Tampering: An NBA Podcast

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Aggregate it! Go behind the scenes with NBA insiders Sam Amick and Joe Vardon of The Athletic. Peek behind the curtains and step into the World of GMs, Player Agents and the figures that make the game on the court far more complex than seen on TV.

The Athletic

  • Jul 15, 2020 LATEST EPISODE
  • monthly NEW EPISODES
  • 49m AVG DURATION
  • 40 EPISODES


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Latest episodes from Tampering: An NBA Podcast

Message for Tampering Listeners: Subscribe to The Athletic NBA Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2020 1:22


The Tampering podcast feed is no longer posting the show. To get all the latest and greatest podcast content from Sam Amick, subscribe to The Athletic NBA Show at the links below.   https://open.spotify.com/show/7hVMyKCBLJ6uqIKcvKuz88?si=yX7OTs30SYmTIPJL7SgibQ   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-athletic-nba-show/id1358187061 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jeff Zillgitt on the NBA Schedule and the Re-Start of the NBA

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2020 40:21


Sam Amick is joined by Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today to discuss the Jeff's fight with cancer, news around the league, and the return of the NBA in Walt Disney World. 

The Viability of the NBA Bubble with Dr. Angela Rasmussen, Virologist at Columbia University

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2020 47:07


On today's show Sam Amick is joined by Dr. Angela Rasmussen, Virologist at Columbia University. They discuss the NBA's plan for return to play, the viability of the bubble, is this the best the NBA can do?, is the testing sufficient in the bubble?, and more on COVID-19 from an expert in the field.

Ethan Strauss on the NBA's Return, The Victory Machine, and Covering the NBA

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2020 62:25


Sam Amick is joined by Ethan Strauss to discuss the NBA players meeting, the NBA's return, The Victory Machine, Kevin Durant, and more.

Keith Smith: Inside the NBA's Disney Plan

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2020 42:45


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon discuss the NBA in Disney World plan with Keith Smith. Keith worked for Disney for 20 years and has insight you can get nowhere else. Listen as they discuss where the NBA players will stay, what that will look like, and how the play will be executed. 

Marcus Thompson On The Condition Of Our Country

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2020 48:42


Marcus Thompson joins Sam Amick and Joe Vardon to discuss the condition of the United States, racism, how the NBA and its players are speaking up, and some personal stories from Sam, Joe and Marcus. 

Inside the NBA and Disney World Partnership

Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2020 40:24


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon discuss the NBA's potential return in Disney World. What went into that decision? What are the hurdles? Why not Vegas? and more

BJ Armstrong: Playing with Michael Jordan And The Modern Game

Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2020 43:39


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon talk with NBA Champion BJ Armstrong about playing with Michael Jordan, the Last Dance, the NBA starting up again, modern basketball, and more.

David Aldridge: Covering Michael Jordan and The Last Dance

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2020 48:00


Sam Amick talks with David Aldridge about covering Michael Jordan, The Last Dance, and what made MJ special. 

Rich Kleiman: PG County, KD's mindset, And Draymond's Comments

Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2020 55:58


On today's episode Sam Amick and Joe Vardon have a conversation with Rich Kleiman of Thirty Five Ventures. They discuss a new documentary Basketball Country:In the Water. The documentary will air on Showtime on May 15th. They also discuss Kevin Durant's mindset on social media, Draymond Green's comments, and more. 

Metta World Peace: Broken Ribs and Reconciliation

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2020 61:31


Metta World Peace joins Sam Amick and Joe Vardon to discuss Jerry Krause drafting him to the Bulls, breaking Michael Jordan's ribs, fighting Tony Kucuc, his journey with mental health, Kobe's passing, and more.  

Luke Walton On Phil Jackson, Paintball With Shaq, And Buddy Hield

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 27, 2020 63:04


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon chat with Sacramento Kings coach Luke Walton about his relationship with Phil Jackson, how he is surviving quarantine, paintball with Shaq and Kobe, Buddy Hield's status with the Kings and much more. 

Executive Producer Andy Thompson: Behind the Scenes of "The Last Dance"

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2020 61:07


Andy Thompson, executive producer of "The Last Dance", brother of Mychal Thompson, uncle to Klay Thompson joins the show to discuss behind the scenes of the 98 Bulls documentary, his relationship with Michael Jordan, and more. 

The Night Everything Changed, And How The NBA Moves Forward

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2020 49:33


Sam Amick is joined by Shams Charania and Tony Jones to discuss the NBA shutting down on March 11 due to the coronavirus, behind the scenes with the Utah Jazz, Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert's relationship, the NBA's motivation to continue, how they will continue, and more. 

The Best Things on the NBA Beat

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2020 50:45


On today's episode Sam Amick and Joe Vardon discuss news and notes from the Trump call, HORSE, the best things about the NBA beat and a Tiger King story.

Nets' Garrett Temple: Navigating Covid-19, Players Compensation Unknown, Tiger King

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2020 53:42


Nets' Garret Temple drops by to talk about life without basketball living in New York City, the epicenter of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Also how the Players Association is confronting the complexities of bringing the season back, getting paid, and staying in shape. Also what he is doing during this time off, including a raving review of the Netflix Doc Tiger King.

Living Through The Coronavirus with Jazz's Joe Ingles

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2020 59:35


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon speak with Joe Ingles on what life is like, as an NBA player, living through The Coronavirus Pandemic. What is was like the night Rudy Gobert tested positive. Taking care of your family first, and choosing between your loved ones and your career.

Pod Save America's Dan Pfeiffer on Coronavirus

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2020 55:34


Sam and Joe welcome back resident Sixers fans Dan Pfeiffer, the co-host of 'Pod Save America,' former Senior Advisor to President Obama and author of "Un-Trumping America," to discuss the coronavirus outbreak and how the NBA fits, or perhaps doesn't fit, into this pandemic after the season was suspended.

Corona V Effect, Steph's Flu, Lakers-Clippers, LeBron MVP?, Atkinson Fallout

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2020 43:21


In the latest Tampering, Joe and Sam talk about the Corona Virus and how it may affect the NBA landscape, Steph coming down with the flu, or....Lakers vs Clippers thoughts, LeBron rising down the stretch and the fallout from Kenny Atkinson leaving the Nets.

LeBron vs Zion, The Next Face of the League, Sloan Conference and Diversity

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2020 36:30


On the latest Tampering podcast Joe Vardon and Sam Amick discuss the building rivalry between LeBron James and Zion Williamson and who will be the next face of the league. Giannis, Luka or...? Also, opening up the Sloan MIT Conference to encourage more diversity and inclusion. Finally, an update on Team USA's roster. How will players coming back from injury effect the roster?

Are the Clippers a Lock Anymore? Celtics & Tatum

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2020 31:03


Sam and Joe status check the Clippers and Lakers. What's going on with the Clippers? Plus, the Celtics are heating up and Jayson Tatum is blossoming into a star.

The Failed Beilein Experiment, Vivek vs Vlade, Bucks Under the Radar

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2020 40:34


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon put a bow on All Star Weekend. Examine the reasons and backdrop to why the Cavs' John Beilein experiment failed. Sam's story about Vivek Ranadive being upset with Vlade Divac over Luka Doncic. Highlight the Bucks' amazing season, asking why they are still under the radar.

Trade Deadline Post Mortem, Darren Declines, Rockets' Risk, Iguodala's Keen Move

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2020 45:31


Andre Drummond's FeelingsPlayers getting informed before tradeDarren Collison stays retired? What it means.Rockets small ballHow it plays out into playoffs Andre Iguodala Health / Loaf Management Steph / Klay returns

Trade Deadline: Wolves, Wiggins and D-Lo + Around the NBA with Shams Charania

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2020 42:06


Joe Vardon and Sam Amick take a look at some teams and players that might be moved in Thursday's Trade Deadline. Lakers and Kuzma. Wolves and Wiggins and Warriors' D'Angelo Russell with Jon Krawczynski, Pelicans and Cavs with Shams Charania and finally some other teams that might make a move. Pistons, Kings, Clippers, Raptors and more.

Paying Tribute to Kobe Bryant

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2020 52:33


Joe Vardon and Sam Amick are joined this week by The Athletic's Lakers beat writer Bill Oram to remember Kobe Bryant following the news of his tragic death.

All Star Ballots and Debatables, Sharing the Gambling Pie, Kyrie Irving Speaks (Again)

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2020 51:05


In the latest episode of Tampering Sam Amick and Joe Vardon go through their All Star ballots now cast. Why there may be an issue with players and Load Management including Kawhi Leonard. Then Joe's big feature on Legalized Sports Betting and how the money will be shared between teams, players and states Finally, Kyrie Irving is back in the news with more questionable comments calling out his teammates.

Radar Lakers, Inside the Nets, Trade BIG Board and Tales from the Road

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2020 59:04


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon talk with Lakers reporter Bill Oram on the Lakers. Talk about Joe's Nets story, Sam's Trade BIG Board and some tales from the road.

What is Happening with Kevin Love and The Kyle Kuzma Conundrum

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2020 41:52


Sam and Joe recount two of the most intriguing incidents in the NBA this season. Topics: Kevin Love is frustrated  How play with Cedi Osman was interpreted online  False promises vs getting paid Kevin's approach Injury sidelined Cavs plan Trade Kyle Kuzma conundrum Why it's complicated for Kyle Context: Trainer criticizing LeBron LBJ likes veterans  What are the Lakers looking for? Kuzma sowed his fate by proxy

Kawhi's Clippers, Giannis' Bucks, LeBron's Lakers

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2019 55:30


In the latest Tampering Joe Vardon and Sam Amick talk with Bucks reporter Eric Nehm. The crew goes through three of the best teams and their superstar leaders. Clippers, Bucks and Lakers.

Chris Paul the Snitch, Cavs Rip John Beilein, Andrew Wiggins

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2019 54:37


Sam Amick, Joe Vardon and Jon Krawczynski on the controversial Delay of Game call in the game between the Wolves and Thunder, plus the Cavs losing trust in head coach John Beilein and finally Andrew Wiggins' career year.

Tampering » Enigmatic Kyrie, LeBron and Coaches, Trolling David Blatt, MVP Race

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2019 67:37


In this week's episode Sam and Joe dive into the questions surrounding the enigmatic Kyrie Irving, followed by a discussion on LeBron and his relationship with coaches including Frank Vogel. Finally a look at the MVP race, Giannis, LeBron and Harden and biggest surprises thus far this year including the Toronto Raptors.

Jimmy's Departure, Hakeem Olajuwon, Joel Embiid and Schedule Reform with Michael Lee

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 26, 2019 64:47


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon talk with Michael Lee about his recent string of great stories including Jimmy Butler, Hakeem Olajuwon and Joel Embiid. Why Jimmy left Philly, looking at Joel Embiid through the eyes of Hakeem Olajuwon and NBA schedule reform.

On the Road with Gina Mizell, Kendra Andrews and Kelsey Russo

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2019 68:11


Suns reporter Gina Mizell, Nuggets' Kendra Andrews and Cavs' Kelsey Russo stop in to talk about life on the road, covering new beats and unexpected success in Phoenix. Hosted by Sam Amick and Joe Vardon.

Yes Network's Ian Eagle

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2019 52:51


Ian Eagle drops by to talk about the Nets chemistry and master plan, Kyrie Irving, the Knicks' dismal situation and his son Noah Eagle. Topics: Nets chemistry, no big parade to make announcement Nets Org getting their act together  Atkinson, Marks have been true to their plan What's Kyrie like? Knicks situation. What can change? Dolan  and Zero Transparency  Out of touch Big picture, what to expect out of the Nets this season? Favorite Net all time Learning American culture thru David Chappelle  Olivier Sedra, PA announcers and players Noah Eagle

Suspensions and the Anti-Drug Policy, Load Management, Lakers and Transitioning back to Media with John Hollinger

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2019 49:05


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon talk to The Athletic's John Hollinger on the recent string of drug violations in the NBA and if load management is part of the problem. Then, the offensive explosion across the league and how defenses have not been able to adjust. Plus, LeBron and the Lakers and John's transition back to the Media after his time as VP of Basketball Ops for Memphis.

Golden State Mess, Giannis' Future, Morey, Rockets, Harden and Russ

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2019 69:49


Sam and Joe talk with Warriors reporter Anthony Slater about the situation in Golden State and whether the Dubs will be able to recover from a bad start. Then how Giannis Antetokounmpo will handle his future in Milawaukee. And finally Darly Morey speaks, about basketball, and how the Rockets great Harden-Westbrook experiment may pan out. Topics: Golden State Mess What can the Warriors do? Defense and Draymond What are the reasons for this? Center / Looney Can Steph carry a team with less talent? Steve Kerr Joe Lacob raking in the cash Kerr seems to be enjoying himself despite start Bucks need to take step forward or Giannis out? Malcolm Brogdon move Sam's Rockets Q&A with Daryl Morey Revisiting Russ deal Harden wanted to keep Chris Paul?

Lakers x Clippers Battle for LA, East Contenders, Trade Bait and Kevin Love, China with Shams Charania

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2019 69:04


Sam Amick and Joe Vardon welcome Shams Charania to talk about the Lakers and Clippers as they battle for LA, East contenders, tradable players, Andrew Wiggins and Kevin Love and what went down in China.

When LeBron told Joe Vardon about the beginning of the end in Cleveland

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2019 30:34


The Athletic's co-founder, Adam Hansmann talks with Joe Vardon about his story detailing the end of the LeBron-Kyrie Cavs.Read here: https://theathletic.com/660104/2018/11/19/lebron-james-cavaliers-trading-of-kyrie-irving-was-beginning-of-the-end-of-everything/

5 Minutes That Changed Clippers History

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2019 37:47


Joe Vardon talks to Jovan Buha about the Clippers pursuit of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. Then Jay Kings stops by to talk about his story on Marcus Smart's grit and playing with the pains from his past.Jovan's story: https://theathletic.com/1086977/2019/07/23/inside-story-los-angeles-la-clippers-pursuit-of-kawhi-leonard-paul-george/Jay's story: https://theathletic.com/617884/2018/11/02/hell-fight-to-the-end-fueled-by-pain-from-his-past-marcus-smart-has-become-the-heart-of-the-celtics/

The night Jason Quick flipped the script and honored his friend

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2019 23:03


Joe Vardon, host of Tampering, talks with the Athletic's Trail Blazers reporter Jason Quick about his story 'A hero, some hope and deep heartache: Why Game 3 was about more than basketball for three men.'https://theathletic.com/984417/2019/05/19/a-hero-some-hope-and-deep-heartache-why-game-3-was-about-more-than-basketball-for-three-men/ 

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