The Ringer NBA Show

Logan Murdock and Howard Beck dive into the impact of Nikola Jokic's knee injury on the MVP race and the Nuggets' season. They discuss the potential consequences of missing the 65-game threshold and explore Denver's roster depth. As the new year approaches, they also propose ambitious NBA resolutions, debating changes to the MVP rule and championing a consistent All-Star format to boost fan engagement. The duo urges the league to showcase emerging stars while also evaluating how to support aging superstars like Steph Curry for continued success.

In a lively end-of-year mailbag, the hosts tackle fascinating topics like fixing late-game fouling and the best aging cores in the NBA. They debate James Harden's career against Dwyane Wade's playoff legacy and explore what truly drives player development. The discussion also includes the importance of regular season narratives, the evolving role of the G League, and favorite basketball announcers. Additionally, they recommend must-read basketball books that every fan should check out.

Christmas Day was a rollercoaster for the NBA, highlighted by the Lakers’ slump against the Rockets. Is LeBron's influence waning? The Spurs have emerged as a serious threat, toppling the Thunder three times recently, raising questions about Oklahoma City's trajectory. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama is solidifying his status as an MVP contender. Nikola Jokic’s jaw-dropping 56-point game stole the spotlight. Plus, discussions on the Warriors' internal drama and Cooper Flagg's rapid development add flavor to the mix.

Join the lively conversation as the hosts air their NBA grievances, diving into Draymond Green's heated moments with Steve Kerr and analyzing Giannis' trade rumors. They critique Adam Silver's leadership decisions, exploring the growing influence of gambling in the league. The discussion takes a fun turn with holiday gripes, from annoying song lyrics to the questionable nature of mistletoe. They also tackle pet peeves about language and the chaos of pickup basketball, wrapping up with a humorous look at festive traditions.

The podcast dives into Draymond Green's dramatic exit during a game and his heated moment with Steve Kerr. Tensions rise as they discuss whether this marks a turning point for the Warriors. The hosts preview the thrilling Christmas matchups, including the high-stakes Warriors-Mavericks game and the intense Rockets-Lakers rivalry. From stocking stuffers for each team to mailbag questions about player stats and rebuild strategies, there's plenty of lively debate and insight to keep fans engaged!

The Knicks bask in victory after securing the NBA Cup, sparking debates about their potential playoff run. New coach Mike Brown's approach emphasizes player trust and a more fluid offense, a stark contrast to Thibodeau’s methods. Dillon Brooks stirs controversy with his flagrant foul against Steph Curry, prompting discussions about his role as a provocateur in the league. The hosts also ponder a bold idea: should the NBA Cup final be relocated to Cameron Indoor Stadium?

In this engaging discussion, the hosts rank the NBA's top young cores, breaking down teams like the Pelicans and Sixers. They debate Evan Mobley's potential as a blue-chip player and analyze promising talents across various franchises, including the Hornets and Timberwolves. The conversation highlights the Rockets' intriguing nucleus and the Spurs' top ranking, with Victor Wembanyama stealing the spotlight. Finally, they wrap up with a lively debate on the league's best blue-chip prospects for the future.

The hosts kick off with excitement over the Knicks winning the NBA Cup, dissecting their late-game strategy and depth. They delve into the rankings of young NBA cores from 30 to 15, exploring teams like the Clippers and Lakers while highlighting their youth challenges. The team analyzes the Spurs' spacing issues and praises players like Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek. There's lively discussion about the potential of younger prospects, with each team's future direction based on their talent pool and development strategies.

The discussion kicks off with the Spurs stunningly ending the Thunder's 16-game win streak. Victor Wembanyama's explosive return shakes things up, raising questions about the Spurs' title legitimacy. The hosts weigh in on whether the team should go all-in for a star like Giannis Antetokounmpo. Additionally, they reflect on the contrast between the current Spurs and their championship past, underlining the significance of team culture and long-term strategy. The segment wraps with a lively mailbag, including a nostalgic look back at Jeremy Lin's 'Linsanity'.

As trade season heats up, the hosts dive into six pressing questions swirling around potential deals. They reflect on the Spurs' stunning victory over the Thunder, spotlighting Victor Wembanyama's electrifying performance and game-changing presence. Discussions on whether teams will pursue superstars versus building for the future set the stage for potential blockbuster trades. They also highlight struggling franchises that might sell key assets and speculate on fit dilemmas around star players like Giannis and Anthony Davis.