The Ringer’s Chris Vernon hosts an all-star cast of Ringer staffers, NBA players, front-office personnel, and more to discuss all things happening in the association.
July 3
Recapping the First Weekend of Free Agency (Ep. 131)
The Ringer’s Chris Vernon is joined by NBA TV’s Tas Melas to discuss the Toronto Raptors’ free-agency moves (1:00), Gordon Hayward’s potential landing spots (9:45), the dearth of talent in the Eastern Conference (21:15), Blake Griffin’s max deal with the Clippers (31:40), and the possibility of LeBron leaving Cleveland again (41:20).
June 28
The CP3 Trade, Phil Jackson’s Firing, and What’s Next for the Clippers?
Chris Ryan brings on Bill Simmons to offer up initial reactions to the news that Chris Paul is heading to the Houston Rockets (3:00). Then, The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor joins to give his thoughts on what’s next for the Clippers (17:30). Finally, Knicks fan Jason Concepcion of The Ringer bids farewell to the Phil Jackson era in New York (56:00).
June 27
NBA Awards and Free Agency
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the NBA Awards ceremony and some memorable moments (2:33). Then they take a hard look at upcoming free-agency moves (24:25).
June 22
‘High Upside’ — The Butler Trade, Steals, and More Surprises
Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks recap the NBA draft. They start with the top six (0:32), then dissect the questionable Jimmy Butler trade (1:58), their draft surprises (9:45), and their draft steals (14:33).
June 20
The GM-less Cavs, Paul George, and the Porzingis Rumor
Chris Vernon is joined by Sam Amick of USA Today to discuss David Griffin’s departure from the Cleveland Cavaliers (02:00), Jimmy Butler and the Boston Celtics (18:00), Paul George’s interest in the Lakers (22:00), what the Clippers’ addition of Jerry West means to Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and the Clippers (26:30), and Phil Jackson’s statement on possibly trading Kristaps Porzingis (34:30).
June 15
Bill Simmons on LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Offseason Moves, and NBA Draft Advice
Bill Simmons is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss the similarities and differences between LeBron James’s and Kevin Durant’s decisions to leave their first NBA teams (2:07). Later they talk offseason trades and the NBA draft (37:00).
June 13
The Warriors’ Win, Durant vs. LeBron, and Playoffs Recap
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the Cavaliers falling short of beating the Warriors (1:20), Kevin Durant’s and LeBron James’s legacies (11:21), what superteams mean for NBA fandom (21:30), how teams could compete against the Warriors (41:48), and the biggest what-ifs of the playoffs (49:00).
June 12
‘High Upside’ — International Prospects
Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks look at the international prospects in their top 60 for the NBA draft. They discuss ‘Filthy’ Frank Ntilikina (2:02), Jonah Bolden (9:15), and Anzejs Pasecniks (14:08). Then, they talk about the most recent prospects to drop out of the draft (17:45) and finish up with two more prospect profiles (20:06).
June 8
Warriors on the Brink of History
Chris Vernon is joined by The Vertical’s Chris Mannix to discuss who should be the Finals MVP, who’s to blame for Wednesday night’s loss, LeBron’s future, who the Celtics should select no. 1 overall, and how to plan for the Warriors from a GM’s perspective.
June 6
‘High Upside’ — Long-Shot Prospects and Second-Round Steals
Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks discuss Adam Silver’s updated stance on one-and-done prospects (5:00), Kobi Simmons’s surprisingly low stock (12:00), Amile Jefferson’s NBA potential (15:30), Derrick White’s basketball smarts (19:00), Cameron Oliver’s maturity (23:00), and Jordan Bell’s ability to box out in the NBA (26:00).
June 5
The Warriors Came to Play
Chris Vernon is joined by NBA writer Zach Harper to discuss LeBron’s fatigue (5:00), the Cavs’ chances to right the ship in Cleveland (13:00), the reason to blame Bill Russell for the Warriors’ superteam (24:00), Durant playing center (28:00), and Russell’s favorite TV show (34:00).
June 1
Ten Pressing NBA Finals Questions
Chris Vernon is joined by Washington Post national NBA writer Tim Bontemps to answer the 10 most important questions entering the 2017 NBA Finals.
May 31
NBA Finals Features
Chris Ryan brings on a roundtable of Ringer writers to discuss the stories they’ve been working on leading up to the NBA Finals. First, Jonathan Tjarks gives his thoughts on Kevin Durant’s under-the-radar role (5:00). Then, Kevin O’Connor discusses the importance of isolation scoring (11:10). Finally, John Gonzalez gives his thoughts on the culture of the Warriors and the Cavaliers (20:15).
May 30
NBA Finals Primer With Kevin O’Connor
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the major story lines heading into the 2017 NBA Finals. Topics include: Steve Kerr’s absence on the bench (3:00), the importance of isolation scoring (10:00), the Warriors’ defense (19:00), Tristan Thompson’s importance (28:00), LeBron James’s potential “greatest of all-time” label (34:00), and which is the favorite team for the casual fan (41:00).
May 29
‘High Upside’ — 3-and-D Specialists
Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks discuss the best wing players in the 2017 NBA draft. Topics include: Justin Jackson’s upside (8:00), Wesley Iwundu’s sleeper status (14:00), the importance of basketball IQ (18:00), the next Malcolm Brogdon (23:00), and the best dark-horse wing prospects (28:00).
May 25
Warriors-Cavaliers Collision Course and the NBA’s Best Podcast
Chris Vernon and Chris Ryan discuss LeBron’s Game 3 illness (6:00) and his affinity for deferring (10:00), the Cavaliers’ struggling defense (18:00), the best players on the Cavaliers and Warriors (23:00), Lonzo Ball on the Sixers (28:00), and the best TV shows to fill time before the Finals (36:00). Then, writer John Gonzalez joins to discuss Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, and Allie Clifton’s in-season podcast, Road Trippin’ With R.J. and Channing (45:00).
May 23
Warriors Sweep, Manu’s Next Move, and the Celtics’ Future
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the Warriors’ historic run to the Finals (5:00), Manu Ginobili’s potential retirement (12:00), the Celtics’ improbable comeback (24:30), Kevin Love’s draft workout (33:00), the importance of “tweener” players in today’s NBA (37:00), and the Celtics’ impending free-agency decisions (41:00).
May 22
‘High Upside’ — Molding the Modern Guard
Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks discuss the lottery-level guards in the 2017 NBA draft. Topics include: Markelle Fultz’s defense (5:00), Frank Ntilikina’s NBA frame (11:00), Dennis Smith Jr.’s fit on the Mavericks (17:00), Malik Monk’s lack of assists (22:00), Donovan Mitchell’s foundation of skills (26:00), and the ideal skill set of the modern NBA guard (30:00).
May 18
The Warriors’ Big Spread, LaVar Ball’s Premonition, and Harry Giles
Chris Vernon is joined by CBS Sports columnist Gary Parrish to discuss Jaylen Brown’s surprising play in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals (5:00), Vegas’s big spreads for the Warriors (15:00), Lonzo Ball on the Lakers (19:00), Markelle Fultz’s lack of skeptics (25:00), LaVar Ball’s premonition in AAU basketball (31:00), Josh Jackson’s upside (37:00), De’Aaron Fox’s demeanor (41:00), and Harry Giles’s NBA chances (48:00).
May 16
‘High Upside’ — Lottery Reaction
Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks give their initial reaction to the NBA draft lottery and discuss Boston’s big night (5:00), potential Celtics chemistry issues (10:00), Josh Jackson’s fit in Philly (17:00), the best players outside of the top three (21:00), the battle for point guards between Dallas and New York (26:00), a wide range of outcomes for Lauri Markkanen (31:00), and the biggest late-lottery sleepers (34:00).
May 15
Kawhi’s Injury, Wall’s Big Shot, and Zaza’s Dirtiness
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss John Wall’s game winner (5:00), the Wizards’ consistency against the Celtics (10:00), the Spurs’ chances without Kawhi Leonard (20:00), the Warriors’ defensive mistakes (24:00), Durant and Curry’s offensive explosion (29:00), Zaza Pachulia’s closeout on Kawhi (33:00), the problem with 3-point shooters trying to draw fouls (37:00), and De’Aaron Fox’s star power on draft night (47:00).
May 12
Houston’s Problem, Spurs-Warriors, and John Wall’s Cussing With Shea Serrano
Chris Vernon and Shea Serrano discuss James Harden’s no-show against the Spurs (5:00), the Spurs winning without Kawhi (15:30), the top moments in Spurs history (23:00), John Wall’s cussing on the court (27:00), potential Wall vs. LeBron scenarios (34:00), and Harden’s major shortcoming (38:00).
May 10
D.C.’s White Flag Wednesday With Bill Simmons and Joe House (Ep. 109)
Bill Simmons brings on Joe House to discuss D.C.’s devastating sports night (5:00), the district’s Friday-night crowd (11:00), the Wizards’ end-of-game situations (16:00), James Harden’s management of minutes (20:00), Kyle Lowry’s injury (26:00), Otto Porter’s midrange misses (33:00), and matchups of the best teams in NBA history against the Warriors (38:00).
May 9
The Raptors Reset and More Playoffs With Kevin O’Connor
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss Kyle Lowry’s likely exit from Toronto (5:00), LeBron’s demoralizing dominance (15:00), reasons to blow up teams with stars (25:00), Paul George’s trade value (35:00), Wizards-Celtics (46:00), and the Rockets without Nene (54:00).
May 8
‘High Upside’ — Top Forward Prospects
Kevin O’Connor and Jonathan Tjarks discuss the changing landscape of big men in the NBA (4:00), Jonathan Isaac’s ability to play center (8:00), Jayson Tatum’s NBA comparison (14:00), Josh Jackson’s jump shot (18:00), OG Anunoby’s high ceiling (25:00), and potential fits for each top forward in the 2017 NBA draft (32:00).
May 4
One-Dimensional DeRozan, Harden’s Charges, and NBA E-sports With Jason Concepcion
Chris Vernon and Jason Concepcion discuss watching NBA games in L.A. (5:00), DeMar DeRozan’s one-dimensional offense (14:00), Rockets-Spurs (24:00), James Harden’s charging (29:00), ’90s basketball comparisons with Wizards-Celtics (35:00), and the NBA’s investment in e-sports (44:00).
May 3
Emergency Celtics Pod With Bill Simmons
Bill Simmons calls his dad to talk about the Celtics’ epic overtime victory over the Wizards on Tuesday night (02:00), John Wall’s fatigue (08:00), if Avery Bradley is injured (11:00), if Isaiah Thomas is the best Celtics scorer since Larry Bird (13:00), and the upcoming NBA draft lottery (26:00).
May 2
The Cavs’ Dominance, Rockets’ Liftoff, and Warriors’ Huge Spread
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the Raptors’ reliance on isolation against the Cavs (5:00), James Harden’s masterful pick-and-roll play (10:00), LaMarcus Aldridge’s dismal showing (15:00), the Spurs’ discipline on defense (23:00), Wizards-Celtics (29:00), Scott Brooks’s rotations (34:00), John Wall’s scoring (40:00), and the Warriors’ ridiculous spread over the Jazz (44:00)
April 27
Wizards’ Magic, Iso Joe, and Kerr’s Absence
Chris Vernon is joined by Washington Post NBA writer Tim Bontemps to discuss Wizards-Hawks (4:00), the Bucks’ point totals (10:00), the Bulls without Rondo (15:00), the Spurs’ struggles (23:00), Joe Johnson and the Jazz (27:15), offseason moves for the Clippers (34:00), and Steve Kerr’s absence from the bench (44:00).
April 25
Sweeps, Hacks, and Kawhi’s Iso Game
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss sweeps by the Warriors and Cavs (5:00), Raptors-Bucks (11:00), the Wizards’ lacking bench (18:00), Taurean Prince’s improvement (22:00), Hack-a-Shaq situations (30:30), Gasol and Conley (38:00), Kawhi’s iso offense (44:00), and the Bulls without Rondo (55:00).
April 21
Rondo’s Injury, the Bucks’ Blowout, and Westbrook With Chris Mannix and Rodger Sherman
Chris Vernon is joined by Chris Mannix of The Vertical to discuss Rajon Rondo’s injury (01:00), an epic comeback by LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavs (11:00), the Raptors’ loss in Milwaukee (19:30), and the Grizzlies striking back in Memphis (26:00). Then, Ringer staff writer Rodger Sherman joins the show to analyze Russell Westbrook’s performance in Game 2 (39:00) and the importance of Game 3 (46:00).
April 20
Celtics Struggle, Westbrook Bricks, and More Playoffs
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the Celtics’ struggles (5:00), Al Horford’s disappearing act (11:00), Russell Westbrook’s fourth-quarter collapse (18:55), John Wall’s entertaining style (26:00), the Warriors’ winning ways (32:00), Raptors-Bucks (39:00), Spurs-Grizzlies (42:00), and the Brooklyn Nets’ playoff impact (50:00).
April 17
Take That for Data! With Kevin O’Connor
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss David Fizdale’s postgame rant (3:00), Kawhi’s historic efficiency (14:00), Kevin Love’s lack of shots (18:00), Raptors déjà vu (23:00), the Bucks defense (29:00), Bulls-Celtics (33:00), the loss of Rudy Gobert (40:00), Hawks-Wizards (44:00), Thunder-Rockets (48:00), and Warriors-Blazers (54:00).
April 14
The Playoffs Are Here! With Bill Simmons
Chris Vernon is joined by Bill Simmons to discuss the most polarizing MVP race ever (5:00), James Harden’s MVP case (10:00), CP3’s attrition (15:00), Kyrie Irving and LeBron’s disappointing win total (21:00), Celtics-Bulls (28:00), the Cavs’s switch (32:00), Raptors-Bucks (35:00), the Celtics’ formula (39:00), Thon Maker’s wild-card potential (42:00), Kevin Durant’s return (47:00), Spurs-Grizzlies (51:00), Clippers-Jazz (55:00), and the chance the Warriors-Cavs rubber match happens (58:00).
April 13
Kristen Ledlow
Chris Vernon is joined by NBA TV’s Kristen Ledlow to discuss the end of the NBA regular season (5:00), the Cavs’ playoff switch (11:00), Raptors-Bucks (16:00), Ahmad Rashad giving his blessing to her hosting Inside Stuff (22:00), the best shoes in basketball (27:00), and advice for aspiring female broadcasters (31:00).
April 11
Who Is the Real MVP? With Kevin O’Connor
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the end of the NBA regular season, the Heat’s playoff push (6:00), the Bulls’ best lineup (11:00), the best deal of the season (16:00), the underrated Clippers (22:00), LeBron’s MVP argument (32:00), Westbrook vs. Harden (38:00), and the NBA awards banquet (48:00).
April 7
Probable Playoff Matchups With Taco Trey Kerby
Chris Vernon is joined by Trey Kerby of NBA TV’s The Starters to discuss LeBron’s Eastern Conference dominance (6:00), the most dangerous late seeds in the East (13:00), the Warriors’ chances without Durant (19:00), Jazz-Clippers home-court advantage (25:00), Harden-Westbrook (31:00), and Harrison Barnes’s upside (37:00).
April 6
Records Worth Breaking With Shea Serrano
Chris Vernon and Shea Serrano discuss Russell Westbrook’s ridiculousness (5:00), Cavs-Celtics (13:00), Gordon Hayward’s improvement (20:00), and the best NBA records yet to be broken (26:00).
April 4
The Magic Whiteboard With Kevin O’Connor
Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor discuss the NCAA championship (5:00), Rob Hennigan’s leaked whiteboard (13:00), JaMychal Green’s market value (24:00), the Boogie–Anthony Davis experiment (35:00), and the best potential playoff matchups (43:00).