The Ringer NBA Show

The hosts dive into preseason power rankings, revealing their picks from 15 to 11. They ponder crystal ball questions about the future of the league. Key topics include the potential impact of Cooper Flagg on the Mavericks and the strategic moves by the Grizzlies post-Desmond Bane trade. The conversation shifts to Victor Wembanyama's expected dominance with the Spurs and Detroit's hopes for their young core to develop. They also analyze Atlanta's rebuild and Trae Young's role in elevating the team.

The hosts dive into the preseason power rankings, assessing teams ranked 20 through 16. They explore the Celtics' rebuild and whether Jalen Brown can lead amidst roster changes. A discussion on the Sixers highlights the uncertainty surrounding Embiid's health and roster depth. The Heat's evolving identity in light of Herro’s injury is analyzed, along with the Pacers’ challenge to survive without Halliburton. Finally, they consider the Bucks' roster overhaul and Giannis' future in Milwaukee.

In this engaging discussion, Todd Ramasar, a veteran NBA player representative and CEO of Life Sports Agency, dives into player representation and the evolving landscape of college basketball. He sheds light on Jonathan Kuminga's recent contract with the Warriors, emphasizing how he should balance competitiveness and fitting into the team's system. The conversation also touches on potential changes in NCAA eligibility and the impact of NIL on college recruitment, while exploring how international prospects can thrive in college settings.

The hosts delve into preseason power rankings, revealing insights on the teams ranked from 25 to 21. They discuss the Chicago Bulls' lack of direction and evaluate Josh Giddey's contract extension. The conversation shifts to the Suns' rebuilding challenges after losing star players and questions their future roster dynamics. Meanwhile, they explore the least watchable teams of the season and lament the stalled development of Keegan Murray. The discussion wraps up with the Raptors' potential and the implications of Masai Ujiri's departure.

The hosts dive into their preseason power rankings, starting with the bottom five teams. The Utah Jazz are scrutinized for their roster shakeup and Laurī Markkanen's trade value. Brooklyn's confusing roster choices leave them anchored at the bottom, while the Wizards' young core shows promise in their rebuild. The panel debates LaMelo Ball's future in Charlotte amidst roster uncertainty, and they dissect the Pelicans' chaotic offseason and ongoing struggles with Zion Williamson's health. It’s a captivating look at the NBA's underdogs!

NBA media days kick off excitement for the upcoming season as hosts unpack memorable quotes. They dive into Fred VanVleet's season-ending injury and the pressing need for the Rockets to find a replacement. The ideal but impractical option of Jrue Holiday gets a spotlight, along with concerns about Russell Westbrook's fit. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson's health looms large over the Pelicans' prospects, while the duo humorously critiques media-day clichés and highlights emotional challenges for aging players. It's a mix of insights and laughs!

The hosts tackle the intrigue surrounding Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, hinting at potential consequences for the team. Adam Silver's comments about the NBA being driven by highlights spark a lively debate. They ponder LeBron's future with the Lakers and the possibility of big trades, including Tyler Herro's extension. Questions about the futures of Russell Westbrook and Ben Simmons arise, alongside a focus on whether the Thunder will make a historic White House visit. The analysis is sharp, engaging, and packed with insights as teams gear up for training camp.

Howard Beck, an accomplished NBA writer and analyst, shares his insights on the league's latest controversies. He discusses Adam Silver’s statements about the Clippers' ongoing investigations, revealing crucial takeaways on accountability. The conversation then shifts to the implications of Kawhi Leonard's scandals for team dynamics and ownership ethics. Finally, they analyze Josh Giddey's contract extension and its effects on restricted free agents like Jonathan Kuminga and Quentin Grimes, shedding light on evolving player negotiations in the league.

Ben Taylor, author of ‘Thinking Basketball’ and creator of the YouTube channel of the same name, joins to discuss 25 years of NBA evolution. He highlights the unique skill sets of players like Jason Kidd and James Harden, debating their impact on the game. The conversation dives into the innovative tactics reshaping offenses, like those of the Grizzlies, and how teams might emulate styles seen in the Pacers' play. They also speculate on future trends in basketball strategy and the significance of players like Franz Wagner in unlocking their teams' potential.

Get ready for some spicy takes on the 2026 NBA player awards! The hosts share their heat-level predictions for MVP, Rookie of the Year, and more, using a playful Scoville scale. They dive into emerging stars like Paulo and Cade, while also discussing the impact of ownership choices on team dynamics. Rising talents and Sixth Man predictions heat up the conversation, alongside a deep dive into rookie Reed Shepard’s potential with the Rockets. Expect bold debates and humorous insights on the future of the league!