We're approaching the end of what has been an unexpectedly great first round of the NBA playoffs. Remember when we thought the West was going to be wild with upsets but the East was predictable and follow the chalk? Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat thought differently. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports dive into all the first-round matchups including the Warriors and Kings, the Heat and Bucks, if the Grizzlies can come back on the Lakers and more. Then for Corey's Jukebox, it's time for the King of Country George Straight to sing one for Kawhi Leonard. That leads to a conversation about where the Clippers  go from here after another injury-plagued season and playoffs. Should they run it back, or is it time to move on from the Paul George/Kawhi Leonard era? Then the duo talk officiating in the playoffs, always a fraught topic this time of year. Finally, the duo talk about what animal — real or imagined — they would take on a quest.


It's a Fiesta in San Antonio. Literally. And not just because the Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery, and with it the rights to draft Victor Wembanyama, although Corey Robinson says that has added to the party along the River Walk — with some Afro-Cuban All-Stars music.In this latest episode of the PBT Extra Podcast, Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports talk about why landing in San Antonio is a win for Wembanyama as well as the Spurs, how starting his career under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich is a good thing, and how the Spurs should be patient with their build-out around a franchise cornerstone. Then the pair discuss how the lottery was a win for the Hornets and Trail Blazers, but not so much for the Pistons.From there they discuss Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals and what to take away from the Nuggets' dominant start and the Lakers' comeback. Then they get into the Eastern Conference Finals, where they agree the Heat will bring it and question how much they should trust the Celtics. All that plus discussing heroes and villains.


It's a Fiesta when Spurs win lottery, plus playoff talk

This has been a wild playoffs and in this episode of PBT Extra Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the second round with a discussion of the 76ers and Celtics Game 7. They touch on the epic Lakers and Warriors series, the Heat and Knicks, and spend time talking about what is next for the Suns this summer — plus why we always seem to overlook the Denver Nuggets.Speaking of the Nuggets, Corey's Jukebox compares Jokić and the Nuggets to a legendary Todd Rundgren album. From there in Kurt's Korner it's time to talk about the NBA hiring Mike Krzyzewski for... something. Then there is the All-NBA teams and finally the excitement around the NBA Draft lottery and what it could mean for some of the teams at the top.


Playoffs second round, All-NBA and NBA Draft Lottery talk

After a summer of brash talk and high-profile distractions — including poking the bear that is LeBron James — the Memphis Grizzlies exited the playoffs with a whimper. That was quickly followed by reports they were not bringing back free agent Dillon Brooks as part of a shift to make this more of a playoff team. Is that the right move? NBC Sports' Corey Robinson doesn't think so, although Kurt Helin is less sure. Before the duo goes walking in Memphis they take a stroll through the first round of the NBA playoffs. (This was recorded hours before news broke about Mike Budenholzer being fired by the Bucks.)They talk about Jimmy Butler and the Heat against the Knicks, if Kevin Durant can bring the Suns back against Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets, and the rest of the first-round series. Tied into that is Corey's Jukebox, where Anthony Davis gets the Rolling Stones treatment.


Talking NBA playoffs second round, Grizzlies future

First round playoff talk, what's next for Clippers

No more talk of load management or the Groundhog Day nature of NBA regular season — the playoffs are here. The games matter, the intensity is high and coaching strategies — and team roster building — are put to the ultimate stress test. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into the play-in games — particularly the Lakers win over the Timberwolves — and then get into all the first-round matchups. Can the Lakers upset the Grizzlies? What about the Warriors knocking off the 3-seed Kings? Will there be any upsets in the East.Corey's Jukebox gets into LaMelo Ball and what's next for the star in Charlotte.


First round playoff preview, latin music for LaMelo

It's the busy season in the NBA with the playoffs about to start, but Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports focus on the big picture this week. They talk about a deep Hall of Fame class — Gregg Popovich, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and more — then slide into talking about the new CBA and what it might mean for players and fans of elite teams. Corey's Jukebox this week uses the classic rock music of Heart to explain what is going on with the Dallas Mavericks.After that, the duo gets into the NBA MVP and other end-of-season awards. Should it be Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo with the hardware this year? Did Jaren Jackson Jr. play enough games to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors, or should it go to Brook Lopez and all he has brought to the Bucks? Can anyone top Paolo Banchero as Rookie of the Year? They discuss it all and more.


MVP and NBA awards, new CBA, and a deep Hall of Fame class

The NBA is very good at backloading its schedule with games between its best teams, and that makes the final weeks of the regular season interesting. This week the suddenly-hot Timberwolves — who have come together with Mike Conley running the point — face the Lakers with LeBron James back from his foot issue.  Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets take on Kevin Durant and the Suns in what could be a Western Conference second-round preview. Just how sideways are things in Dallas? Can the Heat beat the Knicks — and how big a threat is New York? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin get into all that, and while talking Mavericks, Corey's Jukebox talks Mavericks and some classic rock from Deep Purple. Then the conversation turns to players being shut down for the season — Damian Lillard and Ben Simmons among them — and how that sparks trade talk. Especially for Lillard, even though he has done nothing but be loyal to Portland. Then that discussion evolves into talking... karaoke? Yes, Karaoke. 


Talking big games down NBA stretch run, crumbling Mavericks

The last time the Sacramento Kings were in the playoffs, there was a Bush in the White House and Pixar released the first "Cars" movie. They are back with a vengeance this season, going into the playoffs with a top-three seed and an elite offense, but how far can they go once in there? Maybe a long ways if things break right, and Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that. They discuss the passing of Knicks legend Willis Reed, then Corey's Jukebox compares Jayson Tatum to Eddie VanHalen's "Eruption." Finally, they focus on some possible free agents this summer maybe making their final runs with teams — will Draymond Green be back with the Warriors? What about Kyrie Irving with the Mavericks? The Knicks want Josh Hart back but are not getting a discount, and don't be surprised if the Heat and Trail Blazers try to make some big moves.


Kings a playoff threat? Plus some summer free agent talk.

Ja Morant and his gun incident at a club have understandably drawn the headlines — and an eight-game suspension from the NBA — but the issues with the Grizzlies are larger than that. There are the injuries to Steven Adams (he could return for the postseason) and Brandon Clarke (torn Achilles), but also there is what NBC Sports' Corey Robinson describes as a "punk rock attitude" about the team that can be a source of strength but also lead to undisciplined moments. [Editor's note: This podcast was recorded just a couple of hours before the NBA handed down Morant's suspension.]Robinson and NBC Sports' Kurt Helin dive into that and what steps the Grizzlies need to take in a tight West playoff race. From there it is Corey's Jukebox segment, with some underground Los Angeles hip hop for the Clippers, and some classic Irish music for the Knicks' Julius Randle.Finally, the  duo discusses the changes at USA Basketball under Grant Hill — now players don't have to play in a World Cup to play in the Olympics? It's a concession to the modern game, but is it good for the American squad in an era where the gap between them and the world's other top teams has shrunk dramatically? The duo also talks a little March Madness — go UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.


Where do Grizzlies go next? What about USA Basketball?

Kevin Durant has the kind of game that will plug-and-play with any team, but how will his presence impact the rest of the Phoenix Suns? Does Devin Booker get better matchups and more open looks? Will Chris Paul be more of a passer and shoot less? Will Deandre Ayton be happy in his new role? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all of that, followed by Corey's Jukebox with some Marvin Gaye for the Chicago Bulls and a little George Frideric Handel for the Suns. Then the duo fall into a discussion about loyalty in the NBA, and why Damian Lillard is a bit of an anomaly.


Durant with Suns, Lillard with Blazers, songs for Bulls

There are good things with the NBA All-Star Weekend: The 3-point Contest, this year the Dunk Contest and Mac McClung, and the many NBA-themed events that come up around it such as a Basketball Without Borders event, clinics and events with the youth of Salt Lake City, the Legends Breakfast and much more. But the actual All-Star Game itself is unwatchable. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the weekend and discuss if anything can be done to fix it. From there the topic turns to the Atlanta Hawks firing Nate McMillan and their coaching search. If McMillan was a scapegoat for bigger problems, will a new coach fix them? Then they dive into the buyout market and the moves of Kevin Love to the Heat and Russell Westbrook to the Clippers. Mixed in with that is Corey's Jukebox music and NBA connections, plus a quick look ahead at the final quarter of the season.


Unwatchable All-Star, buyout market, Hawks coaching search

The NBA is still reverberating from the shockwaves of the NBA trade deadline, and specifically the blockbuster that sent Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns. Does this make the Suns contenders? Favorites to come out of the West? What do they need to do to prove they belong on that level? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all of that, plus where the Nets go from here. On this week's Corey's Jukebox segment it's more Suns talk, with a little Britney Spears thrown in, and a nod to the Jazz. Then the duo discusses All-Star Saturday night and what to look for in the Skills Competition, the 3-Point Contest, and the Dunk Contest. Finally, they end with a little Super Bowl halftime talk (and avoid the end-of-the-game talk). 


Durant trade talk, predictions for All-Star Saturday

It's one of the craziest weeks in the NBA — the week before the trade deadline is always insane — yet that is maybe the third biggest story in the league right now. First, we dive into LeBron James chasing history and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record — what does that say about LeBron and his legacy? And his conditioning to be doing this 20 years into his NBA career. From there, Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the biggest move in the basketball world this week — Breanna Stewart shaking up the WNBA and choosing the New York Liberty in free agency. She formed a superteam in New York, there's another one in Las Vegas, and this is an opportunity for the WNBA to grow – and get charter flights for their players. From there, it's Corey's Jukebox and time to talk some Damian Lillard. Then the duo gets into trade rumors from around the league and everyone waiting on the Raptors to open up the market.


LeBron chases history, WNBA superteam and trade talk

Rui Hachimura is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, which is a win for the Lakers front office — "Look! We're doing something!" — but how much of a win was that for the Lakers? Does it change much of anything for them on the court? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss that, then talk about the Orlando Magic and the return of Jonathan Isaac to the floor. Corey's Jukebox ties together the Magic and the Phantom of the Opera, and from there the duo get into Kurt's selections for the NBA All-Star Game, both starters and reserves. Plus, who would you want to star as if you were in a movie?


Hachimura trade and All-Star team

Are the Raptors going to trade Fred VanVleet? What about the Spurs with Jakob Poeltl? The best player likely to be moved is John Collins from the Hawks, or Bojan Bogdanovic from the Pistons, but will they actually be traded? It's three weeks from the trade deadline in the NBA and rumors are popping up everywhere, which is part of what Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break down in the latest PBT Extra Podcast. First they get into Steve Kerr's comments that Stephen Curry is the new MJ — is Curry really in the Jordan conversation? What about impact off the court? From there it's Corey's Jukebox and some VanVleet musical talk. Then it's trade talk time... followed by what world record do you think you could break?


Trade rumors, and is Curry the new MJ?

We've reached the midway point of the NBA season, it's time to talk award frontrunners: MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and more. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports gives out his mid-season picks with Corey Robinson of NBC adding his perspective and thoughts. First, however, the two discuss Corry's time in London, then the Kevin Durant injury and what that portends for the Nets. Then it's time for Corey's Jukebox, talking a little reggae and Atlanta Hawks. And more food in London.


NBA mid-season award picks, Durant injury

December and early January NBA ball has been fun to watch — seemingly every night some player is putting up historic scoring numbers, from Donovan Mitchell's 71 to Giannis Antetokounmpo's personal best 55. But it's not just individuals, team scoring is up as well. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports talk about the phenomenon and what is behind it — and why it's fun in the middle of a long season. After that Corey's Jukebox focuses on a song for Luka Doncic. Then they discuss the new target score ending being used in the G-League and if it could come to the NBA for overtimes. 


Why scoring is up and NBA power rankings talk

The NBA's traditional slate of five Christmas Day games goes up against the NFL a triple-header of NFL games year, which could lead to some channel flipping in some households (or the kids streaming the NBA game on their phones while their grandfathers and uncles watch the NFL. But which of the NBA games are worth flipping away from the NFL to see? Bucks at Celtics for sure, but what about the 76ers at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that. First, the duo discusses the sale of the Phoenix Suns to Mat Ishbia and what that will mean for the franchise, then Corey's Jukebox picks a song for the Suns. After that comes a discussion of the NBA's international games — the league recently played in Mexico City and heads to Paris early next year — and the growth of the sport outside the United States, and how NBA 2K plays a big role in that. Then comes a discussion of all things Christmas. 


Which Christmas Day NBA Games are worth watching?

Cade Cunningham is out for the season with a shin injury, setting back the rebuilding process in Detroit a little, but as they focus on the lottery should they trade Bojan Bogdanovic? Or is having a veteran in the locker room who shows the young players how to be professional worth $20 million a season? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports debate that, then talk about the new-look NBA awards — the new designs are fine, but did they choose the best players to represent those awards as the NBA tries to teach its history? In Corey's Jukebox its tango music for the Trail Blazers and a Purple Haze for Anthony Davis. Then the duo discusses the Warriors' road woes (before the Stephen Curry shoulder injury and loss to the Pacers) and why the Warriors aren't focused on the road. Finally, Corey and Kurt discuss the hole-in-the-wall favorite places they would take each other for dinner if they got together around the holidays.


New-look awards, Warriors road woes and Purple Haze for AD

Anthony Davis has played at an MVP-level for weeks now, outdueling even Giannis Antetokounmpo recently in a Lakers' win. LeBron James is still a force at age 37, Russell Westbrook has accepted the role and been a game-changer as a sixth man, and the Lakers' role players are hitting their 3-pointers. It's been an impressive run, but can the Lakers keep it up and be a threat in the West? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss all that, plus whether the now-healthy Clippers can find a groove and become a threat. In Corey's Jukebox he dances a little salsa and explains how Nikola Jokic is like Beethoven. Then there is talk of the Kyle Kuzma trade rumors, and what exactly are the long-term plans in Washington. 


Lakers, Clippers, and Jokic as Beethoven

Minnesota had already stumbled out of the gate this season, and now they will be without Karl-Anthony Towns for around a month with a calf strain. Just how much trouble are the Timberwolves in? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports discuss that then get into Giannis Antetokounmpo's Team USA vs. Team World matchup — does Evan Fournier get the world team in trouble? Who guards whom? From there it's time for Corey's Jukebox and some New Orleans jazz for Zion Williamson. That's followed by some Mavericks' talk — Dallas has put a big load on the shoulders of Luka Doncic, and while he's playing like an MVP it's a long-term concern for the Mavericks and their fans.


Timberwolves without KAT, get Luka some help

Ben Simmons handled his return to Philadelphia about as well as could be hoped, but his Nets team dropped the game to an extremely shorthanded 76ers team — what does that say about the Brooklyn Nets? is Kevin Durant frustrated? Then there is Ja Morant, who missed just one game with a Grade 1 sprained ankle and returned to drop 34 on the Kings — should we be worried about the long-term health of Morant? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC discuss all that plus Corey picks punk music to describe the Grizzlies, they discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers and if they are for real. What about the Sacramento Kings? And what they will be watching on Thanksgiving Day. 


Ben Simmons, Ja Morant and punk music for the Grizzlies

The New York Knicks sit at .500 and are the eighth seed in the East at the time of this podcast recording, yet things feel worse than that. Maybe it's the 25th ranked defense, maybe its the clunky fit of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, maybe it's coach Tom Thibodeau's system, but things don't feel right. Tommy Beer - author of the “What’s on Tap” newsletter about the Knicks - joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to break down all-things Knicks. There is the good, such as the play of Jalen Brunson and the fact some of the team's young potential stars — Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley — are getting healthy. Then there are so many questions, such as the fit of Julius Randle, is Obi Toppin ready for the big stage, and are the Knicks going to make a bold move at the trade deadline? 


Knicks start .500, where do they go from here

The Brooklyn Nets chose stability and gave interim coach Jacque Vaughn the job permanently on Wednesday, choosing not to hire suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka (and avoiding the massive backlash that would have come with that deal).  Hiring Vaughn calms things down, but will it get the Nets more wins? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break down where the Nets go from here, including should they trade Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant? From there they discuss the red-hot Milwaukee Bucks, the Lakers and if they should make a trade, and there's another edition of Corey's Jukebox where he picks songs for the Utah Jazz and Russell Westbrook.


Nets hire Vaughn, red-hot Bucks, a song for Westbrook

This is not the start the Wizards envisioned, but is it who they really are? Washington raced out to a 3-1 start against a soft spot in the schedule, but since the  Wizards have stumbled going 1-5 (heading into Monday). More concerning, they are bottom 10 in the NBA in offense and defense — how does a team with Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and solid role players such as Kyle Kuzma struggle to score, especially in the halfcourt? Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington joins Kurt Helin to talk about Beal (no, they are not trading him), Porzingis, the Wizards and  where they fit in an East with the red hot Cavaliers and the potential implosion of the Nets.


Talking Wizards start, East overall with Chase Hughes

When is it time to start playing Christmas music? After Thanksgiving? Is there ever a time not to play Christmas music? Sure, there is a lot of NBA news that Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into, including Steve Nash being out and Kyrie Irving Tweeting out another distraction in Brooklyn, but music draws some focus in this episode of the PBT Podcast. Coryey's Juke Box is back with a song — from an opera — for Irving, plus some classic Marvin Gaye for the Pistons. Then there is the Christmas music discussion. Also on tap is a discussion of the biggest surprises this young season, and how Zion Williamson has become a bigger threat with the addition of passing to his game.


Nets drama, NBA surprise teams, and Christmas music

We're a little over one week into the season and there's a lot to talk about. There are the fast starts for the Trail Blazers and Spurs — can they keep it up, or are those starts a mirage? What about the slow starts, are the Lakers in trouble? (Hint: yes.) What about the 76ers? The Heat? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that in their weekly conversation, plus they break out a new segment Corey's Juke Box where he has a song choice for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Then they look ahead at the week in the NBA and what games to watch.


Fast starts, slow starts, and what's the best song for the Lakers

The NBA season tipped off this week but it's not too late to look ahead at the big awards — MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, etc. — and not just make a prediction on who will win, but talk about how to bet them. And bet those NBA futures wisely. When thinking MVP, it's not just the player but is the team winning enough? With Rookie of the Year, it's about volume. Can another guard get the Defensive Player of the Year award? Drew Dinsick of NBC Sports Edge joins Kurt Helin and Corey Robinson of NBC Sports to talk title and award predictions, what the archetype is for players who win each award, and who everyone is picking. There's a lot of Joel Embiid love for MVP, and Jordan Poole is a Sixth Man favorite.


NBA awards, title talk — and how to bet them

Draymond Green will return to the Warriors in time for the season opener, having gotten a fine and no suspension, something that the players reportedly not only were good with but pushed for. Can Golden State move past this and win another ring this year? What does it mean long-term for the Warriors? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break all of that down, plus talk about Victor Wembanyama and if he (and Scoot Henderson) will bring tanking back to the NBA. At least for a year. 


Draymond returns, what now for Warriors? Plus tanking talk

It's going to be a wild season in the Western Conference. There are sure-fire contenders at the top with the Warriors and Clippers, teams that could be contenders if things break right like the Nuggets and Suns, and finally just really good teams like the Mavericks and Grizzlies. There will be little margin for error. Mark Medina of NBA.com joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk all things Western Conference, including if the Clippers are for real, and if the Lakers could be. How much will Luka Doncic miss Jalen Brunson in Dallas? Did the Suns miss their window? Why we all should be watching the Pelicans, and much more.


NBA Western Conference preview

The Philadelphia 76ers are title contenders — if James Harden and Joel Embiid can up their performances on the biggest of stages. Philadelphia learned its lessons from the playoff loss to Miami last season and filled out the roster with more toughness and two-way players in the form of P.J. Tucker, Danuel House and DeAnthony Melton. Add in the development of Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle and you have a deep roster of quality players — all the way down to B-Ball Paul. Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss if Doc Rivers is ready to take this team to the next level and if all the additions can come together when it matters. And can James Harden shake his playoff reputation and lead a team to the Finals?


Philadelphia 76ers season preview

NBA training camps just opened and teams have yet to play a preseason game, but already two contenders are dealing with problems. The Celtics have the suspension of coach Ime Udoka as a distraction, plus defensive anchor center Robert Williams will miss at least the start of the season. The Suns have the distraction of a suspended owner who is selling the team, plus Jae Crowder is out and demanding a trade, and Deandre Ayton does not seem happy. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports go through all the training camp news, including the wilder ones with the Lakers and Nets, breaking down what to take away from all that — plus how good Zion Williamson and James Harden look on the court. Then the pair discusses the potential of the NBA doing away with the one-and-done role and letting 18 year olds back in the game — is that good for the NBA?


What's next for Celtics, Suns... and should NBA drop age limit?

The Golden State Warriors will enter the season hanging banner number four from this era and passing out their championship rings, but this is a team with more questions than most returning champs. Otto Porter and Gary Payton II are gone and their minutes are going to go to a young core — Jordan Poole, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman — who are going to be asked to carry a larger load. Particularly during the regular season. Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to break down this coming Warriors season, what to expect, and if the young core can get the older vets to the playoffs rested and ready to defend their title. There's also talk of what comes next in Golden State, as some hard contract choices are coming in the next few years.


Golden State Warriors season preview

Big, dramatic storylines follow the NBA into what is supposed to be the quiet, slow part of the offseason, and Cory Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of it in this podcast. It starts with a discussion of the NBA's one-year suspension and $10 million fine of Suns' owner Robert Sarver for his racist and misogynistic actions in the Suns' offices and what comes next (this was recorded before Adam Silver's press conference on the matter, and before several players spoke out on the matter). From there the pair dive into the Donovan Mitchell trade to Cleveland and what that will mean, both for the Cavaliers and the Jazz. After that, the pair discuss if anyone will care when the NBA hosts an in-season tournament, and finally they talk NBA 2K player ratings, which came out this week. 


NBA dramas: Sarver, Mitchell, in-season tournament

For the first time since the 1990s and Charlie Ward, the Knicks have signed their first-round pick to a multi-year extension, keeping RJ Barrett and not putting him in a trade for Donovan Mitchell. Was that the right move for the Knicks? Now what happens with the Mitchell trade? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that, plus they discuss the WNBA playoffs and the challenges the favorites face after losing the first game of the second round. Then the pair talk about the best and worst retro jerseys this season and all-time. 


Did Knicks make right move extending RJ Barrett?

Kevin Durant has decided to return to the Brooklyn Nets, a decision that is both surprising and inevitable. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports delve into how Durant didn't have the leverage he thought he had, the Nets never lowered their sky-high asking price but the team and KD also could not create a bidding war. The pair discuss what this means for the Nets long-term, and if this really is a partnership like the Nets are trying to sell. Also, what does this mean for the top of the Eastern Conference — how big a threat is a stacked Nets team?


Durant returns to Nets, but is this really over?

Kevin Durant drama keeps unfolding like a good television series, and Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of it: Durant's "the coach and GM or me" ultimatum to owner Joe Tsai, the stalled out negotiations, and how long things can drag out. Then the duo disagrees on what this says about Durant's legacy as a guy who puts the game first — did he tear down Brooklyn and ask out, or is this him wanting to compete and realizing he can't do it in Brooklyn? After that the conversation turns to the Christmas Day games, and the Bucks vs. Celtics matchup in particular. From there the discussion evolves into Dejounte Murray's call for more NBA players to do Pro-Ams and give fans who can't afford an NBA ticket the chance to see them play up close. That can be a great thing for hard-core hoops fans.


Durant drama: Is trade request bad for his hooper legacy?

Bill Russell helped change the game on the court, but Corey Robinson of NBC Sports talks about the impact he had off the court and the respect other greats of the game (like Corey's father David) have for Mr. Russell. After that discussion, Corey and Kurt Helin get into the modern Celtics with a discussion of a potential Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant trade and whether that would be wise. The focus then turns to the MVP race and why so many international players are at the top of that list, and the pair finish off talking about the best arena food Corey and Kurt have ever had.


Bill Russell's impact. Is Brown for Durant wise? Another international MVP?

In what will be a new regular feature for NBC Sports PBT podcast, Corey Robinson — the son of NBA legend David Robinson and a former wide receiver for Notre Dame — and Kurt Helin talk all the news around the NBA. That includes trade talk, such as what should be the asking price for Donovan Mitchell and do the Jazz just want picks? The duo discusses if Russell Westbrook can find a role with the Lakers, and what the public statement from Westbrook's agent means. They get into Deandre Ayton's return to the Suns and the risk the Suns took hin handling it the way they did. There was a discussion of the PBT NBA Power Rankings for the summer, and also who stood out at NBA Summer League. That includes talking about non-NBA athletes we'd love to see on the court.


Corey & Kurt talk Mitchell trade, Westbrook's role, Ayton with Suns, more

The Jazz trading Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks seems like a matter of when, not if.Dan Feldman and Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune discuss what the final trade might include, how New York will look with Mitchell, how Utah will look without Mitchell, the Rudy Gobert-Karl-Anthony Towns pairing with the Timberwolves, the misunderstood Royce O'Neale-Nets trade, reporting in the Mitchell saga and the root of Mitchell's dissatisfaction with the Jazz.


Donovan Mitchell trade

What will the Nets do with Kyrie Irving?Dan Feldman and Nate Duncan of the "Dunc'd On" podcast hold mock trade negotiations between the Nets, Lakers and Mavericks:


Mocking Nets-Lakers Kyrie Irving trade talks

John Hollinger of The Athletic coined the term "Bird Rights Trap" to describe when a team can exceed the salary cap to re-sign a helpful player but wouldn't open cap space if the player leaves.Dan Feldman and Keith Smith of Spotrac analyze teams caught in the Bird Rights Trap this summer, making calls on whether they should pay up or let the player walk:76ers: James HardenWizards: Bradley BealBulls: Zach LaVineSuns: Deandre AytonHornets: Miles BridgesMavericks: Jalen BrunsonNote: The episode opens with discussion of Kyrie Irving, who opted in with the Nets after recording. However, the evaluation of Irving's value still holds water, especially with Brooklyn eligible to sign him to an extension this summer.


PBT Podcast: Bird Rights Trap: The game

Why did the Magic run a subterfuge campaign before drafting Paolo Banchero No. 1, and – more importantly – was he worth the top pick? Which teams drafted the best fits? How did the Knicks, Thunder, Pistons, Hornets, Grizzlies and 76ers do in their trades?Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin review the 2022 NBA Draft.


PBT Podcast: Best and worst picks and fits of 2022 NBA Draft

Auburn's Jabari Smith, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren or Duke's Paolo Banchero?Dan Feldman and Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated discuss the big three prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft, several other players slotted for the first round and a couple sleepers.


2022 NBA Draft prospect preview

Was it the Warriors' championship mettle and experience, or did the Celtics beat themselves? Or, was it just the fact Stephen Curry was just the best player in the series by a mile. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports sit courtside at the TD Garden in Boston not long after Golden State was crowned NBA Champions for the fourth time in eight years and talked about the Warriors' underrated defense, the greatness of Stephen Curry, the smart moves by Golden State in not making a big trade, the play of Andrew Wiggins, and what the Boston Celtics have to do to get back to this stage again. 


The Warriors are your 2022 NBA Champions

The Warriors beat the Celtics in Game 2, tying the NBA Finals 1-1.Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss Draymond Green's behavior, Stephen Curry's scoring and how Boston can adjust:


NBA Finals Game 2

The Boston Celtics vs. the Golden State Warriors for the NBA Title. It's a fitting matchup. There are fascinating storylines of franchise history, and it's a chess of player matchups. Stephen Curry with Marcus Smart on him, Jayson Tatum guarded by Andrew Wiggins. Kurt Helin of NBCSports.com and Mark Medina of NBA.com break down the Finals matchup, the history, and what it means for both franchises — and both predict a seven-game series.

Warriors vs. Celtics NBA Finals preview

The Heat trail the Celtics 3-2 in the Eastern Conference finals and look worn down.Yet, in a season that included an infamous blowup between Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler, Miami made another deep playoff run behind its tremendous culture.Dan Feldman and Wes Goldberg of Locked On Heat preview the NBA Finals and discuss the Heat's present predicament and their future with Butler, Kyle Lowry, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and a potential additional star.


Heat's weird sickness

The Magic have won 11 playoff series in franchise history.All 11 happened with a player they drafted No. 1.After experiencing major success with 1992 No. 1 pick Shaquille O'Neal (and Penny Hardaway, who was acquired in a draft-day trade for 1993 No. 1 pick, Chris Webber) and 2004 No. 1 pick Dwight Howard, Orlando has once again won the NBA draft lottery.Will the Magic select Auburn's Jabari Smith, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren or Duke's Paolo Banchero?Dan Feldman and Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel (reporting from the lottery in Chicago) discuss the Magic's decision, how getting the top pick changes the franchise's trajectory and what this particular outcome – Magic 1, Thunder 2, Rockets 3 – means for the NBA.


Magic lottery

Dan Feldman and Jared Weiss of The Athletic discuss Celtics-Bucks, Sean Marks' comments on Kyrie Irving, Executive of the Year, Danny Ainge's task with the Jazz and the NBA naming conference finals MVPs.


Bucks-Celtics and other Boston(-ish) topics

After a blip, the Suns – up 2-0 on the Mavericks with Devin Booker healthy – have regained their status as championship favorite.The other three second-round series look far closer. Grizzlies-Warriors and Celtics-Bucks are each tied 1-1. Though the Heat are up 2-0 on the 76ers, Joel Embiid could return.Dan Feldman and J. Michael of the Orlando Sentinel discuss all four ongoing playoff series and a few side plots, including the Ben Simmons saga and Davis Bertans' contract.As mentioned on the pod, here are the first-round series MVPs the NBA should just name itself.


NBA playoffs and other minutiae

The Suns lost Devin Booker to injury. The Bucks lost Khris Middleton to injury. The Nets just lost.Meanwhile, the already-strong Warriors (with Stephen Curry getting healthier), Celtics (with Robert Williams getting healthier) and Heat (at least if Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry are healthy) look even better than expected.Not even a full round through the playoffs, the NBA championship race looks significantly different than how it began.Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin take stock and rank the remaining contenders/


NBA championship race reset

Just five days into the NBA playoffs, the landscape is already shifting dramatically.Dan Feldman and James Boyd of The Indianapolis Star discuss who has had the pressure on them increase most since the playoffs began.


New stressors of instantly intense NBA playoffs

The NBA playoffs tip-off this weekend and it's the best time of the NBA season — and a chance for savvy betters to make some money. Drew Dinsick of NBC Sports Edge (@whale_capper on Twitter) joins NBC's Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) to break down all the first-round matchups. Are the Miami Heat undervalued by betters? Are the Milwaukee Bucks overvalued? Who comes out on top when Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and the Nets take on the defensive-minded Celtics? Are the Toronto Raptors a threat to upset the Philadelphia 76ers?Kurt and Drew talk about all that and break down the Western Conference as well. 


Handicapping NBA Playoffs with Drew Dinsick

Which NBA players have improved most during their careers?Dan Feldman gave his top 10 list for 2022 Utmost Improved Player.He and Brett Koremenos discuss their top candidates for the award.


2022 Utmost Improved Player

The All-NBA debate is already raging more than a week before the season ends.Dan Feldman and Michael Pina of Sports Illustrated give their picks.


All-NBA

I intended to talk only briefly with Chris Herring of Sports Illustrated about the 1990s Knicks. Those teams had such a strong identity – which fit some players exceptionally well… and others not so much. The plan was to pivot into the current NBA, ranking the players who fit best and worst with their current teams.But Herring's new book – "Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks" – is so fascinating, we spent considerable time on the 90s Knicks.Then still got into the current players who are in the exact right spot and those who could use a change of scenery.Note: This podcast was recorded before Kyrie Irving was cleared to play Nets home games.


Best and worst fits in NBA, 90s Knicks

Dan Feldman and "The Midrange Theory" author Seth Partnow – who also writes for the The Athletic and hosts "Callin Shots" – rank:Three NBA players most underrated by traditional box-score statisticsThree NBA players most overrated by traditional box-score statisticsThree NBA players most underrated by advanced statisticsThree NBA players most overrated by advanced statistics


Overrated, underrated by stats

Russell Westbrook wants to be treated with a certain level of deference.He wants the Lakers to keep his role prominent. He reportedly wants to leave Los Angeles this summer, even with the complication of his contract running through next season. And, most recently, he wants everyone to stop calling him "Westbrick" – publicly issuing a personal/appeal warning about how the nickname unacceptably shames his family.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman – of whom Westbrook once said "I just don't like you" – discuss Westbrook's issues in this phase of his career and the Thunder's post-Westbrook rebuild:


Russell Westbrook, 'Westbrick' and the point guard's future

Five teams have emerged as consensus favorites to win the 2022 NBA title: Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Nets and Brooklyn Nets.Does anyone else belong in that group?Eight other teams have at least a 98% chance of making the playoffs, according to The Ringer:Miami Heat (41-22)Chicago Bulls (39-23)Cleveland Cavaliers (36-26)Boston Celtics (37-27)Memphis Grizzlies (43-20)Utah Jazz (39-22)Dallas Mavericks (37-25)Denver Nuggets (36-26)On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Dan Devine of The Ringer – who recently wrote an excellent article on the Heat's playoff hopes – rank those eight best-of-the-rest teams:


Ranking NBA's best-of-the-rest teams

The greatest concentration of easily correctable NBA problems occur around All-Star.On the ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Michael Lee of The Washington Post fix NBA All-Star – from selecting rosters to Rising Stars to the dunk contest to the All-Star game itself:


How to fix NBA All-Star

The Nets-76ers James Harden-Ben Simmons deal was a monumental in-season trade.But that was hardly the end of the action.Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, Domantas Sabonis, Tyrese Haliburton, C.J. McCollum and more changed teams in the eventful leadup to the trade deadline.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss the flurry of NBA transactions:


NBA trade deadline

Ben Simmons has loomed over the NBA trade market for months. Jerami Grant, Harrison Barnes, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, John Collins are drawing plenty of attention now. There's even speculation about Bradley Beal getting dealt.But which NBA players are actually most likely to get traded before the trade deadline (Thursday, Feb. 10)?On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and “Built to Lose: How the NBA’s Tanking Era Changed the League Forever” author Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report give their top-10 lists:


Players most likely to get dealt before NBA trade deadline

The star everybody – including his own team – should be talking more about ahead of the trade deadline: Bradley Beal.Beal has shown significant loyalty to the Wizards. He continues to say how much he appreciates a franchise building around him, which wouldn't happen if he joins a super team elsewhere. There's something cool about a star spending his entire career with the same team, trying to hurdle rather than dodge any obstacles, even if it ultimately results in less success. The journey can be rewarding, and the victories are even sweeter.But Beal reportedly won't sign a $181,301,299 max contract extension before the trade deadline.Maybe that's just so he can re-sign for $242 million over five years this summer. Yet, that route also opens the door for him leaving as an unrestricted free agent.Beal has talked about being selfish for the first time in his career. A catastrophic loss this week could be ominous. How Washington sends him into the summer could be highly important. Despite a strong start, the Wizards aren't even a lock for the postseason, let alone the playoffs.Dan Feldman and Ben Standig of The Athletic discuss the difficult decisions facing Beal and Washington.


Should the Wizards trade Bradley Beal?

After starting with about 30 trade targets, 76ers president Daryl Morey said he lowered his asking price for Ben Simmons and would now accept a "top-40 player who’s a great fit."Who cracks Philadelphia's list?Dan Feldman and Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia discuss which players the 76ers would trade Simmons for, which teams can trade for Simmons without including a core star, Michele Roberts spreading a rumor that a promise was made about trading Simmons and what happens after the trade deadline if Simmons isn't dealt:


Ben Simmons trade parameters

For some reason, the NBA allows fans, players, other media, coaches and – if there's an injury – the commissioner say in picking All-Stars.Everyone should just listen to us.Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin select their All-Star rosters.


Picking 2022 NBA All-Stars

The first half of the NBA season has gone by quickly, and to celebrate that midpoint it's time to talk NBA Awards, with Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports giving their picks. Stephen Curry was the early favorite to win MVP, but is he still? Evan Mobley impressed early on, but is he still the Rookie of the Year? Who is the Sixth Man of the year when so many bench players were forced into starting roles? Kurt and Dan get into all of that plus Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and more.


Mid-season awards: Talking MVP, Rookie of Year, more

Pacers president Kevin Pritchard backtracked after saying the team needed to "manufacture that real star." After all, Indiana has Domantas Sabonis, who made the last two All-Star games and might be playing even better this season.But is Sabonis really a star?How about Hornets guard LaMelo Ball? Or Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram? Or Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Rod Beard of The Detroit News play "Star or Not a Star?":


Star or Not a Star?

Dec. 15 is viewed as the unofficial start of NBA trade season. Though that date hasn't proven to be particularly significant, it is when most free agents who signed the prior offseason become eligible to be dealt. That opens numerous possibilities.Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss the most intriguing players who can hit the trade market Dec. 15.


Key Dec. 15 additions to NBA trade market

Which NBA players who've never been All-Stars are most likely to become All-Stars at some point?Dan Feldman and Patrick Hayes give their top-10 lists.


Future NBA stars

Ben Simmons told the 76ers he wasn't mentally to play, and they stopped fining him.Where will this détente lead?Dan Feldman and Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia discuss on the ProBasketballTalk Podcast.


Ben Simmons, mental health and a new status quo

The NBA named 76 players to its 75th anniversary team.Time to argue about it.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss the biggest snubs, surprising inclusions, surprising exclusions, the entire 50 Greatest Players list making it, Andre Iguodala's top-20 endorsement of Kyrie Irving, several other borderline candidates (some in, some out) and players most likely to rise onto the 100th anniversary team:


NBA 75th anniversary team

Who will win NBA MVP?Probably not Luka Doncic. Probably not Giannis Antetokounmpo. Probably not Stephen Curry. Probably not Joel Embiid. Probably not Kevin Durant. Probably not Damian Lillard. Probably not LeBron James. Probably not Nikola Jokic. Probably not James Harden. Probably not Anthony Davis.At minimum, 90% of those predictions will be correct. Far better odds than naming a single player and him winning the award.Rather than take wild shots on single predictions for these wide-open races, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin challenge each other to find the smallest pools that'll include the correct answer for:NBA championEastern Conference championWestern Conference championMost Valuable PlayerDefensive Player of the YearRookie of the YearSixth Man of the YearMost Improved PlayerCoach of the YearWho had the better picks? Listen to the ProBasketballTalk Podcast and decide.


2021-22 NBA season-preview challenge

Steve Kerr is expected to soon be named the USA Basketball head coach to succeed Gregg Popovich, but Kerr's journey to this place  is unlike any other.  Kerr was barely recruited out of high school as a player, ended up becoming a legend at Arizona under Lute Olsen, and went from being a second-round NBA pick to 15 years in the league, five rings, and a black eye from a punch from Michael Jordan.  Kerr's life was not easy — his father was assassinated by terrorists in the Middle East while he was in college — but he also has had some breaks, then took full advantage of them. In this latest PBT Podcast, we talk about all of that with Scott Howard Cooper, the man who literally wrote the book on Kerr, which is available now, Steve Kerr: A Life. 


Talking Steve Kerr with Scott Howard-Cooper

Magic forward Jonathan Isaac and Wizards guard Bradley Beal said plenty about coronavirus vaccines.As Kent Bazemore showed, there's value in engaging on the topic with people who aren't vaccinated.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Cassie Scarfone – an infection preventionist and registered nurse in critical care with a masters in epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health – discuss vaccination within the NBA and the league's coronavirus policies:


NBA and coronavirus vaccination

Duke legend, basketball Hall of Famer, and now the president of USA Basketball Grant Hill joins Kurt Helin at NBC Sports to talk about a number of topics. that includes picking a new coach for USA Basketball in the next few months, plus what the Hawks need to do to build off last season.


Grant Hill talks Hawks, new coach for USA Basketball

The Bulls added Lonzo Ball – a move highly praised in some corners (including this one) and deeply panned in other corners.The Bulls added DeMar DeRozan – a move highly praised in some corners and deeply panned in other corners (including this one).Dan Feldman and K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago discuss the Bulls' eventful offseason (which also included signing Alex Caruso and sign-and-trading Lauri Markkanen), Zach LaVine's future with the team and Chicago's larger plan dating back to the Nikola Vucevic trade.


NBA's most polarizing offseason (AKA talking Chicago Bulls)

The Cavaliers shortchanged their final year of title contention with LeBron James by not trading the Nets pick. Then, they undercut their rebuild before it even began by giving Kevin Love a massive contract extension.Since those highly consequential era-ending and era-opening blunders, Cleveland had been mostly quietly rebuilding.Until this year.This summer, the Cavs drafted Evan Mobley No. 3, re-signed Jarrett Allen to a five-year, $100 million contract, gave Lauri Markkanen a $67 million contract and surrendered Larry Nance Jr. in a sign-and-trade and traded for Ricky Rubio.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com and Dan Feldman discuss those moves and some the Cavaliers haven't (yet?) made: trading for Ben Simmons  (by including Darius Garland or otherwise), trading Collin Sexton, extending Sexton, buying out Love.


What are the Cavaliers doing?

Ben Simmons, seeking a trade from the 76ers, is threatening not to report to training camp. Joel Embiid is tweeting about it. Other teams are trying to entice Daryl Morey with their not-so-great offers.How did Philadelphia get here?Dan Feldman and Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia discuss Doc Rivers' infamous comment about Simmons, the Simmons-Embiid dynamic and of course Simmons trade talk:


Ben Simmons-76ers standoff

Were the offseason trade rumors around Pascal Siakam legitimate, or was it just a lot of media speculation gone wild? How did Alabama guard Joshua Primo vault up to the No. 12 pick and surprise pundits? NBC Sports' Kurt Helin asked the agent for both men, Todd Ramasar, about all that, plus they talk draft prep for players, some Thomas Bryant, and even a little Baron Davis.


Talking Siakam, Joshua Primo with agent Todd Ramasar

Damian Lillard remains with the Trail Blazers – for now.Ben Simmons remains with the 76ers – for now.Bradley Beal remains with the Wizards – for now.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and "Built to Lose: How the NBA’s Tanking Era Changed the League Forever" author Jake Fischer discuss the offseason's lingering star drama and, of course, tanking.


Damian Lillard, Ben Simmons, Bradley Beal, tanking

Draymond Green and Kevin Durant made major waves in their recent Bleacher Report interview.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area discuss:Fallout from Green's and Durant's comments in Golden State, especially with Bob Myers and Steve KerrGreen's infamous blowup at DurantWhen Durant decided to leave the WarriorsWhether Golden State can bridge the gap between its veterans (Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson) and young players (James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody)Why the Warriors didn't make a big trade or use the mid-level exceptionCurry's four-year, $215 million contract extensionGreen's 3-point shooting


Kevin Durant-Draymond Green sit-down, Warriors' present and future

Giannis Antetokounmpo conquered the NBA on his own terms.How did he climb from poverty in Greece to leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship? Mirin Fader chronicled Antetokounmpo's journey in her new book: “Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP."On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Fader discuss:Antetokounmpo's upbringing in Greece, particularly as he approached the 2013 NBA DraftHow Antetokounmpo handled his rookie year, when Milwaukee was awfulWhy Antetokounmpo is so loyal to the BucksThe racism Antetokounmpo has facedWhat the Mavericks should expect from former Bucks coach Jason KiddCavaliers No. 3 pick Evan Mobley, an exciting prospect with a unique perspectiveWhy it didn't work with Andre Drummond and the Lakers and whether he'll fit better on the 76ers


Talking Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jason Kidd, Evan Mobley, Andre Drummond with Mirin Fader

Dan Feldman and Nate Duncan of the "Dunc'd On" podcast discuss 24 superlatives from the NBA offseason:Best offseasonWorst offseasonBest signingWorst signingTeam that improved most for next seasonTeam that declined most for next seasonTeam that improved most for 2022-23 and beyondTeam that declined most for 2022-23 and beyondSigning that will produce most value in Year 1Signing that will produce least value in Year 1Signing that will produce most value in Year 2Signing that will produce least value in Year 2Signing that will produce most value in Year 3Signing that will produce least value in Year 3Signing that will produce most value in Year 4Signing that will produce least value in Year 4Signing that will produce most value in Year 5Signing that will produce least value in Year 5Best fitWorst fitBest player to sign for less than mid-level exceptionBest player to sign for minimumSigning that creates most complications for his teamBest free agent remaining (besides Kawhi Leonard)


NBA offseason superlatives

The Wizards are trading Russell Westbrook to the Lakers. Five NBA draft lottery picks were stunning. Plenty of other picks were surprising, including two highly ranked players slipping into the second round.Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin analyze a wild night in the NBA:


Russell Westbrook trade, NBA draft

I publish an NBA draft board each year.But I also also start the process relatively late. Though I watch college basketball throughout the season, I don't drill down into the top prospects until the draft is approaching. As a result, my impressions don't always match the draft experts who track players for years coming up.Experts like Chad Ford (whom you can read here and listen to here).On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Ford explains what I'm missing on some of the prospects where I differ from the apparent consensus – if there even is an apparent consensus:Alperen SengunScottie BarnesJonathan KumingaJalen JohnsonZiaire WilliamsJT Thor


Confounding 2021 NBA Draft podcasts

Giannis Antetokounmpo just played a historically great NBA Finals game.Then, he played an even better NBA Finals game.Antetokounmpo is enjoying this experience and Bucks fans should, too. He has even gotten Milwaukee within a game of the Suns.Dan Feldman and Frank Madden of Locked On Bucks discuss the NBA Finals and Milwaukee's longer-term outlook.


Wow, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Is Phoenix-Milwaukee the ideal big-market NBA Finals?No.Do Dan Feldman and Mike Prada care?No.The Suns and Bucks are enjoyable teams that play hard, smart and together. This Finals matchup could be excellent – especially if Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy.Feldman and Prada preview the series (with a look back on conference finals MVPs).


Previewing 2021 NBA Finals

The shorthanded Bucks just beat the shorthanded Hawks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, could Milwaukee hang with the Suns in the NBA Finals? Even if Trae Young returns, could Atlanta?Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss the playoffs ahead and behind (who should win Western Conference finals MVP?).They also cover the Clippers' outlook with (or without?) Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Trail Blazers facing complications with Damian Lillard and Chauncey Billups and the Mavericks hiring Jason Kidd.


Conference finals, coaching carousel and more

The Pistons haven't won a playoff game in 13 years.But their fortunes are changing.Detroit won the 2021 NBA Draft lottery, getting the inside track to Cade Cunningham (or Jalen Green???). The other big winner: the Raptors, who moved up from the No. 7 lottery seed to the No. 4 pick. Tanking pays, apparently.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman discusses how the Pistons will handle their windfall with James Edwards III of The Athletic and whether Toronto's lottery luck will change the team's trajectory with Eric Koreen of The Athletic.


Pistons and Raptors win big in NBA draft lottery

Wednesday was so insane around the NBA we barely talked about Kevin Durant having a game for the ages the night before. Chris Paul and COVID, Kawhi Leonard and his ACL, Stan Van Gundy out in New Orleans, then Scott Brooks out in Washington, Donnie Nelson out as GM in Dallas, and LaMelo Ball being named Rookie of the Year. It's almost too much to process, but Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports give it a shot — and they take a couple of listener questions.


COIVD, ACL, coaches fired, breaking down NBA's wild Wednesday

The Trail Blazers have reached a crossroads.After making the playoffs eight straight years, Portland ousted coach Terry Stotts. C.J. McCollum could get traded. Damian Lillard almost certainly won't, but building around him is a major challenge.And Neil Olshey said A LOT at his end-of-season press conference (embedded above).Where will and should the Trail Blazers go from here?Dan Feldman and Danny Marang of NBC Sports Northwest and the Blazers Edge Podcast discuss.


Trail Blazers could turn a corner – but in which direction?

The Celtics just went through a shocking shakeup, Danny Ainge stepping down as team president (though not necessarily retiring) and Brad Stevens getting promoted from coaching to running the front office.What's happening in Boston?Dan Feldman and Jared Weiss of The Athletic discuss the Celtics' new structure, whether they'll trade Kemba Walker or Marcus Smart, how they should build around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, comments Ainge made or may not have made on the way out the door and how prepared the Nets' defense – after stifling Boston – is for the Bucks:


What's going on with the Celtics?

The NBA playoffs began with three-to-four Western Conference teams – Lakers, Clippers, Jazz and arguably Suns – looking like championship contenders.All four have have taken dents to their cases:The Clippers might be imploding as they've fallen behind 2-0 to the Mavericks.Lakers star LeBron James has looked only relatively healthy (at best) with his ankle issue.Suns star Chris Paul is injured.The Jazz had a rough showing in Game 1 then a key defenseless stretch in Game 2.On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune give progress reports for the West contenders and assess whether Dallas belongs in the conversation.They also got into a Philadelphia fan dumping popcorn on Russell Westbrook, a Knicks fan maybe spitting on Trae Young, Kyrie Irving's comments about racism in Boston, fallout from Utah sitting Donovan Mitchell in Game 1, whether Jazz teammates Jordan Clarkson or Joe Ingles should have won Sixth Man of the Year and why Bojan Bogdanovic got a Most Improved Player vote.


Re-assessing Western Conference title contenders

The Los Angeles Lakers struggled at points but went to Anthony Davis at center lineup when it mattered and evened their series with the Suns. The other Los Angeles team, the Clippers, look to be in serious trouble down 0-2 to Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, with the Clippers' defense falling apart. Another year without a battle for Los Angeles? No Hallway Series? Mark Medina of the USA Today joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss the two Los Angeles teams and their playoff series, plus some talk of how aggressive the Warriors need to be this offseason to build a team around Stephen Curry.


Lakers win, Clippers struggle, no battle of LA again?

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discussed their 2021 NBA award picks, including:MVPDefensive Player of the YearRookie of the YearSixth Man of the YearCoach of the YearExecutive of the YearAll-NBAAll-DefenseDan and Kurt also reveal their yet-to-be-published choices for Most Improved Player and All-Rookie, going especially deep on their indefensible, ridiculous, unwarranted, disrespectful, unfair, preposterous, ludicrous, revolting, unacceptable snub of Anthony Edwards for Rookie of the Year.


2021 NBA awards

The first-ever play-in tournament at the end of a regular season (as much as you can call this season regular) starts off with a showstopper: Warriors at Lakers. We delve into why the Lakers are no lock in that game, plus look at the other play-in games: Spurs at Grizzlies, and in the East Washington at Boston and Charlotte at Indiana. From there, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports look at all the matchups in the first round, including why the Bucks facing the Heat is the most intriguing first-round series.


NBC's NBA Play-in/playoff preview

David Thorpe of TrueHoop is NBA media's foremost expert on player of development.So, he was the perfect person for discussing Dan Feldman's new concoction – Utmost Improved Player.Utmost Improved Player honors the player who has improved the most since his rookie season. The only ground rule: He must be having a career year.On the latest PBT Podcast, Thorpe and Feldman discuss their top five UIP candidates (Feldman wrote about his top 10 here).


Which peaking players have improved most during their NBA careers?

Wizards coach Scott Brooks said Russell Westbrook would go down as the second-best point guard of all-time (behind Magic Johnson).That seemed extreme.But Westbrook is posting historic numbers, building his resume and helping Washington surge into the postseason.Dan Feldman and Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington discussed Westbrook's legacy and the NBA's hotly contested play-in tournaments on the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast:.


Debating Russell Westbrook's legacy, loving play-in tournaments

There has never been and will never be anything again like the 2019-20 NBA season. From Kobe Bryant's death through the pandemic shutting down the league to the season being resurrected in "the bubble" on the Walt Disney campus in Orlando, it was unique. Ben Golliver of the Washington Post was on the inside and wrote about his bubble experiences in a new book, "Bubbleball," which covers basketball, mental health, social justice, and Kawhi Leonard in a golf cart. Ben joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about the book, his experiences, and what we can take away from the bubble into the coming playoffs (will the Clippers fold again, or are they different?). 


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