The Ringer NBA Show

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

Justin and Wos are back and they're joined by Howard Beck to talk about his takeaways from Adam Silver's latest press conference (2:33). Then, they get into their thoughts on the Kawhi Leonard–Clippers scandal. Lastly, they wrap up by talking about Josh Giddey's contract extension (48:13), and the decision fellow restricted free agents Jonathan Kuminga and Quentin Grimes still have to make.Hosts: Justin Verrier and Wosny LambreGuest: Howard BeckProducer: Isaiah BlakelyAdditional Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann is joined by Ben Taylor, author of ‘Thinking Basketball' and creator of the Thinking Basketball YouTube channel to reflect back on the last 25 years of basketball, how the game has evolved since 2000, as well as the new series on Ben's YouTube channel, "21st Century Peaks". They also discuss unique skill sets of players like Jason Kidd and James Harden while also speculating on the future of the game, including innovative offensive strategies and defensive adaptations.(00:00) Welcome to The Ringer NBA Show!(03:13) Ben's YouTube series, "21st Century Peaks"(09:02) Reflecting on Jason Kidd's career(20:03) Issues when discussing James Harden(28:45) Tracy McGrady's decisive ranking(33:20) What made the 2008 Celtics team special on defense(41:00) Explaining how the Grizzlies were trying to set up their offense last season with Noah LaRoche(45:47) Are screen assists important now?(50:18) Will teams look to copy Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers' style of offense?(01:00:40) Franz Wagner's importance to unlocking the Magic's full potential(01:05:29) How will the 2024-25 Thunder be remembered 20 years from now?Host: J. Kyle MannGuest: Ben TaylorProducer: Jessie LopezAdditional Production Support: Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Howard Beck and Michael Pina sit down to share their way too early spicy 2026 NBA player awards. They each share their spicy picks—ranked from jalapeño to Carolina Reaper heat—for MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Sixth Man, Most Improved, and Defensive Player of the Year. Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael PinaProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wosny Lambre is joined by The Athletic's Fred Katz to talk about all things Knicks. They discuss the coaching search that led to the Mike Brown hire and what Brown can help the Knicks improve on from last season. They also discuss realistic expectations for the Knicks this season (54:40) and which dark-horse contenders could challenge the Knicks and Cavs in the East (1:01:40). Host: Wosny LambreGuest: Fred KatzProducer: Isaiah BlakelyAdditional Production: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's J. Kyle Mann and Tyler Parker get together to discuss the release of the 2025-26 NBA schedule, expectations for the opening night matchup between the Rockets and Thunder, and the weakened East. Plus, Kyle presents his NBA League Pass rankings for the upcoming season. (00:00) Welcome to The Ringer NBA Show!(04:33) Expectations for Rockets vs. Thunder on opening night(13:20) Honorable mention League Pass teams(17:25) Los Angeles Lakers(21:31) Washington Wizards(25:58) Orlando Magic(29:44) Denver Nuggets(33:23) Detroit Pistons(38:08) Atlanta Hawks(43:58) Dallas Mavericks(49:30) Houston Rockets(56:08) San Antonio Spurs Hosts: J. Kyle Mann and Tyler ParkerProducer: Jessie LopezAdditional Production Support: Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Howard Beck and Michael Pina assess the NBA landscape and give their current top five duos across the league. Who's the top duo, and who gets an honorable mention? They also reminisce on the top duos of all time. Plus, did De'Aaron Fox's extension make things that much harder for the Hawks and Trae Young to find an agreement in the future? 0:08 Intro 1:58 Trae Young's frustration 6:00 Top Five Best NBA Duos 1:04:43 Honorable mentions Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael Pina Audio Producer: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin and Rob are here to discuss some of the rumblings of the offseason and talk through what they think they know ahead of the 2025-26 season. They discuss Luka's fitness (7:04), competitors in the West (19:29), Kuminga and the Warriors (34:12), the top of the East (53:23), and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob MahoneyProducer: Isaiah BlakelySocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck put a bow on the 2024-25 NBA season with their fifth annual Realys Awards. Who will win the highly anticipated Crash Out of the Year Award? Later, Hall of Famer and friend of the show Sue Bird stops by to talk about WNBA All-Star Weekend, evolving as a podcast host, and much more! Show Start: (0:53) Newcomer of the Year (5:07) Worst Trade of the Year (9:54) Worst Take of the Year (17:33) Crash Out of the Year (22:44) Raja Bell Memorial Defender of the Year (31:52) A Message From Jomi Adeniran (36:33) Moment of the Year (37:31) Cliff's Philly Sports Person of the Year (42:40) Real One of the Year (44:29) Sue Bird Interview (58:20) Hosts: Logan Murdock, Howard Beck, and Raja Bell Guest: Sue Bird Producers: Clifford Augustin and Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz and John Richter Social: Keith Fujimoto Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com 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 and Howard play expert gamblers in predicting which teams will hit their over/unders for the 2025-26 season. Will the Hawks be soaring over 46.5 wins with their new additions and the East being seemingly wide open? Can Denver get back into title contention with 53.5 wins? What will it take for the Lakers to hit their o/u 48.5? Can Philly add 20 more wins for their abysmal 24-25 injury-filled campaign, assuming their stars are healthy? 0:00: Intro 0:30 Show Start 6:22 NBA Futures Over/Under Start Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Hit the mailbag! ⁠realonesmailbag@gmail.com⁠ 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 Wos are here to react to the three-team deal that sent Norman Powell to the Heat and what it means for the Heat, Jazz, and Clippers. Then, the guys give their best and worst moves of the offseason. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Kyle Williams and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto and Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here on Day 4 of free agency before this holiday weekend to talk about the most confounding and confusing teams in the league right now. Intro (0:00) Bucks (3:08) Kings (23:10) Heat (30:05) Warriors (36:35) Raptors (45:20) Suns (55:20) Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto and Jomi Adeniran Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan and Raja are back with the free agency edition of Real Ones. Myles Turner is officially headed to the Bucks, and Damian Lillard has been waived by the team. What's the future for Dame? The Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson and a 2032 first-round pick. They also brought back Bruce Brown, who helped them win a championship in 2023. Have the Nuggets jumped back into contender status? The Hawks made a ton of moves as well. Have they shot up in the Eastern Conference hierarchy? Word on the street is that LeBron isn't happy that the Lakers aren't building around him. Is this a sign that the Lakers have officially shifted their focus to Luka? Plus, a deep mailbag! (0:00): Open w/ Logan Murdock (1:00): Show start (1:46): Bucks waive Dame Lillard (9:22): Denver Nuggets Talk (14:52): Atlanta Hawks check-in (19:21): Free agency moves by the Lakers + Lebron's next moves (32:45): Mailbag Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Audio Producer: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com 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 Wos are here with their immediate thoughts on Day 1 of free agency. They start with the Cam Johnson-for-Michael Porter Jr. trade and Denver's outlook moving forward. Then, they talk about the Rockets getting deeper (20:48), what the Lakers' plan is (31:10), the Hawks' interesting offseason (48:40), and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto and Jomi Adeniran This episode is presented by State Farm®️. Dishing the assists you need off the court. State Farm®️ with the Assist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell discuss the first round of the 2025 NBA draft and in particular the Ace Bailey story. Ace didn't work out for any teams before the draft and landed with the Utah Jazz at no. 5. Did Ace make the right decision by not working out for teams and still ending up as a top-five pick? Raja questions the mentality of some of the young athletes who make demands before proving anything. The guys quickly touch on V.J. Edgecombe going to the Sixers at 3, his post-draft interview, and the mentality he'll bring to Philly. Then they go to Raja's Richter scale for the recent trades. How does he feel about the Boston-Portland trade involving Jrue Holiday and the Pelicans-Wizards trade involving CJ McCollum and Jordan Poole? Plus, Real One of the Week! (0:00): Welcome w/ Logan Murdock (1:12): State Farm Ad Break (1:37): Show Start (2:43): Thoughts on Ace Bailey (33:25): V.J. Edgecombe  (37:52): Raja's Richter Scale (44:56): Portland's Next Moves (49:07): Real One of the Week Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja Bell Audio Producer: Clifford Augustin Video Producer: Victoria Valencia Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com 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 Wos are here after night one of the draft to talk about some of the deals that happened. They start with the Blazers' surprising selection of Yang Hansen. Then, they discuss the Pelicans' trade to move up and draft Derik Queen, the Celtics' recent trades, the Hawks' moves and how good they can be now, and much more. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto and Jomi Adeniran This episode is presented by State Farm®️. Dishing the assists you need off the court. State Farm®️ with the Assist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan, Raja, and Howard are back, and they open the pod with a discussion about Oklahoma City and the Thunder's championship celebration. Would Raja have celebrated the same way OKC did? Plus, Jrue Holiday was traded to the Blazers for Anfernee Simons. What will the Celtics do with Simons, who's on an expiring contract? Kevin Durant was finally traded to the Houston Rockets for Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. Is this the last stop for KD? What's next for the Suns and their logjammed roster? Plus, a loaded mailbag! (0:00): Welcome w/ Logan Murdock (0:57): Show Start (2:49): State Farm Ad Break (3:30): OKC Wins NBA Championship (19:11): Jrue Holiday Trade (27:10): Kevin Durant Trade (51:44): Mailbag Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producer: Clifford Augustin and Victoria Valencia Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming.  Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. This episode is presented by State Farm®️. Dishing the assists you need off the court. State Farm®️ with the Assist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos celebrate the Oklahoma City Thunder becoming the 2025 NBA champions. They discuss the Thunder's defense, Tyrese Haliburton's heartbreaking injury, and much more. Then, they briefly look ahead to what next season looks like for both teams. They wrap up with the massive news from earlier in the day of Kevin Durant being traded to the Houston Rockets. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny Lambre Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto and Jomi Adeniran This episode is presented by State Farm®️. Dishing the assists you need off the court. State Farm®️ with the Assist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and Wos are here to preview Game 7 by answering seven questions as we head into Sunday's game. They talk about what they learned from Game 6 (15:35), who the finals MVP will be (48:50), some predictions (52:10), and much more. They wrap up by giving their thoughts on the sale of the Los Angeles Lakers (55:45). Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and Wosny LambreProducer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan is joined by Oklahoma native and Thunder fan Tyler Parker to discuss the dismantling that was Game 6. The Thunder looked great in the very early portion of the game, but things unraveled for them very quickly. What did the Pacers do to make the high-powered Thunder offense look pedestrian. Has the media overdone it with player comps after OKC's Jalen Williams was getting compared to Scottie Pippen? Is there a world where TJ McConnell could be the Finals MVP? If the Thunder lose on Sunday, could this shake up their very young core similar to the past with Durant, Harden and Westbrook? Hosts: Logan Murdock Guest: Tyler Parker Producers: Clifford Augustin 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. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fresh off of minimal sleep and deadlines to meet, Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are back with another edition of 'Real Ones' from their hotel rooms in Oklahoma City. OKC's All-Star forward Jalen Williams erupted for 40 points, helping OKC to a 3-2 lead in the NBA Finals. What was the environment like at Paycom Center witnessing that performance? Who's currently in the lead for Finals MVP? Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton seemed to be hobbled after suffering an injury early in the game. If Haliburton isn't 100 percent healthy, do the Pacers have a shot with their backs against the wall? Plus, the Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cole Anthony, and numerous picks. What's the fallout in this trade for both teams and the larger picture for the NBA as a whole? Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck Producers: Clifford Augustin and Victoria Valencia (4:12): Jalen Williams discussion (13:22): Finals MVP talk (34:21): Haliburton Injury (40:58): Pacers vs.Thunder defense (48:55): Desmond Bane Trade Hit the mailbag! ⁠⁠realonesmailbag@gmail.com⁠ 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 Wos are reunited just in time to watch the Oklahoma City Thunder move one win away from an NBA championship. They discuss Jalen Williams's monster 40-point game that paired beautifully with SGA's 31-point performance, before getting into Tyrese Haliburton's injury-riddled night that left him without a field goal in Game 5.They close things out with their analysis of the Desmond Bane trade to Orlando, and what the move means in the short and long term for both the Magic and Grizzlies. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney and Wosny LambreProducers: Chris Sutton and Ben CruzSocial: Keith Fujimoto This episode is presented by State Farm. Dishing the assists you need off the court. State Farm with the Assist. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices