The Ringer NBA Show

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to provide their instant reactions to the Knicks and Magic moving on to the semifinals of the NBA Cup. Then the guys talk about Derik Queen's historic triple-double and how the Pelicans should build for the future around Queen. (00:00) Intro (4:32) NYK-TOR(21:52) ORL-MIA (39:34) Derik Queen(55:39) Pelicans trade ideas Check out The Ringer's League Pass Awards here! Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, J. Kyle MannProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia  The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Mf'n Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones, this time examining the Ewing theory as it applies to three of the league's favorites. Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Paolo Banchero are all highly touted stars in the league and the cornerstones of their respective franchises, but with their teams performing better without them, are there destinations that could better fit their skill sets where they could contribute to team success? Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane had another crash out against the Knicks when he unnecessarily threw the ball at Knicks forward OG Anunoby. The guys try to figure out the reasoning behind some of his outbursts. Plus, the return of the mailbag! (0:00:00) Intro (1:00) FanDuel ad break (2:44) Ja Morant Ewing theory (22:12) Amazon Prime ad break (22:46) Trae Young Ewing theory (38:11) Paolo Banchero Ewing theory (44:40) What's going on with Desmond Bane? (54:40) Mailbag! Check out Howard Beck's latest piece on Giannis:https://www.theringer.com/2025/12/09/nba/giannis-antetokounmpo-nba-trade-rumors-all-in-history Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Raja Bell and Logan Murdock Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz, Conor Nevins, and John Richter The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back and here to talk about some players and teams that may have flown under the radar while the frenzy of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade news was going around. Then, they wrap up by previewing the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. (00:00) Intro (5:43) Ryan Nembhard(18:10) Deni Avidja(33:33) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (44:18) Pat Spencer(56:23) Spurs(1:03:46) Noah Clowney(1:17:20) NBA Cup Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron's Streak Ends. Plus, CP3's Turbulent Ending With the Clippers.LeBron James's 1,297-game streak of scoring in double digits has come to an end, but the Lakers came out on top with a victory over the Raptors thanks to a LeBron assist to Rui Hachimura. Raja Bell and Logan Murdock discuss whether this is the version of LeBron the Lakers need to be successful. After he was sent home by the Clippers, more has been revealed about why Chris Paul is no longer with the team. Were the Clippers out of line for the manner in which they released arguably the best player in their franchise's history? Plus, there's been an uptick in injuries to stars and games being missed by important players; does basketball have a problem with the way it's developing players? Plus, a pack watch for the ages! (0:00) Welcome (1:46) FanDuel ad break (2:29) What does the end of LeBron's streak say about him? (18:42) Pop quiz: The last time LeBron scored under double digits (20:26) Amazon Prime ad break (20:59) Pack Watch with Jomi Adeniran (24:38) Chris Paul sent home: Fair or foul? (45:42) Is the NBA workload becoming too much? (1:07:37) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja BellProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz, Conor Nevins, and John Richter The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ⁠rg-help.com⁠ to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

No J. Kyle Mann today, but Justin and Rob are joined by Chris Ryan for another edition of Name That Take! First, however, the guys discuss the news that recently broke about Chris Paul being sent home by the Clippers. They share their thoughts about the decision and what's next for Paul in his final season. Then they play Name that Take!, where Rob and Chris are tasked with guessing Justin's take about a certain team or player in as few hints as possible. (00:00) Intro(01:54) Chris Paul news(14:13) Boston Celtics(29:28) Giannis Antetokounmpo(47:56) Oklahoma City Thunder(58:31) Chicago Bulls Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob MahoneyGuest: Chris RyanProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, Victoria Valencia, and Jon JonesThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're about a quarter of the way through the NBA season, so now is a great time to revisit some of our predictions from the preseason. Howard Beck and Michael Pina assess what has happened so far this season, and if their predictions have been accurate. Plus, who's the Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year so far? Revisiting hottest preseason takes (10:05) Stubborn take (21:55) Bold take (35:41) Coach of the First Quarter of the Season (57:37) MVP of the first quarter of the season (01:55:00) Mailbag (01:49:07) Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Check out Michael Pina's latest piece: https://www.theringer.com/2025/12/01/nba/nba-awards-2025-26-nikola-jokic-luka-doncic-shai-gilgeous-alexander-mvp Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael Pina Producers: Liz Jerry and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to break down which teams are NBA title contenders and what percentage chance they have to win the title. Then, they put their lists together to create a consensus title pie. (00:00) Intro (6:30) FanDuel ad break (7:07) Title pie intro (10:42) Title favorites (24:41) FanDuel ad break (25:34) Amazon Prime ad break (33:36) Title contenders (50:09) Dark horse contenders Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are joined by Zach Lowe to bring in Thanksgiving with their annual NBA potluck. Each person brings a player or team and one take to the table to share with everyone. (00:00) Intro (1:31) FanDuel ad break (2:45) Jaden Ivey (16:19) Miami Heat (33:54) Amazon Prime ad break (34:27) Jalen Suggs and the Orlando Magic (48:47) Chet Holmgren (57:31) Justin's take (1:01:20) Rob's take (1:04:26) Zach's take (1:08:00) Kyle's take Check out The Ringer's updated Top 100 Players in the NBA list here! Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Guest: Zach Lowe Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the greatest point guards in NBA history has officially decided to call it a career. Chris Paul will retire at the end of the season after playing for 20 years and seven different franchises. Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss CP3's legacy and what he brought to the NBA and the franchises he's played for. Plus, Klay Thompson exchanged words with Ja Morant when the Grizzlies faced the Mavericks on Saturday and had some stark comments for Morant after the game. Was he correct in his assessment of Ja? (0:00:00) Intro (1:03) FanDuel ad break (1:57) Chris Paul to officially retire (2:11) CP3's career timeline (9:54) Chris Paul's perception across the league (31:55) What will be said about his career when it's all said and done? (38:42) FanDuel ad break (39:48) Amazon Prime ad break (40:35) Klay Thompson's comments about Ja Morant (55:06) Did Derik Queen mess with the basketball gods? Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are handing out some hardware with their one-month awards. (00:00) Intro (3:31) FanDuel ad break (4:26) Best Player (18:49) Best Team (27:17) FanDuel ad break (29:04) Amazon Prime ad break (29:41) Biggest Surprise/Biggest Leap (52:40) Biggest Disappointment (1:01:28) Big Boy Award (1:06:11) Preseason mulligan (1:10:45) Buy-low stock The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell discuss the latest drama in Laker land, as the team fired part owners Joey and Jesse Buss from their roles in the basketball operations department on Thursday morning. What does this mean with the new ownership group now in place, and what role might Jeanie Buss have played in this move? LeBron James also returned to the lineup on Tuesday. How did he look playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves? Plus, is LaMelo Ball's time ticking in Charlotte? And how realistic would it be for Tyrese Maxey to win a championship? (0:00) Intro (1:27) FanDuel ad break (2:53) The Lakers fire Joey and Jesse Buss from front office positions (16:07) LeBron's return to the Lakers lineup (28:17) FanDuel ad break (29:10) Amazon Prime ad break (29:50) LaMelo Ball clowns on reports that he's seeking a trade (45:32) Tyrese Maxey for MVP? (53:59) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/21/nba/lebron-james-kareem-abdul-jabbar-los-angeles-lakers-career The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell discuss the latest drama in Laker land, as the team fired part owners Joey and Jesse Buss from their roles in the basketball operations department on Thursday morning. What does this mean with the new ownership group now in place, and what role might Jeanie Buss have played in this move? LeBron James also returned to the lineup on Tuesday. How did he look playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves? Plus, is LaMelo Ball's time ticking in Charlotte? And how realistic would it be for Tyrese Maxey to win a championship? (0:00) Intro (1:27) FanDuel ad break (2:53) The Lakers fire Joey and Jesse Buss from front office positions (16:07) LeBron's return to the Lakers lineup (28:17) FanDuel ad break (29:10) Amazon Prime ad break (29:50) LaMelo Ball clowns on reports that he's seeking a trade (45:32) Tyrese Maxey for MVP? (53:59) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/21/nba/lebron-james-kareem-abdul-jabbar-los-angeles-lakers-career The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It's on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back together, and they're here to take a look at some of the most surprising teams from around the league. (00:00) Intro (3:23) FanDuel ad break (4:18) Lakers (20:52) Pistons (34:05) Hawks (46:54) Raptors (1:01:03) Suns https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/19/nba/lebron-james-return-injury-los-angeles-lakers-luka-doncic The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been sidelined indefinitely due to a calf strain and will be reevaluated in two to three weeks. What does this mean for Victor, the Spurs, and injury concerns across the league? Deeeeetroit Basketballlll is back! The Pistons have won 10 straight, and that's been with many key players sidelined. Have they cemented themselves as top dogs in the Eastern Conference? Should the NBA step in to protect players from fan interactions similar to the one Draymond Green had with a fan in New Orleans over the weekend? Plus, the mailbag!Victor Wembanyama's calf strainThe Pistons' 10-game win streak Draymond Green's fan interactionMailbag! Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard BeckProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin starts today's show by talking to Nick Friedell from The Athletic. They talk about the up-and-down start to the season for the Warriors. They run through all of the major players and storylines that have made this such an interesting start for Golden State. Then, J. Kyle Mann joins Justin to talk about how the Rockets continue to roll after they defeated the Magic in overtime. Lastly, they wrap up with some NBA draft talk. The guys talk through some of their early thoughts on the top prospects in the draft. (00:00) Intro (1:14) FanDuel ad break (3:08) Warriors with Nick Friedell (45:58) FanDuel ad break (46:59) Rockets (1:06:40) Draft crash course (1:09:04) Darryn Peterson (1:15:27) AJ Dybansta (1:23:07) Cam Boozer (1:30:42) Mikel Brown Jr. (1:34:47) Caleb Wilson (1:38:39) Sleepers The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier and J. Kyle Mann Guest: Nick Friedell Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell are back with another edition of Real Ones, taking a deep dive into the Western Conference hierarchy. Is it possible that the reigning champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, are even better than they were last season? Should they try to break the regular season win record? Are Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on their heels? Plus, Steph Curry and Under Armour have decided to end their partnership. What does this mean for Steph's brand moving forward? (0:00:00) Intro (1:08) FanDuel ad break (3:38) Are the Thunder primed to repeat as champions? (16:33) FanDuel ad break (19:30) Have the Nuggets closed the gap on the Thunder? (28:26) Can the Spurs grab the Western Conference crown this season? (36:59) What are the Rockets' chances of winning the conference without a true point guard? (46:41) Will the Lakers be a realistic threat in the West once LeBron returns? (52:04) Brad Beal out for the season and the Clippers are free-falling. (55:37) Steph and Under Armour have split. (1:04:06) Real One of the Week! Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja BellProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann react to Nico Harrison getting fired and discuss where the Mavs should go from here. Then they look at some other franchises and discuss whether they should blow up the roster and rebuild or stay the course they're on. (00:00) Intro(2:45) FanDuel ad break(3:22) Mavs fire Nico Harrison(22:42) What's Next for A.D.?(43:45) Kings(59:50) Clippers(1:08:56) Celtics The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss the Dallas Mavericks relieving GM Nico Harrison of his duties on Tuesday. The Mavs went from contending for a title in 2024 to trading their franchise player just months later, and they currently find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference. How will the Mavericks clean up the mess that Harrison left behind? Plus, every team has now played at least 10 games this season. What have been the biggest surprises and disappointments, and who would you least like to be? 0:00:00 Intro 1:01 FanDuel ad break 2:00 Initial reaction to Nico's firing 34:37 Biggest surprises 41:41 Biggest disappointment 48:06 Who Would You Least Like to Be Read Michael Pina's latest on Nico Harrison's tenure as the Mavericks GM:https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/11/nba/nico-harrison-fired-dallas-mavericks. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard BeckProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to check in on some of the top rookies across the league. They start with the top pick, Cooper Flagg, and how he's been doing in a dysfunctional Mavs offense. Then they talk about the exciting flashes from Pelicans rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Next, they talk about the three Hornets rookies, V.J. Edgecombe, and Ace Bailey's slow start. They wrap up with their thoughts on a handful of other rookies who have stuck out to them. Intro (0:00:00) FanDuel ad break (3:21) Cooper Flagg (6:55) FanDuel ad break (23:59) Pels rookies (25:29) Hornets rookies (44:12) V.J. Edgecombe (59:22) Ace Bailey (1:03:12) The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luka Dončić has found himself in the history books yet again to start the season. The Lakers have looked good thus far, holding second place in the West without LeBron James logging a single minute on the court. Logan Murdock and Raja Bell discuss the Lakers and how they should operate when LeBron returns. Luka's former team, the Dallas Mavericks, find themselves in the bottom of the West following a loss to the Pelicans. Are they mismanaging Cooper Flagg's development? (0:00:00) Intro (1:05) FanDuel ad break (2:30) Luka's historic start to the season (5:12) What will the Lakers look like when LeBron returns? (23:04) FanDuel ad break (24:14) Cooper Flagg's development (41:11) Raja's thoughts on tension between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies (51:57) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! ⁠⁠realonesmailbag@gmail.com⁠⁠ Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja BellProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ⁠rg-help.com⁠ to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann discuss the Thunder's unbeaten franchise-record start of 8-0. Then they move to the East, starting with the sputtering Orlando Magic. They also talk about other struggling contenders and surprise teams like the Bulls and Sixers. Intro (0:00:00) Fan Duel ad break (3:40) Thunder (4:28) Magic (19:05) Hawks (41:04) Sixers-Bulls (52:53) Pistons (1:00:24) Top of the East predictions (1:07:37) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant seem to be at a crossroads. The disgruntled star was suspended for a game recently following comments he made about the coaching staff and hasn't quite looked like the All-Star he's been in the past. Logan Murdock and Howard Beck discuss the ongoing clash between Morant and the Grizzlies and what this might lead to. Plus, they touch on other teams who have been disappointing to start the season.Morant's recent comments about not enjoying basketball. Intro (0:00:00) Fan Duel ad break (1:14) Ja Morant's Future in Memphis. (2:16) The disastrous start to the New Orleans Pelicans' season (39:22) The up and down start to the Knicks' season (40:15) Are the Hawks in trouble without Trae? (43:31) Were the expectations for the Mavericks set too high? (48:09) Mailbag (54:18) Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard BeckProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Rob are here to give their thoughts on the San Antonio Spurs' encouraging start to the season. Then, on the opposite end of the spectrum, they discuss the Pelicans' abysmal start to the season. Then J. Kyle Mann joins the show, and they talk about Ja Morant's on-court and postgame behavior that led to his one-game suspension. They talk about what his future and the Grizzlies' future look like. Then they wrap up with Justin's favorite topic, the Portland Trail Blazers! Intro (0:00:00) FanDuel ad break (1:13) Spurs (2:44) Pelicans (18:57) FanDuel ad break (28:09) Ja Morant (29:44) Trail Blazers (1:05:12) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Howard are back with another edition of Real Ones and jump right into the way-too-early MVP race for this season so far. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are off to a 5-0 start for the first time ever in franchise history. If the Spurs end the season atop of the West, is Wemby a lock for MVP? Who are the other candidates Logan and Howard are keeping an eye on this season? With Austin Reaves playing at an extreme, dark-horse MVP level, what does the future hold for him in a contract season? Plus, the GOAT has spoken in an exclusive interview with Mike Tirico on NBC about load management, but is he correct in his assessment with today's players utilizing load management more? (0:00:00) Intro (1:42) Wemby and the Spurs contending in the West (14:14) Are Giannis and the Bucks threats in the East? (26:22) Can Tyrese Maxey keep up his MVP pace when Joel Embiid is fully healthy and Paul George returns? (34:44) Is Nikola Jokic still the best player in the NBA? (40:08) Will Austin Reaves be a Laker next season? (57:10) Michael Jordan's comments on load management (1:16:55) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard BeckProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back to take a look at some early-season trends and decide whether they are something or nothing. Intro (0:00:00) Sixers (2:40) Scoring boom (15:01) Jamal Murray (22:26) Bulls (31:51) Knicks (48:46) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Week 1 of the NBA season is officially in the books, and Victor Wembanyama continues to wow with his MVP-like play so far this season. Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard mf'in Beck discuss whether it's possible that we're seeing the first player since Giannis who can win MVP and DPOY. The rookie class has shown up and shown out in their first week as professionals. Who's in the very, very early lead for Rookie of the Year? The Sixers are 3-0 even though Joel Embiid's seen limited action. Is it time for the Sixers to keep their focus on Tyrese Maxey and rookie sensation V.J. Edgecombe? Plus, the mailbag returns! (0:00:00) Intro (2:15) Real or Not: Is Victor Wembanyama a lock for MVP, as Logan has predicted? (16:10) How realistic is it for San Antonio to seek to trade De'Aaron Fox? (21:22) Who's been the best rookie so far this season? (30:06) Are the Sixers better off not relying on Joel Embiid? (43:12) Will LaMelo Ball keep up the efficiency this season? (49:58) Mailbag: We talk about the Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga and why Mike Brown is playing everyone on the Knicks. Hit the mailbag! ⁠realonesmailbag@gmail.com⁠ The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ⁠rg-help.com⁠ to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Audio ProducerClifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to each give three first impressions from the first week of the NBA season. Intro (0:00:00) Austin Reaves (2:17) Milwaukee Bucks (13:11) Miami Heat (20:08) FanDuel ad break (28:59) LaMelo Ball (30:06) Jonathan Kuminga (37:42) Kyshawn George (47:11) Toronto Raptors (55:37) Ajay Mitchell (1:00:00) Cedric Coward (1:09:56) Also, be sure to check out Michael Pina's newest Ringer.com piece, 13 Overreactions to the First Week of the NBA Season. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Victoria Valencia and Ben Cruz The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell and Howard MF'in Beck are back with another edition and dive right into the latest on the NBA probe. How will this define commissioner Adam Silver's legacy? Logan's MVP pick Victor Wembanyama had a stellar opening night. Just how terrified should the league be of his rapid development? (0:00:00) Intro (0:57) Welcome (0:3:22) Latest on the NBA Gambling probe. (22:00) How long until Victor Wembanyama is the best player in the NBA? (39:51)Did the Rockets put too much on Amen Thompson's plate? Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Rob are back to talk about the start of this new NBA season, but first they address some news surrounding the podcast. They then welcome their newest cohost, J. Kyle Mann, and begin the show with talk of the arrests of Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier. Later, they go over their takeaways from the opening nights of the season. And finally: the debut of Name That Take, where Kyle and Rob are given clues and have to guess Justin's take on a particular subject. Intro: (0:00:00)Podcast News: (7:00)Gambling Arrests: (7:25)Opening Night Thoughts (21:14)Name That Take: (59:30) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle MannProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Howard Mf'n Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones fresh off a visit to Crypto.com for the Warriors-Lakers season opener. OKC also began their championship title defense with a double OT victory over the Houston Rockets. Plus, Michael Jordan makes a resurgence into the basketball hemisphere. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.comThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Rob start by discussing some of the notable rookie extension contracts that got signed today. Then they look back at their power rankings and discuss whether any news or injuries have changed their opinion of a team. To wrap, they run through some news and notes from the preseason before they give their award predictions and a finals pick. Intro: (0:00:11) Rookie Extensions: (2:08) Power Rankings Mulligans: (29:32) Preseason News and Notes: (43:58) Predictions: (49:24) Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob MahoneyProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to Real Ones! Logan is officially back from leave and hype to pod with Howard and Raja. The NBA season tips off next week, which means that the Real Ones have to do a season preview and of course talk about LeBron James. Who's the best team in the Eastern Conference? Who's your Eastern Conference sleeper? Who's your Western Conference sleeper? Are we confident that the Rockets will perform well this season? Should this be LeBron's final season or final season with the Lakers? Does the possibility of the Thunder winning back-to-back titles conflict with the NBA's commitment to parity? MVP picks! Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja BellProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz Hit the mailbag! ⁠realonesmailbag@gmail.com⁠The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ⁠rg-help.com⁠ to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here for the finale of their preseason power rankings. The guys reveal the top five teams in the NBA. Intro: (0:00:00)Team no. 5: (8:59)Team no. 4: (25:57)Team no. 3: (41:47)Team no. 2: (54:35)Team no. 1: (1:11:19)The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny LambreProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back for Part 5 of their preseason power rankings. But first, Justin and Wos address LeBron James's injury and how it will impact the Lakers. The guys then reveal the teams they ranked 10 through 6. Intro: (0:00:00)Team no. 10: (16:03)Team no. 9: (29:56)Team no. 8: (46:25)Team no. 7: (58:35)Team no. 6: (1:15:33) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny LambreProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck and Raja Bell are back with another edition of Real Ones, and open the pod with Raja's notable absence on The Ringer's list of all-time best NBA names. Plus, who are the best teams in NBA history to never win a championship? Is it the 2018 Rockets team with James Harden and CP3? Could it be the early 2000's Kings teams that ran into the Lakers, or perhaps one of Raja's Suns teams? For the first time in his career, LeBron James will not play in the season opener due to sciatica. How will this impact the Lakers out the gate, and was LeBron's “second decision” an error in judgement? Plus, the annual NBA GM's survey has been released. Some of the results might surprise you. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Producers: Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back for Part 4 of their preseason power rankings. This time, they reveal the teams they ranked 15 through 11. Intro: (0:00:00)Team no.15: (5:44)Team no.14: (20:09)Team no.13: (32:55)Team no.12: (45:46)Team no.11: (56:05) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny LambreProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here for Part 3 of their preseason power rankings. This time, they are revealing the teams they ranked 20 through 16. Intro: (0:00:00) Team no. 20: (8:33) Team no. 19: (28:13) Team no. 18: (36:55) Team no. 17: (48:48) Team no. 16: (1:05:20) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck and Raja Bell are back with another edition of Real Ones! The Warriors have re-signed Jonathan Kuminga to a two-year, $48.5 million contract that has a team option on the second year. Howard and Raja discuss how Kuminga will navigate the upcoming season on the court as he seeks to get a longer term deal and more opportunity to showcase his talents. Is Giannis Antetokounmpo quietly looking for a way out of Milwaukee? Will LeBron be a Laker beyond this season? Plus, agent Todd Ramasar joins the show to discuss representing players in the pros and college. Todd also represents Andrew Nembhard and Pascale Siakam and discusses the Pacers upcoming season without Tyrese Haliburton Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Guest: Todd Ramasar Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are back for the second installment of the preseason power rankings. This time, they are revealing the teams they ranked 25 through 21. Intro: (0:00:00)Team no. 25: (4:39)Team no. 24: (25:03)Team no. 23: (41:22)Team no. 22: (51:57)Team no. 21: (1:05:06) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny LambreProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are officially back to preview the 2025-26 season with their annual preseason power rankings. Part 1 is about the bottom five in their rankings. Intro: (0:00:00) Team no. 30: (4:32)Team no. 29: (18:46)Team no. 28: (30:14)Team no. 27: (39:25)Team no. 26: (54:46) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny LambreProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, John Richter, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA is back in just under a month, which means that teams are holding their media days before heading off to training camp. Howard Beck and Raja Bell discuss the most interesting quotes from media days and the new-look Zion Williamson. The Rockets were hit with the unfortunate news that Fred VanVleet will be out for the season after suffering an ACL tear. How important is FVV to the Rockets, and what potential replacements should the team pursue to fill that void? Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Howard Beck and Raja Bell Producers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford Augustin Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck and Michael Pina have five burning questions across the league as teams prepare for training camp. First, they discuss the continued Kawhi Leonard–Clippers saga and how this could change people's views of the Clippers. Beck and Pina also discuss what Adam Silver might have meant when talking about the NBA being a highlights-based sport. Will LeBron and the Lakers separate after the season is over? Will Cooper Flagg be the Mavericks' point guard this season? Have we seen the last of Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons in the NBA? Will the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the White House? Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael Pina Producers: Clifford Augustin, Kate Ahearn, and Belle Roman Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices