Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss a wide range of topics pertaining to the NBA.
The Read and React podcast is a refreshing take on NBA discussions that goes beyond the surface level analysis typically found in league-wide discussions. While many podcasts tend to rely on tired national media narratives, Read and React dives into the NBA in its own unique way. While I usually stick to local Hawks discussion, this podcast has expanded my horizons and provided me with a more thought-provoking analysis of teams and players across the league.
One of the best aspects of The Read and React podcast is the chemistry between hosts Ben and Jon. Both individuals possess a deep knowledge of basketball and their expertise shines through in their discussions. Ben's professionalism as a show host is evident, and I can easily see him hosting a show on a bigger network one day. Meanwhile, Jon provides a fresh perspective with his hot takes, making for an engaging dialogue between the two hosts. The podcast does an excellent job of breaking down analytics and Xs and Os in a way that even casual fans like myself can understand, making it a great educational tool for those wanting to learn more about the NBA.
However, one aspect that detracts from the overall quality of The Read and React podcast is Jon's bias towards the 76ers. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, Jon's bias sometimes dilutes what would otherwise be an objective show. It can be frustrating when conversations shift towards the 76ers as his biases become apparent, taking away from an otherwise excellent listening experience.
In conclusion, The Read and React podcast stands out from other NBA discussions by offering insightful analysis beyond national media narratives. With hosts who possess strong basketball knowledge and chemistry, this show provides in-depth coverage of teams across the league while also breaking down complex concepts into easily digestible information. Although there are moments where biases seep into the conversation, overall it remains an enjoyable listen for any NBA fan or those looking to expand their understanding of the game.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss and debate the top 30 players in the NBA going into the 2024-25 season.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the blockbuster trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns, Donte DiVincenzo, and Julius Randle, and where it leaves the Wolves and Knicks heading into the 2025 NBA season. Then they discuss the recent extensions signed by Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, and Jamal Murray, and the departures of two seminal media figures at ESPN.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the United States' gold medal win in the Paris Olympics, including LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant's ageless performances, Jayson Tatum's lack of playing time, and the state of international basketball. Plus: What the U.S. men's basketball team could look like in 2028.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber traverse the post-free agency landscape, breaking down the biggest signings, trades, and dominoes yet to fall in the league, including: how Paul George reshapes the 76ers; whether the Nuggets are still in the top tier of the Western Conference; the Pelicans trading for Dejounte Murray; Dallas' upgrades on the wing; and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber recap the two-day event that was the 2024 NBA Draft, including which players might fit the best on their new teams, how some of the more experienced rookies might help their new teams next season, Bronny James' fit on the Lakers, and more. Then, they dive into the Knicks' busy week that included trading for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber are joined by Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks and Dime UPROXX to discuss the most interesting prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft, including the two Frenchmen at the top of the board, first-round sleepers who could make an impact, the Hawks' options with the first pick, who the Spurs should target, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the Boston Celtics' run to their 18th NBA title, including Jaylen Brown winning Finals MVP, how last offseason solidified the team, their incredible balance, Joe Mizzula's coaching, and much more. Then they dive into the Thunder trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso and a pair of coaching hires.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the Celtics' wins over the Mavericks in the first two games of the NBA Finals, including how Boston has defended Dallas' pick-and-roll attack, Luka Doncic's brilliance, who the "best player" on the Celtics is, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the tactical and strategic battles that could swing the NBA Finals, including how the Celtics will defend Luka Doncic in the pick-and-roll, why Kristaps Porzingis is so important in the series, and much more. Plus: a discussion on how modern championship teams are built, the stylistic differences between the Celtics and Mavericks, and a note on the late Bill Walton.
As the NBA playoffs start to heat up, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss how the Wolves dethroned the Nuggets and where Denver goes from here, the parity in the NBA over the last six seasons, the strategic and tactical areas that will determine the Conference Finals series, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the Denver Nuggets' dominant bounceback after falling behind to the Timberwolves, the Thunder's gritty Game 4 win over the Mavericks, and where each second-round series could be headed. Then they touch on the Hawks jumping to the top of the lottery, Trae Young's future in Atlanta, and whether the top pick might pull the Hawks out of mediocrity.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down and predict every first-round and play-in matchup of the NBA postseason, including how the 76ers might look with a healthy Joel Embiid in the lineup, the high stakes of Mavs-Clippers III, how Giannis' injury impacts the Bucks' chances against the Pacers, whether the Warriors will scrap their way to a playoff spot, and much, much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber pick and discuss their unofficial awards ballots for the 2023-24 NBA season, including a disagreement on who should win MVP, LeBron James' All-NBA candidacy, whether Victor Wembanyama is already the Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner, which young players improved the most this season, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the jam-packed races for the 3-8 seeds in the Eastern Conference, which play-in teams pose the greatest threat to the top seeds, the Magic's sudden rise, potential fit issues in Cleveland, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber debate whether the Oklahoma City Thunder's inexperience will matter in the postseason and whether the Nuggets have taken a step back or just taken their foot off the gas. Then they check in on the MVP race and look at the Celtics' potential weaknesses in the playoffs. Plus: the rock-paper-scissors game between the top teams in the West, the biggest threats to those teams, Cleveland's cooling off since the All Star break, and the next wave of NBA superstars.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the most impactful trades of a relatively quiet NBA trade deadline. Then they discuss Joel Embiid's meniscus injury, how much the 65-game rule is to blame, and how it affects the MVP race.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the impact of the OG Anunoby-Immanuel Quickley trade on the Knicks, Raptors, and NBA as a whole. Then they break down the Thunder's rise to the top of the Western Conference, the new crop of stars in the NBA, how today's league fits into the arc of NBA history, and much more.
Just over a month into the NBA season, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the NBA In-Season Tournament, how it has changed the regular season, and who could win it. Then they assess how Boston's 3-point heavy offense might translate in the playoffs and the new wave of lead guards taking over the NBA.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the Clippers' struggles since trading for James Harden, Tyrese Maxey's early breakout and the Sixers' improved offensive continuity, why the Bucks have yet to find a rhythm on either end of the floor, and other key storylines from the three weeks of the NBA season.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber react to the Sixers trading James Harden to the Clippers, discuss how the trade affects both teams on the court, and assess potential next steps for the 76ers.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber prepare for the new NBA season by bouncing around to the most interesting, exciting, and confusing teams in the league. Can anyone crack the Milwaukee/Boston tier in the East? Do the Hawks have a path toward short-term relevance? How will Chris Paul fit with the Warriors? Can the Kings replicate last season's success? They also discuss their predictions and expectations for the year, including whether anyone will knock off the Nuggets in the West, picks for MVP and other awards, the rise of a new generation of stars, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss a busy week in NBA media, including Calvin Booth's inflammatory comments to the Ringer, profiles on Shams Charania and Adrian Wojnarowski, Terance Mann's reported trade (un)availability, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the Celtics' huge trade for Jrue Holiday, including where it leaves other Holiday suitors, Portland's handling of the Damian Lillard situation, and how much better Boston will really be next season. Then they react to Devin Vassell's 5-year, $146 million extension with the Spurs.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down every angle of the blockbuster trade of Damian Lillard to the Milwaukee Bucks, including how Lillard will elevate Milwaukee's offense, where Jrue Holiday could be traded next, what the Suns might see in Jusuf Nurkic, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the top 30(ish) players in the NBA, including some rising young stars in the league, LeBron's gentle decline, and whether anyone else is on Nikola Jokic's level right now. Plus: What these rankings can tell us about the state of the modern NBA.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss James' Harden's recent comments to a gathering of children about his relationship with Daryl Morey and how that connects with Damian Lillard's situation in Portland. Then they react to Jaylen Brown's historic new contract.
On the 250th episode of Read and React, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss Damian Lillard's reported trade request and what fallout could come from it, the best signings of the NBA offseason, the Rockets' perplexing free agency moves, and more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss how Bradley Beal, Chris Paul, Kristaps Porzingis, and Jordan Poole might fit into their new teams before breaking down the picks they liked the most and least from Thursday's NBA Draft.
Brad Rowland joins Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber to discuss Victor Wembanyama's historic upside, the candidates for the second overall pick, potential sleepers in the late first round, and much more on the 2023 NBA Draft.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the Denver Nuggets winning their first championship, the magic of Denver's team construction, the challenges the Nuggets could face keeping this team together, and much more. Then, they bounce around this week's slate of NBA news items.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the Heat's adjustments in Game 2, Jimmy Butler's quiet series, the brilliance of Denver's supporting cast, potential ramifications of the NBA lottery, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber are back to discuss a riveting NBA Finals matchup between the Miami Heat and Denver Nuggets, how the current era of basketball affects the way we think about players historically, the Succession finale, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber go in depth on the Western Conference Finals, including how Anthony Davis' defensive presence could disrupt Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets' offense, whether an older LeBron can exploit Denver's defense at the rim, who could benefit more from a long series, and much more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss an action-packed week in the NBA, including Sunday's Game 7 between the Celtics and Sixers, more coaching changes, what's next for recently eliminated playoff teams, and much more.
On this episode: Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the Grizzlies' decision finally hold Dillon Brooks accountable, whether the Bucks made the right call letting Mike Budenholzer go, expectations for the rest of Sixers-Celtics, and what the Nuggets-Suns series says about the state of modern offense.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the Bucks' collapse against the Heat, expectations for the ongoing first-round series in the West, and the factors that could determine each second-round series.
The NBA playoffs are rolling! Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the last few days of games, including Brook Lopez's importance on both ends, Karl-Anthony Towns' struggles against the Nuggets, Dillon Brooks' comments about LeBron, and more.
Following an electric first weekend of the NBA playoffs, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the implications of Draymond Green's suspension, how Joel Embiid has dominated the Nets, Russell Westbrook's impact as a hustle player, and much more.
Happy NBA Playoffs! Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber dive into the 1-8 and 2-7 matchups, including how the Lakers match up with the younger Grizzlies, whether the Wolves' defense can slow down the Nuggets, and more. Plus: some thoughts on the last episode of Succession and where the series might go from here.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber wrap up their 2023 (fake) awards ballots with Defensive Player of the Year, All-Defensive & All-Rookie teams, and more.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber bounce around Sunday afternoon's wild slate of games, then break down what to expect from Sixers-Nets, Cavs-Knicks, Suns-Clippers, and Warriors-Kings. Topics include whether anyone in the East can touch the top four seeds, which matchups and advantages could swing Clippers-Suns, and how Golden State and Sacramento could test each other's defenses. Then they break down the four play-in games.
It's time to hand out some (fake) awards! In part one of this episode, Ben Ladner an Jon Sauber discuss this year's MVP race and All-NBA teams, including: Does anyone else belong in the MVP conversation with Nikola Jokic & Joel Embiid?Who will fill the bottom of the ballot after LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant missed so much time this season?Which guards deserve the six All-NBA spots?And more!
The Sacramento Kings are going to the playoffs! Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss Sacramento's rise in the West, Mike Brown's Coach of the Year case, what the Beam Team's success tells us about modern NBA offense, an much more.
With just a few days left in the NBA regular season, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber are back to evaluate the constantly-shifting terrain of the Western Conference, including the Grizzlies righting the ship during Ja Morant's absence, the Lakers showing signs of life, and potential playoff matchups. Then they discuss the Discourse around this year's MVP race and the false choice between two of the best basketball players of all time.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber continue last episode's discussion on the teams each NBA contender shouldn't want to see with the Celtics, Bucks, and Sixers' toughest playoff matchups. Then they dive into the state of the East's middle class and the Clippers' recent struggles.
As the NBA season enters the home stretch, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down every angle of LeBron James' foot injury -- where it leaves the Lakers, how it changes the playoff race, and what reveals about the Lakers' mistakes over the last two years. Then they discuss the Hawks hiring Quin Snyder and the teams each playoff team in the West shouldn't want to face in the playoffs.
The All-Star is break finally here! Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber take stock of the new-look Mavericks and Nets, the surging Bucks' championship hopes, and whether the Celtics are the clear title favorites. Then they discuss some of their favorite under-the-radar players in the NBA.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss a wild trade deadline, including: how the Kevin Durant trade changes the Western Conference landscape, whether the Lakers' improvements around LeBron and Anthony Davis put them in title contention, the most surprising non-moves of the deadline, and much more. Then they reflect on LeBron passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber react to Sunday's blockbuster trade that sent Kyrie Irving to the Mavericks, and asses how the move impacts Brooklyn and Dallas this season and beyond.
As the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaches, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the biggest questions and storylines of the trade landscape, including how the Raptors could set the direction of the market, which teams OG Anunoby would make the most sense on, whether the Jazz and Bulls will buy or sell, what moves could be available for the Grizzlies and Nuggets, and much more.
With just a few days left until the All Star Break, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber share their 2023 All Star picks for the Eastern and Western Conferences.
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