the show

(1:08:57) Warriors vs. Rockets Game 4 reaction

(1:36:39) 'Weak link' vs. 'strong link' NBA continued

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Anthony Edwards shines against Lakers, Knicks get controversial win and Damian Lillard's scary injury | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 22:57:18 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and J.A. Adande praise Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves on their game 4 win over the Los Angeles Lakers while also pointing out some mistakes JJ Redick may have made.

Next, Vince and J.A. react to the Knicks and Clippers last second losses and if the Golden State Warriors are a true contender if they eliminate the Houston Rockets.

Later, Vince and J.A. unpack the unfortunate injury news for Damian Lillard and how it will impact the Milwaukee Bucks organization moving forward.

(2:40) Anthony Edwards leads Wolves to win over Lakers

(17:26) Knicks get controversial win against Pistons

(16:02) Jalen Brunson’s foul baiting

(27:25) Could the Clippers beat the Thunder?

(29:22) Clippers vs. Nuggets living up to billing

(35:54) Steph Curry, Warriors get win without Jimmy Butler

(46:25) Damian Lillard tears achilles

(54:35) What Dame’s injury means for Bucks organization

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Knicks survive Pistons, Clippers dominate Nuggets, Warriors in trouble and Giannis' uncertain future | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 20:44:03 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Titus react to the New York Knicks close win over the Detroit Pistons and the beatdown the Los Angeles Clippers put on the Denver Nuggets.

Next, Vince and Dan discuss how the rest of the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves series will play out before voicing their concerns for Jimmy Butler and the Golden State Warriors.

Later, Vince and Dan unpack the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks series and how it will impact Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future.

(1:59) Knicks survive Pistons in Game 3

(10:38) Officiating in Knicks vs. Pistons

(16:02) Jalen Brunson’s foul baiting

(18:40) Clippers dominate Nuggets

(27:25) Could the Clippers beat the Thunder?

(29:52) Lakers vs. Timberwolves Game 3 preview

(39:09) Warriors could be without Jimmy Butler

(45:59) Giannis’ future with the Bucks

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NBA Playoff series breakdowns, banged up stars & LA’s Jokic blueprint | The Kevin O’Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 17:59:02 +0000

On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by Tom Haberstroh and the guys do a deep-dive on every single series. Do the Los Angeles Clippers have the Nikola Jokic stopper? Did the New York Knicks turn a corner against the Detroit Pistons? Why the physicality of the Houston Rockets-Golden State Warriors series is a bad thing, how Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies would have been better off missing the Playoffs altogether, and Darius Garland's blunt trash talk about Tyler Herro. And why Jayson Tatum's wrist injury is a great thing for Jaylen Brown. The guys give their takes on where every single NBA Playoff matchup stands -- don't miss this episode of the KOC Show!

(0:47) Nuggets vs. Clippers Game 3 reaction

(12:12) Lakers vs. Wolves Game 3 preview

(18:33) Rockets vs. Warriors Game 3 preview

(30:25) Pistons vs. Knicks Game 3 reaction

(40:13) Bucks vs. Pacers Game 3 preview

(52:29) Thunder vs. Grizzlies series update

(1:06:45) Celtics vs. Magic series update

(1:12:58) Cavs vs. Heat series update

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This stat PROVES Luka is LeBron's BEST teammate ever, sorry D-Wade, Kyrie & AD! | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:59:28 +0000

On today's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dug up the data that proves Luka Doncic is LeBron James' greatest teammate of all-time. Sorry Dwyane Wade, our bad Kyrie Irving, apologies Anthony Davis -- Tom and Dan have the data that shows why #77 on the purple and gold gets this honor. But is Head Coach JJ Redick putting too much on the shoulders of his newcomer? And what does Anthony Edwards need to do offensively to break out in this series as it shifts back to Minnesota?

Plus, Jayson Tatum has been Mr. Durability for the Boston Celtics for nearly a decade now, but this latest wrist injury has Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine concerned.

(3:05) The Big Number: Luka’s points in playoffs

(11:18) Luka’s minutes on the bench

(15:30) Minnesota wide-open 3-pointers vs. LAL

(19:35) Gobert impact on Wolves defensive rating

(23:16) Edwards pick-n-roll points per possession

(27:30) Jayson Tatum doubtful for Game 2 vs. Magic

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Kawhi’s masterpiece, KAT’s vanishing act & the state of every NBA Playoff series | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 19:20:55 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Nate Duncan on this jam-packed edition of the KOC Show. First the guys react to the Game 2 thriller between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers -- Kawhi Leonard's performance has Kevin asking some big legacy questions. The New York Knicks fall to Cade Cunningham's Detroit Pistons -- what options does Tom Thibodeau have at this point? Nico Harrison's latest comments have Kevin and Nate befuddled. Cooper Flagg officially declares for the Draft! Damian Lillard is back! Plus Kevin and Nate discuss each NBA Playoff series -- this episode has you covered!

(0:48) Clippers beat Nuggets in game 2

(12:33) Pistons FINALLY get a playoff win

(25:08) Landry Fields fired by Hawks

(30:42) Cooper Flagg officially declares for Draft

(33:47) Nico Harrison stupidity strikes again…

(39:01) Damian Lillard to return for Bucks vs. Pacers

(47:01) Most overrated NBA players

(50:23) Thunder vs. Grizzlies game 2 preview

(52:01) Magic vs. Celtics game 2 preview

(53:09) Warriors vs. Rockets game 2 preview

(1:02:17) Lakers vs. Timberwolves game 2 preview

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Warriors' experience dooms Rockets, Timberwolves out physical Lakers, Russ saves the day + more Nico drama | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 00:42:22 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and BJ Armstrong react to the Warriors stealing Game 1 vs. the Rockets and Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves physicality against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Next, Vince and BJ give Russell Westbrook his flowers for the Denver Nuggets victory and discuss what went wrong for the Detroit Pistons in their loss to the New York Knicks.

Later, Vince and BJ take a look at the hiring of Scott Perry as GM for the Sacramento Kings and more fallout with Nico Harrison and the Dallas Mavericks.

(1:32) Warriors beats Rockets

(11:35) Minnesota beats Lakers

(24:25) Nuggets defeat Clippers

(34:05) Knicks come back to defeat Pistons

(43:40) Scott Perry Kings new GM

(46:56) Nico Harrison drama in Dallas

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NBA's Top 40 Players in the 2025 Playoffs – KOC's CONTROVERSIAL Rankings REVEALED! | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sat, 19 Apr 2025 04:07:24 +0000

Kevin O'Connor went into the lab and cooked up his definitive TOP 40 players of the the 2025 NBA Playoffs, in order. Come for the snubs, stay for the controversy. It's KOC's opinion and if you don't like it, let him know in the comments. All 16 NBA Playoff teams are represented in this comprehensive, first-ever Top 40 Postseason Player rankings — and you can only get it on this special edition of The KOC Show!

(02:00) - #40-31

(16:20) - #30-21

(28:35) - #20-11

(43:35) - Top 10

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Warriors vs. Rockets, players with the most to gain, Nico's presser and who can stop a Celtics repeat | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 00:21:27 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Jared Greenberg discuss the Golden State Warriors matchup with the Houston Rockets as well as players with the most to gain during the NBA playoffs.

Next, Vince and Jared react to Damian Lillard’s potential return to the floor and the fallout from Nico Harrison’s presser with the media.

Later, Vince and Jared debate which team has the best chance to stop a Celtics repeat and Scott Perry hired as the new General Manager for the Kings.

(1:38) Warriors beat Grizzlies in Play-in

(5:03) Warriors vs. Rockets

(11:32) NBA Stars with the most to gain in playoffs

(33:44) Damian Lillard set to return

(38:37) Nico Harrison’s presser

(49:35) Will the Celtics repeat?

(56:42) Scott Perry hired as Kings GM

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NBA’s injury crisis: how to prevent injuries & increase longevity with Henry Abbott | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Join Tom Haberstroh and Henry Abbott, of TrueHoop.com, as they delve into the intricacies of the current NBA injury crisis. Henry shares insights from his upcoming book, "Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance," exploring the alarming injury rate in the NBA and the world at large.

The two talk about how biomechanics, particularly the role of hips, are pivotal for athletes to achieve peak performance and longevity. Abbott shares his experiences with Dr. Marcus Elliott and the Peak Performance Project (P3) and emphasizes that injuries are not inevitable but avoidable with the proper prevention care.

(0:41) Henry Abbott joins the show

(2:26) The Big Number: 6,000 NBA games missed due to injury

(17:46) Little Number: 72% decrease in heart disease deaths

(20:46) Little Number: 11,000 newtons of force

(28:00) Little Number: 300% increase in chances of back pain

(32:52) Little Number: $45 million Suns performance facility

(40:26) How to prevent injuries now & in the future

(43:20) P3 breathing exercise

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Steph & Butler dominate the play-in, Lakers-Wolves and Nuggets-Clippers breakdowns and Nico Harrison drops more stupidity | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 17:44:19 +0000

KOC is joined by Esfandiar Baraheni to preview and predict some of the best Round 1 matchups of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, starting with the Golden State Warriors vs. the Houston Rockets, who are fresh off the Dubs advancing out of the Play-In against the Memphis Grizzlies. Will Amen Thompson shut down Steph Curry again??

Don't miss Kevin's prediction for the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves -- as the guys preview what to expect when LeBron James and Luka Doncic take on Anthony Edwards and company. Why Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets vs. Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers could be the best matchup of Round 1.

Plus: KOC's got hot takes on Trae Young having "sore loser energy," the Boston Celtics-Orlando Magic Round 1 series, what the Joe Dumars news means for Zion Williamson's future in New Orleans (hint: TRADE time!) and, of course, Kevin goes scorched earth on Nico Harrison's latest boneheaded comments about the Dallas Mavericks.

(0:43) Warriors beat Grizzlies Tuesday night

(8:24) Warriors vs. Rockets preview

(22:32) Magic defeat Hawks on Tuesday

(28:15) Magic vs. Celtics preview

(33:51) Timberwolves vs. Lakers preview

(45:35) Nuggets vs. Clippers preview

(58:16) Nico Harrison says ‘defense wins championships’

(1:05:15) Pelicans hire Joe Dumars

(1:10:43) Damian Lillard out for start of playoffs

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Most intriguing NBA playoff matchups, JJ Redick's success, Warriors in play-in & MVP | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 21:09:30 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Bomani Jones take a look at the most intriguing series of the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Next, Vince and Bomani unpack the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves matchup and how JJ Redick’s stellar coaching this season will play a massive role.

Later, Vince and Bomani take a look at why the Golden State Warriors have tailed off the last week of the season and how it could come back to bite them in the play-in or in a series with the Houston Rockets.

(6:08) Most intriguing: Knicks vs. Pistons

(17:59) Tom Thibodeau on the hot seat?

(21:14) Nuggets vs. Clippers series

(31:07) JJ Redick’s success as coach

(34:23) Luka & LeBron’s dominance

(36:57) Timberwolves getting in their own way

(39:25) Anthony Edwards the key factor

(44:03) Warriors in the play-in

(50:40) MVP talk

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Did the Warriors Blow It? Full NBA Playoff Preview, Flagg’s Ideal Teams, Suns Fire Bud & Andrew Sharp joins | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 19:20:00 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by fellow NBA podcaster Andrew Sharp, host of "The Greatest of All Talk"and "Sharp Tech with Stratechery” to preview the Play-In Tournament, as well as the NBA Playoffs. Are the Golden State Warriors too fatigued to make it out of the Play-In, and what version of Jimmy Butler can Steph Curry expect?

Why is Andrew picking Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves to knock out Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers. Plus, the biggest question when it comes to each of the contender's chances just before the postseason begins.

And don't miss KOC and Sharp reacting to the breaking news that the Phoenix Suns were firing Mike Budenholzer — what could that mean for the future of Devin Booker and Kevin Durant?

(0:30) Andrew Sharp joins

(1:02) Clippers beat Warriors in OT

(14:22) Is this the best Kawhi-Clippers team?

(19:07) Can the Denver/Clippers winner beat OKC?

(24:46) Lakers vs. Timberwolves preview

(31:54) Eastern Conference Playoffs questions & answers

(31:56) Which play-in team is most likely to make a run?

(33:41) Do the Celtics need Jaylen Brown?

(35:52) What do the Cavs need to win?

(40:31) Is Cade Cunningham the best player in the DET/NYK series?

(44:07) Should Knicks fire Thibs?

(49:08) What do the Bucks need out of Damian Lilliard?

(50:51) Are we sleeping on the Pacers?

(51:43) KOC’s 5 favorite Flagg fits

(1:02:38) Pelicans fire executive VP Griffin

(1:03:00) Suns fire head coach Budenholzer

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KOC hands out his 2025 NBA Awards hardware, & latest on jam-packed Playoff Picture out West | The KOC Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 11 Apr 2025 17:45:44 +0000

On the latest episode of the Kevin O’Connor Show, KOC is joined by Tom Haberstroh to reveal his 2024-25 NBA awards ballot. The pair debate all the biggest honors including Nikola Jokic vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP and Amen Thompson vs. Draymond Green for DPOY. Plus, is Payton Pritchard the undisputed Sixth Man of the Year? And should Cade Cunningham even be ELIGIBLE for Most-Improved Player considering he was a no. 1 overall draft pick??

Later, they recap the Minnesota Timberwolves routing of the Memphis Grizzlies. Anthony Edwards dropped 40+ despite Zach Edey finding his footing for Memphis—could the Wolves find themselves the four seed in the West?

(0:35) Timberwolves beat Grizzlies Thursday night

(3:12) Updated Western Conference playoff picture

(11:11) KOC’s NBA awards ballots

(11:12) SGA vs. Jokic for MVP?

(24:54) Stephon Castle for Rookie of the Year?

(34:39) Amen Thompson vs. Draymond Green for DPOY?

(50:25) Payton Pritchard for 6th Man of the Year?

(54:55) Who should win Coach of the Year?

(1:00:11) Cade Cunningham MIP controversy

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Luka's emotional return to Dallas, Jokic's role in Mike Malone firing & Warriors suffer costly loss | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 21:51:47 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Titus react to Luka Doncic’s emotional return to Dallas and if it was closure for Doncic and the Mavericks fans.

Later, Vince and Dan unpack the Mike Malone firing and what was Nikola Jokic’s role in the ordeal. They also assess how bad the Warriors loss to the San Antonio Suns was to their playoff hopes.

Then, Vince and Dan take a look at the Phoenix Suns and if the franchise can do anything to begin to move in the right direction.

(00:54) Luka return to Mavericks

(7:07) Luka’s relationship with the fans

(14:00) Luka wanted to be in Dallas forever

(16:35) Mike Malone fired

(21:19) Nikola Jokic’s role in the firing

(31:23) Warriors suffer costly loss to Spurs

(34:08) West Conference standings

(39:42) Phoenix Suns terrible season

(43:01) Worse Situation: Sixers or Suns

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Jawdropping stat about TOTAL LACK of help Jokic got in Denver | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 10 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine unravel how the Denver Nuggets got to the point this week where they felt it necessary to totally clean house. On this new episode of The Big Number, Tom uncorks a jawdropping stat about the total lack of help Nikola Jokic got this season from his coaches, his front office and his teammates. Dan and Tom see the writing on the wall, and why a MASSIVE trade (or two) could be coming this summer. Plus, where the team goes from here as they search for their new HC and GM.

Later, Tom and Dan are joined by Portland Trail Blazers star Toumani Camara, who reflects on his growth as a player, ranking second in the NBA for defensive stops and embracing his role with the Blazers, where he excels in guarding top players and taking charges.

(00:45) - Were the Nuggets right to fire Michael Malone?

(15:30) - Conference finals teams need good defenses

(21:50) - Denver's concerning dependence on Jokic

(26:20) - Lack of production from Denver's young core

(31:55) - Murray, Porter Jr. and Gordon's HUGE contracts

(39:15) - Toumani Camara joins the show!

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One thing each contender needs to clean up for an NBA Finals run | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 9 Apr 2025 18:16:52 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Danny Parkins of FS1's "Breakfast Ball" to do a little Spring Cleaning ahead of the NBA Playoffs. Today is 4/09, so Danny and KOC decide to address and tidy up the biggest MESS on each title contender. The Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Milwaukee Bucks are discussed in the East, while in the West KOC and Danny "clean up" the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Plus - the guys offer further analysis, fallout and reasoning from the surprise firing of Nuggets HC Michael Malone.

(0:28) Danny Parkins joins the show

(1:10) Nuggets fire Malone & Booth

(12:21) Luka returns to Dallas Wednesday night

(15:38) Title contenders ‘spring cleaning’

(16:04) What Cavs need to clean up

(20:51) What Celtics need to clean up

(26:20) What Thunder need to clean up

(30:43) NBA needs to clean up officiating

(33:04) What Rockets need to clean up 

(37:16) What Timberwolves need to clean up

(39:44) What Lakers need to clean up

(43:40) What Warriors need to clean up

(47:49) What Knicks need to clean up

(50:17) What Bucks need to clean up

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Instant Reaction to Nuggets firing Michael Malone and Calvin Booth | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 8 Apr 2025 18:43:21 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Dan Titus react to the shocking news on Tuesday that the Denver Nuggets have fired both head coach Mike Malone and GM Calvin Booth with just DAYS before the NBA regular season is set to come to a close. What's next for the Nuggets? What does this mean for the NBA playoff picture? What is going on in the NBA with two playoff-bound coaches fired in two weeks!?

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Wild NBA Playoff Picture, NCAA Title Game Recap and Latest Draft Buzz with Jason Timpf | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 8 Apr 2025 05:10:02 +0000

KOC is joined by Jason Timpf on this episode, which recorded right after the Men's National Championship Game between Florida and Houston went final. They discussed the star players whose NBA Draft stock was impacted in the Final Four (Walter Clayton Jr! LJ Cryer!), and they didn't hold back on the state of college refs. Plus Kevin and Jason dive into the wild, absurd Western Conference playoff picture. Are the Houston Rockets a bona fide threat to win the West? Concerning losses by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors have Kevin wondering which team should ACTUALLY hit the panic button. Did the New York Knicks get better while Jalen Brunson was sidelined? All that and more on this installment of The KOC show!

(1:00) - Florida wins National Championship!

(14:10) - Draft stock of Final Four players: Auburn, Duke & more

(33:00) - Western conference: Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves

(1:05:15) - Eastern conference: Indiana Pacers & New York Knicks

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Luka Doncic the prodigy, Doncic's return to Dallas and a wild Western Conference playoff picture | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 7 Apr 2025 20:25:50 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, author of The Wonder Boy, Luka Doncic and the curse of greatness, discuss Luka’s career with the Mavericks and the internal details that led him to being traded.

Next, Vince and Tim react to the Los Angeles Lakers dominant win over the Oklahoma City Thunder and if it proves the Lakers are a real threat to OKC.

Later, Vince and Tim take a look at the Western Conference as a whole and why certain matchups could decide who wins the Western Conference.

(2:15) Luka the prodigy

(8:46) Luka’s early career with Mavericks

(18:53) Luka, Lakers huge win against Thunder

(26:48) Luka’s frayed relationship with Nico Harrison

(38:52) Luka’s first return to Dallas since being traded

(45:09) Western Conference playoff log jam

(49:57) Rockets need a superstar

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10 Massive storylines with 10 days left in the NBA Regular Season | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 4 Apr 2025 16:54:49 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh went LIVE on Friday morning to discuss 10 storylines with 10 days left in the NBA regular season, and they started with reaction to last night's masterclass performance by Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Did Steph officially enter the MVP conversation, and is GSW the team best-suited out west to KO the Thunder? Plus the guys hit 9 other massive storylines -- including why Cooper Flagg landing with the San Antonio Spurs and Victor Wembanyama would create "Tim Duncan-David Robinson 2.0"

(0:43) 10 storylines with 10 days left in the season

(0:52) Steph is Top 5 MVP 5

(5:55) Can Cavs & Bucks fix their issues?

(8:58) Grizzlies are all-in on Ja Morant

(14:23) Can Thunder win 70 games?

(19:56) SGA nears +1000

(23:36) Where will Houston's pick end up?

(26:47) Mailbag/live questions pt. 1

(39:59) Tanking teams contend for Cooper Flagg

(42:05) Who will earn the 'Mark Madsen' award?

(45:13) Can the Timberwolves keep it rolling?

(51:50) All 30 teams in action on April 13

(54:25) Mailbag/live questions pt. 2

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Ja Morant's confusing decline: young superstar ALREADY past his prime? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 3 Apr 2025 06:00:00 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down Ja Morant's unique, disturbing decline in PPG the last 3 years. Could Ja actually be past his prime already? The chaos of this season for the Memphis Grizzlies, which has seen the firing of HC Taylor Jenkins, may have culminated on Tuesday when Ja Morant seemed to do yet another "gun" gesture that the NBA is now investigating, too. Speaking of Western Conference contenders, the Thursday night tilt between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors is also previewed in full on this must-watch edition of The Big Number.

(00:55) - The Big Number: Ja Morant's declining PPG

(17:20) - Grizzlies using Ja less in pick-and-roll

(22:25) - Ja has missed over half of Grizzlies' regular season games since 2021

(25:50) - Grizzlies defensive struggles in 2025

(30:20) - Grizzlies can't beat good teams?

(34:10) - Warriors vs. Lakers preview

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Russ ruins historic game for Jokic, Steph looks refreshed, Draymond's issues with older era and Carmelo HOF | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 3 Apr 2025 02:44:15 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Jason Goff react to Nikola Jokic’s historic performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves as well as Russell Westbrook’s blunders that cost the Denver Nuggets the win.

Next, Vince and Jason discuss Stephen Curry’s stellar performance against the Memphis Grizzlies and who are the true contending teams in the Western Conference.

Later, Vince and Jason unpack Draymond Green’s comments about different eras in the NBA and give love to Carmelo Anthony for being named a first ballot Hall of Famer.

(1:29) Russ costs Nuggets the game

(9:36) Nikola Jokic an all-time great

(18:20) Steph Curry drops 52 on Memphis

(25:52) Western Conference Contenders

(38:29) Kevin Durant return to OKC?

(40:48) Draymond Green on different NBA eras

(51:27) Carmelo Anthony first ballot hall of fame

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Taylor Jenkins' surprise firing, SGA's historic season, fight night in Minnesota + dangerous team in the West | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 23:00:37 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and The Athletic’s Sam Amick react to former Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins getting fired and how that could ultimately impact Ja Morant.

Next, Vince and Sam do a deep dive on how special Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been this season and who should win MVP between him and Nikola Jokic.

Later, they choose the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference and react to the brawl between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons.

(01:12) Taylor Jenkins fired

(16:45) Ja Morant’s future with Memphis

(22:05) SGA’s historic season

(30:07) MVP: SGA or Jokic?

(37:00) Pistons-Timberwolves fight

(48:40) Dangerous teams in the Western Conference

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R.I.P. Suns, Bad Boy Pistons = BACK, + Final Four preview with Noah Eagle | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:22:20 +0000

NBA on NBC's play-by-play commentator Noah Eagle joins Kevin O'Connor to discuss all of the fallout from the weekend of hoops, including Kevin Durant's injury and Phoenix getting blown out by Houston. Find out why one of our hosts says Phoenix is "gonna lay down and die... they're done. It's over!" Plus the brawl that took place between the Detroit Pistons and Minnesota Timberwolves got Noah Eagle thinking: what if he got to COMMENTATE a fight? He gives Kevin a hilarious broadcasting "sneak peak" of what that would sound like, and of course it got them both wondering if the "Bad Boys" are officially back. And Atlanta Hawks fans, this is the episode for you! KOC finally admits he was wrong about Zaccharie Risacher who Kevin says, officially, "is NOT a bust." KOC and Noah also hit all of the college hoops fallout from over the weekend, including Elite 8 reactions and a full-blown Final Four preview. It's all on this loaded episode of the KOC Show!

(0:36) Noah Eagle joins the show

(1:35) Is it over for the Suns?

(12:05) Pistons-Timberwolves brawl

(24:11) Grizzlies fire Taylor Jenkins

(33:05) Risacher shines for Atlanta Hawks

(38:55) Walter Clayton Jr. leads Florida to Final Four

(43:31) Khaman Maluach & Duke dominate Alabama

(47:03) Would you rather: Derik Queen or Khaman Maluach

(48:32) Daniel Wolf NBA prospects

(55:21) All no. 1 seeds in men's Final Four

(57:09) Broome boosts Auburn in victory

(59:11) Non-tourney players to watch in NBA Draft

(1:07:19) SGA = Michael Jordan?

(1:10:08) Will Syracuse MBB ever be elite again?

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NBA Expansion and March Madness with Tom Haberstroh, Futuristic Thunder and Streaky Lakers with Thinking Basketball | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 16:29:10 +0000

KOC is joined by Tom Haberstroh as the guys react to the absolutely unbelievable game-winning buzzer beater from Josh Giddey. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers lose in devastating fashion (mostly because of LeBron's careless late turnover), and now it has the guys wondering if the Chicago Bulls are BACK?? Plus the Indiana Pacers scored HOW MANY points last night vs the hapless Wizards? And Kev and Tom weigh in on how fun an Indiana-Detroit Pistons First Round matchup would be. Plus Adam Silver's press conference on Thursday covered everything from NBA Expansion in Europe, (and Seattle/Las Vegas), how All-Star Weekend needs to change (again!), and how Tanking can be addressed. And don't miss the guys' thoughts on Cooper Flagg's masterpiece performance vs Arizona that sent them to the Elite 8, along with Coach John Calipari's Arkansas squad blowing a massive lead to Texas Tech, and Alabama's historic night from 3-point land.

Then, Thinking Basketball's Ben Taylor joins Kevin O'Connor to discuss the cutting-edge strategies being implemented by the "futuristic" Oklahoma City Thunder. Are the Boston Celtics on that level, too? Plus, Ben is blown away by what he's seeing from LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers, he just wonders if they'll be able to keep it up over the course of the Playoffs. And Ben weighs on why so many fans complain about the volume of 3-pointers being shot in today's "modern" NBA, and how the league may need to address it.

(1:05) Lakers lose on Bulls buzzer-beater

(6:28) Pacers put up 162 pts on Wizards

(9:34) Current Eastern Conference playoff matchups

(12:01) Adam Silver comments on NBA expansion

(18:34) Silver admits All-Star game missed the mark

(23:46) Could NIL in college hoops end NBA tanking?

(35:32) Cooper Flagg shines in Duke win vs. Arizona

(39:31) Texas Tech rallies back to beat Arkansas

(44:55) Alabama shoots record 3’s vs. BYU

(48:18) Ben Taylor of Thinking Basketball joins

(48:59) Are Celtics title favorites?

(56:28) Draymond Green deserving DPOY favorite?

(1:02:25) Is Camara a modern-day Pippen?

(1:08:40) 2024 NBA re-draft

(1:12:01) A Thinking Basketball video on Bronny?

(1:13:28) Assessment of Lakers recent skid

(1:22:55) Banchero bounces back

(1:23:01) Modern vs. ‘old school’ NBA

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These Stats PROVE Anthony Davis Can Drag the Mavs to the Playoffs | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine weigh in on why Anthony Davis is THE most important player with 10 games remaining in the NBA regular season. Patrick Dumont and Nico Harrison get to see whether their high-stakes gamble pays off in the short term, as AD currently has an outside shot to drag the Dallas Mavericks into the Play-In and then perhaps the Playoffs. Plus, Dan explains how the next tier of "most important players" with 10 games to go includes Aaron Gordon, Devin Booker, Jaden McDaniels and Kawhi Leonard — with the Western Conference Playoff picture heating up more each day. And the guys discuss Damian Lillard's DVT diagnosis and how it impacts the Milwaukee Bucks in the short-term, and perhaps additionally impacting Giannis Antetokounmpo's future with Milwaukee in the long run.

(1:00) - Big Number: Can Anthony Davis carry the Dallas Mavericks?

(16:45) - Aaron Gordon elevates the Denver Nuggets defense

(21:20) - Devin Booker's impact on the Phoenix Suns

(25:30) - Kawhi Leonard surging with the Los Angeles Clippers

(29:00) - Jaden McDaniels is sinking 3's for the Minnesota Timberwolves

(33:45) - Over/under scoreboard update

(37:15) - LeBron says Giannis could score 250 a game in the 1970's

(41:10) - Where do the Milwaukee Bucks go from here?

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LeBron claps back at Stephen A., Damian Lillard out indefinitely and Jimmy's return to Miami | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 21:55:30 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Titus react to the unfortunate news about Damian Willard being out indefinitely due to a blood clot.

Next, Vince and Dan unpack LeBron James candid interview on Pat McAfee where he expresses his interest in having a relationship with Michael Jordan and claps back at Stephen A. Smith for his remarks about Bronny James.

Later, Vince and Dan discuss Jimmy Butler’s return to South Beach and why Heat culture is dead.

(01:26) Damian Lillard out indefinitely

(4:07) What’s next for the Milwaukee Bucks?

(13:29) LeBron want relationship with Michael Jordan

(21:39) LeBron says Giannis could dominate the 70’s

(28:08) LeBron claps back at Stephen A Smith

(34:36) Conversations surrounding Bronny James

(39:29) Jimmy Butler return to Miami

(43:56) Heat culture is dead

(46:01) Jimmy Butler doing it his way

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CHRIS VERNON joins! 10 Semi-Bold predictions for the NBA final stretch & March Madness | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 04:55:26 +0000

Kevin O'Connor reunites with Chris Vernon on the latest episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, delivering 10 semi-bold predictions for the NBA season's remainder and the NBA Draft. KOC and Verno kick off sharing discontent with the Memphis Grizzlies' performance and speculate that both the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers might miss the NBA Finals.

The guys also suggest that a healthy Kawhi Leonard may make a dangerous run in the NBA Playoffs, that Chicago's Josh Giddey could be in line for a huge payday this offseason and Verno goes off on the league, predicting that massive competitive balance changes will come this offseason to address tanking and star players resting.

Finally, the pair close out with two NBA draft-themed predictions coming out of the ongoing NCAA tournament.

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(2:30) - Memphis will miss the playoffs

(11:05) - CLE & OKC will miss NBA Finals

(17:05) - OKC sweeps their first-round series

(21:35) - LAC wins at least 3 playoff games

(26:15) - Josh Giddey becomes $100 million man

(30:25) - Dame/Giannis duo will fail & Milwaukee cleans house

(38:45) - NBA enacts sweeping competitive balance changes to appease TV partners

(52:20) - Nique Clifford is a lottery pick this June

(56:50) - Boogie Fland is drafted as a first rounder

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LeBron & Jokic injuries, Knicks poor roster construction, playoff Jimmy + Cade Cunningham next superstar | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:58:02 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and James Edwards discuss whether LeBron or Nikola Jokic’s injury is the greater concern moving forward and which team has a better chance to succeed in the postseason if their stars are hobbled.

Next, Vince and Dan take a look at the New York Knicks roster construction and if last season’s success led the team to make pivotal mistakes with the current roster.

Later, can Jimmy Butler be special in the postseason for the Warriors? And Cade Cunningham’s opportunity to be the next NBA superstar.

(02:15) Bigger injury concern: LeBron or Jokic

(12:32) Are the Nuggets overrated?

(16:40) Rockets look like a dangerous team

(21:51) Are the Knicks worn down?

(24:40) Is the Knicks roster poorly constructed?

(36:36) Can Playoff Jimmy emerge for the Warriors?

(48:57) Cade Cunningham next NBA superstar?

(58:12) NBA is better when the Pistons are good

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Superstar Austin Reaves? Has Giannis hurt his legacy? Kawhi dominant again? + 11 more big NBA questions | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 18:55:28 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to answer 14 big NBA questions at the moment: Is Austin Reaves the modern day Manu Ginobili? Is Giannis' legacy taking a major hit this season? Could "Skinny Kawhi" help the Clippers go on an improbable Playoff run? Plus the guys talk Nikola Jokic and whether the Denver Nuggets' big man is seriously injured, the concern level surrounding the Cleveland Cavaliers after suffering a 3rd straight loss, who will get the 10-seed between the Phoenix Suns and Portland Trail Blazers, the Boston Celtics being sold for a record amount of money, the Houston Rockets' 8-game win streak and which East sleeper goes on the deeper run between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. All this and more on this monster 14-pack of NBA questions KOC needs you to think about.

(0:40) Are the Clippers formidable with Kawhi ‘back?’

(5:41) Concerned for Cavaliers?

(9:23) Reaves steps up for Lakers

(15:36) Can Phoenix hang on to the 10 seed?

(19:58) Anthony Davis nearing a return

(22:30) Are Warriors still top-tier title contenders?

(25:26) 21 stars did not play Wednesday

(31:10) Nuggets struggle without Jokic

(34:03) Who’s to blame for Bucks failures?

(40:28) Celtics sold for $6.1 billion

(45:26) Who can make a deeper run: Pacers or Pistons?

(49:12) Where should Amen Thompson play for Rockets?

(51:27) What’s wrong with the Grizzlies?

(53:28) NCAA Tourney predictions

(55:52) Favorite mid-lottery prospects

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Bucks WASTING an all-time great Giannis season? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 06:00:00 +0000

The Big Number this week looks at the spectacular season being had by Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks. Could the Greek Freak finish 3rd in the MVP race, despite how disappointing the team has been? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine reveal that Giannis is putting up numbers that we've never seen before, but no one is talking about it. That probably has something to do with the Bucks being WINLESS against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Tuesday night's loss to Golden State was bad enough that Doc Rivers called a meeting with Giannis and Damian Lillard to try and pull the Bucks out of a "dire" situation.

(3:30) - Does Giannis deserve more MVP buzz?

(13:25) - Celtics' lead over Bucks helps Tatum's case

(17:55) - Is the Cavs' talented roster hurting Donovan Mitchell's case?

(24:50) - Too little too late for Anthony Edwards?

(28:15) - Jalen Brunson is elevating the Knicks

(32:15) - Over/under scoreboard update

(33:05) - Are the Bucks a one & done playoff team?

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March Madness prospects to watch with Mark Titus & NBA contender check-in with Marcus Morris | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 17:05:08 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Mark Titus unveil their first-ever March Madness NBA Prospect Draft! Mark says the #1 overall player on both offense and defense in the coming NBA Draft is Cooper Flagg, which has both guys realizing the Duke phenom compares to football's 2-way stud, Travis Hunter. Mark drafts a full 5-man starting lineup of prospects participating in March Madness, including a 6th Man. Kevin then drafts his 5-man starting lineup including the 1st guy off his bench. Some of the names they discuss: Jase Richardson (Michigan State), VJ Edgecombe (Baylor), Kon Knueppel (Duke), Derik Queen (Maryland), Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma), and more. Plus both guys weigh in on the disappointment of Rutgers not being in The Tournament, which means America misses out on getting to see the brilliant play of both Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper (boo!)

And then, 14-year NBA veteran Marcus Morris did NOT hold back in his debut appearance on the KOC Show, going absolutely scorched earth on Daryl Morey -- "I don't trust Daryl Morey!" Marcus explains his disdain for the Philadelphia 76ers' VP of Basketball Operations in this MUST-watch sitdown interview. Plus Marcus takes Kevin behind the scenes of how he found out his brother Markieff was traded with Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Morris also believes the Oklahoma City Thunder could be upset by the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, and explains why the Cleveland Cavaliers won't get by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

(0:27) - Mark Titus joins

(2:08) - Titus' NBA draft prospect locks

(33:45) - Ace Bailey & Dylan Harper miss March Madness

(37:30) - KOC's NBA draft prospect gambles

(1:06:25) - Marcus Morris joins

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Playoff risers, lottery tankers and Cooper Flagg’s injury | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 17:13:37 +0000

Let the NBA Draft Lottery tanking COMMENCE! De'Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs, out for the year. Paul George, likely done for the year. The Mavs, well they're not TRYING to tank but it's happening anyway because DuMont and Nico Harrison's respective visions for the Dallas Mavericks continue to blow up in their face. The Miami Heat, we can't tell if they're tanking or just plain stink. The Utah Jazz are tanking in plain sight (and getting fined for it). But there's plenty of good too -- Tom Haberstroh tells Kevin O'Connor that the Golden State Warriors are officially a "top-tier" title contender, right up there with the Cavs, Thunder and Celtics. It's all on this fresh new episode of The KOC Show.

Plus, former NBA star Gordon Hayward joins Kevin O'Connor to break down Cooper Flagg's injury, and what this could mean for #1-ranked Duke's immediate future with The Tournament looming. Hayward explains how after he saw the Flagg injury, the first thing he thought of was his own gruesome ankle injury. KOC and Gordon also talk about which players for Duke will now need to step up, including Kon Knueppel. Gordon also reacts to his alma mater Butler losing on Thursday to #6 St. John's.

(1:28) NBA teams beginning to tank

(1:59) Utah Jazz fined

(2:35) San Antonio Spurs tanking?

(3:50) Philadelphia 76ers tanking?

(7:26) Miami Heat tanking?

(10:47) Are teams tanking for Cooper Flagg?

(13:22) Portland Trail Blazers are NOT tanking

(20:49) Mikal Bridges comments on ‘minutes’

(27:41) DuMont comments on Luka trade

(35:47) Golden State Warriors title contenders?

(43:43) Minnesota Timberwolves title contenders?

(52:33) Why incentives matter in NBA postseason

(58:17) Gordon Hayward joins the show

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Jimmy Butler transforms Warriors from SLOPPY to SLEEK | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 22:07:29 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine dive deep into the seismic shift in the Golden State Warriors' performance since Jimmy Butler's arrival. From being one of the sloppiest teams in the NBA to now leading the league in free throws made with fewer turnovers than ever, Butler has reshaped the Warriors into a mistake-free juggernaut. The pair break down his impressive individual stats, including how he's driving efficiency on both ends without dominating the ball, and what his presence has done to increase Steph Curry’s scoring, pushing him to one of his most efficient stretches ever. Could Butler’s addition be the missing piece to a Warriors’ NBA title run?Tom & Dan also take a close look at how the Warriors have adjusted in non-Steph minutes, with Jimmy’s impressive numbers filling the gap when Curry sits, and discuss the effectiveness of their new small-ball lineup. Plus, the impact of Jonathan Kuminga’s potential return and how his presence could further bolster Golden State’s depth as they head into the postseason. With Butler's impact stretching from offense to defense, could this midseason trade go down as one of the best in NBA history?

(1:15) - Big Number: Jimmy Butler revitalizes Golden State
(16:25) - Steph’s improved shooting
(22:00) - Warriors’ new & improved net rating
(24:15) - Golden State small-ball starting five
(28:00) - Kuminga to return after ankle injury
(33:50) - Over/under scoreboard update
(34:25) - Shaq forgets who’s coaching the Pistons

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Contender Chaos, MVP Mood Swings and French Rookie Reviews | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:23:50 +0000

On this edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC welcomes in Steve Jones Jr. to help him break down the chaos of the NBA at the moment. The Nuggets and Thunder split their back-to-back, but KOC feels like an MVP may have emerged. More importantly, what did he and Steve learn about both teams? Can Denver be trusted to turn it on this postseason, and is Jalen Williams a viable #2 option on a Championship contender? Speaking of contenders, the Milwaukee Bucks' chances of going on a deep run are thoroughly dissected. Winless against the East's top teams, does anyone believe in Giannis Antetokounmpo and company? Will the Cleveland Cavaliers ever lose again? Would Cooper Flagg really stay one more year at Duke? And don't worry Atlanta Hawks fans, KOC is finally ready to talk Zaccharie Risacher.

(00:40) - Takeaways from Thunder-Nuggets series

(14:05) - Grizzlies def. Suns 120-118

(25:30) - Cavs on 14-game win streak

(36:15) - Do Bucks still have a shot this season?

(42:10) - How LeBron and Amen Thompson’s injuries affect the playoff picture

(49:00) - Rookie Report: The French Guys (& Cooper Flagg)

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LeBron's injury, JJ Redick coaching style, difficulty in covering Bronny and the MVP race | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 22:38:06 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and Dan Woike react to LeBron James’ groin injury and take a look at how accountability from JJ Redick and veterans like Markieff Morris have benefited James and the Los Angeles Lakers season.

Next, Vince and Dan revisit the incident with LeBron and Stephen A. Smith an unpack how it is very difficult to cover Bronny James.

Later, Vince and Dan break down the close MVP race between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic and if the Thunder or Cavaliers are more likely to reach the NBA Finals.

(02:22) LeBron injures groin against Boston

(08:00) JJ Redick doing a great job coaching

(15:06) JJ Redick, Markieff Morris holding LeBron accountable

(21:53) Lakers still playing great without Luka at his best

(28:00) LeBron confrontation with Stephen A.

(45:37) MVP Conversation

(53:26) More Likely to Happen: Cavaliers or Thunder make it to NBA Finals

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Luka, LeBron leave OT with WIN, Brunson leaves LIMPING | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 7 Mar 2025 08:07:34 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh dive into the Lakers' thrilling overtime victory against the Knicks in this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show. How concerned should Knicks fans be about Jalen Brunson's ankle injury, and does Thibs deserve any blame for the star guard's usage down the stretch? Plus, the OT heroics of Luka Doncic prove yet again why Nico Harrison made "the dumbest trade" in the history of sports.

Plus KOC and Tom rank the current Western Conference Play-In picture teams currently seeded from #6-through-#12. How awesome would it be to get a Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers series in Round 1 of the Playoffs? Speaking of the Dubs, the guys break down Draymond Green's foot-in-mouth comments about Karl-Anthony Towns missing the Knicks-Warriors game. And their hilarious recap of the Charles Barkley vs Kendrick Perkins "media feud" that took place on social media Thursday night.

Later, 2025's #1 recruit and BYU commit AJ Dybantsa sits down with KOC to talk his greatest inspirations, why he plays basketball, his expectations for the NBA and much more.

(00:45) - KOC's West Play-In power rankings

(25:20) - Do NBA coaches need to experiment more?

(31:30) - Jalen Brunson suffers ankle injury

(36:00) - NBA media drama: Draymond & KAT, Charles Barkley & Kendrick Perkins

(42:25) - Best restaurants in Portland

(47:00) - AJ Dybantsa on life & basketball

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NBA Awards home stretch: SGA, Jokic or LEBRON for MVP? + DPOY, 6MOY, COY & MIP | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 6 Mar 2025 08:00:00 +0000

On this edition of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine take a look at every single front-runner for each of the NBA Awards: MVP, Most Improved Player, 6th Man of the Year, Coach of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. Will the current favorites hang on for the next month? Tom and Dan break down SGA's chances of winning his 1st MVP, and whether LeBron James has a true, viable path to chasing him down (in LeBron chasedown fashion). Evan Mobley is the current DPOY favorite, but Tom explains why he "hates" that. Could Evan's head coach Kenny Atkinson be caught by JB Bickerstaff? Cade Cunningham leads MIP as the Pistons dream season continues, but should former #1 overall picks even be eligible for that award? And the nominees that could catch Payton Pritchard for 6MOY. Plus the guys weigh in on the devastating Kyrie Irving news as it pertains to his looming contract situation, and go in hard on Mavericks GM Nico Harrison.

(1:40) - Big Number: SGA or Jokic for MVP? (or LeBron?)

(18:55) - Little Number: Defensive Player of the Year

(25:20) - Little Number: Coach of the Year

(29:50) - Little Number: 6th Man of the Year

(34:35) - Most Improved Player

(42:55) - Scoreboard update: Tom ties it

(44:50) - What Kyrie's injury means for Dallas'

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7 NBA takes I NEED to get off my chest | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 4 Mar 2025 10:00:00 +0000

I’ve got a lot on my mind watching the NBA as of late, and on this pod I’m unleashing some of those takes. Some are hot. Others are mild. After opening with some thoughts on the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers, I brought on three guests to discuss the rest. Jared Weiss, who covers the NBA for The Athletic, talked Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets. Then Legend Of Winning came on to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, before Bryce Simon made his second appearance to talk Detroit Pistons and some NBA Draft.

(00:30) - Devin Booker needs to request a trade

(2:20) - NBA should change the play-in rules

(4:50) - Celtics are still the favorites in the East

(18:35) - Nuggets need to play their young guys

(21:05) - Lakers are best-equipped team to take out OKC

(44:00) - James Harden needs to adapt

(54:25) - LOW calls out KOC’s dunk contest takes

(1:02:05) - Could the Pistons win a playoff series?

(1:22:15) - NBA draft takes: Jase Richardson & Danny Wolf

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Steph drops 56, LeBron dominates, and Father Time calls timeout | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 18:59:53 +0000

After yet another night of Stephortless Brongevity, Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh are wondering if Father Time has lost his powers. Steph Curry drops 56 (including 12 threes!) vs. the hapless Orlando Magic, and LeBron James continues to rewrite the history books after a 3-and-D clinic vs the Minnesota Timberwolves. All of that "Face of the League" talk can be quieted, as KOC and Tom point out that these two might STILL be in their primes. Speaking of the "face of the league" comments from King James, Kevin and Tom agree -- the way the national media covers the game right now is STALE.

Also on this episode of The KOC Show: the Denver Nuggets fell to the Milwaukee Bucks and the guys think THE BLAME GAME is about to fall squarely on Russell Westbrook. Uh oh. Plus, the season of misery continues for the Phoenix Suns. They fell to the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson, who logged his first triple-double -- maybe thanks to Zion's new tattoo? Plus Kevin and Tom hit the streaking Detroit Pistons, the surging Portland Trailblazers, pay homage to Gregg Popovich, and discuss Paul George's temporary leave from podcasting life.

(0:48) Steph drops 56 pts on Magic

(19:50) Bucks defeat Nuggets at home

(29:19) Lakers take down Timberwolves

(37:53) LeBron on being “face of the league”

(43:29) Zion’s new tattoo

(50:53) Suns lose to struggling Pelicans

(58:02) Anthony Edwards double technical

(1:01:32) Popovich won’t return this season

(1:03:32) Paul George breaks from podcasting

(1:04:07) Blazers recent success

(1:06:51) Can Pistons make run in playoffs?

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The BEST Cavs team EVER, sorry Bron! + Luka Doncic: defensive JUGGERNAUT | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 22:51:16 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine have stumbled across undeniable evidence: the 2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers are the best team in franchise history. Yes, better than the 2016 title-winning team (sorry, LeBron!) by EVERY statistical measure. The Big Number this week focuses on the Cavs' margin of victory, which has now encroached "all-time great" status. The ascent of Evan Mobley, the MIP case for Ty Jerome, how Kenny Atkinson and Koby Altman have been right with every decision, the addition of De'Andre Hunter, how this has been the best individual seasons for both Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland... and how Max Strus is playing the Cavs' "Steph Curry" role (don't worry: Tom and Dan will explain)! The Cavs are absurdly good and this episode will tell you what has been "The Diff."

Plus — the Los Angeles Lakers are somehow BETTER defensively with Luka Doncic than they were with Anthony Davis. How is that possible?? Tom and Dan have you covered on every angle from LeBron past to LeBron present on this must-watch installment of The Big Number.

(1:00) - The Big Diff: Cavs' historic point differential

(13:35) - Cavs' insane offensive rating+

(17:35) - Cavs have 20% of the top players in win share per 48 min

(22:15) - Evan Mobley's impact on Cavs offense

(28:35) - 10 Cavs players averaging 19+ minutes per game

(34:30) - Over/under scoreboard update

(35:10) - Reacting to Luka Doncic against the Mavericks

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10 NBA questions keeping me up at night | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Are you tossing and turning at night thinking about all the unanswered questions going on in the NBA right now with just 6 weeks left in the regular season? Kevin O'Connor is dealing with some BAD insomnba, which is like insomnia — just way worse. KOC is tormented wondering if the Suns could actually MISS the Play-In. No way... right? Is the Joel Embiid Era in Philadelphia finally over? Will the New York Knicks problems be fixed with the return of Mitchell Robinson, or will they continue to REGRET the Mikal Bridges trade? Is Paolo Banchero even good?!? Are the Cleveland Cavaliers now built to OVERCOME the Boston Celtics? Will Ja Morant ever return to his old form in the Memphis Grizzlies new-look offense? Was Kevin dumb for thinking the Golden State Warriors should have blown it up? As you can see, it is a BAD case of insomnba. Counting sheep hasn't helped, but voicing his concerns on this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show might do the trick.

(00:25) - Do I regret suggesting GSW blow it up?

(3:20) - Will small ball benefit the Los Angeles Lakers?

(5:30) - Can Ja find himself in Memphis' new-look O?

(7:30) - Are the Phoenix Suns about to miss the play-in?

(27:45) - Is Paolo Banchero actually any good?

(30:25) - Is it worth holding onto hope for the Milwaukee Bucks?

(32:25) - Can new-look Cavs perform better vs. Boston?

(33:15) - Does Mitchell Robinson complete the Knicks?

(53:00) - Who’s going to start tanking?

(56:20) - Is the Joel Embiid era over in Philly?

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NBA style of play criticism, JJ Redick's stellar coaching and Joel Embiid's knee dooming Sixers | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 23:00:34 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Bomani Jones do a deep dive on the criticism the NBA has received for the current style of play.

Vince and Bomani then breakdown the Los Angeles Lakers victory over the Denver Nuggets and if their defensive effort will be sustainable in the playoffs.

Later, Vince and Bomani praise Gregg Popovich and discuss what the Philadelphia 76ers should do with Joel Embiid.

(01:13) PK Subban criticizes NBA players

(04:47) NBA culture, style of play being heavily scrutinized

(32:52) Lakers-Nuggets reaction

(39:36) Potential matchups in NBA playoffs

(52:29) Gregg Popovich out for season

(53:19) Joel Embiid knee injury

(57:07) Gregg Popovich the best coach ever?

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Sleeper LONG shots to win the NBA Title: Rockets? Clippers? & more | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to Draymond Green's stunning proclamation that the Golden State Warriors "WILL" win the NBA title this season. They don't agree, but it did give them a good idea — which long shots COULD win the Larry O in June? Find out why the Houston Rockets, LA Clippers, and Minnesota Timberwolves all met the threshold as teams with long odds that do have a viable path to pay dirt. Come for the longshot betting tips backed up by the numbers, stay for the Sisqo "Thong Song" reenactment — this episode has it all!

(1:10) - The Big Number: our Draymond Green-level championship sleeper picks
(14:55) - Jamal Murray and the surging Denver Nuggets
(19:00) - Are we underestimating the Memphis Grizzlies?
(25:35) - Can Brunson & Anunoby elevate the New York Knicks?
(29:15) - Are we sleeping on the Timberwolves?
(33:35) - Over/Under scoreboard update
(38:20) - Does the NBA All-Star Game need to change?

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Anthony Edwards not the face of the NBA, potential Finals matchups & All-Star fallout | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 22:01:35 +0000

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vince and the Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn reflect on NBA All-Star weekend and what the league and players need to do to make it worth while.

Vince and Gary then give their picks for potential NBA Finals matchups including which series would be most chaotic and which would garner the largest amount of viewers.

Later, Vince and Gary unpack why Anthony Edwards is so adamant about not being the face of the NBA.

(01:34) San Francisco hosts All-Star weekend

(05:08) All-Star format

(22:23) Finals matchup you want to see most

(23:45) Most likely Finals matchup

(26:28) Finals matchup that will generate highest ratings

(28:33) Finals matchup that would cause the most chaos

(32:16) Anthony Edwards face of the NBA

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Under-appreciated players and teams with Trey Murphy | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 10:00:00 +0000

From role player to STUD, Trey Murphy's individual ascent this season surprised even himself. The Pelicans' superstar-in-the-making shares how he went from doubting himself to now KNOWING why he belongs. Trey kept it real on why his New Orleans Pelicans team started the year so poorly. Kevin asks Murphy to fill-in-the-blank: Zion Williamson is a top __ player in the NBA right now? That answer will surprise you. Plus with Trey being the most UNDER-APPRECIATED, unheralded star in the NBA, KOC asks Trey to pick a "starting 5" of the most underrated players in the NBA right now. You will never guess who's on his list. Trey also weighs in on what Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors said about the NBA becoming "boring." how the Oklahoma City Thunder are so hard to beat, his personal reaction to the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, and much more.

(0:49) Draymond Green comments on NBA

(1:33) Why Trey Murphy loves ball

(2:26) Assessment of Orlando Magic

(5:16) Assessment of Detroit Pistons

(6:01) Murphy's development & improvements

(13:53) Under-appreciated NBA players

(20:41) Luka - AD trade reactions

(21:17) How can Murphy become an All-Star?

(23:27) Zion Williams impact on Pelicans

(25:49) Pelicans struggles this season

(30:48) Assessment of Oklahoma City Thunder

(34:20) Assessment of Denver Nuggets

(35:08) Toughest places to play in NBA

(40:34) Current state of the NBA

(45:41) Kobe's influence on Trey Murphy

(48:27) Call of Duty & gaming

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Worst All-Star Weekend EVER!? NBA, TNT, LeBron & Kevin Hart TORCHED by KOC!

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 04:05:06 +0000

Kevin O'Connor spared no one from a total evisceration of the NBA All-Star Weekend, especially the new Sunday night game format. Why did TNT make the night more about themselves than the players? How did Commissioner Adam Silver allow an All-Star Weekend in San Francisco without Steph Curry in the 3-point contest? How is Kevin supposed to be excited about a "G-Leaguer" that "only uses props" in the Slam Dunk contest? KOC loves LeBron but says he's to blame as well for pulling out of the All-Star Game last-minute! EVERYTHING All-Star is a mess according to Kevin and Dan Titus. The guys also break down the several weird sound bytes from Draymond Green, including he and Jimmy Butler both being "alpha" personalities, Dray's prediction that the Warriors will win the title THIS season, and Green allegedly "turning down" the Warriors' Head Coaching position in the future once Steve Kerr retires.

0:22 - Team Shaq Wins 41-25! MVP: Steph Curry (2nd ASG MVP)

2:16 - Was Wemby Impressive? Injected energy into Team Chuck

3:40 - New Format vs. East vs. West – Which one’s better?

5:35 - Charles Barkley vs. Draymond – Did Dray’s generation ruin the NBA?

6:52 - How To Fix All-Star Weekend – KOC & Dan’s ideas

9:41 - Giannis' Big Idea – Team USA vs. World + Global ASG Cities

12:20 - Mac McClung 3-Peats in the Dunk Contest

17:49 - Draymond on Butler & GSW’s Title Chances

19:08 - Did Draymond Turn Down Future GSW HC Job? Serious or trolling?

21:08 - Fantasy Basketball Breakout Players w/ Dan Titus

26:36 - More Fantasy Pickups – Who’s worth adding?

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NBA POWER RANKINGS! Where all 30 teams stand at the All-Star Break | Kevin O’Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 23:21:54 +0000

All 30 NBA teams are ranked by tier in this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show. Heading into All-Star Weekend, which FOUR teams are "The Favorites" according to Kevin (and who's #1)? Which 3 teams does KOC view as "Contender...ish?" Next up, there's the "RESPECT YOUR ELDERS" category, the "SOMETHING IS MISSING" bucket, and then the dreaded "GRIPPING THE ELECTRICAL CORD" tier. Rounding out the rest of the league: the "League Pass Darlings" and unfortunately, the bottom tier: "POOP FOR COOPER" Flagg. All 30 teams fit into one of those categories, and KOC ranks them ALL here.
Plus Tom Haberstroh stops by for an unexpectedly HEATED debate about "Old Man Chris Paul!" Why KOC thinks the San Antonio Spurs are tanking in broad daylight, why the Philadelphia 76ers' Paul George looks like "Khris Middleton but with $100 Million owed to him" and how Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are playing some of the best 2-man basketball the NBA has EVER SEEN.

(00:35) - Poop for Cooper tier
(9:00) - League Pass darlings tier
(15:05) - Gripping the electrical cord tier
(18:30) - Something's missing tier
(23:35) - Respect your elders tier
(26:20) - Contender-ish tier
(30:55) - The favorites tier
(38:20) - Buy Denver as a legit contender?
(49:55) - Donovan Clingan sleeper for ROTY?
(52:20) - Are the Spurs quiet tanking?
(57:20) - Concern for Los Angeles Lakers in loss to Utah?
(1:04:30) - Bol Bol surging
(1:06:50) - Any hope left for the 76ers?

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Could Wemby beat Steph AND LeBron for All-Star MVP? and who will ‘capture the Flagg?’ | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

On this episode of The Big Number Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine preview the 2025 NBA All-Star weekend and make the case for several All-Star MVP candidates. Could it be hometown host & hero Steph Curry? Or will Damian Lillard win a second-straight MVP? There’s also a strong case for LeBron James who’s playing with a new pep in his step now that Luka Doncic has joined the Lakers. Plus, what if Victor Wembanyama takes revenge on Steph Curry after losing to Team USA in the Olympics to steal the MVP award from him on his home turf?

Tom & Dan update the scoreboard on their over/unders competition and take a look at the hottest draft prospect in the country, Cooper Flagg. The pair discuss which teams are currently in position to land Flagg and just how scary certain franchises could become if they manage to ‘capture the Flagg.’

(1:24) The Big Number: 15

(4:29) Steph Curry for All-Star MVP?

(10:49) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for MVP?

(13:00) Damian Lillard for MVP?

(17:45) Anthony Edwards for MVP?

(21:27) LeBron James for MVP?

(24:50) Victor Wembanyama for MVP?

(29:05) Over/unders update

(30:58) Who will land Cooper Flagg?

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Does Joel Embiid have a future with the Sixers? + Mavericks can't catch a break and Kevin Durant claps back | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 01:51:44 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus discuss if Joel Embiid has a future with the Philadelphia 76ers following news he may need another knee surgery.

Vince and Dan then give their thoughts on NBA All-Star weekend and if it can be saved.

Later, Vince and Ice Young react to Kevin Durant clapping back at Ramona Shelburne and the latest news with Unrivaled.

(1:39) - Joel Embiid Surgery

(10:52) - Dallas Mavericks

(14:31) - All-Star Weekend

(21:21) - KD Claps back

(33:31) - Breanna Stewart scoreless

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Luka's Laker DEBUT, & how the Wolves almost gave us "DUR-ANT" (and still could!) | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 07:50:57 +0000

What a debut! The Los Angeles Lakers dismantled the Utah Jazz on Monday night, and the chemistry between Luka Doncic and LeBron James was palpable and on full display. KOC and Daman Rangoola couldn't believe their eyes, it's really real! Daman takes KOC inside the minds of Lakers fans, who actually — for real — feel badly for Dallas Mavericks fans. And with Anthony Davis' injury situation already looking dire, KOC and Daman wonder if the Mavericks "win-now" strategy is about to free-fall.

Jon Krawczynski stops by the KOC Show to talk all things Minnesota Timberwolves. How close was Minnesota to ACTUALLY landing Kevin Durant on Deadline Day? Jon offers insight on what exactly went down as the Wolves tried to create the "DUR-ANT" pairing (and how they still could this coming offseason). KOC and Jon also react to the Wolves' embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who welcomed newcomer De'Andre Hunter into their lineup. And, Jon has the latest on the Timberwolves' majority ownership situation.

(00:50) - Reacting to Luka Doncic’s Laker debut

(11:20) - Mark Williams trade debacle

(14:30) - AD’s injury & the Mavericks

(24:50) - Early impressions of new-look Spurs

(29:50) - Thoughts on Jimmy Butler’s fit with Golden State

(35:10) - Cavs beat Wolves 128-107

(42:10) - Wolves inch towards A-Rod majority ownership

(48:50) - Is Wolves’ interest in Kevin Durant genuine?

(54:05) - Just Riffin’

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Kevin Durant's fractured relationship with Suns, Jimmy Butler gets his money & Luka calling shots in L.A | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 7 Feb 2025 06:53:06 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Amin Elhassan break down why Kevin Durant significantly impacted Jimmy Butler being traded to the Golden State Warriors and how the relationship with Durant and the Phoenix Suns is now fractured.

Vince and Amin then discuss how the Los Angeles Lakers trading for Mark Williams is a sign they’ve handed the keys to the organization to Luka Doncic.

Later, Vince and Amin pick their winners and losers from some of the notable trades that took place before the NBA deadline.

(01:18) Kevin Durant's impact on Jimmy Butler trade

(07:10) Kevin Durant's free agency

(19:46) Jimmy Butler get his money from Warriors

(31:27) Luka Doncic already influencing decisions for Lakers

(50:03) Winners and losers from NBA trade deadline moves

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Trade Deadline BONANZA: Warriors, Lakers now CONTENDERS? Plus how Suns, Giannis, & Trae were ALL left empty-handed | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 7 Feb 2025 01:09:04 +0000

Never in the long, storied history of The Kevin O'Connor Show has KOC managed to hit ALL 30 NBA teams in one BONANZA of a podcast... until now! Headlined by the Golden State Warriors landing Jimmy Butler (and whether that move makes them a contender), what an incredible 2025 NBA Trade Deadline. The biggest LOSER on Deadline Day was the Phoenix Suns -- whose future now looks beyond bleak as they deal with the aftermath of failed Kevin Durant trade talks (and now: a toxic locker-room). But the Milwaukee Bucks aren't too far behind!

KOC and Tom explain how the Kyle Kuzma deal spells doom for Milwaukee in the form of Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially asking for a trade as soon as this summer! And, why the Cleveland Cavaliers went from rich-to-richer in acquiring De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. Kevin explains why the Hawks' Deadline activity showed him that Trae Young's future in ATL is now in serious doubt.

Plus: Tom and Kevin don't exactly see eye-to-eye on the MARK WILLIAMS fit with the Los Angeles Lakers. And what on earth were the Toronto Raptors doing acquiring Brandon Ingram? Why the Sacramento Kings acquisition of Jonas Valanciunas could be a jumbo-sized win, and so much more. This episode has it all, just hit play. Sit back and relax as if you were the Nuggets, Wolves, Blazers and Magic on Trade Deadline Day.

(1:16) Lakers trade for Mark Williams

(13:41) Warriors trade for Jimmy Butler

(30:57) Suns move Jusuf Nurkic to Hornets

(39:23) Grizzlies send Marcus Smart to Wizards

(42:36) Jonas Valanciunas to the Kings

(45:02) Hawks trade Bogdanovic to Clippers

(50:07) Cavs land De’Andre Hunter

(55:23) Trae Young’s future ‘murky’

(1:04:48) Amen Thompson untouchable at deadline

(1:06:35) Bucks & Wizards trade Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma

(1:16:49) Raptors acquire Brandon Ingram

(1:23:26) Chet Holmgren returns for Thunder

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Rockets superstar Amen Thompson is UNTOUCHABLE at NBA trade deadline | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 6 Feb 2025 05:00:00 +0000

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine are all-in on Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets. Despite being only 22 years-old, Thompson's stock is rising at a seemingly improbable pace. With numbers that put him at the All-Star level even now, does Amen Thompson have the potential to become an MVP-caliber player such as Jimmy Butler or Kawhi Leonard? And, if so, would the Houston Rockets DARE to trade him away at the deadline?

Dan brings in his four Little Numbers to showcase the similarities between Amen Thompson and NBA icons such as Alex Caruso, Paul George, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and more.

The duo also talk a few trades as the NBA trade deadline approaches on Thursday evening, including the Milwaukee Bucks trading Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. WHY would the Bucks trade for Kuzma when his recent play has been dismal at best? Or is this the trade before the real trade for Milwaukee?

(1:37) The Big Number: 21
(9:07) Is Amen Thompson un-tradable?
(13:49) The Little Numbers: 2.5 & 3
(17:49) The Little Numbers: 80
(21:41) The Little Numbers: 0.764
(26:56) The Little Numbers: 0
(30:45) Over/unders update
(32:15) Bucks trade Middleton to Wizards for Kuzma
(39:34) Thunder acquire Theis from Pelicans

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How Luka & LeBron will co-exist in new-look Lakers offense and why KD is the next big domino to fall | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 4 Feb 2025 23:00:24 +0000

Never in NBA history has an offense been spearheaded by TWO jumbo playmakers -- until now. Luka Doncic and LeBron James could unlock creative, brilliant offensive options for Head Coach JJ Redick, according to Laker Film Room's own Pete Zayas. KOC and Pete break down the potential upside for the Lakers, the downside (hint: DEFENSE) and why prioritizing another trade for a BIG MAN is utterly imperative if the Lakers want to compete for a title this year.

Don't look now, but Kevin Durant could be on the move. KOC is also joined by Bleacher Report's Mo Dakhil discuss the potential destinations they see as a fit for KD, along with what they're both hearing from their sources ahead of the deadline. And the big winner (so far) of this year's Trade Deadline? NOT the Los Angeles Lakers -- but the San Antonio Spurs (!) according to Kevin O'Connor. Why the De'Aaron Fox trade will have Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs contending as soon as this year, because Kevin thinks San Antonio isn't done wheeling just yet. Plus, the latest on Cam Johnson, the New York Knicks, Bradley Beal, DeMar DeRozan, the Orlando Magic and so much more.

(0:25) Pete Zayas joins KOC

(0:53) Luka + LeBron fit

(9:45) Lakers need a center

(18:03) What if Luka + LeBron don’t mesh?

(18:57) AD’s fit with Mavericks

(25:49) Mo Dakhil joins KOC

(25:57) Spurs acquire De’Aaron Fox

(32:22) Will Spurs make another move?

(38:40) Spurs need a 4 or 5 with Wemby?

(43:07) Did Bulls get a bad deal for LaVine?

(47:28) LaVine fit with the Kings

(49:34) Should Kings trade DeRozan?

(52:03) Kevin Durant trade rumors

(59:00) Trade for Larry Nance Jr?

(1:01:45) 76ers-Mavericks trade

(1:05:50) Mo on the Luka-AD trade

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Luka a Laker, Kevin Durant Golden State rumors and De'Aaron Fox makes Spurs legit | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 3 Feb 2025 23:05:14 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Marcus Thompson unpack the groundbreaking trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers and Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks.

Vince and Marcus discuss the pros and cons for both teams and how ownership of the Mavericks likely played a large part in the deal getting done.

Next, Marcus points out the rumblings that a Kevin Durant return to the Golden State Warriors could be the help that Stephen Curry needs.

Later, Vince and Marcus take a look at the De'Aaron Fox trade that sent the star guard to the San Antonio Spurs and Zach LaVine to Sacramento Kings.

(01:39) What Luka-Anthony Davis trade really means

(27:50) Where do things stand between Warriors and Jimmy Butler

(31:12) Could Kevin Durant return to Bay area to play with Steph?

(39:52) De'Aaron Fox forms new duo with Victor Wembanyama

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Mavs fans TRAUMATIZED after Luka trade, Dr. KOC prescribes THIS POD | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sun, 2 Feb 2025 22:52:40 +0000

Mavs fans: Kevin sees you, and Kevin hears you. Please sit down, get comfortable, and tell us how Nico Harrison's decision to trade Luka Doncic hurt you. Because that's what his good friend and Dallas Mavericks diehard fan Jason Gallagher did on this edition of the KOC Show.

Jason's beloved Luka Doncic is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, and there's nothing anyone can do about that. Dr. O'Connor first tried immersive therapy with Jason, where Kevin played the role of Nico Harrison so that Jason could confront "the Mavs GM." Then Kevin helped Jason get through the stages of grief, with a little bargaining. Maybe Anthony Davis can help win a title this year? Perhaps some trades are still in the works for the Mavs, including Zion Williamson, Zach LaVine, and Cam Johnson coming to Dallas. It's all on this therapeutic installment of The Kevin O'Connor Show.

(0:43) Mavericks therapy session with Jason Gallagher

(16:13) KOC role-plays as Mavs GM Nico Harrison

(31:18) 4 trades Mavs could still make

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Part II: NBA All-Star Reserves, more Trade Deadline Madness and Knicks Deep-Dive with Ariel Helwani | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 10:00:00 +0000

On this installment of The Kevin O'Connor Show, New York Knicks superfan and Yahoo's own Ariel Helwani stops by to demand RESPECT for his squad! Ariel is tired of national media — including TNT's "Inside the NBA" — disrespecting a Knicks team that has been rolling as of late. Ariel is sick of hearing the tired take that Coach Thibs plays his starters too many minutes. Helwani didn't stop there — he thinks Josh Hart is hooping like a "top 24 player" in the NBA! And that Jalen Brunson is the "pound-for-pound" #1 player in the NBA. And Karl-Anthony Towns gets some major love for his defense against Nikola Jokic — despite Draymond Green thinking otherwise on social media.

Speaking of Dray's beef with KAT, Ariel explains why he wants to see the two of them duke it out in the octagon. And while we're at it, who would win in a real fight between Shaquille O'Neal and Dwight Howard?

Don't miss Kevin's takes on the NBA All-Star Reserves and snubs. KOC thinks *5* players should have gotten in before Jaylen Brown (!), has thoughts on Trae Young's snub, and explains why the Kyrie Irving omission was so glaring. Houston Rockets fan and podcast personality Roosh Williams stops by on this episode for a deep dive on Clutch City, including his thoughts on Alperen Sengun making the All-Star reserves over Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings. Plus, could Houston be in the running for Kevin Durant sooner than we think? Between the Terror Twins, Rockets trade ideas and Amen Thompson's rise — it's all here on this installment of The Kevin O'Connor Show!

(1:10) - All-Star Game snubs

(13:40) - Grizzlies defeat Rockets 120-119

(18:40) - Rockets deep dive with Roosh

(39:20) Talking Knicks with Ariel Helwani

(42:20) What trade should the Knicks do?

(44:50) Knicks trade for Boucher?

(48:20) Draymond disrespects KAT

(51:20) Hart’s performance this season

(53:20) Are the Knicks legit contenders?

(57:00) Thib usage of starters

(1:03:00) NBA teams should stick to color schemes

(1:04:20) NBA Cup improvement & expansion

(1:07:20) Best ‘pound-for-pound’ NBA player

(1:08:50) NBA players in the octagon?

(1:12:00) Ariel Helwani on the Buffalo Bills

(1:17:00) Are the Knicks legit contenders? continued

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Part I: A BIG Jimmy Butler update, De’Aaron Fox soap opera and NBA Deadline Madness with Tom Haberstroh | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 20:03:06 +0000

On today's new episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, we've got NBA Trade Deadline madness, rumors and news with Tom Haberstroh. First up, Jimmy Butler's name has been recently linked to the Golden State Warriors. Kevin has sources close to that situation that you need to hear. Plus, the major contenders that are all showing interest in Zach LaVine. Kevin and Tom weigh in on why the Milwaukee Bucks may have to deal for the Chicago Bulls star if they want to make a run this season. Plus, trade insights involving or affecting Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, De'Aaron Fox, Victor Wembanyama, Myles Turner, Cam Johnson and more.

And should the Philadelphia 76ers finally just blow it up, and start tanking the rest of this season? What do Tom and Kevin think about Adam Silver's 10-minute quarter idea? It's all on this monster episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show!

(0:54) Latest Jimmy Butler trade buzz

(21:22) De’Aaron Fox on the trade block

(33:02) To tank or not to tank: Bulls

(36:35) To tank or not to tank: Pistons

(39:24) To tank or not to tank: Sixers

(43:59) Do Pacers need to make a trade?

(46:18) Do Bucks need to make a trade?

(51:52) Do Thunder need to make a trade?

(55:34) 10 min quarters?

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Why this NBA season will have MORE triple-doubles than ever before | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine crunch the numbers to explain why this season could have more triple-doubles recorded than any NBA season in history. One of the big reasons is Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic who is currently averaging a triple-double this season. But it’s not all Jokic, as the NBA has increased this season in pace and spacing, making it easier for players to score in a greater amount of possessions.

Dan digs up four more interesting stats concerning triple-doubles including the astounding win percentage for teams with a player scoring a triple-double. The pair also chat about the origin of the triple-double, bench players with triple-doubles, and players who’ve recorded their first career triple-double this season.

Tom and Dan update the score of their over/unders competition and make picks on whether Paolo Banchero, Joel Embiid and LaMelo Ball will notch a triple-double before the season ends. Plus, an update on the De’Aaron Fox situation with the Sacramento Kings after Fox made it clear he wants to leave Sacramento for San Antonio.

(1:12) The Big Number: 154 triple-doubles

(12:53) Origin of term 'triple-double'

(15:01) The Little Numbers: .756

(19:42) The Little Numbers: 1

(20:13) The Little Numbers: 5

(24:07) The Little Numbers: 40

(27:35) The Little Numbers: 0

(28:39) Over/under scoreboard update

(30:59) Triple-doubles over/unders

(38:40) De’Aaron Fox wants out of Sacramento

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De'Aaron Fox could be headed to San Antonio, Pat Riley's role in Heat drama and huge WNBA trades | Good Word with Goodwil

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 01:16:09 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis “Ice” Young react to reports that De’Aaron Fox could be departing the Sacramento Kings and possibly join Victor Wembanyama on the San Antonio Spurs ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

Vince and Ice then discuss if Pat Riley is getting overlooked for his role in things going south between the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler.

Later, Vince and Ice take a look at some of the major trades that took place in the WNBA.

(1:00) De'Aaron Fox trade rumors

(10:23) Pat Riley's role in Jimmy Butler drama

(18:29) Bucks determined to improve roster

(22:53) Amen Thompson shining bright in Houston

(31:20) Multiple large trades in WNBA

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Anthony Davis wants LA to add a big, is there Butler-Sixers interest and remembering Kobe with J.A. Adande | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 03:59:18 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and J.A. Adande react to Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis comments that the team needs another big ahead of the trade deadline after Davis referenced the 2019-2020 championship team as an example of how he plays best as a power forward.

Vince and J.A. then discuss if the Philadelphia 76ers should seriously consider trading for Jimmy Butler, even if it means potentially sending Paul George to Miami.

Later, Vince and J.A. remember Kobe Bryant following the five year anniversary of his death.

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Celtics trade targets, Amen Thompson's ascent and Wolves deep dive | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 28 Jan 2025 00:07:14 +0000

On today's massive MAILBAG edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by 3x NBA champion Danny Green. Which player should the Boston Celtics target in a trade if they want to repeat? The Houston Rockets are rolling thanks to Amen Thompson, but what is his ceiling as a player? Is Danny Green buying stock in the suddenly-surging Indiana Pacers? Should Steph Curry be applying pressure to the Golden State Warriors front office? Plus, wait until you hear Danny's reaction to Jusuf Nurkic's comments about the Phoenix Suns and Coach Bud. And who's more likely to go back-to-back-to-back: Patrick Mahomes or Mac McClung?

Plus, Dane Moore stops by for a deep dive on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Has Julius Randle turned a corner, or should Wolves fans still be praying for a trade? All this and more on a jam-packed mailbag edition of The KOC Show!

(0:08) Jimmy Butler suspended

(2:35) Danny Green joins

(2:41) Amen Thompson ceiling

(6:53) Celtics trade targets

(11:47) Pacers recent surge

(14:29) Richards impact on Suns

(16:29) Nurkic comments on Suns organization

(20:39) Steph pressure on GSW front office?

(23:58) Which player has been traded most?

(26:42) Dane Moore joins

(27:46) Timberwolves improvements

(35:57) Randle trade?

(43:46) Dillingham usage

(53:07) Ace Bailey draft stock

(55:02) Mahomes or McClung more likely to repeat?

(56:45) Beard contractual obligations

(57:27) Mount Rushmore of guitar players

(58:38) Balancing work, family & friends

(1:00:32) Warzone season 2

(1:02:03) Leg press

(1:04:14) Father John Misty

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Kobe's legacy lives on: Larry Nance Jr. joins KOC to talk Mamba | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 09:00:00 +0000

On this episode of 'The Kevin O'Connor Show,' NBA player Larry Nance Jr. stops by to remember his former teammate, Kobe Bryant. Both KOC and Larry have a hard time believing it's been 5 years since we lost the legend. They talk about the lasting impact Kobe had on Larry's career and some of the funny moments they shared on and off the court. Larry had a front row seat to Kobe's 60-point final game and told Kevin what it was like watching that special night unfold.

Tom Haberstroh joins to discuss the latest news from around the league, including the latest on trade talks surrounding disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler. The two also discuss Steph Curry, Zach LaVine, Khris Middleton, Bradley Beal, the injury-riddled Dallas Mavericks, and more.

(0:53) Suns trade 1st round pick to Jazz

(7:17) Jimmy Butler suspended again

(12:33) Zach LaVine trade buzz

(20:03) Steph Curry to the Spurs?

(40:09) Dereck Lively injury update

(42:43) Jarred Vanderbilt cleared to play

(43:10) Tom's favorite Kobe Bryant memories

(45:48) Remembering Kobe Bryant with Larry Nance Jr.

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Is Victor Wembanyama WORTHY of starting the NBA All-Star game? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

It’s an All-Star-centric episode of 'The Big Number' as Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their Western Conference starters, headlined by Victor Wembanyama. Despite playing for a San Antonio Spurs team with a losing record, could Wemby become one of the youngest All-Star starters in NBA history?

The pair use this week’s Little Numbers to make a case for the remaining Western Conference starters including Nikola Jokić of the Denver Nuggets, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors and more. Can Luka Dončić be named a starter in spite of how few minutes he’s played? And who will Dan & Tom choose between Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis and Sacramento Kings clutch performer Domantas Sabonis?

To wrap, Tom & Dan give an update on their over/unders competition and make two new picks concerning Victor Wembanyama’s free throw attempts and shot distance.

(1:22) The Big Number: 8

(6:05) Should Wemby start in All-Star game?

(13:40) The Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić

(18:10) The Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

(20:33) The Little Numbers: Anthony Davis

(22:45) The Little Numbers: Domantas Sabonis

(27:21) The Little Numbers: Luka Dončić

(28:29) The Little Numbers: Steph Curry

(33:20) Victor Wembanyama over/unders

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Is a Jimmy Butler to Phoenix trade imminent, remembering Kobe’s 81-points & are on-court beefs good for the NBA? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Dan Titus, Ice Young) — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 22:20:00 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus react to Tuesday’s Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz trade where the Suns added three additional first round picks. Will these be enough ammunition to trade for Jimmy Butler? They also discuss some interesting comments made by Scottie Pippen suggesting he could win six NBA championships with or without Michael Jordan and his belief that NBA general managers would choose him over LeBron James.

Vince and Dan then take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance that happened on this day in 2006 against Toronto.

Later, Vince and Ice Young express their appreciation for Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green’s relationship or lack thereof despite being tied to each other for much of their basketball lives. They also chat Jayson Tatum and Steve Kerr’s awkward encounter and why the Olympics may have had something to do with it.

(3:05) - Suns preparing to move for Jimmy Butler?

(14:55) - Scottie Pippen makes bold claims about LeBron, Jordan

(21:20) - On this day in 2006: Kobe Bryant scored 81 points on Raptors

(34:05) - Encouraging opening week for Unrivaled

(40:00) - Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green’s on-court beef

(45:10) - Jayson Tatum and Steve Kerr’s awkward moment

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Cooper Flagg's NBA comps with John Fanta & trade chatter with Bobby Marks | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 02:08:36 +0000

On this absolutely jam-packed edition of the Kevin O'Connor Show, ESPN's Bobby Marks *and* college basketball guru John Fanta both stop by to talk hoops. First up, the Front Office insider Marks is asked whether he believes the Memphis Grizzlies are the secret team in the running for Jimmy Butler. Knowing he's a rental like what the Toronto Raptors once got for Kawhi Leonard, would the Grizz do it? Plus KOC and Bobby break down the trade possibilities for 3 disappointing teams: the Phoenix Suns, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. Interestingly enough, Bobby and Kevin both seem to think Draymond Green could be moved to the Dallas Mavericks or the Detroit Pistons. And between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, which powerhouse is the more likely trade destination for Cam Johnson?

And when John Fanta stops by, Cooper Flagg is the name of the game. Which NBA player comps can they both see in the Duke phenom? Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Garnett, and Anthony Davis are just some of the names that the guys land on when it comes to the guaranteed #1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Plus, TikTok may be in flux but PikTok is here to stay — Kevin introduces a new segment which is just that: talkin’ 2025 NBA draft prospects as seen through the eyes of the college basketball expert, Mr. Fanta.

(1:00) - Grizzlies defeat Timberwolves: Jimmy Butler to Memphis?

(7:45) - Cavs defeat Suns: Should Cavs trade for Cam Johnson?

(21:00) - Julius Randle for Cam Johnson?

(24:50) - Celtics defeat Warriors: time to trade Draymond Green?

(40:55) - KOC saw Cooper Flagg in person

(55:15) - Favorite non-top-three guy to watch: Derik Queen

(1:01:30) - Player who could steal #2 slot: Kasparas Jakucionis

(1:06:35) - Freshman standout to watch: Thomas Sorber

(1:11:10) - Senior ready for the NBA: Kam Jones

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Should the Lakers, Pistons, Nuggets, Suns trade before the deadline or stand down? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:10:55 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and former Knicks GM Scott Perry discuss whether or not several prominent teams in the NBA such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns should make a splash move ahead of the trade deadline or keep their rosters together.

Vince and Scott also discuss if the Philadelphia 76ers should consider trading Joel Embiid.

Later, the two react to Adam Silver's open admission that the league needs to address the current style-of-play due to the volume of three pointers across the sport. Closing out the show, Vince and Scott discuss the two most difficult trades Scott had to make in his career.

(2:30) - Los Angeles Lakers

(12:40) - Denver Nuggets

(18:00) - Phoenix Suns

(25:14) - Detroit Pisons

(31:45) - Philadelphia 76ers

(39:25) - Adam Silver's comments about the 3-point line

(50:55) - What was the most difficult trade Scott Perry made?

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NBA panic meter: Celtics, Timberwolves & Warriors + could Steph Curry go to the ROCKETS? | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:54:41 +0000

On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh and KOC play a little game of Panic Meter with certain NBA teams that are struggling as of late. Should these teams feel CHILL, should they be SWEATING or is it full blown PANIC? The guys start with the Boston Celtics, who have been playing .500 ball as of late. Is Kristaps Porzingis entirely to blame for Boston's recent woes? The second team Kevin and Tom evaluate are the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both guys are panicking, and Julius Randle is the main reason why. But is "Dubious Handles" impossible to move ahead of the deadline? And thirdly, the Golden State Warriors. Kevin and Tom both think the Warriors have no shot to win this season, and it may be time for Steph and the Dubs to part ways.

Would that potential divorce look similar to how Tom Brady left the New England Patriots? Would Warriors fans still support Steph, even if he were to leave? KOC thinks Steph owes nothing to the Warriors, and it would benefit Curry and the NBA if he were moved to a contender. In fact, what if that contender was the Houston Rockets? Kevin and Tom have concocted a hypothetical trade you need to see to believe. And if Rockets trade rumors are your thing, don't miss KOC and Tom discuss hypotheticals involving Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, as the Phoenix Suns' season of misery continues.

(0:29) Panic meter

(0:50) Celtics panic meter

(11:35) Timberwolves panic meter

(25:36) Warriors panic meter

(40:26) Suns trade for Nick Richards

(51:18) Scoot Henderson scores 39

(53:31) After the pod: bonus Warriors trade talk

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Cade Cunningham’s 7 triple-doubles tell us WHAT about the Detroit Pistons? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

‘Top 10’ and ‘Detroit Pistons’ are not two words you hear together often, but Cade Cunningham has led the Pistons to a 21-19 record and a near top-10 offense so far this season. Third most in the NBA in triple-doubles, and improving statistically in several major categories from last season, does Cade Cunningham deserve a shout for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award? Or does a player finally meeting his potential three years after being drafted no.1 not qualify for something like ‘most improved?’ Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine answer these questions and more with this week’s Big Number.

Dan brings four more numbers to the table to ask which came first in Detroit’s success this season: Cade Cunningham’s improved shooting or the Pistons surrounding him with multiple 3-point shooters? The chicken or the egg? Perhaps it doesn’t even matter, just as long as the Detroit Pistons are eating eggs for breakfast in Motor City.

To wrap, the pair checks in on their over/unders competitions and make two, new Detroit-centric picks.

(1:49) The Big Number: 7
(5:05) Should Cunningham win Most Improved Player?
(15:30) The Little Numbers: 113.5
(20:24) The Little Numbers: 8.1
(24:04) Cade Cunningham minigame
(26:22) The Little Numbers: 37.6
(30:24) The Little Numbers: 5.9
(37:32) Detroit Pistons over/unders

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Are the Nuggets missing Zach LaVine? Why the Sixers should move Joel Embiid & Draymond Green’s waving the white flag | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Ice Young, Dan Titus) — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 22:55:00 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus react to the Denver Nuggets sluggish start this season and whether they should weigh a trade to bring Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine to Denver.

Vince and Dan then break down why the Sixers are so bad this season and Dan explains his reasoning for a full rebuild in Philadelphia…without Joel Embiid.

Later, Vince and Ice Young react to Draymond Green’s reluctance for the Golden State Warriors to strengthen ahead of the trade deadline. Should the Warriors mortgage their future for one more title run with Steph and Draymond?

(3:00) - Is Denver better with Russ in the starting lineup?

(12:00) - Cavs staking their claim for best team in the NBA

(19:30) - What’s going on with the 76ers?

(28:00) - Time for Sixers to move on from Embiid?

(36:00) - Draymond/Warriors giving up on season?

(47:45) - Unrivaled league debuts Friday

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Kings go from sellers to buyers & Big Baller Brand is BACK | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 05:33:48 +0000

On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Morgan Ragan and Deuce Mason of the Deuce & Mo Podcast hop on to tell Kevin how wrong he's been about their beloved Sacramento Kings. Deuce and Mo don't hold back, as they're sick and tired of the negative Kings takes KOC has dished out this season - enough is enough! Especially now that the team is on their improbable win streak. They discuss the surprising differences between interim head coach Doug Christie and former head coach Mike Brown. And a must-see blockbuster trade proposal that KOC concocted to bring Cam Johnson to Sacramento.

Plus an incredible mailbag that features Kevin declaring the Big Baller Brand is all the way back (and he's got the gear to prove it). Find out how LiAngelo, LaMelo and Lonzo are making their old man proud. KOC also weighs in on Tyler Herro's incredible ascent for the Miami Heat, if the Portland Trail Blazers might need to consider moving on from Scoot Henderson, why the New Orleans Pelicans have almost nothing to be optimistic about, and if the Orlando Magic might be the perfect trade destination for Zach LaVine.

(1:08) Deuce & Mo talk the Sacramento Kings

(2:32) Domantas Sabonis improvement

(7:26) Kings offense under Doug Christie

(23:14) How long will the win-streak continue?

(24:31) Should the Kings make a trade before the deadline?

(36:42) Mailbag

(36:48) Mailbag: Big Baller Brand

(38:23) Mailbag: Tyler Herro

(41:13) Mailbag: Russell Westbrook

(45:15) Mailbag: Scoot Henderson

(48:05) Mailbag: Top Shot buy low options

(50:23) Mailbag: New Orleans Pelicans

(52:23) Mailbag: Orlando Magic

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Zion-Pelicans on the rocks, new CBA is stifling trades & All-Star ballot reveal | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 21:51:45 +0000

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by The Ringer's Howard Beck as they do a deep on the latest with Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. The two also preview what could be an underwhelming trade deadline and why the new CBA is stifling player movement across the league.

Goodwill and Beck breakdown why it's unlikely the Phoenix Suns will be able to move on from Bradley Beal and why it's harder than it looks for the Miami Heat to move on from Jimmy Butler. The two also discuss if Chicago Bulls Zach LaVine could be on the move this trade deadline and which teams would even have the space make a move for the prolific scorer.

The two end the show by revealing their official media member votes for this year's All-Star starters. While both have a few locks for each conference, Goodwill and Beck find disagreement on which guards should be starting for the East.

(2:00) - Why Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are headed for divorce

(21:15) - The Suns might be stuck with Bradley Beal... and the same could be said for Jimmy Butler and the Heat

(27:40) - Why the new CBA and old contracts are stifling player movement across the league

(44:00) - Vinny and Howard reveal their 5 starters for each conference in their media members All-Star ballot

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Cavs prove they are legit title contenders & imagining a Wemby-Zion pairing in San Antonio | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh hops on to discuss the instant classic between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. Kevin and Tom both agree after Wednesday night's statement victory, the Cleveland Cavaliers are bona fide NBA title contenders. KOC points out the Cavs' depth is full of unsung heroes like Ty Jerome and Dean Wade. They know the matchup might not be the sexiest when it comes to TV ratings, but who cares! They both want to see these two teams face off again in June and luckily for fans these 2 teams face off again next week (if only Chet Holmgren was healthy!)

The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson now that he's back in the lineup and looking great. Tom's idea: why shouldn't the Spurs take a swing for Zion? Pairing Williamson and Wemby might be the modern day equivalent of Shaq-Kobe when it comes to unstoppable duos. The trade chatter didn't stop there: each of the guys give their take on where Bradley Beal and Jimmy Butler could wind up, too. While Golden State Warriors fans wish Steph Curry would get some help, the guys explain why GSW may stand pat. And speaking of "Pat," Riley and the Miami Heat might be better off tanking for Cooper Flagg at this point. Fresh off Tom attending Duke's last game, Tom and Kevin discuss the ultra-talented 18-year-old.

(1:45) - Cavaliers beat Thunder, prove they are legit

(17:40) - Wemby no match for Giannis in Spurs-Bucks showdown

(26:40) - Zion Williamson returns, should NOP sell-high?

(35:30) - Why the Warriors need to trade now

(40:35) - Latest on Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal trade rumors

(50:05) - Cooper Flagg, still definitely tops in this year's draft class

(55:30) - Reed Sheppard gets his groove back in G-League

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Are the Sacramento Kings better off WITHOUT De’Aaron Fox? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 9 Jan 2025 05:00:00 +0000

The Sacramento Kings are on a five-game win streak with the latest two victories coming with De’Aaron Fox on the sidelines. With this in mind, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine reveal this week’s Big Number and evaluate if the Kings are better off WITHOUT De’Aaron Fox on the court and, if so, should they trade him before the deadline?

Dan brings in four Little Numbers that explain what’s going right and what’s still wrong with Sacramento this season including Keon Ellis’ rising star and Keegan’s Murray’s drop in production. Dan also dives deep into the Kings’ offensive possessions in transition and compares their expected total wins this season with their actual win total.

The pair give an update to their over/unders competition and wrap by sharing their latest Yahoo Sports stories on Victor Wembanyama & potential first-time NBA all-stars.

(1:21) The Big Number: -5.2

(12:55) The Little Numbers: 8.9

(17:21) Keon Ellis minigame

(21:16) The Little Numbers: .513

(25:51) The Little Numbers: 14.6%

(29:59)The Little Numbers: -2.8

(36:29) Over/under scoreboard update

(37:49) Tom & Dan's recent Yahoo Sports stories

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The Knicks are worn down, the Timberwolves lack chemistry & Kawhi Leonard returns | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 8 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Dan Titus and Ice Young to catch up on the latest NBA headlines regarding the Timberwolves, Knicks, Nuggets and Clippers.

Titus and Goodwill start the show with a deep dive into the clear chemistry issues for the Minnesota Timberwolves, and pitch why Anthony Edwards needs to be more reckless. Then, they express concern for the New York Knicks showing signs of being word down early in the year. They also discuss the resurgence of the Denver Nuggets and debate if the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Oklahoma City Thunder are the best team in the NBA.

To close out the show, Young and Goodwill discuss the expectations for Kawhi Leonard returning to the Los Angeles Clippers lineup. They discuss how his game could change and how he'll mesh with James Hard.

(1:49) Timberwolves chemistry issues

(12:19) Knicks are worn down

(19:55) Westbrook and Jokic are cooking

(23:38) Who's the best team in the NBA?

(25:32) Kawhi returns

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Jimmy Butler to the Bucks? Cavs-Thunder preview, NBA Monday Madness recap with Mo Dakhil | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 7 Jan 2025 07:59:27 +0000

On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Mo Dakhil of Bleacher Report hops on to discuss a wild Monday night in the NBA, and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. One of the teams that can't escape trade rumors, the Phoenix Suns, were in action on Monday — and got a huge win after Coach Bud decided to remove Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic from the starting lineup. Mo wonders if Bradley would waive his no-trade clause, while Kevin thinks a certain Eastern Conference Playoff team could be in the mix. And speaking of trade rumors involving Eastern Conference powers — could the Milwaukee Bucks be the surprise team to make a run at acquiring Jimmy Butler?

The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson this season — why they both could see the Golden State Warriors making a run at the oft-injured superstar. Plus — Kevin and Mo react to the Orlando Magic getting the surprise win against the New York Knicks, they hit the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game, and also Coby White and the Chicago Bulls' thrilling win over the San Antonio Spurs. Before the guys call it a day, Kevin asks Mo ahead of Wednesday's monster showdown: what is more impressive between the Oklahoma City Thunder defense and Cleveland Cavaliers offense?

(00:45) - Suns win & Jimmy Butler trade talk

(21:05) - Wolves come back against Clippers

(29:15) - Jamahl Mosley for Coach of the Year?

(38:00) - Did Doug Christie save the Sacramento Kings?

(40:20) - Should Pelicans showcase Zion for a trade?

(48:50) - Bulls-Spurs recap

(56:30) - Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets preview

(1:02:30) - Thunder vs. Cavs preview

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Navigating the chaotic Jimmy Butler situation with former NBA player & agent BJ Armstrong | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 6 Jan 2025 22:19:59 +0000

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by three-time NBA champion and current agent BJ Armstrong to address the chaos surrounding the Miami Heat and Jimmy Butler. They discuss his potential trade value, destinations for where he can land and what to expect following his suspension.

Also on today's show, Goodwill and Armstrong reflect on Chicago Bulls legend Derrick Rose's career after he was honored by the team this past weekend. They additionally dive into how the NBA has changed, and what has negatively impacted the league.

(6:46) The Jimmy Butler situation

(29:01) Derrick Rose's career

(45:33) How the NBA has changed

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10 wild NBA predictions for 2025: LeBron gets traded, Wemby beats Kobe's 81 | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 3 Jan 2025 06:43:25 +0000

Goodbye 2024, hello 2025. With the new year only three days into existence, Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh to conjure up ten wild predictions for the remaining 363 days.

Kevin outlines the reason Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is primed to win his first MVP this season, Tom explains why a LeBron James trade is coming this offseason and how it connects to his son Bryce James' commitment to Arizona and the guys predict into a whole lot more. There's even some predictions for you Charlotte Hornets fans out there.

Buckle up for ten of KOC and Tom Haberstroh's most outlandish, yet realistic, NBA predictions for 2025.

(0:05) - Jimmy Butler's comments signal upcoming trade

(9:45) - SGA wins his first MVP

(16:35) - Wemby breaks Kobe's 81 point mark

(23:15) - Jalen Johnson makes Eastern Conf. All-Stars

(26:55) - Houston trades Reed Sheppard

(29:15) - Phoenix gets rid of stars, goes full rebuild mode

(37:05) - A star draft prospect holds out

(44:55) - Charlotte trades LaMelo Ball

(49:07) - Vince Wiliams Jr. is a starter and major contributor on Memphis

(51:15) - Golden State trades for LeBron James

(1:05:55) - Cleveland wins the Eastern Conference, goes to NBA Finals

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These stats PROVE Grizzlies big man Zach Edey is the Rookie of the Year | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 22:14:10 +0000

On this week's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dig deep into a stellar rookie season for Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey. They help paint the picture of why Edey leads the discussion for Rookie of the Year in the NBA.

They cover how Edey has heavily outperformed expectations and made an efficient impact on Memphis this year. Specifically, they discuss Edey's impact as an offensive rebounder and how the Grizzlies currently sit atop multiple efficiency statistics in the NBA.

(2:30) The Big Number: 15

(12:24) Little Number 1: 40%

(19:23) Little Number 2: +23.59

(25:51) Little Number 3: 18.3%

(33:51) Little Number 4: 1

(44:28) Over/Unders

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Lakers trade D'Lo, Grizzlies miss out on Finney-Smith, Kings need a reset & Pistons deep dive | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by Dan Titus to break down some of the NBA's biggest trade moves and coaching shakeups before deep diving on the Detroit Pistons with Bryce Simon. KOC and Dan start with the recent D'Angelo Russell trade, with the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith. KOC and Dan discuss what else the Lakers need before the conversation turns to the Memphis Grizzlies, who missed out on DFS in this deal. KOC and Titus evaluate what this means for Memphis, which has been struggling to find its footing this season. Meanwhile, over in Brooklyn, the Nets' latest moves signal a full rebuild. KOC also takes a moment to reflect on the Orlando Magic’s standout Tristan Da Silva turning heads as the team’s depth continues to shine.

Later in the episode, the guys discuss a range of topics, from Mike Brown's firing in Sacramento to the state of the NBA's culture around fighting and villains in the game. KOC and DT weigh in on the Sacramento Kings' disappointing start and the reality that the team needs a full reset. They debate the best landing spots for D’Aaron Fox, with the San Antonio Spurs emerging as a dream destination.

Later, KOC and Bryce Simon dive into the Detroit Pistons' early season performance, with a focus on Cade Cunningham's development. While Cunningham has made significant strides in his shooting, KOC questions whether his struggles with finishing at the rim and turnovers could hinder his potential as a true #1 option. They also discuss the inconsistency of Ivey and Duren, the Pistons' potential draft plans and whether adding a player like Zach LaVine could be the key to unlocking the team’s next level.

(1:10) - D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers

(11:05) - Should Grizzlies fans be concerned about missing out on Finney-Smith?

(17:15) - Magic depth pieces shine in comeback win

(20:10) - Should the NBA allow fights?

(23:35) - Mike Brown fired: will the Kings finally reset?

(43:05) - Pistons deep dive with Bryce Simon

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NBA Christmas Day Recap: Wemby’s 'I'm here' moment, LeBron-Steph rivalry is legendary | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 19:40:19 +0000

The NBA's five-game lineup on Christmas Day delivered against a crowded sports landscape in which the NFL (and Beyoncé) tried to make waves of their own on the Wednesday holiday. Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh to break down all five games from the Christmas day slate.

Starting with Victor Wembanyama's statement game in a road loss to the New York Knicks, the guys argue that Wemby has already entered into elite top-ten player status and his 42-point MSG opus is just the start of another decade of dominance.

They also discuss Luka Dončić's leg injury in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and why Luka's lack of conditioning is finally catching up to him.

Kevin & Tom later break down the Philadelphia 76ers' win against the reigning champion Boston Celtics and if the Sixers have finally turned things around after a rough start to the season.

LeBron James & Steph Curry had yet another Christmas day battle, this time with Austin Reaves playing the pivotal role in a 115-113 Lakers win. This was everything Christmas day NBA games should be and LeBron even took shots at the NFL encroaching on the NBA's territory after the game.

Wrapping up the show, the guys discuss the Denver Nuggets falling to the Phoenix Suns, why Nikola Jokić needs a better supporting cast, and if improvements don't come to Denver soon, how Jokić could soon be making waves with lobbying to move onto greener pastures.

(1:15) - Wemby shines in MSG loss to Knicks

(12:00) - Luka's injury the big story of MIN/DAL

(20:40) - Did Sixers turn around their season vs. Celts?

(30:55) - Lakers/Warriors was legendary

(39:20) - Lakers or Warriors: who needs a big trade more?

(44:55) - Counting down until Jokić is unhappy in Denver

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Wemby’s MVP stretch, Fox’s future, MPJ trades & more NBA Christmas wishes with Big Wos | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this festive episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Wosny Lambre share their NBA Christmas wishes that they want to see come true this season. First, KOC suggests the Sacramento Kings should trade D’Aaron Fox while his value is at its peak. The duo agrees that the Kings need to look ahead and start building around their future stars. Next, the conversation shifts to the Denver Nuggets, where Wosny believes Nikola Jokić needs more help if Denver is going to compete at a higher level. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks could see a big boost from Mitchell Robinson’s return, with Wos stressing the importance of his physical presence to elevate their offense to the next level.

Later, the duo discusses some players and teams needing adjustments, including Zion Williamson’s future with the New Orleans Pelicans and the need for Zach LaVine to finally get out of Chicago. KOC and Wos also hit on the Philadelphia 76ers, Amen Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga, plus KOC has bold predictions for Victor Wembanyama, already calling him a top-5 player in the NBA. The duo finish up with a mailbag question on the Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they'll keep adding.

(1:20) - Time to trade D'Aaron Fox

(8:20) - Nuggets need to get some help for Jokic

(15:40) - Knicks need Mitchell Robinson back

(20:50) - Amen Thompson needs more opportunities

(25:25) - Warriors wash their hands of Jonathan Kuminga

(27:55) - Nick Nurse needs to add layers to the 6ers offense

(30:30) - Zach LaVine finds a new home

(33:50) - Pelicans trade everybody

(39:20) - Victor Wembanyama a top-5 player?

(46:10) - Thunder re-sign Alex Caruso

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Bad look for the NBA: Bucks don't celebrate NBA Cup & declining NBA ratings | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup wrapped up on Tuesday night in Las Vegas and there were interesting takeaways both on and off the court. Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh (of The Big Number) to react to the Milwaukee Bucks win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, what it means for both teams involved and a post-game story that should not go overlooked.

On the hardwood, the Bucks notched an easy 97-81 win over OKC, and Giannis Antetokounmpo looked unstoppable, while the Thunder could not get their offense going at all. The guys discuss how OKC may be a bit too defense-heavy in their roster construction and why a trade for elite three-point shooting must be considered this winter.

In the locker room after the game, it was a different story. The Bucks left the league's provided champagne and beer celebration untouched; Kevin & Tom explain why Milwaukee's lack of enthusiasm for winning the Cup is a bad look for the league.

Also a bad look for the league — TV ratings are down. The guys discuss growing concern around the NBA of the league's declining TV audience in the face of record in-game attendance and social media reach, throw out a few rule changes that could improve fan interest in the sport & discuss the new 2025 All-Star Game format.

(0:00) - New York soundly defeats Minnesota in KAT's return

(9:00) - Milwaukee defeats OKC in NBA Cup Final

(26:15) - Bucks don't celebrate NBA Cup win: bad look?

(31:15) - Declining NBA TV ratings

(50:45) - 2025 All-Star Game changes: good or bad?

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Is Victor Wembanyama the biggest unicorn ever to play in the NBA?

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

Just how rare is San Antonio Spurs budding star Victor Wembanyama? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive deep into the numbers to illustrate how much of a unicorn the French big man is becoming in the NBA.

They specifically analyze the rare rate at which Wemby is blocking shots and nailing three pointers, especially for a player of his size. They also discuss the future expectations for the San Antonio Spurs for this season and beyond.

(1:48) The Big Number: 1

(12:38) Little Number 1: 9.9%

(18:34) Little Number 2: 48.6%

(25:58) Little Number 3: 55

(30:25) Little Number 4: 64

(39:43) Over/Unders

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Thunder-Bucks preview, NBA Cup review & stories around the NBA with Ball Don’t Stop & Andrew Schlecht | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin deep dives on the two NBA cup final teams and what to expect in their upcoming showdown before discussing ALL of the latest news and storylines around the NBA.

Kevin is first joined by NBA expert Andrew Schlecht to dive deep into the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive 20-5 start to the season and their upcoming challenge against the revamped Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA cup final. With Giannis Antetokounmpo looming as a major test for the Thunder's top-tier defense, Andrew explains how OKC plans to handle the Greek Freak by committee, with key contributions from Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. The duo also break down the Thunder's unique style of play, including their small-ball strategy and the crucial impact of Isaiah Hartenstein's screening and lob connections on offense. They discuss the vibes in Las Vegas and the growth of the event, and how the Thunder's ultra-competitive guards will help fill in any gaps when Chet Holmgren returns. Plus, Andrew shares a story from his Oklahoma roots about winning a Shaq Phoenix Suns jersey through an unforgettable peanut butter competition.

Later, Kevin and Ekam Nagra (Ball Don't Stop) dive into the early-season performances of several NBA teams and standout players, starting with the Milwaukee Bucks. Kevin and Ekam praise Giannis's MVP-caliber play and his evolving chemistry with Damian Lillard. They also discuss the challenges opposing defenses face in stopping Giannis from getting into the paint, a key area where the Bucks’ dominance continues. The duo also reflects on the Atlanta Hawks' struggles to build a consistent identity, noting that Trae Young needs a reliable secondary scorer to help elevate the team.

Moving on to the Houston Rockets, Ekam breaks down Jalen Green's highs and lows, suggesting the young guard needs to find a consistent rhythm and control his pace to become a star. They also discuss the Dallas Mavericks & Golden State Warriors scoring 48 threes in a game, and how the current NBA trend toward data-driven, analytically optimized play has led to a more homogenized style of basketball, impacting the uniqueness of teams. The conversation turns to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with Ekam pointing out how their older, more physical style of play still holds weight in the modern game but isn't enough to make the Lakers title contenders without more roster moves. They close with thoughts on NBA trades, with a focus on Dennis Schröder's role in Brooklyn, potential moves for Zach LaVine and how Jimmy Butler's fit in Phoenix might not maximize his strengths for a title run.

(00:55) - Thunder vs. Bucks preview

(18:25) - NBA cup vibes in Las Vegas

(28:40) - Andrew's peanut butter competition for a Shaq jersey

(35:00) - Dame & Giannis are starting to click

(39:00) - How can the Hawks keep building an identity?

(44:55) - How far away are the Rockets?

(50:30) - Why more threes isn't necessarily good for the NBA

(56:45) - What's clicking for LeBron and AD?

(1:01:55) - Could Dillon Harper challenge Cooper Flagg for top prospect?

(1:06:55) - Dennis Schröder to the Warriors

(1:12:40) - Potential NBA trades: Jimmy Butler & Zach Lavine

(1:21:30) - Quick hitters

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Under-the-radar Jimmy Butler destinations, Shams vs. Butler’s agent & NBA Cup reviews and previews | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 08:00:00 +0000

The NBA world has been enraptured all week by the idea of Miami Heat SF/SG Jimmy Butler being available in trade rumors. Kevin O'Connor is joined as always on Fridays by Yahoo Sports NBA contributor Tom Haberstroh to discuss a handful of landing spots, which ones seem likely, which don't and which teams have surprisingly not been mentioned at all.

As Tom highlighted in this week's episode of The Big Number, cities like Houston & Golden State make a lot of sense for the six-time All-Star, but Kevn has other ideas for the eccentric Butler. Making matters more complicated, Butler's agent Bernie Lee got into a public spat with ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania over the reporting of the news. Kevin & Tom explain the complicated player-team-agent-reporter dynamic.

Later in the show, the guys discuss Wednesday night's one-point Houston Rockets win over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Cup quarterfinals, and how a single end-of-game penalty call nearly ruined the whole thing.

Wrapping up the episode, the guys look forward to the NBA Cup semifinal matches between the aforementioned Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference and the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks facing off in the East.

(0:35) - Jimmy Butler possible trade destinations

(19:10) - Butler's agent Bernie Lee vs. Shams Charania

(26:35) - Rockets advance to NBA Cup Semifinals thanks to strange officiating

(37:05) - OKC's defense might be best ever

(44:25) - Hawks defeat Knicks to advance to NBA Cup Eastern semis against Bucks

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Why the Miami Heat should trade Jimmy Butler NOW | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

As trade rumors circulate about whether or not the Miami Heat could trade Jimmy Butler, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine reveal this week’s Big Number to explain why now is the perfect time for a trade despite Miami’s recent success.

Dan gives us four more numbers, each which makes the case for a different NBA team that could be interested in trading for Jimmy Butler including the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Tom & Dan give a scoreboard update on their over/under picks and take a look back at their Oklahoma City Thunder picks from several weeks ago. The Thunder are living up to expectations this season, but do they have what it takes to keep that momentum going through the postseason?

(1:01) The Big Number: +3.6

(15:39) The Little Numbers: 24.5

(26:04) The Little Numbers: 102.4

(34:14) The Little Numbers: 1,205

(40:06) The Little Numbers: 0.232

(46:38) Over/unders update

(47:43) Oklahoma City Thunder look legit

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Rising Heat, Jokic’s 104-point weekend & key NBA Cup questions | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Jason Timpf to discuss seven big takeaways from last weekend's NBA action before previewing the NBA Cup. The duo kick things off with the red-hot Miami Heat and Tyler Herro’s breakout play. With Herro stepping up, the guys discuss how Miami might have actually benefitted by not trading for Damian Lillard. From there, they dive into the Philadelphia 76ers, as Joel Embiid looks dominant, and Jason wonders if Philly has finally turned the corner—provided they can stay healthy.

They also discuss Brandon Miller, who’s been impressing early for Charlotte, and the Indiana Pacers, for whom things might get ugly with Tyrese Haliburton in a slump. KOC and Jason also hit on Cooper Flagg, the Brandon Ingram injury and the Denver Nuggets.

The NBA Cup is front and center, with the guys analyzing Milwaukee Bucks title chances and Giannis’ career-best play. Plus, they break down the Orlando Magic, the rising Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks—with Jason even picking Dallas as his favorite to win it all.

Finally, they wrap with Golden State Warriors drama around Draymond Green’s benching and the balance between veterans and young talent in today’s NBA before getting musical with some discussion around the Las Vegas Sphere, the Grateful Dead and John Mayer's impact on music.

(1:00) - Heat are coming alive

(5:00) - Are the Sixers turning a corner?

(9:05) - Brandon Miller is taking a leap

(14:10) - Things could get ugly for the Pacers

(18:35) - Capture the Flagg

(24:00) - Does the Brandon Ingram injury actually help the New Orleans Pelicans?

(27:20) - Do the Nuggets still have a chance?

(36:45) - NBA cup preview

(1:05:45) - The Vegas Sphere, the Grateful Dead & John Mayer

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LeBron's age is showing & why the Celtics are unstoppable with Mo Dakhil

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 9 Dec 2024 19:47:55 +0000

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by former NBA video coordinator, turned contributor for The Athletic and Bleacher Report Mo Dakhil.

Dakhil joins to discuss the continued run of dominance by the reigning champion Boston Celtics and unpack what is making them so hard to keep up with. They also dive deep into the roster woes for the Los Angeles Lakers and how LeBron is clearly slowing down. They close out the show by discussing why the Denver Nuggets need to find more playmakers to work alongside Nikola Jokić.

(2:35) Year two of the NBA Cup

(6:11) Houston Rockets hot start

(9:12) No one is stopping the Celtics

(22:02) Lakers' roster troubles

(38:40) Is anyone coming to help Jokic?

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Lost Lakers, sad Nuggets & Ja's dunking retirement | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 6 Dec 2024 03:34:40 +0000

In this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tom Haberstroh to dive into the latest news and storylines around the NBA. Kevin kicks things off solo as he reacts to the Denver Nuggets getting walloped by the Cleveland Cavaliers, as Kevin goes points out Jamal Murray's inability to help Nikola Jokic win games and whether there's a move the Nuggets could make to save their season.

Later, KOC and Tom Haberstroh dive into the Los Angeles Lakers' ongoing struggles and explore potential fixes for the team. They dissect JJ Redick’s fiery critiques of the Lakers, including their lack of effort and communication on defense. Are LeBron James and Anthony Davis running on empty already? The guys also discuss the possibility of trading for big names like Zach LaVine, or even moving on from AD as the Lakers look for answers.

From there, they turn their attention to the Miami Heat’s recent dominant win over the Lakers, assessing whether the Heat's victory is more about their success or LA’s decline. Plus, with trade rumors swirling around Brandon Ingram, KOC and Tom weigh in on the New Orleans Pelicans' rocky season and what Ingram’s future could look like.

Later in the show, the conversation shifts to Ja Morant’s shift away from dunking, Khris Middleton’s importance to the Milwaukee Bucks and what it means for the title race.

(00:25) - KOC on the Nuggets

(5:45) - What's wrong with the Lakers?

(28:20) - Brandon Ingram trade speculation

(32:45) - Ja Morant is done dunking

(38:25) - Khris Middleton returns to the Bucks

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Are Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns the best EVER Knicks scoring duo? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 5 Dec 2024 05:00:00 +0000

This week the Big Number is 50.3 which is the combined scoring average of Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns. Are they the best duo in Knicks history? Even better than Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire? Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive deep into several stats that prove just how dominant and efficient Brunson and KAT have been this season.

Dan backs up the Big Number with 4 more numbers that prove just how hot the New York Knicks offense is this season including the impact of Brunson + KAT pick and rolls, the Knicks’ offensive rating in half-court, points per game created via assist, and more.

Tom and Dan give an apology for cursing LeBron James with his coldest 3-point shooting spell for the Los Angeles Lakers and end with their picks on some Knicks-centric over/unders.

(1:35) The Big Number: 50.3

(13:47) The Little Numbers: 1.314

(18:42) The Little Numbers: 109.4

(22:22) The Little Numbers: 70.8

(26:58) The Little Numbers: 11th

(31:41) Over/unders scoreboard update

(35:13) Apologies Lebron James...

(38:57) New York Knicks over/unders

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LeBron's Olympics hangover, NBA Cup knockout round & WNBA expansion draft | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Dan Titus, Isis "Ice" Young) — Wed, 4 Dec 2024 21:20:36 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Dan Titus and Isis "Ice" Young to recap last night's NBA Cup action, talk about LeBron's shooting slump and preview the Golden State Valkyries WNBA expansion draft on Friday.

(00:00) - NBA Cup group stage concludes

(16:10) - What's wrong with LeBron James?

(30:40) - How did the Knicks blow out the Magic?

(34:10) - Trae Young's passing improves / shooting declines

(39:50) - Connecticut Sun name Rachid Meziane as the new head coach

(44:50) - How will the Valkyries expansion draft change the WNBA?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is first joined by Yahoo Sports fantasy basketball analyst Dan Titus to discuss last night's NBA Cup games.

The guys talk about the Mavericks' impressive comeback win over the Grizzlies, the Oklahoma City Thunder looking like the best team in the NBA and the Golden State Warriors, who probably need to trade for another scorer to put next to Steph Curry.

Later, the guys try to figure out why LeBron James has had maybe his worst stretch of games over the last couple of weeks. They wonder if the veterans who got sent to Paris for the Olympics will be able to recover before the end of the season.

Isis "Ice" Young then joins the show to talk about the New York Knicks soundly beating the Orlando Magic last night, and Reggie Miller using a particular phrase that set Ice off during the game.

Ice is also excited about Trae Young's improved passing this season and wondering if it's a sign of maturity or a side effect of his cold shooting to start the season.

Finally, after talking about the Connecticut Sun hiring a new head coach, Vince and Ice dig into the Golden State Valkyries expansion draft on Friday and how it will reshape the entire WNBA.

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Lakers cooked? Surging Bucks and Magic, falling Kings, Harden’s return & more | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 3 Dec 2024 06:29:03 +0000

In this week’s episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Dan Titus dive into the latest NBA trends, including a closer look at LeBron James and the struggling Los Angeles Lakers. Is this the worst stretch of LeBron's legendary career? Can the Lakers stay afloat, or are they cooked? Kevin and Dan discuss the team’s lack of creation, LeBron’s fatigue and the challenges ahead unless a major trade is made.

Next, the guys turn their attention to the Western Conference playoff race. The Minnesota Timberwolves just secured a big win, but are they truly a contender? Dan thinks they have the best chance to make the playoffs out of the bottom teams, though they still need more to reach the next level. Meanwhile, Kevin isn’t buying into the Sacramento Kings’ playoff hopes, citing coaching concerns and the rise of other teams in the conference.

In a surprising turn, the Milwaukee Bucks are on a 6-game win streak, but are they legitimate championship contenders? Kevin and Dan break down Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP-level play, but warn against getting too carried away until they face tougher competition.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are rolling with Franz Wagner leading the charge, and the Memphis Grizzlies have won 6 in a row thanks to impressive depth. Could either of these teams be a sneaky playoff contender? Kevin also dives into the struggling New Orleans Pelicans and wonders if it’s time for a full rebuild.

Later, the guys address the Washington Wizards' ongoing misery and preview James Harden’s recent dominance for the Los Angeles Clippers. Plus, what to expect from the Charlotte Hornets in LaMelo Ball's absence, and how to navigate fantasy hoops in this weird double week.

(1:05) - Can the Lakers overcome LeBron's declining play?

(8:20) - Timberwolves & the Western Conference playoff picture

(17:40) - Are Bucks back to being a contender?

(24:05) - What clicking for the Magic?

(28:40) - Are the Grizzlies sneaky contenders this season?

(31:50) - Time for the Pelicans to blow it up?

(38:15) - Wizards on pace for historically bad season

(41:50) - Fantasy basketball corner

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Luka Doncic returns to red-hot Mavericks & Giannis gets the Bucks back on track | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Tim Cato) — Mon, 2 Dec 2024 23:57:13 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Tim Cato discuss the Mavericks and Bucks, who have gone 8-1 in their last 9 games, and what's leading to a youth revolution in the Western Conference.

(00:30) - How have the Mavericks righted the ship?

(21:20) - Youth leading the Western Conference

(36:45) - The Last Word: The Bucks are back?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Vincent Goodwill is joined by Tim Cato, who covers the Dallas Mavericks for DLLS & the ALLCITY Network.

The guys start with the reigning Western Conference champions, the Dallas Mavericks, who have won 8 of their last 9 games and welcomed Luka Doncic back from injury last night against the Trail Blazers. What is leading to their hot streak? How are they different from last year's team? And should their success without Luka lead them to explore trade options?

Before leaving the Western Conference, Vinnie and Tim talk about what's leading to the Thunder, Rockets and Grizzlies at the top of the standings while teams like the Lakers, Suns and Warriors trail behind. Tim thinks that this is the new reality of the NBA, caused by the new CBA, and believes that it will lead to less max contracts and more teams hunting for rotation players on rookie scale deals.

Finally, Vince and Tim talk about the Milwaukee Bucks, who are also 8-1 in their last 9 games. They discuss why the Damian Lillard-Giannis Antetokounmpo inverted pick-and-roll is working so well and why shooters like A.J. Green are finding success playing off of Giannis.

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NBA things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving with Tom Haberstroh

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 29 Nov 2024 08:00:00 +0000

On a special Thanksgiving edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh joins the show to help share what they're thankful for this Thanksgiving.

They discuss their favorite players, trends, and statistics across the league this season that make the NBA exciting an entertaining. Among the topics discuss, they cover Giannis Antetokounmpo's improved jump shot, older players outperforming their age, Jarrett Allen's unique personality and the NBA Cup.

(1:33) "Golden Guys"

(7:47) Players being honest

(13:21) Hubie Brown

(16:04) Kris Dunn

(19:40) Dunk Score

(27:55) Giannis Antetokounmpo's jump shot

(32:54) Jarrett Allen

(36:35) Area 51

(40:35) The NBA Cup

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5 stats that depict how elite the Celtics are on offense

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 20:42:37 +0000

On today's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devin dig into the shooting statistics that illustrate how elite the Boston Celtics are on offense this season.

Specifically, they analyze the ridiculous rate at which they are launching threes, and how it's setting them up for another NBA Championship run. They also praise Derrick White for his precision and resume that is strong enough for him to be an All-Star.

(2:16) The Big Number: 910

(15:12) Little Number 1: 12.4%

(21:13) Little Number 2: .635

(26:14) Little Number 3: 4.7

(31:57) Little Number 4: 8.33

(37:50) Over/Unders

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NBA draft primer: Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, UConn, sleeper prospects with Tate Frazier | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

In this week’s episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tate Frazier to dive deep into the biggest storylines in college basketball, with an eye on the 2024 NBA Draft. They break down the top prospects, sleepers, and potential steals in a packed episode.

Cooper Flagg continues to dominate as the top 2024 draft prospect, and Tate and Kevin discuss his impressive defensive play, his development potential and how he might fit with NBA teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. They also take a look at other high-level freshmen like Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, and explore whether someone can challenge Flagg for the #1 overall spot.

The conversation shifts to some intriguing draft sleepers, with Tate spotlighting Lebaron Philon from Alabama and Kevin highlighting Collin Murray Boyles, who draws comparisons to Draymond Green. They also discuss Egor Demin from BYU and whether he could make a push into the lottery or even the top pick conversation.

The guys also talk about UConn's rising stars, including Liam McNeeley and Alex Karaban, two prospects who are seeing their draft stock rise early in the season. Tate weighs in on UConn’s chances of a three-peat, and Kevin breaks down how these young players are developing under Dan Hurley’s system.

Finally, they touch on the state of the Charlotte Hornets, with Tate sharing his thoughts on LaMelo Ball and the future of the franchise as they look to build around the promising Brandon Miller.

(1:50) - Cooper Flagg and Duke's impressive freshmen

(12:30) - Who can challenge Flagg for the #1 overall spot?

(18:55) - Favorite NBA draft sleepers

(34:15) - UConn deep dive: impressive freshmen & three-peat chances

(42:20) - Tate's Hornets thoughts

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Revisiting the KAT-Randle trade, NBA All-Star Weekend changes & why more teams aren't tanking | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Fred Katz) — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 05:22:20 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Fred Katz get together to discuss the Lakers' ceiling, the Knicks' offense, the Timberwolves' defense and the proposed changes to the NBA All-Star Game and NBA Playoffs format.

(02:05) - Can the Lakers fix their defense?
(12:10) - Reported changes to NBA All-Star Game
(26:00) - KAT's fit with the Knicks
(38:25) - What's wrong with the Timberwolves?
(46:50) - Why aren't more teams tanking for Cooper Flagg?
(54:35) - Rumored NBA Playoffs reform

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by The Athletic's senior NBA writer Fred Katz to discuss the fallout of the Karl Anthony-Towns trade and much more.

The guys start in Los Angeles, where Vince is worried that Lakers head coach JJ Redick is headed toward burnout and Fred is wondering what's wrong with their defense, before discussing the reported changes to the NBA All-Star Game.

The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves made a blockbuster trade on the eve of the NBA season, but both teams have been struggling to find their identity and their defense ever since. How can Tom Thibodeau turn the Knicks' defense around? And can the Timberwolves survive without 37-year-old Mike Conley?

Finally, the rumored race to the bottom for Cooper Flagg isn't quite what it was hyped up to be. Most of the teams at the bottom of the standings are there by accident, not on purpose, and Vinnie wonders if it's a side effect of the CBA and the parity that's now built into the league. Also, should the league give up conferences for the sake of better teams in the NBA Playoffs?

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NBA one-month awards: MVP, Rookie of the Month, Most Improved & more | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Kevin O'Connor, Tom Haberstroh) — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 22:22:23 +0000

A month after the start of the NBA season, Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh reveal what their award ballots would look like if the season ended today.

(01:05) - Magic 119, Lakers 118
(06:30) - KOC visits the Intuit Dome
(12:10) - Hornets 123, Pistons 121 (OT)
(15:30) - How worried should the Timberwolves be?
(17:45) - Should the NBA change playoff seeding?
(24:50) - NBA one-month awards

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC and Tom Haberstroh dive into the news before revealing what their award ballots would look like if the NBA season ended today.

The guys use the Magic's thrilling victory over the Lakers last night to highlight Franz Wagner, who has found his jump shot and once again looks like one of the 20 best players in the NBA. Anthony Davis, an MVP favorite, is already starting to look a bit tired.

KOC talks about his visit to the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, where he witnessed many bathrooms and The Wall, which may or may not be filled with paid actors.

The Hornets topped the Pistons in overtime and seem like they're built for the future with young stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Tom and Kevin also discuss the Timberwolves, who have fallen to 8-7 and appear to be out of sorts with a difficult part of the schedule ahead of them.

Before diving into their NBA one-month award ballots, the guys discuss the idea of the NBA changing its playoff seeding to a 1-16 system that does not rely on conferences. Is it in the best interest of the league? Is it even possible?

Finally, find out who would be their picks for MVP, Rookie of the Month, Defensive Player of the Month, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Month, Sixth Man of the Month and even on the All-NBA or All-Rookie teams if the season ended today.

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5 stats that prove LeBron James is having his most impressive season | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Tom Haberstroh, Dan Devine) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 21:24:06 +0000

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine get together, along with five of their favorite stats, to see if this is the most impressive season in LeBron James' awe-inspiring career. Also, would making dunks worth 3 points fix the NBA?

(2:05) The Big Number: 826

(17:34) The Little Numbers: 47.3

(19:54) The Little Numbers: 49.2%

(22:37) The Little Numbers: 1.19

(27:32) The Little Numbers: +15.5

(32:49) Over/unders scoreboard update

(33:37) Should the NBA make dunks worth 3 points?

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive deep into the numbers to try to figure out how 39-year-old LeBron James is having such a great season for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The guys start with the big number, which is 826 this week. That's the number of 3-point shots LeBron James has made since joining the Lakers. If you don't think that's a lot, tune in to hear which Hall of Fame players never made that many 3-point shots in their entire career.

But it's the efficiency of LeBron's season that has really caught the eye of both Tom and Dan. He is currently posting career highs in points created per 36, points scored on plays where LeBron is in the pick-and-roll and percentage of his baskets that are assisted.

The success of the 10-4 Lakers, as well as the success of rookie forward Dalton Knecht, can be directly attributed to the increased efficiency and proficiency of LeBron James, who turns 40 in about six weeks. That's crazy. Is there a case to be made that he's having his most impressive season?

Finally, Tom wrote a piece for Yahoo Sports wondering if making dunks worth three points would shift the NBA back to offensive diversity and away from every team trying to copy the Boston Celtics. He talks it out with Dan to see if it would be viable and, if not, what other plans might make sense.

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Celtics end Cavs' winning streak, Maxey calls out Embiid & the biggest NBA disappointments | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Isis "Ice" Young) — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 20:22:10 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis "Ice" Young discuss the turmoil surrounding Joel Embiid and the 76ers, the Celtics beating the Cavaliers and the biggest disappointments (so far) of the NBA season.

(02:05) - Turmoil with Joel Embiid & the 76ers

(18:50) - Revisiting the Haliburton/Sabonis trade

(24:00) - Biggest disappointments: Zion Williamson

(31:00) - Biggest disappointments: Luka Doncic

(36:10) - Celtics end Cavaliers' winning streak

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Isis "Ice" Young to talk about some of the biggest disappointments in the league so far this season.

They start in Philadelphia, where the 76ers blew a huge lead to the Heat before having a team meeting where Tyrese Maxey called out Joel Embiid for a lack of professionalism. Is Embiid upset about something else? Why didn't Nick Nurse or Daryl Morey get involved?

Speaking of disappointments, Tyrese Haliburton has been struggling with the Indiana Pacers this year. Vinnie talks about an injury Haliburton picked up when playing for Team USA in the Olympics before revisiting the trade that sent Haliburton to Indiana in exchange for Domantas Sabonis. Are we sure the Pacers won that trade?

Zion Williamson and Luka Doncic are two players that faced big expectations this season and, so far, neither one is living up to the hype. For Zion, the issue is staying healthy and staying in shape. For Luka, the issue has been a lack of effort and focus during games.

Finally, Vinnie recaps the Celtics' thrilling 120-117 win over the previously undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers and explains why the Cavs should still be excited about how they're playing. Also, maybe we should be making plans to be back in Boston for the Finals this year.

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Dead Sixers, Franz’s growth, feisty Clippers, Fox’s hot scoring & Cavs-Celtics battle | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 08:37:06 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Mo Dakhil to give their thoughts and takeaway's from Monday night's NBA action. The duo start off with the Los Angeles Clippers beating the Golden State Warriors, as they discuss the Clippers' playoff aspirations and how much the Warriors should still scare teams in the Western conference. Next up is the Atlanta Hawks' dramatic victory over the Sacramento Kings, as the duo discus De'Aaron Fox and Zachary Risacher, among others. In other news, Franz Wagner looks to be coming into his own just as Kevin predicted, and the Cleveland Cavaliers look to keep their undefeated streak alive against the Boston Celtics. Kevin and Mo also touch on the NBA Cup and a rumored change to the All-Star Game structure.

Later, Spike Eskin joins the show to do a deep dive on the utterly depressing Philadelphia 76ers, who blew a 19-point lead to fall to 2-11 tonight. Spike vents about the apparent lack of effort on the court and why the Joel Embiid return has been such a disaster so far. Kevin isn't ready to give up on the Sixers just yet due to some star talent still performing at a high level and a weak conference, but they're nevertheless off to a nightmarish start. Kevin & Spike finish off the show with their thoughts on Linkin Park's latest album.

(1:20) - Clippers beat Warriors

(13:05) - Hawks beat Kings

(27:00) - Magic beat Suns

(32:45) - Are the Cavs in the same tier as the Celtics?

(41:00) - Thoughts on the NBA Cup & potential All-Star Game changes

(47:40) - Sixers deep dive with Spike Eskin

(1:10:30) - Linkin Park's new album

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Cavs stay undefeated, Jokic working on 4th MVP & the Pistons' resurgence | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Chris Herring) — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:49:05 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and ESPN's Chris Herring go through the biggest surprises in the NBA about one month into the season. Can anyone catch Jokic for MVP? Is it time for the Bucks to trade Giannis? Are the Cavaliers really this good?

(02:45) - The 15-0 Cleveland Cavaliers
(13:25) - Can anyone catch Jokic for MVP?
(22:55) - The suddenly competent Detroit Pistons
(30:30) - Is it time for the Bucks to trade Giannis?
(45:00) - The upstart Houston Rockets

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by ESPN senior writer Chris Herring to go through their biggest surprises a month into the 2024-25 NBA season.

Chris and Vinnie start in Cleveland, where the Cavaliers are off to a blazing 15-0 start and look the part as one of the Eastern Conference's best teams. Is it sustainable? Is it all the new head coach? How has Donovan Mitchell's role changed?

After wondering if Donovan Mitchell will get MVP votes, the guys dig through the outrageous numbers Nikola Jokic is putting up for the Denver Nuggets and declare Jokic the MVP until further notice. Vinnie goes into the crates to try and figure out if anyone has had a better 5-year stretch than what Jokic is doing right now.

Vinnie talks about the Detroit Pistons, who are significantly better than they were last season with mostly the same roster, and asks Chris to check him if his Detroit bias is out of control.

Later, the guys talk about the Milwaukee Bucks, who look lost and have no real way to improve their franchise outside of trading one of the two superstars on the roster. Is it time for the Bucks to consider trading Giannis? If so, where would he even go?

Vinnie has an idea for a Giannis trade destination, and it's the #3 team in the Western Conference. Look out for the Houston Rockets, who are loaded with talent and playing hard for head coach Ime Udoka.

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Mavs are in trouble, Wembanyama catches fire, LeBron's crazy stats & NBA rookie rankings | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Kevin O'Connor, Tom Haberstroh) — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 21:43:27 +0000

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh discuss the worrying Mavericks and Timberwolves, Victor Wembanyama's and LeBron James's hot shooting, and their rankings of the top NBA rookies so far this season.

(00:40) - Are the Mavericks in trouble?

(12:20) - Are the Timberwolves worse off than the Mavericks?

(17:45) - Is Donovan Clingan the best rookie in this class?

(22:35) - Victor Wembanyama's red-hot 3-pt shooting

(30:30) - LeBron James continues to amaze

(41:10) - 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tom Haberstroh. The guys kick off the episode by talking about the Dallas Mavericks, who have lost four consecutive games and don't look like the defending Western Conference Champions.

Similarly, the Minnesota Timberwolves do not look like a team that would've made it to the Western Conference Finals. Is it Anthony Edwards' fault? Do they miss Karl Anthony-Towns? Should the Timberwolves be concerned about the clunky fit of their current roster?

Portland Trail Blazers' rookie center Donovan Clingan racked up 8 blocks against Minnesota on Wednesday, and he's starting to look like he might be the best big man in this year's draft class.

Victor Wembanyama must've been listening last week when Kevin and Tom told him to stop shooting so many 3s, because he's made 20 of them in his last 3 games and seems to be breaking basketball on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James has posted three consecutive triple-doubles, as he nears his 40th birthday. Tom has an incredible stat that doesn't feel real but sums up just how productive this season has been for James. However, the Lakers still have major issues they need to work out.

Finally, the guys go through a way too early look at the 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings. There's a big surprise at the #1 spot and a few guys that are ready to jump up the list in a hurry.

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5 stats that prove why Stephen Curry is the best player since Michael Jordan | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 14 Nov 2024 21:21:48 +0000

On the latest episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine look at Steph Curry’s incredible offensive impact on the Golden State Warriors. With just as much offensive dominance both on and off the ball, is Steph the greatest offensive player since Michael Jordan? Even more so than LeBron James?

But it’s not just Steph Curry giving the Warriors the boost they need to be title contenders—Golden State is over a dozen players deep with other stars with as Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins which Dan highlights with four more numbers.

Tom & Dan end the show with some over/under predictions for Golden State throughout the rest of the NBA season.

(2:00) The Big Number: 124.2

(15:39) 4 stats that prove Golden State are title contenders

(30:11) Warriors over/unders

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Steph Curry spoils Klay's GSW return, Bronny James won't play road games & NBA Cup Reactions | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Jason Goff) — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:44:24 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jason Goff for a fun conversation about Klay Thompson's return to the Chase Center, making NBA regular season games special and Bronny James skipping road games in the G League.

(05:10) - Steph Curry spoils Klay's return to GSW

(25:20) - Emirates NBA Cup night 1 reaction

(32:20) - Can the NBA get fans to care about regular season games?

(43:45) - Bronny James to skip G League road games

(49:55) - Will the Chicago Bulls finally tank?

(56:45) - Which cities would embrace Cooper Flagg?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jason Goff from Chicago Sports Network and The Ringer to react to a fun night 1 of the NBA Cup.

The guys start by talking about the Golden State Warriors' classy handling of Klay Thompson's return to the Chase Center before diving into the competitive way that Steph Curry went after his former teammate and stole the show in a Warriors' win.

Then, after discussing the way the Miami Heat botched the end of their game against the Detroit Pistons, Vinnie and Jason wonder how the NBA can get away from the highlight and drama culture surrounding the league to make fans care more about the regular season games.

During the recording, news broke that Bronny James wouldn't be playing road games for the Los Angeles Lakers G League affiliate, raising new questions about his preferential treatment and whether this is as good a situation for him as it is for his father, LeBron James Sr.

Vinnie finds time to ask Jason about the team he covers, the Chicago Bulls, and whether this is finally the year they go all-in on tanking to preserve their top-10 protected 1st round pick. This leads to a conversation about which cities would embrace Cooper Flagg as the face of their NBA team.

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Peak Jokic, Westbrook’s revival, the undefeated Cavaliers & NBA injury madness | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 06:28:09 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Adam Mares to break down the biggest storylines from around the NBA, including Nikola Jokic's early bid for another MVP, Luka Doncic's struggles with the Dallas Mavericks, the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, whether Oklahoma City should go all-in, some key injury news and much more.

Kevin and Adam start with Nikola Jokic's big night, as the duo break down what's changed about the Joker's game this year that's made him even more dangerous and why Russell Westbrook fits so well in Denver's scheme. On the other side of Sunday night's game, the Dallas Mavericks are now 5-5, and Luka Doncic's lack of development so far this season is starting to catch up with them.

Joel Embiid makes his return Tuesday night, and Kevin and Adam discuss how the Philadelphia 76ers can best utilize him if they want to be a legitimate playoff team. The Sixers aren't the only team affected by injuries so far this season, as the Oklahoma City Thunder are treading water without a few key players. The hosts discuss whether or not OKC needs to break the bank and go all-in this season with a player like Giannis.

Later, Kevin and Adam discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers starting the season 12-0 and how far that could last, plus what's not clicking with the Milwaukee Bucks. The duo finish up by answering a mailbag question on how Jayson Tatum's early successes could raise the ceiling for the Boston Celtics.

(0:50) - Why Nikola Jokic is already playing at an MVP level

(16:15) - Luka Doncic's early struggles

(22:30) - How Sixers can best build around Joel Embiid

(29:30) - NBA injury madness: time for OKC to make a move?

(39:55) - How long can the Cavaliers stay undefeated?

(45:10) - Things just aren't clicking yet in Milwaukee

(47:20) - Does Jayson Tatum's play raise Celtics ceiling?

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9 NBA Observations: Wemby needs to step up, Sixers in trouble & more | The Kevin O’Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 8 Nov 2024 18:29:26 +0000

The 2024-2025 NBA season is around its 9-game mark as of Thursday night, so Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to share 9 observations about the league and its trends at this roughly 10% completion point in the season.

Can the Philadelphia 76ers survive their atrocious start without Tyrese Maxey and with Joel Embiid slated to play his first game of the season this Tuesday against New York? What adjustments need to be made in San Antonio to get Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul playing complementary basketball that bolsters Wemby's strengths? Will Zion Williamson ever be Zion Williamson again? All that and more on today's Kevin O'Connor Show.

(0:50) - Sixers aren't who we thought they were

(5:10) - Can anything fix the east vs. west conference imbalance?

(7:10) - Cavs are 9-0, can they get to 60 wins?

(10:30) - Should NBA abandon conferences and go to 58 games?

(16:00) - How can CP3 and Wemby get on the same page?

(25:45) - Kings can reach a new level with DeRozan add

(28:40) - Can Zion ever be Zion again?

(34:20) - Jalen Johnson's usage is crazy

(38:22) - Ja Morant is back with a vengeance

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

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85: Can OKC’s defense win them the NBA title? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 7 Nov 2024 19:19:38 +0000

On this week's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the numbers on the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC has a team of DAWGS on defense that create chaos all over the court and that defensive prowess might just give them the edge to be title favorites.

Dan counters Tom’s bullish attitude toward the Thunder with a few other teams who could best OKC like the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors & Phoenix Suns.

The two wrap with some Oklahoma City over/unders worth keeping an eye on.

(1:10) THE BIG NUMBER: 85

(15:13) The Number Crunch

(15:40) The Number Crunch: Boston Celtics

(18:29) The Number Crunch: Golden State Warriors

(21:55) The Number Crunch: Cleveland Cavaliers

(24:46) The Number Crunch: Phoenix Suns

(28:13) OKC over/unders

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Embiid suspended, Nuggets lose Aaron Gordon & 2019 NBA Draft class spotlight | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Isis "Ice" Young) — Wed, 6 Nov 2024 20:09:21 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis "Ice" Young discuss Joel Embiid's suspension and how the Nuggets can survive without Aaron Gordon before combing through the 2019 NBA Draft class.

(02:00) - NBA suspends Joel Embiid for 3 games
(10:05) - Anthony Davis questionable (heel injury)
(14:00) - Aaron Gordon to miss multiple weeks (calf injury)
(17:30) - Zion Williamson
(23:00) - Ja Morant
(26:30) - RJ Barrett
(29:30) - Darius Garland
(31:30) - The Last Word: Draymond vs. Jordan Poole

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Isis "Ice" Young to discuss everything that's going on in the early part of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Vinnie and Ice start with the NBA suspending Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid for shoving a reporter in the locker room. Ice talks about the lines that were crossed and Vinnie explains why the reporter might've felt comfortable mentioning Embiid's family in his article before pointing out that the star player will make his season debut during the opening game of the NBA Cup.

Anthony Davis is dealing with an injury of his own, but Vinnie explains why he doesn't expect Davis to miss any time while Ice points out that the Lakers have become reliant on their big man and need him to stay healthy.

Speaking of, the Nuggets will be without Aaron Gordon for a few weeks due to a calf injury. Vinnie says why calf injuries in NBA players make him nervous before explaining why he thinks Gordon is the 2nd most important player on the Nuggets.

Vince and Ice then turn their attention to the 2014 NBA Draft class, which seems to be finding its footing in the NBA. Whether it's maturity (Ja Morant), opportunity (RJ Barrett) or simply health luck (Darius Garland), everyone seems to be finding success this season...except for Zion Williamson, whose struggles to stay healthy make Vinnie and Ice wonder how long his NBA career will be.

Finally, Draymond Green shared some funny (and cute) moments on the court against his former teammate Jordan Poole, leading us to wonder if he has finally matured enough to avoid causing the Warriors any issues with his behavior.

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Are the Warriors for real? Plus Haliburton’s struggles, NBA Soap Opera teams & is Gradey Dick making a leap?

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 5 Nov 2024 07:00:00 +0000

On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by True Hoops' David Thorpe to discuss the biggest headlines from the start of the NBA season. They break down the reason for the Golden State Warriors' hot start this year and what has held back Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.

Also on today's show, they discuss the emergence of Gradey Dick for the Toronto Raptors and what will happen to the San Antonio Spurs without Gregg Popovich. They wrap up the episode with mailbag questions from listeners, ranging from how the Pistons can become competitive and which team will turn into a soap opera.

(5:54) The Warriors hot start

(13:30) Gradey Dick's big second year

(21:47) Gregg Popovich's health issue

(24:22) What is wrong with Tyrese Haliburton?

(33:25) Pacers trade targets

(40:02) Fixing the Pistons

(43:03) Soap Opera teams

(51:31) Bright future teams

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Joel Embiid shoves reporter, Popovich out indefinitely & the red-hot Cavaliers | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Amin Elhassan) — Tue, 5 Nov 2024 00:11:52 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Amin Elhassan for a conversation about Joel Embiid shoving a reporter, where the Spurs go after Gregg Popovich and what has gotten into the red got Cavaliers.

(01:10) - Joel Embiid shoves reporter, NBA investigating

(19:55) - Spurs' Gregg Popovich out indefinitely following health scare

(28:00) - Are the Cavaliers party-crashers in the East?

(34:30) - Are the Giannis trade rumors for real?

(38:30) - Grant Williams ejected after tackling Jayson Tatum

(43:00) - How long will Embiid be suspended?

(47:45) - The Last Word: The crumbling relationship between players and media

On this episode of The Good Word with Goodwill, former NBA front office member Amin Elhassan joins Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill to discuss Joel Embiid shoving a reporter in the 76ers locker room and the possible fallout of that situation.

This morning, it was announced that Gregg Popovich is out indefinitely following a health incident. At 75 years old, it's hard to imagine him as the Spurs' head coach for much longer. Has San Antonio missed the window to set up succession after Pop?

Vinnie and Amin address if the Giannis trade rumors are real or if rival GMs are dirtying the waters in Milwaukee before talking about Grant Williams picking up a flagrant 2 against former teammate Jayson Tatum.

Finally, after talking about what the Joel Embiid suspension might be (and wondering if Joe Mazzulla deserves one, as well), the guys spend a long time talking about a changing media landscape and the effect it is having on the relationship between players and the media.

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Bucks panic button, Wembanyama's 5x5 & a slow start for rookies | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Tom Haberstroh, Kevin O'Connor) — Fri, 1 Nov 2024 22:49:41 +0000

Kevin O'Connor, along with Tom Haberstroh, wonders if it's time for the Bucks to trade away Giannis and Damian Lillard, how many 5x5 games Wembanyama will have and why aren't rookies playing more?

(00:00) - Time for the Bucks to panic?
(08:05) - Should Milwaukee trade Giannis and Damian Lillard?
(18:00) - Can the Grizzlies survive more injuries?
(24:00) - Victor Wembanyama gets another 5x5
(33:00) - Paolo Banchero is one of several stars facing injury
(37:00) - Why aren't the NBA's rookies playing more?
(44:20) - Ryan Dunn for Rookie of the Year?
(52:00) - Is Anthony Edwards shooting too many 3s?

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh joins Kevin and the show starts with a conversation about the 1-4 Milwaukee Bucks and whether it's time for them to panic and start looking for trade destinations for Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez.

The Memphis Grizzlies, coming off of a definitive win over the Bucks, seem to be the picture of stability but their injury issues from last year might be crashing the party yet again.

Spurs' center Victor Wembanyama became the 3rd player in NBA history to net more than a single 5x5 game. How many will he have in his career? And why isn't the Spurs offense better when he's on the floor?

The guys use the news of Paolo Banchero's oblique injury to talk about the six players that were all-stars last season and are currently dealing with injuries at the start of the NBA season.

Things are trending upward, but Tom points out that rookies are playing fewer minutes than ever to start the season. How can we get the Rockets to free Reed Sheppard? And is Ryan Dunn the favorite to win Rookie of the Year right now?

Finally, the guys talk about why they're worried about Anthony Edwards shooting more 3-pointers and discuss why nobody is noticing the uptick in dunks as well as long-range shots.

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87.5: Why it's time to panic for the Denver Nuggets | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Dan Devine, Tom Haberstroh) — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 22:50:10 +0000

The Big Number this week is about Russell Westbrook, but it says much more about the Denver Nuggets' offense and championship window. Join Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine as they go through all the stats and make bold predictions.

(03:50) - THE BIG NUMBER: 87.5

(05:45) - Will the Nuggets make the playoffs?

(09:30) - Denver's lack of depth

(14:50) - Russell Westbrook's age

(20:10) - Nuggets need more from Murray & MPJ

(27:10) - Has Russ lost his burst?

(30:55) - Has the Nuggets championship window closed?

(36:15) - Over/unders

On this week's episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dig into the stats and make bold predictions about the Denver Nuggets.

To start, Tom is very concerned with how bad the Denver offense has been with Russell Westbrook on the floor. He's starting to worry about their ability to make the playoffs this year.

Tom compares Westbrook at 35 to other similar guards to show how unique he is to still be playing in the NBA at this age, while Dan points out that the Nuggets have bigger problems in their starting lineup.

Dan came with a stat of his own, showing that Westbrook might finally be losing enough of his trademark burst and athleticism for it to be a problem. Meanwhile, Tom worries if the Nuggets have any way to get back into contention if their highest paid players don't start playing better.

Finally, as they did last week, the guys finish the show by picking sides on some fun over/unders.

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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9 best players under 28 years old & what happened to NBA fights? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Isis "Ice" Young) — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 21:39:16 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis "Ice" Young list off the best NBA players under 28 years old and then address why fights in the NBA are not as frequent, or as violent, as they used to be.

(01:50) - Chet Holmgren vs. Victor Wembanyama

(08:35) - Luka Doncic vs. Anthony Edwards

(18:15) - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

(21:20) - Jayson Tatum

(25:40) - Paolo Banchero

(29:30) - Tyrese Haliburton & Tyrese Maxey

(38:10) - Who is the best player under 28 years old?

(38:45) - The Last Word: Mazzulla wants to fight

On this episode of The Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Isis "Ice" Young to talk about the best players in the NBA under 28 years old.

They start off with tonight's matchup between the Spurs and Thunder, headlined by Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren. How has Chet grown his game? Is Wemby already the favorite for DPOY?

Vinnie and Ice then recap last night's Mavericks win over the Timberwolves, highlighted by big performances from Luka Doncic and Anthony Edwards.

They go through five more names of under-28 stars around the league before talking about fights in the NBA, which Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla would like to see more of.

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KD beats LeBron, Nuggets & Bucks panic meter, Banchero drops 50 & Wolves deep dive | Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:01:06 +0000

On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin kicks things off with help from Daman Rangoola as the duo give their instant takeaways from Monday night's games, including the Los Angeles Lakers looking promising even in defeat, the Denver Nuggets looking concerning even in victory, Paolo Banchero dropping 50, hype for the Boston Celtics and some early concern over the Milwaukee Bucks and Daman's favorite nicknames for Victor Wembanyama.

Later, Kevin is joined by Minnesota Timberwolves podcaster Dane Moore to discuss the drastic changes to the Timberwolves roster and lineup. They dissect the increased three-point volume for young star Anthony Edwards, and explain what fans should expect from his new play style. They also project the best options for the Timberwolves lineup with new faces like Rob Dillingham and Julius Randle in the mix.

To wrap the show, Kevin answers questions from listeners on this week's mailbag. He covers the difference between the perception for Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards, if the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder could win 70 games and artists similar to Father John Misty.

(00:45) Phoenix Suns beat Los Angeles Lakers

(12:00) Denver Nuggets beat Toronto Raptors

(23:10) Orlando Magic beat Detroit Pistons

(26:05) Boston Celtics beat Milwaukee Bucks

(38:30) Anthony Edwards' shot selection

(53:35) The Timberwolves best lineup

(1:05:50) Mailbag

(1:06:10) Jayson Tatum vs Anthony Edwards

(1:07:30) Can a team win 70 games?

(1:08:10) Father John Misty

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5 NBA overreactions: Lakers, Clippers, Thunder & Warriors with J.A. Adande | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, J.A. Adande) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 00:38:40 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by one of the newest members of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, J.A. Adande, to overreact to the first week of the NBA regular season.

(00:00) - J.A. Adande's Hall of Fame induction
(11:40) - Who is on the Lakers' Mount Rushmore?
(17:35) - Did JJ Redick fix the Lakers?
(24:35) - Have the Clippers finally escaped the Lakers' shadow?
(31:00) - Can any team stop the Celtics?
(33:20) - Can any team in the West stop the Thunder?
(39:15) - Are the Warriors contenders again?
(43:40) - Is 3-pt shooting ruining basketball?

On this episode of The Good Word with Goodwill, legendary basketball journalist and columnist J.A. Adande joins the show and tells us about his weekend, where he was honored with the Curt Gowdy Print Media Award and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

After that, Vinnie hits J.A. with some overreactions to the first week of the NBA regular season to find out which ones are real and which ones are foolish. First up, the guys talk about J.A.'s Lakers team. They discuss LeBron James' place in Lakers history before deciding if JJ Redick has fixed all of the team's issues from last season.

The guys stay in L.A., talking about "The Wall" at the Los Angeles Clippers' new arena and wondering if moving to Inglewood might finally get the Clippers out of the Lakers' shadow.

Vinnie wonders if any team can beat the Boston Celtics besides themselves while J.A. Adande gets so excited about the Oklahoma City Thunder that he reveals his NBA Finals prediction.

After talking about the Warriors' chances of contention this season, the guys talk about the evolution of the NBA and how prevalent 3-point shooting is becoming.

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NBA opening week observations: Chet on the rise, Klay’s debut & Ant’s crazy scoring trend | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 06:46:09 +0000

The first few days of the 2024-2025 NBA season are in the books and there is much to discuss. For the first third of the podcast, Kevin O'Connor is joined by Gibson Pyper (aka @HalfCourtHoops) to discuss Thursday evenings games in which Oklahoma City Thunder pummeled the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves narrowly snuck one by the Sacramento Kings and the Dallas Mavericks had all the answers for the San Antonio Spurs

Later, Tom Haberstroh joins KOC to react to the first few nights of regular season NBA action. The guys start in New Orleans, where an injury to Dejounte Murray's hand could mean the return of "Point Zion" for the Pelicans.

The NBA has said that they are investigating the 76ers after Joel Embiid missed opening night and said that he is done playing in back-to-back games. The bigger question is whether the Sixers can win enough games with Embiid and Paul George sitting so often?

LaMelo Ball lived up to the hype in his return from an ankle injury and led the comeback charge against the Rockets for a road win. Is there any player more fun to watch when they catch fire?

Finally, the guys play a game of "Fact, Fiction or Fantasy" to answer questions about Scoot Henderson's future, the Magic's claim as Florida's best team, the new wall of Clippers fans at the Intuit Dome and a lot more.

(0:40) - Oklahoma City Thunder rolls, time to panic in Denver?

(10:30) - Anthony Edwards and Timberwolves outlast Kings

(19:55) - Klay's debut in Dallas' win over San Antonio

(30:46) - Pelicans' Dejounte Murray fractures hand

(35:30) - NBA investigating 76ers over Joel Embiid's player participation

(40:10) - The Bucks defense looks great

(42:45) - LaMelo shines in comeback win over Rockets

(50:40) - Where have all the rookies been?

(54:40) - FACT, FICTION or FANTASY: Storylines from the first few days of the season

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79%: Should we buy the preseason stretch 5? | The Big Number

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Tom Haberstroh, Dan Devine) — Thu, 24 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

On the very first episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh digs into the numbers with Dan Devine to find out if centers shooting 3s in the preseason will translate into the regular season and beyond.

(01:30) - The Big Number: 79%
(04:00) - Which centers have improved their 3pt attempt rate?
(08:10) - Why Bam Adebayo's 3pt shooting might be real
(15:50) - Why Anthony Davis' 3pt shooting might be real
(18:45) - Will Isaiah Hartenstein shoot more 3s with OKC?
(27:30) - Why DeAndre Ayton's 3pt shooting might be real
(31:00) - PREDICTIONS: Which centers will shoot more from distance?

On the very first episode of The Big Number, Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh digs into the numbers with Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine to find out if centers shooting 3s in the preseason will translate into the regular season and beyond.

According to Tom's big number, only about 20% of the centers that greatly increase their three-point attempts in the preseason carry that over to the regular season and beyond. But will the success of the Boston Celtics change that this year?

Tom and Dan discuss four players (Bam Adebayo, Anthony Davis, Isaiah Hartenstein & DeAndre Ayton) who have seen increased volume from long range this preseason and pour over the numbers to see if there is any sign that those guys will shoot more once the games really matter.

The guys finish the show by setting over-unders for the guys discussed and planting their flag on whether they think each guy will increase their three-point attempt rate dramatically this season.

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Olajuwon's legacy, Anthony Edwards as the face of the NBA & are the Nuggets done? | The Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Mirin Fader) — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by best-selling author Mirin Fader, who recently published a biography of Hakeem Olajuwon, to talk about Hakeem's legacy and some of the most intriguing NBA storylines heading into the season.

(01:30) - Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon

(20:30) - Revisiting the 1984 NBA Draft

(30:50) - Jalen Brunson & the New York Knicks

(33:30) - Is Anthony Edwards ready to be the face of the NBA?

(36:00) - Did the championship window close on the Denver Nuggets?

(38:00) - How did Hakeem end up in Houston?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by best-selling author Mirin Fader to talk about her latest book, Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon.

Vinnie and Mirin talk about Hakeem blazing a trail that has since led guys like Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo to find their way into the top tier of NBA players. They also discuss the blatant racism that Olajuwon faced when he first got to Houston and wonder if things have gotten any better for young players coming to America from Africa.

Vince points out that Hakeem is a connector to NBA history. He played against Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, David Robinson and Tim Duncan. Outside of Wild Chamberlain and Bill Russell, Olajuwon played against almost every great center that has ever played in the NBA.

Mirin revisits the 1984 NBA Draft, where Hakeem was picked #1 by the Houston Rockets before the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan with the 3rd overall pick, to talk about all of the potential trades that were up in the air that night and all of the league-altering outcomes that were narrowly avoided.

Later, Vincent and Mirin talk about the stories they find most intriguing in the NBA heading into the 2024-25 regular season. For Mirin, she is fascinated by New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson and can't wait to watch him take another leap this year. For Vinnie, he's worried that Anthony Edwards is facing the same challenges that failed Ja Morant three years ago.

The two of them finish the podcast on the Denver Nuggets, who are locked into a core of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr. for the foreseeable future. A little over a year removed from winning the championship, has their window already closed? And has any team been hurt more by the new CBA?

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13 NBA season predictions, mailbag & Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Kevin O'Connor, Legend of Winning, Dalton Knecht) — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Legend of Winning for an episode of predictions before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. Later, KOC tackles mailbag questions and talks with Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht.

(01:40) - PREDICTION: Magic finish top 3 in the East

(06:20) - PREDICTION: Bucks fans turn on their GM

(11:40) - PREDICTION: The Knicks are overrated

(18:05) - PREDICTION: The NBA will shoot more 3s

(23:05) - PREDICTION: The Grizzlies will miss the playoffs

(29:15) - PREDICTION: De'Aaron Fox will be a trade target

(35:25) - PREDICTION: Rockets will pursue Durant & Harden

(47:55) - Breaking: Jalen Green contract extension

(50:00) - NBA Finals predictions

(51:55) - PREDICTION: Lakers in the Western Conference Finals

(57:20) - The mailbag!

(01:13:35) - Interview with Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, we prepare for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season by making predictions about what will happen this season along with guest co-host Legend of Winning.

Listen in to find out why the guys think the Magic will overperform, the Bucks will underperform and why the Knicks big offseason moves might be overrated (if they can't stay healthy).

KOC adds a prediction about 3-point shooting rates league-wide and explains why he thinks De'Aaron Fox might be the most popular trade target when the deadline comes around. Meanwhile, LOW has some questions about what the Rockets are doing and has a theory that ends with James Harden and Kevin Durant in Houston.

In the mailbag segment, KOC picks a contender to fall out of the playoff race, explains who he thinks will be the most important center on the Suns roster and predicts a trade for the Denver Nuggets.

Finally, Lakers rookie 1st round pick Dalton Knecht joins the show to talk about life under the Los Angeles spotlights (especially around LeBron James and Bronny) and using video games as an escape from the grind.

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2024-25 NBA season preview with Bomani Jones | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Bomani Jones) — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Bomani Jones continue their conversation from last week, discussing the biggest NBA storylines heading into the start of the 2024-25 regular season.

(05:15) - Are the 76ers or Knicks bigger threats to the Celtics?
(11:05) - Who is the best player in the Eastern Conference?
(18:55) - Can the Boston Celtics repeat?
(23:00) - Can the Los Angeles Lakers make the playoffs?
(34:30) - Does Bronny James belong in the NBA?
(38:40) - Is parity good for the NBA?
(46:05) - Preseason predictions for MVP & NBA champion

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Bomani Jones to continue the conversation they were having about the NBA last week.

The guys start with the champion Boston Celtics. With the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers making major changes to their rosters to try and catch Boston, which one is the bigger threat to win the Eastern Conference this year?

Who is the best player in the Eastern Conference? Are we sure it's not Jayson Tatum? And, if it's not, why isn't it Jayson Tatum after he cemented himself as the best player on the best team in the league? Whether or not the Celtics can repeat might end up determining how we think of Tatum for the rest of his career.

Switching over to the Western Conference, are the Los Angeles Lakers good enough to make the playoffs? They have talent, but they might not have enough to compete in one of the deepest conferences in NBA history. And adding Bronny James to theoretically play real minutes during his rookie season shows that their priorities might not be in order.

Finally, before we let Bomani go, Vinnie was wondering how Adam Silver's push towards more parity in the NBA sits with someone who has watched the NBA closely for decades. Also, since we have him, we asked Bo to give us his predictions for MVP, NBA champion and Finals matchup for the upcoming season.

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NBA title tiers, Lonzo Ball's return, Kawhi's knee injury & Bucks drama | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Kevin O'Connor, Tom Haberstroh) — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to go through the NBA news of the day, including Kawhi's indefinite return from injury and some drama surrounding Giannis and the Bucks, before diving into Tom's Title Tiers.

(00:40) - Clippers F Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely (knee)
(05:15) - Thunder C Isaiah Hartenstein out 5-6 weeks (hand)
(07:20) - 76ers avoid bad news on Paul George's knee
(09:35) - Bulls G Lonzo Ball looks great in preseason return
(16:20) - Timberwolves F Julius Randle debuts
(18:35) - Giannis wonders if the Bucks would trade him
(29:45) - Going over Tom's Title Tiers

As he is every Friday, Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh for a trip all over the NBA in this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show.

The guys start in Los Angeles, with the news that Kawhi Leonard is out indefinitely with knee inflammation. It's the same knee that kept him out of the Olympics and it's pretty scary that it's not ready to go after so much time away from basketball.

Isaiah Hartenstein's regular season debut with the OKC Thunder will be delayed due to a broken hand, but it doesn't sound serious. The 76ers breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out that Paul George's knee was not seriously injured.

Julius Randle made his Timberwolves debut in a preseason game against the Bulls, but the bigger story was the return of Lonzo Ball after dealing with knee issues for nearly 3 years. Tom and Kevin talk about their favorite parts of his first preseason game back on an NBA court.

After discussing the Milwaukee Bucks, who possibly inched closer to trading Giannis Antetokounmpo next offseason, Kevin goes through Tom's Title Tiers and picks out some of the teams that he feels are worthy of discussion.

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Can Paul George carry the 76ers? Plus, Lonzo Ball's return, WNBA Finals & coaches on the hot seat | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, Isis "Ice" Young) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:20:20 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis "Ice" Young discuss the 76ers' injury issues, Lonzo Ball's long-awaited return, WNBA Finals thoughts and a lot more!

(01:15) - Can Paul George carry the 76ers?

(12:05) - Lonzo Ball's long-awaited return to the NBA

(21:00) - WNBA Finals: Liberty & Lynx tied 1-1

(28:15) - Which NBA team will jump into the playoffs this year?

(36:25) - Which NBA coaches are already on the hot seat?

(40:20) - Capture the Flagg: Who is tanking for the #1 pick?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill and Isis "Ice" Young get caught up on the WNBA Finals and the NBA's preseason.

They start with the Philadelphia 76ers, who found out that Paul George's knee injury is a bone bruise and announced that Joel Embiid wouldn't be playing until the start of the regular season. More importantly, Embiid told a reporter that he likely won't play back-to-back games for the rest of his career. Vince and Ice have thoughts on big men who don't play every game.

Lonzo Ball is slated to be on an NBA court tonight for the Chicago Bulls, almost three years and three knee surgeries removed from the last time he played. Ice has been through similar knee injuries, and she talks about the mental part of recovery.

Game 3 of the WNBA Finals is tonight in Minnesota, and Ice still likes her pick of the Lynx to win it all in 5 games....or maybe even 4? Find out why she still thinks the Liberty can't keep up with the Lynx, even after their impressive game 2 victory.

When discussing which NBA team could jump from outside the playoffs into title contention, both Vinnie and Ice focused on the Memphis Grizzlies. If they can stay healthy, and if Zach Edey is the player they think he can be, this team could be really good right away.

Finally, Vinnie and Ice break down the NBA coaches starting the season on the hot seat before wondering which teams will have the most success tanking their way to the #1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, where Cooper Flagg remains the biggest prize.

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The All-Breakout Team, Most Improved Candidates, and Joel Embiid’s Absence with Dan Titus

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 07:00:00 +0000

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Yahoo Sports fantasy basketball analyst Dan Titus to analyze his All-Breakout team before the 2024-2025 season.

Additionally, on today's show, they react to news around the league during the preseason. They highlight Donte DiVincenzo's contentious game against his former team, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball finally returning, the expectation for Joel Embiid to miss most of the 76ers preseason, and the emergence of Suns rookie Ryan Dunn.

Lastly, Kevin wraps up the show by answering listener questions ranging from the Lakers rotation to the start of his sports media career.

(1:10) Donte DiVincenzo's heated matchup with the Knicks

(7:10) The return of Lonzo Ball

(9:02) How good are the 76ers without Joel Embiid?

(15:52) Ryan Dunn is an emerging weapon for the Suns

(22:09) Dan Titus's All-Breakout Team

(52:19) Mailbag Questions

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Knicks go all-in on Brunson, Pistons excited for Ivey & bring back the Sonics | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Vincent Goodwill, James Edwards III) — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 21:20:40 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by James Edwards III, who writes for The Athletic about the New York Knicks and who previously worked the Detroit Pistons beat. The guys talk Knicks, Pistons, NBA Hall of Fame and Seattle's basketball future.

(06:55) - NBA inducts superfans into the Hall of Fame

(16:35) - Seattle shows why it's ready to bring back the Sonics

(20:15) - Knicks building around Jalen Brunson

(48:15) - Can Cade Cunningham make the leap?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by James Edwards III, who writes for The Athletic about the New York Knicks and who previously worked the Detroit Pistons beat.

The guys start by talking about the Detroit Lions (who beat the Cowboys yesterday) and the Detroit Tigers (who didn't make it to the ALCS) before wondering why the NBA is inducting Jack Nicholson, Spike Lee and Billy Crystal into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

The Los Angeles Clippers, at the behest of owner Steve Ballmer, once again played a preseason game in Seattle and showed how much support for the NBA exists in that city. James tells stories about his time in Seattle and Vinnie talks about how adding Seattle and Las Vegas to the NBA could reshape the conferences.

With James here, the guys deep-dive into the very interesting New York Knicks. James explains what he doesn't love about the trades for Karl Anthony-Towns and Mikal Bridges, why he considers Tom Thibodeau to be one of the three best coached in the NBA and the guys discuss whether building a championship team around a player as short as Jalen Brunson might not be a great idea.

Finally, James has left the Pistons beat behind but he still has plenty of thoughts on the organization and its young players, including making the case for Cade Cunningham to be an all-star this season.

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Is OKC really the West favorite? Plus, Bronny’s struggles, the small ball Pelicans & the sad Clippers | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 11 Oct 2024 23:09:23 +0000

Kevin O'Connor is joined by Dan Devine to talk through some preseason NBA narratives and news, including the incredible roster of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Bronny James' place on the Lakers.

(01:05) - Can the Pelicans play Herb Jones at center?

(10:00) - Is Bronny James ready for the NBA?

(15:15) - How long can the Knicks survive with KAT at center?

(25:30) - Are the Thunder the best team in the West?

(36:45) - Can James Harden carry the Clippers with Kawhi out?

(43:15) - How will DeMar DeRozan fit in with the Kings?

(48:30) - Embiid's knee getting evaluated

(54:40) - Early impressions of Zaccharie Risacher

(60:15) - What is the Bulls' identity?

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine to bounce around the league as the NBA preseason continues.

The guys start in New Orleans, where the Pelicans are saying they will play Herb Jones at center in a small ball lineup. How far can that take them in the loaded Western Conference? Also, how long will Bronny James stay in the NBA before the Lakers have to send him to the G League?

The Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson until 2025, leaving Karl Anthony-Towns as the team's only option at starting center. Will their offense be good enough to mitigate any issues with the defense?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have more tradeable draft picks than any team and seemingly no holes on their roster. Can anyone in the Western Conference keep them out of the #1 spot?

Kawhi Leonard is, once again, facing knee issues that are keeping him from practicing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Can James Harden recreate his Houston Rockets magic and carry them to the playoffs?

The guys talk about how DeMar DeRozan fits with the Sacramento Kings before diverting to the 76ers, who might need more from Tyrese Maxey if Joel Embiid's knee isn't ready for the season.

Before closing with a conversation about the Bulls being stuck in between good and bad, Kevin and Dan give their thoughts after seeing some preseason action from Hawks rookie #1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.

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NBA GM survey, WNBA Finals preview & 2024 HOF class | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 9 Oct 2024 22:53:43 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis "Ice" Young react to NBA.com's survey of general managers around the league, preview the 2024 WNBA Finals and discuss this year's class entering the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

(03:00) - Reacting to NBA.com's 2024 GM survey

(15:20) - Mavericks' Dante Exum has wrist surgery

(17:35) - Wendell Carter Jr. extension with the Magic

(21:45) - 2024 WNBA Finals: Liberty (1) vs. Lynx (2)

(30:30) - 2024 Hall of Fame class

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Isis "Ice" Young, as he is every Wednesday on the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, and the two of them open up the show by reacting to NBA.com's survey of GMs around the NBA. Why are they picking the Celtics to repeat? How did Jayson Tatum win for "best small forward"? And what does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander need to do to win the MVP award this season?

After talking about the Mavericks, who have plenty of depth after adding players like Klay Thompson and Spencer Dinwiddie but will miss Dante Exum after the Australian guard had wrist surgery, Vinnie and Ice talk about the Orlando Magic's defense and their need to add a point guard to their starting lineup.

After last night's win over the Connecticut Sun, the Minnesota Lynx earned a spot in the NBA Finals against the New York Liberty. These are the two best teams in the league, by record, but the Lynx have had the Liberty's number this season. Find out who Ice is predicting will win the series and what you should be looking for.

Finally, the 2024 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class is getting ready to be inducted this weekend, and Vinnie has thoughts. Vince Carter and Chauncey Billups make sense, as two players who are maybe underappreciated for their greatness, but Michael Cooper? Walter Davis is given some love as a dominant scorer who played in a league that was very different than it is today.

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Real vs. Fake Contenders and Crazy NBA Questions with Tom Haberstroh | The Kevin O'Connor Show

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 8 Oct 2024 06:53:46 +0000

On the very first episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tom Haberstroh to answer some crazy NBA questions before the start of the season.

(01:15) - KAT's preseason debut with the Knicks

(08:55) - Did the Timberwolves get better after trading away KAT?

(16:20) - Does Klay Thompson make the Mavericks better?

(24:05) - Are the Celtics a dynasty?

(32:35) - Are the Heat a contender?

(37:50) - Has the window closed to the Warriors, Nuggets & Lakers?

(48:00) - How good will Memphis be this year?

(56:30) - Are the Suns ready to blow it up?

(01:03:20) - Ben Simmons redemption season?

(01:09:45) - Reed Sheppard for Rookie of the Year?

Kevin O'Connor launches The Kevin O'Connor Show with some help from Tom Haberstroh, and the guys kick things off by talking about the big trade that made Karl Anthony-Towns a Knick and sent Julius Randle to Minnesota.

KOC wonders if all of the moves the Dallas Mavericks made after winning the Western Conference is actually going to make them a better team before playing a game called "Is it crazy?"

Is it crazy to think the Celtics could be a dynasty? Is it crazy to think Jimmy Butler will demand a trade? Is it crazy to wonder if Bronny James will sink the Lakers season? Is it crazy to imagine the Suns trading away Durant and Booker?

Find out the answers to these questions and more on the premiere episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show!

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KAT traded to Knicks, Draymond isn't worried & WNBA Playoffs | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 3 Oct 2024 22:15:46 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Isis "Ice" Young to go through some big NBA news ahead of the start of preseason and to catch us up on the WNBA playoffs.

(00:55) - Knicks & Timberwolves swap all-stars

(16:15) - RIP Dikembe Mutombo

(22:35) - Draymond Green isn't worried

(30:45) - NBA teams with a lot to lose this season

(45:35) - WNBA playoffs

(55:35) - WNBA media vs. players

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Yahoo Sports WNBA/college basketball/NBA analyst Isis "Ice" Young.

The two of them kick off the show by reacting to the big news of the week, that the New York Knicks are sending Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Karl Anthony-Towns. Ice thinks this move helps both teams but Vinnie is skeptical.

After remembering the recently departed Dikembe Mutombo, and his legacy both on and off the court, Vince and Ice respond to Draymond Green's comments from media day when he was told that Warriors fans are "worried" about him.

After the break, Vince and Ice were asked to come up with two NBA teams with a lot on the line this season. Find out how, and why, the Bucks, Clippers and Nuggets all made the list.

The WNBA playoffs are nearly halfway through the semifinal round and barreling towards the finals. Can the Aces turn it around and threepeat? Can the Sun stay dominant defensively? Who will come out victorious in the end?

Finally, we close the podcast with a conversation that starts with the Chicago Sky firing Teresa Weatherspoon after one season as head coach and ends with an ongoing war between the WNBA players and the media that covers the league.

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Fantasy basketball preview, BUY or SELL injury-prone players & NBA conference finals predictions | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:38:56 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Yahoo Sports fantasy basketball expert Dan Titus to preview the 2024-25 NBA season, including making some conference finals predictions.

(02:55) - 2024-25 NBA fantasy basketball preview

(20:40) - BUY or SELL injury-prone players

(28:55) - Do the Knicks need to make a trade?

(30:45) - Which championship contenders will make the conference finals?

(38:30) - How far can Ja Morant take the Grizzlies?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Yahoo Sports fantasy basketball expert Dan Titus for a full preview of the 2024-25 NBA season.

The guys start by talking about Victor Wembanyama, who Dan says has overtaken Nikola Jokic as the #1 overall pick in fantasy basketball drafts, and then get into some fantasy breakout stars and a couple of veterans worth fading in your league.

There are a handful of injury-prone players that made news in the past week, either with reports of injury (Mitchell Robinson), surgery (Kawhi Leonard) or contract extensions (Joel Embiid). And there are always those summer gym vlogs from Ben Simmons. Vinnie and Dan go through each of them and say whether or not they would "buy" or "sell" that player heading into the fantasy basketball season.

Last year saw the top preseason championship contenders fall on their face come playoff time, so the guys go through this year's preseason odds and try to pick out which teams will make it to their conference championship and which ones will not. Is everyone sleeping on the Thunder? Is it time to give up on the Warriors as contenders?

We've got everything you need to get ready for the NBA season and your fantasy basketball season in this episode!

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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Grading NBA news & alternative over/unders with Jake Fischer | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 23:53:25 +0000

You asked for it and here it is! No Cap Room co-host Jake Fischer finally joins Dan Devine on a very special episode of Devine Intervention.

(05:00) - NBA City Edition jerseys

(07:20) - Playing “Does this matter?” with offseason NBA news

(15:45) - Alternative over/unders for 2024-25 NBA season

(39:00) - The Closing Five

(57:30) - Recommendations & goodbye

On a very special episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter (and co-host of No Cap Room) Jake Fischer. It’s the payoff to what he, and what many of the listeners, have been asking for!

The guys start by going through three NBA news stories and asking “Does this matter?” Does it matter that the Cavs extended Isaac Okoro? Does it matter that the Kings are bringing in veteran wings for a workout? Does it matter that the Knicks signed Marcus Morris Sr. and Landry Shamet to non-guaranteed contracts?

After that, the guys play the same game they played last year on No Cap Room, where they come up with alternative over/unders and then place their bets. How much will Cam Thomas score this season? How many games will Lonzo Ball play? Where will the Orlando Magic finish in the standings? We’re taking sides on everything!

Finally, we close out the show with The Closing Five, where we learn about what Jake does away from basketball and how he introduces himself at music festivals, before closing the show with some recommendations.

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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10 players with the most to gain (or lose) this NBA season with David Aldridge | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:14:51 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and David Aldridge talk about Jamal Murray’s contract extension and discuss 10 players with the most to gain (or lose) this NBA season.

(02:10) - Jamal Murray signs 4-yr max extension with Nuggets

(16:35) - The NBA players with the most to gain/lose this season

(48:05) - Knicks & James Dolan vs. the NBA

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by The Athletic’s David Aldridge and the guys kick off the show by talking about Jamal Murray’s 4-year max contract extension with the Denver Nuggets, before wondering if the new CBA rules have hurt the Nuggets more than other teams.

Then, they guys each give their top 5 players with the most to gain (or lose) in the upcoming NBA season. Find out what is on the line for Jalen Green, Rudy Gobert, Karl Anthony-Towns, Ja Morant, Trae Young, Damian Lillard, Zion Williamson, Julius Randle, Paul George & Jimmy Butler.

Finally, Knicks executive chairman James Dolan has once again sent a letter to the league Board of Governors voicing his displeasure with the league, continuing a pattern of complaints that show how unhappy Dolan is with the direction the league is headed.

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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6 most intriguing NBA teams heading into the season | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 5 Sep 2024 21:43:54 +0000

Dan Devine is joined by James Herbert from CBS Sports to talk about the 6 teams that they are most curious about heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.

(02:45) - Houston Rockets

(14:35) - Indiana Pacers

(24:35) - Memphis Grizzlies

(35:10) - Cleveland Cavaliers

(47:55) - San Antonio Spurs

(49:50) - Miami Heat

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by James Herbert from CBS Sports to talk about the 6 teams that they are most curious about heading into the 2024-25 NBA season.

The guys start by discussing the Houston Rockets, who are overloaded with young talent but looking to get into the playoffs quick. Do they need to make a consolidation trade? Dan is intrigued by the Indiana Pacers, who aren’t talked about like other contenders in the Eastern Conference despite having played in the Eastern Conference Finals last season.

James then picks the Memphis Grizzlies, continuing his theme of Western Conference teams that missed the playoffs last season, and both guys wonder what the actual ceiling is for the Grizzlies with all of their players back and healthy. Dan picks the Cavaliers, who brought back everyone and made a change at head coach to try and get over the hump this season.

James’ final pick is Victor Wembanyama’s San Antonio Spurs, who he thinks will be transformed by the additions of Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes. Dan’s last pick is the Miami Heat, who followed up a disappointing season and playoff showing by doing….not a lot in the offseason, unless you count them refusing to offer Jimmy Butler a contract extension.

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Anthony Edwards angers NBA legends, WNBA year-end awards & Luka to the Lakers? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 21:49:11 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis “Ice” Young talk about Anthony Edwards riling up NBA legends with his comments, favorites for the WNBA year-end awards and an offseason rumor about the Lakers and Luka Doncic.

(01:00) - Anthony Edwards angers NBA legends

(23:00) - Can the Aces three-peat?

(33:00) - Historic rookie campaigns for Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark

(39:55) - WNBA Year-End Awards

(50:00) - Lakers interested in Luka Doncic?

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Yahoo Sports basketball analyst Isis “Ice” Young for a bounce around the quiet NBA and the rollicking WNBA.

The show starts with the comments that Anthony Edwards made about previous generations of NBA players and how they all lacked skill outside of Michael Jordan. Vince tries to give Edwards some grace (Ice does not) but explains how different basketball has become over the last 30 years.

Ice announces that she has a vote for WNBA year-end awards, so we go through each of them and who she would vote for if the season ended today, but not before wondering what is wrong with the Las Vegas Aces lately and if they can still make it a three-peat.

Finally, a wild rumor about the Los Angeles Lakers targeting Luka Doncic to be their superstar once LeBron James retires leads Vinnie and Ice to talk about how they personally want LeBron’s career to end in L.A.

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Kerr out at Team USA, Zion slims down & our favorite under-the-radar offseason moves | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 21 Aug 2024 22:38:22 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk their way through the late August NBA news cycle and list off their favorite under-the-radar moves from this NBA offseason.

(05:50) - Steve Kerr not returning as Team USA basketball coach

(08:40) - Zion’s weight loss makes waves on social media

(13:10) - Kevin Durant returns to University of Texas against the Spurs

(18:40) - Joe Harris retires from basketball

(27:05) - Who’s this guy: Guerschon Yabusele

(41:15) - Our favorite under-the-radar NBA offseason moves

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talk about all things NBA….and maybe a little bit about Charlie XCX and Love Island.

The guys kick off the show with the news that Steve Kerr is not expected to return as the head coach of Team USA men’s basketball after leading the team to a gold medal in France. All that’s left is deciding if Spoelstra or Tyronn Lue are going to take over.

Zion Williamson looks slimmed down in pictures on social media, which serves as a good reminder of just how great he played in the 2nd half of last season.

Kevin Durant, arguably the greatest player in the history of the University of Texas, will be returning to Austin to play against the San Antonio Spurs in February. Dan explains how good Durant was in his only year in college, while Jake explains why he preferred Greg Oden.

Joe Harris retired from basketball, leading to Jake telling stories about chatting with Joe in the Nets locker room and bumping into Joe around town in Brooklyn. Dan breaks down the numbers that argue that Joe was one of the best 3-point shooters in NBA history.

Guerschon Yabusele was one of the stars of the French team at the Olympics, and he’s been rewarded with a 1-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers could really use a player like Yabusele, which means he could end up closing games for them. Dan tries to come up with comps to explain “Yabu” to people that haven’t seen him play basketball before.

We end the show with our favorite under-the-radar moves of the offseason, bouncing all over the league to do so.

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Celebrating Team USA, Emirates NBA Cup thoughts & reviewing preseason predictions | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 21:10:28 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine bid adieu to Team USA and the Paris Olympics, come up with ideas to improve the Emirates NBA Cup and look back at some of their preseason predictions.

(01:50) - Team USA wins gold over France

(05:20) - Steph Curry finally got his Olympic moment

(15:25) - Why didn’t Jayson Tatum play more in Paris?

(29:15) - Wembanyama is worried for his future opponents

(35:45) - Ways to improve the Emirates NBA Cup

(47:15) - Were we right about our preseason predictions?

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine get to close the book on Team USA, who won gold in men’s basketball while being led by LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry.

Speaking of Curry, he finally got the international basketball moment that had been missing from his career when he scored a combined 60 pts in the final two games of the tournament, including a downpour of three-pointers late to give USA the decisive win over France in the gold medal game.

Jayson Tatum, and many around him, is upset about his diminished role while playing for Team USA in Paris. Dan explains why Tatum had a hard time seeing the floor, while Jake explains why Tatum’s style of play is a bad fit for Steve Kerr’s offense. Will the 2028 team be built around Tatum once the older players retire?

Victor Wembanyama was not happy to have lost the gold medal game to USA, and he said afterwards that he’s learning more and is worried for future opponents…both in the NBA and internationally. Jake explains why he’s excited to see Wemby play with Chris Paul in San Antonio while trying to temper expectations for how high their ceiling is on offense.

The NBA In-Season Tournament has a new name, it’s now the Emirates NBA Cup, and they’ve already released their schedule for the upcoming season. Instead of digging into the matchups, Jake and Dan talk about what they liked from the event last season and ways that it could be improved going forward.

Finally, the guys go back to a podcast they did in October where they made preseason predictions using made-up over/unders, and they check to see who was right and who was wrong.

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LeBron, Durant & Curry lead Team USA to an Olympic gold medal | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sun, 11 Aug 2024 06:19:46 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by James Edwards III from The Athletic to recap Team USA beating France to win their 5th straight gold medal for men’s basketball before talking about the future of the team.

(01:40) - USA beats France to win gold medal in men’s basketball

(16:45) - Is Durant the best player in Olympic history?

(22:20) - Is this Team USA better than the ‘Dream Team’?

(28:10) - Will Kerr stick around after facing criticism?

(38:00) - Who will be on Team USA in 2028?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by James Edwards III to talk all things Team USA after LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Steph Curry secured gold with a win over France on Saturday.

The guys talk about everyone that contributed to the win, and reflected on the close game against Serbia that led to this appearance in the gold medal game, including Steph Curry finally finding his 3-point shot and closing out things for the Americans.

With the win, Kevin Durant became the first men’s basketball player in history to win four gold medals. The guys talk about why international basketball fits KD’s game and wonder if he’s the best basketball player in Olympic history.

With so many future Hall of Famers on the roster, it’s only natural to ask if this team is better than the ‘Dream Team’ from the 1992 Olympics or the ‘Redeem Team’ from the 2008 Olympics. The guys stack the rosters against each other to try and find a fair answer.

Vinnie and James agree that Steve Kerr was in a no-win position with this team, which is why he’s faced criticism about his rotations despite an undefeated record, and they wonder if he’ll still be the coach of Team USA during the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028.

Speaking of, the guys wonder who the team will be built around if LeBron, Curry and Durant are no longer with the team in four years. Is it time for them to center everything around Anthony Edwards?

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Lauri signs extension, Brunson named Knicks captain & Team USA runs by Brazil | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 7 Aug 2024 22:14:20 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine recap Team USA’s win over Brazil, preview Thursday’s game against Serbia and go through all of the NBA news they can find.

(01:55) - Team USA blows out Brazil, advances to semifinals

(15:25) - Serbia holds off Australia, advances to face USA

(30:15) - France beats Canada, advances to face Germany

(45:55) - Who will be on Team USA in 2028?

(53:10) - Lauri Markkanen signs 5-yr extension with Jazz

(58:30) - Jonathan Kuminga & Jalen Johnson ask for max contract extensions

(66:40) - Jalen Brunson named captain of the Knicks

(69:40) - Charles Barkley decides against retirement

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine get together to talk about little NBA basketball and a lot of Olympic basketball.

The guys start off with a recap of USA’s dominant win over Brazil in the quarterfinal round, which has Jake believing that the Lakers could actually be one piece away from championship contention.

They then move on to the other games, including Serbia’s comeback win over Australia and France sending the Canadian team home after benching Rudy Gobert. How will Serbia’s twin-tower rotations work against Team USA? And will Rudy be back to play against a very dangerous German team?

The guys then get into Five Out, where they break down Lauri Markkanen’s contract extension that will keep him in Utah for the foreseeable future, talk about Jonathan Kuminga and Jalen Johnson asking their respective teams for max contract extensions, add historical context to Jalen Brunson being named Knicks captain and wonder what Charles Barkley will do at TNT after the NBA is gone.

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WNBA reset & Team USA basketball with Ros Gold-Onwude | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 6 Aug 2024 21:59:41 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Ros Gold-Onwude to talk about the success of Team USA in men’s basketball, what it means for LeBron’s legacy, what to watch for when the WNBA returns after the Olympic break and who will make the women’s team in 2028?

(04:30) - Anthony Edwards & Kevin Durant shine on Team USA

(11:05) - LeBron’s legacy and winning gold in 2024

(17:00) - WNBA reset after Olympic break

(28:40) - What it’s like to play for your country

(33:40) - Who will be on the women’s basketball roster for Team USA in 2028?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Ros Gold-Onwude joins Vincent Goodwill to focus on the WNBA and the women of Team USA basketball.

The conversation starts, though, with a look at the legacies of Kevin Durant and LeBron James, both of which will include whatever happens in the final rounds of the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Vince and Ros also discuss the pure joy of Anthony Edwards, who has cemented himself as one of the best basketball players in the world.

Getting into the W, Ros explains the only thing that could keep the New York Liberty from winning the championship before talking about the excellent rookie seasons of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, but not before surprising us with who she thinks is the 2nd best women’s basketball player in the world (behind A’ja Wilson, who is currently dominating for Team USA).

After reflecting on what it is like to represent your country in the Olympic Games, Ros tries to predict which players might be added to the Team USA women’s basketball roster for the 20208 games in Los Angeles.

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Embiid sits as USA dominates South Sudan & Gordon Hayward retires from the NBA | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 1 Aug 2024 19:10:07 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk through Team USA’s win over South Sudan and preview their game against Puerto Rico on Saturday before going through some NBA news, including Gordon Hayward’s retirement.

(02:30) - RECAP: USA 103, South Sudan 86

(14:10) - PREVIEW: USA vs. Puerto Rico

(21:55) - Micah Potter’s perspective on Team USA

(30:30) - Cavs sign Jarrett Allen to 3-year max extension

(35:40) - Will the Cavs re-sign Isaac Okoro?

(43:50) - Knicks bring back Precious Achiuwa on 1-year deal

(49:00) - Grizzlies bring back Luke Kennard on 1-year deal

(53:50) - Gordon Hayward retires from the NBA

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talk about everything that’s going on in the basketball world during the NBA offseason.

The guys start with a recap of how Team USA beat South Sudan, with Dan pointing out that the real strength of the USA men’s basketball team is the incredible depth they can lean on when both teams go to their bench. The guys discuss why Joel Embiid didn’t play against South Sudan and explain why he’ll be back in the starting lineup against Puerto Rico on Saturday.

Jake talked with Micah Potter, who was with Team USA in recent weeks to help the team prepare to play against the stretch-big type of player that they don’t have on the roster but will see a lot of at the Olympics in France. Along the way, he built relationships with Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Steph Curry and told some great stories that Jake relays.

After the break, the guys get into Five Out and touch on five NBA news stories, including a handful of free agent contracts being signed and the retirement of Gordon Hayward, who looked like a future Hall of Fame player before suffering a catastrophic leg injury in his first game with the Boston Celtics.

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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Team USA starts with a win, Durant shows up & Tatum doesn't play | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:26:20 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Jake Fischer talk about Team USA’s win over Serbia in men’s basketball and preview their upcoming game against South Sudan.

(04:15) - Suns sign PG Tyus Jones

(08:15) - Blazers shopping Grant & Simons?

(12:35) - Jaylen Brown vs. Grant Hill

(19:00) - USA beats Serbia, Jayson Tatum doesn’t play

(27:25) - Embiid continues Olympic struggles

(32:25) - Is Kevin Durant the best international basketball player ever?

(43:30) - PREVIEW: USA vs. South Sudan

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporters Vincent Goodwill and Jake Fischer get you up to speed on Team USA’s men’s basketball squad, but first…

In The Outlet, Vinnie and Jake talk about the impact of the Suns signing Tyus Jones to a 1-year contract for the veteran minimum, rumors that the Blazers are shopping Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons on the trade market, and Jaylen Brown’s public feud with Team USA managing director Grant Hill.

While Team USA handily beat Serbia in their first real game of the 2024 Paris Olympics, there were questions about why Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum didn’t see the floor. The guys answer that question and set expectations for what we should see from Tatum going forward.

Joel Embiid played just 11 minutes against Serbia and looked lost on offense and defense. The guys wonder if Embiid’s style of play is a fit for international basketball and discuss how Team USA ended up in this position.

Kevin Durant returned from a calf injury to play against Serbia, and quickly made his first 8 shots. Vince wonders if Durant is the greatest international basketball player ever before the guys discuss where Durant fits in today’s conversation about the best player in the NBA.

Finally, the guys take a look at the wonderful story of South Sudan’s basketball team and preview their game against the USA tomorrow.

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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2024 Olympics men's basketball preview | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 19:23:15 +0000

Jake Fischer is joined by J.E. Skeets to go through the NBA news of the day and preview the 6 teams that pose the biggest challenge to Team USA at the Paris Olympics.

(01:55) - Pacers sign Andrew Nembhard to extension

(04:50) - 76ers sign Reggie Jackson

(07:25) - Knicks extend Tom Thibodeau

(11:20) - TNT threatens lawsuit against NBA

(23:35) - Where does Durant fit on Team USA?

(29:10) - 2024 Olympics men’s basketball preview

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer is joined by J.E. Skeets from the No Dunks podcast, who is filling in while Dan Devine is on vacation.

The guys kick off the show by going through some minor news items. The Pacers signed Andrew Nembhard to a contract extension, the 76ers signed Reggie Jackson after he agreed to a buyout with the Hornets, the Knicks signed Tom Thibodeau to an extension and TNT is going to war with the NBA over broadcast rights.

Before diving into the 6 teams most likely to challenge Team USA in Paris, the guys look at Kevin Durant’s calf injury and wonder how he fits into a squad that has already settled on a rotation.

As a way to set the field, Jake and J.E. discuss the men’s basketball teams representing Canada, France, Serbia, Germany, Greece & Australia. Each team has different strengths and weaknesses, but what might matter most is which group each country will start in.

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LeBron carries Team USA, Eastern Conference reset & another Bulls rebuild | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 20:50:36 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Jason Goff wonder if LeBron is still the best American basketball player, look at the Eastern Conference after free agency and wonder what comes next for the Chicago Bulls.

(04:25) - LeBron carrying Team USA

(12:45) - Westbrook to the Nuggets?

(20:25) - Celtics

(25:00) - 76ers

(31:20) - Bucks

(40:45) - Heat

(46:20) - Bulls

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jason Goff from The Ringer to focus on the Eastern Conference.

But first, the guys dig into Team USA, who seem like they’re being carried by 39-year old LeBron James at the moment. Vinnie wonders if LeBron is still the best American basketball player, while Jason wonders if LeBron putting in all of this effort in the Olympics will lead to him taking time off from the Lakers regular season.

Russell Westbrook is no longer with the Clippers after being traded to the Jazz, but it looks like he’ll soon be joining the Denver Nuggets. They talk about the fit and what type of player Westbrook is at this point of his career.

As a way to reset the conversation, the guys try to answer questions about some of the most important teams in the Eastern Conference. Will the Celtics repeat? Will Tatum and Brown eventually grow to hate each other? When was the last time Joel Embiid looked like he was having fun? Did we write off the Bucks too soon? Do the Heat need to rebuild, and is Pat Riley the right man to lead them through it?

Finally, Vinnie and Jason get into the Chicago Bulls. They talk about where the Bulls and Zach LaVine are right now, if a trade needs to happen before the season starts, and if Lonzo Ball will ever make it back to an NBA court following his knee injury.

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Dolan's angry letter, NBA expansion, Team USA stays undefeated & Summer League thoughts | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 21:32:54 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine recap Team USA’s win against Serbia, discuss Knicks owner James Dolan’s angry letter about revenue sharing, check in on the new CBA and play a game centered on NBA expansion.

(02:50) - Team USA beat Serbia

(08:00) - Kyrie Irving has surgery on broken hand

(09:30) - Gary Trent Jr. signs with Bucks

(14:30) - Nuggets search for backup PG

(19:15) - Knicks owner James Dolan writes angry letter

(25:40) - NBA expansion game

(29:50) - The People’s Notebook

(48:30) - Checking on our Summer League guys

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine bring you everything you need to know from the basketball world.

They start with Team USA, who has now gone 3-0 in tune up games ahead of the Paris Olympics. Dan explains why the bench is USA’s biggest strength, while Jake wonders if anyone can stop the pairing of LeBron James & Steph Curry.

The guys also discuss Kyrie Irving having surgery on his broken hand, Gary Trent Jr. signing with the Milwaukee Bucks (thanks to a great recruiting job done by Damian Lillard) and the Nuggets search for a backup point guard.

Jake & Dan also discuss Knicks owner James Dolan sending a letter to the NBA’s Board of Governors to complain about revenue sharing and about the new TV deal that puts more of the most popular NBA games of the season on national TV.

While Jake points out that Adam Silver seemed less optimistic about NBA expansion in his recent press conference, the guys decide to play a game where each one of them pick a city to get an expansion team and give them a name, plus a minority owner that would help draw in local fans.

After the break, Jake tells us everything he heard and saw while he was in Las Vegas for Summer League, including enough frustration around the new CBA that people are starting to wonder if the players and owners will attempt to renegotiate that part of the deal.

We finish the podcast by checking on the four guys in Summer League that Jake and Dan said they would be keeping their eyes on, two of them having not really played at all and the other two being somewhat disappointing so far.

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Bronny's Summer League struggles, Team USA vs. Jaylen Brown & WNBA midseason awards | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 18:42:23 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis “Ice” Young discuss Team USA men’s basketball, recap Bronny’s Summer League performance and hand out some WNBA midseason awards.

(01:20) - Team USA men’s basketball

(11:30) - Jaylen Brown vs. Team USA

(16:30) - Bronny James struggles at Summer League

(22:45) - Reed Sheppard ROY favorite?

(27:30) - Jalen Brunson signs extension with Knicks

(33:04) - WNBA midseason awards

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Isis “Ice” Young and the show kicks off with a look at Team USA, who defeated Australia in men’s basketball on Monday. We’re learning a lot from these exhibitions, and now we’re left to wonder if Anthony Edwards is actually their #1 offensive option and if Joel Embiid might be better coming off the bench.

Summer League in Las Vegas is underway, and Bronny James is off to a slow start. Vinnie and Ice talk about Bronny’s place in the NBA and highlight Reed Sheppard, who might be the new Rookie of the Year betting favorite.

Jalen Brunson took a discount, of sorts, to sign an extension early with the New York Knicks. Vinnie explains how it might not actually be a discount, and wonders how healthy Brunson will be when he hits free agency again.

Finally, Ice delivers some midseason WNBA awards, including Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, MVP, Best Team, Most Fun Team and others. Ice and Vince also wonder if A’ja Wilson is the GOAT of the WNBA or if our memories are failing us.

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Team USA beats Canada but loses Kawhi, Heat vibe check & Summer League preview | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 20:29:40 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine discuss Team USA losing Kawhi Leonard and adding Derrick White, vibe check another bad offseason for the Miami Heat and preview the 2024 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas.

(06:20) - Team USA beat Team Canada

(13:15) - Team USA loses Kawhi Leonard, adds Derrick White

(20:45) - Cooper Flagg impresses vs. Team USA

(29:45) - Wizards sign Saddiq Bey

(34:50) - Incoming extensions for Brunson and Markkanen?

(45:45) - Vibe Check: Miami Heat

(55:50) - Las Vegas Summer League preview

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talk about The Matrix, Barack Obama’s nickname when he’s talking to NBA players, the positive effects of muscle relaxers and a whole bunch of basketball.

The guys start with FIVE OUT, where they hit on five stories from the basketball world, starting with Team USA trouncing Team Canada in an exhibition matchup in Las Vegas last night. While the rest of the league might be catching up in terms of top tier basketball talent, USA still has a distinct advantage in depth, and their bench unit showed it against Canada.

That bench unit was without Kawhi Leonard, who is no longer with Team USA amid some concerning reporting around the health of his knee. Instead, he’s going to use the offseason to get ready for the next Clippers season and his spot is being taken by Derrick White, which caused some hurt feelings with his Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown.

Cooper Flagg, the 17 year old going to Duke who is likely going to be the #1 pick in next year’s draft, was very impressive playing on the select team against Team USA. It would be one thing to do that against regular NBA players, but to have that kind of performance against all of these future Hall of Famers is a great sign for Flagg’s future.

After some free agency talk (Saddiq Bey signing with the Wizards, possible extensions coming for Jalen Brunson and Lauri Markkanen), the guys turn their attention to the Miami Heat. The Heat just lost Caleb Martin to the rival 76ers and most of the team they took to the Finals two years ago is now gone. Is this the last go around with Jimmy Butler’s Heat?

Finally, as a way to preview the NBA Las Vegas Summer League, the guys each pick a rookie that they’ll be watching and a second-year player that they’re hoping makes the leap when the games kick off tomorrow.

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DeRozan joins Kings, WNBA's best rookie + Durant & Steph Curry on Team USA | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 8 Jul 2024 20:46:22 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Monica McNutt to go through NBA news and talk about the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year race before interviewing Kevin Durant on his basketball mortality and Steph Curry on his future with the Warriors.

(03:20) - Giannis & the Bucks

(08:25) - Kings sign DeMar DeRozan

(12:15) - Watch out for Team France

(16:00) - How good will the Spurs be?

(20:15) - WNBA: Angel Reese or Caitlin Clark for ROTY?

(38:10) - Kevin Durant interview

(48:30) - Steph Curry interview

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill tackles the news of the day and talks a little WNBA before interviewing Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.

Monica McNutt from ESPN and MSG joins Vinnie to talk about Giannis Antetokounmpo sending Team Greece to the Paris Olympics and whether the Milwaukee Bucks (and Miami Heat) should be worrying about their lack of offseason moves.

The Sacramento Kings added DeMar DeRozan in a sign-and-trade that left everyone wondering how the Kings offense will operate with three star players that like to play in similar ways, but Monica has an idea that might just work.

Vince and Monica try to talk about the Spurs, who added Harrison Barnes from the Kings in the DeRozan sign-and-trade, and end up talking for a bit about the terrifying future of Team France and comps for Jeremy Sochan’s hair.

Monica made some waves recently by saying that she would vote for Angel Reese over Caitlin Clark for this year’s WNBA Rookie of the Year Award, so we talked about it and found that there is a path for Clark to win the award…she has to get the Indiana Fever to the WNBA Playoffs.

Finally, Vince is in Las Vegas with Team USA and got time to sit down and chat with Kevin Durant and Steph Curry on Sunday. Durant discussed the rumors about him wanting out of Phoenix, how long he’ll keep playing and a lot more. Curry talked about his first time on Team USA, life without Klay Thompson in Golden State and if he’ll stay with the Warriors even if they’re not winning.

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LeBron stays in L.A., Klay leaves for Dallas & NBA free agency rumors | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 3 Jul 2024 21:24:00 +0000

In an extra-long episode of No Cap Room, Jake and Dan discuss LeBron returning to the Lakers, Klay Thompson signing with the Mavericks, the Lauri Markkanen trade rumors and more.

(03:05) - LeBron James signs 2-year deal to stay with Lakers

(15:40) - Klay Thompson joins Mavericks

(27:10) - Donovan Mitchell & Jayson Tatum extensions / Celtics sale?

(35:10) - James Wiseman signs with Pacers

(39:20) - The People’s Notebook - NBA rumors

(65:00) - Who’s This Guy? (Hartenstein & Avdija)

(81:00) - VIBE CHECK: The 2nd Apron

On this extra long episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine recap the last few days of free agency, including LeBron James’ ill-fated plans to take a paycut in hopes of the Lakers adding another star to the roster.

Klay Thompson, who was the most likely candidate to fill that spot for the Lakers, instead joins the Dallas Mavericks. Dan and Jake explain why getting away from the spotlight in Golden State (and L.A.) might be exactly what Klay needs at this point in his career.

Donovan Mitchell signed an extension to stay in Cleveland and, eventually, make himself a ton more money. Jayson Tatum signed the richest contract in NBA history right before the Boston Celtics majority owner went public with plans to sell the team, which seems to be a trend around the league.

Jake opens up The People’s Notebook to share all of the rumors that he’s been hearing about Lauri Markkanen’s trade market, Brandon Ingram’s contract negotiations with the Pelicans, DeMar DeRozan’s remaining options in free agency and a bunch more.

The guys play a round of Who’s This Guy?, where they describe a player using only comps to other NBA players. This time, it’s Dan explaining Isaiah Hartenstein to the Oklahoma City Thunder fans with a comparison to Victor Wembanyama and Jake explaining Deni Avdija to Portland Trail Blazers fans that may have not watched the Wizards before.

Finally, the second apron has been the talk of NBA free agency, so we do a quick vibe check on it to see if it’s bad for the players, the owners or the fans. How did it affect Paul George’s negotiations with the Clippers and how will it affect the NBA going forward?

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5 most intriguing moves in NBA free agency (so far) & Pistons hire J.B. Bickerstaff | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 1 Jul 2024 20:00:38 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Sam Amick from The Athletic catch up on NBA free agency after the first day of movement, including Paul George leaving the Clippers to sign with the 76ers.

(01:40) - Paul George signs with 76ers

(12:10) - Clippers sign James Harden & Derrick Jones Jr.

(21:50) - Chris Paul signs with Spurs

(29:30) - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signs with Magic

(34:00) - Isaiah Hartenstein signs with Thunder

(38:25) - Pistons hire J.B. Bickerstaff, sign Tobias Harris

(48:50) - Where will Brandon Ingram be traded?

(52:20) - What to expect from Jimmy Butler?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Sam Amick from The Athletic to rundown all of the news coming out of the first night of NBA free agency.

The guys start things off with the biggest news, that Paul George is leaving the Los Angeles Clippers for the Philadelphia 76ers. The guys talk about the fit for George in Philly, and explain how losing one of their biggest contracts could end up being a silver lining for the Clippers as they open their new arena.

Speaking of the Clippers, they re-signed James Harden for less than the max and also signed Derrick Jones Jr. as an athletic replacement for Paul George in the starting lineup. The guys talk about where the Clippers go from here and how concerned they are about Kawhi Leonard playing for Team USA this summer.

Chris Paul, fresh off being waived by the Golden State Warriors, signed a one-year deal to join Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio. Sam likens this year with the Spurs to CP3’s previous one-year stop with the Oklahoma City Thunder and explains how Paul could help bridge the age gap between Wemby and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich.

The guys talk about Kentavious Caldwell-Pope signing with the Orlando Magic, but mostly they talk about the Denver Nuggets losing talent since winning the title last year and the restraints of the new CBA.

Isaiah Hartenstein was the best free agent center on the market, and he’s a perfect fit for the Oklahoma City Thunder, who signed him early this morning. Sam Presti continues to put together an incredible roster that should be ready to compete for a title right now.

As Vince works us into “The Outlet”, where we talk about non-free agency news, the guys spend some time talking about the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons hired the recently-fired J.B. Bickerstaff as their new head coach, are working on a max extension for Cade Cunningham and signed free agent veteran forward Tobias Harris. They have a long way to go, but that’s an excellent start for a new rebuild in Detroit.

While talking about Jonas Valančiūnas signing with the Washington Wizards, the guys end up discussing Brandon Ingram on the Pelicans and where he might end up in a trade.

Finally, Sam wants to know from Vinnie what he thinks we should expect from Jimmy Butler going forward. What kind of year will he have? Is there still a chance for an extension in Miami?

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NBA Draft cheers & jeers, Bronny's fit in LA, Knicks trade for Bridges & free agency reset | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:03:27 +0000

Dan Devine and The Ringer’s Michael Pina talk about what they liked, and what they didn’t, coming out of the 2024 NBA Draft and recap some of the recent trades that have happened.

(01:30) - NBA Draft cheers (Timberwolves, Spurs)

(13:20) - NBA Draft jeers (Nuggets, Bronny James)

(36:24) - How good are the Knicks after trading for Mikal Bridges?

(48:30) - Who won the POR/WSH Deni Avdija trade?

(53:00) - Mavericks trade Tim Hardaway Jr. to DET for Quentin Grimes

(55:55) - Is Paul George underrated or overrated?

(63:30) - Are the Chicago Bulls finally tanking?

(66:40) - Where will Brandon Ingram end up?

On this episode of No Cap Room, Dan Devine and The Ringer’s Michael Pina get together to talk hoops while Jake Fischer takes a day to recover from the 2024 NBA Draft.

The guys start with what they liked (Minnesota being aggressive, San Antonio being patient) from the 2024 NBA Draft, as well as what they didn’t like (Denver trading away Reggie Jackson, all of the attention on Bronny James).

While revisiting the trade that sent Mikal Bridges from the Brooklyn Nets to the New York Knicks, Dan and Michael go through the Knicks roster and wonder how that team will stack up in the Eastern Conference next season.

The guys hit a couple of more trades quickly, talking about Deni Avdija being sent from the Washington Wizards to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Malcolm Brogdon and draft assets before discussing the breaking news of Tim Hardaway Jr. being traded (along with draft picks) from the Dallas Mavericks to the Detroit Pistons, bringing back for Knicks guard Quentin Grimes.

As a way to get into NBA free agency, which starts in about two days, the guys talk about all of the different options in front of Paul George and debate whether or not he is underrated or overrated. The guys also talk about the Chicago Bulls, whether they’ll bring back DeMar DeRozan, and if they have finally started tanking.

We end the show with a conversation about Brandon Ingram, who is likely to be traded this offseason. Michael believes that he is a superstar hiding in plain sight and can’t wait to see him land in a better situation for his skill set.

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3 biggest surprises, 3 biggest storylines & 3 biggest steals of the 2024 NBA Draft | On the Clock with Krysten Peek

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 07:13:25 +0000

Krysten Peek, Tom Haberstroh & Lamar Hurd react to night one of the 2024 NBA draft, including the selection of four French players, Zach Edey going to Memphis within the top ten and why there's a chance Bronny James might not be wearing purple and gold in his future.

(01:00) - 3 biggest surprises from the 2024 NBA Draft

(01:10) - Zach Edey (Grizzlies)

(09:00) - Ron Holland (Pistons)

(11:05) - A.J. Johnson (Bucks)

(15:25) - French players drafted in the 1st round

(18:55) - Nikola Topic (Thunder)

(21:50) - Steals of the night

(21:55) - Devin Carter (Kings)

(23:00) - Dalton Knecht (Lakers)

(24:55) - Stephon Castle (Spurs)

(26:45) - NBA Draft round 2 preview

(27:05) - Bronny James

(32:20) - Round 2 big board

(36:25) - 2025 NBA Draft class

(41:15) - Reed Sheppard

The first round of the 2024 NBA Draft is finally in the books after months of lead-up. While the first two picks were somewhat expected in French products Zaccharie Risacher & Alex Sarr, the rest of the night was surely full of unexpected twists and turns.

Krysten Peek closes out night one of the draft alongside Yahoo Sports NBA contributor Tom Haberstroh and Portland Trail Blazers TV analyst Lamar Hurd. The crew kicks off the show by sharing their three biggest surprises of the night: the first of which was the surprising selection of Purdue center Zach Edey by the Memphis Grizzlies with the ninth overall pick.

Later in the show, the group runs through some of the biggest storylines of the night, including the aforementioned chalkiness atop the draft and why four French players selected in the first round continues the "Wemby Wave" of international players sweeping the sport — a trend that has no signs of stopping.

Closing out the episode, Krysten, Tom & Lamar talk about what to expect in Thursday's second round of the draft, including a theory on why Bronny James might not end up with the Los Angeles Lakers overall, and Krysten puts a bow on the episode by talking about the highly coveted rookie class of 2025.

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Cavs hire Atkinson, 2024 NBA Draft preview & concerns over MJ's 1988 DPOY Award | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 20:34:39 +0000

Vincent Goodwill tackles the NBA news of the day, previews the 2024 NBA Draft with Krysten Peek and talks about Michael Jordan’s 1988 Defensive Player of the Year Award with Tom Haberstroh.

(00:40) - Cavaliers hire Kenny Atkinson as new head coach

(03:50) - Lakers hire JJ Redick as new head coach

(08:40) - Pistons fire Monty Williams, search for new head coach

(17:20) - Thunder trade Josh Giddey to Bulls for Alex Caruso

(21:05) - 2024 NBA Draft preview

(22:30) - Hawks with the #1 pick

(25:45) - Pistons with the #5 pick

(28:05) - Bronny James

(31:30) - Zach Eddy

(35:25) - Ron Holland

(36:30) - Rob Dillingham

(37:15) - Reed Sheppard

(38:55) - Concerns over Michael Jordan’s 1988 Defensive Player of the Year Award

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill covers the breaking news of the Cleveland Cavaliers hiring Kenny Atkinson as their new head coach. Vince wonders if the team ownership getting involved in the process is good for the organization, but he still has high hopes for Evan Mobley and the future of the Cavs.

We haven’t had a chance to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers officially hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach, and Vinnie is curious if the other players in the locker room will view Redick or LeBron James as the actual person in charge.

The Detroit Pistons fired Monty Williams last week, another move made by team ownership more than the front office, and now we’ll wait to see which free agent coach they hire to replace him and what they do with Cade Cunningham’s extension.

After detailing why the Chicago Bulls would trade for Josh Giddey, and how Alex Caruso fits with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Vinnie welcomes Yahoo Sports NBA draft analyst Kysten Peek to the show to preview the festivities, predict what the Hawks will do with the #1 pick, and provide her hottest take on Zach Eden.

Finally, Tom Haberstroh joins Vincent to talk about his article on Yahoo Sports that laid out the case for doubt around the legitimacy of Michael Jordan’s 1988 Defensive Player of the Year Award.

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Biggest 2024 NBA Draft risers with The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor | On The Clock

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

On today's episode of On The Clock, Krysten Peek is joined by The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor to discuss the biggest risers one week out from the 2024 NBA Draft.

After sharing their love for the unpredictability of the draft, they direct their attention towards the latest on Bronny James. They focus specifically on comments made recently by his agent Rich Paul and if anyone but the Los Angeles Lakers could select him.

They move on to projecting what could happen with the first overall pick. Peek questions if it would be best for the Atlanta Hawks to trade away their biggest stars and start from scratch.

Peek asks O'Connor who his favorite prospect in the class is and to share his thoughts on the latest risers like Devin Carter, Zach Edey, Cam Christie, and DaRon Holmes.

To wrap the show, Peek asks O'Connor to share who he thinks the Hawks should draft with the first overall pick if he was their general manager.

(0:22) 2024 NBA Draft overview

(4:16) Latest on Bronny James

(8:26) First overall pick

(12:46) Favorite prospect

(17:36) Draft risers

(24:49) Make The Pick: Atlanta Hawks

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Monty out in Detroit, Van Gundy joins the Clippers & NBA Free agency preview | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 21:38:25 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine go through the NBA news of the week, preview the start of free agency and do a vibe check on the Golden State Warriors.

(01:25) - Five Out

(02:35) - Pistons fire Monty Williams

(08:35) - Jeff Van Gundy joins Clippers coaching staff

(12:33) - Mark Cuban no longer running the Mavericks

(16:35) - Joe Mazzulla knee surgery

(23:00) - Rich Paul on Bronny James

(30:00) - NBA offseason key dates

(31:45) - 2024 NBA free agency preview

(54:15) - VIBE CHECK: Golden State Warriors

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talk about everything that’s going on in the NBA this week (NOTE: This episode was recorded before the Lakers hired JJ Redick and before the Bulls-Thunder trade).

The guys start things off by talking about Monty Williams, who has been relieved of his duties as head coach of the Detroit Pistons this week. The guys explain why Detroit made the move now and what to expect next from the Pistons and Williams.

Jeff Van Gundy is leaving the champion Boston Celtics to become an assistant coach with the Los Angeles Clippers, which feels weird for a former successful NBA head coach who has been an ESPN broadcaster for almost 20 years. Dan explores why Van Gundy is getting back into coaching for a third act in his life.

Now that the NBA Finals have concluded, it was revealed that Mark Cuban is no longer running basketball operations for the Dallas Mavericks. No longer will every Mavericks decision need to be made by Cuban, and that will be odd but also a sign that this team is starting to become more like every other team in the NBA.

After talking about Joe Mazzulla needing knee surgery, the guys talk for a bit about how Rich Paul has handled the NBA Draft on behalf of Bronny James and what it might mean for his early NBA career.

Jake goes through some of the important NBA offseason dates coming up this summer before the guys dive into a preview of the start of NBA free agency. Jake talks about which big dominoes will determine what happens with everyone else and Dan wonders how much better the Oklahoma City Thunder might get this offseason.

Finally, the Golden State Warriors are trying to be competitive with some future Hall of Famers on the roster, but might it finally be time to consider blowing it up and starting over? The Warriors are paying a ton of money in tax and continue to miss the playoffs.

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Celtics are champions, defeat Mavericks 4-1 in NBA Finals | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:06:36 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine recap game 5 of the NBA Finals, which saw the Boston Celtics win their 18th NBA championship with Jaylen Brown winning Finals MVP.

(01:10) - REACTION: Celtics win 18th NBA championship

(35:40) - Boston Celtics offseason preview

(48:15) - Dallas Mavericks offseason preview

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer is at TD Garden and soaked in champagne after watching the Boston Celtics celebrate their record-breaking 18th NBA championship after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in 5 games.

The guys start by talking about Jayson Tatum, who showed off his skills as a passer, and maybe exorcized some demons along the way, while leading the Celtics in every major offensive category during the NBA Finals.

They then turn their attention to Kyrie Irving, who still seems plagued by the Boston crowd. While he didn’t react to it, he definitely played much better in Dallas than he did in front of the heckling Celtics fans.

Luka Doncic once again looked disengaged, especially on defense, leading Jake to declare his disappointment that Luka could respond to criticism in such a big way in game 4 and then not carry any of that through to game 5.

Jaylen Brown was voted Finals MVP, and the guys talk about why Brown won that vote over Tatum and Jrue Holiday, namely that he was the guy who took charge every time the Celtics seemed to need somebody to do so. Then they talk about Brown’s growth, and compare him to the two guys picked ahead of him in the NBA Draft (Ben Simmons & Brandon Ingram).

Finally, the guys talk about offseason decisions that are facing both the Celtics and Mavericks and wonder about the path each team will have to face if they want to make it back to the NBA Finals next season.

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NBA Finals Game 4 Reaction: Mavs stomp Celtics, sending series back to Boston | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sat, 15 Jun 2024 07:43:58 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Isis “Ice” Young recap game 4 of the NBA Finals, which saw the Dallas Mavericks crush the Celtics to send the series back to Boston.

(01:05) - Mavericks win game 4, send NBA Finals back to Boston

(14:40) - Luka Doncic responds to criticism

(20:25) - NBA Finals game 5 preview

(28:55) - Who will be Finals MVP?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by new Yahoo Sports contributor Isis “Ice” Young to break down how the Mavericks dominated the Celtics on Friday night.

Vince and Ice kick off the show by talking about the Mavericks playing with force, on both offense and defense, and how it aligned with Dereck Lively’s quote about being the aggressor against the Celtics.

Luka Doncic, who has been criticized by almost everybody in the media, played with pride and put together one of his best two-way performances of the playoffs. Ice says that the criticism was warranted, but only because Luka is regarded as one of the best basketball players in the world and should play more consistent defense.

Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown looked lost against the Dallas defense, as did pretty much everyone on the Celtics. What can change before game 5 in Boston? Will Kyrie Irving be as effective in Boston as he has been in Dallas?

Finally, Vinnie and Ice debate on who the Finals MVP would be right now and make guesses as to who will be named Finals MVP by the end of the series. Also, both of them make spicy predictions on what will happen in game 5 on Monday.

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International prospects changing the game with Swish Culture's Jordan Richard | On The Clock

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 13:00:00 +0000

On today's episode of On The Clock, Krysten Peek is joined by Swish Culture's founder and CEO Jordan Richard to discuss international prospects and big American names in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Peek first asks Richard his thoughts on Colorado prospect Cody Williams and where he best fits in the NBA. They cover the potential landing spot of pairing with his brother, Jalen Williams, in Oklahoma City.

They move on to two big names in the class: Zach Edey and Bronny James. Peek shares her firm stance on where Edey deserves to be drafted, while Richard dives deep into James' work ethic.

After the break, Peek asks Richard's thoughts on how international prospects differ from American ones. Richard shares how they see the game differently and their focus on fundamentals.

To wrap the show, Peek asks who the San Antonio Spurs should select in the first round.

(2:06) What is Swish Culture?

(6:25) Cody Williams landing spots

(12:33) Zach Edey's value

(19:38) Bronny's work ethic

(25:36) International prospects

(35:32) Make The Pick: San Antonio Spurs

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NBA Finals Game 3 Reaction: Celtics take 3-0 lead, Mavericks have no answers | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 19:34:12 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk about their experiences at game 3 of the NBA Finals and wonder if the series could be a wake-up call for Luka Doncic.

(00:00) - Hello friends!

(05:30) - NBA Finals: Celtics take 3-0 lead in Dallas

(34:50) - NBA coaching news

(40:20) - Cavaliers coaching search

(47:00) - Lakers coaching search

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine are in Dallas following the Boston Celtics’ game 3 win in the NBA Finals that gave them a 3-0 series lead.

The guys kick off the show by talking about how they were dressed for the event, which led to some mockery by other members of the media when Jake and Vincent Goodwill wore the same color suit.

Eventually, we get to the basketball game. Everything looks easy for the Boston Celtics, who seem to be cruising towards a sweep. Meanwhile, everything seems very difficult for Luka Doncic and the other Dallas Mavericks.

The guys talk for a while about Luka fouling out of game 3, his penchant for complaining to the refs, his fitness and his abhorrent defense. Will being embarrassed on this stage lead Luka to change his on-court and off-court actions?

After the ad break, the guys get into the coaching news and rumors around the NBA, starting with the Pistons and Monty Williams. It would be expensive to part with Monty, but it’s apparently one option in front of new Pistons President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon.

Jake then talks about James Borrego, who appears to be the front-runner to get the job as the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers and should be able to get more out of their offense than J.B. Bickerstaff did.

The guys then discuss the Lakers, who are still interviewing candidates after striking out on recruiting Dan Hurley over the weekend. Is JJ Redick still the favorite to win the job? What are the other choices? And who do the Lakers even want to be after LeBron James retires?

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NBA Finals Game 2 Reaction: Celtics head to Dallas up 2-0 | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 07:30:48 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Dan Devine get together after game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals, with the Celtics taking a 2-0 lead over the Mavericks, to talk about what happened and what comes next.

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:00) - NBA FINALS: Celtics 105, Mavericks 98

(20:50) - Jrue Holiday, Finals MVP?

(25:30) - NBA Finals game 3 & 4 preview

(30:35) - Kristaps Porzingis injury

On this very special episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill chats with Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine after the conclusion of game 2 of the 2024 NBA Finals.

The Boston Celtics won in commanding fashion, yet again, and took a 2-0 lead over the Mavericks before the series shifts to Dallas.

Vinnie and Dan talk about how Boston is managing to shut down the previously potent Mavericks offense and explain why Kyrie Irving is off to such a bad start in this series. It’s not just Kyrie, though. Luka Doncic has been the only Mavericks player really playing well through two games.

Dan talks about a moment of poise that he saw from the Boston Celtics, not a team typically praised for their poise, before talking about how they have forced the Mavericks offense to play differently from how they’re comfortable.

The guys talk about Jayson Tatum making an impact, despite not shooting well, and then discuss Jrue Holiday’s massive impact through two games before wondering if one of them might end up winning Finals MVP.

After the ad break, the guys talk about what the Mavericks can do differently in Dallas, the offensive ceiling that the Celtics still have not hit in this series and the potential impact a Kristaps Porzingis leg injury could have.

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NBA Finals Game 1 Reaction: Celtics take game 1 at home | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 7 Jun 2024 07:29:22 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine get together after the Boston Celtics won game 1 of the NBA Finals over the Dallas Mavericks to talk about how it all went down.

(00:00) - Hello friends!

(01:35) - NBA Finals Game 1 recap

(34:20) - NBA Finals Game 2 preview

On this very special episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer is at TD Garden after the Boston Celtics won game 1 of the NBA Finals and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is in the office to podcast about what just happened.

The guys talk about how dominant the Boston Celtics were, especially in the ways their defense was able to slow down Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, before putting a spotlight on Kristaps Porzingis.

Porzingis had been everyone’s “x-factor” leading into the NBA Finals, and he showed exactly why by coming off the bench and dominating the second half of the 1st quarter and giving the Celtics a lead over the Dallas Mavericks that they would never give up.

Jake gives a positive shoutout to Sam Hauser, who played a big role in game 1 after many suspected that he would get played off the court by the Mavericks, and then a negative shoutout to Maxi Kleber, who can’t keep defenses honest if he is unwilling to shoot the ball.

After putting a bow on game 1, the guys talk about adjustments the Mavericks could make to try and keep pace with the Celtics in a very important game 2 before the series heads to Dallas.

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Overtime Elite's top 2024 NBA Draft prospects with OTE's Damien Wilkins | On The Clock

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 6 Jun 2024 19:51:22 +0000

On today's episode of On The Clock, Krysten Peek is joined by Overtime Elite's Head of Basketball and GM Damien Wilkins to discuss the top 2024 NBA Draft prospects coming out of their program.

Peek opens up the conversation by asking Wilkins to share a look behind the curtain on what Overtime Elite is and how it's helping develop future NBA players. They reflect on the success of Amen and Ausar Thompson who were drafted early in the 2023 NBA draft last year.

They then dive deep into the top prospects from Overtime Elite in this year's NBA draft, focusing on Alexandre Sarr, Rob Dillingham, Tyler Smith, and Izan Almansa. Wilkins shares what makes each prospect unique and why top NBA teams should draft them.

After the break, Peek asks Wilkins how Overtime Elite fits into the rapidly changing pre-draft landscape now that NIL is so impactful. Wilkins explains why he feels top prospects shouldn't chase short-term money if they want to reach the NBA.

They wrap the show with Peek asking Wilkins who he believes the Atlanta Falcons should draft first overall.

(1:06) What is Overtime Elite?

(7:28) Top Overtime Elite prospects

(16:58) Future of the NBA Draft landscape

(24:58) Make The Pick: Atlanta Hawks

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Celtics trust issues, LeBron's free agency & NBA Finals predictions | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 5 Jun 2024 19:18:20 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Tom Haberstroh preview game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, explain why they don’t trust the Celtics & wonder if LeBron might be switching teams this offseason.

(01:00) - Why don’t we trust the Boston Celtics?

(22:31) - NBA Finals Game 1 preview

(30:15) - NBA coaching news

(32:20) - What if LeBron leaves the Lakers?

(38:05) - Ty Lue & the Clippers’ future

(41:50) - Checking in with a Mavericks fan

(44:20) - Top 5 NBA players as coaches

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Yahoo Sports NBA contributor Tom Haberstroh to talk about the Boston Celtics and more.

The guys talk through their own trust issues about the Boston Celtics. Whether it’s the style of play, the soft path through the playoffs, or the disappointments on the resumes of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, it’s just hard to believe that the Celtics will dominate the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals.

In previewing tomorrow night’s game 1, the guys talk about Kristaps Porzingis’ health and how the Dallas Mavericks might attack him on defense to take advantage of a sore calf or rust from time off.

Vinnie and Tom go through some of the coaching news from the last couple of weeks (extensions for Ty Lue & Mike Brown, Brian Keefe earning the job in Washington) before discussing JJ Redick, who appears to be the front-runner to become the new head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Tom points out that LeBrom James could be a free agent this offseason, and lays out a couple of teams that might be good fits for LeBron to join….if they were to draft Bronny James.

Finally, the guys each pick 5 current NBA players that they would like to see as head coaches in the NBA in the future.

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How the Mavericks rebuilt themselves into a championship contender | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 3 Jun 2024 19:26:15 +0000

Tim Cato from The Athletic joins Vincent Goodwill to detail how the Dallas Mavericks have rebuilt their organization over the last 3 years to end up in the NBA Finals.

(00:00) - Introduction

(02:25) - How the Mavericks rebuilt their team around Luka Doncic

(34:50) - 2024 NBA Finals preview

(44:10) - Dereck Lively II

(47:45) - Kyrie Irving vs. Boston

(54:10) - Kristaps Porzingis

(57:10) - NBA Finals predictions

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by The Athletic’s Dallas Mavericks beat reporter Tim Cato to talk about all of the changes the team has gone through over the past three years.

Since losing to the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2021 NBA Playoffs, the Dallas Mavericks have changed their owner, general manager, head coach and pretty much everyone on the roster not named Luka Doncic. Vinnie and Tim talk about the adjustments that were made, and the patience that was needed, to make it all work and for the team to succeed at this level.

The guys preview the NBA Finals, including how both offenses seem to force both defenses to play a way that they’re not totally comfortable.

Dereck Lively II may be a rookie, but he’s one of the most important and impactful players for Dallas in this series. How he defends on the perimeter might be the key to the Mavericks slowing down the Celtics offense.

Kyrie Irving has a long and tumultuous history with Boston, but Tim argues that growth and maturity have brought Kyrie to a place where he won’t be rattled by whatever the Boston fans yell at him.

The health of former Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis, who hasn’t played in almost six weeks, might be the key to the whole series. If he can move his feet and hit deep threes, it makes it almost impossible for the Mavericks to defend the Celtics the way they want to.

Before wrapping the show, Tim gives his (admittedly biased) prediction on what will happen in the 2024 NBA Finals between the Mavericks and Celtics.

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Luka shreds the T'wolves + Mavs/Celtics NBA Finals preview | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 31 May 2024 21:17:28 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine recap the Western Conference Finals, and discuss the future of the Timberwolves, before previewing the 2024 NBA Finals.

(00:00) - Hello friends!

(01:35) - Luka & Mavs dominate game 5, win Western Conference Finals

(15:45) - What's next for the Timberwolves?

(32:40) - 2024 NBA Finals Preview: Celtics vs. Mavericks

(37:30) - Luka Doncic vs. Jayson Tatum

(45:00) - X-FACTOR: Kristaps Porzingis

(54:10) - Kyrie Irving vs. Boston Celtics

(66:00) - RIP Bill Walton & Drew Gordon

On today's episode of No Cap Room, Dan Devine and Jake Fischer recap the Minnesota Timberwolves' disappointing loss to the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals.

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine entertain the question of if the Mavericks dynamic duo of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic is the best offensive backcourt in NBA history after their unstoppable run this postseason.

With the Timberwolves' season over, they take the pulse of Minnesota's playoff capabilities for 2025. Devine and Fischer confer on how they can return to the conference finals, and if trading a big star can help them get there.

After the break, the guys share their initial thoughts ahead of the NBA Finals and the biggest headlines to watch heading into the battle between the Celtics and Mavericks. Of the biggest stories, they dive deep into whether Jayson Tatum vs Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving returning to Boston. Additionally, they pinpoint the importance of Kristaps Porzingis returning for the Celtics, and what they'll need from the big man to win the series.

Jake and Dan wrap the show by remembering the lives of NBA Legend Bill Walton and former NBA player Drew Gordon.

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Winners & losers from the 2024 NBA Draft withdrawal deadline | On The Clock

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 30 May 2024 20:02:22 +0000

On today's episode of On The Clock, Krysten Peek is joined by CBS Sports HQ basketball insider and 247 Sports Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein.

Adam and Krysten start the show with a reaction to the biggest names deciding to remain in the 2024 NBA Draft, and others who chose to go back to school. They discuss the implications for top basketball programs like UConn and Alabama, that had key players decide to return to school.

They shift their focus to the latest buzz on Bronny James. Adam shares why he stands by his belief that Bronny will play with his dad, Lebron James, on the Lakers.

Later, Adam breaks down why he's high on Kansas guard Johnny Furphy for the upcoming draft, and where he expects he could be selected.

After the break, Krysten asks Adam his thoughts on who he thinks the Atlanta Hawks, San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder will select with their first round picks.

(2:08) Winners of the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline

(13:15) Losers of the NBA Draft withdrawal deadline

(16:53) Latest on Bronny James

(22:18) Johnny Furphy's upside

(24:41) NIL impacting draft declarations

(28:03) Make the pick: Hawks

(30:53) Make the pick: Spurs

(33:24) Make the pick: Thunder

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Celtics blow past Pacers en route to NBA Finals & remembering Bill Walton with J.A. Adande | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 28 May 2024 19:32:46 +0000

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by the Director of Sports Journalism at Northwestern University J.A. Adande to recap the NBA playoffs action from this weekend.

They discuss the importance of losing in past seasons for teams on track to win the NBA Finals, sharing past elite teams that succeeded after multiple years of losing. They relate this to the Boston Celtics sweep of the Indiana Pacers and the why the Minnesota Timberwolves are too early to beat the Dallas Mavericks.

Following the Pacers' brutal series loss, they talk about how they're lined up to take a big step forward in 2025 with their returning roster.

After the break, they remember legendary NBA player and basketball broadcaster Bill Walton, sharing some of their favorite memories from his life.

(2:04) Apple Music's Top 100 Albums

(6:11) Eastern and Western Conference Finals

(38:23) Pacers 2024 offseason

(42:21) Remembering NBA legend Bill Walton

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Evaluating 2024's one-and-dones, under-the-radar prospects and a way-too-early look at the 2025 Draft | On the Clock

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 24 May 2024 14:22:48 +0000

Yahoo Sports NBA draft expert Krysten Peek is joined by Rob Cassidy, national basketball analyst at our sister site, Rivals, to evaluate some of the players who hope to make a name for themselves in the NBA in the years to come.

Peek and Cassidy discuss how difficult it is to actually evaluate high school talent, this year's one-and-done class and how the players will translate to professional ball and they look at some of the top prospects on the board right now, including Rob Dillingham, Stephon Castle and Bub Carrington. They also predict who might be flying under the radar in the second round and what kind of impact they might have on future teams. Then, they wrap up with a way-too-early look at what’s ahead in the 2025 NBA Draft class.

(3:00) Top 5 of the one-and-dones

(22:30) Could Alex Karaban be a top college player?

(26:00) Evaluating the 2025 draft class

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Mavericks take Game 1, Cavaliers fire J.B. Bickerstaff & 76ers plan to pursue third star | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 23 May 2024 20:13:44 +0000

On today's episode of No Cap Room, Dan Devine and Jake Fischer recap the action from Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. They discuss how Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic meshed perfectly to close out the game in the 4th quarter.

They shift their focus to the news of the Cleveland Cavaliers firing their head coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Fischer shares his shortlist of names he's hearing that are in consideration for the opening.

After the break, Fischer shares insight from a recent piece about the 76ers offseason plans to pursue a third star to play alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

(4:28) Western Conference Finals Game 1 recap

(34:52) Cavaliers fire Bickerstaff

(48:02) 76ers plans to pursue third star

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Celtics, Tatum have issues & why NBA playoffs have become survival of the healthiest | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 22 May 2024 18:01:19 +0000

Vincent Goodwill connects with Yahoo NBA writer Tom Haberstroh to recap a wild Game 1 between the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics. The two dissect why the Celtics should be concerned despite pulling out the win and discuss if winning an NBA title is now just about being the healthiest team in the end.

(1:00) - Pacers choked away Game 1... but should they have confidence going forward?

(18:00) - Jayson Tatum's identity crisis: Is he running out of gas or just not 'it'?

(29:30) - Survival of the fittest: The NBA’s Final Four are largely here because of health

(38:33) - Does this injury trend change the way teams should construct themselves for a long run?

To start the pod, Goodwill and Haberstroh look at how the Indiana Pacers choked away Game 1 in Boston. Despite the loss, Haberstroh thinks Indiana should have confidence heading into Game 2 and can actually compete with the Celtics in this series.

Goodwill ponders if Jayson Tatum is going through an identity crisis with his game. Even though he scored over 30 points in Game 1, Haberstroh shares some concerning 'under the hood' stats that show Tatum is struggling in playoffs games when they matter most.

After the break, Haberstroh shares some data that confirms we are experiencing the most injury riddled postseason in over a decade. Goodwill wonders if this is just a trend or just a part of the game now. Both agree teams will likely begin to construct their rosters differently to combat the uptick in injuries in the NBA.

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Coach Thibodeau to blame for Knicks falling apart? + First look at conference finals | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 20 May 2024 19:58:46 +0000

Vincent Goodwill connects with Boston Globe's national NBA writer Gary Washburn to recap the wild weekend of playoff basketball and look ahead to the conference finals.

(0:00) - Introduction

(0:40) - Vinny goes viral in KAT+ Ant postgame presser, Timberwolves dethrone champs

(15:36) - Dallas advances to WCF amidst controversial call, Does OKC have staying power in West?

(22:28) - WCF Preview: Minnesota vs. Dallas - Who's the favorite?

(29:40) - Knicks run out of gas against Pacers... is Coach Thibs to blame?

(35:37) - Can Coach Thibs coaching style work for long playoff runs in today's NBA?

(41:50) - ECF Preview: Boston vs. Indiana - Can Pacers actually compete with Celtics?

(46:30) - Reporters clashing with coaches in today's NBA media environment

(51:30) - Championship or bust: Why all the pressure is on Boston and Jayson Tatum

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill connects with Boston Globe's national NBA writer Gary Washburn to recap the Game 7s on Sunday and the Mavericks win over the Thunder on Saturday. The two also look ahead to both conference finals and how each could play out.

Goodwill starts the pod by recapping what he saw in person in Denver as the Timberwolves took out the defending champs. Washburn and Goodwill break down what went wrong for the Nuggets in their second half collapse and why the supporting cast for Denver wasn't enough for them to repeat as champs this season.

The two then recap the Mavericks win over the Thunder on Saturday night and ponder if Oklahoma City has staying power to be a consistent contender in the West going forward. Washburn and Goodwill think the Western Conference Finals between the Mavericks and Timberwolves will be a coin flip series. Goodwill does give a slight edge to one team and makes his subtle prediction for who he sees making it to The Finals.

After the break, the two discuss what went wrong for the Knicks down the stretch and if Coach Thibodeau's style is to blame for all the injuries that doomed New York in the playoffs. Both wonder if Thib's style will work long term in today's NBA and in New York.

The two end the show previewing the Eastern Conference Finals and explain why all the pressure is on Boston and Jayson Tatum to finish the job and win the title this summer.

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NBA Draft Combine reactions: Edey oh my, Bronny James is ready & whose stock is rising? | On the Clock

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 17 May 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Yahoo Sports NBA draft expert Krysten Peek is back for another season of On the Clock with Krysten Peek. Krysten just spent the week in Chicago at the NBA Draft Combine and kicks off draft season joined by CBS Sports' Kyle Boone.

Krysten & Kyle chat about what they saw at the combine this week, including spectacular performances from Purdue's Zach Edey, an impressive showing from UConn's contingent including Cam Spencer & Alex Karaban and which deeper prospects saw their stocks rise over the week.

Later, the two chat about Bronny James' showing at the combine, how he looks as a prospect, his composure through a media circus that not many other players experience, how he's shaping up to be a sure-fire draft pick next month and which team is reportedly going to try to make a play to draft him ahead of the Lakers.

Closing out the show, Krysten asks Kyle to make the pick! Who should the Atlanta Hawks choose with the number one overall pick at the top of next month's draft? Should it be Alex Sarr or a dark horse candidate?

(2:05) Zach Edey, UConn & other combine standouts

(20:55) Bronny James will be drafted this year

(26:45) Make the pick! Who should Atlanta draft?

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

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Mavs defense stops OKC, Celtics advance + offseason plans for Cavs, Hawks & Lakers | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 16 May 2024 18:57:43 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine discuss how the Dallas Mavericks won game 5 in Oklahoma City and talk about the offseason rumors swirling at the NBA Draft Combine.

(00:00) - Hello friends!

(01:50) - Mavs win in OKC, take 3-2 series lead

(15:50) - Celtics advanced to Eastern Conference Finals

(22:30) - What’s next for the Cavaliers?

(43:40) - Hawks offseason rumors

(49:30) - Will the Spurs trade for Trae Young?

(56:10) - Lakers offseason rumors

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine are tired and rooting for the NBA Playoffs to end as soon as possible.

They also love basketball! And they go into great detail to explain how the Dallas Mavericks have turned into a defensive nightmare for the young Oklahoma City Thunder, leading to a win-or-go-home game 6 on the road for OKC on Saturday.

The Boston Celtics easily advanced to the Eastern Conference Finals, raising concerns about if they will be playoff tough when they need to be. They have yet to face a real challenge, and everyone wants to know how they will respond if they go down early against a good NBA team.

Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers have a lot to figure out this offseason, starting with if he wants to sign a contract extension and what changes he wants to the coaching staff or roster going forward. If J.B.Bickerstaff ends up losing his job, who is the right coach for this job?

Jake is at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago, and he’s picking up plenty of rumors and buzz from NBA coaches and front office members that are also there. That leads to a conversation about what the Atlanta Hawks should be doing this offseason, if a trade of Trae Young to the Spurs makes sense for either team and what hints the Lakers are dropping about who their next head coach will be.

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Jokic takes over, Knicks bully Pacers & LeBron shows up in Cleveland | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 15 May 2024 19:03:28 +0000

Vincent Goodwill checks in from Denver after watching the Nuggets take game 5 from the Timberwolves to break down the NBA Playoffs and the Lakers coaching search.

(0:00) - Introduction

(0:45) - Nuggets beat Timberwolves (DEN leads series 3-2)

(19:00) - Knicks beat Pacers (NYK leads series 3-2)

(23:40) - Thunder vs. Mavericks game 5 preview

(35:30) - Celtics vs. Cavaliers game 5 preview

(37:50) - LeBron James shows up in Cleveland

(42:30) - Lakers coaching search

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks about what it was like to watch the Denver Nuggets’ game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in person.

Nikola Jokic was brilliant on offense, which really helped to open up the floor for the rest of his teammates, but Vinnie wonders if the Minnesota Timberwolves are the better team that just hasn’t yet realized they’re better than the Nuggets.

The New York Knicks bullied and bludgeoned the Indiana Pacers in game 5 to take control of that series, against what most people were expecting from them, and we use it as an excuse to call out Tom Thibodeau’s excellent coaching.

Producer John is bummed about his Dallas Mavericks dropping game 4, and the guys talk about how and why the Oklahoma City Thunder are presenting defensive problems for Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Vince talks about the Boston Celtics, who have not yet been tested and might make it all the way to the NBA Finals without being tested. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

On the Cleveland side, LeBron James showed up courtside to game 4 and got a standing ovation from the crowd. Is he planning another free agent jump to his hometown team? Or just looking for attention?

Finally, Vinnie talks about the Lakers head coaching search and why the inexperienced guys they’re interviewing face a tough challenge with a LeBron-led Lakers team.

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Suns hire Budenholzer, Nuggets take over & Knicks falling apart | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 13 May 2024 19:55:52 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jake Fischer to recap the NBA Playoffs action from the weekend before talking with Krysten Peek about the 2024 NBA Draft.

00:00 - Introduction

00:40 - Suns fire Vogel, hire Budenholzer

08:20 - Nuggets vs. Timberwolves (series tied 2-2)

18:10 - Knicks vs. Pacers (series tied 2-2)

25:00 - Thunder vs. Mavericks (DAL leads series 2-1)

32:40 - Celtics vs. Cavaliers (BOS leads series 2-1)

39:45 - 2024 NBA Draft

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporters Vincent Goodwill and Jake Fischer talk about all four of the Conference Semifinals, which could all be locked at 2-2 after tonight.

The guys start in Minnesota, because that’s where Vince is, and talk about the Denver Nuggets looking like the unbeatable champs once again in their last two games against the Timberwolves.

They then move on to the Indiana Pacers, who have taken advantage of the New York Knicks team that seems to be running out of luck and healthy bodies. Can the Madison Square Garden crowd will their team to a game 5 win and keep hope alive?

Moving to the Western Conference, Vinnie takes a moment to gloat about being one of the very few people to have picked the Dallas Mavericks to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in this series. Jake was there, and he said that it looks like the young OKC team is starting to wilt under the pressure of the NBA Playoffs.

The Boston Celtics slipped up in game 2, yet again, but roared back in game 3 to show that they still don’t have a decent challenger in the Eastern Conference. How can we trust them to handle high pressure games when they haven’t played in one all year?

Finally, Yahoo Sports NBA Draft Analyst Krysten Peek joins the show, the day after the draft lottery, to discuss her updated mock draft and talk about what is going on with Bronny James at the NBA Scouting Combine this week.

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Brunson leads Knicks over Pacers, Hornets hire Charles Lee & big questions for eliminated teams | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 9 May 2024 21:05:46 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine discuss the Knicks taking a 2-0 lead over the Pacers, the Hornets hiring a new head coach and some big questions for the Bucks, 76ers, Clippers & Magic.

00:00 - Hello friends!

03:25 - Knicks beat Pacers (NY leads series 2-0)

18:15 - Rick Carlisle complains about refs

24:45 - Coach’s challenges

32:50 - Charlotte Hornets hire Charles Lee as their new head coach

35:10 - NBA coaching rumor mill

41:20 - Big questions for teams that have been eliminated

42:10 - Milwaukee Bucks

48:50 - Philadelphia 76ers

55:15 - Los Angeles Clippers

59:30 - Orlando Magic

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine recap yet another close win for the New York Knicks over the Indiana Pacers from all angles.

The guys discuss Jalen Brunson returning from injury to lead the team to victory, Josh Hart playing every minute of every game, and even Pacers coach Rick Carlisle complaining about the refs and claiming that his small-market team is getting a raw deal because they’re playing against a large-market team in the Knicks.

Speaking of coaches, Jake goes deep on how head coaches are employing challenges during the NBA Playoffs and how that usage differs from the regular season before talking about the Charlotte Hornets hiring Charles Lee as their new head coach and letting listeners in on some of the coaching rumors that he’s heard.

Since the last episode of No Cap Room, four teams have been eliminated from the NBA Playoffs. The guys try to answer one important question for each one of them as a way to say goodbye to all of them.

Should the Bucks be worried about Giannis’ age and injury history? What kind of player should the 76ers acquire this offseason? Is it over for the Clippers? And is it Anthony Black time in Orlando?

All of that, and more, on this very fun episode of No Cap Room.

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Thunder dominate, Celtics cruise & concerns about Luka & Brunson | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 8 May 2024 19:25:11 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Tom Haberstroh talk about the Thunder and Celtics taking game 1 of their series and discuss issues with NBA officiating.

00:00 - Introduction

01:45 - Thunder 117, Mavericks 95 (OKC leads series 1-0)

23:30 - Celtics 120, Cavaliers 95 (BOS leads series 1-0)

26:50 - Knicks / Pacers officiating

33:25 - Jalen Brunson

40:30 - Timberwolves / Nuggets officiating

48:00 - Top 5 NBA Playoffs breakout performances

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by NBA analyst Tom Haberstroh to talk about everything that’s going on in the NBA Playoffs Conference Semifinals.

The guys start in Oklahoma City, where the Thunder defense looked too big, too strong and too energetic for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks to handle. Are the Thunder just the better team or is Luka’s high usage rate going to sink the Mavericks?

As expected, the Boston Celtics cruised to an easy victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, even without Kristaps Porzingis. Vinnie and Tom talk about Jayson Tatum, who has been Boston’s 3rd best player amidst a poor playoff run by him and it hasn’t mattered at all. Tom wonders if he’s just keeping himself fresh for the later rounds.

The end of game 1 between the New York Knicks and the Indiana Pacers was a mess due to inconsistent officiating. Tom and Vince talk about what calls they wish were, or weren’t, called and why the players are right to complain about the refs in this postseason.

Jalen Brunson, similar to Luka Doncic, has been carrying a high usage rate for the Knicks and the guys are wondering how long he’ll be able to keep it up. Tom digs through the stats to show that, historically, offenses built around one player with a high usage rate doesn’t typically equal playoff success.

Back to the officiating, Tom wants to talk about what happened in game 2 between the Nuggets and Timberwolves because he has a theory as to why Jamal Murray felt empowered to throw a towel and a heat pack at a referee. Meanwhile, Vinnie has a theory as to why Michael Malone wasn’t given a technical foul when he was screaming in the same ref’s face.

Finally, Producer John asks the guys to give their Top 5 best playoff breakout performances. The type of games that announce to the world that a new star is taking over the league and the old star’s time is done, similar to what Anthony Edwards did to Kevin Durant in round 1 this year. And, as per usual, the guys go digging in the crates and find examples from the 80s and 90s.

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What's wrong with the Denver Nuggets? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 7 May 2024 21:56:14 +0000

Dan Devine and Adam Mares discuss the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves after Monday night’s game 2.

00:00 - Count me in!

03:00 - NBA Joy - Minnesota Timberwolves

05:30 - What’s wrong with the Denver Nuggets?

33:15 - Anthony Edwards

37:25 - The Closing Five

49:15 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Adam Mares from DNVR to try and figure out what has happened to the reigning champs that has them down 2-0 in their series against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

But first, Dan asks Adam to list something from the world of basketball that is bringing him joy and Adam picks….the Minnesota Timberwolves! They’re playing great basketball right now and are a joy to watch, even if they’re beating the team that Adam roots for.

Dan and Adam then have a long conversation about a number of things that have gone wrong in Denver this year and seem to be causing issues for the Nuggets since the start of the NBA Playoffs. Can the Nuggets win if Jamal Murray doesn’t get better? Will Jamal Murray be suspended? Are we sure the GM and head coach are on the same page? What if this roster has just expired and nobody realized it yet?

Before moving on to The Closing Five and weekly recommendations, the guys take a few minutes to talk about Anthony Edwards, who appears to be one of the best leaders in the entire NBA despite being just 22-years old. Dan and Adam both relay some of their favorite moments from his recent press conferences that show how coach-like he already is.

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NBA Playoffs 1st round concludes, Knicks/Pacers preview & Lakers coaching search | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 6 May 2024 18:18:31 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and The Athletic’s Fred Katz talk through the Cavaliers game 7 win on Sunday, the offseason ahead of the Magic (and Lakers) and preview the Knicks / Pacers 2nd round series.

00:00 - Introduction

02:40 - Cavs beat Magic, win series

10:10 - What’s next for the Magic?

21:20 - Knicks vs. Pacers series preview

40:40 - Lakers search for a new head coach

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill welcomes Fred Katz from The Athletic to the show.

The NBA Playoffs have officially moved past the first round and into the Conference Semifinals, with the last game taking place on Sunday between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Orlando Magic.

The Cavaliers won the game, and probably saved a few people from getting fired, on the strength of another outstanding playoff performance by Donovan Mitchell.

The Magic, meanwhile, played like a young team when the game mattered most. But that’s because they are a young team! And they have lots of opportunities to improve their roster in the upcoming offseason. Vince and Fred talk about what they liked, and didn’t like, from the Magic and what they are looking for on the trade and free agent markets for Orlando.

Fred is about as locked in as you can be to the New York Knicks, so he’s the perfect guy to help us preview their Conference Semifinal series against the Indiana Pacers. The guys hit this series from all angles and wonder how the Pacers will try to play defense against Jalen Brunson.

Finally, the Los Angeles Lakers fired head coach Darvin Ham on Friday. There are rumors swirling that LeBron James’ podcast co-host JJ Redick could be a candidate to replace him. Vince and Fred talk through the people they think are candidates and wonder who would be the best fit for this high-pressure job.

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Mavs dominate Clippers plus offseason concerns for Suns & Heat | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 2 May 2024 19:06:04 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine recap last night’s Mavericks win over the Clippers and wonder what comes next for the Heat, Suns and 76ers.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:45 - Mavs dominate Clippers (DAL leads 3-2)

15:50 - What’s next for the Heat?

29:00 - VIBE CHECK: Phoenix Suns

51:05 - Series Preview: Nuggets vs. Timberwolves

64:00 - What’s next for the 76ers?

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine have fun while getting you up to speed on the NBA Playoffs.

The guys start in Los Angeles, where the Clippers are facing the potential of a pretty grim offseason after falling down 3-2 to the Dallas Mavericks. James Harden looked like the version that gets him criticism in the playoffs while the Dallas defense looked up to the task of shutting down the Clippers offense.

The Miami Heat were once again blown out by Boston, this time leading to a 4-1 series win for the Celtics. Jake and Dan look at what went wrong for the Heat and what might be coming this offseason for Pat Riley’s team. Is it time to move Jimmy Butler in a trade?

Speaking of poor results amidst high expectations, the Phoenix Suns look ready to double-down this offseason after getting swept in the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs. The guys explain why changing the coach both makes sense and doesn’t, and wonder what type of changes the team could actually make to the roster before the start of next season.

The only Conference Semifinal series that is locked up is between the defending champion Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have seemingly been built specifically to beat the Nuggets. Jake and Dan both have high hopes for how Minnesota can perform in this series, but neither of them pick the Timberwolves to actually win the series because the Nuggets still feel inevitable.

After making a joke about the Philadelphia 76ers home court advantage, or lack thereof, Jake explains why Tyrese Maxey’s game 5 performance didn’t just save Philly’s season…it might’ve changed the future plans of the front office.

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76ers survive overtime vs. Knicks & Bucks blow out Pacers without Giannis or Dame | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 1 May 2024 18:18:08 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill recaps a fun night for the NBA Playoffs before previewing tonight’s Clippers/Mavericks game.

00:00 - Introduction

02:00 - 76ers win overtime game vs. Knicks (NY leads 3-2)

22:40 - Cavs look good vs. Magic (CLE leads 3-2)

32:00 - How did the Bucks blow out the Pacers? (IND leads 3-2)

40:50 - Preview: Mavericks @ Clippers, game 5 (Series tied 2-2)

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill chats with Producer John about just how good the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs have gone so far.

After talking about how entertaining the games have been, even without the usual star power, Vinnie talks about how Tyrese Maxey may have saved the Philadelphia 76ers season with his late-game heroics in an overtime win over the New York Knicks. With a bunch of offseason cap space, could Daryl Morey be building another super team?

In a pivotal game 5, the Cleveland Cavaliers came out on top of the Orlando Magic in a game that showed just how valuable Evan Mobley can be, but also made people wonder if his performance was tied to Jarrett Allen missing the game. This is a tough series against two good teams and it might go to 7 games, with the winner facing the Boston Celtics.

Vinnie has a theory about Doc Rivers and it’s why he thought the Milwaukee Bucks would win game 5 against the Indiana Pacers, which they did handily. But what does it mean for the eventual return of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard? And will the Pacers regret not taking game 5 more seriously?

Finally, Vince and Producer John preview tonight’s pivotal game 5 matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks, with the series currently tied at 2-2. Luka’s shooting has been concerning, but Kyrie has been electric, and we’ll hit to see if James Harden and Paul George can play again like they did in game 4.

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LeBron's future with the Lakers, Pelicans swept without Zion & NBA's youth movement | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 20:44:24 +0000

Dan Devine and Trey Kerby discuss the Lakers and Pelicans, who are going home after losing in the 1st round of the NBA Playoffs.

00:00 - Count me in!

03:50 - NBA’s youth movement

10:25 - Nuggets beat the Lakers (4-1)

18:05 - Lakers offseason preview

27:10 - Celtics beat the Heat (3-1)

33:15 - Thunder beat the Pelicans (4-0)

36:10 - Pelicans offseason preview

42:45 - Tonight’s NBA games

45:15 - The Closing Five

57:45 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Trey Kerby from the No Dunks podcast to talk about everything that is going on in the NBA Playoffs.

The guys start with a little bit of joy, reveling in the NBA’s youth movement that is in full effect this postseason. With LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant watching the rest of the NBA Playoffs from home, it feels like the face of the league is up for grabs between Nikola Jokic, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic and other players still in their 20s.

Dan and Trey talk about Game 5, where Anthony Davis and LeBron James left it all out on the court for the Lakers and it still didn’t matter. Trey explains why the Denver Nuggets are so good in playoff situations despite lacking the same kind of star power as the Lakers.

Right after the buzzer, rumors started flying about if the Lakers would fire head coach Darvin Ham and if LeBron James would be back with the team next season. The guys discuss that, as well as what the Lakers might be looking to do to reshape their roster next year.

The Boston Celtics once again blew out the Miami Heat, but the big stories coming out of the game are the injury to Kristaps Porzingis and the flagrant foul that was called well after the ref’s whistle was blown. As long as Porzingis can be back in time for the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics should be able to weather this storm.

The Oklahoma City Thunder also closed out their series, a sweep or the New Orleans Pelicans, and now get to rest until the winner of Clippers/Mavericks advances to the 2nd round. In addition to talking about rest vs. rust, the guys talk about how deep (and how young) this very good Oklahoma City team is.

The Pelicans desperately needed Zion Williamson in this series and never got him. What they did get was a peek at what life is like with Brandon Ingram as their best player and it could lead to him being off the team by the start of next season.

After briefly discussing the 76ers/Knicks game that will be happening tonight, the guys close the show with The Closing Five and some weekly recommendations.

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Wolves chase Suns out of NBA Playoffs, Knicks keep rolling & Harden carrying the Clippers | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 19:54:08 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and J.A. Adande talk their way through the most interesting NBA Playoffs action from over the weekend.

00:00 - Introduction

01:10 - Stevie Wonder & Steph Curry

08:25 - Timberwolves sweep Suns

27:50 - Knicks take 3-1 lead over 76ers

35:50 - Quick NBA Playoffs thoughts

37:30 - Can the Lakers beat the Nuggets?

48:10 - Clippers tie Mavericks at 2-2

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by J.A. Adande to talk about the most interesting moments and games from a great NBA Playoffs weekend.

First, the guys get a little side-tracked talking about Stevie Wonder, and then start comparing Stevie’s early albums to Steph Curry’s MVP Awards.

Then, the guys get to the very impressive sweep of the Phoenix Suns by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota looks great, although J.A. is a little concerned about how their timelines will match up in the future. Vinnie is excited that a young star (Anthony Edwards) is snatching the crown away from an older star (Kevin Durant), but also wonders if the Golden State Warriors should try to work a trade to acquire Durant.

The New York Knicks fans took over the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Joel Embiid is earning a reputation as a dirty player, and just about everything that can go wrong is going wrong for the 76ers. The Knicks, on the other hand, are nailing the little things and seem as composed as any team in the playoffs.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in Denver tonight to take on the Nuggets. Both guys agree the Nuggets are going to win the series, but they haven’t looked dominant and J.A. wonders if the injury to Jamal Murray might be just enough for the Lakers to extend the series further.

Without Kawhi Leonard, the Los Angeles Clippers once again looked like a fantastic team, built around the offense of James Harden and Paul George. Both guys are headed towards free agency this offseason, and their win on Sunday raises a lot of interesting questions about how valuable the team finds both players to be.

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Heat shock Celtics, Ingram's future in NO & the Knicks-Villanova connection | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:08:54 +0000

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine are back together after a couple of weeks with fill-in co-hosts.

00:00 - Hello friends!

02:00 - Heat beat the Celtics (series tied 1-1)

18:20 - Thunder dominate the Pelicans (Thunder up 2-0)

32:40 - Nuggets at Lakers, Game 3 (Nuggets up 2-0)

41:55 - Cavaliers at Magic, Game 3 (Cavs up 2-0)

46:45 - Knicks at 76ers, Game 3 (Knicks up 2-0)

54:40 - PLAYER COMPS: Jake Fischer

The guys start off the show with the shocking Miami Heat win over the Boston Celtics last night, a game that Dan says is eerily reminiscent of one of Miami’s games against the New York Knicks in last year’s NBA Playoffs.

After the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the New Orleans Pelicans, Jake says rumors are already starting to fly around the NBA in regard to Brandon Ingram’s future and whether he’s likely to be traded this offseason. He hasn’t played well without Zion Williamson and the two of them haven’t played particularly well together, either.

The Denver Nuggets visit the Los Angeles Lakers tonight, in a series that feels hopeless for LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Jake and Dan dig through the stats, showing off just how good those two guys have been and also how great the Nuggets have been when they’ve matched up against the Lakers.

Jake expected a better playoff performance from the Orlando Magic, who are starting to resemble last year’s Cleveland Cavaliers team (the one that said the playoff lights were too bright for them) while playing against this year’s Cleveland Cavaliers team.

The New York Knicks are traveling to Philadelphia to play the 76ers tonight, which will be something of a homecoming for a bunch of Villanova alumni that the Knicks have built their team around. Jake dug in on what made those Villanova teams great and how all of the players ended up being so close with one another.

Finally, Jake brought some video from his recent league championship game, so Dan watches it and tries to come up with NBA player comps for Jake’s basketball style.

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Luka makes Clippers look old, Suns are in big trouble & a preemptive funeral for Lakers | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 19:16:03 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Tom Haberstroh break down last night’s NBA Playoffs action and preview several games for tonight and tomorrow.

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - Mavericks tie up series with Clippers

12:35 - Suns in trouble with Timberwolves

21:30 - Pacers tie up series, Bucks need Giannis

28:25 - Nuggets/Lakers Game 3

33:25 - Celtics/Heat Game 2

38:50 - Thunder/Pelicans Game 2

45:30 - Top 5 all-time NBA rookie seasons

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by longtime NBA analyst Tom Haberstroh to break down everything that’s going on in the NBA Playoffs.

Vince was at last night’s Dallas Mavericks win over the Los Angeles Clippers, so the guys start by talking about how Luka Doncic made James Harden, Kawhi Leonard and even Paul George look like old players that were past their prime. How is it going to look when the series moves to Dallas for game 3?

The Phoenix Suns are down 0-2 to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and facing a grim reality of what their offseason might look like with no way to pivot out of this roster and nothing but disappointment coming from this season. If they end up losing in 4 or 5 games, Vinnie and Tom agree that it might be time to talk about another Kevin Durant trade (maybe back to OKC?)

The Indiana Pacers were the first road team to win in the NBA Playoffs this year, and they did it by speeding up their offense and running the Milwaukee Bucks to death. The Bucks are hoping Giannis Antetokounmpo can return quickly and be the solution to their defensive (and offensive) issues.

Vinnie tells Tom that he’s wearing all black to tomorrow night’s Nuggets-Lakers game 3 in Los Angeles because he’s viewing it as a funeral for their championship chances. Tom has an incredible stat about Nikola Jokic that goes a long way towards explaining exactly why the Lakers can’t seem to beat the Denver Nuggets.

Vinnie has lost hope for the Miami Heat stealing a game from the Boston Celtics in that 1st round matchup, but Tom hasn’t! He explains why the Miami defense is set to do much better in game 2 than they did in game 1.

The New Orleans Pelicans gave the Oklahoma City Thunder all they could handle in game 1, proving the theory that the Pelicans are at their best when either Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram is not in the lineup. What happens when Zion returns? And do the Pelicans need to trade one of them in the offseason?

Finally, Producer John asks Vince and Tom to list off their 5 best NBA rookie seasons of all time just to find out if either of them would include Victor Wembanyama.

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Knicks & Nuggets take 2-0 leads while 76ers & Lakers complain about officiating | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 22:13:45 +0000

Dan Devine and Seerat Sohi from The Ringer break down the first few games of the NBA Playoffs by using press conference clichés.

00:00 - Count me in!

03:40 - The Knicks’ ‘Nova boys!

12:30 - Anthony Edwards / Jalen Williams

22:15 - 76ers & Lakers complain about officiating

35:40 - Nobody believes in the Cavs

43:00 - Seerat doesn’t believe in the Bucks

46:10 - The Closing Five

60:15 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by Seerat Sohi from The Ringer to break down some of their favorite stories coming out of the first handful of games in the NBA Playoffs.

When discussing what brings her joy from the world of basketball, Seerat mentions the New York Knicks “Nova Boys” (Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart & Donte DiVincenzo). Not only are they great on the court together, their public appearances and press conferences are hilarious, including last night’s after their win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Using the typical cliché of “He’s got that dog in him”, Dan and Seerat talk about how great Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder have been despite both of them being so young and inexperienced.

Both the Sixers and the Los Angeles Lakers were loudly critical of the officiating in their losses on Monday night, and Seerat says that the 76ers actually do have some valid complaints while the Lakers seem to be focusing on everything but the huge lead they gave away to the Denver Nuggets in the 2nd half.

When asked which team that has had early success still hasn’t earned belief in them, Dan digs into some of the concerning underlying numbers of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are still soundly beating the Orlando Magic every chance they get. Meanwhile, Seerat explains that she doesn’t really believe in the Milwaukee Bucks and doesn’t see how a team with such a tumultuous season can right the ship in the playoffs.

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Dame sinks the Pacers, Celtics-Heat controversy, plus injury concerns for Kawhi & Embiid | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 22:13:04 +0000

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by former NBA front office member Amin Elhassan to react to almost every Round 1 series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.

00:00 - Introduction

02:15 - Bucks / Pacers

07:00 - Thunder / Pelicans

14:30 - Celtics / Heat

22:55 - Clippers / Mavericks

34:40 - Nuggets / Lakers

43:05 - NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award

46:05 - Knicks / 76ers

53:00 - Timberwolves / Suns

Amin kicks things off by talking about the value of experience in the NBA Playoffs, which is one of the reasons he picked the Bucks to beat the Pacers and thinks Damian Lillard (and, eventually, Giannis) can lead Milwaukee to the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Oklahoma City Thunder squeaked out a win against a less talented, but more experienced, Pelicans roster. How far can such a young team go in the playoffs before they’re truly tested?

Despite a blowout win by the Celtics, there was some controversy late in their matchup against the Miami Heat. Vince and Amin explain why Brian Scalabrine was wrong, and why they think the play was “clumsy” and not dirty.

The Clippers blew out the Mavericks without help from Kawhi Leonard, thanks to a big game from James Harden. The guys discuss how far the Clippers can go without their best player and what the Mavericks need to do to counter the LA defense.

Speaking of LA defense, the Lakers played a great game against the Denver Nuggets and it simply did not matter. Because the Denver Nuggets are playing at a different level, a championship level, than just about everyone else right now.

Anthony Davis had a good game, but complained afterwards about being left out of the Defensive Player of the Year conversation. Vinnie explains why he didn’t vote for AD, and Amin argues for Bam Adebayo as the best defensive player in basketball.

The health of Joel Embiid’s knee is the main concern for the Philadelphia 76ers and they look to even the series against the New York Knicks, a tough team with a villainous fanbase (according to Amin). Are we sure he’s not making things worse by continuing to play on it?

Finally, Vince and Amin talk about the relationship between Anthony Edwards and Kevin Durant through the spectrum of The Lion King. Trust us, it ends up making sense.

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NBA PLAYOFFS: 76ers advance to face the Knicks & Eastern Conference playoffs preview | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 18:21:15 +0000

Jake Fischer and Fred Katz recap the 76ers and Bulls wins in the NBA Play-In Tournament last night and preview each of the Eastern Conference first round matchups.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:30 - 76ers defeat Heat

12:55 - Knicks vs. 76ers series preview

30:50 - Bulls defeat Hawks

32:45 - Who should the Hawks trade?

39:55 - Cavaliers vs. Magic series preview

48:00 - Bucks vs. Pacers series preview

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer is joined by The Athletic’s Fred Katz, who covers the New York Knicks and the NBA at large.

The guys start with the big game last night, which saw the Philadelphia 76ers escape with a 1-point win over the Miami Heat after Joel Embiid and Nicolas Batum caught fire in the 4th quarter.

Jake was there, and talks about how seriously everyone around the Sixers wanted to win to avoid the Boston Celtics. Fred says that’s the right call, and explains that anything less than a conference championship will be a huge disappointment for the Celtics.

Embiid still doesn’t look like himself against the Heat, but he’ll probably benefit from facing the Knicks’ man-to-man defense instead of Miami’s zone defense. The biggest question coming out of this series is how the Knicks can keep their offense afloat when Jalen Brunson is on the bench.

The Bulls beat up on the Hawks last night, in a game that served as the announcement of Coby White’s arrival. Jake says he views White as an all-star caliber player now, and thinks the Bulls have a chance to beat Miami if Jimmy Butler’s knee keeps him out of Friday’s game.

The Hawks, who have the worst defense amongst non-tanking teams, have some big questions to answer this offseason. The biggest one being which of their two star guards (Trae Young & Dejounte Murray) should they trade over the offseason.

The Cavaliers might’ve angered the basketball gods by tanking the end of the season, and their reward will be an Orlando Magic team that can match them in terms of size and can beat them with physicality.

The Bucks, meanwhile, will be without Giannis Antetokounmpo for at least the first part of their series against the Pacers. This series has some drama in it from the In-Season Tournament, but it’s also a terrible matchup for the Bucks’ defense. How far can Damian Lillard carry the team without Giannis?

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Lakers advance, Warriors dynasty is over & Western Conference playoffs preview | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:29:27 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Nekias Duncan discuss Tuesday night’s play-in games, discuss the Warriors’ future, and preview every Western Conference playoff matchup.

00:00 - Introduction

02:45 - Lakers defeat Pelicans

08:35 - Kings at Pelicans play-in game preview

11:40 - Kings defeat Warriors

14:15 - What’s the Warriors’ future?

25:15 - Thunder vs. #8 seed

29:10 - Nuggets vs. Lakers

37:30 - Timberwolves vs. Suns

47:30 - Clippers vs. Mavericks

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Nekias Duncan from The Dunker Spot to talk about the NBA Play-In Tournament and the first round matchups from the Western Conference of the NBA Playoffs.

The guys start with Zion Williamson, who played a heroic game against the Los Angeles Lakers before exiting with a hamstring injury that helped lead to a New Orleans Pelicans loss and will keep him out against the Sacramento Kings on Friday.

Speaking of the Kings, they played fantastic against the Golden State Warriors and had the game well in hand before the end of the third quarter. After talking about the Kings’ gameplan and performance, Vince and Nekias spend some time wondering what the Warriors can do this offseason to try and turn their fortunes around.

The Los Angeles Lakers, after beating the Pelicans, get a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals against the Denver Nuggets. While it will not be easy, both Nekias and Vinnie lay out ways in which the Lakers could maybe steal a game or two away from the defending NBA champions.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Phoenix Suns is a first-round series loaded with star power and brimming with fun matchups. Who will Rudy Gobert defend when the Suns go small? How will the Suns create an offense beyond contested shots? There are plenty of questions to be answered heading into this one.

Finally, the Dallas Mavericks are traveling to Los Angeles for the first two games against the Clippers. These two teams are facing off in the playoffs for the third time in recent memory, and much of the analysis heading into the series is wondering how healthy Kawhi Leonard’s knees are.

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NBA Play-In preview, MVP race & Wembanyama's future with Bomani Jones | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 19:21:34 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Bomani Jones preview the NBA Play-in Tournament, wonder how good Victor Wembanyama will be next year, and tell you their picks for some year-end awards.

00:00 - Introduction

07:45 - Lakers in the play-in

11:45 - Michael Porter Jr.

16:00 - Zion Williamson

20:25 - Warriors in the play-in

26:30 - 76ers vs. Heat

31:20 - Suns vs. Timberwolves

37:35 - Victor Wembanyama

42:00 - MVP race

45:55 - James Harden

49:10 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

54:15 - Defensive Player of the Year

58:50 - Bomani’s NBA Playoffs picks

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Bomani Jones to preview the NBA Play-in Tournament.

After talking for a bit about Carmelo Anthony and David Stern, the guys talk about where the Lakers are in the play-in and explain why getting the Nuggets early in the playoffs might be better for LA than getting them late.

Zion Williamson is still waiting for his signature NBA game, after flaming out in the NBA In-Season Tournament, and now everyone wants to see how he’ll perform under the spotlight of the NBA Playoffs.

The Warriors will travel to Sacramento to face the Kings, but the big questions surrounding Golden State are more about the state of their team than the matchup in front of them. Are there big changes coming to this dynasty in the offseason? How would this team be viewed differently if they didn’t have four championships?

Bomani explains why he has a hard time believing in the 76ers while Vinnie wonders why the Cavaliers are so eager to avoid a rematch with the Knicks.

Instead of talking about Hawks/Bulls, the guys instead talk about how fun it will be to watch Kevin Durant’s Suns go up against Anthony Edwards’ Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs because of how dynamic and entertaining both players are on, and off, the court.

The guys spend some time talking about their favorites for MVP, Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year, leading to a conversation about where Wembanyama will rank in the NBA next season.

Finally, Bomani gives his picks to win the East, West and the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end of the podcast.

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Jrue Holiday's contract extension, Paolo Banchero comps & playoff legacies on the line | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 11 Apr 2024 19:12:55 +0000

Dan Devine and Tom Haberstroh react to the news of Jrue Holiday’s contract extension with the Celtics, come up with comps for Magic forward Paolo Banchero and discuss which players have the most to gain, or lose, in this year’s NBA Playoffs.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:30 - Jrue Holiday signs extension with Celtics

06:20 - Paolo Banchero comps

31:10 - OG Anunoby & the Knicks

43:25 - Who has the most on the line in the NBA Playoffs?

44:15 - Jayson Tatum

50:10 - Cleveland Cavaliers

52:40 - Damian Lillard

56:10 - Zion Williamson

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Tom Haberstroh to do a whole bunch of previewing of the 2023-24 NBA Playoffs, but first…

The Boston Celtics announced yesterday that Jrue Holiday had signed a 4-year contract extension, keeping almost their entire team together through all of next season before even getting a chance to see what they do in the playoffs this year. Dan and Tom provide their reactions to the news, and explain how Holiday’s role has changed since being traded to the Celtics.

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic are likely headed to the playoffs, which will provide him with an opportunity to introduce himself to a national TV audience that hasn’t seen much of him since his days at Duke. Dan and Tom try their best to explain what kind of basketball player Banchero is for anyone who has never seen him play, and end up finding a bunch of fun nicknames for Mark Aguirre along the way.

OG Anunoby has been amazing for the New York Knicks since being traded away from the Toronto Raptors, and Tom has some stats to back up exactly how good he’s been as a member of the Knicks. Without Julius Randle, who underwent shoulder surgery last week, the guys wonder if OG Anunoby (who is playing through an elbow injury) could possibly get the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Finally, Dan and Tom each made a list of the players who have the most to gain (or lose) in this year’s NBA Playoffs. Listen to find out just how much is on the line for Jayson Tatum, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Damian Lillard, Zion Williamson, most of the Los Angeles Clippers and Rudy Gobert.

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Giannis’ calf injury, Suns lose their powers & Wemby’s case for All-Defense | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 19:09:34 +0000

Vincent Goodwill talks through a crazy NBA night that included a serious injury for Giannis, the Clippers embarrassing the Suns and another breakout game for Victor Wembanyama.

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - Giannis Antetokounmpo injury

12:20 - Knicks 128, Bulls 117

13:30 - Clippers 105, Suns 92

18:10 - Warriors 134, Lakers 120

24:25 - What’s on the line in the Eastern Conference?

29:40 - Vincent’s All-Defense team (1st draft)

48:40 - NBA viewing guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill recaps a wild night for the NBA, starting with a calf injury for Giannis Antetokounmpo that originally had people wondering if he had torn his Achilles right before the playoffs.

The Chicago Bulls are an unserious team, which explains why two of their players were fighting over alley-oops while down 10 to Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks.

The Phoenix Suns’ big 3 looked like they had lost their basketball powers while getting stomped by Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers last night. They’ll have a chance to redeem themselves tonight when these two teams play again.

The Golden State Warriors have quietly been one of the better teams in the league since the end of January, and they proved it again by taking care of business against the Los Angeles Lakers (without Anthony Davis) last night. Could they catch the Lakers for the #9 seed before the end of the season?

There are a lot of big changes coming to the Eastern Conference teams this offseason, and the playoffs will determine which teams are making big moves. Vinnie talks about what is at stake for teams like the Bucks, Heat, Celtics and more. Producer John wonders if anyone can beat the 76ers in the 1st round of the NBA playoffs.

It’s almost time for voters to submit their ballots for year-end NBA wards, so Vince lets listeners into his process for voting on the All-Defense team, which includes a certain rookie down in San Antonio.

Finally, Producer John and Vinnie talk about tonight’s important game between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, who are currently tied for 1st place in the Western Conference.

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2023-24 NBA year-end awards anxiety | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 9 Apr 2024 22:50:16 +0000

Dan Devine and Ben Golliver talk their way through some of the NBA’s year-end awards and explain why they have anxiety about voting.

00:00 - Count me in!

04:20 - NBA’s 65-game threshold worked!

09:00 - NBA awards anxiety

13:05 - Jokic for MVP?

20:00 - Rookie of the Year

25:05 - All-Defense

29:00 - Most Improved Player

36:30 - All-NBA

40:30 - The Closing Five

55:30 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine has anxiety about his ballot for some of the NBA’s year-end awards and he welcomes Ben Golliver from the Washington Post to help him try and sort some of it out.

First, Ben explains why the NBA’s 65-game threshold for year-end awards has worked. More NBA stars played more games this year than last year, which means less fans ended up disappointed when going to a game or tuning in on TV. That’s great!

Dan talks a bit about his own anxiety in putting together his ballot for year-end awards, while Ben explains why he no longer has a ballot and what his voting process was when he did.

The guys discuss the toxicity around the NBA MVP conversation the last few years and wonder if Joel Embiid is right when he says that this year’s MVP race is boring. Can anyone catch Nikola Jokic?

Rookie of the year is pretty much settled, and the guys spend some time talking about just how great Victor Wembanyama already is, but the real question is who to vote for after Wemby and Chet Holmgren.

The rules around voting for All-Defense has changed this year, and Dan wonders if anyone will be crazy enough to submit a first-team that is nothing but bigs. Ben explains why that’s crazy and why he would judge anyone who does that as “not knowing ball”.

What is the criteria for Most Improved Player? Can it be a 2nd year player? Is the leap from good to great harder than going from bad to good? Is this award a lock for Tyrese Maxey or can Jalen Williams jump in front?

The rules around voting for All-NBA have also changed, but the guys are more interested in whether team success should have a factor in how many players from that team make All-NBA.

We end the podcast with The Closing Five, where we learn a lot about moose, and weekly recommendations.

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Caitlin Clark’s WNBA future, the Bucks' problems & the Knicks’ playoff path with Monica McNutt | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 8 Apr 2024 19:12:01 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by New York Knicks broadcaster and ESPN personality Monica McNutt to discuss women’s basketball and the NBA’s Eastern Conference.

00:00 - Introduction

02:40 - Women’s NCAA Tournament

16:15 - Can the Cavs get out of the 1st round?

21:45 - What’s wrong with the Bucks?

29:00 - New York Knicks

54:40 - How will Caitlin Clark fare in the WNBA?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by New York Knicks broadcaster and ESPN personality Monica McNutt.

Vince and Monica start with the controversial foul call in the women’s NCAA tournament on Friday before giving Dawn Staley her flowers as one of the best coaches in women’s basketball history.

The Cleveland Cavaliers could be setting up for another 1st round playoff matchup with the New York Knicks, but nobody has much confidence in them without Donovan Mitchell.

The Milwaukee Bucks have a losing record with Doc Rivers as their head coach, and Vinnie wonders if this team is just broken. Monica thinks she knows what this year’s Bucks team is missing, and it provides some optimism for next year’s Bucks.

Vince and Monica spend most of the back-half of the podcast talking about the New York Knicks, who seem like a different team when OG Anunoby plays and might be able to survive in the playoffs without Julius Randle. Did they benefit the most from the “new rules” on how refs are calling NBA games? Who do they most want to play in the 1st round of the playoffs? Can they top the Boston Celtics in a series?

Before wrapping up, Monica tells us what to expect from Caitlin Clark in the WNBA next season and explains why she’s not a sure thing to win Rookie of the Year.

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Knicks lose Randle until next year, Hornets' coaching search & Jrue Holiday's stellar season | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 4 Apr 2024 19:21:28 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk about Steve Clifford stepping down as head coach of the Hornets, Chauncey Billups and Vince Carter making the Hall of Fame, Julius Randle’s season-ending surgery and a lot more.

00:00 - Hello Friends!

02:45 - Steve Clifford steps down as Hornets coach

12:40 - Chauncey Billups & Vince Carter to HOF

21:55 - Orlando Magic

27:25 - BREAKING: Julius Randle undergoes shoulder surgery

43:10 - Jrue Holiday sacrifices for the Celtics

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine get together to talk about everything that’s going on in the NBA.

They start with the news of Steve Clifford, who announced yesterday that he would be stepping down as the head coach of the Charlotte Hornets and taking a role in the front office. Jake explains why this move happened now while both guys talk about what a great coach Clifford has been.

It was also leaked yesterday that Chauncey Billups and Vince Carter are among those that will be entering into the Basketball Hall of Fame this year. After discussing why the Hall of Fame even exists, the guys make the case for why Billups and Carter deserve to be in there.

The Orlando Magic knocked the New Orleans Pelicans out of the playoffs and into the play-in yesterday, leading to a discussion about how good the Magic are now and how much damage that could deliver in the playoffs.

During the podcast, news broke that New York Knicks forward Julius Randle would undergo shoulder surgery and would be re-evaluated in 5 months. This is obviously a big hit to the Knicks’ playoff chances, and a bummer for Randle, who has been fighting against narratives his entire NBA career.

Finally, Jake tells a story about watching the end of LSU-Iowa with the Boston Celtics before both he and Dan discuss Jrue Holiday, who has made big sacrifices to his offensive game and taken on a larger defensive role in an effort to win yet another NBA title.

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Embiid looks sharp vs. OKC, Curry struggling with physicality & Luka's MVP case | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 3 Apr 2024 19:26:40 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill goes through the biggest NBA stories from last night and explains why he’s concerned about Steph Curry, looking at Luka Doncic as a possible MVP winner, and why he finds the Cavaliers so interesting.

00:00 - Introduction

00:35 - Joel Embiid returns vs. OKC

11:45 - Jokic vs. Wembanyama

18:10 - Bucks lose to the Wizards

23:10 - Warriors beat the Mavericks

25:25 - Concerns about Steph Curry

28:45 - Dallas Mavericks

33:25 - Chris Paul

33:35 - Luka Doncic for MVP?

42:25 - Donovan Mitchell & the Cavaliers

55:50 - NBA Viewing Guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill goes through the biggest NBA stories from last night, starting with the return of Joel Embiid to the 76ers, who looked good in a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Also happening last night, we saw Nikola Jokic play one of his best games of the season against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Vince draws a line from the best center in the game to the future of the center position, with Wemby nearly putting up a quadruple-double.

The Bucks went to Washington DC and lost to the Wizards, which no playoff team should do, and Producer John has an issue with Doc Rivers pointing the blame at everyone but himself.

The Warriors beat the Mavericks, thanks to a fantastic performance from Draymond Green, but Vinnie is concerned about Steph Curry’s poor March numbers and how the more physical game might hurt him more than others. However, even in a loss, we’re starting to keep an eye on Luka Doncic as a potential last-minute candidate to win the NBA MVP Award.

Before finishing with the NBA viewing guide for the week, Vince talked with Donovan Mitchell recently and is intrigued by his situation (likely free agent after next season) and where the Cleveland Cavaliers are right now. They seem better suited to handle the playoffs this year, but will the results be the same as they were last season?

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Are Giannis & the Bucks ready for the playoffs? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 2 Apr 2024 20:31:04 +0000

Dan Devine is joined by Frank Madden from Locked On Bucks to discuss a Milwaukee Bucks season that has included two new head coaches and a new superstar (Damian Lillard) to pair with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

00:00 - Count me in!

04:35 - NBA Joy (Giannis Antetokounmpo)

09:45 - Houston Rockets

14:20 - Milwaukee Bucks

49:50 - The Closing Five

65:25 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Frank Madden from Locked On Bucks to discuss what has been a chaotic season for the Milwaukee Bucks, who are still very much championship contenders. But first…

We start with a moment of joy, and Frank decides to talk about A.J. Green’s defense before Dan waxes poetic about the Houston Rockets, who lost on Sunday but are still managing to make April NBA basketball entertaining as hell.

The guys then get to the Bucks, mostly focusing on Giannis Antetokounmpo. He’s having what might be the best season of his career, but he also deserves some of the blame for the chaos. It was his offseason threats that led to the team trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard, he was part of the hiring process for Adrian Griffin and he was undoubtedly part of the firing process as well.

Is Giannis gunning for another MVP award this season? How has he handled the chaos around him? Is there reason to believe that the Bucks can compete for a championship this year?

The guys also discuss Patrick Beverley’s vibes and how they’ve helped the Bucks, and the value of Khris Middleton (who might finally be getting healthy).

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Embiid's return, the future of the Bulls + playoff outlooks for Mavs & Clippers | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 1 Apr 2024 19:56:28 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jason Goff from NBC Sports Chicago to discuss Joel Embiid’s return to the 76ers, the playoff outlooks for the Mavericks & Clippers, and a deep-dive on the Chicago Bulls.

00:00 - Introduction

03:20 - Joel Embiid set to return

10:20 - Are the Mavericks party-crashers in the playoffs?

12:30 - How far can the Clippers go?

21:35 - The conversation around women’s basketball

31:00 - The past, present & future of the Chicago Bulls

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jason Goff from NBC Sports Chicago and The Ringer (check out his podcast, The Full Go) to go deep on the Chicago Bulls, but first…

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will reportedly return to action this week, maybe even Tuesday, from surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his knee. Vinnie and Jason compare the situation to Derrick Rose’s knee injuries before wondering if this is the year Embiid finally gets over his playoff struggles.

Vinnie asks the question, after watching the Dallas Mavericks destroy the Houston Rockets on Sunday, if the Mavericks are party-crashers in the playoffs that could pull off an upset (or two). Since they are currently lined up to go against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round, the guys talk about how those two teams stack up and why the Clippers are built in a way that could equal a run to the Finals.

Vince and Jason discuss women’s basketball, which is having a moment with a tournament absolutely filled with star players, and why fans of the sport should be wary of getting more attention from the national sports media.

Finally, the guys talk about the Chicago Bulls. They go all the way back to the Michael Jordan-led Bulls dynasty, The Last Dance, defending Jerry Krause, why the Derrick Rose-Jimmy Butler pairing didn’t last, the mistakes the team has made with coaching and development, the future of Zach LaVine, the ascension of Coby White and a lot more.

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Curry carries the Warriors after Draymond's ejection, Embiid's return & the Timberwolves sale blows up | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 18:49:53 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine discuss the Warriors overcoming Draymond Green’s ejection, the timetable on Joel Embiid’s return from knee surgery, the Timberwolves’ sale blowing up and much more.

00:00 - Hello friends!

03:25 - Clippers defeat 76ers

08:35 - Joel Embiid update

11:25 - Los Angeles Clippers

13:40 - Steph Curry frustrated with Draymond Green

19:50 - Houston Rockets

29:15 - Inside the end of G League Ignite

44:05 - Timberwolves sale blows up

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine discuss everything that is going on in the league this week.

The guys start in Philadelphia, where Kawhi Leonard showed just how great he still can be and the refs admitted that they made a mistake at the end of the game that maybe cost the 76ers the game. Jake says Joel Embiid will be back soon, and almost returned for last night’s game.

Draymond Green was ejected in the first few minutes of the Warriors’ win over the Orlando Magic, and Steph Curry was visibly frustrated with his teammate during the game and after.

The Warriors need to keep winning, because the Houston Rockets and their 10-game winning streak are right on their heels and trying to steal the #10 seed in the West. Jake and Dan discuss what has gotten into the Houston Rockets’ offense as of late and what decisions the franchise will be faced with this offseason.

The NBA announced last week that the G League Ignite would be shuttered following this season. Jake talked to all the players involved and explains what went wrong with the Ignite and why the decision by the league still caught employees of the team off-guard.

Finally, the guys get some breaking news during the podcast! The Minnesota Timberwolves, who were being sold over the course of multiple payments, are apparently not for sale anymore after the buyers missed an important deadline. What does it mean for the team? What does it mean for the league? Who is going to pay their luxury tax bill?

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NBA playoff races, Lakers sink Bucks without LeBron & the league's gambling problem | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 17:50:42 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Tom Haberstroh to talk about the NBA’s gambling problem, the Lakers beating the Bucks without LeBron James, all of the playoff races still yet to be determined and a lot more.

00:00 - Introduction

00:50 - Jontay Porter & the NBA’s gambling problem

08:20 - Lakers beat the Bucks in double-overtime

18:50 - Breaking down the NBA playoff races

30:45 - Top 5 NBA playoff upsets

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Tom Haberstroh to discuss all things NBA.

The guys start off with the story about Jontay Porter, a bench player for the Toronto Raptors who is under investigation for large bets that seemed to coincide with some weird performances from him in games this season. The guys talk about who is in charge of keeping this from happening and what changes could be made to prevent it from spinning out of control.

The Lakers, without LeBron James, beat the Milwaukee Bucks in double-overtime last night. That leads to two questions. First, are the Lakers set up to knock off a #1 seed in the first round of the NBA Playoffs (as long as it’s not the Nuggets)? Second, are we sure the Bucks are good enough to survive the first round of the NBA Playoffs?

The guys go through every playoff race that is yet to be determined, with only three weeks left in the regular season, and fire off a few hot takes on who they think won’t make it (Suns) and who they think will (Warriors).

Finally, Producer John asks Vinnie and Tom to list off their top 5 favorite NBA playoff upsets of all time and the guys end up fighting about it.

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Positive affirmations for the Rockets, Magic, Suns, Nets, Hawks & Bulls | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 19:25:53 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Jared Dubin from CBS Sports and Last Night in Basketball to say some nice things about the Rockets, Magic, Suns, Tom Thibodeau, Nets, Bulls and Hawks.

00:00 - Count me in!

03:25 - Josh Hart

04:40 - Say something nice about…

05:25 - Houston Rockets

15:55 - Orlando Magic

24:35 - Phoenix Suns

32:00 - Tom Thibodeau

37:35 - Brooklyn Nets

41:10 - Chicago Bulls & Atlanta Hawks

44:40 - The Closing Five

57:35 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Jared Dubin from CBS Sports and Last Night in Basketball to say some nice things about some of the less talked about teams around the NBA, but first…

Jared says that Josh Hart, a literal quote machine, brings him basketball joy. Not only has Hart turned himself into a really valuable player for the Knicks, his charm and personality are impossible to miss.

Getting into the heart of the episode, Jared says some nice things about Amen Thompson and the Houston Rockets before Dan turns the conversation to Jalen Green, who is either taking advantage of March basketball or finding his ceiling.

The Orlando Magic play a different brand of basketball, and Jamahl Mosley probably deserves to win Coach of the Year, and they’re going to be hell for any team that has to play them in a playoff series.

The Phoenix Suns are down after losing to the Spurs, without Victor Wembanyama, last night. The guys offer some positive affirmations about what this team can do when their stars are healthy…but can they stay healthy?

The guys also talk about Tom Thibodeau’s flexibility being a big part of the Knicks’ success this season, the Bulls finding something in a couple of young players, and the Hawks maybe finding themselves without Trae Young.

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What’s wrong with the LA Clippers? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 20:32:03 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Law Murray from The Athletic to talk about the G League Ignite shutting down, the perilous position of the Golden State Warriors, Doc Rivers’ reputation and the Los Angeles Clippers.

00:00 - Introduction

01:25 - G League Ignite to shut down

06:55 - Are the Warriors even good?

10:35 - Here come the Bucks!

14:10 - Why are we doubting the Celtics?

19:00 - What is wrong with the Los Angeles Clippers?

41:10 - Paul George’s future in L.A.

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by The Athletic’s Los Angeles Clippers beat reporter, Law Murray, to go deep on a team that has been a rollercoaster ride this season, but first…

The NBA announced that the G League Ignite will shut down after this season. Vinnie appreciates that college basketball will remain as the main feeder system of talent into the NBA, while Law blames the end of the franchise on poor performance on the court.

The Golden State Warriors lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves last night and are at risk of losing the final play-in spot to the Houston Rockets. Law, who has seen the Warriors in-person a few times this year, says that the team simply isn’t good and can’t be trusted with a lead.

The Milwaukee Bucks, meanwhile, stomped on the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday. Is it a sign that the Bucks and Doc Rivers are finally reaching their potential? Or do the Thunder have some larger issues that could rear their head in the playoffs?

We finally get to the LA Clippers, who looked like one of the league’s best teams in December and January but can’t seem to get out of their own way lately. Law explains what the ride has been like, what is causing it, why Russell Westbrook’s return from injury is unfair, and what Paul George could be looking at in free agency this offseason.

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NBA adds gambling to League Pass, Dante Exum's impact in Dallas & the 5 worst teams in the NBA | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 19:24:38 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talk about the Cavaliers’ injury luck, the NBA’s relationship with sports gambling, Dante Exum’s journey back from Serbia and more.

00:00 - Hello friends!

00:50 - Happy birthday to us!

05:25 - Donovan Mitchell & Cavs injuries

11:50 - Pistons injuries

15:05 - The NBA & sports gambling

28:50 - Dante Exum

41:05 - What’s interesting about the NBA’s worst teams?

41:15 - Charlotte Hornets

47:25 - Detroit Pistons

53:20 - Washington Wizards

58:15 - Portland Trail Blazers

62:20 - San Antonio Spurs

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine ignore college hoops and focus on what’s going on in the NBA.

They start with some injury news, including Donovan Mitchell’s “nasal fracture”, the overall injury luck of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a couple of young players in Detroit that were showing actual signs of improvement.

The NBA announced yesterday that they would be adding live-betting features into the NBA League Pass app, on the same day that there was a betting scandal with MLB’s most popular player, and everyone feels a little grossed out by it.

Jake recently wrote about Dante Exum, the former #5 overall pick who was chased out of the NBA and had to find his game in Spain in Serbia before signing with the Dallas Mavericks this year. He has been vital for them, and their playoff chances, and it’s mostly due to an improved jumpshot that….didn’t change at all? It’s a wonderful and heartwarming story that we’re happy to spotlight!

Jake and Dan finish the episode by going through the five worst teams in the league and trying to find something optimistic, hopeful or just interesting about each one of them. The Hornets seem to have good pieces to build around, the Pistons have a couple of young players that are turning out better than anticipated, Deni Avdija has found a little bit of offense, DeAndre Ayton has found a comfortable mattress to sleep on and the Spurs have the greatest prospect we’ve ever seen to build upon. There’s a lot to be positive about!

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Jokic’s legacy, Wembanyama’s future with Spurs & concerns for Suns & Clippers with Howard Beck | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:10:03 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Howard Beck from The Ringer to talk about the new All-NBA voting system, Jokic’s legacy (when he wins MVP #3), Wembanyama’s future with the Spurs and which playoff teams they’re worried about.

00:00 - Introduction

01:50 - Positionless All-NBA and All-Defense

07:20 - Nikola Jokic’s MVP candidacy and legacy

19:10 - The red hot New Orleans Pelicans

24:25 - The New York Knicks face another injury

31:20 - Victor Wembanyama’s future with the Spurs

40:55 - Why is the Western Conference better than the Eastern Conference?

48:15 - NBA teams we’re worried about

49:30 - Phoenix Suns

55:10 - Los Angeles Clippers

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Howard Beck from The Ringer and they kick things off by complaining about the new voting parameters for All-NBA.

After talking about Nikola Jokic being the favorite for NBA MVP this season, Vinnie and Howard try to figure out what his legacy will look like by the time his career is over.

The New Orleans Pelicans are playing great basketball and Zion Williamson looks fantastic, leading Howard to declare that we need to start talking about them as a more serious championship contender than the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.

The New York Knicks had OG Anunoby back for a short time before he was once again ruled out indefinitely with an elbow injury. What kind of playoff hopes do they have, as injured as they are?

Victor Wembanyama’s brilliant rookie season is coming to a close, and everyone wants to know what kind of improvements the Spurs will make in the offseason and how soon can we see Wemby in the NBA Playoffs?

After a brief discussion about why the Western Conference is more talented and competitive than the Eastern Conference, Vinnie and Howard reveal the playoff teams that they are worrying about the most heading into the stretch run. And, coincidentally, they picked the same teams!

The Phoenix Suns look like they just don’t have enough to meet their lofty expectations and the Los Angeles Clippers appear to have lost a lot with the injury to Russell Westbrook. Can either team turn things around before the playoffs begin?

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Did the Sacramento Kings get worse or did the West get better? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:18:58 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Greg Wissinger from The Kings Herald to discuss the Sacramento Kings, who could be finding a new identity in the middle of a playoff race.

00:00 - Count me in!

03:05 - NBA Joy: Bench shenanigans!

05:30 - Sacramento Kings

16:30 - Domantas Sabonis

24:05 - Keegan Murray

27:55 - Keon Ellis

35:00 - Malik Monk

38:00 - Who do the Kings want to face in the NBA Playoffs?

40:45 - The Closing Five

48:50 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Greg Wissinger from The Kings Herald to discuss the Sacramento Kings, who could be finding a new identity in the middle of a playoff race.

But first, when asked what is bringing him joy in the NBA, Greg takes some time to talk about shenanigans on the bench during NBA games.

Dan and Greg then go deep on the Sacramento Kings, including the national media narrative around Domantas Sabonis, the incredible value of Keon Ellis, the improving defense of Keegan Murray, and the contagious swagger of Malik Monk. After being the team that everyone wanted to play in the playoffs last year, who would they like to face this year?

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A difficult playoff path for the Lakers & Warriors, Kyrie's game-winner and All-NBA talk | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:16:11 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks about Kyrie Irving’s game-winner against the Nuggets, the playoff paths of the Lakers & Warriors, and explains why he has a problem with All-NBA this year.

00:00 - Introduction

00:55 - Kyrie Irving’s game-winner against the Nuggets

13:00 - The playoff paths of the Lakers & Warriors

22:35 - The problem with positionless All-NBA

40:20 - NBA Viewing Guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is a little frustrated after watching how the Detroit Pistons lost to the Miami Heat and Producer John is over the moon after watching Kyrie Irving’s incredible game-winning shot to give the Dallas Mavericks a win over the Denver Nuggets.

Vinnie and John talk for a few minutes about what led to Irving’s game-winner, thoughts on it from around the NBA, and who the Dallas Mavericks would like to be matched up against in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Speaking of the playoffs, Vinnie is wondering if everyone is paying attention to the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. Sure, they play each other well, but these teams are at the bottom of the Western Conference for a reason and have a nearly impossible path to get back to the NBA Finals or even Western Conference Finals.

The rules for All-NBA voting are changing this year, as are the rules for All-Defense voting, and Vinnie is angry about it. He explains why he thinks the NBA has made the switch and why he thinks it’s a mistake before wondering if the league is going to take his vote away for complaining.

Finally, Vince and John tell you which games they have circled on the calendar this week. For John, it’s the Timberwolves (without KAT) trying to repeat some past success against the Nuggets. For Vinnie, he wants to see the final regular season game between the Bucks and Celtics, a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup.

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The Mavs keep winning, the Hawks find a new franchise player & Most Improved Player candidates | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 14 Mar 2024 19:46:05 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talk about the streaky Dallas Mavericks, a new foundational player for the Atlanta Hawks and check in on the Most Improved Player race.

00:00 - Hello friends!

02:20 - Donovan Mitchell returns vs. Pelicans

04:15 - Magic give Mosley 4-year extension

07:50 - Otto Porter Jr. retires

11:10 - VIBE CHECK: Dallas Mavericks

28:50 - Most Improved Player candidates

32:55 - Tyrese Maxey

36:00 - Coby White

44:00 - Herb Jones

44:25 - Jalen Suggs

44:45 - Duncan Robinson

48:00 - Donte DiVincenzo

49:20 - Deni Avdija

49:35 - Jalen Johnson & the Atlanta Hawks

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine kick things off by talking about the Cleveland Cavaliers, who got Donovan Mitchell back last night and proceeded to beat up on a good New Orleans Pelicans team. Are the Cavs quietly the 2nd best team in the East?

The guys give a quick shoutout to Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley, who recently got a 4-year extension after turning this young roster into a fantastic defensive team. Dan argues that this is the most successful Magic season since Dwight Howard was on the roster, while Jake wonders if Mosley could win Coach of the Year this season.

After another shoutout to Otto Porter Jr., who retired after 11 NBA seasons, Jake and Dan do a vibe check for the Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks have been streaky lately, winning a bunch, and then losing a bunch, and now riding another 4-game winning streak. Dan explains that the key to their success is the defense, which might be turning a corner. Jake points out that Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington seem to finally be finding their roles in this Dallas offense, which could end up helping the defense.

With just a few more weeks left in the NBA regular season, the guys decided to check in on the Most Improved Player race, which is probably locked up for Tyrese Maxey. Dan admits to who he has voted for in the past, Jake roasts him for it while explaining his own philosophy for who should win MIP, and then they throw out some names of guys that could theoretically challenge Maxey for the away this year.

One of those names is Jalen Johnson, who has made such a leap this season for the Atlanta Hawks that they might just trade away Trae Young and rebuild the team around Johnson. Jake talked with Johnson, and some of his struggles to escape pre-draft rumors, and came away very impressed by the kid’s mentality and work ethic. Will we see him in the play-in game? And could his improvement lead to a shift in the Eastern Conference?

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Jokic vs. Giannis, Anthony Edwards making the leap, NBA scoring is down & SGA for MVP | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 13 Mar 2024 19:05:40 +0000

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by NBA analyst Tom Haberstroh to talk about what’s going on in the NBA.

The guys start with last night’s Timberwolves win over the Clippers, which saw Kawhi Leonard leave with back spasms and Anthony Edwards taking over the game afterwards. The Clippers still have a ton of talent, but Vinnie has some trust issues because of Kawhi.

The guys then turn their attention to scoring, which is way down across the NBA since the all-star break. Tom tells us how wild this drop in scoring is, historically, and what he thinks is the main cause of it (officiating) before he and Vinnie discuss which teams and players will benefit from it and which ones will be hurt.

Jokic vs. Giannis has been an ongoing conversation for the last week or so, as Vincent wonders which of these guys will end up being the best player of this generation (and maybe the best international player ever?). He discusses it with Tom, who takes a detour to explain why he would vote for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over both of them for NBA MVP if the season ended now.

Finally, we have some fun and let Vince and Tom pick their 5 favorite college basketball players that never made it in the NBA.

00:00 - Introduction

01:10 - Trust issues with the Clippers

05:40 - Anthony Edwards

15:05 - Why is scoring down in the NBA?

28:45 - Jokic vs. Giannis

38:40 - SGA for MVP?

43:20 - What’s the future for Clippers & Bucks?

45:33 - Top 5 college basketball players who never made it in the NBA

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Can Anthony Edwards carry the Timberwolves with Karl Anthony-Towns out? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 21:13:22 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Dane Moore from The Dane Moore NBA Podcast to talk all things Minnesota Timberwolves, including the transformation of Anthony Edwards’ role while Karl Anthony-Towns recovers from surgery.

00:00 - Count me in!

03:15 - Naz Reid

06:20 - Minnesota Timberwolves

12:50 - Karl Anthony-Town’s injury

14:45 - Anthony Edwards

26:10 - Jaden McDaniels

29:50 - Timberwolves vs. the refs

35:55 - Who do the Wolves want to face in the playoffs?

45:25 - The Closing Five

52:30 - Weekly recommendations

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Dane Moore from The Dane Moore NBA Podcast to talk all things Minnesota Timberwolves, including Naz Reid’s journey from undrafted prospect to starting-level player ready to fill in for Karl Anthony-Towns, who is recovering from knee surgery.

The player with the biggest additional burden on the run up to the playoffs, with KAT out, is actually Anthony Edwards. Dan talks about how Edwards’ role tends to change when KAT is out and Dane discusses what head coach Chris Finch would prefer to happen over the next few weeks without their starting power forward.

Jaden McDaniels, sometimes called a bellwether for the Timberwolves’ offense by the team’s head coach, is the weak spot that other teams can take advantage of. Dane discusses how the team could try different things to try and make him enough of an offensive threat that opposing defenses can no longer ignore him.

The guys also discuss Minnesota’s penchant for complaining about the officiating and which teams they match up with the best in the playoffs, with or without KAT, and which teams they probably want to avoid.

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Nick Wright on LeBron vs. MJ, the NBA's gambling problem & who is the best team in the East? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 20:08:38 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Nick Wright from FOX Sports for a discussion about LeBron vs. Michael Jordan, the NBA’s gambling problem and more.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

00:50 - Are we done with the 90s? (MJ vs. LeBron)

22:10 - Is Scottie Pippen overrated or overlooked?

31:10 - Is gambling ruining the NBA?

39:20 - Are you optimistic about the Lakers?

47:40 - Who is the best team in the East?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Nick Wright from FS1’s First Things First show to talk about everyone going on in and around the NBA.

First, social media is going crazy with NBA fans claiming to be “done with the 90s”. That leads to a fun conversation between Nick and Vincent, which essentially turns into a the GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and LeBron James, along with why Scottie Pippin is either overrated or overlooked.

Rudy Gobert was fined by the league for making a gesture and then claiming that the refs are affected by sports gambling. Nick tells his own tale of sports gambling and then explains why he thinks there will be a scandal involving officials in a major sport sometime soon.

Nick is a Lakers fan, so Vinnie asked him if he was worried about the Lakers likely being in the play-in this season. The guys agree that there is a big difference between being in the 7/8 seed against the 9/10 seed, and that the Lakers should do everything they can to avoid the Nuggets.

Finally, Nick says he’s going on TV to predict the Milwaukee Bucks will win the Eastern Conference this year. Vinnie also agrees that the Celtics have some serious flaws that make it hard to pick them despite all of their success. Can Jayson Tatum change their minds?

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KAT's injured knee, LeBron's injured ankle, Pelicans vibe check & early trade deadline returns | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 7 Mar 2024 19:11:16 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk about the impact of Karl Anthony-Towns’ knee injury, LeBron James’ ankle injury, vibe check the New Orleans Pelicans and check in on some month-old trades.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:25 - Karl Anthony-Towns knee injury

10:45 - LeBron James ankle injury

14:00 - Injuries for Evan Mobley, Ben Simmons & Russell Westbrook

22:45 - VIBE CHECK: New Orleans Pelicans

35:15 - Early returns on NBA Trade Deadline deals

35:50 - Phoenix Suns

39:20 - Indiana Pacers

44:30 - Philadelphia 76ers

49:45 - New York Knicks

55:45 - Oklahoma City Thunder

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine kick things off by talking about all of the impactful injury news that has broken over the last few days, starting with Karl Anthony-Towns’ torn meniscus.

The Minnesota Timberwolves were built a specific way, and that formula was working this year as KAT took a smaller role that fit the team best. Now, without him, the formula that makes the most sense for the Timberwolves will be difficult for them to pull off.

LeBron James left last night’s Lakers game with an ankle injury that he said he’s been dealing with since the all-star break. Jake and Dan discuss the wear and tear on LeBron’s body and how important he is for the Lakers’ offensive success.

The guys then speed through some minor injury news. Ben Simmons has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Evan Mobley is out for a while with an ankle injury, and Russell Westbrook is hoping to be back before the playoffs after having hand surgery.

Jake and Dan vibe check the red-hot New Orleans Pelicans, who seem to be finding their identity behind some of the best basketball that Zion Williamson has played in the NBA. They’ve also developed a handful of really great two-way players that can fit around Zion. Does anybody want to play the Pelicans in the playoffs?

Finally, the guys spend the time revisiting the trades that happened before the NBA Trade Deadline and talking about the returns after a month. The Suns and 76ers have found good fits, the Pacers are still trying to find consistency, and the Knicks can’t seem to get healthy. And when will Gordon Hayward find his role in OKC?

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Celtics show worrying signs in loss to Cavs, Bronny James’ path to the Lakers & NBA viewing guide | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 6 Mar 2024 20:13:26 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill was in Cleveland last night and has some thoughts on what happened to the Boston Celtics that led to a 23-point comeback win for the Cavaliers.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

00:30 - What’s wrong with the Mavericks?

04:15 - Celtics implode in loss to Cavaliers

27:55 - Being fair to LeBron & Bronny James

37:00 - NBA viewing guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Producer John to talk about what happened in the league last night and a lot more.

Producer John is a Dallas Mavericks fan, so Vinnie kicks off the podcast by discussing why the team keeps losing despite strong offensive efforts from both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

They then switch to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who overcame a 23-point 4th quarter deficit to end the Boston Celtics’ 11-game winning streak. Vinnie isn’t sure if this is more a credit to the Cavaliers or something that the Celtics should be worried about as we head towards the NBA Playoffs.

There’s plenty of rumors about Bronny James as a prospect and which NBA team, if any, would select him in the 2024 NBA Draft. Vinnie and Producer John talk about what makes that difficult and if there’s a path that lands both father and son on the Los Angeles Lakers next year.

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Can the Miami Heat get back to the Finals? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 5 Mar 2024 20:23:22 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by the host of Locked On Heat, Wes Goldberg, to try and figure out if the Heat are better or worse off than when they won the Eastern Conference last season.

00:00 - Count me in!

04:00 - Patrick Beverley & Bobby Portis

06:10 - Jalen Williams

10:10 - How good are the Miami Heat?

18:20 - Duncan Robinson

23:30 - Tyler Herro

33:05 - Can the Heat get back to the Finals?

36:45 - Playoff Jimmy Butler

37:50 - The Self-Scout

50:00 - The Closing Five

61:10 - Weekly recommendations

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by the host of Locked On Heat and editor of AllUCanHeat.com, Wes Goldberg, to try and figure out if the Heat are better or worse off than when they won the Eastern Conference last season. But first…

Wes talks about the pairing of Patrick Beverley and Bobby Portia in Milwaukee being a source of joy for him, as two of the NBA’s best hype men teaming up is fun for everyone.

Dan talks a bit about Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder, who does a little bit of everything for them (including leading the team in 4th quarter scoring) and might not have an actual ceiling on his potential.

Then the guys get to the Heat. Wes explains why he thinks the team has gotten better since last year’s run through the playoffs, even though they missed out on trading for Damian Lillard this offseason.

The guys discuss Duncan Robinson, who went from out of the rotation to fighting for a starting spot by working on his game and rounding out his skillset. However, the more he improves as a dribbler and passer, the more opportunity he potentially takes away from Tyler Herro.

Herro’s name always comes up in trade talks, both for Lillard and for Kevin Durant, despite him being one of the Heat’s “big 3”. Dan and Wes talk about the good and the bad parts of Herro’s game and if his latest injury will once again knock him out of the playoff starting lineup.

Dan also complains about Jimmy Butler giving different answers to different reporters about the existence of “Playoff Jimmy” before Wes explains that Jimmy changes his mind a lot and that’s okay.

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LeBron hits 40,000 points, Wembanyama's DPOY case & do we believe in the Heat & Warriors? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 5 Mar 2024 01:07:44 +0000

Now that we've entered March, the NBA regular is entering its home stretch as the playoffs fast approach. Vincent Goodwill welcomes TNT's Jared Greenberg onto the podcast today to discuss three end-of-season awards races and where the playoff picture stands as of March 4th. Kicking off the show, the guys discuss how the Rookie of the Year race is shaping up between top contenders Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs and Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder. While Big Vic may be running away with the award in the latter half of the season, is there a case to be made that the French rookie should win Defensive Player of the Year too?

Elsewhere in the Western Conference, Vincent & Jared check-in on the floundering Phoenix Suns, who remain hovering towards the rear of the playoff standings and who have a few fatal flaws that may prevent Devin Booker & Kevin Durant from getting to the Finals together.

In Los Angeles this past weekend, Lakers forward LeBron James eclipsed the 40,000 point mark in his career, adding yet another ridiculous milestone to one of the great NBA careers of all time.

In the final third of the show, Vincent & Jared hash out the playoff chances for the Miami Heat & Golden State Warriors, discuss the unbeatable Boston Celtics, argue over Giannis vs. Jokic for MVP and wonder how Russell Westbrook's injury will affect the Los Angeles Clippers as they approach the playoffs:

2:00 - The rookie of the year race is over, should Wemby be DPOY too?

14:30 - Sun setting in Phoenix: Suns fatal flaw in building super team

27:10 - LeBron breaks another record and tries to re-write history more ways than one

40:00 - Are the Heat seriously going to repeat in the East this summer?

46:30 - Can the Warriors avoid the play-in tournament with recent surge?

48:30 - Are the Bucks mentally ready to compete with Boston?

56:00 - Are we ready to trust the Clippers this postseason?

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LeBron sinks the Clippers, Team USA roster spots & Durant's defensive impact | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 21:26:09 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talk about the Hornets finding a new GM, LeBron crushing the Clippers in the 4th quarter, Team USA, Kevin Durant’s defense, the Play-In Push™ and more!

00:00 - Hello Friends!

02:05 - Hornets find their new Head of Basketball Operations

09:15 - LeBron’s Lakers comeback win over the Clippers

12:55 - Team USA roster speculation

22:35 - Kevin Durant’s underrated defense

32:55 - Draymond Green is the key to the Warriors’ success

40:45 - The Play-in Push™

45:05 - Miami Heat

46:00 - New York Knicks

48:05 - Orlando Magic

48:55 - Indiana Pacers

50:55 - Dallas Mavericks

58:05 - Tales from New Orleans

On a very fun leap day edition of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk their way through everything that’s going on in the world of basketball.

First, the Charlotte Hornets have found a new Head of Basketball Operations to replace Mitch Kupchak in Jeff Peterson, previously of the Brooklyn Nets. Considering the other openings around the league, Dan says the Hornets might be the best landing spot if you’re looking to compete right away.

LeBron James went nuclear last night, erasing a 21-point Clippers lead in the 4th quarter and turning it into a Lakers win. Jake marvels at LeBron still doing these things at his age while Dan points out that the Lakers offense has actually been great for the last 6 weeks.

The Athletic posted a list of 11 players that they believe will be on the Team USA roster, leaving one roster spot open. Jake and Dan talk about who they would pick to fill that spot before Jake says that Kevin Durant spoiled the surprise for him a few weeks ago.

Speaking of Kevin Durant, he’s been an incredible two-way player this season instead of just a scorer and the Phoenix Suns need him to be their #1 scorer as well as their #1 defender. Can his body hold up?

The Golden State Warriors have been much better since Draymond Green returned from suspension, so Jake explains what was going wrong early in the season while Dan explains how Draymond returning has completely changed the shape of who the Warriors are for the better.

The Play-In Push™ is back! The guys talk about which teams they’re worried about rising or falling in the current playoff standings, while taking a pitstop for Jake to root for the Pacers (and the Magic) and Dan to worry about the Knicks.

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Are we underrating the Boston Celtics? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 20:07:10 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks about Monty Williams’ fit as the Pistons head coach and where this year’s Celtics team ranks amongst the best teams in NBA history.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

02:15 - What’s up with Monty Williams and the Pistons?

12:00 - Are we underrating the Boston Celtics?

42:15 - NBA Viewing Guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill kicks things off by talking about Monty Williams’ fit as the head coach of a young Detroit Pistons team and wonders if the pairing got off on the wrong foot to begin with.

Later, Producer John wonders if the Boston Celtics aren’t getting the respect they deserve and brings some stats to prove it. Vinnie talks about what purpose the regular season serves to championship contenders and applauds the Celtics for taking the entire season seriously.

Finally, the guys provide their viewing guide for the rest of this week, including a test for the Golden State Warriors and a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals.

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Is "Point Zion" key to the Pelicans' success? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 20:54:22 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine has some questions about who the New Orleans Pelicans are and what their future holds, so he invited Shamit Dua from In the N.O. to come on and try and explain.

00:00 - Count me in!

04:30 - Tulane Professional Basketball Negotiation Competition

08:05 - Herb Jones

13:15 - New Orleans Pelicans

20:10 - Zion Williamson

40:15 - The future of the Pelicans

47:30 - The Closing Five

59:20 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine has some questions about who the New Orleans Pelicans are and what their future holds, so he invited Shamit Dua from In the N.O. to come on and try and explain, but first…

Shamit is fresh off being a judge at the 7th annual Tulane Professional Basketball Negotiation Competition, so he told Dan all about what makes the competition great and why Tulane puts it on every year.

Dan clears out and lets Shamit lead off the Pelicans conversation with any player he wants to celebrate, which leads to a conversation about Herb Jones, who has been outworking everyone since day 1 and has turned himself into a two-way player that is really key to what the Pelicans want to do on offense.

The guys then talk about the rollercoaster ride that the Pelicans fans have been on since trading Anthony Davis to the Lakers and drafting Zion Williamson, with promise and injuries making each season tough to take. If the team doesn’t have a deep playoff run this year, finances will start to become a big factor into whether or not the team will be looking to trade Ingram or Zion this offseason.

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The rejuvenated Warriors, the Clippers rebrand, NBA unwritten rules & fixing All-Star weekend | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 21:20:24 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Sam Amick from The Athletic to talk about the NBA’s unwritten rules, how to fix All-Star weekend, the Clippers rebrand and the suddenly scary Golden State Warriors.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

00:55 - NBA fights over unwritten rules

08:05 - Can you fix NBA All-Star Weekend?

18:00 - Los Angeles Clippers rebrand

26:05 - Klay Thompson

38:15 - Golden State Warriors

52:25 - Which potential Western Conference Finals matchup would be the most fun?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Sam Amick from The Athletic to talk about the very spicy Western Conference playoff race, but first…

There have been a number of fights in the NBA this week stemming from violations of “unwritten rules”. Vincent tries to figure out why it’s happening more now than before and Sam criticizes the rules themselves.

Sam had the players’ perspective from All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, so he helps to explain why the players didn’t put in much effort and the complicated relationship between the players and NBA commissioner Adam Silver as a result.

The Los Angeles Clippers announced a rebrand this morning, with new logos, colors and uniforms to coincide with their move to the Intuit Dome next season. Vinnie and Sam give their opinions and talk about why it’s important for the Clippers to continue creating distance between themselves and the Lakers.

Klay Thompson isn’t having the best season of his career but it has maybe been the most interesting. Sam talked with Klay recently and told us about Klay’s transition to a bench role, a transition that is happening mid-season and one that requires him to swallow his pride.

One of the reasons Klay can take that role on the bench is that the Warriors have found some good young players that they want to give more minutes to. With 10 wins in their last 13 games, they have definitely found something that is working and Steve Kerr’s contract extension keeps their championship contender window open a bit longer.

Speaking of, Vinnie asked Sam to list which Western Conference Finals matchup he would find the most fun and got two very different answers. Along the way, the guys discuss the ways in which Nikola Jokic is similar to Steph Curry.

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Nets fire Jacque Vaughn, Thunder are built for the playoffs & other interesting NBA storylines | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:19:40 +0000

Coming out of the NBA All-Star break, Yahoo Sports NBA writer Dan Devine and Patrick Redford from Defector talk about the storylines they’re most interested to watch play out.

00:00 - Hello friends!

03:20 - Nets fire Jacque Vaughn

11:25 - Oklahoma City Thunder

20:50 - Who is the 2nd best team in the East?

24:55 - Milwaukee Bucks

34:10 - Orlando Magic

38:35 - Sacramento Kings

47:15 - Minnesota Timberwolves

53:35 - New Orleans Pelicans

59:05 - Denver Nuggets

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer is out and Dan Devine has brought in Patrick Redford from Defector to talk about the NBA storylines that they are the most interested to watch play out over the next few months.

The guys start with a news story, the Nets have fired Jacque Vaughn as their head coach and have handed the interim position to Kevin Ollie. Dan likes some of what he’s hearing from Kevin Ollie, but there’s not a lot of hope for the Brooklyn Nets these days.

Dan asks Patrick about a team that he particularly enjoys watching, which leads to a long conversation about how deep and versatile the Oklahoma City Thunder are. With Gordon Hayward added to the mix, who is to say if the Thunder are built for the playoffs or not?

Patrick admits that the Boston Celtics look incredible and is curious to see which team ends up facing them in the Eastern Conference Finals this year. Dan points out that things aren’t exactly getting less chaotic in Milwaukee, while Patrick tries his best to defend Doc Rivers from JJ Redick.

While continuing to talk about teams they like, both guys find the Orlando Magic’s brand of toughness and defense interesting, and everyone wants to see if the Magic will ever find a guard that they want to build around.

Patrick is an admitted Sacramento Kings fan, so he talks for a while about his hopes for the team this season and explains his low expectations for them. Meanwhile, Dan talks about how much he’s looking forward to a different kind of team (the Minnesota Timberwolves) attempting to break the NBA Playoffs this year with their size.

After talking about the unrealized potential of the New Orleans Pelicans, the guys wonder if the Denver Nuggets need to be worried about their spot in the standings or if the team is good enough that it doesn’t matter.

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NBA rookie rankings, Bronny James’ disappointing USC Trojans & G League Ignite collapse | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 21:02:02 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Yahoo Sports NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek to talk about how this year’s rookies are doing, get up to date on what’s happening in college basketball, and discuss what is happening with the G League Ignite.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

01:35 - NBA rookie rankings

05:20 - GG Jackson

07:05 - Scoot Henderson

09:15 - Victor Wembanyama

11:05 - College basketball’s biggest surprises and disappointments

11:20 - UConn Huskies

13:10 - Dalton Knecht

14:10 - USC & Bronny James

22:45 - Kentucky Wildcats

26:20 - Who to watch in the NCAA Tournament

30:10 - What’s the future of the G League Ignite?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Yahoo Sports NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek for a look into the future of the league.

We kick off with Krysten’s thoughts on this year’s rookie class, centered on the surprise performance by Grizzlies forward GG Jackson, the slow growth of Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson and the mindset of #1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama.

With March Madness a little over a week away, Vince and Krysten turn their attention to the biggest surprises and disappointments in men’s college basketball this season. Krysten focuses mostly on the #1 overall UConn Huskies and the incredibly disappointing season for the USC Trojans, who will miss the tournament.

That leads to a discussion about Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, and whether he has shown enough in his freshman season at USC to warrant a team using a 1st round draft pick on him.

After trying to explain why the Kentucky Wildcats can’t seem to consistently win despite having the most talent in college basketball, Krysten gives us a list of future NBA players to be watching out for in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.

Finally, NBA commissioner Adam Silver discussed a changing future for the G League Ignite during his media availability in Indianapolis. NIL has completely changed the equation for recruiting young players, and the system seems broken in a way that might be hurting development more than helping. Krysten explains what happened, where the G League Ignite are right now, and what the future of youth development could look like for the NBA.

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What's wrong with NBA All-Star Weekend and can it be fixed? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:09:11 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill checks in from Indianapolis the morning after the 2024 NBA All-Star Game to wonder why the event has lost its competitive spirit.

00:00 - What’s wrong with NBA All-Star Weekend?

26:10 - Steph vs. Sabrina

31:40 - Ideas for fixing NBA All-Star Weekend

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill checks in from Indianapolis the morning after the 2024 NBA All-Star Game to wonder why the event has lost its competitive spirit.

From Saturday night’s event that lacked any atmosphere because it was being held in an NFL stadium, to Anthony Edwards shooting left-handed, to a game on Sunday that nobody seemed interested in putting any effort into, NBA All-Star Weekend has gone from being one of the most fun weekends of the year for basketball fans to a total dud.

Steph Curry vs. Sabrina Ionescu was the lone standout. A brand new, never-been tried event that lived up to the expectations and then some. Vinnie explains how difficult that event must’ve been and why only Steph Curry could’ve been the one to pull it off from the NBA side of things.

Finally, Vince and Producer John discuss some crazy ideas for changing the NBA All-Star Weekend, similar to how the NFL has recently made major changes to its Pro Bowl, in an effort to find something that can bring the fun back to the event.

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Warriors attempt LeBron trade, Knicks file protest, Magic retire Shaq's number & All-Star thoughts | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:21:11 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine get together to talk through the basketball news of the week, including a report that the Warriors tried to trade for LeBron James.

00:00 - Hello friends!

02:20 - Knicks file protest with NBA

05:25 - Hornets GM search

14:35 - NBA expansion

20:15 - Magic retire Shaq’s jersey

25:10 - LeBron to the Warriors?

44:20 - NBA All-Star Weekend

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine go through all of the NBA news of the week as we head towards All-Star Weekend.

First up, the New York Knicks filed a protest with the league over a loss that included a late foul call against Jalen Brunson. The referee said after the game that the foul call was a mistake, but that still might not be enough for the Knicks to win this protest.

The Charlotte Hornets have started their search for a new head of basketball operations, so Jake Fischer put on his reporter hat and tells us which names are the most likely candidates to end up in Charlotte before the end of the season.

Adam Silver has once again brought up the topic of Las Vegas and NBA expansion. Jake is tired of hearing about it, while Dan wonders what would happen to the NBA In-Season Tournament.

The Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O’Neal’s #32, and SuperProducer John Gennaro thinks that he had something to do with it. Meanwhile, Dan is shockingly upset over the actual banner that was lifted into the rafters.

Following the report that the Golden State Warriors (and Philadelphia 76ers) had reached out to the Los Angeles Lakers about potentially trading for LeBron James, Jake and Dan discuss why the Warriors would make such a move and why this story isn’t over just because the trade deadline has passed.

Finally, with NBA All-Star Weekend kicking off tomorrow, the guys talk about what they’re excited for (Jaylen Brown in the dunk contest, Steph vs. Sabrina, Wembanyama in the skill competition, etc) and what they’re disappointed in (moving back to East vs. West and away from the Elam ending) before Dan explains that this event isn’t for basketball die-hards.

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Valentine's Day Special: The Love Doctor episode | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 21:40:59 +0000

On this special Valentine’s Day episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jemele Hill, Jason Goff, Monica McNutt and Marcus Thompson II for a conversation about love, marriage, dating and relationships.

The show kicks off with a conversation about the 1999 movie The Best Man, and the group tries to decide who is the villain of the movie.

They then move on to find out what men get wrong about women, what women get wrong about men, and ways in which couples can offer each other more grace and allow for more honesty.

Jemele and Monica talk about the “lists” that many women make to try and find the ideal partner, while Jason and Marcus discuss how things have changed over the last few decades and men need to adjust their expectations for women as a result. They also talk about the need to be vulnerable with your partner instead of just your friends.

Vinnie tells the story of why he’s called “The Love Doctor” before Jemele finishes it off by talking about the struggles that black women have, even compared to black men, and how those things can poison a relationship.

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Updating the MVP race, Wemby dominates, Bucks defense improving & revisiting the 1994 NBA Finals | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 21:52:44 +0000

Chris Herring from ESPN joins Dan Devine to talk about all of the things that they love about the NBA right before the league heads into its all-star break.

00:00 - Count me in!

04:05 - Moment of joy - Dereck Lively’s “Happy Birthday”

07:40 - NBA Love Letters

08:20 - The MVP race without Joel Embiid

12:20 - New York Knicks role players

18:50 - Early season surprises still playing well

23:00 - Defense-first NBA players

27:30 - The new look Milwaukee Bucks

34:15 - Victor Wembanyama

39:00 - Amen & Ausar Thompson

45:15 - Minnesota Timberwolves

49:30 - The Closing Five

71:50 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine welcomes ESPN’s Chris Herring to the show to get through the “senioritis” that permeates through the week before NBA’s all-star break to talk about what each of them love about this NBA season.

We start with a moment of NBA joy, which Chris Herring used to talk about the Dallas Mavericks fans singing “Happy Birthday” to rookie center Dereck Lively on his 20th birthday, and then get into what we’re calling “NBA Love Letters”.

Dan kicks off by talking about how excited he is to watch an MVP race that won’t simple be between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. It’s a bummer that Embiid is injured, but it opens up the possibility of guys like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic or even Donovan Mitchell getting into the MVP conversation.

Chris’ love letters center around the play of the Knicks’ role players, defense-first players finding a way to stay on the floor (Herb Jones, Kris Dunn, etc.), Victor Wembanyama’s dominant play against the Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves figuring out how to win with Rudy Gobert.

Dan talks about how happy he is that the early season surprise teams (Timberwolves, Pacers, Thunder, etc.) are still playing well and likely headed towards a high seed in the playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks playing better under Doc Rivers, and the tenacious duo of Amen and Ausar Thompson.

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Warriors finding themselves, Lowry signs with 76ers & Dinwiddie signs with Lakers | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:38:37 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks about the NBA news coming out of the weekend and into buyout season before discussing the suddenly resurgent Golden State Warriors.

00:00 - Introduction / News

02:30 - Lakers sign Spencer Dinwiddie

08:05 - 76ers sign Kyle Lowry

10:35 - Are the Warriors back?

36:20 - NBA viewing guide

40:50 - St. Cecilia’s Gym

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks about the NBA news coming out of the weekend, including Mitch Kupchak stepping aside as the President of Basketball Operations for the Charlotte Hornets and Jimmy Butler taking a leave of absence.

The Los Angeles Lakers did nothing at the trade deadline, but they’re trying to make a little bit of change by bringing in Spencer Dinwiddie, who was bought out by the Raptors after being traded away by the Nets.

Kyle Lowry also gets to return to his hometown, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers after being bought out by the Hornets, who got him back as part of the Terry Rozier trade to the Heat.

The bulk of this podcast episode is about the Golden State Warriors, who are finally starting to look like themselves again since Draymond Green returned from suspension and Jonathan Kuminga complained about the opportunities he was being given by Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Now that they seem to have steadied themselves, Vinnie is wondering how they will carry their momentum through the all-star break and then what happens to their rotations once Chris Paul returns from hand surgery.

Vince and Producer John then pick some of their favorite NBA games of the week before closing with a call for people to support the St. Cecilia Gym in Detroit. If you would like to donate to the cause of refurbishing St. Cecilia, you can do so at the “Give” link here.

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2024 NBA Trade Deadline reactions | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 8 Feb 2024 23:13:02 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine get together as the buzzer goes off to talk about everything that’s happened in the last 48 hours before the NBA trade deadline.

00:00 - Hello friends!

02:35 - Jake’s take on a quiet deadline

04:15 - Boston Celtics

07:33 - Minnesota Timberwolves

09:55 - Utah Jazz / Toronto Raptors

16:20 - 76ers / Pacers / Bucks

28:35 - Dallas Mavericks

31:25 - Suns / Nets / Hornets

33:10 - New York Knicks

On this very special episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine get together as the buzzer goes off to talk about everything that’s happened in the last 48 hours before the NBA trade deadline.

It was a tame deadline, there were no superstars dealt this week, and Jake has a theory that the new CBA is to blame. It restricts what some of the contenders can do, and that showed with how many deals were made just to get teams off of that second apron.

The guys explain why Xavier Tillman (to the Celtics) and Monte Morris (to the Timberwolves) are great depth pieces, even if the fans of both of those teams maybe were hoping to get something bigger and more exciting.

The Jazz finally revealed themselves to be sellers, and not buyers, by dealing away Simone Fontecchio and Kelly Olynyk, but the Toronto Raptors confused everyone by trading for Olynyk, keeping bruce Brown, and waiving Spencer Dinwiddie after trading Dennis Schröder to get him.

The Pacers made some interesting moves, sending Buddy Hield to the 76ers and then immediately replacing him with Doug McDermott. Dan explains why that fits their roster better and Jake says their front office has quickly turned into one of the NBA’s smartest.

The 76ers seem ready to pair Buddy Field with Kyle Lowry on the buyout market, but they’ll still have to survive the next month with Mo Bamba and Paul Reed in place of the injured Joel Embiid.

Jake says the Bucks were inquiring all over the league to get some perimeter defense added to their roster, but Patrick Beverley wasn’t a name that he was expecting to hear headed to Milwaukee. He improves their perimeter defense, but does he offer anything else?

The Dallas Mavericks made two big deals, picking up center Daniel Gafford from the Wizards and power forward P.J. Washington from the Hornets. Jake would’ve preferred for them to get a big wing instead, like Andrew Wiggins, and says this doesn’t make them competitive with the top teams in the West.

The Suns picked up Royce O’Neale from the Brooklyn Nets, after Miles Bridges decided to stay with the Charlotte Hornets, and Gordon Hayward found a perfect destination in the Oklahoma City Thunder.

We finish the show with a conversation around the New York Knicks, who swung a deal to get Bojan Bogdanovic and Alec Burks from the Detroit Pistons. The Knicks are dealing with a lot of injuries right now, so both guys will immediately help the team and will probably be in the starting lineup. However, when the Knicks get everyone healthy, this might be the most talented team they’ve had in 20 years.

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Fatal flaws for East contenders & LeBron flirts with the Knicks | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 7 Feb 2024 20:23:30 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill spends the day before the NBA trade deadline digging into stories that we haven’t talked about enough, including fatal flaws for the elite teams in the Eastern Conference.

00:00 - Introduction

01:00 - Jalen Brunson ankle injury

03:30 - Ben Simmons returns

13:25 - Scoot Henderson figuring it out

19:00 - Kawhi Leonard as playoff destroyer

30:30 - Damian Lillard on balancing life & basketball

35:40 - Fatal flaws for contenders in the East

36:05 - Boston Celtics

38:05 - Milwaukee Bucks

39:55 - Philadelphia 76ers

42:55 - New York Knicks

45:30 - LeBron James flirts with the Knicks

53:10 - NBA viewing guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks about some of the stories that are going uncovered around the league. But first…

Jalen Brunson went down with an ankle injury last night, another in a long line of injuries to important players that the New York Knicks now have to deal with. Will this one, to their most important player, force them to make a deal at the trade deadline?

Vinnie and Producer John then try to find stories that are not being talked about enough, including the return of Ben Simmons to the Brooklyn Nets and Scoot Henderson figuring out his offense with the Portland Trail Blazers after Shaedon Sharpe’s injury.

When the topic of “playoff destroyer we don’t see coming” comes out, Vinnie explains why Kawhi Leonard could challenge Nikola Jokic and Producer John says to watch out for Damian Lillard, who has never been on a team this talented before.

We speed run through the four contenders in the Eastern Conference, with Vinnie explaining the fatal flaw that could potentially sink each one of them. Can the Celtics win a ring on 3-point shooting? Can the Bucks win one without perimeter defense? Can the 76ers get Joel Embiid back and healthy? Can Tom Thibodeau keep from grinding his players into dust during the regular season?

Producer John tries his best to explain why he thinks LeBron James is flirting with the New York Knicks, which could spell the end of his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, before he and Vinnie reveal which games they’re most excited to watch this week.

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Which contending NBA teams need to add at the trade deadline? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 6 Feb 2024 22:37:24 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by former NBA assistant coach Steve Jones Jr. to talk about which contending teams need to add another player before Thursday’s trade deadline?

00:00 - Count me in!

06:55 - What Embiid’s knee surgery means for the 76ers

14:55 - NBA trade deadline teams

23:20 - Dallas Mavericks

29:20 - Milwaukee Bucks

36:45 - Chicago Bulls

41:40 - New York Knicks

48:50 - Brooklyn Nets

50:05 - Los Angeles Clippers

53:15 - The Closing Five / Weekly recs

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by former NBA assistant coach Steve Jones Jr. and they kick off the show by talking about the things around the league that bring Steve joy, such as Kawhi Leonard emoting, Rudy Gobert’s face when he tries to do too much, Giannis learning things in real-time, and the Orlando Magic’s booming coaching staff.

The guys then move on to Joel Embiid, who had a successful surgery on his knee and will be reevaluated in four weeks. Dan points out that the Philadelphia 76ers have been terrible without Embiid this season and Steve says Philadelphia doesn’t have to rush to make a move.

Dan and Steve then go team-by-team and talk through the teams that they think need one more piece, and then discuss which piece fits each team on the trade market.

Can the Mavericks find a 3-and-D big? Do the Bucks have enough to get Bruce Brown? Should the Bulls sell off the pieces they have? What kind of player should the Knicks target? Can the Nets have one less wing? Should the Clippers do something or should they protect the good vibes? The guys hit all of those questions and more before diving into The Closing Five and weekly recommendations.

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NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers, Knicks, Suns & Bucks searching for help

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 5 Feb 2024 20:40:26 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporters Vincent Goodwill and Jake Fischer talk about what they’ve heard on the NBA trade market as the trade deadline nears.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

01:50 - Embiid knee surgery / 76ers future

09:35 - LaVine foot surgery / Bulls future

18:15 - The Phoenix Suns are hot!

22:25 - Trade Deadline Rumors

22:25 - Miles Bridges

28:55 - Dejounte Murray

33:30 - Mikal Bridges / Brooklyn Nets

39:15 - Golden State Warriors

45:50 - Milwaukee Bucks

50:15 - Orlando Magic

50:50 - New York Knicks

52:10 - Dallas Mavericks

52:45 - Los Angeles Lakers

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporters Vincent Goodwill and Jake Fischer go through the big news of the day and discuss what rumors they have heard as the NBA trade deadline nears.

Vince and Jake kick off the show by talking about Joel Embiid’s knee “procedure” and if it should prevent the Philadelphia 76ers from pushing in their chips and trying to contend for a championship this season.

The Chicago Bulls are in a very different position, having failed to trade away Zach LaVine and now seeing LaVine get surgery on his foot that will keep him out 4-6 months. Jake says don’t be surprised if they never find a way to move off of LaVine’s contract.

The Phoenix Suns finally look like the team we expected them to be. They finally have all of their big 3 (Durant, Booker, Beal) healthy and they’re playing some of the best basketball in the West. Jake points out that they still have depth issues and Vince wonders if Phoenix can do anything at the trade deadline.

We kick off trade rumors by talking about Miles Bridges, who is in a complicated situation that gives him a no-trade clause. He missed last season due to domestic violence charges filed against him, so any team trading for him has to know that it’s not as simple as adding a player to their roster.

After that, the guys unload their notebooks and share the rumors that they’ve heard with the NBA trading deadline just a couple days away.

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Embiid’s knee injury, All-Star snubs, Brunson’s moment, plus LeBron & the Lakers | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 2 Feb 2024 21:27:18 +0000

Yahoo Sports NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports NBA writer Dan Devine break down the news of Joel Embiid’s knee injury, look for some NBA All-Star snubs, react to a minor trade and talk about Jalen Brunson’s big moment.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:30 - Joel Embiid tears meniscus

16:35 - NBA All-Star reserves - surprises & snubs

25:00 - REACTION: Grizzlies and Rockets trade

35:50 - LeBron James & the Lakers

46:25 - Jalen Brunson, ascendent superstar

55:45 - Tony Snell’s attempt to return to the NBA

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports NBA writer Dan Devine talk about Joel Embiid’s latest knee injury and what it means for the Philadelphia 76ers, New York Knicks and Houston Rockets.

The NBA announced its All-Star reserves last night, and Dan agrees with Sacramento Kings head coach Mike Brown about who got snubbed in the Western Conference.

The Memphis Grizzlies sent Steven Adams to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Victor Oladipo and three 2nd round draft picks. Jake and Dan explain why the deal makes sense for both teams, even if it came a little earlier than expected.

There are rumors of LeBron James perhaps being traded off the Los Angeles Lakers, but those rumors were shut down by his agent while we recorded the show. Jake tells us who else the Lakers have been pursuing and Dan talks about how bad they’ve been since winning the NBA In-Season Tournament.

Jalen Brunson was named an NBA All-Star for the first time yesterday and then put on a fantastic performance in front of the New York Knicks home crowd. The guys talk about his rapid ascent into superstardom and how nobody saw it coming.

Finally, Jake’s story about NBA veteran Tony Snell, who is looking to sign with a team so that he can get insurance benefits for his two young, autistic children, went viral after being published. We talk a little bit about how much the NBA community has supported Tony the last few days and the challenges that make a happy ending difficult in this circumstance.

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Embiid & Haliburton try to stay eligible for year-end awards, new rule proposals & NBA viewing guide | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:49:11 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill discusses the new eligibility rules for year-end awards and how much money they’re about to cost Joel Embiid & Tyrese Haliburton, and then Vince and Producer John try to fix the record-breaking scoring numbers with NBA rule proposals.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

00:44 - Mike Breen roasts Collin Sexton

04:20 - NBA stars nearing ineligibility for year-end awards

25:20 - NBA scoring is out of control

44:00 - NBA viewing guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill kicks off the show by playing a clip of Mike Breen roasting Collin Sexton in a game where the New York Knicks stayed hot and beat up on the Utah Jazz.

Joel Embiid left last night’s game with what appears to be a new knee injury, to go along with the knee injury he’s already been battling through, and he’s getting close to hitting the number of missed games that would put him out of the running for year-end awards (like MVP). Tyrese Haliburton, who was injured slipping on a wet floor, would lose out on $40 million if he doesn’t play in at least 65 games this season because he would be ineligible for All-NBA.

Vincent talks about why the players got a raw deal in the latest CBA and why the owners aren’t necessarily happy about it playing out this way either.

Now, since we’re fixing problems, Vince and Producer John decided to see if they could fix the record-breaking scoring the NBA is seeing this season with a rule change. Producer John submits his idea (eliminate corner 3s) and Vinnie submits his own (bring back hand-checking) and they discuss them for a while to explain how each would help slow down offenses and give defenses a fighting chance.

Finally, Vince and Producer John tell you which three games they’ll be keeping an eye on this week and explain why you should be watching them too.

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Can the Cavaliers sustain their red hot play? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 21:36:58 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Justin Rowan from The Chase Down to talk about the resurgent Cleveland Cavaliers and their place in the hierarchy of the Eastern Conference.

00:00 - Count me in!

05:35 - Cavs stay hot, beat the Clippers

11:15 - Jarrett Allen

17:00 - Isaac Okoro & Dean Wade

21:50 - Sam Merrill

26:45 - Are the Cavs better than last year?

35:00 - Darius Garland

43:25 - The Eastern Conference

46:25 - Emoni Bates

48:45 - The Closing Five

58:10 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Justin Rowan from The Chase Down to talk about the resurgent Cleveland Cavaliers, who beat the streaking Los Angeles Clippers by 10 points last night.

Dan and Justin talk about how the team has changed since mid-December injuries took out Evan Mobley and Darius Garland, how it has lead to them being the hottest team in the NBA, and what it means for the return of Mobley (last night) and Garland (tomorrow).

Donovan Mitchell has been fantastic as the main force of the Cavs offense, but Jarrett Allen’s growth as a passer and a scorer has also been a revelation for Cleveland and probably something that will change the long term plans of their front office.

Isaac Okoro and Dean Wade were promoted into the starting lineup when Mobley and Garland went out, and those opportunities helped those players to grow into bigger parts of what the Cavs are trying to do. Sam Merrill has turned into one of the best high-volume 3-point shooters in the league out of necessity.

Do all of these changes make the Cavs better prepared for the playoffs than they were last season? And where do they rank among the elite teams at the top of the Eastern Conference?

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Are the Knicks a legitimate championship contender? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 19:03:58 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Fred Katz, New York Knicks beat writer for The Athletic, to talk about how good they’ve been since trading for OG Anunoby a month ago.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

01:10 - LeBron James vs. Steph Curry

09:35 - The 2023-24 New York Knicks with Fred Katz

41:30 - What will the Knicks do at the trade deadline?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Fred Katz, New York Knicks beat writer for The Athletic, to talk about how good they’ve been since trading for OG Anunoby a month ago.

But first, the guys take a few minutes to marvel at what many are calling the “game of the year” between LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors. Everyone is marveling at how great these two still are, but Vince has some real concerns about whether they can stay at this level for an entire 7-game playoff series.

Now, onto the Knicks. While the team waits to get a definitive timeline on Julius Randle’s shoulder injury, the numbers say that they’ve been maybe the best team in the entire league since trading for OG Anunoby at the end of December. Vinnie has some stats to back this up, and Fred brought some of his own that are so outlandish they are difficult to believe.

Vinnie and Fred talk about how OG Anunoby is a perfect fit for this team, and also how Jalen Brunson has ended up being a perfect fit for this team. Tom Thibodeau and the Knicks front office have worked hard to find exactly the type of players that Thibs like to coach, and we’re seeing the results in a suffocating defense for Knicks opponents.

Jalen Brunson, thought to be a stabilizing player but not a star player when he signed with the Knicks a couple years ago as a free agent, has turned into an all-star caliber player and one who continues to develop and improve his game. Fred talks about what makes Jalen special and why the people that have known him the longest believed he could be this good.

Finally, the NBA trade deadline is a little more than a week away. Fred says that the Knicks aren’t ready to push in all of their chips to get a superstar yet, but that the Randle injury could push them to make more than one trade between now and February 8th.

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NBA All-Star ballots and explaining the coaching changes for Bucks & Wizards | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 23:36:12 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine discuss the NBA coaching changes in Milwaukee and DC, discuss Team USA, reveal Dan’s All-Star selections and more.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:30 - Wizards move HC Wes Unseld Jr. to the front office

07:45 - Why did the Bucks fire Adrian Griffin?

23:35 - Team USA roster pool

27:50 - VIBE CHECK: Nets & Knicks

33:00 - Jake’s rant on trade value

43:15 - Dan’s All-Star ballot

51:30 - Finding Dan’s Twitter voice

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine talk about everything that’s going on around the NBA.

The guys start with the news of Wes Unseld Jr., who has been relieved of his role as the head coach of the Washington Wizards and is moving up to the front office. Jake and Dan do their best to explain his tenure in DC and why the Wizards would be making this move now.

The guys also haven’t had a chance to talk since the Bucks fired Adrian Griffin and hired Doc Rivers as their new head coach. Dan explains what was wrong with the Bucks, despite their record, and Jake tells us why Doc Rivers got the call to replace him.

With the Team USA men’s basketball roster pool released this week, the guys discuss what the final team could look like and which players are sure things to go to the Olympics in Paris as part of the final squad.

Jake has a rant about the NBA’s obsession with trade value and winning or losing an individual trade rather than focusing on making your team better, and Dan seems to be on board with it.

Dan recently turned in his NBA All-Star ballot, so he reveals on the podcast who he put in the starting lineup for both the East and the West and explains why certain guys (Brunson, LeBron, etc.) didn’t get his vote.

Finally, Jake has a little fun trying to craft tweets in the voice of Dan’s prolific Twitter account.

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Bucks hire Doc Rivers, building the Team USA roster & NBA viewing guide | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:13:36 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks about why the Milwaukee Bucks fired first-year head coach Adrian Griffin and if Doc Rivers makes them a better team before discussing the Team USA men’s basketball roster pool and the games of the week.

00:00 - Bucks fire Adrian Griffin, hire Doc Rivers

15:00 - Does Doc Rivers make the Bucks better?

30:10 - Team USA roster pool

41:00 - NBA Viewing Guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill goes deep on the shocking news that the Milwaukee Bucks have fired first-year head coach Adrian Griffin 43 games into the season and replaced him with Doc Rivers.

Vinnie does his best to try and explain what happened with Griffin in Milwaukee, from how he got fired to why the team lost faith in him, before talking about the lack of playoff success Doc Rivers has had over the last 10+ years with the Clippers and 76ers. Will it be different with the Bucks? Does Doc Rivers raise Milwaukee’s ceiling or just the floor?

Later, Vince and Producer John look through the 41 players in the Team USA men’s basketball roster pool and try their best to build a roster of 12 that can lead the team to a gold medal in Paris this summer.

Finally, as they always do, Vinnie and Producer John look at the games coming up tonight and later this week to tell you which ones you should be focused on in their NBA viewing guide.

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Terry Rozier trade reactions & where do the Utah Jazz go from here? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 23 Jan 2024 22:56:13 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Sarah Todd from Deseret News to talk about the Utah Jazz, but not before they react to the trade that sent Terry Rosier to the Miami Heat for Kyle Lowry and a 1st round draft pick.

00:00 - Count me in!

03:55 - Cam Payne goggles

06:50 - REACTION: Terry Rozier traded to Miami Heat

11:00 - Who exactly are the Utah Jazz?

38:50 - The Closing Five

48:00 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Utah Jazz beat writer Sarah Todd from Deseret News to talk about the future of the franchise and why they’re been so successful as of late, but first…

Sarah explains why Cam Payne, and specifically “Cam Payne goggles”, brings her joy and encourages listeners to search out their own favorite GIFs of the Milwaukee Bucks backup PG.

Dan and Sarah then discuss this morning’s trade that sent veteran guard Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat in exchange for Kyle Lowry and a 1st round pick. Dan describes the protections around the pick and wonders if Lowry will get bought out and where he might sign after, while Sarah talks about the very good fit of Rozier in the #HeatCulture.

We then dig into the Utah Jazz. What has caused their sudden turnaround? Why is Collin Sexton playing better basketball and what did head coach Will Hardy say about the narratives around Sexton? Is Lauri Markkanen good enough to be the #1 option for a title contender? Are the comparisons to Dirk real or overblown? And what will Danny Ainge do at the deadline, will the Jazz be buyers or sellers?

We close the show as we always do, with The Closing Five questions and recommendations from both Dan and Sarah.

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What will the Lakers do at the trade deadline? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 21:14:43 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Los Angeles Times Lakers beat writer Dan Woike to discuss the weird season the team has had so far, talk about the different options they have on the trade market, and wonder if the Clippers could be gaining turf in L.A.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

02:45 - D’Angelo Russell

08:45 - Lakers trade targets

25:00 - Lakers roster construction issues

36:25 - Lebron James’ free agency

40:30 - The Buss Family

43:35 - Zach LaVine’s fit on the Lakers

49:25 - Los Angeles Clippers

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Dan Woike from the L.A. Times to talk all things Los Angeles Lakers (and a little bit of Clippers).

The guys start by discussing D’Angelo Russell, who can’t seem to keep his name out of trade rumors despite playing fantastic basketball over the last few weeks. Dan talks about what has changed and why Russell is probably going to stay in the Lakers trade rumors.

Dan recently wrote for the Times about which players around the NBA make sense as targets on the trade market for the Lakers, so the guys talk about each of those and lay them out as three separate paths the team could take at the trade deadline. Will they go for the big swing? Will they add some role players? Or will they decide that they’re a good enough playoff team now and stand pat? And how would LeBron James feel about that?

Speaking of LeBron, the guys talk about how difficult it is to build a roster around him at age 39 and then wonder if he’s going to test the free agency waters after this season. He has a player option but has voiced a desire to be on the same team as his son, Bronny. And how will he factor his post-playing career aspirations into his decision?

Dan thinks that Zach LaVine makes a ton of sense for the Lakers as a trade target, and he explains why while also saying that the Lakers front office doesn’t seem that interested in a player with issues staying healthy and a large contract on the books. How low would the asking price need to be for the Lakers to re-engage with the Bulls on trade talks?

Finally, the Los Angeles Clippers have been awesome this season and might be opening up a championship window for their team. Vinnie wonders how many local fans the team will pick up along the way, and Dan does his best to explain how and why the Clippers will always be the 2nd NBA team in town.

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Siakam trade reactions, Bruce Brown’s trade market & NBA midseason awards | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 20:00:08 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine react to the trade that sent Pascal Siakam from the Raptors to the Pacers, wonder what Bruce Brown’s trade market is and hand out some NBA midseason awards.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:30 - RIP Dejan Milojević

06:05 - Siakam trade reaction

21:00 - Bruce Brown trade market

28:00 - Mid-season awards

29:00 - Coach of the Year

32:50 - Executive of the Year

36:30 - Clutch Player of the Year

39:00 - Hustle Award

42:25 - Rookie of the Year

47:00 - Most Improved Player

52:15 - Sixth Man of the Year

56:20 - Defensive Player of the Year

61:00 - Most Valuable Player

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine discuss the impact that Golden State Warriors assistant coach Dejan Milojević had around the league as a way of remembering him after he passed away this week.

Moving on to basketball news, the Toronto Raptors dealt Pascal Siakam to the Indiana Pacers for a package that included Bruce Brown and three 1st round draft picks. Jake explains why those draft picks may not be as valuable as people think before the guys discuss if the Raptors could be looking to flip Brown for even more draft assets in return. Would he fit best with the Knicks? The Heat? Somewhere else?

Finally, we’re at about the halfway point of the NBA season, so Jake and Dan tell you who they would be voting for if the season ended today. Has Wembanyama done enough to get Rookie of the Year votes? Which Tyrese should be winning Most Improved Player? And is there a fresh face in the running for this season’s Most Valuable Player award? Find out the answers to these questions and more!

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Embiid wins MVP battle vs. Jokic, Siakam trade rumors & NBA viewing guide | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:17:01 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill recaps a fun night of NBA basketball, discusses rumors about a big trade brewing and tells fans which games to watch this week.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

03:05 - 76ers defeat Nuggets

12:30 - Clippers defeat Thunder

21:20 - James Dolan sued

23:30 - Pascal Siakam to the Pacers?

29:20 - Rebuilding the Pistons

36:45 - NBA Viewing Guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Producer John to recap a fun night of NBA basketball that saw reigning MVP Joel Embiid get the win for his Philadelphia 76ers over former MVP Nikola Jokic and the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.

Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and James Harden are getting comfortable on the Los Angeles Clippers and building good habits that they can carry over to the playoffs, which makes them a totally different Clippers team than the ones we’ve known in the past.

Vinnie touches on the news that Knicks owner James Dolan is being sued and explains why it probably won’t end the same way it did for Robert Sarver and Donald Sterling before discussing the rumors that the Indiana Pacers are close to acquiring Pascal Siakam in a trade with the Toronto Raptors.

There are many ways to try and rebuild your team. Vince talks about each of them, including why the Detroit Pistons’ plans have not worked out for them so far, before wondering what the Pistons might be up to after making a trade with the Wizards to clear cap space this offseason.

Finally, Vinnie and Producer John tell you the NBA games that they are most looking forward to watching the rest of this week and why.

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What’s next for the suddenly great Oklahoma City Thunder? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:55:39 +0000

Yahoo Sports NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Tyler Parker from The Ringer to talk about the fast ascent of the Oklahoma City Thunder and the path they took to get here.

00:00 - Count me in!

04:10 - Coby White

10:20 - Oklahoma City Thunder

23:20 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

30:20 - Chet Holmgren

41:40 - OKC trade targets

48:55 - The Closing Five

81:10 - Weekly Recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Oklahoma native Tyler Parker from The Ringer to talk about the Oklahoma City Thunder, but first…

When asked about what has brought him joy in the NBA world recently, Tyler brings up the play of Chicago Bulls guard Coby White, who has received more playing time due to a Zach LaVine injury and now might be derailing whatever plans the Bulls had for their future by being awesome.

Now, about those Thunder. This isn’t the first time that they’ve had a team that has gotten very good very quickly with lots of young and athletic superstars. Dan and Tyler travel back in time to talk about what it was like to live through the Oklahoma City Hornets, the Sonics moving to Oklahoma City and then the rise of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden.

That leads us to today, where the Thunder have the 2nd best record in the Western Conference and underlying metrics that say they might be the 2nd best team in the entire NBA. They’re led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is once again in the conversation for this season’s MVP award. The guys discuss why he’s dominant but also why he’s so fun to watch.

Chet Holmgren is definitely going to get some votes for Rookie of the Year, but more importantly than that, he has been exactly what the Thunder have needed. Tyler talks about Chet’s fast development from NBA Summer League to now, halfway through the season, and why Chet has fit so perfectly into the Thunder offense.

Before moving on to conversations about writing books, NBA players as improv partners, Trae Young’s media narrative and other things, Tyler talks about the type of players that he is hoping the Thunder use some of their draft picks to acquire before the trade deadline.

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Draymond returns, Bulls fans boo Krause & celebrating MLK with David Dennis Jr. | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 20:13:37 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by David Dennis Jr. from Andscape to talk about growing up in the civil rights movement and the NBA’s punishment system.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

06:30 - Bulls fans boo Jerry Krause’s widow

09:40 - The end of the Warriors dynasty

14:45 - Draymond Green returns

31:00 - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & the NBA

On a special Martin Luther King Jr. Day episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by David Dennis Jr. from Andscape to talk about the civil rights movement and the NBA.

Vincent and David start by discussing the Chicago Bulls fans booing the late Jerry Krause, and his wife Thelma, during the team’s inaugural Ring of Honor induction on Friday. They place the blame at the feet of Michael Jordan, and compare the end of the Bulls’ dynasty to what we’re currently seeing from the Golden State Warriors.

After debating if Steve Kerr is the right coach to get the Warriors out of the rut they’re currently stuck in, the guys discuss the NBA’s use of “rehabilitation” and “mental health” as a part of the suspension process for both Ja Morant and Draymond Green. Is the league actually interested in making these guys better people or is it all PR to defend the league’s reputation?

Finally, after talking about David Dennis Sr.’s role in the civil rights movement, the guys discuss corporations using Martin Luther King Jr. Day and how his legacy has gone from freedom fighter to martyr without his permission. At the end, Vincent and David talk about what NBA players could do, and what they could learn from the WNBA, to help push the cause of racial equality.

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Clippers extend Kawhi, Dejounte Murray trade rumors & bad Warriors vibes | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 11 Jan 2024 20:34:55 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine discuss how Kawhi Leonard’s contract extension will upset free agency, where Dejounte Murray should be traded and why the vibes are bad in Golden State.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:30 - Kawhi Leonard signs 3-year extension with Clippers

12:30 - Indiana Pacers trade targets

20:00 - New York Knicks trade targets

26:20 - Memphis Grizzlies selling after Morant injury?

29:00 - Which team will trade for Dejounte Murray?

47:45 - VIBE CHECK: Golden State Warriors

On this episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Jake Fischer and Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine continue to talk through all of the rumors swirling around the upcoming NBA trade deadline. But first…

Kawhi Leonard signed a new 3-year extension to stay with the Los Angeles Clippers, a big win for that franchise but potentially an even bigger loss for the teams hoping to sign a superstar player in free agency this offseason.

Tyrese Haliburton’s hamstring injury isn’t going to change much as far as what the Indiana Pacers are looking for on the trade market. After missing out on OG Anunoby, Dan thinks there are a couple of targets on the Brooklyn Nets roster that might make sense for Rick Carlisle’s team.

The New York Knicks got some optimistic news! Mitchell Robinson could potentially return to the team this season after having what was thought to be season-ending surgery just a few weeks ago. Will they continue to search for a backup big on the trade market? Or will they rely on Robinson’s return?

The Memphis Grizzlies are being viewed as sellers after season-ending shoulder surgery for Ja Morant, but Jake’s reporting says that the team is not eager to deal Marcus Smart or any of their other starting players. (NOTE: This podcast was recorded before the news that Smart will miss time due to a finger injury.)

Dejounte Murray, who is playing like an All-Star for the Atlanta Hawks, could end up being the best player switching teams over the next month. Jake lays out five teams that could legitimately land the 2-way guard and both guys take turns explaining which destination would be their favorite fit and why each team should be considering acquiring Murray.

Finally, the vibes are bad in Golden State, so the boys are bringing back the VIBE CHECK segment! With the normally quiet Steph Curry publicly talking about trades that need to be made before the deadline, and Steve Kerr in the final year of his contract, it’s looking like a Last Dance for the Warriors dynasty that won four championships over the last decade.

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Durant vents about media coverage, Spoelstra gets paid & an NBA viewing guide | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 20:57:20 +0000

Vincent Goodwill talks about Ja Morant’s future, what the Spoelstra contract extension really means and why Kevin Durant is frustrated.

00:00 - Go Blue!

01:20 - What Ja Morant’s injury means for the NBA

06:30 - Erik Spoelstra gets 8 yr / $120M extension

15:25 - Kevin Durant is frustrated

32:00 - NBA Viewing Guide

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks about Ja Moran’t season-ending shoulder surgery and what it means for the rest of the Western Conference and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Vinnie and Producer John also discuss the long-term big-money contract extension the Miami Heat gave to head coach Erik Spoelstra and what is says for his future in the organization.

Kevin Durant talked with FOX Sports about his frustrations with the way that he is covered and talked about, leading Vinnie to explain how KD ended up in a no-win situation in Phoenix.

Finally, Vince and Producer John talk about the NBA games that they are most excited to watch this week, including a big test for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Boston Celtics.

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Who are the best 2nd tier teams in the NBA? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 10 Jan 2024 01:13:25 +0000

Yahoo sports NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Rohan Nadkarni from Sports illustrated to talk about Ja Morant’s season-ending shoulder injury and to debate who the best 4th team in each conference is.

00:00 - Count me in!

04:10 - Ja Morant's season-ending injury

11:35 - Los Angeles Clippers

17:55 - New Orleans Pelicans

27:10 - New York Knicks

34:35 - Miami Heat

44:55 - Cleveland Cavaliers

50:53 - The Closing Five

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by Rohan Nadkarni from Sports Illustrated to talk through some of the teams that aren’t at the top of the standings, but first…

News broke last night that Ja Morant would need season-ending shoulder surgery. The Memphis Grizzlies had gone 6-3 since his return from suspension and looked primed to be a dangerous lower seed team come playoff time, but now they can tank their way to a lottery pick to pair with Morant and the other players they’ll have returning from injury next season.

The theme of this podcast is “Who’s your fourth?” We all know who the three best teams are in each conference, although there may be debate over the order, but who is the best of the teams that are left?

Rohan said it’s boring, but he picked the Los Angeles Clippers and went back in time to remind us all that James Harden has always been great when he first gets to a team and is motivated to play his best basketball. Dan tacks on that Harden is exactly what the Clippers have needed, although the key is still keeping Kawhi Leonard healthy.

Dan sees a lot of promise in what the New Orleans Pelicans have done since the NBA In-Season Tournament, and he’s wondering if teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves might be afraid to play the Pelicans in the playoffs now that Zion Williamson, C.J. McCollum and Brandon Ingram have figured out how to play together.

It’s not pandering, Rohan really thinks that the fourth best team in the Eastern Conference is the New York Knicks. Julius Randle has found a better role in the offense since the addition of OG Anunoby, and they made a statement in embarrassing the Philadelphia 76ers. But are they better than the Heat? That’s who Dan has as his fourth best team from the east, although he admits that a lot of that is about who’s not there and not who is there.

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Draymond mulls retirement, Spurs regroup around Wembanyama & the Bucks have long-term issues | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 8 Jan 2024 20:43:22 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jared Greenberg from NBATV and TNT to talk about Bob Myers leaving for the NFL, Draymond Green considering retirement and more.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

02:20 - Washington Commanders hire Bob Myers

08:20 - What’s wrong with the Bucks?

26:45 - Draymond Green mulled retirement

39:20 - Change in Spurs philosophy

51:20 - Kawhi Leonard

53:15 - Do the Lakers have enough?

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Jared Greenberg from NBATV and TNT to talk about everything that’s going on in and around the NBA right now.

First, the guys discuss the news that former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers has been hired by the Washington Commanders of the NFL and wonder what it means for the NBA and for other agents that have connections across sports.

The Milwaukee Bucks are 2nd in the Eastern Conference but admitted that they have some serious issues that need to be worked out before the playoffs when they lost to the Houston Rockets on Monday. Jared explains what their biggest issues are while Vinnie wonders what they could add at the trade deadline to fix them.

News broke during the recording that Draymond Green had to be talked out of retiring during his suspension by NBA commissioner Adam Silver. While Vinnie wonders what comes next with Draymond, Jared explains why it might actually be a good idea for everyone if Draymond walks away from the game.

Jared Greenberg explains the shift in philosophy that’s happening with the San Antonio Spurs around Victor Wembanyama before the guys discuss Sunday night’s game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, which showed worrying signs for both LeBron James’ team and Kawhi Leonard’s health.

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Wemby vs. Giannis, Jokic's dominance & NBA trade rumors | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 5 Jan 2024 20:10:25 +0000

Yahoo Sports NBA reporter Jake Fischer is joined by Yahoo Sports NBA writer Dan Devine to talk through the two spectacular games from last night and start discussing the trade landscape as the deadline nears.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:05 - Giannis & Wemby put on a show

13:45 - Jokic dominates the Warriors

21:40 - Lakers’ coach Darvin Ham on the hot seat

30:35 - NBA super teams

39:30 - New York Knicks trade outlook

46:30 - NBA trade rumors

47:00 - Atlanta Hawks

49:20 - Sacramento Kings

54:20 - Indiana Pacers

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine lay out the trade landscape as the NBA trade deadline nears, but not before talking about the two spectacular games that were played on Thursday night.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama put on a show for NBA fans that gave us a glimpse into what the San Antonio Spurs future looks like, and maybe told us what more the team needs to add around their talented rookie. On the other side, the Milwaukee Bucks continue to struggle on defense in a way that could derail their championship aspirations.

Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets took an 18-point deficit with less than 7 minutes left and sunk the Golden State Warriors on a last-second long-range 3-point shot by the 2-time MVP. Do the Warriors have any moves they can make to fix their roster issues? And can anyone stop the Nuggets from repeating?

Reports that the Los Angeles Lakers players feel a disconnect with head coach Darvin Ham lead Jake and Dan to discuss how difficult it is to keep the job as Lakers head coach, how hard it is to coach someone like LeBron James in his final years, and if building a super team of max-contract players is a team building philosophy that will sustain.

After discussing the New York Knicks, and if they have any more moves to make after trading for OG Anunoby, Jake goes through his notebook of trade rumors from around the NBA and tells us what the Hawks’ goals are, who the Kings are shopping around, and what the Pacers are trying to add.

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Do struggling Lakers, Suns, Warriors portend the end of super-team era? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 4 Jan 2024 23:46:24 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Marcus Thompson II from The Athletic to discuss the report that Darvin Ham is losing the Lakers’ locker room, the Warriors’ future and the potential end of super teams.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

02:05 - Disconnect between Darvin Ham and the Lakers locker room

07:20 - Changing of the guard for NBA superstars

21:15 - Golden State Warriors

31:55 - Draymond Green

42:20 - Phoenix Suns

46:35 - The Western Conference is loaded

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Marcus Thompson II from The Athletic for an episode that is mostly about the young NBA superstars coming for the crown from the veteran superstars that have run the league for decades.

First, the guys discuss the report from The Athletic that there is a growing disconnect between the Los Angeles Lakers players and their head coach, Darvin Ham. Marcus and Vinnie go back through history to show that the Lakers have always been quick to blame the coach when they start losing and this time is no different.

In talking about LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the attention quickly shifts to what is going on in the NBA this season. Even with those two guys playing well, the Lakers can’t seem to win. Are we turning the corner into a new era of NBA basketball, where young stars aren’t afraid of veterans and young teams with depth can outlast the super teams?

Marcus covers the Golden State Warriors closely, and that dynasty seems to be staring the end in the face. He and Vinnie talk about if there’s anything the team can do to build another championship contender around Steph Curry, as well as the team’s complicated relationship with Draymond Green.

Finally, the Phoenix Suns are already showing some signs that the grouping of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal might not work as hoped. This is a team that the Suns mortgaged their future for. Between them, the Lakers and the Warriors…is this the end of the super team? Are teams with more depth now more dangerous in the playoffs?

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Siakam’s future in Toronto, Quickley’s upside & Anunoby’s fit with the Knicks | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 3 Jan 2024 21:02:29 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Blake Murphy from Sportsnet to go deep on the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the Knicks and what it means for both teams.

00:00 - Count me in!

03:15 - Jordan Clarkson’s triple-double

05:25 - Emotional reactions to Knicks-Raptors trade

14:00 - Pascal Siakam’s future in Toronto

25:55 - Immanuel Quickley’s potential

33:35 - RJ Barrett’s potential

38:35 - OG Anunoby’s fit with the Knicks

46:45 - What do the Knicks do next?

54:20 - How will Quickly fit with Scottie Barnes?

56:45 - The Closing Five

68:35 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine is joined by Blake Murphy from Sportsnet to go deep on the trade that sent OG Anunoby to the Knicks and what it means for both teams, but not before the guys talk about finding joy in Jordan Clarkson’s triple-double for the Utah Jazz.

Dan (a Knicks fan) and Blake (a Raptors fan) talk about their immediate and emotional reactions when they heard of the trade initially and how those feelings have changed in the days since. One big shoe left to drop for the Raptors is if they intend to trade away Pascal Siakam in a similar fashion and what they would be looking for in return if they did.

After running through some fake trades for Siakam, Blake explains why he is happy the Raptors targeted Immanuel Quickley, who has the potential to end up as the best player in this deal and will see a lot more time on the court in Toronto than he did in New York.

RJ Barrett was the 3rd pick in the NBA Draft behind Zion Williamson and Ja Morant. He’s still only 23 years old. So why was he talked about recently as a “toxic asset” and how will he fit in with his hometown Toronto Raptors?

Dan is looking to find out which opinion of OG Anunoby is the right one. Is he overrated or underrated? Blake Murphy explains that it depends on context and the goals of the team that he’s on, making it sound like the Knicks found exactly the right player for their team. Will they make another move before the trade deadline or wait until the offseason to swing for the fences?

The Raptors are building their team around Scottie Barnes, and adding Quickley to their offense should afford him more spacing to work with. Which player will benefit more from playing with the other?

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Knicks-Raptors trade reaction + NBA New Year's resolutions | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 2 Jan 2024 19:00:17 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill breaks down the trade that sent OG Anunoby from the Raptors to the Knicks and then picks out New Year’s resolutions for some of the most interesting teams around the league.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word

06:30 - Raptors trade OG Annoy to Knicks

13:00 - NBA New Year’s resolutions

13:50 - Detroit Pistons

16:00 - Los Angeles Lakers

19:45 - Chicago Bulls

22:50 - Denver Nuggets

28:00 - Los Angeles Clippers

33:00 - Dallas Mavericks

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill talks through the trade that happened over the holiday weekend and sent OG Anunoby to the New York Knicks as the centerpiece of a trade meant to solidify the Knicks as a title contender. Vinnie knows Tom Thibodeau, and he says Anunoby is a perfect player for Thibs’ system.

After talking about the trade, and maybe a little bit about the College Football Playoff and the end of the Cowboys-Lions NFL game, Vinnie gets some help from Producer John in handing out New Year’s resolutions to some of the most interesting teams in the NBA this season.

What should the Pistons be looking for after a disastrous 2023 season? How can the Lakers be bad on offense when they have LeBron James and Anthony Davis? Is there finally reason for optimism in Chicago? Can the Nuggets repeat? Is it time to believe in the Clippers? Is it too much for the Mavericks to depend on a 19-year old rookie to be the backbone of their defense?

We go through all of these questions and attempt to answer them in a fun episode that bounces around the NBA.

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LeBron turns 39 & do the Celtics have the right offensive philosophy? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 20:03:12 +0000

Yahoo Sports senior NBA reporter Vincent Goodwill is joined by Gary Washburn from The Boston Globe to talk about the Celtics and LeBron James’ longevity.

00:00 - Gary Washburn joins the Good Word

06:50 - Aaron Gordon bitten by a dog

09:55 - Boston Celtics

12:10 - Why the Celtics had to trade Marcus Smart

14:55 - The ascension of Derrick White

17:30 - Locker room leadership

22:05 - Joe Mazzulla

30:35 - Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown

41:40 - LeBron James turns 39

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Gary Washburn from The Boston Globe to discuss all things Boston Celtics.

First, the guys discuss the very odd story of Aaron Gordon being out indefinitely after suffering cuts and lacerations as a result of a Christmas Day dog bite.

The Celtics made a lot of big changes over the offseason, moving on from some longtime role players (Grant & Robert Williams, Marcus Smart, Malcom Brogdon) and moving Al Horford from the starting lineup to the bench while adding Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Gary tells us why the team makes more sense now, and why Marcus Smart needed to be traded to make room for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

Derrick White has been playing at an all-star level this year, something that Gary says wouldn’t have been possible two years ago because of a lack of confidence. White making a solid two-way backcourt with Jrue Holiday has really freed up Tatum and Brown to do more, on and off the court.

Speaking of, Gary explains that Tatum and Brown are very different people with very different interests and stresses that it’s okay if the two best players on this team aren’t best friends. It doesn’t mean they have an issue with each other and it definitely doesn’t mean they need to be split up.

Vince and Gary agree that the Celtics occasionally fall in love with the 3-point shot to their detriment, and Gary explains how this has affected his relationship with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla.

Finally, with LeBron James’ 39th birthday coming up this weekend, the guys try to think of other players that have been this good at this age.

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What Ja Morant’s return means to Memphis and the Grizzlies | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 27 Dec 2023 19:45:13 +0000

Chris Herrington from the Daily Memphian joins Dan Devine to talk about the red hot Memphis Grizzlies, who are 4-0 since the return of Ja Morant, and the bright future the franchise still has.

00:00 - Count me in!

05:15 - Memphis Grizzlies

09:00 - Ja Morant’s return

19:15 - Desmond Bane & Jaren Jackson Jr.

30:00 - Marcus Smart

32:50 - Vince Williams Jr.

37:20 - When will Brandon Clarke return?

41:50 - Fill in the Blank

51:00 - The Closing Five

56:45 - Weekly Recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by Chris Herrington of the Daily Memphian to talk about the Memphis Grizzlies, who are 4-0 since Ja Morant returned from a 25-game league suspension.

Dan and Chris talk about what Ja means to the city of Memphis and where he ranks among past Grizzlies players, but they also dig into the stats to figure out why Morant has had such an outsized impact so quickly since his return.

One thing that Memphis can take away from the 25 games Morant missed is the continued ascension of Desmond Band and Jaren Jackson Jr. Both of them continued to grow in his absence and now the team seems better prepared to eventually grow into a championship contender with three all-star level players in their lineup.

Marcus Smart finally got back on the court against the Pelicans last night and fans were able to see what the front office envisioned when they traded for him as their Dillon Brooks replacement. His leadership, on and off the court, should hopefully help this young team avoid any more issues in the future.

The guys also talk about the timeline for Brandon Clarke’s return from an Achilles injury and Vince Williams Jr. growing into another defensive stopper for a team that finds much of its identity on the defensive side of the ball.

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NBA Xmas Day: Luka goes off, Brunson beats the Bucks, the Nuggets’ perfect lineup & more | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 26 Dec 2023 21:49:42 +0000

Yahoo Sports fantasy analyst Dan Titus joins Jake Fischer on No Cap Room to recap all five NBA games that took place on Christmas Day.

00:00 - Hello friends!

05:40 - Jalen Brunson beats the Bucks

15:50 - The Nuggets’ perfect lineup vs. the Warriors’ youth movement

26:25 - Will the Lakers be forced to trade for LaVine?

36:00 - Jaime Jaquez is impressing in Miami

42:40 - Luka Doncic goes for 50 on the Suns, who seem lost

52:50 - Fantasy basketball thoughts

On this special episode of No Cap Room, Yahoo Sports fantasy analyst Dan Titus joins Jake Fischer to recap all five games that happened on Christmas Day.

Jalen Brunson continued to prove the doubters wrong by being the best player on the court against the Milwaukee Bucks, and he might be entering consideration as an All-Star starter this year. Meanwhile, the Bucks have to figure out how to fix their perimeter defense without Jrue Holiday.

The Denver Nuggets’ have a perfect starting lineup, which makes it easier for Jamal Murray to step up when Nikola Jokic has an off game. The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, are finally being forced to lean on their young players now that some of their legends are struggling with consistency.

The Boston Celtics are clearly great and don’t really need to tinker at all. They didn’t struggle to put away LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers, who might be in the market for a scoring guard with Gabe Vincent getting surgery and D’Angelo Russell being moved to the bench. Is it all leading to a trade for Zach LaVine?

The Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat played without Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler, leading to a weird game that only really served to highlight how great rookie Jaime Jaquez has been. Jake and Dan use it to discuss who would be on the All-Rookie team if the season ended today.

Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks carved up Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns. It got so bad that the microphones picked up Mavericks players asking why the Suns players weren’t giving more effort. The vibes are bad in Phoenix and there’s not a lot the team can do to improve the roster. It’s turning out a lot like the Brooklyn Nets’ failed experiment with Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden.

Finally, before they get out, Jake and Dan talk about some fantasy basketball sleepers and some guys that you should be hanging onto if they’re on your bench.

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NBA Christmas Day viewing guide + trade rumors around Cavs, Hawks, Rockets & Thunder | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 21:11:59 +0000

Jake Fischer reveals all of the trade rumors and rumblings from the G League Showcase in Orlando and Dan Devine gives us an in-depth viewing guide for all five NBA games happening on Christmas Day.

00:00 - Hello friends!

03:40 - Trade rumors & rumblings

07:35 - Shopping list: Cleveland Cavaliers

14:50 - Shopping list: Houston Rockets

18:30 - Who should trade for Dejounte Murray?

27:20 - Shopping list: Oklahoma City Thunder

34:30 - Christmas Day viewing guide

36:15 - Bucks vs. Knicks

37:30 - Warriors vs. Nuggets

40:40 - Celtics vs. Lakers

45:30 - 76ers vs. Heat

51:40 - Mavericks vs. Suns

54:45 - Jake’s NCR story

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer reports in on what he’s hearing on the ground at the NBA’s G League Showcase in Orlando, Florida, including which players are potentially available on the trade market and which types of players teams like the Cavaliers, Rockets and Thunder might be looking for.

Dejounte Murray is one name that’s out there as potentially available, and Dan has an idea of which team should trade for him. It’s an idea built on the holiday season and reconciliation and Jake thinks mistletoe should be involved.

There are five marquee NBA matchups coming up on Christmas Day, so we had Dan Devine put each one into the category of “presents under the tree”, “stocking stuffer” or “lump of coal”. Each of these games has a lot of potential, but health might end up determining how good the basketball really is.

Finally, Jake went to his 17th wedding of the year and came away with a fun story about meeting a listener of the podcast.

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Ja Morant shines in return, Zion disappoints & the Clippers are rolling | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 19:19:10 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is in New Orleans for Ja Morant’s return from suspension, and he talks about how the night went perfectly for the Grizzlies’ guard but there is still work left to do.

00:00 - Ja Morant returns from suspension

12:00 - Zion Williamson

16:30 - Ja Morant keeps receipts

21:15 - Los Angeles Clippers

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill talks about Ja Morant’s big performance in New Orleans on the night he returned from a 25-game suspension. There’s still work left to be done before anyone will trust that Ja has put his issues behind him for good, but the Memphis Grizzlies guard showed why he’s such a dynamic basketball talent against the Pelicans.

Zion Williamson, who was battling an illness during the game, once again disappointed on a national TV broadcast and it might be time to wonder if he can find some more consistency when the games become more important.

Back to Ja Morant for a moment, Producer John doesn’t love that Ja yelled “I keep receipts” while running back to the Grizzlies’ locker room after the game and the conversation riles up Vinnie, who thinks Ja is still pointing the blame in the wrong direction.

Finally, Vince and John talk about an actual good basketball team: The Los Angeles Clippers. Since James Harden got in shape and acclimated himself to their system, the Clippers have turned into one of the best teams in the league. They’ve won 8 straight and load management seems to be a thing of the past for Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (at least while they angle for new contracts). Could Harden actually be the thing that keeps them healthy and fresh come playoff time?

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Early NBA trade deadline buyers & sellers with Amin Elhassan | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 21:34:57 +0000

Amin Elhassan joins Vincent Goodwill on the Good Word with Goodwill podcast to talk about some under the radar buyers and sellers heading into NBA trade season.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

02:05 - Bradley Beal injured (again)

06:40 - Buyers: Miami Heat

14:30 - Buyers: Sacramento Kings

17:50 - Zion Williamson

27:45 - Ja Morant returns

34:40 - Time to trade Trae Young?

46:00 - Sellers: Cleveland Cavaliers

51:05 - Sellers: Golden State Warriors

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, former Phoenix Suns front office member Amin Elhassan talks with Vincent Goodwill about some of the early buyers and sellers at the beginning of NBA trade season, but first they start by talking about Bradley Beal getting injured (again) and what that process is like mentally for a player.

We kick off the buyers and sellers conversation with the defending Eastern Conference champion Miami Heat, who are shooting the lights out but could be looking to flip Kyle Lowry’s expiring contract for some more offensive help.

The guys then move on to the Sacramento Kings, who have been tied to Zach LaVine in some recent trade rumors, but Amin doesn’t think the Kings should push in their chips and attempt to add a star this season.

While attempting to talk about the New Orleans Pelicans as buyers, Vinnie and Amin end up talking about Zion Williamson’s weight and diet. He was recently ridiculed by Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley on TNT for not being in shape, and those are exactly the right people to be talking to Zion about the issue.

Speaking of Zion, he came into the NBA in the same draft class as Ja Morant, who has had different issues with staying on the court. Amin talks about why it was so important for Zion and Ja to be superstar players in the NBA and why it’s sad that they seem to be throwing the opportunity away.

The Atlanta Hawks are no better than they were a year ago, leading to speculation that they might be ready to tear it down and rebuild. The big question is whether it’s worth it to rebuild around Trae Young (again) or if it’s time to move on from a player that doesn’t play defense and isn’t well liked by other NBA players.

Cleveland has gotten off to a really rocky start this season and could be looking to ship out Donovan Mitchell before he demands a contract extension. Vinnie talks about why he thinks the team should be handed over to Evan Mobley, and Amin explains why that’s so hard to do after a playoff run.

Finally, this looks like the end of the Golden State Warriors dynasty. Vinnie argues that LeBron James’ career path has made us think differently about how dynasties end, and Amin has some advice for the team’s front office.

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The end of the Warriors dynasty, Giannis game ball drama & Wemby does it all | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 20:40:07 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine get together to talk about Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension by the NBA, Giannis fighting with the Pacers over a game ball and the 1st place Minnesota Timberwolves.

00:00 - Hello friends!

01:35 - Draymond & the end of the Warriors dynasty

20:45 - Wembanyama & the young Spurs

36:30 - Giannis angry about the game ball

50:15 - The 1st place Minnesota Timberwolves

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine discuss Draymond Green’s indefinite suspension by the NBA and whether it is a sign of the end of the Golden State Warriors’ dynasty. Jake also talks about what the Warriors might be looking to do on the trade market.

Jake is in San Antonio to watch the Spurs take on the Los Angeles Lakers (without LeBron James), and he has a lot of thoughts about what Gregg Popovich and the Spurs are doing as the team has lost 18 games in a row. The development of young players is the #1 priority in San Antonio, but are they getting too aimless and experimental?

Giannis Antetokounmpo set a career high, and a Milwaukee Bucks franchise high, when he scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers last night. But the big news story is how upset he was about not getting the game ball delivered to him after the win, which just adds more fuel to this budding rivalry that started in the NBA In-Season Tournament.

Finally, the Minnesota Timberwolves are tied for the best record in the NBA (along with the Boston Celtics) and are finally seeing the potential that they hoped to achieve when they traded for Rudy Gobert before last season. Dan explains why this team is a real championship contender, and Jake talks about what the potential fallout could be if the T’Wolves can’t find success in the playoffs this year.

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Loving the Celtics, hating the Lakers and ignoring the Knicks with Josh Gondelman | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:11:39 +0000

Comedian, and lifelong Boston Celtics fan, Josh Gondelman joins Dan Devine to talk about falling in love with this year’s team and what makes that complicated.

00:00 - Count me in!

08:45 - Boston Celtics

30:00 - Al Horford

33:15 - Kristaps Porzingis

41:50 - Jrue Holiday

45:05 - Bashing Celtics’ rivals

51:15 - How Dare You: Lakers IST banner

55:20 - The Closing Five

64:45 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by comedian (and lifelong Boston Celtics fan) Josh Gondelman to go deep on every aspect of the team.

After talking about what scares him about this team (Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown playing iso) and what excites him about this team (“The Stock Exchange”), Josh talks about Al Horford’s Hall of Fame candidacy and Kristaps Porzingis’ disturbing past.

Josh also talks about losing one of his favorite players in Marcus Smart, and how Jrue Holiday’s play is helping to fill that scrappy void in his heart.

After taking a few minutes to bash the Miami Heat, Dan and Josh discuss the Los Angeles Lakers hanging a banner in their home arena for winning the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament and the reaction from NBA fans.

Finally, we learn a little bit more about Josh through The Closing Five and his very good recommendation for Devine Intervention listeners.

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Lakers win NBA Cup, LeBron for MVP, Ja Morant’s return & Anthony Davis’ ceiling with David Aldridge | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 21:34:05 +0000

Legendary NBA reporter and columnist David Aldridge joins Vincent Goodwill to talk about the Lakers winning the In-Season Tournament, LeBron potentially winning a 5th MVP, Ja Morant’s return from suspension and more.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

01:10 - NBA In-Season Tournament final thoughts

06:30 - Indiana Pacers

14:50 - Detroit Pistons

17:30 - Ja Morant

24:55 - LeBron James

29:25 - Anthony Davis

35:30 - LeBron for MVP?

42:40 - Bradley Beal

46:00 - Oklahoma City Thunder

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, legendary NBA reporter and columnist David Aldridge joins Vincent Goodwill to talk about the Lakers winning the In-Season Tournament, LeBron potentially winning a 5th MVP, Ja Morant’s return from suspension and more.

The guys start with some final thoughts on the NBA In-Season Tournament, which David argues was a huge success because the fans got excited and because the league will make a ton of money off of it. However, the tournament itself did not make players play harder.

One team that got a little extra spotlight from the In-Season Tournament is the Indiana Pacers. The guys discuss how the Pacers built this team, as opposed to other teams that tanked to rebuild, and how Tyrese Haliburton is a warning shot to front offices around the league to get their draft analysis right.

The Detroit Pistons have lost 19 games in a row and could be up to 20 consecutive losses after tonight’s game. Since Vince is a Detroit native and former Pistons beat reporter, he and David briefly talk about the sad state of that franchise (along with the sad state of the Washington Wizards, who represent the city where David Aldridge lives).

Ja Morant will soon be returning from his 25-game suspension and both Vinnie and David are hoping that he’s got a little bit more sense about what he’s putting on Instagram this time. David argues that Ja is still one of the most important players in the league and worries that comparisons to Allen Iverson may have confused some who didn’t realize that Morant and Iverson grew up in very different situations.

LeBron James is doing amazing things at his age and we are appreciating it. Is he the NBA MVP front-runner? Probably not, but he will get some votes and it would be a heck of a story if he won another MVP 10 years after winning his last one.

Anthony Davis dominated the Pacers in the Final to win the NBA Cup, putting up an eye-popping stat line and never letting the Pacers get into the game. Why can’t that be the player we see on a nightly basis? And are fans too hard on Davis?

Finally, since David sees a lot of the Wizards, he and Vinnie talk about how talented Bradley Beal (who should be returning from injury tomorrow) actually is and how he’ll look on a very talented Phoenix Suns team before a brief discussion about how good the Oklahoma City Thunder front office is at drafting.

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IST Semifinals Wrap-Up: LeBron & Haliburton shine, Zion flops | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 8 Dec 2023 19:00:28 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine recap the Pacers’ win over the Bucks and the Lakers’ win over the Pelicans, and then preview Saturday’s NBA In-Season Tournament Final between the Pacers and Lakers.

00:00 - Hello friends!

02:35 - Harden explains Morey situation

07:30 - Jaden Ivey’s playing time

15:15 - Miles Bridges’ future

18:50 - Myles Turner loves Legos

21:20 - Scenes from Las Vegas

32:15 - Pacers defeat Bucks

46:20 - Lakers defeat Pelicans

59:00 - IST FINAL: Pacers vs. Lakers

On a special Friday edition of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine recap the Indiana Pacers’ win over the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers’ win over the New Orleans Pelicans, and then preview Saturday’s NBA In-Season Tournament Final between the Pacers and Lakers.

But first, there’s some news to get through. Starting with James Harden, talking to Sam Amick about why he called Philadelphia 76ers GM Daryl Morey a liar. Could these new revelations lead to more tampering punishments for the Sixers? We’ll see!

Jake clears up his story about Jaden Ivey, saying that the young Pistons player is not feuding with head coach Monty Williams and is happy to be in Detroit. He also clarifies what he meant when he said, on last week’s episode, that Miles Bridges isn’t expected to be back on the Charlotte Hornets next season.

After taking a detour to discuss Myles Turner’s love of Legos, Jake tells Dan about the vibes in Las Vegas and at the In-Season Tournament Semifinal games on Thursday night. What was the crowd like? What were the concessions stands offering? Why was the traffic so bad? And what’s with all the cowboy hats? Find out answers to all of these questions!

Finally, the guys get to the basketball. They wax poetic about Tyrese Haliburton’s last few games before pointing out that he’s basically been this guy all season. They talk about how his style of play has been infectious, and Dan explains why he’s not worried about the Pacers defense.

LeBron James looked like vintage LeBron in his matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, while Zion Williamson looked tentative…and maybe out of shape? Jake and Dan discuss why LeBron meeting this moment is huge for the league and why Zion missing it is an inflection point for the Pelicans.

The guys end the podcast with a quick preview of Saturday’s game between the Lakers and Pacers, where the winner will go home with the NBA Cup and $500k in the pocket of each player. This has the potential to be a really fun, exceptionally fast, and highly competitive game between a veteran squad and an up-and-coming team. Can Haliburton match LeBron on the national stage?

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IST Quarterfinals Wrap-Up: LeBron steals one from Suns, Bucks are too much for Knicks | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 6 Dec 2023 18:15:02 +0000

Vincent Goodwill, along with Producer John, talks through the Lakers’ close (and controversial) win over the Suns before discussing how the Bucks dominated the Knicks to advance in the NBA In-Season Tournament.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

00:40 - Lakers 106, Suns 103

17:05 - Bucks 146, Knicks 122

22:35 - Where’s the defense?

27:15 - NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals

On this episode of the Good Word podcast, Vincent Goodwill recaps the action from Tuesday night, starting with the controversial timeout call that helped the Los Angeles Lakers advance past the Phoenix Suns to the Semifinal round in Las Vegas.

The Suns are probably the better regular season team, and Kevin Durant is probably the better player at this point in their careers, but LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are big and physical and that is a difficult thing to deal with in a playoff-like environment. Should they be the favorites to win it all? Kevin Durant seems to think so.

Vince then discusses the Milwaukee Bucks, who put a beatdown on the New York Knicks and maybe sent a message to the rest of the league about where they should be ranked amongst the best teams. If their offense can be this good, and Giannis can be the 2nd or 3rd best offensive player, they are going to be a nightmare to face come playoff time.

Vince and Producer John discuss, on the back of that game, why NBA defense is down so much this season and if it will bounce back soon. Vince then talks a little bit about the Pacers/Bucks game we’ll see on Thursday, a game that should have plenty of offense and minimal defense, before praising the In-Season Tournament for getting the players to play hard.

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Haliburton’s huge game vs. the Celtics and the future of the Pacers with Caitlin Cooper | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 5 Dec 2023 20:40:22 +0000

Caitlin Cooper, who has been covering the Indiana Pacers for years, joins Dan Devine to reflect on one of the biggest recent wins in recent Pacers history and to talk about the future of this young team, led by superstar guard Tyrese Haliburton.

00:00 - Count me in!

05:15 - Pelicans 127, Kings 117

09:05 - Pacers 122, Celtics 112

13:15 - Tyrese Haliburton

19:50 - The 2023-24 Indiana Pacers

34:15 - Obi Toppin

42:45 - Jarace Walker

46:10 - The Closing Five

53:55 - Weekly Recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, the NBA world is still talking about the Indiana Pacers knocking the Boston Celtics out of the In-Season Tournament last night, on the back of Tyrese Haliburton’s triple-double, so Dan Devine welcomes Caitlin Cooper to the show to talk about a team that few know better than she does.

Dan and Caitlin start off the show by talking about a moment of NBA joy, this one being the Pacers offense not slowing down against the Miami Heat when Tyrese Haliburton was out of the lineup last week, before discussing how the New Orleans Pelicans used their lack of defense to turn up the temperature on the Kings’ defense, using Zion Williamson as a center.

Then we get to the main focus of this episode: The Indiana Pacers. Dan and Caitlin talk about how the Pacers were able to defeat the Boston Celtics last night, why Tyrese Haliburton is a “basketball counter-culture”, and what the ceiling of the 2023-24 Pacers is right now.

Caitlin also talked a bit about some players that don’t get on the court as often, namely Obi Toppin and rookie Jarace Walker, and discussed how this season might force the Pacers front office to make a trade and go all-in now that Tyrese Haliburton is proving himself to be a top 10 player in the league.

As always, we close the show with five quick questions (The Closing Five) to learn more about Caitlin as a person and then finish with weekly recommendations from both Caitlin and Dan.

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Michael Smith on LeBron vs. Udoka, getting old and the young Thunder | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 4 Dec 2023 20:20:15 +0000

Michael Smith from Brother from Another joins Vincent Goodwill on his birthday to talk about getting old, not realizing you’ve passed your peak until you’ve passed it, up and coming young teams in the NBA and whatever happened between LeBron James and Ime Udoka.

00:00 - Happy Birthday, Vinnie!

27:10 - NBA windows closing quickly

37:20 - Up & coming teams

38:15 - Oklahoma City Thunder

40:35 - Orlando Magic

43:20 - Minnesota Timberwolves

43:50 - What would you change about the NBA?

48:50 - Ime Udoka vs. LeBron James

On this very special birthday episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill welcomes on Michael Smith, who you might’ve seen on Amazon or NBC’s NFL coverage or from his Peacock show Brother from Another.

The first half of the podcast is a deep discussion about getting older, changing as a person, and using the wisdom earned over time to better yourself. There’s almost no basketball discussed (except for the conversation about giving up pickup basketball once you reach a certain age), but it’s still a conversation worth listening to!

The natural transition out of a conversation about aging is Ben Simmons, who got an epidural to deal with his ongoing back pain. That news leads to a conversation about which historical NBA player Vince and Michael wish they could give an injury-free career to and how quickly windows close on experienced NBA teams and veteran NBA players.

It’s not all about the old guys, though. Michael asks Vinnie for his thoughts on some young teams that are having success early on in this season: the Thunder, Magic and Timberwolves. The Thunder have grown internally and added the perfect player into the mix in Chet Holmgren, the Magic have found a way to get all the young guys to play together as a team and the Timberwolves….well, Vince still doesn’t trust KAT.

Vince has some fun asking Michael what in-game NBA rule he would change, if he could, and Michael comes back with what NBA-related wish Vince would want granted if he could have anything.

Finally, the guys discuss LeBron James getting a technical foul and Ime Udoka getting ejected from a game after those two men had a quiet conversation on the sidelines. What was said? And does old man tone mean anything?

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Orlando Magic keep winning, Detroit Pistons keep losing & NBA In-Season Tournament suggestions | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 1 Dec 2023 00:00:07 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk about the streaking Orlando Magic (8 straight wins!), Detroit Pistons (15 straight losses!) and their thoughts to improve the NBA In-Season Tournament.

01:30 - Orlando Magic

10:20 - Jalen Johnson’s wrist injury

15:30 - Betting odds for NBA In-Season Tournament

19:10 - Charlotte Hornets

24:50 - New Orleans Pelicans

29:50 - Detroit Pistons

40:25 - Houston Rockets

46:20 - NBA In-Season Tournament thoughts

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine to get talk about whatever they want to talk about! That means kicking off the show with Jake’s Orlando Magic, who have won 8 games in a row but still have not convinced Dan that their offense is for real.

Jake has been holding back from talking about Jalen Johnson on the show, for fear of revealing a topic he wanted to right about, but now Johnson is going to miss 4-6 weeks with a broken wrist and it could not come at a worse, or more disappointing, time for him and the Atlanta Hawks.

The NBA In-Season Tournament has reached the knockout rounds, so the guys took a look at the betting odds and found that Vegas doesn’t believe in the New York Knicks but really seems to like the Sacramento Kings. Why? We have no idea, but it serves as a reminder to Jake that he misses Sacramento and the beam.

The Charlotte Hornets’ season is falling apart very quickly, a season where the front office and coaching staff are trying to prove themselves to new ownership, and they could be ready to start selling pieces as the trade market materializes.

One team that might be on the other side of that trade market, the New Orleans Pelicans, are starting to finally get their starting lineup healthy and look like the team that took the West by storm in the first half of last season. Dan explains what’s happening and what we could expect to see from Zion Williamson now that C.J. McCollum has returned from a collapsed lung.

The Detroit Pistons have lost 15 games in a row, although they’re probably not the bleakest team in the league right now, and both guys are wondering what the team is going to do with Cade Cunningham after this season if he isn’t able to make the players around him better.

One team that added a lot of veteran help to raise the floor and help their young players? The Houston Rockets, who have been winnings games and seeing big strides from young guard Jalen Green. Dan likes what he’s seeing from Green lately and sees a potentially bright future for the Rockets with him and Sengun.

Finally, Jake has a Hot Jake about the NBA in-Season Tournament that leads to a deeper discussion about if what players want and what fans want aligns or needs to align for the project to be an overwhelming success.

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Mark Cuban sells the Mavericks & In-Season Tournament quarterfinals preview | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:22:37 +0000

Vincent Goodwill talks about Mark Cuban selling a majority share of the Dallas Mavericks, and who he sold it to, before previewing each of the four single-elimination quarterfinal games in the NBA In-Season Tournament.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

00:30 - Mark Cuban sells the Mavericks

12:40 - NBA In-Season Tournament

15:25 - Bucks vs. Knicks

21:05 - Lakers vs. Suns

24:00 - Kings vs. Pelicans

29:30 - Playoff atmosphere in Vegas?

33:15 - Pacers vs. Celtics

On this solo episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill responds to the news of Mark Cuban selling a majority share of the Dallas Mavericks to Miriam Adelson. Adelson has been very public about her political beliefs, and they don’t exactly align with where the NBA has been heading. Could this end up being an issue? And will Kyrie Irving’s past issues with antisemitism get brought back up?

After that, Vince and Producer John talk about the NBA In-Season Tournament. It has clearly been a success, surprisingly so, with full buy-in from most of the players on the court. Now we’ve reached the single elimination games, starting next week and ending in Las Vegas.

The Bucks’ offense is finally clicking with Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Knicks, however, are known more for their defense than offense. Who will control the pace of play?

The Lakers and Suns have all the star power, with LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Anthony Davis, Devin Booker and maybe even Bradley Beal. The Lakers seem particularly motivated to win this tournament, but why? What does it prove? Both Vince and Producer John have differing theories.

The Kings slayed some demons by beating the Warriors on the last night of group play. Now, they get the very talented (but somewhat disappointing) Pelicans in the quarterfinal game, with a chance to go to Vegas on the line. But how many fans will actually go to Las Vegas for these games? Will it be a true playoff atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena?

Finally, the Celtics will take on the Pacers with less depth than just about every team in the league, but maybe the best starting lineup. Do they have enough bodies to get through three difficult games in five days? And do the Pacers have enough defense to slow them down?

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Devin Booker, Chet Holmgren and Clarifying NBA mysteries with Michael Pina | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 23:17:53 +0000

Michael Pina from The Ringer joins Dan Devine to talk about enjoyable NBA things (Point Book!), mystifying NBA things (Chet Holmgren!) and things they want to know from a crystal ball (will Zion return to form?).

00:00 - Count me in!

02:45 - Devin Booker, Point Guard

07:00 - Why aren’t the Cavs better?

17:30 - Is Chet Holmgren already here?

26:25 - Why isn’t Anthony Davis dominant?

40:00 - Will Zion get his burst back?

47:55 - The Closing Five

60:10 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by Michael Pina from The Ringer. The theme of this episode is mystery, as the guys discuss things in the NBA that don’t make sense to them and talk about what they would like to know if there was a future-telling crystal ball.

First up, we start from a place of joy, and bringing joy to Michael Pina this week is Devin Booker being the league’s best point guard despite the fact that he’s a shooting guard known for his scoring. It serves as a reminder that even superstar NBA players can improve during their prime.

When we get to mysteries, Michael is curious why the Cleveland Cavaliers aren’t better than they are. They seem to have regressed from last season despite having a roster better suited to what they’re trying to do, and the offense looks worse when Donovan Mitchell is on the court. Why?

Dan is confused by the rapid ascension of Chet Holmgren. We’ve never really seen a player like this before and we’ve certainly never seen one be this good this fast. Is he already an All-NBA player? Are the Thunder already championship contenders?

Both Michael and Dan listed Anthony Davis as a mystery. Michael is wondering why such a great player isn’t more dominant and is seemingly forgotten when we talk about the league’s best centers. Dan is curious why Anthony Davis can’t seem to shoot from outside anymore.

Looking into a crystal ball that can tell us the future, Michael and Dan both want to know if Zion Williamson will round into form and get the explosive burst back to his game that he was previously known for or if this is just who he is now.

We close the show with the closing five, where Michael talks about children’s TV shows and hanging out with Jimmy Butler, and recommendations for pop culture artwork and a cringe-comedy TV show.

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J.A. Adande on the Lakers, the end of the superteam era & CP3 vs. Scott Foster | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 21:31:43 +0000

Legendary Los Angeles native and columnist J.A. Adande joins Vincent Goodwill for a conversation about the relationship between NBA players and referees, the surprisingly fun in-season tournament and the worrying signs from this year’s Lakers team.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

01:25 - Chris Paul vs. Scott Foster

08:30 - In-Season Tournament

16:20 - NBA players + social media

23:10 - Los Angeles Lakers

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, J.A. Adande joins Vincent Goodwill to talk about the Los Angeles Lakers and everything else going on around the NBA.

First, the guys discuss the chilly relationship between Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul and NBA referee Scott Foster. J.A. finds a comparable situation from the NBA’s history that could provide a path for the league to deal with this current situation, while Vince says that Chris Paul needs to avoid Foster.

The NBA In-Season Tournament has been surprisingly fun, and it’s about to get even better! There’s one more night of group play before we move on to the single-elimination games in the quarter finals, so Vince and J.A. talk about how the project has already been a success in year one and what we’ve learned from it.

In the middle of that conversation, Ja Morant’s name comes up. That leads to a conversation about Josh Giddy, Gilbert Arenas and NBA players not understanding the repercussions of using social media to document their lives.

Finally, we get to the Lakers. J.A. has already given up on Anthony Davis taking over for LeBron James as the #1 option on the team, but now he’s starting to wonder if these kinds of super teams are relics from a past era. Vince is simply wondering how the Lakers, or anyone, is going to stop Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.

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Lakers, Pacers advance in NBA In-Season Tournament + Thanksgiving fun | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 22:21:21 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine give an update on the NBA In-Season Tournament before talking about the NBA things they’re most thankful for this holiday season and discussing players/teams/GMs as parts of a Thanksgiving feast.

00:00 - Hello Friends!

02:10 - NBA In-Season Tournament update

07:40 - What NBA things we’re thankful for

14:32 - A very NBA Thanksgiving feast

On this very silly episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk about their holiday plans before recapping a fun night in the NBA In-Season Tournament last night. The guys recap who is in, who is out, and why the group names should be changed going forward.

In the spirit of the season, the guys (along with Super Producer John Gennaro) talk about the things in the NBA that they’re most thankful for this season. Also, for some reason, Jake comes to the defense of Washington Wizards guard Jordan Poole.

Finally, the table is set and it’s time for a feast! The guys talk about which players, teams or front office members best fit into the categories of a Thanksgiving dinner. Tune in to find out why LeBron is the turkey, why the Pacers are the gravy, why Zion is the stuffing, why Jake loves a Thanksgiving sandwich, and why Luka & Embiid are the mac & cheese of the NBA.

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Jimmy Butler's empathy, the Sochan experiment & NBA emotional truths | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 22:51:38 +0000

Dan Devine is joined by Basketball Feelings author Katie Heindl, and the two of them go through some of their favorite emotional truths about the early part of this NBA season after discussing Jimmy Butler’s empathy and uniqueness.

00:00 - Count me in!

02:45 - Jimmy Butler

12:45 - NBA emotional truths

13:30 - Quit Snyder’s red glasses

16:00 - Jeremy Sochan PG experiment

22:25 - Kelly Oubre Jr. car accident

28:25 - Good is more interesting than great

42:20 - The Mavericks are likable?

46:45 - The Closing Five

58:00 - Weekly recommendations

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by Basketball Feelings author Katie Heindl, who kicks off the show by talking about the uniqueness of Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. What makes Jimmy different is his vulnerability and his empathy, and Katie explains why both also make him a great teammate.

Dan brought Katie on to talk about NBA emotional truths, no math needed, that they have noticed and appreciated in the early part of the season. Katie’s first emotional truth is that Quin Snyder’s red glasses make an intense man even more intense, and maybe that is why Trae Young is playing more off-ball.

The Jeremy Sochan point guard experiment in San Antonio has reminded Dan of why he watches, and loves, the NBA. Watching in real-time as a player learns a new position in the NBA is thrilling, and also a fantastic display of courage by Sochan.

Kelly Oubre Jr. was hit by a car a couple weeks ago, and the days after were used by some to question Oubre’s story. One of Katie’s emotional truths is that we, as fans of basketball, have reached a dark place where we stop seeing the human being and stop giving them the grace to get injured and tell the truth about it.

Dan explains that his favorite kind of basketball to watch is a game between two flawed teams, and that he’s bored watching the Boston Celtics starting lineup be great. Katie agrees, saying she’s only interested in watching flawed teams and seeing how they go about trying to win in creative ways to hide their flaws.

For the final NBA emotional truth, Katie is grappling with the Dallas Mavericks being likable despite years of being one of the league’s least likable teams. A big reason for that is the creative team within the team, that is putting out amusing videos and pictures with full buy-in from the players. How did they get Kyrie Irving to participate in the “Body By Luka” video anyway?

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Old vs. young NBA superstars, Ant as the next MJ & LaVine vs. Bulls | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 22:02:08 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Jason Goff talk about how this NBA season feels like a transition from older superstars (LeBron, Steph, Durant, etc.) to the young superstars (Anthony Edwards, Chet, SGA, Jokic, etc.).

00:00 - Jason Goff joins the show!

03:50 - The young NBA superstars have arrived

09:00 - Nikola Jokic

14:35 - Anthony Edwards

22:25 - Oklahoma City Thunder

32:25 - Houston Rockets

37:14 - Los Angeles Lakers

39:10 - Phoenix Suns

41:40 - Golden State Warriors

43:55 - Zach LaVine & the Chicago Bulls

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill is joined with Chicago’s own Jason Goff to talk through the NBA’s current youth movement that has changed the landscape of the league.

The guys jump right in, talking about how long it has been since there were young teams in the NBA that were exciting to watch and had a legitimate chance of winning a championship.

They start profiling teams with the #1 team in the Western Conference: The Minnesota Timberwolves, who have seen the arrival of Anthony Edwards. Vince says Any is the closest thing we’ve seen to Michael Jordan since Michael Jordan and Jason reluctantly agrees.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, who tanked for two years, have two young superstars in Chet Holmgren and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jason talks about how this team has a different mindset than some of the other teams that have tanked around the league, and both guys expect them to make noise in the playoffs this season.

After telling a story about visiting an ice cream shop in the midwest, Vinnie and Jason struggle with how to talk about Houston Rockets head coach Ike Udoka, who is undoubtedly a good coach but carries a bit of baggage with him.

On the other side of the coin, the guys debate which team of older superstars should be the most worried: The Lakers, Suns, Warriors or Clippers? The Lakers are relying a lot on LeBron, which never ends well. The Suns’ stars are already having a hard time staying healthy. And the Warriors can’t stop shooting themselves in the foot.

Finally, Jason’s our Bulls expert and had a front-row seat to some iciness between Zach LaVine and the communications department of the Chicago Bulls. He explains why things are going to get uglier over the next few weeks until a trade partner is finally found, and also tells us why he thinks LaVine wants to go to Los Angeles.

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LaVine trade ideas, Draymond suspended & Şengün as the next Jokic? | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 20:50:36 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine get together for a really fun episode of No Cap Room that touches on the Clippers’ struggles, Draymond Green’s suspension, Zach LaVine trade ideas and a lot more.

00:00 - Hello friends!

02:00 - Clippers struggling

12:10 - Draymond Green suspended 5 games

22:15 - Zach LaVine trade ideas!

23:45 - LaVine to the Heat?

27:00 - LaVine to the 76ers?

29:45 - LaVine to the Grizzlies?

34:35 - LaVine to the Raptors?

39:00 - Bulls-Raptors-Knicks 3-team trade?

45:30 - LaVine to the Lakers?

50:10 - Mikal Bridges

56:40 - Alperen Şengün

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine go through all of the news of the week and tell you some of their favorite players to watch on NBA League Pass right now.

First, after news broke that the Los Angeles Clippers are in the process of signing Daniel Theis to be their backup big, the guys discuss the team’s struggles since trading for James Harden and wonder if Theis is really the key to fixing those new issues.

Draymond Green’s suspension was announced, a day after he put Rudy Gobert in a headlock, and this leads Dan down a path of wondering if Draymond is looking for opportunities to punch down as he sees his skills diminishing towards the end of his career.

Zach LaVine and the Chicago Bulls are looking at where the guard could be sent in a trade, so Super Producer John Gennaro fired up the trade machine to try and find a way to get LaVine to the Heat, 76ers, Grizzlies, Raptors and Lakers. Do Jake and Dan like any of his trade ideas? Tune in to find out!

Before we close the show, Jake explains why everyone should be keeping an eye on Mikal Bridges and the Brooklyn Nets as a serious contender the next time a superstar requests a trade and both guys geek our over young Rockets center Alperen Şengün, who is starting to draw comparisons to a young Nikola Jokic.

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Wembanyama vs. Holmgren & Draymond vs. Gobert | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 00:23:56 +0000

Vincent Goodwill talks about the matchup between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren before discussing Draymond Green putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

00:49 - Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren

17:00 - Draymond puts Gobert in a headlock

In this solo episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill talks about what he saw while at the first matchup between star rookie centers Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren in Oklahoma City. Most enticing is the potential rivalry of these two very talented young players that also seem to genuinely dislike each other.

Later, Vince talks about Draymond Green putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock in the first few minutes of the game between the Warriors and Timberwolves, and what type of suspension he could be facing from the NBA.

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Michael Levin tells us how Tyrese Maxey saved the 76ers | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 14 Nov 2023 22:20:45 +0000

Michael Levin from the Rights to Ricky Sanchez podcast joins Dan Devine for an episode of Devine Intervention that goes all the way back to the “Process Era” Philadelphia 76ers up to this year’s team and hits on almost everything in between.

00:00 - COUNT ME IN

04:00 - Tyrese Maxey

09:00 - Sixers’ past

15:40 - Embiid & Harden

23:40 - 2023-24 Philadelphia 76ers

43:00 - How Dare You

50:10 - Closing Five

61:10 - Weekly Recommendations

This week on Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by Michael Levin from the Rights to Ricky Sanchez podcast to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.

They kick things off by talking about Tyrese Maxey, fresh off a 50-point game and thriving as the engine that drives the Sixers’ offense. Michael tells us how good Maxey has been on the court, and then explains why Maxey is the least Philadelphia-type of person to ever be loved by Philly sports fans.

We can’t move forward without first looking back, so Dan and Michael take a journey back to all of the catastrophic twists and turns the 76ers have found themselves in over the last decade or so of basketball before discussing what it will feel like for a Sixers fan should the team win the NBA Championship.

The last six months have been particularly chaotic, from the meltdown against the Boston Celtics in the playoffs to James Harden’s trade demand and public fighting with GM Daryl Morey, and Michael explains how and why he was ready to give up on this team before the season even began.

Nick Nurse has the Sixers playing a faster, more modern style of basketball than what Doc Rivers was getting from them, and we’re seeing a more engaged Joel Embiid as a result of that. Now, the question is what do the Sixers do next? Do they use their trade assets to bring in a wing to pair with Embiid and Maxey, or do they wait and try and get someone in free agency?

Finally, we end the show with some fun. Michael and Dan play a game of “How Dare You”, where each guy talks about one NBA thing that has them aggrieved. Then, Dan hits Michael with “The Closing Five”, five quick questions to help us learn a little bit more about the guys, before finishing with recommendations from both guys.

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James Harden’s 0-4 start with Clippers, the year of Tyrese Maxey & can the Knicks stay hot? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 21:16:00 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined today by ESPN’s Monica McNutt to discuss the state of the New York Knicks, Tyrese Maxey’s rise in Philadelphia & the life of an NBA analyst.

The status of Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges is ever-evolving following his domestic assault charge. Vincent & Monica discuss how the league should handle his situation while operating within the law.

James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers haven’t found their footing yet as the team is 0-4 since he joined. The show has faith that it will take more time for everyone to get used to sharing the court and to settle into their respective roles.

The New York Knicks have won 3 straight games, so Monica provides some clarity on why that happened & how they can stay hot in a top-heavy Eastern Conference. The emergence of RJ Barrett and a subdued offseason may be what New York was looking for.

After the departure of James Harden, the 76ers have looked strong following the lead of Tyrese Maxey. Vince and Monica discuss what makes him so special as a player, along with how Joel Embiid can thrive with Maxey running the show.

To close out the podcast the hosts discuss life on the road covering the NBA and how to make it through the long season.

1:00 - Miles Bridges participation status in Charlotte

9:10 - James Harden’s start 0-4 with the Clippers

15:56 - Can the Knicks stay hot?

29:15 - The year of Tyrese Maxey in Philadelphia

39:56 - What it’s like to cover the Knicks

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

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Wemby's MSG debut, 76ers slay the Celtics & should the Lakers panic? | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 9 Nov 2023 22:30:30 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine talk about some of the biggest results and storylines coming out of a full slate of NBA basketball on Wednesday night.

00:00 - HELLO FRIENDS!

00:53 - Robert Williams’ knee injury

04:30 - Jamal Murray hamstring injury

07:40 - LeBron vs. Dillon Brooks

11:20 - Wembanyama at MSG

21:10 - New York Knicks

25:15 - 76ers top Celtics

38:20 - Panic time for the Kings and Lakers?

49:40 - Hot Jakes

After a night full of excellent NBA action, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine got together for another episode of No Cap Room to talk about all of the news and notes coming out of it.

First, Robert Williams’ injury is a bummer for the Trail Blazers and is probably being celebrated by the Boston Celtics front office that didn’t trust Williams to stay healthy. Jamal Murray’s hamstring injury will only keep him out for a few weeks, but that might be good enough for their young bench players to get a good look on the floor.

Dillon Brooks, now on the Rockets, did not hesitate to call out LeBron James before their matchup with the Lakers. Jake argues that more players should talk like Dillon Brooks does, and Dan argues that Brooks is a good player that also makes the league more fun.

Victor Wembanyama made his debut at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks, and he found it difficult to get his offense going. Jake was there and is still in awe of the young man’s ability to keep his composure under the bright lights of New York City.

Speaking of the Knicks, they’re pretty good! Their defense is great and there are signs that their offense is not as bad as it appears. But will they find the superstar to build around any time soon?

The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics, leading Jake to believe that the team might search for a solid starter in the trade market instead of cashing in all of their chips for another superstar. This team is actually good! Also good is the Boston Celtics, and the guys take some time to defend Jaylen Brown from the haters.

Both the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Lakers are off to slow starts, and dealing with injured star players, leading to the question of which team you’d rather be a part of right now. Jake weighs in, and Dan does his best to defend the other side.

Finally, we get to the Hot Jakes of the week, including a Western Conference Finals that Jake is dying to see and some opinions on the coated idea of the NBA extending out the Draft to two days.

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4 early season surprises including CP3, Luka & Dillon Brooks | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 8 Nov 2023 19:55:15 +0000

Vincent Goodwill goes through some of the teams and players that have surprised him the most through the first two weeks of the NBA regular season.

00:00 - Early season surprises

00:50 - Golden State Warriors

10:00 - Dallas Mavericks

19:40 - Dillon Brooks

28:25 - Chicago Bulls

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill lists some of the teams and players that have surprised him the most through the first two weeks of the NBA regular season.

We start off with the Golden State Warriors, who seem to have already found a good rhythm after adding Chris Paul to their team, and there’s plenty of reason to believe that they’re only going to get better as time goes on.

Next up is Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks. Has the front office finally built a team around Luka that allows him to hit that MVP level we’ve been waiting for?

Dillon Brooks looked like a different player on Team Canada and has continued his red hot shooting to start his career with the Houston Rockets. Vince wonders if maybe the Memphis Grizzlies shouldn’t have been so quick to give up on Brooks after last season.

Finally, the Chicago Bulls are missing something. That something is probably Lonzo Ball, but with his future being a mystery, the Bulls are in a place where they might have to decide which direction they want to go in next. The start of the season has looked ugly for them.

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Tom Haberstroh on Harden's season debut & early season stats | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 7 Nov 2023 22:18:37 +0000

Tom Haberstroh from Meadowlark Media joins Dan Devine to talk about his favorite NBA announcers, James Harden’s debut with the Clippers and a whole bunch of early season stats.

00:00 - COUNT ME IN!

02:30 - Eric Collins brings Tom joy

12:25 - James Harden & the Clippers

19:55 - The MUGGSY Scale

22:15 - Shaedon Sharpe

27:50 - Memphis Grizzlies

32:35 - Bucks’ defense

38:00 - Cam Thomas

43:15 - Kelly Oubre

48:50 - Luka Doncic

53:25 - The Closing Five

On this episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by Tom Haberstroh from Meadowlark Media to discuss a whole bunch of early season stats that may or may not be indicators of what is to come this NBA season.

First, Dan asks Tom what brought him joy from the basketball world this week, leading to a conversation about Hornets’ broadcaster Eric Collins and the joy with which he calls basketball games.

Then, Tom helps Dan to recap James Harden’s first game with the Los Angeles Clippers, a loss to the New York Knicks, and provides some pessimism around the idea that Harden will finally be happy instead of demanding a trade in a few months.

For the bulk of this podcast, Dan unveils his new MUGGSY scale and asks Tom to rate some early season numbers in terms of importance going forward. Is Shaedon Sharpe really this good? Are the Grizzlies the worst team in basketball? Is Cam Thomas a radioactive can of peas? Can Luka Doncic win the MVP Award this season if he stops eating cheeseburgers? The guys weigh in on all of those questions and more.

Finally, this week’s Closing Five leads to conversations about Disney soundtracks, Rock N’ Jock Basketball, Top Chef, hot peppers and Tom’s family’s journey to raise as much money for ALS research as possible.

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The past & present of basketball sneakers with Russ Bengtson | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 6 Nov 2023 22:01:12 +0000

Russ Bengtson, author of A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers, joins Vincent Goodwill to talk about some of the most famous basketball sneakers, why sneaker promotion has changed so dramatically, and what sneakers fans should be buying today.

00:00 - Introduction

03:45 - A History of Basketball in 15 Sneakers

19:45 - Air Jordan

33:00 - Modern basketball sneakers

50:00 - Sneaker culture

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, longtime sneaker expert Russ Bengtson stops by to talk about his new book: A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers.

Before they get to the shoes, Vince talks with Russ about his time as the editor-in-chief at SLAM Magazine and what SLAM meant to basketball in the 90s and 00s.

The guys then dive into Russ’ process. How did he settle on these 15 sneakers? Are there any that he had to leave out? Was he always planning on talking about 15? What was most important to Russ was using the sneakers to talk about the full history of basketball without any big gaps, so that the book can be equal parts about the shoes and the game.

One of the things that Russ and Vince both miss is the big promotional pieces, posters and TV commercials, that the big shoe makers used to use to hype up a shoe and promote the star player. They talk a bit about what happened to that model and if it will ever come back.

Air Jordan, of course, changed the basketball shoe game and hasn’t really let go of it since launching. Russ explains why it had to be Michael Jordan as the one to change the shoe game, why it couldn’t have been Magic Johnson or Larry Bird, and what it has meant for every other shoe manufacturer since.

Finally, Vince and Russ talk about current basketball sneakers. The ones coming out now, signature shoes for young players that are still in the league, and why consumers should be buying them instead of getting in line for retro or classic shoes from 30-40 years ago.

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James Harden 'is a system' & debating the merits of the In-Season Tournament | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 3 Nov 2023 21:18:00 +0000

James Harden has yet to play his first game for the Los Angeles Clippers, but the sparks and the spicy quotes have already started flying. Jake Fischer & Dan Devine kick off this week's episode of No Cap Room with a look at Harden's comments about, "[not being] a system player, [rather] a system." Were these comments shots at former coach Doc Rivers and GM Daryl Morey, and how will Clippers coach Ty Lue balance Harden's offensive identity with three other high-usage players on the court in Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and Russell Westbrook?

Later, Dan & Jake dive into the NBA's In-Season Tournament, which kicks off tonight with seven games. The guys discuss the 30 new courts rolled out for the series, whether it will generate the desired fan interest in November and tweaks they'd like to see made to the tournament in the coming years as year one may just be a beta version of a more fully fleshed-out iteration of the bracket.

They also react to Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs beating Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns twice this week, a feat that has Dan exploding with optimism for the French rookie. Also, they take the pulse (or lack thereof) of the Miami Heat, who have started 1-4 after making it all the way to the NBA Finals this summer.

Finally, the guys close out the show reading some funny NBA-related press releases that have made it into their inboxes.

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

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EMERGENCY POD: James Harden traded to the Clippers | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 16:47:39 +0000

Vincent Goodwill sits down with Jake Fischer to react to the news of a blockbuster trade that sends James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers.

00:00 - James Harden traded to the Clippers

05:05 - Joel Embiid’s future with the 76ers

15:05 - The Clippers’ gamble on Harden

After waking up to the news of the long-awaited trade that sends James Harden, along with P.J. Tucker, from the Philadelphia 76ers to the Los Angeles Clippers for a handful of veterans on expiring contracts and a handful of draft picks, Vincent Goodwill and Jake Fischer sat down to break down the trade details and implications.

How does this move affect the Sixers championship odds this year? Will it make it more or less likely that Joel Embiid will eventually request his own trade out of Philadelphia? Is it possible that it will make the Sixers, and Embiid, even better than they were with Harden?

The Clippers, who don’t have any draft picks for many years after doing this deal, are pushing all of their chips to the middle. They need the Kawhi Leonard / Paul George experiment to work better than it has, as they await the opening of the Intuit Dome, and Harden is meant to take some of the physical and play-making burden off of those two superstars in hopes that they can stay healthier this year.

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What are Zach Lowe's biggest NBA fears? | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

ESPN’s Zach Lowe joins Dan Devine on a special Halloween episode of Devine Intervention to talk about his NBA-related fears, giant werewolves and yearbook quotes.

00:00 - Welcome to the show, Zach Lowe!

04:00 - The Pistons bring us joy

08:35 - Zach’s scary story

14:10 - NBA fears: Memphis Grizzlies

18:10 - NBA fears: Spurs’ big lineup

21:50 - NBA fears: KAT & Gobert

26:50 - NBA fears: Knicks offense / Julius Randle

34:40 - NBA fears: Klay Thompson leaving GSW

42:15 - NBA fears: Denver Nuggets

45:05 - The Closing Five

52:35 - Weekly recommendations

On a very special, Halloween-inspired episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by ESPN’s Zach Lowe to talk about scary things, the NBA and scary NBA things.

First, we start with something that brings us joy. For Zach and Dan, that’s the young Detroit Pistons. And, more specifically, Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson. This is a fun team and definitely one to keep an eye on.

Before we get into NBA fears, Zach tells us about a giant werewolf that his neighbors have in their side yard and how terrifying it is when you’re walking past it at night after a Halloween party.

Dan and Zach were each tasked with doing up with 3 NBA-related things that scare them, or scare the rest of the league, and took turns explaining their lists. Listen to find out why the Memphis Grizzlies scare Zach, why the Knicks offense doesn’t make sense, why the rest of the league should be terrified of Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, and why Zach is afraid of seeing Klay Thompson in another uniform.

Before we let Zach go, Dan hits him with “The Closing Five”, five quick questions about himself and his life. Find out what Zach’s yearbook quote was and which sport his daughter claims to be an expert in!

Finally, in our weekly recommendations, Zach recommends a book about facial recognition and his 2nd favorite TV show of all time, while Dan finds more podcasts for you to listen to after this one is over.

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Former NBA GM Scott Perry talks Pistons, 76ers & superstar trade requests | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 21:12:24 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by former New York Knicks GM Scott Perry for an episode that looks at the Rasheed Wallace / Ben Wallace championship Pistons team, the current drama in Philadelphia, and the future of the young Detroit Pistons team that has started the season strong.

00:00 - Welcome, Scott Perry!

05:25 - Rasheed Wallace

11:00 - Ben Wallace

14:45 - James Harden

26:45 - Joel Embiid

36:50 - 2023-24 Detroit Pistons

On this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast, Vincent Goodwill is joined by former New York Knicks GM Scott Perry.

The show kicks off with some talk about Scott’s beloved Pittsburgh Steelers before going back in time to revisit the 2004 Detroit Pistons championship team that beat the Kobe Bryant / Shaquille O’Neal Los Angeles Lakers while featuring Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace and zero max-contract players.

Specifically, Scott talks about how gifted Rasheed is and how Ben Wallace wasn’t actually appreciated for his gifts until he found his way to Detroit, the result of a trade that sent Grant Hill to the Orlando Magic.

Scott also has plenty of experience with superstar players demanding to be traded, both with the New York Knicks (Carmelo Anthony) and the Orlando Magic (Dwight Howard), so he dove deep into what the Philadelphia 76ers are facing with James Harden, what might have created the tension between player and front office, and what might happen if Embiid decides he also wants to be somewhere else.

Vinnie and Scott, a couple of Detroit natives who grew up rooting for the Pistons, finish the podcast by talking about the young team that has started the season 2-1. They have high hopes for both Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, and Monty Williams already seems to have this team pointed in the right direction, but it’s very early.

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76ers turn away Harden, Wemby’s 1st game & LeBron’s minutes restriction | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 22:35:11 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine react to everything they’ve seen in the first two nights of the 2023-24 NBA season, including Victor Wembanyama’s first real action and a possible minutes restriction for LeBron James.

00:00 - HELLO FRIENDS!

01:45 - James Harden vs. the 76ers

09:40 - Wembanyama’s 1st game

22:10 - Jokic is unstoppable

26:45 - LeBron’s minutes restriction

31:45 - The new-look Celtics

38:30 - Jake’s Magic

In this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine react to everything they’ve seen in the first two nights of the 2023-24 NBA season, but not before diving into the story about the Philadelphia 76ers refusing to let James Harden join the team on their road trip to Milwaukee.

After that, Jake & Dan give the people what they want: More Victor Wembanyama talk! They talk about the good, and the bad, from Wemby’s debut against the Dallas Mavericks and explain why everything that was “bad” is easily fixable for the 19-year old and Gregg Popovich.

Nikola Jokic picked up right where he left off, as the best basketball player on the planet, and dominated Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers. Can anyone stop him on his way to a third MVP award?

LeBron James only played 29 minutes against the Denver Nuggets, and it sounds like head coach Darvin Ham is attempting to keep LeBron on a minutes restriction this year. Is it because of his age? Is it to try and get more out of the minutes when he’s on the court? And what the heck are the Lakers going to do when LeBron is on the bench?

The Boston Celtics, against the New York Knicks, looked as advertised. They are more talented than they’ve been in recent years, which is saying a lot, but they’re also not very deep. Can this group stay healthy playing big minutes all season long?

Finally, after one game, Jake has fallen in love with this year’s Orlando Magic roster. And, more specifically, Cole Anthony. He explains why he already loves this team and how their future can go in almost any direction depending on how they want to construct the team.

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5 NBA players facing "Make or Break" seasons | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Heading into Wednesday night’s full slate of NBA games, Vincent Goodwill lists 5 players that he believes will have their reputations irreparably harmed if they don’t have a good season.

00:00 - Welcome to the Good Word!

02:05 - What was your 1st NBA jersey?

05:40 - Joel Embiid

12:30 - Luka Doncic

16:35 - Trae Young

19:10 - Kawhi Leonard

23:10 - Ja Morant

On this solo episode of the Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill lists 5 NBA players that he believes are facing a crucial juncture in their careers and need a good season to save or build their reputation around the league. But not before he and producer John talk about the first NBA jerseys they owned as kids.

Joel Embiid, the target of rumors that would send him to the New York Knicks for a package of players and first-round draft picks, finally won his MVP but he’s still waiting on substantial playoff success. The world will be watching, and putting a negative label on him, if he can’t find a way to get deeper in the postseason his year.

Luka Doncic is already starting to feel the wear and tear of so much usage, can he learn how to be an effective player without the ball in his hands? The same question applies to Trae Young, who has a new head coach and might need to be used differently than how it has been so far in his career.

Kawhi Leonard is one of the 75 greatest NBA players of all time, but can he be the superstar that the Clippers launch the Intuit Dome with? He’ll first have to prove that his body is able to stay healthy through a full NBA season and postseason.

Finally, Ja Morant will start this season suspended by the league for 25 games. As long as that’s it and he’s the same electrifying player he’s been once he gets back, he’ll have nothing at all to worry about. However, up until now, Ja has shown enough signs of self destruction to be worried.

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Jason Concepcion on the Knicks’ playoff chances, taunting & James Harden | Devine Intervention

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

On the very first episode of Devine Intervention, Dan Devine is joined by Jason Concepcion (Binge Mode, NBA Desktop, Six Trophies, etc.) to talk about their feelings around the New York Knicks.

00:00 - Count me in!

05:20 - New York Knicks talk

25:25 - Fill in the blank

36:15 - Who is the best big man ever?

39:50 - Weekly recommendations

Welcome to Devine Intervention, a self-help basketball podcast. On the very first episode, Dan Devine is joined by Jason Concepcion so that they can discuss their feelings around the team that they love: The New York Knicks.

Both Dan and Jason are hopeful about where the Knicks are and where they are heading, but that doesn’t remove the fear that the team could slip right back into old habits and the whole thing could crumble from beneath their feet.

Also, what is going to make this Year 5 different from previous stops where Tom Thibodeau’s Bulls and Timberwolves fell apart and left him on the outside looking in? And didn’t he almost get fired last season? Jason offers up a compelling argument and a bit of hope that things will be different in New York.

After talking about the Knicks, we move on to a fun round of “Fill in the blank” to help preview the NBA regular season (starting tonight!), debate who the best big man of all time is and offer up some recommendations for listeners that might help get their thoughts in a better place.

We enjoy making the show and we can only hope that you enjoy listening to it.

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Bomani Jones on Wembanyama, Harden & Terry Stotts | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Bomani Jones for a conversation that travels all the way around the NBA, from Victor Wembanyama to James Harden to the Milwaukee Bucks and more, before Dan Devine shows up to talk through Level 1 of our NBA Levels project.

00:00 - Welcome to the show, Bomani Jones!

04:25 - Victor Wembanyama

19:25 - James Harden

31:55 - Terry Stotts leaves MIL

35:55 - Youth vs. Veterans

43:55 - 5 Questions

48:10 - NBA Levels - Level 1

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Bomani Jones to talk about relaunching The Right Time with Bomani Jones and all things NBA heading into an exciting regular season.

Vincent and Bomani spend a good chunk of time talking about Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama, who is already doing things in the preseason that feel impossible and might be the best thing to happen to the NBA because many will be tuning into his regular season games.

James Harden has been taking personal days away from the Philadelphia 76ers and seems stuck without a way out to the Los Angeles Clippers, who have shown only tepid interest and may not have a spot for him in the starting lineup anyway.

Former Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts resigned from the Milwaukee Bucks because he did not want to be answering to rookie head coach Adrian Griffin, leading Vince to wonder if associate head coaches are a good thing to have and leaving Bomani to wonder what Terry was expecting in the job to begin with.

After talking about if this is the year that youth finally overtakes the veterans for dominance in the NBA, Bomani leaves and is replaced by Dan Devine, who goes through the six guys in Level 1 of our NBA Levels project. These are the guys capable of being the best player on a championship team this year…so why is Luka Doncic on this list?

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10 most interesting players in the West & Shea Serrano joins the show | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 22:57:28 +0000

After doing their 10 most interesting players in the Eastern Conference last week, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine are back to give you their 10 most interesting players in the Western Conference this week. Later, Dan Devine interviews Shea Serrano and makes a big announcement.

00:00 - Hello friends!

02:25 - The 10 most interesting players in the West

03:15 - D’Angelo Russell

08:20 - Zion Williamson

13:00 - Peyton Watson

17:15 - Chris Paul

22:00 - Keegan Murray

26:10 - Karl Anthony-Towns

33:00 - Jalen Green

36:15 - Bradley Beal

38:45 - Chet Holmgren

42:45 - Ja Morant

47:00 - Shea Serrano joins the show!

69:00 - Introducing: Devine Intervention

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine run through their 10 most interesting players in the Western Conference heading into the 2023-24 NBA season.

Will Chris Paul fit in with the Golden State Warriors? Will Zion Williamson find a way to stay healthy? Will Peyton Watson live up to the hype? Will Chet Holmgren be the thing that finally vaults the Thunder into the playoffs? There are a lot of questions surrounding these guys, and that’s what makes them interesting!

Later, Shea Serrano from the Six Trophies podcast joins the show and talks with Dan Devine about what it’s like to be a San Antonio Spurs fan after the team landed Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Draft, as well as which all-time NBA player he wished he could transport into the modern day NBA.

Finally, Dan has a big announcement to make about his new podcast, Devine Intervention. He does his best to explain the premise of the show and Jake promises to listen.

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George Gervin talks ABA influence & Jake Fischer talks NBA Levels - Level 2 | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:49:45 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is first joined by one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, George “The Iceman” Gervin, to talk about his upcoming biography before being joined by Jake Fischer to discuss the players in Level 2 of our NBA Levels project.

00:00 - Introduction

01:30 - The Iceman, George Gervin

23:20 - NBA Levels: Level 2

24:30 - Joel Embiid

27:40 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

30:20 - LeBron James

32:40 - Jimmy Butler

36:30 - Kawhi Leonard

With one week left until the start of the NBA season, Vincent Goodwill is joined by two guests on this episode of The Good Word.

First up is George “The Iceman” Gervin, one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, who has a biography coming out and spends time talking with Vince about the ABA’s influence on the modern NBA and his desire to see retired NBA players become mentors for the current crop of young players. They also talked about why he made the decision not to join the Showtime Lakers and why he doesn’t regret that decision at all.

Next, Yahoo’s own Jake Fischer joins the show to run through the players that landed in Level 2 (“Robin Cosplaying as Batman”) in our NBA Levels project. Find out why Joel Embiid and LeBron James are not ranked higher, and why Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may not be done climbing up the levels of NBA players.

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10 most interesting players in the East & Chet vs. Wemby | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 21:42:27 +0000

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine give you their thoughts from the Thunder/Spurs preseason game that saw rookies Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama take each other on before revealing their lists of the 10 most interesting players in the Eastern Conference heading into the season.

The guys kick off the show with Dan telling the story of his camping trip, the same one he previewed in last week’s episode, because it explains why he wasn’t able to watch the exciting preseason game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs live.

While it was just a preseason game, there was a lot to take away from the first matchup between this year’s #1 overall draft pick (Victor Wembanyama) and last year’s #2 overall draft pick (Chet Holmgren). While both players are still very raw, Jake and Dan agree that they are a sign of the NBA’s evolution and a preview of the NBA’s future.

Both Jake and Dan were tasked with picking their 5 most interesting players in the Eastern Conference heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, leaving us with a list of 10 players (and one head coach) to talk about as a way to preview the upcoming regular season, which is just two weeks away.

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Fantasy basketball preview & NBA Level 3 | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 9 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Vincent Goodwill sits down with Dan Titus for a quick preview of the fantasy basketball landscape before fantasy managers head into their drafts. Then, Dan Devine joins the show to discuss Level 3 in Yahoo Sports’ “NBA Levels” project.

00:00 - Introduction

01:25 - Old faces, new places

15:05 - Fantasy sleepers

18:20 - The Skinny Bowl

20:15 - Rookies to target

24:15 - NBA Levels - Level 3

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill welcomes our fantasy basketball guru (Dan Titus) onto the show to answer some questions during draft season for fantasy basketball managers.

How much does it change a player’s value to be switching teams and environments? We dig into what fantasy expectations there are this season for Chris Paul, Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal.

Does Dan have any fantasy sleepers he is willing to share with us? Thankfully, yes! Including one player heading into free agency next offseason and another one that just got paid a bunch of money to avoid free agency.

Vince and Dan discuss “The Skinny Bowl”, which is our name for much heralded matchup between Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs, and Dan tells us which guy he prefers in fantasy (along with a handful of other rookies that he is willing to take a shot on this season).

Finally, we get to “Level 3” in our NBA Levels project. The Yahoo Sports staff voted their top 40 NBA players into 4 distinct tiers, with Level 3 being the supporting character. These are All-NBA caliber players that are not good enough to win a championship as a team’s best player, but the type of player that is on almost every championship squad. Find out who made the lists of Vince Goodwill and Dan Devine, and what factored into their voting process.

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Harden returns to 76ers, Embiid joins team USA & NBA preseason odds | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 5 Oct 2023 21:47:02 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine go through all of the NBA news of the day, including Joel Embiid joining Team USA and James Harden reporting to 76ers training camp, before playing a game and digging through preseason odds.

00:00 - Camping banter

04:10 - James Harden reports to 76ers camp

08:05 - Joel Embiid joins Team USA for 2024 Olympics

16:00 - Spurs sign Devin Vassell to 5 yr/$146M extension

23:40 - Over/under game

49:25 - Fun with NBA preseason odds

On this episode of No Cap Room, we quickly find out that Dan Devine has never been camping, a streak that will end in just a matter of days.

Speaking of reporting to camp, James Harden has traveled to Colorado to report to Philadelphia 76ers camp. Is there a chance for reconciliation between the disgruntled star and the team’s from office?

Joel Embiid spent the last few months deciding between joining the olympic basketball team for USA or France for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. This morning, he announced that he will be joining Team USA, filling a major weakness that the team had trouble with at the FIBA World Cup this offseason.

The San Antonio Spurs signed young wing Devin Vassal to a contract extension worth up to $146 million over 5 years. Before to gawk at the price tag, let Jake and Dan tell you why it was a great move for the Spurs with a good chance of becoming a value contract soon.

The NBA preseason kicked off today in Abu Dhabi, so the guys decided to come up with some fake over/under and pick their sides as a way to preview the upcoming season. They also dug through the preseason MVP odds, as well as the preseason championship odds, and wondered if there was another 2022-23 Denver Nuggets team or another player like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that could surprise the league this year.

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Jrue Holiday traded to Celtics, RIP superstar free agency & introducing NBA Levels: Level 4, the missing pieces | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 2 Oct 2023 11:00:00 +0000

Vincent Goodwill breaks down the trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics over the weekend, discusses the end of superstar free agency and the myth of player empowerment, and is then joined by Jake Fischer to discuss level 4 of our NBA Levels project.

00:00 - Jrue Holiday traded to the Celtics

05:30 - The end of superstar free agency / The myth of player empowerment

32:00 - NBA Levels - Level 4

Vincent Goodwill opens up this episode of Good Word with Goodwill from his hotel room in Milwaukee, where he is reacting to Sunday’s trade that sent Jrue Holiday from the Portland Trail Blazers to the Boston Celtics. The Celtics are seemingly going all-in on this upcoming season, and the Blazers GM is seemingly being very petty in sending his best players to the rivals of the Miami Heat, and Vince loves to see both of those things happening.

Damian Lillard’s trade from Portland to the Milwaukee Bucks seems like an inflection point in both superstar free agency and player empowerment, of lack there of. Vince goes through the history of superstar free agency, pointing to how LeBron James and Kevin Durant have handled it in the past, and then explains why it can never happen like that again under the current CBA. Is it good for the game? Is it bad for the game? That’s probably for fans to decide on their own.

Finally, Jake Fischer joins Vince to go through level 4 of Yahoo Sports’ NBA Levels project. This level is for specialists that could be the final piece added to a championship contender, and it is certainly filled with players that almost every NBA team would love to add to their roster.

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How and why Damian Lillard was traded to the Bucks | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 21:01:25 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine go deep into the Damian Lillard trade to find out why the Blazers didn’t want to send him to Miami, which teams are vying for Jrue Holiday, and whether the Suns got better or worse.

01:20 - Damian Lillard traded to the Milwaukee Bucks

15:45 - Toronto Raptors

22:00 - Jrue Holiday trade sweepstakes

32:10 - Portland Trail Blazers

44:30 - Phoenix Suns

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake and Dan go deep to find out how the 3-team trade that landed Damian Lillard on the Milwaukee Bucks came together and why the Portland Trail Blazers refused to trade him to the Miami Heat, going so far as to stop communication with Lillard and his agent while they shopped him around the league.

The guys also discuss those Toronto Raptors rumors that popped up a few days before the trade, saying that they were real, but explaining why that trade was very unlikely to happen.

Jrue Holiday is now a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll stay there for long. Just about every team in the NBA will be calling them to try and make a deal, but Jake has an idea of a three-team trade between the Blazers, Clippers and 76ers that could be a slam dunk for all three teams.

The Portland Trail Blazers will certainly look a lot different next season. Dan explains why DeAndre Ayton will get a new role in Portland and why he still has some reservations about how the talent on this team fits.

The Phoenix Suns didn’t necessarily get better in this deal, but there’s a sense that they like the fit of Jusuf Nurkic better than what they had in DeAndre Ayton. Dan and Jake talk through that fit and Jake explains why the Suns could also be in the mix to add Jrue Holiday.

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

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BREAKING: Damian Lillard traded to Milwaukee Bucks in 3-team deal | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 21:19:34 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Dan Devine for a quick reaction to the 3-team trade that sent Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers (along with DeAndre Ayton), and Jusuf Nurkic and Grayson Allen to the Phoenix Suns.

The guys talk about how Giannis Antetokounmpo’s statements over the offseason, where he said that he would only stay in Milwaukee if the team was a title contender, made this trade happen and explain the difference between player empowerment (Jrue Holiday getting traded a day after saying he wants to be in Milwaukee for the rest of his career) and superstar empowerment.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat spent their offseason waiting for their trade for Damian Lillard to go through. What the heck do they do now that the Bucks swooped in and stole their prized offseason target?

There is going to be a ton of pressure and expectations on the Milwaukee Bucks, who have a first-year head coach in Adrian Griffin, to win the Eastern Conference Finals this year. Who else in the east could possibly challenge them?

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Giannis & loyalty in the modern NBA | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 17:22:20 +0000

In the first solo episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill talks through loyalty in the modern NBA, specifically as it relates to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks.

Before signing with the Golden State Warriors, Kevin Durant re-signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder on the day of LeBron James’ “Decision” and was labeled the “loyal superstar” for a few years before leaving OKC for California. Since then, the “loyal superstar” label has been given to Giannis.

Nearing 30 years old, Giannis is starting to think of himself as an older player and also starting to worry about his legacy and how much time he has left as a championship-level player.

The Milwaukee Bucks recently saw an ownership change, which isn’t typical of a championship-level team with a superstar-level player. Are there already concerns in Milwaukee that Giannis is going to leave? Should they consider trading him before he hits free agency?

If Giannis were to end up with another franchise, Vinnie wonders if the next “loyal superstar” that everyone will start circling around is Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks.

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LeBron, Durant & Curry focus on 2024 Olympics after FIBA World Cup | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 21:32:15 +0000

Jake Fischer is back from Manila and he rejoins Dan Devine in Brooklyn to talk about the NBA passing a new rule to prevent teams from resting their stars, the results from the FIBA World Cup and LeBron James trying to recruit a team of superstars to go to the Olympics in 2024.

00:00 HELLO FRIENDS

02:15 New NBA rules on resting players

12:50 FIBA World Cup recap

32:10 LeBron & friends headed to the Olympics?

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake returns from Manila with a cold (but without sleeves) to talk with Dan about everything that has happened around the NBA in the last week.

They start with some breaking news, that the NBA’s Competition Committee voted to create new rules that penalize teams for resting too many superstar players. Dan points out that there are exceptions that make it pretty easy for superstar players to continue to rest, but this system will make the NBA more palatable for gamblers.

Jake and Dan also talk their way through the FIBA World Cup, including what Team USA can learn from Germany (who won gold) and how Canada’s performance (they won bronze) is a sign of good things to come for both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Dillon Brooks.

Finally, after Team USA failed to medal at the FIBA World Cup, LeBron James announced that he wanted to return to Team USA for the 2024 Olympics in France. He also announced that he had reached out to Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green and many other veteran superstars in an attempt to recruit them to join him. Will that be enough for USA to continue to take home gold in the Olympics or has this group of stars aged out

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Marc Spears on Ben Simmons, CP3 on the Warriors & The Conversations Project | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 7 Sep 2023 19:13:07 +0000

Marc Spears, Senior NBA Writer for ESPN and Andscape, joins Vincent Goodwill for a fun conversation about Ben Simmons’ physical and mental well-being, Marc’s show on Hulu and Chris Paul’s challenges in fitting in with the Golden State Warriors.

00:00 - Welcome, Marc Spears!

04:50 - Ben Simmons

18:40 - The Conversations Project

38:00 - Chris Paul & the Warriors

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Senior NBA Writer for ESPN and Andscape, Marc Spears.

After a brief conversation about the G-League Ignite, who are loaded with prospects that could end up in the lottery of next year’s NBA Draft, the guys discuss the topic of Marc’s latest article for Andscape: Ben Simmons. The former #1 overall pick, and three-time NBA All-Star, Simmons has moved his offseason home and changed his workout routines, with positive results. Simmons looks, feels and sounds like the player he was before having back surgery, but can he overcome his mental hurdles?

Marc recently launched The Conversations Project, a TV show centered around black people having intelligent conversation while eating their way through a three-course meal. He talks about how the show came to be and what his hopes are with it going forward.

Finally, being a Bay Area guy, Marc gets grilled by Vince on the Chris Paul experiment on the Golden State Warriors. Will he start? Will he be able to take a backseat to the established veterans that have won multiple titles without him? Or will the egos be too much for the team to handle?

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Team USA dominates again & Giannis makes the Bucks nervous | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 21:46:59 +0000

Jake Fischer, from Manila where he’s covering the FIBA World Cup, joins Dan Devine (not in Manila) to talk about Team USA’s 3-0 record, Steve Kerr’s coaching and Giannis making the Milwaukee Bucks fans nervous.

00:00 - HELLO FRIENDS

02:25 - FIBA World Cup updates

28:30 - Giannis makes Bucks fans nervous

39:00 - All eyes on Luka Doncic

44:45 - Joel Embiid (and James Harden)

53:00 - Jake’s Vietnam story

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer returns from vacation and joins the show from Manila, where he’s currently covering Team USA’s performance at the FIBA World Cup.

Jake shares with Dan Devine (and the listeners!) all sorts of news and analysis coming out of USA’s drubbing of Jordan, including a change to the starting rotation by Steve Kerr that paid off in a big way. We also discuss some of the other undefeated teams that USA will undoubtedly have to come up against going forward.

Giannis Antetokounmpo made some Milwaukee Bucks fans nervous with a quote in the New York Times last week about valuing winning over loyalty to a single team. It was definitely a message sent to the Bucks’ front office, but Jake says it’s a message that did not catch the Bucks by surprise.

Keeping in mind the next round of NBA superstars that teams are watching, just in case a trade request is made, Dan and Jake talk about Luka Doncic and how quickly everything could go sour with Kyrie Irving and the Dallas Mavericks if their offseason moves don’t pan out.

Jake pours some cold water on the idea that a Joel Embiid trade request could be coming for the Philadelphia 76ers, and then explains why it is perfectly reasonable for James Harden to consider himself a superstar worthy of a trade demand.

Finally, before we end the show, Jake regales us with a story about traveling from Thailand to Vietnam without having the necessary paperwork.

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LA Clippers deep-dive with Law Murray | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 21:28:55 +0000

Law Murray, who writes about the Los Angeles Clippers for The Athletic, joins Vincent Goodwill to discuss the team’s offseason and whether or not James Harden is destined for Hollywood.

01:10 James Harden

11:30 Kawhi & PG13

16:25 Harden to LAC?

22:00 Tyronn Lue

38:25 LAC predictions

48:25 Best all-time PG

On this episode of The Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by The Athletic’s Law Murray to discuss all things Los Angeles Clippers.

The episode starts with a conversation about James Harden, who is working hard against 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey to try and get traded to the Clippers. Harden and Morey have been linked together for the last 10+ years and we probably should’ve expected it to end like this.

The Clippers have not offered Kawhi Leonard an extension and they are not likely to offer one to Paul George, either. That leaves them with a “Last Dance”-like season ahead of them, where the Clippers have one shot to win it all or the team gets blown up before moving into the Intuit Dome.

Would James Harden be exactly what the Clippers need? Possibly! Maybe even probably! They have already shown that they’re looking for a big guard that can facilitate their offense and take some burden off of Leonard and George, but navigating around the Harden-Morey issues might prove to be too difficult.

Ty Lue has been one of the best coaches in the league for years now, and he showed off that talent by getting a lot out of Russell Westbrook at the end of last season. He could likely do the same for Harden, but no matter what he will be fine. There are plenty of teams around the league that would sign him the moment the Clippers let him walk.

Law gives us some predictions for the upcoming Clippers season, including some healthy fear about the state of the rest of the western conference, before saying goodbye and giving Vinnie a chance to talk about Steph Curry going on Gilbert Arenas’ podcast to talk about the best point guards of all time.

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76ers deep-dive with John Gonzalez | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 22:42:12 +0000

Longtime sports journalist and Philadelphia sports fan John Gonzalez joins Dan Devine for an episode all about the Philadelphia 76ers, including James Harden’s war against the front office in an effort to get traded and what it means for Joel Embiid’s future.

01:30 James Harden vs. Daryl Morey

31:35 Will Joel Embiid request a trade?

45:00 Reasons for optimism

On this episode of No Cap Room, Dan Devine is joined by longtime sports journalist and Philadelphia sports fan John Gonzalez to talk about all things Philadelphia 76ers.

The guys start with James Harden’s public comments about the team’s President of Basketball Operations, Daryl Morey, from earlier this week. In addition to creating such a difficult spot for the team, removing all of his own leverage while demanding a trade, he’s also permanently creating a legacy of off-court troubles after now trying to force his way out of a third team in four years.

If Harden doesn’t play for the Sixers this season, it raises some real questions about their viability as a title contender this year and going forward. How close does that bring the team to a potential trade request from reigning MVP Joel Embiid? He has already stated that he would go to another team if it meant winning a title, and now he’s removed references to the 76ers from his social media profiles.

Finally, the guys go through some thought exercises. First, they attempt to find silver linings and reasons for optimism for 76ers fans. Then, they dive into the multi-verse and give John a chance to play the role of Daryl Morey in an attempt to fix this mess.

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Do the New York Knicks have a bright future? | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 9 Aug 2023 22:00:14 +0000

New York Knicks shooting guard/small forward Josh Hart inked a four-year extension with the team on Wednesday morning, keeping him in blue and orange until 2028. Paired with Julius Randle & Jalen Brunson, Hart helped lead the team to their first playoff series win in a decade.

On this episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Yahoo's Vincent Goodwill welcomes in SNY's Chelsea Sherrod to take a closer look at the New York Knicks and determine if more playoff wins are ahead for the squad...or if a second-round exit is their ceiling.

The pair chat about Josh Hart's extension, whether Julius Randle needs a diminished role, the addition of Donte DiVincenzo & if adding Donovan Mitchell in the future is still a possibility.

Closing out the show, Vincent asks Chelsea about the NBA's new push for NFL-style competitive parity and if it'll really be good for the league to have a scattershot collection of one-off NBA champions rather than the nearly 40-year recent history of mini-dynasties collecting NBA championship gold like the Lakers, Celtics, Bulls, Spurs & Heat.

1:55 - Josh Hart's extension & his pairing with Julius Randle

12:35 - Will the Knicks target Joel Embiid in the future?

21:50 - Presidents of the Jalen Brunson fan club

30:40 - Adding Donte DiVincenzo & is Donovan Mitchell still in the cards?

39:55 - NBA's desire for NFL-like parity

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Toronto Raptors deep-dive with J.E. Skeets | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 2 Aug 2023 22:00:09 +0000

With Jake Fischer on vacation, Dan Devine is joined by J.E. Skeets of the No Dunks podcast to talk about the latest update on Damian Lillard’s trade request, retired jersey numbers and the very interesting Toronto Raptors.

03:00 Damian Lillard trade update

13:28 Jeanie Buss promises to retire LeBron’s Lakers jersey

19:20 Toronto Raptors deep-dive

Jake is on vacation, so Dan is leading this episode of No Cap Room, and he’s joined by J.E. Skeets from the No Dunks podcast to go through the news of the day (there isn’t much!) and to do a deep-dive of the Toronto Raptors.

First, the guys discuss the NBA’s memo, sent in response to Damian Lillard’s agent telling other teams that he’s only interested in playing for the Miami Heat. Then they discuss the rumored trade package that Miami has added to in hopes of landing the superstar point guard from Portland.

Then, while discussing the news of Jeanie Buss saying that the Los Angeles Lakers will retire LeBron James’ jersey, the guys talk about which players have had their jerseys retired by the most teams and some weird situations where players had their jerseys retired by teams they never even played for.

Finally, J.E. Skeets is here to be our Toronto Raptors expert. He talks with Dan about the state of the roster and front office, explains the optimistic point of view heading into this season for the Raptors, and talks about what he would do if he were handed the keys to the franchise.

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Detroit Pistons deep-dive with James Edwards III | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 23:24:50 +0000

Vincent Goodwill welcomes James Edwards III from The Athletic to the Good Word with Goodwill podcast to talk about Jaylen Brown’s massive contract extension, Bronny James’ health scare and the Detroit Pistons.

07:20 Jaylen Brown’s 5 yr/ $304 million contract extension

19:10 Bronny James

23:35 Detroit Pistons deep-dive

56:25 Parity in the NBA

Vincent Goodwill kicks off this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast by going through the news of the day with James Edwards III from The Athletic, which means talking about the contract extension Jaylen Brown signed with the Boston Celtics - the richest in NBA history.

Without much news to share, Vince and James also talk about the scary story of Bronny James collapsing and going into cardiac arrest at a USC basketball practice and how it is a wake up call to all involved.

With two guys from Detroit on the podcast, we had to spend a lot of time digging into the Pistons. Vince and James talked about the celebrated history of the Pistons, but also the way in which it has bred impatient fans even as the team is in rebuild mode.

There’s plenty of youth on the roster, and we spend plenty of time profiling Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Isaiah Stewart.

Finally, the new CBA looks like it is going to limit the dynastic teams that we’ve seen run the league the last decade or three. Will parity be a good thing for the league? Is it good for the fans?

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Joel Embiid trolls the 76ers plus offseason winners & losers | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 21:40:00 +0000

The No Cap Room is back with Jake Fischer and Dan Devine, and they spend the second half of today’s episode talking about the biggest offseason winners, losers and wild cards after the free agency/draft dust has settled. But first, they need to discuss Joel Embiid, James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers.

03:00 Philadelphia 76ers

30:00 Offseason winners

43:00 Offseason losers

52:30 Offseason wild cards

This episode of No Cap Room kicks off in Philadelphia, where Joel Embiid made waves after saying that he wants to win a championship but implied that he’d be willing to leave the 76ers to accomplish that goal.

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine discuss the James Harden stare down the Sixers are currently locked in and explain how that is effecting Embiid, as well as how Embiid is hanging over the Harden situation.

In the 2nd half of the episode, Jake and Dan each pick a “winner” amongst NBA teams that had a good offseason and explain why they feel that way. They then follow this formula and list off a couple of “loser” franchises that stood still this offseason, or maybe moved backwards, before listing a couple of “wild card” teams that they’re not sure what to make of yet.

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Main characters of the 2023-24 NBA season & guest T'Wolves HC Chris Finch | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 02:22:12 +0000

From NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Jake Fischer and Vincent Goodwill talk about the stories that have hung over the proceedings and about who they think will be the main characters of the next NBA season.

01:45 HOT JAKES

07:00 The main characters of the 2023-24 NBA season

07:30 Damian Lillard

12:30 Joel Embiid

18:30 LeBron James

21:00 Marcus Smart

25:30 Chris Paul

28:40 Kyrie Irving

32:50 Detroit Pistons

37:30 Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch

On their final day at NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Jake Fischer and Vincent Goodwill talk about their least favorite parts of the city (the traffic!) and what the buzz around town has been this week.

They then try to predict who the “main characters” of the 2023-24 NBA season will be, based on where everything is right now. Obviously, where Damian Lillard is playing basketball will be a major talking point, but so will the legacy and reputation of Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

Marcus Smart is switching teams and filling a big leadership vacuum in Memphis, along with Derrick Rose. How will the young Grizzlies, and specifically Ja Morant, respond?

Chris Paul is joining a Warriors team that has, historically, hated him. He’s also going to be playing with bench units for the first time in his career. How will he handle that?

Kyrie Irving inked a new deal with the Dallas Mavericks, and Vince thinks Jason Kidd will use this to coach Kyrie harder than he did last season. Will the Mavs turn themselves into perennial contenders as a result?

Finally, Vince explains why adding Monty Williams isn’t immediately going to turn around the Detroit Pistons, although it is a good start.

In the second half of the episode, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, who has a few main characters on his roster as well, sits down with Jake Fischer to talk about what he sees in the future of his young squad and why he’s so excited for Anthony Edwards to play in the FIBA World Cup.

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Most impressive rookies at the 2023 NBA Summer League | On The Clock with Krysten Peek

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 11 Jul 2023 02:40:01 +0000

Yahoo Sports' Krysten Peek and Jake Fischer give their takeaways from watching the rookies at the 2023 NBA Summer League, including Victor Wembanyama, Amen and Ausar Thompson, Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller and many more.

3:30 - Victor Wembanyama bounced back from a bad game one and some negative press surrounding the Britney Spears situation to have a solid performance in game two. Both hosts agree it's not even close to time for concern about Wembanyama.

7:50 - Scoot Henderson put on a show going up against Amen Thompson, and impressed Jake with the way he stepped up as a leader on the team. KP thinks it's possible that Scoot Henderson will be more productive than Wembanyama early in their careers.

13:50 - Brandon Miller has been a bit of a let down so far coming off only eleven points in the first game. Jake wonders if the Charlotte Hornets are already having some buyers remorse in taking him over Scoot Henderson. On the bright side, it appears Miller and teammate LaMelo Ball are already building good chemistry on the court.

19:15 - Last year's second overall pick Chet Holmgren is back on the court after missing last season, and he looks great so far. The history of red-shirt rookies winning Rookie of the Year is a pretty encouraging sign for Holmgren in 2023.

30:35 - More rookies: KP and Jake give updates on Cam Whitmore, Keyonte George and Ausar Thompson, who have all impressed early.

39:30 - Lightning round: KP and Jake finish things off by speeding through a few additional takeaways, including the Los Angeles Lakers rookies, Colin Castleton, Max Lewis, Emani Gates, the Denver Nuggets and more.

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Summer League 2023: Amin Elhassan & Dan Titus | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 04:42:58 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined first by Amin Elhassan, and later by Dan Titus, to discuss Victor Wembanyama’s impressive 2nd game at Summer League and (of course) the Damian Lillard trade rumor mill.

04:00 Victor Wembanyama’s 2nd game

09:20 Gregg Popovich gets paid

13:00 Damian Lillard to MIA trade

27:00 The NBA Cup

30:00 Fantasy basketball preview with Dan Titus

Vincent Goodwill is back with another episode of Good Word with Goodwill, this time from the concourse of the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas following Victor Wembanyama’s 2nd Summer League game.

Amin Elhassan joins Vince for the first half to the episode, talking about what he saw from Wembanyama, why he think Gregg Popovich is going to coach for years to come, what the status is of the Damian Lillard trade, and who the NBA Cup tournament is really for.

Yahoo Sports fantasy basketball analyst Dan Titus joins the show next and uses his insight to tell us which rookies to draft, and which to avoid, as well as which players he suspects will have big jumps (or falls) in their fantasy performance in the upcoming season.

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Best/worst free agent signings & the reshaped Houston Rockets | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 5 Jul 2023 20:45:25 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine are back with another No Cap Room, and this time they’re breaking down the best and worst NBA free agent signings before doing a deep dive into the Houston Rockets’ offseason.

01:25 Best Free Agent Signing

08:15 Best Value Free Agent Signing

13:50 Worst Free Agent Signing

19:00 Biggest Free Agent Head-Scratcher

29:30 Most Interesting Restricted Free Agents

35:00 Houston Rockets

On this episode of No Cap Room, Jake and Dan recap free agency using superlatives. First up, they each explain which free agent signing they thought was the best one and why.

Next, they erase the context of teams and discuss which free agent contract offers the best overall value for the team that signed it.

The worst free agent contract and the worst value free agent contract created a lot of overlap, so the guys combined those two and spent a lot of time talking about Jerami Grant’s role with the Portland Trail Blazers in the post-Damian Lillard world.

There were a few head-scratching moves in free agency, but perhaps the biggest one was the Sacramento Kings freeing up cap space and then not really using it. Dan has a theory as to why they might not have been as aggressive as everyone expected.

After going over the few available restricted free agents left, the guys dive deep into the Houston Rockets, who have quickly become one of this offseason’s most interesting teams. After signing Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and (free agency winner) Jock Lansdale, what can we expect from the young prospects that still litter their roster?

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Damian Lillard, James Harden request trades & making sense of free agency’s first 72 hours | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 3 Jul 2023 19:57:50 +0000

Vincent Goodwill is joined by Sam Amick from The Athletic to tackle all of the NBA news from the first few days of free agency, including trade requests from both Damian Lillard and James Harden.

03:00 Damian Lillard demands a trade from POR

19:40 James Harden opts-in with PHI, asks for a trade

33:40 NBA Free Agency Recap

On a brand new episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by Sam Amick from The Athletic to talk about all of the offseason NBA news that is swirling in the first 72 hours of free agency.

First, the guys discuss the news of Damian Lillard requesting a trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, preferably to the Miami Heat. Vince and Sam discuss Dame’s legacy in Portland, explain why this is different from other NBA trade requests that we’ve seen in the past, and wonder how (and if) the Blazers are going to trade him to the Heat and get a good return.

Next up, James Harden has once again requested a trade, this time from the Philadelphia 76ers. He would prefer to go to the Los Angeles Clippers, who seem to have a package that would make sense, but the question is whether the Sixers feel obligated to send him to his preferred destination after a little over one year of being in Philadelphia.

Vince and Sam spend the second half of the podcast picking out some highlights from the first few days of free agency, including the Houston Rockets signing Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks, before using Kyrie Irving’s new deal with the Dallas Mavericks to explain that free agency isn’t always about the team getting the best deal possible.

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NBA free agency preview & Damian Lillard trade rumors | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:24:08 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine preview NBA free agency in the days leading up to the frenzy, discussing the most interesting teams and the players that are going to get overpaid.

05:00 Damian Lillard trade saga (?)

09:30 The free agent belles of the ball

29:00 Big free agents sound like they’re staying put

41:50 Most interesting teams in free agency

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine get together for another episode of No Cap Room, this one providing a full preview of NBA free agency in the days before it begins.

However, the entire league is waiting to see what is happening with Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers. Whether he’ll be traded, and where, will have a domino effect on the rest of the league and will cast a shadow over all of this offseason’s free agency.

There are a few players that are in such high demand heading into free agency that they’re likely to earn more money than many would expect, we’re calling the the belles of the ball. Jake and Dan go through some of their favorites and explain why these players are being recruited by so many NBA teams.

Many of the league’s highest profile free agents are likely to stay with the team they have been on already, although some news breaks during the recording that casts some doubt on where James Harden and Kyrie Irving could end up.

Finally, Dan put out his list of the most interesting teams heading into free agency, so Jake counters with his own (shorter) list of the teams he will be watching in the first few days of free agency and explains why.

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Wemby is a star, Scoot’s role in Portland & Bronny James at USC | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 19:29:01 +0000

Vincent Goodwill sits down with Yahoo’s NBA Draft expert, Krysten Peek, to recap the 2023 NBA Draft before looking ahead to what’s coming in the 2024 NBA Draft.

01:45 Victor Wembanyama

06:25 Brandon Miller

10:40 Scoot Henderson

13:55 College basketball vs. G-League vs. Overtime Elite

19:45 Depth of the 2023 NBA Draft

23:00 Biggest surprises from 2023 NBA Draft

26:45 Jaime Jaquez Jr.

29:55 NBA Draft media criticisms

35:55 Bronny James at USC

38:55 2024 NBA Draft

42:40 Gradey Dick’s suit

Vincent Goodwill chats with Yahoo Sports NBA Draft analyst Krysten Peek about her experience at the 2023 NBA Draft and her 2024 mock draft.

First, Vincent and Krysten talk about how impressive Victor Wembanyama was on draft night with the media and raved about how polished he already appears to be.

Brandon Miller’s selection did not get rave reviews from Charlotte Hornets fans, and Scoot Henderson’s selection appears to complicate things for Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers, so they talk about those as well.

Talk of the Thompson twins, drafted 4th and 5th, leads to a conversation about Overtime Elite and the G-League Ignite and what those new paths to the NBA means for the future of college basketball.

After talking through some of the surprises of the 2023 NBA Draft, including less trades than predicted, Vince and Krysten talk about the criticism that women face when trying to cover the NBA Draft and how KP tries to shield herself from it.

When talking about the 2024 NBA Draft, they talk about Bronny James and what should be a very fun and interesting USC Trojans basketball team this season.

And then, of course, they talk about Gradey Dick’s suit from draft night.

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CP3 to the Warriors, Porzingis/Smart trade reaction & 2023 NBA Draft recap | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 15:30:15 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine wake up early the morning after the 2023 NBA Draft to recap the winners and losers, as well as react to one trade that sent Chris Paul to the Suns and another that reshaped the Celtics and Grizzlies.

02:50 Celtics trade Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis

17:20 Warriors trade Jordan Poole for Chris Paul

28:30 2023 NBA Draft Recap

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine wake up early the morning after the 2023 NBA Draft to recap the winners and losers, but they kick the show off with a recap of the trade that sent Marcus Smart to the Memphis Grizzlies and Kristaps Porzingis to the Boston Celtics.

While the deal looks to improve Boston on paper, and maybe from a versatility standpoint, there is definitely going to be a leadership vacuum in the Celtics locker room and that could end up hanging over the team next season. Meanwhile, Marcus Smart is exactly what the Grizzlies have needed for a while.

The guys move on to the other big pre-draft trade, this one sent Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards and sent former Warriors-enemy Chris Paul to Golden State. Dan speculates on how the Warriors might plan on using CP3, while Jake implores fantasy basketball players to draft Jordan Poole.

Finally, the guys recap the 2023 NBA Draft in full. They talk about Victor Wembanyama’s affinity for breakfast tacos, the Hornets playing games heading into the draft, Gradey Dick’s very bright suit, Cam Whitmore’s long night (and how it could be a positive thing) and a lot more.

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Final NBA Draft rumors with Jake Fischer | On the Clock with Krysten Peek

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 21:47:07 +0000

Yahoo Sports' Krysten Peek and Jake Fischer join forces to analyze the biggest rumors leading up to the 2023 NBA Draft, which kicks off June 22. Krysten and Jake use info acquired from inside sources to discuss possible surprise picks, blockbuster trades and more.

00:50 - KP welcomes in Jake Fischer and the duo discuss their different approaches to acquiring inside information about the draft, and how they go about separating fact from fiction.

10:30 - The hosts go pick by pick through the top of the draft and give their latest insider scoop on what each pick could be, particularly with the Charlotte Hornets at #2 overall and the Portland Trailblazers at #3 overall. Later, KP and Jake discuss other key picks in the first round.

23:55 - Trades! The duo analyze the latest trade between the Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers before talking about which teams we could see try to trade up or down.

31:15 - Which prospects could be selected earlier or later than expected? Jaime Jacquez Jr, Olivier Maxence-Prosper and Kobe Bufkin are potential risers, while Derek Lively and Nick Smith Jr. may be waiting to hear their name called longer than expected.

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Wizards trade Bradley Beal to the Suns | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 19 Jun 2023 16:17:07 +0000

Vincent Goodwill hits all elements of the trade that will reportedly send Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and some future picks.

00:50 Bradley Beal traded to PHX

03:35 Do the Suns fit?

07:40 DeAndre Ayton’s future in PHX

14:00 Chris Paul to L.A.?

23:15 Wizards reaction

24:55 Damian Lillard

Vincent Goodwill jumps on an emergency Juneteenth episode of Good Word with Goodwill to break down the major trade that will reportedly send Bradley Beal from the Washington Wizards to the Phoenix Suns.

How will the Phoenix offense function without Chris Paul? Will Devin Booker and Bradley Beal be able to play with each other despite playing the same position?

DeAndre Ayton might also be on his way out of Phoenix, that’s yet to be determined, but the Suns can’t risk having him derail another season or playoff run when their window of opportunity is so limited.

The Beal trade hasn’t been completed yet because the Wizards are looking for another team to take on Chris Paul, and there are rumors that he could end up being sent to the Lakers or Clippers. Vince discusses those possibilities and fits.

The Wizards seem to be going full tank mode after this, and Vince calls on his producer to figure out if this is something the Washington fans are happy with.

Finally, Damian Lillard looms large over the Beal trade, especially with the Miami Heat puling out of a potential trade package for Beal. Do they know something that the rest of us don’t? We’ll have to wait and see what the Trail Blazers do with the #3 overall pick before we’ll know for sure.

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Ja Morant suspended 25 games & Mike Dunleavy Jr. new Warriors GM | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 18:56:22 +0000

One day after the Denver Nuggets celebrated their championship on the streets of Colorado's capital, the NBA dropped a huge piece of news that changed the tenor of the offseason. Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games to kick off the 2023-2024 season after an incident this spring in which he was seen brandishing a firearm on a social media post.

Vincent Goodwill launches straight into this emergency podcast taping with Dan Devine as they talk about the gravity of Morant's second suspension this year, how the Grizzlies may fare without their star for the first third of the season and how the NBA's investigation into Morant may have yielded results that suggest the gun incidents are just the tip of the iceberg with his off-court behavior.

Later in the podcast, the guys react to the news out of San Francisco, where Mike Dunleavy Jr. has been named the successor to Bob Myers in the role of the Golden State Warriors' new GM. Vincent & Dan make the point that a lot of Golden State's extravagant bills are suddenly coming due, particularly in regards to the future of Draymond Green & Klay Thompson, in Dunleavy's first year on the job.

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What is the trade value for Beal, CP3 & Zion? | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 21:16:31 +0000

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine are back with their first episode after the end of the 2022-23 NBA season and that means…it’s trade season! The guys talk through the trade rumors and whispers and the value of guys like Bradley Beal, Chris Paul and Zion Williamson.

02:00 Celebrating the Nuggets

06:00 Bradley Beal trade value

23:00 Chris Paul trade value

31:00 Zach LaVine trade value

41:00 Zion Williamson trade rumors

51:00 VIBE CHECK: Philadelphia 76ers

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine kick off this week’s No Cap Room with a celebration of the Denver Nuggets and some stories about the team employees that nobody ever sees but get to celebrate the championship all the same.

After that, we dive head first into trade rumors. The Wizards and Bradley Beal are looking for a trade partner, so the guys discuss what his value should be and a couple of teams that could end up being fits for him.

Chris Paul and the Suns are also looking for a trade partner, but it’s also likely that he’ll become a free agent in two weeks, so why would any team give up anything to get him now?

Jake reports that the Chicago Bulls have been calling teams to see if they might be interested in Zach LaVine, but the asking price that they have is way higher than it should be. The guys discuss LaVine’s value before deciding that he’ll probably just stay with the Bulls.

Finally, we bring back the vibe check and check in on the Philadelphia 76ers, who are waiting with baited breath to see what James Harden decides to do this offseason before they know how they’re going to build next year’s team around Joel Embiid.

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NBA Draft risers and fallers with Jonathan Wasserman | On The Clock with Krysten Peek

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 17:38:51 +0000

Yahoo Sports' Krysten Peek is joined by Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report to discuss the upcoming NBA Draft, rumors around the New Orleans Pelicans trading Zion Williamson and the draft's biggest risers and fallers. Later, KP has Wass make the call between two players for the Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Utah Jazz and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

1:00 - KP and Wass kick things off by talking about the NBA Draft in general and how draft season has gone for both, including the rumor mill and how smokescreens get started, whether or not to trust Vegas when it comes to the draft and whether or not they believe the rumor that the Pelicans could be looking to trade Zion Williamson. Since it's a strong draft class this year and very top-heavy with talent, both expect this could be a year where we see some trades go down.

15:00 - Biggest risers and fallers of the NBA Draft: KP and Wass point out Derek Lively, Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Ben Sheppard as potential risers, and Keyonte George and Jett Howard as players who could fall on draft day.

24:15 - Draft battles: KP has Wass pick between two players for a few of the teams that could have the toughest decisions in front of them in the draft. First Wass picks Amen Thompson over Cam Whitmore for the Rockets at fourth overall. Then, he prefers Jarace Walker over Taylor Hendricks for the Pacers at seventh overall and Gradey Dick over Hendricks for the Jazz at ninth overall. The duo round out the segment by selecting Derek Lively over Bilal Coulibaly for the Thunder at pick twelve.

36:00 - Is there any chance we see Victor Wembanyama play in the summer league? Wasserman says there's little to no chance, as teams want to to take increased steps to protect top prospects, especially ones with potential injury concerns.

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Nuggets are champs, defeat Heat 4-1 in NBA Finals | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:31:13 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Dan Devine, soaked in champagne from the Denver Nuggets celebration, get together to recap a gutsy game 5 victory and a dominant series win for the new NBA Champions over the Miami Heat.

01:00 Nuggets 94, Heat 89 (DEN wins 4-1)

07:45 Michael Malone

11:40 KCP

13:30 Jimmy Butler

19:20 Nikola Jokic

33:30 Nuggets dynasty?

42:30 Miami’s future

Vincent Goodwill and Dan Devine sit down courtside at Ball Arena after the Denver Nuggets clinched the NBA Championship in game 5 of the Finals over the Miami Heat to talk about the game, the series, and the future of both franchises.

When searching for answers for why the Nuggets are champions, beyond “Nikola Jokic is amazing”, the guys settled on the patience and perseverance of the Nuggets front office and head coach Michael Malone.

Vince and Dan look back at the trade that brought Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Nuggets, a trade that wasn’t very popular when it took place, and how he ended up being a perfect fit for what they were building.

Jimmy Butler might be injured, or just tired, but he didn’t look like what we expected him to be in the series. Really, he didn’t look like he had anything left to give until the final few minutes of game 5. And he spent the entire series avoiding Jokic in the paint.

Speaking of Jokic, the guys spend a few minutes talking about his greatness and wondering if any player in NBA history would be able to stop him 1-on-1. But just because he’s great now doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the start of a Nuggets dynasty.

Finally, the Miami Heat have to be tired of getting close but not winning the title. Could losing in the Finals be the thing that leads them to pursue a trade for Damian Lillard?

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NBA Finals Game 4 Reaction | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 06:47:26 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Ben Rohrbach get together after another dominant win by the Denver Nuggets to talk about what happened in game 4 and what we can expect from the Miami Heat in game 5.

01:00 Nuggets 108, Heat 95 (DEN 3-1)

04:05 Jimmy Butler

08:15 Jamal Murray

17:40 Aaron Gordon

22:30 Game 5 preview / adjustments

Following another dominant win by the Denver Nuggets, who are not just one win away from their first NBA championship, Vincent Goodwill and Ben Rohrbach talk about what happened in game 4 in Miami.

Jamal Murray is having the historic Finals run that many expected from Jimmy Butler, and he’s breaking and setting all kinds of records with his playmaking and scoring. On a night when Nikola Jokic was dealing with an ankle injury, Murray helped to seal the win for the Nuggets.

Aaron Gordon was arguably the most important player for the Denver in game 4, leading to a conversation about the perfect fit between Gordon and the Nuggets roster. Vince and Ben talk about the trade that brought Gordon to Denver from the Orlando Magic and how it helped build a championship roster.

Finally, they guys preview game 5, which will be in Denver on Monday. There are not many things the Heat can try that the Nuggets haven’t already seen and countered, and Tyler Herro doesn’t look ready to play. If Miami is going to win, it’s likely going to take a special game from one of their superstars.

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NBA Finals Game 3 Reaction | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 8 Jun 2023 06:45:55 +0000

Jake and Dan are suited up for game 3 of the NBA Finals. After the Denver Nuggets ran away with the victory, stealing back home-court advantage, the guys talked about the historic pairing of Jokic-Murray and what Miami needs to do to make the series even.

01:50 Nuggets 109, Heat 94 (DEN leads 2-1)

11:00 Jamal Murray

16:35 Christian Braun

20:20 Miami Heat

22:45 HOT JAKE: Kevin Love

27:00 Suns discussing Chris Paul’s future

36:20 Kyrie recruiting LeBron to Dallas

On a brand new episode of No Cap Room, Dan calls in from the arena floor after watching the Denver Nuggets stomp the Miami Heat in game 3 of the NBA Finals.

The guys talk about the Nuggets winning, and taking back home court advantage, from all possible angles. Jokic and Murray have definitely been the best duo in the playoffs this year and that was the main reason for Denver’s win on Wednesday night.

Christian Braun, the rookie who comes off the bench for the Nuggets, was shouted out by Jokic after the game as the reason for Denver’s win. His energy has made him a great option for Michael Malone, who is starting to trust Braun more than Michael Porter Jr.

It’s clear now that Miami has one path to beating the Nuggets, which is to knock down three-point shots at a high rate. They did it in game 2, but struggled with it in games 1 and 3. Can they get it back for game 4?

Finally, Jake and Dan talk about the news of the day. Mainly, the changing situation with Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns, which might tie into Kyrie Irving’s free agency and desire to get to the Los Angeles Lakers to play with LeBron James again.

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Adam Finkelstein on Amen & Ausar Thompson | On the Clock with Krysten Peek

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 6 Jun 2023 19:58:44 +0000

Yahoo Sports NBA analyst Krysten Peek is joined by 24/7 Sports Director of Scouting and College Basketball Insider for CBS Sports HQ Adam Finkelstein to dive into Amen and Ausar Thompson, two identical twins who will likely be selected early in the NBA Draft this year.

2:44 - KP and Adam kick things off by breaking down the Thompson twins as players and what sets them apart both on and off the court.

14:20 - Next, the duo attempt to determine which Thompson twin is the better prospect overall. They both have their strengths and weaknesses – Amen is probably the better athlete, while Ausar is the better defender. The biggest concern for both players is their shooting. Both players may be high risk/high reward type prospects, but Amen seems to be more boom or bust than his brother.

19:05 - KP and Adam focus on one brother at a time, starting with Amen. Amen is usually going higher in mock drafts because of his superstar upside. Adam breaks down Amen's athletic ability and flashes on tape that indicate he has the potential to be a star at the NBA level.

23:45 - Next up is twin brother Ausar. Adam believes Ausar could be an immediate impact defender at the NBA level and shows a lot of promise as a cutter, which helps make up for his lack of shooting ability.

30:20 - Adam and KP react to clips from Krysten's interview with the Thompson twins as they discuss their unique experience not playing at the college level, where they'll be drafted and who they model their game after.

41:45 - What are the best possible fits for Amen and Ausar? Adam likes the Portland Trailblazers as a potential landing spot for Amen, but dislikes the fits with the Detroit Pistons. KP likes Amen with the Houston Rockets. Ausar's best fit would be with the Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards or Indiana Pacers.

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NBA Finals Game 2 Reaction | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 5 Jun 2023 06:29:13 +0000

Vincent Goodwill and Jake Fischer talk about the Miami Heat taking game 2 of the NBA Finals and how it happened before turning their sights on the NBA coaching carousel, which saw Frank Vogel hired in Phoenix and Sam Cassell joining Joe Mazzulla’s staff in Boston.

00:00 Heat 111, Nuggets 108 (Series tied 1-1)

23:55 NBA Coaching Carousel

Vincent Goodwill, from the floor of Ball Arena, hosts a special episode of Good Word with Goodwill following Game 2 of the NBA Finals. The Miami Heat, whom everyone had given up on, stole the game and home court advantage away from the Denver Nuggets by playing in the mud.

The guys go over how the Heat pulled off the upset and what it means for game 3, as well as the rest of the series.

Vince and Jake also discuss some of the recent news regarding NBA coaches. Frank Vogel was hired to be the new head coach of the Phoenix Suns, but Kevin Young (who was a finalist for the job) was given a new contract that makes him the highest paid assistant coach in the league. Vince is worried that it might set up for a bad situation for the incoming coach.

Right before game 2 of the Finals, news broke that Sam Cassell would be joining Joe Mazzulla’s staff in Boston. That gives Vince and Jake a chance to go over what went wrong with the Celtics’ coaching staff this season, how they probably should’ve handled it instead, and what the addition of Cassell can do to help their team next season.

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NBA Finals Game 1 Reaction | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 2 Jun 2023 07:14:24 +0000

Jake and Dan are up late after the Denver Nuggets torched the Miami Heat in game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals and they’re ready to talk about it, along with going through some of the major NBA news items of the day.

02:40 Nuggets 104, Heat 93 (DEN leads 1-0)

25:15 Pistons hire Monty Williams

38:40 Adam Silver on Ja Morant

Following game 1 of the NBA Finals, which saw the Denver Nuggets cruise to an easy home victory on the back of a very efficient offensive night from Nikola Jokic, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine jumped on the pod to talk about it.

After talking about what happened in game 1 and what the Miami Heat need to change heading into game 2, the guys find time to talk about Monty Williams’ massive new deal to become the head coach of the Detroit Pistons and how that will change the landscape for other coaches around the league that are looking for new contracts.

Finally, Adam Silver held a press conference and spoke vaguely about the upcoming penalties that will be levied against Ja Morant after the NBA Finals are completed. Dan was there and tells us about the vibe in the room, along with the follow-up questions.

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Fran Fraschilla on Scoot Henderson vs. Brandon Miller | On the Clock with Krysten Peek

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 31 May 2023 19:22:01 +0000

Fran Fraschilla joins Krysten Peek for another great episode of On the Clock. We covered Victor Wembanyama last week, so this week the episode is focused on the two guys who seem to be battling to become the #2 overall pick.

3:10 - First up is Scoot Henderson, who joined the G-League as a 17 year old and has all of the skills and makeup of a future all-NBA point guard. Would he fit with the Charlotte Hornets, who have the #2 pick and LaMelo Ball as their long-term answer at PG? What about the Portland Trail Blazers, who have a future Hall of Fame PG in Damian Lillard and might be looking to contend rather than bringing along a prospect slowly?

22:20 - After talking about Scoot, Krysten and Fran turn their attention to Brandon Miller. He gets a lot of comparisons to Paul George, and has a perfect shooting form to go with great defense and length, but he also has some off-the-court issues stemming from an incident with a gun and a teammate last year. While he’d be a nearly perfect fit for the Charlotte Hornets roster, they might shy away from another player that would create backlash from off-the-court issues.

41:00 - At the end, Fran and KP talk about what they would do if they were the Hornets sitting at #2. It sounds like NBA fans should be ready for some potential trades at the #3 spot, and Hornets fans might want to prepare themselves for an offense with two point guards that can lean on each other instead of taking the entire load of the offense on one set of shoulders.

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Stan Van Gundy on Celtics’ roster, Nuggets vs. Heat Finals, Joel Embiid & more | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 30 May 2023 21:28:32 +0000

Former NBA head coach and current broadcaster Stan Van Gundy joins Vincent Goodwill for a look back at the Eastern Conference Finals, a look ahead to the NBA Finals, and a discussion about teams changing head coaches.

01:55 Heat 103, Celtics 84 (MIA wins 4-3)

13:30 Joe Mazzulla

22:40 Nuggets vs. Heat NBA Finals Preview

26:30 How will MIA defend Jokic?

32:50 Jimmy Butler vs. the Nuggets defense

35:40 Tyler Herro

41:40 NBA coaching carousel

48:50 76ers hire Nick Nurse

53:50 Warriors GM Bob Myers resigns

Stan Van Gundy, fresh off calling game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on TNT, joins Vincent Goodwill for a look back at the series and some comparisons between himself and Boston Celtics’ rookie head coach Joe Mazzulla.

After that, the guys get into a preview of the NBA Finals, where Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat will try to once again win a series in the playoffs where they are the underdog against a team with much more talent on the roster. Stan explains how he thinks Erik Spoelstra will try to limit Nikola Jokic, and what he would tell his defense if they were going up against Jimmy Butler.

Tyler Herro, who has been cleared for basketball activities but has not yet returned to play, is one more card that the Heat have in their back pocket should they decide they need him. Stan played a similar card, bringing back Jameer Nelson for the 2009 NBA Finals, and he explains what that decision process was like.

As a coach who has lost his job more than once, Stan has some thoughts on an offseason that has seen some of the league’s most successful coaches fired by teams that they had turned around or won championships with. He thinks it’s crazy, he doesn’t get it, and he uses the 76ers hiring Nick Nurse to replace Doc Rivers as a jumping off point to explain why changing the coach doesn’t change much at all for your team.

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LeBron’s tired, Mazzulla’s staying & the Wizards might be tanking | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 25 May 2023 21:50:01 +0000

The No Cap Room is back and, this time, they’re explaining why a lot of other people are wrong. The perception of LeBron James is wrong, the rumors around Joe Mazzulla are wrong, and the talk about legacies in the NBA is obviously wrong. Listen to find out why!

02:25 Lakers & LeBron James

18:10 Celtics-Heat Game 5

38:50 Wizards hire Clippers GM Michael Winger

52:30 Pistons coaching search

55:30 HOT JAKES

The show kicks off with some discussion about the weather in NYC before the guys get right into basketball, talking about LeBron James flirting with retirement and how that got overblown by a lot of people in the media. Dan thinks there’s a much simpler explanation of what LeBron was saying and why he was saying it.

After talking about the offseason decisions facing the Los Angeles Lakers, the guys transition to talking about the Boston Celtics and whether there’s anything to the rumors of the team looking for a new head coach after Joe Mazzulla’s rookie season.

Former Los Angeles Clippers GM will be taking over as the man in charge of the Washington Wizards (as well as the WNBA Mystics and the G-League Go-Go) and has, reportedly, been given authority to tear down this roster and start over. Will that lead to a Bradley Beal trade this offseason? Maybe, but it’s a big contract to try and get rid of.

Jake breaks some news, telling listeners who the two finalists are to take over as the head coach of the Detroit Pistons and offering some insight into which guy is favored by the GM and which one is favored by the rest of the front office. After the Wizards hire a GM, expect the Pistons and Bucks to move quickly to fill their open head coaching positions.

Finally, we get to some Hot Jakes. This week, we’re focused on basketball. Jake is aggravated by the people who seem sad about a potential Nuggets/Heat Finals and is also wondering if we can learn a thing or two about discussing legacy after seeing how Carmelo Anthony was regarded after his retirement.

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The Victor Wembanyama Episode | On the Clock with Krysten Peek

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 24 May 2023 22:57:02 +0000

This episode of On the Clock with Krysten Peek is all about the presumptive #1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft: Victor Wembanyama.

1:10 - First, KP chats with Kevin Danna, who was hired to call Victor’s games in France from his home in California for the NBA app. The NBA purchased the rights to the French league’s games strictly to make Victor’s games more accessible for the American audience, which says a lot about how global the sport is becoming and how little we used to know about international players entering the draft.

Kevin talks a lot about how much Victor cares about winning, playing, and his teammates. He also tells us about his favorite Wemby highlights and some of the players on the same team that are now on the radar of NBA GMs heading into the draft that otherwise would not have gotten noticed.

30:30 - We’re then joined by Tim Martin, who has been working as Wembanyama’s trainer since early 2020 and has seen a gangly 15 year old kid grow into a 19 year old basketball phenom that seems ready to take the NBA by storm.

With Victor being maybe the most hyped prospect in NBA history, Tim and Krysten talk a lot about the pressure that is being put on him and why he has the right mentality to overcome it rather than being buried by it.

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Celtics’ locker room rift, Jimmy’s HOF credentials, Nuggets’ patience & Melo retires | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:13:33 +0000

Jared Greenberg from TNT and NBA TV joins Vincent Goodwill for a fun episode of Good Word with Goodwill where the guys discuss problems in the Celtics locker room, Jimmy Butler being different, how the Nuggets built their team and the retirement of Carmelo Anthony.

01:30 Miami Heat up 3-0 over Boston Celtics

09:50 Celtics’ locker room rift

22:55 Jimmy Butler’s Hall of Fame credentials

37:55 Nuggets take 3-0 lead over the Lakers in WCF

49:30 Are the Lakers good?

59:40 Carmelo Anthony retires from the NBA

After getting blown out by the Miami Heat last night, this episode of the Good Word with Goodwill podcast starts with Vincent Goodwill and NBA TV’s Jared Greenberg talking about what is wrong with the Boston Celtics and if there are problems in the locker room that could lead to big shifts this offseason.

But the guys eventually come back around to the Miami Heat and, specifically, Jimmy Butler. Vincent tells a story from his time covering Jimmy on the Bulls and concludes that Butler has already played himself into the Basketball Hall of Fame through his playoff exploits.

The Denver Nuggets look like the most complete and dominant team in the playoffs so far, taking a 3-0 lead into Los Angeles against the Lakers tonight, and part of that is due to the patience they have had with their roster and coaching staff. Through every failure, they’ve learned and grown and now they could be set up for a dynastic run.

Speaking of the Lakers, the guys aren’t sure if the Lakers are good or if the Grizzlies and Warriors just imploded at a time that worked out great for LeBron James and Anthony Davis. They’re also a little worried about what Rob Pelinka might do to this roster in the offseason.

Finally, we couldn’t end the podcast without paying some respect to the most underrated player of his generation: Carmelo Anthony. He announced his retirement from the NBA earlier today, leaving him 11th in points scored all-time. He never won a ring, and that could end up being his legacy, but let’s not let that get in the way of appreciating his impressive offensive game.

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Playoff Jimmy, Jokic vs. Hachimura & behind the scenes at the NBA Draft Lottery | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 18 May 2023 21:41:55 +0000

Jake and Dan are back with another fun episode of No Cap Room where they discuss “Playoff Jimmy” as a folk hero throughout time, Rui Hachimura as “The Jokic Stopper”, the best open head coaching jobs and Jake’s time at the NBA Draft Lottery and Combine.

02:45 ECF: Celtics vs Heat (MIA 1-0)

07:00 Playoff Jimmy

20:10 Spoelstra vs. Mazzulla

25:00 WCF: Nuggets vs. Lakers

39:35 NBA Draft Lottery & Combine

44:10 Coaching Carousel

49:40 Which open job is the best one?

Jake and Dan kick off this episode of “No Cap Room” with a look at the Eastern Conference Finals, which started last night with another epic performance from Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat to take home court advantage away from the Boston Celtics.

Dan digs into the numbers to explain why “Playoff Jimmy” is a real thing, and Jake theorizes as to why Jimmy Butler denies it.

After digging into the coaching mismatch in the Eastern Conference Finals, the guys switch their attention to the moves and countermoves that the coaching staffs of the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers are making when it comes to Nikola Jokic against L.A.'s defense.

Jake is in Chicago, where he was able to attend the lottery drawing for the NBA Draft and the NBA Scouting Combine, and he tells us all about what (and who) is being talked about amongst the front office members in town.

Finally, a lot of really great NBA head coaches are currently without a job and five NBA franchise are still looking for a head coach. Dan and Jake rank the jobs, from best to worst, and end up in a debate about what a head coach should be looking for in their next job.

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2023 NBA Draft Lottery Reaction | On the Clock with Krysten Peek

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 17 May 2023 05:11:57 +0000

Immediately following the 2023 NBA Draft Lottery, Yahoo Sports NBA Draft Analyst Krysten Peek sat down with Matt Babcock from Draft Digest for a reaction to the top picks and to go over some winners and losers from the night.

1:30 - We start with the big news: French phenom Victor Wembanyama is likely headed to the San Antonio Spurs, who now own the #1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Krysten and Matt talk about what an incredible prospect "Wemby" is, how he'd be able to fit in with any roster, and the Spurs' ready-made roster of young talent that fits around him.

6:10 - The Charlotte Hornets got the 2nd pick in the draft, which means they need to make a decision. Do they go with Scoot Henderson, who is likely the 2nd best player in the draft, or with Brandon Miller, who would be a better fit in an offense where everything runs through LaMelo Ball?

11:00 - The Portland Trail Blazers are sitting at 3, likely ready to take whichever player the Hornets don't take between Scoot and Miller, but what are they trying to do? Do they want young talent to build with or a veteran team to contend with Damian Lillard? That's a conversation they'll need to have before draft day.

13:35 - Then we have the teams that tanked for (almost) nothing. The Houston Rockets and the Detroit Pistons have the 4th and 5th picks, respectively, but they have to be disappointed to not have one of those top 3 selections.

26:50 - Krysten brings it back around by talking about the impending rivalry between Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, which will start with a race for Rookie of the Year next season, and explains how excited she is to watch that matchup for years to come.

38:05 - After talking a bit about what NBA teams will be looking for between now and the actual draft, Krysten and Matt end by giving their biggest winners and losers from the night.

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David Aldridge on Warriors/76ers offseason plans, Conference Finals preview, Ja Morant & WNBA Season Preview | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Tue, 16 May 2023 05:04:45 +0000

NBA reporting legend David Aldridge joins Vince Goodwill to preview the Conference Finals, talk through what’s next for the Warriors and 76ers and discuss Ja Morant getting in trouble with a gun again. Cassandra Negley joins the show to preview the 2023 WNBA season.

05:20 Warriors offseason

14:00 Western Conference Finals: Nuggets vs. Lakers

26:00 76ers fallout

36:00 Eastern Conference Finals: Celtics vs. Heat

39:30 Ja Morant

55:25 WNBA Season Preview

We have a certified legend on the show this week in David Aldridge, and he sits down for an all-encompassing conversation with Vince Goodwill about everything currently going on in the NBA.

The guys start by talking about the reigning champion Golden State Warriors, who face a lot of serious roster-building questions this offseason and might just want to run in back again. Can they keep trying to build a young core to go with their veteran group?

Then we turn our attention to the Denver Nuggets, who look unstoppable, and the Los Angeles Lakers, who might have the historic defense needed to stop the Nuggets. Anthony Davis is going to need to do it all if the Lakers are going to make it to the Finals, but can he stay healthy while doing so?

Before jumping into the Eastern Conference Finals, David and Vince talk their way through a collapse by the Philadelphia 76ers against the Boston Celtics and what it means for the future of the franchise (and Joel Embiid).

The Celtics definitely have more talent than the Miami Heat, but they’re coming off a long series where they used up a lot of their energy. Will they be able to handle a ferocious Heat team that plays as hard as any in the league? Can Joe Mazzulla hang with Erik Spoelstra in terms of coaching?

Ja Morant is once again in the news for flashing a gun on Instagram Live, leading to a thorough conversation from Vince and David about Ja’s future and why he doesn’t compare very well to Allen Iverson.

Finally, Yahoo Sports WNBA writer Cassandra Negley joins the show to help preview the upcoming season. It’s a battle of the superteams in the WNBA, but many eyes are watching to see if Brittney Griner can return to her MVP-level of play after a year in a Russian prison.

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Warriors vs. AD, Knicks’ young core, All-NBA & Jaylen Brown | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 11 May 2023 23:36:02 +0000

With Jake in Phoenix ready to attend Suns-Nuggets, the guys talk through last night’s Warriors win over the Lakers, the Knicks stepping up at MSG, how the All-NBA teams will affect the Boston Celtics and more.

04:00 Warriors 121, Lakers 106 (LAL leads 3-2)

11:30 Anthony Davis’ concussion

18:20 Knicks 112, Heat 103 (MIA leads 3-2)

38:25 All-NBA Teams

43:00 Jaylen Brown

52:00 HOT JAKES

Jake and Dan start off this episode of No Cap Room by talking about their shared experiences at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday night before switching to the Golden State Warriors winning game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers and how important Anthony Davis has become in that series.

Later, the guys get back to the New York Knicks and talk about what a great spot that franchise is in after they decided to sign Jalen Brunson in free agency over trading away their young core to acquire Donovan Mitchell.

The All-NBA teams are out, and Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown made the 2nd team. That’s great news for him, especially because it means that he is now eligible for the supermax contract extension this offseason, but it might be bad news for the Celtics in the face of changes in the CBA.

Finally, we have “Hot Jakes”, where Jake fires off his hot takes from his travels around the league. This week, he’s got takes on the Denver Nuggets in-arena music and flight attendants.

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Marcus Thompson on Warriors/Lakers, Draymond’s future, Jokic’s expectations & playoff coaching | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 8 May 2023 20:35:47 +0000

Marcus Thompson from The Athletic joins Vince Goodwill to talk their way through the 2023 NBA Playoffs, with some extra time spent on the present and future of the Golden State Warriors and their star players (Steph Curry, Draymond Green & Klay Thompson).

01:45 Steph Curry

10:20 Draymond Green

17:30 Devin Booker

22:00 Nikola Jokic

28:50 Heat up 2-1 over Knicks

32:50 Steve Kerr

36:10 76ers-Celtics are tied 2-2

Marcus Thompson from The Athletic joins Vince Goodwill to talk their way through the 2023 NBA Playoffs, starting with Steph Curry and what fans should be expecting from him heading into Game 4 against the Lakers tonight.

Draymond Green isn’t just vital to the Warriors’ chances of winning, Marcus says that they can’t win without him. Which version of Draymond shows up tonight and what does his future hold if another team offers him more money in free agency than Golden State is willing to?

Devin Booker has arguably been the MVP of the 2023 NBA Playoffs (so far), and Vince sees a comparison between Booker and Steph Curry that he lays out before the conversation turns to former 2-time MVP Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Did Jokic know he was pushing the Suns owner? Why are we always talking about his legacy? And why are we expecting Jokic to, at some point, win a championship?

It’s obvious how important coaching has been through the first couple rounds of the NBA Playoffs, but it is most noticeable in the Heat/Knicks series where Erik Spoelstra is doing a wonderful job of leading a series with far less talent on his team. That leads the guys back to Steve Kerr, and how he has become a better coach since the first run of titles he had with the Warriors.

Finally, the guys end with a conversation about the very talented 76ers and potential redemption for James Harden as a playoff superstar. There’s a path for Philadelphia to win a title this year, but it will depend on Harden (and Doc) showing up and proving playoff doubters wrong.

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Embiid’s flopping, Anthony Davis is the Lakers’ best player & Jimmy vs. MSG | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 4 May 2023 21:12:11 +0000

Jake and Dan are back with another fun episode of No Cap Room, this time taking a deeper dive on all four playoff series before recapping Jake’s night at the NBA Replay Center with the most interesting man in basketball.

01:25 Celtics 121, 76ers 87

04:30 Why did Joel Embiid play in game 2?

13:10 Heat / Knicks (1-1) headed to Miami

25:00 Lakers up 1-0 on Warriors

32:00 Patrick Beverley & Russell Westbrook want their rings

37:40 Nuggets up 2-0 on the Suns

45:25 Jake at the NBA Replay Center

Joel Embiid declared himself back for the Philadelphia 76ers after winning the MVP Award, but that didn’t help his team to avoid getting drubbed by the Celtics in Boston. Was it just rust or should the 76ers be worried? And will Joel hurt himself further trying to flop his way to the free throw line?

Jimmy Butler flipped off the MSG crowd after game 2, so Jake and Dan believe he’ll be back in game 3, but we’re waiting to see how healthy he is and what kind of home court advantage the Heat have in Miami. Speaking of, are we sure MSG offers the Knicks a home court advantage?

The Los Angeles Lakers have the best defense in the league and are looking a lot like the 2020 championship team when Anthony Davis plays like he did in game 1. Do the Warriors have any way to stop him if he stays healthy through this series? If the Lakers win it all, Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley have both said that they want their championship rings…after trashing the team on their way out the door. Shameful or smart?

The Denver Nuggets deserve some apologies from doubters after looking like a much better team in their series against the Phoenix Suns, and things should be even easier after Chris Paul’s groin injury. Was the trade for Kevin Durant a mistake for Phoenix?

Finally, Jake spent a night at the NBA Replay Center for a story and ended up fascinated by the entire process and, more importantly, the most interesting man in basketball: Monty McCutchen.

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Jason Goff on Steph Curry’s legacy, ‘Playoff Jimmy’ & LeBron vs. Draymond | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 1 May 2023 20:21:21 +0000

Jason Goff, who does pre-game and post-game TV coverage for the Chicago Bulls and hosts The Full Go podcast about Chicago sports, joins Vincent Goodwill the morning after Steph Curry’s 50pt game 7 performance against the Kings to talk about everything going on before the 2nd round of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

04:00 - Warriors 120, Kings 100

15:20 - Curry vs. Durant

17:40 - Curry vs. Magic/Isaiah

20:10 - Late-MJ Bulls vs. today’s Warriors

27:20 - Curry vs. LeBron

35:25 - LeBron vs. Draymond

39:30 - Jimmy Butler

47:20 - Knicks vs. Heat

Jason Goff stops by the show to talk about…well, everything with Vincent Goodwill.

Much of the conversation centers around Steph Curry and how much the 50pt game 7 against the Sacramento Kings boosts his own place in NBA history, and how it compares to the legacies of other great point guards (Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas) along with his contemporaries (LeBron James, Kevin Durant).

All of this leads to a comparison between the current Golden State Warriors and the Chicago Bulls during their final championship run with Michael Jordan, two teams that learned how to win even after their physical traits started to fade.

Vince talked with Draymond Green about playing against his friends on the Los Angeles Lakers and how that factors into the intensity that he usually plays with, leading to a conversation about the right way to play basketball against your closest friends.

Finally, Jimmy Butler may not be healthy but he’s still making a huge impact in the playoffs. Can he be healthy enough to drag the Heat to another series win, this time against Jalen Brunson, Julius Randle and the New York Knicks?

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Heat defeat Giannis & the Bucks, LeBron’s out of gas & what’s next for the Clippers | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 21:49:35 +0000

00:50 - Heat 128, Bucks 126 (OT)

18:30 - Giannis press conference

28:00 - Knicks 106, Cavaliers 95

40:40 - Grizzlies 116, Lakers 99

49:45 - Warriors 123, Kings 116

55:15 - Clippers disaster

Jake Fischer and Dan Devine are back and running on caffeine after a long, exciting night of NBA Playoffs action. Jimmy Butler and the #8 seed Miami Heat took care of Giannis Antetokounmpo and the #1 seed Milwaukee Bucks in just 5 games after coming back in the 4th quarter yet again.

After the game, Giannis talked with the media about what is, and what isn’t, a failure when you’re an NBA player. That has stirred up a lot of conversation, including a very interesting one between Jake and Dan.

The New York Knicks bludgeoned the Cleveland Cavaliers in 5 games for another playoff upset, but the guys spend most of the time talking about the unenviable situation the Cavs find themselves in heading into the offseason and how their biggest roster weakness ended up becoming the focal point of the Knicks’ defense.

The Memphis Grizzlies are now 1 win away from sending their series against the Los Angeles Lakers to 7 games, and that may be bad news for LeBron James and an aging Lakers roster. LeBron is already not looking quite like himself and Dan is wondering how much he’s got left in the tank.

The Golden State Warriors have roared back from down 0-2 to take a commanding 3-0 lead against the Sacramento Kings. It’s not that the Kings are playing poorly, it’s more like the dynasty has finally woken up and the Warriors look impossible to beat with all of their starters now healthy and playing at a high level.

Finally, the Los Angeles Clippers are out of the playoffs and Kawhi Leonard has yet another knee injury. What do we expect from them this offseason? Do they have any other option but to run it back with this same group and hope for better health?

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J.A. Adande on LeBron passing the torch to AD, superteams, the Knicks & Phil Jackson | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 24 Apr 2023 20:11:53 +0000

Longtime NBA reporter, columnist & ESPN personality J.A. Adande, who is now the Director of Sports Journalism at Northwestern University, joins Vince Goodwill for a fun conversation that covers parts of the NBA Playoffs but also veers into the philosophy of the game itself.

04:30 - Lakers / Grizzlies

17:30 - Clippers / Suns

26:30 - Bucks / Heat

28:30 - Get rid of the charge?

33:45 - MSG Playoff Atmosphere

37:20 - Knicks / Cavaliers

49:05 - Phil Jackson

After talking briefly about the glory days of newspapers as the kings of sports media, Vince Goodwill and (Los Angeles native) J.A. Adande talk about LeBron James taking a backseat to Anthony Davis in the first few games of the 2023 NBA Playoffs and what it means for the future of the Los Angeles Lakers.

They then switch gears to the other L.A. team, the Clippers, and J.A. explains that he roots for teams that took their time and were built gradually and against teams that built their roster overnight through free agency or trades, meaning that he’s rooting against both the Clippers and the Phoenix Suns this year. Vinny doesn’t agree that the Suns deserve J.A.’s ire.

Both guys are bummed about Giannis’ back injury, because this postseason could’ve been the one that catapulted him to the very top tier of all-time NBA players. Talk of injuries in the playoffs does lead to J.A.’s idea that the NBA should get rid of charges all together. Stick around to see if Vince agrees.

While the New York Knicks may be an overrated team, MSG is not an overrated venue, and their success in the playoffs could (finally) lead to some young stars to want to sign with the Knicks in free agency. What does the future hold for this young Knicks team?

Finally, responding to his comments that he was turned off by the league putting slogans on the courts and jerseys during the 2020 bubble playoffs, Vince and J.A. go through some of the public quotes Phil Jackson has said in the past as a sign that we should’ve seen this type of public rhetoric coming.

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2023 NBA Playoffs: Did Draymond deserve to be suspended? Can 76ers trust Harden? How healthy is Giannis? | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 22:09:44 +0000

02:53 - Takes from the Couch

13:05 - Nuggets vs. Timberwolves (DEN 1-0)

17:05 - Bucks vs. Heat (MIA 1-0)

22:00 - Grizzlies vs. Lakers (LAL 1-0)

29:50 - 76ers vs. Nets (PHI 2-0)

43:20 - Cavaliers vs. Knicks (tied 1-1)

44:50 - VIBE CHECK: Draymond Green suspended

53:20 - Kelly Dwyer on Celtics vs. Hawks (BOS 2-0)

64:00 - Kelly Dwyer on Clippers vs. Suns (tied 1-1)

69:00 - Kelly Dwyer on the Chicago Bulls

Jake and Dan are back for another fun episode of No Cap Room with more “Takes from the Couch”, a conversation around why the NBA suspended Draymond Green for game 3 of Warriors-Kings and a lot more.

After talking about this year’s slate of NBA Playoffs commercials that everyone is already getting tired of, the guys discuss what the Minnesota Timberwolves need to do to try and be competitive against the Denver Nuggets tonight.

We know the Memphis Grizzlies have good numbers when Ja Morant doesn’t play, but what if they’re also missing Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke? Or what if Ja plays injured? If they’re not careful, they might find themselves down 0-2 headed to Los Angeles.

Giannis might play tonight but he’s definitely not 100%. Just like the Grizzlies, the Bucks might need to change how they play offense to take advantage of the healthy players they have if they can’t rely on Giannis.

Kelly Dwyer, author of The Second Arrangement newsletter and former blogger for Ball Don’t Lie, joins Jake and Dan later in the show to explain why he feels icky about picking the Boston Celtics to win the title, why he is enjoying the Clippers-Suns series, and what can fix the Chicago Bulls.

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Monica McNutt talks Knicks’ toughness, Durant vs. Kawhi, 76ers doubts & more | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 20:47:28 +0000

From ESPN & MSG Network, Monica McNutt joins Vincent Goodwill on the Good Word with Goodwill podcast to talk through (almost) every NBA Playoff series now that each of them have played 1 game.

They spend almost no time on the Celtics blowing out the Hawks and the Nuggets blowing out the Timberwolves, but Vince and Monica give their thoughts on every other series that played over the weekend, starting with the Los Angeles Clippers besting the Phoenix Suns and reigniting the Kawhi Leonard vs. Kevin Durant playoff rivalry. Do the Suns have enough defense to hang with the Clippers?

After some praise for Russell Westbrook, who has found another team that was willing to fit with him but might also be in trouble for arguing with a fan, they discuss the Los Angeles Lakers beating the Memphis Grizzlies and how excited the NBA was for Austin Reaves’ “I’m him” moment.

Monica covers the Knicks for MSG Network and was very happy to see her team get a win in Cleveland against the Cavaliers in game 1. What she was even more excited about was the quotes after the game, which show that the Cavs are trying to be the Knicks instead of just being themselves.

Monica was covering the 76ers/Nets game this weekend, too, and talked about why people are still doubting the 76ers despite them playing a perfect game and being set up for a long run through the eastern conference playoffs.

The Miami Heat dominated in a game that saw both Giannis Antetokounmpo and Tyler Herro go down with injuries. While “Playoff Jimmy” has shown back up, can he carry a Heat team that is severely lacking in talent?

Finally, the Sacramento Kings showed that they have nothing to lose (and nothing to fear) against the Golden State Warriors in game 1. Is this a sign of things finally starting to crumble under the Warriors dynasty? What happens when the series moves back to San Francisco?

01:45 - Clippers 115, Suns 110

14:40 - Lakers 128, Grizzlies 112

25:15 - Knicks 101, Cavaliers 97

38:15 - 76ers 121, Nets 101

42:40 - Heat 130, Bucks 117

47:40 Kings 126, Warriors 123

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Play-in reactions & NBA Playoffs 1st round preview | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 13 Apr 2023 21:47:33 +0000

Jake and Dan are back with another episode of No Cap Room, and this one starts fast with some “takes from the couch” while the guys were watching the Hawks, Bulls, Lakers & Thunder win their play-in games earlier in the week.

After talking their way through the play-in, the guys preview all 8 series that will kick off the first round of the NBA Playoffs. Do the Lakers have enough to get by the Grizzlies? Did the Kings draw the worst possible matchup in the Warriors? Does anyone think the Bucks are going to be threatened by the Bulls or Heat? Find out the answers to these questions and a lot more in this NBA Playoffs preview episode of No Cap Room!

01:50 - Takes from the Couch

06:10 - Hawks 116, Heat 105

09:35 - Bulls 109, Raptors 105

14:25 - Lakers 108, Timberwolves 102

19:00 - Thunder 123, Pelicans 118

24:45 - Nuggets vs. Thunder/Timberwolves

30:00 - Grizzlies vs. Lakers

35:40 - Kings vs. Warriors

41:10 - Suns vs. Clippers

47:10 - Bucks vs. Bulls/Heat

50:00 - Celtics vs. Hawks

53:40 - 76ers vs. Nets

59:30 - Cavaliers vs. Knicks

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Amin Elhassan on Gobert's punch, the Mavericks' future & black head coaches | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 21:10:40 +0000

Former Suns front office member and current do-everything host for SiriusXM and Meadowlark Media, Amin Elhassan joins Vince Goodwill on the Good Word with Goodwill podcast to talk about everything that happened over the weekend in the NBA and preview the upcoming play-in games.

The guys kick off the show with a discussion about Rudy Gobert punching teammate Kyle Anderson during Sunday’s game and how it could end up leading the Timberwolves to trade Karl Anthony-Towns this offseason, as strange as that sounds.

They then move on to another team that has missed expectations by a lot this season: The Dallas Mavericks. They assign blame for Dallas’ repeated roster-building missteps and Vince has a wild idea on how the team should move forward with (or without?) Luka Doncic.

With the news of the Rockets and Pistons both moving on from black head coaches (Stephen Silas & Dwane Casey), Vince and Amin talk about the bad position those guys were put into and talk about the differences in opportunities between black and white head coaches in the NBA.

Finally, we get to the play-in games. There are teams on the verge of a potential rebuild playing for the chance to make the playoffs, which is weird, but Amin is more interested in the teams that could cause some real havoc in the playoffs (assuming they make it out of the play-in), namely the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat.

01:20 - Rudy Gobert punches teammate / Jaden McDaniels breaks hand

14:15 - Dallas Mavericks

21:00 - Kyrie Irving’s free agent value

35:00 - Pistons & Rockets parting ways with head coaches

43:00 - Black coaches in the NBA

54:20 - Play-In Preview

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Wiggins & Zion poised to return, vibe checking the Mavericks & Bucks’ Bobby Portis joins the show! | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 6 Apr 2023 21:29:14 +0000

The show starts with the news that Andrew Wiggins should be back on the Golden State Warriors when the playoffs kick off, and the rumors that the New Orleans Pelicans might be getting Zion Williamson back around the same time.

Jake spends some time complaining about the discourse around year-end awards, Dan tries his best to explain their value, and the two guys agree that Mike Brown is the easy choice for this year’s Coach of the Year Award (although that doesn’t mean he’s the best coach in the NBA).

The Dallas Mavericks are on the verge of a disaster scenario where they could lose their 1st round pick, Kyrie Irving, Christian Wood and be out of the playoffs early with limited assets. What’s their path forward in trying to keep Luka Doncic happy? Will Jason Kidd keep his job?

Finally, after a brief comparison of Passover Seders and a conversation about severed head basketballs, Dan sits down with Milwaukee Bucks’ forward Bobby Portis to find out who talks the best trash on the Bucks, how Milwaukee is so good on defense, and who Bobby would vote for Defensive Player of the Year.

01:40 Andrew Wiggins poised to return to GSW

05:05 Optimism around Zion Williamson returning to NOP

08:00 Joel Embiid MVP push

09:30 Jake hates awards culture

18:45 Coach of the Year candidates

29:00 Who is the best coach in the NBA?

32:45 VIBE CHECK: Dallas Mavericks

55:30 Bobby Portis interview

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Michael Smith’s dream NBA Playoff matchups, Victor Wembanyama highlights & the new CBA | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 3 Apr 2023 21:13:18 +0000

Michael Smith from Peacock’s Brother from Another joins the show to talk about the NBA but ends up talking about pretty much everything with Vincent Goodwill.

The show starts with a debate over Michael’s favorite D’Angelo album (and his rather personal history with it) before he and Vincent discuss the NBA’s new CBA and the one controversial thing that was left out of it: Allowing high school players to jump straight to the NBA.

Later, Vincent and Michael preview the playoffs the best way they know how: Picking matchups (realistic or not) that they would love to see happen in this year’s postseason, including their dream NBA Finals matchup.

Finally, Vincent can’t get over the things Victor Wembanyama is doing on the basketball court and he’s wondering how good a player would have to be for an NBA GM to not be willing to trade them for Wembanyama, so we asked Michael Smith that exact question and let him decide.

02:30 Brown Sugar or Voodoo?

05:15 New CBA: One & Done remains

15:15 NBA Playoffs Preview - Series we want to see

34:00 Angel Reese vs. Caitlin Clark

40:20 NBA Finals Dream Matchup

45:20 Victor Wembanyama

52:00 Voyage to Atlantis or Footsteps in the Dark?

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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Kings clinch playoff berth, Play-In Push™ breakdown & Grizzlies vibe check | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 21:50:30 +0000

Where were you in 2006? Dan and Jake answer that question while considering just how long it has been since the Sacramento Kings last made it to the NBA postseason. They also recap how far the franchise has come since nearly being sold and moved to Seattle.

In other NBA news, Kevin Durant returned to the Suns and the numbers say that this is the league’s best team (when everyone is healthy). Are the Suns the only super team left in the West? Does that make them the scariest team heading into the playoffs?

The guys do a full breakdown of the Play-In Push™, looking at the teams that are currently headed towards a play-in tournament and a couple teams still on the outside looking in. They spend the longest amount of time on the Miami Heat, who nobody wants to see in the playoffs, and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are scaring other teams around the league with how quickly they’ve become a playoff team.

Finally, Dan explains why the Memphis Grizzlies are even more dangerous after the Ja Morant suspension than they were before it and Jake says that Memphis might have made the best trade of this year’s deadline.

02:00 Sacramento Kings clinch 1st playoff berth since 2006

16:15 Kevin Durant returns to the Suns

21:00 The Play-In Push™

22:00 Miami Heat

26:30 Atlanta Hawks

31:00 Toronto Raptors

36:00 Washington Wizards

39:30 Minnesota Timberwolves

40:00 Los Angeles Lakers

41:35 New Orleans Pelicans

42:45 Oklahoma City Thunder

52:20 Vibe Check: Memphis Grizzlies

59:00 Tales from the Ranch

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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Howard Beck on LeBron’s return, Zion’s future & NBA awards voting | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 19:14:50 +0000

Does the return of LeBron James make the Los Angeles Lakers a legitimate title contender? Maybe, but no team is quite as volatile as the Lakers when it comes to their ceiling and floor heading into the postseason. Well, maybe the Minnesota Timberwolves, but Vince has a hot take on where they might be headed this year.

Are the Suns deep enough once Kevin Durant returns? Probably not. The guys spend some time discussing who would be Phoenix’s 7th or 8th rotation guy in the postseason and if Suns coach Monty Williams even knows what his playoff lineups will look like.

Before the break, the guys discuss the early part of Zion Williamson’s career and compare it to Joel Embiid. What does the future hold for the Pelicans superstar? Will he ever be able to stay healthy? What is his value on the trade market?

Speaking of the trade market, the Dallas Mavericks were viewed as a title contender after trading for Kyrie Irving. Now, they’ll be lucky to make it into the playoffs. It’s a disaster years in the making and both Vince and Howard think they know who is to blame.

Finally, these two media members talk about the role of media in voting for NBA awards and how it has made relationship-building with players that much more difficult.

02:25 Lakers F LeBron James returns from foot injury

15:30 Suns F Kevin Durant to return this week

25:00 KAT & Anthony Edwards back from injury

26:00 Zion Williamson cleared for basketball activities

32:00 Comparison: Zion & Embiid

38:50 Luka & Kyrie on the Dallas Mavericks

49:50 Media voting on NBA awards

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PG13’s sprained knee, the 76ers unstoppable offense & MJ’s reasons for selling the Hornets | No Cap Room

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

In the very first episode of No Cap Room, Jake Fischer and Dan Devine have lots of fun talking about the NBA news of the day and previewing the last few weeks of the season.

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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Bomani Jones on Ja Morant, Lakers & the MVP race | Good Word with Goodwill

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Bomani Jones, host of Game Theory with Bomani Jones on HBO and The Right Time with Bomani Jones on ESPN joins Vince Goodwill for a conversation about Ja Morant’s impending return to the Memphis Grizzlies, reasons to not believe in the playoff hopes of the Los Angeles Lakers, the value of big men in the NBA, how to fix low-post scoring, the MVP race (and the discussion around it), and a lot more.

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This is Yahoo Sports' Ball Don't Lie

podcasts@yahoosports.com (Yahoo Sports) — Fri, 3 Mar 2023 20:21:14 +0000

Yahoo Sports' new NBA podcast feed Ball Don't Lie is back for the 2023-2024 NBA season, now with double the podcasts. Good Word with Goodwill is back with twice as much fire from Vincent Goodwill, with new episodes dropping on on Mondays and Wednesdays. No Cap Room, featuring Jake Fischer & Dan Devine is back on Thursdays each week & Dan is spinning off into a second episode with a brand new chat show, Devine Intervention, releasing on Tuesdays.

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