A daily breakdown of the latest story lines, trends, and important developments in the NBA. We promise to keep the Sixers and Celtics discussion to a reasonable amount … or to at least try.
https://art19.com/shows/the-ringer-nba-show
episode 513: The Shallow Lakers, a Kyrie Irving Setback, and Max Player Buddy Hield? Plus: the NBA League Pass Draft | Heat Check
We review the stories coming out of this weekend: a minor Anthony Davis thumb injury, Kyrie Irving’s reaggravated facial fracture, the Kings’ Buddy Hield contract dilemma, and Zion Williamson’s impressive performances (2:51). Then we draft all 30 NBA teams in terms of watchability (12:16) before deciding whether an NBA news item is a good call or bad call (42:42). Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Haley O’Shaughnessy, Dan Devine, Micah Peters, Isaac Lee
episode 512: What Are the Chances Zion Williamson Is Actually As Dominant As He’s Looked in the Preseason? | The Mismatch
With Daryl Morey’s tweet now almost a week in the rearview, we talk about the NBA preseason games being played in China and assess how this story line might continue to unfold (9:30). Then, we share some more takeaways from preseason thus far, including the Rockets looking like the best team in the NBA and Zion seemingly dominating the NBA like he’s dominated his past competition (21:28). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
episode 511: Ben Simmons Shoots 3s Now, We Just Can’t Quit the Thunder, and Preseason True or False | Group Chat
Let’s overreact to preseason basketball! Ben Simmons shoots (and makes) a 3-pointer (7:30), the Oklahoma City Thunder flashes double–Ewing Theory potential (13:07), and the baby Pelicans might grow up quicker than anyone expects (22:59). Host: Chris Ryan Guest: Justin Verrier
episode 510: Adam Silver’s Latest on Morey and China. Plus: The Five Things That Have Stood Out Most in the Preseason Thus Far. | The Mismatch
We discuss Adam Silver’s press conference from Tuesday morning following up on the NBA’s statement regarding Daryl Morey’s Hong Kong tweet (1:10). Then, we share our top five biggest takeaways of the early preseason, including Anthony Davis’s dominance and the new look Pelicans (31:51). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
episode 509: Daryl Morey, China, and the NBA | Heat Check
Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey caused international ripples on Friday night after sending a since-deleted tweet in support of protesters in Hong Kong. Facing fierce backlash from the Chinese government and businesses, the NBA finds itself in a delicate balance between protecting business interests and freedom of expression. Read John Gonzalez’s reporting on this story here. Host: John Gonzalez Guests: Dan Devine, Haley O’Shaughnessy
episode 508: NBA Approval Ratings and the Making of ‘Sonic Boom’ | Group Chat
As training camps kick off, Chris and Justin evaluate their perception of some noteworthy teams (1:51). Then Ringer staff writer Jordan Ritter Conn comes on to talk about his new podcast, ‘Sonic Boom: How Seattle Lost Its Team’ (35:43). Hosts: Chris Ryan, Justin Verrier Guest: Jordan Ritter Conn
episode 507: Media Day Highlights: The Houston Experiment, the Knicks’ Expectations, and the Pelicans’ Playoffs Excitement | The Mismatch
Basketball is (almost) back! The guys discuss the most intriguing quotes from all 30 NBA teams’ media days, on topics such as the James Harden–Russell Westbrook dynamic in Houston, the return of Kristaps Porzingis, the hype around Zion Williamson, LeBron’s late-career trajectory, and much more. Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor
episode 506: What Are the Things You’d Love to See From Each Team Heading Into the Season? | Group Chat
We respond to a list of listener submissions about what they’d love to see for their team heading into the 2019-20 NBA season, including: Markelle Fultz getting solid NBA minutes, the Knicks looking competent, the Bulls becoming relevant again, and the Hawks playing at least a shred of defense. Hosts: Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier
episode 505: Chris Paul–to–Miami Rumors, Bradley Beal Destinations, Warriors at a Crossroads, and ... No. 1 Prospect LaMelo Ball??? | The Mismatch
The duo highlights a handful of selections from The Ringer’s 29 People and Things That Will Define the NBA in 2019-20 article (0:41), then adds a few of their own (30:14). Hosts: Chris Vernon, Kevin O’Connor
episode 504: James Harden Thinks the Media Settles on MVP Narratives Too Soon. Is He Right? | Group Chat
We play a game of ‘Is This a Thing?’ with a slew of offseason story lines, including: James Harden’s comments about how the media chooses the MVP, the Orlando Magic’s locked-in roster, the outlook for Team USA in the 2020 Olympics, Isaiah Thomas’s injury, and Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram’s potential as a young duo. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Danny Chau