Pro Basketball Talk on NBC Sports podcast

Magic Johnson is synonymous with the five-time champion Showtime Lakers — the fast-break master with the no-look pass whose infectious smile belies one of the most competitive players ever to lace them up.In his incredibly well-researched new biography on Earvin "Magic" Johnson, author Roland Lazenby dives into the complex personality of of Magic, the guy who never forgot his roots and always seemed grounded, but also continues to compete with Michael Jordan on the financial front. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports and Lazenby discuss how Magic and Larry Bird — along with David Stern — turned the NBA into a prime-time, must watch show (setting the stage for Michael Jordan). They also delve into Magic's HIV announcement and how that was received domestically and internationally, his family and the influence of his mother and father on the man Magic would be, and how Magic the businessman made his billion dollars by focusing on building for underserved black communities in Los Angeles. It's a full discussion of one of the NBA's greats with details not often discussed about the Magic man.

The Western Conference is stacked — 12 teams enter the season thinking they can make the playoffs. That will lead to some very disappointed fans (and front offices/coaches on the hot seat) come April, and veteran NBA journalist Mark Medina joins NBC Sports Kurt Helin to break it all down.The Denver Nuggets are the team to beat and believe they can start where they left off in championship form, despite the loss of Bruce Brown, because they have Nikola Jokic. Chasing them are the Phoenix Suns, a top-heavy roster but one that's a threat if they can find enough depth and defense by the time the playoffs start. The Lakers and Warriors are threats, but both have aging cores — if the Lakers' LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, can get to the playoffs healthy, they are threats.What about Memphis, without Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the season? Do we trust the Clippers? Does Minnesota figure it out this season with two bigs and the emergence of Anthony Edwards? The Thunder are set to make a leap. Do we trust Zion Williamson to stay healthy and make the Pelicans a threat?We break all that down and more.

Every NBA season comes with questions and opportunities, but this season more than most: What's going to happen with James Harden and the 76ers? Could the Cavaliers be better than the Sixers? Would that make Evan Mobley Defensive Player of the Year or maybe J.B. Bickerstaff for Coach of the Year?Those outcomes could make a savvy bettor money, so today we break down the coming NBA season with Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) of NBC Sports Bet the Edge. We talk about under/overs we like and how to really take advantage of that if you're really confident a team will comfortably beat the number (as I am with the Raptors). We also talk about how to approach the awards market, as well as the East champion or division champion markets in a way that brings real value. Drew knows his hoops so this is more than a betting conversation but also a good basketball one. 

This year's version of Team USA, even without America's biggest names (or maybe because of that), has shown more chemistry than we have seen from the men's senior national team in a long time. However, will that be enough against a very good German team in the FIBA World Cup semifinals, and against Canada or Serbia in the Finals (if the Americans advance)? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss what they have seen with Team USA, what has worked, and what players have looked good at the World Cup.Then in Corey's Jukebox, Corey explains how Erykah Badu ties into Team USA.For Kurt's Korner, the pair breaks down the Central division. How much pressure are the Milwaukee Bucks under after Giannis Antetokounmpo's offseason comments? Can the Cleveland Cavaliers push the Bucks? Kurt thinks everyone is sleeping on the Pacers. Then what should be the Bulls next move? What should be expected of this season's Pistons?

In the middle of what is usually the quiet period of the NBA calendar — when the focus should be on the basketball Hall of Fame and the WNBA — James Harden and the 76ers have kept the drama going. The 76ers ended trade talks (for now) for Harden and say they want to bring him to camp, Harden called 76ers President Daryl Morey a "liar" and said he would never play in an organization Morey is part of.Is there a good outcome for anyone in this scenario? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss that and how both sides have few good options.Then the conversation shifts to Diana Taurasi, who became the first woman to break the 10,000-point barrier in the WNBA. They discuss her place in the league, and if she should be in Paris next summer as part of Team USA at the Olympics. From there the conversation takes a sharp shift to discussing how Radiohead ties into the Australian NBL in Corey's Jukebox.Finally, the duo discusses and previews the Northwest Division. Denver is a contender with Nikola Jokić, but how much will they miss Bruce Brown and Jeff Green? Are we sleeping on the Oklahoma City Thunder? What exactly are the Minnesota Timberwolves and are they Anthony Edwards' team now? Where is Utah in its development, and where does John Collins fit in? Then there is Portland, with the Damian Lillard trade looming and a shift to the Scoot Henderson era.

DiJonai Carrington's path to the WNBA was not smooth. While she came from an athletic family — her father, Darren Carrington, played eight years in the NFL, and her mother, Vickie, ran track at Northern Arizona — she had to overcome multiple knee surgeries, including one this past offseason. It hasn't slowed her down as Carrington is one of the frontrunners to be Sixth Player of the Year, and she has helped lead the Connecticut Sun to a 19-7 record that has them as one of the title contenders this season.Carrington joined NBC Sports' Kurt Helin on this week's PBT Podcast to discuss how a Southern California native is adjusting to Connecticut, what is feuling her run this season and how making it to the WNBA Finals last year and losing on their home court has motivated the Sun this season. They also talk about overcoming all those injuries, her desire to win Sixth Person of the Year, and what musical act she'd jump on stage with and sing/rap along with.

With Summer League and free agency in the rearview mirror, this is supposed to be the slow offseason of the NBA. Not so much this summer. There was plenty for Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to dive into, including the latest on the James Harden trade saga — while there is little movement on the trade front itself, there is plenty of posturing. What everyone around the NBA is really watching is  how Joel Embiid reacts, and Corey and Kurt get into that.From there the topic shifts to the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas and how Sabrina Ionescu  stole the show and proved that the 3-point contest is the highlight of all things All-Star in basketball. Then it's time for Corey's Jukebox to combine the Smiths and the Phoenix Suns' local broadcast rights moves.Finally, in Kurt's Korner the duo discusses the NBA's in-season tournament plan — is this aimed at an overseas market more than the American one? Finally, Kurt talks about a few of the less-mentioned standouts he saw at Summer League in Las Vegas.

The NBA off-season has come fast and furious and it's time to talk about the biggest moves so far — with the Damian Lillard and James Harden trades still hanging out there. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all the biggest NBA offseason stories: The Boston Celtics trading away Marcus Smart and bringing in Kristaps Porzingis, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez coming back to Milwaukee, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks heading to Houston, plus much more. They then get into the possibilities of Damian Lillard getting traded to Miami and how that will drag out.Not all the offseason moves have been great, which gets to Corey's Jukebox and "Oof" by Inner Wave.Finally some lightning round to round out the summer: Could Chet Holmgren top Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year? Is Anthony Edwards the face of the Timberwolves now (and what does that mean for Karl-Anthony Towns)? Which Los Angeles team made better offseason moves? Then they end it on a fun note discussing their favorite summer BBQ foods. 

So much news to get to this week that it took a few minutes even to get to the NBA Draft. But they got to it.First up was the news of the Bradley Beal  trade to the Phoenix Suns. Did anyone win? Phoenix got its man but at the possible exception of roster depth, which was already its biggest weakness. Can Beal and Kevin Durant stay healthy? Can a "big three" roster work in the world of the modern CBA? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports debate all that then move on to the Ja Morant suspension and if 25 games is the right number. From there it's time to discuss Draymond Green and Kyle Kuzma turning down their player options, was that the right move? Then what about the start to the WNBA season and just how impressive is Breanna Stewart (very, very impressive)? Finally, we move on to Corey's Jukebox and tie Mat Ishbia's Suns into Gang Starr.In Kurt's Korner they run through Kurt's consensus NBA Mock Draft for the lottery. He feels pretty good about Victor Wembanyama going No. 1 to the Spurs, after that just about everything is up in the air.

Here's what we know for sure: The San Antonio Spurs will select Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. After that, it could be chaos with Charlotte at No. 2 and Portland at No. 3 open to trading their picks (as is Houston at No. 4), with names as big as Zion Williamson potentially in play. It's going to be a wild night next Thursday and Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report and podcast joined Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss the Portland Trail Blazers plans. First, that does not include a Damian Lillard trade, the plan in Portland remains to build around the greatest player in franchise history and win with him there. Building around Lillard means the Trail Blazers want to trade the No. 3 pick as a lot of teams covet Scoot Henderson, but will Charlotte trade its No. 2 pick for that reason before Portland can act? Or do the Hornets take Brandon Miller and let Scoot fall to three?Also, is New Orleans really ready to move on from Zion? Is Brandon Ingram in play at all? And what other teams would have interest in a big, bold move to jump up to a top-three pick to land Scoot or Miller? Also, the duo talks about all the expected trades in the late teens and 20s as contenders try to round out their rosters with affordable rookie contracts, a byproduct of the new CBA.

The Denver Nuggets left no doubt who was the best team in the NBA. Not only did they roll through the West, but also the Miami Heat dragged the game into the mud and played much of the Finals on their terms. It did not matter. The Nuggets beat the Heat at their own game.Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports dive into the Nugget's win and then tackle the big questions: Can they repeat and win another? Can they turn this into a dynasty?  That tied directly into Corey's jukebox, which compares early Fleetwood Mac to where the Nuggets are right now.Finally, the duo dives into trade talk — will Bradley Beal be on the move — and the upcoming NBA Draft, where the four picks after No. 1 are available for the right price. Would the Pelicans be willing to move Zion Williamson to land Scoot Henderson? It's not out of the question.

After three games of the NBA Finals, there are still so many questions.  Can the Heat stop the Jamal  Murray/Nikola Jokić pick-and-roll? Will Miami find 3-point shot again and will that be enough? Is Denver the team that does not wilt under the pressure Miami puts on them? Is there a better player on the planet than Nikola Jokić.Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports get into all of that, then talk coaching hires. Is Frank Vogel a good hire in Phoenix? speaking of coach talk, Corey's Jukebox talks Monty Williams and how a classic Aretha Franklin song sums him up.Finally, the conversation turns to Team USA and the roster headed to the Philippines for the World Cup this summer — a lot of young, athletic talent, but will any of the American NBA elites join them? Also, who is your favorite NBA mascot? 

The NBA Finals are here and it's not the matchup anybody predicted: The Denver Nuggets vs. the Miami Heat. In this latest PBT Extra podcast, Kurt Helin and Corey Robinson break down that Finals matchup and if the Heat have any chance of slowing down Nikola Jokić. First the pair talk the Heat's Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics and what this says for the future of the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era in Boston. After the Finals, in Corey's Jukebox, Corey compares the Bucks and the recent hiring of Adrian Griffin as the team's head coach to the famed Mozart opera Don Giovanni — and that's not a complement to Milwaukee.Then the duo get into the news around the NBA: What does Bob Myers leaving mean for the Warriors? Is Nick Nurse a good hire in Philadelphia? And what the heck is Eric Lewis thinking?

LeBron James and his retirement stole the headlines, but the Denver Nuggets and their play deserve to be front and center, and that's the first topic in this week's podcast. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin get into what works for Denver, then dive into if LeBron is really thinking about retirement (he's not) and what the Lakers need to do. From there there is a conversation about the Heat and if the Celtics can come back on them. Then, for Corey's Jukebox, it's time to sing the blues with Johnny Lee Hooker and talk Lakers a little more. The conversation then shifts to Carmelo Anthony and his Hall of Fame career, before talking about the coaching searches around the NBA and how Nick Nurse is a hot name. Also, would you fire Joe Mazzulla? Finally, a quick conversation about the Game of Life. 

It's a Fiesta in San Antonio. Literally. And not just because the Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery, and with it the rights to draft Victor Wembanyama, although Corey Robinson says that has added to the party along the River Walk — with some Afro-Cuban All-Stars music.In this latest episode of the PBT Extra Podcast, Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports talk about why landing in San Antonio is a win for Wembanyama as well as the Spurs, how starting his career under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich is a good thing, and how the Spurs should be patient with their build-out around a franchise cornerstone. Then the pair discuss how the lottery was a win for the Hornets and Trail Blazers, but not so much for the Pistons.From there they discuss Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals and what to take away from the Nuggets' dominant start and the Lakers' comeback. Then they get into the Eastern Conference Finals, where they agree the Heat will bring it and question how much they should trust the Celtics. All that plus discussing heroes and villains.

This has been a wild playoffs and in this episode of PBT Extra Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the second round with a discussion of the 76ers and Celtics Game 7. They touch on the epic Lakers and Warriors series, the Heat and Knicks, and spend time talking about what is next for the Suns this summer — plus why we always seem to overlook the Denver Nuggets.Speaking of the Nuggets, Corey's Jukebox compares Jokić and the Nuggets to a legendary Todd Rundgren album. From there in Kurt's Korner it's time to talk about the NBA hiring Mike Krzyzewski for... something. Then there is the All-NBA teams and finally the excitement around the NBA Draft lottery and what it could mean for some of the teams at the top.

After a summer of brash talk and high-profile distractions — including poking the bear that is LeBron James — the Memphis Grizzlies exited the playoffs with a whimper. That was quickly followed by reports they were not bringing back free agent Dillon Brooks as part of a shift to make this more of a playoff team. Is that the right move? NBC Sports' Corey Robinson doesn't think so, although Kurt Helin is less sure. Before the duo goes walking in Memphis they take a stroll through the first round of the NBA playoffs. (This was recorded hours before news broke about Mike Budenholzer being fired by the Bucks.)They talk about Jimmy Butler and the Heat against the Knicks, if Kevin Durant can bring the Suns back against Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets, and the rest of the first-round series. Tied into that is Corey's Jukebox, where Anthony Davis gets the Rolling Stones treatment.

We're approaching the end of what has been an unexpectedly great first round of the NBA playoffs. Remember when we thought the West was going to be wild with upsets but the East was predictable and follow the chalk? Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat thought differently. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports dive into all the first-round matchups including the Warriors and Kings, the Heat and Bucks, if the Grizzlies can come back on the Lakers and more. Then for Corey's Jukebox, it's time for the King of Country George Straight to sing one for Kawhi Leonard. That leads to a conversation about where the Clippers  go from here after another injury-plagued season and playoffs. Should they run it back, or is it time to move on from the Paul George/Kawhi Leonard era? Then the duo talk officiating in the playoffs, always a fraught topic this time of year. Finally, the duo talk about what animal — real or imagined — they would take on a quest.

No more talk of load management or the Groundhog Day nature of NBA regular season — the playoffs are here. The games matter, the intensity is high and coaching strategies — and team roster building — are put to the ultimate stress test. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into the play-in games — particularly the Lakers win over the Timberwolves — and then get into all the first-round matchups. Can the Lakers upset the Grizzlies? What about the Warriors knocking off the 3-seed Kings? Will there be any upsets in the East.Corey's Jukebox gets into LaMelo Ball and what's next for the star in Charlotte.

It's the busy season in the NBA with the playoffs about to start, but Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports focus on the big picture this week. They talk about a deep Hall of Fame class — Gregg Popovich, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and more — then slide into talking about the new CBA and what it might mean for players and fans of elite teams. Corey's Jukebox this week uses the classic rock music of Heart to explain what is going on with the Dallas Mavericks.After that, the duo gets into the NBA MVP and other end-of-season awards. Should it be Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo with the hardware this year? Did Jaren Jackson Jr. play enough games to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors, or should it go to Brook Lopez and all he has brought to the Bucks? Can anyone top Paolo Banchero as Rookie of the Year? They discuss it all and more.

The NBA is very good at backloading its schedule with games between its best teams, and that makes the final weeks of the regular season interesting. This week the suddenly-hot Timberwolves — who have come together with Mike Conley running the point — face the Lakers with LeBron James back from his foot issue.  Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets take on Kevin Durant and the Suns in what could be a Western Conference second-round preview. Just how sideways are things in Dallas? Can the Heat beat the Knicks — and how big a threat is New York? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin get into all that, and while talking Mavericks, Corey's Jukebox talks Mavericks and some classic rock from Deep Purple. Then the conversation turns to players being shut down for the season — Damian Lillard and Ben Simmons among them — and how that sparks trade talk. Especially for Lillard, even though he has done nothing but be loyal to Portland. Then that discussion evolves into talking... karaoke? Yes, Karaoke. 

The last time the Sacramento Kings were in the playoffs, there was a Bush in the White House and Pixar released the first "Cars" movie. They are back with a vengeance this season, going into the playoffs with a top-three seed and an elite offense, but how far can they go once in there? Maybe a long ways if things break right, and Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that. They discuss the passing of Knicks legend Willis Reed, then Corey's Jukebox compares Jayson Tatum to Eddie VanHalen's "Eruption." Finally, they focus on some possible free agents this summer maybe making their final runs with teams — will Draymond Green be back with the Warriors? What about Kyrie Irving with the Mavericks? The Knicks want Josh Hart back but are not getting a discount, and don't be surprised if the Heat and Trail Blazers try to make some big moves.

Ja Morant and his gun incident at a club have understandably drawn the headlines — and an eight-game suspension from the NBA — but the issues with the Grizzlies are larger than that. There are the injuries to Steven Adams (he could return for the postseason) and Brandon Clarke (torn Achilles), but also there is what NBC Sports' Corey Robinson describes as a "punk rock attitude" about the team that can be a source of strength but also lead to undisciplined moments. [Editor's note: This podcast was recorded just a couple of hours before the NBA handed down Morant's suspension.]Robinson and NBC Sports' Kurt Helin dive into that and what steps the Grizzlies need to take in a tight West playoff race. From there it is Corey's Jukebox segment, with some underground Los Angeles hip hop for the Clippers, and some classic Irish music for the Knicks' Julius Randle.Finally, the  duo discusses the changes at USA Basketball under Grant Hill — now players don't have to play in a World Cup to play in the Olympics? It's a concession to the modern game, but is it good for the American squad in an era where the gap between them and the world's other top teams has shrunk dramatically? The duo also talks a little March Madness — go UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.

Kevin Durant has the kind of game that will plug-and-play with any team, but how will his presence impact the rest of the Phoenix Suns? Does Devin Booker get better matchups and more open looks? Will Chris Paul be more of a passer and shoot less? Will Deandre Ayton be happy in his new role? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all of that, followed by Corey's Jukebox with some Marvin Gaye for the Chicago Bulls and a little George Frideric Handel for the Suns. Then the duo fall into a discussion about loyalty in the NBA, and why Damian Lillard is a bit of an anomaly.

There are good things with the NBA All-Star Weekend: The 3-point Contest, this year the Dunk Contest and Mac McClung, and the many NBA-themed events that come up around it such as a Basketball Without Borders event, clinics and events with the youth of Salt Lake City, the Legends Breakfast and much more. But the actual All-Star Game itself is unwatchable. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the weekend and discuss if anything can be done to fix it. From there the topic turns to the Atlanta Hawks firing Nate McMillan and their coaching search. If McMillan was a scapegoat for bigger problems, will a new coach fix them? Then they dive into the buyout market and the moves of Kevin Love to the Heat and Russell Westbrook to the Clippers. Mixed in with that is Corey's Jukebox music and NBA connections, plus a quick look ahead at the final quarter of the season.

The NBA is still reverberating from the shockwaves of the NBA trade deadline, and specifically the blockbuster that sent Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns. Does this make the Suns contenders? Favorites to come out of the West? What do they need to do to prove they belong on that level? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all of that, plus where the Nets go from here. On this week's Corey's Jukebox segment it's more Suns talk, with a little Britney Spears thrown in, and a nod to the Jazz. Then the duo discusses All-Star Saturday night and what to look for in the Skills Competition, the 3-Point Contest, and the Dunk Contest. Finally, they end with a little Super Bowl halftime talk (and avoid the end-of-the-game talk). 

It's one of the craziest weeks in the NBA — the week before the trade deadline is always insane — yet that is maybe the third biggest story in the league right now. First, we dive into LeBron James chasing history and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record — what does that say about LeBron and his legacy? And his conditioning to be doing this 20 years into his NBA career. From there, Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the biggest move in the basketball world this week — Breanna Stewart shaking up the WNBA and choosing the New York Liberty in free agency. She formed a superteam in New York, there's another one in Las Vegas, and this is an opportunity for the WNBA to grow – and get charter flights for their players. From there, it's Corey's Jukebox and time to talk some Damian Lillard. Then the duo gets into trade rumors from around the league and everyone waiting on the Raptors to open up the market.

Rui Hachimura is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, which is a win for the Lakers front office — "Look! We're doing something!" — but how much of a win was that for the Lakers? Does it change much of anything for them on the court? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss that, then talk about the Orlando Magic and the return of Jonathan Isaac to the floor. Corey's Jukebox ties together the Magic and the Phantom of the Opera, and from there the duo get into Kurt's selections for the NBA All-Star Game, both starters and reserves. Plus, who would you want to star as if you were in a movie?

Are the Raptors going to trade Fred VanVleet? What about the Spurs with Jakob Poeltl? The best player likely to be moved is John Collins from the Hawks, or Bojan Bogdanovic from the Pistons, but will they actually be traded? It's three weeks from the trade deadline in the NBA and rumors are popping up everywhere, which is part of what Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break down in the latest PBT Extra Podcast. First they get into Steve Kerr's comments that Stephen Curry is the new MJ — is Curry really in the Jordan conversation? What about impact off the court? From there it's Corey's Jukebox and some VanVleet musical talk. Then it's trade talk time... followed by what world record do you think you could break?

We've reached the midway point of the NBA season, it's time to talk award frontrunners: MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and more. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports gives out his mid-season picks with Corey Robinson of NBC adding his perspective and thoughts. First, however, the two discuss Corry's time in London, then the Kevin Durant injury and what that portends for the Nets. Then it's time for Corey's Jukebox, talking a little reggae and Atlanta Hawks. And more food in London.

December and early January NBA ball has been fun to watch — seemingly every night some player is putting up historic scoring numbers, from Donovan Mitchell's 71 to Giannis Antetokounmpo's personal best 55. But it's not just individuals, team scoring is up as well. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports talk about the phenomenon and what is behind it — and why it's fun in the middle of a long season. After that Corey's Jukebox focuses on a song for Luka Doncic. Then they discuss the new target score ending being used in the G-League and if it could come to the NBA for overtimes. 

The NBA's traditional slate of five Christmas Day games goes up against the NFL a triple-header of NFL games year, which could lead to some channel flipping in some households (or the kids streaming the NBA game on their phones while their grandfathers and uncles watch the NFL. But which of the NBA games are worth flipping away from the NFL to see? Bucks at Celtics for sure, but what about the 76ers at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that. First, the duo discusses the sale of the Phoenix Suns to Mat Ishbia and what that will mean for the franchise, then Corey's Jukebox picks a song for the Suns. After that comes a discussion of the NBA's international games — the league recently played in Mexico City and heads to Paris early next year — and the growth of the sport outside the United States, and how NBA 2K plays a big role in that. Then comes a discussion of all things Christmas. 

Cade Cunningham is out for the season with a shin injury, setting back the rebuilding process in Detroit a little, but as they focus on the lottery should they trade Bojan Bogdanovic? Or is having a veteran in the locker room who shows the young players how to be professional worth $20 million a season? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports debate that, then talk about the new-look NBA awards — the new designs are fine, but did they choose the best players to represent those awards as the NBA tries to teach its history? In Corey's Jukebox its tango music for the Trail Blazers and a Purple Haze for Anthony Davis. Then the duo discusses the Warriors' road woes (before the Stephen Curry shoulder injury and loss to the Pacers) and why the Warriors aren't focused on the road. Finally, Corey and Kurt discuss the hole-in-the-wall favorite places they would take each other for dinner if they got together around the holidays.

Anthony Davis has played at an MVP-level for weeks now, outdueling even Giannis Antetokounmpo recently in a Lakers' win. LeBron James is still a force at age 37, Russell Westbrook has accepted the role and been a game-changer as a sixth man, and the Lakers' role players are hitting their 3-pointers. It's been an impressive run, but can the Lakers keep it up and be a threat in the West? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss all that, plus whether the now-healthy Clippers can find a groove and become a threat. In Corey's Jukebox he dances a little salsa and explains how Nikola Jokic is like Beethoven. Then there is talk of the Kyle Kuzma trade rumors, and what exactly are the long-term plans in Washington. 

Minnesota had already stumbled out of the gate this season, and now they will be without Karl-Anthony Towns for around a month with a calf strain. Just how much trouble are the Timberwolves in? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports discuss that then get into Giannis Antetokounmpo's Team USA vs. Team World matchup — does Evan Fournier get the world team in trouble? Who guards whom? From there it's time for Corey's Jukebox and some New Orleans jazz for Zion Williamson. That's followed by some Mavericks' talk — Dallas has put a big load on the shoulders of Luka Doncic, and while he's playing like an MVP it's a long-term concern for the Mavericks and their fans.

Ben Simmons handled his return to Philadelphia about as well as could be hoped, but his Nets team dropped the game to an extremely shorthanded 76ers team — what does that say about the Brooklyn Nets? is Kevin Durant frustrated? Then there is Ja Morant, who missed just one game with a Grade 1 sprained ankle and returned to drop 34 on the Kings — should we be worried about the long-term health of Morant? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC discuss all that plus Corey picks punk music to describe the Grizzlies, they discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers and if they are for real. What about the Sacramento Kings? And what they will be watching on Thanksgiving Day. 

The New York Knicks sit at .500 and are the eighth seed in the East at the time of this podcast recording, yet things feel worse than that. Maybe it's the 25th ranked defense, maybe its the clunky fit of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, maybe it's coach Tom Thibodeau's system, but things don't feel right. Tommy Beer - author of the “What's on Tap” newsletter about the Knicks - joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to break down all-things Knicks. There is the good, such as the play of Jalen Brunson and the fact some of the team's young potential stars — Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley — are getting healthy. Then there are so many questions, such as the fit of Julius Randle, is Obi Toppin ready for the big stage, and are the Knicks going to make a bold move at the trade deadline? 

The Brooklyn Nets chose stability and gave interim coach Jacque Vaughn the job permanently on Wednesday, choosing not to hire suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka (and avoiding the massive backlash that would have come with that deal).  Hiring Vaughn calms things down, but will it get the Nets more wins? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break down where the Nets go from here, including should they trade Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant? From there they discuss the red-hot Milwaukee Bucks, the Lakers and if they should make a trade, and there's another edition of Corey's Jukebox where he picks songs for the Utah Jazz and Russell Westbrook.

This is not the start the Wizards envisioned, but is it who they really are? Washington raced out to a 3-1 start against a soft spot in the schedule, but since the  Wizards have stumbled going 1-5 (heading into Monday). More concerning, they are bottom 10 in the NBA in offense and defense — how does a team with Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and solid role players such as Kyle Kuzma struggle to score, especially in the halfcourt? Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington joins Kurt Helin to talk about Beal (no, they are not trading him), Porzingis, the Wizards and  where they fit in an East with the red hot Cavaliers and the potential implosion of the Nets.

When is it time to start playing Christmas music? After Thanksgiving? Is there ever a time not to play Christmas music? Sure, there is a lot of NBA news that Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into, including Steve Nash being out and Kyrie Irving Tweeting out another distraction in Brooklyn, but music draws some focus in this episode of the PBT Podcast. Coryey's Juke Box is back with a song — from an opera — for Irving, plus some classic Marvin Gaye for the Pistons. Then there is the Christmas music discussion. Also on tap is a discussion of the biggest surprises this young season, and how Zion Williamson has become a bigger threat with the addition of passing to his game.

We're a little over one week into the season and there's a lot to talk about. There are the fast starts for the Trail Blazers and Spurs — can they keep it up, or are those starts a mirage? What about the slow starts, are the Lakers in trouble? (Hint: yes.) What about the 76ers? The Heat? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that in their weekly conversation, plus they break out a new segment Corey's Juke Box where he has a song choice for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Then they look ahead at the week in the NBA and what games to watch.

The NBA season tipped off this week but it's not too late to look ahead at the big awards — MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, etc. — and not just make a prediction on who will win, but talk about how to bet them. And bet those NBA futures wisely. When thinking MVP, it's not just the player but is the team winning enough? With Rookie of the Year, it's about volume. Can another guard get the Defensive Player of the Year award? Drew Dinsick of NBC Sports Edge joins Kurt Helin and Corey Robinson of NBC Sports to talk title and award predictions, what the archetype is for players who win that award, and who everyone is picking. There's a lot of Joel Embiid love for MVP, and Jordan Poole is a Sixth Man favorite.

Draymond Green will return to the Warriors in time for the season opener, having gotten a fine and no suspension, something that the players reportedly not only were good with but pushed for. Can Golden State move past this and win another ring this year? What does it mean long-term for the Warriors? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break all of that down, plus talk about Victor Wembanyama and if he (and Scoot Henderson) will bring tanking back to the NBA. At least for a year. 

It's going to be a wild season in the Western Conference. There are sure-fire contenders at the top with the Warriors and Clippers, teams that could be contenders if things break right like the Nuggets and Suns, and finally just really good teams like the Mavericks and Grizzlies. There will be little margin for error. Mark Medina of NBA.com joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk all things Western Conference, including if the Clippers are for real, and if the Lakers could be. How much will Luka Doncic miss Jalen Brunson in Dallas? Did the Suns miss their window? Why we all should be watching the Pelicans, and much more.

The Philadelphia 76ers are title contenders — if James Harden and Joel Embiid can up their performances on the biggest of stages. Philadelphia learned its lessons from the playoff loss to Miami last season and filled out the roster with more toughness and two-way players in the form of P.J. Tucker, Danuel House and DeAnthony Melton. Add in the development of Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle and you have a deep roster of quality players — all the way down to B-Ball Paul. Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss if Doc Rivers is ready to take this team to the next level and if all the additions can come together when it matters. And can James Harden shake his playoff reputation and lead a team to the Finals?

NBA training camps just opened and teams have yet to play a preseason game, but already two contenders are dealing with problems. The Celtics have the suspension of coach Ime Udoka as a distraction, plus defensive anchor center Robert Williams will miss at least the start of the season. The Suns have the distraction of a suspended owner who is selling the team, plus Jae Crowder is out and demanding a trade, and Deandre Ayton does not seem happy. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports go through all the training camp news, including the wilder ones with the Lakers and Nets, breaking down what to take away from all that — plus how good Zion Williamson and James Harden look on the court. Then the pair discusses the potential of the NBA doing away with the one-and-done role and letting 18 year olds back in the game — is that good for the NBA?

The Golden State Warriors will enter the season hanging banner number four from this era and passing out their championship rings, but this is a team with more questions than most returning champs. Otto Porter and Gary Payton II are gone and their minutes are going to go to a young core — Jordan Poole, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman — who are going to be asked to carry a larger load. Particularly during the regular season. Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to break down this coming Warriors season, what to expect, and if the young core can get the older vets to the playoffs rested and ready to defend their title. There's also talk of what comes next in Golden State, as some hard contract choices are coming in the next few years.

Big, dramatic storylines follow the NBA into what is supposed to be the quiet, slow part of the offseason, and Cory Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of it in this podcast. It starts with a discussion of the NBA's one-year suspension and $10 million fine of Suns' owner Robert Sarver for his racist and misogynistic actions in the Suns' offices and what comes next (this was recorded before Adam Silver's press conference on the matter, and before several players spoke out on the matter). From there the pair dive into the Donovan Mitchell trade to Cleveland and what that will mean, both for the Cavaliers and the Jazz. After that, the pair discuss if anyone will care when the NBA hosts an in-season tournament, and finally they talk NBA 2K player ratings, which came out this week. 

For the first time since the 1990s and Charlie Ward, the Knicks have signed their first-round pick to a multi-year extension, keeping RJ Barrett and not putting him in a trade for Donovan Mitchell. Was that the right move for the Knicks? Now what happens with the Mitchell trade? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that, plus they discuss the WNBA playoffs and the challenges the favorites face after losing the first game of the second round. Then the pair talk about the best and worst retro jerseys this season and all-time. 

Kevin Durant has decided to return to the Brooklyn Nets, a decision that is both surprising and inevitable. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports delve into how Durant didn't have the leverage he thought he had, the Nets never lowered their sky-high asking price but the team and KD also could not create a bidding war. The pair discuss what this means for the Nets long-term, and if this really is a partnership like the Nets are trying to sell. Also, what does this mean for the top of the Eastern Conference — how big a threat is a stacked Nets team?

Kevin Durant drama keeps unfolding like a good television series, and Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of it: Durant's "the coach and GM or me" ultimatum to owner Joe Tsai, the stalled out negotiations, and how long things can drag out. Then the duo disagrees on what this says about Durant's legacy as a guy who puts the game first — did he tear down Brooklyn and ask out, or is this him wanting to compete and realizing he can't do it in Brooklyn? After that the conversation turns to the Christmas Day games, and the Bucks vs. Celtics matchup in particular. From there the discussion evolves into Dejounte Murray's call for more NBA players to do Pro-Ams and give fans who can't afford an NBA ticket the chance to see them play up close. That can be a great thing for hard-core hoops fans.