Open Floor: SI's NBA Show: Recent Episodes
SI NBA
From the NBA draft to the playoffs and back again, Open Floor takes you on a ride across the NBA standings, laying out the latest news and rumors along the way and leaving no basketball conspiracy theory stone left unturned. Join hosts Michael Pina, Chris Herring and Rohan Nadkarni as they let their imaginations run free up and down the court and around the world. Welcome to the Open Floor Globe.
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss if the Indiana Fever need an enforcer for Caitlin Clark after a very physical game against the Connecticut Sun before getting into why the Desmond Bane trade was one of the rare trades where both teams win and why Jalen Williams will keep climbing the all nba rankiings next season after his 40 point explosion in game sox of the Finals
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss how the Knicks coaching search keeps getting more desperate as a fifth team denies a request to poach their play caller, how the Kevin Durant trade rumors intensifying means we are in for an eventful draft night, and what the Thunder need to do to even the series as the Pacers out hustle them in game three
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Chris Mannix discusses the rumors surrounding Jason Kidd leaving the Mavericks to coach the Knicks and why the Mavs should consider blowing up the roster around Cooper Flagg before he's joined by Mark Medina to break down how the Thunder bounced back from their own Pacers comeback to dominate in game 2
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols get into the surprise firing of Tom Thibodeau and question the motives behind letting a coach go that led the Knicks to their first conference finals in twenty five years. We also discuss the end of the NBA on TNT as the league goes to streaming, and preview the Finals matchup between the Thunder and Pacers
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Chris Mannix is joined by Fred Katz of The Athletic to talk about what the Knicks need to do after losing to the Pacers in the ECF, what Mitchell Robinson does for this team, the good and not so good of Karl-Anthony Towns, and how Jalen Brunson can become the best player in franchise history
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss Ant Edwards passive game four performance and if he still has room to grow as a player at only twenty three years old. We also discuss the Knicks lineup changes against the Pacers, what the Mavs can expect from Cooper Flagg next season, and what we can anticipate from Giannis Antetokounmpo's upcoming meeting with the Bucks
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the wild game ending comeback by the Pacers against the Knicks in game one, how Aaron Nesmith played at an an all star level down the stretch, the rampant flopping throughout the game, if Tyrese Haliburton's dad should be reinstated for the rest of the series, and more
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Chris Mannix is joined by Sportskeeda's Mark Medina to break down what moves the Nuggets have left with a talented yet shallow roster, what we can expect from a stacked Knicks/Pacers series, and the logistics of the Cavs keeping their championship window open by trading for Giannis
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols convene for the first time since the crazy draft lottery and share their ideas for how they'd fix the lottery odds, Julius Randle proving his doubters wrong this postseason, why we're still high on the Warriors as contenders going forward, and what the Celtics should do as they wrestle with losing Jayson Tatum for all of next season
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Chris Mannix and SI's Kevin Sweeney talk live in Chicago at the NBA draft combine about the shocking draft lottery that saw the Mavericks jump to the number one pick and in position to draft Cooper Flagg. We also break down how a potential Giannis trade fits into the drafts, which tanking teams need to make a trade to move up, and our thoughts on several potential lottery picks
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Chris Mannix talks to Jay King of The Athletic about the Celtics falling down 0-2 to the Knicks and how they've blown two twenty point leads, the less than stellar play of Jayson Tatum, the Hack-a-Mitchell strategy, and what could be the mystery illness inflicting Kristaps Porziņģis
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols take their Giannis trade disagreement even further after the Bucks first round defeat, Tyrese Haliburton using his player poll snub as playoff fuel, how Steph Curry's untimely injury will impact the Warriors, and what the Clippers should do after their completely healthy roster came up short in the first round
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss Jimmy Butler's takeover against the Rockets in game 4 and if the Rockets bright future should include Jalen Green. We also get into JJ Redick playing his starting five for the entire second half of Game 4 and if and where Milwaukee should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo this offseason following Damian Lillard's devastating achilles tear that will end the superstar duo
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss Rick Carlisle's comments about Tyrese Haliburton being named the league's most overrated player in an anonymous player poll, Luka trying to chase Rudy Gobert in the Lakers game 2 win, the Knicks having a tougher time against the Pistons than many thought, and what the Bucks will do in the offseason if they lose to the Pacers in the first round
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Chris Mannix is joined by Fred Katz of the Athletic to discuss if more changes are coming in Atlanta after the dismissal of GM Landry Fields before breking down the Rockets awful performance in game one against the Warriors, the Wolves packing up the Lakers in Los Angeles, and if the Pistons can adjust after a game one loss to the Knicks
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down their most anticipated first round playoff series including: The two close to call matchup between the Nuggets and Clippers, what players need to step up for the Rockets in order to beat the playoff tested Warriors, how the Wolves will fare against the re tooled Lakers, the sure to be brawl between the Knicks and Pistons, and the questions surrounding availability in Milwaukee vs. Indiana
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the disastrous media session held by Nico Harrison and the Mavs front office before revealing who we voted for the MVP, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, and more
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Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina to discuss the Suns firing head coach Mike Budenholzer before discussing what players will be key difference makers including Jayson Tatum, Evan Mobley, Giannis, Russell Westbrook, and more
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols get into the good and bad of Luka's return to Dallas, the shocking firing of Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, why we have some doubts about the title hopes for the Thunder this season, and the suns officially being eliminated from the playoff picture
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Chris Mannix sits down with Dan Woike of the LA Times to discuss the state of the Lakers after a dominant win over the Oklahoma City Thunder and how Austin Reaves has looked like a border line all star, LeBron settling into a different role every night, and Luka Doncic preparing to play his first game back in Dallas
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Chris Mannix talks to ESPN's Tim MacMahon and author of the new book 'The Wonder Boy: Luka Doncic and the Curse of Greatness' about led to the team deciding to trade him, small moves made by the team that may have sped up their decline in their relationship with the star, and more
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss why the Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins right before the start of the playoffs and the year long changes that led to his dismissal. We also discuss how the Lakers remaining schedule could find them in the play in, and the leagues plan to create their own euro league
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss LeBron James sitting down with Pat McAfee on ESPN for 90 minutes as the conversation around him and Stephen A drags on. We also discuss if the Warriors have shown they are a contender in the west with Jimmy Butler, if the Mavericks should focus on tanking out of play in contention, the Lakers regressing defense, and how the Suns have made a recent push without Bradley Beal
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Chris Mannix is joined by MSG's Alan Hahn to discuss the good but puzzling New York Knicks can beat the Celtics, successfully pair Karl Anthony Towns with a healthy Mitchell Robinson, and if Thibs should give the bench more minutes
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the Boston Celtics selling for a record $6.1 billion and if the tv rights bubble will cause this number to stand for awhile. We also discuss the Milwaukee Bucks sputtering offensive output, if the Knicks will make it to the conference finals, and what the Suns will do as a play in appearance looks unlikely
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Chris Mannix talks about people claiming Shai Gilgeous-Alexander foul baiting on his way to MVP before he's joined by Chris Fedor from the Cleveland Plain Dealer about the team surpassing everyones expectations this season as unselfish basketball, the continued development of Evan Mobley, and a major deadline move has them on their way to 70 wins
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols LeBron James on court confrontation of Stephen A Smith over comments about Bronny Jr and Stephen A's ongoing response. We also discuss the possible western conference finals preview between the Nuggets and Thunder, the case for J. B. Bickerstaff for coach of the year, and Zion Williams playing all NBA basketball in his return for the Pelicans
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss what Kyrie Irving tearing his ACL means for the Mavericks going forward, an even more loaded post trade deadline Cavs became the first team to clinch a playoff spot, how the Warriors have turned things around after acquiring Jimmy Butler, and why the Suns may blow it up this summer as they crawl to the end of the season
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Chris Mannix is joined by the Athletic's Jovan Buha to discuss how the new look Lakers are 10-2 after the Luka Doncic/Anthony Davis trade, how they've been able to form a defensive mindset, and if they can actually challenge the Thunder and Nuggets in the playoffs
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the new look Los Angeles Lakers and if they’re legitimate title contenders post-Luka Doncic trade. Plus, they discuss the New York Knicks struggles against top teams and close with a chat breaking down if there is any hope remaining with the Philadelphia 76ers.
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Chris Mannix sits down with Thunder guard Lu Dort on what it was like going undrafted, making defense the cornerstone of his game, defending smaller guards, and how OKC is better than they were last year
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Chris Mannix is joined by Ben Golliver to discuss if this weekends all star festivities will improve over previous editions, Jimmy Butler's first week with Golden State, the Knicks title chances as they stay hot heading into the break, and how the loaded Grizzlies have stayed under the radar as the #2 seed out west
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the new look Lakers with Luka Doncic after his first game with the team, the fallout for the Hornets and Lakers after their trade swapping Mark Williams and Dalton Knecht, and the anger from Mavericks fans at GM Nico Harrison and team ownership that has bled into the arena
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the rest of an eventful trade deadline and why Jimmy Butler joining the Warriors won't help them that much, why the league is terrified of De'Aaron Fox joining the Spurs, the Lakers making more movies to bolster their roster with Luka and LeBron, Brandon Ingram joining a rebuilding Raptors team, the Suns making meager moves to turn their season around, and the Cavaliers putting together one of the best starting fives in the league
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Chis Mannix and Rachel Nichols convene for an emergency podcast to break down the wild trade that sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, why the Mavs would do this, and what it means for the Lakers future
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Chris Mannix is joined by Rachel Nichols as they dissect what we know about the NBA investigating and clearing Terry Rozier of any wrongdoing after irregular betting patterns were found before a game of his in 2023. We also discuss the Kings making De'Aaron Fox available in a trade, Rachel's take on Jimmy Butler's indefinite suspension, and if the NBA could really implement 10 minute quarters
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Chris Mannix is joined by Sam Amick of The Athletic to discuss the Miami Heat suspending Jimmy Butler indefinitely for quitting a team practice, why the Lakers will be quiet at the trade deadline, and if the Rockets could use their loaded roster in a move to land a star player
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichol discuss who they selected as their starters for the all star game before discussing who are the biggest surprises and disappointments at the halfway point of the season, and how the Nuggets have been able to bounce back behind Nikola Jokić & Russell Westbrook
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Chris Mannix is joined by Ben Golliver of The Washington Post to discuss if we should be concerned about the Celtics after they drop 3 of 5, the latest in the Jimmy Butler trade drama, if the Warriors can even make any significant moves at the deadline, and if a young Rockets team can have success in the playoffs this year
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the Cavaliers big win over the Thunder and if we're buying them as a championship contender, the latest in Jimmy Butler vs. The Heat, the Kings winning five in a row after firing Mike Brown, and the Pistons finally putting it together after years of rebuilding
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Chris Mannix discusses Jimmy Butler demanding a trade from the Miami Heat and why he won't end up on the Suns before talking to Oklahoma City Thunder sideline reporter Sam Gallo how the team was able to rebuild with young talent to challenge the Boston Celtics for odds on title favorite
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss what the Pelicans might do with an injured Zion Williamson amidst a disastrous season for the Pelicans, if De'Aaron Fox could be on the move from the Kings, how the Suns roster could look soon after a 15-17 start, the Lakers recent acquisitions, and the ongoing questions about Jimmy Butler's future in Miami
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Chris Mannix sits down with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to discuss how the Milwaukee Bucks have rebounded after a 2-8 start to win the NBA Cup, how Giannis and Dame are playing together, and Doc Rivers rough tenure with the team so far
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the officIal start of NBA trade season as the Warriors dealing for Dennis Schröder and whether they'll add another big name with Jimmy Butler. We also discuss how Jamal Murray's struggles this season has factored into the Nuggets record and if Minnesota is regretting the Karl Anthony Towns trade as he makes his return with the Knicks
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss Nikola Jokic playing super human basketball as the Nuggets hit their worst slump in years and what they may to do correct course as soon as possible. We also discuss how a healthy Grizzlies team could win the western conference and if trading LeBron and A.D. now is the best move the Lakers can do for their future
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the early season TV ratings for the league before discussing how LeBron James is starting to show his age a bit, if the Cavaliers are a threat to the Celtics after beating them at home, how the surging Bucks may want to make a big trade soon, and how the Knicks are not getting the defense out of Mikal Bridges that they thought they would
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the Lakers recent three game skid before breaking down the early season success of the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and Brooklyn Nets, and which of those teams can sustain winning late into the season
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Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the tepid response that the new four team pickup style all star game received and how they would inject some life into the game. We also discuss how JJ Redick has led the Lakers to early season success and how the Clippers have fared without Paul George and an injured Kawhi Leonard
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Chris Mannix and Mark Medina discuss Dalton Knecht's 37 point heater, the Cavs/Celtics NBA Cup showdown, the Warriors jumping out to a surprising 10-3 start, and the Sixers problem's with Joel Embiid and Paul George amid their 2-11 start
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Chris Mannix is joined by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post to discuss how the Sixers have a chemistry problem whether Joel Embiid is healthy or not, the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers early season success, and what level on the panic meter the Nuggets & Bucks are at right now
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Chris Mannix talks to Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson about the 10th anniversary of the Players Tribune, who the first player was to bust their ass, the value of the three pointer in today's NBA, and more
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Chris Mannix talks to Rachel Nichols about Bronny James appearing with LeBron in his first game, the Celtics record setting three point attempts & Joel Embiid missing the Sixers season opener before a sit down with Adam Silver about the amount of parity in the league, when we will see expansion teams, and how the league responded to last seasons gambling scandal
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Chris Mannix is joined by Rohan Nadkarni this week to discuss the improbable return of Lonzo Ball, the WNBA's odd end to a very successful finals, and what we think of some pre season over/under win totals for bubble teams. Chris also sits down with Utah Jazz all star Lauri Markkanen and gets into offseason trade rumors surrounding him and the outlook for the Jazz this season
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Chris Mannix is joined by Sam Amick of The Athletic to discuss some results from this season's GM survey before discussing where the Warriors, Suns, Kings & Clippers are trending after an offseason of additions and major departures
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Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina to break down Bronny James debut with the Lakers and why we should temper expectations for him going forward. We also discuss how the Suns new additions will fit in and our first look at the post KAT Timberwolves
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Chris Mannix talks to former no. 1 overall pick Greg Oden about the unexpected turn his career in the NBA took, how he knew it was time to retire, learning to find himself after stepping away from the league, and being inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame
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Chris Mannix talks with Fred Katz of the Athletic about the passing about NBA hall of famer Dikembe Mutombo before breaking down the surprise blockbuster trade between the Knicks and Timberwolves that sent all star Karl-Anthony Towns to New York
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Chris Mannix discusses the news that Kawhi Leonard underwent knee surgery in the offseason before he's joined by Jay King of the Athletic to discuss the big extensions handed out by Boston this off season, how Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will play this year after finally winning a title, and what the team may look like in the future
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Chris Mannix is joined by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post to get into Adrian Wojnarowski's retirement, Joel Embiid's contract extension, how much the Lakers can really compete this season, and how the departure of key veterans will impact the Clippers and Nuggets
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Chris Mannix talks to new Washington Wizards head coach Brian Keefe about taking over as head coach mid season, how he sees the teams rebuild going, the squad's young French players, and what role Jordan Poole will have on the team next season
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Chris Mannix is joined by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic to discuss what is going on with the ownership of the Timberwoves and the title hopes for the team heading into next season. We also speak to NBA vet and 'Inside the NBA' host on the show ending at TNT after next season, USA basketball, and the Celtics
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Chris Mannix is joined by Rohan Nadkarni to break down the rumors of a past trade proposal that would have sent LeBron to the Warriors, if the Knicks have bolstered their roster enough to compete with the Celtics, why the Warriors were given the most nationally televised games this season, and if the Suns are a contender or a pretender
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Chris Mannix is joined by the NY Post's Ryan Glasspiegel to get into Warner Bros matching Amazon's offer for NBA TV rights, what it could mean for Inside The NBA, how Amazon can pull off taking over NBA games, and how the leagues media deals have continued to increase exponentially
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Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina as we get into some more NBA TV rights news, Bronny James up and down performance in summer league, why USA basketball needs to change their approach if they want to compete in the future, why the Cavs need to make more changes if they want to compete, and Russell Westbrook's fit with the Nugget's
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Chris Mannix is joined by The Athletic's Jovan Buhan to discuss the Clippers letting Paul George walk to the Philadelphia 76ers & the rest of their mild off season acquisitions before breaking down what the Lakers might look like next season running back most of their roster after failing to land any major free agents
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Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina to break down why the Celtics ownership is putting the team up for sale and the start of NBA free agency including Paul George signing with the Sixers, the Clippers puzzling signings, the Warriors losing Klay Thompson to Dallas, and Oklahoma City acquiring very tradable contracts for the future
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Chris Mannix breaks down the first free agency moves of the offseason with Ben Golliver including the Knicks trading for Mikal Bridges, if the Rockets will try to acquire Kevin Durant, and why the Clippers should resign Paul George. We also get into the draft with SI's Kevin Sweeney about the Pistons picking Ron Holland at #5, Dalton Knecht's slide to #17, Kyle Filipowski's off court drama, and Bronny James going to the Lakers
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Chris Mannix is joined by Dan Woike of the LA Times to break down what led to the Lakers hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach, why the job isn't all it's cracked up to be, and what moves the team may make going forward to compete in the western conference
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Chris Mannix and Mark Medina break down the Celtics win over the Dallas Mavericks for their 18th title and why you can't buy a championship anymore, the narrative that they only played easy teams, and what the future is for both teams going forward
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Chris Mannix us joined by The Athletics Jovan Buhato break down the Celtics dominant Finals performance that has them one win away from a title before getting into the Lakers coaching search and why UConn's Dan Hurley turned them down
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Chris Mannix is joined by Howard Megdal from the IX Sports to discuss Caitlin Clark's first month in the league, other players rough play, the media's coverage of her, and the national explosion of the league as a whole this season
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Chris Mannix is joined by Rachel Nichols to discuss if the Timberwolves can really run it back and possible trade destinations for Karl-Anthony Towns before getting into the finals matchup and Kyrie's growth as a member of the Mavericks
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Matt Verderame & Gilberto Manzanzo discuss the start of off season OTA's, if we'll end up seeing wide receivers being paid like running backs, and get into final 2024 record predictions
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Chris Mannix and Mark Medina break down the Karl-Anthony Towns led Wolves victory in game five and whether they can win in Minnesota to force game six. We also get into if the Celtics run to the finals was really that easy and if the Lakers head coaching position is really all that it's cracked up to be
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Chris Mannix breaks down the Timberwolves huge comeback win against the Nuggets and why Denver's lack of bench help may be a problem for them going forward. Chris also welcomes Chris Forsberg from NBC Sports Boston to discuss the return of Kristaps Porziņģis, Tyrese Haliburton's impact on the game, and why Aaron Nesmith will be the x factor in this series
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Chris Mannix is joined by SI's Kevin Sweeney to break down Bronny James performance at the draft combine, the uncertainty about who will be taken with the first pick, where Zach Edey will be taken, and why some prospects draft stock fell in the last year
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Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina to break down if JJ Redick is really the best candidate for the Lakers head coaching job, how a healthy Indiana Pacers team has found themselves losing to an injury ravaged Knicks, if the Lakers can keep LeBron with a sizable pre draft trade, and if the Suns can salvage their immediate future by trading Kevin Durant
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Chris Mannix breaks down the questionable decision by the NBA to fine and not suspend Jamal Murray after the Nuggets guard threw a heat pack onto the court during play in the team's gams two loss to Minnesota. He also discusses Patrick Beverley being dealt a four game suspension for throwing a ball at a fan before bringing in the NY Post's Ryan Glasspiegel to discuss the developments in the league's new TV rights deal
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Chris Mannix talks to NBA veteran and current Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine about if Paul George would find more success with the Magic or Sixers, what the Clippers and Lakers can do with a lack of immediate home grown talent, and how much the Celtics will be miss an injured Kristaps Porziņģis in their second round matchup against the Cavaliers
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Hi, Open Floor fans! Listen to Four Years of Heat hosted by Israel Gutierrez! The new hit sports podcast will leave you on the edge of your seat. A podcast that dives into the behind-the-scenes story of what happened during the time LeBron James spent with Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and the Miami Heat. Don't just take our word for it, check out the trailer to decide for yourself!
About Four Years of Heat: "Four Years of Heat" is an 8-episode limited series narrative podcast launching the week of May 23rd (Around NBA Finals). It is written and hosted by South Florida native, ESPN’s Israel Gutierrez. The show dives deep into the behind-the-scenes story of what happened during the four years LeBron James spent with Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and the Miami Heat. It chronicles the inside stories from “The Decision,” the loss to the Mavs in the 2011 Finals, the Back-to-Back tiles in 2012-13, and LeBron’s choice to go “Home” to Cleveland in 2014. The release coincides with the 10-year anniversary of the Heat's epic 2013 NBA Finals win over the Spurs and Ray Allen’s amazing Game 6 tying shot. Israel recounts his own first-hand experiences covering the team, as well as gathering interesting perspectives from players, coaches, and journalists in and around the Heat at the time.
Listen to Four Years of Heat on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts!
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REMINDER: Open Floor will be moving to the Crossover feed starting next week so please subscribe and join us there!
Mannix is joined again by Rohan Nadkarni and Chris Herring to break down how the MVP race between Nikola Jokić & Joel Embiid has gotten even closer, if the Lakers are really a contender with Anthony Davis missing crucial games, the failure of Michael Jordan during his tenure as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets as he looks to sell the team, and what the Grizzlies will look like going forward with the return of Ja Morant
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Rohan and Chris and joined by Chris Mannix again on this week's Open Floor where we break down a wide open western conference and why the Kyrie Trade hasn't worked out so far in Dallas, how a once dead in the water Lakers team has become competitive with their retooled roster, the weaknesses of the Denver nuggets, and how the how far the Cavaliers defense could take them in the playoffs
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Chris Mannix joins Rohan & Herring to get into both the real life and basketball consequences that Ja Morant could face after his gun related IG live controversy. We also discuss the red hot NY Knicks and how the Celtics have slid in the standings after a tough post all star game schedule
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris react to the news of LeBron’s ankle injury and if the Lakers can still make the playoffs. Then they discuss a fun weekend of hoops, including Nikola Jokic’s 40-point triple double against the Clippers and his budding MVP case. After that, they hop around the league to marvel at the very fun Knicks, the depth of the Bucks, and the emergence of the Kings. And finally, Rohan closes the show with the return of the Love Island minute
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris preview the final quarter of the NBA season. They run through their thoughts on the Warriors and Stephen Curry, the Clippers deciding to sign Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic’s MVP case, if anyone can compete with Boston and Milwaukee in the East, and much more!
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Rohan Nadkarni and Chris Herring are joined by the Crossover podcasts Chris Mannix and Howard Beck for part 2 of our trade deadline megapod to break down some of the biggest storylines from the trade deadline. In this episode, Rohan is attacked for his lukewarm feelings on the Lakers’ moves. Everyone is surprised by the lack of action from the Toronto Raptors. And the group wonders if the Warriors received enough in the James Wiseman trade. Also on the agenda: the Jae Crowder saga, the Bulls, and much more!
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris react to the Kyrie Irving trade. They discuss their skepticism about the trade on and off the court, whether it was worth the risk for the Mavericks, and if Dallas can make it further than it did in last year’s playoffs. Then they wonder what the Nets should do with Kevin Durant, and if Brooklyn potentially got better as a result of this trade. They also break down what the deal means for the Lakers. Finally, they state their appreciation for LeBron James as he approaches the league’s all-time scoring record
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing the OG Anunoby-mania surrounding the trade deadline. They break down whether he will be worth the seemingly high trade price, and which teams they would most like to see him play for. Then they praise Joel Embiid for his performance against Nikola Jokic, and wonder if it will be enough for him to win MVP. Also, are the Sixers now the Celtics’ biggest threat in the East?
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Sports Illustrated senior writer Chris Mannix. They begin by discussing some of the week’s rivalry games, including Nets-Sixers and Warriors-Grizzlies. Topics include the future of Ben Simmons and if the Grizzlies would be favored in a playoff rematch against the Dubs. Then they break down Anthony Davis’s return and what it means for the Lakers. Finally, the duo go through their All-Star rosters and who should or should not make the team
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing some notable performances from MLK Day, including Walker Kessler’s big night against the Wolves. Then they ruminate on the league’s scoring boom and what it means for how players of this era will be judged. And finally, they dive in deep on the Knicks and what they expect from the team moving forward
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris begin by discussing their observations from Thursday night’s games, including Luka’s minutes and the third-quarter Thunder. Then they break down some surprising trends from the first half of the NBA season, such as the Bucks’ struggling offense, the under .500 Raptors, the MVP race, and more
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris begin by discussing the Nuggets’ blowout win over the Clippers, if it holds any significance, and the experience of watching Kawhi Leonard. Then they break down how Zion Williamson’s absence may or may not affect the Pelicans before returning to Rohan’s hot take about Trae Young, which leads to some thoughts about the futures of the Hawks and Timberwolves
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris run over Rohan’s list of contenders headed into 2023. Which of the Grizzlies, Clippers, Warriors and Nuggets is the best team in the West? Are the Cavaliers and Pelicans too young to make a title run, or are they ready now? Have the Nets overtaken Bucks as the second best team in the East? Rohan and Chris break down all of these questions and much more!
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris look ahead to a few of the Christmas Day games, starting with the heavyweight tilt between Boston and Milwaukee. Is the Celtics’ recent slump any cause for concern? Then they discuss the emergence of the Knicks and their ceiling in the East, as well as Joel Embiid’s spectacular season. They also touch on their hangups with the Suns and Nuggets before reminiscing about the Tony Scott classic “Man on Fire.”
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by former ESPN NBA writer Kevin Arnovitz. They discuss Kevin’s experience of watching the NBA as a casual fan and the frustrating nature of the NBA regular season. Later, they wonder whether parity has actually hit the NBA and if current stars mean as much as they used to. Finally, they predict the battlegrounds of the ongoing CBA negotiations, and Kevin provides an update on his current career
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Sports Illustrated senior writer Jon Wertheim to celebrate the life of their friend, Grant Wahl.
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris begin by discussing the early returns of Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, and Dejounte Murray trades from the summer. Which team is best positioned to go further in the playoffs than last season? Rohan hits Chris with one more nuclear take, this time regarding Karl-Anthony Towns. Chris makes a shocking discovery about the Beam in Sacramento. And then thanks to Mike Brown and Mike Budenholzer, Dick’s Last Resort gets dragged through the mud
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris hop around the league to discuss several teams. They start with Anthony Davis’s recent hot stretch and what it means for the Lakers. Then they wonder what’s going on with Trae Young and the Hawks, during which Rohan hits Chris with a nuclear take. The duo also sing the praises of two early season surprises, the Thunder and Pacers, before taking a trip down Pacers Memory Lane
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris dive deep on a team they’ve both written about recently: the Miami Heat. They break down the team’s overwhelming use of zone, the breakout of Bam Adebayo, and what the roster’s ceiling is with Jimmy Butler. Then, they discuss the title prospects of the Denver Nuggets, and how they’ve reaped the benefits of the signings they made in the offseason
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On today’s show, Rohan and John revisit Lakers trade rumors and a potential Kemba Walker signing before handing out their Quarter Season Awards. They debate whether there is an obvious MVP favorite, which postseason award Shai Gilgeous-Alexander most deserves, and Rohan is once again forced to confront the success of Daniel Ray Ainge
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On today’s show, Rohan and John begin by discussing the returns of Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving and what they mean for their respective teams. They also touch on Kyrie’s apology, and if the reasons for his suspension are truly behind him. The they highlight all the major injuries across the NBA and the impact they could have on various teams. Finally, they close with a breakdown of Laddergate, aka the incident between Giannis and some Philadelphia arena workers
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start with a spirited discussion about one of the most fun teams in the league, the Sacramento Kings, and what makes them so exciting. They also wonder whether or not the East has already become a two-team race, with Boston’s offense and Milwaukee’s defense separating themselves early in the season. The duo also try to fix the Warriors, respond to some emails, and more!
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On today’s show, Rohan and John start by running through some Anthony Davis fake trades the Lakers may need to consider. They also briefly discuss the Nets’ recent success before wondering when the Wolves should pull the plug on Rudy Gobert and if anything is real from this NBA season. The duo are also forced to acknowledge the success of the Celtics before trying to figure out a new name for the Heat’s home arena
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing the continued success of the Utah Jazz. Should the front office keep the team together? And is Lauri Markkanen now definitively a part of the future? Later, they touch on the dispiriting start to the season from the Timberwolves, and how the Gobert-Towns experiment hasn’t worked well so far. The duo also lend their thoughts to the best NBA antics, why more players haven’t spoken up about Kyrie, and more!
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On today’s show, Rohan and John start by discussing the remedial measures the Nets have laid out for Kyrie Irving while he’s suspended from basketball. They also wonder whether it’s already time for the Nets to end the KD-Kyrie experiment. Later, they check back in on the still struggling Warriors, ask themselves if the Jazz are legit, and try to figure out if any team in the East can challenge the Bucks
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing the latest news regarding Kyrie Irving and Josh Primo. Then they open up the mailbag to get into some basketball talk, including their favorite teams to watch early in the season, and their thoughts on the returns of the Towns-Gobert experiment. The Rip City Royston Report also makes its long awaited return before Rohan and Chris close the show wondering if the Lakers are showing signs of life
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Yahoo Sports’s Dan Devine. They begin by discussing the mess with the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving, both on and off the court. Then they dive into the Warriors’ recent struggles, and whether the two-timeline approach will create problems for them. They also discuss the success of the Cavs and Donovan Mitchell, if the Suns are legit, if they want to change their Finals picks, and more!
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing the slight improvements they’ve seen from Ben Simmons, and whether or not he can ultimately make a difference for the Nets. Then they open up the mailbag to determine their level of concern for the Clippers, and whether or not LeBron is a good stats-bad team guy. They also touch on the Suns, the Wizards, favorite Halloween costumes, and more!
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Rohan & John discuss Adam Silver's comments about relegating bad teams to discourage tanking, the early struggles of the Sixers and Heat, and how the title contending Nuggets looked against the defending champs
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John & Rohan break down the struggles of the Lakers and Sixers in their first two games before 'The Late Late Show' and 'All Fantasy Everything's' Ian Karmel joins the show to do a fantasy draft of NBA League Pass rankings
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Rohan Nadkarni & Chris Herring are joined again by the Crossover podcast's Chris Mannix and Howard Beck as they switch sides and break down the major contenders and storylines in the eastern conference as the season gets underway
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Rohan Nadkarni & Chris Herring are joined by the Crossover podcast's Chris Mannix and Howard Beck to break down the major contenders and storylines in the western conference as the season gets underway. Stay tuned for our eastern conference roundtable out tomorrow
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by former Open Floor host and Washington Post writer Ben Golliver. Rohan presents Ben with five big questions before the NBA season, touching on topics such as LeBron’s future, the lack of pressure on Nikola Jokic, if the Celtics are still contenders, and so much more!
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by GOAT podcast host Andrew Sharp for the annual ranking of top ten duos. First they start by discussing who didn’t make the list, including some surprising picks from Andrew. Then they run down their top tens, with many twists and turns along the way
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Chris Herring. After a brief detour into their billion-dollar reality TV idea, they discuss the news of the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole fight, and what they expect regarding both players’ contract situations. Then, they break down the top ten of SI’s Top 100, including how they settled arguments, why Stephen Curry wasn’t ranked first, and much more
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Jeremy Woo. The two dive deep into SI’s Top 100 list, revealing some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the project. They discuss how they came up with their lists, which players were the hardest to rank, and explain why who ended up where. They also talk about some players they expect to make the list in the future, why Russell Westbrook was left off, if Victor Wembanyama can be the first rookie to make the list next season, and much more!
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Chris, and after a brief detour into “Don’t Worry Darling” drama, they react to some early training camp storylines. Topics include Anthony Davis’s wrist and future MVP hopes, if Ben Simmons will really play the five, if Jimmy Butler really won’t play the four, James Wiseman’s preseason debut, and Zion Williamson running with the Pelicans’ starters
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by John Gonzalez and the two react to various NBA Media Day happenings. They start in Boston, where the Celtics continue to offer few details regarding the suspension of Ime Udoka, apparently to their own players as well. Then, Rohan & John break down the drama in Brooklyn, wondering how Kevin Durant’s trade request, Kyrie Irving’s unreliability, Ben Simmons’s availability, and the calls for Steve Nash’s firing will affect the team. They also discuss issues with the Lakers, Sixers, Suns and much more
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On today’s show, SI senior writer John Gonzalez is joined by Chris Herring. They react to the Boston Celtics suspending head coach Ime Udoka for the season, Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver accepting offers to sell, and Anthony Edwards getting fined for his homophobic comments. Then, they discuss Ben Simmons’ recent appearance on JJ Redick’s podcast and what his candor reveals about the oft-critiqued Brooklyn Nets star.
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI senior writer John Gonzalez. The two first discuss the news regarding the NBA’s CBA, including the mental health injury designation, and why Rohan is concerned about potentially harsher luxury tax penalties. Then Rohan and John look over the dwindling list of free agents and assign them to new teams, or why we need to see Rajon Rondo on the Pelicans. Finally, Rohan reveals the latest bad movie he thoroughly enjoyed
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI Weekly host John Gonzalez. The two react to the NBA’s decision to only suspend Robert Sarver for one year, and discuss why his punishment wasn’t more severe. They then discuss the fallout of Adam Silver’s press conference regarding Sarver, particularly his revealing answer to a question from colleague Howard Beck. They also wonder if more public pressure will mount against Sarver, why he was treated differently than Donald Sterling, and more
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Sports Illustrated contributor Chris Ballard. The pair dive deep into Chris’s latest cover story on LeBron James, and Rohan asks Chris why LeBron may have participated, about the process of interviewing LeBron and his two sons, and how LeBron as an interview subject has changed over the years. Chris also shares some of his favorite behind the scenes details of the story. Then, Rohan and Chris discuss some of his previous stories for SI, including his profile of former lottery pick Robert Swift, and what it was like to interview a post-Process Sam Hinkie.
GoFundMe link for Jonathan Tjarks: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Lets-help-our-friend-jonathan-tjarks
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On today’s show, Chris Herring makes his long awaited return. He and Rohan start by opening up the mailbag, discussing if the Donovan Mitchell trade put the Cavs in the title discussion and then what impact Rudy Gobert can have on the Wolves. Then the hosts rank their top five contenders in the West and explain why they are both high on the Clippers, why the Grizzlies could be in trouble, and how the Pelicans could possibly crash the party. Finally, they wonder if the Lakers and Blazers can make the playoffs, and if so, who would be dropping out of the postseason field
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI Weekly host John Gonzalez. The duo first react to the Donovan Mitchell trade, discussing the fit between Mitchell and Darius Garland, if it was the right move for Cleveland, and if the Jazz should have taken the Knicks offer instead. Then Rohan and John rank their top five contenders in the Eastern Conference, assessing the new hierarchy in the East in the wake of the Mitchell trade. Finally, Rohan and John ask if anyone can contribute to the family of Jonathan Tjarks, they please consider doing so. The link to his GoFundMe is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Lets-help-our-friend-jonathan-tjarks.
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by The Ringer’s (and former colleague) Rob Mahoney. The two start the show by discussing the fallout of Chet Holmgren’s season-ending injury, including if the Thunder are in an even better position long term. Then they react to the Lakers’ acquisition of Patrick Beverley, explaining why it was both the right move and a frustrating one. Finally, they answer a couple listener emails, debating whether the NBA would be better with more or less teams, and wondering if the Warriors’ championship casts new questions on the Top 75 list
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On today’s show, Rohan is reunited with SI Weekly host John Gonzalez. They open by discussing the report the Grizzlies may be interested in Kevin Durant. They weigh whether Memphis should make the trade, and who they should give up in a hypothetical deal. Then the pair react to the NBA’s schedule release, and offer thoughts on the impending Christmas showdown between the NBA and NFL. Finally, they close the show by paying respect to Udonis Haslem and looking back on the Mikal Bridges trade
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On today’s show, Rohan returns and is joined by Jeremy Woo to open open the mailbag to discuss NBA bromances, team theme songs, and how Shaq would be evaluated as a modern-day draft prospect. Rohan and Jeremy then close the episode with an early look at the Victor Wembanyana sweepstakes and their Top 100 thoughts.
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SI Weekly's John Gonzalez is joined again by The Ringer's Dan Devine to look at the Vegas odds for every team's win total. Hear why we're surprised by some, not surprised by others, and why we're always taking the under on the Knicks (and Kings).
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SI Weekly's John Gonzalez fills in for Rohan on this week's Friday edition of Open Floor as he welcomes The Ringers Dan Devine to look at Kevin Durant's meeting in London with Nets owner Joe Tsai where he reportedly asked him to choose between him and head coach Steve Nash. We then discuss where the Nets go from here and a not-so-true Ben Simmons rumor that floated around this week
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI Weekly host John Gonzalez for an all-mailbag special. They start by discussing the merits of a fake Anthony Davis-for-Draymond Green trade before guessing which first-time All Stars won’t make the team again next season. Then, as the two prepare to answer an email about the Nets, the podcast is interrupted by the latest Kevin Durant report. Finally, Rohan & John reminisce on 2K greats of past and help a fan pick their favorite basketball team
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by comedian and writer Josh Gondelman. First, the two reveal which team they are most confident could win the Finals if the playoffs started today. Then they open up the mailbag, answering a shocking question about dunks before diving into walk-up songs and Timberwolves slander. After Rohan angers another fan base, the Love Island minute returns with an apology, and the show closes with Josh answering some questions about his comedy career, including what it’s like to write for John Oliver and Desus and Mero
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI Weekly host John Gonzalez. The pair first pay tribute Bill Russell and his incredible legacy beyond basketball, particularly his civil rights activism. Later, they wonder why the NBA is still pursuing tampering in the wake of reported investigations into the Sixers and Knicks. Then they open up the mailbag to discuss the usefulness of statistics and share their feelings on possible NBA expansion. Finally, Rohan and John close the show with the return of the Love Island minute before paying their respects to bad movies
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On today’s show, Rohan is joined by former Open Floor host Andrew Sharp. The two reveal the teams they believe had the most disappointing offseasons, including a surprising answer from Sharp. Then they dive into some fun emails, pondering what Damian Lillard should do with his career and if Rohan’s recent Mavs slander has been justified. They close the show with a discussion about their favorite NBA throwback jerseys, and why the current crop of threads are mostly bad
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris somehow discuss baseball before diving into the latest Kevin Durant news. The duo react to the report of a KD-for-Jaylen Brown trade and wonder whether it makes sense for either side. They also discuss if the league needs to respond to player movement in the next CBA. They finish the show by reaching into the mailbag, answering questions about players who should’ve taken different shots, and guessing which 2022 playoff teams may not be so lucky next season
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On today’s show, Chris and Rohan address the Miles Bridges situation before diving into basketball. The duo then discuss James Harden’s new contract with the Sixers and their expectations for Philly this season. They also open up the mailbag to admit some past mistakes, assess a potential Donovan Mitchell-led Knicks team, and explain why they would never live in Orlando. And finally, a special announcement to close the show
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On today’s show, Rohan and Chris acknowledge the Keldon Johnson extension before diving into a bevy of Lakers topics. They review LeBron’s Drew League performance before discussing the scattershot nature of his Lakers tenure. Then the duo marvel at the public divorce between Russell Westbrook and his now former agent before answering an email about Anthony Davis. Finally, Chris admits his love for World War II-era cinema before he and Rohan hand out some book recommendations
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan kick things off with a special announcement before they dive into a whole bunch of fantastic mailbag questions. They talk about Deandre Ayton's restricted free agency and questionable future in Phoenix, propose their favorite fake Donovan Mitchell trades, explain why the Mavs aren't a lock to make the playoffs, debate who the worst player on a championship team can be, and so much more
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag and take a look ahead at the 2022-23 season by submitting ballots for every major award. They reveal who they think will win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year, and Coach of the Year, with some outside the bold, outside-the-box predictions sprinkled into the discussion.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris offer some first reactions to Summer League and some standout names (Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr., etc.) from the 2022 draft class. They then open up the mailbag and break down some more Kevin Durant trade offers (and the big Brandon Ingram question), wonder if, in light of Bradley Beal's new contract, the Wizards are officially the most hopeless franchise in the league, and so much more
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On today’s episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the ongoing saga with Kevin Durant’s trade request, including which teams they would like to see him play for most. Then they dive into the Rudy Gobert and Dejounte Murray trades, and if either one significantly affects the Wolves’ or Hawks’ title odds. Finally, Michael forces Rohan to confront the success of the Celtics’ offseason, and the hosts pick their favorite and least favorite signing of the summer.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss Kevin Durant's trade request, whether the Nets should honor his list of desired destinations and where the Nets go from here. Then they get into the first day of free agency by giving their winners and losers to the first day of activity, while responding to breaking news in real time!
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan preview free agency by taking a look at several teams and players they have their eye on heading into July 1. What will the Suns and Jazz do? Will the Hawks take a step back? Who will sign Kyrie Irving? What about Miles Bridges? They then move on to talk about potential Kevin Durant destinations, should he request a trade, before opening the mail bag and answering a whole bunch of fascinating questions
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan give their winners and losers from the 2022 NBA draft. What were the Knicks thinking? Will they regret not using the 11th pick and instead opting to improve via free agency? Should the Magic have taken Jabari Smith Jr. instead of Paolo Banchero? Which team has a brighter future: the Pistons or the Thunder? All those questions, and so many more, are answered in today's show. Also: the Royston Rip City Report makes its triumphant return
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discussed Kyrie Irving's looming player option and wondered which team he'll end up on next season. They also went over Bradley Beal's free agency and Charlotte's puzzling search for a new head coach before a long conversation about the NBA draft. They finished things off by opening the mailbag and answering a few leftover questions about the Finals, Steve Kerr's legacy, and so much more.
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On today’s special episode, Michael, Chris, and Rohan give their thoughts on Game 6 of the NBA Finals and what the Warriors win means for Stephen Curry’s legacy. Then they briefly preview who will be No. 1 on their Top 100 lists for next season, which leads to shock and disagreement. The trio also discusses Jayson Tatum’s Finals performance, and gives way too early predictions for next season, leading to some more chaos
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down the NBA Finals with a look back at Game 4 and a look ahead to Game 5. They get into Steph Curry's dominance (where does he rank on the list of players they've watched with their own two eyes?), Draymond Green's diminished role, Jayson Tatum's struggles, the Finals MVP debate, and so much more.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down Game 3 of the NBA Finals and zoom out to answer a few questions about the series. What is each team's best five-man unit? Which players have been the most disappointing? What stats have surprised us both the most? Michael and Chris then open up the mailbag to wonder which active role players would make the best head coaches, and more
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down and react to Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where the Warriors bounced back with a commanding win over the Celtics. What adjustments did Steve Kerr make to get the win? Were Draymond Green's antics over the top or exactly what Golden State needed? How can Boston's offense get back on track in Game 3? All those questions, and more, are answered in today's show.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris took a deep dive into Game 1 of the NBA Finals. How did the Celtics blow the game wide open like they did, particularly after Steph Curry's volcanic first quarter? Did Jayson Tatum have the best 3-for-17 performance in postseason history? What adjustments can/should the Warriors make coming off a night where Boston could not miss from behind the three-point line? All those questions, and more, are answered in today's show
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On today's show, Michael and Rohan give the people what they want, breaking down Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Celtics. Was Jimmy's shot the right decision? What should Miami do with Tyler Herro this summer? Then they open up the mailbag and preview what should be a classic NBA Finals, answering several key questions about Boston and Golden State's individual matchups and x-factors before arriving at their predictions.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss a Warriors team that's headed to their sixth NBA Finals in eight seasons. Both picked Mavs in 6 before the series started, so how were they so wrong? Is the Wiggins trade the most lopsided in recent NBA history? They then wonder what's next for Dallas, and how it can avoid following the same short-term path Atlanta is currently on. After opening the mailbag to answer a few questions, they close things out with a conversation about the Eastern Conference Finals, Erik Spoelstra's options, Boston's defense, and why these games are so lopsided.
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down the Western Conference Finals, Andrew Wiggins, Steph Curry and a miraculous Warriors team that's one win away from another championship series. Then they look at the East, where Boston and Miami are locked into a fascinating tug-of-war.
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In today's show, Michael and Rohan break down the Eastern Conference Finals with a long discussion about Jimmy Butler's fantastic Game 1, what adjustments (if any) the Celtics should make if they want to bounce back, and more. Then they open the mailbag and answer a few questions about the lottery, wondering if Sacramento and Detroit will trade their picks and accelerate their respective rebuilds or continue to add young talent. Plus: a shocking Deandre Ayton fake trade!
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris recap Sunday's Game 7 action and wonder what's next for the Suns and Bucks after both teams were blown off the floor. Is the championship window shut for Phoenix? How much work does Milwaukee need to do to push Giannis past the finish line yet again? They then preview the two conference finals series by analyzing a few key matchups before making final predictions about which teams they think will meet in the Finals.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder what's next for James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers. Where do they go from here, after Harden's scoreless second half in Game 6? Were Joel Embiid's post-game comments fair? How can the Sixers bounce back next season? Over in Dallas, will Luka Doncic bolster his playoff reputation with a magical Game 7 against the regular season's best team? Chris and Michael then open up the mailbag and answer a few quick questions about the Celtics/Bucks and Warriors/Grizzlies matchups
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan ask one big question about all four second-round playoff series. Can the Celtics sustain their small-ball success? What impact, if any, will Duncan Robinson have against the Sixers? Can the Grizzlies come back and win three straight games? What's it going to take for Phoenix's offense to get back on track? Then they open up the mailbag and have a conversation about postseason officiating.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris preview Saturday's Game 3's between the Grizzlies/Warriors and Celtics/Bucks. What adjustments can Steve Kerr make to slow down Ja Morant? What adjustments can Mike Budenholzer make so Giannis Antetokounmpo's life isn't so hard on offense? Then they open up the mailbag to answer a few questions about playoff officiating, Luka Doncic's extremely high usage rate, and so much more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly address the impact Joel Embiid's orbital fracture/concussion will have on Philadelphia's second-round matchup against the Miami Heat. Then they break down Sunday's Game 1 action from the Bucks-Celtics and Grizzlies-Warriors series. What adjustments does Boston need to make, if any, to tie things up? Was Draymond Green's ejection the right decision? Why don't we talk about Ja Morant's defense like we do Trae Young's? And more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss Thursday night's slate of games before previewing and making series predictions about Heat-Sixers and Mavericks-Suns. They then wonder where the Jazz are going after a disappointing first-round exit and praise a Pelicans team that's poised to take a major leap next season. Also, a quick conversation about Celtics-Bucks and a few mailbag questions
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss Wolves/Grizzlies, Ja Morant's struggles, Karl-Anthony Towns' up-and-down postseason, how a potential first-round loss will impact Kevin Durant's legacy, whether the Jazz should trade Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell (or both?), and so much more!
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On today’s Open Floor, Rohan fills in for Michael and is joined by Chris to discuss the fall of the house of Jazz and Karl-Anthony Towns’s unethical four-shot game against the Grizzlies. Is there anything Utah can do to salvage its series against the Mavs? Can the Wolves bounce back from blowing multiple 20-point leads? Then they look ahead to Game 3 between the Celtics and Nets, including Kevin Durant’s struggles and what the Brooklyn home crowd will sound like. They also touch on Nikola Jokic MVP discourse, the Warriors’ new death lineup, and much more!
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to every award finalist who was revealed by the NBA over the weekend. Who else besides Bam Adebayo was snubbed? They then recap the playoff's opening weekend with deep dives into Boston's buzzer-beating win over Brooklyn, Miami's dominant performance against Atlanta, Minnesota shocking Memphis, and so much more
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Paul George being placed into Health and Safety Protocols and having to miss Friday night's Play-In game before they predict winners for Clippers/Pelicans and Hawks/Cavaliers. They then give a deep dive preview for all eight first-round playoff series, predicting winners, analyzing key individual and team matchups, and so much more.
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan preview all four play-in games with a deep dive into some individual matchups, strategic advantages, and key x-factors. Should Brooklyn worry about its porous defense against a team that has Darius Garland? Will Evan Mobley defend Kevin Durant? How will the Hornets guard Trae Young's pick-and-rolls? Also: how will the Hornets attack Trae Young? Does Pelicans-Spurs matter at all? Who is the best player in Clippers-Timberwolves, and why is that the game everyone absolutely needs to see? All those questions are answered, and so much more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down a Raptors team that might be a pseudo title contender? Then they go over their official MVP ballots and have a long debate about Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid before covering all three All-NBA teams and revealing who they'll have on each squad. Does LeBron James belong on the first team or on none at all? Where should Kevin Durant go? Will the Suns have two players or one?
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the disastrous Lakers and likelihood that they won't even make the play-in tournament before answering a few mailbag questions and breaking down the five potential first-round matchups they most hope we get to see.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder if Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent nationally televised performances can push him to a third MVP award before they open the mailbag to discuss Joel Embiid's postseason durability and New York's questionable future. What can they get for Julius Randle? Is RJ Barrett good enough to build around? They then reveal their (penciled in) official ballot decisions for Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and 6th Man of the Year.
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Rob Williams's torn meniscus and the Miami Heat's troubling losing streak before they open up the mail bag to discuss Quin Snyder's future in Utah (and whether he can save the Lakers next season), the greatest "teams" of all time, and Top 3 candidates for Coach of the Year.
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SI's own John Gonzalez and comedian Stavros Halkias take over this Friday's Open Floor to break down the minutiae of the Miami Heat's near dust up between Jimmy Butler, Erik Spoelstra, and Udonis Haslem before taking a look at why James Harden's off court fun may hurt the Sixers title chances, the unfortunate odds of a Celtics championship, and the many mistakes of his hometown Knicks
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Ben Simmons' back injury and its effect on Brooklyn's title odds, and a recent report from Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Howard Beck about Suns/Mercury owner Robert Sarver, and why the NBA's investigation has frustrated some activists. They then open up the mail bag to break down and compare the very best seasons LeBron James and Michael Jordan ever had, before expanding the conversation and ranking the 3 greatest individual seasons from the last 25 years
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris talk about Steph Curry's foot injury. Was it a dirty play by Marcus Smart? Can Golden State actually slide from the No. 3 seed to No. 4 or even No. 5? Are they more likely to lose in the first round than make it to the conference finals? In the spirit of March Madness, they then take a look at a few teams that are currently tanking (or should be tanking) and debate which ones they'd most like to say land a top-3 pick
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up with a discussion about how incredible NBA Sundays have been over the past few weeks. They then celebrate Gregg Popovich's record-setting win by ranking the three best coaches in NBA history and giving their favorite Pop-related stories. After answering a couple mailbag questions, they also give their All-NBA teams for the 2021-22 regular season. Did LeBron make first team? What about Steph Curry? Where did Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant land? All those questions, and more, are answered in a lively debate.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris offer their reaction to Thursday night's highly anticipated game between the Sixers and Nets. After Brooklyn's lopsided win, what did we learn about both teams? Is Kevin Durant once again the best player alive? They then turn their attention to a very close Rookie of the Year race, where Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, and Cade Cunningham all have a strong case to win the award. And finally, they shout out the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that's quietly one of the best in the NBA over the past six weeks.
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up with a quick look at Sunday's incredible NBA action before they open up the mail bag to discuss Golden State's worrisome recent stretch (and whether Draymond Green can save them) and why Steve Nash doesn't receive as much criticism for the Nets' struggles as other coaches that have fallen short of expectations (like the Lakers' Frank Vogel). They then break down Ja Morant's incredible third season. How surprising is it, really? If they could pick one player 25 and under to build a franchise around would it be Morant? And, of the most importance, will he win a championship in Memphis?
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris talk about the surprising New Orleans Pelicans, a team that's quietly been very good over the past month despite not having Zion Williamson. Can they actually make some noise in the play-in/playoffs? They then open up the mailbag and answer a question about the Spurs, a team that might have a brighter future than people think. They also answer a question about the Kings, a team that might have a worse future than people think. They also answer an interesting question about the league's current streak of internationally-born MVP winners, and wonder who will break it. They close out the episode by celebrating Shaquille O'Neal's 50th birthday with a look at his greatest games ever.
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On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss James Harden's extremely good first two games with the Philadelphia 76ers. What worked? What didn't? How can any team stop the Sixers if Harden is for real? And why, at the same time, is it OK to be skeptical about him sustaining the early success? They then talk about recent developments with the Brooklyn Nets, where Ben Simmons is day-to-day with back soreness and Kyrie Irving won't be cleared to play at Barclays Center as soon as many expected. They close the show by opening up the mailbag to look at Devin Booker's MVP candidacy and play a fun game of "start, bench, cut" with three tough names.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag and debate which star could have his legacy most impacted by winning this year's championship? Is it Steph? Embiid? Giannis? Chris Paul? Ja Morant? They then wonder if the Lakers would've been better off never acquiring LeBron and Anthony Davis in the first place, and take a stab at projecting how many titles the city of Los Angeles will win over the next 5 years. After that, they show love to Cade Cunningham and the Pistons before answering a question about which advanced stat they'd most like to see on traditional box scores.
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On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss how serious Chris Paul's broken thumb really is. Can the Suns still win it all? How much will it impact Deandre Ayton's push for a max contract? Then they offer a few reactions to All-Star weekend, including a few stories Michael had from his time in Cleveland. And last but not least, with roughly 25 games left in the regular season, they Power Rank an incredibly competitive Eastern Conference. Which team is most likely to win it all? Which very good team isn't even going to make the playoffs?
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder how concerned the Lakers should be about Anthony Davis's sprained foot. Can they make the playoffs or is their season done? What about long-term? Are AD's best days behind him? Then they make All-Star predictions for every event—including the three-point and slam dunk contest—and take a stab at who will win MVP of the actual game. They also open up the mailbag and answer a few questions about Kyrie Irving and how the Mavericks should build around Luka Doncic
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On today's show, Michael and Rohan open things up with some snap reactions to players who changed teams at the trade deadline. How does Derrick White look in Boston? Is Tyrese Haliburton even better than Indy expected? They then conduct an All-Star draft, choosing their own squads like LeBron James and Kevin Durant did last week on TNT. Who will be the first pick? Who will go last? And most importantly, who picked the better roster?
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In today's very special trade deadline megapodcast, Michael and Rohan are joined by their SI colleagues and Crossover NBA Show co-hosts Howard Beck and Chris Mannix to analyze the winners and losers of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. Part 1, on the Open Floor feed, will cover the winners including the mega trade between the Nets and Sixers involving James Harden & Ben Simmons, The Pelicans and their acquisition of CJ McCollum, the Suns and Warriors for staying top the west, and more. Part 2, which covers the deadline's big losers, can be found on the Crossover's feed.
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On today's episode of Open Floor, Michael welcomes a special guest to the show! Sports Illustrated senior writer John Gonzalez comes on to talk about his new podcast SI Weekly before the two discuss what may be Ben Simmons' final days with the Philadelphia 76ers. How much should Philly be willing to give up to get James Harden? Is there a better package Daryl Morey can get for his disgruntled star point guard? What situation would be best for Simmons? Sacramento? Charlotte? Portland? Michael and John then wonder who is better: Russell Westbrook or Julius Randle?
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On today’s episode, Michael and Chris analyze the All-Star reserves. Who was snubbed? Who was a pleasant surprise? Who should be selected as injury replacements in each conference? They then open up the mailbag to discuss the red hot Atlanta Hawks, and whether John Collins should be traded. Then they answer a question about role players and name who they think is the best role player in the NBA.
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On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss Andrew Wiggins' All-Star status and wonder if the system needs to be changed. They then open up the mailbag and debate Nikola Jokic vs. Joel Embiid. Who is more deserving of the MVP? Who is better at basketball? Why do people just assume Embiid is having a better season, or is more valuable to his team? They then close with Rohan's theory about the 2021-22 Miami Heat, which is definitely not what Michael was expecting to hear.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris (Brother) Herring take a long hard look at the Brooklyn Nets and wonder if their superteam era might be over before it ever really got started. Will James Harden be on the Sixers next year? Should Brooklyn re-sign Kyrie Irving or trade him before the deadline? Is Kevin Durant still the best player alive? They then open up the mailbag to discuss Zach LaVine disrespect and the sliding Chicago Bulls, a fascinating fake trade between the Celtics and Nuggets, and Herring's favorite Spike Lee movie!
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Here's a sneak peek at SI's newest podcast, Sports Illustrated Weekly! Featuring storytelling, interviews, and unforgettable sports moments – SI Weekly is everything you love about the iconic sports magazine, now in podcast form.
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Grayson Allen's flagrant foul on Alex Caruso, and whether a one-game suspension was more or less than what Allen deserved for injuring one of Chicago's most important players. They then reveal their official All-Star picks, naming the starters, reserves, and honorable mentions for each conference!
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In today’s episode, Rohan and Jeremy Woo discuss the latest drama with the Lakers, if Evan Mobley should have been the No. 1 pick, and look ahead to the 2022 NBA Draft. They also briefly discuss a hypothetical 3-on-3 tournament, and guess who the next wing player to win a Finals MVP will be. Jeremy also reveals himself to be a liar, and trolls Michael throughout the episode.
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Open Floor's own Chris Herring sat down with legendary filmmaker Spike Lee at NYC's Strand book store to discuss his new book 'Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks', their own highs and low's with the team, and the future of basketball in NYC
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Kevin Durant's sprained MCL, and wonder how worried the Nets should be not having their best player for the next 4-6 weeks. They then take a look at four very good albeit flawed teams (the Grizzlies, Mavericks, Sixers, and Nuggets) and debate which can actually win the title. Then they open up the mailbag and answer a couple questions about LeBron James before closing things out with a particularly bleak Rip City Royston Report
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On today’s episode, Rohan and Chris discuss Chris’s phone call with Spike Lee, who just had to get his hands on Chris's book, "Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks" which is maybe kind of sort of available now in bookstores? Then, the guys make their picks for the NBA’s midseason awards, and compare at least one NBA player to one of the most famous movie serial killers of all time.
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Klay Thompson's triumphant return and wonder if it makes the Warriors clear title favorites or not. They then open up the mailbag and answer a few questions about Jamal Murray, Anthony Davis, and Kawhi Leonard's eventual comebacks to the court and how they will impact the Western Conference. Should the Celtics actually consider trading Jayson Tatum instead of Jaylen Brown or would that be very dumb? Also, why are the Hawks so disappointing? Then Michael predicts All-Star starters for the 2026-27 season.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris show Dirk Nowitzki some love and wonder if any active players will ever have an emotional jersey retirement ceremony that rivaled his. Then they analyze the first All-Star game fan vote release including their surprise snubs from the top ten and some odd players that were included. We then close out the show by debating a fake Jaylen Brown trade that Michael proposed in a recent column on SI.com.
https://www.si.com/nba/2022/01/07/celtics-hawks-trade-proposal-jaylen-brown-deandre-hunter-kevin-huerter
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan stand and applaud DeMar DeRozan, far and away the best free agent signing from last summer, and wonder why so many pundits were down on the Bulls when they brought him in. Then they answer mail bag questions about Rob Pelinka's total inability to build a competent roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, debate whether the NBA needs rivalries and how a mid-season tournament could help build some, predict a starting five for the 2020's, and more!
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On their final episode of 2021, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and cover a whole bunch of topics. They debate All-Star starters in the Eastern and Western Conference, discuss embarrassing favorite players, overrated and underrated names that are hurt/helped by the markets they play in, fanbase pet peeves, players they believe should be receiving more playing time than they currently are, and more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly recap the NBA's surprisingly entertaining Christmas Day games before taking a brief detour away from this season's COVID-related turmoil to redraft the 2019 lottery! Given everything we know now, is Zion Williamson still the first pick? Will Rohan take Tyler Herro way too high? How angry will Knicks fans be when they hear where RJ Barrett was selected? This draft class is fascinating and full of intriguing talent. Here's what Michael and Rohan think about them now.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris preview the NBA's Christmas Day schedule by ranking all five matchups from least to most anticipated. How will health and safety protocols impact who is and isn't available? Can Lakers vs. Nets live up to the hype? How awesome will Suns vs. Warriors be? And what matchup that isn't scheduled do they most wish was? Also the triumphant return of Open Floor's Rip City Royston Report!
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan take stock of the league's ongoing COVID-19 crisis and Brooklyn's controversial decision to bring back an unvaccinated Kyrie Irving. They then open up the mailbag and wonder which team from the 2020's will give their team the most joy without actually winning an NBA championship before getting into a rather contentious discussion about the Utah Jazz.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris show the Utah Jazz some love and wonder how important the Danny Ainge hire really is. They then discuss Kemba Walker's increasingly strange situation in New York, where he can't get off the bench despite the team's depleted depth chart. Then they open up the mailbag to talk about Steph Curry's controversial lead in ESPN's MVP straw poll, which players annoy them the most, what moves the Celtics need to make in order to become legitimate title contenders once again, and more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss a recent report that suggest Kyrie Irving may be close to his season debut and how his presence could help fix some problems the Nets have had this season. We also discuss some of the most interesting players who become trade eligible on December 15th, who the top "third wheel" is across the NBA (and why it's almost definitely not Andrew Wiggins), whether the Pistons are actually too bad, and so much more
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss the pandemic's ongoing impact on this NBA season. Is it really smart to have All-Star Weekend? They then pivot to the Pacers, a team that's finally prepared to tear things down despite being really good when their best players share the floor. Where does Domas Sabonis make the most sense? Golden State? Detroit? Phoenix? They then answer a few questions about the Nets and why despite having Kevin Durant and James Harden the narrative surrounding Brooklyn is that they don't have enough talent. Also, who would they rather have on their team if they were a GM: Kyrie Irving or Trae Young?
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and wonder who this season’s version of Jrue Holiday will be, who’s the worst player who can lead a contender in scoring, how many awards Steph Curry will win this season, why Ben Simmons to the Knicks doesn’t make a lot of sense, and more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris look at six teams and ask if it's time to hit the panic button. The Heat will be without Bam Adebayo for the foreseeable future. The Bucks won't have Brook Lopez for quite some time. LeBron James is in health and safety protocols and momentarily unable to steer the Lakers back on track. The Nets are in first place but don't have the type of talent they anticipated before the season began. The Knicks are regressing. And the Blazers will be without Damian Lillard for at least 10 days.
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Michael and Rohan discuss the scorching Phoenix Suns and wonder if their sixteen game winning streak heading into their huge matchup against the Warriors really makes them the leagues best team. We also hear our first Rip City Report from producer Shelby, debate which lottery level teams have the best chance of making the playoffs, the news of Michael Porter Jr's indefinite absence after undergoing back surgery, and what five man defensive team could stop a lineup of Steph, Luka, Durant, Giannis, and Jokic
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris give their thoughts on the Western Conference standings. Assuming the Warriors, Suns, and Jazz all finish in the top three, who else is going to have home-court advantage? The Mavs? The Clippers? The Timberwolves?!? And given all their injuries, how should the Nuggets treat the rest of their season? They then take a look at Tyrese Maxey's breakout sophomore season, and how ironic it is that he would be a perfect fit beside Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. From there, they debate the NBA's most and least coachable stars before Chris calls Michael out on his greatest troll job yet.
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the mayhem that occurred on Sunday between the Lakers and Pistons, and have a long discussion about what it would mean if LeBron James was no longer one of the 5 best players in the world. Can L.A. still win it all if he's not a top-top-top tier superstar? After that, they check in on a Kings team that just fired Luke Walton. What's next for Sacramento? Should they trade De'Aaron Fox? And finally: Dennis Schroder is having his revenge.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris offer their official NBA League Pass recommendations! Both give three teams they really think you should be watching if you aren't already—shout out to the Warriors, who didn't make the cut because they're too obvious—and then three teams you should do your best to avoid right now. Including: Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s budding partnership, whether the young Knicks are exciting, why something always feels off with the Pacers, and more!
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan conduct a three-week temperature take on teams that they were right and oh so wrong about before the season began. They then go deep on the Utah Jazz and wonder, given the team's recent slide, if they can ever win it all as currently constructed or if a big trade is necessary. After that, the guys open up the mailbag to discuss players who've made the most and least surprising leaps so far this season (shout out to Cole Anthony).
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag to discuss the red-hot Golden State Warriors, banged up Milwaukee Bucks, and more. Is now a good time for Golden State to go all in and trade James Wiseman and some other assets for a veteran (like Domantas Sabonis?) who can produce right away? Or, with Klay Thompson coming back in a couple months, are they better off staying patient? And what will Klay look like when he returns to action? Also, should we worry about the Bucks? Michael and Chris cover all this and more, including an Alex Caruso-Lakers conspiracy theory that's sure to make Lakers fans feel great.
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On today's Open Floor Rohan and Chris discuss the reactions by Robert Sarver in the wake of the disturbing allegations surrounding his time with the Suns, the reports of a hostile work environment in Portland around GM Neil Olshey, why the Lakers might really be starting to regret their offseason trade for Russell Westbrook, a new Ben Simmons trade rumor involving the Celtics, and who our MVP's and our most fun players so far
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss ESPN's bombshell story about Suns owner Robert Sarver alleging many incidents of racism and misogyny during his tenure with the team, whether the 76ers hot start is sustainable without Ben Simmons, an email from a Suns fan questioning Devin Booker's star power, and our early candidates for Most Improved Player, and more!
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In today’s episode, Michael and Rohan wonder if the Heat are a juggernaut, break down the drop in league-wide offensive rating, think of new rules they’d like to see changed/implemented, get optimistic about the Wolves, and more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss exciting starts for the Knicks, Bulls, Warriors, and Ja Morant's Grizzlies. They also cover standout rookies (there are so many!), the surprising Cavaliers, whether they're concerned about the Suns, and more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down the first power ranking of the season. Which team has been the most disappointing? Which undefeated team is for real? Who's the best team in the league? They then have a discussion about the best positionless lineups in the league, and which player (current or retired) could best lead them down a Youtube rabbit hole.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris talk about the NBA's Top 75 team and rank their five best players of all time. Then it's a breakdown of Thursday night's doubleheader (Warriors-Clippers, Hawks-Mavericks), a conversation about when Frank Vogel should bring Russell Westbrook off the bench, Knicks praise, and more!
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On today's episode, Michael, Rohan, and Chris Herring are joined by Sports Illustrated Senior writers Howard Beck and Chris Mannix to preview the Western Conference! Can the Lakers miss the playoffs? Are the Nuggets contenders? Will Ja Morant make the All-Star team? Who's the best player in the conference right now? All that and more, before tomorrow's Part II over on The Crossover podcast's feed, where the five SI writers break down the East.
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and discuss annoying coaching trends, teams that will surprise people for the better (Sacramento?), the one GM who's the best drafter in the league, and, of course, horror movies.
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss the latest developments with Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons (including a brief discussion on why they haven't been traded for each other yet), and then open up the mailbag to talk about 5-man units they can't wait to see, and active players who can potentially crack all-time Top 10 conversations.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag to answer a couple questions before diving into the NBA's annual GM survey, including who is most likely to have a breakout season, this years MVP, the 2022 NBA Finals winner, and the one player you would sign if you were starting an NBA franchise today (Spoiler: the Celtics will be the best defensive team in the league)
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and wonder if the Portland Trail Blazers are better than everybody thinks they'll be, discuss which team would be the best if every player on it were in their prime, debate Trae Young vs. Bradley Beal, and rank the NBA's current rebuilds.
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down interesting developments with the Lakers, Thad Young's future, and what exactly is sustainable going into this upcoming NBA season!
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the NBA's anti-vaccination problem, why the regular season isn't appreciated like it should be, what the perfect lineup around Zion Williamson would look like, Ja Morant's apparently controversial ranking on SI's Top 100 list, and Michael's new magazine feature about Karl-Anthony Towns
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On today's episode, Michael is joined by SI staff writer Jeremy Woo to break down the rest of Sports Illustrated's Top 100 list! They get into KD vs. Giannis vs. LeBron, whether Trae Young is too high, if Zion Williamson is too low, why Carmelo Anthony was never considered (sorry Melo!) and so much more
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In today's episode, Rohan and Michael introduce the first half of Sports Illustrated's Top 100! They explain how the list was put together, break down snubs and players they wish were higher or lower, debate which fanbase will be the most upset, and so much more!
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In today’s episode, Rohan takes over hosting duties and is joined by The Ringer’s Paolo Uggetti. They settle the 1-on-1 debate tearing apart the Open Floor family, discuss the Aaron Gordon extension, look back on the LA basketball rivalry that never happened, and ruminate on the latest round of Kyrie Irving rumors.
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag to discuss the fallout from last week's 1-on-1 debate (Kevin Garnett forever), then re-do the 2016 and 2017 NBA drafts!
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In today's episode, Michael welcomes special guest Jake Fischer to the show! They discuss his wonderful new NBA book "Built to Lose: How the NBA's Tanking Era Changed the League Forever", Ben Simmons trade rumors, the Brooklyn Nets, and so much more!
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss who they think would win a hypothetical 1 on 1 tournament, why Uncut Gems is in fact a basketball movie, whether the Bulls would be better off with Zach LaVine or Ben Simmons, and so much more!
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris unpack new developments in the Ben Simmons saga, including a closer look at which team he will be on when the season begins. They then open the mailbag up and answer a few questions about the Spurs, this upcoming season's least predictable teams, Anthony Davis, and more!
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down the Lauri Markkanen three-team trade before they open up the mailbag to rank their all-time favorite basketball-related movies, explain why the Mavericks should (or shouldn't?) be urgent building around Luka Doncic, and so much more! Send your questions in to OpenFloorMail@gmail.com
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan hit the mailbag! They talk about the C- grade Michael gave the Lakers in his most recent offseason report card column (available to read on SI.com), what some of their favorite starting lineups for the upcoming season might look like, why Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum didn't crack their top 10 dynamic duo rankings, whether the media needs to put more pressure on Denver to trade for another star, the similarities and differences between Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and so much more!
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris take a long look at the 2021-22 season's MVP race, using the latest betting odds in Las Vegas to frame their discussion. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounmpo at +800 or Chris Paul at +10000? Why are Russell Westbrook's odds so high? And why is this Jayson Tatum's race to lose?
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris break down the Christmas Day schedule, debate which teams have a right to feel disrespected by the release, digress into a deep conversation about whether Kevin Durant could ever be seen as LeBron James' equal, and more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly break down the Eric Bledsoe/Rajon Rondo/Patrick Beverley trade, answer an email from a listener who's particularly down on the Golden State Warriors, and rank the 10 best duos in the NBA!
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan power ranked the Western Conference! They agreed on just about nothing, especially when it comes to the Lakers, Jazz, and Warriors.
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris predict the Eastern Conference standings for the 2021-22 NBA season! Every team, from 15 down to 1.
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On today's show, Michael and Chris break down a whole bunch of free agency news, including the Celtics' slow offseason, the Lakers deciding to abandon defense, whether the Nets have lengthened their talent gap on everybody else, Spencer Dinwiddie's fit with Bradley Beal, an apology to the Knicks, and so much more!
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan each give their 3 biggest winners and 3 biggest losers for Day 1 of the NBA's silly season. What are the Lakers and Knicks doing? Can the Heat win the title? Which unsigned free agent should you be following closest? All that and more on our free agency megapod!
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Rohan and SI's NBA draft insider Jeremy Woo break down the big trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers, the big winners & losers of the draft, and the surprising picks from one of the deepest drafts in recent years
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On today’s episode, Chris is joined by Ringer feature writer and author Mirin Fader, who has an upcoming biography on two-time MVP and now Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. They talk about the incredible odds he and his family have overcome, how and why he began to see himself differently after a couple years in Milwaukee, and what we’re likely to see from him now that he’s an NBA champion with an even bigger platform.
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris are joined by Rohan and special guest, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Howard Beck, who also co-hosts SI's Crossover NBA Show. The guys talk about the Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo's place in history, super teams, Chris Paul's future, whether Mike Budenholzer should retire on top, and so much more!
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss Team USA drama and Kawhi Leonard's ACL surgery before a deep NBA Finals dive. Game 5 was another classic. Can the Suns tie it up Tuesday night? Keep the emails coming to OpenFloorMail@Gmail.com!
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On today's show, Michael and Chris break down Game 4, an absolute and instant Finals classic that was packed with memorable moments, from Giannis' brilliant block to Devin Booker's foul to all the excellent shot making Khris Middleton (and Booker) had throughout the contest to Chris Paul's costly turnovers. This was the best Finals game since...? Let us know what you think! OpenFloorMail@gmail.com
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down Game 3 of the NBA Finals and wonder if there are any adjustments the Suns can make to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speaking of Giannis, in his honor they then list the top 5 individual Finals performances that they've ever seen. If you have any thoughts on this series, our great Finals performance rankings, or Rohan's favorite sandwich, Email the show at OpenFloorMail@Gmail.com!
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag and answer a few big-picture questions about the NBA playoffs before taking a deep dive into the series. How can Milwaukee slow down Chris Paul? Will Jrue Holiday bounce back? Can Giannis play mega minutes? All that and so much more. If you have any questions and want us to read them on the show, shoot us an e-mail at OpenFloorMail@Gmail.com
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On today's episode, Michael and Rohan take a look back at Atlanta's magical season and wonder if they need to consolidate some of their young pieces in order to make a stronger Finals run in the future. They also...PREVIEW THE FINALS by asking each other 3 critical questions about the Bucks-Suns series that nobody saw coming.
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris celebrate Chris Paul's greatness from multiple angles, wonder if Kawhi Leonard will stay in Los Angeles, think about the significance of a potential Hawks-Suns matchup, and, in the spirit of Paul finally making the Finals, list a few players they most want to see in the championship before their careers are over.
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan recap Hawks-Bucks, discuss Portland's controversial Chauncey Billups hire, and give several of their favorite hypothetical Dame Lillard trades
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On today's episode, Michael and Chris give their NBA lottery winners and losers, question Team USA's roster, answer a few more emails about the Sixers (should they trade Embiid instead?), and break down the excellent conference finals that are taking place. (Hawks in 7)
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss where Utah and Brooklyn go from here, Ben Simmons' trade value (including a few hypothetical partners to get a deal done), and Kemba Walker's exit from Boston. Then, they preview the conference finals with a special live draft, where they each select their own starting lineups from the players who are still competing. Let us know whose team is better!
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris recap Philadelphia's epic Game 5 meltdown against the Hawks, discuss how injuries are impacting the NBA playoffs, and go over several coach/executive firings from earlier in the week. THEN, in honor of Kevin Durant's magical Game 5 performance on Tuesday night, the guys rank their five favorite individual performances. Who's number one? LeBron? Durant? Listen in and find out!
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On a special edition of Open Floor, Rohan and two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh dive deep into one of Chris’s favorite games from his career: Game 6 of the 2013 Finals. They discuss Tim Duncan’s brilliance, the pressure facing the Heat’s Big Three, how much the NBA has changed since, and much more. Rohan also asks Chris about his new book, Letters to a Young Athlete.
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In today’s episode of Open Floor, Michael Pina and Rohan Nadkarni discuss the fallout of Game 4 between the Nets and Bucks, including how Kyrie Irving’s injury affects the series moving forward, Milwaukee’s frustrating offense, and if Mike Budenholzer is the League Pass of NBA coaches. They also ruminate on the end of the Nuggets’ season and what they should do to the roster this summer, and what the Suns’ performance in the playoffs means so far. Michael also takes a gratuitous shot at Rohan’s clothing decisions.
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris answer a few listener emails about Nikola Jokic's chance of winning multiple MVP awards, along with a few interesting fake trades. From there, in honor of how unpredictable these playoffs feel, they power rank the remaining eight playoff teams from least to most likely to win it all.
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan went deep on the instant classic Mavs-Clippers series and talked about where each organization goes from here. What did we learn about Dallas as they try to build an actual contender around Luka? Will they trade Kristaps Porzingis? Where? And how will the small Clippers fare against Rudy Gobert's Utah Jazz in the second round? From there they discussed James Harden's hamstring, Mike Budenholzer's increasingly questionable decisions, and whether Trae Young has become the best player in Atlanta's matchup against the Sixers.
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In today's episode, Michael and Chris look at what went wrong for the Lakers, Anthony Davis' decision to play while injured in Game 6, why it's so hard to picture the Suns actually winning the championship even though they're clear title contenders, why the Blazers are positioned to blow everything up, the (new) Brad Stevens' era in Boston, and rapid fire questions to preview Bucks/Nets—which may be the real NBA Finals.
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In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the impact injuries are having on the NBA playoffs, whether the Miami Heat can get back to the Finals with Jimmy Butler on their roster, if the Brooklyn Nets are officially the most unstoppable offense in NBA history, if the Atlanta Hawks can (gasp) reach the conference finals, and who they'd rather build a team around if given the chance: Trae Young or Ja Morant?
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On today's episode of Open Floor, Michael and Chris discuss unruly fans, the struggling Clippers, how Kawhi Leonard's free agency may be impacted if Los Angeles is eliminated in Round 1, Nate McMillan vs. himself, which players have disappointed them the most so far in these playoffs, and more!
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In today's episode, Michael Pina welcomes his (other) new co-host, Sports Illustrated staff writer Rohan Nadkarni to the show! The two recap several games from the weekend, and ask how concerned the Lakers, Suns (get better, Chris Paul!), Heat, Jazz, and Clippers should really be as they approach Game 2.
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In today's episode, Michael Pina welcomes his new co-host, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Herring to the show! The two talk play-in developments—the punchy Wizards, whether or not they still believe the Lakers should be considered a contender, and what's next for the Pacers—before previewing the NBA playoffs with a discussion around the series and matchups they're most looking forward to.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina wrap up a wild final weekend of the regular season by asking 10 questions about the upcoming play-in tournament and playoffs. As teams jockeyed for seeds down the stretch, did any cross the line and anger the basketball gods? Which play-in teams were the biggest winners and losers once the dust settled? Does a match-up between LeBron James and Stephen Curry guarantee that the play-in will be back next year? Are the Boston Celtics ready to head to Cancun? Of the teams that barely missed out on the play-in, which was the saddest? What are the best and worst first-round match-ups that have already been set?
Note: This was Ben's last episode as co-host of Open Floor. Ben will continue podcasting about the NBA. For more information, visit www.greatestofalltalk.com. More details about what's next for Open Floor will come later this week.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the excellent feedback for Michael's SI Daily Cover story about Spurs guard Dejounte Murray. Then, they make a major show announcement: Ben will be stepping down on May 17 after a five-year run as co-host of "Open Floor." From there, Ben and Michael look ahead to the upcoming 2021 NBA playoffs by ranking which star players are facing the most pressure. Does any player need to win a title more than James Harden? Can Giannis Antetokounmpo's reputation survive another early exit? How far do the 76ers need to advance before Joel Embiid starts to be labeled as a postseason underachiever? What has Kawhi Leonard done for us lately? Are Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz about to run head first into a referendum?
Note: Ben will continue podcasting about the NBA. For more information, visit www.greatestofalltalk.com. For comments, questions and concerns about Ben's departure, please email openfloormail@gmail.com. More details about what's next for Open Floor will be released next week.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing Luka Doncic's attempted low blow on Collin Sexton. Is Doncic's temper becoming a problem and does an unsportsmanlike act like that change how we should view a player? Then, a discussion of Pelicans executive David Griffin's rigorous defense of Zion Williamson after the second-year star broke his finger. Were the NBA's referees really to blame for the injury and did Griffin deserve to be fined? From there, the guys preview Michael's piece on Spurs guard Dejounte Murray and then dig into responses to their All-NBA debates from last week. Was Russell Westbrook snubbed? Should Ben be judged for listing Joel Embiid at forward? Is Michael a LeBron James hater?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina turn their attention to the 2021 All-NBA selections. How do the NBA's positional designations impact this year's teams? Is it okay to treat Joel Embiid as a forward rather than a center if the NBA allows it? Is Embiid deserving of a first team spot because he's been a top-five player this season? How many players are no-brainers for the first team? Is Damian Lillard or Luka Doncic more deserving? Has Ben come around on Stephen Curry and has Michael changed his mind on Chris Paul? How should voters handle players like LeBron James, James Harden, Kevin Durant and others who have missed extended stretches of the season? Is it okay to snub LeBron entirely? Does Zion Williamson or Julius Randle deserve to make it? Both? Neither? Who are this year's biggest snubs? Should the NBA do away with positional designations for All-NBA?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up the pieces from a wild weekend of basketball to discuss the crumbling Los Angeles Lakers, the streaking Denver Nuggets, and the exciting duel between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets. What's wrong with Anthony Davis? Did LeBron James return too quickly? Does Andre Drummond even fit? Should Nikola Jokic be viewed as the best player in basketball, not just this year's MVP? Can Giannis Antetokounmpo sustain his monster 49-point effort against Brooklyn across an entire playoff series or will the Nets adjust their defensive approach to stopping him? Would James Harden have made a difference on Sunday? At the end, Michael helps Ben preview his first book, "Bubbleball," which releases on Tuesday. How will the bubble be remembered? What was Ben's writing process like? What are the worst questions he's gotten during promo interviews?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina break out their crystal balls in an attempt to handicap the 2026 NBA MVP race. What will the NBA look like in five years? Which types of players will have the inside track on the league's most coveted award? Will any players who are currently 30 or older be in the mix? Will playmaking forwards still dominate the discussion. Once they've set the parameters, Ben and Michael break out their top five lists. Luka Doncic or Zion Williamson? Where should Anthony Davis rank? Do any current rookies like LaMelo Ball or incoming 2022 rookies like Cade Cunningham crack the top five? Can Bam Adebayo be the next Kevin Garnett? Can Ja Morant be the next Derrick Rose? Should Michael Porter Jr. be included among the dark horse contenders?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina search for silver linings during the NBA's pandemic season by highlighting two interesting awards races: Coach of the Year and Most Improved Player. Which criteria should matter more in Coach of the Year: results or overachievement? Will Utah's Quin Snyder and Phoenix's Monty Williams be held back by skepticism about their teams' playoff capabilities? Will Tom Thibodeau carry the day thanks to big-market bias? Does Steve Nash have a case? What about Doc Rivers or Nate McMillan? Who is the League Pass Alert Coach of the Year aka the underrated coach who doesn't get enough attention? Is MIP going to Julius Randle no matter what? Do Zion Williamson and Michael Porter Jr. have cases despite their relative youth? And is Michael crazy for suggesting Joel Embiid deserves a look?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a rundown of the NBA community's response to the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. Was this "justice" for George Floyd? What role did current and former NBA players play in ensuring that this prosecution took place? Did the league and its teams strike the right notes in their statements and what were the Oakland Raiders thinking? From there, Ben and Michael shift to a discussion of teams hitting newfound turbulence. Will the Hawks fall into the East's play-in round after Trae Young's ankle injury? Are the Blazers doomed to be passed by the Mavericks and lose control of the coveted sixth seed? The guys wrap with Open Floor Globe suggestions for the NBA Clone Wars, the power of positive reinforcement in coaching players, and our habits towards the referees in pick-up games.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reflect on Stephen Curry's torrid April by taking a fresh look at the Golden State Warriors guard's place in the MVP, All-NBA and "Best Player Alive" conversations. Then, they shift gears to imagine a world with NBA clones. Could 5 LeBrons beat 5 Durants or 5 Kawhis? Would 5 Zions beat 5 Stephs? What's the ideal combination of clones to form a superteam: 1 LeBron, 2 Durants, 1 Steph and 1 Anthony Davis? Would a Zion/Zion pick-and-roll combination be unstoppable? How do Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and James Harden factor into this conversation? At the end: Playing matchmaker in the Eastern Conference playoff field. Which play-in candidates should the favorites root for as first-round opponents and which teams are looming as potential spoilers? Can Miami climb out of the play-in round? Will Washington sneak in to make things interesting?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gather themselves during a storm of NBA news to discuss LaMarcus Aldridge's sudden retirement due to an irregular heartbeat. How will Aldridge be remembered? How will the Nets adjust without him? From there, Michael presents his research findings on Joel Embiid's incredible shooting numbers. Which factors are driving Embiid's shooting and can they be trusted in the playoffs? Will the new-and-improved Embiid be able to win the match-up game in a way that he wasn't able to in postseasons past? Then, the guys discuss whether James Wiseman's injury clarified the Golden State Warriors' goals in the short-term. Can they transform into the Stephen Curry Show as they eye the play-in tournament and are they a sneaky threat if they claim the 8th seed? The episode closes with Ben trying to get Michael to admit that he secretly loves Luka Magic after the Dallas Mavericks' miraculous last-second win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina catch their breath during the dog days of the NBA's regular season to look ahead to the 2021 NBA playoffs. Which players are looming as X-factors in the title chase? Can LaMarcus Aldridge hold up against big centers or will size be the Nets' undoing? Is Bojan Bogdanovic the key to a properly-balanced offense for the Jazz? Can Aaron Gordon transform the Nuggets from very good to great? How heavy will Donte DiVincenzo's load be in Milwaukee's new backcourt? Can Rajon Rondo step forward for the Clippers in ways that Patrick Beverley and Reggie Jackson can't? Is Deandre Ayton ready for primetime? Will Tobias Harris finally show up? Why has less Kemba Walker been more for the Boston Celtics and should that continue? Can the Hawks win a first round series if Bogdan Bogdanovic shows up big?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take stock of the Phoenix Suns after a signature win over the Utah Jazz. Should Chris Paul be an all-NBA selection? Can Devin Booker be trusted in the clutch? Will Deandre Ayton be their playoff X-factor and did his play against the Jazz inspire newfound confidence? Who can the Suns beat in the first round and would drawing the Lakers be their worst nightmare? From there, Ben and Michael break down Kevin Durant's long-awaited return and whether the Brooklyn Nets are as unfairly loaded as their critics like to suggest. They close by looking at the Bulls' future and running through Open Floor Globe reactions to the NBA's best and worst contracts. Do Alex Caruso, Donovan Mitchell, Carmelo Anthony and Trae Young deserve some love? Were Otto Porter and Steven Adams snubbed from the “worst” list?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping Baylor's NCAA title game triumph over Gonzaga and discussing Jalen Suggs' strong tournament run. Does Suggs have a shot at being the first pick? Did the NCAA tournament prove its worth from a visibility standpoint compared to the G-League? Then, the guys dig into Suggs' best NBA fits. Should he ride shotgun to Zion Williamson in New Orleans? Take over for Kyle Lowry in Toronto? Enjoy an epic homecoming in Minnesota? Pair with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in OKC? Ben and Michael close by shifting gears to dissect Jrue Holiday's four-year, $160 million extension. Is this one of the NBA's worst contracts? Was it still worth doing? What chance does Milwaukee have to win a title with its new Big 3? Is Jrue Holiday now Milwaukee's version of Tobias Harris?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take a look at the NBA's best and worst contracts after the trade deadline and the round of buyout agreements. Who is delivering the most value in the league this year? Should LeBron James be the automatic No. 1? Or should all-stars on rookie deals like Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson top the list? Which veteran all-stars are delivering max production on non-max deals and which former second-round picks are way outperforming their contracts? On the flip side, now that guys like Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond have been bought out, which deals are the league's most onerous? Would you rather have John Wall, Russell Westbrook or Kevin Love? Does Klay Thompson have to be mentioned? How does Tobias Harris, who has had an awesome season, factor into this conversation?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina analyze the latest buyout moves, including LaMarcus Aldridge to the Brooklyn Nets and Andre Drummond to the Los Angeles Lakers. What roles will Aldridge and Drummond play in the postseason? Which factors influenced their decisions? Does the recent acceleration of buyouts harm small-market teams? Should the NBA institute rules governing buyouts to help limit the flow of veteran players to a select number of contenders? From there, Ben and Michael discuss whether two-way wings were the real winners of the trade deadline before digging into the NBA's tank race. Is OKC headed for a draft lottery dream after shutting down Al Horford? Who needs the number one pick the most? Which team deserves the top pick? The guys close with a look at the MVP race and how best to pitch Nikola Jokic's candidacy to voters.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to Thursday's NBA trade deadline, handing out their grades for a busier-than-expected day and running through the winners and losers. Were the Orlando Magic smart for pulling the plug? How do Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier fit in their new homes? Which aspiring contenders in the West made moves that could tilt the title chase? Will the Miami Heat's many new additions boost them higher in the East standings? Was anyone a bigger loser than the Houston Rockets? Did the Chicago Bulls make a sneaky good play by adding Daniel Theis? Should the Raptors have lowered their asking price to get a Kyle Lowry trade done or was grabbing Gary Trent Jr. enough? Will Portland be willing to pay up to keep Norman Powell or is this a short-term rental only? Will Victor Oladipo's short Houston tenure turn into another example of Player Tanking?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into a depressing weekend of NBA injury news concerning LeBron James and LaMelo Ball. How will the Lakers manage without LeBron James and how far will they slide in the standings? Does the high ankle sprain end his MVP pursuit, and which players are the new favorites? Will top teams try to tank down the stretch to avoid the Lakers in the playoffs? From there, Ben and Michael pay a quick tribute to Ball's sensational rookie year by listing their favorite moments and ranking him compared to his fellow under-23 playmakers. The guys close with a discussion of Aaron Gordon's reported trade request and ponder a listener's question about whether the NBA should seek better competitive balance by mandating that each team can only have one all-star or one player on a max contract.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of the Milwaukee Bucks' trade with the Houston Rockets for P.J. Tucker. How does Tucker fit with Milwaukee on offense and defense? Was the price fair? Does Milwaukee have a shot at the No. 1 seed? From there, the guys check in on the Rockets' rebuilding plans and the Miami Heat's trade for Trevor Ariza. Do the Rockets have more deadline moves coming? What does their future hold with Victor Oladipo? How much does Ariza have left in the tank? The guys close with a preview of the top NBA prospects in the NCAA tournament and a look back at the relative success of guards and big men selected near the top of recent drafts. How good does a big need to be these days to warrant a top-five selection given the NBA's evolving style of play?
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Ben Golliver is joined by special guest Jack McCallum, a former NBA writer at Sports Illustrated, to discuss season two of his podcast series: "The Dream Team Tapes: Kobe, LeBron and The Redeem Team." What were Jack's first impressions of covering a young Kobe Bryant and a young LeBron James? How did Jack track down Phil Jackson for an interview about Bryant? Who emerged as the alpha dog of the 2008 USA Basketball team? Were they destined to win gold or is that revisionist history? Would the original Dream Team beat the 2008 and 2012 Olympic teams? Why was Mike Krzyzewski the right coach for the job? Ben and Jack close by discussing Jerry Colangelo's role as one of basketball's great powerbrokers and then run down the 2021 Hall of Fame finalists to decide which players deserve induction: Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce, Tim Hardaway, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, Michael Cooper and Marques Johnson.
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With little buzz building before the March 25 trade deadline, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina try to decide which bigger names should actually be moved. Ben makes the case for 10 players to be traded and Judge Pina renders his verdicts. Why are the Wizards clinging so desperately to Bradley Beal? Have the Raptors officially reached the point where they need to pull the plug on Kyle Lowry? Should Brooklyn cash in Spencer Dinwiddie for a piece that could help them win the title? Do the Sacramento Kings need to sell high on Harrison Barnes? Would anyone actually bite on Al Horford's contract? Is it time to free Nikola Vucevic from Orlando? Has Devonte Graham become expendable in Charlotte? Do Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram fit with Zion Williamson on the Pelicans? Who has more trade value: Victor Oladipo or Norman Powell?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina are back from the All-Star Break and ready to look ahead to the March 25 trade deadline. But first: they reflect on the one-year anniversary of the NBA's March 11, 2020, shutdown due to the pandemic. From there, they dig into Brooklyn's addition of Blake Griffin and ask whether LaMarcus Aldridge and Andre Drummond should become Nets too. What will Griffin bring to the table for Brooklyn? How should Aldridge's time in San Antonio be remembered? Ben and Michael then zoom back to discuss whether they expect an active trade deadline, and whether financial losses incurred during the pandemic will influence team decisions. Which teams should be buyers, which teams should be sellers and which teams really, really need to make a move? They close with thoughts on Meyers Leonard's $50,000 fine for using an anti-Semitic slur and whether this will mark the end of his NBA career.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the 2021 NBA All-Star Weekend by answering 20 burning questions. Does the Skills Challenge need to be fixed or dumped? Was Stephen Curry's Three-Point Contest title the highlight of the night? What grade did the Slam Dunk Contest deserve? Did Anfernee Simons deserve to win? Was the Dunk Contest's new final round format a success? How big of a disaster was the contact tracing news about Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons? What were the three most memorable moments of the All-Star Game? Was Giannis Antetokounmpo a deserving ASG MVP selection or did Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry get snubbed? What will next year's All-Star Game look like? After Ben and Michael selected their own All-Star teams last week, whose group performed better on Sunday? Most importantly, was the All-Star Game worth doing this year despite the player complaints?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into the Utah Jazz's extended criticism of the officiating during their loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Are the refs out to get the Jazz? Do their complaints about the officiating reflect frustration over the skepticism they face over their playoff chances? Do these comments deserve substantial fines and will they come back to haunt Utah? From there, Ben and Michael name their first-half MVPs, discuss Lloyd Pierce's firing and conclude that the entire league is ready for a break. Which players (LeBron James) and coaches (Chris Finch) need the break more than anyone else? To close, Ben and Michael preview the Slam Dunk Contest field -- Obi Toppin, Anfernee Simons and Cassius Stanley -- before making their picks for the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest and All-Star Game MVP.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up sides for Sunday's NBA All-Star Game. Ben serves as Kevin Durant and Michael serves as LeBron James, and they go through selecting their starting lineups and all-star reserves. Should LeBron and KD draft the best overall players or the most entertaining players? Does it make sense to load up a team with two-way talent or creative ball-handlers? Is there enough room for Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, James Harden and Damian Lillard on the same roster? How much should age factor into this year's picks given the elder statesmen in the mix? How many snubs would have been picked over Julius Randle and Zach LaVine in this draft? And who will be the dreaded last player selected? When it's all over, the Open Floor Globe must decide the winner: Michael's Spirit of St. Louis or Ben's Coney Island Hot Dogs?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a rundown of their biggest beefs with the 2021 NBA All-Star selections. Was Khris Middleton robbed? Was Devin Booker a worthy injury replacement for Anthony Davis? What about Bam Adebayo? Did the coaches "Do it for the Gram" with this year's selections? From there, they shift to a discussion of the Utah Jazz's blowout win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. On a 1-10 scale, how likely are the Jazz to win the title? How should the Lakers respond in the wake of their losing streak without Anthony Davis? What are the telltale signs of fatigue for LeBron James? From there, the guys double back to take listener reaction to the Timberwolves' firing of Ryan Saunders and close with a more detailed comparison of the 2020 Nets' offense to the 2017 Warriors' attack.
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Ben Golliver welcomes special guest Haley O'Shaughnessy of Blue Wire Podcasts for a bonus episode. Ben and Haley open with a discussion of her new podcast, "Spinsters," and then break down the biggest All-Star snubs. How would they handle being snubbed publicly? Which players got the short end of the stick this year? What does Khris Middleton have to do to get some respect? From there, Ben and Haley shift gears to brainstorm ways to help the Brooklyn Nets win over new fans. Do the Nets need to re-brand? Should Michael Pina finally forgive James Harden and embrace the Brooklyn bandwagon? Then, it's time for a deep dive into the world of NBA astrology. What can "signs" tell us about LeBron James, Rudy Gobert and Reggie Jackson? At the end, Haley gives Ben a customized astrology reading and offers advice to become a better person and media member based on the results. You can hear Haley and her co-host Jordan Ligons "put a new spin on the NBA" on their new podcast "Spinsters." Listen and subscribe here.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina check in with the Brooklyn Nets, who are on a six-game winning streak and have started to win over some skeptics, including one Open Floor Globe member. After wins over the Lakers and Clippers, is Michael still sure that Brooklyn's defense will be a fatal flaw? Is it possible for James Harden to get appropriate credit for his recent work given his ugly exit from Houston? From there, they shift gears to the .500 Boston Celtics and their catastrophic collapse against the New Orleans Pelicans. Does Boston have a path to a third star? What should they do with their trade exception and should they part with future picks to land Harrison Barnes? Can any buyout candidates help balance their rotation? Ben and Michael close with a discussion of the Minnesota Timberwolves' decision to fire Ryan Saunders. Why did Saunders have to go now? Was it shady to line up Toronto Raptors assistant Chris Finch as his replacement so suddenly and did David Vanterpool deserve a shot? What constitutes a successful season for Minnesota now?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with the news that the NBA has officially announced its All-Star Game for Atlanta on March 7. From there, they break down the biggest roster debates for both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Should James Harden start over Bradley Beal? Julius Randle or Domantas Sabonis? Zach LaVine or Ben Simmons? Is there room for Trae Young? Should Jerami Grant, Nikola Vucevic and Gordon Hayward all get snubbed? In the West, should Anthony Davis be included despite his injury? Is there a case to include Mike Conley? How many Jazz players deserve to make the cut? Did Michael really leave off both Chris Paul and Devin Booker? Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of Anthony Davis's Achilles' strain and why it represents the first major test of the Los Angeles Lakers' title defense? Should the Lakers take it extra slow with Davis's return? Should they ramp down LeBron James's workload? How do they make up for Davis's absence in the short term? Is it too soon for the defending champions to worry about the West standings and the race for the top seed? From there, Ben and Michael dig in deep to the Boston Celtics' struggles. How are they only .500 and dropping games to terrible teams? Where did things go wrong for Danny Ainge? Should Jayson Tatum be doing more to compensate for their injury issues? To close, the guys give credit to the Brooklyn Nets for their thumping of the Golden State Warriors, discuss whether the Nets should target Andre Drummond if he gets bought out, and weigh possible trade destinations for Blake Griffin.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by wading into the culture wars prompted by the Dallas Mavericks' decision not to play the national anthem before games. Should the anthem be played before sporting events? Why did the NBA step in to mandate that all teams play the anthem? Has the NBA reversed course on social issues since the bubble? From there, the guys dig into the growing LaMelo Ball hype. Should the Timberwolves and Warriors regret passing on him? Has Ball already changed the Hornets' identity? Ben and Michael then build their dream fields for All-Star Weekend events like the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest and Skills Challenge using only projected All-Stars, before pondering what "Field Day" from elementary school might look like if NBA players were involved. They close with a discussion of the Dallas Mavericks, who are finally back winning, and the Atlanta Hawks, whose defense has improved noticeably with Clint Capela.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by cataloguing the hurt feelings from superstars over the NBA's All-Star Game plans. LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounpo, James Harden and Kevin Durant have all expressed their frustrations with the NBA's All-Star plans or health protocols since Thursday. How should NBA Commissioner Adam Silver respond to this outpouring of angst and what are his options? From there, Ben and Michael go through the ballot to make their All-Star starter selections. James Harden or Bradley Beal? Luka Doncic or Damian Lillard? Kawhi Leonard or Paul George? After the All-Star talk, they shift gears to discuss Michael's recent piece on Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox. What's behind his strong recent play? The episode closes with a discussion of this season's many 50/40/90 shooting candidates and an Open Floor-related punching incident during a South London fun run.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the 2021 NBA All-Star Game plans, which are quickly taking shape. Should the NBA even bother with the All-Star Game? What, exactly, are the added risks, and how can the NBA manage them? If they hold an All-Star Game, should they aim for a Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest too? What would those look like in a best-case scenario? From there, Ben and Michael dig into the first round of All-Star ballot returns. Kevin Durant was the leading vote-getter? Why didn't the Celtics' stars fare better? Was it a good thing that internet sensations Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, and LaMelo Ball didn't do all that well? Then, Ben and Michael look back at the Nets' victory over the Clippers on Tuesday in search of takeaways for each team. Can the Clippers defend at the point of attack well enough to win a title? Did Steve Nash finally have a late-game performance to be proud of? To close, Open Floor Globe members weigh in from around the world on the most inappropriate times they've watched basketball.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina look back on the first quarter of the NBA season to investigate which teams are having the biggest regrets after six weeks of basketball. Would the Boston Celtics have found a way to keep Gordon Hayward? Would any team trade for Russell Westbrook? How should the Washington Wizards wiggle out of their current predicament with Bradley Beal? Did the Brooklyn Nets make the right hire with Steve Nash? Should the Detroit Pistons have scrapped their entire strategy? Did Denver need to back up the Brinks truck for Jerami Grant? How many teams screwed up by passing on Tyrese Haliburton? Should the Atlanta Hawks have just paid John Collins? Was there anything that Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks could have done differently to prevent their slow start? What about the wayward Timberwolves?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a remembrance of NBA TV's Sekou Smith, a pioneer in the NBA podcasting world and a charismatic, beloved member of the basketball community. Then, the guys discuss Philadelphia's signature win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Does this mean the Sixers are for real? Where does Joel Embiid rank in the MVP conversation? Who are the other top candidates? Will LeBron James wind up winning on the power of his "lifetime achievement" narrative? If the NBA named an award after LeBron, should it recognize his off-season impact or his sportsmanship? From there, Ben and Michael discuss whether the Nets can trade for a better option at center before digging into Michael's recent piece on the Orlando Magic. They close with a debate over Kawhi Leonard's playoff achievements and their lasting memories of Kobe Bryant.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a look back at Shaquille O'Neal's controversial post-game interview of Donovan Mitchell on TNT. What did Shaq get right and what did he get wrong in his dismissal of Mitchell? What's the real story about Mitchell and the surging Jazz? Should "Inside The NBA" alter its approach or should other media avenues step up in the analysis department? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's uneven opening month, the Milwaukee Bucks' lineup holes, and whether they can get back to an elite level on defense. At the end, the guys process a bunch of Kyrie Irving fake trades sent in by the Open Floor Globe. Kyrie to Orlando? Kyrie to Chicago? Kyrie to Washington? Kyrie to New York? Kyrie to Toronto?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a discussion of the Portland Trail Blazers' injury woes. What was driving CJ McCollum's early season success and how will his injury impact Portland's playoff outlook? From there, the guys shift to a look at the struggling New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson's second season. Williamson has been dominant in the paint, but does he need to expand his spheres of influence? Should Stan Van Gundy consider a lineup change? After detailing the Utah Jazz's place in the NBA's exclusive "40/40" club, Ben and Michael close with an extended look at the Brooklyn Nets' loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. How did the "Big 3" look in their first game together? Is Kyrie Irving the weakest link in Brooklyn's defense? What does Steve Nash need to do late in games to get better results?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig in deep on James Harden's first two games with the new-look Brooklyn Nets. Why is Harden on his best behavior and will it last? Do Kevin Durant and Harden share a telekinetic combination, and how does their partnership stack up to past duos involving Durant and Harden? Can Harden actually repair his reputation with casual fans or is that a lost cause? Which role players benefit the most from Harden's arrival? How aggressively should Brooklyn seek trades involving Kyrie Irving? Should their thinking change at the deadline versus next summer? What type of players should Brooklyn target in an Irving deal? Who wins in an Eastern Conference finals between the Nets and Bucks? Is the pressure off Milwaukee now? Do the Bucks need to make a counter move to keep up after the Harden trade?
Best,
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into all aspects of the Brooklyn Nets' blockbuster trade for Houston Rockets superstar James Harden. How happy is Ben after his November vision for Brooklyn's Big 3 came true? Are NBA fans winners because the Rockets saga is over? Are the Nets now the clear-cut favorites in the East? Did they overpay? Will Kyrie Irving be okay with playing third fiddle? Was this the trade that Kevin Durant needed? Did the 76ers miss their shot? What does Harden's successful departure do to competitive balance? Should the Rockets have kept Caris LeVert? Was Tilman Fertitta the NBA's biggest loser over the last 12 months? What can Houston expect from John Wall, Victor Oladipo and Christian Wood? Will the Nets be able to compensate inside without Jarrett Allen?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the NBA's rise in positive tests, contact tracing absences, and postponed games. How close is the NBA to pushing pause on the season? How might the league respond to tighten up its protocols to ensure games can continue? Do the absences devalue the product? From there, Ben and Michael break down both sides of an entertaining game between the Warriors and Clippers. Has Stephen Curry proven Michael right by making Golden State the NBA's most entertaining team? What exactly ailed the Clippers during their collapse and how have they changed from last season? Can the Clippers topple the Lakers if they can't generate more offense at the basket? The show closes with an email from an Open Floor Globe member who powered through a marathon by listening to Michael's takes on the Phoenix Suns.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of the various protests that swept the NBA on Wednesday night in response to a lack of charges in the Jacob Blake shooting and the storming of the Capitol Building in Washington. Was it surprising that all games went on as planned? What are the next steps for NBA protests after the bubble shutdown? What role did the NBA's successful voting rights advocacy in Georgia play in the league's reaction to this week's events? From there, Ben and Michael take stock of Wednesday's games. How long will Bradley Beal endure 60-point games in losses? What's driving the Knicks' early success? How will Orlando react to Markelle Fultz's ACL tear?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by basking in the glow of Stephen Curry's 62-point explosion. Did Curry actually have something to prove? Were any of the recent criticisms warranted? Where does Golden State go from here? Is Curry bound to live out a "Super-Dirk" existence as he progresses through his 30s? From there, Ben and Michael discuss Jayson Tatum's game-winner, Blake Griffin's decline, Brooklyn's latest late-game mishap, and Kawhi Leonard's weekend struggles.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021 by offering 10 New Year's Resolutions to NBA players, teams, and commentators. Should Steve Nash exert himself more late in games? Should the Sixers trade Ben Simmons and three first-round picks for James Harden? Should Luka Doncic build a world-class gym at his home? Should the Grizzlies tank? Should Scott Brooks have a word with the Wizards' broadcast crew?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up the pieces after a chaotic opening week by trying to spot trends. Are the Nets on track for the Finals or set to come back to earth? Are the Warriors dead on arrival or poised for a bounce back? How does Kevin Durant's decision to leave the Warriors look 18 months later? Is Ja Morant making the leap in front of our eyes? From there, Ben and Michael shift to examining which players have the best shot to earn their first All-Star selections in 2021.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina wrap up the opening week of NBA action with takes on 10 different teams. Did the NBA handle the latest James Harden controversy properly? What did it feel like inside the Staples Center for the Lakers' opening night? Does Philly have enough talent to climb in the East standings? Was Jayson Tatum's banked three-pointer the greatest moment of Michael's life? Have the Pelicans returned with a happier vibe? Are the Jazz ready to lead the NBA in three-point attempts? How sure are we that Steve Kerr will be the coach of the Warriors next season?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gear up for opening week with a breakdown of the new extensions given to Rudy Gobert and Kyle Kuzma. From there, they shift into a conversation about NBA coaches on the hot seat? What does Mike Budenholzer need to do to keep his job in Milwaukee? Are Lloyd Pierce and Ryan Saunders facing new pressure? Can Washington's Scott Brooks earn a new contract in his lame duck year? They close with three debates to tease Ben's upcoming Top 100 Players of 2021 rankings list. Who would you take: Giannis Antetokounmpo or Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry or Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard or Nikola Jokic?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a big announcement: SI has formed a slack channel for all Open Floor Globe members to use during the upcoming NBA season. Ben and Michael will be popping in there from time to time, so check out http://www.si.com/openfloorglobe. From there, Ben and Michael dig into Giannis Antetokounmpo's supermax extension. Did Giannis settle? Do the Bucks have a title path? What are the possible downsides in Milwaukee over the next few years? Then, the guys shift into debate mode to predict all the major NBA awards. Can Damian Lillard or Kawhi Leonard take home MVP? Does Caris LeVert have the inside track for Sixth Man? Will evolving defensive priorities shape the Defensive Player of the Year conversation?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open Monday's episode with big breaking news about Michael's exciting new career move. Then, the guys shift into a discussion of the playoff bubble races in both conferences. Who does Michael predict will be the last three teams to make the playoffs in both conferences? Who will be the first three teams to miss the playoffs? In the West, What's Golden State's ceiling? Can Dallas win a series? Does Minnesota inspire optimism? Is Zion Williamson headed for a monster bounce-back? In the East, are Atlanta and Washington the Spiderman pointing meme? Is Indiana's drama being overstated? Will Miami come back to Earth? What in the world is going on in Orlando?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by surveying the latest drama surrounding James Harden and the Houston Rockets. What are the Rockets' options as they enter the season? Can they realistically try to patch things up? Should teams be scared off by Harden's recent antics? What will happen to Harden's trade value if they wait to move him? From there, they shift gears to react to the breaking news that Paul George re-signed a five-year extension with the Los Angeles Clippers. What will this mean for Kawhi Leonard's upcoming free agency? Did the Clippers have a choice? Ben and Michael close by hearing out emailers who were upset by Michael's Luka Doncic takes and addressing a missive from a California weed farm.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview the upcoming season with an annual staple: Ben's 2021 Entertainment Value Rankings. Which teams will be must-see TV and which ones will be totally unwatchable? Michael lists off his biggest beefs with Ben's list, prompting arguments over the Mavericks, Warriors, Bucks, Pelicans, Hawks, Rockets and more. Is Luka Doncic getting too much hype? Are people sleeping on Zion Williamson? Will the Clippers bounce back or fall flat? Has the ship sailed in Houston? Is Trae Young about to live his best life?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina explore all angles of the Russell Westbrook for John Wall trade between the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards. Who won the deal? Do Wall and James Harden fit, or will Harden be traded next? Will Washington make the playoffs? How will Westbrook impact Washington's desire to keep Bradley Beal? From there, the guys shift gears to discussing the Lakers' ability to re-sign LeBron James and Anthony Davis to longer-than-expected contracts. Did the pandemic play a role? Did Davis sacrifice too much flexibility? Ben and Michael close with a recap of the Christmas Day slate, ranking their favorite games and proposing better match-ups.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina ramp up the hype for Kevin Durant's long-awaited comeback with the Brooklyn Nets. What's KD's best-case scenario this year? How does he stack up against the best players in the East? Do the new-look Nets have the best projected starting lineup and roster depth on paper? Which factors might prevent Brooklyn from becoming a certified title contender? From there, Ben and Michael offer their assessments of Atlanta's big off-season investments in Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Rajon Rondo. How good can the Hawks' offense be and will they make the playoffs? What motivated them to go all-in this year? The guys close with discussion of Boston's record-breaking trade exception, whether Danny Ainge will actually use it, and which players he should target.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina celebrate the holiday weekend by opening the mailbag to the Open Floor Globe. What's up with the Clippers, is Serge Ibaka really the answer, and do they still need a point guard? How should the Wizards respond to John Wall's desire to leave Washington? Will Gordon Hayward emerge as a future trade chip for the Hornets? Could Thunder GM Sam Presti ever bundle all his assets together and trade for a franchise-level superstar? Should the Pelicans be mentioned more often as a possible landing spot for disgruntled stars, and did they re-sign Brandon Ingram to keep him or move him? At the end, should the NBA expand its roster of mascots for the upcoming season?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina sort through the winners and losers from the opening weekend of the NBA free agency period. Did the Lakers tighten their hold on the 2021 title chase? How will Giannis Antetokounmpo respond to the Bucks' missteps? Why did Michael Jordan give $120 million to Gordon Hayward? Has Rich Paul established himself as one of the league's ultimate power-brokers? Can the entire world agree that it's great news Fred VanVleet re-signed with the Raptors? Which players landed in great fits? Which ones settled for horrible fits? Which executives nailed their plans, and which came up empty?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina run through the winners and losers of the 2020 NBA Draft. How crushing of a blow is Klay Thompson's Achilles injury to the Warriors? Did LaMelo Ball find a good home in Charlotte? What about Killian Hayes in Detroit? Could the Minnesota Timberwolves have done better? Did Daryl Morey ace his first test in Philadelphia? What was Phoenix doing? Are the new Knicks the same as the old Knicks? Did we all lose because there weren't any lottery trades?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by breaking down the Suns' splashy move for Chris Paul. Why did Phoenix decide to pull the trigger, and could this move backfire? Why is OKC so aggressively tearing things down after an awesome season? From there, the guys shift gears to discuss the bubbling James Harden trade rumors. How good would the Nets be if they landed Harden? What motivation does Houston have to do a deal now rather than waiting? Ben and Michael close by looking at which players would make the most sense for the Hornets, Bulls and Cavaliers, who all hold top-five picks in Wednesday's draft.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gobble up the latest round of rumors before the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency period and try to find the best landing spots for the biggest names. Is LaMelo Ball worth the No. 1 pick and which team should draft him? Does he fit at all in Minnesota? What type of teams can afford to trade for Russell Westbrook and his massive contract? Does Westbrook need to relocate to the weaker Eastern Conference and save a dead-end franchise? Are Chris Paul and the Suns a natural fit? Can Phoenix afford to think about its long-term planning after so much losing? With so much turmoil in Houston, should James Harden try to pull the plug and form a new superteam with one of his high-profile teammates?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina round up NBA player reaction to the presidential election. Did the players' More Than a Vote campaign make a difference in key battleground states? What lessons should the players take from their voting advocacy experience? Then, Ben and Michael shift to a discussion of the schedule agreement between the owners and players that will launch next season on Dec. 22. Which of the eight non-bubble teams are they most and least excited to watch? The guys close with a look at the Pistons, Spurs, Cavaliers and other teams seeking a new direction before debating how the Timberwolves and Warriors should use their top draft picks next week.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing a recent report that New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday is on the trading block. Which types of teams should be interested in acquiring him and how much trade value does he really have given his age and contract? Then, Michael designs his three favorite fake trades involving Holiday and Ben grades them. The guys pivot to discuss which other players they most want to see traded before the start of the upcoming season, including a number of big names. They close by briefly looking ahead to the 2020 NBA Draft. Which three organizations have the most pressure to make the right pick this season?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with the latest on the 2020-21 negotiations between the NBA owners and players. Can the two sides afford not to reach a deal given the massive projected losses? How would the public react if this dragged on, and what impact would that have on their long-term business? How is the latest coronavirus spike impacting the league's thinking? Then, Ben and Michael shift gears to discuss the Brooklyn Nets' new coaching staff and what's next for Kevin Durant. Is he poised for a monster comeback year after an extended rehabilitation and will Steve Nash's offensive approach be a good fit? The show closes with questions from the Open Floor Globe. Where should the Raptors relocate this season? How might the quality of play next season be impacted by the disrupted schedule? What should the Kings do with Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Marvin Bagley? Should the NBA consider hosting a showcase game outdoors because its arenas will be empty?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dive headfirst into Daryl Morey's expected hiring as president of the Philadelphia 76ers. Will Morey trade Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid? How will the new power dynamic work with ownership and Doc Rivers? Should Morey try to retool the roster during the rushed free agency period or evaluate the roster for a year? Will the Sixers climb back into the East's top tier with a new front office and coach? From there, Ben and Michael break down the Utah Jazz's sale and the latest on the negotiations about the start of the 2020-21 season. At the end, Open Floor Globe members weigh in on what it would take to make them feel comfortable returning to an NBA game in person before Ben and Michael discuss whether the word "legacy" is ruining professional sports conversation.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina lay out the good, the bad and the ugly of the NBA's latest proposals for the 2020-21 season. Why is the league now eyeing a pre-Christmas start date? Why cut games out of the schedule? What do these proposed changes mean for plans to bring fans back into stands? Why does the NBA want to get its calendar back on track so badly? Will the players be ready after such a short off-season? Would Ben and Michael feel comfortable attending games as fans this season? Should the NBA utilize hub cities rather than all 30 markets? From there, the guys take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Would Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Dallas Mavericks harm Luka Doncic's legacy? Should the Boston Celtics package assets to pursue a star-level player this summer?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina weigh all sides of the New Orleans Pelicans' decision to hire Stan Van Gundy as their new coach. Was this all about Zion Williamson? What's Van Gundy's top task as he takes over? From there, Ben and Michael discuss the Indiana Pacers' hiring of Nate Bjorkgren and whether it signals the start of a rebuild. The episode closes with questions from the Open Floor Globe on the Gasol brothers, the success of the preps-to-pros generation and the joy that Boston has delivered to Los Angeles this month.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take an extended look back at Daryl Morey's 13-year run as Houston Rockets general manager. Where does Morey rank as an executive? Which criticisms of Morey were fair and which were off-base? What's his legacy in Houston and what's his ideal landing spot in the future? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to discuss the Clippers' hiring of Tyronn Lue as their coach before reliving their bubble favorites. They close by diving into the scientific joy of symbiosis and the pain of parasitism.
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With the NBA bubble officially wrapped, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina settle into the offseason. They start by giving Lakers fans the opportunity to gloat after their title and then rank how the 2020 Lakers stack up against the last 10 NBA champions. From there, they try to set the early field of contenders for the 2021 title chase and debate who should be viewed as the best player in basketball heading into next season. They wrap with an updated look at the GOAT discussion pitting LeBron James against Michael Jordan.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the end of the NBA bubble, which saw the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat in six games to claim their 17th championship. Ben offers a behind-the-scenes look at LeBron James's title celebration and then they debate where this title ranks among James's four rings. From there, Ben and Michael look back on the Finals and the overall bubble experience. What happened to the Heat in Game 6 and will they be back next year? What prevented this year's Lakers team from capturing the national imagination? How and why did the bubble humanize the superstars who participated? The show closes with a discussion of Ben's Washington Post essay on his complicated feelings leaving the bubble and returning home to California.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig back into the NBA Finals, exploring the key Game 4 moments that helped the Los Angeles Lakers build a 3-1 series lead over the Miami Heat. Why was the Anthony Davis defensive adjustment on Jimmy Butler so effective? Why didn't the Bucks make a similar adjustment with Giannis Antetokounmpo? What are the guys' favorite Finals adjustments of all time? How does the bubble environment influence Miami's ability to launch a 3-1 comeback? Was this really one of the "biggest games" of LeBron James's career? From there, Ben and Michael discuss whether Anthony Davis has had the best playoff run of any James teammate, and they wonder whether Jimmy Butler and Jim Boylen could have gotten along in Chicago.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to Miami's Game 3 win in the NBA Finals by offering extended thoughts on Jimmy Butler. Ben and Michael both recount past experiences interviewing Butler and try to put his 40-point triple-double into historical context. Why does Butler get added motivation from his past playoff history with LeBron James? Where does Butler rank among the NBA's best wings? Who regrets losing Butler more: Chicago, Minnesota or Philadelphia? What makes Butler different from many of his contemporaries? The show closes with Ben's descriptions of life inside the NBA bubble during the three-month marathon's final miles.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the Lakers' breathtaking performance and the Heat's many injury issues in Game 1 of the Finals. Are the Heat toast? Are we seeing a legendary breakthrough for Anthony Davis? If the Lakers win, will LeBron James or Anthony Davis claim Finals MVP? What adjustments can Miami make? Was the grueling bubble experience always bound to fizzle out? From there, Ben and Michael discuss their biggest takeaways from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's press conference before turning their attention to the art of trolling. Will Ben apologize to the Celtics fans for his glee at their demise? They close with thoughts on Doc Rivers' exit from LA and what comes next for the Clippers.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the exciting end to the conference finals and preview the upcoming NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. Did LeBron James reclaim his spot as basketball's best player with his Game 5 takeover? Did he really beat the Nuggets with his mind? Will the Lakers have the same advantages against Miami that they had against Denver? Then, Ben and Michael shift gears to analyze how the Heat won the East and what went wrong for the Boston Celtics . Was this the first major loss of Brad Stevens's career? Why did Jayson Tatum struggle so much to impact late-game situations? Where will the Celtics' expectations be set for next year? How did Bam Adebayo so thoroughly eviscerate Boston? Who else can do what Adebayo did in the fourth quarter and is he the ideal match-up for Anthony Davis? Do the underdog Heat have a chance to pull the upset on the Lakers? Will Michael really pick against LeBron James four series in a row?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of Tyler Herro's 37-point explosion in Game 4 of the East finals. Where does that night rank in NBA history for players at his age? Where did Herro come from? How does he compare to Celtics foils from years past? From there, Ben and Michael zoom out to see what's gone wrong for Boston and whether they are toast. Then, they dig into the Breonna Taylor ruling and how it impacted NBA players and coaches on Wednesday. What takeaway should players have about their advocacy on behalf of Taylor's family? Ben and Michael close with quick thoughts on the Western Conference finals and Billy Donovan's move to the Bulls before Michael unveils his latest episode of The Pod's Book Club.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by offering their thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers' dramatic Game 2 victory over the Denver Nuggets, which came courtesy of an Anthony Davis buzzer-beater. Did Davis sink the Nuggets? Did the Lakers deserve to lose? How will Davis be received if the Lakers win the title after he elbowed his way off the small-market Pelicans? From there, Ben and Michael shift to the resurgent play of Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard, taking a moment to reminisce on Rondo's early-career peak. They close with a look at the Boston Celtics' big Game 3 bounceback, how Gordon Hayward changes the series, and whether Jaylen Brown should be viewed as the Eastern Conference Finals' X-factor.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig in deep to the Clippers' spectacular demise, assigning blame to Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Doc Rivers before listing the extenuating circumstances that contributed to their collapse. Then, at the urging of many angry Nuggets fans, Ben and Michael riff on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray while previewing an unexpected Western Conference finals match-up with the Los Angeles Lakers. Is Jokic vs. LeBron the best showdown of playmakers since Magic vs. Isiah? Is Gary Harris the WCF's X-factor? How will the match-up battles between the stars shake out? The show closes with a look back at Boston's late offensive struggles in Game 1, and Michael pours his heart out describing what it felt like to watch Bam Adebayo block his beloved Jayson Tatum with the game on the line.
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Ben Golliver opens the floor to angry listeners who demand accountability for Michael Pina's takes about the Lakers. How have LeBron James and company turned things around? How did they dismantle the Rockets so easily? Are they now the clear title favorites? Then, Ben and Michael dig into Houston's complicated future and ponder James Harden trade scenarios. They close with updates on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, plus a rapid fire preview of the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping the best game of the bubble: Toronto's double-overtime Game 6 win over Boston. Why did Nick Nurse decide to go super small? Did Jayson Tatum need to do more late? What will be the deciding factors in Game 7? From there, they shift gears to show love to the Miami Heat, who are in the Eastern Conference finals just waiting to find out their opponent. What are Miami's key strategic advantages in the East finals? How well does Jimmy Butler need to play to get to his first NBA Finals? Can their shooters be trusted to stay hot? Ben and Michael close with a look at the impact of Danuel House's possible health protocol violation and how the Bucks' protest has inspired striking teachers across the country.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the long holiday weekend of NBA playoff basketball by asking four questions about each of the four remaining series. Who's to blame for the Bucks' collapse? Did the Celtics unveil their championship case in Game 5? Has an MVP ever played worse than Russell Westbrook did in Game 2? Is Patrick Beverley the NBA's best troll? If the Celtics and Heat meet in the East finals, who wins and in how many games? Do the Rockets have any answers for Playoff LeBron? Why don't the Heat get more love as a title favorite?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the stunning news that the Brooklyn Nets have hired Steve Nash as coach. Is Nash really the next Steve Kerr? Can he be the Kevin Durant whisperer? Can any coach lead Brooklyn to the title? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to recap a crazy week of NBA playoff action. What's up with the referees mucking up late-game scenarios? Why are the Bucks struggling and how much is Mike Budenholzer to blame? What does the future look like for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert after Utah's first-round exit? And what can Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's boycott of the 1968 Olympics tell us about the players' activism efforts in the bubble?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by gushing over Jamal Murray's latest scoring explosion and poignant post-game interview. What does Murray's playoff rise say about the Nuggets' pecking order and the importance of big men in the NBA's evolving style? Where does Murry rank among 23-and-under talents? Will his historic scoring duel with Donovan Mitchell lead to bubble asterisk talk? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to recap the Bucks' protest and the NBA's return. Did the players extract enough in their negotiations with the owners? Did the protest prove its point? The guys close with farewells to Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks and Damian Lillard's Portland Trail Blazers. How did the Lakers turn their series around to eliminate the Blazers and what are the next steps on Doncic's rise to world domination?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the Milwaukee Bucks' historic walkout and react to the NBA players' decision to continue with the 2020 playoffs. Ben offers a first-hand account of the Bucks' decision not to play their playoff game against the Orlando Magic in protest of Jacob Blake's police shooting, which triggered a postponement of the NBA's Wednesday schedule. From there, they react in real time to news that the NBA players, after discussing a possible cancelation to the rest of the playoffs, have decided to continue playing.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig deep into Luka Doncic's unbelievable 43-point triple-double against the Los Angeles Clippers by answering a bunch of questions from the Open Floor Globe. Luka or Giannis to start a franchise? Luka, LeBron or Harden to win a title this year? Luka or Dame for Bubble MVP? Would you buy a Luka sneaker? Are the Mavericks the most likeable team in the Bubble? From there, Ben and Michael analyze the Clippers' many issues -- including Paul George's shooting struggles -- and explore the impacts of a potential upset.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the early first-round NBA playoff action by digging into the Lakers' shooting struggles. How can LeBron James fix this? What's up with Anthony Davis? Should they go small more often? From there, they shift gears to the Bucks' disappointing Game 1 loss. Will they get right and can their defensive strategy hold up to the way basketball is being played in the bubble? Ben and Michael then give the Sixers a full autopsy and ponder Joel Embiid trades before glancing at Luka Doncic's first playoff win and Denver's defensive problems.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping a busy weekend on and off the court. Jim Boylen is out in Chicago, Vlade Divac is out in Sacramento, and Alvin Gentry is out in New Orleans. Will Boylen ever get a second chance? Did Luka Doncic cost Vlade his job? What will the Pelicans look for in their next coach? From there, Ben and Michael recap Portland's play-in win by discussing Ja Morant's upside and Damian Lillard's growing legacy. They close by selecting their most likely first-round upsets, with Michael making a pick that is sure to enrage Lakers fans everywhere.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview the long-awaited NBA playoffs by breaking down the seven first-round match-ups that have been set in stone and guessing who will face the Los Angeles Lakers. Ben and Michael make their predictions for each series and identify key storylines that will determine each series. Out West, does bad blood make Thunder/Rockets the most interesting showdown of the eight series? Will the Clippers flip the switch and lock down Luka Doncic? Will anyone watch Nuggets/Jazz? Are the Lakers at risk of an upset? In the East, will the Celtics fold under the pressure of everyone picking them to destroy the Sixers? Does TJ Warren really have a chance to lead the Pacers past the Heat? Can you name the starting five for the Nets, and is that a bad sign for their match-up with the Raptors? Will the Bucks treat the 2020 Magic like the 2019 Pistons?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap a wild weekend of NBA action by rethinking some of their conventional wisdom from before the bubble. Why aren't defenses ahead of offenses? Did the NBA really invite too many teams to Orlando? Will the favorites romp in the playoffs or will chaos reign? From there, they gush about Luka Doncic's electric showing against the Milwaukee Bucks, dig into Damian Lillard's squabble with the Clippers, and try to make sense of the disappointing New Orleans Pelicans. Will Zion Williamson have a new coach next season?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the back-and-forth between LeBron James and Donald Trump over the NBA's kneeling demonstrations. Did LeBron show a strategic shift from the "U bum" showdown in 2017? Then, they double back quickly to Jonathan Isaac's demonstration to discuss why some people draw a distinction between Black lives mattering in general and the Black Lives Matter movement specifically. From there, Ben and Michael dig into Michael's story on one-dribble three-pointers. Why have they grown in popularity? Why do they matter so much in the modern game? They close with questions from the Open Floor Globe on what it sounds like to hear players and referees banter in the empty bubble gyms, whether too many fouls are being called, and how helpful Gordon Hayward is at this stage of his career.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the opening weekend of the NBA Bubble with their boldest opinions and hottest takes. Before diving into the action, they discuss Jonathan Isaac, Meyers Leonard, Gregg Popovich and the other NBA figures who chose not to kneel during the national anthem demonstrations. Then, they hand out superlatives. Most impressive player? Most disappointing performance? Weakest link on a contender? Favorite quote? Coach who is getting canned? Team that's set to implode? And they reassess the tiers of contenders. How many teams showed they have championship potential?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina offer a detailed breakdown of the NBA bubble's opening night. They start by analyzing the pre-game social justice demonstrations during the National Anthem by players, coaches and referees. Was this a demonstration, a protest or a sanctioned protest? Then, they pivot to discussing LeBron James's epic opener: a game-winner, a big defensive stand and a moving tribute to Colin Kaepernick. They wrap up by discussing the Pelicans' weird treatment of Zion Williamson and Rudy Gobert's full-circle moment after being the "patient zero" of American sports
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Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 3 puts the NBA's plan into the context of what other major sports leagues are doing, and of the pandemic at large as it stands today. And with the help of global health expert and noted bioethicist, Dr. Zeke Emanuel, we try to answer the question: Was all of this a good idea?
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Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 2 follows the lives of the NBA players inside the bubble who now face a unique challenge. How do they stave off restlessness and cabin fever for three months while living inside the bubble through the rest of the season and the playoffs? Not to mention, they still have to find a way to play their best basketball.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina welcome NBA fans to opening week of the bubble restart. They discuss how stars like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic looked in early scrimmage play, and break down the audio and visual components of the NBA's new made-for-TV courts. From there, they dive into Lou Williams' Magic City misadventure. Did he threaten the bubble? Should we be thanking our lucky stars for Jack Harlow? Do Williams and the Clippers owe their fans and colleagues an apology? Then, the Open Floor Globe weighs in with questions. How close in proximity are the MLS and NBA bubbles? Are there any titles from past NBA history that deserve asterisks? Who won the Jay-Z versus Nas beef?
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Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 1 explores how the NBA decided that a bubble was the right solution for them to be able to finish the 2019-2020 NBA season and conduct something resembling a normal playoffs and NBA finals. We'll also get into how the bubble is supposed to work on paper, both for players and basketball staff, as well as for Disney Parks employees, and for journalists.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina celebrate as the NBA's Disney bubble opened practice sessions to the media. What was the best thing LeBron James said? How did Giannis Antetokounmpo's shot look? Are the Bucks about to spoil all the narratives and run to a "boring" title just like the Spurs of yore? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. What do the new playing courts look like? Should we rename the "Mt. Rushmore of the NBA" conversation? Will players want to keep their social justice message jerseys after this season?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina get into the NBA bubble talk with a quick tour from Ben of the media's access area after he finally cleared his week-long quarantine. Which Disney World areas and amenities are available to media and which are off limits? Which NBA players and figures has he seen so far? Do the NBA's rules regarding media access make sense? From there, Ben and Michael dig into everyone's favorite bubble topic: the informant tip line. Which players are most likely to rat out violators? What kind of crazy informant conspiracies has Tinfoil Hat Pina come up? Is Michael actually a secret agent? What would it take for Ben to call the line?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with the latest from the NBA bubble, where Ben has entered Day 5 of quarantine. How is Ben holding up? Is Michael starting to get worried? Are the NBA's safety protocols holding up as designed? From there, they shift gears to an extended conversation about playoff X-factors, discussing Mike Budenholzer, Kemba Walker, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis and more. They close by launching Michael's new series of book recommendations, "The Pod Reads."
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina detail the launch of the NBA's Orlando bubble, with Ben reporting live from Disney World as he begins his seven-day hotel room quarantine. They talk through a variety of topics: how to pack for a three-month trip, how to dress for a bubble playoffs, how media members are able to interact with each other, and how the NBA's extensive coronavirus testing raises ethical questions given the state of testing around the country. From there, Ben and Michael name their NBA bubble soulmates, select their favorite player social media accounts to follow, and ponder how Rudy Gobert will be treated by the broadcast media when games return. They close by taking reader questions about the use of the term "stud" and on Stephen Jackson's unfortunate turn.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina announce that Ben will enter the NBA's Orlando quarantine bubble this weekend. Michael offers his travel tips and the two discuss health, food, exercise, and other quality of life concerns as a marathon hotel stay awaits. They check in on why the MLS had to send two teams home from its bubble and answer questions from the Open Floor Globe about how the next three months might unfold. From there, they double back to answer queries about topics from previous episodes, including the value of ring-chasing and which common phrases should be removed from the NBA pundit lexicon in light of the social justice protests. They close by running through listener nominations for worst NBA moves of the past decade, including the Paul George trade, the Grievis Vasquez trade, the entire Timberwolves franchise history, and Nerlens Noel betting on himself.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina commemorate the tenth anniversary of LeBron James's "The Decision" television special by running through the 10 worst NBA decisions of the past decade. Before they dig into the list, Ben and Michael recall where they were when they found out James had picked the Heat in 2010, whether Miami's four-year run was a success or a disappointment (or both), and why "The Decision" left such a major mark on the league. Then, it's time to dig deep on blown draft picks (Anthony Bennett), terrible trades (Jayson Tatum), insane free agent contracts (Ian Mahinmi), and much more.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take stock of the NBA ramping up its return for the Orlando bubble. Top contenders like the Lakers, Clippers and Bucks met the media this week, seeking to pick up their title chases and push back against asterisk talk. Will the 2020 champs get an asterisk or a gold star? Is this, like Giannis Antetokounmpo said, the "toughest championship" of all time? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Who is Steele Sidebottom and how will players be punished if they violate the terms of the bubble? How should we distinguish between the coronavirus and an injury? Did the pairing of Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady in Toronto deserve more props? Why are the Jazz on opening night in Orlando? What should you do if a deer interrupts your free-throw shooting routine?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by taking a long look back at Vince Carter's career after the 22-year vet announced his retirement? Where did he rank compared to his contemporaries? What were his best moments? How will he be remembered? Did he inspire love? Did he have both the greatest in-game dunk and Dunk Contest dunk of all time? Will he make the Hall of Fame? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears with a breakdown of the NBA's schedule for the Orlando restart. Which opening week games are the most tantalizing? Do Zion Williamson and the Pelicans have the inside track to the playoffs? Which first-round playoff matchups do the guys want to see?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take stock of the NBA's return plan, which saw players report to their teams for coronavirus testing this week. Is the media to blame for reporting an individual player's positive tests? If now, how should the NBA be handling the testing results? Did Nikola Jokic's positive test reveal anything new about worst-case scenarios facing the league inside the bubble? Then Ben and Michael touch on the worsening state of the coronavirus in Florida and how fans should react to players who decide not to participate before taking questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which NBA awards and accomplishments should be named after famous players? Should it be the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar MVP award and the Michael Jordan scoring title? To close, the guys debate the difference between a "star" and "superstar" and wonder whether there should be a new category that differentiates between a garden-variety superstar and the cream of the crop.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by going back to review some of the NBA's minor transactions from February and March before the shutdown. Consider this "Who he play for?" Open Floor style. Who signed Reggie Jackson? Michael Kidd-Gilchrist? Joakim Noah? Jeff Green? Markieff Morris? They debate whether any of those moves will be viewed in a new light given the NBA's Orlando bubble plan and possible player withdrawals. From there, they pivot to questions from the Open Floor Globe. How concerned should the NBA be about Florida's spike in coronavirus cases? Does the NBA have enough schedule flexibility to handle a wider outbreak in Orlando or would a forfeit be in order? Would the NBA consider signing up its players for vaccine trials? Is it time to bust myths like "the team with the best player always wins the series"?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into the NBA's health and safety protocol for the upcoming season at Disney World. Is this a good plan? How will games be played and which hotels will house the players? Will the players buy in? What are some of the quirks fans should watch for once play resumes? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to take questions from the Open Floor Globe. What can the NBA do to increase its number of African-American owners? What happens in the empty arenas next year if NBA games can't be played with fans? Could the NBA players ever break off to form their own league? Should fans get to pick their audio broadcasts -- fake noise or real noise -- during the Orlando bubble? How can the broadcasts incorporate activist messages?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the NBA players' various concerns about the Orlando return plan. What is Kyrie Irving's role in all of this? What did Damian Lillard tell Michael about his stance? Will basketball distract from the ongoing social justice protests? What would happen if the players collectively chose not to play? Have the health and safety questions been answered? Will the plan stay on track? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to answer questions from the Open Floor Globe. Can the NBA incorporate fans into the visual and audio experiences? Which teams will be hurt the most by the long lay-off? Finally, who would be the worst person to present the Finals MVP trophy if Bill Russell can't make it to Orlando?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by surveying the superstar landscape to detail how the NBA community is gearing up in the wake of George Floyd's death. LeBron James tackles voting rights, Michael Jordan donates $100 million, Kevin Durant calls for fair treatment of the police officers involved in Minneapolis, Giannis Antetokounmpo seeks to better Milwaukee, Russell Westbrook funds a documentary about Tulsa, and Stephen Curry protests and chants about President Trump. After digging into each of those topics, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe about their all-quarantine draft from last week. Which team did the Globe think won? Who had a better draft strategy? Could a Globe member field a better team? Why were Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart snubbed?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dive headfirst into an impossible task: trying to predict the most unpredictable playoffs in NBA history. Will the NBA be able to keep its players safe and crown a champion? If so, who will win the title and Finals MVP? Will there actually be a play-in round? Will the extra eight regular season games influence the NBA award races? How will the neutral site impact the length of series? Will we see any noticeable differences from the referees? What aspect of the television product will Basketball Twitter whine about the most? How many owners will appear in the bubble? Should Michael Jordan make an appearance?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping the NBA's 22-team return-to-play plan. Was it a good compromise, a money grab or both? Will it succeed in generating interest out of the gate? From there, they draft their all-quarantine teams, putting together eight-man rosters of the guys they expect to play well, and play well together, in Orlando's unique circumstances. Who will thrive without fans? Who will suffer? Which stars will be in tip top shape? How much should a TV-friendly roster matter? At the end, they challenge the Open Floor Globe to vote on whether Ben or Michael drafted the better squad.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recount the weekend of nationwide protests that followed George Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis. They address what things are like in their communities right now and how long these protests might continue. From there, Ben and Michael survey responses from throughout the NBA community -- Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Doc Rivers, Dwane Casey, Stephen Jackson, Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon -- and try to pinpoint why the reaction to Floyd's death was different than previous episodes of police brutality. Along the way, Michael shares his family's stories of combating racial bias and Ben lays out the predicament facing NBA commissioner Adam Silver as he tries to restart the NBA's season. They close by offering thoughts on how to cope with this weekend's violence and how to contribute to the causes of equality and social justice.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by running through this week's developments regarding the potential format of the 2019-20 resumed NBA season. Why is Adam Silver even bothering with World Cup group stage and expanded playoff proposals? What advice would Ben and Michael offer to the commissioner? Did Damian Lillard have a point when he threatened to sit out if the Blazers can't play meaningful games? Should the NBA cater its proposal to the intense fan interest in Zion Williamson? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Who will be the next player to win a scoring title and the NBA championship in the same year? And why did a new mother laugh at Michael's lack of pain tolerance?
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Ben Golliver is joined by legendary basketball writer Jack McCallum to discuss his new podcast project, "The Dream Team Tapes." Which Michael Jordan story does Jack wish he could have told on "The Last Dance"? How did Jack prepare to cover USA Basketball's 1992 team and how did he forge relationships with Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley? What was Christian Laettner's life like in Barcelona? Which player on that team has become the most underrated by history? Who should have replaced Laettner during the roster selection process? Why did Jack develop a soft spot for Portland after covering the Tournament of Americas? What does he make of the state of USA Basketball in 2020?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig through the NBA's first official steps towards a resumption of the 2019-20 season. Do they like Disney World as a host? How many teams should be invited? How should the playoffs be formatted and seeded? If they were players, would they participate? As reporters, would they attend and cover the events in person? Will there be an asterisk? From there, they shift gears to take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which GMs could make a name for themselves this offseason? Could the Spurs dynasty carry a "Last Dance" documentary? What about Kevin Durant?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina conclude their coverage of "The Last Dance" by taking questions from the Open Floor Globe. Should this project be considered a documentary? How should Jordan be viewed as a player and leader? What was the project missing? What do Jordan's narrative successes tell us about the Warriors dynasty? What's the signature MJ game? Was the "Flu Game" story believable? What legacy do Reggie Miller's Pacers leave? Did John Stockton and Karl Malone get shortchanged?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the key revelation of the final two episodes of "The Last Dance": That Michael Jordan wanted to run things back with the Chicago Bulls during the 1998-99 season on one-year contracts. Does Jordan's vision of how that would work make sense? What, exactly, was Jerry Krause's take? How about Phil Jackson? Scottie Pippen? Owner Jerry Reinsdorf? If the Bulls had returned with Jordan and Pippen in a lockout year, could they have reached the 1999 NBA Finals and beaten the San Antonio Spurs? From there, Ben and Michael reassess their favorite Jordan seasons and moments after watching the 10-hour series. Then, they take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Did this documentary help Jordan win the 2020 NBA title? Will storytelling and narrative become an even bigger part of the discussion of great players as we move forward in the modern media environment?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina begin their latest recap of "The Last Dance" by asking how they would survive as Michael Jordan's teammate. Would Ben take the bullying without responding? Would Michael walk off the job? Then, they ponder whether Steve Kerr truly believes getting punched was the best thing that happened to his relationship with Jordan, break down Gary Payton's memorable cameo and show love to B.J. Armstrong. After making their predictions for the series' final two episodes, they shift gears to take more listener nominations for the NBA's biggest quitters.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina look back at Scottie Pippen's decision to sit out the closing seconds of a 1994 playoff game against the New York Knicks. Was Pippen guilty of a cardinal sporting sin? What context helps explain his sit down? Could the same situation play out in today's NBA? From there, Ben and Michael pivot to a wider discussion of the NBA's biggest quitters? Does changing teams in free agency make you a quitter? What about retiring early? Were Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant guilty of quitting at various points of their careers? And what did Cedric Ceballos, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo and Andrew Bynum do to make the list?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina break down the latest episodes of "The Last Dance" by dissecting Michael Jordan's shaky defenses of his gambling habit and lack of interest in politics. Should the documentary have approached the issue of gambling addiction with more nuance? Did Jordan have an obligation to embrace his potential as an activist? Is Jordan truly apolitical or is he worried that people won't like his politics? From there, Michael shares some of his favorite scenes from the documentary -- including the Toni Kukoc beef at the Olympics -- and what's jumping off the screen for his wife. Then, Ben and Michael shift gears to take questions from the Open Floor Globe on where top European players of the past would be drafted in 2020 and which NBA teams possess the best under-25 duos. They close with updates from a mail carrier and a basketball fanatic from overseas.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by arguing about an age-old question: Who was Michael Jordan's most tortured opponent? Charles Barkley or Patrick Ewing? From there, they discuss the impact that the coronavirus shutdown could have on aging players. Which veterans might enter a different stage of their careers by the time basketball is back? Kyle Lowry? Chris Paul? PJ Tucker? Dwight Howard? On the flip side, which players are poised for bounce-back seasons after the extra time off? Ben and Michael close with a discussion of Marvin Bagley III and Aaron Gordon, two younger players in need of a boost. Will Bagley fulfill his all-star potential? Is it time to give up on Gordon? And, more importantly, can Gordon rap?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina review episodes 3 and 4 of "The Last Dance" by digging into the rivalry between the Bulls and Pistons. Did Isiah Thomas deserve Michael Jordan's hate? Are the Bad Boys overrated, underrated or properly rated? Could Dennis Rodman's late-blooming career arc have happened in the modern NBA? Was his Las Vegas trip really indicative of who he was as a Bulls player? From there, they shift gears to conduct a 2020 expansion draft. What would Ben and Michael name their teams if they were the owners? Where would the teams play? And what would their starting lineups look like if each current NBA team was able to protect 3 players and they could draft from the rest of the pool?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina use Michael Jordan's intense hatred of Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons as a jumping off point to discuss the most reviled people in NBA history. Which former players were universally despised? Are owners easier to hate than players? Which attributes -- laziness, selfishness, lack of integrity -- wind up drawing the most ire? And which players did Ben and Michael personally hate the most? From there, they shift gears to Michael's recent feature on chemistry in the NBA. Which teams are best handling the rise in player movement? In five or 10 years, will superstar free agents be lured with an offer of naming their own GM and coach in a package deal?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina deliver their first impressions of the first two episodes of "The Last Dance," the 10-part documentary about Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. Was Jerry Krause portrayed fairly? Should Scottie Pippen have gone nuclear? Was 1985 Michael Jordan the coolest person in world history? How would young MJ have reacted to The Process? From there, they shift gears to take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which NBA players would have had better careers if they had cooler names? Which stars would have fallen short if their names were less cool? And which players in today's game have the best names? They close with follow-ups on FIBA's numbering system and Luka Doncic's "77" number gaffe.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a quick rundown of the excitement around "The Last Dance," the Michael Jordan documentary, but decide to save their full commentary until Friday to avoid early spoilers. From there, they recap NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's recent press conference and pivot to questions from the Open Floor Globe. Why are certain numbers like 32 so popular in basketball? Which NBA players would make the best track and field athletes? Would Zion Williamson be a good shotputter? Would LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo win the decathlon? Finally, they discuss which modern players would have been better in the 1980s and 1990s and which players would have been worse. They close by saying thanks to a 10-year-old listener.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina offer an extended preview of "The Last Dance," ESPN's 10-part documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Ben teases some memorable scenes, lays out Jordan's participation in the project, and describes how the series came together. From there, they shift to a recent SB Nation feature on the most memorable "Title-less" teams in NBA history and Michael recaps some of the saddest title defenses.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig deep into the strained relationship between Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. They lay out the importance of both players to the franchise and explore Gobert trade scenarios. Which teams should target Gobert? How should the Jazz rework themselves around Mitchell? Then, Michael lays out his three favorite fake trades. From there, Ben and Michael answer two questions from the Open Floor Globe. What are their favorite Draft hits and misses over the years? Which NBA figures provide them with daily inspiration?
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In response to a question from the Open Floor Globe, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina sift through nominees for the NBA's most overrated figures. They debate the likes of Mike D'Antoni, Reggie Miller, Chris Paul and the "Big 3" Celtics and discuss what exactly it means for someone to be "overrated" in the NBA context. Then, Ben and Michael make their own lists of current players, coaches, owners and front offices. Along the way, they dissect Kyrie Irving, Joel Embiid, Kyle Kuzma, Kemba Walker, Jamal Murray, Devin Booker, Julius Randle, the Warriors' owners and the Spurs' front office.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by diving deep into the NBA's proposal to launch a HORSE tournament during quarantine. Is the NBA desperate? Are we desperate enough to watch? Which players make the dream field and which players would be absolutely horrible? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which cult heroes of the 1990s are worth re-watching on YouTube? Should the NBA change its MVP voting procedure to adopt daily updates like Australian Rules Football? Which players would form our no-ring-yet Dream Teams? Should free Legos have been part of the USA's COVID stimulus program?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with Michael's story on a Palo Alto company's ranking of the most memorable games of the 2019-20 season. What does the company's algorithm prioritize? Does it have any blind spots? And what were Ben and Michael's favorite games of the season? From there, they dive into questions from the Open Floor Globe. Will the coronavirus trigger mid-life crises and retirements from coaches and players? Should non-NBA basketball stars be invited to All-Star Weekend in some way? Which stars of the 1990s and 2000s would be the most fun to watch in the modern era? What have been the biggest changes to the NBA media landscape over the last 20 years?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dive into another batch of questions from the Open Floor Globe, starting with an incredible "What if?" involving the Houston Rockets and a possible 1984 trade that could have landed Clyde Drexler and Michael Jordan alongside Hakeem Olajuwon. Would that Big 3 have worked? How many titles would Jordan and Olajuwon have won as teammates? From there, Ben and Michael discuss re-watching Jordan's 55-point explosion at Madison Square Garden on its 25th anniversary. How famous would John Starks be in the Twitter and Instagram era? What made Jordan's game-winning play so special? Why did Hubie Brown steal the show? The guys then pivot with questions about NBA crowd environments, and whether the coronavirus might spoil Steve Ballmer's idea of building a "Wall of Sound" in his new arena. At the end, Michael explains his 40" vertical leap and accepts an offer to be a ringer on a Milwaukee beach volleyball team.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a game of "Two Truths and a lie." Did Michael have a 40-inch vertical in high school? Is he really related to Dana Barros? Did Ben once shatter a backboard? Did he watch the 2004 Finals in a disease-fueled state in a foreign country? From there, they take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Should media members act as stand-in fans if NBA games resume in empty arenas? Which NBA stars would rise to the top if the league enacted a six-foot social distancing policy on the court? What advice do the guys have for a recent high school graduate about becoming a sportswriter and picking games to watch on a nightly basis?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a summary of the NBA's looming $1 billion hit due to the coronavirus and possible impacts on next year's salary cap. Should the owners and players agree to "smooth" a possible record cap decline? From there, Michael plays matchmaker between 2020 free agents and teams, pairing Fred VanVleet with the Knicks, Montrezl Harrell with the Pistons and Paul Millsap with the Suns. Then, the guys take questions from the Open Floor Globe. How should the NBA save its annual awards show? Were Anfernee Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal underrated as a duo? Which 1980s-era playoff games do Ben and Michael wish they had been alive to see? At the end, they address a distraught high school senior and an emailer who is seeking forgiveness after lying to Open Floor about his love life.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina cope with the coronavirus crisis by running through some of this season's biggest lost narratives. What's next for the Bucks, Nets and Rockets? How will the suspended schedule impact Giannis Antetokounmpo's "supermax" decision? Would Kevin Durant consider a return to the delayed postseason? Is Daryl Morey off the hook for his Hong Kong tweet? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe about the favorite NBA seasons of their childhoods and their memories of Michael Jordan's return from baseball. They show some love to U.S. health care workers and close by discussing their NBA doppelgangers.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the coronavirus and its ongoing impacts on the NBA schedule. Players have been sent home and the NBA is on hiatus for at least two months. Can a postseason be salvaged? Should a postseason be salvaged? An Open Floor Globe member from Denmark sounds the alarm about what's coming for the USA, while another from France correctly suggests that this crisis is an opportunity in disguise. From there, Ben and Michael circle back to take questions on heated debates from past shows. If LeBron James supposedly isn't as famous as we think, why is he so well-known in an underground gold mine in the Australian outback? Should an Orlando Magic fan seek revenge after his girlfriend cheated on him during the Slam Dunk Contest? Should we add an oddities wing to our plans for making a statue garden at the Hall of Legends?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the NBA's decision to indefinitely suspend the 2019-20 season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert and guard Donovan Mitchell tested positive for the coronavirus. Did the NBA make the right decision and should they have made it earlier? Will we see any more games this season? If not, which playoff storylines will we miss the most? How should fans treat Gobert? What can you and your family do to stay safe?
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina look back at LeBron James's big weekend, as the Los Angeles Lakers enjoyed signature victories over the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers. Did LeBron vault into the MVP conversation? Are the Lakers now the title favorites? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury damage his MVP chances, and should it alter Milwaukee's approach to the rest of the season? From there, Ben and Michael discuss the NBA's ongoing response to the Coronavirus, including the anticipated closing of locker rooms to media members. They wrap up the episode by dissecting Kenny Atkinson's departure as Brooklyn Nets coach, running through possible replacement candidates, and announcing that a Zion-themed hymn has become the show's new theme song.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina welcome Stephen Curry back to the court with an extended discussion about the Golden State Warriors guard's legacy and next chapter. Will Curry win another title and/or MVP? Where will the Warriors finish in the West standings next year? How much elite basketball does he have left in the tank, and which factors are working for and against him? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. They respond to accusations of LeBron-induced myopia, discuss the state of NBA television commentating in the wake of Daryl Morey's critiques, and weigh a possible Joel Embiid to the Nets trade scenario.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by dissecting the escalating tension between James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Does Harden have a point? Is he guilty of hypocrisy? What constitutes "skill" in basketball? Then, they pivot to a quick discussion about Kevin Durant's possible interest in representing Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. From there, they break down the Rockets' overtime victory over the Celtics. How does Boston build into a title team? What makes Russell Westbrook so dangerous in Houston's new five-out approach? Are the Clippers prepared to spoil the Rockets' rise? Ben and Michael close with follow-up questions about their Hall of Legends and Statue Garden ideas, including snub nominees and a "Statuability" ranking.
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Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of LeBron James' first game against Zion Williamson. Was LeBron trying to prove a point? How did Zion hold up? Was there some chilliness to their post-game comments, and is a rivalry budding? From there, Ben and Michael dig deep into Milwaukee's historic season. Will Mike Budenholzer screw this up or does he take unfair criticism? Should the Bucks chase 70 wins? How should they handle Giannis Antetokounmpo's minutes in the playoffs? The episode closes with questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which players need a change of scenery this summer? If Zion got kidnapped, who should the kidnappers call first to ensure the biggest ransom? How did Michael manage to be kind and insightful on a Suns podcast? And, finally, should a Heat fan buy and wear a Sixers jersey when he goes to a game in Philadelphia during a work trip?
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina offer a line-by-line breakdown of Michael Jordan's incredibly moving tribute for Kobe Bryant. Why did MJ's speech resonate with so many people? Why should it be viewed as the ultimate validation for Kobe's career? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Should there be a more exclusive "Hall of Legends" that complements the Hall of Fame but only honors players with lasting impacts? If so, who should be in and who should be out? Then, the discussion shifts to the Celtics and Sixers. What does Jayson Tatum's recent hot stretch say about his long-term ceiling? Should Ben Simmons shut it down for the season due to his back problems?
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the fallout surrounding Kyrie Irving's season-ending shoulder surgery. What's next for the Brooklyn Nets? Does the concept of a "Gap year" really exist? Would the Nets undo their 2019 summer if they could? From there, Ben and Michael pivot to suggestions from the Open Floor Globe on how to fix All-Star Weekend. Should the dunk contest add sensors or change its scoring system? Should the Three-Point Contest be turned into a giant game of 21? Should the All-Star Game's Elam ending add protections so that it doesn't finish on a free throw? Finally, they address whether Giannis Antetokounmpo's late-game weaknesses on offense cost Team Giannis the All-Star Game victory.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina convene for a late-night All-Star Weekend recap. Ben and Michael run through the winners and losers of the midseason showcase in Chicago, praising the NBA's new All-Star Game format and the many standouts from Sunday's game (Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Rudy Gobert). They chide Joel Embiid and Kemba Walker for their late-game missteps, before shifting gears to dive deeply into a Slam Dunk Contest breakdown and a pity party for Aaron Gordon. Just how badly did the judges blow it? What's the fix for next year? Then, Ben offers some behind-the-scenes gushing on Zion Williamson and names his Mt. Rushmore of All-Star Weekend figures. Along the way, Ben and Michael discuss the brewing rivalry between Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden, and praise the All-Star Saturday victories for Bam Adebayo and Buddy Hield.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend. Will Zion Williamson and Team USA crush Luka Doncic and the World Team in the Rising Stars Challenge? Who will benefit from the rule changes in the Three-Point Contest? With Zion skipping out, will the Dunk Contest still be worth watching? And who will take the crown: Aaron Gordon or Derrick Jones Jr.? Then, on Sunday, won't the All-Star Game be the perfect opportunity for Nick Nurse and the Raptors to recruit Giannis Antetokounmpo? Ben and Michael close by taking questions on the evolving nature of basketball and the Cleveland Cavaliers' dismal future.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recover from the NBA trade deadline by catching their breath before the upcoming craziness of All-Star Weekend. They start with a deep dive into the Toronto Raptors, who have won 14 straight entering Monday. What's driving the Raptors' success and why are they such an intriguing threat to the Bucks? From there, they analyze Damian Lillard's complaints about the officials and the NBA's stunning decision not to pushing Portland for its vociferous complaining. To close, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. How many All-Star starters throughout history have been worse than Trae Young? Should the All-Star rosters be expanded? Is Gersson Rosas the Messiah in Minnesota? Why does one San Diego chef always think about Kobe Bryant whenever he remembers slicing off his finger in a cooking accident?
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina run though the winners and losers of the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline. Did the Warriors gamble wisely on Andrew Wiggins? Did the Timberwolves sacrifice too much in their successful pursuit of D'Angelo Russell? Did the Rockets, Sixers and Heat do enough to change their playoff outlooks? Were the Bucks and Clippers actually the biggest winners? How depressing, exactly, was Andre Drummond's trade to the Cavaliers?
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview this week's NBA trade deadline. First, though, they recap the Lakers' Friday night tribute to Kobe Bryant and Damian Lillard's remarkable 48-point performance in LA. How did LeBron James do with his pre-game speech? Are there any hypothetical duos that would be better than LeBron and Dame? Are the Blazers the team everyone should want to claim the West's eighth seed? When it comes to the deadline, Ben and Michael talk through which aspiring contenders are the most desperate to make a move (Rockets, Sixers) and which should consider rolling the dice (Lakers, Clippers, Bucks). They close by talking through the various All-Star snubs -- Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Zach LaVine -- to determine who actually has a case.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the aftermath of Kobe Bryant's tragic death. Ben discusses the scene at the site of the helicopter crash in Calabasas, describes the memorials across Los Angeles and offers first-hand observations from the Lakers' first media session after Bryant's death. From there, Michael offers perspective from New York, and they discuss the implications of Bryant's death on the upcoming trade deadline, All-Star Weekend and NBA playoffs. They close by discussing Bryant's influence -- from his jersey numbers to his sneakers -- and take the New York Knicks to task for their ugly on-court incident and post-game comments while the league was still in mourning.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the tragic deaths of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina tackle all angles of Zion Williamson's electrifying debut for the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Ben provides some on-scene highlights, then they grade Williamson's performance and reminisce about his 17-point fourth-quarter explosion. From there, they discuss the Pelicans' strict interpretation of Williamson's minutes limit, the fact that the game was somehow not sold out, and the current state of Williamson's health. To close, Ben and Michael pivot to a contender check-in on the Bucks and Rockets. Is Milwaukee actually misunderstood and underrated? Is Giannis Inc. itself guilty of underrating their 2020 title chances? Can Houston salvage its season? Does Tilman Fertitta need to step up and swing big at the deadline?
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview Zion Williamson's upcoming season debut on Wednesday. What's the baseline for a successful return to the court? What should we expect from the No. 1 overall pick? Can he alter the West's playoff race? From there, they pivot into a discussion of the top five franchise players who are 23 and under. Is it Luka Doncic and everyone else? Zion Williamson or Ja Morant? Donovan Mitchell or Ben Simmons? Brandon Ingram or Jayson Tatum? Ben and Michael close with questions from the Open Floor Globe. Is Al Horford a sleeper agent for the Boston Celtics? Who are the most pretentious fan bases? How can a Sacramento Kings fan convince his girlfriend to follow the NBA?
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick their 2020 NBA All-Star teams. They stick tightly to the official rules, naming their starting lineups, reserves, injury replacements and snubs. Do Trae Young, Devin Booker, Brandon Ingram and Ja Morant deserve spots? How many Celtics, Raptors and Bucks should make the cut? Should the Jazz get both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell? Should Karl-Anthony Towns be snubbed because of his recent injury? At the end, who are the toughest players to leave off this year's teams? Which players would drive Ben and Michael the craziest if they were to make the real rosters thanks to the coaches' vote?
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into Kyrie Irving's return to the court for the Brooklyn Nets. How did he look and can he pair effectively with Spencer Dinwiddie? Will the Nets salvage the rest of this season and are they potential playoff spoilers? What percentage chance does Kevin Durant have to win a championship in Brooklyn? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. What factors are driving the perception of Russell Westbrook in Houston? Which players and teams are bound to win titles in the 2020s? Which players and teams never will? The episode closes with a check-up on former Open Floor co-host Andrew Sharp, who has launched a new NBA podcast project with Ben called "Greatest Of All Talk." For more information, visit GreatestOfAllTalk.com.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the John Beilein controversy in Cleveland. Is his "thugs vs. slugs" explanation believable? What do these repeated leaks say about his job security? How should the Cavaliers handle the next month until the trade deadline? From there, Ben and Michael consider RJ Barrett's rough rookie existence and launch into their rankings of the NBA's biggest dead end destinations. For elite NBA draft prospects, what's the worst place to land: Cleveland, Charlotte or Detroit? Do the Bulls and... gasp... the Spurs deserve mention too? They close by taking questions from the Open Floor Globe on the value of defensive highlights, the resurgent Utah Jazz and the Australia brush fires. Please consider donating to Celeste Barber's Facebook campaign to raise money for Australian firefighters.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver opens with exciting news about former Open Floor co-host Andrew Sharp, who has made his triumphant return to the NBA podcast world. From there, Ben and Michael Pina dive deep into Russell Westbrook's upcoming return to Oklahoma City. Would the Rockets undo the Westbrook trade if they could? Was Thunder GM Sam Presti the biggest winner from last summer? Should Presti be an Executive of the Year candidate? Aside from Chris Paul's all-star play, what has driven Oklahoma City's success this season? From there, they take emails from the Open Floor Globe, weighing different ways to honor former Commissioner David Stern and discussing whether the NBA's season has reached an extended lull. Ben and Michael close with big news from Poland: Listening to Open Floor while practicing basketball has turned one listener there into a potential superstar.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a remembrance of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, who died this week at age 77. What were some of Stern's most memorable moments and accomplishments? What is Stern's legacy? How should the NBA honor him? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to make bold predictions for 2020. Will the Houston Rockets win the title or blow up completely? Will Zion Williamson come back to claim Rookie of the Year? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo shock the world by signing the Supermax? They close by taking questions from the Open Floor Globe, handing out alternative all-decade awards for the 2010s like "Most Iconic Performance" and "Best feel-good story."
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reconvene after a short holiday break to run through 10 takeaways from the NBA on Christmas. Did Kawhi Leonard seal his spot as the greatest player in basketball? Are LeBron James and the Lakers finally showing some cracks? Has anyone actually forgotten about Joel Embiid? How should the Bucks react to their humbling loss? Should Al Horford regret his decision to leave Boston? Why wasn't Luka Doncic scheduled to play on Christmas? Was Masai Ujiri the NBA's Executive of the Decade? Was Steve Kerr the Coach of the Decade? Has the criticism of Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets gone too far? Has the criticism of the Rockets not gone far enough?
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina offer a full preview of the NBA's 2019 Christmas quintuple-header, ranking the games in terms of watchability. What's at stake for LeBron James's Lakers and Kawhi Leonard's Clippers in their rematch? Could a holiday showdown with Philadelphia be one of the most important days in Giannis Inc.'s history? After breaking down the headline match-ups, Ben and Michael offer one key stat for each of the 10 teams playing on Christmas, highlighting Jayson Tatum's insane RPM, the Nuggets' unmatched continuity, Lonzo Ball's inefficiency and the Warriors' very depressing team leaders. Programming note: Open Floor will be off for the rest of the week and will resume regularly scheduled programming on Dec. 31. Happy holidays.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina are joined by special guest Captain Accountability, who has many thoughts on Deandre Ayton's return from a 25-game drug suspension. From there, Ben and Michael dig into Kevin Garnett's comments about LeBron James. Did the Celtics break LeBron in 2010? Did KG leave out some important details from the conversation? KG was an all-time NBA heel, but who are the best NBA heels right now? And will the Lakers, Clippers, Rockets or Sixers emerge as the league's most hated team come playoff time? Then, the Open Floor Globe checks in with fake trades involving Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, plus an extended riff on John Coltrane and player development.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina celebrate the Dec. 15 NBA trade-eligibility deadline by compiling their favorite fake trades. DeMar DeRozan to the Bulls? Kevin Love to the Suns? Kyle Lowry to the Jazz? Aaron Gordon to the Hawks? JJ Redick to the Bucks? Derrick Rose to the Sixers? From there, they propose rule changes that would make the trade deadline more fun. Ben and Michael close by taking questions from the Open Floor Globe on what it means to be a "real fan." Can a Thunder fan hop on the Grizzlies bandwagon? Can a LeBron James fan use "we" to describe the Lakers?
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss Kawhi Leonard's return to Toronto for ring night. Did Leonard and the Clippers make a statement? Are they engaged in a "tortoise and the hare" race with the Lakers? Is sizing a championship ring to fit the middle finger cool or lame? From there, they dig into Michael's feature on Bam Adebayo, Miami's breakout star. How does he change the Heat's offense, defense and long-term planning? Should the Heat swing for the fences at the trade deadline? Ben and Michael close out by pondering Adebayo's All-Star chances and nominating other potential first-time all-star candidates.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina ask the questions no one else is asking about the New York Knicks' coaching change. Who, really, is to blame for the players' lack of effort? If Masai Ujiri were to actually consider becoming Knicks president, what type of ludicrous negotiation demands should he make? Can we safely assure an Australian listener that the Knicks won't make the 2020 playoffs? From there, they switch gears to digging into the narrative possibilities of a 2020 NBA Finals match-up between Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks and LeBron James's Los Angeles Lakers. Which factors make this potential showdown of juggernauts so exciting? Would it be more like the 1991 Finals or the 2007 Finals? Ben and Michael close with questions from the Open Floor Globe about Trae Young's true value and Brandon Ingram's remarkable rise, plus a passionate case for eschewing player fandom in favor of being a team fan through thick and thin.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig deep into Bronny James and the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers. After Ben's visit to the elite high school in California, they discuss the different environments faced by LeBron James and his son, the hype that has built around the Southern California powerhouse, how the ambitious school positioned itself to land Bronny and whether a LeBron/Bronny NBA connection is possible. From there, they open it up to the Open Floor Globe for another batch of hilarious plans for cheating in the NBA. They close with questions about how Giannis Antetokounmpo can reach his absolute peak and whether Kawhi Leonard made one of the worst free agency decisions of all time.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reconvene after the long holiday weekend to hand out first-quarter NBA awards. LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo or James Harden for MVP? Is Luka Doncic both an MVP candidate and the MIP favorite? Who are Michael's off-the-radar picks for Most Improved and Sixth Man? From there, they shift gears to discuss the evolving ethics of stat-hunting in blowouts. Should Harden have chased Kobe Bryant's 81-point mark or did the Houston Rockets do the right thing by shutting him down? To close, Ben and Michael take emails from the Open Floor Globe on the dwindling prospects of the San Antonio Spurs and a snowy sunrise at Bryce Canyon National Park.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina vote up or down on the NBA's three major schedule proposals: reseeding the conference finals, adding a midseason tournament, and incorporating play-in games for the playoffs. From there, they dive into a wide-ranging debate about cheating in sports. Should honor be a bigger deal? What can be done to curb flopping and other acts that violate the spirit of the game? What crazy methods, like Deflate-Gate in football or sign-stealing in baseball, could prove to be successful strategies in the NBA? They close with a discussion of James Harden's double teams, an absolutely epic takedown comparing Vlade Divac to POTUS, and a bunch of emails explaining how various Open Floor Globe listeners partake in the show. Note: Open Floor will take off on Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday and resume next Tuesday with the usual schedule.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina run through the top five basketball stories of the 2019-20 season so far, highlighted by LeBron James's resurgence and Luka Doncic's emergence as an MVP candidate. From there, they take questions from the Open Floor Globe. How did Kawhi Leonard and Paul George look in their first game together? If the Warriors had the "Death Lineup," do the Clippers have the "Coma Lineup"? How good of a shooter does a 5'6", 220-pound listener need to be to make the NBA? Ben and Michael close by expanding their understanding of podcasting genres, adding "listening while cooking" and "listening while working on shooting mechanics."
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver welcomes his new co-host: Michael Pina, NBA writer for SB Nation. With Open Floor's bi-coastal balance restored, Ben and Michael dig into two teams at the top of the Eastern Conference: the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. Are the Celtics as good as their record indicates? Does their hot start, coupled with Brooklyn's challenges, shine a new light on Kyrie Irving? How does Philly fix its offense? Are Al Horford and Joel Embiid a fit? Is the clock ticking on Ben Simmons again? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe on Carmelo Anthony's resurrection with the Blazers and Paul George's strong start for the Clippers.
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On today's podcast, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the dilapidated state of the Knicks. Is there any coach, or person, alive who could replace David Fizdale and find success? Why did the front office shift its expectations between July and November? Which of New York's young building blocks are keepers? From there, Ben and Rob debate James Harden's place in the NBA hierarchy and dissect Russell Westbrook's dismissal of Patrick Beverley. After discussing the relative importance of shot location and shot distribution, they close with a painful email from a British listener whose 2016 USA road trip was ruined by Klay Thompson. Note: This is Rob's last episode as co-host. Ben will welcome a new co-host on the next episode, which will be released on Tuesday.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney open with extended comments on Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors. Where does Siakam rank right now? Is he actually Giannis-like? Does Toronto's player development program get enough credit? From there, Ben and Rob shift gears to discuss Damian Lillard's MVP start, the Blazers' roster problems, Ja Morant's Rookie of the Year chances and the fan's perspective on load management. To close, Rob reflects on his favorite stories and games as he prepares to leave Sports Illustrated after seven years.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney go deep on the Milwaukee Bucks after their recent win over the Los Angeles Clippers. They engage in comical Giannis Antetokounmpo hyperbole on the following topis: his revenge mission, MVP defense, pre-game grunting, winning plays and leadership intangibles. From there, they tackle pressing questions from the Open Floor Globe on everything from NYC marathon attire to the utility of the phrase "two-way player." Ben and Rob also debate the many ethical issues surrounding the load management question and how teams should determine which stars to honor with statues outside their arenas. They close by checking the temperature on Mike D'Antoni's seat in Houston.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the mounting hype around Luka Doncic following his weekend duel with LeBron James and his multiple triple-doubles. Should Dallas be viewed as a legit playoff threat? What's Luka's long-term ceiling? Would you undo/redo the Trae Young trade from either side? From there, Ben and Rob discuss NBPA executive director Michele Roberts' comments on China before taking questions from the Open Floor Globe on the Rockets' dynamic duo, the Bucks' uneven start and Kevin Love trade scenarios. They close by examining the conversation around Kyrie Irving's mental health and Rodney Hood's lack of flare.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the grisly repercussions of Stephen Curry's broken hand for the Golden State Warriors. Should Golden State tank? Does this increase the urgency to trade D'Angelo Russell or Draymond Green? From there, they take questions on Kawhi Leonard's newfound passing ability, the Minnesota Timberwolves' impressive start and the longstanding rivalry between Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid. Are you team KAT or Team JoJo? Is a rivalry with Embiid the best possible thing that could happen to Towns? They close by considering an old man take on the NBA's "Content Industrial Complex" and debating whether League Pass is worth the sticker price.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney consider the Golden State Warriors' slow start. Do their early struggles require a reputation revision for Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr? Is there any hope for their putrid defense? Should they consider trading D'Angelo Russell or Draymond Green? Should they tank? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to answer questions from the Open Floor Globe on Trae Young's All-Star chances, the Phoenix Suns' sudden competence, Dwight Howard's promising first week and Deandre Ayton's 25-game suspension.
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On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss TNT commentator Charles Barkley's latest take summit. Ben lays out Barkley's thoughts on why Kawhi Leonard has surpassed LeBron James after the Clippers' opening win over the Lakers. They also dissect two other Barkley ideas: that Anthony Davis needs to be the Lakers' best player if they're going to win the title, and that Paul George will face significant pressure in the 2020 playoffs. From there, Ben and Rob take questions from the Open Floor Globe on why no one cares about Andre Drummond, Kyrie Irving's 50-point Brooklyn debut, and whether it was acceptable for a listener to cut short a trip to San Diego so that he could return to Ohio and watch basketball by himself.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney gear up for the start of the 2019-20 NBA season by making their predictions. Which teams will make the conference finals? Who will win the title? What's the dream West match-up? Are there any spoilers looming in the East? Which teams will disappoint, which will surprise, and which will be downright awful? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to reflect on the implications of Zion Williamson's knee surgery. How bad is this for the NBA as a whole? Will he need to change his body type? Are Blake Griffin and Greg Oden reason comparison points? They close by digging into Rob's Sports Illustrated story on Jamal Murray, which features a fateful coaching decision and a brash prediction of better days to come.
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On Today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney pick up their jaws after LeBron James's pointed criticism of Daryl Morey on the Hong Kong/China issue. Did LeBron have a point about Morey's bad timing? Should activism be convenient? What did this episode reveal about LeBron? Did the controversy prove that Kawhi Leonard made the right decision to join the Clippers rather than the Lakers? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to make their picks for MVP, ROY, DPOY, COY, SMOY and MIP. The usual suspects (Giannis and Zion) make appearances, but so do some other big names (Embiid, AD, Luka). Finally, they close with why context matters in Buddy Hield's negotiation standoff with the Kings, and the different levels of winning baked into the Wizards' new contract extension for Bradley Beal.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney dive deep into Rob's Sports Illustrated NBA preview story on the Houston Rockets. How will James Harden and Russell Westbrook actually work together? Are the Rockets as unstable as they appear from the outside? Are they title contenders? Then, Ben and Rob take questions from the Open Floor Globe, assessing Tilman Fertitta's competence, fielding rosters for a "California vs. the rest of the world" showdown, and welcoming the coming galactic battle between Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo. They close by discussing the West's best rising powers and taking on a brutal critique of Portland, Oregon, from an Irish tourist.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney detail the latest developments from the NBA's China crisis. What should James Harden make of Daryl Morey? Did Adam Silver let down the media by allowing the Lakers and Nets to play without conducting press conferences? Do Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich deserve heat for sidestepping the controversy? Then, Ben and Rob field questions from the Open Floor Globe on Zion Williamson's debut week, which players have the chance to surprisingly live up to their massive contracts a la Jrue Holiday, and whether the NBA intelligentsia has it all wrong on the depressing Hornets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Ben Golliver offers an Open Floor "State of the Union" address in light of Sports Illustrated's recent staffing changes. Ben is then joined by his new co-host, Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated, to discuss Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey's tweet about Hong Kong and the ensuing fallout in China. Should Morey have been fired? Could the NBA have handled its response differently? Are US politicians correct when they accuse the NBA of hypocrisy? From there, Ben and Rob discuss: Anthony Davis's stellar debut, how Davis compares with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and whether the NBA will see major changes in its style of play now that Kevin Durant hast left the Warriors. They close by analyzing Deandre Ayton's summer priorities and Michael Porter Jr.'s Rookie of the Year chances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by sharing some thoughts on the Sixers and Lakers after media days in L.A. and Philly. Then (20:00): The Clippers debut in L.A. and Kawhi gets booed at a Rams game. From there (30:00): Kyrie Irving opens up about his grief in Brooklyn, plus some thoughts on his comments regarding KD in the Finals. At the end (40:00): the wrong Bradley Beal trade, the right Bradley Beal trade, Zion Williamson concern trolling, contenders for the rookie of the year runner-up, and wireless headphones remain dumb. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by celebrating the imminent return of the NBA before a wide-open season. Then (5:00): A look at the the NBA's recent passage of new tampering rules, whether enforcement is realistic, why the Bucks were fined, and how much this harms or helps the game. From there (25:00): Contract possibilities for Jaylen Brown and Brandon Ingram, and whether the Celtics and Pelicans should offer them max extensions before October 21st. Then (37:00): The Suns as an Eastern Conference playoff team, the Bulls bandwagon, and some thoughts on Ariana Grande. At the end (60:00): a CP3 trade could redeem the Bucks offseason, unpacking the NBA's new height reporting, Rachel Nichols preaches availability gospel, and a moment for the mountain lions in Zion National Park. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver reconnect after Golliver's vacation. They begin with a guide to watching the sunrise in Hawaii and some belated thoughts on Team USA's downfall at the FIBA World Cup in China. How much blame do U.S. players deserve? How much of this lays at Popovich's feet? Then: what we learned about the NBA's next generation (20:00), Kemba Walker and Khris Middleton, Carmelo Anthony, and prospects for 2020. From there: thoughts on James Harden's MVP frustration (40:00), Tillman Fertitta's Chris Paul comments, and Kevin Durant's comments in the Wall Street Journal. At the end (60:00): Doc Rivers and the proper etiquette for NBA coaches and players financing family weddings, plus revisiting Succession comparisons from the previous podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver examine the MVP odds for 2020. First: What do we make of the Lakers and the MVP possibilities for LeBron James and Anthony Davis? Then (20:00): Odds for the Clippers' Big Two, Lillard in Portland, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the biggest Bucks questions, and Nikola Jokic as a potential dark horse in Denver. At the end (50:00): Raptors fans have Siakam receipts, finding the NBA's answer to Andrew Luck, a Lakers fan and a license plate debate in Portland, and a listener in Iceland has jersey questions. (Note: Golliver is on vacation and this episode was recorded before Team USA's two losses at the FIBA World Cup.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver reunite to get ready for a new year of basketball. They kick things off with an Instagram lecture, defending Taylor Swift, and a quick shoutout to Slovenia. Then (12:00): Surveying the field at the FIBA World Cup and talking through the current version of Team USA. Topics include: Kemba Walker's strengths and weaknesses, Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell as preordained stars, the future on the wing, and Americans in the under-25 rankings. From there (40:00): Discussing the various controversies surrounding Devin Booker this summer, whether the Nets should trade for Bradley Beal, and an official stance on KD return speculation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Ben Golliver welcomes Sports Illustrated writer Rob Mahoney for an expansive conversation about their Top 100 NBA Players lists. They start by taking a look back at last year. Who were the biggest hits (Curry, Kyrie) and the biggest misses (Kawhi, Jokic) in the top 25? Which breakout players (Pascal, Harrell) caused heartburn? Which snubs deserve apologies? Were they proven correct in the great debates over Devin Booker and Brandon Ingram? Then, they pivot to a preview of the Top 100 of 2020. How many players are in the mix for the top spot (LeBron, Kawhi and...), how many of last year's rookies (Luka and...) deserve to make their debuts, and where would Zion Williamson rank if he was eligible? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Ben Golliver welcomes longtime Los Angeles Lakers media whiz Mike Trudell, the Spectrum Sports sideline reporter, Lakers.com writer and ESPN LA radio personality. A Lakers deep dive commences. Is LeBron James still in the mix for the No. 1 spot on next year's Top 100? Can Anthony Davis carry a top-10 defense? Does Dwight Howard make sense as a DeMarcus Cousins replacement? What's up with Frank Vogel? How real are their title chances? Along the way, Mike tells stories about ping pong battles with Kobe Bryant and then takes a timeout for Brickhead Chronicles. Note: Andrew Sharp is on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Ben Golliver welcomes Sekou Smith of NBA TV to discuss NBA.com's All-Decade teams. What makes the 2010-2019 era so fascinating? Who got snubbed? Who were the toughest cuts? Then, they shift gears to discuss the "United Spurs of America" and why USA Basketball played one of the weirdest public scrimmages in recent memory. They close by buying stock in the rising Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks while taking questions from the Open Floor Globe. Note: Andrew Sharp is on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Ben Golliver welcomes Michael Lee, Senior NBA writer at The Athletic, to break down USA Basketball's training camp live from Las Vegas. Is coach Gregg Popovich motivated by patriotism, shame or both? Which next-generation stars are poised to make the leap in the FIBA World Cup? Then, they shift focus to Kevin Durant's free agency decisions, John Wall's comeback plans and a possible landing spot for Carmelo Anthony. Note: Andrew Sharp is on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through the initial wins total numbers released in Las Vegas earlier this week. Topics include: the Wizards at 27.5, the Lakers and Warriors at 49.5, the wild cards for the Rockets and Clippers, the Jazz and Nuggets, the Heat, the Nets, the bet your mortgage lock of the 2019-20 season, the Suns, the Magic, and the Pelicans. From there: What to make of the Jazz and title chances in Salt Lake City, submissions for a new Anthony Davis nickname, the Clippers need new uniforms, and an official ruling for a Bulls fan who has requested fan amnesty to cheer for the Bucks in the year to come. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are talking through the Kawhi Leonard and Paul George introductions in L.A. and the reasons to buy or sell what’s next for the Clippers. Topics include: living life like Steve Ballmer, whether Kawhi will ever top his final two months with the Raptors, Paul George’s twist on the OKC story, load management strategies in the West, and a looming war for Andre Iguodala. From there: Zion Williamson signed with Jordan Brand, is 56 year-old Michael Jordan currently more effective as a basketball player than he is as an owner, and would Tim Duncan ever want to be the head coach of the Spurs? At the end: Team USA continues to hemorrhage talent, apologies to our Australian listeners, the way to fix the USA basketball model going forward, updated thoughts on a Bradley Beal trade, solutions to the retired number crisis of the future, and an update on Sharp’s Raptors tribute. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by celebrating America's bounty of natural wonders and imploring listeners to tip their tour guides on the way through National Parks. Then (5:00): The Bulls aren't the only team with a leadership committee, as the Wizards have officially entered a new era under Tommy Sheppard, Sashi Brown, John Thompson III and the rest of the management team that was introduced in D.C. on Monday afternoon. Topics include: Trusting Ted Leonsis, comparisons to the Clippers' front office, the chances of a "faster" rebuild, the role of Sashi Brown, and the strategy for trading Beal and Wall. From there (35:00): The state of Giannis Inc. at the end of a complicated Bucks offseason an extended publicity tour with Nike. Where is this going, and what does it mean for the rest of the NBA? At the end (60:00): NBA coaches with impossible jobs this season, revisiting the Kyrie Irving discussion from last week, and call to neuroscientists from around the globe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through a road trip through the American Southwest and the 2021 rankings. From there (10:00): Running through some best and worst case scenarios for various contenders in the West, including a few more thoughts on the upside and downside in L.A., Portland, and Houston. Then (35:00): The Lakers and various alternate timelines over the past few years, the arrival of Kemba Walker in Boston, and how his career compares to Kyrie Irving. At the end: Jerian Grant in Denver, the Nuggets vs. the West, and Open Floor in the neuroscience laboratory. Sports Illustrated is conducting an audience survey to better serve all of our listeners. It will only take a few minutes of your time and it really helps us improve our shows. Please take our survey here: si.com/openfloorsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing Ben's new rental car and the final days of Vegas summer league. Then (5:00): Russell Westbrook is on the Houston Rockets after James Harden lobbied for the partnership, and the universe continues to rebuke the Golliver worldview. Topics include: Whether this plan can work, the limits of players as team arcitechts, Daryl Morey's future in Houston, regular season upside vs. playoff questions, where the Rockets rank in next year's West, and more. From there (32:00): Chris Paul's murky future and questions about how the Wolves might build from here. Then (45:00): The 76ers give Ben Simmons a no-brainer extension and we all remember how insane the Markelle Fultz situation was. At the end (55:00): Discussion of a potential apology to the Pelicans front office, a look at the Summer Bulls, and Peak Kawhi vs. Peak Kobe. Sports Illustrated is conducting an audience survey to better serve all of our listeners. It will only take a few minutes of your time and it really helps us improve our shows. Please take our survey here: si.com/openfloorsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the coach's challenge system set to be implemented in next year's NBA. Then: What to do about tampering? Topics include: Adam Silver's comments in Las Vegas this week, distinct categories of tampering that are conflated into one problem, the player power angst underlying all of this discussion, whether anyone under 30 cares about this, and what's in play going forward. From there: Pascal Siakam vs. Giannis, DeMarcus Cousins on the Lakers, LeBron's next title, Clippers front office vs. Lakers front office, the league's cheapest owners, and how Steve Ballmer will choose to spend his money now that he has a title contender in place. At the end (60:00): Captain Accountability answers the universe, availability is the best ability for carpenters, termites take Vegas, and Open Floor makes an appearance at a college reunion. Sports Illustrated is conducting an audience survey to better serve all of our listeners. It will only take a few minutes of your time and it really helps us improve our shows. Please take our survey here: si.com/openfloorsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show AndrewSharp and Ben Golliver begin by lamenting the state of summer league and shifting their focus to yet another offseason subplot: Where will Russell Westbrook land? Topics include: the state of Westbrook and why he should seek a trade, the contenders to land him, the Heat as favorites, a case for the Wizards, potential curveballs, and more. Then (27:00): Some thoughts on 9 minutes of Zion Williamson and the class of absentee rookies in Vegas. From there (38:00): Revisiting the Kawhi bombshell, including thoughts on whether Kawhi has been handed the "best player alive" label too quickly and whether the Clippers should be title favorites. At the end (46:00): A glass half-full take on the Lakers after this weekend's Kawhi defeat, whether the Raptors would prefer to lose Masai or Kawhi, the stakes for the Bucks this season, and a nod at the sleeping giant in the West. Sports Illustrated is conducting an audience survey to better serve all of our listeners. It will only take a few minutes of your time and it really helps us improve our shows. Please take our survey here: si.com/openfloorsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are live in Las Vegas and processing the Kawhi Leonard/Paul George news as it happened Friday night. Topics include: a massive win for the Clippers, Kawhi as Calipari, OKC scrambling to recover after Paul George's trade demand, a win for NBA fans everywhere, LeBron James and what this week means for him, the state of Westbrook, increasingly disastrous free agent news for the Lakers, and at the end, an important tutorial in going viral on the sidelines of summer league. Sports Illustrated is conducting an audience survey to better serve all of our listeners. It will only take a few minutes of your time and it really helps us improve our shows. Please take our survey here: si.com/openfloorsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with the state of the Kawhi Leonard pursuit and acknowledging that recording this podcast definitely means that Kawhi will announce his decision on Wednesday night. Then: Thoughts on the summer of the Kings (12:00), the Pelicans (20:00), and the Blazers (30:00). From there: the Nuggets and Jamal Murray (37:00), some breaking Suns news (42:00), and the Sixers betting the future on Ben Simmons (50:00). At the end (60:00): The Bulls and an early bet on what's possible next year, a window in 20 years of Wizards fandom, and a closer look at Milwaukee's Malcolm Brogdon decision. Sports Illustrated is conducting an audience survey to better serve all of our listeners. It will only take a few minutes of your time and it really helps us improve our shows. Please take our survey here: si.com/openfloorsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver recap the first 12 hours of NBA free agency. First: Kyrie Irving is going to Brooklyn and he's bringing Kevin Durant with him (2:00). This is obviously a massive win for the Nets, but is it a good move for Durant? Topics include: a three year-old mailbag question, the IG rollout strategy for KD, a triumph for Brooklyn management, and an uncertain future on the court. Then (33:00): Knicks dreams did not end well, because of course they didn't. Where do things stand after this week? From there (45:00): A look at the Sixers after the Jimmy Butler sign-and-trade and an Al Horford surprise, plus some thoughts on the new direction in Miami. At the end (60:00): The Warriors trade for D'Angelo Russell, the Jazz are building a Finals contender, and it's all about Kawhi Leonard after Sunday. Sports Illustrated is conducting an audience survey to better serve all of our listeners. It will only take a few minutes of your time and it really helps us improve our shows. Please take our survey here: si.com/openfloorsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the Mo Wagner blockbuster and what it means for the future in DC. Then (5:00): The Lakers have max cap space, Pelinka is owed an apology, and it’s time to start getting serious about who the Lakers should target in free agency. From there (40:00): How Toronto fans should react to this week’s L.A. developments, Lakers internet and one of the best conspiracy theories of the year, and the best ways to spend an NBA owner’s dark money to convince a superstar to sign in free agency. At the end (55:00): The Rockets sign-and-trade rumor is puzzling and the team should really just focus on running it back. Also: Revisiting Celtics and Kemba takes, an important correction to the Lillard/Bagley breakdown, and old guy rap starring the NBA MVP. Sports Illustrated is conducting an audience survey to better serve all of our listeners. It will only take a few minutes of your time and it really helps us improve our shows. Please take our survey here: si.com/openfloorsurvey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with a nod to NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and then move to the rumors swirling around the NBA this week. Topics include: Kemba Walker and the pros and cons of a potential move to Boston, the continued buzz surrounding Brooklyn's KD/Kyrie possibilities, a Knicks "what if?" scenario, a Clippers doomsday scenario, and what to make D'Angelo Russell Lakers rumors. Then (40:00): Bradley Beal says he's "definitely" open to an extension in D.C., so where does that leave the Wizards? At the end (52:00): The Jazz look like a Finals contender, everyone else in the West has the same dreams, Zion vs. Luka, Sixers front office conspiracy theories, alarming Suns factoids, and looking back at a surprise battle between Marvin Bagley and Damian Lillard at the end of last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are live from New York City where they recap the 2019 NBA Draft. First: The Wizards and the dawn of the Rui Hachimura era, RJ Barrett landing in New York City, and the Suns once again wandering in the middle of nowhere. Then (22:00): The impact of Twitter and NBA moratoriums on draft night, examining the Pelicans and their post-Zion strategy, and talking through the new era with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. in Memphis. At the end (55:00): What the Darius Garland pick means for the Cavs and Collin Sexton, the Hawks get the best both worlds on the wing, the Celtics had a complicated week but a good draft, and the Lakers are still looking for max cap space. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through all angles of the Anthony Davis trade. How much does it change the outlook for the Lakers? How much still hinges on when the deal is executed? And where does this leave the Pelicans? Then (45:00): Look at the pressure on LeBron James next year and where it's better to add depth or chase a third star. At the end (55:00): The Celtics dreams have been reduced to rubble, Chris Paul and the chaos in Houston, fact-checking the Finals history, and life comes full circle for two Raptors fans. (Note: They recorded before a Yahoo! Sports report indicated that the relationship between Paul and Harden in Houston is "unsalvageable.") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through the end of the NBA Finals and a Raptors world championshp. First: The Warriors went out like champs, the Raptors had every answer they needed, Fred VanVleet played MVP-level basketball, and Golden State's future looks a lot more complicated after this week's awful injury news. Then: How much does this postseason change the way Kawhi's Spurs situation should be viewed? Will Load Management sweep the NBA? Does the league belong to Kawhi now? At the end: Anthony Davis trade questions, Masai Ujiri godfather offers, and projecting the future battles between the East and West after the Eastern Conference triumphed on an international stage over the past two weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are live in Toronto, where they talk through Kevin Durant's disastrous injury and the state of the NBA Finals after Game 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are live at the Finals recapping Game 3. Topics include: Did Golden State just punt a finals game?, the Raptors' insane shooting performance and the impressive response up and down the roster, Klay's injury timeline, KD's return, Steph's obscene night, a Fred VanVleet branded swag update, and rethinking Golden State's legacy (or not). Then (35:00): Kawhi Leonard vs. LeBron James next season: who ya got? At the end (45:00): Exploring Kyrie to the Nets and whether that idea actually makes sense, Anthony Davis trade scenarios, Chris Paul for Andrew Wiggins, Donovan Mitchell vs. Devin Booker, Ben Simmons to the Bulls, and a reminder that none of this is matters because the earth is crumbling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are live in Toronto and recapping Game 2 from Scotiabank Arena. First: Thoughts on a killer performance from the Warriors, DeMarcus Cousins coming up huge, and whether the Raptors deserve some blame as well. Then (18:00): Klay Thompson and the rest of the Warriors playing like champions, a reminder that it's crazy that no one knows whether KD is playing in this series, questions about Kawhi, and why the Raptors can still make this dramatic. From there (35:00): The likely death of a 3-1 dream, Finals MVP after two games, and how many titles the Warriors would have if Durant never signed there. At the end (50:00): Obama and Masai, Drake and the Warriors, the Wolves' offseason thus far, the Knicks trade rumor, and Ben eats the saddest meal of the NBA season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver check in live from Toronto to recap Game 1 of the NBA Finals. Topics include: Pascal Siakam's incredible Game 1 (32/8/5), the Raptors doing their best OKC impression, the scene on the ground in Toronto, the cost of Golden State turnovers, and the triumph of the East. Then (30:00): The Warriors will probably need Kevin Durant to win this series, but Charles Barkley has said he's not coming back, and all of this is the biggest wild card in recent Finals history. At the end (50:00): The Rockets are cleaning house for some reason and their new owner is forfeiting the benefit of the doubt. Also, a 2 a.m. discussion of Drake as mayor of the sidelines at Scotiabank Arena. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through the triumph of the Raptors, Kawhi Leonard, Kyle Lowry, and millions of Toronto Termites who can now look down on legions of doubters. Topics include: the celebration in Toronto this weekend, the incredible performance of Lowry, Masai focusing on a title, various takes Sharp and Golliver got wrong, and whether this team is now playing with house money in the NBA Finals. Then (30:00): Official statementd on the health and future of Giannis Inc. after the Bucks collapse, questions about Coach Bud, a response to a sad and jealous Sixers ambassador, Malcolm Brogdon's offseason outlook, and Khris Middleton's performance in the East Finals. At the end (1:10): Early thoughts on Warriors-Raptors, Kawhi's evolution, his place in history, and a tremendous origin story for a Norwegian-turned-Termite. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver connect for a late night recap of Game 5 in the Eastern Conference Finals. Topics include: The shocking turnaround for Toronto, sobering performances across the board for the Bucks, Fred VanVleet coming through as predicted all along on Open Floor, Kawhi Leonard on another planet, Giannis looking mortal, and the suddenly uncertain future for Milwaukee. Then (47:00): The All-NBA teams, second-guessing all the Klay second-guessers, and the latest twists in the ongoing mess surrounding supermax contracts. At the end (1:05): A look at the Wizards’ GM search, questions surrounding KD as the Warriors head to the Finals, and follow-up thoughts after Magic Johnson’s appearance on First Take at the beginning of the week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Ben Golliver is joined by special guest Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated live in Portland after the Warriors swept the Blazers to reach their fifth straight Finals. Ben and Rob dig deep into the legacy implications of Stephen Curry's big series, Draymond Green's wrecking ball impact, The Meyers Leonard Game, and Steve Kerr's wacky 12-man rotation. From there, they bounce over to the Eastern Conference finals to discuss Ben's latest Giannis Revelation from his time in Milwaukee, Kawhi Leonard's big answer in Game 3, and whether Toronto has found a winning formula. They conclude by forecasting the possible Finals match-ups and answering reader questions. Are bigs still getting played off the court in the playoffs? Have the conference finals been a bust? Andrew Sharp will be back later this week to talk Magic Johnson’s nuclear bomb, Tim Connelly stiffing the Wizards and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through the state of the Bucks. Topics include: how surreal this must be for actual Bucks fans, what learned in Game 1 against the Raptors, why this defense is so good, and what's possible from here. Then (30:00): The Warriors are not better without KD, but they may be more focused, and the Finals will bring another set of challenges. From there (40:00): Would the Pelicans trade for LeBron? How great can Zion be? And what about Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to the Lakers? From there (55:00): 10 minutes on the Sixers future, Kemba on the Knicks, Beal on the Grizzlies, and ending with the most exciting possibility of all: Al Horford to the Hawks in July. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through the NBA Lottery results, including Zion to New Orleans, a lottery room breach, a sidekick for "Jaren", the Knicks, the Lakers, and a close call for the Wizards. From there (36:00): Warriors-Rockets in review, including a legendary performance from Steph Curry, and a debate on what happened to James Harden. At the end (1:03): Kawhi Leonard's shot and a mind-blowing Game 7, the Nikola Jokic apology, the Blazers and a year of redemption, and whether the NBA playoffs are better without LeBron James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by recounting a lost episode and a hellish travel day before shifting to Sixers-Raptors in Game 6, Joel Embiid's strange playoff run, and where this series stands headed into Game 7. Then (25:00): Talking through Rockets-Warriors, Steph Curry, James Harden, the Kevin Durant injury, and everything in between. From there (55:00): Revisiting the thrilling playoff run of Coffee Shop Kyrie, one final attempt at diagnosing the problems with this year's Celtics, a look at the mind-boggling timeline of the Lakers in recent weeks, and one listener becomes a temporary Raptors fan on the way to a marriage proposal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking about Austin Rivers, PJ Tucker, James Harden, and the resurrected Houston Rockets who now go to the Bay with the West semis tied 2-2. Topics include: Harden's excellence as the cornerstone of a weekend in crisis for Sharp, Warriors depth, Rockets defense, Steph Curry's struggles and what they say about the future, both teams downplaying officiating, and how worried the Warriors should be. Then (30:00): The supporting cast is in shambles, Kyrie Irving has been mediocre for three straight games, and the Celtics are on life support. Meanwhile: Bledsoe is getting his revenge, Giannis adapted and thrived, and Coach Bud seems to have addressed his biggest weakness. At the end (50:00): Checking in with the Nuggets, who continue to surprise the whole league, and Rodney Hood, whose Game 3 heroics should not have surprised anyone who's been paying attention.
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On today’s show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through both ends of the Kyrie Irving spectrum and why Golliver feels like a snail. Then (7:00): Raptors-Sixers, another revival in Philadelphia, Toronto’s sudden reality check, Kawhi free agency questions, Jimmy Butler taking control, Joel Embiid’s windmill, and more. From there (45:00): Checking in with Bucks-Celtics, Rodney Hood in Round 2, and trying to care about the Nuggets. At the end (1:05): D’Angelo Russell has trouble with the TSA and Draymond or Horford nearly breaks the podcast. A special thanks to our sponsors ProFlowers and Mattress Firm. Don't forget to go to proflowers.com. Hit the microphone at the top right corner and enter code OPENFLOOR Also go to mattressfirm.com/sale Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver check in after the first weekend of the second round. First (5:00): What do we make of Rockets-Warriors and the officiating controversy swirling around the NBA? Topics include: Whether Harden and the Rockets were playing with a purpose Sunday, why this is bad for the NBA, Harden's continued struggles in the playoffs, Kevin Durant's brilliance, and why the next few weeks of the Warriors could be fascinating. Then (38:00): Picking up the pieces after the Celtics shocked the Bucks in Game 1, including thoughts on Giannis struggles, Bud adjustments, Horford going superhuman, Brogdon's absence, and the next steps for both teams. At the end (55:00): Toronto is still cold in late-April and Canadians are liars, the Sixers look lost, and Kawhi Leonard looks unbelievable. A special thanks to our sponsors at Pro Flowers and Mattress Firm. Don't forget to go to mattressfirm.com/sale and proflowers.com and use code OPENFLOOR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with some leftover thoughts from Damian Lillard’s 50-point game five and mind-boggling game-winner. Then (8:00): the Rockets and Warriors in first round, Harden’s shooting against the Jazz, the Clippers are amazing (again), the Warriors look lost (again), Steph Curry needs to be better, and Steve Kerr is preparing an instructional video. From there (38:00): If you don’t like Damian Lillard you don’t like basketball, more thoughts on the Blazers, and defending Westbrook in Game 5. At the end (60:00): More Bucks-Celtics thoughts and the return of the lantern to discuss millennial hypocrisy, debate team triumphs, Zion near-misses, intramural walk-offs, and other Dame Lillard moments throughout history. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking Russell Westbrook in the middle of a difficult first round series. Topics include: Whether this postseason marks the end of Westbrook's prime, ongoing battles with Damian Lillard, last year's Jazz series, not making the Carmelo mistake, playing with a purpose, the origins of Westbrook backlash, and what all of this might mean for the future in Oklahoma City. From there (34:00): Why does everyone continue believing in Celtics hype? What will a Boston-Milwaukee series look like? And what about Kawhi and the Raptors on the other side of the bracket? Then (50:00): Jamal Murray for Ben Simmons and why neither team would do it, the Nuggets fighting back against the Spurs, and various highlights from the playoff podium. At the end (60:00): the Rockets in game 3, the futures of Donovan Mitchell and D'Angelo Russell, and shoutout to Caris LeVert. A special thanks to our sponsors at Robinhood. Don't forget to go to floor.robinhood.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by processing the week of Kevin Durant scrutiny, from Monday's Game 2 collapse to Thursday's response in Game 3, which was the single most impressive performance of the playoffs so far. From there (37:00): Shoutout to Jackb Poeltl and the Open Floor Globe in Austria, Spurs hypotheticals, and a nod to Derrick White after a few dominant performances to open the playoffs for San Antonio. Then (49:00): Additional thoughts on Jamal Murray and the state of the Nuggets after Game 2's wild ending. At the end (60:00): Ben Simmons listened to the podcast on Tuesday and responded with the best game of his career, the Sixers are stabilizing, and the Nets are struggling. A special thanks to our sponsors at Quip. Don't forget to go to getquip.com/floor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today show's Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by considering the bigger picture for the 76ers. Topics include: Saturday's disastrous Game 1, Monday's Game 2 victory, the price of Ingram over Simmons stock, D'Angelo Russell's proper rating, Elton Brand's last 6 months, the ominous next contracts for Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and JJ Reddick, how much has changed for this team in the past 12 months, and how much of Philly's problem comes down to bad luck with two franchise players. Then (37:00): a bunch of Western Conference minions overreact to a Raptors loss, Kyle Lowry has more playoff questions to answer, we won't learn much about the playoff Bucks and the playoff Celtics for another few weeks, the Jazz are not looking great. At the end (60:00): wondering about the future of the Nuggets, preparing for another 10 days of battle between Portland and OKC, and worrying about ratings in a post-LeBron universe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with some thoughts on Dirk Nowitzki and everything that made his career so enjoyable. Then (17:00): Finals predictions and various narrative arcs at war in Sharp’s head, the final day of the regular season, the playoff outlook for Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets, and how we might remember this Warriors era. From there (42:00): Making sense of the Kings coaching change and then shifting to the Magic Johnson resignation, what’s wrong in LA, and where they may go from here. At the end (1:08): Leftover thoughts on the MVP race and a nation of grumpy Rockets fans, Anthony Davis and his t-shirt, a Wizards hypothetical, and Golliver poisoning the youth of America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with an elaborate mid-April hypothetical involving LeBron James, Tim Duncan, career swapping, King Arthur's sword, and religious icons. Then (13:00): Revisiting the preseason over/unders, including some Celtics thoughts, the Bucks, the Wizards and Pelicans, and the Pacers. From there (23:00): The Magic and what to make of this playoff run, the pecking order in the Eastern Conference and dangerous "bad take" hubris, and Pascal Siakam vs. Draymond Green. At the end (51:00): Golliver talks dunk history and author Amos Barshad joins Sharp to talk about the release of his new book, No One Man Should Have All That Power: How Rasputins Manipulate the World. You can check out Amos' book here: https://www.amazon.com/One-Should-Have-That-Power-ebook/dp/B07N2VF4HK A special thanks to our sponsors at UNTUCKit. Don't forget to go to untuckit.com and use promo code OPEN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin taking stock of the April angst that is sweeping the basketball internet as the regular season winds down. Then (5:00): Who are the least enjoyable great players throughout history? Nominees include Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, James Harden, Ralph Sampson, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, Kobe Bryant, and basically the entire Eastern Conference from 2001-2008. Then (35:00): Do the Rockets have buyer's remorse after the CP3 trade? Should the NBA consider investing in robots to officiate basketball games? And how many international players will be among the top five players in the NBA by the year 2025? At the end (55:00): the state of 12-time Tatum after a complicated year in Boston, whether lottery reform is actually working if half the league is currently tanking, and The Lantern™ returns with stories of love transcending cultural boundaries, Giannis vs. LeBron, and fifth-division Swiss soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by disregarding the depressing state of the NBA and talking all things Zion Williamson. What did we learn from his weekend in DC? What weaknesses will he bring to the NBA? What's his best comp among NBA stars? How much can we blame Duke's failures on Coach K? Should Zion sign with Nike or Adidas? And who will have a better career: Zion Williamson or Ben Simmons? Then (37:00): Breaking news hits the podcast and Sharp processes the Ernie Grunfeld firing, including why this move is good news, why it's hard to be that happy, Grunfeld as a surgeoun, Sam Hinkie possibilities, and crazy memories from the Unseld era. At the end (55:00): LeBron's All-NBA possibilities, the podcast gets ratioed, the Warriors hate the refs, and the worst win connoisseur of all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by noting the parallels between the California super bloom and the annual March tradition of gigantic Devin Booker games in the midst of meaningless Phoenix Suns losses. Topics include: How do we explain the lack of progress in Phoenix? Could Booker be more valuable in a different context? And what will Ben do when YouTube mixtapes drive him from journalism? Then (25:00): What's the best round to face the Warriors this spring? Does player empowerment hurt the reputation of any superstar who tries to exercise those powers? From there (40:00): Looking back at the Nurkic injury, the awful timing of Tuesday's podcast, the excellent season Nurkic had this year, and an uncertain future in Portland. At the end (50:00): the case for Zion in Atlanta, and a closer look at the various objectives of the NBA's lottery reform as the league awaits the most dramatic lottery in a decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with news that Ben is on LinkedIn and would love to add you to his professional network. Then: Before Harden and Giannis face off Tuesday night, they talk through the MVP cases for both players, including Houston's adversity this season, Milwaukee's continued dominance, the source of Harden ambivalence, whether Giannis' numbers could be even more impressive, and why the race is still a toss-up as we enter the final weeks of the season. From there (34:00): Some thoughts on the Heat after their visit to DC, including the progress of Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo, the legacy of Dwyane Wade, an interlude to argue about conferences, and Thomas Bryant with the greatest flop of the season. Then (55:00): Clarification on Luka takes after a weekend of feisty listener responses, some extended thoughts on his future, and the debate surrounding Doncic, Trae Young, and the rookie of the year award. At the end (1:20:00): Pacers culture, Justin Timberlake comps, and a brief follow-up to last week's Lantern™ segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by highlighting Allen Crabbe's work in his neighborhood back in Los Angeles and Ben's time with Doc Rivers across town. What has changed with the Clippers over the past few years? What's possible this summer? And how many times can the Clippers dunk on the Lakers before this season is over? Then (25:00): A quick look at the Nets and Knicks as free agent targets, and then second-guessing some of this week's Lakers second-guessing. Is it fair to criticize the Lakers for the D'Angelo Russell trade? And why aren't more people criticizing them for the Lonzo Ball pick? Also (40:00): How good can D'Angelo Russell really be? From there (50:00): Joel Embiid can stake his claim to the throne this spring, Ja Morant has a triple double, RJ Barrett's complicated season, and some assorted thoughts on Zion Williamson as the tournament begins. At the end (1:15:00): The return of The Lantern™ as listeners share minor setbacks which cleared the way for triumphs later in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by taking an early look at the All-NBA candidates across the NBA. Who wins the battle between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic on the first team? What about Paul George and Kevin Durant? Then: Kawhi vs. Blake on the second team, where to put LeBron, and what to do about that final guard spot on the third team. From there: Giannis was in kill mode, the Sixers had an A+ game, Milwaukee's supporting cast lacks athletes, and other takeaways from Sunday's showcase game. At the end (55:00): Pistons fans strike back after last week's casual dismissals from a West coast candy ass, a discussion of Eastern Conference fringes, and a word about last Friday's sign-off. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver lose track of time and accidentally record a 90 minute podcast. First, they talk Westbrook in Utah and whether the NBA has bigger problems on the horizon. Then (16:00): Among NBA players who signed one-year deals, who are the biggest winners, and who are the biggest losers? From there (30:00): Devin Booker vs. LeBron James for the saddest promise of the year, generic praise for the Detroit Pistons, an intriguing what-if scenario for the 76ers, the playoff adjustment for the Bucks, and the Giannis strategy at the 2020 DNC. At the end (65:00): Luka and the tanking Mavs, revisiting the loan system, regularly scheduled relegation discussion, Dad's Marriott flex and a potential family feud, Marriott points are German Marks, LeBron is not the GOAT, and Warriors fans are free to apologize whenever they're ready. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with a major announcement from Golliver that is, unfortunately, premature. Then: Who is the second best team in the NBA? What are the red flags in Milwaukee? And what about the Rockets and Celtics? From there: The Nuggets are now underrated and the middle of the West is a mess. At the end: The Clippers are good clean family fun, Patrick Beverly should be the next commissioner of the NBA, and a loan system in the NBA is a great idea that could also ruin professional basketball in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin the show by agreeing that this is the last week of Lakers takes, but on the way out, there has to be one, final deep dive. At the start: Reconsidering LeBron James and the night he passed Michael Jordan on the all-time scoring list, whether he was crying into that towel, and a conversation about what we've learned about LeBron over the past 16 seasons. From there: Whether Lakers will boo when LeBron passes Kobe on the all-time scoring list, whether this Lakers season is worse than the Kobe/Dwight partnership in 2013, and whether the L.A. front office has secretly been as incompetent as the Phoenix Suns. At the end: Russell Westbrook and whether he's properly appreciated, reliving the great Jordan Brand betrayal of 2016, D'Angelo Russell vs. Kyrie Irving, and a preview of topics we wanted to talk about before deciding to wait until next week.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by thinking ahead to the playoffs and confronting the reality that LeBron probably won't be there. Who will we focus on instead? Which stars will assume the spotlight? Will casual fans be less interested? And how much of the story could change by this time next season? Then: Reaction to Kevin Arnovitz's excellent story on Robert Sarver and the Phoenix Suns, whether Sarver is the worst owner in the NBA, and whether Suns fans enjoyed reading that article. From there: There are signs of life in Chicago, Lauri Markkanen has been outstanding, and the Gar/Pax tandem is living the first rule of the worst GMs. At the end: Eric Bledsoe and the Bucks-as-Warriors take, how much better the Celtics would be with Steph Curry instead of Kyrie Irving, what's wrong in Boston (again), where have you gone John Stockton, and why isn't Steph in the best player alive conversation? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with a discussion of the great LeBron/Kyrie leadership and accountability summit and its disastrous bi-coastal aftermath. First, in Boston (6:00), the Celtics have lost four straight games since the All-Star Break, but Sharp makes a case for believing in their ceiling regardless and not falling into the trap of Celtics hater hubris. Then (20:00): Jayson Tatum vs. Brandon Ingram after three scintillating weeks in Los Angeles, a brief call for Anthony Davis to take matters into his own hands, and the state of LeBron after two catastrophic Lakers loss. From there (48:00): The possibilities for the Clippers this summer, why Kawhi and Kemba might make sense, and why various alternatives may not. At the end (65:00): Who is the new best player alive? What co-star can save Space Jam 2? And is America ready for the Atlanta Hawks takeover that's coming in the next decade? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through the dog days of the NBA before shifting their attention to the playoff race out West. Topics include: The struggling Lakers, LeBron's comments on commitment to basketball, and the year of De'Aaron Fox and the Kings as Sacramento makes its own playoff push. Then: Boogie is struggling, Draymond has a new agent, and the future in Golden State remains as uncertain as ever. At the end: Reputation vs. identity, Duke basketball fans, KD and Kyrie, D'Angelo and the dog days, Detective Andrew Sharp, and the best pilgrimages from listeners around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver did not have an opportunity to watch games Thursday, so instead they talk UNC-Duke for a mini-episode that eventually became a full hour. First: the atmosphere at Cameron, parallels from their past experiences, and whether Duke fans actually like basketball. Then: USS Zion explodes a sneaker and the world thinks he should shut it down for the rest of the season. From there: The NBA is set to lower its age limit to 18 years old. Is that a good thing? At the end: Various Zion comps, and where he might land in a re-draft of the 2018 draft class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by recapping All-Star Weekend 48 hours later. Topics include: Charlotte as a host city, whether Giannis was robbed of MVP, whether Steph Curry should be recruiting another superstar, and Kevin Durant assuming the throne in the most Kevin Durant way possible. Then (30:00): Anthony Davis needs some PR advice after a weekend of questionable choices. From there (45:00): The controversy surrounding trade demands and considering the possibility that this could hurt the NBA product more than some people realize. At the end (1:05): how Bradley Beal was recruiting stars in Charlotte, who makes the All-Carolinas team in the NBA, Michael Jordan says no to Duke, and various highlights from Open Floor on the Open Road. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are live from NBA All-Star Weekend in Charlotte. They begin with talk about Nike hacking shoelaces, Zion Williamson, and Charles Barkley's thoughts on the Anthony Davis saga. Then (16:00): the shadow cast by the Hamptons Five, whether games still matter, and what the NBA might look like a year from now. From there (40:00): Paul George is making believers out of the whole world, Russ is playing with a purpose, and Trae Young leads a rookie class that looks kind of incredible. At the end (60:00): Checking in with LeBron as L.A. takesmen grow restless, and then listeners write in with ideas for All-Star Weekend -- including a ban on backboards, tampering live feeds, and a wine-drinking contest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with a progress update on DeMarcus Cousins and a reminder that Golden State remains untouchable, and then shift gears to talk through Kevin Durant's free agency thoughts, continued Warriors weirdness, and more. From there they move to Boston, where Marcus Morris told the world that the Celtics haven't been having fun in a long time. Then: Ben makes Finals reservations in Milwaukee (along with three other cities) and they discuss the questions surrounding a Bucks Finals run. At the end: the Lakers and whether LeBron James will have a statue at Staples Center, disrespectful Zion comps, Boylen in the New Yorker, and Ollie's national park receipts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through the aftermath of the NBA Trade Deadline. First: Giving the people what they want with 15 minutes of sad John Wall news, mostly irrelevant Wizards complaints, and existential dread. Then (18:00): Talking through the risks and potential rewards of the Tobias Harris Sixers deal, the Bucks and Niko Mirotic, Giannis and the All-Star Draft, the Raptors and Marc Gasol, and what the Western Conference elitists have to say as their kingdom comes crashing down around them. At the end (55:00): Reviewing the Lakers at the trade deadline, whether the Pelicans will find a better offer in June, and finally, the return of The Lantern™ to discuss growing up with KD, intramural refs, Timofey Mozgov, DeJuan Blair, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking Golliver's adventures in the Bay Area and celebrating the big winner from Sunday night's Super Bowl. Then: Talking all things trade deadline (8:00), beginning with Giannis and the Bucks on AD's list, what it means, and what we know about the Lakers trade at the beginning of this week. Then (23:00): Analyzing the Rodney Hood deal for Portland, plus one more reason the Pelicans should wait for June to make a deal. From there (29:00): The karma pendulum swings and Anthony Davis Sr. has some thoughts on the Isaiah Thomas trade. What does it mean? What did Kyrie Irving's quotes mean? And where does this weekend leave the Celtics? At the end (45:00): Klutch Sports, an information war, whether Randy Wittman is running the Lakers front office, whether Ben is ready for his D'Angelo Russell All-Star jersey, and one listener's family is torn apart by Open Floor and the Phoenix Suns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver try to process news of the Kristaps Porzingis Mavericks trade with some winners and losers. Topics include: what just happened and why, the difference between Porzingis and Giannis, whether the Knicks are leaking diva details to justify this move, why the deal is a massive win for the Mavs, why Knicks fans get no sympathy and all fan amnesty applications will be denied, and checking back in with the state of the Anthony Davis trade, the Lakers, Pelicans management, and whether Bradley Beal will be the next star to ask for a new team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through all angles of the Anthony Davis trade demand. Topics include: Unknowns on all sides except the thirsty Lakers, whether Dell Demps is answering his phone, whether Gayle Benson will upstage the Super Bowl, whether the Pelicans should trade Davis now or wait for the summer, LeBron's past few weeks of DNP-Tampering in LA, the Knicks and the case for a Godfather offer, the Celtics and the Tatum calculus, Kyrie to LA rumors, Magic Johnson questions the Warriors, and the best way to describe Brandon Ingram's game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin with a sobering look at the Pacers in the wake of the Victor Oladipo injury. Then (15:00): Whether Mike Conley makes sense for the Jazz, whether Ben is a sellout, and additional Conley possibilities around the NBA. From there (35:00): A mid-December Rockets e-mail and then an extended discussion of everything James Harden has done since, including thoughts on his scoring, his critics, and the differences and similarities between this Harden season and what Russell Westbrook did in 2016. At the end (55:00): A few good fan amnesty applications, many different t-shirt ideas, and an open letter to Adam Silver from an Open Floor listener in London. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver open the show discussing All-Star starters, beginning with the debates in the West, including Paul George vs. LeBron James on the wing and Nikola Jokic vs. Anthony Davis at center. From there (18:00): they move to their picks for rest of the rosters in the East and West. Then (37:00): Klay Thompson’s All-Star case, how the NFC title game may affect the NBA, and early returns on the Boogie Cousins Warriors era. At the end (55:00): a look at the new lottery odds, whether the reforms actually accomplish anything, and how they might shape the bottom of the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin in Boston, where Kyrie Irving has listened to critics and responded by reaching out to LeBron James to apologize. Then (27:00): Donovan Mitchell's progress in Utah and potential additions for the Jazz. From there: Whether the revitalized Warriors have turned the rest of the NBA into a cute story (35:00), a brief Wizards update, the Nets and other nominations for this season's happiest fanbase, nominations for the NBA's most miserable fanbases, and more dumb bickering about conference imbalance. At the end (55:00): The return of The Lantern™ to discuss analogies for Boogie's return to the Warriors, plus some questions about whether the Warriors have ever been the most hated team in sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with some buzz before Tuesday's Lakers-Bulls blockbuster and then move to a long-overdue discussion on the Celtics. Topics include: re-thinking six years of Celtics hype, Kyrie's re-brand as a veteran leader, whether this team is actually as talented as everyone thinks, whether this is the most disappointing season in the NBA, trades to make, Gordon Hayward's struggles, and why everything could still be fine in the end. Then (35:00): Blake's return to LA, what he could have done differently, and revisiting that Clippers trade. From there (45:00): Whether expectations make fanbases unhappy, whether Luke Walton will be fired in LA, the top 5 happiest fanbases, a new nickname for Luka Doncic, trading Dennis Smith Jr., and a Wizards Christmas gift.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing America's team, the Milwaukee Bucks, after Wednesday night's victory over the Rockets. Should the Bucks be favored to make the Finals? What do they need before the playoffs? Who's their biggest threat? Then: Revisiting the James Harden allegations from Tuesday's episode (19:00) because facts are more important than ever in 2019. From there (30:00): Why can't the Sixers trade Jimmy Butler? Can Michael Porter Jr. help the Nuggets? And what happens if a 45-win Lakers team misses the playoffs in the West (45:00) but the Hornets and Nets make it in the East? At the end (55:00): The best team for Zion Williamson, various questions about his NBA future, and the return of The Lantern to discuss classroom graffiti, emotional support animals, and NSFW Vines.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with discussion of Ron Baker and a late night hotel adventures before moving to the end of Tom Thibodeau's time in Minnesota (8:00). Then they talk through James Harden vs. Kevin Durant for the title of best scorer alive (26:00), along with some bickering about Harden appreciation, and gauging his place in the MVP race as of this week. From there (42:00): The Lakers, the up-and-down seasons of Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram, and whether waiting on Anthony Davis is the best path forward. At the end (1:05): Trying to imagine DeMarcus Cousins on the Warriors, soliciting cases for Zion Williamson destinations, and Golliver gets owned. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver return to discuss a holiday vacation in the Middle East, the alleged disappearance of Steph Curry on Christmas, and takeaways from a blowout Spurs win over Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors. Then (26:00): Thoughts on Danny Ainge comparing LeBron to Trump, LeBron calling himself the greatest of all time, and the different eras in media that Jordan and LeBron have inhabited over the years. From there (41:00): Thoughts on the Sixers after their visit to Los Angeles and how to break the news of John Wall's season-ending injury. At the end (1:10): What the Warriors struggles probably don't mean for this season, but what they might mean for next season.
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On today's show Ben Golliver and special guest co-host Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated send off 2018 in style by running through the major Christmas Day storylines and offering their top NBA New Year's resolutions. What were their instant reactions to LeBron James's injury? Was LeBron player tanking? What's up with Stephen Curry's Christmas struggles and are they, as a reader suggests, indicative of a larger failing? Plus, did Philly's loss to Boston reveal Ben Simmons's future as a trade target? Ben and Rob then offer some behind-the-scenes thoughts on their profiles of rookies Jaren Jackson Jr. and Luka Doncic, respectively, before offering advice for 2019 to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid. Note: Andrew Sharp is vacationing in Oman, somehow, and will return next week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the outstanding performance of Nikola Jokic in December this season and whether he belongs in the MVP conversation. Then (11:00): Paul George has an MVP case of its own, and they discuss the ceiling in OKC and Denver, along with an early look at the MVP top five as of Christmas, and some polite bickering about KD. Then (24:00): Checking in with the Celtics, dying on a Kyrie hill, and worrying about Al Horford. From there (32:00): Rounding out the Lakers/AD conversation with some realism, addressing the Pacers and Clippers, and Knicks ownership. At the end (51:00): A sample of listener coaching memories that could help the Chicago Bulls, haunting high school football memories, and a shoutout to sonographers all over the world.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the state of Anthony Davis in New Orleans. Is it time for him to embrace a change? If he demands a trade this summer, where could he land? Topics include: Sharp being right since October, the recruiting war brewing between Kyrie and LeBron, the case for the Warriors, Embiid-for-AD, the Bulls or Knicks as wild card entrants, and whether Davis or his representatives would ever try to force a trade in the middle of the season. Then: More highlights from the Jim Boylen experience (32:00), buying into Emmanuel Mudiay (37:00), and not quite buying into the Kings as the best backcourt outside Golden State but loving them anyway, and trying to explain what happened with the Suns/Grizzlies/Wizards disaster on Friday night (48:00). At the end (60:00): Some Wizards optimism after Sunday's John Wall performance and the Ariza/Oubre swap (and before Tuesday night's Hawks game). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by with an SI sportsperson recap, LeBron breaking down KCP silver linings, and a fantasy overhaul. Then they talk all things Blazers after a rough month in Portland. Topics include: the absence of Paul Allen as a stabilizing presence, limited trade options, why Portland will probably make a run regardless, and whether it would ever make sense to trade Damian Lillard. From there they discuss the state of the Rockets (37:00), before moving to Chris Paul trade targets (48:00), not talking enough about the Pacers or Pistons (53:00), and whether America should consider adopting a European academy system in lieu of college basketball. At the end (65:00): Kyrie's earth vs. Steph's moon, the termites check-in, and the "thinks he's better than he is" All-Stars.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are live in LA and they begin the show with reminders to watch SI's Sportsperson of the Year Awards Thursday at 9 pm EST on NBC Sports Network and subscribe to Ben's Washington Post newsletter. Then they talk through Milwaukee's George Hill trade (8:00) and then move to disastrous weekend of the Chicago Bulls (12:00). From there they transition to discussing their dream playoff matchups after 25 games (30:00), including Lakers-Warriors, Lakers-Clippers, Warriors-Rockets in the life comes at you fast sequel, Sixers-Celtics ten year war, and Thunder-Jazz part two. Then: whether Kyle Lowry is player tanking after his comments on Masai Ujiri, whether Devin Booker is Tim Hardaway Jr. with better PR, and who says no to a Ben Simmons or Luka Doncic trade. At the end: putting Free Solo in an NBA context, not using Spotify, and another salute to Aaron Copeland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver connect to talk through Ben's week in DC, Andrew's real name, and then, both sides of the Raptors and Sixers game Wednesday night. Topics include: Kawhi Leonard as an MVP candidate, the Raptors as contenders, Ben Simmons struggles, playoff questions on both sides, and whether this year's Toronto team is as different as it seems. Then (40:00): LeBron listened to Tuesday's podcast and then looked superhuman against the Spurs, while Kevin Durant has thoughts on playing next to LeBron. At the end (1:05): Various Suns notes from the past week, the proper category of Luka comparison, live reaction to LeBron's rumored Melo interest, Gary Harris availability, and the best availability in Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show SI's Andrew Sharp and the Washington Post's Ben Golliver connect in D.C. to discuss art, bobbleheads, and Ben's first day at his new job. Then they talk through 10 big picture thoughts on the state of the NBA (8:00). Topics include: Joel Embiid (8:00), LeBron James as the best player alive (15:00), Jaren as the GOAT (30:00), the merits of Gregg Popovich's complaints (45:00), and Anthony Davis as the only story that matters (51:00). From there (55:00): Fred Hoiberg is out in Chicago and Ben has a great idea to help solidify the franchise moving forward. At the end (1:05): Giannis vs. Hezonja, Josh Jackson vs. Marcus Smart, some of your submissions for the worst basketball nicknames, and finally some nickname resolution for all the Gary Harris lovers out there. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through Kyle Korver and Wednesday night's Jazz-Cavs trade (2:00) before moving on to discuss various NBA rookies. Topics include: Luka Doncic and his ceiling (11:00), the two poles on the Trae Young spectrum (26:00), putting respect on Colin Sexton's name (35:00), Allonzo Trier on the Knicks (42:00), and a Jaren Jackson-Jayson Tatum hypothetical. From there (46:00): the biggest hole in the Anthony Davis Celtics rumors, a potential trade for the Clippers, an Eric Bledsoe question, and whether nostalgia has airbrushed Thibs teams of the past. At the end (1:06): the Nuggets and nickname problems, the Burj Khalifa, VHS tapes, and formative basketball soundtracks from the '80s and '90s. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing Ben's new role at the Washington Post, the future of the Open Floor podcast, and Michigan's disastrous showing against Ohio State. From there (13:00): Nominations for Western Conference teams you can bet your house on to make the playoffs, marveling at the state of the Clippers, wondering about the ceiling for Grizzlies, and an update on "Jaren" and where things stand with this year's rookies. Then (31:00): Gregg Popovich, Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, and arguments about leadership. Then (45:00): James Harden is still trying to make Fake Nosebleeds happen, Markelle Fultz has limited trade value, and the Orlando Magic have come alive. At the end (60:00): One listener demands that Sharp officially denounce Brandon Ingram, another listener demands that Lonzo Ball be declared a bust, Irish athletes are using Legos to relax before big games, and Ben gets lost at Yosemite.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver celebrate Thanksgiving break with an extended episode before they go. First (2:00): After one month of games they check-in with various contenders around the league, debate what their ceilings will look like in May and June, and decide whose contender credentials are fraudulent. Topics include: The Bucks, Sixers, Warriors, Rockets, Nuggets, Blazers, Thunder, Jazz, and Raptors. Then (43:00): Checking in with the Celtics, revisiting Kyrie Irving takes after a weekend of mixed results, and trying to explain what's gone wrong in Boston. From there (56:00): An interruption to the Wizards moratorium to discuss multiple players cursing out multiple team executives, trade rumors, Dwight, and the state of affairs in Washington. At the end (1:17): the week of Kemba Walker dominance, his options for the future, one scenario for a Sixers superteam, and more wild turkey sightings just in time for the holidays. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver press pause on the rest of the league and spend an hour talking through the week in Warrior news. First Golliver recounts the scene at the end of Clippers-Warriors (1:00) and how much of that ending speaks to the broader cultural disconnect in Golden State. Then (20:00): What happened in the locker room, whether KD complaints are fair, the difference between Golden State management and Golden State players, a hypothetical choice between Draymond and KD this summer, whether Durant is the most powerful player in the NBA, and whether Draymond is a Hall of Famer. At the end (45:00): The case for Kevin Durant to the Lakers, big picture thoughts on why all of this matters, Khris Middleton's social media presence, and close encounters with mystical creatures.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin their Jimmy Butler podcast with some on-scene reporting from the Clippers-Bucks game on Saturday. Then (13:00): Thoughts on the Butler trade, including why it made sense for Philly, whether Butler's behavior was as deplorable as it seems, how it affects Ben Simmons and his future in Philly, other offers Minnesota might have considered, and how much this raises the ceiling for the Sixers. Then (41:00): Does the East have more true Contenders than the West? At the end (50:00): Celtics concerns, Lakers updates, Carmelo, and an official e-mail policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing Zion Williamson's NBA future, his viral past, player comparisons, and what the hell happened against Kentucky Tuesday night. From there: some quick thoughts on the Kyrie Irving-Jamal Murray kerfuffle (18:00). Then: who should be awarded injury immunity in 2019 (26:00), what Steph Curry's career could look like when all is said and done, how much better Damian Lillard has become, the difference between Houston's last two offseasons, Klay Thompson's free agency, this month's Phoenix Suns update, and the ethics of talking to strangers about NBA highlights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with an impromptu discussion of rampant dysfunction in Cleveland, Minnesota, and Washington that eventually becomes a game of would you rather, as they choose between whether to play for the Wizards, Wolves, or Cavs this year. Then (26:00): After the life-altering windfall that came with Giannis Inc. investment, they debate new investment opportunities, including De'Aaron Fox, Wendell Carter, and "Jaren". From there (40:00): Amendments to Ben's mid-October league pass rankings after the first few weeks of actual games, including thoughts on the Lakers, Warriors, Bucks, and more. At the end (60:00): what to make of apparent Luka Doncic tension in Dallas, Joel Embiid's impact in Philly, and an important Andrew Gaze correction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the latest updates in the neverending Jimmy Butler stand-off with the Wolves, and then discuss when it stops being too early to draw meaningful conclusions from the NBA regular season (9:00). Topics include: Writing off teams before Thanksgiving, the state of the Houston Rockets, fire tweets, whether saying the Lakers won't make the playoffs is a crazy take, and a disappointing first few weeks in Philadelphia. From there (35:00): The Warriors look incredible, and Golliver proposes various records they should try to break this season. Then (50:00): The Raptors and whether Kawhi Leonard is an MVP candidate, and the progress DeMar DeRozan has made in San Antonio. At the end (1:05): De'Aaron Fox and the Kings revolution, Australian NBA power rankings, and the nerdiest LEGO e-mail yet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by addressing the shockingly dysfunctional elephant in the room: the 2019 Washington Wizards. Topics include: Otto Porter as a the scapegoat, John Wall hustle plays, Scott Brooks job security, Austin Rivers reality checks, blowing it up, and waiting on Dwight Howard to save the season. From there (27:00): the state of the Bucks this year, whether Coach Bud is really that good, and where the Giannis/Middleton duo ranks next to the rest of the league. Then (40:00): Luka Doncic, "last step" athleticism, and what the NBA has learned through two weeks in Dallas. At the end (48:00): Luke Walton's job security, Ty Lue and another baffling sequence from Dan Gilbert, and thoughts on the David Stern controversy that they forgot to mention last week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with more exclusive reporting from Ben's new home at Staples Center. Then (12:30): the state of the Thunder after a rocky start in Oklahoma City, including questions about Russell Westbrook's health, Andre Roberson as the X-factor, Billy Donovan's job security, and whether Loose Lips Paul could make an appearance as the season unfolds. From there (31:00): Kevin Durant's window to dominate and the generational shift that might be unfolding this season. Then (39:00): The concept of GM's scouting their own weaknesses, extended discussion Houston's rumored offer of four first round picks for Jimmy Butler, and an update from the Wolves and the year in limbo. At the end (53:00): Steph Curry adds his own thoughts to the Beal vs. Warriors question, Dario struggles in Philly (59:00), JJJ gets a nickname and Bagley is not Darko (1:04), Bulls fans have some takes (1:08), extending the Fultz analogy (1:20), and two very special questions from the Lakers sidelines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking about the scoring boom across the NBA through the first week of regular season action, and then, after ignoring them last week, they shift to the Lakers (4:00) after three losses to open the year. Topics include: The thrill of a Patty Mills game-winner, whether preaching patience is the easiest possible take, Lonzo vs. Rondo in the starting lineup, Luke Walton's rotations, LeBron's engagement, and how crazy this season has already been. From there: the state of L.A. Live's billboard industry (30:00), Sharp's big picture theory on the next few years in Los Angeles, and takeaways from the Rockets-Lakers fight. Then (50:00): Danny Green and Kawhi Leonard and the Raptors after four very impressive wins, not overreacting to the Jazz, the Nuggets looking great, acknowledging the Kings and apologizing to Caris LeVert. At the end (1:15:00): The Stauskas renaissance in Portland, a Wizards epiphany during Monday's OT win, and cloning NBA players to beat the Warriors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s episode, before going to blockbuster Thursday night games (Wizards-Heat, Lakers-Blazers) Sharp and Golliver talk through the first two days of the NBA season. Topics include: the Bucks and the offense they always dreamed of, the Jason Kidd legacy, apologies to Malik Monk, salutations to the Hornets, the debut of the Raptors, a fantasy draft update, and a haunting KAT comparison. Then: the underwhelming first night of Rockets season (30:00), Carmelo concerns, and where Anthony Davis ranks at the top of the league. From there (40:00): They talk Sixers and the state of Markelle Fultz in the starting five, and then move to the Celtics and what the emergence of Jayson Tatum could mean for this season. At the end (60:00): thoughts on the new G-League rules, sympathy weight and the Wizards, and power rankings in Morocco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver continue their NBA preview by looking to the East. First (5:00): the Hawks and an official apology regarding Trae Young, the Celtics and their 2010 Heat adjustments, and D'Angelo Russell vs. Caris LeVert in Brooklyn. Then (30:00): the Hornets and the ghost of Donovan Mitchell, the Bulls in darkness, the Pistons and the Drummond dream, and the Pacers juggling Sabonis and Myles Turner. Then (55:00): Pat Riley and D-Wade hagiography, Bucks wing depth, Sixers shooting, origins of Orlando struggles, Sacramento Kings honorary induction into the East, grumpy Raptors analysis, and official Washington Wizards predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by recapping the madness at Wednesday's Wolves practice, taking stock of the Jimmy Butler situation as of Wednesday night, and talking through the Wolves outlook from here. Then, in the first part of a two-part episode (blame Jimmy Butler), they jump into their NBA Preview. Topics include: The Mavericks and Dirk's twilight (31:00), the pace of the Pelicans (38:00), Jokic defense and buy or sell on the Nuggets (43:00), the Thunder and whether Bully Ball can work (48:00), the Rockets, another damn Harden argument, and a Butler trade (54:00), the Clippers and more media tanking (1:02:00), the Lakers and various predictions regarding wins, Ingram, LeBron, and Lonzo (1:10), and a semi-winning environment in Memphis(1:21). At the end (1:25): Ayton Island, Blazers takes, Jazz optimism, Spurs realism, and a Warriors reality check. (Note: They forgot the Sacramento Kings and will address them on Monday morning.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing all things Phoenix Suns in the wake of Ryan McDonough's dismissal a week before the season. Topics include: Why this move could be a long-term win for McDonough, Robert Sarver's role in everything, the point guard mandate that allegedly started all this, and the All-Time McDonough roster. They (30:00): they talk through the Dejounte Murray injury and why it's so frustrating for the Spurs, whether the Raptors can win the East (36:00), and whether there is renewed Kings hope thanks to the arrival of Harry Giles in Sacramento. At the end (55:00): The Wizards are not boring through two weeks of preseason basketball, takes on Texas, and a preview reminder. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with two important announcements regarding upcoming events, and then they talk through the results from NBA.com's annual GM survey (7:00). Topics include: Four GMs picking against the Warriors, whether GMs actually answer these surveys, whether players are sabotaging their own reputations as part of a long-term strategy (22:00), Markelle Fultz's jumper, Dejounte Murray's jumper, starting a franchise with Anthony Davis, whether Giannis needs a weightlifting intervention, trusting Dennis Schroeder, believing in Deandre Ayton, and finally some respect for Brad Stevens. At the end (60:00): Durant Knicks buzz and all that entails, sycophant vs. subsequent, Open Floor in the classroom, and more Triangle basketball love. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's podcast Sharp and Golliver catch up to talk through the state of the Lakers as the season begins. Topics include: the re-emergence of the internet's Lakers fans, their lack of dependable big men, worries about veterans and young players, the challenge for LeBron, and how many of this year's players will be around by the beginning of next season. From there (30:00) they move to a social media lecture from Golliver, as well as some quick thoughts after a weekend on Tobacco Road. Then (38:00): Why Jimmy Butler on the Mavs would probably be a bad idea, and some responses after the internet caught on to last week's Luka Doncic discussion. From there (49:00): Why Butler on the Rockets would be the best possible ending, and at the end (60:00), Rockets-Warriors resolution, origins of KD angst, and a haunting John Wall metaphor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver check in with the latest reporting on the Jimmy Butler situation and talk through a few sides of the story as of Thursday afternoon. Topics include: why it's not crazy for the Wolves to wait on a trade, what they should be seeking from Miami and others, and why it could make sense to fire Thibodeau now. From there: Checking in with Golliver's favorite rookie Luka Doncic (27:00) and debating where he'd land if he were eligible for the top 100. Then: why it might make sense for the Bucks to start shopping for another star (37:00). From there: Anthony Davis signs with Klutch (45:00) and lots of Lakers rumors are coming. At the end: they share their thoughts on their colleague Lee Jenkins jumping to the Clippers, and the potential for a Rob Cam on the next three-man podcast.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with a quick recap of Ben's tour through the deep south and weekend with Alabama football. Then (7:00): they catch up on the mess in Minnesota and decide who deserves the most blame for how things have played out thus far. From there (22:00): thinking through Jimmy Butler trade destinations, why the Lakers didn't make sense, why the Clippers may or may not make sense, and where this past week leaves the Wolves now that Karl-Towns has signed his supermax extension. Then (45:00): Golliver checks in after a LeBron-infused Lakers media day, Sharp recaps a subdued Celtics atmosphere, and both of them marvel at Kawhi's introduction in Toronto. At the end (1:09): Notes from a night among Sixers fans in Philadelphia, and helpful travel tips for prospective National Park visitors.
Today's episode of Open Floor is brought to you by HelloFresh. Go to HelloFresh.com/Floor60 and enter promo code Floor60 for $60 off your first 3 boxes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Sharp and Golliver are again joined by Sports Illustrated’s Rob Mahoney for part two of their journey through this 2019 ranking of the top 100 players in the NBA. Topics include Khris Middleton, Kyrie Irving vs. Damian Lillard, Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid, Russell Westbrook vs. Chris Paul, Anthony Davis, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, and LeBron James. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Sharp and Golliver welcome Sports Illustrated’s Rob Mahoney to discuss the top 100 players in the NBA. In the first half of an accidental two-part episode, they talk through realistic projections for Lonzo Ball (5:00), Carmelo Anthony vs. Pau Gasol (15:00), Marcus Smart and Rajon Rondo (21:00), Dwight Howard (29:00), Brandon Ingram vs. Andrew Wiggins and Nic Batum (32:00), Aaron Gordon in Orlando (42:00), Derrick Favors (48:00), Jaylen Brown vs. Jayson Tatum vs. Donovan Mitchell (55:00), and Kevin Love and Blake Griffin (1:04). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by lamenting the state of the Michigan Wolverines before jumping into a discussion of the preseason MVP odds. Topics include: a thinner group of genuine contenders this year (5:00), the factors working against the Warriors (8:00), the Celtics and the return of Gordon Hayward (15:00), James Harden's regular seasons vs. the playoffs (23:00), the Sixers as the new Thunder (28:00), and Giannis and LeBron as the favorites (40:00). From there they talk through next year's candidates for a breakout season (45:00), including Jamal Murray, D'Angelo Russell, DeJounte Murray, Nikola Jokic, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart. At the end (58:00): checking in with Ben's favorite general manager and talking through the new Hogwarts LEGO set.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin the show with Ben airing a series of offseason grievances, and from there, they get into Manu Ginobili's retirement (8:00), what they'll remember most about his game, whether he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, the 2014 title against the Heat, and how the Spurs have changed over the past 20 years. Then they discuss NBA teams that have never won a title (26:00) and rank the chances of each team at eventually escaping the list. From there (43:00): whether Anthony Davis should abandon the Brow nickname and be rechristened as "the Sasqwitch", whether the NBA should look into midseason tournaments like European soccer (46:00), and the problems with blowing up the Wizards (55:00). At the end (65:00): Re-framing the Brad Stevens ownership question, Stevens vs. Kerr, sad Giannis blasphemy, and when to wear a Larry Bird jersey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver look ahead to next year's NBA and sorting through the hot seats that various coaches will inherit this season. Categories include ice cold seats, recent signings, potentially malfunctioning seat warmers, lukewarm seats, and hot hot hot seats. Discussions include Steve Kerr in Golden State, Brad Stevens in Boston, Scott Brooks and Billy Donovan in D.C. and OKC, Mike Malone in Denver, Luke Walton in L.A., Terry Stotts in Portland, and Fred Hoiberg in Chicago. Then (45:00): they talk through the uncertainty surrounding next year's Pelicans, and whether Anthony Davis has a claim as the best player alive. From there (57:00): the buzz around the Bucks, the Antetokounmpo prophecy, and where they will sit in the East hierarchy. At the end (70:00): Big men intangibles, Jamal Murray celebrations, podcast promotion-, book recommendations, and zipline tales. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking all things Carmelo Anthony. First they discuss how he might fit in Houston, why low expectations could be healthy after OKC, and what's on the table going forward. Then (14:00) they talk through Carmelo's career arc generally, internet criticism, hats, watches, and MVP votes. From there (27:00): Projecting the wins total for the Grizzlies next season, assessing problems on the wing, and walking through the life cycle of a bad contract. Then: Andrew Wiggins vs. Devin Booker and what makes an elite wing (39:00), when to give up hope for young prospects (50:00), and projecting the Warriors while remembering that Steph Curry is outrageous. At the end (70:00): Revisiting last week's history lesson, remembering cringeworthy celebrity encounters, and more Shaq vs. Duncan stats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by recapping Ben's internal monologue after a few offseason weeks full of mindfulness, World War 2, and top 100 phone calls with Rob Mahoney. Then they discuss the recent release of the season win over/unders in Vegas, including three numbers that made people mad (Blazers, Spurs, Pacers), two stone cold bet your mortgage locks (Celtics, Sixers) and a requisite check-in with the Lakers and Warriors. From there: the future of Draymond Green (38:00), why a trade next summer isn't entirely out of the question, and what the market might look like. Then (55:00): parsing several aspects of the jersey-buying experience, including thoughts on Blake Griffin, Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, and Jamal Murray. At the end (70:00): Updates on John Wall, bonding over bad Tim Duncan opinions, Nike contacts, Twitter check marks, and Fortnite.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver celebrate the arrival of August and begin with some thoughts on the aging process. Then (5:00): Scenes from the Team USA practices in Las Vegas, including PR advice for Kevin Durant, thoughts on his podcast appearance with CJ McCollum, and whether he should stay with Golden State for the long term. From there (23:00): Devin Booker and Myles Turner in Team USA pickup games, and some cautious optimism for the next iteration of the Thunder. Then (31:00): Giannis evangelism in the wild, the summer of John Wall, the Clint Capela contract, grading the Hawks offseason, and whether Donovan Mitchell and Kawhi Leonard belong in the 2023 Top 10. At the end (60:00): LeBron vs. Shaq, doubting the Celtics doubters, LeBron’s elementary school, and more lessons from the 13-and-under AAU basketball circuit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin the (real) offseason by looking at the big picture. Who will be the 10 best players in the league five years from now? Nominees include: Anthony Davis, Giannis, KD (if he's not retired), Embiid (if he's healthy), KAT, Kyrie, Ben Simmons, Devin Booker, and more. They also discuss this year's draft class, where Donovan Mitchell and Jayson Tatum might fit, whether 39 year-old LeBron James will remain dominant, and how LeBron James Jr. will fare at the next level. From there (29:00) they move to this year's season, Kevin Love vs. DeMar DeRozan vs. Blake Griffin, and the motivations behind Love's extension with the Cavs. Then (45:00) scenes from Dwight Howard's introduction in D.C., the state of the Wolves (53:00), and Jabari Parker's thoughts on defense (63:00). At the end (70:00): The Lakers offseason, Ben-splaining, pronouncing 'Bjelica', and NBA tattoos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by recapping the end of summer league after Ben's two weeks in Vegas. Topics include: Stalking Ben Simmons, close encounters with LeBron, $500 Lakers shorts, the legend of Summer Svi, and the absence of Lavar Ball. Then (18:30): The summer of the Sixers, what went wrong, what to make of Markelle Fultz, and what to expect in Philadelphia next season. From there (33:00): The next mile-marker in the Kawhi journey is Team USA practice in Las Vegas next week. Will he show up? Then (42:00): The Bulls are still the Bulls, and the Bucks had no good options with Jabari Parker this summer. At the end (55:00): Knicks summer league and free agency dreams, a Wizards check-in, Rockets-Warriors revisionism, and jersey origin stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through Adam Silver's comments at the board of governor's meeting and whether the league should admit it has a competitive balance problem. Then (7:00) they discuss the imbalance between the East and West, and why no one seems to be acknowledging that the healthy Celtics are clearly the second best team in the league. From there (18:00): Raptors Kawhi Leonard rumors, how this summer has affected Kawhi’s value, and whether it makes sense for other teams to get involved. Then (30:00): A defense of Trae Young in the face of blasphemous comparisons, Floyd Mayweather visits summer league, Giannis Inc. updates, follow-ups to the 2017 re-draft conversation, whether Jayson Tatum is overrated, and whether Grayson Allen will start a full-blown fistfight next season. At the end (55:00): Jabari Parker's next team, cap smoothing hindsight and who deserves blame, Devin Booker's max deal, Luke Walton's next 12 months, and more thoughts on the summer in L.A. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver check in after the opening weekend of NBA summer league. First they discuss the growing popularity of Summer League and Ben's response to the critics. Then (6:00) they discuss the performance of Wendell Carter Jr. thus far, what his success could mean for Chicago's future, and how to feel about the Bulls' decision to match Zach LaVine's $78 million offer sheet. From there (22:00): first impressions of Harry Giles for the Kings, Deandre Ayton on the Suns, and how Trevor Ariza could help in Phoenix. Then (32:00): the strange Rockets offseason and the Carmelo pursuit that still doesn't completely make sense. At the end (43:00): Tony Parker leaves the monastery for greener (teal) pastures, the Lakers are standing pat, more insight into Playoff P's decision, Josh Hart is too good, Jonathan Issac and Mo Bamba look great, Josh Jackson does as well, Markelle Fultz is still TBD, and Ben Simmons is not getting traded for Kawhi.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver review the biggest stories through the first week of free agency. First: the Wizards are getting reckless even by Wizards standards, and they talk through the offseason of Dwight Howard, Austin Rivers, and Jeff Green. Then (22:00): Boogie on the Warriors, whether they should have added a wing instead, and why this could work for Golden State. From there: The effects of the CBA on the current NBA landscape (35:00), Paul George and his shocking decision to stay in OKC (50:00), and the future of Julius Randle and Tyreke Evans (65:00) in Indiana and New Orleans. At the end (70:00): Jimmy Butler and the Wolves, LeBron Lakers follow-ups, and the All-Star outlook for Twelve Time Tatum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver react to Sunday night's @KlutchSports exclusive by discussing all angles of LeBron on the Lakers. First: processing the LeBron signing with a side of Lance Stephenson and Javale McGee. Then (7:00): Paul George's cold shoulder and the challenge LeBron may or may not have recruiting stars over the next few years. From there (14:00): An extensive and occasionally heated debate over whether the Lakers were the best choice for LeBron, what motivated this move in the end, and whether this will succeed. At the end (45:00): similarities and differences between LeBron and Kobe, the understated rollout, front office influence with Magic and Pelinka, and the triumph of the LeBronzo prophecy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver celebrate the eve of NBA free agency and connect with Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum. First: Golliver interrogates Sharp about his conspiracy consumption habits headed into the weekend. Then (7:00): they talk through the week of Kawhi rumors, reading tea leaves, why the Celtics might be reluctant to get involved, and why the Sixers should think harder about getting aggressive. From there (20:00): Are we sure LeBron James needs another star in place before he commits to LA? What will the Cavs look like next year? And what about KD's free agency? Then (37:00): Boogie's free agency in New Orleans, the dawn of the Austin Rivers era in DC, and a new member of #TeamElizabeth. At the end (50:00): Ben talks to CJ McCollum about LeBron James Jr., Khris Middleton, the top 5 players in 2019, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the NBA's Awards Show in L.A.. Topics include: killer bees on the red carpet, Oscar Robertson's big night, what Harden's MVP victory means, Dwane Casey's coach of the year award, and a better way to do this show next year. Then (30:00) they talk through the many signals coming from the Loose Lips Paul George and his camp in the week before free agency, what his decision could mean for everyone else, and the worst case scenario for next week's free agency. At the end (40:00): the Kemba Walker sweepstakes, updated thoughts on the Suns-Sixers trade, Robert Williams celebrates the draft in the house of Dads and Grads, the Mavs and Hawks both win draft, and Elizabeth from Charlotte makes her triumphant return to the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver recap the NBA Draft with some winners and losers. First: whether pick tipping is cool, the relatively subdued draft after a week of hype, the league on hold waiting for LeBron and Kawhi, and the real winners of the night in Mo Wagner and De'Anthony Melton. Then: the Mavs make a play for Luka, the Hawks roll the dice with Trae Young, the Grizzlies are caught between two eras, and Michael Porter Jr. tumbles out of the top 10. From there: what to make of the Suns draft, the good and bad of the Sixers moves, Colin Sexton in Cleveland, and Lonnie Walker in San Antonio. At the end: the Wizards take Troy Brown, and the Knicks and Bulls remain inscrutable as ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver celebrate the eve of the NBA Draft by reminding you that Open Floor will be broadcasting live on SI's Draft Show Thursday night. Then: the combine interview process, whether Jaren Jackson Jr. can sell you a pen, and what type of utensil Lonnie Walker Jr. would be. From there: the importance of franchise stability, the strange lack of buzz around Trae Young, the draft process adventures of Michael Porter Jr., the boom-or-bust potential of Marvin Bagley Jr., the Dwight Howard trade, how the Warriors will infuriate everyone, and what to make of Mo Bamba. At the end: Wendell Carter Jr as a sleeper, Luka Doncic as the number one pick, the next generation of Giannis Inc., and why there was no Open Floor draft party at a Brooklyn Buffalo Wild Wings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver get together for a Monday morning podcast to discuss the impending trade of Kawhi Leonard and everything that comes with it. First: What went wrong in San Antonio? How will the perception of Kawhi change after the way this year unfolded? Where do the Spurs go from here? Also, Golliver demands that everyone take a moment to appreciate Tim Duncan. Then (33:00): Where does Kawhi go next? The Lakers are the favorites (-140) but there are several obstacles, beginning with questions about whether Brandon Ingram has as much potential as it seems. The Kings could also get involved. The Celtics have a big decision to make. An unknown party in Philadelphia will make some calls as well. The field (Nuggets, Bulls, Knicks, Heat, Cavs, Clippers) is a real possibility. And there is always the nuclear option if the Sixers want to get crazy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver celebrate the beginning of NBA summer. First: the winners of Open Floor's Bracket Challenge, Lakers diss tracks, Paul George as a glorified Jeff Green, the future of Russ in OKC, Carmelo's South Beach destiny, and Kevin Love as the canary in the coal mine. Then: Lavar Ball has takes (32:00), Steve Kerr and Bob Myers have jokes (44:00), and would the Sixers signing LeBron James (48:00) be proof that the Process worked? At the end (60:00): Discussing Deandre Ayton, reasons to draft him, reasons to worry about big man investments, questions about Luka Doncic and Jaren Jackson Jr., and the realities of this draft class. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver finish wrapping up the NBA Finals and begin to look to the offseason. First: a ceasefire (not a surrender) regarding the Kevin Durant debate, whether the NBA is broken and ruined in the Warriors era, how Durant and Curry could get even better going forward, and how the Golden State dynasty might eventually come undone. Then (35:00): LeBron's Finals, whether he quit in Game 4, the bi-weekly legacy update, and whether an eyepatch would have been a better accessory than a cast. From there (50:00): Offseason rapid fire including superteam potential, Paul George as the most important domino, the Celtics as the new Spurs, Kawhi Leonard as a Clipper, and more. At the end (68:00): An early look at the NBA Draft, Luka Doncic vs. DeAndre Ayton, ideal Doncic destinations, and the depths of basketball addiction. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver discuss all things NBA Finals. First, they recount the thrills of the Rodney Hood game and a Game 3 that was way more fun than it should have been. Then they talk about the spectacular night of Kevin Durant (12:00), what that performance says about his place in the league, his future with Golden State, and the difference between these Warriors titles and the Cavs in '16. Then Sharp recounts his journey through the content machine (37:00) after a week of "reporting" gone awry. From there (45:00) they discuss the NBA media's treatment of LeBron vs. Durant, whether Warriors domination is secretly helping LeBron's legacy, and how that could shape this summer. At the end (63:00): Final thoughts on Bryan Colangelo, the proper level of sympathy, the future of NBA social media, Instagram, and Ben's minivan.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver take stock of the Finals after the first two games. Topics include: Ben's new minivan, Ty Lue's Rodney Hood plans, a defense of J.R. Smith, reactions to that excruciating Game 1 video, and preferences for the length of this series. Then: a question about future Warriors challengers (30:00) becomes a discussion of why LeBron should go to the Spurs, and then another look at Boston's future. From there they move to LeBron and the state of the Sixers investigation (41:00), the rise of isolation offense and interchangable defenses (55:00), and the NBA's terrible new for instant replay. At the end (70:00) a return to the coffee shop to discuss the Kyrie trade, revisionist history, and Osho. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through Game 1 of the NBA Finals. First, they discuss an all-time LeBron performance and the frustration of the Cavs loss, the perplexing officiating decisions down the stretch, and the outlook for the rest of the series. Then they talk through the J.R. Smith nightmare (23:00), George Hill's missed free throw, Jordan Clarkson vs. Rodney Hood, the Warriors performances, and the most on-brand game imaginable for Draymond Green. At the end (52:00): The NBA's latest burner account scandal, the mind-bending week of news in Philadelphia, implications for the Sixers future, explanations for what happened, and other thoughts on the strangest NBA story of the year.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver pick up the pieces after a pair of Game 7s. First, they talk through the end of Warriors-Rockets, including the performance of Houston's role players, Golden State's mental toughness, Golden State's bizarre first half, Mike D'Antoni's cruel fate, asterisks in the wake of the CP3 injury, and the state of Playoff Harden discourse. Then (31:00): they discuss Kevin Durant's strange series, a cryptic post-game comment, and the future of Steve Kerr. At the end (47:00): they talk through LeBron's absurd performance in Game 7, why the LeBron conversation has become slightly annoying, lessons from his reign of his terror in the East, and whether Golden State will have an answer for Rodney Hood in the NBA Finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver connect late Thursday night and begin by trying to process the final few minutes of Warriors-Rockets Game 5. Then (6:00): Sharp has to answer for a lifetime of Rockets slander, they talk KD and Steph, Golden State's bench, Playoff Chris Paul, Playoff James Harden, and more. From there they spend a few minutes checking in with the Cavs and Celtics (42:00). At the end (52:00): Follow-ups to the neutral-site Finals idea, KAT vs. Horford, All-NBA fixes, and more hockey fan listeners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the dominant response from LeBron James and the Cavs through Games 3 and 4 in Cleveland (2:00). Topics include: LeBron's strategy for the rest of the series, the Cavs supporting cast stepping up, proper levels of panic in Boston, how the series might look with Kyrie Irving, and whether anyone needs Cavs-Warriors IV. Then they move to the West and discuss the NBA's blowout problems through the Conference Finals (31:00). Topics include: home court advantage, a dream for the NBA Finals in the next decade, the impact of Steph Curry, and the challenge for James Harden through the rest of this series. At the end (60:00): checking in with the Wolves after a week of KAT rumors, continued Thibs angst, and a summer of chaos around the corner.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through the various threads of Rockets-Warriors. Notes include: another maddening Steph Curry injury, Houston's brilliance in Game 2, Podium Harden, the perfect Draymond game, and more. From there (25:00): they argue about Kevin Durant in Golden State for thirty minutes straight. Then they discuss the cult of the Boston Celtics (56:00), whether Marcus Smart is the best player in the NBA, Brad Stevens vs. LeBron James, and other things. At the end (1:10): how excessive Open Floor cheapshots helped save the Phoenix Suns, Ayton vs. Doncic, and the prophecy in Sacramento. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through a dominating performance from Boston in Game 1. Is it time to elevate the Celtics from "cute story" to genuine contender? What happened to LeBron James? Everyone knows Jayson Tatum is a future 12-time NBA All-Star, but is Jaylen Brown still underrated? Does the performance in Game 1 change the outlook of the series? And what will you tell your kids about The Rodney Hood Game? Then: Final thoughts before the Warriors-Rockets series (40:00), including the potential offseason implications for Houston if Golden State wins this series easily. At the end (55:00): The magic of NBA Lottery night, lottery simulations, and a quick run through some of the scenarios in play on Tuesday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver look back at Sixers/Celtics and preview the Conference Finals. They begin by discussing the Conference Finals in the context of the re-seeding conversation (1:00), and then discuss whether the Rockets or Celtics survive longer in the Conference Finals. Then they go into depth on Rockets-Warriors (16:00), including whether Houston is the Toronto of the West, whether Clint Capela can play in this series, the implications of the Hamptons 5 nickname, Chris Paul against the Jazz, and James Harden's playoff history. At the end (44:00): Missing Kyrie Irving, next year's Boston roster, the last two weeks of LeBron James, the proper level of concern for the Sixers and Ben Simmons, hate-listening to rival podcasts, and handicapping the Cavs-Celtics rematch. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through the many angles of Sixers-Celtics. What has gone wrong for Philly through the first four games? What can we learn from the TJ McConnell game? Who's been most impressive: Brad Stevens, Jayson Tatum, or Al Horford? What's the proper fashion etiquette for in-game twin support? And which of these teams has the brighter future? Then: they bid farewell to Toronto with some Raptors facts (39:00), talk Masai's next steps this summer, and introduce a potential solution in the MJ-LeBron debate. At the end (60:00): David Fizdale goes to New York, Igor Kokoskov takes over in Phoenix, Becky Hammon interviews in Milwaukee, Stan Van Gundy leaves Detroit, and Golliver starts a cult. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through the collapse of the Raptors through the first two games in Toronto. What has gone wrong? Which was more demoralizing: Game 1 or Game 2? And where does the franchise go from here? Then they talk through LeBron's dominance in this series (17:00) and the evolution of his game over the past few years. From there they move to Boston (29:00) where the Celtics are looking like the most complete organization in the NBA, while the Sixers have questions: What happened to Ben Simmons? Can Joel Embiid solve Al Horford on defense? Will the Celtics miss shots on the road? At the end (50:00): checking in with Dante Exum and Jazz-Rockets, the latest twists in the Kawhi saga, and Carmelo's future in OKC.
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On today's show, Ben Golliver catches up with SI senior writer Lee Jenkins to discuss Lee's recent cover story on the Houston Rockets. How did a case of the yips form Mike D'Antoni's coaching philosophy? What tactics has Houston utilized to satisfy its superstars and empower its role players? How serious of a threat to the Warriors are the Rockets? Will James Harden's iso-heavy style work against Golden State? At the end, a discussion of where Houston sits among LeBron James's potential free-agency suitors and how LeBron might find himself needing to employ a different approach in 2018 than he did in 2010 and 2014. Note: Andrew Sharp will return for Friday's regularly-scheduled episode.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through another weekend of playoff games. First, the incredible day of Rodney Hood and LeBron James in Sunday's Cavs-Pacers Game 7. Then: Should the Raptors be the favorites in Round 2? And what did we learn about the Pacers? From there they move to the state of the Warriors (17:00), who provided a scary reality check to the rest of the NBA against the Pelicans Saturday night. Then: quick takeaways from Rockets-Jazz Game 1 (30:00) and reliving the Game 6 fever dream in Utah Friday night (34:00), including more Donovan Mitchell praise, the Paul George foul, Playoff P's transformation into Loose Lips Paul, and Westbrook vs. Gobert in next year's top 100. At the end: Bucks-Celtics and Celtics-Sixers (52:00), a Wizards-Raptors post-mortem (60:00), reactions to John Wall's end of season comments, and purpose vs. a purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking all things Jazz and Thunder. Topics include: the madness of Game 4 in Utah, the ongoing struggles of Carmelo Anthony, Golliver's slow transformation into Jazz superfan, Westbrook's spectacular Game 4, and the week of Russ referendums on the internet. From there they move to the future of Paul George (20:00) and the potential for a Westbrook trade (25:00). Then: LeBron listened to Open Floor and hit a game-winner in Cleveland (30:00), while the Wizards and Raptors are very on brand so far (37:00). Then: some early thoughts on Warriors-Pelicans (42:00), fawning over Donovan Mitchell (48:00), and describing Ben Simmons (52:00). At the end (55:00): Cavs-Warriors in jail, an exclusive report on Giannis vs. the Cantina, Duke players in the NBA, and playoff relationship advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk more playoffs. They begin by discussing whether this year's first round is already better than last year's entire playoffs (2:00), then move to the state of Rockets (8:00), and then the surreal state of the Cavs offense (15:00). From there they move to Wizards-Raptors (26:00), the Bucks evening the series against the Celtics (35:00), Eric Bledsoe vs. Khris Middleton, and the Cantina Controversy heard round the world. At the end (47:00): OKC-Jazz predictions, a quick check-in with the Sixers and the bitter end for the Blazers.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by celebrating the arrival of stars all over the playoffs, and then move to another incredible Sixers/Heat game (5:00). Why is this series so much fun? Who will win the battle over Joel Embiid's mask? And can the Sixers win the East? Then they move to the state of the Cavs (24:00) and the proper level of concern in this Pacers series, an update on the adventures of Playoff P (31:00), the arrival of Donovan Mitchell, and the return of Golliver Studios. From there they move to the Celtics in the playoffs so far (39:00), whether Jaylen Brown is better than Brandon Ingram, the ascent of OG Anunoby (47:00), and big men in the NBA Draft (51:00). At the end (57:00): Bucks, Wizards, Wolves, Ben playing hero ball, and a series of feisty listeners e-mails from the first week of the Playoffs.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver celebrate the opening weekend of the playoffs. First they react to the first two games of the Sixers-Heat series, including the best strategy for defending Ben Simmons, another stubborn masterpiece for Dwyane Wade, and what Philly might look like with Joel Embiid back in the lineup. Then they celebrate the arrival of another legendary Paul George nickname (17:00) and discuss the dynamics in OKC-Utah. From there it's onto Cleveland (22:00) where LeBron James was on autopilot and Victor Oladipo was a superstar. Then: Giannis Inc. hits hard times in Boston (37:00), Kawhi is the biggest story from Warriors-Spurs (45:00), and the Blazers-Pelicans series is as good as expected (55:00). At the end (62:00): Joel Embiid posts an Instagram story, the Wizards are circling the drain, and the Rockets look great and terrifying.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver celebrate the arrival of the NBA Playoffs. First they discuss the Open Floor Globe Playoff Challenge, where listeners can submit brackets to this pool: https://www.nbabracketology.com/group/view/11954. Then they discuss where the first weekend of the playoffs ranks among other tentpole events on the NBA calendar (6:00). From there they rank each playoff matchup (12:00), including Sixers-Heat, Jazz-Thunder (18:00), Blazers-Pelicans (23:00), and more. Then: a discussion of Russell Westbrook and the proper food analogy to describe his game (39:00), an incredibly dark look at the Wizards (47:00), which teams might struggle with playoff officiating (52:00), the state of the Wolves and Nuggets (55:00), final thoughts on the rookie debate after Donovan Mitchell's sweatshirt (1:03), and early thoughts on LeBron in Philly (1:08). At the end (1:12): NBA groupthink and trolling, the state of the Magic, an award for the Phoenix Suns, and a sneak attack from a Hawks fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk NBA Awards. They begin by revisiting their MVP discussion, including a question on how good the Rockets would be with LeBron instead of Harden, and the rest of their picks for this year's top five. Then they move to Rookie of the Year (14:00), whether Ben Simmons claiming he hasn't noticed another rookie is a good look, why Donovan Mitchell's candidacy is being dismissed too casually, and what Simmons' ceiling really is. From there they move to coach of the year (32:00) in a year where there are too many great coaches to choose from. At the end (40:00): most improved picks, the sixth man of the year, executive of the year, and All-NBA picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver take of stock of the NBA through the chaotic final week of the season. First (2:00): an update on the Wizards and whether they are worth allocating internet to, and other lessons from Thursday in Cleveland. Then they discuss the Kyrie Irving injury in Boston (10:00), its implications for the playoffs, and how it changes Boston's future. From there: a state of the union for Paul George in OKC (20:00), other players facing scrutiny this postseason including John Wall (36:00), Kyle Lowry (38:00), Draymond Green (42:00), and Jusuf Nurkic (45:00). At the end: The best players in the NBA you'd least want on your team (50:00), Kawhi follow-ups (65:00), shoutout Christian and Scooby, and the Open Floor field trip to Cavs/Raptors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through the NBA's vague definition of MVP (4:00) and then move to the MVP year of James Harden (9:00), whether this season changes his value next to KD, Steph and LeBron, and whether he'll be the unanimous winner in June. Also: what about LeBron's MVP case (19:00)? Then: best and worst case scenarios for this year's Finals MVP (29:00) and the Sixers/Hornets poetry of Brett Brown (34:00). From there: a deep dive into the latest twist in the Kawhi/Spurs Saga (40:00), supermax cold feet, and some fake Kawhi trades that now look more plausible than ever. At the end (61:00): Knicks and Bucks coaching options, the best commentators, and bedtime with Adam Silver.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin recording five minutes after finding out that Joel Embiid will miss the next 2-4 weeks with a fractured orbital bone. As they sort through their emotions, they discuss why this is Ben's fault and Markelle Fultz shouldn't be blamed (2:00), how much this hurts the playoffs, potential silver linings for the Sixers (10:00), and how this will affect Ben Simmons (18:00). Then: potential playoff race tanking scenarios in Washington and OKC (23:00), reactions to Kevin Durant's war on blog boys (31:00), more thoughts on the dangers of worst day analysis (40:00), rethinking the end of peak Steph Curry (45:00), and the state of Giannis Inc. (50:00). At the end (60:00): minutes management and the Wolves, Karl Towns and e-Sports disrespect, the metric system, Melbourne, Sister Jean beef, and playoff wagers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the many implications of the Steph Curry injury and the questions that have emerged as a result. Which West teams could give them trouble in the first two rounds? Does this make the season more interesting, or more frustrating? Does this change the way we think about Steph? And are the Warriors still title favorites? Then: Rudy Gobert and the dangers of judging bad days (30:00), the Celtics and the value of playoff experience (38:00) and the Sixers' stretch of excellence (45:00). At the end (55:00): Steven Adams in OKC, and brainstorming NBA solutions to the broken amateur basketball landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by talking through the Blazers and Raptors (5:00). First: What did we learn from the Blazers winning streak? How close could they play the Rockets in the playoffs? Then they move to the Raptors (16:00). Is this the best challenger LeBron has ever faced in the East? And why should anyone believe Cleveland can guard them in the playoffs? From there they move to Kyrie Irving and John Wall in the top 15 (32:00) and more bizarre Kawhi news out of San Antonio (35:00). Then: the time machine title race (42:00), the most unimproved players of the year (48:00), the Sixers and the Process and the future of Okafor (55:00), Team USA in Melbourne (1:02) and relegating teams to Euroleague. At the end: British slang and team nicknames, our first brickhead NBA star, #TeamTolkien gets the last word, and the internet in Ireland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's episode Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin with quick thoughts after a weekend watching Michigan, Michigan St., UMBC, college refs, Syracuse's zone, and the rest of the NCAA Tournament. Then they move back to the NBA (11:34), where injuries to the Cavs, Warriors, and Celtics are quickly becoming the biggest story of the NBA's stretch run. Can the Cavs survive without Ty Lue? Should the Celtics be worried? Is Steph a system player? And then: is Draymond Green really a top 10 player (20:00), and how does the rest of the top 10 look right now? From there (30:00) they talk Raptors/Thunder, Doc Rivers fines, and lessons for the league after the Bulls failed tanking expedition. At the end (55:00): Adding NBA players to college teams to beat the Wizards, adding Gordon Hayward and Lamarcus Aldridge to the Jazz and Blazers, Steven Adams and Dwight Howard on an island, and more Harry vs. Frodo analysis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by reliving the Wizards/Celtics game on Wednesday night. Then they make their nominations (8:00) for the best bandwagons in basketball for any fans without a favorite team. Nominees include the Milwaukee Bucks, the Miami Heat, the Washington Wizards, the Utah Jazz, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Los Angeles Lakers. Then they discuss the worst takes of the 2017-2018 season (32:00), including Pistons optimism, Rockets skepticism, and LaVar Ball's Luke Walton thoughts. From there they move to the Blazers (45:00) and Damian Lillard's revenge, the Spurs playoff chances (50:00), and the franchises worth deleting (55:00). At the end: the final word on Minnesota, how to pronounce "Gif", Harry Potter, stranded on an island with Vince Carter, and March Madness picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing LeBron's weekend in Los Angeles. Why was so the visit to L.A. so underwhelming? What did we learn (if anything) about this current Cavs group? What about Magic and Rich Paul? And who is Juju Smith-Shuster? Then they move to the other contenders, including the Warriors (20:00), whether their continued success despite halfhearted effort should terrify the rest of the NBA, and Sharp's disastrous trolling effort Thursday. Then they play "Overrated and Underrated?" with various contenders (31:00), including discussion of the Rockets, the Raptors, the Bucks, the Pacers, the Sixers, and the field in the Western Conference. At the end (50:00): the progress of Julius Randle, the LeBron All-NBA dilemma, choosing the best version of Shaq, fusing two rosters to beat Golden State, dreaming (or not) about the Wolves, LeBron James Jr., George Karl, and 78 reasons to love the NBA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing the Rockets (6:00) and whether we've all been ignoring signs that they are title contenders. Can anyone in the league stop Harden from getting to the rim? Will the supporting cast show up in the playoffs? And who's more likely to get to the Finals between the Rockets and Raptors? Plus: The case for re-seeding the playoffs begins in Houston this year (18:00) but are we sure there's really a problem? From there (34:00), a theory on Anthony Davis' injuries and a discussion of his ongoing run with the Pelicans. Then (45:00): Kawhi Leonard conspiracies, a discussion of plus/minus statistics, the Nets, and the next team to leave the losers lounge. At the end (60:00): Greatest hits from NBA Twitter, more Minnesota takes, and Golliver's goodbyes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by discussing Gregg Popovich, Brad Stevens, Dwane Casey, and the coach of the year race as the regular season winds down. From there they move to evaluating Celtics free agents (17:00), Larry Nance as a starter in Cleveland (22:00), and the recent excellence of the Blazers and Damian Lillard (26:00). Then: the state of the Sixers and Bucks as they approach the playoffs (36:00) at the end more unsolicited advice for Giannis Antetokounmpo. At the end: unicorn-y unicorn skills (45:00), the most underrated players in the league (55:00), fake Hornets apologies (62:00), and real Pacers apologies (66:00), the Minnesota State fair, Sharp's chances of getting drafted, and Ben's diet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by taking a look around the Eastern Conference, including updates on the Pacers, the Pistons, and the Heat. They also talk through potential playoff matchups -- Toronto-Miami? Milwaukee-Cleveland? Philly-Boston? And then they touch on the LeBron Sixers rumors. From there they move to more discussion of the NBA lottery tournament (22:00), Ben's theory about the best way to solve tanking, and a close reading of the Kevin Durant/LeBron James Uber Commercial. Then they address the college basketball scandal (35:00), the NBA's response, and alternate models going forward. At the end (45:00): Under-23 list omissions Aaron Gordon and Myles Turner, close encounters, and Team Sharp vs. Team Golliver simulated across seven games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver talk through the first weekend of games since the All-Star Game. At the top, Anthony Davis after an outrageous set of performances against the Heat and Bucks (2:00), including his MVP case, how he stacks up next to the best players in the league, and whether the Pelicans can make a run. Then (13:00): handicapping the chaos in the West, Jimmy Butler's injury and the concerns for the Wolves, Warriors/Thunder Saturday night, Zaza's latest controversy, and Pop's latest recruiting pitch. From there (32:00) they move to the NBA's proposal for a play-in tournament and some tanking solutions that would make more sense. At the end (44:00): Damian Lillard's MVP case, the complicated Nuggets future, the delayed rise of Moreyball, the atmosphere in DC, and the step mom in Golden State. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by discussing the toxic Mavericks culture brought to light by Jon Wertheim and Jessica Luther in this week's Sports Illustrated investigation. How much did Mark Cuban's behavior inform the culture elsewhere? How will the league respond? And what can be learned from this investigation and others like it? From there, they celebrate a slow week in the NBA by ranking the top 10 young players in the NBA (14:00), including Giannis, Embiid, Porzingis, Jokic, Ingram, Booker, Lonzo, Markkanen, Mitchell, 12-Time Tatum, and more. Then they revisit the Kawhi Leonard situation (45:00) to discuss what's next in San Antonio, and what conclusions can be drawn from this week's news. At the end (1:05) they discuss realignment, expansion, LeBron's objections, and KD's Warriors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver check in from Los Angeles to recap NBA All-Star Weekend. First, they talk through a surprisingly not-terrible All-Star game and the ongoing dominance of LeBron James. Plus: the tragic demise of Team Steph, the clutch performance of James Harden, and the arrival of Joel Embiid. From there they move to the rest of the weekend, beginning with Adam Silver's comments on the playoff format (18:00) and LeBron's response to Laura Ingraham. Then (29:00) they talk through the three-point contest, L.A. logistics, Donovan Mitchell and the overdose of dunk nostalgia, the scandalous results on Saturday night, and the dramatic tale of Ben's Rising Stars MVP vote. At the end (44:00): Sneaker brand winners and losers, best All-Star moments, the implications of an alien abduction, and the possibility of LeBron and KD on the same team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s Sharp and Golliver are live from a Los Angeles hotel room where they begin by wondering about the fate of the Spurs and Kawhi Leonard for the rest of the season. From there, they discuss Steve Kerr’s coaching decision and the ongoing Warriors riddle, when the Cavs will really miss Kyrie, the Celtics struggles, Isaiah Thomas vs. Rondo, the failed peace summit between Marcin Gortat and John Wall, and All-Stars to watch this weekend. Then: answering some e-mails about Elfrid Payton, last year’s MVP voting, this year’s executive of the year voting, and a Donovan Mitchell conspiracy. At the end: a defense of the mountain time zone, an update on Sharp’s fantasy campaign, and a fair and balanced review. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin with 20 minutes of reactions to the new-look Cavs after LeBron James ruined Paul Pierce's retirement party. Questions include: Are the Cavs fixed now? Will Jordan Clarkson ever miss a three? Is Koby Altman the new Jerry West? And then, beyond the Cavs (20:00), what about the rest of the chaotic East? Then they move briefly to the Denver Nuggets (28:00), before focusing on the Utah side of the Rodney Hood trade (32:00) and the Jazz storming through the West (37:00) with 10 straight wins. From there they move to the Lakers (43:00), including a clairvoyant listener and the one Anthony Davis scenario that might make more sense than Boston. At the end (54:00): Khris Middleton's 2019 market value, Derrick Rose ruins a rainy day, Ben Simmons vs. Donovan Mitchell, and a halfhearted Pierce vs. Carmelo debate.
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On today’s show Sharp and Golliver talk through the trade deadline as the dust settles on wild day in Cleveland. First they talk through how Koby Altman and the Cavs pulled a fun roster out of thin air (1:00), what it changes in East and against the Warriors, the rest of the year for LeBron in Cleveland. Then they discuss the sobering year of Isaiah Thomas (22:00), the future in LA, Danny Ainge’s dark arts, and the possibilities in Lakers free agency. From there they move to thoughts on the national TV Suns (30:00), Tyreke Evans, DeAndre Jordan, Dwyane Wade’s future, Marcus Smart, and a Rose/Thibs reunion. At the end (55:00): mourning Kristaps, preparing for Mudiay to take Manhattan, and worrying about not worrying about the Warriors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver celebrate the calm before the trade deadline storm. First, after another disastrous Cavs game, when will the NBA think about abandoning conferences and re-seeding the playoffs? How has the current model hurt the East? And what's the best way to fix it? Then (19:00): they circle back to talk about the diminishing returns of today's max contracts, the pitfalls for teams in the middle tier, and the ongoing implications of the failure to smooth the cap in 2016. From there (32:00) they examine LeBron's role as player/GM and how much credit/blame he deserves for the state of the Cavs. At the end (42:00): they discuss Kobe the cat, LeBron the lizard, Rasheed the guinea pig, and 45 minutes worth of NBA pet names, family histories, and the hidden meaning of Ben Golliver's initials. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin with some praise for their colleague Rob Mahoney and the Breakaway podcast, and then dive into the bizarre LeBron Warriors rumor (7:00). Is this fake news? Would the Warriors really trade Klay? And how much did Golden State love this news? Then (20 minutes): quick thoughts Mirotic to the Pelicans, Prunty with the Bucks, and the Greg Monroe buyout sweepstakes. From there they offer some follow-up thoughts on the Blake trade (32:00), the Wizards without Wall (38:00), the future of Ten-Time Tatum (48:00) and other All-Star Game thoughts. At the end (55:00): a hot new Lego, Pelicans impostors and bad fan behavior, 90s NBA x 90s hip hop, basketball embarrassments, another dog named Kyrie, and the church of CP3. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by discussing the Blake Griffin trade that came out of nowhere Monday night (and forced them to double back for a second phone call). Topics include: the strangely coherent logic coming from the Clippers, the pros and cons of the move from Detroit's side, potential moves LA could make from here, and more. From there (35:00) they discuss the Boogie injury news and the various ways it complicates the future in New Orleans. Then: OKC after Roberson's injury, Vince Carter's past and present, the state of the Hornets, and NBA players who could be coaches. At the end: Travis Scott, Scottie Pippen, and Tony Parker's place in the September 2013 top 100. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by discussing Ben's completely reasonable proposal for LeBron to demand a trade from the Cavs. Where would he go? Why would it make sense? Why won't it happen? And is LeBron becoming the Brett Favre of basketball? Then: they follow-up on Jason Kidd's oral history of his phone call with Giannis (21:00), and discuss the All-Star selections (28:00), All-Star fixes, Team Steph vs. Team LeBron, and All-Star uniforms. At the end (45:00), they answer some follow-up questions regarding Sharp's international basketball feature from last week, including the legend of Kukoc, Jokic in Denver, American players abroad, story time with Nellie, and Team World vs. Team USA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Sharp and Golliver react live on the podcast to the news of Jason Kidd's firing in Milwaukee, but first, they begin with a word about profanity and Golliver deconstructing Sharp's personal growth over the past two years. Then they address the report of Kawhi Leonard's frustration in San Antonio (7:00) and the potential implications for both the Spurs and the rest of the league. From there they move to the Cavs (20:00), the pros and cons of LeBron's GM skills, more horrendous defense, a non-endorsement of Ty Lue, and whether there's a suitable challenger in the East. Then they discuss Houston's win against the Warriors this weekend (34:00), before interrupting things when news of Jason Kidd's dismissal trickles in (40:00). Then they discuss the real problems were in Milwaukee, why the move happened how, and why it's a good sign for the Bucks' future. They move to All-Star picks at the end (54:00), including Goran Dragic vs. Andre Drummond, John Wall vs. team meetings, Lou Williams vs. Damian Lillard, and #televisethedraft vs. reality. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by talking through Sharp's oral history of international players adapting to the NBA. Topics include: the bond between international players, the importance of American teammates, the Western Conference and European stylistic influences, the NBA's role in the evolution, and the joys of Dario Saric. From there they hit the mailbag to discuss the NBA's recent spate of fights (33:00), Kawhi's continued injury for the Spurs (39:00), a new Nets pick dream for the Cavs (43:00), accountability for Kings optimism (47:00), and the ongoing Markelle Fultz mystery (55:00). At the end (62:00): dark Wizards thoughts, Lonzo vs. Draymond, Shaq's statue, and Kyrie the dog. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by discussing the fallout from the Clippers and Rockets on Monday night. What did we learn about the Lob City years? Why does everyone hate Blake? And which was more impressive: Chris Paul's passive aggressiveness, or Patrick Beverley's aggressive aggressiveness? From there (21:00), they recap a disturbingly familiar Cavs-Warriors game, marvel at the Kevin Durant cheat code, and wonder about Draymond Green and potential weak links in the Warriors machine. At the end (40:00) they run through their ballots for the All-Star voting and settle arguments like DeRozan vs. Oladipo, Horford vs. Embiid, and Boogie vs. Aldridge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver celebrate the halfway point around the NBA by taking stock of a handful of wild cards after the first few months. First, they talk about the Miami Heat (2:00), whether they deserve real praise or generic praise, whether they can scare anyone in the playoffs, and where they will go from here. Then they talk about the red-hot Wolves (15:00) and where they fit in the West hierarchy, the Thunder and whether Paul George is secretly more valuable to title teams than Westbrook (22:00), the Clippers and whether they can make the playoffs (31:00), and the rise of Lauri Markkanen (38:00) forcing Golliver to break from his vegan diet to eat crow. At the end (49:00): they discuss irresponsible draft comps, and revisit their discussion of Lavar Ball (60:00) and the media after a week of good e-mails. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by talking through Lavar Ball's comments about Luke Walton. First they discuss the role of Lonzo in all of this (1:00) and wonder why he hasn't stepped forward to explain how he feels about Walton. Then they consider Lavar Ball's role in everything (10:00) and debate whether the media deserves any blame for giving him a platform. From there they move to the Wizards and Bucks on Saturday night (23:00), the state of the Mavericks (30:00), and the players from the mid-2000s who would be even better today (40:00). At the end (47:00): Jimmy Butler is an El-Camino, Dennis Schroeder and the Hawks, and e-mailers compare NBA players to animals throughout history Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by taking stock of what's gone wrong with this season's Lakers (2:00), what's possible this summer, and whether the steady stream of "LOL Lakers" articles make any sense. Then, they discuss Isaiah Thomas' return for the Cavs (19:00), LeBron's staggering numbers 15 years in (24:00), and whether it's possible for either one of them to say something nice about the Celtics (30:00). From there they check in with DeMar DeRozan and the Toronto termites (39:00), Aaron Gordon and the Magic (45:00), and life with Fred Hoiberg in Chicago (52:00). At the end (56:00): they argue about the All-Decade team for the 2010s, listening to sports on the radio, the best old team names, 2018 resolutions, and some final thoughts from #brickheads and a trip to Lego Land. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver reunite to provide a post-holidays update to Golliver’s December discussion of Sharp’s crumbling basketball world. After a brief overview at the beginning (1:00), they focus on the Rockets (8:00) and what's become complicated since Houston opened the year looking like the NBA's newest Warriors threat. Then they discuss the excellent year of DeMar DeRozan in Toronto (22:00), his 52-point performance against Khris Middleton, and where he belongs in the hierarchy of NBA stars. From there they move to Ben Simmons and the Sixers' recent struggles (35:00), the NBA's most depressing arenas (42:00), and a few trade possibilities in New Orleans. At the end (53:00) they touch on the value of potential in the NBA Draft and the wild year of Trae Young at Oklahoma, then discuss which coaches they'd want to play for if they were NBA players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver open the show by giving thanks to the listeners, and then dive into this week's NBA news and discuss the value of Jimmy Butler in Minnesota (4:00). Then they answer more questions from listeners, including the re-programming of NBA defenses and offenses in the modern era (10:00), the rise of the Raptors, historical comparisons for their team, and the complicated conversation about how good they really are (20:00). From there: the 1988 Lakers dropped into 2017 to play against the Warriors (28:00), underwhelming title teams of the past (34:00), and the Torrey Craig story in Denver. At the end (50:00): recommendations for British basketball fans, a correction on Die Hard, more takes on Adult Legos, new Nike jerseys, and the Jazz marketing directly to Golliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver get together to talk through takeaways from Christmas Day. First (3:00): they talk through Oklahoma City's win against Houston and the latest twist in the Great Harden-Westbrook War of 2017. Has OKC actually changed? What does it mean if Chris Paul wasn't playing? And if the Thunder stabilize over the next few weeks, how much will that affect their decision on a Paul George trade? Then (21:00): Revisiting old Celtics takes, debating the differences between Bradley Beal and Kyrie Irving, and looking for resolution on whether Christmas is a real holiday. At the end (38:00): Golliver thinks the NBA needs some flex options on Christmas, the Cavs still can't play defense, the Warriors are a different team without Steph, and don't sleep on adult legos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today’s show Sharp and Golliver celebrate the holiday weekend with an extended mailbag. They begin (4:00) addressing the Wizards, DeMarcus Cousins, and the lack of apathy analytics in today’s NBA. Then: Kyrie’s MVP case and Danny Ainge (18:00), Paul George to San Antonio (23:00), the Cinderella Bulls and the restorative powers of a good punch (28:00), Kyle Lowry and the Raptors as the forgotten stars of 2017 (37:00), and another battle against basic math from Jason Kidd (45:00). At the end (50:00): updated theories on LeBron James to the Lakers, LaVar Ball’s new league and arguments about whether a minor league can succeed, the “What does he do??” all-stars, TV recommendations, NBA teams as Christmas movies, and Golliver ranks the Christmas games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by airing some grievances after Joel Embiid's 49-minute game against the Thunder. Then it's time for awards picks. Real awards include: the early MVP favorites (7:00), Will Barton vs. Eric Gordon for sixth man of the year (16:00), Brad Stevens as the obvious coach of the year, Ben Simmons vs. Donovan Mitchell vs. Jayson Tatum (22:00), and whether Oladipo and Draymond are foregone conclusions after two months. Then: Least valuable player (31:00), worst coach, worst take, best beef (45:00), best troll, and fake news player of the year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver get back together to run through a supersized edition of the mailbag. They begin with LeBron (3:00), yet another mind-boggling season in Cleveland, and how he'll eventually be remembered. Then (12:00): Will he go to the Rockets this summer? Would the world implode if LeBron joined a title team? And what happens if the Cavs land Paul George and Marc Gasol? Then, the year of Oladipo in Indiana (33:00) and what it says/doesn't say about Russell Westbrook in OKC. From there they talk Tom Thibodeau in Minnesota (43:00), the playoff-bound Bulls, and the Blazers. At the end (60:00): talking about not talking about the Wizards, Ben Simmons vs. Lonzo Ball, a fantasy basketball odyssey, and GM comparisons. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Ben Golliver is joined by SI Senior Writer Lee Jenkins for a deep dive into Lee's recent feature on Ben Simmons. What does Lee make of Philly's rookie sensation and his fit alongside Joel Embiid? What role did LeBron James play in Simmons' development? Why was there a debate about Simmons' natural position? What's next for his outside shot? What does the former No. 1 pick think about his brief NCAA stint? Then, Ben and Lee shift gears to discuss LeBron's recent odes to Michael Jordan, what LeBron made of Kyrie Irving's departure, and whether there's any way LeBron could actually lose a playoff series to the Celtics this year. The episode closes with a check-in on Paul George's fit in Oklahoma City and whether the Thunder's struggles increase the likelihood of LBJ and PG teaming up in 2018. Note: Andrew Sharp will return on Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver return to answer more questions from listeners, but first (2:00), Golliver explains that Sharp's basketball world is crumbling. To underscore the point, Golliver lays out an extensive of breakdown of recent excellence from the Houston Rockets and James Harden, and then they discuss whether Houston's better than the Curry-less Warriors. From there (18:00) they discuss Donovan Mitchell, whether he's the greatest draft nerd win in history, and whether the Sixers would trade Markelle Fultz for him. Then (34:00): A brief check-in with the Wizards and an update on the bottom half of the West. At the end (44:00): Jason Kidd's battening down the hatches in Milwaukee, preferred destinations for Luka Doncic, NBA writer/player comps, more Open Floor vs. Wildlife, and Ben explains his Apple allegiances. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver take more questions from listeners and begin by discussing the Cavs resurgence (3:00). Now that they are back from the dead, are they the clear favorites in the East? How will Isaiah change their team? And would Paul George be worth the Nets pick? Then they discuss DeAndre Jordan trade destinations (15:00), including Cleveland, Washington, Milwaukee, and Houston. From there (25:00): they discuss the ghosts of the Wolves' past (Ricky Rubio and Steph Curry) and the puzzling developments of the Wolves' present (Andrew Wiggins and Jimmy Butler). Then (40:00): Reviewing the winners and losers of free agency after the first six weeks of basketball. At the end (55:00): Markelle Fultz and dodgeball, museums, virtual reality, All-Hair team, and Parks and Rec. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver catch up after their holiday break. They begin by talking through the bigger picture in OKC after one great win against Golden State and two bad losses against Detroit and Dallas. Is Billy Donovan the problem? How does Russell Westbrook affect a team's ceiling? How does Paul George compare to KD? Then (20:00) they discuss the sloppiness in Golden State, and where the Thunder will end up in April. From there (30:00): they break down the Fizdale firing in Memphis, the problems with "blow it up" logic in Memphis, and what Grizz decisions say about the NBA's small market blindspot. At the end (52:00): Pistons love, Lakers and Clippers reality check, pronunciation trauma, Golliver's fandom, the Open Floor survival kit, wine massages, and hosting Saturday Night Live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On a special post-Thanksgiving episode of the pod, Sharp and Golliver talk through the first month of basketball and discuss who's risen the furthest in SI's Top 100 rankings, and who's fallen. Topics include: the rebirth of Boogie in New Orleans, Karl-Anthony Towns in Minnesota, Robert Covington's meteoric rise in Philly, Russell Westbrook's place in the top 10, market corrections for every Cavs player not named LeBron, properly rating Kyrie in Boston, Kristaps Porzingis vs. Draymond Green and Paul George, Ben Simmons vs. Kyle Lowry, James Harden's place in the NBA hierarchy, Joel Embiid vs. the top 10, and some long-awaited clarity on Devin Booker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver take more questions from listeners and begin by discussing Doc Rivers and the free-falling Clippers. What does this start say about Chris Paul? How long can Rivers last in LA? What happens if they tank? And will Blake Griffin be the first supermax contract to be traded? Then: Becky Hammon and Knicks coaching (20:00), the pros and cons of LeBron James to the Sixers (25:00), Michael Porter Jr.'s season-ending surgery (32:00), and the "Libero" generation of the NBA (35:00). At the end (40:00): they respond to a Raptors/Spurs comparison and remember their podcast roots, they don't talk about LaVar Ball, and they compare Thanksgiving courses to the Golden State Warriors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver recap Celtics/Warriors, including thoughts on Jaylen Brown, Boston's defense, Kyrie's offense, and disgust with Golden State for not delivering the blowout that America needed. Other questions: Are the Celtics the new Hawks? Will they be the best team in the East? And are they the next team to beat Golden State? Then (18:00): Golliver recaps his night with the Sixers at Staples Center, and they spend 10 minutes in disbelief at how good the Sixers are, before moving to Lonzo Ball (29:00), and whether the Sixers or Celtics are better positioned to dethrone Golden State. From there (35:00) they discuss the unicorn stampede coming at the All-Star Game, and whether "unicorn" is an acceptable term. At the end (45:00): The best stadium atmospheres, the Greek Leap, Dwight Howard and Eddie Murphy, NBA twitter jokes in real life, and the long-awaited public debut of Ben's magnet collection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On a special episode of Open Floor, Sharp welcomes Sports Illustrated's Jeremy Woo to talk about The Front Office, SI's new home for year-round draft coverage. Then, after explaining what the site will be and goals for this year's coverage, they run through a quick discussion of the preseason mock draft Woo released this week (5:00), and discuss early impressions of Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley, DeAndre Ayton, Michael Porter, and more standouts from next year's draft class. At the end (20:00), they discuss this year's NBA rookies and compare notes on who's shown the highest upside thus far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin with some friendly encouragement for Steph Curry, and then (8:00) take a look around the strangely fun East, including the Celtics, the Pistons, the Sixers, and an answer to Golliver's Triple AAA analogy. Then (22:00) they talk through the stressful West, including thoughts on the Jazz, the Thunder, the Wolves, the Nuggets, and Rockets. At the end (45:00), they discuss a Kristaps Porzingis comparison, LeBron James Knicks dreams, D'Angelo Russell vs. analytics, Klay Thompson vs. Jimmy Butler, and another nod to Nikola Jokic/Balkan Ben Golliver. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver take more questions from listeners and begin by breaking down the Eric Bledsoe trade. Was Greg Monroe really the best Phoenix could do? Where were the Nuggets? And (7:00) where does this leave Giannis and the Bucks? What will they do with Kidd? What about Jabari? And did Sharp will the Bledsoe experiment into existence? From there (26:00): they discuss Kyrie Irving's MVP candidacy, the Celtics' Finals chances, and how to explain the firstmonth in Boston. Then (42:00): rethinking the Sixers over/under, the shocking start for Ben Simmons, and how he compares to Giannis. At the end (52:00): an update on OKC and Billy Donovan, Dirk's twilight, NBA dopplegangers, bicycle cautionary tales, and the birth of the Golli Lama. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by comparing the Cavs and Thunder, and then (5:00) recap LeBron's 57-point explosion against the Wizards. How did that game affect the mental state of the Wiz? Why didn't anyone double LeBron? Was this karmic payback for too many Reggie Jackson jokes? And what does the win say about the year in Cleveland? Then (24:00): Porzingis has been incredible to start the year. How does it affect the Knicks future, and how good can he be? If Giannis is LeBron of the 2025 banana boat, who else is on the boat? From there (42:00): How does Kawhi compare to Scottie Pippen, Tracy McGrady, and Clyde Drexler? And why isn't his injury a bigger story? At the end (53:00): Lonzo, Linsanity, Australian avocados, and Taco Bell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by taking a look at some of the more impressive starts around the league and using a Halloween gimmick that they should've used on Tuesday. First (2:00), another tribute to Root Canal Reggie and the Pistons, and a closer look at the Jazz, Suns, Hornets, Clippers and Celtics. From there (34:00), we are not worried enough about Cleveland, and Maverick Carter has some thoughts on market size. Then (44:00), Coffee Shop Kyrie wants to start a conversation about the moon landing, Andrew Wiggins and the Wolves are frustrating, and more unsolicited advice for Giannis Inc. At the end: a fantasy hoops update, Delly's avocados, verified social media, and podcast soulmates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver discuss the Cavs after a ghastly run that included losses to the Nets, Pelicans, Magic, and Knicks. How much of these struggles were expected? How concerned should the Cavs be? What does Cleveland's October tell us about LeBron's July? And how will Isaiah Thomas fit? Then (20:00): Reactions to the Wizards-Warriors kerfuffle, a conversation about whether Draymond Green is unfairly targeted by the NBA, and some overdue love for the Orlando Magic. From there (40:00): An early victory lap for the Pacers and Bulls, Ben Simmons as an All-Star, Donovan Mitchell's coming out party, and the magic of Reggie Jackson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by discussing the Wizards let down against the Lakers, then jump into questions. First (5:00): How impressive have the Celtics young wings been, and what does it mean for the future? What about the rest of the rookies in a historically loaded draft class? Then (16:00) they discuss the state of Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, and Brandon Ingram. From there (33:00): they talk more about the Wizards and their Wolf Season, Hassan Whiteside in a smallball world, and the pros and cons of the Boogie experience. At the end (44:00): Carmelo and his hoodie, Carmelo vs. Dwight for the Hall of Fame, the Spurs and Kawhi, Klutch Sports conspiracy theories, and the next move for Giannis Inc. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by discussing the disastrous opening week in Phoenix. How did things get this bad? How much blame does management deserve? And are the Suns the most dysfunctional organization in the league? Then they discuss potential landing spots for Eric Bledsoe and whether the Bucks should deal Malcolm Brogdon or Jabari Parker. At 30 minutes, they discuss Lonzo Ball and how much we've learned after the first three Lakers games. At 35 minutes, Portis and the Bulls, the longevity of Klay, Kyrie's not so woke, and Giannis is the future and the past in Deeeborn, Michigan. At the end: horrifying food choices, Dennis Rodman as Death Valley, fantasy teams, and Instagram captions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver process the first meaningful NBA basketball in five months, and run through their favorite overreactions to the first wave of games. First they discuss the state of the Celtics after Gordon Hayward's awful injury on opening night. Will Kyrie Irving be explosive enough to keep them in the top half of the East? Then (15 minutes): MVP Giannis, the Rockets, more Warriors arguments, the Spurs and LaMarcus Aldridge, and Thibs and the Wolves. At the end (42 minutes): the Suns and Devin Booker, D'Angelo vs. Lonzo, the Jazz and Nuggets, and lessons from the Sixers-Wizards Super Bowl in D.C.
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On today's show Sharp and Golliver offer their first and only serious predictions for the NBA season. They begin (3 minutes) by picking surprise teams this season, including the Pistons, Bucks, Wolves, and Heat. Then (10 minutes) they look for potential flops in 2018, including the Bucks, Blazers, and Thunder. Then (20 minutes): picks for MVP, rookie of the year, coach of the year, most improved, sixth man, and defensive player of the year. Then (40 minutes) they pick the playoff brackets in the East and West, and answer questions (45 minutes) on the Cavs-as-Knicks, DeAndre Jordan trades, the state of the Grizzlies. At the end (60 minutes): a unifying theory of Jordan Bell and Gar Forman, a note from Puerto Rico, Ben's Vegan habits, the best fantasy basketball league, and the worst baseball game ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by listing three teams they're not interested in this season, including thoughts on the Kings, Bulls, Knicks, Raptors, Pistons, Grizzlies, and Warriors. At 18 minutes they talk through Joel Embiid's debut, Jahlil Okafor's place in Philly, the outlook for Ben Simmons, and the state of Markelle Fultz. Then, mailbag (33 minutes): Can the Nets make the playoffs? How should Boston feel about Isaiah? How should Cleveland feel about Kyrie? Are there any NBA players who couldn't execute a full court press on Sharp? If the Warriors didn't exist, could the Rockets beat the Cavs? At the end (55 minutes): podcast recommendations, plagiarism allegations, and Golliver gives a detailed scouting report of Utah's national parks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by discussing Joel Embiid's contract and whether $148 million for 31 games is as crazy as it sounds. Then they discuss preseason basketball and whether anyone can actually learn anything from these games. At 25 minutes they discuss the Clippers, Nuggets, Thunder, Celtics, Rockets, Sixers, Heat, Wolves, and new-look Cavs, among other teams to watch this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver answer more mailbag questions. First they talk through Adam Silver's exciting support of the podcast, but his disappointing failure to give the West the respect it deserves. At 15 minutes, they talk through lottery reform: what the NBA got wrong, and what could be great anyway. At 25 minutes they talk about Kevin Love starting at center and the NBA's smallball destiny. At 35 minutes: Thoughts on the Spurs, what's possible for CP3 on the Rockets, and the West hierarchy after the Warriors. At the end: the best and worst of NBA social media, how to watch defense, and a word on neuroscience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver begin by talking through Russell Westbrook's massive extension. Was this a no-brainer for Westbrook? Will this deal look as good a few years from now? How will OKC handle the CBA? And how good is OKC right now? At 20:00: Sharp forces Golliver to endure 45 minutes of fantasy basketball discussion. Topics include: Giannis vs. Westbrook, Gary Harris vs. Harrison Barnes, Marcus Morris on the Celtics, Kyrie vs. Steph, fantasy football vs. fantasy basketball, and being confronted by a loved one while refreshing box scores at 1 a.m. At the end: Avery Bradley, Larry Nance Jr., Derrick Favors, and other sleepers to keep an eye on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver begin by answering some questions about the Cavs. How will Ty Lue handle the egos in Cleveland? Is Wade still useful? Did the Cavs get better this summer? At 20 minutes: Recaps from Media Day in Los Angeles and Philly, including thoughts on Lonzo Ball's altitude training and the two sides of the Embiid coin. At 40 minutes: the state of the NBA's superteam system, the next stranded superstars to watch, LeBron and Popovich, and another visit to the coffee shop with Kyrie Irving and special guest Michael Beasley. At 60 minutes: they share their daily routines and their worst articles ever.
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On today's show we spend the first half discussing all things Melo. Will it really matter with the Warriors waiting for them? How much credit should Presti get? Will Adam Silver have to change the All-Star Game? At 20 minutes: Just how Knicksy are the Knicks after this summer? And how will Melo be remembered in New York? At 40 minutes they shift to the other news that broke Friday. If there were podcast championships, would we go to the White House? Were the Warriors baiting Trump into action? Was Adam Silver's statement forceful enough? How will the league handle sports vs. politics, and where does this go next? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver talk through this week's Kevin Durant social media controversy, the summer of KD silencing the haters, and Golliver's thoughts on what we've learned from the past few days. At 25 minutes they answer more mail, with topics including: Kyrie Irving's triumphant and very much woke return to the media, Giannis' place in the NBA's top 10, John Wall vs. CP3, the value of Draymond Green, angry Bulls fans, the Wheel solution to the lottery, the future in New Orleans, the Swaggy/D'Angelo universe, Hoodie Melo, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Sharp and Golliver take a break from preview season to remember their five favorite games of all time. Highlights include: Reliving Damian Lillard's playoff game-winner against the Rockets, Steph Curry on a Saturday night in February, close encounters with Michael Jordan, Klay Thompson in Game 6, LeBron in Game 7, a field trip to Chapel Hill, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are joined by Sports Illustrated's Rob Mahoney to talk through this year's list of the 100 best players in the NBA. Topics include: Elfrid Payton (96) vs. Dion Waiters and Malcolm Brogdon, the dynamism of Marvin Williams (88), Devin Booker (64) vs. Ben Golliver (not ranked), Avery Bradley (54) and Otto Porter (52) vs. Jae Crowder (44) and Danillo Gallinari (42), Boogie (23) vs. Gasol (24), Kyrie (21) vs. Conley (18), KD (2) vs. LeBron (1), and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver take an early look at the MVP odds for 2018, and talk through the contenders to watch. At 25 minutes, they talk through KD and Steph sneaker wars, the NBA's proposed lottery reform, and potential landing spots for DeMarcus Cousins. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver answer questions from listeners. First: Why hasn't Russell Westrbook signed his extension, and why can't Golliver see that Paul George and Westbrook will on the Cavs in six months? Then: Players lying about their height, the best way to steal a superstar, Kyrie believers and Kyrie haters, the reason everyone is talking about Anthony Davis' future, and the current All-Star most likely to disappear in a few years. At the end: Melo trade ideas, facts get in the way Lakers jokes, Process Talk, and the drone social network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver return from their vacations and regroup after the past few weeks of NBA news. First they discuss the Lakers tampering charges. Was L.A.'s Paul George courtship business as usual, or a real problem for the NBA? If it's a problem, could it even be solved? At 20 minutes: More Kyrie Irving discussion, including expectations for this year's Celtics, the plight of Isaiah, and the debut of Coffee Shop Kyrie in Boston. At the end: they talk Nerlens Noel in Dallas, Ben's adventures in South Dakota, and win totals for the Sixers, Blazers, Wizards, and Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Ben Golliver pays tribute to Open Floor's Australian listeners with help from Leigh Ellis, an analyst on NBA TV's The Starters. Why are there so many rabid NBA fans in Australia? How did Ellis get into NBA hoops as a child in Sunbury in the 1980s? Ellis hails the 1987 All-Star Game, shows off his Rain Man recall of statistics, correctly names the greatest basketball card set of all time, and breaks down which 1980s stars would succeed in the modern era. Most importantly, he settles a debate between Golliver and Australian basketball legend Andrew Gaze: Did Australia tank a 2014 World Cup game against Angola? Note: Andrew Sharp is on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp makes a triumphant return from vacation to join Ben Golliver for an emergency podcast breaking down the Cavaliers' trade of Kyrie Irving to the Celtics for a package that includes Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder and a first-round pick. Did Cleveland's rookie GM Koby Altman hit a home run? How will the move affect LeBron James's future with the Cavaliers? Why did Danny Ainge decide to trade for Irving when previous trades involving superstars repeatedly failed to materialize? Were Celtics fans ready to move on from Thomas? Will Irving thrive or stumble without James? Will Irving's return to Cleveland be the most anticipated regular-season game since LeBron's return to Cleveland with Miami? Who wins the East in 2018? And did the Warriors wind up the big winners yet again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Ben Golliver phones NBA writer Danny Leroux of The Athletic and Real GM Radio to discuss which GMs and coaches will be on the hot seat next season. How will this summer's many front-office changes alter the landscape going forward? Are the Pelicans destined for a major overhaul? Will star departures create ripple effects in Atlanta, Chicago and Indiana? Should Doc Rivers be on the clock in LA? How bad do the Bulls need to get before they clean house? Is Memphis a good sleeper pick for a shake-up? Will Koby Altman be the last man standing in Cleveland? Is there any way Jeff Hornacek can overachieve in NY? Note: Andrew Sharp is on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Ben Golliver chats with NBA writer and analytics guru Kevin Pelton of ESPN Insider about his 2017-18 RPM win projections. Why are the Warriors projected to backslide after a strong summer? Are the Raptors really going to fall out of the East's elite? Can Minnesota vault all the way into home-court advantage? Is Houston, not Cleveland or San Antonio, now the biggest challenger to Golden State? How will the West's bubble shake out? Who will be the East's worst team? Plus, Golliver and Pelton reminisce about The Dontonio Wingcast, their long-lost NBA podcast, and the time Pelton jumped in front of Golliver's moving vehicle in Las Vegas. Note: Andrew Sharp is on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Ben Golliver chats with SI senior writer Chris Ballard. Why is Ballard drawn to weighty topics like suicide (Ryan Anderson), tragedy (Monty Williams) and a mid-career crisis (Sam Hinkie), and how does he get his interview subjects to open up on such personal material? What is it like inside the Spurs' secret curtain? After writing countless Kobe Bryant stories over the last 17 years, which version of the Lakers star is his favorite? Will Dirk Nowitzki be properly remembered once he retires? What does a person's pick-up basketball game say about his character? Where does Ballard see long-form journalism headed in the mobile era? Note: Andrew Sharp is on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Ben Golliver invites SI writer and "Breakaway" podcast host Rob Mahoney on for an extra-length look at SI's annual Top 100 NBA players list. Ben and Rob lay out their ranking process and criteria, look back on 2017's biggest debates, and highlight key philosophical developments from the 2017-18 season. Then, they field questions and hate mail from Andrew Sharp, addressing Booker, Giannis, DeRozan, Jokic, Millsap and many others. They close by taking a victory lap over 2017's hotly-contested top three before offering some early thoughts on the 2018 list. Note: Sharp is on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show, Sharp and Golliver talk through Kyrie Irving's trade request and the many layers of confusion in Cleveland. Questions include: What percentage of this is a response to LeBron's summer? Whose Instagram stories do you believe, and who leaked news of the trade request? When did Kyrie indicate he wanted out, and what changed since the Finals? Is it possible that Kyrie stays? If not, where will he create his next self-sustaining community: New York, San Antonio, Miami, New Orleans ... what about Utah? Why haven't the Cavs looked to move Kevin Love? And is there a chance that all of this makes it more realistic for LeBron to stay in Cleveland? At the end: John Wall and the grand opening and grand closing of LeBron to DC rumors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Ben Golliver catches up with SI senior writer Lee Jenkins. What did Jenkins learn about Paul George's future from his recent visit to Oklahoma City? Why will Russell Westbrook will be even more fascinating in 2018, and will he sign his extension? What's Jenkins' take on Lonzo and LaVar Ball, and does he prefer the Spurs Banana Boat or the LeBronzo Lakers as a LeBron James destination in 2018? Is Cleveland still in the mix? At the end: some advice for aspiring journalists. Note: Andrew Sharp is on vacation.
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On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver check in one more time from Vegas summer league. First: What is going on with LeBron James? Why was Lonzo wearing Nikes against the Sixers? Where do Magic and Pelinka fit in? How is it connected? Then: Who are the standouts among the rookies in Vegas? Is Donovan Mitchell about to take over the league? What about Dennis Smith? How good would OKC have to be for Paul George to stay? Why hasn't John Wall signed his extension? Who are on the "if he could shoot" All-Stars? At the end: Recommendations for basketball books and a good drone price point, a deeply insulting NBA comparison, and some notes from an impromptu Open Floor field trip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are joined in Las Vegas with ESPN's Chris Haynes. At the outset, they talk through the mechanics of Haynes' 4th of July reporting on Gordon Hayward's free agency. When did he know? How did he handle the backlash? Did he ever worry that he might swing Hayward's decision and become a lifelong villain in Boston? Then they talk through the culture of scoops, in general, and the lessons Haynes has learned over the past few years. At the end, Haynes talks about beat reporting with the Cavs and Warriors, the differences between the two teams, and the fashion advice he's gotten from Draymond Green. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
On today's show Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver are in Vegas and checking in after the first weekend of summer league. First, what are the takeaways from the opening weekend of Lonzo Ball? And what about LaVar? At 20 minutes, they talk through the Harden extension and the Knicks Tim Hardaway signing. At 35 minutes, they talk about the Avery Bradley trade and offer some final thoughts on the puzzling summer of the Celtics. From there, more mail: How did the Otto Porter deal change after the Nets offer sheet? Can the Kings make the playoffs in two years? What is the West field for next season? Where do the Bucks stand right now? And who can help find Jayson Tatum's missing ticket? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices