The Mismatch

As the NBA season looms, discussions heat up around Joel Embiid's back-to-back concerns and which teams might snag the Western Conference's top spot. The uncertainty surrounding Kawhi Leonard's health raises questions for the Clippers, while optimism buzzes about the Hawks and Thunder. Rookies like Zach Edey and Reed Shepard are generating exciting projections, and Jimmy Butler’s contract dilemma adds yet another layer of intrigue. Plus, the New York Liberty are stealing the spotlight in a thrilling WNBA narrative!

Chris Vernon is joined by The Ringer's David Jacoby as they discuss what they are looking forward to the most this NBA season (01:42).Hosts: Chris Vernon and David JacobyProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cooper Flagg, a top basketball prospect, dives into his exciting new shoe endorsement deal with New Balance. He discusses the evolving landscape of endorsements in college basketball, particularly his potential as he heads to Duke. Verno and KOC also tackle the question of Luka Doncic’s fitness in the offseason, and sprinkle in fun anecdotes about concert experiences and nostalgic musical memories. Their discussions capture the exhilarating intersection of sports and music, revealing how both realms shape cultural experiences.

The hosts dive into whether Jalen Brunson's unique gameplay can stand the test of time while comparing him to Isaiah Thomas. They tackle the question of which NBA teams might adopt tanking strategies, especially focusing on the Cavaliers and Pistons' playoff hopes. The conversation gets playful, speculating on how players would handle hair loss. Plus, they share insights on navigating life's big moments, like weddings, and explore the Lakers' future post-LeBron, debating their potential to attract new talent.

Zion Williamson, a professional basketball player known for his explosive talent, discusses his impressive weight loss and its potential to reshape the New Orleans Pelicans' future. Guerschon Yabusele, a standout from the Olympics, shares insights on his recent signing with the 76ers. The conversation dives into the implications of Zion's transformation on team dynamics, hopes for the upcoming season, and the excitement surrounding Yabusele's addition. They also tackle listener questions, adding a fun and interactive element to the discussion.

The discussion kicks off with a lackluster NBA schedule reveal, spotlighting the need for more exciting rivalries. The hosts debate whether the Lakers and Warriors deserve their abundant national TV slots despite being less competitive this season. They also ponder if it's time to let new stars shine and move on from the current veterans. Listeners submit intriguing questions, leading to talks about Wemby's potential, fan excitement for the Olympics, and even a humorous dive into the existence of Bigfoot.

Guerschon Yabusele, a standout athlete from the Olympics, joins the discussion about Team USA's exhilarating victory over France for a fifth consecutive gold medal in men's basketball. They explore the implications of aging veteran players and speculate on the potential emergence of young talent for future competitions. The interplay between Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kevin Durant's contributions is scrutinized, alongside a glimpse into the future of NBA scheduling and the evolving landscape of international basketball.

Vincent Collet, the head coach of France's national basketball team, shares insights on the thrilling dynamics of international basketball. He discusses Team USA’s incredible comeback against Serbia, featuring standout performances from Steph Curry and Joel Embiid. Collet also highlights his team’s impressive victory over Germany and the potential of young star Nolan Traore for France's future. The conversation touches on the blend of experienced players and emerging talent, emphasizing the evolving landscape of global basketball.

Steph Curry, the celebrated Golden State Warriors star known for his exceptional shooting, joins the discussion. They delve into Olympic basketball's evolving narratives, especially Team USA's latest journey and the inspiring rise of South Sudan. The chat takes a twist as they explore potential trades for Curry and strategies for the Warriors in a competitive conference. Plus, they imagine ideal musical acts at Las Vegas's Sphere and tackle how expansion teams can hit the ground running in the NBA.

Bam Adebayo, a key player for the Miami Heat and the U.S. men’s basketball team, shares insights on his performance and how it may shape the upcoming season. Luol Deng discusses his personal ties to the South Sudan national team, emphasizing youth development. Gordon Hayward opens up about his retirement, while Jarrett Allen celebrates his new NBA extension. Lastly, Luke Kennard reflects on his return to the Memphis Grizzlies, alongside a lively mailbag Q&A that addresses listener queries.