The Ringer NBA Show

by The Ringer
The Ringer NBA squad provides the insight, reporting, and analysis that you need in your life right here on The Ringer NBA Show. On Sundays and Wednesdays, check out 'Group Chat' with Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and J. Kyle Mann . Tap in on Tuesdays and Fridays for 'Real Ones' with Logan Murdock, Raja Bell and Howard Beck.
Episodes

Say One Nice Thing … About the East’s Tanktastic Bottom Five. Plus, UConn Shocks the World (Again)! | Group Chat
Justin is back and joined by Rob and J. Kyle Mann and they start by talking about Justin’s alma mater UConn’s shocking comeback win to clinch a spot in the Final Four. Then they get to the NBA where they say goodbye to the bottom 5 teams in the East by saying one nice thing about them. (00:00) Intro (1:08) UConn's victory over Duke (24:21) Men’s Wearhouse ad break (29:11) Indiana Pacers (38:06) Washington Wizards (46:26) Brooklyn Netsl (1:03:20) Chicago Bulls (1:10:25) Milwaukee Bucks Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Victoria Valencia and Isaiah Blakely Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers When you need your fit to deliver, we’ve got you. Shop Men's Wearhouse. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Has the NBA Found the Solution to Tanking? | Real Ones
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones and discuss the NBA Board of Governors meeting that touched on a variety of hot-button issues throughout the NBA. The NBA has proposed a few draft-lottery methods to circumvent tanking, but will any of the proposed methods work? Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are at odds as the star forward would like to resume playing, but the team is preventing him from doing so. How should the NBA be handling his situation? Plus, Real One of the Week! (00:00) Intro (1:27) The NBA’s Anti-Tanking Proposal (18:25) Adam Silver Addresses Numerous Topics in NBA Board of Governors Meeting (20:46) Men’s Wearhouse ad break (21:22) NBPA Chastises Bucks Over Giannis's Playing Status (48:32) Real One of the Week Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com When you need your fit to deliver, we’ve got you. Shop Men's Wearhouse. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mailbag: Most Improved Player, Postseason Narratives, Life Lessons From Basketball, and More | Group Chat
Rob and J. Kyle Mann answer your listener questions about the Most Improved Player award, postseason narratives, how teams are defending Jokic, and much more! (00:00) Intro (3:18) FanDuel title pie (12:16) Most Improved Player (21:12) 3-point shooting (27:15) Mount Rushmore of aughts indie rock (33:00) Fan Duel ad break (33:46) Tommy Hilfiger ad break (34:19) All-time Kentucky alumni lineup (39:33) The Pelicans' future (46:23) Playoff matchups (48:17) Watching every game (55:23) Best playoff narratives (1:01:58) The music artist who compares to Steph (1:06:19) Life lessons from basketball (1:18:23) Defensive strategy against Jokic (1:23:29) Teams that could win their first NBA title Send your questions to ringergroupchat@gmail.com! Hosts: Rob Mahoney and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Victoria Valencia, and Carlos Chiriboga Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Social: Carlos Chiriboga and Keith Fujimoto Explore more at https://tommy.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wemby Wants the MVP! | Real Ones
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones and jump right into Victor Wembanyama’s comments about his MVP candidacy following the Spurs victory over the Miami Heat on Monday night. Just how close is the race between Wemby and the other candidates, and did he purposely mention beating the Thunder during the regular season to send them a message with the playoffs coming up? Plus, Houston has a problem that hasn’t been solved all season. Can their issues be resolved, or is it too late? (0:00) Intro (2:28) Wemby makes MVP case (14:26) What’s up with the Rockets? (24:58) Fan Duel ad break (26:15) Mens Wearhouse ad break (26:50) Bucks waive G Cam Thomas (38:34) Mailbag Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com When you need your fit to deliver, we’ve got you. Shop Men's Wearhouse. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Teams' To-Do Lists Down the Stretch of the Regular Season | Group Chat
No Justin this week, so Rob and J. Kyle Mann are here with a to-do list of what they want to see and learn down the stretch of the regular season. They talk about what else the Lakers can prove, if the Cavs can go on a run in the East, whether the Rockets can get it together in time for the playoffs, and more. (00:00) Intro (4:15) Lakers (26:22) Cavaliers (38:40) Rockets (51:05) All-NBA (59:50) The race for the 7th and 8th seeds in the East Hosts: Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Victoria Valencia and Isaiah Blakely Production Supervision: Ben Cruz, Conor Nevins, and John Richter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lakers Surge Behind Luka. Plus, Injuries Sweep the League | Real Ones
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones to discuss the Lakers recent hot streak winning nine of their last ten games. How far can Luka and LeBron lead the Lakers in the playoffs with the Spurs and Thunder atop of the conference? Giannis and the Bucks are at odds about letting him play because he’ll most likely find a new home in the offseason. Plus, Pistons guard Cade Cunningham suffered a collapsed lung and will be out indefinitely as he recovers. How will Detroit stay afloat with the MVP candidate set to miss significant time? (01:30) Luka and the Lakers Are Red Hot! (22:01) Should LeBron Stay in L.A. After the Season? (30:11) Major Injuries Across the NBA (31:12) Should Giannis Be Allowed to Keep Playing? (48:58) Cade Cunningham Out Indefinitely With a Collapsed Lung (55:17) Real One of the Week Realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell and Howard Beck Producers: Cameron Dinwiddie and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Redraft Speedrun: Revisiting the Top Fives of the Past Five Drafts | Group Chat
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann redraft who would be the top five picks in the past five drafts. Before they start with the 2021 draft, they talk about the news of Cade Cunningham's collapsed lung and what that means for him and the Pistons. (00:00) Intro (05:05) Cunningham injury news (11:36) 2021 redraft (30:19) 2022 redraft (46:35) 2023 redraft (58:38) 2024 redraft (75:00) 2025 redraft Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, and Jamie Yukich Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Explore more at https://tommy.com Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Hilfiger USA offers modern, sophisticated styles for women and men including apparel, handbags, footwear, underwear, fragrance and home furnishings with free shipping available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Expansion Good for the NBA? Plus, Kevin Durant Voices His Frustrations | Real Ones
Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones and dive right into the NBA's desire to expand with two new teams, with a possible return to Seattle and a fresh start in Las Vegas. Is this good for the league in the current climate given the problems with tanking, the style of play, and gambling? Plus, the Rockets fell to the Lakers on Monday night, after which Kevin Durant voiced his frustration with the outcome. Where do the Rockets stand as contenders with the season coming to a close? (3:30) NBA Seeking Expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas (5:33) Is Expansion Good for the League? (24:15) What Is Adam Silver’s Current Reputation? (39:14) Kevin Durant Voices Frustration After Rockets Fall to the Lakers (55:24) Realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Producers: Stefano Sanchez and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An NBA Draftnik’s Guide to March Madness. Plus, Expansion Is Nigh. | Group Chat
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann start with their reactions to the news of NBA expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas almost becoming a reality. Then they get into our yearly March Madness primer. The guys take a look at the top prospects playing in the tournament this year, then Kyle talks about a few other guys to keep an eye on who could get picked in the first round.(00:00) Intro(6:08) Expansion news(16:02) March Madness primer(25:13) Darryn Peterson(37:34) Cam Boozer(44:18) AJ Dybantsa(54:42) Caleb Wilson(56:20) Kingston Flemings(59:23) Darius Acuff Jr.(01:07:15) Keaton Wagler(01:01:44) Other guys to watch(01:13:37) Mikel Brown Jr.Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, and Cameron DinwiddieProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor NevinsAdditional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bam’s Record-Breaking Night Causes Uproar. Plus, Celtics Silver Lining | Real Ones
The Boston Celtics have lost close matches recently against the Spurs and the Thunder on their road trip, but is there some silver lining within the losses as Jayson Tatum returns? Also, should Jaylen Brown have been ejected from the game against the Spurs despite it being televised on national television? Bam Adebayo now holds the record for the second-most points scored in an NBA game, but the way he did it had NBA discourse in shambles. Fair or Foul for Bam Adebayo to be criticized for the way he got his 83 points, surpassing Kobe Bryant for second place? Plus, Real One of the Week! (02:24) Silver Lining for Celtics’ Recent Losses (19:05) Should Jaylen Brown Have Been Tossed Against the Spurs? (35:02) Discourse Surrounding Bam Adebayo’s Record-Breaking Night (01:01:43) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Cameron Dinwiddie and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Bam 83-Point Discourse Inferno. Plus, Momentous Inflection Points for SGA, Wemby, and More | Group Chat
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back together, and they are here to take a look at some of the massive stories going on in the association this week. They start with Bam Adebayo’s 83-point game against the Wizards and the discourse around his achievement. Then they talk about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander potentially locking up the MVP after his game-winning shot against the Nuggets. They also get into Victor Wembanyama leading the Spurs to wins in 16 of their past 17 games and talk about just how good they are. Last, they wrap up by discussing the Hornets and whether they are this season's Pacers. (0:00) Intro (2:53) Bam Adebayo (25:25) Fan Duel ad break (26:53) Tommy Hilfiger ad break (28:47) SGA (46:24) Wemby and the Spurs (1:04:12) Hornets Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Victoria Valencia and Isaiah Blakely Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers Explore more at https://tommy.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Shai Shines in Thunder's Thriller Win. Plus, Jayson Tatum’s Return. | Real Ones
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Mf’n Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones, and they dive right into the Thunder’s 129-126 victory over the Nuggets on Monday night. Did reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander all but guarantee himself a second MVP with his performance in this victory? How close is the MVP race with other guys like Nikola Jokic, Victor Wembanyama, and Jaylen Brown lurking? Jayson Tatum returned to the Celtics lineup over the weekend following his recovery from a torn Achilles. What does his return mean for the Celtics’ championship aspirations? Plus, the mailbag! (0:00) Intro (2:22) OKC tops Denver 129-126 in thriller (4:18) MVP race: Shai or Jokic? (29:00) Fan Duel ad break (30:14)Jayson Tatum returns (46:39) Mailbag Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Production Supervision: Ben Cruz, Conor Nevins, and John Richter The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tatum’s East-altering Return, the Spurs’ Warp-speed Come-up, and a Trail Blazers Bonanza, With Jared Weiss and Tom Haberstroh | Group Chat
It’s JV Day today with no Rob or J. Kyle Mann. So Justin wanted to start with the two biggest stories in the league: Jayson Tatum’s return, and the Spurs continuing to roll in the West. He’s joined by the The Athletic’s Jared Weiss, who currently covers the Spurs and used to cover the Celtics. They talk about what it was like to be at Tatum's first game, how he changes the Celtics' title chances, and much more. Then, JV is joined by Yahoo Sports and Trail Blazers Analytics insider Tom Haberstroh to talk all things Portland Trail Blazers. They discuss Scoot Henderson’s big game against the Pacers, how far can a healthy Deni Avdija take the Blazers, Donovan Clingan’s development, and much more. (00:00) Intro (4:10) Tommy Hilfiger ad break (5:16) Jayson Tatum's return (15:00) Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's dynamic (23:28) Victor Wembanyama (37:40) The Jackals (43:22) Stephon Castle, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper (51:24) Luke Kornet (58:04) and (1:11:34) Donovan Clingan (1:00:08) Scoot Henderson (1:21:38) Shaedon Sharpe (1:30:06) Deni Avdija (1:38:51) Tiago Splitter Host: Justin Verrier Guests: Jared Weiss and Tom Haberstroh Producers: Victoria Valencia and Isaiah Blakely Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers Explore more at https://tommy.com Tommy Hilfiger USA | Official Online Site & Store Tommy Hilfiger USA offers modern, sophisticated styles for women and men including apparel, handbags, footwear, underwear, fragrance and home furnishings with free shipping available. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jayson Tatum Returns, Red-Hot Hornets, and Kerr vs. Kuminga | Real Ones
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones and discuss the return of Celtics All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum. Is it too soon for him to return? Could Tatum mess up the chemistry of a Celtics team that currently holds the second spot in the East? The Charlotte Hornets have been hot since the new year with the emergence of rookie Kon Knueppel and 2023 second overall pick Brandon Miller. How tough of an out will they be for teams at the top of the conference? Plus, did Steve Kerr botch the development of Jonathan Kuminga, who's been thriving in Atlanta? (0:00) Intro (2:30) Jayson Tatum Returns (33:05) The Red-Hot Hornets (50:30) Steve Kerr's Comments on Jonathan Kuminga (1:12:39) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Future Power Rankings, with Big Wos | Group Chat
No J. Kyle Mann today so Justin and Rob are joined by an old friend Big Wos! After last week’s show where the guys looked at the teams with the bleakest futures in the league this time they look at the five teams with the brightest future. (00:00) Intro (13:22) Tommy Hilfiger ad break (15:00) Thoughts on the Nuggets (22:23) New York Knicks (27:42) Boston Celtics (34:39) Jayson Tatum (37:39) Minnesota Timberwolves (44:15) Detroit Pistons (52:10) Charlotte Hornets (55:46) Indiana Pacers (1:02:34) Oklahoma City Thunder (1:07:48) San Antonio Spurs Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob MahoneyGuest: Wosny Lambre Producers: Victoria Valencia and Isaiah Blakely Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Additional Production Support: John Richter and Chris Wohlers The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Explore more at https://tommy.comTommy HilfigerTommy Hilfiger USA offers modern, sophisticated styles for women and men including apparel, handbags, footwear, underwear, fragrance and home furnishings with free shipping available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rate That Crash Out! | Real Ones
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones to discuss the crash outs that occurred over the weekend in the NBA world. Did Lu Dort’s flagrant on Nikola Jokic warrant an ejection? Are the Thunder entering their villain era? The guys also compare Jaylen Brown’s MVP case to Victor Wembanyama’s. (0:00) Intro (0:40) Jokic Crashes out on Lu Dort (17:03) Thunder entering their villain era? (30:59) Western Conference hierarchy (34:57) FanDuel Adbreak (36:12) Rate That Crash Out (51:36) MVP case study: Jaylen Brown vs. Victor Wembanyama Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Updated Rookie Comps | Group Chat
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here for a rookie class check-in. They go through the top rookies and provide some updated comparisons for each of them. They wrap up with some more under-the-radar rookies they've liked watching as well. (0:00) Intro (5:20) Cooper Flagg (17:06) Kon Knueppel (27:57) Dylan Harper (37:41) FanDuel ad break (38:53) Tommy Hilfiger ad break (39:29) V.J. Edgecombe (46:14) Ace Bailey (51:50) Tre Johnson (58:46) Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen (1:02:25) Egor Demin (1:04:59) Collin Murray-Boyles (1:07:01) Cedric Coward (1:10:40) Under-the-radar rookies Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Victoria Valencia and Isaiah Blakely Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Social: Isaiah Blakely and Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Explore more at https://tommy.com Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Hilfiger USA | Official Online Site & Store Tommy Hilfiger USA offers modern, sophisticated styles for women and men including apparel, handbags, footwear, underwear, fragrance and home furnishings with free shipping available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBA Vibe Check! | Real Ones
Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones to do a vibe check for a couple of contending teams as the season gears up for the final stretch. Will the Lakers pass the vibe check coming off of two crucial losses late in games? What are the vibes in Denver and OKC, as both teams have dealt with significant injuries? Do the Cavaliers have the highest vibes following the James Harden acquisition? Plus, Real One of the Week!(0:00:00) Intro (1:33) Vibe Check: Lakers (18:53) Vibe Check: Nuggets (28:02) FanDuel ad break (29:13) Vibe Check: OKC (39:40) Vibe Check: Celtics (50:02) Vibe Check: Cavs (53:59) Vibe Check: Pistons (58:44): Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.comHosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard BeckProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The No-Power Rankings | Group Chat
The No-Power Rankings are back! Join Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann as they go through the league and rank which teams have the worst situations for the foreseeable future. They debate how much longer the Warriors can attempt to make championship runs with Steph Curry, why no one cares about Zion Williamson, whether the Bulls can finally rebuild after all the moves they made at the deadline, why the Kings are simply hopeless, and more!(0:00:00) Intro (4:33) Los Angeles Clippers (9:31) Golden State Warriors (16:02) New Orleans Pelicans (30:01) Tommy Hilfiger ad break (30:36) Chicago Bulls (40:52) Milwaukee Bucks (49:14) Sacramento Kings Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Victoria Valencia and Jessie LopezProduction Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor NevinsSocial: Jessie Lopez and Keith Fujimoto Explore more at https://tommy.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wemby Wows in the Spurs' Win Over the Pistons | Real Ones
Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones and get into the possible Finals preview from Monday night between the Spurs and Pistons. What did it mean for the Spurs to go into Detroit and essentially shut down MVP candidate Cade Cunningham? How did both the Spurs and the Pistons become title contenders after some dreadful prior seasons? Who’s the face of the league? Plus, the mailbag!(0:00:00) Intro (2:09)Spurs-Pistons reaction (18:14) How the Spurs and Pistons became contenders (31:36) Who’s the face of the league? (38:20) Mailbag! Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.comHosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard BeckProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices