NBA A to Z with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt

Latest Episodes:

Why is Ben Simmons No. 1 in mock draft boards? Mar 25, 2016

Show notes

The first USA TODAY NBA mock draft is out and the man who put it together, Derek Bodner, joins Kevin Spain to discuss. They talk about possible top pick Ben Simmons from LSU and how his game fits into the NBA. They break down other players in the Top 10 -- guys who can make an immediate impact and possible surprises. Then they discuss guys at the lower end of the draft and their opportunity to be a good longterm player.

Dwight Howard says Houston can win a title, talks James Harden, free agency Mar 22, 2016

Show notes

There are few NBA players who evoke reaction from the public than Dwight Howard. The Houston Rockets big man sat down with USA TODAY NBA reporter Sam Amick to discuss the season, the Rockets' style of play and his future. They also talk about why he changed agents and how Howard thinks the Rockets have what it takes to win a championship

Luol Deng on the Heat's chances to knock off Cleveland and free agency Mar 15, 2016

Show notes

Miami Heat forward Luol Deng joins the NBA A to Z podcast to discuss the chances of his team knocking off the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference with USA TODAY reporters Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt. They talk about how the Heat's style of play has changed with the injury to big man Chris Bosh and the way they can play with various lineups. They also discuss Deng's impending free agency and what he likes about the Heat and if he's open to playing somewhere else next season.

Jared Dudley on free agency, today's players and best food cities in the NBA Mar 11, 2016

Show notes

Jared Dudley of the Washington Wizards joins NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt to talk about the evolution of the game and how his position of stretch four has changed. They also discuss free agency and Dudley’s opinion that the mid-level salaries need to be adjusted. Amick talks to LeBron James about former players criticizing Stephen Curry’s game, as well as some of the other current players and Dudley also weighs in. Being a foodie, Dudley talks about some of the great food cities in the NBA.

Kevin Durant talks Thunder, free agency; Talking Warriors-OKC-Cavs-LeBron and more Mar 04, 2016

Show notes

Kevin Durant talks to NBA A to Z guy Sam Amick to discuss the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent struggles, not only on the floor but off. And, of course, Durant discusses his forthcoming free agency that will be the top story when July rolls around. As Durant made clear, the unprecedented nature of the league’s salary cap situation this summer means the possibilities are seemingly endless. Amick, Jeff Zillgitt and Kevin Spain break down the continuing dominance of the Golden State Warriors. They talk about how a little internal bickering, which seems to come from the outspoken Draymond Green, might be a good thing. They also break down the declining play of the Cleveland Cavaliers. They also chat about some of the teams battling for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference (what's happening with the Chicago Bulls?).

Is Steph Curry unstoppable? Can Raps catch Cavs? Is Terry Stotts coach of the year? Feb 29, 2016

Show notes

Since there's not much discussion of Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, the NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk about his season with USA TODAY's Kevin Spain. The guys also discuss the race in the Eastern Conference and if the Toronto Raptors can catch the Cleveland Cavaliers and what teams will make the playoffs. They explore the candidacy of Portland's Terry Stotts as coach of the year.

Jeanie Buss on state of the Lakers, Phil Jackson & jersey ads Feb 22, 2016

Show notes

Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss joins NBA A to Z to discuss Kobe Bryant's future with NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt. She also talks about her stance on ads on jerseys and what it's like in the owners meetings. They talk about being a woman in a man's world of ownership. She says her and coach Byron Scott don't talk.

Karl-Anthony Towns on greatness, Rookie of the Year race & Kristaps Porzingis Feb 20, 2016

Show notes

Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves rookie center, joins NBA A to Z guy Sam Amick for a quick conversation after practice. Towns is the leading candidate for NBA rookie of the year, an award he says that he's not necessarily chasing, but that he realizes that if he succeeds, so does the team.

Breaking down the trades at NBA trade deadline Feb 18, 2016

Show notes

NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the trades made at NBA trade deadline. There's more to the story of Jeff Green being shipped out of Memphis. What to make of Lance Stephenson with the Grizzlies. How did the Wizards make out in their move. And, Dwight Howard is still in Houston.

The dunking dynamo in jeans from All-Star weekend speaks, & a convo with DeMar DeRozan Feb 18, 2016

Show notes

NBA A to Z guy Sam Amick talks to Jordan Kilganon, who is a professional dunker from Canada. Kilganon was the guy who came out of the stands in jeans at the NBA All-Star Game and performed a no-look dunk that sent everyone - including the NBA players - into a frenzy. He talks about how he got started, his inspiration for his dunks and how he should be coaching the participants of the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. Sam also chats quickly with DeMar DeRozan, the Toronto Raptors guard who will be a free agent this summer.