The Lowe Post

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil for reactions to Game 3 in Knicks vs. 76ers, Cavaliers vs. Magic, and Nuggets vs. Lakers. They also preview the Game 3's in the Friday slate of games and how they expect the rest of the first round to play out. 2:55 Sixers bounce back against the Knicks 20:35 Lakers vs Nuggets 38:30 Magic vs. Cavs 44:00 Clippers vs. Mavericks 52:09 Wolves vs. Suns 58:15 Miami Heat shocking the Celtics yet again 1:09:53 Pels vs. Thunder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss what they've seen from every Game 1 of the first round and what to look for as each series progresses. Knicks-Sixers (2:11) Celtics-Heat (8:03) Cavs-Magic (12:06) Nuggets-Lakers (16:46) Timberwolves-Suns (27:10) Thunder-Pelicans (36:21) Clippers-Mavericks (50:23) Bucks-Pacers (1:02:57) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach discusses the Warriors being eliminated from playoff contention and questions if this is the end of this team as we know them, then he is joined by David Thorpe for their annual 8x8 first round deep dive. 0:00 The Warriors being eliminated by the Kings. 19:10 Injury updates following the play-in. 25:55 Minnesota vs. Phoenix series preview 41:20 Sixers vs. Knicks preview 51:42 Lakers vs. Nuggets preview 1:04:00 Clippers vs. Mavs series preview 1:17:00 Magic vs.Cavs series preview. 1:26:45 Pacers vs. Bucks preview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach is joined by ESPN's Chris Herring to review Sunday's regular-season conclusion, preview the four play-in games and four playoff series that we know so far, and give their final awards picks for the 2024 season. 7:00 Winners and losers from Sunday's regular season conclusion 12:15 Is Orlando actually a good matchup for the Cavs? 18:00- The Phoenix Suns avoiding the Play-In by beating the Wolves 24:30- Can the Bucks beat the Pacers without Giannis? 30:00- The Mavericks-Clippers Trilogy 36:45- Lakers vs. Pelicans Play-In preview 49:54- Philadelphia vs. Miami Play-In preview 1:00:30- Warriors vs. Kings Play-In rematch from last year's playoffs 1:09:45- Hawks vs. Bulls Play-In 1:17:20- Rapid-Fire Awards Picks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach asks injury expert Jeff Stotts about the extent of Giannis Antentokounmpo's injury and his potential recovery timetable. Then The Athletic's Mo Dakhil joins to discuss Knicks-Celtics, playoff seeding, and the MVP race. What will Giannis' recovery look like? (1:27) Dakhil (17:20) Does anything concern you about the Celtics? (21:03) Knicks are a joy to watch (24:26) Jrue Holiday extension (32:01) Bucks make a starting lineup change (36:34) Nuggets move into pole position in the West (45:12) MVP race is not over (51:45) West seeding possibilities (1:01:18) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks weigh in on the pivotal races in the Western Conference. Then ESPN's Tim Bontemps joins to discuss the logjam behind Boston in the East, what's gone wrong in Cleveland, and how their All-Defense and All-NBA ballots are shaping up. The race for 6th in the West (3:21) How the top spot will be determined in the West (20:05) The muddled East from 2 to 8 (33:42) Who's the biggest threat to Boston in the East? (39:55) What's gone wrong in Cleveland? (54:07) All-Defense Teams (1:14:37) All-NBA Teams (1:19:39) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Sixers' chances now that Joel Embiid is back in the fold, how seeds 3 through 5 might shake out in the East, the race for the top seed in the West, how dangerous the Lakers can be, and what to make of the Suns and Clippers. Sixers with Embiid (10:31) Are the Heat going to heat up or what? (24:01) Knicks without Randle (27:14) Cavs and Magic (35:26) Race for top seed in the West (44:35) How dangerous can the Lakers be? (49:56) Wolves without KAT (1:00:10) Suns coming together (1:03:09) Can the Clippers find the magic they had earlier in the year? (1:05:59) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss Joel Embiid's expected return to the Sixers, the charging Mavericks, and a trio of teams succeeding without an injured star. Plus, TrueHoop's David Thorpe joins to run through the top candidates for Most Improved Player. Impact of Embiid's return (1:04) Mavs currently in 5th in the West (9:42) Hawks without Trae, Wolves without KAT, and Rockets without Sengun (30:57) Thorpe (48:10) Most Improved Player candidates (49:55) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Doris Burke discuss Draymond Green's ejection and the Warriors' push for the play-in before revealing their preseason takes that have since fallen flat. Headlines around the league (15:04) Worst Preseason Takes (22:07) Under on the Thunder (22:27) Hawks to finish in the top 5 (30:56) Lukewarm on the Porzingis trade (33:19) A Mavs swoon that never happened (41:58) D'Angelo Russell's season with the Lakers (47:17) The Suns as a title contender (55:23) Clippers escaped Philly with a win (1:03:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and The Dunker Spot's Steve Jones, Jr. discuss what's going on with the Warriors, the races for the 6th seed in the East and West, and the battle for positioning among the 3-4-5 spots in the East. Then ESPN Chalk's David Purdum joins for the latest on the NBA looking into betting irregularities involving Toronto's Jontay Porter. What's going on with the Warriors? (2:27) 6-7-8 spots in the West (9:44) 6-7-8 spots in the East (33:56) 3-4-5 in the East (53:05) Purdum (1:08:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss how the Celtics and Bucks would match up in a playoff series, forecast the Thunder's chances in the West, and weigh in on Coach of the Year candidates. Then The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski joins to talk all things Anthony Edwards- the dunk and his elevation into superstardom- plus, what success looks like for the Timberwolves this season. Celtics-Bucks matchup (1:50) Forecasting the Thunder (21:20) No one has an answer for Jokic (40:13) Coach of the Year front runners (43:10) The red-hot Rockets (47:50) A basketball dilemma (53:02) Krawczynski (56:29) The Anthony Edwards dunk (58:54) Wolves have more of a backbone this season (1:07:25) Latest on KAT and Reid (1:11:13) Anthony Edwards has taken the leap (1:16:39) What is success for the Wolves this year? (1:33:23) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and The Athletic's Mo Dakhil discuss the latest Laker losses, the charging Mavericks, their concern for the Clippers and Suns, Victor Wembanyama making highlight plays look routine, and candidates for 6th Man of the Year. Lakers-Warriors reaction (4:03) The surging Mavs (15:08) Concerns about the Clippers (30:47) Officiating has been tweaked since the All-Star break (44:28) Suns (50:22) Wembanyama is here (1:02:44) Sixth Man of the Year contenders (1:10:44) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks run through their preliminary list of candidates for All-NBA. Then the NBA's Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and the Senior VP of Referee Training and Development Monty McCutchen join to discuss why scoring has dipped since the All-Star Break, ideas to help defenders, and the unintended consequences of the 65-game rule for awards. Bucks still trying to figure it out (15:48) Brunson is going to make an All-NBA team and state of the Knicks (29:05) Rounding out All-NBA candidates (35:32) Sixers in disarray without Embiid (48:58) Dumars and McCutchen (1:01:27) On scoring being down since the All-Star break (1:04:23) Ideas to help defenders (1:14:45) On how the 65-game rule is working (1:29:43) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Andrew Lopez discuss the red-hot Pelicans, Zion's play, Brandon Ingram's unheralded season, and how the Pelicans stack up against each of the West's elite. Then ESPN's Kevin Pelton joins to pick All-Defensive teams, talk Heat, Suns, Magic and Jamahl Mosley's extension, the recent decline in scoring and free throws, Victor Wembanyama, and much more.  Pels are a mystery box and a sleeping giant (6:26) Zion's improved defense and rebounding (10:57) Herb Jones has a case for All-Defense and Most Improved (13:28) The Pelicans' shooting luck defensively (20:13) Not enough talk about Brandon Ingram (27:08) How the Pels match up against other Western Conference playoff teams (33:30) Pelton (40:15) Middle of the East (57:46) 2nd tier All-Defense guys (1:02:47) Thunder in line for the top seed in the West (1:09:14) Wembanyama's All-Defense case (1:15:27) Scoring is down since the All-Star break (1:30:20) Temperature check on the Suns (1:39:46) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss Denver's win over Boston in a potential Finals preview, whether Boston has crunch-time issues, the game's impact on the MVP race, and much more -- the impact of Karl-Anthony Towns injury on Minnesota's playoff chances and big-picture future, Dallas' win over Miami, ankle issues for Steph Curry, Victor Wembanyama, and LeBron James, Ben Simmons being out for the season, and what to make of Wembanyama wanting to win more soon. Then -- a special guest on all things Cavs and tax season.  Celtics in crunch time (12:57) You can't double-team Jokic (17:01) The Porzingis matchup for Jokic (24:53) Ben Simmons out for the year (34:16) KAT's injury (38:33) Keeping an eye on the Mavs (51:08) Is there another level for the Kings? (55:02) The Magic are making a charge (1:01:55) The noise around Wembanyama is just that (1:06:03) Cavs forward Dean Wade (1:16:31) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Brian Scalabrine break down the red-hot Boston Celtics and who might challenge them in the East. Then ESPN's Chris Herring joins to talk about the top-4 in the West, the Bucks finding their groove, injuries to Russell Westbrook, Donovan Mitchell, and Scottie Barnes, the Raptors deal for Kelly Olynyk, RJ Barrett's play, Anthony Davis, and much more around the league.  Derrick White has been amazing (12:36) The Warriors leaving Jaylen Brown open at the 3-point line (22:31) What are you looking for the rest of the way (28:03) Herring (39:04) What are you seeing with the Clippers? (41:57) OKC is for real (52:50) More surprising if Twolves win West or lose in 1st round? (1:11:52) Bucks charging (1:23:53) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike discuss the Lakers' big week, LeBron approaching 40,000 points and their favorite LeBron moments, the Bucks' surge on defense, Giannis' MVP case and the awards race overall, Wemby vs Chet, Rookie of the Year, San Antonio's path forward, whether it's time to worry about the Clippers, Houston's struggles, the Pelicans, much more.   Does it matter if the coach makes more than most players on the team? (14:10) LeBron's best moments (18:10) Concerned about the Clippers? (23:38) Trivia question (33:04) The Bucks under Doc Rivers (35:31) Why isn't Giannis talked about more as an MVP candidate? (49:57) ROY race (57:10) Rockets and Pelicans (1:06:58) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Adam Mares of DNVR Sports check in on the Nuggets and break down all the key matchups at the top of the Western Conference. Then Nekias Duncan of the Dunker Spot joins to talk about playoff races in the middle of the East: Knicks, Sixers, red-hot Heat, Hawks without Trae Young, Magic's present and future, the frisky Raptors, the Pacers with Pascal Siakam, and much more.  Is this anything? (12:23) How the Nuggets match up with the Thunder, Timberwolves, and Clippers (23:35) Duncan (43:38) Heat (49:04) Pacers (1:02:27) Hawks (1:12:35) Raptors (1:20:07) Magic (1:27:54) Suns (1:35:41) Clippers (1:40:41) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Mo Dakhil of The Athletic discuss the Warriors and Lakers, the surging Mavs, the Thunder going for the #1 seed, the state of the MVP race, and the three most important players for the rest of the season. Who has a better chance of making a run- Warriors or Lakers? (4:43) The surging Mavs (14:51) The state of the Suns (23:33) The Thunder are really going for it (31:01) Shai's MVP case (39:36) Tatum does not have a statistical case for MVP (47:34) The three most important players for the stretch run (53:14) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Bontemps discuss the Brooklyn Nets soap opera of the last 10 years and where they go after firing Jacque Vaughn, and Tim picks his biggest East storyline of the rest of the season. Plus: Breaking down Mike Conley's extension. Then ESPN's Malika Andrews joins to fix All-Star, pick Most Confusing Teams in the West, and more. Plus: The Debut of Malika Andrews Worst Take of the Month.  The Nets firing of Jacque Vaughn (1:22) A turbulent decade plus for the Nets (16:55) Minnesota extends Mike Conley (38:15) Most intriguing Eastern Conference storyline the rest of the way (44:12) Andrews (52:15) Ideas to fix All-Star Weekend (53:40) Most confounding teams in the West (1:34:52) Malika's Worst Take of the Month (1:43:46) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Ramona Shelburne discuss the Warriors attempting to trade for LeBron James, LeBron's future in LA, the recent surges for both teams and whether they can do damage in the playoffs. Then John Hollinger of the Athletic weighs in on Rookie of the Year and checks in rookies in Charlotte, Memphis, Washington, Toronto, Utah, Houston, and more. Plus: Klay Thompson coming off the bench, Deni Avdija's recent play, the Bucks falling to 3-7 under Doc Rivers, much more! 1:00- Ramona's reporting on how close LeBron to the Warriors was to happening. 15:00- What are LeBron's goals at this stage of his career? 25:15- Are the Lakers and Warriors latest stretch sustainable? 30:05- The Warriors commitment to build a contender around Steph. 39:49- John Hollinger joins 40:00- Brandin Podziemski replacing Klay Thompson in the starting lineup 46:45- Keyonte George, Taylor Hendricks, and the Utah Jazz 54:30- GG Jackson Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies 1:01:45- Concern level for Milwaukee 1:07:35- Brandon Miller's impressive season 1:17:50- Scoot Henderson's confusing rookie year 1:20:30- Houston Rockets' Guard Room 1:24:40- Rapid Fire Rookies 1:32:24- Rookie of the Year debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Steve Jones Jr. of The Dunker Spot pick their 5 Biggest Questions for the rest of the NBA season: Bucks, Suns, home-court in the West, Knicks, Sixers, Lakers and Warriors figuring things out, Trae Young's future, much more. Then Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com joins to discuss the red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers: Are they contenders? What are the Bucks? (1:29) Who wins the West? (11:10) How good are the Suns? (19:52) Are you starting to believe in the Lakers or Warriors? (25:24) Can the Knicks and Sixers hold on? (41:59) Can Boston avoid getting in its own way? (47:41) What's the plan with Trae Young? (51:01) Who wins coach of the year? (1:04:05) Fedor (1:07:28) How is the reintegration of Garland and Mobley going? (1:12:30) Cavs have the inside track at the #2 seed in the East (1:17:14) Is this team a legitimate championship contender? (1:21:48) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach breaks down all the deals that happened and didn't happen at the NBA trade deadline with ESPN's Bobby Marks and then ESPN's Kevin Pelton coming out of the bullpen in a mega-episode. The guys hit every move, every big non-move (Lakers, Warriors, Bulls again!, Clippers, more) -- and almost every team.  2:50- The Knicks "Home-run" deadline moves. 15:45- The Detroit Pistons confusing deadline. 25:00 The Lakers quiet trade deadline. 30:00- Atlanta Hawks not moving Dejounte Murray 42:00- What is Chicago's direction? 54:20- Analyzing Dallas' moves at the trade deadline 1:10:00- Kevin Pelton joins the podcast 1:11:00- Utah Jazz and Toronto Raptors trade 1:20:00- Warriors standing pat. 1:25:00- The Brooklyn Nets holding onto their assets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss Joel Embiid's upcoming surgery, ramifications for the Sixers going forward, all things trade deadline, All-Star snubs, MVP candidates, and much more.  Embiid to have surgery (1:02) Zach's tweak to the 65 game rule (9:22) How Sixers will approach trade deadline (15:20) Big picture on the trade deadline (21:28) Possible moves for the Mavs (28:59) Rockets, Cavs, and Nets (39:20) Jazz (49:56) Clippers (56:19) MVP candidates (59:25) Nuggets (1:05:34) All-Star injury replacements (1:10:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach talks about Joel Embiid's injury and what comes next with injury expert Jeff Stotts. Then ESPN's Chris Herring joins to discuss the Lakers beating Boston without Anthony Davis and LeBron, LeBron's cryptic tweets, Lakers options at trade deadline, Knicks recent play and Jalen Brunson, Boston's up-and-down last two weeks, and their most interesting trade deadline teams: Chicago, Oklahoma City, Brooklyn, Sacramento, Atlanta, the Clippers, more -- plus whether the more asset-poor contenders in Phoenix, Milwaukee, Denver, and Phoenix can pull off any deals. That and much more! Possible explanations for Embiid's meniscus (2:36) Thoughts on 65 games played threshold for MVP and other awards (12:49) Herring (20:12) LeBron's cryptic tweets and Lakers' approach to trade deadline (20:46) What will and should the Bulls do? (38:45) Celtics have been a bit wobbly lately (45:56) Knicks offense with OG Anunoby (50:21) Brunson is a star (54:31) How will Knicks act at deadline? (58:48) Rapid fire on other teams ahead of the deadline (1:07:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike discuss the offensive explosion around the league, the Jalen Green situation in Houston, the Lakers-Rockets fracas and the Lakers up and down play, Doc Rivers first game as Bucks coach, Wolves, Thunder, trade talk across the league, and more. Then ESPN's Kendrick Perkins joins to talk about the struggling Heat, pitch a wild trade idea, Zach LaVine, Pistons, much more.  Feels like it's not going to happen for the Lakers (4:42) Defense is not dead (15:15) Are there any rule changes that could slow the scoring? (19:43) Vanderbilt ejection- Brooks push (28:52) Should the Rockets trade Jalen Green?!? (30:45) Defensive 5 seconds (38:15) Wolves-OKC (41:42) Bucks with Doc (51:39) Pelicans (55:10) Perk (58:48) Time to trade Jimmy Butler? (59:29) LaVine to the Pistons?!? (1:09:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Legler discuss the Doc Rivers fit in Milwaukee and how teams are looking after big trades: OG Anunoby in New York, the struggling Heat and Terry Rozier, the Pacers with Pascal Siakam, and more. Plus full All-Star roster picks, whether the Sixers have enough to win it all as is, and more. Then Eric Nehm of The Athletic digs deeper into the Bucks hiring and firing Adrian Griffin, and what comes next for Milwaukee.  Thoughts on Bucks making a coaching change (1:01) On Doc Rivers (3:44) State of the Sixers (8:39) Knicks with Anunoby (14:25) All-Star reserves in the East (21:20) Heat with Rozier (25:21) Pacers with Siakam (39:34) Reaction to huge scoring nights on Monday (46:12) All-Star reserves in the West (55:14) Nehm (1:04:29) Why did the Bucks make this change now? (1:06:15) The players have to own some of this (1:17:20) What Doc Rivers will bring (1:30:21) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the Heat trading for Terry Rozier and how it impacts the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Then ESPN's Tim Bontemps joins to weigh in on Joel Embiid's historic scoring performance, ways for the Sixers to improve around him, the red hot Cavs, and the Bucks moving on from Adrian Griffin.  Heat trade for Rozier (1:40) What does this mean for Miami's ability to trade future picks? (5:28) Rozier's fit with Miami (10:44) A look at the top 7 in the East (14:50) Charlotte is starting to accumulate assets (17:39) Bontemps (24:08) Embiid scores 70 against the Spurs (25:58) Embiid is Durant plus one hundred pounds (36:50) Embiid has to do it in the playoffs (39:10) How can Philly upgrade roster before trade deadline? (42:49) Rookie of the Year race (51:24) Red hot Cavs (54:34) Bucks fire Adrian Griffin (1:06:06) Would you want a do over for the Dame trade? (1:28:50) All-Star starters (1:34:58) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and The Ringer's Bill Simmons discuss the Pacers trading for Pascal Siakam, the Raptors' return on trading two stars, and then go back and forth naming players and teams under the most pressure to win the championship this season. Siakam traded to the Pacers (1:10) Bruce Brown has value on the trade market (8:48) Did Toronto get enough for Siakam? (14:59) Championship Pressure Index (26:40) Celtics (27:39) Dame and the Bucks (37:45) Clippers (43:50) Durant and the Suns (50:28) Embiid and the Sixers (1:00:16) Bam Adebayo and the Heat (1:09:49) Nuggets (1:16:14) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss the resurgent Jazz, how Dallas can be dangerous in the West, and possible Pascal Siakam teams. Then The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski on the Timberwolves as title contenders, Rudy Gobert fitting in, and the looming financial hurdles in Minnesota. Plus, ESPN's Andrew Lopez on Victor Wembanyama playing the 5 and the depth of the Pelicans. Moves out there for the Jazz? (9:51) Mavs (19:39) Fits for Siakam (26:49) Krawczynski (36:45) Playing Gobert off the floor in the playoffs is a fallacy (42:46) Gobert is fitting in offensively (47:41) Looming financial questions for Minnesota (51:56) Potential trades for Minnesota (1:08:43) Lopez (1:13:50) Pelicans (1:28:10) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk discuss Kawhi Leonard's extension, whether the Clippers are contenders, and trade possibilities for LA. Then ESPN's Chris Herring joins Zach to pick tentative All-Stars, talk trades leaguewide, and more. Clippers are real contenders (10:54) No one is talking about Clippers defense (25:24) Ty Lue is one of the best coaches in the league (34:32) Herring (40:55) Eastern All-Star starters (50:50) Eastern reserves (1:07:57) Western All-Star starters (1:25:05) Western reserves (1:30:14) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach welcomes ESPN's Kendra Andrews to discuss the slumping Warriors, turmoil in Golden State, and the return of Draymond Green. Then ESPN's Dave McMenamin talks Darvin Ham, the Lakers bad offense, and LA's outlook at the deadline. ESPN's Bobby Marks rounds things out with rapid-fire trade thoughts on Sixers, Kings, Raptors, Pascal Siakam, Hornets, Heat, Wizards, Nets, and more.  Is this salvageable for Golden State (15:07) Possible trades for the Warriors (25:27) Draymond Green is a surefire Hall of Famer (31:50) McMenamin (37:40) Is Darvin Ham on the hotseat? (39:41) On why the Lakers' offense stinks (41:45) What moves are out there for the Lakers? (52:25) Marks (1:10:17) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss the Thunder's chances and possible moves they can make, the Lakers struggling offense, the surging Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant's legacy, and more. Four stages of Thunder thoughts (3:49) Is Lauri Markkanen available? (14:40) Jordan Clarkson going for a triple-double (17:35) The Lakers offense is struggling and defense is slipping (20:05) Re-visiting the Westbrook trade and how well Minnesota did to get Conley (31:36) The surging Suns (37:15) Durant's interesting career and legacy (51:23) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton breakdown the Toronto Raptors-New York Knicks trade centered on OG Anunoby and Immanuel Quickley, discuss what comes next for both teams, and bounce around the NBA trade landscape.  2:00- Did the Raptors get enough for OG Anunoby? 9:45- The Raptors plan for their rebuild 14:40- What is RJ Barrett? 25:25- Who is the best player in the trade? 31:05- The Knicks side of the trade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Bontemps weigh in on the strengths and weaknesses of the Celtics, Sixers, and Bucks. Then ESPN's Michael Schwartz stops by for a look at the Suns. Zach laments his bet with Bontemps on the Hawks (1:10) This is the best Celtics team of the Tatum-Brown era (6:52) Sixers offense is humming and Embiid has a great MVP case (35:07) Bucks have been cast aside as the third wheel in the East a bit too aggressively (50:18) Schwartz on the Suns (1:09:19) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike discuss the Warriors first game since Draymond Green's suspension, what comes next as Golden State falls down the standings, the rising Clippers, Chiney's hometown Rockets, and the Mavericks season so far. Plus ESPN's Ramona Shelburne joins to talk about her conversation with Draymond in the aftermath of the Jusuf Nurkic incident, the ongoing impact of the Jordan Poole punch, and where the Warriors and Green go from here.  Warriors without Draymond (1:08) Clippers hot streak (11:10) Ramona Shelburne (22:45) Do Warriors now regret the way they handled Poole incident? (32:50) There is no justification for Draymond's swing at Nurkic (35:44) The Rockets taking off (42:06) Suns debut with KD, Booker, and Beal (49:43) Mavericks (50:43) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach discusses the latest Draymond Green incident, what it means for Draymond's career, and whether the Warriors can salvage this season. Then ESPN's Kevin Pelton joins to talk Draymond/Warriors, the Nuggets bench and Nikola Jokic's ejection on Tuesday, and a special Say Something Nice About Bad Teams draft featuring the Hawks, Raptors, Wizards, Jazz, Pistons, Grizzlies, Spurs, Bulls, Hornets, and Blazers. Pelton (22:54) Warriors hopes at salvaging season (23:09) Jokic ejection (26:34) Bad Teams Draft (31:18) Blazers (32:53) Hawks (35:19) Spurs (38:55) Raptors (42:13) Lakers should hang IST banner (46:03) Grizzlies (48:37) Bulls (52:26) Hornets (57:38) Jazz (1:02:15) Pistons (1:07:29) Wizards (1:13:04) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and the Bleacher Report's Mo Dakhil breakdown the Lakers vs. Pacers matchup for the In-Season Tournament Final and the Clippers improvement this season, then The Athletics' Fred Katz joins to discuss the Knicks and make some early season awards picks. 3:35- Pacers high octane offense 5:40- Lakers vs Pacers matchup 18:20- Is the Lakers offense good enough? 25:00- Pacers offense vs. Lakers defense 36:00- Pacers Transition Offense 41:00- Clippers talk 50:30- Fred Katz joins 50:45- Knicks talk 1:00:30- MVP race 1:19:00- Rookie of the Year 1:21:30- Coach of the Year 1:26:30- Most Improved Player 1:30:30- Defensive Player of the Year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and JJ Redick discuss the first two quarterfinal games of the In-Season Tournament and then explain why they are confused by an assortment of teams in the league. Pacers advance to Vegas (1:44) Haliburton is a star (8:03) Indiana needs to improve defensively (13:04) Celtics takeaways from loss to Indiana (17:54) Are the Pelicans a sleeping giant in the West? (31:31) Kings (40:39) Mavs (53:41) Cavs (1:04:29) How do we feel about point differential as a tiebreaker in the IST? (1:10:17) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Bobby Marks go around the league and the potential trade landscape as we hit the quarter mark of the NBA season -- Warriors, Clippers, Heat, Pelicans, Lakers, Raptors, and much more. Then Cole Anthony hops on to discuss the Orlando Magic's hot start, that vintage Heat alley-oop he and Jalen Suggs recreated, and all things Orlando.  5:16- How do the Golden State Warriors save their season? 18:14- What do the Chicago Bulls do? 23:50- Pistons Losing Streak 30:40- What's going on with the Clippers? 39:10- Should the Raptors trade one of their core? 51:00 -The New Orleans Pelicans intrigue 1:03:05- Miami Heat talk 1:08:33- Cole Anthony joins the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach goes around the NBA with ESPN's Doris Burke: The top of the East and West, middle-rung teams to watch in each conference, much more. Then ESPN's Dave McMenamin joins to check in on the Lakers.  1:35-Who is the second best team in the east? 18:30 -The impressive Orlando Magic 26:30- Who is the second best team in the west? 43:00- Concern level for the Nuggets 46:00 -New York Knicks 53:30- Golden State Warriors 1:06:51- Dave McMenamin on the Lakers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach discusses the Celtics season so far, the Bucks recent uptick in play, and what to watch for in their showdown on Wednesday. Then Andrew Schlecht of the Athletic joins to discuss the red-hot Thunder and their potential approach at the trade deadline, plus other young teams on the rise: Kings, Rockets, Magic, Pacers, more.  1:00- Start to the season for the Celtics 9:50- Balancing the Celtics offensive concerns with their defensive excellence 14:00- Jaylen Brown's season 28:35- Andrew Schlecht on the Thunder 46:25- Should the Thunder make a move? 1:05:00- Temperature check on the Orlando Magic 1:09:30- Sacramento Kings start to season 1:16:30- Houston Rockets confusing start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Nekias Duncan of The Dunker Spot go around the middle of the East with deep dives on the Heat, Knicks, Hawks, Cavaliers, Raptors, and Nets. Plus, more Zach LaVine trade chatter and reaction to Russ coming off the bench for the new-look Clippers. Heat (0:38) Hawks (14:45) Knicks (22:13) Cavs (32:44) Raptors (40:12) Nets (50:11) Russell Westbrook to come off of the bench for the Clippers (1:02:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the skirmish between Minnesota and Golden State, the title chances for the Timberwolves, fake Zach LaVine trades, and the upside for the Thunder. Then Bleacher Report's Mo Dakhil joins to review some rookies.   The fracas between the Twolves and Warriors (1:13) Worry level for the Warriors (4:36) Gobert's quotes on Draymond (9:25) Minnesota's hot start (13:06) Are the Twolves title contenders? (15:35) Fake Zach LaVine trades (27:13) Optimism in OKC (40:53) Clippers fall to 0-5 with Harden (45:40) Mo Dakhil (50:38) Brandon Miller (52:10) Marcus Sasser (1:01:03) Ausar Thompson (1:09:24) Bilal Coulibaly (1:14:06) Keyonte George (1:20:01) Anthony Black (1:27:02) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and The Ringer's Howard Beck discuss the Sixers' success without James Harden and the Clippers' struggles to find their footing with him. Plus, surprise teams, a star in the making, and more. Philly looks great (2:10) Should the Sixers try to add another star this season? (10:03) Still feeling things out with Boston (26:45) Gut check time for the Clippers (35:55) Warriors look like themselves again (49:55) Rockets are Top 5 in net rating (56:46) Alperen Sengun is a star in the making (58:55) The Pacers are fun (1:02:37) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk discuss James Harden's debut with the Clippers. Then ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins to assess some intrigue in the West. Harden's debut (4:28) Harden's passing (7:40) Impact of Plumlee injury (13:19) Clips showed glimpses but still a bit disjointed (16:50) Harden and Kawhi aren't a perfect fit (29:46) Don't evoke the lob word (32:15) Title contenders? (37:08) Tim MacMahon (40:02) Thoughts on Harden (40:47) Timberwolves winning with defense (44:53) State of the Lakers (58:45) Zion's burst (1:10:33) Heat Culture jerseys and court (1:11:38) Warriors so far (1:14:00) Mavs 6-1 start (1:27:42) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Steve Jones, Jr. of The Dunker Spot discuss Victor Wembanyama's breakout game against Phoenix, the repercussions of the James Harden trade in both Philly and LA, and then go rapid-fire around the early NBA landscape.  Wembanyama's coming out party (1:11) Early takeaways on Phoenix (10:51) Mavs'4-0 start (16:11) Thoughts on Minnesota (20:53) Harden's fit in LA (22:25) Lakers getting defensive effort from Reddish and Wood (32:50) Sixers look good so far (35:36) Rapid Fire Thoughts (44:33) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the many layers of the Clippers trade for James Harden. Terms of the trade (2:48) Both teams will think they won this (6:08) Clippers knew they needed more to contend (8:31) Clippers could not make this deal a year from now (14:32) This is a last chance for everyone involved (23:03) Clippers are must see TV (26:09) How do Clippers match up with the top teams in the West? (33:01) On CP3 coming off the bench for the Warriors (41:19) Was the price worth it for Clippers? (43:07) Sixers' chances in the East (49:05) Sixers trade candidates (55:08) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Nekias Duncan of the Dunker Spot go rapid-fire around the first week of the NBA season: Dame's debut in Milwaukee, Lakers and Suns two games in, the Sixers without Harden (and what happens next there), Wembanyama, and tons of other early observations.  Dame's debut (1:11) Sixers offense without Harden (7:41) Harden interlude (13:47) Lakers (26:09) There's nothing you can do to stop Jokic (32:35) The AD discourse (37:45) Random rapid fire observations (47:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach reacts to Giannis Antetokounmpo signing an extension in Milwaukee. Then he and ESPN's Kevin Pelton predict every major NBA award, the Finals matchup, and 2024 NBA champion -- plus quick-hitters on all the new contract extensions, James Harden/Clippers latest, much more.  Rookie of the Year (9:28) Most Valuable Player (14:54) Defensive Player of the Year (21:19) Grizzlies without Steven Adams (28:57) Coach of the Year (34:45) Minnesota’s financial crunch (38:11) Most Improved Player (46:19) 6th Man of the Year (53:40) Latest on Harden (58:09) Finals Predictions (1:09:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach brings in old friends Shea Serrano and Jason Concepcion to talk about their new podcast Six Trophies and preview the NBA season in their own way. Then ESPN's Bobby Marks makes rapid-fire predictions on contract extensions for the 2020 draft class and Kevin Clark previews the Orlando Magic and the East play-in race.  Serrano and Concepcion Reviewing Shea's Finals prediction (3:02) Will Anthony Edwards be a Top 8 player by the end of the season? (8:05) Should the Knicks trade for KAT? (10:09) Random team you are excited to watch (15:53) Rule change you would make (18:57) A player that makes you laugh (23:05) 2020 Rookie Extensions with Bobby Marks (27:54) Kevin Clark (55:46) Top 7 in the East (1:00:42) Franz and Paolo tandem will be special (1:03:37) Optimistic case for the Magic (1:08:18) What are they getting from Suggs and Isaac? (1:17:07) Fultz is a winning player (1:24:31) Will Orlando make the play-in? (1:28:31) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach talks to father-and-son broadcast duo Ian Eagle and Noah Eagle about sharing Nets play-by-play duties, their lives and careers, and what to expect in Brooklyn this season. Then it's time for a James Harden Interlude (sponsorship pending) before Eric Nehm of The Athletic pops on to talk all things Milwaukee Bucks -- including our first look at Dame and Giannis together. Eagles Noah will be broadcasting 10 Nets games this year (1:36) What's it going to be like for Ian watching Noah in his seat (6:06) On Noah deciding to pursue a career in broadcasting (8:40) Other broadcasters Noah has looked up to (12:40) Parallel parking advice from "The Czar" Mike Fratello (19:14) The notion of being on or behind the play (22:37) Difference between doing a game on radio and television (27:22) Bill Raftery stories (34:55) Ian's "Blank Space" call on a Travis Kelce touchdown (38:31) Most interesting thing about the Nets (42:15) Kevin Garnett stories (51:08) James Harden Interlude (57:34) Eric Nehm (1:08:28) Dame's preseason debut (1:09:30) Is Giannis comfortable setting 40 screens a game? (1:15:53) Brook Lopez is going to get a lot of open shots (1:24:15) Who's the 5th starter? (1:32:26) Defense will be different under Adrian Griffin (1:38:03) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Bontemps discuss the Heat and Sixers after neither was able to make a trade (yet), the James Harden stand-off, the Clippers role, much more. Then Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com hops on to preview the Cavs. Hawks bet (1:02) Heat outlook (5:00) Like the over on 44 wins for Miami (14:54) Tyler Herro’s strengths and weaknesses (20:39) Sixers options with James Harden (31:03) Similarities between ’23-‘24 Sixers and ’18-’19 Raptors (35:59) The Tyrese Maxey breakout is coming (42:54) Chris Fedor on the Cavs (54:34) How does Cleveland recover after last year's defeat (57:30) Who starts at the 3 for Cleveland? (1:00:00) Pressure on JB Bickerstaff (1:03:30) Change in tempo in Cleveland (1:07:20) Are we going to see less Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley lineups? (1:11:35) What is Cleveland's plan against top wings? (1:15:00) Will Evan Mobley's defensive role change? (1:22:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton break down the Victor Wembanyama-Chet Holmgren duel, pick their favorite overs and under for NBA win totals, talk James Harden stand-off and his potential fit with the Clippers, Jrue Holiday coming off the bench in Boston's preseason opener, and much more.  Wemby vs. Chet (1:12) Thunder outlook (5:07) Wemby takeaways (12:48) Favorite Overs Hornets (21:20) Grizzlies (29:11) Raptors (34:10) Timberwolves (35:45) Hawks (39:54) Favorite Unders Bucks (42:50) Mavs (53:29) Warriors (57:06) Other under candidates (1:01:27) Clipper interest in James Harden (1:06:01) Reaction to GM survey (1:15:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike project a Celtics-Bucks head-to-head matchup, talk Jrue Holiday and Dame trades, James Harden situation, Devin Vassell extension, Chiney's hometown Rockets, the WNBA Finals, and most important a detailed analysis of Chiney's performance on "Is It Cake?" Then Matt Barnes of All the Smoke joins to preview the Sacramento Kings. Ogwumike How the Celtics and Bucks matchup (1:29) Embiid commits to Team USA (22:23) Devin Vassell extension (27:37) Rockets outlook (30:23) WNBA Finals preview (40:45) Is It Cake? (47:17) Barnes (56:20) Playoff loss was learning experience (59:39) Kings want to prove last year was not a fluke (1:05:20) Defense remains the big question (1:07:41) Importance of Keegan Murray (1:10:48) Kings bench (1:14:12) Thoughts on Lillard and Holiday trades (1:20:33) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Howard Beck of The Ringer break down the Jrue Holiday trade to Boston, the potential Bucks-Celtics matchup, the Portland-Miami stand-off over Damian Lillard, James Harden's absence from Sixers media day, and much more.  Recapping who and what went where the past week (2:53) State of the East (10:34) Jrue Holiday's fit in Boston (13:19) Best in the East (17:09) Clippers still looking for a guard (22:24) Celtics moving on from Robert Williams (30:07) Boston's financial future (39:16) Re-visiting the Dame deal to Miami that never happened (42:35) Joe Cronin is vindicated as a GM (49:54) How we got here with Dame (53:16) Embiid not happy (1:02:47) Draymond injury (1:11:21) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss what the Damian Lillard trade to Milwaukee means for the Bucks, Blazers, Suns, Heat, and Raptors. Plus, fake Jrue Holiday trades. Jrue Holiday appreciation (2:43) What the Blazers got back for Dame (7:08) Lillard's fit with Milwaukee (12:51) Potential double gut punch for Miami (23:31) Raptors sniffed around but risk was too high (32:24) Phoenix side of the deal (38:29) Fake Jrue Holiday trades (46:42) The Knicks should really consider making a play for Holiday (57:43) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach talks to Austin Reaves about his unlikely journey and all things Lakers, then DNVR's Adam Mares joins to preview the defending champion Denver Nuggets -- plus a brief Dame aside. Team USA experience (:58) Did you think you were going to be on the Spurs? (3:43) Taylor Swift dating rumors (5:36) Earning LeBron’s trust (11:42) The “I’m him!” game (14:36) LeBron’s team workouts (25:11) Says he’s the best golfer among NBA players (29:06) Russell Westbrook being a great teammate (41:40) How Denver will replace Bruce Brown and Jeff Green (54:05) Teams can’t outscore Denver (58:49) Will Michael Malone have to stagger starters more? (1:09:24) Getting Michael Porter, Jr. more involved offensively (1:12:07) Jamal Murray should be in the All-Star conversation this year (1:17:05) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach talks to ESPN's Bobby Marks about Damian Lillard buzz, Buddy Hield trade possibilities, and the new-look Indiana Pacers. Then ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins to preview the Mavs and Jazz. Recent buzz around Dame (:28) Fake Buddy Hield trades (12:07) Pacers outlook (21:42) We were all wrong about Lauri Markkanen (34:58) Jazz outlook (41:57) How many wins? (47:30) John Collins' fit (57:57) Mavericks fit around Luka and Kyrie (1:01:10) Where do Mavs stack up in the West? (1:04:53) What would a successful season be? (1:16:11) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton pick their most intriguing players for the upcoming NBA season, talk Dame trades, rest rules, and more. Then ESPN's Andrew Lopez joins to preview the Pelicans and Spurs.  2:10- Josh Giddey. 12:25- Giddey's FIBA play 14:00- Kristaps Porzingis' fit in Boston 20:25- Who are the favorites in the East? 21:10- Miami Heat discussion 23:00- Lamelo Ball talk 25:30 What went wrong with Lamelo last year 27:00- Kai Jones' social media brigade 33:15- Trae Young's season outlook 35:00- Tyrese Maxey's season outlook 38:00- Deandre Ayton's importance to Phoenix's sucess 40:50- Damian Lillard updates 44:00- Dame to Toronto? 49:30- Resting Policy. 51:00- Andrew Lopez joins 54:50- Injuries plaguing New Orleans 1:00:00- Latest on Zion 1:07:45- How many games will Zion play 1:11:15- Pelicans pick equity 1:19:15- Why the Pelicans aren't in the Dame sweepstakes 1:22:00- Spurs expectations after getting Wemby 1:30:30- Devin Vassell's outlook 1:35:30- Jeremy Sochan's fit on the Spurs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Ramona Shelburne discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent comments about his future, dive into Ramona's recent story on the James Harden stalemate, preview the Golden State Warriors, and much more.  Giannis doubling down on his future possibly being elsewhere (1:27) Zach thinks Milwaukee might trade Giannis if things go horribly wrong this year (10:22) How can Milwaukee improve this season? (13:45) What teams are closely monitoring Giannis' situation (21:03) How many more titles will Steph-led Warriors win? (33:20) On a potential extension for Klay Thompson (38:28) Will CP3 start for the Warriors? (44:50) Harden vs. Daryl Morey (53:30) Trying to make sense of Harden's thinking about his contract status (1:13:13) Lakers extend Jarred Vanderbilt (1:24:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss Team USA's failure at the FIBA World Cup, look ahead to the 2024 Olympics, and size up the Lakers' place in the West in the wake of the Christian Wood signing. Then (58:30) Sportsnet's Blake Murphy joins to weigh in on Team Canada as well as the Raptors' outlook for the 2023-24 season. Potential new resting rules (:46) Team USA finishes 4th at the FIBA World Cup (5:03) How many of the guys on the World Cup roster will be on Olympic Roster next year? (9:12) Who are your dream 3 picks to have on the Team USA roster for the 2024 Olympics? (11:29) Do you enough the aesthetics of FIBA basketball? (16:33) Filling out the rest of the 2024 US Olympic roster (20:08) Olympics will be fun (28:54) Lakers sign Christian Wood (35:49) Where do the Lakers stack up in the West? (47:35) What did Canada's 3rd place finish at the FIBA World Cup mean? (1:00:03) What big names might join Team Canada for the 2024 Olympics (1:02:12) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's tour de force in the FIBA World Cup (1:07:02) Dillon Brooks' standout performance (1:13:09) How did RJ Barrett play? (1:18:35) Temperature check on the Raptors (1:24:03) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks get caught up on the James Harden situation, the Damian Lillard landscape, Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent comments about his time in Milwaukee, Team USA at the FIBA World Cup, and much more. Harden upset in Philly (2:58) Giannis' statement (16:02) Harden situation is more chaotic than it was with Simmons (22:25) What happened in Brooklyn with Harden? (30:28) Anything new with Dame? (38:40) The one question Zach would ask Ben Simmons (52:07) Team USA at the World Cup (54:30) Supermax candidates (1:13:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Denver Nuggets head coach Michael Malone go behind the scenes on the Nuggets journey to the 2023 NBA title, then ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk join to talk the Clippers at the crossroads, the James Harden situation, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lowe begins the podcast discussing the latest on Bronny James following his Cardiac Arrest, and Jaylen Brown's new supermax contract extension, then he bounces around the Western Conference: ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins to talk Rockets (7:16), Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic discusses what's next with the Thunder (37:01) , and finally Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic details what a quiet offseason so far means for the strange Minnesota Timberwolves. (1:03:03) 10:46- The Rockets young pieces 14:45- Jabari Smith Jr.'s emergence 26:16- Alperun Penguin's fit with team 33:15- What does Dillon Brooks bring? 39:00- OKC's plans for implementing Chet Holmgren 45:00- Who will make OKC's final roster? 52:25- Is Josh Giddey the odd man out? 1:08:52- Looking back at the Wolves postseason performance 1:13:00 Karl-Anthony Towns future with team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Chris Herring of SI.com discuss the James Harden stand-off and the futures of the Sixers and Clippers, then pick their five most intriguing new player-team fits: Chris Paul in Golden State, Marcus Smart in Memphis, John Collins in Utah, much more. Harden ready to get uncomfortable (1:26) Sixers and Clippers haven't done much this summer (8:19) Clause in CBA could affect Harden's plans to get uncomfortable (14:09) Harden's potential fit with Clippers (22:15) How Chris Paul fits with Golden State (31:15) CP3 is coming off the bench, right? (37:13) Marcus Smart's fit with Memphis (49:55) Is Jaren Jackson, Jr.'s future at the 5? (58:32) Georges Niang in Cleveland (1:03:17) John Collins in Utah (1:10:01) Bruce Brown in Indiana (1:19:27) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach discusses Joel Embiid's recent comments about his future in Philadelphia, and talks Lakers outlook with ESPN's Dave McMenamin. Then (52:51) ESPN's Michael Schwartz -- research guru and lifelong Suns fan -- joins to talk the revamped Suns title chances.  McMenamin Embiid opening the door to leave Philly (1:05) Embiid’s playoff history (14:17) How good will the Lakers be? (20:16) LeBron is returning (24:29) We are not far off from seeing players make a million dollars per game (28:58) Anthony Davis extension looming (35:27) Starting five (40:26) Offense needs to be better (45:15) Schwartz (52:51) Air of skepticism around Suns (56:23) Should be a Top 3 offense (1:01:33) Ayton is the key to the defense (1:06:51) Starting lineup (1:13:08) Are you excited about this all-in team? Do you miss the homegrown feel of Bridges and Johnson? (1:15:34) Need more consistency from Ayton (1:17:50) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a mega-Las Vegas episode, Zach talks to Ian Begley of SNY about the Knicks offseason and outlook, crashes Larry Nance Jr. (34:20) to talk Pelicans and Zion, and then visits with the NBA's Evan Wasch (1:07:18) to discuss the new play-in tournament and the craziest ideas the league office has ever discussed. Begley No need to rush things (5:38) The big swings the Knicks could take (9:33) Knicks monitoring Embiid (16:05) Trading Obi Toppin and where we are on Randle (20:41) Immanuel Quickley extension coming (25:55) Knicks are in a good place (31:47) Nance Loves seeing the success of former Laker teammates (36:24) clapping back at media report about Zion’s work ethic (38:07) Not crazy to say that Zion is a top 5 offensive player in the league when healthy (43:04) lot of buzz around Trey Murphy (46:32) on his journeyman career (49:21) on how he traded houses with Josh Hart (54:18) stories from the cast of characters on his team as a rookie (57:15) Wasch Details of In-Season Tournament (1:09:31) Tournament nights (1:11:58) Any thought to including G League or International teams? (1:15:05) Figuring out compensation for winning team (1:18:39) Rules, gameplay, and structure questions (1:24:06) Out of the box ideas that have been discussed at the league office (1:27:58) How tanking has been disincentivized (1:31:47) How far are we going to go with automated officiating (1:35:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss Victor Wembanyama's summer league play, the new in-season tournament, the latest on Damian Lillard and James Harden, Pascal Siakam rumors, the Cavs and Bucks off-seasons and futures, much more. Wembanyama's summer league performance (1:36) Wemby will thrive as a helpside defender just like Robert Williams (6:08) Have not seen anything to counter the hype (8:29) Spurs outlook for the season (11:33) Details of NBA's new in-season tournament (17:49) Will be a lot easier to follow than previously thought (24:46) The Zach Lowe Cup (27:43) Weighing in on the Cavs' off-season (33:15) State of the Bucks (40:56) Latest on Dame (48:54) Noise around Pascal Siakam (1:01:17) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Bontemps discuss the Celtics offseason, the Mavericks acquisition of Grant Williams and the overall outlook in the Dallas, the Hawks extending Dejounte Murray, the early hierarchy in both conferences, and all the noise around Damian Lillard's trade request.  LaMelo Ball extension (1:43) Grant Williams Trade (5:58) Where this leaves the Celtics (6:57) Celtics needed a stylistic jolt (13:46) Celtics are now missing a personality (21:24) Mavericks off-season getting a lot of kudos (27:13) Will Mavs even make the playoffs? (31:22) Dejounte Murray extension (41:03) How Atlanta stacks up in the East (44:38) Bet on Hawks (50:57) The latest in the Dame discourse (53:20) How Philly can get involved (1:06:07) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and John Hollinger of The Athletic outline the Damian Lillard trade landscape in Miami and beyond, the James Harden situation, winners and losers in free agency, and much more.  (2:45) Zach and Hollinger discuss a Dame trade to Miami (10:55) Trade ideas for Dame outside of Miami (11:00)- Dame to Clippers ideas (14:00)- Dame to San Antonio ideas (18:25) - Dame to Boston ideas (31:15)- Dame to the Sixers (44:00) Dame to the Nets (47:20) Dame to the Knicks (39:55) James Harden discussion (59:50) Offseason Winners and Losers 55:00 (Dallas Mavericks) (1:00:00) Sacramento Kings (1:06:00) Los Angeles Lakers (1:08:30) Indiana Pacers (1:12:45) Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors (1:22:45) Cleveland Cavs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the potential landing spots for Damian Lillard, possible trades for James Harden, and react to the free agent deals that have been announced. Kyrie's deal in Dallas (4:18) Harden trade winds (7:28) Jerami Grant's deal could look fine in 5 years (9:31) Taking stock of the West (11:18) Lakers are winners of free agency so far (15:57) Clippers need Harden to compete in improved West (17:35) Clippers' potential offer (22:29) Dame to Philly? (26:09) Harden's potential fit with Clippers (28:54) Knicks interest in Harden (30:04) Dame has requested a trade (35:28) Dame has a de facto no trade (42:55) Can't rule Celtics out (44:50) Miami's best offer (48:07) The Dame era in Portland was a success (52:41) Portland should ask Miami to take back Nurkic (55:31) What is Toronto doing? (58:10) Brook Lopez suitors (1:01:14) Mavericks haul so far (1:02:20) Dame has respect for San Antonio (1:06:31) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Nick Friedell talk about the direction of the Chicago Bulls in the wake of the Nikola Vucevic extension, react to news that Kyrie Irving may meet with the Suns, and talk more NBA free agency.  :35- Vucevic Extension 14:11: How Lonzo's injury changed the team 21:50 Zach Lavine Discussion 29:50 Zach Lavine trade ideas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach Lowe and Howard Beck discuss the Damian Lillard situation, preview free agency, and pick their 5 Most Intriguing offseason teams. Dame situation (1:09) 3 paths for Blazers (5:51) No easy outs in the West next year (9:58) Stop telling Dame what he should do (12:56) Blazers appear to be in philosophical limbo (16:47) Looking back at the CJ McCollum trade (23:18) Teams that could realistically make a deal for Dame (25:38) Intriguing off-season teams (32:50) Kings (33:43) Nets (43:01) Mavs (47:38) Suns (49:13) Bulls (53:05) Clippers (59:29) Raptors (1:05:07) Magic (1:08:40) John Collins trade (1:13:26) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach recaps the NBA draft with ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry and Jeremy Woo: what happened at Nos. 2 and 3; Damian Lillard's future; Boston trading Marcus Smart for Kristaps Porzingis; Golden State acquiring Chris Paul; the Mavs moves; what the Kings might be up to with their cap space; other winners and losers from draft day, and more.  Charlotte taking Miller at 2 (2:30) Portland's future (4:08) Clippers considering their options (16:30) Celtics trading Marcus Smart (21:24) Porzingis' fit in Boston (27:20) Wizards' return (33:33) Grizzlies with Marcus Smart (34:55) Wizards taking biggest swing of the draft? (38:08) Chris Paul to the Warriors (45:30) What's going on in Sacramento? (58:20) The draft haul for the Mavs (1:01:28) Kings' cap space (1:05:08) What did the Magic get at 6 and 11 (1:15:20) Picks that Jeremy loves (1:17:40) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach talks to ESPN's Jonathan Givony about the latest intel they're hearing leading up to the draft. What will Portland do with the #3 pick? Is Zion Williamson really on the trade market? Plus, the buzz around the Clippers, Mavericks, Hawks, Raptors, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss all the angles of the Bradley Beal trade. How does he fit in Phoenix? Where do the Suns go from here? Are they the favorites in the West? Plus: Implications for Miami, Damian Lillard, Zion Williamson, Kristaps Porzingis, and potential new homes for Chris Paul. Then (1:05:55) Dan Le Batard of Meadowlark Media on the Miami Heat's Finals run and the joy of sports fandom.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach talks to ESPN's Bobby Marks and Jonathan Givony about the draft, trade rumors, and all things NBA offseason. Plus: On Denver's title run and Nikola Jokic's place in history.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special NBA Finals episode of the Lowe Post x Hoop Collective podcast, Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst recap the deciding Game 5 of the NBA Finals matchup as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat to become 2023 NBA Champions. They discuss the Nuggets' journey to the NBA Finals and key moments from a tight game. Plus, they discuss what moves both teams will make during the off-season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton break down Denver's Game 4 win in Miami, how they survived Nikola Jokic's foul trouble, what comes next in Game 5, and Denver's postseason run so far.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Jeff Van Gundy break down Denver's win in Game 3 of the NBA Finals and look ahead to Game 4. Then (44:10) ESPN's Bobby Marks joins to detail the Chris Paul situation in Phoenix, plus other offseason rumblings.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Legler break down every aspect of the NBA Finals as it shifts to Miami -- plus the latest Kyrie/LeBron rumors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special NBA Finals episode of the Lowe Post x Hoop Collective podcast, Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst recap Game 2 of the NBA Finals matchup as the Miami Heat even up the series with the Denver Nuggets (1-1). They discuss the Heat's vital plays in the 4th quarter to walk away with the victory, and a possible Tyler Herro return in the series. Plus, they examine the Suns hiring Frank Vogel as head coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special NBA Finals episode of the Lowe Post x Hoop Collective podcast, Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst recap Game 1 of the NBA Finals matchup as the Denver Nuggets go up (1-0) against the Miami Heat. They discuss the size mismatches that surfaced with the Nuggets' offense against the Heat's defense, the modest performance of Jimmy Butler, and how the Heat can rebound in Game 2. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach previews the NBA Finals with ESPN's Tim MacMahon focusing on the Nuggets offense against the Heat defense, and (39:35) Steve Jones Jr. of The Dunker Spot digging into the other side of the floor. Plus: each team's journey here, the historical stakes, and predictions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton break down Miami's Game 7 win in Boston, the Celtics missed chance at history, what's next for Boston and Jaylen Brown, and how the Heat pulled off this incredible turnaround. Plus, early thoughts on the Heat-Nuggets NBA Finals, Nick Nurse to the Sixers, Adrian Griffin to the Bucks, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Nick Friedell discuss the building drama of Heat-Celtics, and then (43:11) Adam Mares of DNVR talks all things Nuggets -- what this Finals run means to the city, visiting Nikola Jokic's hometown, whether the national media ignores the Nuggets, what matchup Denver fans should prefer, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry discuss the Denver Nuggets journey to the Finals, Boston keeping its season alive in Game 4 in Miami, and whether the Celtics have a real chance to rally from 3-0 down. Then (44:44) ESPN's Dave McMenamin joins to discuss LeBron hinting at retirement, the Lakers plans from here, Anthony Davis, Kyrie Irving, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the Miami Heat's remarkable turnaround (32:55), the implications of a potential Boston loss in this round (5:01), Lakers-Nuggets (47:05), LA's offseason plans (57:03), and Carmelo Anthony's official retirement (1:04:31).  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk break down every aspect of Nuggets-Lakers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach talks to ESPN's Jonathan Givony about the dramatic Victor Wembanyama lottery, San Antonio's future, the choices Charlotte and Portland face at No. 2 and No. 3, and other offseason intel. Then (45:32) Chris Herring of Sports Illustrated joins to talk Heat-Celtics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss the fallout in Philly after another second round defeat, the Ja Morant situation in Memphis (25:21), Phoenix firing Monty Williams (36:35), and they look ahead to the Western Conference Finals (50:31). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Doris Burke discuss Celtics-Sixers Game 6 and what's on the line for both teams in Game 7. Then (30:52) Zach on the Nuggets advancing and a pivotal off-season for the Suns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Howard Beck discuss Warriors-Lakers (23:38), Knicks-Heat (53:12), Sixers-Celtics (3:07), All-NBA picks (14:44), and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Kirk Goldsberry discuss the wild Suns-Nuggets series, Nikola Jokic shoving Mat Ishbia, and what comes next as the series moves to Denver. Then (40:32) they turn to James Harden's last-second heroics in tying the Philly-Boston series, and look ahead to Game 5 and beyond. Plus -- a quick mention of what to watch tonight in Warriors-Lakers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks talk Warriors-Lakers, Golden State's Game 2 blowout, adjustments to come, more. Then: What's next in Heat-Knicks and Celtics-Sixers. Then (1:02:01) Eric Nehm of The Athletic joins to talk about the Milwaukee Bucks firing Mike Budenholzer and what's at stake in a pivotal offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and ESPN's Tim Bontemps discuss James Harden's masterpiece in Boston, Philly taking Game 1 without Joel Embiid, Boston's puzzling last five games, the Nuggets taking a 2-0 lead over Phoenix (33:05), Chris Paul's injury, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach and Jeff Van Gundy talk Steph Curry's masterpiece, Warriors-Lakers preview (36:07), Knicks-Heat Game 1 analysis (54:13), Suns-Nuggets (1:14:33), tweaks to the play-in seeding rules, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zach talks to ESPN's Bobby Marks and Howard Beck about fallout from Milwaukee's collapse against Miami, what comes next for the Cavs, New York's first-round triumph, Warriors-Kings, Lakers-Grizz -- plus a Suns-Nuggets preview.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices