Catch and Shoot

In what is our final episode of the Catch & Shoot 2.0 podcast, our hosts Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong discuss what the NBA is doing to curtail the rising Covid cases around the league, including whether or not the league should take a pause. On a lighter note, with Christmas approaching, we thought we should give out gifts to NBA players, coaches, fans, etc., and we incur the help of some special guests -- former hosts Adam Stanco & Noah Coslov, former producer Scott Turken, current producer Daniel Kramer and Pure Hoops CCO and Executive Producer Bruce Bernstein -- to help out. We wrap things up by having our hosts and special guests talk about their favorite memories, guests and what it was like to work with each other. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can the Philadelphia 76ers move Ben Simmons and get the pieces around superstar Joel Embiid to contend for a championship? This and other questions were posed by our guys Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to Serena Winters, the host and producer of the Locked on Sixers podcast. Serena and the guys explore what is the best potential move for both Simmons and the team, plus check on whether or not, considering his health and injury history, if Embiid is the man to trust to lead Philly to their first title since 1983. The guys also give their appropriate props to Stephen Curry after surpassing Ray Allen as the all-time 3-point king. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The defending champs Milwaukee Bucks got off to a slow start this season, mainly due to injuries, but have been hot of late, winning 11 of their last 12 games. In fact, the team is undefeated when their "Big 3" -- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday -- have been on the court. The Athletic's Sr. NBA Editor Rob Peterson -- who happens to be a Wisconsin native -- explains to our Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein how winning the title last season has given the team some "house money" in being patient with any of the injuries and not rush any of the guys back. The guys discuss with Peterson how the team seems to enjoy being under the radar despite having won the title last season, plus, how the Greek Freak's game has continued to evolve. Otto and Bruce also discuss what we can glean from the 2 match-ups between the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors last week, the mess going on in Portland, the struggles of the Knicks, and the red-hot.... Rockets??? Come check it out!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There have been some lean years of late for the Chicago Bulls, but so far this season, they have played great basketball and have one of the better records in the NBA's Eastern Conference. Former Chicago Bull and NBA Champion Will Perdue, now Studio Analyst for the Bulls telecasts on NBC Sports Chicago, joined the show and tells our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong that the team's intensity on defense has been the spur behind the Bulls fast start. Perdue also explains who the "alpha dog" is on the team (is it Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan), how other new players are adjusting to head coach Billy Donovan's style (Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso) and what he thinks the ceiling is for the team this year. Also, with the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors facing off twice this week, Aaron and Otto tell us whether they'd go with either team to win it all ...or the field. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

College Basketball is back and who better than Howie Schwab to tell us what to expect from the coming season. Schwab joins our Aaron Berlin (flying solo this week) to give us a preview of the recently started season. #1 Gonzaga looked pretty formidable in their dominant win over UCLA, but Schwab isn't so sure if they're better than last year's edition. That said, he still feels they deserve to be the favorites to cut the nets down at the Final Four in New Orleans. Schwab also expresses his thoughts on Duke and the final season of Coach K, Aaron's beloved Kansas Jayhawks, other teams he sees making noise this season (like Texas, Kentucky ...and St. Bonaventure?) and how the enlarged transfer portal has affected how team rosters are now being put together. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Robert Sarver, the owner of the Phoenix Suns (and the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury), is under investigation by the NBA for alleged racist and misogynistic comments and fostering a hostile and toxic workplace. Despite all that, the team keeps winning on the court, having won 9 in a row as of Monday night. Duane Rankin, the Suns beat reporter for the Arizona Republic, tells our Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein how the team has been able to keep focus on playing great basketball while all the controversy swirls around their owner. Rankin credits the leadership of head coach Monty Williams and point guard Chris Paul. Rankin also gives us what the mood is from the fans about the team and the Sarver allegations and what he thinks will be the timeline for how long the league investigation will take. Plus, Bruce and Otto also discuss the drama going on with the Lakers and 76ers, and the surprising starts of three teams in the East -- Washington Wizards, Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Scottie Pippen was one of the greatest players in NBA History, but he had to overcome a lot in his early life just to make it to the league. Michael Arkush, who co-authored the just-released autobiography Unguarded with Pippen, joined our Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein to discuss how Scottie's relationships with his father, 11 siblings and his high school & college coaches helped shape the player and person he became. We also get into his complicated relationships with Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson and Jerry Krause. Plus, Aaron and Bruce talk the Nikola Jokic/Markieff Morris scrape (and, now, family beef) and is it good to see some physicality return to the league; Steph Curry and the rolling Warriors; the latest with the 76ers and Ben Simmons (could he be traded to the Celtics?) and the Robert Sarver situation in Phoenix.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Otto Strong & Aaron Berlin are joined by Bruce Bernstein this week as they play 3 on 3 with 3 topics. Should Celtics Nation be in panic mode? Are Zion Williamson & Ja Morant repeating the history of Greg Oden and Kevin Durant? And with gambling now such a big business for the NBA, are there issues that will emerge and place a cloud over the sport? Will the league implement measures to keep fans who bet on games fully informed? Three provocative discussions this week on Catch & Shoot 2.0. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NBA season has tipped off, and our guys Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong are back from their hiatus to give us the lowdown on what's happening around the league. They discuss if the new-look Lakers will gel on the court, can the Nets survive without Kyrie, what's going on with the 76ers and Ben Simmons, and who got "snubbed" on the NBA 75 team. We also get the guys to give their predictions on some of the league awards and who will win it all. Some of these picks might surprise you! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Training camps are opening up, and our Catch & Shoot 2.0 crew are also using their time off to get ready for the grind that's coming ...but we here at Pure Hoops Media want to make sure you're still entertained and informed. So we're sharing some of our favorite shows you may have missed. Vice President of the Phoenix Suns and Mercury, and Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale joined our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong a while back and explained how the Suns were able to make a deep run in the NBA Playoffs (eventually making it to the Finals). She also gave her thoughts on the state of the WNBA and Women's Basketball, and how soon we might see a woman head coach in the NBA. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

All of the Catch & Shoot 2.0 crew is enjoying their time off, getting recharged for the upcoming season ...but we still want to make sure you get your Pure Hoops Media fix. So we're sharing some of our favorite shows that you might have missed. Back in June 2nd of this year, news broke that Mike Krzyzewski was to retire from Duke at the end of the 2021-2022 season. On the same day, the Celtics announced Danny Ainge was stepping down as President of Basketball Operations, with head coach Brad Stevens taking the reins. One man in the middle of all this was Stadium Basketball Analyst Jeff Goodman. Jeff broke the news on Coach K while also covering the news of the Celtics moves. Jeff joined our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong and gave us his thoughts on why Krzyzewski is stepping away and what to expect of the Blue Devils when Jon Scheyer takes over, plus how long he thinks Stevens -- always a coach at heart -- remains in his front office role in Boston. SummarySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Catch & Shoot 2.0 crew is taking some time off to get ready for next season, but we'd never leave you high and dry. So we're sharing some of our favorite shows that you might have missed. Matt Doherty played for North Carolina Head Coach Dean Smith and was teammates with Michael Jordan, James Worthy, & Sam Perkins on the 1982 NCAA Championship team. He also coached the Tar Heels from 2000-2003. In this appearance from February of 2021, Matt joins Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein to talk about his new book "Rebound: From Passion to Pain." Doherty shares important leadership lessons he learned after he left UNC and how his old teammate Michael Jordan was one of his first friends to offer support.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Catch & Shoot 2.0 crew is taking some well-deserved time off as we get ready for next season. But we have a lot of fun shows from the past year that you may have missed the first time around. Jared Greenberg of Turner Sports was immersed in the Orlando Bubble last season as the NBA restarted in the midst of the COVID-19 Pandemic. In this interview from September of 2020, Jared's observations and experiences help us relive one of the most remarkable societal and sports experiences of our lifetime. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Team USA in Men's Basketball won their 4th straight gold medal at the Olympics, but it was a struggle at times. Our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong discuss the performance of Team USA, including how great Kevin Durant was in leading it to the top prize. It's also been a week since the league opened for business on the 2021-22 league year, and the guys look on how some of the top title contenders (Lakers, Nets, Heat) and other teams (Wizards, Blazers, Knicks) fared in free agency. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The NBA was officially open for business for the 2021-22 season on Monday with the beginning of free agency. The Miami Heat made a big splash by agreeing to a sign-&-trade deal with Toronto to acquire 6-time All-Star Kly Lowry. The man who broke the story, Yahoo! Sports Senior NBA Writer Vincent Goodwill, joined our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to discuss why this was good fit for Lowry (think Monopoly board game) and why Pat Riley continues to put his team in position to contend. Goodwill also chats about his hometown Pistons drafting Cade Cunningham and gives us his thoughts on the Lakers acquiring Russell Westbrook.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham is expected to be the #1 pick in the NBA Draft (whether or not it's the Pistons who make the pick) and our old friend Adam Stanco joins Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to discuss what makes him so special. Stanco tells us Cunningham's elite level of scoring and passing abilities puts him on track to at least be a multi-time all-star ...and, perhaps, the ultimate individual honor. Stanco, VP and Executive Producer at 247 Sports, gives us his views of other high-level prospects expected to go early in the draft (Jalen Green, Jalen Suggs, Evan Mobley, Jonathan Kuminga, Scottie Barnes), some sleepers (like Tennessee's Keon Johnson), and also gives us interesting insights on how the draft evaluation process works for many teams. We also discuss with him his own evaluation 8 years ago of a certain prospect from Greece.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Bucks steal (literally!!) Game 5 of the NBA Finals and look to close out their first NBA Championship since 1971. ESPN Radio's Marc Kestecher has been on the call for the entire Finals and describes for us what it's been like to return to NBA arenas during these playoffs, as well as his call of Giannis Antetokounmpo's already iconic "Block" in game 4. Marc also breaks down with our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong how the Bucks can close out the series or how Phoenix can keep it going. Plus, what a Milwaukee win would mean for the Greek Freak and head coach Mike Budenholzer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It seemed like the NBA Finals were already over when the Phoenix Suns took a 2-0 lead on the Milwaukee Bucks. However, continued inspired play by Giannis Antetokounmpo and a little-home cooking has the Bucks back in the series. Meadowlark Media and Sirius XM NBA Radio's Amin Elhassan helps break down what's taken place so far in the Finals with our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong, and what to look forward to for the rest of the series. Elhassan, who worked in the Suns front office from 2006-2012, tells us, if Phoenix had to do it all over again, would they still take Deandre Ayton with the #1 pick in the 2018 draft over Luka Doncic. The guys also discuss the struggles of Team USA in their tune-up games for the Tokyo Olympics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the new Catch & Shoot 2.0, co-hosts Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin welcome Dave Wohl, a former player, coach, and GM as well as the host of Pure Hoops Media's "Dave's Front Office" for a deep dive preview of the NBA Finals. They size up key matchups, the relative health of both teams, the "under the radar" players who will make a difference, & the coaches for both teams. And of course, the guys share their predictions for the series. After a 50 year NBA career, Dave cuts through all the clutter and provides rare insight into how this series will play out.Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

The Milwaukee Bucks have taken control of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Atlanta Hawks, and NBA Senior Editor for The Athletic Rob Peterson -- who happens to be a Wisconsin native -- explains what it means for the area to see the Bucks potentially make it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974. Peterson goes over how Khris Middleton has become the closer for this particular squad and his interchangeability with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Our hosts Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Aaron Berlin) also get Peterson to reflect on his growing up in Wisconsin as a Bucks fan, then eventually working for the team, and how cool the old Mecca court used to be. Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

The Phoenix Suns may have surprised many in the NBA world by earning the 2nd seed in the West and making the Conference Finals, but Hall of Famer and Bally Sports Arizona Color Analyst Ann Meyers Drysdale tells us how the blending of veterans like Chris Paul and Jae Crowder with rising stars Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have put the team in position to make their first NBA Finals since 1993 and win their first ever title. As a trailblazer for women in basketball in her own right, Meyers Drysdale also gives our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong her thoughts on Becky Hammon being a finalist for the Portland head coaching job and how soon we will see a woman head coach in the NBA. She also discusses the WNBA as it just celebrated its 25th anniversary and where she sees the league in 5-10 years. Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

Both the NBA Draft Combine and Lottery take place next week in Chicago, and who better to discuss the process and top prospects then having our former host (and Pac-12 Network Coordinating Producer) Adam Stanco. Stanco joins our Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Otto Strong) and tells us how the interview process at the Combine, even more than the physical "measurables", have become an important factor in how front offices have gauged prospects. Stanco also tells us what prospects he's keeping his eyes on, plus how the development and creation of the G League and Overtime League have started to change how the NBA looks at developing players and what that might mean for the "One & Done" rule.

Last Wednesday, June 2nd, was a crazy day in the basketball world. The Boston Celtics announced Danny Ainge was retiring as President of Basketball Operations, with Head Coach Brad Stevens promoted to replace him. Meanwhile, Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski will retire as the head man at Duke following the 2021-2022 season, to be replaced by top assistant Jon Scheyer. Stadium Basketball Analyst Jeff Goodman broke the story on Coach K's retirement while also covering angles on what the Celtics have done. Goodman tells our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong why Krzyzewski decided now was the time to make the announcement and how he think Scheyer will do as the Blue Devils' head man. As for the C's, Goodman goes over how the news of Stevens promotion took him by surprise; what won't be a surprise to him is seeing Stevens back on the bench somewhere in the not-too-distant future.

The Dallas Mavericks were flying along with a 2-0 lead in their First Round NBA Playoff series versus the L.A. Clippers. Then, their superstar Luka Doncic developed a neck strain during Game 3 and the team has struggled ever since. TJ Macias of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram joined our Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin and discussed what options are on the table for Dallas, including sitting Doncic for Game 5 to allow for a potential return to health for Game 6, and possibly Game 7. Macias also dishes on how the Mavs can counter the Clippers "small ball" lineup, why Kristaps Porzingis hasn't developed into the second superstar that the team had hoped and how the intelligence of former Maverick Rajon Rondo, now with the Clippers, has been a thorn in Head Coach Rick Carlisle's side. On the back end, the fellas discuss the issues of fan behavior (or the lack thereof) at some of these playoff games.

After LeBron James and the Lakers made it through the NBA's Play-In Tournament, the defending champions took one on the chin in their playoff opener against Phoenix. Jovan Buha, who covers the team for The Athletic (as well as co-hosts The Forum Club podcast) breaks down where the team struggled versus the Suns and what adjustments the team needs to make so they can advance in the playoffs (one key: Anthony Davis needs to play better). Buha also tells our hosts Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin how cap space and luxury tax issues could effect the team's decisions in the off season, especially in considering their own free agents like Alex Caruso, Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroeder. Finally, Aaron & Otto give us both their initial reaction to the opening of the playoffs as well as their thoughts on the Play-In Tournament.

The NBA Playoffs are here and Turner Sports' and NBA TV's Jared Greenberg joins our Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Aaron Berlin) to help us dissect the Play-In Tournament as well as some of the opening round match-ups. Greenberg explains why the creation of the Play-In Tourney has been a good thing for the league and its fans, and tells us who he thinks emerges to the regular Playoffs bracket. Greenberg also discusses what it has been like to work with Marv Albert, who will be retiring at the end of this year, as well as his relationships with Mike Breen and Chris Webber, who are both going into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

Of all the surprising stories during this NBA season, perhaps the most unexpected is the return to relevance of the New York Knickerbockers. MSG Network and ESPN Radio's Alan Hahn joined our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to tell us how the Knicks, after years of mediocrity (or worse), are not only playing their best basketball in years, but might also be well set up for years to come. Hahn brings some insight on how Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, while still pushing his typically tough and physical style of basketball, has adapted and mellowed a bit in relating to his players. This style has rubbed off well on his team's star Julius Randle, who has had a career year and seems likely headed to the Most Improved Player Award. Hahn also gives us a sense on the importance this turnaround has been for New York in the wake of what's going on across town with the Brooklyn Nets, while also demonstrating what the energy inside Madison Square Garden will be like once fans are allowed to return in full capacity. Otto and Aaron also show some appreciation for a couple of league superstars who surpassed big milestones last week -- Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.

Last season ended in disappointment for L.A.'s other team, the Clippers, but can this year's version live up to lofty expectations? The Athletic's Law Murray, who covers the Clippers beat, gives us an update on where the team stands as we enter the final 2 weeks of the regular season. He tells our Aaron Berlin & Otto Strong that while the team had a rough time last week (losing 3 in a row) they seem to be getting healthy just in time for the playoffs. Of course, there is concern on how head coach Ty Lue will work out all the rotations in the remaining time. That said, Lue has been a good fit for this roster, seeming to better relate to the team's superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George than his predecessor Doc Rivers.

After going to the Eastern Conference Finals last season for the 3rd time in 4 years, the Celtics have struggled to find any consistency in play this year. Amina Smith of NBC Sports Boston joins our Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Aaron Berlin this week) and tells us that while health issues have certainly been to blame for some of the poor play,, a lack of focus and energy have also come to the forefront. Smith also discusses if the team can find cohesion in time for the playoffs. Bruce & Otto further break down the East and if anyone other than Brooklyn, Philadelphia or Milwaukee (perhaps the red-hot Knicks) can make a run to the Finals.

Our guys Aaron Berlin & Otto Strong talk about the mounting injuries suffered by stars and key players around the league and how the truncated season, which followed a shortened off-season, has had an impact. Fred VanVleet expressed his frustrations in saying, by the league rushing back to play, "it's pretty much all about business this year on every level." One team having fun, though, is the New York Knicks, who have won 6 straight as of April 20th. The fellas then get into a discussion about the league MVP race with around a quarter of the season remaining. Is Nikola Jokic the clear favorite or is Joel Embiid more deserving? What impact has the injuries to all the top stars had on the race? Aaron and Otto bring up the idea of having postseason play factor into the award criteria. They also look at some other creative ways to determine the winner -- could a point system involving the voting totals for Players of the Week and Month awards be something to explore? Finally, while it appears that a "Super League" in European soccer is a bad idea, we still had fun with the concept and wondered which teams would make the cut if we had one in professional basketball here in North America.

Aaron Berlin & Otto Strong get us back in the NBA groove by chatting up what's been going on in the league while the NCAA Men's & Women's Tournament took our hoops-related attention away. The fellas look into how the short turnaround between this season and last may be causing the rash of Injuries around the league, affecting many teams' chances in their run for the title. Also, what to think of Alex Rodriguez likely becoming the new owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Athletic's Sr. Writer and Warriors beat man Anthony Slater joins the show and tells us what's it been like to cover Stephen Curry through the years and on the night he passed Wilt Chamberlain as the top scorer in Warriors history. Slater also tells us where things stand with rookie James Wiseman's knee injury and what it means for both this year and long term for Golden State. Plus, he dishes on Draymond Green, Klay Thompson's health status and if the Dubs Championship window is still open (hint: certainly not this year).

Baylor dominates the National Championship game and Chris Spatola gives us his Darwinian Theory on why that happened (it involves turtles!). The ESPN College Hoops Analyst and SiriusXM ACC Radio Host joins Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to give us his full breakdown of the Final Four, including that great game between UCLA and Gonzaga in the National Semifinal. In terms of off-court stories, Spatola gives us his opinion on Kansas giving Bill Self a "lifetime contract." Does doing so show complete disregard to the NCAA and their investigation of the program? Chris, Otto and Arron also discuss the factors that led to Roy Williams announcing his retirement and all the coaching changes going on, especially in the Big 12 where everyone is now chasing the newest national champions.

Aaron Berlin & Otto Strong give their reactions to the teams that made it to the final weekend of the NCAA Tournament and the amazing coaching jobs turned in by Mick Cronin, Scott Drew, Mark Few and Kelvin Sampson to get their teams there. But ....will anybody beat Gonzaga? Moving to the NBA, Ethan Skolnick of Five Reasons Sports Network joins the show and tells us how Pat Riley and the Miami Heat front office played the NBA trade deadline deftly in acquiring Victor Oladipo. Ethan also gives us his view on how that move improves the Heat down the stretch. The fellas also break down the deadline and post-deadline buyout moves and what it means for teams like the Magic, Nuggets, Nets & Lakers.

Nobody knows college basketball like Howie Schwab. The co-host of the "Talkin' College Hoops" podcast joins Otto Strong & Aaron Berlin to reflect on all of the upsets from the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament. Howie shares his reasons why teams like Loyola of Chicago, Oral Roberts, and Oregon State were able to take down teams that were supposedly much better. Howie, Otto, & Aaron also look ahead to the Sweet 16 matchups. Were the small crowds a factor that affected the performances of underdog teams? Why have Pac 12 teams been so successful while Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC teams have mostly been disappointments? We have answers.

ESPN's Front Office Insider Bobby Marks joins Otto Strong & Aaron Berlin to size up some of the anticipated personnel moves around the league as the trade deadline approaches. Will the Lakers or Nets acquire a big man? Is Cleveland asking too much in a trade for Andre Drummond? Will the Orlando Magic be sellers? Does Danny Ainge have a plan to use his $28.5 million trade exception? Will Trevor Ariza emerge from the NBA's version of the "Witness Protection Program?" And will the Knicks be active in the trade and buyout markets? Bobby has opinions on all these questions and more.

On this special edition of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin break down the NBA All-Star and reflect on a year after the Coronavirus pandemic. The guys also welcome producer Scott Turken to thank him as he moves on from Pure Hoops.

On this week's episode of Catch & Shoot 2.0, legendary basketball writer Jack McCallum and esteemed journalist J.A. Adande join Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein. They talk about their podcast "The Dream Team Tapes: Kobe, LeBron and The Redeem Team, its origins and takeaways. They also reflect on LeBron James' social activism and his stellar play in recent seasons.Bruce and Otto also share their Midseason NBA Awards

Brian Lewis knows the Brooklyn Nets in and out. In his visit with Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein (subbing in for Otto Strong), Brian explains in detail how James Harden and Kyrie Irving have sparked the Nets to a 7 game winning streak and put the team within half a game of the #1 spot in the Eastern Conference in spite of Kevin Durant's recent injury problems .

On this episode of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined by Tom Haberstroh of The Habershow podcast and True Hoop. Tom explains how the Utah Jazz have become the like No. 1 seed in the West, what the Lakers have to do without Anthony Davis and how Covid-19 impacts in-season free agents. The guys also chop it up about Draymond Green's recent comments about double standards for players.

Former North Carolina head coach Matt Doherty joins Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein to talk about his new book "Rebound: From Passion to Pain." Doherty shares important leadership lessons he learned after he left UNC and how his old teammate Michael Jordan was one of his first friends to offer support.

On this episode of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined by Bob Rathbun. Rathbun is the TV voice for the Atlanta Hawks and explains where Trae Young is in Year 3, what it's like working in the pandemic, the fracas with LeBron James against the Hawks and how fun it is to broadcast games with Dominique Wilkins and Vince Carter.

On this edition of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined by Coach Dave Miller. Miller was a close friend of Kobe Bryant and covered the Lakers for many years. He tells great Kobe stories and also weighs in on LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers chance at repeating as NBA champs.

On this episode of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin weigh in on the new-look Brooklyn Nets and their chances in the Eastern Conference. The guys also welcome in Alex Schiffer from The Athletic. A 'friend of the program', Schiffer is a Nets reporter who is dialed in on James Harden, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant and Steve Nash.

On this edition of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined TJ Macias, national sports reporter for McClatchy. TJ has been reporting on the Dallas Mavericks for many years and weighs in on Luka Doncic's biggest challenges to becoming an NBA MVP. The guys also weigh in on Kyrie Irving's recent antics and the challenges of keeping players healthy in the pandemic.

On this edition of Catch and Shoot 2.0, ESPN NBA reporter Nick Friedell breaks down the Golden State Warriors new-look roster. Friedell was in the Chase Center when Curry dropped a career-high 62 points. Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin also weigh in on how the young Dubs can adjust to playing with Steph and if Luka Doncic can win the MVP this season.

On this edition of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin break down the first night of the season and how well Kevin Durant played for the Brooklyn Nets. The guys also talk about the mess in Houston with James Harden and are joined by Josh Robbins of The Athletic to talk about the latest with the Orlando Magic and their outlook this season. Otto and Aaron also give their picks for NBA MVP and champion.

On this episode of Catch & Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein are joined by Nets Reporter for The Athletic Alex Schiffer. The guys weigh in on the Nets' chances at a title, how Kyrie Irving will deal with the media and play beside Kevin Durant this season, how Steve Nash is adjusting to being a new head coach and how Caris LeVert could be the 6th man of the year.

On this episode of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Fred Katz, the Washington Wizards beat writer for The Athletic, joins Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein to discuss Washington trading its best player John Wall for Russell Westbrook. Katz reveals how deep Wall's roots ran in the nation's capital. Aaron and Bruce also weigh in on what the move means for James Harden and the guys talk about Steph Curry's latest contract and what it means for his career and legacy.

Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin welcome LZ Granderson, who is an LA based journalist with the Los Angeles Times, ESPN Radio 710, and ABC News. LZ is a keen observer of the Lakers, Clippers, and all things "LA Sports." He joins Otto for a detailed conversation on the current state of the two LA based NBA teams and tells us what to expect from them this season. LZ also describes the cultures of each team and why Los Angeles will always be a Lakers town. Also, as an observer of contemporary society, LZ shares some thoughts on how the George Floyd killing in late May has led to so much upheaval in the United States and where we go from here.

On this episode of Catch and Shoot 2.0, Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin are joined by Charlotte sports director Nick Carboni of WCNC-TV. They go in-depth with Carboni about the Hornets' acquisitions of LaMelo Ball and Gordon Heyward. The guys also have some fun with the NBA offseason moves as Thanksgiving dishes.

Dan Kaufman is a member of the editorial staff of Pure Hoops Media and he joins Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin to preview the NBA Draft. They discuss the top three players, those rising and those falling, plus a discussion of the Chris Paul trade to Phoenix and some other free agency rumors.