Open Floor: SI's NBA Show
652 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 2.3K ratingsFrom 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 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.
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Episodes
Mailbag Ep: Fave Starting Lineups & AD vs. Giannis
August 27, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBIn 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...
MVP Betting Odds: Long Shots to Sure Things
August 24, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 71.9 MBIn 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? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Christmas Schedule Disappointment & KD's Lasting Legacy
August 20, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 58.8 MBIn 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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Top Ten Best NBA duos
August 17, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 67 MBOn 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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ranking The Western Conference Standings
August 13, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 67.6 MBIn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Ranking The Eastern Conference Standings
August 10, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 69.4 MBIn today's episode, Michael and Chris predict the Eastern Conference standings for the 2021-22 NBA season! Every team, from 15 down to 1. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Offense Obsessed Lakers & Celtics Slow Start
August 06, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 61.2 MBOn 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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Winners (And a Lot of Losers) of NBA Free Agency
August 03, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 61.9 MBOn 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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NBA Draft Breakdown w/ Jeremy Woo
July 30, 2021 18:33 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBRohan 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 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Making of an Improbable MVP w/ Mirin Fader
July 27, 2021 08:00 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBOn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.co...
Mega Crossover NBA Finals Recap
July 21, 2021 22:44 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBOn 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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Game Five Instant Classic & Team USA Drama
July 19, 2021 19:29 - 1 hour - 58.9 MBIn 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 [email protected]! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
An Instant Finals Classic & Giannis' Impossible Block
July 15, 2021 22:13 - 1 hour - 64.4 MBOn 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! [email protected] Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/l...
Giannis Turn Superhuman, Top 5 Individual Finals Performances
July 12, 2021 19:56 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBIn 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 [email protected]! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodca...
Suns Stars Do It All & Giannis' Willis Reed Moment
July 08, 2021 18:21 - 1 hour - 63.3 MBIn 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 [email protected] Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/...
Jrue Holiday the Deity & Atlanta's Spending Problems
July 06, 2021 19:51 - 54 minutes - 49.7 MBOn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We Celebrate All Things CP3 (And Are Crushed Over Giannis)
July 01, 2021 18:47 - 1 hour - 66.3 MBIn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Totally Plausible Lillard Trades, Bucks Operate At 100%
June 28, 2021 19:58 - 1 hour - 60.8 MBIn 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 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NBA Draft Lottery Winners, Team USA's Roster, & The Conference Finals
June 24, 2021 18:35 - 1 hour - 64.8 MBOn 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) Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Happens To Ben Simmons?, Conference Finals Live Draft
June 21, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 70.3 MBIn 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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/li...
Sixers Epic Collapse, Top Five All Time Playoff Performances
June 17, 2021 18:43 - 1 hour - 67.1 MBIn 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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See ...
Breaking Down Game 6 of the 2013 Finals w/ Chris Bosh
June 16, 2021 08:00 - 50 minutes - 46.2 MBOn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bucks Even w/ Nets, Nuggets Roster Questions, Suns Complete Sweep
June 14, 2021 19:48 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBIn 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 Roha...
Jokic A Single MVP Winner?, Power Ranking The Remaining Teams
June 10, 2021 18:39 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBIn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mavs/Clips End Battle, Porzingis Trades, Bucks/Nets Underway
June 07, 2021 19:39 - 1 hour - 57.4 MBIn 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 Youn...
Suns Beat L.A., Should Portland Blow It Up?, & Beal To Boston??
June 04, 2021 20:46 - 1 hour - 66.9 MBIn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.c...
Bucks Embarrass Heat, Nets Look Unstoppable, How Good are the Hawks?
June 01, 2021 18:44 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MBIn 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? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omny...
Fan Unruliness, Luke May Be Unstoppable, & First Round Disappointments
May 27, 2021 22:04 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBOn 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! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Playoffs Are Finally Underway
May 24, 2021 19:30 - 59 minutes - 54.9 MBIn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Wizards Win Their Way In, Lakers Still Contending, & The Best Playoff Matchups
May 21, 2021 19:19 - 1 hour - 65.6 MBIn 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. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com See omnystudio.com/...
Ten questions about LeBron vs. Steph, the play-in & the 2021 playoffs
May 18, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 62.2 MBBen 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 ...
Playoff Pressure Check & Show Announcement
May 14, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 61.1 MBBen 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 repu...
Luka's temper, Zion's finger & All-NBA backlash
May 11, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MBBen 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 Sp...
Picking the All-NBA teams
May 07, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 57 MBBen 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 m...
Lakers crumbling, King Jokic & "Bubbleball" book preview
May 04, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 73 MBBen 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 ...
Handicapping the 2026 NBA MVP race
April 30, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBBen 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 ...
Coach of the Year & Most Improved Player award debates
April 27, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 59.6 MBBen 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 o...
NBA reacts to Derek Chauvin verdict, Trae goes down, AD returns
April 23, 2021 08:00 - 56 minutes - 52.1 MBBen 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'...
Ranking Stephen Curry, NBA clone wars, East match-making
April 20, 2021 08:00 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBBen 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?...
LaMarcus Aldridge retires, Joel Embiid dominates, Stephen Curry catches fire
April 16, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 61 MBBen 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'...
Ten NBA Playoff X-Factors: Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris, Rajon Rondo & more
April 13, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBBen 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 Ra...
Chris Paul & Devin Booker have the Suns in the spotlight
April 09, 2021 02:39 - 1 hour - 62.1 MBBen 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...
Jalen Suggs' best NBA fits & Jrue Holiday's monster contract
April 06, 2021 20:57 - 1 hour - 57.6 MBBen 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-Alex...
The NBA's best and worst contracts
April 01, 2021 21:51 - 1 hour - 65.4 MBBen 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, no...
LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Drummond, buyout backlash & the tank is on
March 29, 2021 21:40 - 1 hour - 63.1 MBBen 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 ...
The Lakers without LeBron James, crushing LaMelo Ball news
March 22, 2021 22:11 - 1 hour - 66 MBBen 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 mome...
Bucks add P.J. Tucker, the perils of drafting a big
March 18, 2021 20:10 - 59 minutes - 54.8 MBBen 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 i...
BONUS: Jack McCallum on Kobe Bryant, LeBron James & the Redeem Team
March 17, 2021 08:00 - 1 hour - 57.2 MBBen 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...
Making the case for trade deadline moves
March 15, 2021 19:33 - 1 hour - 68.6 MBWith 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 Sacrament...
NBA Trade Deadline preview
March 11, 2021 21:48 - 1 hour - 60.5 MBBen 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 th...