NBA A to Z with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt

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Goodbye Canada as we look ahead to second half Feb 15, 2016

Show notes

Now that the NBA All-Star weekend is over, NBA A to Z guy Jeff Zillgitt breaks down the best of the festivities -- which seemed to be all about Kobe Bryant and the great Slam Dunk contest -- with USA TODAY's Kevin Spain. They then look ahead to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers as they prepare for the second half sprint. We hear from Gregg Popovich on how great of a defender Kawhi Leonard has become. The guys look ahead to the Spurs, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers second half chances. Because of concern from their Toronto uber driver, stand-up comedian Tim Rabnett, the guys also project the finish for the Raptors. Jeff teases one move that could be made at the trade deadline.

Kobe Bryant's big weekend and James Hinchcliffe's All-Star adventure Feb 13, 2016

Show notes

Just like the regular season, the NBA All-Star weekend is a farewell tour for Kobe Bryant. The 20-year Lakers veteran has been praised by everyone in Toronto and flanked by hordes of media members from all over the world. NBA A to Z guy Sam Amick talks to Orange County Times reporter Bill Oram, who is there to cover Bryant, about what it has been like. USA TODAY's Kevin Spain catches up with Indy Car driver James Hinchcliffe, the mayor of Hinchtown, who is a Toronto native and loving the fact that the All Star game is in his city. He discusses his basketball fandom, the accident that almost took his life and the fact that he has his own beer.

Al Horford's future in Atlanta and why Chris Bosh pulled out of All-Star game Feb 13, 2016

Show notes

In an All-Star edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Sam Amick discusses with Kevin Spain Al Horford's future in Atlanta and talks to Horford after Eastern Conference practice. Amick then talks to Chris Bosh, who was a late scratch from Sunday's game, in the group setting after practice.

Draymond Green talks Warriors, style, and Kevin Durant Feb 12, 2016

Show notes

New York Knicks rookie Kristaps Porzingis has a good relationship with new coach Kurt Rambis and has adjusted well to the changes, NBA A to Z guy Sam Amick reports from Toronto. Sam also talks to Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green about his first trip to All-Star weekend and his newly found fashion sense.

Adam Silver on possible work stoppage, Hack-A-Shaq and his booming business Feb 05, 2016

Show notes

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joins the NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt to discuss how players are now moving to markets for opportunity and how there is starting to be more parity. They talk about the growth of basketball globally and some rule changes, including the hack-a-player. He talks about the Blake Griffin incident. They also chat about his two years on the job and his outlook for the future.

Jeff Van Gundy cries foul on Hack-A-Shaq Feb 05, 2016

Show notes

NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the practice of intentionally fouling players who are poor free throw shooters and NBA commissioner Adam Silver saying a rule is going to be changed. Later in the show, Sam Amick has a phone conversation with ESPN analyst and former coach Jeff Van Gundy, who is an outspoken critic of the rule.

Why isn't Kevin Love an All-Star? Feb 01, 2016

Show notes

With the Cleveland Cavaliers being the best team in the Eastern Conference, why didn't they get more than one player on the All-Star team? USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt breaks down why Kevin Love didn't make the roster with Kevin Spain. The guys also discuss the case for Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, and break down the guys who did make it. Jeff discusses the difference in the Cavaliers since Tyronn Lue has taken over for David Blatt as coach.

Jalen Rose on his book, the NBA and Michigan hoops Jan 22, 2016

Show notes

NBA analyst Jalen Rose joins NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt to talk about his book "Got to Give the People What They Want" and what inspired him to take on the project. The guys discuss Rose's career in media, a lot of which he writes about in the book. Zillgitt, who is a Michigan native, and Rose talk about some of the all-time great high school players from the state of Michigan during their time growing up. They also talk about an incident with Rose, while at the University of Michigan, that happened at Michigan State, Zillgitt's alma mater. They hit on the league and some possible moves that could be made by trade deadline.

Why Brett Brown is upbeat about the Philadelphia 76ers Jan 21, 2016

Show notes

Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown, who endured the ultimate culture shock after leaving the San Antonio Spurs to take on a monumental challenge of leading the Sixers, calls in to chat with the NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt to discuss the pain of losing and the joy of (recent) improvement. From his take on embattled rookie Jahlil Okafor to the timeline for this Sixers rebuild to his relationship with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich to reflections about his upbringing as a Davy Crockett of sorts in his hometown of Portland, Maine, Brown is honest, entertaining and insightful all the way through.

Where do Warriors, Cavaliers go now? Jan 20, 2016

Show notes

Does the Cleveland Cavaliers blowout loss to the Golden State Warriors mean they're in trouble come playoff time? Does it mean the Warriors are unstoppable? The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break it down with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. Zillgitt covered the game and talks about what was going on at the arena. The guys explore the topic of the pregame trash talk, and did it have an effect? They also discuss the big game looming with the Warriors against the San Antonio Spurs and discuss how Kevin Durant says the media hates the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jeff and Sam give their airball or swish.