NBA veteran, Austin Rivers, is joined by one of his oldest friends, Pausha Haghighi, to give you that true insider’s perspective from someone who’s actively playing in the league on anything and everything happening in the National Basketball Association. They hit on the biggest headlines and stories going on in the Association and of course, sprinkle in some of the best stories and memories from Austin’s extensive career.

(00:55) Rehashing the Trae Young Trade(10:00) What Team Is a Good Fit for Ja Morant?(25:45) Is Anthony Edwards Having an Underrated Season?(36:30) Rockets Struggles; Does Houston Need a Trade?(39:15) Working in Studio vs Remote for NBC Sports Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(00:45) Dissecting the Trae Trade(16:00) Trade Value for Michael Porter Jr(20:15) What do you want to see from Trae?(23:45) Iso-Scoring vs Team Offense (32:00) Panic in OKC?(45:00) Reaves or Murray for All-Star Game?(46:00) NBA Draft Prospects(50:30) NIL & NCAA Basketball Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(2:45) Things Are Sunny in Philly(14:45) Tyrese Maxey Comp(18:45) Analyzing Jaylen Brown Superstar Credential's(26:30) The State of NCAA Basketball(39:15) Dillon Brooks Revenge Tour(49:30) The 65-Game Minimum For Awards Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

To watch the full video, click here(1:45) The Beginning(3:00) AAU Team: Houston Hoops(4:15) Playing with Cade Cunningham(7:00) Training with Dad(11:30) Playing under Doc Rivers(22:00) Debating MIP Award(24:20) Committing to Kentucky(27:30) Playing with Team USA in High School(29:15) Coach Cal Story(31:30) Playing against Anthony Edwards(32:15) Rookie Season with the 76ers(41:45) Playing with VJ Edgecombe(49:15) Joel Embiid: “You're gonna be a star”(51:00) Maxey's Player Comp Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

*This episode was recorded prior to Nikola Jokic's injury*(04:25) Why the Spurs Match up Well Against Thunder(15:40) Giannis & The Unwritten Rules Drama(22:20) Kawhi Turns Back the Clock(25:10) Nikola Jokic Top 10 All-Time Case(33:10) NBA's Roster Construction Problem(41:30) Draft Strategy: Don't Chase the Next Unicorn(50:20) First Round of All-Star Voting Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(00:30) Optimism for the Charlotte Hornets (07:00) LeBron & Christmas (13:15) Kevin Durant & Bruce Brown's Altercation(15:30) Opportunity vs Player Development(24:30) Recapping T-Wolves vs Thunder(27:30) Tanking & a Star-Studded Draft Class(32:00) Pausha's Apology to AJ Dybantsa(37:30) Christmas Day Games(42:30) Rapid Fire: Christmas Edition Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(01:15) Takeaways from the NBA Cup (12:30) Are the Knicks the Favorites in the East? (23:20) Knicks vs West Contenders(25:30) Fringe All-Stars(30:15) Which Team Would be Hardest To Resurrect as a GM?(32:00) Latest Chris Paul Report, Importance of Culture Building(37:25) Thoughts on a CP3 Destination(44:00) Austin's Experience as No. 1 Prospect Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(00:30) Covering Cade & the Pistons with NBC(02:45) All-NBA First Team Guards(03:30) Donovan Mitchell Appreciation(05:30) Spurs defeat OKC (16:30) Giannis to Spurs Makes No Sense(18:45) Austin's Plea For Doc Rivers(23:30) Pressure For Mitch Johnson(33:15) Wemby's ‘Ethical Basketball' Comment(36:15) Jalen Brunson & Josh Hart(39:45) NBC Cup Final Preview: Spurs vs Knicks(40:45) Dillon Brooks vs LeBron(45:50) Trade Season is Here(56:45) Is it Now or Never for Cavs? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(00:15) NBA Cup Preview(01:45) OKC Thunder Dominance(06:30) Clippers Unbelievable(08:00) Evan Mobley, Cavs Not Living Up to Expectations(12:15) Dylan Harper Needs to Start(17:15) Reed Shepperd's Breakout(25:45) AJ Dybantsa is NBA Ready(34:30) What Is the Pelicans Next Move?(38:15) What is Darryn Peterson's Game (39:45) Mikel Brown Is a Franchise Player(40:30) Rehashing the If Shai Was American take(44:45) Footwork or Travel: Reacting to Grayson Allen's Move(51:00) Favorite & Least Favorite League Pass Teams Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(00:45) Recapping Chris Paul, Clippers Fallout(10:30) Orlando Magic Injuries (16:00) The Desmond Bane Play (20:45) OKC's Roster Construction (25:30) Shai Should Be The Face of League (30:45) Celtics Perform w/o Tatum (34:45) LeBron's Streak Ending (38:15) Where Does Harden Rank Among SGs All Time? (43:00) Jalen Johnson's Rise to Stardom (49:30) Pat Spencer is that “Guy” (50:30) Addressing Zach Lavine's Comments (55:30) Is "Linsanity" The Best 10-Day Contract? (57:30) Bones-Hyland + The Power of Hard Work Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(01:21) Clippers cut CP3(25:25) Is there a future in Milwaukee for Giannis?(34:29) How far can the Celtics go without Jayson Taytum?(37:19) Zion Williamson needs to find a way to stay healthy and on the court(44:45) Weird times in the NBA(45:23) Cade Cunningham the Smooth Operator (49:00) Who's the starting PG for Team USA in 2028?(53:21) OKC Dominance(56:06) Will Cam Boozer translate well to the NBA? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(0:45) Working for NBA on NBC in Orlando(4:30) Jokic's Case as the G.O.A.T.(8:15) Revisiting The Bubble(13:15) Knowing when to kill your Ego or Believe In It(23:30) The Balancing Act for Valuing Potential over Skill(29:10) Nickeil Alexander-Walker Stepping Up(39:50) The Heart & Hustle Pistons(44:35) Do The Lakers Need to Make A Move(46:30) Are The Cavs STILL Favorites? (47:50) Evolution of the Game(49:50) Austin vs Doc Rivers(57:22) Austin's Relationship w/ Billy Donovan(59:55) A Thanksgiving Leftovers Hot Take Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(01:03) Favorite Thanksgiving Dish(07:11) Dillon Brooks Seg(11:38) Ja Morant/Klay Thompson Beef(23:13) CP3 Fairwell Tour(34:32) Rondo Helping in Milwaukee (36:27) Can OKC break the Warriors regular season wins record? (39:05) Pistons Legit Contenders in the East(42:37) LeBron is back(44:00) Magic playing well without Paolo(50:38) Benefits to having Vets around Young players(55:30) Kon Knueppel Impressing(59:44) Can LaMelo take a step and lift the Hornets? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(06:10) Revisiting the MPJ x Cam Johnson Trade(19:24) Do the Hawks Need Trae Young?(22:55) Can the NBA Prevent Injuries?(34:08) Going Viral on the Bench w/ Doc Rivers(42:53) Steph Curry vs LeBron's Influence on Basketball(49:34) Nuggets vs Rockets: Who Takes 2nd Seed?(52:26) Can Anyone Beat the Thunder?(53:26) Is Derek Queen the Guy in New Orleans?(1:00:24) World vs USA All Star Game Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(2:58) A Young Antetokounmpo(7:30) Joining the Greek Military(10:30) Greek Pro Basketball with Filathlitikos(19:30) 2013 NBA Draft(22:00) Memories from Rookie Year(26:00) The Journey to Stardom(50:00) The Ability to Lock-In(54:00) Importance of High Character Teammates(1:01:30) What Thanasis Brings to the Team(1:08:00) Aging in the NBA(1:17:00) Giannis 'The Playmaker'(1:28:00) What a Gold medal would mean for Greece(1:31:45) Xs & Os(1:35:00) Giannis' Player Comps(1:40:00) Defining Your Legacy Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(03:44) Pacers & Thunder may Strike Gold in Next Draft(08:04) Steph's Longevity(15:06) What do you lose first when aging in the NBA?(18:28) MVP Discussion(20:36) Austin's Starting 5 vs The Monstars(26:06) Cade's Nike Signature Shoe Deal(28:36) Curry's sneaker free agency (36:41) Which NBA player has the best sneaker line?(42:49) What team does Anthony Davis fit with?(44:02) What team makes sense for Lauri Markkanen? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(1:47) Cade Cunningham Amazing Performance(6:50) Cade Or Anthony Edwards?(16:00) Nico Harrison Fired(26:02) Why did Harrison Make The Luka Deal?(38:28) Another Setback for the LA Clippers(43:18) 2026 NBA Draft Class could be Special Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(03:00) Michael Porter Jr Leads Nets to 1st Win(04:00) Russ Proves Doubters Wrong with Triple-Double + Win(06:50) NBA Roster Decisions: Veterans vs Potential(21:00) Most Improved Player Revamp(23:20) Do you believe in the Bulls? (26:55) Luka's Confidence is a Difference Maker(34:50) What are the T'Wolves Missing?(42:03) Austin's Best Teammates (44:30) NBA Expansion Teams (51:15) Can Cavs Get to Finals with Donovan Mitchell & Evan Mobley (58:10) Familiar Faces in Detroit(1:01:50) ‘On the Bench' Commentary Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(0:52) Best version of Luca Doncic yet(7:38) The Undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder(11:57) Denver has the best chance to beat OKC(20:02) Benefits of basketball in small markets(23:17) Are the Rockets real contenders? (24:48) Warriors & Spurs round out final West Contenders(32:16) Can any team from the East beat OKC?(38:16) Disgruntled Ja Morant. Where to go next?(59:18) New York state of mind Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(00:20) The NBA's Scoring Surge(01:36) Austin Rivers "On the Bench" (06:57) Is 25 points The New 20? (14:17) Can The 76ers Compete in The East?(26:23) Tyrese Maxey is Underrated(31:06) Is Cam Boozer Ready For the NBA? (37:40) Golf, Getting Angry At Things You Aren't Good At(42:36) The Milwaukee Bucks Are Dangerous(48:48) Early MVP Candidates/Predictions(54:58) Halloween: In or Out? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(0:22) Previewing "On the Bench" With Austin Rivers(4:41) Previewing Pistons-Cavs(9:18) Austin Reaves 50pt Game + Improvement (14:21) Is the Lakers Big-3 Really a Big-3? (25:55) Dylan Harper's Early Flashes(31:45) Wembanyama Is Still an Alien(34:17) The Case Against Cooper Flagg at PG(42:30) LaMelo Ball and the Hornets (47:30) Is Cam Thomas Underappreciated(58:06) Austin Rivers Goes Kayaking(1:03:40) Life Lessons w/Austin, Basketball, and Life. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(5:25) Thoughts on NBA on NBC “Opening Night”(7:02) First Impressions of the Houston Rockets(26:05) Recapping Shai's Impressive Performance vs Rockets(32:15) Are all the best players in the world in the NBA?(39:08) VJ Edgecombe's Historic NBA Debut(49:51) Victor Wembanyama Puts on a Show(58:06) Whose the next best American hope to win MVP? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(1:55) State of the Milwaukee Bucks(16:14) Sacramento Kings sign Russell Westbrook(25:58) LeBron's Character Allegations(29:51) Houston Rockets' Tall Starting Lineup(39:36) Austin Rivers' Hair Concerns(42:59) Can you wear Jerseys?(51:32) VJ Edgecombe Jr. or Stephon Castle(53:24) Year 3 Expectations for Victor Wembanyama(57:31) MVPs or Championships Discussion Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(0:05) First Day with the full NBA on NBC and Peacock crew(15:50) Will the NBA investigation on Kawhi cloud the LA Clippers?(21:15) A new, uncertain chapter for Giannis & the Bucks(25:45) Houston Rockets ‘Big Ball' Lineup(40:30) Can Trae Young elevate Hawks into contenders?(52:45) Thunder, Nuggets will be Top Teams in the West(1:01:30) NBA's Next Generation Stars(1:08:40) Expectations for Cooper Flagg(1:22:15) LeBron's Second Decision Hennessy ad Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to give their winners of the offseason, from Michael Beasley to Kevin Durant. They also discuss John Wall's basketball legacy. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducer: Kyle WilliamsAdditional Production Support: Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to give their winners of the offseason, from Michael Beasley to Kevin Durant. They also discuss John Wall's basketball legacy. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha HaghighiProducer: Kyle WilliamsAdditional Production Support: Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on what makes for a great scorer, AAU culture, and the reaction to their mount rushmore list. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on what makes for a great scorer, AAU culture, and the reaction to their mount rushmore list. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to summer news they missed. The two discuss Chris Paul signing with the Clippers, the restricted free agent market, and Luka Doncic's revamped physique. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to summer news they missed. The two discuss Chris Paul signing with the Clippers, the restricted free agent market, and Luka Doncic's revamped physique. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on Cooper Flagg's summer league debut, the state of the Western Conference, Devin Booker's extension, and the rise in scoring in the NBA. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to give their thoughts on Cooper Flagg's summer league debut, the state of the Western Conference, Devin Booker's extension, and the rise in scoring in the NBA. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to react to day one of free agency. The two discuss the Michael Porter Jr. trade, how they would rank the teams in the West, and why Atlanta can make a surprising run in the Eastern Conference. Note: This pod was recorded before Damian Lillard was waived and Myles Turner signed with the Bucks. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to day one of free agency. The two discuss the Michael Porter Jr. trade, how they would rank the teams in the West, and why Atlanta can make a surprising run in the Eastern Conference. Note: This pod was recorded before Damian Lillard was waived and Myles Turner signed with the Bucks. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to react to the first-round selections of the 2025 NBA draft and the latest trades and discuss how they affect the arms race in the Eastern Conference. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to react to the first-round selections of the 2025 NBA draft and the latest trades and discuss how they affect the arms race in the Eastern Conference. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 103-91 championship-clinching win over the Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the seismic Kevin Durant trade to Houston. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 103-91 championship-clinching win over the Pacers in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the seismic Kevin Durant trade to Houston. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 108-91 Game 6 win over the Thunder to force a Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals and discuss the Lakers' new ownership group. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Pacers' 108-91 Game 6 win over the Thunder to force a Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals and discuss the Lakers' new ownership group. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Stefan Anderson Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 120-109 win over the Pacers in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the shocking Desmond Bane trade to Orlando. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Austin and Pausha return to react to the Thunder's 120-109 win over the Pacers in Game 5 of the 2025 NBA Finals and break down the shocking Desmond Bane trade to Orlando. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Kyle Williams Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.