
The Kevin O'Connor Show
Kevin O’Connor has been covering the NBA since 2013, offering film breakdowns and deep analysis along with the occasional hot take or spicy piece of advice for NBA franchises. Check out The Kevin O'Connor Show, where he’ll be giving his opinions and breaking down the biggest news in the basketball world with other analysts, insiders and NBA players in a way only the most NBA-obsessed mind could.
Latest episodes

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
Steph drops 56, LeBron dominates, and Father Time calls timeout
In a thrilling night, Steph Curry dazzles with 56 points, overshadowing the Orlando Magic. LeBron James showcases his enduring dominance against the Timberwolves, sparking debates about his role as the league's face. Meanwhile, the Nuggets stumble against the Bucks, drawing scrutiny on Russell Westbrook's impact. The Suns continue to falter after a loss to the Pelicans and Zion Williamson impresses with a triple-double, raising eyebrows over his new tattoo. Amidst these discussions, the evolution of NBA broadcasting and team dynamics adds to the intrigue.

5 snips
Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 17min
10 NBA questions keeping me up at night
This chat features John Gamadoro, a Phoenix radio host, CP the Franchise from Knicks Fan TV, and sports journalist Spike Eskin. They dive into the Suns' shocking playoff struggles and whether they might miss the play-in. The conversation shifts to the Knicks and if Mitchell Robinson’s return can revitalize the team. They also ponder the future of Joel Embiid in Philadelphia and whether Paolo Banchero is living up to expectations. Join them as they tackle these burning NBA questions!

Feb 19, 2025 • 1h 5min
Contenders vs. Pretenders, Ring Culture, and Growing NBA Superstars with Drew Hanlen
Drew Hanlen is a prominent NBA skills trainer who has worked with stars like Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum. He shares why critics who label Joel as 'washed' are misguided. The podcast dives into Tatum's mental leap to success and Haliburton’s exceptional passing skills. Drew discusses the evolving NBA landscape, the impact of Giannis's improved shooting, and his thoughts on potential contenders like the Cavaliers and Nuggets. He also reveals insights from his new book and thoughts on changing end-of-year awards, keeping the conversation lively and insightful.

Feb 18, 2025 • 52min
Under-appreciated players and teams with Trey Murphy
From role player to STUD, Trey Murphy's individual ascent this season surprised even himself. The Pelicans' superstar-in-the-making shares how he went from doubting himself to now KNOWING why he belongs. Trey kept it real on why his New Orleans Pelicans team started the year so poorly. Kevin asks Murphy to fill-in-the-blank: Zion Williamson is a top __ player in the NBA right now? That answer will surprise you. Plus with Trey being the most UNDER-APPRECIATED, unheralded star in the NBA, KOC asks Trey to pick a "starting 5" of the most underrated players in the NBA right now. You will never guess who's on his list. Trey also weighs in on what Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors said about the NBA becoming "boring." how the Oklahoma City Thunder are so hard to beat, his personal reaction to the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, and much more.(0:49) Draymond Green comments on NBA(1:33) Why Trey Murphy loves ball(2:26) Assessment of Orlando Magic(5:16) Assessment of Detroit Pistons(6:01) Murphy's development & improvements(13:53) Under-appreciated NBA players(20:41) Luka - AD trade reactions(21:17) How can Murphy become an All-Star?(23:27) Zion Williams impact on Pelicans(25:49) Pelicans struggles this season(30:48) Assessment of Oklahoma City Thunder(34:20) Assessment of Denver Nuggets(35:08) Toughest places to play in NBA(40:34) Current state of the NBA(45:41) Kobe's influence on Trey Murphy(48:27) Call of Duty & gaming Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DdhtRO🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network

Feb 17, 2025 • 34min
Worst All-Star Weekend EVER!? NBA, TNT, LeBron & Kevin Hart TORCHED by KOC!
Kevin O'Connor spared no one from a total evisceration of the NBA All-Star Weekend, especially the new Sunday night game format. Why did TNT make the night more about themselves than the players? How did Commissioner Adam Silver allow an All-Star Weekend in San Francisco without Steph Curry in the 3-point contest? How is Kevin supposed to be excited about a "G-Leaguer" that "only uses props" in the Slam Dunk contest? KOC loves LeBron but says he's to blame as well for pulling out of the All-Star Game last-minute! EVERYTHING All-Star is a mess according to Kevin and Dan Titus. The guys also break down the several weird sound bytes from Draymond Green, including he and Jimmy Butler both being "alpha" personalities, Dray's prediction that the Warriors will win the title THIS season, and Green allegedly "turning down" the Warriors' Head Coaching position in the future once Steve Kerr retires.0:22 - Team Shaq Wins 41-25! MVP: Steph Curry (2nd ASG MVP)2:16 - Was Wemby Impressive? Injected energy into Team Chuck3:40 - New Format vs. East vs. West – Which one’s better?5:35 - Charles Barkley vs. Draymond – Did Dray’s generation ruin the NBA?6:52 - How To Fix All-Star Weekend – KOC & Dan’s ideas9:41 - Giannis' Big Idea – Team USA vs. World + Global ASG Cities12:20 - Mac McClung 3-Peats in the Dunk Contest17:49 - Draymond on Butler & GSW’s Title Chances19:08 - Did Draymond Turn Down Future GSW HC Job? Serious or trolling?21:08 - Fantasy Basketball Breakout Players w/ Dan Titus26:36 - More Fantasy Pickups – Who’s worth adding?
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 11min
NBA POWER RANKINGS! Where all 30 teams stand at the All-Star Break
All 30 NBA teams are ranked by tier in this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show. Heading into All-Star Weekend, which FOUR teams are "The Favorites" according to Kevin (and who's #1)? Which 3 teams does KOC view as "Contender...ish?" Next up, there's the "RESPECT YOUR ELDERS" category, the "SOMETHING IS MISSING" bucket, and then the dreaded "GRIPPING THE ELECTRICAL CORD" tier. Rounding out the rest of the league: the "League Pass Darlings" and unfortunately, the bottom tier: "POOP FOR COOPER" Flagg. All 30 teams fit into one of those categories, and KOC ranks them ALL here.Plus Tom Haberstroh stops by for an unexpectedly HEATED debate about "Old Man Chris Paul!" Why KOC thinks the San Antonio Spurs are tanking in broad daylight, why the Philadelphia 76ers' Paul George looks like "Khris Middleton but with $100 Million owed to him" and how Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are playing some of the best 2-man basketball the NBA has EVER SEEN.(00:35) - Poop for Cooper tier(9:00) - League Pass darlings tier(15:05) - Gripping the electrical cord tier(18:30) - Something's missing tier(23:35) - Respect your elders tier(26:20) - Contender-ish tier(30:55) - The favorites tier(38:20) - Buy Denver as a legit contender?(49:55) - Donovan Clingan sleeper for ROTY?(52:20) - Are the Spurs quiet tanking?(57:20) - Concern for Los Angeles Lakers in loss to Utah?(1:04:30) - Bol Bol surging(1:06:50) - Any hope left for the 76ers?📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
Luka's Laker DEBUT, & how the Wolves almost gave us "DUR-ANT" (and still could!)
What a debut! The Los Angeles Lakers dismantled the Utah Jazz on Monday night, and the chemistry between Luka Doncic and LeBron James was palpable and on full display. KOC and Daman Rangoola couldn't believe their eyes, it's really real! Daman takes KOC inside the minds of Lakers fans, who actually — for real — feel badly for Dallas Mavericks fans. And with Anthony Davis' injury situation already looking dire, KOC and Daman wonder if the Mavericks "win-now" strategy is about to free-fall.Jon Krawczynski stops by the KOC Show to talk all things Minnesota Timberwolves. How close was Minnesota to ACTUALLY landing Kevin Durant on Deadline Day? Jon offers insight on what exactly went down as the Wolves tried to create the "DUR-ANT" pairing (and how they still could this coming offseason). KOC and Jon also react to the Wolves' embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who welcomed newcomer De'Andre Hunter into their lineup. And, Jon has the latest on the Timberwolves' majority ownership situation.(00:50) - Reacting to Luka Doncic’s Laker debut(11:20) - Mark Williams trade debacle(14:30) - AD’s injury & the Mavericks(24:50) - Early impressions of new-look Spurs(29:50) - Thoughts on Jimmy Butler’s fit with Golden State(35:10) - Cavs beat Wolves 128-107(42:10) - Wolves inch towards A-Rod majority ownership(48:50) - Is Wolves’ interest in Kevin Durant genuine?(54:05) - Just Riffin’📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network

Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 30min
Trade Deadline BONANZA: Warriors, Lakers now CONTENDERS? Plus how Suns, Giannis, & Trae were ALL left empty-handed
Never in the long, storied history of The Kevin O'Connor Show has KOC managed to hit ALL 30 NBA teams in one BONANZA of a podcast... until now! Headlined by the Golden State Warriors landing Jimmy Butler (and whether that move makes them a contender), what an incredible 2025 NBA Trade Deadline. The biggest LOSER on Deadline Day was the Phoenix Suns -- whose future now looks beyond bleak as they deal with the aftermath of failed Kevin Durant trade talks (and now: a toxic locker-room). But the Milwaukee Bucks aren't too far behind! KOC and Tom explain how the Kyle Kuzma deal spells doom for Milwaukee in the form of Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially asking for a trade as soon as this summer! And, why the Cleveland Cavaliers went from rich-to-richer in acquiring De'Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. Kevin explains why the Hawks' Deadline activity showed him that Trae Young's future in ATL is now in serious doubt. Plus: Tom and Kevin don't exactly see eye-to-eye on the MARK WILLIAMS fit with the Los Angeles Lakers. And what on earth were the Toronto Raptors doing acquiring Brandon Ingram? Why the Sacramento Kings acquisition of Jonas Valanciunas could be a jumbo-sized win, and so much more. This episode has it all, just hit play. Sit back and relax as if you were the Nuggets, Wolves, Blazers and Magic on Trade Deadline Day.(1:16) Lakers trade for Mark Williams(13:41) Warriors trade for Jimmy Butler(30:57) Suns move Jusuf Nurkic to Hornets(39:23) Grizzlies send Marcus Smart to Wizards(42:36) Jonas Valanciunas to the Kings(45:02) Hawks trade Bogdanovic to Clippers(50:07) Cavs land De’Andre Hunter(55:23) Trae Young’s future ‘murky’(1:04:48) Amen Thompson untouchable at deadline(1:06:35) Bucks & Wizards trade Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma(1:16:49) Raptors acquire Brandon Ingram(1:23:26) Chet Holmgren returns for ThunderSubscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DdhtRO🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 12min
How Luka & LeBron will co-exist in new-look Lakers offense and why KD is the next big domino to fall
Never in NBA history has an offense been spearheaded by TWO jumbo playmakers -- until now. Luka Doncic and LeBron James could unlock creative, brilliant offensive options for Head Coach JJ Redick, according to Laker Film Room's own Pete Zayas. KOC and Pete break down the potential upside for the Lakers, the downside (hint: DEFENSE) and why prioritizing another trade for a BIG MAN is utterly imperative if the Lakers want to compete for a title this year. Don't look now, but Kevin Durant could be on the move. KOC is also joined by Bleacher Report's Mo Dakhil discuss the potential destinations they see as a fit for KD, along with what they're both hearing from their sources ahead of the deadline. And the big winner (so far) of this year's Trade Deadline? NOT the Los Angeles Lakers -- but the San Antonio Spurs (!) according to Kevin O'Connor. Why the De'Aaron Fox trade will have Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs contending as soon as this year, because Kevin thinks San Antonio isn't done wheeling just yet. Plus, the latest on Cam Johnson, the New York Knicks, Bradley Beal, DeMar DeRozan, the Orlando Magic and so much more. (0:25) Pete Zayas joins KOC(0:53) Luka + LeBron fit(9:45) Lakers need a center(18:03) What if Luka + LeBron don’t mesh?(18:57) AD’s fit with Mavericks(25:49) Mo Dakhil joins KOC(25:57) Spurs acquire De’Aaron Fox(32:22) Will Spurs make another move?(38:40) Spurs need a 4 or 5 with Wemby?(43:07) Did Bulls get a bad deal for LaVine?(47:28) LaVine fit with the Kings(49:34) Should Kings trade DeRozan?(52:03) Kevin Durant trade rumors(59:00) Trade for Larry Nance Jr?(1:01:45) 76ers-Mavericks trade(1:05:50) Mo on the Luka-AD trade Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DdhtRO🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network

Feb 2, 2025 • 45min
Mavs fans TRAUMATIZED after Luka trade, Dr. KOC prescribes THIS POD
Mavs fans: Kevin sees you, and Kevin hears you. Please sit down, get comfortable, and tell us how Nico Harrison's decision to trade Luka Doncic hurt you. Because that's what his good friend and Dallas Mavericks diehard fan Jason Gallagher did on this edition of the KOC Show. Jason's beloved Luka Doncic is now a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, and there's nothing anyone can do about that. Dr. O'Connor first tried immersive therapy with Jason, where Kevin played the role of Nico Harrison so that Jason could confront "the Mavs GM." Then Kevin helped Jason get through the stages of grief, with a little bargaining. Maybe Anthony Davis can help win a title this year? Perhaps some trades are still in the works for the Mavs, including Zion Williamson, Zach LaVine, and Cam Johnson coming to Dallas. It's all on this therapeutic installment of The Kevin O'Connor Show. (0:43) Mavericks therapy session with Jason Gallagher(16:13) KOC role-plays as Mavs GM Nico Harrison(31:18) 4 trades Mavs could still make Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DdhtRO🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network