Woj Pod

Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst on the franchise's first championship in 50 years, the burden and responsibility of supporting Giannis' generational talent, how the MVP dictates Bucks' culture and the GM's new extension; Malika Andrews on Kyrie Irving and the Nets, Ben Simmons and the Sixers and hosting ESPN's new daily show, the NBA Today. 

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups joins The Woj Pod to discuss selling Damian Lillard on his program, choosing coaching over management, what Ty Lue taught him with Clippers, much more. 

Indiana Pacers guard Malcolm Brogdon joins The Woj Pod to discuss the arrival of Rick Carlisle as coach, witnessing Bucks' championship run, Giannis, the WaterBowl Fantasy Football League benefitting his clean water initiative in Africa, much more.  

Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum on his election as the NBPA's President to replace Chris Paul, the future of Super Teams in the NBA, looming challenges facing league and union, Damian Lillard, Blazers' team success in his tenure, and much more. 

Phoenix Suns coach Monty Williams joins The Woj Pod: Getting over the NBA Finals loss to the Bucks, the ways he pushed himself to evolve and change as a head coach, Gregg Popovich, John Thompson and much more in an illuminating visit with the @NBA_Coaches coach of the year. 

ESPN's Zach Lowe joins The Woj Pod to discuss the top of Thursday's star studded draft, the biggest names who could be on the move, and a loaded point guard market.

Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller on his part in the wild 2013 NBA Draft that included Giannis, his looming free agency, how to embrace your role in the league, much more. Plus, ESPN Draft Analyst Mike Schmitz on the latest ahead of Thursday night's draft. 

He was a Greek teen of Nigerian descent, hawking trinkets on the streets of Athens. And when he started playing basketball, few people knew what to make of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The only thing the scouts could see was that he was all arms and legs. The only thing Giannis could envision was an opportunity for his family.

After a showcase in a coastal Italian town, the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks had seen enough. And yet, it was the Hawks' courtship that secured a promise for the franchise to believe they had an inside track on drafting Giannis. And when Giannis touched down in Atlanta prior to the draft, the organization became even more obsessed with making this Greek teen a Hawk.

From Atlanta to New York, Giannis' new American journey delivered him to the NBA draft. First, he needed to understand how it all worked. He needed a suit. He needed a Greek flag. And he needed a team. No one knew who would be selected no. 1. As the picks started to come off the board, Giannis Antetokounmpo finally wondered whether this grand plan would all come together.

Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley joins The Woj Pod to discuss the challenge of the franchise's rebuild, what Luka Doncic taught him, the journey of African-American assistants in the NBA, his MMA training, and much more. 

USC women's basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb joins The Woj Pod on the experience in the NBA for female coaches, her two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and much more. 

ESPN's Tim Bontemps joins The Woj Pod to discuss Brad Stevens' first move as president of basketball operations trading Kemba Walker to Oklahoma City and what it means for the Celtics in the near and long term. Plus, ESPN's Tim MacMahon on the changes in Dallas and how the Mavericks need synergy from the top down as they build around Luka Doncic.

ESPN's Malika Andrews joins The Woj Pod to discuss the Bucks-Nets, Mike Budenholzer's future, Hawks-Sixers, emerging head coaching candidates and much, much more. 

ESPN's Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks joins The Woj Pod to discuss the challenges facing Boston's Brad Stevens with his elevation to run the franchise's basketball operations, the Clippers-Mavs, Lakers-Suns and anticipation for the Bucks-Nets series. 

Mike Breen and Jerry Ferrara join The Woj Pod to discuss the renaissance of the Knicks and Madison Square Garden in these NBA Playoffs, including why Jerry didn’t name his new son Julius. Also: ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi on his hometown 76ers. 

Woj and ESPN's Zach Lowe discuss the league's commitment to the play-in tournament, the first round playoff matchups they are most intrigued by, and look ahead to the offseason.

Boston Celtics All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum joins The Woj Pod to discuss the franchise’s uneven season, his growth as a franchise player, all-NBA candidacy, fighting through the aftermath of COVID, Kobe Bryant and much more; Also: Best-selling author Harvey Araton on the Knicks season, Tom Thibodeau, and his book, “Our Last Season.” 

Tim Grover – longtime trainer and confidant of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, author a new book, “Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness,” – joins the Woj Pod to go inside the complex dynamics of Kobe and MJ, Kobe’s professional aspirations for Gigi, and much, much more.

Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young joins The Woj Pod to discuss his All-NBA candidacy, the franchise’s rise to Eastern Conference contender, his desire to see Nate McMillan become permanent coach, his Olympic basketball dreams, the arrival of his signature shoe and much more. 

ESPN’s Jay Bilas on the changing face of feeder systems to the NBA, the 2021 NBA Draft, the college vs. NBA coaching worlds, Quin Snyder, and the GM job he turned down 13 years ago. 

New York Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle joins The Woj Pod for an illuminating visit on his starring role in the franchise’s revival, his connection with Tom Thibodeau, how much he’d love a Knicks-Nets playoff series, remembering Kobe, and much, much more. 

Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges joins The Woj Pod to discuss his breakout season, the Suns rise to the top of the West, the impact of Monty Williams and Chris Paul, the benefits of a four-year experience at Villanova, and much more. 

ESPN's NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony joins The Woj Pod to discuss his new Mock Draft, the rise of Baylor's Davion Mitchell, the staying power of the new G-League Ignite program, and much more. 

Zach Lowe joins The Woj Pod to discuss Toronto's handling of Kyle Lowry at the NBA trade deadline, possible Aaron Gordon destinations, teams interested in Lonzo Ball, and where guys on the buyout market might end up.

ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Cassidy Hubbarth join The Woj Pod to discuss the NBA Trade Deadline and MVP race. 

Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Harris joins The Woj Pod to discuss James Harden's impact on Harris' career-best season in the NBA, learning to be an indispensable role player among All-Stars, his $75M contract extension and much more. Plus: ESPN Draft Analyst Mike Schmitz on LaMelo Ball's evolution from Chino Hills HS, and why the G League Bubble has benefitted Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga over a season in pandemic college basketball. 

Carmelo Anthony joins The Woj Pod to discuss his revitalization in Portland, inside the 10th anniversary of the Denver-New York trade, how 2010 free agency could’ve been different for 'Melo and LeBrion James, the ill-fated 2004 Athens Olympics and much, much more. 

Utah Jazz GM Justin Zanik joins The Woj Pod to discuss the team's remarkable start to the season, the roster-building process with President Dennis Lindsey and coach Quin Snyder, and much more. Also: Dr. Leroy Sims, the NBA's Sr. VP of Medical Affairs, on the challenge and process of getting players vaccinated. 

ESPN's Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks joins The Woj Pod to discuss the impact of the Anthony Davis injury for the Lakers and LeBron James, the marketplace for Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, the approaching trade deadline and buyout market, and All-Star Weekend.

Charlotte Hornets star Gordon Hayward joins The Woj Pod discuss his return to All-Star form, inside his decision to leave the Celtics, the quality of pandemic basketball, LaMelo Ball, much more. 

Philadelphia 76ers forward Tobias Harris joins The Woj Pod to discuss his All-Star candidacy in the Eastern Conference, the Sixers under Doc Rivers, The Tobi-Bobi Show, Joel Embiid, having your father as an agent, dealing with expectations of a max contract and much more. 

Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley Jr., joins The Woj Pod to discuss his overcoming a slow start to his Jazz career, building the best record in the Western Conference, building a candidacy for his first All-Star appearance, how the Jazz mended Mitchell-Gobert relationship, remembering the late Sekou Smith and much more. 

ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Dave McMenamin join The Woj Pod to consider the one year anniversary of Kobe Bryant's tragic death, its impact on the sport and world, memories of his complex persona, personal conversations, his evolution as a teammate and a man, and the transcending of the Mamba Mentality beyond sports, and much more. 

ESPN's Zach Lowe joins The Woj Pod to discuss the Knicks and Nets, the league's battle to stay on the court amid COVID-19, Brandon Ingram's rise with the Pelicans, Donovan Mitchell and the Jazz, some of the best young Black assistants poised to become head coaches in the league, and much more. 

ESPN's Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks joins a special edition of the Woj Pod to breakdown the blockbuster, four-team deal sending All-NBA guard James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets to join Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. 

Houston Rockets center Christian Wood joins The Woj Pod to discuss his breakthrough season in the NBA, the chemistry with James Harden, his incredible journey as an undrafted journeyman to a big free agent contract this summer, and much more. 

New Utah Jazz owner Ryan Smith joins The Woj Pod to discuss transforming his fandom into buying franchise, arriving along with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert extension talks, leveraging NBA platform for social equality and charity and translating success of his tech empire into Jazz culture. 

Sacramento Kings GM Monte McNair joins The Woj Pod to discuss the challenges of taking over a franchise with a 14-year playoff drought, working with Vivek Randadive and Luke Walton, the craziest idea he remembers working in the Rockets front office, his Jim Harbaugh fandom and much more. 

Turner Sports and Brooklyn broadcaster Ian Eagle joins The Woj Pod to discuss the most anticipated Nets season in history, traveling with the 90s Nets of Derrick Coleman and Chris Morris, drinking with Bill Raftery, broadcasting in the age of COVID and much more. 

ESPN's Hall of Famer Doris Burke joins The Woj Pod to discuss Giannis and the suspect impact of the super max contract on keeping stars in small markets, James Harden and the Rockets, the Lakers becoming even better, and the league's future with its fans.

Portland Trail Blazers President of Basketball Operations Neil Olshey joins The Woj Pod to discuss the importance of established players for teams in a pandemic, retooling the Blazers in free agency, the impact of Carmelo Anthony on his organization, remembering The Bubble and preparing for the chaotic possibilities of a 2020-2021 season amid a raging pandemic. 

He was a Greek teen of Nigerian descent, hocking trinkets on the streets of Athens. And when he started playing basketball, few people knew what to make of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The only thing the scouts could see was that he was all arms and legs. The only thing Giannis could envision was an opportunity for his family.

After a showcase in a coastal Italian town, the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks had seen enough. And yet, it was the Hawks' courtship that secured a promise for the franchise to believe they had an inside track on drafting Giannis. And when Giannis touched down in Atlanta prior to the draft, the organization became even more obsessed with making this Greek teen a Hawk.

From Atlanta to New York, Giannis' new American journey delivered him to the NBA draft. First, he needed to understand how it all worked. He needed a suit. He needed a Greek flag. And he needed a team. No one knew who would be selected no. 1. As the picks started to come off the board, Giannis Antetokounmpo finally wondered whether this grand plan would all come together.

ESPN NBA reporter Tim MacMahon on Daryl Morey's move to the 76ers, Stephen Silas' hiring in Houston, James Harden's future, a new Jazz owner, what's at stake for the NBA in restarting next season before Christmas, and much more. 

The Los Angeles Lakers Executive VP and GM Rob Pelinka on The Woj Pod: Inside the championship season, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Kobe and Gigi Bryant, Magic Johnson, chasing big free agents, growing on job and much more. 

Toronto Raptors coach Nick Nurse joins The Woj Pod on his new book, "Rapture," what most bothered him about life in the bubble, his pilgrimage to visit Phil Jackson, proving yourself to players as an NBA coach, and much more. 

The Undefeated and ESPN's Marc Spears on the dynamic of the LeBron James and Kobe Bryant relationship, his new book, "The Spencer Haywood Rule," NBA hiring practices of minority candidates and much more. 

Brooklyn Nets coach Steve Nash, a Hall of Fame guard, joins The Woj Pod to discuss Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the leap into coaching, the influence of Steve Kerr and Mike D'Antoni, his final years with the Lakers, and much more.

David Fizdale joins The Woj Pod to discuss the Lakers-Heat NBA Finals, including LeBron James’ burden to deliver a title in LA, the trying early days of the Big 3 in Miami, Erik Spoelstra's place among elite of the coaching profession, the evolution of the Pat Riley-Spo dynamic and much, much more.