The Star & Scrub NBA Podcast: Recent Episodes
Peter O'Keefe
Over a week into free agency and there's been plenty of money splashed around -- Which teams made the right moves, and who overpaid in acquiring a player's services? Plus, what do we make of Victor Wembanyama's Summer League debut?
The boys are back to discuss all the fallout from the NBA Finals - are the Nuggets primed for a dynasty after their first championship in franchise history? Plus, who would be interested in Chris Paul should he become a free agent, and could we see some blockbuster trades during next week's NBA Draft?
The Miami Heat regained their composure to beat the Boston Celtics in Game 7 - so how exactly did they do it? Was Caleb Martin robbed of Eastern Conference Finals MVP? Plus, a look ahead towards the Finals - can the Heat do anything to stop the rampaging Nuggets?
The boys take a look at Philadelphia's disaster amid a Jayson Tatum masterclass. How will the Heat fare against the Celtics in the East Finals after taking down the Knicks? How did the Lakers overcome the Warriors, and what next for the Suns? Plus, where do we want to see Wemby end up ahead of the draft lottery?
The boys discuss Stephen Curry's monstrous 50-point game, why and how the Heat can cover the Knicks, plus predictions for the remaining second-round series.
This is a brief episode with a quick update and overview on the first-round playoff series' to date. A more in-depth episode will be released tomorrow 27th April.
The boys begin by discussing the in-game altercation between teammates Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson. Plus, how much did the Clippers want to avoid playing the Suns in the first-round, and our predictions for the Play-In Tournament.
Details of the new CBA caused greater controversy over the weekend, with the boys dissecting all the important points and what they may mean moving forward. Plus, how do the Clippers, Warriors, Lakers and Pelicans rank as they battle in the West, what should the Mavericks do in the offseason, and have we seen the last of Damian Lillard in a Blazer uniform?
With so much discussion around the MVP debate, the boys give their opinion on who should win it. Plus, other player awards including a tip for 6th Man of the Year, and a look at all the contenders in the West.
The boys are back and kick off a discussion about whether we'll ever see a 100-point game again, following Damian Lillard's absurd 71-point display against the Rockets. The ridiculous logjam in the West continues, so who'll grab the final playoff spots? Plus, power rankings in the East, what Quin Snyder could do for the Hawks, and how to fix the All-Star game after another snoozefest.
The NBA trade deadline threw up all kinds of curveballs, most notably Kevin Durant's move to the Phoenix Suns. Who were the winners, who were the losers, and what's with the inaction of some teams?
The boys are back to deliver a big episode prior to the trade deadline. Where else to start than the drama that is Kyrie Irving -- where could he go, should Brooklyn even honour his trade request? Then, who was unlucky to miss out on an All-Star berth and who should they have made it in front of? Finally, back to the trade discussion with six hypotheticals we'd like to see come to fruition over the coming days.
A couple of exciting matchups to kick off rivalry week in the NBA – Jordan Poole caused his star teammate, Steph Curry, to get ejected – was it the right call? He made up for it with a game-winner though, while in Philadelphia, Ben Simmons’ issues reared their head again against his former team. Plus, get got an actual trade earlier in the week when the Lakers acquired Rui Hachimura.
The boys are back to discuss the state of every team in the West - those teams who are targeting an upgrade to their roster, and those who may be set to tear it down. Who are the best players that may be available?
The state of every team in the East - those teams who are targeting an upgrade to their roster, and those who may be set to tear it down. Who are the best players that may be available?
The boys are back after a Covid-induced layoff. They start with the Dallas Mavericks after their win over the Golden State Warriors, plus how about the Lakers debacle against the Pacers the day prior.
Karl-Anthony Towns is now out injured for a struggling Timberwolves, but should he be on the trade market anyway? Also, conversations on the Thunder, Kings and Clippers.
The boys begin by discussing who they believe are the funnest and most entertaining teams in the league. Have expectations changed for the Cavs, when do we consider the Jazz and Trail Blazers as 'real', and what can the TWolves do to turn things around? Plus, the continued discussion on Kyrie drama and the state of the Lakers.
The boys are back to dissect all the NBA action to date. How concerned should we be with the Nets, 76ers and Lakers, and how excited should we be with the Pelicans, Jazz and Suns?
The fellas begin by discussing Golden State's exorbitant salary/luxury tax bill after extensions handed to Jordan Poole and Andrew Wiggins. Then, a massive betting preview inclusive of best over/under win lines, Conference and NBA championship, plus individual Player Award winners.
A jam packed episode headlined by the altercation between Jordan Poole and Draymond Green. Plus, Tyler Herro's contract, The Suns losing to the 36ers, Victor v Scoot, the GM survey and much more!
Every team has undertaken their media day activities ahead of the 2022-23 season, with a particular focus on the Suns and Lakers. Pete then discusses ESPN's farcical player rankings, before he and Lee look at expectations for every Western Conference team.
The boys begin by discussing the sanctions against Suns owner Robert Sarver, before discussing pass marks for every Eastern Conference team going into 2022-23.
After a short hiatus, the boys are back to discuss the latest NBA news. They take a look at the Donovan Mitchell deal from all three perspectives (Cavs, Jazz and Knicks), along with Kevin Durant’s decision to return to the Nets.
With those two off the table, we examine who the next star could be that gets traded.
The boys start off by discussing KD's ultimatum to Nets owner Joe Tsai, plus the weird offseason beef between Dejounte Murray and Paolo Banchero. Then, they each list their top 25 players in the league.
The boys are back together to discuss the details of a Brooklyn-Celtics Kevin Durant deal and what each team should be after. Plus, could Draymond Green leave the Warriors and what about the chances of another LeBron James homecoming at the Cleveland Cavaliers?
Big news has emerged that the Boston Celtics could be a major suitor for Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant. POK gives his reaction to that, plus how the Utah Jazz are on the precipice of a roster blow up scarcely seen in recent NBA history.
The boys start the episode by discussing the Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and Brooklyn Nets situation, then take a look at the mammoth Rudy Gobert trade. They then focus on some of the best and worst deals of free agency, before analysing how some of the young stars are performing at Summer League.
Big 50th episode of the podcast!
Kyrie opts in to stay Brooklyn while John Wall receives a buyout in Houston to sign with the Clippers. Then, evaluating the potential contracts of 20 of the top free agents in this class.
The NBA draft through up plenty of surprises, not least of which was Paolo Banchero being crowned the number one overall pick. Was there more to the whole situation? Plus, could the Kings have landed Keegan Murray and another asset with more savvy negotiations, and why the Knicks are hitting a lose-lose off-season.
The Golden State Warriors are NBA champions for the fourth time in eight seasons. All the reaction from the boys, dissecting how the Warriors won and what hurt the Celtics. Plus, reaction on the Houston-Dallas trade centered around Christian Wood.
Pete and Lee rank their top ten players of the Finals through four games, including Steph Curry's dominance, Jaylen Brown's scoring outputs, Jayson Tatum's playmaking and Draymond Green's struggles
The NBA Finals are upon us, with the boys dissecting and making the case for either team lifting the Larry O'Brien trophy. Before that, a look back at the Conference Finals and what the Heat and Mavericks need from their off-season.
POK details his takeaways from the start of the Conference Finals, including Boston's defensive weakness in game one and Miami's offensive issues in game two. Plus, the Mavericks tough adjustment on defense and how the Warriors guarded Luka Doncic successfully.
Huge drama in the NBA today with both finalists from last season being eliminated in game sevens. What do the Suns now do with DeAndre Ayton, plus should the Sixers blow it all up? Then, previews for the Eastern and Western Conference Finals.
POK dissects each of the four second round series, diving into all the key issues and what we may see moving forward.
After a short hiatus, the boys are back to dive into each of the second round playoff series. Is Dillon Brooks flagrant 2 foul worthy of a suspension? Do the Celtics shoot themselves in the foot or into the next round? Plus, can Harden produce some vintage form to cause an upset in game two, and are the Mavericks any shot at upsetting the Suns across their playoff matchup?
The boys take a look at the four play-in games so far, with the Nets and Timberwolves securing the seventh seed in their respective conference. After a look at the two remaining games for the eighth seed, they dive into a full betting preview of the confirmed first round series'.
The NBA playoffs are upon us! Pete and Lee discuss the impact of Luka Doncic's calf strain and give their play-in tournament predictions. Later on they dive into the Jazz and the possibility of moving on from coach Quin Snyder and the Mitchell/Gobert duo, as well as Thybulle's vaccination status for the 76ers and a reflection on the Lakers awful season.
*Pete had some audio issues on his end during the last 15 minutes. Apologies in advance!
With the playoffs around the corner, Pete and Lee rank their top ten teams when it comes to championship favouritism.
Pete and Lee run their eye over the league as we reach the pointy end of the NBA season. Will Steph Curry's injury derail the Warriors season, and who are the most dangerous teams heading into the playoffs?
Pete and Lee take a quick look at James Harden's 76er debut and DeMar DeRozan's MVP candidacy, before going through the best and worst case scenarios for every western conference team.
On this episode, Pete dissects all the action from NBA All-Star weekend, gives an update on our pre-season betting competitions, and looks at some futures markets including a $101 chance for the NBA title.
The boys dissect a crazy final day of the NBA trade deadline, including the wild Harden-Simmons trade and the rather 'strange' Kristaps Porzingis move.
A couple of WOJ bombs dropped today as we saw the likes of Domantas Sabonis, C.J McCollum and Tyrese Haliburton moved. So who were the winners and who were the losers?
The boys discuss the All-Star reserve picks in each conference as well as all the big names ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
Andrew Wiggins is an All-Star starter!? Reaction to that and the other All-Star starters, as well as best and worst case scenarios for every eastern conference team.
POK discusses the benching of Russell Westbrook and why coach Frank Vogel has unfairly become the scapegoat. Plus, Grayson Allen ruins a recovering reputation and tips for Monday's NBA action (AEST).
The boys are back even if Lee remains struck down with Covid!
They discuss the return of Klay Thompson, the young Grizzlies who have won ten straight and the reason behind the Nets' inability to beat good teams. Plus, at the end of the ep, they go through a top 10 redraft of the 2021 class.
When it comes to the worst value contracts in the league, do the boys share a similar mindset to the guys over on Bill Simmons' podcast? Lee and Will go head to head to see if they can match Bill's top 30 draft of worst contracts. Who will come out on top?
Jam packed episode with plenty going on around the NBA, not least the ongoing covid issues. At what point does the competitive integrity come into question, and what will happen come playoff time? Plus, the Lakers continue to struggle, Kyrie's coming back on a part-time basis, and the boys give their preliminary All-Star selections.
Pete, Lee and Will discuss KD's 51-point showing against the impressive Cade Cunningham, plus more Zion drama and MVP debate.
Then, the boys get into some heated arguments as they propose trades for the Pacer trio (LaVert, Turner and Sabonis) along with Ben Simmons.
Finally, a fun fact quiz with some random answers.
The boys are joined by Alec Bastic to discuss the state of the Knicks, then Khyle Ashcroft to chat MPJ and the injury-plagued Nuggets. Prior to that, Pete and Lee discuss Memphis' mauling of the Thunder, John Wall and the Rockets, and do the Kings have a plan?
The boys discuss the biggest story of the last few days; Lebron's elbow to Isaiah Stewart and the crazy scenes in detroit. They also discuss six of the more interesting teams in the league, and look at tomorrow's (Wednesday AEST) slate of NBA games.
Pete discusses the Warriors massive win over the Nets. What does it mean for right now, and what about the long-term aspect?
Plus, he gives some thoughts on Thursday's slate of NBA games (AEST).
The boys discuss the highly publicised scuffles of the past week, whilst POK tells us about his own altercation on the sporting field. We also chat MVP candidates through the first month, and are the Cavs and Thunder better than what they wish they were?
Jam packed episode covering all the latest news on and off the court...
- Why the Warriors and Heat are suited to the new NBA style
- What's up with MPJ, Tatum and Dame?
- How are the new Bulls fairing and what about Scottie Pippen's latest comments on MJ
- A roast on Trae Young's 'boring' comment
The boys get together to talk Harden & the Nets, are the Heat championship contenders, and which teams record belies their form.
Also, which rookies are impressing, and some interesting selections for the Melbourne Cup.
Four days in and the NBA is going off! AD & Dwight got in an altercation on the bench, and what about the disappointing Mavericks against an impressive Hawks. Plus, a betting recap and preview of Sunday's games (AEST).
The NBA is back! The boys discuss all the major talking points from the first two days of action, plus a betting recap and preview of Friday's games (AEST).
The boys discuss each of the matchups for Wednesday and Thursdays start of the NBA regular season, trying to find some winners and the punters some value.
With both blokes now in lockdown, an impromptu episode sees them discuss all the hot topics and preseason action!
The boys go through all the off court drama; Ben Simmons return to Philly, Kyrie's ongoing covid drama, and are the Suns being cheapskates by not extending DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges.
What about on the court? Which players and what teams are catching the eye, good and bad?
The boys give their top selections for each of the player award markets (MVP, DPOY, 6MOY, ROY & MIP), along with some value selections.
The boys discuss the central division to wrap up their team team previews, helped by Henry Johnstone (Cavs) & Will Horsfall (Bucks).
They also look at Zion Williamson's foot injury, Michael Porter Jr's contract extension, and the ongoing Covid problems.
Pete and Lee dive into the final five teams in the western conference - the Southwest division. We also discuss the Timberwolves change of GM, Andrew Wiggins' vaccine choice, Joe Lacob's fine, AFL GF predictions and Lee's earthquake experience.
Pete and Lee dive into the five teams in the Atlantic division, helped out by Will Heyward (Nets), Alec Bastick (Knicks) & Sam Fergusson (76ers).
Is the Nets taking the division a formality?
Pete and Lee dive into the five northwest division teams - all the big questions and a betting perspective on the over/under lines of each. They also discuss possible destinations for 5x All Star John Wall
Pete and Lee dive into the five southeast division teams - all the big questions and a betting perspective on the over/under lines of each.
The boys dissect the Pacific teams (Warriors, Clippers, Lakers, Suns and Kings), where they'll finish in the west and whether they'll go over or under their total win line.
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Before the boys get into their 21-22 season preview episodes over the next six weeks, they take a look back at some predictions from the 20-21 season.
Some solid informative predictions on result standings and individual awards, mixed with some horribly funny cold takes!
The boys are joined by 2 x NBL champion Warrick Giddey, who represented the Melbourne Tigers across 449 NBL matches.
We discuss Wazza's own basketball journey, the Boomers winning bronze, and he takes us inside the path of his son Josh who went pick six to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the recent NBA Draft.
We thank Wazza for his time!
Pete and Lee discuss all the NBA Summer League action so far from Las Vegas! How are the top 10 prospects performing? Who are the draft steals? Which second year playing is primed for a jump?
The Boomers have won their first medal at an Olympic Games, whilst Pete and Lee outline their winners and losers of NBA free agency thus far!
The Boomers obliterated Argentina to set up a showdown with Team USA in an Olympic Semi-Final! Pete is joined by Lachie Everett to preview the massive match-up!
Pete and Lee go through all the big names (and lesser names) that qualify as free agents. How much do they deserve? Where will they go?
On the first episode of The Star & Scrub NBA Podcast -
- Top 10 Mock Draft
- Star & Scrubs of the past week
- NBA Nuffie Nominations
- Punts of the Pod