Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective

The hosts dive into the NBA Cup's exciting format and matchups. They highlight the Bucks’ impressive start while examining the struggles of the Hawks and Magic. Josh Giddey's breakout performance leads discussions on the Bulls, while Austin Reaves shines as a potential co-star for the Lakers. Exciting rookie impacts and clutch play from the Thunder are also on the table. Plus, the ownership changes of the Lakers bring intriguing governance insights.

Kate Riley, a partner at Pryor Cashman and former Assistant U.S. Attorney, dives deep into the NBA's gambling scandal, breaking down the two indictments: one for illegal poker and the other for sports betting fraud. She discusses the contrasting legal complexities of each case, the intricacies of NBA investigations versus federal powers, and the potential for future charges. Also, join the lighthearted moments where game-day snacks and coaching impact come into play, making for a well-rounded conversation about sports and law.

Tim Bontemps, an ESPN NBA reporter, and Tim MacMahon, who covers the Mavericks, join to dive into the NBA's exciting opening week. They analyze Austin Reeves' jaw-dropping 51-point game and what it means for his future contract. The duo discusses injury updates on Anthony Edwards and Luka Doncic, plus the Mavericks' defensive challenges. They also dissect the Celtics' surprising 0-3 start, explore tanking and lottery reform, and highlight standout performances across the league, including Shea Gilgeous-Alexander's efficiency.

This discussion dives into the shocking FBI gambling scandal shaking the NBA, revealing the implications for coaches and players involved. Victor Wembanyama's explosive season opener showcases his potential as a dominant force, with his impressive athleticism and evolving game drawing comparisons to legends like Giannis. The 76ers' identity transformation without a dominant Embiid hints at a faster play style. Additionally, standout rookie performances spark excitement for the upcoming season, while teams strategize through early adjustments.

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vincent Goodwill and Bobby Marks to discuss the impact of some extensions around the league before discussing the significance of the injuries on the Knicks and if the 76ers are healthier than expected. Then, Cavs center Jarrett Allen joins the show to discuss the outlook for the upcoming season in Cleveland, the NBA’s movement back to an emphasis on size, his unique wedding dance and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The podcast dives into the standout 30-point debut of AJ Dybantsa at BYU, sparking excitement about his future in the NBA. A detailed discussion reveals concerns over Joel Embiid's return and the 76ers’ new direction under coach Nick Nurse. The Memphis Grizzlies face troubling injury woes, threatening their season hopes. Meanwhile, the Kings make key roster moves, assessing Keegan Murray’s extension amid ongoing injuries. Plus, insights on the Thunder's championship aspirations highlight a promising start for the new NBA season.

James Jones, the Executive Vice President for NBA Basketball Operations, shares insights into his crucial role, which goes beyond just discipline. He discusses the league's international growth strategy, emphasizing the significance of partnerships and logistics in regions like Abu Dhabi. The conversation also touches on balancing player advocacy with league standards, harnessing his experiences from both the player and union perspectives. Plus, the hosts dissect the Western Conference tiers, analyzing favorites and potential playoff teams with great enthusiasm.

Anthony Slater, an ESPN reporter known for his insights on the Golden State Warriors, and Vincent Goodwill, a fresh voice at ESPN with a rich background covering the NBA, dive into sizzling topics. They discuss Steve Kerr's coaching future and the potential graceful exit for the Warriors' dynasty. The crew also weighs in on trade possibilities for Giannis and Cooper Flagg's exciting role as point guard in Dallas. Plus, they chat about Victor Wembanyama's surprising growth and the rising trend of size in the league, sharing nostalgic anecdotes that highlight basketball's rich history.

The hosts dive into the excitement of preseason games, highlighting standout performances from the Clippers and Kawhi. They discuss Joel Embiid's pivotal role for the Sixers and the significance of young players' health. Cleveland and New York emerge as title favorites, while teams like the Bucks and Celtics face uncertainty. The conversation also touches on the battle for play-in spots and the rebuilding efforts of the Nets and Wizards. LaMelo Ball's season is under scrutiny as the Hornets aim for competitiveness.

The discussion kicks off with the latest on Giannis' future, including potential talks with the Knicks. The hosts analyze the Bucks' offseason moves and what they mean for Giannis' commitment to the team. They explore the likelihood of him leaving Milwaukee if a true contender doesn't form around him. The highlight shifts to the NBA wins draft, where every team is assessed for their regular-season potential, with lively picks including the Thunder as top contenders and strategic bets on teams like the Magic and Pistons.