Podcast appearances and mentions of Tom Thibodeau

The Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks finally delivered New York's first NBA championship in 53 years, but Ric Bucher believes the rush to rank Brunson among the all-time greats misses the real story.In this episode of On The Ball, Ric explains why Brunson's greatness has less to do with historical comparisons and more to do with maximizing every ounce of ability, leadership, resilience and basketball IQ. He also examines how new head coach Mike Brown transformed the Knicks after replacing Tom Thibodeau, why championship rankings are a pointless exercise, and why dismissing New York's title because of today's NBA parity completely misses the point.Ric breaks down the Knicks' championship journey, the evolution of Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, the impact of modern salary-cap restrictions on dynasties, and why every championship deserves respect regardless of the path taken.TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Introduction and where to find Ric Bucher 01:32 – Knicks win first title in 53 years and immediate Brunson legacy debates 02:23 – Why Game 5 changed the perception of Jalen Brunson 03:00 – The problem with ranking active players historically 04:12 – Bias, objectivity and evaluating NBA greatness 05:14 – What makes Brunson special despite limited physical advantages 06:20 – The mental traits that separate Brunson from his peers 07:08 – Why championship heartbreak can fuel future success 07:56 – Knicks compared to the 2008 Celtics championship core 08:38 – Why continuity alone rarely wins championships 09:35 – Examples from Celtics, Warriors and Cavaliers title runs 09:57 – Mike Brown's impact on transforming the Knicks 10:55 – Why Jordan Clarkson and Jose Alvarado mattered 11:40 – Steve Kerr's philosophy versus Tom Thibodeau's approach 12:00 – Jonathan Kuminga's development and role-player expectations 13:10 – How Brown changed the Knicks' culture and rotation 14:05 – Why championship rankings are meaningless 14:50 – Comparing the Knicks' run to the 1995 Rockets 15:40 – Breaking down New York's Eastern Conference path 16:55 – Why the Knicks were built to challenge San Antonio 17:45 – The "every title deserves an asterisk" argument 18:10 – Why calling the Knicks championship a participation trophy is absurd 19:10 – NBA parity and the value of championships 20:00 – How salary-cap rules have made dynasties harder than ever 20:55 – Why winning multiple titles today is increasingly difficult 21:20 – The internal evolution that made the Knicks champions 22:00 – Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby and sacrifice for the greater good 22:45 – The power of "we over me" in building a champion 23:20 – Final thoughts: Every championship deserves respect 24:00 – OutroHASHTAGS#NBA #NewYorkKnicks #JalenBrunson #NBAFinals #Knicks #MikeBrown #OGAnunoby #KarlAnthonyTowns #NBAPlayoffs #Basketball #OnTheBall #RicBucherSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/bucher-and-friends. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bob Ryan and Jeff Goodman dig into the Giannis-to-Boston rumors once again — is it finally time to move on from the Tatum-Brown era, or is health the real risk with Antetokounmpo? They debate whose team it actually is right now, whether Joe Mazzulla can solve the touches problem the way Phil Jackson once did, and what a realistic package from Miami would even look like. Plus: a deep dive into the Knicks' historic championship run — crediting Leon Rose's roster-building, the decision to move on from Tom Thibodeau, and why Jalen Brunson's old-school mentality and work ethic might be more responsible for New York's title than anyone's giving him credit for. 0:00 - Intro 0:56 - The Giannis-Jaylen Brown Trade Debate Resurfaces 1:13 - Bob's Concern: Can Giannis Stay Healthy? 2:28 - Has the Tatum-Brown Era Run Its Course? 4:04 - Why Giannis's Game Fits Better with Boston's Style 5:55 - Whose Team Is It, Tatum's or Brown's? 6:16 - The Phil Jackson Comparison & What Great Coaches Actually Do 9:48 - Is It a Talent Problem or a Chemistry Problem? 11:57 - PrizePicks 13:43 - Would Trading for Giannis Alone Be Enough? 16:24 - The "No Top 50 Player" Narrative Around the Knicks 17:58 - Why Brunson Is Better Than People Are Admitting 21:30 - The Karl-Anthony Towns Comparison & Style Adjustments 25:05 - Bob's Final Thoughts: Crediting Leon Rose's Roster Building 26:05 - Why Firing Tibbs Was the Right Move 28:23 - Giving Dolan Credit for Hiring Leon Rose 30:03 - Don't Undervalue a Great Offensive Rebounder 30:48 - Outro Celtics on CLNS Media is Powered by:

Le podcast NBA CORNER vient clore la saison 2025/2026 avec plusieurs sujets qui agitent les conversations des fans depuis le sacre des Knicks. La place de Jalen Brunson dans la ligue, la stratégie des Spurs, le rôle de Tom Thibodeau dans la construction de la culture de la gagne à New York, l'avenir de LeBron James ou encore la rumeur insistante de Giannis Antetokounmpo à Boston, Josh et Charles parlent librement de tous ces sujets. N'oubliez pas de participer au mailbag prévu la semaine prochaine : nbacornerpod@gmail.com Hébergé par Acast. Visitez acast.com/privacy pour plus d'informations.

During an abbreviated episode of The A-Team, Adam Clanton and Adam Wexler react to the Astros win over the Tigers, look ahead to the Guardians series, discuss Tom Thibodeau's comments after Knicks championship, and more!

Tiki Barber, and Shaun Morash debate which members of the Knicks' championship roster deserve to have their jerseys retired at Madison Square Garden. They analyze the Hall of Fame credentials of stars like Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns while questioning if role players like OG Anunoby belong in the rafters. The conversation also covers Jalen Brunson's viral bodega breakfast order and security details for the upcoming victory parade. 02:26 - Debate on Retired Numbers 05:33 - Retiring Current Knicks Numbers 09:24 - Tom Thibodeau's Knicks Legacy 14:35 - Knicks Hall of Fame Candidates 21:38 - Jalen Brunson's Bodega Order 29:15 - Carmelo Anthony Retirement Debate 35:14 - Parade Details and Safety

Craig introduces us to America's New Breakfast of Champions! Charles Oakley doesn't deserve to be invited to the Knicks parade, but Tom Thibodeau does!! The NFL should suspend Rashee Rice for another game for violating his probation. Is this the year soccer ratings finally go thru the roof? NO says Craig!! All that, and more, on today's episode of The Craig Carton Show!  Thanks to our sponsor:Lean: Ditch the needles and discover how to burn fat, lower blood sugar, and crush cravings naturally. Visit ⁠⁠https://TakeLean.com⁠⁠ & use code CARTON for 20% off plus free rush shipping! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Craig and Big Mac discuss the upcoming championship celebration and the historical significance of the Knicks' first-ever ticker-tape parade. They debate whether former coach Tom Thibodeau should be invited while highlighting the massive merchandise craze taking over the city. 01:20 - History Of Knicks Parades 06:35 - Inviting Thibodeau To Parade 14:25 - Fanatics Merchandise Craze 20:15 - Taking Over San Antonio 25:30 - Parade Performance Costs 36:15 - Naming Past Knicks Coaches

Craig Carton and Big Mac celebrate the historic New York Knicks championship and discuss the massive merchandise demand leading up to the city's first-ever ticker tape parade for the franchise. They are joined by Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin to explore the business of collectibles and the upcoming Fanatics Fest at the Javits Center. They also debate whether former coach Tom Thibodeau should be included in the festivities and propose a time slot swap with Tiki and Evan for the live parade coverage. 01:50 - Knicks Parade History 07:05 - Tom Thibodeau Debate 13:18 - Knicks Merchandise Mania 20:02 - Michael Rubin Interview 22:20 - Cubs And Eagles Records 26:50 - NARP Clothing Concept 31:54 - Fanatics Games Details 37:04 - Leon Rose's Impact 40:25 - Daughter's Birthday Celebration 46:40 - Michael Rubin's Loyalty 35:30 - Parade Show Swap 41:50 - Evan Roberts Conflict 21:00 - NBA Finals Ratings 26:32 - Holiday Weekend Plans 27:48 - Statue Of The Tip 31:40 - Rivalry Talk Lack 34:13 - Sanitation Parade Cleanup 37:34 - Rat Sniper Proposal 41:05 - Championship Ring Request 46:12 - Brendan Sorsby Draft

The Knicks are NBA Champions, and Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle reveal a stunning piece of New York history: the 2026 celebration will be the FIRST ticker-tape parade in franchise history! Craig and Big Mac debate whether former coach Tom Thibodeau deserves an invitation after helping rebuild the franchise before Mike Brown delivered the championship.

Chris McMonigle reacts to Victor Wembanyama's bold predictions and discusses the Knicks' potential to secure their first championship since 1973. He analyzes the coaching impact of Mike Brown and Tom Thibodeau while weighing in on the Finals MVP candidacy of OG Anunoby. The discussion also highlights the unifying power of New York sports and the team's upcoming Game 5 urgency. 01:20 - Wemby's Bold Comeback Claims 05:40 - Knicks Uniting New York 10:45 - Sports as a Unifier 13:20 - New Rochelle Hall Induction 16:45 - NBA Finals TV Ratings 20:25 - Mike Brown vs Tibbs 25:35 - Aroldis Chapman Apology Issues 27:05 - Searching for Game 5 Urgency 30:25 - The Power of Superstition 34:40 - OG Anunoby MVP Case

We pick up Hour 2 of the show talking about the NBA Finals and the NHL Stanley Cup Final. Eddie gives his take on why the New York Knicks have found success under Mike Brown as opposed to Tom Thibodeau. Tony Donohue calls in to preview tomorrow’s Bommarito 500 in St. Louis. The conversation turns to the Colts, as the decision for Anthony Richardson vs Riley Leonard is heating up. Howard Kellman calls in after 11 innings for the Indianapolis Indians. They fell 4-6 to the St. Paul Saints after a 2-run home run by Aaron Sabato. Rick Johnston calls to give an update on the Indiana All-Stars matchups.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob and Kelvin make their official NBA Finals picks for the upcoming showdown between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, debate whether the Knicks run to the NBA Finals says more about Mike Brown or Tom Thibodeau, and take a trip out to Shekel City for Rob's nightly bets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rob and Kelvin debate whether the Knicks run to the NBA Finals says more about Mike Brown or Tom Thibodeau, argue whether there is more pressure on Victor Wembanyama or Jalen Brunson heading into these NBA Finals, debut Rob’s extended dance remix of the ‘Everybody Knows It’s Wemby’ song, and tell us why they have a big problem with Nick Saban asking Congress to put a cap on spending in college sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle react to the Knicks' thrilling Game 1 win and discuss the incredible chemistry that has carried New York to the NBA Finals. The guys laugh about the internet's funniest Landry Shamet comparisons, debate why this Knicks team plays so well together, and praise Tom Thibodeau's coaching after key adjustments against San Antonio. Plus, Craig goes off on politicians trying to make sports jokes, callers weigh in on the Knicks comeback, and Big Mac explains why this group is truly "out-teaming" opponents on the road to a championship.

FIlm Festival Tickets: https://buytickets.at/thedopeyfoundation/2216905 PAtreon: www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast COULDNT RESIST AN EMERGENCY KNICKS EP! Here are AI notes: This emergency Dopey episode is Dave and Kevin McEnroe going full Knicks sicko mode on the day of Game 1 of the NBA Finals. They talk about Addicted to the Knicks, the idea of “KA,” Knicks fandom as church, childhood obsession, superstition, dads, recovery, and why caring about the Knicks feels weirdly connected to getting sober. Kevin talks about being hooked on the Knicks before drugs, his first brutal Knicks memory — leaving the Garden early and hearing Reggie Miller's eight points in nine seconds from a cab — and how addiction made him lose interest in everything, including basketball. Dave tells his legendary story of sneaking into Madison Square Garden during a Knicks/Bulls playoff game through a Calypso festival and a stoner kid in concessions. They hit Anthony Mason, John Starks, Patrick Ewing, Knicks Tape, David Lee, Nate Robinson, Brunson, KAT, Wemby, Mitchell Robinson, Tibbs, Mike Brown, and the insane feeling of New York City actually coming together around the Knicks.         Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Evan and Tiki preview the Knicks versus Spurs NBA Finals matchup, debating how many "Bang!" calls Mike Breen will deliver during Game 1. They discuss Aaron Judge's concerning rib injury and potential lineup shifts for the Yankees, including the possibility of Giancarlo Stanton returning to the outfield. The conversation also covers the anniversary of Tom Thibodeau's firing and Mike Brown's energetic press conference rendition of "Who Let the Dogs Out." 01:50 - Predicting Mike Breen Bangs 06:16 - Knicks Vs 2015 Mets 09:11 - Knicks Championship Confidence 12:31 - Aaron Judge Injury Concerns 18:33 - Jazz Chisholm Defense 23:01 - Tom Thibodeau Anniversary 29:00 - Tiki Barber Career Talk 33:03 - Halftime Show Announcement 37:09 - Locker Room Sauna Tales 41:27 - Mike Brown Singing

Leroy and Vlad analyze the defensive challenge the Knicks face against Victor Wembanyama and compare the coaching styles of Mike Brown and Tom Thibodeau. They explore the unpredictable nature of the Stanley Cup playoffs and the importance of elite goaltending. The discussion also covers NFL coaching adjustments, critiquing Adam Gase's past decisions and the modern over-reliance on analytics. 03:01 - Knicks vs Wembanyama 06:15 - Coaching Philosophies Compared 09:29 - Stanley Cup Goalie Impact 15:05 - NBA Playoff Sufferance 21:57 - Roster Depth Discussion 25:42 - Weather and Humidity Report 29:22 - NFL Coaching Critique 37:11 - Analytics vs Gut Feelings 44:12 - Celebrity Birthday Trivia

Send us Fan MailThe Spurs and the Knicks meeting in the NBA Finals sounds like a history book… until you remember the center of it all is a 7'3 force who blocks shots, hits threes, and makes every game plan feel incomplete. We bring the full Ride Home Rants panel back for our yearly Finals preview, starting with some rapid-fire fun and then getting straight into the real question: who controls this series, Victor Wembanyama or Jalen Brunson? We debate which star is truly more important to his team, and why Wemby's defensive gravity might matter even more than raw points. From there, we dig into what changed for New York. How much of the Knicks' Finals run belongs to Tom Thibodeau building a tough culture, and how much is Mike Brown pushing the right buttons at the right time? We talk about the Knicks looking fresh, the way shooting streaks can feel like “team of destiny” stuff, and whether extra rest helps a hot team or cools them off. If you love NBA coaching debates, this is the part where we get honest about rotations, pressure, and why timing can be everything in the playoffs. Then it's all about X factors and matchups: Josh Hart as the heartbeat player, Mitchell Robinson as a body to throw at Wembanyama, and Karl-Anthony Towns as a key to pulling the Spurs' rim protection away from the paint. We close with series predictions, Finals MVP picks, and a way-too-early 2027 Finals preview, plus some Madison Square Garden energy talk that every hoops fan understands. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave us a review with your pick: Spurs in how many, or Knicks in how many?All music brought to you by former guest of the show SpeedoSubscribe for exclusive content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1530455/support Buzzsprout - Let's get your podcast launched!Start for FREETactical BrotherhoodThe Tactical Brotherhood is a movement to support America.Dubby EnergyFROM GAMERS TO GYM JUNKIES TO ENTREPRENEURS, OUR PRODUCT IS FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE BETTER.ShankitgolfOur goal here at Shankitgolf is for everyone to have a great time on and off the golf courseSweet Hands SportsElevate your game with Sweet Hands Sports! Our sports gloves are designed for champions,Buddy's Beard CareBuddy's Beard Care provides premium men's grooming products at an affordable price.Deemed FitBe a part of our movement to instill confidence motivation and a willingness to keep pushing forwardWebb WesternWebb Western is for those who roll up their sleeves and do what it takes to get the job done. Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFollow us on all social mediaX: @mikebonocomedyInstagram: @mikebonocomedy@tiktok: @mikebono_comedianFacebook: @mikebonocomedy

Craig Carton and Big Mac analyze the Knicks' playoff run and why Victor Wembanyama isn't ready for the pressure of New York. They reflect on the anniversary of Tom Thibodeau being fired and how Leon Rose built a championship contender. The duo also discusses the scramble for watch party tickets and Karl-Anthony Towns' potential impact. 01:04 - Wemby Struggles In New York 05:22 - Knicks Depth vs Spurs 08:22 - Tom Thibodeau Firing Anniversary 12:11 - Knicks Watch Party Mania 20:50 - Playoff Predictions And KAT

It is almost June, and that can only mean one thing: the NBA Finals are here. On this episode of Running It Back, Mike Palmer and Tarlin Ray sit down to process the immaculate, unexpected vibes of a New York Knicks squad that has defied expectations to play for basketball's ultimate prize. Why is Knick Nation so uncharacteristically quiet right now? Because they know exactly how fragile a postseason run can be. The guys break down how this team evolved from the top-down, starter-heavy grind of the Tom Thibodeau era into a selfless, 10-deep "Voltron" unit under head coach Mike Brown]. With the Knicks boasting top offensive, defensive, and net ratings in the playoffs, the conversation shifts to their potential Western Conference opponents: will they face a resilient but banged-up OKC squad, or the "Godzilla" presence of Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs? But it wouldn't be Running It Back without a detour through sports culture, personal milestones, and a healthy dose of perspective. Before diving deep into the hardwood strategy, Tarlin opens up about getting beat in HORSE by his daughter following his hip surgery, launching an unofficial injury rehab support group, and executing a passionate corporate takedown of Starbucks' existential mobile-ordering crisis. Whether you are a die-hard member of the blue-and-orange faithful or just love elite sports storytelling, this episode captures the exact blend of nostalgic history, advanced-stat breakdowns, and authentic banter you need. What's Inside the Episode The Starbucks Living Room Rant: Tarlin calls out why hanging drapes and plants can't fix a business model completely dominated by mobile-ordering robots. 1994 vs. 1999 vs. 2026: Mike looks back at the heartbreak of the Patrick Ewing era—complete with the infamous June 17, 1994 OJ Simpson chase interruption—and contrasts it with the collective, selfless basketball of the current "Nova Knicks". The Mitchell Robinson "Granny Shot" Campaign: How a broken pinky might force Mitch to go full WWE Cowboy Bob Orton with a heavy hand club, and why MSG is ready for a Rick Barry-style free-throw revival. The Mike Brown Masterclass: A look at how Brown's player-coach mentality empowered Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns while keeping the starters fresh for the fourth quarter. Generational Finals History: Celebrating Jalen and Rick Brunson as they become the sixth father-son duo to reach the NBA Finals. Episode Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to June: The Knicks are Finals bound. 01:00 - Tarlin's quick hitters: Memorial Day HORSE matches and driving tests. 02:00 - Creating an injury support community and calling out Starbucks' identity crisis. 04:00 - Assessing Knick Nation's quiet confidence and the scars of past postseasons. 05:00 - Mitchell Robinson's broken pinky, WWE clubs, and the legendary "granny shot". 06:00 - Scouting the West: Banged-up OKC vs. Victor Wembanyama's Spurs. 07:00 - Nostalgia lane: The heartbreak of '94, the OJ chase, and the '99 miracle run. 09:00 - Deep dive into the numbers: #1 ratings and a 10-deep rotation. 14:00 - Top-down vs. Player-empowered leadership: From Thibs to Mike Brown. 16:00 - The "Nova Knicks" chemistry, KAT's defense, and 2014 Spurs-style ball movement. 22:00 - All-NBA slights, media potshots, and the "team of destiny" narrative. 27:00 - Rick and Jalen Brunson join rare father-son Finals history. 29:00 - Bandwagons, 30th college reunions, and non-alcoholic beer survival tips.

Dan wonders if the Knicks lose the Finals; is it a successful season? Should the Knicks be favored in the Finals? Can we now say that the Tom Thibodeau firing was the right move? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendall Gill of CHSN in Chicago joins the show to talk all things NBA Playoffs, including his thoughts on Victor Wembanyama's frustration in Game #5, the officiating, his prediction for Game #6, are the Knicks live in the NBA Finals, and would he want to see the Chicago Bulls hire Tom Thibodeau again?

Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber look ahead to a potential Knicks NBA Finals matchup and zero in on the biggest concern for New York fans: Shai Gilgeous Alexander's ability to live at the free throw line. They break down why SGA's foul drawing could become the defining storyline of the series, especially when compared to Jalen Brunson's own reputation for crafty play. The conversation also digs into which opponent Knicks fans should actually want, whether beating Oklahoma City would silence the doubters, and how a title run would reshape the way people view the team's coaching change from Tom Thibodeau to Mike Brown. Plus, Evan and Tiki debate whether this Knicks run deserves more respect, no matter who stands in their way.

Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber revisit one of the Knicks' biggest offseason questions: whether moving on from Tom Thibodeau was the right call. With Mike Brown leading the team to the NBA Finals, Evan argues the Knicks' process has been validated, while Tiki pushes back that the full story is not finished yet. The debate gets heated as they compare coaching impact in basketball and baseball, question how much credit the Knicks deserve for landing on Brown, and discuss whether postseason adjustments proved to be the difference. The conversation closes with a shift to New York baseball, including a historic Yankees blowout and renewed pressure on Carlos Mendoza after another rough Mets loss.

Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber react to a Knicks playoff run that has felt almost shockingly stress free, comparing it to some of the most dominant championship pushes in New York sports history. From the 1986 Giants to the late nineties Yankees, the question becomes whether this Knicks team is giving fans something even better than drama: total control. The conversation also digs into Mike Brown's impact, Tom Thibodeau's legacy, Evan's complicated Knicks hatred as a Nets fan, and the emotion pouring out of lifelong Knicks fans who endured years of bad basketball. With the NBA Finals now feeling real, the show captures the disbelief, joy, rivalry, and anxiety surrounding a New York basketball moment decades in the making.

Evan Roberts and Tiki Barber break down just how dominant the Knicks have looked, asking whether this run compares to the most overwhelming championship pushes in New York sports history. The conversation goes from the late nineties Yankees to the 1986 Giants as they try to find a local parallel for a playoff ride that has been almost completely drama free. They also debate the biggest threats waiting in the NBA Finals, whether the Thunder's experience makes them scarier than the Spurs, and how Mike Brown has taken the Knicks to a level Tom Thibodeau may not have reached. Evan also explains why his Nets fandom fuels his Knicks hatred, leading to a bigger conversation about New York basketball jealousy, fan bases, and why this moment feels so surreal.

0:00 ... Ross Geiger says hello and introduces co-hosts Bruce Bernstein and Michael "World B" Freer.  Show #250 is dedicated to Trey Jemison of the Knicks, who wears #50 for the newly crowned NBA Eastern Conference Champs. 1:07 ... Knicks fan World B shares his thoughts on his team making the Finals after a 26 season drought. 2:10 ... World B had predicted the Knicks to make the Finals in his preseason picks and his aim was true! 3:39 ... Ross tees up a discussion on how the Knicks have grown so much as a team. 4:24 ... Bruce is happiest for Knicks head coach Mike Brown who has led the team to record breaking performances in the playoffs.  And they didn't really want to hire him to replace Tom Thibodeau prior to the season but all the other coaches they wanted to interview were not given permission from their teams to speak to New York about the job.   So Brown was hired by default and it was a move that has succeeded wildly. 6:16 ... World B gives Brown credit for retooling the Knicks' offensive system and he reels off the numbers that prove it. 8:47 ... Ross wonders whether the Knicks upcoming layoff (as they wait for their Finals opponent) will kill their great momentum?  Both Bruce and World B feel like the Knicks are sitting pretty.  Ross is concerned how they'll handle any offensive dry spells against the Spurs and Thunder. 13:49 ... If the Spurs beat OKC and play New York in the Finals, Bruce feels like the Knicks will use Karl Anthony-Towns to draw Victor Wembanyama away from the hoop on defense which could allow New York to operate successfully closer to the hoop. 14:48 ... Bruce marvels at how Wemby guards the entire opposing team and how God must be a Spurs fan with Wemby succeeding Tim Duncan and David Robinson as the latest generational big man in San Antonio. 16:37 ... World B reacts to the Spurs big win in game 4 with Wemby leading the way once again. 18:09 ... Bruce points out how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has struggled offensively against the Spurs and with two key teammates like Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell battling health issues, the Spurs will continue to "throw the kitchen sink" at SGA if they miss more action.  The result will be to wear SGA down and that will mean big trouble for OKC.  Ross adds some perspective to the OKC offensive struggles. 20:11 ... World B explains how the return of De'Aaron Fox has been really important as far as the offense running smoothly.  Ross feels like game 5 is a "must win" game for the Thunder. 22:40 ... Bruce points out that all the NBA awards have been announced except for Coach of the Year and he hopes his preseason prediction of Mitch Johnson winning the award might come true with a trophy presentation prior to game 6 in San Antonio. 24:09 ... The All-NBA Teams were announced over the weekend and the crew does a lightning round commenting on all the members of the first team.  Cade Cunningham, SGA, Nikola Jokic, Wemby, and Luka Doncic make up the first team.  Bruce has a big issue with one of the first teamers. 29:31 ... The All NBA Second team consists of Jaylen Brown, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, and Kawhi Leonard.  The guys wondered if aging Kawhi Leonard can have another All-NBA season at age 34 after this season's great performance. 36:53 ... The All-NBA third team consists of Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Johnson, Jamal Murray, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Duren.  Duren making the third team could really affect his contract negotiations with the Pistons due to the honor making him eligible for a Super Max contract worth $48 million more than he would have qualified for had he not been honored as an All-NBA performer. 45:16 ... We examine the All Defensive teams for the season.  The first teamers are Wemby, Holmgren, Ausar Thompson, Derrick White, and Rudy Gobert.  Bruce has a summer assigmnent for Thompson. 49:29 ... The second teamers are Scottie Barnes, Cason Wallace, Bam Adebayo, OG Anunoby, and Dyson Daniels. 52:39 ... Final Thoughts: Bruce on how Wemby's main "superpower" cannot be measured by analytics.  World B on how the Orlando Magic's search for a new coach is still wide open with many potential great candidates in the mix.  Ross closes with his thoughts on two former NBA players facing off in an MMA match in Las Vegas over the weekend. 56:56 ... Ross wraps it up and says goodbye. TRT 57:13           Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Join Cory Heitz and Paul Biancardi—ESPN's National Director of Recruiting, former D1 head coach, and a walk-on turned basketball insider—as they pull back the curtain on college basketball recruiting, player evaluation, and the intangibles that separate good players from great ones. Paul shares hard truths about rankings, the myth of "exposure", and why character, efficiency, and coachability matter more than points per game. Discover why 94% of high school players won't play college ball, how to avoid the "D1 Herpes" trap, and the one game every athlete should never play (hint: it's the comparison game). This episode is packed with actionable advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the prep-to-college pipeline.

 The Chicago Bulls coaching search keeps growing, and another fascinating name has officially entered the mix.The Bulls' reported head coach candidate list is now up to 11 names, with Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Johnnie Bryant joining a group that already includes Sean Sweeney, Micah Nori, Dave Bliss, Tiago Splitter, James Borrego, Wes Unseld Jr., Lamar Skeeter, Ryan Schmidt, Jerry Stackhouse, and Chris Quinn.Haize breaks down why Bryant is one of the most intriguing names in the search. At only 40 years old, Bryant has already built a strong reputation around the NBA, working with the Utah Jazz, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers while learning under respected coaches like Quin Snyder, Tom Thibodeau, and Kenny Atkinson. Could Bryant be the kind of young, development-focused culture setter Bryson Graham needs for this new era of Bulls basketball?Plus, the conversation shifts to Ayo Dosunmu and whether a return to Chicago could make sense in free agency. After being traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Dosunmu raised his value with strong defense, improved shot-making, playmaking growth, and a breakout playoff performance. With only a few teams projected to have real cap space, could the Bulls bring Ayo back home?Haize also dives into the bigger roster-building question: how should the Bulls balance their young core with veteran help? With Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, Noa Essengue, Leonard Miller, and two first-round picks at No. 4 and No. 15, Chicago needs development minutes — but they also need veterans who can defend, communicate, space the floor, protect the rim, and help create winning habits.The Bulls don't need to choose between playing the kids and building structure. They need both.Topics Covered:

The Chicago Bulls head coaching search continues to grow, and another fascinating name has entered the mix.The Bulls have reportedly added Johnnie Bryant to their coaching list, giving Bryson Graham another respected assistant with a strong résumé in player development, modern offense, and locker-room relationships. Bryant has worked with the Utah Jazz, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers, learning under coaches like Quin Snyder, Tom Thibodeau, and Kenny Atkinson while helping develop players such as Donovan Mitchell, Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, Jalen Brunson, Gordon Hayward, and more.Haize breaks down why Bryant is viewed around the NBA as one of the top rising assistant coaches, what makes his player-development background so intriguing for the Bulls, and why his experience under multiple coaching styles could make him a strong fit for Chicago's rebuild.The Bulls need more than a coach with a good résumé. They need someone who can connect with young players, build accountability, modernize the offense, and help turn draft talent into winning basketball. Bryant checks a lot of those boxes, but the biggest question remains: can he make the jump from respected assistant to full-time NBA head coach?Also discussed: the growing list of Bulls head coach candidates, why Bryson Graham's process feels diligent, the debate between trading up for Cameron Carr or Aday Mara, whether the Bulls should trade back if they want Darius Acuff, why fans should appreciate having a top-four pick, and why Chicago needs to extract real value from every selection in this draft.Topics Covered:

The conversation focuses on the Knicks' playoff run and the debate over Mike Brown's coaching versus Tom Thibodeau's tenure. They evaluate Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s performance and baserunning errors while discussing Brian Cashman's legacy with the Yankees. The segment also reflects on the tragic passing of NASCAR legend Kyle Busch at age 41. 01:26 - Knicks Game 2 Preview 07:53 - Mike Brown Coaching Impact 14:01 - Jazz Chisholm Baserunning Mistakes 17:37 - Yankees Front Office Debate 26:43 - Tragic Kyle Busch Update 31:38 - Jalen Brunson Superstar Rise

Craig Carton and Big Mac analyze the New York Knicks' incredible 22-point comeback and discuss Jalen Brunson's surging legacy. They also rip into the New York Mets for the Gary Carter jersey blunder and react to Aaron Rodgers' retirement news. Additionally, they debate movie sequels and the conflict of rooting for family versus a favorite team. 01:20 - Knicks Comeback and Mets Grand Slam 05:08 - Mets Disrespect Gary Carter's Legacy 13:53 - Aaron Rodgers Announces Final Season 17:35 - Leon Rose's Impact on the Knicks 21:58 - Tom Thibodeau's Legacy and Success 29:15 - Big Mac's Custom Board Game Business 34:30 - Watching Knicks with a Bat Infestation 38:59 - Debating the Greatest Movie Sequels 51:30 - Rooting for Family vs. Favorite Team

The Knicks pulled off another unbelievable playoff comeback at Madison Square Garden, and Craig Carton is ready to give Mike Brown ALL the credit. Craig and Chris McMonigle debate Brown's coaching adjustments, Landry Shamet's huge impact, Tom Thibodeau comparisons, and whether the Knicks are officially headed to the NBA Finals. Plus: Craig stirs the pot ranking the best coaches and executives in New York sports right now.

Craig Carton is DONE with scared Knicks fans ahead of Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. On this episode of the Carton Show, Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle debate whether Knicks fans should actually fear the Cavaliers, argue over Jarrett Allen being “soft,” and clash over whether Mike Brown has already surpassed Tom Thibodeau.

0:00 ... Show open ... Ross introduces Bruce and dedicates show #247 to "friend of the show" Scott Williams, who wore #47 for two different NBA teams during his long career. 1:10 ... The Knicks swept the 76ers in their second round series.  They polished off the Sixers so quickly that they may have TOO MUCH time off before their next series which could dampen their momentum.  The extended time off will help OG Anunoby who is recovering from an injury. 3:07 ... Knicks coach Mike Brown will need to conduct practices in such a way that he provides activities that help keep the team's momentum alive. 4:40 ... Brown did a great job all season using more players than former coach Tom Thibodeau which has kept his guys fresh and provided quality depth for the postseason. 8:11 ... Karl Anthony Towns has been a great performer for NY during the playoffs with his rebounding, decision making, and passing. 10:36 ... Complementary guys like Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart have been instrumental in the team's playoff run.  hart is Mike brown's "Swiss Army Knife." 12:20 ... The Pistons and Cavs are tied at 2-2 in the other eastern conference second round series.  Donovan Mitchell has gone "nuclear" in games 3 and 4 and he's gotten some good help from James Harden. 14:30 ... Jalen Duren has been relatively ineffective in the series against the Cavs and he needs to be more aggressive against the Cavs' bigs.  Detroit also needs a big performance from Cade Cunningham in game 5 or the Cavs might be ready to finish off the Pistons in Cleveland. 18:42 ... Donovan Mitchell's 43 point explosion in game 4 places him #2 on the Cavs all time list of 40+ point playoff scorers, trailing only LeBron James. 19:19 ... The Oklahoma City Thunder finished off the Lakers in four games ... OKC won all 8 games they played against the lakers this season: 4-0 in the regular season and 4-0 in the playoffs. 20:38 .... Has LeBron James played the final game of his career?  Probably not because he will want a farewell tour so fans and franchises can honor him one last time.  So when he decides to retire, he'll make it known before the final season so all of that can take place. 22:42 ... Has LeBron played his final game AS A LAKER?  Once again, the answer is probably "No."  We feel he will retire as a Laker and eventually get a statue in LA. 26:17 ... OKC is humming on all cylinders right now.  They are winning every game by large margins and their depth is beyond impressive. 28:02 ... Is the OKC layoff a danger to their momentum as we feel it is with the Knicks? 29:11 .... The Spurs/Timberwolves series got pretty chippy over the weekend and the guys discuss whether Victor Wembanyama should have been suspended for game 5 after his "flagrant 2" elbow against Naz Reid in game 4. 32:04 ... Julius Randle has not had a good series against the Spurs.  Wemby's presence in the paint makes Randle's life difficult. 33:49 ... The Spurs are just scratching the surface of the team they will become. 36:17 ... Dylan Harper is a rookie who doesn't play like a rookie.  He has a bit of Josh Hart in his makeup. 39:11 ... The NBA lost two members of the hoop family on Monday when Jason Collins died at the age of 47 and Brandon Clarke at age 29.    Both Ross and Bruce have had long associations with the NBA  and both feel that the NBA culture fosters a feeling of family even if we aren't personal friends with everyone. TRT 42:22           Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Rob and Kelvin explain why it would be unwise for another team to move heaven and earth in a potential trade for disgruntled star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and tell us why the Utah Jazz should do whatever it takes to get BYU superstar AJ Dybantsa. Plus, The Athletic columnist and best-selling author Ian O’Connor swings by to discuss the surging New York Knicks, what makes Mike Brown so different from Tom Thibodeau, whether the Knicks might try to jump into the Giannis Sweepstakes, and much more!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On The Putback with Ian Begley, SNY's NBA Insider is joined by SNY's Matt Spendley as they react to the Knicks' domination of the 76ers in the four-game sweep of Philadelphia, answer fan-submitted questions broaching initial storylines behind New York's second consecutive trip to the Eastern Conference finals, and catch up on other action around the league. Today's Show: 00:00 Welcome to the show! 1:15 The Baseline: How sweep it is! Knicks steamroll 76ers in Philly 5:15 Answering fan question on emotional value for Knicks fans in this playoff run 6:55 How Knicks locked in after falling behind in ATL series 9:25 Rest or Rust for the Knicks with long layover before ECF? 14:30 Answering fan question on Knicks chemistry behind the scenes 17:45 Jalen Brunson leading the way for Knicks 19:15 Knicks fans takeover in Philly 23:35 KAT rounding into rare form this postseason 26:10 Mike Brown and Tom Thibodeau discussion 28:50 OG Anunoby injury update 32:10 Josh Hart injury update 33:50 Mikal Bridges stepping up for Knicks in playoff run 37:25 How the Knicks shut down Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers 40:05 Around the League: Checking in on Knicks potential ECF opponents 42:45 Answering fan questions on how Knicks can gameplan for success if they face Pistons 48:05 Around the League: What's happening in Western Conference? 50:05 Around the League: How does draft lottery result impact Knicks? 53:25 Around the League: Bucks ready to deal Giannis? 54:05 Answering fan question on how Knicks playoff run is being perceived in media 56:05 Final Thoughts: Are the Knicks the best team remaining in playoffs? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Leila Rahimi and Marshall Harris pondered if there's any chance of a reunion between head coach Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls.

Leila Rahimi and Marshall Harris opened their show by reacting to the Bulls hiring Hawks executive Bryson Graham as their new executive vice president of basketball operations. After that, Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic joined the show to share insight on Graham and what his hiring means for the Bulls. Later, Rahimi and Harris wondered if there could be a reunion between head coach Tom Thibodeau and the Bulls.

We discuss Sports Jeopardy, Matt spoils Red Dead Redemption 2 for Mike, getting stung by a bee, Matt's addictive personality, the problems in Kansas City, Tom Thibodeau, and more.

Craig and Big Matt dissect the Knicks' fourth-quarter meltdown against the Hawks, questioning the coaching of Tom Thibodeau and Jalen Brunson's late-game defense. They humorously blame Mets owner Steve Cohen for bringing 'losing juju' to the Garden and discuss Clarke Schmidt receiving threats from Boston fans. They also examine the fallout from Mike Vrabel's public statement regarding his personal scandal. 01:20 - Blaming the Knicks Loss 05:15 - Coaching and Timeout Confusion 11:22 - Steve Cohen's Bad Juju 17:53 - Yankees and Vrabel Scandals 26:15 - Gas Face Award Debate 38:00 - Dianna Russini Scandal Debate 46:05 - NBC Broadcast Coverage Critique

Reports suggest LIV Golf could be folding following massive financial losses, impacting stars like John Rahm and Phil Mickelson. They clarify rumors regarding CBS employees selling Masters badges and the tournament's crackdown on secondary sales. Additionally, they preview the Hawks' upcoming series against the Knicks and the pressure on Tom Thibodeau to succeed. 01:01 - Masters Badge Scandal Rumors 02:51 - LIV Golf Folding Reports 10:22 - Hawks Knicks Series Preview

I'm back with episode 513 of the State of the New York Knicks podcast, and I recorded this one with fellow Knicks fans as we break down a huge Knicks win over the Celtics. Josh Hart flipped the game on its head, dropping 15 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter after a brutal first half where he had just 3 points, no rebounds, and a -9, while the defense told the real story all night. Jayson Tatum couldn't get going against Jalen Brunson, going 0/5 when matched up, and also struggled against Mitchell Robinson and KAT, while Hart locked down Derrick White in limited matchup time before hitting two clutch threes in the final 42 seconds to seal it. We also talk about how this win adds to what's becoming a stronger season under Mike Brown compared to last year's 51–31 finish under Tom Thibodeau. Make sure you click the links below for merch, YouTube, and more, and tap in with us for the full breakdown.Click the links below for:

Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle discuss whether or not the Knicks have become a better team under Mike Brown vs. Tom Thibodeau. Plus, Craig and C-Mac react to comments from David Fizdale that the team was tanking during his tenure (20:43); Evan and Tiki on how the Knicks play against elite teams (40:02), and their reaction to the loss to the Thunder and the replay factor (55:42); Boomer & Gio react to the Thunder loss (1:13:534) and the Fizdale comments (1:22:48).

Craig Carton and Chris McMonigle discuss whether or not the Knicks have become a better team under Mike Brown vs. Tom Thibodeau. Plus, Craig and C-Mac react to comments from David Fizdale that the team was tanking during his tenure (20:43); Evan and Tiki on how the Knicks play against elite teams (40:02), and their reaction to the loss to the Thunder and the replay factor (55:42); Boomer & Gio react to the Thunder loss (1:13:534) and the Fizdale comments (1:22:48).

The final hour dives deep into the state of the New York Knicks — and a stat that may completely change how fans view this season. Despite feeling less confident than a year ago, the Knicks are significantly better against top-six teams compared to last season. Is this proof that the Mike Brown era has a higher ceiling than the Tom Thibodeau era?

Karl-Anthony Towns only attempted five shots from the field in an embarrassing loss to the Cavaliers, and Craig Carton wonders if Jalen Brunson deserves more of the blame. Plus, Boomer Esiason points the finger at Mike Brown, wondering if the Knicks made a mistake in firing Tom Thibodeau.

Karl-Anthony Towns only attempted five shots from the field in an embarrassing loss to the Cavaliers, and Craig Carton wonders if Jalen Brunson deserves more of the blame. Plus, Boomer Esiason points the finger at Mike Brown, wondering if the Knicks made a mistake in firing Tom Thibodeau.

This week's Knicks highlights include praising the team's dismantling of the Sixers to enter the All-Star break on a high note. Plus, Evan and Tiki compare the Mike Brown Knicks to last year's group under Tom Thibodeau, and marvel at the fanbase invading Philadelphia for a road game.