Open Floor: SI's NBA Show
657 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 18 hours 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
The Sixers Made Us Look Stupid Again, Big Kawhi Questions, Draymond or Horford
May 03, 2019 19:17 - 1 hourOn 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 wi...
The Rockets Want a Fair Chance, The Celtics Stun the Bucks, Kawhi is in Kill Mode
April 30, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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 afte...
Warriors and Rockets (and Clippers), Reliving Lillard Euphoria, Dame Moments Through History
April 26, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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 Blaz...
The End of Westbrook's Prime, Celtics Sweeping Toward Milwaukee, Donovan Mitchell and D'Angelo Russell
April 23, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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 hyp...
Two Versions of Kevin Durant, Derrick White Breaks Out, Ben Simmons Destroys Brooklyn
April 20, 2019 00:44 - 1 hourOn 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...
Shock and Awe and the Sixers, First Round First Impressions, Blazers/Thunder War
April 16, 2019 15:00 - 1 hourOn 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...
Impromptu Dirk Farewell, Big Picture Playoff Questions, Kings and Lakers Chaos
April 12, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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 w...
Revisiting Preseason Over/Unders, Ominous 'Bad Take' Hubris, Open Floor Book Club
April 09, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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. Dray...
History's Least Enjoyable All-Time Greats, Robot Referees, The State of 12-Time Tatum
April 05, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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 a...
All the Angles on Zion Williamson, Live Reaction to Ernie Grunfeld News, Golden State vs. the Refs
April 03, 2019 02:18 - 1 hourOn 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 Grunf...
The Devin Booker Super Bloom, The Loss of Nurkic in Portland, Lottery Reform One Year Later
March 29, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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 em...
The State of the MVP Race, The Heat in D.C., Contextualizing Luka and Trae
March 26, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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...
The Rejuvenation of Doc Rivers, Drafting Lonzo vs. Trading Russell, USS Zion Returns to Sea
March 22, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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 ...
An Early All-NBA Conversation, Bucks-Sixers Takeaways, Pistons Nation Strikes Back
March 19, 2019 19:00 - 1 hourOn 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 Sun...
The NBA's Existential Concerns, "Prove It" Winners and Losers, Sixers Alternate Timeline
March 15, 2019 07:00 - 1 hourOn 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...
The NBA's Second Best Team, The Third Seed in the West, Loans in Basketball
March 12, 2019 03:05 - 1 hourOn 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 coul...
LeBron Passes Jordan, Viking Funeral for the Lakers, D'Angelo vs. Kyrie
March 08, 2019 21:10 - 1 hourOn 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, ...
The Impending LeBron Vacuum, The Suns in the Sarver Wilderness, Other Hot Early March Topics
March 05, 2019 08:00 - 1 hourOn 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 t...
Kyrie's February vs. LeBron's February, The Clippers as a Sleeping Giant, The New Best Player Alive
March 01, 2019 08:00 - 1 hourOn 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...
The Playoff Race Out West, De'Aaron Fox and the Kings, Your Best Pilgrimages
February 26, 2019 08:00 - 1 hourOn 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 f...
Scenes from UNC-Duke, USS Zion Explodes a Sneaker, The NBA's Age Limit Question
February 22, 2019 23:19 - 59 minutesOn 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 thi...
Recapping All-Star Weekend, Trade Demand Dystopian Scenarios, Visiting Basketball Mecca
February 19, 2019 21:17 - 1 hourOn 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 th...
Charles Barkley Has Some Takes, Golden State Compounds These Problems, Playoff P is the New Oladipo
February 15, 2019 13:46 - 1 hourOn 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 th...
Checking in with the Warriors, Making Finals Reservations, Building the LeBron Statue
February 12, 2019 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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 question...
Post-Deadline Wiz Therapy, Sixers/Bucks/Raptors Arms Race, Lessons from the Lakers Strikeout
February 08, 2019 13:43 - 1 hourOn 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 com...
Dark Web Trade Deadline Preview, Life Comes at the Celtics Fast, Rodney Hood Goes West
February 05, 2019 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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 Knicks Go All In, Kristaps Porzingis Goes to Dallas, Dell Demps Answers His Phone
February 01, 2019 03:18 - 1 hourOn 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, Pe...
Emergency Three Days Late Anthony Davis Trade Demand Pod
January 30, 2019 20:50 - 1 hourOn 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 q...
Mike Conley Trade Proposals, The James Harden Experience, T-Shirt Brainstorming
January 25, 2019 13:59 - 1 hourOn 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 ...
Surprise Brow vs. Jokic Argument, Our All-Star Picks, New Lottery Odds
January 23, 2019 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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...
The Kyrie Irving/LeBron James Leadership Summit, Miserable Fanbases, Boogie's Return
January 18, 2019 13:46 - 1 hourOn 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 fanbase...
This Incredibly Strange Celtics Year, Blake Back in LA, Trading DSJ
January 16, 2019 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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...
Regularly Scheduled Bucks Worship, Early Playoff Races, Zion Dream Team
January 11, 2019 13:59 - 1 hourOn 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...
Farewell Tom Thibodeau, James Harden vs. Kevin Durant, Young Lakers Angst
January 08, 2019 19:04 - 1 hourOn 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 waiti...
The Spurs Strike Back, LeBron's GOAT Comments, Sixers Weirdness Continues
January 04, 2019 19:38 - 1 hourOn 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 ...
Scorching Christmas over-reactions, Luka & Jaren profiles and 2019 NBA resolutions
December 28, 2018 13:26 - 1 hourOn 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 t...
Jokic and the MVP Conversation, Midseason Celtics Check, Your Best Boylen Suggestions
December 21, 2018 17:17 - 1 hourOn 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...
Anthony Davis Possibilities, De'Aaron Fox Kings Hyperbole, Instantly Regrettable Wizards Optimism
December 19, 2018 15:48 - 1 hourOn 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. The...
Damian Lillard and the Blazers, Houston One Year Later, American Basketball Culture
December 14, 2018 17:02 - 1 hourOn 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 ...
The Bulls and the Almost-Mutiny, Dream Playoff Matchups, Ben Simmons for Luka Doncic
December 11, 2018 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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-Cli...
Sixers/Raptors Check-In, Toxic LeBron/KD Comments, Bi-Monthly Suns Update
December 07, 2018 13:12 - 1 hourOn 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 ...
10 Thoughts After 20 Games, Goodbye Fred Hoiberg, More Nickname Nonsense
December 04, 2018 15:51 - 1 hourOn 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 Ch...
Five Rookie Questions, Kyle Korver to the Jazz, The Problem with AD Celtics Rumors
November 30, 2018 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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...
Bet Your House Playoff Picks, Kawhi Leadership Kerfuffle, James Harden Celebrates
November 28, 2018 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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, Kawh...
First Month Contender Check, Wizards Thanksgiving Celebration, Kemba Walker Rising
November 21, 2018 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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 tak...
That Clippers Locker Room, The Week in Warriors News, Kevin Durant’s Next Move
November 16, 2018 17:12 - 1 hourOn 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 a...
Giannis Blue Bubble Gang, Jimmy Butler to the Sixers, Early Celtics Concerns
November 12, 2018 23:21 - 1 hourOn 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 ...
Zion Williamson Brain Scramble, Granting Injury Immunity, Steph Curry's Place in History
November 08, 2018 08:01 - 1 hourOn 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 offseas...
Would You Rather Wiz/Cavs/Wolves, Amended League Pass Rankings, Doncic Tension in Dallas
November 05, 2018 17:41 - 1 hourOn 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 Be...
Too Early or Not Too Early, The Record-Breaking Warriors, Kings Kings KINGS
November 01, 2018 07:01 - 1 hourOn 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...