Open Floor: SI's NBA Show

On today's episode, Michael and Chris recap Sunday's Game 7 action and wonder what's next for the Suns and Bucks after both teams were blown off the floor. Is the championship window shut for Phoenix? How much work does Milwaukee need to do to push Giannis past the finish line yet again? They then preview the two conference finals series by analyzing a few key matchups before making final predictions about which teams they think will meet in the Finals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder what's next for James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers. Where do they go from here, after Harden's scoreless second half in Game 6? Were Joel Embiid's post-game comments fair? How can the Sixers bounce back next season? Over in Dallas, will Luka Doncic bolster his playoff reputation with a magical Game 7 against the regular season's best team? Chris and Michael then open up the mailbag and answer a few quick questions about the Celtics/Bucks and Warriors/Grizzlies matchups See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan ask one big question about all four second-round playoff series. Can the Celtics sustain their small-ball success? What impact, if any, will Duncan Robinson have against the Sixers? Can the Grizzlies come back and win three straight games? What's it going to take for Phoenix's offense to get back on track? Then they open up the mailbag and have a conversation about postseason officiating.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Chris preview Saturday's Game 3's between the Grizzlies/Warriors and Celtics/Bucks. What adjustments can Steve Kerr make to slow down Ja Morant? What adjustments can Mike Budenholzer make so Giannis Antetokounmpo's life isn't so hard on offense? Then they open up the mailbag to answer a few questions about playoff officiating, Luka Doncic's extremely high usage rate, and so much more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly address the impact Joel Embiid's orbital fracture/concussion will have on Philadelphia's second-round matchup against the Miami Heat. Then they break down Sunday's Game 1 action from the Bucks-Celtics and Grizzlies-Warriors series. What adjustments does Boston need to make, if any, to tie things up? Was Draymond Green's ejection the right decision? Why don't we talk about Ja Morant's defense like we do Trae Young's? And more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss Thursday night's slate of games before previewing and making series predictions about Heat-Sixers and Mavericks-Suns. They then wonder where the Jazz are going after a disappointing first-round exit and praise a Pelicans team that's poised to take a major leap next season. Also, a quick conversation about Celtics-Bucks and a few mailbag questions See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss Wolves/Grizzlies, Ja Morant's struggles, Karl-Anthony Towns' up-and-down postseason, how a potential first-round loss will impact Kevin Durant's legacy, whether the Jazz should trade Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell (or both?), and so much more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Open Floor, Rohan fills in for Michael and is joined by Chris to discuss the fall of the house of Jazz and Karl-Anthony Towns's unethical four-shot game against the Grizzlies. Is there anything Utah can do to salvage its series against the Mavs? Can the Wolves bounce back from blowing multiple 20-point leads? Then they look ahead to Game 3 between the Celtics and Nets, including Kevin Durant's struggles and what the Brooklyn home crowd will sound like. They also touch on Nikola Jokic MVP discourse, the Warriors' new death lineup, and much more!  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to every award finalist who was revealed by the NBA over the weekend. Who else besides Bam Adebayo was snubbed? They then recap the playoff's opening weekend with deep dives into Boston's buzzer-beating win over Brooklyn, Miami's dominant performance against Atlanta, Minnesota shocking Memphis, and so much more See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Paul George being placed into Health and Safety Protocols and having to miss Friday night's Play-In game before they predict winners for Clippers/Pelicans and Hawks/Cavaliers. They then give a deep dive preview for all eight first-round playoff series, predicting winners, analyzing key individual and team matchups, and so much more.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan preview all four play-in games with a deep dive into some individual matchups, strategic advantages, and key x-factors. Should Brooklyn worry about its porous defense against a team that has Darius Garland? Will Evan Mobley defend Kevin Durant? How will the Hornets guard Trae Young's pick-and-rolls? Also: how will the Hornets attack Trae Young? Does Pelicans-Spurs matter at all? Who is the best player in Clippers-Timberwolves, and why is that the game everyone absolutely needs to see? All those questions are answered, and so much more! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down a Raptors team that might be a pseudo title contender? Then they go over their official MVP ballots and have a long debate about Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid before covering all three All-NBA teams and revealing who they'll have on each squad. Does LeBron James belong on the first team or on none at all? Where should Kevin Durant go? Will the Suns have two players or one?  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the disastrous Lakers and likelihood that they won't even make the play-in tournament before answering a few mailbag questions and breaking down the five potential first-round matchups they most hope we get to see.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder if Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent nationally televised performances can push him to a third MVP award before they open the mailbag to discuss Joel Embiid's postseason durability and New York's questionable future. What can they get for Julius Randle? Is RJ Barrett good enough to build around? They then reveal their (penciled in) official ballot decisions for Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and 6th Man of the Year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Rob Williams's torn meniscus and the Miami Heat's troubling losing streak before they open up the mail bag to discuss Quin Snyder's future in Utah (and whether he can save the Lakers next season), the greatest "teams" of all time, and Top 3 candidates for Coach of the Year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SI's own John Gonzalez and comedian Stavros Halkias take over this Friday's Open Floor to break down the minutiae of the Miami Heat's near dust up between Jimmy Butler, Erik Spoelstra, and Udonis Haslem before taking a look at why James Harden's off court fun may hurt the Sixers title chances, the unfortunate odds of a Celtics championship, and the many mistakes of his hometown Knicks See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Ben Simmons' back injury and its effect on Brooklyn's title odds, and a recent report from Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Howard Beck about Suns/Mercury owner Robert Sarver, and why the NBA's investigation has frustrated some activists. They then open up the mail bag to break down and compare the very best seasons LeBron James and Michael Jordan ever had, before expanding the conversation and ranking the 3 greatest individual seasons from the last 25 years See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Chris talk about Steph Curry's foot injury. Was it a dirty play by Marcus Smart? Can Golden State actually slide from the No. 3 seed to No. 4 or even No. 5? Are they more likely to lose in the first round than make it to the conference finals? In the spirit of March Madness, they then take a look at a few teams that are currently tanking (or should be tanking) and debate which ones they'd most like to say land a top-3 pick See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up with a discussion about how incredible NBA Sundays have been over the past few weeks. They then celebrate Gregg Popovich's record-setting win by ranking the three best coaches in NBA history and giving their favorite Pop-related stories. After answering a couple mailbag questions, they also give their All-NBA teams for the 2021-22 regular season. Did LeBron make first team? What about Steph Curry? Where did Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant land? All those questions, and more, are answered in a lively debate.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Chris offer their reaction to Thursday night's highly anticipated game between the Sixers and Nets. After Brooklyn's lopsided win, what did we learn about both teams? Is Kevin Durant once again the best player alive? They then turn their attention to a very close Rookie of the Year race, where Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, and Cade Cunningham all have a strong case to win the award. And finally, they shout out the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that's quietly one of the best in the NBA over the past six weeks.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up with a quick look at Sunday's incredible NBA action before they open up the mail bag to discuss Golden State's worrisome recent stretch (and whether Draymond Green can save them) and why Steve Nash doesn't receive as much criticism for the Nets' struggles as other coaches that have fallen short of expectations (like the Lakers' Frank Vogel). They then break down Ja Morant's incredible third season. How surprising is it, really? If they could pick one player 25 and under to build a franchise around would it be Morant? And, of the most importance, will he win a championship in Memphis? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris talk about the surprising New Orleans Pelicans, a team that's quietly been very good over the past month despite not having Zion Williamson. Can they actually make some noise in the play-in/playoffs? They then open up the mailbag and answer a question about the Spurs, a team that might have a brighter future than people think. They also answer a question about the Kings, a team that might have a worse future than people think. They also answer an interesting question about the league's current streak of internationally-born MVP winners, and wonder who will break it. They close out the episode by celebrating Shaquille O'Neal's 50th birthday with a look at his greatest games ever.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss James Harden's extremely good first two games with the Philadelphia 76ers. What worked? What didn't? How can any team stop the Sixers if Harden is for real? And why, at the same time, is it OK to be skeptical about him sustaining the early success? They then talk about recent developments with the Brooklyn Nets, where Ben Simmons is day-to-day with back soreness and Kyrie Irving won't be cleared to play at Barclays Center as soon as many expected. They close the show by opening up the mailbag to look at Devin Booker's MVP candidacy and play a fun game of "start, bench, cut" with three tough names.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag and debate which star could have his legacy most impacted by winning this year's championship? Is it Steph? Embiid? Giannis? Chris Paul? Ja Morant? They then wonder if the Lakers would've been better off never acquiring LeBron and Anthony Davis in the first place, and take a stab at projecting how many titles the city of Los Angeles will win over the next 5 years. After that, they show love to Cade Cunningham and the Pistons before answering a question about which advanced stat they'd most like to see on traditional box scores.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss how serious Chris Paul's broken thumb really is. Can the Suns still win it all? How much will it impact Deandre Ayton's push for a max contract? Then they offer a few reactions to All-Star weekend, including a few stories Michael had from his time in Cleveland. And last but not least, with roughly 25 games left in the regular season, they Power Rank an incredibly competitive Eastern Conference. Which team is most likely to win it all? Which very good team isn't even going to make the playoffs?  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder how concerned the Lakers should be about Anthony Davis's sprained foot. Can they make the playoffs or is their season done? What about long-term? Are AD's best days behind him? Then they make All-Star predictions for every event—including the three-point and slam dunk contest—and take a stab at who will win MVP of the actual game. They also open up the mailbag and answer a few questions about Kyrie Irving and how the Mavericks should build around Luka Doncic Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's show, Michael and Rohan open things up with some snap reactions to players who changed teams at the trade deadline. How does Derrick White look in Boston? Is Tyrese Haliburton even better than Indy expected? They then conduct an All-Star draft, choosing their own squads like LeBron James and Kevin Durant did last week on TNT. Who will be the first pick? Who will go last? And most importantly, who picked the better roster? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In today's very special trade deadline megapodcast, Michael and Rohan are joined by their SI colleagues and Crossover NBA Show co-hosts Howard Beck and Chris Mannix to analyze the winners and losers of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. Part 1, on the Open Floor feed, will cover the winners including the mega trade between the Nets and Sixers involving James Harden & Ben Simmons, The Pelicans and their acquisition of CJ McCollum, the Suns and Warriors for staying top the west, and more. Part 2, which covers the deadline's big losers, can be found on the Crossover's feed.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode of Open Floor, Michael welcomes a special guest to the show! Sports Illustrated senior writer John Gonzalez comes on to talk about his new podcast SI Weekly before the two discuss what may be Ben Simmons' final days with the Philadelphia 76ers. How much should Philly be willing to give up to get James Harden? Is there a better package Daryl Morey can get for his disgruntled star point guard? What situation would be best for Simmons? Sacramento? Charlotte? Portland? Michael and John then wonder who is better: Russell Westbrook or Julius Randle? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris analyze the All-Star reserves. Who was snubbed? Who was a pleasant surprise? Who should be selected as injury replacements in each conference? They then open up the mailbag to discuss the red hot Atlanta Hawks, and whether John Collins should be traded. Then they answer a question about role players and name who they think is the best role player in the NBA. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss Andrew Wiggins' All-Star status and wonder if the system needs to be changed. They then open up the mailbag and debate Nikola Jokic vs. Joel Embiid. Who is more deserving of the MVP? Who is better at basketball? Why do people just assume Embiid is having a better season, or is more valuable to his team? They then close with Rohan's theory about the 2021-22 Miami Heat, which is definitely not what Michael was expecting to hear.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris (Brother) Herring take a long hard look at the Brooklyn Nets and wonder if their superteam era might be over before it ever really got started. Will James Harden be on the Sixers next year? Should Brooklyn re-sign Kyrie Irving or trade him before the deadline? Is Kevin Durant still the best player alive? They then open up the mailbag to discuss Zach LaVine disrespect and the sliding Chicago Bulls, a fascinating fake trade between the Celtics and Nuggets, and Herring's favorite Spike Lee movie! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Here's a sneak peek at SI's newest podcast, Sports Illustrated Weekly! Featuring storytelling, interviews, and unforgettable sports moments – SI Weekly is everything you love about the iconic sports magazine, now in podcast form. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Grayson Allen's flagrant foul on Alex Caruso, and whether a one-game suspension was more or less than what Allen deserved for injuring one of Chicago's most important players. They then reveal their official All-Star picks, naming the starters, reserves, and honorable mentions for each conference! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In today's episode, Rohan and Jeremy Woo discuss the latest drama with the Lakers, if Evan Mobley should have been the No. 1 pick, and look ahead to the 2022 NBA Draft. They also briefly discuss a hypothetical 3-on-3 tournament, and guess who the next wing player to win a Finals MVP will be. Jeremy also reveals himself to be a liar, and trolls Michael throughout the episode.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Open Floor's own Chris Herring sat down with legendary filmmaker Spike Lee at NYC's Strand book store to discuss his new book 'Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks', their own highs and low's with the team, and the future of basketball in NYC Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Kevin Durant's sprained MCL, and wonder how worried the Nets should be not having their best player for the next 4-6 weeks. They then take a look at four very good albeit flawed teams (the Grizzlies, Mavericks, Sixers, and Nuggets) and debate which can actually win the title. Then they open up the mailbag and answer a couple questions about LeBron James before closing things out with a particularly bleak Rip City Royston Report Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Rohan and Chris discuss Chris's phone call with Spike Lee, who just had to get his hands on Chris's book, "Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks" which is maybe kind of sort of available now in bookstores? Then, the guys make their picks for the NBA's midseason awards, and compare at least one NBA player to one of the most famous movie serial killers of all time.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Klay Thompson's triumphant return and wonder if it makes the Warriors clear title favorites or not. They then open up the mailbag and answer a few questions about Jamal Murray, Anthony Davis, and Kawhi Leonard's eventual comebacks to the court and how they will impact the Western Conference. Should the Celtics actually consider trading Jayson Tatum instead of Jaylen Brown or would that be very dumb? Also, why are the Hawks so disappointing? Then Michael predicts All-Star starters for the 2026-27 season. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris show Dirk Nowitzki some love and wonder if any active players will ever have an emotional jersey retirement ceremony that rivaled his. Then they analyze the first All-Star game fan vote release including their surprise snubs from the top ten and some odd players that were included. We then close out the show by debating a fake Jaylen Brown trade that Michael proposed in a recent column on SI.com.  https://www.si.com/nba/2022/01/07/celtics-hawks-trade-proposal-jaylen-brown-deandre-hunter-kevin-huerter Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan stand and applaud DeMar DeRozan, far and away the best free agent signing from last summer, and wonder why so many pundits were down on the Bulls when they brought him in. Then they answer mail bag questions about Rob Pelinka's total inability to build a competent roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, debate whether the NBA needs rivalries and how a mid-season tournament could help build some, predict a starting five for the 2020's, and more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On their final episode of 2021, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and cover a whole bunch of topics. They debate All-Star starters in the Eastern and Western Conference, discuss embarrassing favorite players, overrated and underrated names that are hurt/helped by the markets they play in, fanbase pet peeves, players they believe should be receiving more playing time than they currently are, and more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly recap the NBA's surprisingly entertaining Christmas Day games before taking a brief detour away from this season's COVID-related turmoil to redraft the 2019 lottery! Given everything we know now, is Zion Williamson still the first pick? Will Rohan take Tyler Herro way too high? How angry will Knicks fans be when they hear where RJ Barrett was selected? This draft class is fascinating and full of intriguing talent. Here's what Michael and Rohan think about them now. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris preview the NBA's Christmas Day schedule by ranking all five matchups from least to most anticipated. How will health and safety protocols impact who is and isn't available? Can Lakers vs. Nets live up to the hype? How awesome will Suns vs. Warriors be? And what matchup that isn't scheduled do they most wish was? Also the triumphant return of Open Floor's Rip City Royston Report! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan take stock of the league's ongoing COVID-19 crisis and Brooklyn's controversial decision to bring back an unvaccinated Kyrie Irving. They then open up the mailbag and wonder which team from the 2020's will give their team the most joy without actually winning an NBA championship before getting into a rather contentious discussion about the Utah Jazz.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris show the Utah Jazz some love and wonder how important the Danny Ainge hire really is. They then discuss Kemba Walker's increasingly strange situation in New York, where he can't get off the bench despite the team's depleted depth chart. Then they open up the mailbag to talk about Steph Curry's controversial lead in ESPN's MVP straw poll, which players annoy them the most, what moves the Celtics need to make in order to become legitimate title contenders once again, and more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss a recent report that suggest Kyrie Irving may be close to his season debut and how his presence could help fix some problems the Nets have had this season. We also discuss some of the most interesting players who become trade eligible on December 15th, who the top "third wheel" is across the NBA (and why it's almost definitely not Andrew Wiggins), whether the Pistons are actually too bad, and so much more Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss the pandemic's ongoing impact on this NBA season. Is it really smart to have All-Star Weekend? They then pivot to the Pacers, a team that's finally prepared to tear things down despite being really good when their best players share the floor. Where does Domas Sabonis make the most sense? Golden State? Detroit? Phoenix? They then answer a few questions about the Nets and why despite having Kevin Durant and James Harden the narrative surrounding Brooklyn is that they don't have enough talent. Also, who would they rather have on their team if they were a GM: Kyrie Irving or Trae Young? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and wonder who this season's version of Jrue Holiday will be, who's the worst player who can lead a contender in scoring, how many awards Steph Curry will win this season, why Ben Simmons to the Knicks doesn't make a lot of sense, and more! Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

On today's episode, Michael and Chris look at six teams and ask if it's time to hit the panic button. The Heat will be without Bam Adebayo for the foreseeable future. The Bucks won't have Brook Lopez for quite some time. LeBron James is in health and safety protocols and momentarily unable to steer the Lakers back on track. The Nets are in first place but don't have the type of talent they anticipated before the season began. The Knicks are regressing. And the Blazers will be without Damian Lillard for at least 10 days.  Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Michael and Rohan discuss the scorching Phoenix Suns and wonder if their sixteen game winning streak heading into their huge matchup against the Warriors really makes them the leagues best team. We also hear our first Rip City Report from producer Shelby, debate which lottery level teams have the best chance of making the playoffs, the news of Michael Porter Jr's indefinite absence after undergoing back surgery, and what five man defensive team could stop a lineup of Steph, Luka, Durant, Giannis, and Jokic Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com