Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to give out their Baller d'Or nominations for the calendar year, the award for the best basketball player, before voting on who earned the title this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to Bontemps’ 1st MVP Straw Poll of the season including if Jokic can win again, who has the best case as the season progresses, if the NBA Cup Final swayed voters at the last minute and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon along with special guest writer & host for such shows as ‘SIX TROPHIES’ Jason Concepcion to talk the Bucks dominating the Thunder to win the NBA Cup, if Milwaukee is back as a threat in the East and how concerning the Thunder’s offensive struggles can be. Then, the crew dives into potential improvements for the NBA Cup, the All-Star game and more after NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s latest comments. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk the finals matchup for the NBA Cup between Milwaukee and Oklahoma City including how the Thunder are putting the league on notice before talking about potential trades for the Warriors after the Dennis Schröder deal and if there are any moves to be made involving Jimmy Butler. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Norman Powell, shooting guard for the LA Clippers, shares insights on Kobe Bryant’s immense influence on the league and his rigorous offseason training. His passion for improvement and the drive to seize opportunities are palpable. Veteran referee James Capers and rising star Tyler Ford reveal the realities of officiating in the NBA, discussing the unique challenges they face and the camaraderie amongst refs. A surprise guest brings humor and curiosity as they quiz the officiating duo, adding a light-hearted twist to the conversation.

The podcast dives into the thrilling NBA Cup quarterfinals, showcasing the Thunder's impressive statement against the Mavericks and the Bucks' solid victory over the Magic despite defensive concerns. Discussions include the emerging chemistry within the Bucks, particularly with Giannis and Middleton's return. Excitement builds for the Hawks vs. Knicks and the Warriors vs. Rockets matchups, with a focus on rising talents and the shifting dynamics of the league as young teams gain confidence.

Joel Embiid's return sparks concerns over his knee health while the 76ers aim for success. The Bucks find a winning rhythm, and the Grizzlies demonstrate impressive depth. Ja Morant's thoughts on dunking add some flair to the discussion. Challenges surrounding mid-season trades and the impact of a hard cap create friction in team dynamics. Meanwhile, Luka is back to MVP form, and player injuries complicate playoff strategies, especially for the Grizzlies and Mavericks.

Kevin Pelton, ESPN's NBA analyst and stats guru, joins Chris Herring, author and Knicks expert, for a deep dive into the current NBA landscape. They discuss the surge in three-point attempts and its strategic impact on games. The contrasting performances of the struggling Lakers and offensively potent Knicks are analyzed. The Wizards' historically poor start is compared to notable past struggles, while insights on the Eastern-Western Conference imbalance and the Bucks' resurgence enrich the conversation. Tune in for a lively take on the season's dynamics!

The discussion kicks off with the intriguing ‘Top 25 Players Under 25’ list, shedding light on standout talents like Jalen Green and Paolo Banchero. The hosts dive into the rising Houston Rockets, applauding their youth and defensive prowess. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic's winning streak is spotlighted, with key players driving their success. However, it’s not all positive; the struggling Lakers' offensive woes and LeBron's decline provoke concern as they wrestle with team dynamics and roster challenges.

The discussion heats up around the NBA Cup standings and what teams, like the Knicks and Magic, must do to advance. Giannis is stealing the spotlight with his amazing play, while the Magic impress despite missing a key player. Luka's return for the Mavs adds excitement to the mix. The challenges of specific Knicks players are analyzed, emphasizing the urgency for improvement. Plus, there’s an entertaining guessing game about a legendary 76-point performance, sparking nostalgia and fun debates.