The Mismatch

Verno and KOC are in Las Vegas for NBA Summer League, as they discuss what made Victor Wembanyama’s debut feel so special (03:04). After discussing Marcus Smart’s introductory press conference in Memphis, the guys discuss some of the players that have stood out over the weekend at Summer League (19:55). Also, they dive into the newly introduced in-season tournament, as well as Gregg Popovich’s contract extension (38:06).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss Damian Lillard's request for a trade from the Blazers (01:20). Despite Dame’s desire to go to the Miami Heat, do they have enough assets to entice Portland to make the trade? The guys discuss some of the things that stood out to them in free agency, starting off with the real reason Jerami Grant and Kyle Kuzma got the contracts that they did (23:41). Next, the guys discuss the values of Austin Reaves's, Dillon Brooks's, and Bruce Brown's contracts (30:56). Also, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus cashed in this summer after their Finals run, and the Suns made some surprisingly good pickups (46:19). Lastly, the guys share their excitement for Summer League in Las Vegas (01:00:06).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC debate where James Harden will land after he opted into his contract with the 76ers and now expects to be traded (01:10). Which interested teams are the best fit for Harden and what could Daryl Morey get in return for him? They also discuss the Kings' re-signing Harrison Barnes, which teams could give the Lakers trouble when it comes to matching an offer sheet for Austin Reaves, and which free agent has the best chance to be this year’s Bruce Brown (28:54).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please check out ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss all the latest around Damian Lillard, who remains a Blazer for now (02:08). Can Portland finally build a championship-caliber team around Dame (10:37)? The guys discuss the Hawks finally trading John Collins, the thinking behind the Timberwolves re-signing Naz Reid, as well as Victor Wembanyama’s decision to skip FIBA and the hope to see him at Summer League (22:13). Also, what to expect from this year’s free agency, which begins on Friday (39:00).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC react to last night’s NBA draft, starting with their thoughts on the Hornets taking Brandon Miller at no. 2. Then, they move onto the weird picks made by the Magic and debate if Bilal Coulibaly could have a Giannis-like growth spurt after being selected in the top 10 (01:14). The guys discuss the lack of movement at the top of the draft as well as the shock of Cam Whitmore's fall to the bottom half of the first round (15:16). Also, KOC shares why he loved the players the Warriors, Nuggets, and Jazz drafted (24:45). The guys discuss how once-touted high school prospects G.G. Jackson and Emoni Bates, who both fell deep into the second round, can succeed as NBA professionals (45:56). Finally, we get to hear Verno’s excitement for Marcus Smart to officially become a part of the Memphis Grizzlies (51:01).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss the blockbuster trade that sent Bradley Beal to the Suns and what it means for the future of the franchise (03:06). Is the clock now ticking on Deandre Ayton’s time in Phoenix (13:18)? Also, the guys look at the other side of the trade and discuss what the next steps for the Wizards should be after a disappointing return for Beal that included Chris Paul (24:47). After Draymond Green declined his player option and opted to become a free agent, the guys debate what his next move could be (36:28). The guys end the episode by discussing the latest news surrounding Thursday’s NBA draft (52:19).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Verno shares his experience broadcasting the 'U.S. Open All-Access,' he and KOC dive into the NBA offseason, starting with next week’s draft (08:22). The guys debate if the Pelicans should trade Zion Williamson for a chance to enter the top of the draft and get Scoot Henderson (16:08). After discussing possible locations for Bradley Beal, the guys discuss the ridiculous comments made by Karl-Anthony Towns on Patrick Beverley’s podcast (32:27). Also, KOC shares what changes he’s made to The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide (48:56).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC congratulate the Denver Nuggets for winning their first NBA title! They recap Game 5, which went down to the wire, and discuss why the Nuggets are the new team to go through in the NBA (01:31). The guys discuss Nikola Jokic’s playoff run, look back at Michael Malone’s coaching career, and explain why the Nuggets are primed for more championship runs. Also, where do the Heat go from here (36:49)? The guys wrap up the episode by discussing the Raptors' decision to hire Darko Rajakovic as their next head coach and talking about the Pelicans, who are looking to move up in the draft (50:41).The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC break down how the Nuggets won Game 3, and discuss how great Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have become as a duo in Denver (01:40). Is it time to discuss how we evaluate at Jokic and Murray? Also, what does Chris Paul’s future look like (35:06)? After debating the value of the Mavs' no. 10 draft pick, Verno shares his love for one prospect in this year’s class and why he isn’t sold on one of the more highly-rated prospects (42:18). The guys end the show by discussing Zion Williamson’s latest troubles (58:55).Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Heat even the series against the Nuggets, and Verno and KOC discuss how the Heat took Game 2, Michael Malone’s comment about the team’s effort, Jimmy Butler’s brilliant facilitating, and Michael Porter Jr.’s poor performance (01:31). While Erik Spoelstra downplayed the idea of trying to make Nikola Jokic a scorer, could this be a key to beating Denver (21:29)? Also, the guys debate if Kyrie Irving is truly trying to bring LeBron James to Dallas (37:22).Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices