

The Kevin O'Connor Show
Yahoo Sports
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 33min
March Madness prospects to watch with Mark Titus & NBA contender check-in with Marcus Morris
Kevin O'Connor and Mark Titus unveil their first-ever March Madness NBA Prospect Draft! Mark says the #1 overall player on both offense and defense in the coming NBA Draft is Cooper Flagg, which has both guys realizing the Duke phenom compares to football's 2-way stud, Travis Hunter. Mark drafts a full 5-man starting lineup of prospects participating in March Madness, including a 6th Man. Kevin then drafts his 5-man starting lineup including the 1st guy off his bench. Some of the names they discuss: Jase Richardson (Michigan State), VJ Edgecombe (Baylor), Kon Knueppel (Duke), Derik Queen (Maryland), Jeremiah Fears (Oklahoma), and more. Plus both guys weigh in on the disappointment of Rutgers not being in The Tournament, which means America misses out on getting to see the brilliant play of both Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper (boo!)And then, 14-year NBA veteran Marcus Morris did NOT hold back in his debut appearance on the KOC Show, going absolutely scorched earth on Daryl Morey -- "I don't trust Daryl Morey!" Marcus explains his disdain for the Philadelphia 76ers' VP of Basketball Operations in this MUST-watch sitdown interview. Plus Marcus takes Kevin behind the scenes of how he found out his brother Markieff was traded with Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers. Morris also believes the Oklahoma City Thunder could be upset by the Los Angeles Clippers in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, and explains why the Cleveland Cavaliers won't get by the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. (0:27) - Mark Titus joins(2:08) - Titus' NBA draft prospect locks(33:45) - Ace Bailey & Dylan Harper miss March Madness(37:30) - KOC's NBA draft prospect gambles(1:06:25) - Marcus Morris joins
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 19min
Playoff risers, lottery tankers and Cooper Flagg’s injury
Let the NBA Draft Lottery tanking COMMENCE! De'Aaron Fox of the San Antonio Spurs, out for the year. Paul George, likely done for the year. The Mavs, well they're not TRYING to tank but it's happening anyway because DuMont and Nico Harrison's respective visions for the Dallas Mavericks continue to blow up in their face. The Miami Heat, we can't tell if they're tanking or just plain stink. The Utah Jazz are tanking in plain sight (and getting fined for it). But there's plenty of good too -- Tom Haberstroh tells Kevin O'Connor that the Golden State Warriors are officially a "top-tier" title contender, right up there with the Cavs, Thunder and Celtics. It's all on this fresh new episode of The KOC Show.Plus, former NBA star Gordon Hayward joins Kevin O'Connor to break down Cooper Flagg's injury, and what this could mean for #1-ranked Duke's immediate future with The Tournament looming. Hayward explains how after he saw the Flagg injury, the first thing he thought of was his own gruesome ankle injury. KOC and Gordon also talk about which players for Duke will now need to step up, including Kon Knueppel. Gordon also reacts to his alma mater Butler losing on Thursday to #6 St. John's. (1:28) NBA teams beginning to tank(1:59) Utah Jazz fined(2:35) San Antonio Spurs tanking?(3:50) Philadelphia 76ers tanking?(7:26) Miami Heat tanking?(10:47) Are teams tanking for Cooper Flagg?(13:22) Portland Trail Blazers are NOT tanking(20:49) Mikal Bridges comments on ‘minutes’(27:41) DuMont comments on Luka trade(35:47) Golden State Warriors title contenders?(43:43) Minnesota Timberwolves title contenders?(52:33) Why incentives matter in NBA postseason(58:17) Gordon Hayward joins the show 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 or yahoosports.tv

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 9min
Contender Chaos, MVP Mood Swings and French Rookie Reviews
On this edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC welcomes in Steve Jones Jr. to help him break down the chaos of the NBA at the moment. The Nuggets and Thunder split their back-to-back, but KOC feels like an MVP may have emerged. More importantly, what did he and Steve learn about both teams? Can Denver be trusted to turn it on this postseason, and is Jalen Williams a viable #2 option on a Championship contender? Speaking of contenders, the Milwaukee Bucks' chances of going on a deep run are thoroughly dissected. Winless against the East's top teams, does anyone believe in Giannis Antetokounmpo and company? Will the Cleveland Cavaliers ever lose again? Would Cooper Flagg really stay one more year at Duke? And don't worry Atlanta Hawks fans, KOC is finally ready to talk Zaccharie Risacher.(00:40) - Takeaways from Thunder-Nuggets series(14:05) - Grizzlies def. Suns 120-118(25:30) - Cavs on 14-game win streak(36:15) - Do Bucks still have a shot this season?(42:10) - How LeBron and Amen Thompson’s injuries affect the playoff picture(49:00) - Rookie Report: The French Guys (& Cooper Flagg)📢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 or yahoosports.tv

Mar 7, 2025 • 1h 12min
Luka, LeBron leave OT with WIN, Brunson leaves LIMPING
Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh dive into the Lakers' thrilling overtime victory against the Knicks in this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show. How concerned should Knicks fans be about Jalen Brunson's ankle injury, and does Thibs deserve any blame for the star guard's usage down the stretch? Plus, the OT heroics of Luka Doncic prove yet again why Nico Harrison made "the dumbest trade" in the history of sports.Plus KOC and Tom rank the current Western Conference Play-In picture teams currently seeded from #6-through-#12. How awesome would it be to get a Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers series in Round 1 of the Playoffs? Speaking of the Dubs, the guys break down Draymond Green's foot-in-mouth comments about Karl-Anthony Towns missing the Knicks-Warriors game. And their hilarious recap of the Charles Barkley vs Kendrick Perkins "media feud" that took place on social media Thursday night.Later, 2025's #1 recruit and BYU commit AJ Dybantsa sits down with KOC to talk his greatest inspirations, why he plays basketball, his expectations for the NBA and much more.(00:45) - KOC's West Play-In power rankings(25:20) - Do NBA coaches need to experiment more?(31:30) - Jalen Brunson suffers ankle injury(36:00) - NBA media drama: Draymond & KAT, Charles Barkley & Kendrick Perkins(42:25) - Best restaurants in Portland(47:00) - AJ Dybantsa on life & basketball📢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 or yahoosports.tv

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 39min
7 NBA takes I NEED to get off my chest
I’ve got a lot on my mind watching the NBA as of late, and on this pod I’m unleashing some of those takes. Some are hot. Others are mild. After opening with some thoughts on the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers, I brought on three guests to discuss the rest. Jared Weiss, who covers the NBA for The Athletic, talked Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets. Then Legend Of Winning came on to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, before Bryce Simon made his second appearance to talk Detroit Pistons and some NBA Draft.(00:30) - Devin Booker needs to request a trade(2:20) - NBA should change the play-in rules(4:50) - Celtics are still the favorites in the East(18:35) - Nuggets need to play their young guys(21:05) - Lakers are best-equipped team to take out OKC(44:00) - James Harden needs to adapt(54:25) - LOW calls out KOC’s dunk contest takes(1:02:05) - Could the Pistons win a playoff series?(1:22:15) - NBA draft takes: Jase Richardson & Danny Wolf📢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 or yahoosports.tv

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 or yahoosports.tv

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 or yahoosports.tv