The Ringer NBA Show

The podcast dives into the NBA landscape, highlighting the Oklahoma City Thunder's exceptional defense. They examine the Milwaukee Bucks' potential decline with their current roster. Are the New York Knicks leading the league in offense? The hosts ponder whether the Golden State Warriors are in trouble amid lineup inconsistencies. Plus, there's an engaging discussion on the MVP race, comparing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, alongside fan mailbag questions that spark lively debates.

The hosts tackle six pressing questions about the NBA season, analyzing the Bucks and Sixers' dynamics as injury concerns loom. They delve into the Nuggets' mid-season performance and discuss Trae Young's impact on the Hawks. The conversation shifts to the Lakers, reflecting on LeBron's legacy amidst aging and team complexities. Ja Morant and Anthony Edwards face off, showcasing their unique strengths. Finally, they dive into a quick 2021 redraft, contemplating how young stars could rise in the league.

Join the conversation as the hosts hand out first-quarter awards in the NBA. Discover their picks for MVP, showcasing Nikola Jokic's stellar performance. The discussion also dives into standout rookies like Jared McCain and Stefan Castle, while exploring the rising stars and most improved players like Franz Wagner and RJ Barrett. Additionally, get insights into the Cleveland Cavaliers' championship potential and the evolving dynamics of coaching strategies in this competitive season.

The hosts dive into whether the NBA really has issues and brainstorm potential fixes. They address the decline in viewership and the need for stronger connections with casual fans. A lively discussion explores the NBA's star dilemma, examining the scarcity of true superstars despite the overflowing talent pool. They critique the league's current gameplay and how the rise of three-point shooting has changed team dynamics. Plus, there's excitement building over the upcoming NBA Cup quarterfinals and intriguing matchups.

Rachel Nichols, notable Fox Sports 1 analyst and host of 'All the Smoke,' joins to dissect key NBA topics. She shares her thoughts on the future of the NBA Cup, pondering its role in team dynamics and viewer engagement. The discussion shifts to the All-Star Game's competitiveness and whether recent tweaks will make it more exciting. They also delve into Joel Embiid's knee issues and reflect on their favorite interviews, offering a mix of analysis and personal stories that highlight the human side of the game.

The hosts dive into the thrilling dynamics of the Western Conference, tiering teams from the struggling Pelicans to potential contenders like the Mavericks and Nuggets. They humorously assess players' performances, spotlighting key figures like Ja Morant and Anfernee Simons. Discussions on team strategies, player roles, and playoff potentials reveal the complexities of the league. Additionally, they unveil a new YouTube channel, sharing laughs about fitness and post-holiday escapades, showcasing their camaraderie beyond basketball.

Howard and Michael dive deep into the panic levels of various NBA teams. They analyze the Los Angeles Lakers' troubling stats and ponder if Sixers fans should be worried yet. The conversation shifts to the Nets, questioning whether they truly understand their current situation. They also share light-hearted Thanksgiving traditions while tying in early season basketball insights. Finally, listener questions add depth as they discuss underperforming players and the future of team strategies.

In a festive mix of Thanksgiving fun and basketball insights, the hosts dig into the Clippers' unexpected success without Kawhi Leonard. They explore the Bucks' resurgence and their potential to challenge top Eastern teams. A discussion about rising young stars like RJ Barrett spark questions about the future of the league. Meanwhile, the greatness of Nikola Jokic steals the spotlight, as debates arise about his place in NBA history and whether we might be overlooking an all-time great.

Grant Hill, NBA Hall of Famer and investor in women’s sports, shares his insights on balancing his retirement with managing Team USA Basketball and ownership roles with the Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Pride. He highlights the rising popularity of women's sports, emphasizing the importance of role models and evolving dynamics. Hill also discusses the challenges of media perception and the complexities of team dynamics while navigating public expectations. His experiences shed light on what it means to stay involved and impactful in the world of sports.

The hosts dive into the disappointing start of the Philadelphia 76ers and the struggles of superstar Joel Embiid. They explore standout performances from players like Nikola Jokic and Jason Tatum, and highlight the young talent emerging from the Houston Rockets. A lively discussion unfolds about the surprising strengths of the Golden State Warriors, led by Steph Curry. The conversation also touches on unexpected successes and challenges faced by other teams, showcasing the evolving dynamics of the NBA season.