The 3&D Love NBA Podcast: Recent Episodes
Michael Eney
Michael, Ryan, and D-Love riff on all topics NBA with both cutting insight and irreverent humor. We are seriously not taking ourselves too seriously.
The guys discuss the last week of the Conference Finals but first open with a tribute to Bill Walton.
Ryan and Michael contemplate the Conference Finals matchups and review the conclusion of the 2nd Round.
The Western Conference 2nd round is heating up, while the Eastern Conference...not so much. The trio discuss what's happened and what's to come.
The guys discuss the ascendance of Anthony Edwards and other happenings in the greatest time of the year.
The brothers consider what Joel Embiid's return may mean for the eastern conference but first with a foray into womens college hoops.
The guys discuss the Celtics and Bucks in the Eastern Conference, and who could challenge them, then consider the current 4/5 matchup in each conference. But first, they discuss the Johntay Porter news!
The guys bounce around the league, including reflecting on the newest vitriol for referees, the WC playoff race, and how real are the Boston Celtics.
The guys evaluate which teams they're long on and which they're short on as the the NBA regular season shifts into its final stage and we all get excited for the playoffs.
With D Love out this week, Ryan and Michael evaluate which teams should make an all in move, along with a few other observations from around the league.
After a holiday hiatus, the guys are back discussing all the happenings around the league in 2024.
The guys discuss the In Season Tournament so far, along with evaluating the coaches who have gone off the rails.
Recorded Monday, the guys discuss early season surprises (and concerns) thus far into the season.
The band is back together as the trio evaluates the season thus far and considers where they each missed in their season predictions.
With Michael out, Derek and Ryan send the pod into the throwback machine and reminisce about all things Gen X, including Saved By The Bell and Bobby Knight. Oh, and they also discuss some NBA hoops.
The guys assign NBA Superlatives such as the Travis Outlaw and Qyntel Woods as they consider the upcoming season.
The Dame Saga has ended. The guys review the 3 team whopper between the Bucks, Blazers and incomprehensibly the Suns, then consider how the Heat got cute and paid the price.
The guys lament the predictable end of Dame Time in Portland, what the market could be for James Harden, and look at some disappointing teams coming out of Free Agency 2023.
The show will be on hiatus until just before the NBA 2023-2024 season begins
The guys discuss the recent 2023 NBA draft then evaluate the slew of trades before free agency begins.
The guys discuss the newly crowned Nuggets as champs, including an apology from one host.
The guys reunite to discuss the conference finals, league news, and preview the finals.
Ryan and Michael discuss the status of each conference semifinal series, and expound on how the regular season and playoff differentiation continues to expand.
The guys reflect on what we saw Curry do Sunday then preview the conference semifinals matchups.
The guys discuss the status of each first round match up and review predictions both good and bad.
The stretch run is upon us as we consider the playoff implications. Plus, the guys dabble in the new CBA, the Masters and more!
Following a brief hiatus, the guys reunite to discuss the Lay of the League as April Madness dawns.
Ryan and Michael discuss who leads the Eastern Conference, and then consider how the game changes from regular season to playoffs. Finally they reflect on the Kings and their unpredicted success!
Ryan and Michael consider the chaos in the Western Conference, and how the business of hoops affects the actual hoops.
We look at all layers of the Mavs Nets trade and evaluate all the fun ways it may go wrong. Plus, now that Sean Marks has graduated, which GM has the worst job?
The guys unite to evaluate how the Blazers move forward, then discuss what the perfect conference finals could look like.
The guys revisit their forecasts halfway through the NBA season and evaluate where things went most wrong.
The guys compare college football to the NBA and then evaluate Luka's improvements thus far this year. Finally, they dig into the Suns disappointment and how the Blazers could improve.
After a holiday hiatus, the guys reunite to discuss the parity throughout the league and consider who leads our best player rankings.
In our 100th episode, the guys discuss pod highlights thus far then navigate the Lay of the League.
The guys discuss the updates around the league including the Warriors continued woes, then discuss new coaches and whether they matter.
The guys discuss the chaos throughout the league after a few weeks in including will parody continue?
Ryan and Michael sort through the highs and lows of Week 1 in the NBA season including some overreactions related to their predictions.
To wrap up Part 3 of the Carty Cup, the guys discuss their picks for Coach of the Year, First Coach Fired, ROY, MVP, and wrap it up with their conference finals pick and forecasted Champion!
The pod is back with a Western Conference preview. Come for our controversial takes on multiple western conference teams, stay for our controversial takes on fantasy TV show adaptations.
We are reposting an episode from March 2021 in which we interview Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer. Tjarks passed over the weekend from cancer and is survived by his wife Melissa and son Jackson. RIP Tjarks.
A GoFundMe has been setup to support the family.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/Lets-help-our-friend-jonathan-tjarks
Jonathan also reflected on his journey through cancer in two remarkable articles on The Ringer linked below.
https://www.theringer.com/2022/3/3/22956353/fatherhood-cancer-jonathan-tjarks
https://www.theringer.com/2021/5/20/22444532/long-night-of-the-soul
The guys consider free agency thus far and pick their most improved teams and the ones that look most desperate.
Ryan, Derek and Michael consider how the draft went and what it portends for the Blazers, then evaluate the moves thus far with free agency looming.
The Guys discuss the Warriors NBA Title, what makes Steph unique, and what next season could look like.
The guys discuss Games 1 and 2 and what's to come in the rest of the Finals then we get a phenomenal comparison of Curry and Brady as elite competitors in their sports.
The guys evaluate the conclusion of the Conference Finals, and how then discuss how the Celtics and Warriors match up in a fun finals matchup.
The guys discuss what happened to Dallas in a run away Western Conference Finals, Ryan finally gives Steve Kerr his flowers, and then they can't quite figure out what exactly is going on in Miami & Boston in the Eastern Conference Finals. The best of all though is even with the ongoing drama in the Conference Finals, we still got to hate on Tim Connelly as he moves to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The guys discuss the surprising outcome in Phoenix, how the Celtics survived the Bucks, and who they like in the Conference Finals!
With D-Love out, Ryan and Michael discuss all four 3-2 series, which is likely to go 7 and who we see advancing into the Conference Finals.
With Ryan out, Derek & Michael break down the four series and who may come out of each conference into the finals.
The guys discuss the all 8 series - the most intriguing aspects, concerning dynamics, and how the Celtics rapidly become our NBA Title favorites.
The guys discuss the playoffs so far and then identify their biggest overreactions of the playoff results thus far.
As the regular season wraps up, the guys break down the Play In Matchups, which playoff matchups are the most fun, and finally, which coaches provide the best and worst advantages for their teams this playoffs.
With the playoff teams set but not quite the seeds, the guys consider Memphis' opportunity ahead of schedule, the missed chance for Philadelphia and why Rudy Gobert isn't to blame in Utah.
The guys lament the NCAA tournament's quality of play despite it's fun. Then they dive into the different new layers of intrigue as the playoffs rapidly approach. Lastly, they consider a number of historical players in a fictional 1 on 1 tournament and discuss who would win!
The guys are reunited and dive into the Nets/Sixers matchup over the weekend. Additionally, the guys consider how LeBron James and Michael Jordan compare in their old age, and Greg Popovich's human side. Finally they dive into the Russell Wilson trade and how the NFL and NBA are structured.
The Show makes its triumphant return from PRP treatment in Germany and is better than ever. First, the guys recap the last few weeks following the trade deadline including the Days of Our Lives in Brooklyn and Philadelphia. Then they dissect the Western Conference, the injuries affecting the playoffs, and how Phoenix and LA have taken divergent paths this season. Lastly, Ryan compares Ja Morant to Tom Brady, and why their common elements sets up Ja for greatness.
The guys discuss the moves made this week as the NBA Trade Deadline passed and consider the implications for the rest of the season.
With the kickoff of trade season as the deadline approaches, the guys dig into the Blazers recent moves, then transition to the Lakers and Nets struggles of late including exploring why KD is KD.
With D Love testing out of the health and safety protocols, the guys are reunited as they consider some key points of interest for the rest of the season, starting with the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers and moving to the Western Conference including a strong lament for Joe Ingles' season ending injury.
With D Love in the health and safety protocols, Ryan and Michael discuss teams they are both buying and selling down the stretch of this NBA season.
Derek brings 10 pressing questions as we hit the midpoint of the season and the guys discuss what's at stake the rest of the year.
In our widest ranging episode yet, the guys first review Klay's triumphant return to the NBA and the ascendant Grizzlies led by Ja Morant. They then jump into a conversation about coaches and their many shortcomings. This somehow evolves into James Gandolfini and The Sopranos followed by a reflection on John Mulaney's intervention. Trust us, it all makes sense. They then deep dive the Hawks woes and whether a trade with the Sixers may be mutually beneficial. And finally, Ryan pursues a deeper understanding of sports gambling and where things may be headed.
On tonight's show, the guys discuss the lay of the league including how the West is shaping up recapping Utah - GSW, review the transcript of Embiid and Durant's in game discussion earlier this week and evaluate how the Blazers move forward.
The guys recap the five Christmas Day games including how to solve Boston's problems centering on Jayson Tatum, consider how Golden State's defense is driven by Draymond Green and mirrors an NFL defense, and how to evaluate the capabilities of players like Draymond Green & Jrue Holiday. Later, the guys get into Russell Westbrook's issues with the Lakers and consider if the Jazz are this year's Bucks.
The guys consider how COVID is wreaking havoc on the NBA recently and what it may mean for the rest of the season. Then, they hop around the Lay of the League including if the Lakers have a shot at making the playoffs and how David Kahn reacted to Steph Curry's recent achievement.
With D-Love missing in our 3 man weave, Ryan and Michael discuss the recent health news for Zion Williamson and the health patterns among other young players, consider the Cavs and their unique approach this season, Mattise Thybulle's defensive superstardom, will the Warriors be flexible enough to win big, and whether the Bucks are prohibitive favorites to repeat. Finally, we deep dive the inner workings of Basketball reporting.
This week's episode covers the conclusion of the Blazers investigation and subsequent firing of Neil Olshey, including where the Blazers go next, Utah's potential solution to playoff woes featuring Donovan Mitchell, Milwaukee's rise up the ranking, and Phoenix Golden State facing off twice in a week.
The guys review the lay of the league through 20 games and pending Warriors / Suns matchup this week. Then move onto some under the radar teams in the Western Conference and finally consider what the Lakers were thinking letting Alex Caruso join the Bulls.
This week's Lay of the League explores the ramifications of LeBron's return to play and Steph's return as possibly the best play in the league.
In this week's Lay of the League, Derek, Ryan and Michael review the happenings of the league a month in. Then, we get a deep dive of Legal Corner with Ryan walking us through both the Phoenix Suns investigation into Robert Sarver, and the Portland Trailblazers investigation into Neil Olshey.
In this week's Lay of the League, Derek, Michael, and Ryan consider the league happenings to date and what their biggest regrets of their Carty Cup predictions are through two weeks; topics include the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics. Then, Ryan leans into Legal Corner with his biggest regret - Mayor Nichols not suing the Bennent led hijacking of the Sonics in 2007 like St Louis is doing with the Kroenke led departure of the Rams to LA.
In the final install of the Carty Cup, Derek, Ryan and Michael consider their picks for WC and EC finals, NBA champion, MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and everyone's favorite First Coach Fired.
The crew reviews the Western Conference in their Carty Cup season preview for the 2021-2022.
The crew reviews the Eastern Conference in their Carty Cup season preview for the 2021-2022.
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Derek and Ryan discuss Kyrie and Ben Simmons, and throw in a fair dose extracurricular discussion.
In this week's Lay of the League, the gang is back together! Michael, Derek and Ryan consider five not so burning questions, a spin on the burning questions trope as we review media days and look to the start of the NBA season.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's glorious return of the Lay of the League, Michael and Ryan play a new game called "What Were They Thinking" as we imagine what several GMs throughout the league were thinking as they navigated the offseason and rebuilt their rosters for the upcoming season. The Celtics, Blazers, Lakers, and 76ers are all considered.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
James Littlejohn (@jameslittlejuan) & Matthew Shipley (@mshipley24), the author and illustrator respectively, of B IS FOR BALLER: THE BAKSETBALL ALPHABET FOR KIDS, join Michael to discuss their childrens ABC book about the NBA both past, present, and future. An illustrated childrens book, with a page for each letter in the alphabet references a variety of NBA players such Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Larry Grandmama Johnson plus there's an entire page dedicated to the 90s.
B is for Baller and all the ABC to MVP series books are published by Triumph Books and are available everywhere!
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael and D-Love evaluate the league's pecking order after the dust has settled around free agency including making light of both the Lakers and Blazers. We consider who's having the worst summer - Dennis Shroder, Andre Drummond, or their agents. Then dive into how the salary cap may form the competitors over the next several years. Finally we touch on the Olympics and Summer League.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael and D-Love revisit this week's mega trade for Russell Westbrook, then dive into some teams of interest and how they've changed over the last week between the draft and free agency. Teams include the Trailblazers, Lakers, Heat, Bucks, Knicks, Clippers, Pelicans, Bulls, and Golden State Warriors.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Mirin Fader (@MirinFader), author of Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP, joins Michael and D-Love to discuss her new book, which drops August 10 from Hachette Books. Both timely and incredibly insightful, Mirin's book biographies Giannis Antetokounmpo growing up in Greece, coming of age both as a man and basketball player, and his ascendance to NBA MVP and Champion.
Mirin's work can be found at TheRinger.com and Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP releases August 10 and is available everywhere.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan and D-Love review the Bucks as NBA champs and Giannis Antetokounmpo's defining traits. They then discuss what other players stood out during the playoffs and look forward to next year! Lastly, congratulations to Kevin Petermeyer winning the Inaugural Carty Cup!
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael and D-Love evaluate Games 4 and 5 as the Bucks take a commanding 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals and then consider what may happen in Games 6 and 7 - whether the Suns have enough to get back to Phoenix or if it will be a coronation for Giannis and the Bucks. Plus we quickly touch on the Trailblazers and what's to come with Damian Lillard.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan and D-Love review the NBA Finals thus far and look in awe at the transformation of Giannis Antetokounmpo and his dominance in the series. They then discuss what the rest of the finals may look like!
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael and D-Love consider the somewhat surprising turn of events in each conference finals matchup. They then turn their attention to the Finals matchups between the Bucks and the Suns!
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan and D-Love lament the continued injuries plaguing the NBA Playoffs, including the most recent tonight to Giannis Antetokounmpo's left knee. They also visit some offseason news including the recent Lottery draft order and new coaching hires. Finally, they discuss the Western and Eastern Conference Finals, and which team will make it to face off in the Finals.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan and D-Love revisit the three 2nd round series that ended over the weekend, including how the Sixers lost their way against the Hawks, Doc's role, and what to do with Ben Simmons. They then move to the Western Conference with the Clippers Jazz series. Finally, the guys discuss the upcoming conference finals and what to expect through this 3rd round of the playoffs.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan and D-Love discuss the conclusion of the PHX - DEN series including the odds on a fight between Devin Booker and Nikola Jokic. They then move onto discuss the remaining three 2nd round playoff series including if Chris Paul could have influenced Giannis Antetokounmpo's shooting habits, why the Bogdan Bogdanovic ideal fit is on the Bucks, and who's the worst matchup for the Suns in the WC Finals.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael and D-Love consider the implications of the end of the first round, including how the Trailblazers move forward. Then they turn their eyes to the second round matchups in each conference including what intrigues us most in each matchup. Lastly, they discuss why coaches are slow to change strategy.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael and D-Love discuss the different dynamics at play in each of the first round matchups. They touch on the 1st round disappointments and why despite a boring first round, the Eastern Conference may have the three top championship contenders.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
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In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love discuss all the first round matchups kicking off the playoffs this week. They then dive into the Bucks - Heat and Nuggets - Blazers and consider what's to come for the rest of the 1st round.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
This week's bonus pod comes live during the 4th quarter of the Grizzlies - Warriors play-in game. Michael, Ryan, and D-Love discuss the play-in games to date, then discuss the Grizzlies-Warriors game as it winds down. Following the conclusion, the guys bounce around the slate of playoff series starting this weekend.
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love review yesterday's full slate of games and what may happen in the Play-In games this week. Looking forward, the guys then discuss the first round matchups, why tanking for seeding is dumb and if LeBron is actually hurt. Finally the guys reflect on this weekend's Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love consider the possible 1st Round Playoff Matchups with the postseason looming, discussing whether star power will rule the day or our high WC seeds will win with depth. They further unpack the playoff prospects for the Heat, Mavs, Trailblazers, Bucks and even discuss why everyone is skeptical of the LA Clippers.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love sort through the Western Conference chaos, including cataloguing the Nuggets with MPJ, the Blazers resurgence, Steve Kerr's coach camp, Luka Doncic's Ts, and the Lakers chances to rebound. The guys also briefly discuss a would-be blockbuster trade of Hakeem Olajuwon.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Brian Grant, author of his recently published memoir, REBOUND: Soaring in the NBA, Battling Parkinson’s, and Finding What Really Matters, joins Ryan, Michael, and D-Love to discuss his remarkable journey through life before, during and after basketball. The book, co-authored with Ric Bucher, details Brian's diagnosis with Young-Onset Parkinson's disease, his relationships with his family, and the challenges that come with retirement from the NBA. Told through a refreshingly candid and honest lens, REBOUND is an amazing book and having Brian on to discuss it was a blast.
Brian's book REBOUND published April 6 - order now via Triumph Books, Amazon or anywhere books are sold.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love run through the playoff picture, including intrigue in the play-in tournament, the downfall of the beloved Portland Trailblazers (is Stotts to blame, what was Olshey thinking), then we dive into the race for the 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Finally, we consider if the resurgence of centers will only be temporary until the playoffs and what would the Bucks look like with AD in Giannis' place.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love evaluate injuries thus far, reminisce on Lamarcus Aldridge's career, what exactly is happening in New Orleans, and how the play-in game is going to be fun!
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Syl Sobel & Jay Rosenstein, authors of BOXED OUT of the NBA: Remembering the Eastern Professional Basketball League, joins Ryan and Michael to discuss their new book released just this week. The books chronicles the fascinating story of the Eastern League, a pro basketball instituation starting in 1946 and through many iterations ending in the G League. The Eastern Professional Basketball League (1946-78) was fast and physical, often played in tiny, smoke-filled gyms across the northeast and featuring the best players who just couldn’t make the NBA—many because of unofficial quotas on Black players, some because of scandals, and others because they weren’t quite good enough in the years when the NBA had less than 100 players.
BOXED OUT of the NBA dropped yesterday and is available on Amazon.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love don't let D-Love get through his introductory monologue before jumping into Kevin Durant's reflective assessment of what matters in his career. The guys then ping pong around topics like Utah's Donovan Mitchell dilemma, why the 1 and 2 seeds in the WC don't scare anyone, and how significant a role injuries will play down the stretch and into the playoffs.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love consider the intrigue among the teams who find themselves on the outside looking in on title contenders at this point in the season. Evaluating the teams both for this season and into the future, the guys discuss the Miami Heat, Boston Celtics, New Orleans Pelicans and Chicago Bulls.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love evaluate the newly established Brooklyn Nets, discuss Harden's MVP candidacy, and consider how buy out guys have changed in the last decade. Also covered what the postseason may hold for the Heat and Clippers along with a discussion about parity in the league as we head towards the playoffs.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In a bonus pod, Michael and Ryan discuss their favorite storylines coming out of the NBA trade deadline. Topics include teams' reticence to going into the tax and the difference between good players and winning players.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this week's Lay of the League, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love lament the rash of recent injuries to key players, pay homage to Elgin Baylor, and then discuss the trade deadline dynamics caused by the NBA's new play-in tournament. The guys also navigate what happened to Steve Kerr, their disappointment with March Madness, and why the Nets' James Harden is aesthetically better than Rocket's James Harden. Lastly, Michael makes an impassioned plea to #banthecharge.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Jonathan Tjarks (@JonathanTjarks) of The Ringer (@ringer) joins Michael and Ryan to discuss Jonathan's journey to NBA writer, the evolution of the modern NBA, how shooting became the king of all basketball skills, and how analytics and the eye test both play an integral role in player and team evaluations. Later in the pod, we delve into Jonathan's spiritual journey, his relationship with Jesus/God and how he views his platform. We also touch on key topics such as the historical accuracy of Friday Night Lights (both the TV show and the book), Corey Kispert's headband swag, and the mechanics of Sunday School felt boards.
Jonathan's writing can be found nearly daily at theringer.com and his voice can be heard regularly as a host on The Ringer NBA Show podcast. His theological thoughts can be found at tjarksbooks.blogspot.com
Have comments, questions or feedback on the pod? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In a Blazer centric pod, David Deckard (@davedeckard), managing editor of Blazers Edge (@blazersedge), joins Michael, Ryan and D-Love to discuss the current state of the Blazers, their prospects approaching the trade deadline and the rest of the season, and what makes Dame so special. They then descend into discussing what makes Portland unique, how the Blazers goals as a franchise may include more than just winning, and revisit some painful memories from Blazer lore.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Michael, Ryan, and D-Love evaluate how our top 3 draft picks are panning out in their rookie seasons, how the Warriors may be ineffectually straddling rebuilding and competing, and how the Blazers can make a splash down the stretch of the season. Finally, we discuss a few trade targets and where we'd love to see a few guys land!
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Jake Fischer (@jakelfischer), author of BUILT TO LOSE: How the NBA’s Tanking Era Changed the League Forever, joins Ryan and Michael to discuss his new book which releases on May 4. BUILT TO LOSE is an insider account of modern NBA team-building and it's most recent strategy, tanking. A single transcendent talent can change the fortunes of an NBA franchise. Backed by extensive reporting and hundreds of interviews with top players, coaches, and executives, Jake Fischer chronicles secret pre-draft workouts, feuding between player agents and executives, surprising trade negotiations, interpersonal conflicts, organizational power struggles, and infamous public relations fiascos, making for a fascinating look at the NBA. The definitive account of the NBA's tanking era, when teams raced to the bottom in the hope of eventually winning a championship.
Jake's book publishes May 4 - preorder now via Triumph Books, Amazon or anywhere books are sold. Meanwhile, join his Substack at https://builttolose.substack.com/ for behind the scenes stories that didn't make the book.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Zac Crain (@zaccrain), author of I SEE YOU BIG GERMAN: Dirk Nowitzki and What He Means to Dallas (And Me), joins the show to reflect on Dirk's history and impact on the city of Dallas, the Mavs organization, and Zac and his son. From Dirk's decision to join the Mavs when he was first drafted out of Germany to his navigation through the heartbreak of losing the Finals and the joy of winning five years later, Dirk Nowitzki's journey truly belongs in the echelon of NBA history (not to mention a poetic ballad of old!).
Get Zac's book I SEE YOU BIG GERMAN via Deep Vellum Publishing or wherever books are sold next week.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Nick Greene (@NickGreene), author of HOW TO WATCH BASKETBALL LIKE A GENIUS: What Game Designers, Economists, Ballet Choreographers, and Theoretical Astrophysicists Reveal About the Greatest Game on Earth (Abrams Press), joins the podcast to discuss his new book. Nick deconstructs the sport from top to bottom and puts it back together again, detailing its intricacies through reporting and dozens of interviews with experts. These experts, however, are a diverse group: a soap opera casting director weighing in on the game’s most prolific floppers, magicians analyzing Chris Paul’s mystifying dribbling techniques, cartographers breaking down Steph Curry’s deadeye three-point shooting, and so many more. Every chapter treats basketball to a multi-disciplined study that adventures far beyond the lines of the court, examining key elements of the sport from some surprising and revealing angles. There’s a reason it has conquered the world, and every game is a chance to learn about pop culture, fashion, history, science, art, and anything else that bounces our way.
Get Nick's book HOW TO WATCH BASKETBALL LIKE A GENIUS wherever books are sold.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Michael, Ryan, and D-Love discuss which historical teams best resemble this year's Jazz and Lakers, consider which teams we are buying and selling half way through the year, and discuss the trade market.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Kerry Eggers (@kerryeggers), author of "Jail Blazers: How the Portland Trail Blazers Became the Bad Boys of Basketball", a forthcoming Jerome Kersey biography to be released in Fall 2021, and a veteran journalist of the Oregon Journal, The Oregonian, and the Portland Tribune joins the podcast to discuss his time covering the Blazers, his book chronicling the most troubled era in Blazer's history, and his upcoming biography about Jerome Kersey.
Get Kerry's books wherever books are sold. You can find all his writings at his website www.kerryeggers.com
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Michael, Ryan and D-Love evaluate why Devin Booker isn't flourishing alongside Chris Paul and reflect on just how hard it is to ascend to superstardom in the NBA. They then discuss some playoff matchups they hope to see come May.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Michael, Ryan, and D-Love evaluate whether Sacramento's resurgence is legitimate, how Lamelo Ball has commandeered the Rookie of the Year race and whether James Wiseman can challenge him (or if his coaching staff will allow it). Finally, we discussed the performances of Steph Curry & Luka Doncic thus far this season.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Michael, Ryan, and D-Love diagnose the Heat's ailments and consider how Bam's improvements affect their outlook, discuss how Fred Van Vleet gambled on himself successfully, and ponder what the future holds with the advent of an alternative pathway to the NBA through the G-League.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Michael, Ryan, and D-Love evaluate the new look Nets, where the 76ers may fall short (and where Simmons ranks relative to his 2016 draft classmates) and wonder if the Jazz have enough to ascend into the upper echelon of the Western Conference. We then follow up on the possible pitfalls of the NBA's new ownership scheme.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
In this episode, Michael, Ryan, and D-Love discuss how the Nets may acquire more depth, whether the Nuggets will regret not trading for Harden, and answer two key questions: where does CJ McCollum rank in Blazers Player Pantheon and which Godfather character most resembles Jerry West?
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com or on Twitter (@3DLoveNBA)
Michael, Ryan, and D-Love react to James Harden being traded to the Brooklyn Nets. The guys discuss the trade's impact on the Nets and Rockets (even the Pacers and Cavs too), the Eastern Conference playoff race and the Nets future.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com.
Michael, Ryan and D-Love evaluate the status of the COVID throughout the league and whether a Bubble may be in play again. The guys then discuss Steph Curry's role in the league currently and historically, and why he's perceived the way he is, especially in comparison to Kyrie Irving.
Special thanks to Todd in Idaho and Scott in Portland for their rival Steph questions this week.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com.
Michael, Ryan and D-Love discuss the teams they are concerned about, the teams they're excited about, and everything in between with two weeks of the season in the books.
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com.
Michael, Ryan and D-Love review their feelings of Buyer's Delight or Buyer's Remorse for their Carty Cup picks as they process the happenings through Week 1 of the NBA season. D-Love and Michael's wager is finalized (accompanied by D-Love's preliminary gloating). Finally, they get real geeky (and hopefully informative) discussing the most recent news regarding possible expansion in the NBA (fingers crossed Seattle).
Have comments, questions or feedback? Want to propose a question to the guys? Email us at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com.
Pete Croatto (@PeteCroatto), author of FROM HANG TIME TO PRIME TIME: Business, Entertainment, and the Birth of the Modern-Day NBA, joins the guys to discuss his new book. Pete provides a fresh insight into the evolution of the NBA from it's infancy in the 1970s to the juggernaut it is today. Deeply researched and hugely informative, this book is essential reading whether you're a casual or huge NBA fan.
Get Pete's book FROM HANG TIME TO PRIME TIME at odysseybookstore.com (a signed copy), Amazon or wherever books are sold.
The Finale, Part 3 of the Carty Cup kickoff, Michael, Ryan and D-Love make their final picks, included First Coach Fired, MVP and NBA Champion. D-Love and Michael continue their war of words defending the bottom of the barrell in the Eastern Conference (Hawks and Wizards).
If you missed Parts 1 or 2, check out the previous episodes previewing the Western and Eastern seeds 1-8.
The Carty Cup, in honor of the late Jay Carty, a man known for his humble yet correct opinions, is a NBA predictions league that evolved out of an NBA email discussion list in 2004. The guys will predict 1-8 seeds in the Western and Eastern conference, conference champions and NBA champs plus a number of individual awards (MVP, ROY, COY and Michael's favorite First Coach Fired).
If you want to join the Carty Cup, email the guys at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com.
In Part 2 of the Carty Cup kickoff, Michael, Ryan and D-Love break down the Eastern Conference Seeds 1 through 8. These selections have a bit more variety as compared with the Western Conference and includes discussion of Giannis' supermax and a thorough takedown of the fraudulent Atlanta Hawks.
If you missed Part 1, check out Episode 6 first! The Carty Cup, in honor of the late Jay Carty, a man known for his humble yet correct opinions, is a NBA predictions league that evolved out of an NBA email discussion list in 2004. The guys will predict 1-8 seeds in the Western and Eastern conference, conference champions and NBA champs plus a number of individual awards (MVP, ROY, COY and Michael's favorite First Coach Fired).
If you want to join the Carty Cup, email the guys at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com.
In Part 1 of the Carty Cup kickoff, Michael, Ryan and D-Love select their Western Conference 1-8 playoff seeds, analyzing each selection and processing through D-Love's immediate buyer's remorse. The Carty Cup, in honor of the late Jay Carty, a man known for his humble yet correct opinions, is a NBA predictions league that evolved out of an NBA email discussion list in 2004. The guys will predict 1-8 seeds in the Western and Eastern conference, conference champions and NBA champs plus a number of individual awards (MVP, ROY, COY and Michael's favorite First Coach Fired).
If you want to join the Carty Cup, email the guys at 3andDLoveNBAPodcast at gmail dot com.
The season is quickly approaching and James Harden is nowhere to be found. Michael, Ryan and D-Love analyze what's happening in Houston. They move on to discuss Doc Rivers, Paul George, Steve Nash in Brooklyn and how coaches impact their teams. They wrap up with a discussion about Michael Porter Jr's upcoming season (#halewhat).
Michael, Ryan and D-Love review the new league wide COVID protocols, contemplate the matchups from Opening Night & Christmas Day, and dive into the league's most recent Challenge Trade (Russ for Wall).
As the free agent frenzy begins to wrap up, Michael Ryan and D-Love discuss which historical free agent move shook up the NBA most, followed by thoughts on which teams got better and which teams got worse as a result of their recent moves.
With NBA Free Agency begun, Michael Ryan and D-Love discuss (1) renowned GMs (2) their favorite moves of the day and (3) their WTF moves of the day. After a laymens discussion on the economics of the league, the trio discusses teams they wish they were fans of (and not fans of).
Michael, Ryan and D-Love discuss the 2020 NBA Draft and machinations throughout the league as they prepare for NBA free agency.