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Open Floor: SI’s NBA Show — Basketball
Open Floor: SI’s NBA Show

From the NBA draft to the playoffs and back again, Chris Mannix takes you on a ride across the NBA standings, laying out the latest news and rumors along the way and leaving no basketball conspiracy theory stone left unturned.

Copyright: © 2022 SI NBA

Latest Episodes:

The State of the Milwaukee Bucks Dec 20, 2024

Chris Mannix sits down with Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel to discuss how the Milwaukee Bucks have rebounded after a 2-8 start to win the NBA Cup, how Giannis and Dame are playing together, and Doc Rivers rough tenure with the team so far

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NBA Trade Season Officially Begins Dec 18, 2024

Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the officIal start of NBA trade season as the Warriors dealing for Dennis Schröder and whether they'll add another big name with Jimmy Butler. We also discuss how Jamal Murray's struggles this season has factored into the Nuggets record and if Minnesota is regretting the Karl Anthony Towns trade as he makes his return with the Knicks

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The Denver Nuggets Quick Free Fall (w/ Rachel Nichols) Dec 11, 2024

Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss Nikola Jokic playing super human basketball as the Nuggets hit their worst slump in years and what they may to do correct course as soon as possible. We also discuss how a healthy Grizzlies team could win the western conference and if trading LeBron and A.D. now is the best move the Lakers can do for their future

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LeBron James Is Starting To Age A Little (w/ Rachel Nichols) Dec 04, 2024

Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the early season TV ratings for the league before discussing how LeBron James is starting to show his age a bit, if the Cavaliers are a threat to the Celtics after beating them at home, how the surging Bucks may want to make a big trade soon, and how the Knicks are not getting the defense out of Mikal Bridges that they thought they would

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Early Season Overachievers (w/ Rachel Nichols) Nov 27, 2024

Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols discuss the Lakers recent three game skid before breaking down the early season success of the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and Brooklyn Nets, and which of those teams can sustain winning late into the season

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NBA Tweaks All Star Game Yet Again (w/ Rachel Nichols) Nov 22, 2024

Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols break down the tepid response that the new four team pickup style all star game received and how they would inject some life into the game. We also discuss how JJ Redick has led the Lakers to early season success and how the Clippers have fared without Paul George and an injured Kawhi Leonard

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Cavs/Celtics & Sixers Confront Embiid Nov 20, 2024

Chris Mannix and Mark Medina discuss Dalton Knecht's 37 point heater, the Cavs/Celtics NBA Cup showdown, the Warriors jumping out to a surprising 10-3 start, and the Sixers problem's with Joel Embiid and Paul George amid their 2-11 start

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Sixers Are In Trouble With or Without Embiid (w/ Ben Golliver) Nov 07, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post to discuss how the Sixers have a chemistry problem whether Joel Embiid is healthy or not, the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers early season success, and what level on the panic meter the Nuggets & Bucks are at right now

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Darius Miles & Quentin Richardson Oct 30, 2024

Chris Mannix talks to Darius Miles and Quentin Richardson about the 10th anniversary of the Players Tribune, who the first player was to bust their ass, the value of the three pointer in today's NBA, and more

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Rachel Nichols on Season Opening & Adam Silver Interview Oct 25, 2024

Chris Mannix talks to Rachel Nichols about Bronny James appearing with LeBron in his first game, the Celtics record setting three point attempts & Joel Embiid missing the Sixers season opener before a sit down with Adam Silver about the amount of parity in the league, when we will see expansion teams, and how the league responded to last seasons gambling scandal

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Over/Under Win Totals w/ Rohan Nadkarni & Lauri Markkanen Interview Oct 22, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Rohan Nadkarni this week to discuss the improbable return of Lonzo Ball, the WNBA's odd end to a very successful finals, and what we think of some pre season over/under win totals for bubble teams. Chris also sits down with Utah Jazz all star Lauri Markkanen and gets into offseason trade rumors surrounding him and the outlook for the Jazz this season

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Who's Trending Up & Down in the Western Conference Oct 10, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Sam Amick of The Athletic to discuss some results from this season's GM survey before discussing where the Warriors, Suns, Kings & Clippers are trending after an offseason of additions and major departures

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Preseason Debut For Bronny James Oct 08, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina to break down Bronny James debut with the Lakers and why we should temper expectations for him going forward. We also discuss how the Suns new additions will fit in and our first look at the post KAT Timberwolves

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Greg Oden Reflects on His Career Oct 04, 2024

Chris Mannix talks to former no. 1 overall pick Greg Oden about the unexpected turn his career in the NBA took, how he knew it was time to retire, learning to find himself after stepping away from the league, and being inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame

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Unpacking The Karl-Anthony Towns Trade w/ Fred Katz Oct 01, 2024

Chris Mannix talks with Fred Katz of the Athletic about the passing about NBA hall of famer Dikembe Mutombo before breaking down the surprise blockbuster trade between the Knicks and Timberwolves that sent all star Karl-Anthony Towns to New York

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How The Celtics Will Defend Their Title Sep 27, 2024

Chris Mannix discusses the news that Kawhi Leonard underwent knee surgery in the offseason before he's joined by Jay King of the Athletic to discuss the big extensions handed out by Boston this off season, how Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown will play this year after finally winning a title, and what the team may look like in the future

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Rough Offseason For Nuggets & Clippers w/ Ben Golliver Sep 24, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Ben Golliver of the Washington Post to get into Adrian Wojnarowski's retirement, Joel Embiid's contract extension, how much the Lakers can really compete this season, and how the departure of key veterans will impact the Clippers and Nuggets

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The Wizards Rebuild w/ Head Coach Brian Keefe Sep 10, 2024

Chris Mannix talks to new Washington Wizards head coach Brian Keefe about taking over as head coach mid season, how he sees the teams rebuild going, the squad's young French players, and what role Jordan Poole will have on the team next season

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T-Wolves High Expectations & Kenny Smith Aug 27, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic to discuss what is going on with the ownership of the Timberwoves and the title hopes for the team heading into next season. We also speak to NBA vet and 'Inside the NBA' host on the show ending at TNT after next season, USA basketball, and the Celtics

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Can The Knicks Compete with the Celtics? Aug 19, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Rohan Nadkarni to break down the rumors of a past trade proposal that would have sent LeBron to the Warriors, if the Knicks have bolstered their roster enough to compete with the Celtics, why the Warriors were given the most nationally televised games this season, and if the Suns are a contender or a pretender

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NBA TV Rights Update Jul 25, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by the NY Post's Ryan Glasspiegel to get into Warner Bros matching Amazon's offer for NBA TV rights, what it could mean for Inside The NBA, how Amazon can pull off taking over NBA games, and how the leagues media deals have continued to increase exponentially

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USA Basketball Needs An Overhaul Jul 23, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina as we get into some more NBA TV rights news, Bronny James up and down performance in summer league, why USA basketball needs to change their approach if they want to compete in the future, why the Cavs need to make more changes if they want to compete, and Russell Westbrook's fit with the Nugget's

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Lakers & Clippers Lackluster Free Agency Jul 09, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by The Athletic's Jovan Buhan to discuss the L.A. Clippers letting Paul George walk to the Philadelphia 76ers & the rest of their mild off season acquisitions before breaking down what the Lakers might look like next season running back most of their roster after failing to land any major free agents

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2024 NBA Free Agency Kicks Off Jul 02, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina to break down why the Celtics ownership is putting the team up for sale and the start of NBA free agency including Paul George signing with the Sixers, the Clippers puzzling signings, the Warriors losing Klay Thompson to Dallas, and Oklahoma City acquiring very tradable contracts for the future

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Draft Recap w/ Ben Golliver & Kevin Sweeney Jun 28, 2024

Chris Mannix breaks down the first free agency moves of the offseason with Ben Golliver including the Knicks trading for Mikal Bridges, if the Rockets will try to acquire Kevin Durant, and why the Clippers should resign Paul George. We also get into the draft with SI's Kevin Sweeney about the Pistons picking Ron Holland at #5, Dalton Knecht's slide to #17, Kyle Filipowski's off court drama, and Bronny James going to the Lakers

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Lakers Hire JJ Redick Jun 21, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Dan Woike of the LA Times to break down what led to the Lakers hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach, why the job isn't all it's cracked up to be, and what moves the team may make going forward to compete in the western conference

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Celtics Win 18th Championship Jun 18, 2024

Chris Mannix and Mark Medina break down the Celtics win over the Dallas Mavericks for their 18th title and why you can't buy a championship anymore, the narrative that they only played easy teams, and what the future is for both teams going forward

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Celtics Near Title & Hurley Turns Down LA Jun 13, 2024

Chris Mannix us joined by The Athletics Jovan Buhato break down the Celtics dominant Finals performance that has them one win away from a title before getting into the Lakers coaching search and why UConn's Dan Hurley turned them down

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Caitlin Clark & The WNBA's Expansion Jun 05, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Howard Megdal from the IX Sports to discuss Caitlin Clark's first month in the league, other players rough play, the media's coverage of her, and the national explosion of the league as a whole this season

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NBA Finals Preview w/ Rachel Nichols Jun 03, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Rachel Nichols to discuss if the Timberwolves can really run it back and possible trade destinations for Karl-Anthony Towns before getting into the finals matchup and Kyrie's growth as a member of the Mavericks

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Celtics Finals Run & Lakers Coaching Search May 29, 2024

Chris Mannix and Mark Medina break down the Karl-Anthony Towns led Wolves victory in game five and whether they can win in Minnesota to force game six. We also get into if the Celtics run to the finals was really that easy and if the Lakers head coaching position is really all that it's cracked up to be

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Conference Finals Preview May 20, 2024

Chris Mannix breaks down the Timberwolves huge comeback win against the Nuggets and why Denver's lack of bench help may be a problem for them going forward. Chris also welcomes Chris Forsberg from NBC Sports Boston to discuss the return of Kristaps Porziņģis, Tyrese Haliburton's impact on the game, and why Aaron Nesmith will be the x factor in this series

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Bronny James Draft Stock May 17, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by SI's Kevin Sweeney to break down Bronny James performance at the draft combine, the uncertainty about who will be taken with the first pick, where Zach Edey will be taken, and why some prospects draft stock fell in the last year

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Knicks/Pacers & Trading Kevin Durant May 15, 2024

Chris Mannix is joined by Mark Medina to break down if JJ Redick is really the best candidate for the Lakers head coaching job, how a healthy Indiana Pacers team has found themselves losing to an injury ravaged Knicks, if the Lakers can keep LeBron with a sizable pre draft trade, and if the Suns can salvage their immediate future by trading Kevin Durant

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Playoff Punishments & NBA TV Rights May 09, 2024

Chris Mannix breaks down the questionable decision by the NBA to fine and not suspend Jamal Murray after the Nuggets guard threw a heat pack onto the court during play in the team's gams two loss to Minnesota. He also discusses Patrick Beverley being dealt a four game suspension for throwing a ball at a fan before bringing in the NY Post's Ryan Glasspiegel to discuss the developments in the league's new TV rights deal

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The Future of First Round Cast Off's w/ Brian Scalabrine May 06, 2024

Chris Mannix talks to NBA veteran and current Celtics analyst Brian Scalabrine about if Paul George would find more success with the Magic or Sixers, what the Clippers and Lakers can do with a lack of immediate home grown talent, and how much the Celtics will be miss an injured Kristaps Porziņģis in their second round matchup against the Cavaliers

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MVP Race Tightens & MJ'S Hornet's Legacy Mar 22, 2023

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Mannix is joined again by Rohan Nadkarni and Chris Herring to break down how the MVP race between Nikola Jokić & Joel Embiid has gotten even closer, if the Lakers are really a contender with Anthony Davis missing crucial games, the failure of Michael Jordan during his tenure as the owner of the Charlotte Hornets as he looks to sell the team, and what the Grizzlies will look like going forward with the return of Ja Morant

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How The West Could Be Won Mar 16, 2023

Rohan and Chris and joined by Chris Mannix again on this week's Open Floor where we break down a wide open western conference and why the Kyrie Trade hasn't worked out so far in Dallas, how a once dead in the water Lakers team has become competitive with their retooled roster, the weaknesses of the Denver nuggets, and how the how far the Cavaliers defense could take them in the playoffs

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Ja Morant's Consequences & The Surging Knicks Mar 08, 2023

Chris Mannix joins Rohan & Herring to get into both the real life and basketball consequences that Ja Morant could face after his gun related IG live controversy. We also discuss the red hot NY Knicks and how the Celtics have slid in the standings after a tough post all star game schedule

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Are the Lakers’ Playoffs Hopes Done? Mar 01, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris react to the news of LeBron’s ankle injury and if the Lakers can still make the playoffs. Then they discuss a fun weekend of hoops, including Nikola Jokic’s 40-point triple double against the Clippers and his budding MVP case. After that, they hop around the league to marvel at the very fun Knicks, the depth of the Bucks, and the emergence of the Kings. And finally, Rohan closes the show with the return of the Love Island minute

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Previewing the Final Stretch of the Season Feb 23, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris preview the final quarter of the NBA season. They run through their thoughts on the Warriors and Stephen Curry, the Clippers deciding to sign Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic’s MVP case, if anyone can compete with Boston and Milwaukee in the East, and much more!

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Trade Deadline Megapod Pt 2: Why Didn't They Make a Deal? Feb 10, 2023

Rohan Nadkarni and Chris Herring are joined by the Crossover podcasts Chris Mannix and Howard Beck for part 2 of our trade deadline megapod to break down some of the biggest storylines from the trade deadline. In this episode, Rohan is attacked for his lukewarm feelings on the Lakers’ moves. Everyone is surprised by the lack of action from the Toronto Raptors. And the group wonders if the Warriors received enough in the James Wiseman trade. Also on the agenda: the Jae Crowder saga, the Bulls, and much more!

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The Aftermath of the Kyrie Trade Feb 07, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris react to the Kyrie Irving trade. They discuss their skepticism about the trade on and off the court, whether it was worth the risk for the Mavericks, and if Dallas can make it further than it did in last year’s playoffs. Then they wonder what the Nets should do with Kevin Durant, and if Brooklyn potentially got better as a result of this trade. They also break down what the deal means for the Lakers. Finally, they state their appreciation for LeBron James as he approaches the league’s all-time scoring record

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Where Should OG Anunoby Go? Jan 31, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing the OG Anunoby-mania surrounding the trade deadline. They break down whether he will be worth the seemingly high trade price, and which teams they would most like to see him play for. Then they praise Joel Embiid for his performance against Nikola Jokic, and wonder if it will be enough for him to win MVP. Also, are the Sixers now the Celtics’ biggest threat in the East?

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A NBA Rivalry Week Recap Jan 27, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Sports Illustrated senior writer Chris Mannix. They begin by discussing some of the week’s rivalry games, including Nets-Sixers and Warriors-Grizzlies. Topics include the future of Ben Simmons and if the Grizzlies would be favored in a playoff rematch against the Dubs. Then they break down Anthony Davis’s return and what it means for the Lakers. Finally, the duo go through their All-Star rosters and who should or should not make the team

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What's Causing The Scoring Boom? Jan 17, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing some notable performances from MLK Day, including Walker Kessler’s big night against the Wolves. Then they ruminate on the league’s scoring boom and what it means for how players of this era will be judged. And finally, they dive in deep on the Knicks and what they expect from the team moving forward

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NBA Season Halfway Point Surprises Jan 13, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris begin by discussing their observations from Thursday night’s games, including Luka’s minutes and the third-quarter Thunder. Then they break down some surprising trends from the first half of the NBA season, such as the Bucks’ struggling offense, the under .500 Raptors, the MVP race, and more

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Trae Young for Karl-Anthony Towns? Jan 06, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris begin by discussing the Nuggets’ blowout win over the Clippers, if it holds any significance, and the experience of watching Kawhi Leonard. Then they break down how Zion Williamson’s absence may or may not affect the Pelicans before returning to Rohan’s hot take about Trae Young, which leads to some thoughts about the futures of the Hawks and Timberwolves

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New Contenders in the New Year Jan 03, 2023

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris run over Rohan’s list of contenders headed into 2023. Which of the Grizzlies, Clippers, Warriors and Nuggets is the best team in the West? Are the Cavaliers and Pelicans too young to make a title run, or are they ready now? Have the Nets overtaken Bucks as the second best team in the East? Rohan and Chris break down all of these questions and much more!

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Christmas Day NBA Preview Dec 23, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris look ahead to a few of the Christmas Day games, starting with the heavyweight tilt between Boston and Milwaukee. Is the Celtics’ recent slump any cause for concern? Then they discuss the emergence of the Knicks and their ceiling in the East, as well as Joel Embiid’s spectacular season. They also touch on their hangups with the Suns and Nuggets before reminiscing about the Tony Scott classic “Man on Fire.”

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What Happened to Kevin Arnovitz? featuring Kevin Arnovitz Dec 16, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by former ESPN NBA writer Kevin Arnovitz. They discuss Kevin’s experience of watching the NBA as a casual fan and the frustrating nature of the NBA regular season. Later, they wonder whether parity has actually hit the NBA and if current stars mean as much as they used to. Finally, they predict the battlegrounds of the ongoing CBA negotiations, and Kevin provides an update on his current career

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A Tribute to Grant Wahl Dec 13, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Sports Illustrated senior writer Jon Wertheim to celebrate the life of their friend, Grant Wahl.

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Revisiting the Biggest Offseason Trades Dec 09, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris begin by discussing the early returns of Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, and Dejounte Murray trades from the summer. Which team is best positioned to go further in the playoffs than last season? Rohan hits Chris with one more nuclear take, this time regarding Karl-Anthony Towns. Chris makes a shocking discovery about the Beam in Sacramento. And then thanks to Mike Brown and Mike Budenholzer, Dick’s Last Resort gets dragged through the mud

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The Anthony Davis Revival Dec 06, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris hop around the league to discuss several teams. They start with Anthony Davis’s recent hot stretch and what it means for the Lakers. Then they wonder what’s going on with Trae Young and the Hawks, during which Rohan hits Chris with a nuclear take. The duo also sing the praises of two early season surprises, the Thunder and Pacers, before taking a trip down Pacers Memory Lane

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Checking In On The Heat & Nuggets Dec 02, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris dive deep on a team they’ve both written about recently: the Miami Heat. They break down the team’s overwhelming use of zone, the breakout of Bam Adebayo, and what the roster’s ceiling is with Jimmy Butler. Then, they discuss the title prospects of the Denver Nuggets, and how they’ve reaped the benefits of the signings they made in the offseason

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Our Quarter Season Awards Nov 28, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and John revisit Lakers trade rumors and a potential Kemba Walker signing before handing out their Quarter Season Awards. They debate whether there is an obvious MVP favorite, which postseason award Shai Gilgeous-Alexander most deserves, and Rohan is once again forced to confront the success of Daniel Ray Ainge

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Injuries Ravage the League Already Nov 21, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and John begin by discussing the returns of Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving and what they mean for their respective teams. They also touch on Kyrie’s apology, and if the reasons for his suspension are truly behind him. The they highlight all the major injuries across the NBA and the impact they could have on various teams. Finally, they close with a breakdown of Laddergate, aka the incident between Giannis and some Philadelphia arena workers

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Light the Sacramento Beam! Nov 18, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start with a spirited discussion about one of the most fun teams in the league, the Sacramento Kings, and what makes them so exciting. They also wonder whether or not the East has already become a two-team race, with Boston’s offense and Milwaukee’s defense separating themselves early in the season. The duo also try to fix the Warriors, respond to some emails, and more!

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The Anthony Davis Fake Trade Machine Nov 14, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and John start by running through some Anthony Davis fake trades the Lakers may need to consider. They also briefly discuss the Nets’ recent success before wondering when the Wolves should pull the plug on Rudy Gobert and if anything is real from this NBA season. The duo are also forced to acknowledge the success of the Celtics before trying to figure out a new name for the Heat’s home arena

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What’s Wrong with the Wolves? Nov 11, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing the continued success of the Utah Jazz. Should the front office keep the team together? And is Lauri Markkanen now definitively a part of the future? Later, they touch on the dispiriting start to the season from the Timberwolves, and how the Gobert-Towns experiment hasn’t worked well so far. The duo also lend their thoughts to the best NBA antics, why more players haven’t spoken up about Kyrie, and more!

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Can Anyone Stop the Bucks (or Jazz)? Nov 07, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and John start by discussing the remedial measures the Nets have laid out for Kyrie Irving while he’s suspended from basketball. They also wonder whether it’s already time for the Nets to end the KD-Kyrie experiment. Later, they check back in on the still struggling Warriors, ask themselves if the Jazz are legit, and try to figure out if any team in the East can challenge the Bucks

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A Rough But Also Great Start To The Season Nov 04, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing the latest news regarding Kyrie Irving and Josh Primo. Then they open up the mailbag to get into some basketball talk, including their favorite teams to watch early in the season, and their thoughts on the returns of the Towns-Gobert experiment. The Rip City Royston Report also makes its long awaited return before Rohan and Chris close the show wondering if the Lakers are showing signs of life

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Warriors Temperature Check w/ Dan Devine Oct 31, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Yahoo Sports’s Dan Devine. They begin by discussing the mess with the Brooklyn Nets and Kyrie Irving, both on and off the court. Then they dive into the Warriors’ recent struggles, and whether the two-timeline approach will create problems for them. They also discuss the success of the Cavs and Donovan Mitchell, if the Suns are legit, if they want to change their Finals picks, and more!

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Let's Give Ben Simmons Some Time Oct 28, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris start by discussing the slight improvements they’ve seen from Ben Simmons, and whether or not he can ultimately make a difference for the Nets. Then they open up the mailbag to determine their level of concern for the Clippers, and whether or not LeBron is a good stats-bad team guy. They also touch on the Suns, the Wizards, favorite Halloween costumes, and more!

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Adam Silver Hates Tanking & Teams To Worry About Oct 24, 2022

Rohan & John discuss Adam Silver's comments about relegating bad teams to discourage tanking, the early struggles of the Sixers and Heat, and how the title contending Nuggets looked against the defending champs

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First Week Breakdown & League Pass Draft w/ Ian Karmel Oct 21, 2022

John & Rohan break down the struggles of the Lakers and Sixers in their first two games before 'The Late Late Show' and 'All Fantasy Everything's' Ian Karmel joins the show to do a fantasy draft of NBA League Pass rankings

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NBA Preview Roundtable: Eastern Conference Oct 18, 2022

Rohan Nadkarni & Chris Herring are joined again by the Crossover podcast's Chris Mannix and Howard Beck as they switch sides and break down the major contenders and storylines in the eastern conference as the season gets underway

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NBA Preview Roundtable: Western Conference Oct 17, 2022

Rohan Nadkarni & Chris Herring are joined by the Crossover podcast's Chris Mannix and Howard Beck to break down the major contenders and storylines in the western conference as the season gets underway. Stay tuned for our eastern conference roundtable out tomorrow

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Five Big Questions with Ben Golliver Oct 14, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by former Open Floor host and Washington Post writer Ben Golliver. Rohan presents Ben with five big questions before the NBA season, touching on topics such as LeBron’s future, the lack of pressure on Nikola Jokic, if the Celtics are still contenders, and so much more!

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Top Ten Duos with Andrew Sharp Oct 12, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by GOAT podcast host Andrew Sharp for the annual ranking of top ten duos. First they start by discussing who didn’t make the list, including some surprising picks from Andrew. Then they run down their top tens, with many twists and turns along the way

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The Top 100 Ranking: Part 2 Oct 07, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Chris Herring. After a brief detour into their billion-dollar reality TV idea, they discuss the news of the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole fight, and what they expect regarding both players’ contract situations. Then, they break down the top ten of SI’s Top 100, including how they settled arguments, why Stephen Curry wasn’t ranked first, and much more

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The Top 100 Ranking: Part 1 Oct 04, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Jeremy Woo. The two dive deep into SI’s Top 100 list, revealing some of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into the project. They discuss how they came up with their lists, which players were the hardest to rank, and explain why who ended up where. They also talk about some players they expect to make the list in the future, why Russell Westbrook was left off, if Victor Wembanyama can be the first rookie to make the list next season, and much more!

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Our Big Training Camp Takeaways (So Far) Sep 30, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Chris, and after a brief detour into “Don’t Worry Darling” drama, they react to some early training camp storylines. Topics include Anthony Davis’s wrist and future MVP hopes, if Ben Simmons will really play the five, if Jimmy Butler really won’t play the four, James Wiseman’s preseason debut, and Zion Williamson running with the Pelicans’ starters

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Messy Media Day Roundup Sep 27, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by John Gonzalez and the two react to various NBA Media Day happenings. They start in Boston, where the Celtics continue to offer few details regarding the suspension of Ime Udoka, apparently to their own players as well. Then, Rohan & John break down the drama in Brooklyn, wondering how Kevin Durant’s trade request, Kyrie Irving’s unreliability, Ben Simmons’s availability, and the calls for Steve Nash’s firing will affect the team. They also discuss issues with the Lakers, Sixers, Suns and much more

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Ime Udoka Is Suspended & Anthony Edwards Apologizes Sep 23, 2022

On today’s show, SI senior writer John Gonzalez is joined by Chris Herring. They react to the Boston Celtics suspending head coach Ime Udoka for the season, Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Sarver accepting offers to sell, and Anthony Edwards getting fined for his homophobic comments. Then, they discuss Ben Simmons’ recent appearance on JJ Redick’s podcast and what his candor reveals about the oft-critiqued Brooklyn Nets star.

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Free Agent Matchmaker Sep 19, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI senior writer John Gonzalez. The two first discuss the news regarding the NBA’s CBA, including the mental health injury designation, and why Rohan is concerned about potentially harsher luxury tax penalties. Then Rohan and John look over the dwindling list of free agents and assign them to new teams, or why we need to see Rajon Rondo on the Pelicans. Finally, Rohan reveals the latest bad movie he thoroughly enjoyed

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An Unfortunate Week for the NBA Sep 16, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI Weekly host John Gonzalez. The two react to the NBA’s decision to only suspend Robert Sarver for one year, and discuss why his punishment wasn’t more severe. They then discuss the fallout of Adam Silver’s press conference regarding Sarver, particularly his revealing answer to a question from colleague Howard Beck. They also wonder if more public pressure will mount against Sarver, why he was treated differently than Donald Sterling, and more

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Behind the LeBron Scenes w/ Chris Ballard Sep 12, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by Sports Illustrated contributor Chris Ballard. The pair dive deep into Chris’s latest cover story on LeBron James, and Rohan asks Chris why LeBron may have participated, about the process of interviewing LeBron and his two sons, and how LeBron as an interview subject has changed over the years. Chris also shares some of his favorite behind the scenes details of the story. Then, Rohan and Chris discuss some of his previous stories for SI, including his profile of former lottery pick Robert Swift, and what it was like to interview a post-Process Sam Hinkie.

GoFundMe link for Jonathan Tjarks: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Lets-help-our-friend-jonathan-tjarks

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Ranking the Top Five Contenders in the West Sep 09, 2022

On today’s show, Chris Herring makes his long awaited return. He and Rohan start by opening up the mailbag, discussing if the Donovan Mitchell trade put the Cavs in the title discussion and then what impact Rudy Gobert can have on the Wolves. Then the hosts rank their top five contenders in the West and explain why they are both high on the Clippers, why the Grizzlies could be in trouble, and how the Pelicans could possibly crash the party. Finally, they wonder if the Lakers and Blazers can make the playoffs, and if so, who would be dropping out of the postseason field

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Ranking the Top Five Contenders in the East Sep 06, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI Weekly host John Gonzalez. The duo first react to the Donovan Mitchell trade, discussing the fit between Mitchell and Darius Garland, if it was the right move for Cleveland, and if the Jazz should have taken the Knicks offer instead. Then Rohan and John rank their top five contenders in the Eastern Conference, assessing the new hierarchy in the East in the wake of the Mitchell trade. Finally, Rohan and John ask if anyone can contribute to the family of Jonathan Tjarks, they please consider doing so. The link to his GoFundMe is here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/Lets-help-our-friend-jonathan-tjarks.

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Are We Headed for an Historic Tank Season? w/ Rob Mahoney Aug 26, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by The Ringer’s (and former colleague) Rob Mahoney. The two start the show by discussing the fallout of Chet Holmgren’s season-ending injury, including if the Thunder are in an even better position long term. Then they react to the Lakers’ acquisition of Patrick Beverley, explaining why it was both the right move and a frustrating one. Finally, they answer a couple listener emails, debating whether the NBA would be better with more or less teams, and wondering if the Warriors’ championship casts new questions on the Top 75 list

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Durant to the Grizzlies & NBA Christmas Showdown Aug 22, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is reunited with SI Weekly host John Gonzalez. They open by discussing the report the Grizzlies may be interested in Kevin Durant. They weigh whether Memphis should make the trade, and who they should give up in a hypothetical deal. Then the pair react to the NBA’s schedule release, and offer thoughts on the impending Christmas showdown between the NBA and NFL. Finally, they close the show by paying respect to Udonis Haslem and looking back on the Mikal Bridges trade

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Opening the Mailbag w/ Jeremy Woo Aug 19, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan returns and is joined by Jeremy Woo to open open the mailbag to discuss NBA bromances, team theme songs, and how Shaq would be evaluated as a modern-day draft prospect. Rohan and Jeremy then close the episode with an early look at the Victor Wembanyana sweepstakes and their Top 100 thoughts.

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The Over/Under of Wins For All 30 NBA Teams Aug 15, 2022

SI Weekly's John Gonzalez is joined again by The Ringer's Dan Devine to look at the Vegas odds for every team's win total. Hear why we're surprised by some, not surprised by others, and why we're always taking the under on the Knicks (and Kings).

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The Aftermath of More Durant Demands Aug 12, 2022

SI Weekly's John Gonzalez fills in for Rohan on this week's Friday edition of Open Floor as he welcomes The Ringers Dan Devine to look at Kevin Durant's meeting in London with Nets owner Joe Tsai where he reportedly asked him to choose between him and head coach Steve Nash. We then discuss where the Nets go from here and a not-so-true Ben Simmons rumor that floated around this week

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A New Round of Nets Drama Aug 08, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI Weekly host John Gonzalez for an all-mailbag special. They start by discussing the merits of a fake Anthony Davis-for-Draymond Green trade before guessing which first-time All Stars won’t make the team again next season. Then, as the two prepare to answer an email about the Nets, the podcast is interrupted by the latest Kevin Durant report. Finally, Rohan & John reminisce on 2K greats of past and help a fan pick their favorite basketball team

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Dunks Are Properly Rated w/ Josh Gondelman Aug 05, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by comedian and writer Josh Gondelman. First, the two reveal which team they are most confident could win the Finals if the playoffs started today. Then they open up the mailbag, answering a shocking question about dunks before diving into walk-up songs and Timberwolves slander. After Rohan angers another fan base, the Love Island minute returns with an apology, and the show closes with Josh answering some questions about his comedy career, including what it’s like to write for John Oliver and Desus and Mero

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Honoring Bill Russell w/ John Gonzalez Aug 01, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by SI Weekly host John Gonzalez. The pair first pay tribute Bill Russell and his incredible legacy beyond basketball, particularly his civil rights activism. Later, they wonder why the NBA is still pursuing tampering in the wake of reported investigations into the Sixers and Knicks. Then they open up the mailbag to discuss the usefulness of statistics and share their feelings on possible NBA expansion. Finally, Rohan and John close the show with the return of the Love Island minute before paying their respects to bad movies

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Andrew Sharp Returns & The Most Disappointing Offseasons Jul 29, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan is joined by former Open Floor host Andrew Sharp. The two reveal the teams they believe had the most disappointing offseasons, including a surprising answer from Sharp. Then they dive into some fun emails, pondering what Damian Lillard should do with his career and if Rohan’s recent Mavs slander has been justified. They close the show with a discussion about their favorite NBA throwback jerseys, and why the current crop of threads are mostly bad

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Kevin Durant for Jaylen Brown & Bad Shot Selection Legends Jul 25, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris somehow discuss baseball before diving into the latest Kevin Durant news. The duo react to the report of a KD-for-Jaylen Brown trade and wonder whether it makes sense for either side. They also discuss if the league needs to respond to player movement in the next CBA. They finish the show by reaching into the mailbag, answering questions about players who should’ve taken different shots, and guessing which 2022 playoff teams may not be so lucky next season

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James Harden: Disappointing or Disappointment? Jul 22, 2022

On today’s show, Chris and Rohan address the Miles Bridges situation before diving into basketball. The duo then discuss James Harden’s new contract with the Sixers and their expectations for Philly this season. They also open up the mailbag to admit some past mistakes, assess a potential Donovan Mitchell-led Knicks team, and explain why they would never live in Orlando. And finally, a special announcement to close the show

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Is LeBron James on the Right Team? Jul 18, 2022

On today’s show, Rohan and Chris acknowledge the Keldon Johnson extension before diving into a bevy of Lakers topics. They review LeBron’s Drew League performance before discussing the scattershot nature of his Lakers tenure. Then the duo marvel at the public divorce between Russell Westbrook and his now former agent before answering an email about Anthony Davis. Finally, Chris admits his love for World War II-era cinema before he and Rohan hand out some book recommendations

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Who's The Worst Player on a Championship Team? Jul 15, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan kick things off with a special announcement before they dive into a whole bunch of fantastic mailbag questions. They talk about Deandre Ayton's restricted free agency and questionable future in Phoenix, propose their favorite fake Donovan Mitchell trades, explain why the Mavs aren't a lock to make the playoffs, debate who the worst player on a championship team can be, and so much more

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Way-Too-Early Awards Predictions Jul 11, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag and take a look ahead at the 2022-23 season by submitting ballots for every major award. They reveal who they think will win MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Sixth Man of the Year, and Coach of the Year, with some outside the bold, outside-the-box predictions sprinkled into the discussion.

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Summer League Reactions & The Brandon Ingram Question Jul 08, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris offer some first reactions to Summer League and some standout names (Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Jabari Smith Jr., etc.) from the 2022 draft class. They then open up the mailbag and break down some more Kevin Durant trade offers (and the big Brandon Ingram question), wonder if, in light of Bradley Beal's new contract, the Wizards are officially the most hopeless franchise in the league, and so much more

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Minnesota is All In + Free Agency Reactions Jul 05, 2022

On today’s episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the ongoing saga with Kevin Durant’s trade request, including which teams they would like to see him play for most. Then they dive into the Rudy Gobert and Dejounte Murray trades, and if either one significantly affects the Wolves’ or Hawks’ title odds. Finally, Michael forces Rohan to confront the success of the Celtics’ offseason, and the hosts pick their favorite and least favorite signing of the summer.

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Free Agency Winners & Losers (So Far) Jul 01, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss Kevin Durant's trade request, whether the Nets should honor his list of desired destinations and where the Nets go from here. Then they get into the first day of free agency by giving their winners and losers to the first day of activity, while responding to breaking news in real time!

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Previewing Free Agency + KD Trades Jun 27, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan preview free agency by taking a look at several teams and players they have their eye on heading into July 1. What will the Suns and Jazz do? Will the Hawks take a step back? Who will sign Kyrie Irving? What about Miles Bridges? They then move on to talk about potential Kevin Durant destinations, should he request a trade, before opening the mail bag and answering a whole bunch of fascinating questions

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NBA Draft Winners & Losers Jun 24, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan give their winners and losers from the 2022 NBA draft. What were the Knicks thinking? Will they regret not using the 11th pick and instead opting to improve via free agency? Should the Magic have taken Jabari Smith Jr. instead of Paolo Banchero? Which team has a brighter future: the Pistons or the Thunder? All those questions, and so many more, are answered in today's show. Also: the Royston Rip City Report makes its triumphant return

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Kyrie Rumors + Previewing the NBA Draft Jun 21, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discussed Kyrie Irving's looming player option and wondered which team he'll end up on next season. They also went over Bradley Beal's free agency and Charlotte's puzzling search for a new head coach before a long conversation about the NBA draft. They finished things off by opening the mailbag and answering a few leftover questions about the Finals, Steve Kerr's legacy, and so much more.

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Stephen Curry’s Top Ten Ascent Jun 17, 2022

On today’s special episode, Michael, Chris, and Rohan give their thoughts on Game 6 of the NBA Finals and what the Warriors win means for Stephen Curry’s legacy. Then they briefly preview who will be No. 1 on their Top 100 lists for next season, which leads to shock and disagreement. The trio also discusses Jayson Tatum’s Finals performance, and gives way too early predictions for next season, leading to some more chaos

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Steph’s Domination + Previewing Game 5 Jun 13, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down the NBA Finals with a look back at Game 4 and a look ahead to Game 5. They get into Steph Curry's dominance (where does he rank on the list of players they've watched with their own two eyes?), Draymond Green's diminished role, Jayson Tatum's struggles, the Finals MVP debate, and so much more.

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The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly of the Finals So Far Jun 10, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down Game 3 of the NBA Finals and zoom out to answer a few questions about the series. What is each team's best five-man unit? Which players have been the most disappointing? What stats have surprised us both the most? Michael and Chris then open up the mailbag to wonder which active role players would make the best head coaches, and more

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Boston Meets Golden State's Buzzsaw Jun 06, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down and react to Game 2 of the NBA Finals, where the Warriors bounced back with a commanding win over the Celtics. What adjustments did Steve Kerr make to get the win? Were Draymond Green's antics over the top or exactly what Golden State needed? How can Boston's offense get back on track in Game 3? All those questions, and more, are answered in today's show.

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Boston Blitzes The Warriors Jun 03, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris took a deep dive into Game 1 of the NBA Finals. How did the Celtics blow the game wide open like they did, particularly after Steph Curry's volcanic first quarter? Did Jayson Tatum have the best 3-for-17 performance in postseason history? What adjustments can/should the Warriors make coming off a night where Boston could not miss from behind the three-point line? All those questions, and more, are answered in today's show

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The Mega Finals Preview Pod May 31, 2022

On today's show, Michael and Rohan give the people what they want, breaking down Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Heat and Celtics. Was Jimmy's shot the right decision? What should Miami do with Tyler Herro this summer? Then they open up the mailbag and preview what should be a classic NBA Finals, answering several key questions about Boston and Golden State's individual matchups and x-factors before arriving at their predictions.

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Can Anyone Stop Another Warriors Title Run? May 27, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss a Warriors team that's headed to their sixth NBA Finals in eight seasons. Both picked Mavs in 6 before the series started, so how were they so wrong? Is the Wiggins trade the most lopsided in recent NBA history? They then wonder what's next for Dallas, and how it can avoid following the same short-term path Atlanta is currently on. After opening the mailbag to answer a few questions, they close things out with a conversation about the Eastern Conference Finals, Erik Spoelstra's options, Boston's defense, and why these games are so lopsided.

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The Warriors Are That Good May 23, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down the Western Conference Finals, Andrew Wiggins, Steph Curry and a miraculous Warriors team that's one win away from another championship series. Then they look at the East, where Boston and Miami are locked into a fascinating tug-of-war.

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Getting Heated Over Miami/Boston & Our Lottery Reactions May 19, 2022

In today's show, Michael and Rohan break down the Eastern Conference Finals with a long discussion about Jimmy Butler's fantastic Game 1, what adjustments (if any) the Celtics should make if they want to bounce back, and more. Then they open the mailbag and answer a few questions about the lottery, wondering if Sacramento and Detroit will trade their picks and accelerate their respective rebuilds or continue to add young talent. Plus: a shocking Deandre Ayton fake trade!

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The Sun Has Set on the Phoenix Suns May 16, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris recap Sunday's Game 7 action and wonder what's next for the Suns and Bucks after both teams were blown off the floor. Is the championship window shut for Phoenix? How much work does Milwaukee need to do to push Giannis past the finish line yet again? They then preview the two conference finals series by analyzing a few key matchups before making final predictions about which teams they think will meet in the Finals.

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Harden's Demise & Luka's Ascension May 13, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder what's next for James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers. Where do they go from here, after Harden's scoreless second half in Game 6? Were Joel Embiid's post-game comments fair? How can the Sixers bounce back next season? Over in Dallas, will Luka Doncic bolster his playoff reputation with a magical Game 7 against the regular season's best team? Chris and Michael then open up the mailbag and answer a few quick questions about the Celtics/Bucks and Warriors/Grizzlies matchups

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8 Questions About the NBA Playoffs May 10, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan ask one big question about all four second-round playoff series. Can the Celtics sustain their small-ball success? What impact, if any, will Duncan Robinson have against the Sixers? Can the Grizzlies come back and win three straight games? What's it going to take for Phoenix's offense to get back on track? Then they open up the mailbag and have a conversation about postseason officiating.

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Milwaukee Has A Giannis Problem May 06, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris preview Saturday's Game 3's between the Grizzlies/Warriors and Celtics/Bucks. What adjustments can Steve Kerr make to slow down Ja Morant? What adjustments can Mike Budenholzer make so Giannis Antetokounmpo's life isn't so hard on offense? Then they open up the mailbag to answer a few questions about playoff officiating, Luka Doncic's extremely high usage rate, and so much more!

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Breaking Down the Game 1 Action May 02, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly address the impact Joel Embiid's orbital fracture/concussion will have on Philadelphia's second-round matchup against the Miami Heat. Then they break down Sunday's Game 1 action from the Bucks-Celtics and Grizzlies-Warriors series. What adjustments does Boston need to make, if any, to tie things up? Was Draymond Green's ejection the right decision? Why don't we talk about Ja Morant's defense like we do Trae Young's? And more!

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Previewing An Even Better Second Round & Utah's Big Questions Apr 29, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss Thursday night's slate of games before previewing and making series predictions about Heat-Sixers and Mavericks-Suns. They then wonder where the Jazz are going after a disappointing first-round exit and praise a Pelicans team that's poised to take a major leap next season. Also, a quick conversation about Celtics-Bucks and a few mailbag questions

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Kevin Durant's Legacy + A Classic First-Round Matchup Apr 25, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss Wolves/Grizzlies, Ja Morant's struggles, Karl-Anthony Towns' up-and-down postseason, how a potential first-round loss will impact Kevin Durant's legacy, whether the Jazz should trade Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell (or both?), and so much more!

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The Warriors New Death Lineup & KAT's Night To Forget Apr 22, 2022

On today’s Open Floor, Rohan fills in for Michael and is joined by Chris to discuss the fall of the house of Jazz and Karl-Anthony Towns’s unethical four-shot game against the Grizzlies. Is there anything Utah can do to salvage its series against the Mavs? Can the Wolves bounce back from blowing multiple 20-point leads? Then they look ahead to Game 3 between the Celtics and Nets, including Kevin Durant’s struggles and what the Brooklyn home crowd will sound like. They also touch on Nikola Jokic MVP discourse, the Warriors’ new death lineup, and much more!

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Jayson Tatum Is A Hero Apr 18, 2022

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to every award finalist who was revealed by the NBA over the weekend. Who else besides Bam Adebayo was snubbed? They then recap the playoff's opening weekend with deep dives into Boston's buzzer-beating win over Brooklyn, Miami's dominant performance against Atlanta, Minnesota shocking Memphis, and so much more

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A Mega Playoff Preview Apr 15, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Paul George being placed into Health and Safety Protocols and having to miss Friday night's Play-In game before they predict winners for Clippers/Pelicans and Hawks/Cavaliers. They then give a deep dive preview for all eight first-round playoff series, predicting winners, analyzing key individual and team matchups, and so much more.

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The All Star Filled Play In Preview Apr 11, 2022

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan preview all four play-in games with a deep dive into some individual matchups, strategic advantages, and key x-factors. Should Brooklyn worry about its porous defense against a team that has Darius Garland? Will Evan Mobley defend Kevin Durant? How will the Hornets guard Trae Young's pick-and-rolls? Also: how will the Hornets attack Trae Young? Does Pelicans-Spurs matter at all? Who is the best player in Clippers-Timberwolves, and why is that the game everyone absolutely needs to see? All those questions are answered, and so much more!

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The Raptors Are Actual Contenders & Our All NBA Ballots Apr 08, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down a Raptors team that might be a pseudo title contender? Then they go over their official MVP ballots and have a long debate about Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid before covering all three All-NBA teams and revealing who they'll have on each squad. Does LeBron James belong on the first team or on none at all? Where should Kevin Durant go? Will the Suns have two players or one?

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Lakers Failure + Favorite First-Round Matchups Apr 04, 2022

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the disastrous Lakers and likelihood that they won't even make the play-in tournament before answering a few mailbag questions and breaking down the five potential first-round matchups they most hope we get to see.

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Giannis Takeover + Our MIP, DPOY, 6MOY Ballots Apr 01, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder if Giannis Antetokounmpo's recent nationally televised performances can push him to a third MVP award before they open the mailbag to discuss Joel Embiid's postseason durability and New York's questionable future. What can they get for Julius Randle? Is RJ Barrett good enough to build around? They then reveal their (penciled in) official ballot decisions for Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, and 6th Man of the Year.

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Trouble in Boston and Miami + Coach of the Year Mar 29, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Rob Williams's torn meniscus and the Miami Heat's troubling losing streak before they open up the mail bag to discuss Quin Snyder's future in Utah (and whether he can save the Lakers next season), the greatest "teams" of all time, and Top 3 candidates for Coach of the Year.

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Jimmy Butler's Two-Front War & Harden's Extracurricular's w/ Stavros Halkias Mar 25, 2022

SI's own John Gonzalez and comedian Stavros Halkias take over this Friday's Open Floor to break down the minutiae of the Miami Heat's near dust up between Jimmy Butler, Erik Spoelstra, and Udonis Haslem before taking a look at why James Harden's off court fun may hurt the Sixers title chances, the unfortunate odds of a Celtics championship, and the many mistakes of his hometown Knicks

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Are the Nets finished? + Best Individual Seasons Mar 21, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Ben Simmons' back injury and its effect on Brooklyn's title odds, and a recent report from Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Howard Beck about Suns/Mercury owner Robert Sarver, and why the NBA's investigation has frustrated some activists. They then open up the mail bag to break down and compare the very best seasons LeBron James and Michael Jordan ever had, before expanding the conversation and ranking the 3 greatest individual seasons from the last 25 years

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Steph Curry's Injury & NBA Tank Teams Mar 18, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris talk about Steph Curry's foot injury. Was it a dirty play by Marcus Smart? Can Golden State actually slide from the No. 3 seed to No. 4 or even No. 5? Are they more likely to lose in the first round than make it to the conference finals? In the spirit of March Madness, they then take a look at a few teams that are currently tanking (or should be tanking) and debate which ones they'd most like to say land a top-3 pick

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Popovich is the GOAT + All-NBA teams Mar 14, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up with a discussion about how incredible NBA Sundays have been over the past few weeks. They then celebrate Gregg Popovich's record-setting win by ranking the three best coaches in NBA history and giving their favorite Pop-related stories. After answering a couple mailbag questions, they also give their All-NBA teams for the 2021-22 regular season. Did LeBron make first team? What about Steph Curry? Where did Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant land? All those questions, and more, are answered in a lively debate.

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A Sixers Meltdown & A Rookie of the Year Check in Mar 11, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris offer their reaction to Thursday night's highly anticipated game between the Sixers and Nets. After Brooklyn's lopsided win, what did we learn about both teams? Is Kevin Durant once again the best player alive? They then turn their attention to a very close Rookie of the Year race, where Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, and Cade Cunningham all have a strong case to win the award. And finally, they shout out the Minnesota Timberwolves, a team that's quietly one of the best in the NBA over the past six weeks.

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Examining Ja Morant's Historic Season Mar 07, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up with a quick look at Sunday's incredible NBA action before they open up the mail bag to discuss Golden State's worrisome recent stretch (and whether Draymond Green can save them) and why Steve Nash doesn't receive as much criticism for the Nets' struggles as other coaches that have fallen short of expectations (like the Lakers' Frank Vogel). They then break down Ja Morant's incredible third season. How surprising is it, really? If they could pick one player 25 and under to build a franchise around would it be Morant? And, of the most importance, will he win a championship in Memphis?

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Watch Out For the Pelicans & The Foreign MVP Explosion Mar 04, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris talk about the surprising New Orleans Pelicans, a team that's quietly been very good over the past month despite not having Zion Williamson. Can they actually make some noise in the play-in/playoffs? They then open up the mailbag and answer a question about the Spurs, a team that might have a brighter future than people think. They also answer a question about the Kings, a team that might have a worse future than people think. They also answer an interesting question about the league's current streak of internationally-born MVP winners, and wonder who will break it. They close out the episode by celebrating Shaquille O'Neal's 50th birthday with a look at his greatest games ever.

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Harden & Joel Embiid Look Invincible Feb 28, 2022

On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss James Harden's extremely good first two games with the Philadelphia 76ers. What worked? What didn't? How can any team stop the Sixers if Harden is for real? And why, at the same time, is it OK to be skeptical about him sustaining the early success? They then talk about recent developments with the Brooklyn Nets, where Ben Simmons is day-to-day with back soreness and Kyrie Irving won't be cleared to play at Barclays Center as soon as many expected. They close the show by opening up the mailbag to look at Devin Booker's MVP candidacy and play a fun game of "start, bench, cut" with three tough names.

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Whose Legacy Needs The 2022 Championship? Feb 25, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag and debate which star could have his legacy most impacted by winning this year's championship? Is it Steph? Embiid? Giannis? Chris Paul? Ja Morant? They then wonder if the Lakers would've been better off never acquiring LeBron and Anthony Davis in the first place, and take a stab at projecting how many titles the city of Los Angeles will win over the next 5 years. After that, they show love to Cade Cunningham and the Pistons before answering a question about which advanced stat they'd most like to see on traditional box scores.

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Chris Paul's Injury, All-Star Reactions, & Power Ranking the East Feb 22, 2022

On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss how serious Chris Paul's broken thumb really is. Can the Suns still win it all? How much will it impact Deandre Ayton's push for a max contract? Then they offer a few reactions to All-Star weekend, including a few stories Michael had from his time in Cleveland. And last but not least, with roughly 25 games left in the regular season, they Power Rank an incredibly competitive Eastern Conference. Which team is most likely to win it all? Which very good team isn't even going to make the playoffs?

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Anthony Davis Injury Reaction + NBA All-Star Predictions Feb 18, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris wonder how concerned the Lakers should be about Anthony Davis's sprained foot. Can they make the playoffs or is their season done? What about long-term? Are AD's best days behind him? Then they make All-Star predictions for every event—including the three-point and slam dunk contest—and take a stab at who will win MVP of the actual game. They also open up the mailbag and answer a few questions about Kyrie Irving and how the Mavericks should build around Luka Doncic

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The Open Floor 2022 All-Star Draft Feb 14, 2022

On today's show, Michael and Rohan open things up with some snap reactions to players who changed teams at the trade deadline. How does Derrick White look in Boston? Is Tyrese Haliburton even better than Indy expected? They then conduct an All-Star draft, choosing their own squads like LeBron James and Kevin Durant did last week on TNT. Who will be the first pick? Who will go last? And most importantly, who picked the better roster?

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Trade Deadline MegaPod Part 1: The Winners Feb 11, 2022

In today's very special trade deadline megapodcast, Michael and Rohan are joined by their SI colleagues and Crossover NBA Show co-hosts Howard Beck and Chris Mannix to analyze the winners and losers of Thursday's NBA trade deadline. Part 1, on the Open Floor feed, will cover the winners including the mega trade between the Nets and Sixers involving James Harden & Ben Simmons, The Pelicans and their acquisition of CJ McCollum, the Suns and Warriors for staying top the west, and more. Part 2, which covers the deadline's big losers, can be found on the Crossover's feed.

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A Detailed Breakdown of the Ben Simmons Conundrum Feb 07, 2022

On today's episode of Open Floor, Michael welcomes a special guest to the show! Sports Illustrated senior writer John Gonzalez comes on to talk about his new podcast SI Weekly before the two discuss what may be Ben Simmons' final days with the Philadelphia 76ers. How much should Philly be willing to give up to get James Harden? Is there a better package Daryl Morey can get for his disgruntled star point guard? What situation would be best for Simmons? Sacramento? Charlotte? Portland? Michael and John then wonder who is better: Russell Westbrook or Julius Randle?

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All-Star Reserves & Red Hot Hawks Feb 04, 2022

On today’s episode, Michael and Chris analyze the All-Star reserves. Who was snubbed? Who was a pleasant surprise? Who should be selected as injury replacements in each conference? They then open up the mailbag to discuss the red hot Atlanta Hawks, and whether John Collins should be traded. Then they answer a question about role players and name who they think is the best role player in the NBA.

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Jokic vs. Embiid is The Only Debate That Matters Jan 31, 2022

On today's show, Michael and Rohan discuss Andrew Wiggins' All-Star status and wonder if the system needs to be changed. They then open up the mailbag and debate Nikola Jokic vs. Joel Embiid. Who is more deserving of the MVP? Who is better at basketball? Why do people just assume Embiid is having a better season, or is more valuable to his team? They then close with Rohan's theory about the 2021-22 Miami Heat, which is definitely not what Michael was expecting to hear.

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Brooklyn's Mess & Zach LaVine Disrespect Jan 28, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris (Brother) Herring take a long hard look at the Brooklyn Nets and wonder if their superteam era might be over before it ever really got started. Will James Harden be on the Sixers next year? Should Brooklyn re-sign Kyrie Irving or trade him before the deadline? Is Kevin Durant still the best player alive? They then open up the mailbag to discuss Zach LaVine disrespect and the sliding Chicago Bulls, a fascinating fake trade between the Celtics and Nuggets, and Herring's favorite Spike Lee movie!

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Introducing: SI Weekly Jan 28, 2022

Here's a sneak peek at SI's newest podcast, Sports Illustrated Weekly! Featuring storytelling, interviews, and unforgettable sports moments – SI Weekly is everything you love about the iconic sports magazine, now in podcast form.

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The Official 2022 Open Floor All-Stars Jan 24, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Grayson Allen's flagrant foul on Alex Caruso, and whether a one-game suspension was more or less than what Allen deserved for injuring one of Chicago's most important players. They then reveal their official All-Star picks, naming the starters, reserves, and honorable mentions for each conference!

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Early Draft Storylines & the Lakers Mess Jan 21, 2022

In today’s episode, Rohan and Jeremy Woo discuss the latest drama with the Lakers, if Evan Mobley should have been the No. 1 pick, and look ahead to the 2022 NBA Draft. They also briefly discuss a hypothetical 3-on-3 tournament, and guess who the next wing player to win a Finals MVP will be. Jeremy also reveals himself to be a liar, and trolls Michael throughout the episode.

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In Conversation: Spike Lee w/ SI's Chris Herring Jan 20, 2022

Open Floor's own Chris Herring sat down with legendary filmmaker Spike Lee at NYC's Strand book store to discuss his new book 'Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks', their own highs and low's with the team, and the future of basketball in NYC

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Championship Wannabes & Panic in Brooklyn Jan 18, 2022

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss Kevin Durant's sprained MCL, and wonder how worried the Nets should be not having their best player for the next 4-6 weeks. They then take a look at four very good albeit flawed teams (the Grizzlies, Mavericks, Sixers, and Nuggets) and debate which can actually win the title. Then they open up the mailbag and answer a couple questions about LeBron James before closing things out with a particularly bleak Rip City Royston Report

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Midseason Awards Picks and Herring's Spike Lee Moment Jan 15, 2022

On today’s episode, Rohan and Chris discuss Chris’s phone call with Spike Lee, who just had to get his hands on Chris's book, "Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks" which is maybe kind of sort of available now in bookstores? Then, the guys make their picks for the NBA’s midseason awards, and compare at least one NBA player to one of the most famous movie serial killers of all time.

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Klay Thompson is Back & Kawhi Leonard is Coming Jan 10, 2022

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan react to Klay Thompson's triumphant return and wonder if it makes the Warriors clear title favorites or not. They then open up the mailbag and answer a few questions about Jamal Murray, Anthony Davis, and Kawhi Leonard's eventual comebacks to the court and how they will impact the Western Conference. Should the Celtics actually consider trading Jayson Tatum instead of Jaylen Brown or would that be very dumb? Also, why are the Hawks so disappointing? Then Michael predicts All-Star starters for the 2026-27 season.

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All-Star Reactions & a Jaylen Brown Debate Jan 07, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Chris show Dirk Nowitzki some love and wonder if any active players will ever have an emotional jersey retirement ceremony that rivaled his. Then they analyze the first All-Star game fan vote release including their surprise snubs from the top ten and some odd players that were included. We then close out the show by debating a fake Jaylen Brown trade that Michael proposed in a recent column on SI.com.

https://www.si.com/nba/2022/01/07/celtics-hawks-trade-proposal-jaylen-brown-deandre-hunter-kevin-huerter

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Appreciating DeRozan & Predicting the All-2020's Team Jan 04, 2022

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan stand and applaud DeMar DeRozan, far and away the best free agent signing from last summer, and wonder why so many pundits were down on the Bulls when they brought him in. Then they answer mail bag questions about Rob Pelinka's total inability to build a competent roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, debate whether the NBA needs rivalries and how a mid-season tournament could help build some, predict a starting five for the 2020's, and more!

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All-Star Starters & Most Embarrassing Favorite Players Dec 31, 2021

On their final episode of 2021, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and cover a whole bunch of topics. They debate All-Star starters in the Eastern and Western Conference, discuss embarrassing favorite players, overrated and underrated names that are hurt/helped by the markets they play in, fanbase pet peeves, players they believe should be receiving more playing time than they currently are, and more!

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Redrafting the 2019 NBA Lottery! Dec 28, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly recap the NBA's surprisingly entertaining Christmas Day games before taking a brief detour away from this season's COVID-related turmoil to redraft the 2019 lottery! Given everything we know now, is Zion Williamson still the first pick? Will Rohan take Tyler Herro way too high? How angry will Knicks fans be when they hear where RJ Barrett was selected? This draft class is fascinating and full of intriguing talent. Here's what Michael and Rohan think about them now.

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The Ultimate Christmas Day NBA Preview Dec 23, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris preview the NBA's Christmas Day schedule by ranking all five matchups from least to most anticipated. How will health and safety protocols impact who is and isn't available? Can Lakers vs. Nets live up to the hype? How awesome will Suns vs. Warriors be? And what matchup that isn't scheduled do they most wish was? Also the triumphant return of Open Floor's Rip City Royston Report!

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Kyrie's Near Comeback & The 2020's Almost Champions Dec 20, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan take stock of the league's ongoing COVID-19 crisis and Brooklyn's controversial decision to bring back an unvaccinated Kyrie Irving. They then open up the mailbag and wonder which team from the 2020's will give their team the most joy without actually winning an NBA championship before getting into a rather contentious discussion about the Utah Jazz.

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Please Don't Sleep on the Jazz & Curry's MVP Lead Dec 17, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris show the Utah Jazz some love and wonder how important the Danny Ainge hire really is. They then discuss Kemba Walker's increasingly strange situation in New York, where he can't get off the bench despite the team's depleted depth chart. Then they open up the mailbag to talk about Steph Curry's controversial lead in ESPN's MVP straw poll, which players annoy them the most, what moves the Celtics need to make in order to become legitimate title contenders once again, and more!

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An Interesting NBA Trade Season is About to Begin Dec 13, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss a recent report that suggest Kyrie Irving may be close to his season debut and how his presence could help fix some problems the Nets have had this season. We also discuss some of the most interesting players who become trade eligible on December 15th, who the top "third wheel" is across the NBA (and why it's almost definitely not Andrew Wiggins), whether the Pistons are actually too bad, and so much more

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COVID's Never-Ending impact, Pacers Trades, & Weird Stuff In Brooklyn Dec 10, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss the pandemic's ongoing impact on this NBA season. Is it really smart to have All-Star Weekend? They then pivot to the Pacers, a team that's finally prepared to tear things down despite being really good when their best players share the floor. Where does Domas Sabonis make the most sense? Golden State? Detroit? Phoenix? They then answer a few questions about the Nets and why despite having Kevin Durant and James Harden the narrative surrounding Brooklyn is that they don't have enough talent. Also, who would they rather have on their team if they were a GM: Kyrie Irving or Trae Young?

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This Season's Jrue Holiday & Can Steph Win Every Award? Dec 06, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and wonder who this season’s version of Jrue Holiday will be, who’s the worst player who can lead a contender in scoring, how many awards Steph Curry will win this season, why Ben Simmons to the Knicks doesn’t make a lot of sense, and more!

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6 Teams That Need To Press The Panic Button Dec 03, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris look at six teams and ask if it's time to hit the panic button. The Heat will be without Bam Adebayo for the foreseeable future. The Bucks won't have Brook Lopez for quite some time. LeBron James is in health and safety protocols and momentarily unable to steer the Lakers back on track. The Nets are in first place but don't have the type of talent they anticipated before the season began. The Knicks are regressing. And the Blazers will be without Damian Lillard for at least 10 days.

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Suns Continue League Domination & Our Team Changing Players Nov 29, 2021

Michael and Rohan discuss the scorching Phoenix Suns and wonder if their sixteen game winning streak heading into their huge matchup against the Warriors really makes them the leagues best team. We also hear our first Rip City Report from producer Shelby, debate which lottery level teams have the best chance of making the playoffs, the news of Michael Porter Jr's indefinite absence after undergoing back surgery, and what five man defensive team could stop a lineup of Steph, Luka, Durant, Giannis, and Jokic

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The Best of the Rest of the West & Michael's Best Troll Jobs Nov 26, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris give their thoughts on the Western Conference standings. Assuming the Warriors, Suns, and Jazz all finish in the top three, who else is going to have home-court advantage? The Mavs? The Clippers? The Timberwolves?!? And given all their injuries, how should the Nuggets treat the rest of their season? They then take a look at Tyrese Maxey's breakout sophomore season, and how ironic it is that he would be a perfect fit beside Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. From there, they debate the NBA's most and least coachable stars before Chris calls Michael out on his greatest troll job yet.

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LeBron's Decline, Sacramento Woes, & Boston's Turnaround Nov 22, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the mayhem that occurred on Sunday between the Lakers and Pistons, and have a long discussion about what it would mean if LeBron James was no longer one of the 5 best players in the world. Can L.A. still win it all if he's not a top-top-top tier superstar? After that, they check in on a Kings team that just fired Luke Walton. What's next for Sacramento? Should they trade De'Aaron Fox? And finally: Dennis Schroder is having his revenge.

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Open Floor's Official League Pass Recommendations Nov 19, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris offer their official NBA League Pass recommendations! Both give three teams they really think you should be watching if you aren't already—shout out to the Warriors, who didn't make the cut because they're too obvious—and then three teams you should do your best to avoid right now. Including: Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr.'s budding partnership, whether the young Knicks are exciting, why something always feels off with the Pacers, and more!

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The Same Old Jazz & Everything We Got Wrong Nov 15, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan conduct a three-week temperature take on teams that they were right and oh so wrong about before the season began. They then go deep on the Utah Jazz and wonder, given the team's recent slide, if they can ever win it all as currently constructed or if a big trade is necessary. After that, the guys open up the mailbag to discuss players who've made the most and least surprising leaps so far this season (shout out to Cole Anthony).

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Warriors Trade Potential & A Caruso Conspiracy Nov 12, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag to discuss the red-hot Golden State Warriors, banged up Milwaukee Bucks, and more. Is now a good time for Golden State to go all in and trade James Wiseman and some other assets for a veteran (like Domantas Sabonis?) who can produce right away? Or, with Klay Thompson coming back in a couple months, are they better off staying patient? And what will Klay look like when he returns to action? Also, should we worry about the Bucks? Michael and Chris cover all this and more, including an Alex Caruso-Lakers conspiracy theory that's sure to make Lakers fans feel great.

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Lakers Stuck On Westbrook Island & Our Early MVP's Nov 08, 2021

On today's Open Floor Rohan and Chris discuss the reactions by Robert Sarver in the wake of the disturbing allegations surrounding his time with the Suns, the reports of a hostile work environment in Portland around GM Neil Olshey, why the Lakers might really be starting to regret their offseason trade for Russell Westbrook, a new Ben Simmons trade rumor involving the Celtics, and who our MVP's and our most fun players so far

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Robert Sarver's Disturbing Allegations & The Sixers Hot Start Nov 05, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss ESPN's bombshell story about Suns owner Robert Sarver alleging many incidents of racism and misogyny during his tenure with the team, whether the 76ers hot start is sustainable without Ben Simmons, an email from a Suns fan questioning Devin Booker's star power, and our early candidates for Most Improved Player, and more!

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How Good Are The Heat & Our NBA Rule Changes Nov 01, 2021

In today’s episode, Michael and Rohan wonder if the Heat are a juggernaut, break down the drop in league-wide offensive rating, think of new rules they’d like to see changed/implemented, get optimistic about the Wolves, and more!

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Cavs Are Up, Suns Are Down, & Evan Mobley Is Everything Oct 29, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss exciting starts for the Knicks, Bulls, Warriors, and Ja Morant's Grizzlies. They also cover standout rookies (there are so many!), the surprising Cavaliers, whether they're concerned about the Suns, and more!

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Disappointing Nets, Rising Bulls, & Positionless Lineups Oct 25, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris break down the first power ranking of the season. Which team has been the most disappointing? Which undefeated team is for real? Who's the best team in the league? They then have a discussion about the best positionless lineups in the league, and which player (current or retired) could best lead them down a Youtube rabbit hole.

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Our Top 5 Players Ever & Beginning of Season Breakdown Oct 22, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris talk about the NBA's Top 75 team and rank their five best players of all time. Then it's a breakdown of Thursday night's doubleheader (Warriors-Clippers, Hawks-Mavericks), a conversation about when Frank Vogel should bring Russell Westbrook off the bench, Knicks praise, and more!

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NBA Potluck Season Preview Extravaganza (Western Conference) Oct 18, 2021

On today's episode, Michael, Rohan, and Chris Herring are joined by Sports Illustrated Senior writers Howard Beck and Chris Mannix to preview the Western Conference! Can the Lakers miss the playoffs? Are the Nuggets contenders? Will Ja Morant make the All-Star team? Who's the best player in the conference right now? All that and more, before tomorrow's Part II over on The Crossover podcast's feed, where the five SI writers break down the East.

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Worst NBA Trends & Our Surprise Teams Oct 15, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and discuss annoying coaching trends, teams that will surprise people for the better (Sacramento?), the one GM who's the best drafter in the league, and, of course, horror movies.

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Kyrie & Simmons Sagas Continue, Best Five Man Lineups Oct 11, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris discuss the latest developments with Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons (including a brief discussion on why they haven't been traded for each other yet), and then open up the mailbag to talk about 5-man units they can't wait to see, and active players who can potentially crack all-time Top 10 conversations.

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Answering the NBA's Annual GM Survey Oct 08, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag to answer a couple questions before diving into the NBA's annual GM survey, including who is most likely to have a breakout season, this years MVP, the 2022 NBA Finals winner, and the one player you would sign if you were starting an NBA franchise today (Spoiler: the Celtics will be the best defensive team in the league)

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Best In Their Prime Teams & Ranking Rebuilds Oct 05, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag and wonder if the Portland Trail Blazers are better than everybody thinks they'll be, discuss which team would be the best if every player on it were in their prime, debate Trae Young vs. Bradley Beal, and rank the NBA's current rebuilds.

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Lakers Roster Questions & NBA Star Sustainability Oct 01, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down interesting developments with the Lakers, Thad Young's future, and what exactly is sustainable going into this upcoming NBA season!

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NBA'S Anti-Vax Issue, Zion's Perfect Lineup Sep 28, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the NBA's anti-vaccination problem, why the regular season isn't appreciated like it should be, what the perfect lineup around Zion Williamson would look like, Ja Morant's apparently controversial ranking on SI's Top 100 list, and Michael's new magazine feature about Karl-Anthony Towns

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Ranking The Top 100 Players (30-1) Sep 24, 2021

On today's episode, Michael is joined by SI staff writer Jeremy Woo to break down the rest of Sports Illustrated's Top 100 list! They get into KD vs. Giannis vs. LeBron, whether Trae Young is too high, if Zion Williamson is too low, why Carmelo Anthony was never considered (sorry Melo!) and so much more

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Ranking The Top 100 Players (100-31) Sep 21, 2021

In today's episode, Rohan and Michael introduce the first half of Sports Illustrated's Top 100! They explain how the list was put together, break down snubs and players they wish were higher or lower, debate which fanbase will be the most upset, and so much more!

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Aaron Gordon's Extension & Predictable Kyrie Rumors Sep 17, 2021

In today’s episode, Rohan takes over hosting duties and is joined by The Ringer’s Paolo Uggetti. They settle the 1-on-1 debate tearing apart the Open Floor family, discuss the Aaron Gordon extension, look back on the LA basketball rivalry that never happened, and ruminate on the latest round of Kyrie Irving rumors.

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1-on-1 Debate Debacle Fallout, Draft Re-Do's Sep 14, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag to discuss the fallout from last week's 1-on-1 debate (Kevin Garnett forever), then re-do the 2016 and 2017 NBA drafts!

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The History of NBA Tanking w/ Jake Fischer Sep 10, 2021

In today's episode, Michael welcomes special guest Jake Fischer to the show! They discuss his wonderful new NBA book "Built to Lose: How the NBA's Tanking Era Changed the League Forever", Ben Simmons trade rumors, the Brooklyn Nets, and so much more!

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A Heated Hypothetical 1 on 1 Debate Sep 07, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss who they think would win a hypothetical 1 on 1 tournament, why Uncut Gems is in fact a basketball movie, whether the Bulls would be better off with Zach LaVine or Ben Simmons, and so much more!

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Ben Simmons Saga Continues, Unpredictable Teams Sep 03, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris unpack new developments in the Ben Simmons saga, including a closer look at which team he will be on when the season begins. They then open the mailbag up and answer a few questions about the Spurs, this upcoming season's least predictable teams, Anthony Davis, and more!

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More Offseason Trades & The Best Basketball Movies Aug 31, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down the Lauri Markkanen three-team trade before they open up the mailbag to rank their all-time favorite basketball-related movies, explain why the Mavericks should (or shouldn't?) be urgent building around Luka Doncic, and so much more! Send your questions in to OpenFloorMail@gmail.com

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Mailbag Ep: Fave Starting Lineups & AD vs. Giannis Aug 27, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan hit the mailbag! They talk about the C- grade Michael gave the Lakers in his most recent offseason report card column (available to read on SI.com), what some of their favorite starting lineups for the upcoming season might look like, why Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum didn't crack their top 10 dynamic duo rankings, whether the media needs to put more pressure on Denver to trade for another star, the similarities and differences between Anthony Davis and Giannis Antetokounmpo, and so much more!

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MVP Betting Odds: Long Shots to Sure Things Aug 24, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris take a long look at the 2021-22 season's MVP race, using the latest betting odds in Las Vegas to frame their discussion. Would you rather have Giannis Antetokounmpo at +800 or Chris Paul at +10000? Why are Russell Westbrook's odds so high? And why is this Jayson Tatum's race to lose?

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Christmas Schedule Disappointment & KD's Lasting Legacy Aug 20, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris break down the Christmas Day schedule, debate which teams have a right to feel disrespected by the release, digress into a deep conversation about whether Kevin Durant could ever be seen as LeBron James' equal, and more!

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Top Ten Best NBA duos Aug 17, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly break down the Eric Bledsoe/Rajon Rondo/Patrick Beverley trade, answer an email from a listener who's particularly down on the Golden State Warriors, and rank the 10 best duos in the NBA!

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Ranking The Western Conference Standings Aug 13, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan power ranked the Western Conference! They agreed on just about nothing, especially when it comes to the Lakers, Jazz, and Warriors.

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Ranking The Eastern Conference Standings Aug 10, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris predict the Eastern Conference standings for the 2021-22 NBA season! Every team, from 15 down to 1.

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Offense Obsessed Lakers & Celtics Slow Start Aug 06, 2021

On today's show, Michael and Chris break down a whole bunch of free agency news, including the Celtics' slow offseason, the Lakers deciding to abandon defense, whether the Nets have lengthened their talent gap on everybody else, Spencer Dinwiddie's fit with Bradley Beal, an apology to the Knicks, and so much more!

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Winners (And a Lot of Losers) of NBA Free Agency Aug 03, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan each give their 3 biggest winners and 3 biggest losers for Day 1 of the NBA's silly season. What are the Lakers and Knicks doing? Can the Heat win the title? Which unsigned free agent should you be following closest? All that and more on our free agency megapod!

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NBA Draft Breakdown w/ Jeremy Woo Jul 30, 2021

Rohan and SI's NBA draft insider Jeremy Woo break down the big trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers, the big winners & losers of the draft, and the surprising picks from one of the deepest drafts in recent years

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The Making of an Improbable MVP w/ Mirin Fader Jul 27, 2021

On today’s episode, Chris is joined by Ringer feature writer and author Mirin Fader, who has an upcoming biography on two-time MVP and now Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. They talk about the incredible odds he and his family have overcome, how and why he began to see himself differently after a couple years in Milwaukee, and what we’re likely to see from him now that he’s an NBA champion with an even bigger platform.

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Mega Crossover NBA Finals Recap Jul 21, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris are joined by Rohan and special guest, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Howard Beck, who also co-hosts SI's Crossover NBA Show. The guys talk about the Finals, Giannis Antetokounmpo's place in history, super teams, Chris Paul's future, whether Mike Budenholzer should retire on top, and so much more!

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A Game Five Instant Classic & Team USA Drama Jul 19, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss Team USA drama and Kawhi Leonard's ACL surgery before a deep NBA Finals dive. Game 5 was another classic. Can the Suns tie it up Tuesday night? Keep the emails coming to OpenFloorMail@Gmail.com!

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An Instant Finals Classic & Giannis' Impossible Block Jul 15, 2021

On today's show, Michael and Chris break down Game 4, an absolute and instant Finals classic that was packed with memorable moments, from Giannis' brilliant block to Devin Booker's foul to all the excellent shot making Khris Middleton (and Booker) had throughout the contest to Chris Paul's costly turnovers. This was the best Finals game since...? Let us know what you think! OpenFloorMail@gmail.com

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Giannis Turn Superhuman, Top 5 Individual Finals Performances Jul 12, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down Game 3 of the NBA Finals and wonder if there are any adjustments the Suns can make to slow down Giannis Antetokounmpo. Speaking of Giannis, in his honor they then list the top 5 individual Finals performances that they've ever seen. If you have any thoughts on this series, our great Finals performance rankings, or Rohan's favorite sandwich, Email the show at OpenFloorMail@Gmail.com!

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Suns Stars Do It All & Giannis' Willis Reed Moment Jul 08, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag and answer a few big-picture questions about the NBA playoffs before taking a deep dive into the series. How can Milwaukee slow down Chris Paul? Will Jrue Holiday bounce back? Can Giannis play mega minutes? All that and so much more. If you have any questions and want us to read them on the show, shoot us an e-mail at OpenFloorMail@Gmail.com

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Jrue Holiday the Deity & Atlanta's Spending Problems Jul 06, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Rohan take a look back at Atlanta's magical season and wonder if they need to consolidate some of their young pieces in order to make a stronger Finals run in the future. They also...PREVIEW THE FINALS by asking each other 3 critical questions about the Bucks-Suns series that nobody saw coming.

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We Celebrate All Things CP3 (And Are Crushed Over Giannis) Jul 01, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris celebrate Chris Paul's greatness from multiple angles, wonder if Kawhi Leonard will stay in Los Angeles, think about the significance of a potential Hawks-Suns matchup, and, in the spirit of Paul finally making the Finals, list a few players they most want to see in the championship before their careers are over.

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Totally Plausible Lillard Trades, Bucks Operate At 100% Jun 28, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan recap Hawks-Bucks, discuss Portland's controversial Chauncey Billups hire, and give several of their favorite hypothetical Dame Lillard trades

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NBA Draft Lottery Winners, Team USA's Roster, & The Conference Finals Jun 24, 2021

On today's episode, Michael and Chris give their NBA lottery winners and losers, question Team USA's roster, answer a few more emails about the Sixers (should they trade Embiid instead?), and break down the excellent conference finals that are taking place. (Hawks in 7)

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What Happens To Ben Simmons?, Conference Finals Live Draft Jun 21, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss where Utah and Brooklyn go from here, Ben Simmons' trade value (including a few hypothetical partners to get a deal done), and Kemba Walker's exit from Boston. Then, they preview the conference finals with a special live draft, where they each select their own starting lineups from the players who are still competing. Let us know whose team is better!

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Sixers Epic Collapse, Top Five All Time Playoff Performances Jun 17, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris recap Philadelphia's epic Game 5 meltdown against the Hawks, discuss how injuries are impacting the NBA playoffs, and go over several coach/executive firings from earlier in the week. THEN, in honor of Kevin Durant's magical Game 5 performance on Tuesday night, the guys rank their five favorite individual performances. Who's number one? LeBron? Durant? Listen in and find out!

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Breaking Down Game 6 of the 2013 Finals w/ Chris Bosh Jun 16, 2021

On a special edition of Open Floor, Rohan and two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh dive deep into one of Chris’s favorite games from his career: Game 6 of the 2013 Finals. They discuss Tim Duncan’s brilliance, the pressure facing the Heat’s Big Three, how much the NBA has changed since, and much more. Rohan also asks Chris about his new book, Letters to a Young Athlete.

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Bucks Even w/ Nets, Nuggets Roster Questions, Suns Complete Sweep Jun 14, 2021

In today’s episode of Open Floor, Michael Pina and Rohan Nadkarni discuss the fallout of Game 4 between the Nets and Bucks, including how Kyrie Irving’s injury affects the series moving forward, Milwaukee’s frustrating offense, and if Mike Budenholzer is the League Pass of NBA coaches. They also ruminate on the end of the Nuggets’ season and what they should do to the roster this summer, and what the Suns’ performance in the playoffs means so far. Michael also takes a gratuitous shot at Rohan’s clothing decisions.

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Jokic A Single MVP Winner?, Power Ranking The Remaining Teams Jun 10, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris answer a few listener emails about Nikola Jokic's chance of winning multiple MVP awards, along with a few interesting fake trades. From there, in honor of how unpredictable these playoffs feel, they power rank the remaining eight playoff teams from least to most likely to win it all.

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Mavs/Clips End Battle, Porzingis Trades, Bucks/Nets Underway Jun 07, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan went deep on the instant classic Mavs-Clippers series and talked about where each organization goes from here. What did we learn about Dallas as they try to build an actual contender around Luka? Will they trade Kristaps Porzingis? Where? And how will the small Clippers fare against Rudy Gobert's Utah Jazz in the second round? From there they discussed James Harden's hamstring, Mike Budenholzer's increasingly questionable decisions, and whether Trae Young has become the best player in Atlanta's matchup against the Sixers.

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Suns Beat L.A., Should Portland Blow It Up?, & Beal To Boston?? Jun 04, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Chris look at what went wrong for the Lakers, Anthony Davis' decision to play while injured in Game 6, why it's so hard to picture the Suns actually winning the championship even though they're clear title contenders, why the Blazers are positioned to blow everything up, the (new) Brad Stevens' era in Boston, and rapid fire questions to preview Bucks/Nets—which may be the real NBA Finals.

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Bucks Embarrass Heat, Nets Look Unstoppable, How Good are the Hawks? Jun 01, 2021

In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the impact injuries are having on the NBA playoffs, whether the Miami Heat can get back to the Finals with Jimmy Butler on their roster, if the Brooklyn Nets are officially the most unstoppable offense in NBA history, if the Atlanta Hawks can (gasp) reach the conference finals, and who they'd rather build a team around if given the chance: Trae Young or Ja Morant?

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Fan Unruliness, Luke May Be Unstoppable, & First Round Disappointments May 27, 2021

On today's episode of Open Floor, Michael and Chris discuss unruly fans, the struggling Clippers, how Kawhi Leonard's free agency may be impacted if Los Angeles is eliminated in Round 1, Nate McMillan vs. himself, which players have disappointed them the most so far in these playoffs, and more!

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The Playoffs Are Finally Underway May 24, 2021

In today's episode, Michael Pina welcomes his (other) new co-host, Sports Illustrated staff writer Rohan Nadkarni to the show! The two recap several games from the weekend, and ask how concerned the Lakers, Suns (get better, Chris Paul!), Heat, Jazz, and Clippers should really be as they approach Game 2.

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Wizards Win Their Way In, Lakers Still Contending, & The Best Playoff Matchups May 21, 2021

In today's episode, Michael Pina welcomes his new co-host, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Herring to the show! The two talk play-in developments—the punchy Wizards, whether or not they still believe the Lakers should be considered a contender, and what's next for the Pacers—before previewing the NBA playoffs with a discussion around the series and matchups they're most looking forward to.

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Ten questions about LeBron vs. Steph, the play-in & the 2021 playoffs May 18, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina wrap up a wild final weekend of the regular season by asking 10 questions about the upcoming play-in tournament and playoffs. As teams jockeyed for seeds down the stretch, did any cross the line and anger the basketball gods? Which play-in teams were the biggest winners and losers once the dust settled? Does a match-up between LeBron James and Stephen Curry guarantee that the play-in will be back next year? Are the Boston Celtics ready to head to Cancun? Of the teams that barely missed out on the play-in, which was the saddest? What are the best and worst first-round match-ups that have already been set?

Note: This was Ben's last episode as co-host of Open Floor. Ben will continue podcasting about the NBA. For more information, visit www.greatestofalltalk.com. More details about what's next for Open Floor will come later this week.

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Playoff Pressure Check & Show Announcement May 14, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the excellent feedback for Michael's SI Daily Cover story about Spurs guard Dejounte Murray. Then, they make a major show announcement: Ben will be stepping down on May 17 after a five-year run as co-host of "Open Floor." From there, Ben and Michael look ahead to the upcoming 2021 NBA playoffs by ranking which star players are facing the most pressure. Does any player need to win a title more than James Harden? Can Giannis Antetokounmpo's reputation survive another early exit? How far do the 76ers need to advance before Joel Embiid starts to be labeled as a postseason underachiever? What has Kawhi Leonard done for us lately? Are Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz about to run head first into a referendum?

Note: Ben will continue podcasting about the NBA. For more information, visit www.greatestofalltalk.com. For comments, questions and concerns about Ben's departure, please email openfloormail@gmail.com. More details about what's next for Open Floor will be released next week.

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Luka's temper, Zion's finger & All-NBA backlash May 11, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing Luka Doncic's attempted low blow on Collin Sexton. Is Doncic's temper becoming a problem and does an unsportsmanlike act like that change how we should view a player? Then, a discussion of Pelicans executive David Griffin's rigorous defense of Zion Williamson after the second-year star broke his finger. Were the NBA's referees really to blame for the injury and did Griffin deserve to be fined? From there, the guys preview Michael's piece on Spurs guard Dejounte Murray and then dig into responses to their All-NBA debates from last week. Was Russell Westbrook snubbed? Should Ben be judged for listing Joel Embiid at forward? Is Michael a LeBron James hater?

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Picking the All-NBA teams May 07, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina turn their attention to the 2021 All-NBA selections. How do the NBA's positional designations impact this year's teams? Is it okay to treat Joel Embiid as a forward rather than a center if the NBA allows it? Is Embiid deserving of a first team spot because he's been a top-five player this season? How many players are no-brainers for the first team? Is Damian Lillard or Luka Doncic more deserving? Has Ben come around on Stephen Curry and has Michael changed his mind on Chris Paul? How should voters handle players like LeBron James, James Harden, Kevin Durant and others who have missed extended stretches of the season? Is it okay to snub LeBron entirely? Does Zion Williamson or Julius Randle deserve to make it? Both? Neither? Who are this year's biggest snubs? Should the NBA do away with positional designations for All-NBA?

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Lakers crumbling, King Jokic & "Bubbleball" book preview May 04, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up the pieces from a wild weekend of basketball to discuss the crumbling Los Angeles Lakers, the streaking Denver Nuggets, and the exciting duel between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets. What's wrong with Anthony Davis? Did LeBron James return too quickly? Does Andre Drummond even fit? Should Nikola Jokic be viewed as the best player in basketball, not just this year's MVP? Can Giannis Antetokounmpo sustain his monster 49-point effort against Brooklyn across an entire playoff series or will the Nets adjust their defensive approach to stopping him? Would James Harden have made a difference on Sunday? At the end, Michael helps Ben preview his first book, "Bubbleball," which releases on Tuesday. How will the bubble be remembered? What was Ben's writing process like? What are the worst questions he's gotten during promo interviews?

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Handicapping the 2026 NBA MVP race Apr 30, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina break out their crystal balls in an attempt to handicap the 2026 NBA MVP race. What will the NBA look like in five years? Which types of players will have the inside track on the league's most coveted award? Will any players who are currently 30 or older be in the mix? Will playmaking forwards still dominate the discussion. Once they've set the parameters, Ben and Michael break out their top five lists. Luka Doncic or Zion Williamson? Where should Anthony Davis rank? Do any current rookies like LaMelo Ball or incoming 2022 rookies like Cade Cunningham crack the top five? Can Bam Adebayo be the next Kevin Garnett? Can Ja Morant be the next Derrick Rose? Should Michael Porter Jr. be included among the dark horse contenders?

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Coach of the Year & Most Improved Player award debates Apr 27, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina search for silver linings during the NBA's pandemic season by highlighting two interesting awards races: Coach of the Year and Most Improved Player. Which criteria should matter more in Coach of the Year: results or overachievement? Will Utah's Quin Snyder and Phoenix's Monty Williams be held back by skepticism about their teams' playoff capabilities? Will Tom Thibodeau carry the day thanks to big-market bias? Does Steve Nash have a case? What about Doc Rivers or Nate McMillan? Who is the League Pass Alert Coach of the Year aka the underrated coach who doesn't get enough attention? Is MIP going to Julius Randle no matter what? Do Zion Williamson and Michael Porter Jr. have cases despite their relative youth? And is Michael crazy for suggesting Joel Embiid deserves a look?

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NBA reacts to Derek Chauvin verdict, Trae goes down, AD returns Apr 23, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a rundown of the NBA community's response to the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. Was this "justice" for George Floyd? What role did current and former NBA players play in ensuring that this prosecution took place? Did the league and its teams strike the right notes in their statements and what were the Oakland Raiders thinking? From there, Ben and Michael shift to a discussion of teams hitting newfound turbulence. Will the Hawks fall into the East's play-in round after Trae Young's ankle injury? Are the Blazers doomed to be passed by the Mavericks and lose control of the coveted sixth seed? The guys wrap with Open Floor Globe suggestions for the NBA Clone Wars, the power of positive reinforcement in coaching players, and our habits towards the referees in pick-up games.

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Ranking Stephen Curry, NBA clone wars, East match-making Apr 20, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reflect on Stephen Curry's torrid April by taking a fresh look at the Golden State Warriors guard's place in the MVP, All-NBA and "Best Player Alive" conversations. Then, they shift gears to imagine a world with NBA clones. Could 5 LeBrons beat 5 Durants or 5 Kawhis? Would 5 Zions beat 5 Stephs? What's the ideal combination of clones to form a superteam: 1 LeBron, 2 Durants, 1 Steph and 1 Anthony Davis? Would a Zion/Zion pick-and-roll combination be unstoppable? How do Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and James Harden factor into this conversation? At the end: Playing matchmaker in the Eastern Conference playoff field. Which play-in candidates should the favorites root for as first-round opponents and which teams are looming as potential spoilers? Can Miami climb out of the play-in round? Will Washington sneak in to make things interesting?

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LaMarcus Aldridge retires, Joel Embiid dominates, Stephen Curry catches fire Apr 16, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gather themselves during a storm of NBA news to discuss LaMarcus Aldridge's sudden retirement due to an irregular heartbeat. How will Aldridge be remembered? How will the Nets adjust without him? From there, Michael presents his research findings on Joel Embiid's incredible shooting numbers. Which factors are driving Embiid's shooting and can they be trusted in the playoffs? Will the new-and-improved Embiid be able to win the match-up game in a way that he wasn't able to in postseasons past? Then, the guys discuss whether James Wiseman's injury clarified the Golden State Warriors' goals in the short-term. Can they transform into the Stephen Curry Show as they eye the play-in tournament and are they a sneaky threat if they claim the 8th seed? The episode closes with Ben trying to get Michael to admit that he secretly loves Luka Magic after the Dallas Mavericks' miraculous last-second win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

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Ten NBA Playoff X-Factors: Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris, Rajon Rondo & more Apr 13, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina catch their breath during the dog days of the NBA's regular season to look ahead to the 2021 NBA playoffs. Which players are looming as X-factors in the title chase? Can LaMarcus Aldridge hold up against big centers or will size be the Nets' undoing? Is Bojan Bogdanovic the key to a properly-balanced offense for the Jazz? Can Aaron Gordon transform the Nuggets from very good to great? How heavy will Donte DiVincenzo's load be in Milwaukee's new backcourt? Can Rajon Rondo step forward for the Clippers in ways that Patrick Beverley and Reggie Jackson can't? Is Deandre Ayton ready for primetime? Will Tobias Harris finally show up? Why has less Kemba Walker been more for the Boston Celtics and should that continue? Can the Hawks win a first round series if Bogdan Bogdanovic shows up big?

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Chris Paul & Devin Booker have the Suns in the spotlight Apr 09, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take stock of the Phoenix Suns after a signature win over the Utah Jazz. Should Chris Paul be an all-NBA selection? Can Devin Booker be trusted in the clutch? Will Deandre Ayton be their playoff X-factor and did his play against the Jazz inspire newfound confidence? Who can the Suns beat in the first round and would drawing the Lakers be their worst nightmare? From there, Ben and Michael break down Kevin Durant's long-awaited return and whether the Brooklyn Nets are as unfairly loaded as their critics like to suggest. They close by looking at the Bulls' future and running through Open Floor Globe reactions to the NBA's best and worst contracts. Do Alex Caruso, Donovan Mitchell, Carmelo Anthony and Trae Young deserve some love? Were Otto Porter and Steven Adams snubbed from the “worst” list?

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Jalen Suggs' best NBA fits & Jrue Holiday's monster contract Apr 06, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping Baylor's NCAA title game triumph over Gonzaga and discussing Jalen Suggs' strong tournament run. Does Suggs have a shot at being the first pick? Did the NCAA tournament prove its worth from a visibility standpoint compared to the G-League? Then, the guys dig into Suggs' best NBA fits. Should he ride shotgun to Zion Williamson in New Orleans? Take over for Kyle Lowry in Toronto? Enjoy an epic homecoming in Minnesota? Pair with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in OKC? Ben and Michael close by shifting gears to dissect Jrue Holiday's four-year, $160 million extension. Is this one of the NBA's worst contracts? Was it still worth doing? What chance does Milwaukee have to win a title with its new Big 3? Is Jrue Holiday now Milwaukee's version of Tobias Harris?

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The NBA's best and worst contracts Apr 01, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take a look at the NBA's best and worst contracts after the trade deadline and the round of buyout agreements. Who is delivering the most value in the league this year? Should LeBron James be the automatic No. 1? Or should all-stars on rookie deals like Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson top the list? Which veteran all-stars are delivering max production on non-max deals and which former second-round picks are way outperforming their contracts? On the flip side, now that guys like Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond have been bought out, which deals are the league's most onerous? Would you rather have John Wall, Russell Westbrook or Kevin Love? Does Klay Thompson have to be mentioned? How does Tobias Harris, who has had an awesome season, factor into this conversation?

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LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Drummond, buyout backlash & the tank is on Mar 29, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina analyze the latest buyout moves, including LaMarcus Aldridge to the Brooklyn Nets and Andre Drummond to the Los Angeles Lakers. What roles will Aldridge and Drummond play in the postseason? Which factors influenced their decisions? Does the recent acceleration of buyouts harm small-market teams? Should the NBA institute rules governing buyouts to help limit the flow of veteran players to a select number of contenders? From there, Ben and Michael discuss whether two-way wings were the real winners of the trade deadline before digging into the NBA's tank race. Is OKC headed for a draft lottery dream after shutting down Al Horford? Who needs the number one pick the most? Which team deserves the top pick? The guys close with a look at the MVP race and how best to pitch Nikola Jokic's candidacy to voters.

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NBA Trade Deadline Winners & Losers Mar 25, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to Thursday's NBA trade deadline, handing out their grades for a busier-than-expected day and running through the winners and losers. Were the Orlando Magic smart for pulling the plug? How do Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier fit in their new homes? Which aspiring contenders in the West made moves that could tilt the title chase? Will the Miami Heat's many new additions boost them higher in the East standings? Was anyone a bigger loser than the Houston Rockets? Did the Chicago Bulls make a sneaky good play by adding Daniel Theis? Should the Raptors have lowered their asking price to get a Kyle Lowry trade done or was grabbing Gary Trent Jr. enough? Will Portland be willing to pay up to keep Norman Powell or is this a short-term rental only? Will Victor Oladipo's short Houston tenure turn into another example of Player Tanking?

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The Lakers without LeBron James, crushing LaMelo Ball news Mar 22, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into a depressing weekend of NBA injury news concerning LeBron James and LaMelo Ball. How will the Lakers manage without LeBron James and how far will they slide in the standings? Does the high ankle sprain end his MVP pursuit, and which players are the new favorites? Will top teams try to tank down the stretch to avoid the Lakers in the playoffs? From there, Ben and Michael pay a quick tribute to Ball's sensational rookie year by listing their favorite moments and ranking him compared to his fellow under-23 playmakers. The guys close with a discussion of Aaron Gordon's reported trade request and ponder a listener's question about whether the NBA should seek better competitive balance by mandating that each team can only have one all-star or one player on a max contract.

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Bucks add P.J. Tucker, the perils of drafting a big Mar 18, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of the Milwaukee Bucks' trade with the Houston Rockets for P.J. Tucker. How does Tucker fit with Milwaukee on offense and defense? Was the price fair? Does Milwaukee have a shot at the No. 1 seed? From there, the guys check in on the Rockets' rebuilding plans and the Miami Heat's trade for Trevor Ariza. Do the Rockets have more deadline moves coming? What does their future hold with Victor Oladipo? How much does Ariza have left in the tank? The guys close with a preview of the top NBA prospects in the NCAA tournament and a look back at the relative success of guards and big men selected near the top of recent drafts. How good does a big need to be these days to warrant a top-five selection given the NBA's evolving style of play?

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BONUS: Jack McCallum on Kobe Bryant, LeBron James & the Redeem Team Mar 17, 2021

Ben Golliver is joined by special guest Jack McCallum, a former NBA writer at Sports Illustrated, to discuss season two of his podcast series: "The Dream Team Tapes: Kobe, LeBron and The Redeem Team." What were Jack's first impressions of covering a young Kobe Bryant and a young LeBron James? How did Jack track down Phil Jackson for an interview about Bryant? Who emerged as the alpha dog of the 2008 USA Basketball team? Were they destined to win gold or is that revisionist history? Would the original Dream Team beat the 2008 and 2012 Olympic teams? Why was Mike Krzyzewski the right coach for the job? Ben and Jack close by discussing Jerry Colangelo's role as one of basketball's great powerbrokers and then run down the 2021 Hall of Fame finalists to decide which players deserve induction: Chris Bosh, Paul Pierce, Tim Hardaway, Ben Wallace, Chris Webber, Michael Cooper and Marques Johnson.

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Making the case for trade deadline moves Mar 15, 2021

With little buzz building before the March 25 trade deadline, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina try to decide which bigger names should actually be moved. Ben makes the case for 10 players to be traded and Judge Pina renders his verdicts. Why are the Wizards clinging so desperately to Bradley Beal? Have the Raptors officially reached the point where they need to pull the plug on Kyle Lowry? Should Brooklyn cash in Spencer Dinwiddie for a piece that could help them win the title? Do the Sacramento Kings need to sell high on Harrison Barnes? Would anyone actually bite on Al Horford's contract? Is it time to free Nikola Vucevic from Orlando? Has Devonte Graham become expendable in Charlotte? Do Lonzo Ball and Brandon Ingram fit with Zion Williamson on the Pelicans? Who has more trade value: Victor Oladipo or Norman Powell?

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NBA Trade Deadline preview Mar 11, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina are back from the All-Star Break and ready to look ahead to the March 25 trade deadline. But first: they reflect on the one-year anniversary of the NBA's March 11, 2020, shutdown due to the pandemic. From there, they dig into Brooklyn's addition of Blake Griffin and ask whether LaMarcus Aldridge and Andre Drummond should become Nets too. What will Griffin bring to the table for Brooklyn? How should Aldridge's time in San Antonio be remembered? Ben and Michael then zoom back to discuss whether they expect an active trade deadline, and whether financial losses incurred during the pandemic will influence team decisions. Which teams should be buyers, which teams should be sellers and which teams really, really need to make a move? They close with thoughts on Meyers Leonard's $50,000 fine for using an anti-Semitic slur and whether this will mark the end of his NBA career.

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Recapping All-Star Weekend with 20 burning questions Mar 08, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the 2021 NBA All-Star Weekend by answering 20 burning questions. Does the Skills Challenge need to be fixed or dumped? Was Stephen Curry's Three-Point Contest title the highlight of the night? What grade did the Slam Dunk Contest deserve? Did Anfernee Simons deserve to win? Was the Dunk Contest's new final round format a success? How big of a disaster was the contact tracing news about Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons? What were the three most memorable moments of the All-Star Game? Was Giannis Antetokounmpo a deserving ASG MVP selection or did Damian Lillard and Stephen Curry get snubbed? What will next year's All-Star Game look like? After Ben and Michael selected their own All-Star teams last week, whose group performed better on Sunday? Most importantly, was the All-Star Game worth doing this year despite the player complaints?

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Officiating complaints, small-market bias, All-Star preview Mar 04, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into the Utah Jazz's extended criticism of the officiating during their loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday. Are the refs out to get the Jazz? Do their complaints about the officiating reflect frustration over the skepticism they face over their playoff chances? Do these comments deserve substantial fines and will they come back to haunt Utah? From there, Ben and Michael name their first-half MVPs, discuss Lloyd Pierce's firing and conclude that the entire league is ready for a break. Which players (LeBron James) and coaches (Chris Finch) need the break more than anyone else? To close, Ben and Michael preview the Slam Dunk Contest field -- Obi Toppin, Anfernee Simons and Cassius Stanley -- before making their picks for the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, Slam Dunk Contest and All-Star Game MVP.

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The Open Floor's NBA All-Star Mock Draft Mar 01, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up sides for Sunday's NBA All-Star Game. Ben serves as Kevin Durant and Michael serves as LeBron James, and they go through selecting their starting lineups and all-star reserves. Should LeBron and KD draft the best overall players or the most entertaining players? Does it make sense to load up a team with two-way talent or creative ball-handlers? Is there enough room for Kyrie Irving, Luka Doncic, James Harden and Damian Lillard on the same roster? How much should age factor into this year's picks given the elder statesmen in the mix? How many snubs would have been picked over Julius Randle and Zach LaVine in this draft? And who will be the dreaded last player selected? When it's all over, the Open Floor Globe must decide the winner: Michael's Spirit of St. Louis or Ben's Coney Island Hot Dogs?

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Lagging Lakers, The Jazz machine, All-Star snubs Feb 25, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a rundown of their biggest beefs with the 2021 NBA All-Star selections. Was Khris Middleton robbed? Was Devin Booker a worthy injury replacement for Anthony Davis? What about Bam Adebayo? Did the coaches "Do it for the Gram" with this year's selections? From there, they shift to a discussion of the Utah Jazz's blowout win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday. On a 1-10 scale, how likely are the Jazz to win the title? How should the Lakers respond in the wake of their losing streak without Anthony Davis? What are the telltale signs of fatigue for LeBron James? From there, the guys double back to take listener reaction to the Timberwolves' firing of Ryan Saunders and close with a more detailed comparison of the 2020 Nets' offense to the 2017 Warriors' attack.

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Bonus episode with Haley O'Shaughnessy: All-Star snubs, Nets makeover, NBAstrology Feb 25, 2021

Ben Golliver welcomes special guest Haley O'Shaughnessy of Blue Wire Podcasts for a bonus episode. Ben and Haley open with a discussion of her new podcast, "Spinsters," and then break down the biggest All-Star snubs. How would they handle being snubbed publicly? Which players got the short end of the stick this year? What does Khris Middleton have to do to get some respect? From there, Ben and Haley shift gears to brainstorm ways to help the Brooklyn Nets win over new fans. Do the Nets need to re-brand? Should Michael Pina finally forgive James Harden and embrace the Brooklyn bandwagon? Then, it's time for a deep dive into the world of NBA astrology. What can "signs" tell us about LeBron James, Rudy Gobert and Reggie Jackson? At the end, Haley gives Ben a customized astrology reading and offers advice to become a better person and media member based on the results. You can hear Haley and her co-host Jordan Ligons "put a new spin on the NBA" on their new podcast "Spinsters." Listen and subscribe here.

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Rethinking the Nets, Fixing the Celtics, Firing Ryan Saunders Feb 22, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina check in with the Brooklyn Nets, who are on a six-game winning streak and have started to win over some skeptics, including one Open Floor Globe member. After wins over the Lakers and Clippers, is Michael still sure that Brooklyn's defense will be a fatal flaw? Is it possible for James Harden to get appropriate credit for his recent work given his ugly exit from Houston? From there, they shift gears to the .500 Boston Celtics and their catastrophic collapse against the New Orleans Pelicans. Does Boston have a path to a third star? What should they do with their trade exception and should they part with future picks to land Harrison Barnes? Can any buyout candidates help balance their rotation? Ben and Michael close with a discussion of the Minnesota Timberwolves' decision to fire Ryan Saunders. Why did Saunders have to go now? Was it shady to line up Toronto Raptors assistant Chris Finch as his replacement so suddenly and did David Vanterpool deserve a shot? What constitutes a successful season for Minnesota now?

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The great NBA All-Star roster debates Feb 18, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with the news that the NBA has officially announced its All-Star Game for Atlanta on March 7. From there, they break down the biggest roster debates for both the Eastern and Western Conferences. Should James Harden start over Bradley Beal? Julius Randle or Domantas Sabonis? Zach LaVine or Ben Simmons? Is there room for Trae Young? Should Jerami Grant, Nikola Vucevic and Gordon Hayward all get snubbed? In the West, should Anthony Davis be included despite his injury? Is there a case to include Mike Conley? How many Jazz players deserve to make the cut? Did Michael really leave off both Chris Paul and Devin Booker? Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram?

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Anthony Davis's injury tests Lakers, Boston's woes, Brooklyn rises Feb 15, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of Anthony Davis's Achilles' strain and why it represents the first major test of the Los Angeles Lakers' title defense? Should the Lakers take it extra slow with Davis's return? Should they ramp down LeBron James's workload? How do they make up for Davis's absence in the short term? Is it too soon for the defending champions to worry about the West standings and the race for the top seed? From there, Ben and Michael dig in deep to the Boston Celtics' struggles. How are they only .500 and dropping games to terrible teams? Where did things go wrong for Danny Ainge? Should Jayson Tatum be doing more to compensate for their injury issues? To close, the guys give credit to the Brooklyn Nets for their thumping of the Golden State Warriors, discuss whether the Nets should target Andre Drummond if he gets bought out, and weigh possible trade destinations for Blake Griffin.

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National Anthem outcry, LaMelo Ball mania, dream All-Star event fields Feb 11, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by wading into the culture wars prompted by the Dallas Mavericks' decision not to play the national anthem before games. Should the anthem be played before sporting events? Why did the NBA step in to mandate that all teams play the anthem? Has the NBA reversed course on social issues since the bubble? From there, the guys dig into the growing LaMelo Ball hype. Should the Timberwolves and Warriors regret passing on him? Has Ball already changed the Hornets' identity? Ben and Michael then build their dream fields for All-Star Weekend events like the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest and Skills Challenge using only projected All-Stars, before pondering what "Field Day" from elementary school might look like if NBA players were involved. They close with a discussion of the Dallas Mavericks, who are finally back winning, and the Atlanta Hawks, whose defense has improved noticeably with Clint Capela.

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All-Star anger, picking the starters, De'Aaron Fox's rise Feb 09, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by cataloguing the hurt feelings from superstars over the NBA's All-Star Game plans. LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounpo, James Harden and Kevin Durant have all expressed their frustrations with the NBA's All-Star plans or health protocols since Thursday. How should NBA Commissioner Adam Silver respond to this outpouring of angst and what are his options? From there, Ben and Michael go through the ballot to make their All-Star starter selections. James Harden or Bradley Beal? Luka Doncic or Damian Lillard? Kawhi Leonard or Paul George? After the All-Star talk, they shift gears to discuss Michael's recent piece on Sacramento Kings guard De'Aaron Fox. What's behind his strong recent play? The episode closes with a discussion of this season's many 50/40/90 shooting candidates and an Open Floor-related punching incident during a South London fun run.

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All-Star Game plans & voting returns, contender clash Feb 04, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the 2021 NBA All-Star Game plans, which are quickly taking shape. Should the NBA even bother with the All-Star Game? What, exactly, are the added risks, and how can the NBA manage them? If they hold an All-Star Game, should they aim for a Slam Dunk Contest and Three-Point Contest too? What would those look like in a best-case scenario? From there, Ben and Michael dig into the first round of All-Star ballot returns. Kevin Durant was the leading vote-getter? Why didn't the Celtics' stars fare better? Was it a good thing that internet sensations Zion Williamson, Lonzo Ball, and LaMelo Ball didn't do all that well? Then, Ben and Michael look back at the Nets' victory over the Clippers on Tuesday in search of takeaways for each team. Can the Clippers defend at the point of attack well enough to win a title? Did Steve Nash finally have a late-game performance to be proud of? To close, Open Floor Globe members weigh in from around the world on the most inappropriate times they've watched basketball.

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The NBA's biggest early-season regrets Feb 02, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina look back on the first quarter of the NBA season to investigate which teams are having the biggest regrets after six weeks of basketball. Would the Boston Celtics have found a way to keep Gordon Hayward? Would any team trade for Russell Westbrook? How should the Washington Wizards wiggle out of their current predicament with Bradley Beal? Did the Brooklyn Nets make the right hire with Steve Nash? Should the Detroit Pistons have scrapped their entire strategy? Did Denver need to back up the Brinks truck for Jerami Grant? How many teams screwed up by passing on Tyrese Haliburton? Should the Atlanta Hawks have just paid John Collins? Was there anything that Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks could have done differently to prevent their slow start? What about the wayward Timberwolves?

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First-quarter MVP, Joel Embiid's Sixers, the LeBron James Award Jan 28, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a remembrance of NBA TV's Sekou Smith, a pioneer in the NBA podcasting world and a charismatic, beloved member of the basketball community. Then, the guys discuss Philadelphia's signature win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Does this mean the Sixers are for real? Where does Joel Embiid rank in the MVP conversation? Who are the other top candidates? Will LeBron James wind up winning on the power of his "lifetime achievement" narrative? If the NBA named an award after LeBron, should it recognize his off-season impact or his sportsmanship? From there, Ben and Michael discuss whether the Nets can trade for a better option at center before digging into Michael's recent piece on the Orlando Magic. They close with a debate over Kawhi Leonard's playoff achievements and their lasting memories of Kobe Bryant.

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Shaq questions Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving fake trades Jan 25, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a look back at Shaquille O'Neal's controversial post-game interview of Donovan Mitchell on TNT. What did Shaq get right and what did he get wrong in his dismissal of Mitchell? What's the real story about Mitchell and the surging Jazz? Should "Inside The NBA" alter its approach or should other media avenues step up in the analysis department? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo's uneven opening month, the Milwaukee Bucks' lineup holes, and whether they can get back to an elite level on defense. At the end, the guys process a bunch of Kyrie Irving fake trades sent in by the Open Floor Globe. Kyrie to Orlando? Kyrie to Chicago? Kyrie to Washington? Kyrie to New York? Kyrie to Toronto?

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CJ McCollum's injury, Zion Williamson's next steps, Steve Nash's learning curve Jan 21, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a discussion of the Portland Trail Blazers' injury woes. What was driving CJ McCollum's early season success and how will his injury impact Portland's playoff outlook? From there, the guys shift to a look at the struggling New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson's second season. Williamson has been dominant in the paint, but does he need to expand his spheres of influence? Should Stan Van Gundy consider a lineup change? After detailing the Utah Jazz's place in the NBA's exclusive "40/40" club, Ben and Michael close with an extended look at the Brooklyn Nets' loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers. How did the "Big 3" look in their first game together? Is Kyrie Irving the weakest link in Brooklyn's defense? What does Steve Nash need to do late in games to get better results?

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Ten questions about Kevin Durant, James Harden & the new-look Nets Jan 19, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig in deep on James Harden's first two games with the new-look Brooklyn Nets. Why is Harden on his best behavior and will it last? Do Kevin Durant and Harden share a telekinetic combination, and how does their partnership stack up to past duos involving Durant and Harden? Can Harden actually repair his reputation with casual fans or is that a lost cause? Which role players benefit the most from Harden's arrival? How aggressively should Brooklyn seek trades involving Kyrie Irving? Should their thinking change at the deadline versus next summer? What type of players should Brooklyn target in an Irving deal? Who wins in an Eastern Conference finals between the Nets and Bucks? Is the pressure off Milwaukee now? Do the Bucks need to make a counter move to keep up after the Harden trade?

Best,

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James Harden blockbuster trade: Winners and Losers Jan 14, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into all aspects of the Brooklyn Nets' blockbuster trade for Houston Rockets superstar James Harden. How happy is Ben after his November vision for Brooklyn's Big 3 came true? Are NBA fans winners because the Rockets saga is over? Are the Nets now the clear-cut favorites in the East? Did they overpay? Will Kyrie Irving be okay with playing third fiddle? Was this the trade that Kevin Durant needed? Did the 76ers miss their shot? What does Harden's successful departure do to competitive balance? Should the Rockets have kept Caris LeVert? Was Tilman Fertitta the NBA's biggest loser over the last 12 months? What can Houston expect from John Wall, Victor Oladipo and Christian Wood? Will the Nets be able to compensate inside without Jarrett Allen?

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COVID woes mount, Stephen Curry's magnetism, Clippers' highs & lows Jan 11, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the NBA's rise in positive tests, contact tracing absences, and postponed games. How close is the NBA to pushing pause on the season? How might the league respond to tighten up its protocols to ensure games can continue? Do the absences devalue the product? From there, Ben and Michael break down both sides of an entertaining game between the Warriors and Clippers. Has Stephen Curry proven Michael right by making Golden State the NBA's most entertaining team? What exactly ailed the Clippers during their collapse and how have they changed from last season? Can the Clippers topple the Lakers if they can't generate more offense at the basket? The show closes with an email from an Open Floor Globe member who powered through a marathon by listening to Michael's takes on the Phoenix Suns.

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NBA protests Jacob Blake ruling & Capitol storming Jan 07, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of the various protests that swept the NBA on Wednesday night in response to a lack of charges in the Jacob Blake shooting and the storming of the Capitol Building in Washington. Was it surprising that all games went on as planned? What are the next steps for NBA protests after the bubble shutdown? What role did the NBA's successful voting rights advocacy in Georgia play in the league's reaction to this week's events? From there, Ben and Michael take stock of Wednesday's games. How long will Bradley Beal endure 60-point games in losses? What's driving the Knicks' early success? How will Orlando react to Markelle Fultz's ACL tear?

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All angles on Stephen Curry's 62-point explosion Jan 04, 2021

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by basking in the glow of Stephen Curry's 62-point explosion. Did Curry actually have something to prove? Were any of the recent criticisms warranted? Where does Golden State go from here? Is Curry bound to live out a "Super-Dirk" existence as he progresses through his 30s? From there, Ben and Michael discuss Jayson Tatum's game-winner, Blake Griffin's decline, Brooklyn's latest late-game mishap, and Kawhi Leonard's weekend struggles.

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NBA New Year's Resolutions Dec 31, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021 by offering 10 New Year's Resolutions to NBA players, teams, and commentators. Should Steve Nash exert himself more late in games? Should the Sixers trade Ben Simmons and three first-round picks for James Harden? Should Luka Doncic build a world-class gym at his home? Should the Grizzlies tank? Should Scott Brooks have a word with the Wizards' broadcast crew?

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NBA opening week chaos; First-time All-Star watch Dec 28, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up the pieces after a chaotic opening week by trying to spot trends. Are the Nets on track for the Finals or set to come back to earth? Are the Warriors dead on arrival or poised for a bounce back? How does Kevin Durant's decision to leave the Warriors look 18 months later? Is Ja Morant making the leap in front of our eyes? From there, Ben and Michael shift to examining which players have the best shot to earn their first All-Star selections in 2021.

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10 teams, 10 takes on NBA opening week Dec 24, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina wrap up the opening week of NBA action with takes on 10 different teams. Did the NBA handle the latest James Harden controversy properly? What did it feel like inside the Staples Center for the Lakers' opening night? Does Philly have enough talent to climb in the East standings? Was Jayson Tatum's banked three-pointer the greatest moment of Michael's life? Have the Pelicans returned with a happier vibe? Are the Jazz ready to lead the NBA in three-point attempts? How sure are we that Steve Kerr will be the coach of the Warriors next season?

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Coaches on the hot seat; Top 100 of 2021 debates Dec 21, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gear up for opening week with a breakdown of the new extensions given to Rudy Gobert and Kyle Kuzma. From there, they shift into a conversation about NBA coaches on the hot seat? What does Mike Budenholzer need to do to keep his job in Milwaukee? Are Lloyd Pierce and Ryan Saunders facing new pressure? Can Washington's Scott Brooks earn a new contract in his lame duck year? They close with three debates to tease Ben's upcoming Top 100 Players of 2021 rankings list. Who would you take: Giannis Antetokounmpo or Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry or Anthony Davis, Damian Lillard or Nikola Jokic?

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Giannis Antetokounmpo's supermax & NBA awards debates Dec 17, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a big announcement: SI has formed a slack channel for all Open Floor Globe members to use during the upcoming NBA season. Ben and Michael will be popping in there from time to time, so check out http://www.si.com/openfloorglobe. From there, Ben and Michael dig into Giannis Antetokounmpo's supermax extension. Did Giannis settle? Do the Bucks have a title path? What are the possible downsides in Milwaukee over the next few years? Then, the guys shift into debate mode to predict all the major NBA awards. Can Damian Lillard or Kawhi Leonard take home MVP? Does Caris LeVert have the inside track for Sixth Man? Will evolving defensive priorities shape the Defensive Player of the Year conversation?

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Pina's Postseason Picks: Handicapping playoff bubble races Dec 14, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open Monday's episode with big breaking news about Michael's exciting new career move. Then, the guys shift into a discussion of the playoff bubble races in both conferences. Who does Michael predict will be the last three teams to make the playoffs in both conferences? Who will be the first three teams to miss the playoffs? In the West, What's Golden State's ceiling? Can Dallas win a series? Does Minnesota inspire optimism? Is Zion Williamson headed for a monster bounce-back? In the East, are Atlanta and Washington the Spiderman pointing meme? Is Indiana's drama being overstated? Will Miami come back to Earth? What in the world is going on in Orlando?

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Handling James Harden's holdout, judging Paul George's extension Dec 11, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by surveying the latest drama surrounding James Harden and the Houston Rockets. What are the Rockets' options as they enter the season? Can they realistically try to patch things up? Should teams be scared off by Harden's recent antics? What will happen to Harden's trade value if they wait to move him? From there, they shift gears to react to the breaking news that Paul George re-signed a five-year extension with the Los Angeles Clippers. What will this mean for Kawhi Leonard's upcoming free agency? Did the Clippers have a choice? Ben and Michael close by hearing out emailers who were upset by Michael's Luka Doncic takes and addressing a missive from a California weed farm.

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Debating the 2021 NBA Entertainment Value Rankings Dec 07, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview the upcoming season with an annual staple: Ben's 2021 Entertainment Value Rankings. Which teams will be must-see TV and which ones will be totally unwatchable? Michael lists off his biggest beefs with Ben's list, prompting arguments over the Mavericks, Warriors, Bucks, Pelicans, Hawks, Rockets and more. Is Luka Doncic getting too much hype? Are people sleeping on Zion Williamson? Will the Clippers bounce back or fall flat? Has the ship sailed in Houston? Is Trae Young about to live his best life?

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Russell Westbrook traded for John Wall, LeBron James & Anthony Davis re-sign Dec 03, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina explore all angles of the Russell Westbrook for John Wall trade between the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards. Who won the deal? Do Wall and James Harden fit, or will Harden be traded next? Will Washington make the playoffs? How will Westbrook impact Washington's desire to keep Bradley Beal? From there, the guys shift gears to discussing the Lakers' ability to re-sign LeBron James and Anthony Davis to longer-than-expected contracts. Did the pandemic play a role? Did Davis sacrifice too much flexibility? Ben and Michael close with a recap of the Christmas Day slate, ranking their favorite games and proposing better match-ups.

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Kevin Durant's comeback, East landscape, Atlanta's spending spree Nov 30, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina ramp up the hype for Kevin Durant's long-awaited comeback with the Brooklyn Nets. What's KD's best-case scenario this year? How does he stack up against the best players in the East? Do the new-look Nets have the best projected starting lineup and roster depth on paper? Which factors might prevent Brooklyn from becoming a certified title contender? From there, Ben and Michael offer their assessments of Atlanta's big off-season investments in Danilo Gallinari, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Rajon Rondo. How good can the Hawks' offense be and will they make the playoffs? What motivated them to go all-in this year? The guys close with discussion of Boston's record-breaking trade exception, whether Danny Ainge will actually use it, and which players he should target.

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John Wall trade request, shaky Clippers & holiday mailbag Nov 27, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina celebrate the holiday weekend by opening the mailbag to the Open Floor Globe. What's up with the Clippers, is Serge Ibaka really the answer, and do they still need a point guard? How should the Wizards respond to John Wall's desire to leave Washington? Will Gordon Hayward emerge as a future trade chip for the Hornets? Could Thunder GM Sam Presti ever bundle all his assets together and trade for a franchise-level superstar? Should the Pelicans be mentioned more often as a possible landing spot for disgruntled stars, and did they re-sign Brandon Ingram to keep him or move him? At the end, should the NBA expand its roster of mascots for the upcoming season?

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NBA free agency winners and losers Nov 23, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina sort through the winners and losers from the opening weekend of the NBA free agency period. Did the Lakers tighten their hold on the 2021 title chase? How will Giannis Antetokounmpo respond to the Bucks' missteps? Why did Michael Jordan give $120 million to Gordon Hayward? Has Rich Paul established himself as one of the league's ultimate power-brokers? Can the entire world agree that it's great news Fred VanVleet re-signed with the Raptors? Which players landed in great fits? Which ones settled for horrible fits? Which executives nailed their plans, and which came up empty?

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2020 NBA Draft Winners and Losers Nov 19, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina run through the winners and losers of the 2020 NBA Draft. How crushing of a blow is Klay Thompson's Achilles injury to the Warriors? Did LaMelo Ball find a good home in Charlotte? What about Killian Hayes in Detroit? Could the Minnesota Timberwolves have done better? Did Daryl Morey ace his first test in Philadelphia? What was Phoenix doing? Are the new Knicks the same as the old Knicks? Did we all lose because there weren't any lottery trades?

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Chris Paul traded, James Harden rumors, top 5 draft projections Nov 16, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by breaking down the Suns' splashy move for Chris Paul. Why did Phoenix decide to pull the trigger, and could this move backfire? Why is OKC so aggressively tearing things down after an awesome season? From there, the guys shift gears to discuss the bubbling James Harden trade rumors. How good would the Nets be if they landed Harden? What motivation does Houston have to do a deal now rather than waiting? Ben and Michael close by looking at which players would make the most sense for the Hornets, Bulls and Cavaliers, who all hold top-five picks in Wednesday's draft.

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Matchmaking with LaMelo Ball, Rusell Westbrook, Chris Paul & James Harden Nov 12, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gobble up the latest round of rumors before the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency period and try to find the best landing spots for the biggest names. Is LaMelo Ball worth the No. 1 pick and which team should draft him? Does he fit at all in Minnesota? What type of teams can afford to trade for Russell Westbrook and his massive contract? Does Westbrook need to relocate to the weaker Eastern Conference and save a dead-end franchise? Are Chris Paul and the Suns a natural fit? Can Phoenix afford to think about its long-term planning after so much losing? With so much turmoil in Houston, should James Harden try to pull the plug and form a new superteam with one of his high-profile teammates?

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NBA election reaction; Minnesota, Golden State & major Draft decisions Nov 09, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina round up NBA player reaction to the presidential election. Did the players' More Than a Vote campaign make a difference in key battleground states? What lessons should the players take from their voting advocacy experience? Then, Ben and Michael shift to a discussion of the schedule agreement between the owners and players that will launch next season on Dec. 22. Which of the eight non-bubble teams are they most and least excited to watch? The guys close with a look at the Pistons, Spurs, Cavaliers and other teams seeking a new direction before debating how the Timberwolves and Warriors should use their top draft picks next week.

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Jrue Holiday fake trades; NBA Draft pressure check Nov 05, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing a recent report that New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday is on the trading block. Which types of teams should be interested in acquiring him and how much trade value does he really have given his age and contract? Then, Michael designs his three favorite fake trades involving Holiday and Ben grades them. The guys pivot to discuss which other players they most want to see traded before the start of the upcoming season, including a number of big names. They close by briefly looking ahead to the 2020 NBA Draft. Which three organizations have the most pressure to make the right pick this season?

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The NBA needs a labor deal, Kevin Durant's comeback Nov 02, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with the latest on the 2020-21 negotiations between the NBA owners and players. Can the two sides afford not to reach a deal given the massive projected losses? How would the public react if this dragged on, and what impact would that have on their long-term business? How is the latest coronavirus spike impacting the league's thinking? Then, Ben and Michael shift gears to discuss the Brooklyn Nets' new coaching staff and what's next for Kevin Durant. Is he poised for a monster comeback year after an extended rehabilitation and will Steve Nash's offensive approach be a good fit? The show closes with questions from the Open Floor Globe. Where should the Raptors relocate this season? How might the quality of play next season be impacted by the disrupted schedule? What should the Kings do with Buddy Hield, Bogdan Bogdanovic and Marvin Bagley? Should the NBA consider hosting a showcase game outdoors because its arenas will be empty?

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Will Daryl Morey save the Sixers? Oct 29, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dive headfirst into Daryl Morey's expected hiring as president of the Philadelphia 76ers. Will Morey trade Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid? How will the new power dynamic work with ownership and Doc Rivers? Should Morey try to retool the roster during the rushed free agency period or evaluate the roster for a year? Will the Sixers climb back into the East's top tier with a new front office and coach? From there, Ben and Michael break down the Utah Jazz's sale and the latest on the negotiations about the start of the 2020-21 season. At the end, Open Floor Globe members weigh in on what it would take to make them feel comfortable returning to an NBA game in person before Ben and Michael discuss whether the word "legacy" is ruining professional sports conversation.

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The NBA's 2020-21 schedule plans: pros & cons Oct 26, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina lay out the good, the bad and the ugly of the NBA's latest proposals for the 2020-21 season. Why is the league now eyeing a pre-Christmas start date? Why cut games out of the schedule? What do these proposed changes mean for plans to bring fans back into stands? Why does the NBA want to get its calendar back on track so badly? Will the players be ready after such a short off-season? Would Ben and Michael feel comfortable attending games as fans this season? Should the NBA utilize hub cities rather than all 30 markets? From there, the guys take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Would Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Dallas Mavericks harm Luka Doncic's legacy? Should the Boston Celtics package assets to pursue a star-level player this summer?

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Zion Williamson gets a new coach Oct 22, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina weigh all sides of the New Orleans Pelicans' decision to hire Stan Van Gundy as their new coach. Was this all about Zion Williamson? What's Van Gundy's top task as he takes over? From there, Ben and Michael discuss the Indiana Pacers' hiring of Nate Bjorkgren and whether it signals the start of a rebuild. The episode closes with questions from the Open Floor Globe on the Gasol brothers, the success of the preps-to-pros generation and the joy that Boston has delivered to Los Angeles this month.

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Daryl Morey's complex legacy in Houston Oct 19, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take an extended look back at Daryl Morey's 13-year run as Houston Rockets general manager. Where does Morey rank as an executive? Which criticisms of Morey were fair and which were off-base? What's his legacy in Houston and what's his ideal landing spot in the future? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to discuss the Clippers' hiring of Tyronn Lue as their coach before reliving their bubble favorites. They close by diving into the scientific joy of symbiosis and the pain of parasitism.

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Ranking the Lakers vs. the last 10 title teams & updating the GOAT debate Oct 15, 2020

With the NBA bubble officially wrapped, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina settle into the offseason. They start by giving Lakers fans the opportunity to gloat after their title and then rank how the 2020 Lakers stack up against the last 10 NBA champions. From there, they try to set the early field of contenders for the 2021 title chase and debate who should be viewed as the best player in basketball heading into next season. They wrap with an updated look at the GOAT discussion pitting LeBron James against Michael Jordan.

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LeBron James & the Lakers win the bubble title Oct 12, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the end of the NBA bubble, which saw the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat in six games to claim their 17th championship. Ben offers a behind-the-scenes look at LeBron James's title celebration and then they debate where this title ranks among James's four rings. From there, Ben and Michael look back on the Finals and the overall bubble experience. What happened to the Heat in Game 6 and will they be back next year? What prevented this year's Lakers team from capturing the national imagination? How and why did the bubble humanize the superstars who participated? The show closes with a discussion of Ben's Washington Post essay on his complicated feelings leaving the bubble and returning home to California.

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The AD adjustment; 3-1 psychology Oct 08, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig back into the NBA Finals, exploring the key Game 4 moments that helped the Los Angeles Lakers build a 3-1 series lead over the Miami Heat. Why was the Anthony Davis defensive adjustment on Jimmy Butler so effective? Why didn't the Bucks make a similar adjustment with Giannis Antetokounmpo? What are the guys' favorite Finals adjustments of all time? How does the bubble environment influence Miami's ability to launch a 3-1 comeback? Was this really one of the "biggest games" of LeBron James's career? From there, Ben and Michael discuss whether Anthony Davis has had the best playoff run of any James teammate, and they wonder whether Jimmy Butler and Jim Boylen could have gotten along in Chicago.

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The Jimmy Butler show Oct 05, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to Miami's Game 3 win in the NBA Finals by offering extended thoughts on Jimmy Butler. Ben and Michael both recount past experiences interviewing Butler and try to put his 40-point triple-double into historical context. Why does Butler get added motivation from his past playoff history with LeBron James? Where does Butler rank among the NBA's best wings? Who regrets losing Butler more: Chicago, Minnesota or Philadelphia? What makes Butler different from many of his contemporaries? The show closes with Ben's descriptions of life inside the NBA bubble during the three-month marathon's final miles.

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Lakers steamroll Heat in Finals opener Oct 01, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the Lakers' breathtaking performance and the Heat's many injury issues in Game 1 of the Finals. Are the Heat toast? Are we seeing a legendary breakthrough for Anthony Davis? If the Lakers win, will LeBron James or Anthony Davis claim Finals MVP? What adjustments can Miami make? Was the grueling bubble experience always bound to fizzle out? From there, Ben and Michael discuss their biggest takeaways from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's press conference before turning their attention to the art of trolling. Will Ben apologize to the Celtics fans for his glee at their demise? They close with thoughts on Doc Rivers' exit from LA and what comes next for the Clippers.

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LeBron James ends the Nuggets, Bam Adebayo ends the Celtics & the NBA Finals are set Sep 28, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the exciting end to the conference finals and preview the upcoming NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. Did LeBron James reclaim his spot as basketball's best player with his Game 5 takeover? Did he really beat the Nuggets with his mind? Will the Lakers have the same advantages against Miami that they had against Denver? Then, Ben and Michael shift gears to analyze how the Heat won the East and what went wrong for the Boston Celtics . Was this the first major loss of Brad Stevens's career? Why did Jayson Tatum struggle so much to impact late-game situations? Where will the Celtics' expectations be set for next year? How did Bam Adebayo so thoroughly eviscerate Boston? Who else can do what Adebayo did in the fourth quarter and is he the ideal match-up for Anthony Davis? Do the underdog Heat have a chance to pull the upset on the Lakers? Will Michael really pick against LeBron James four series in a row?

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Tyler Herro's heroics push Celtics to the brink; NBA reacts to Breonna Taylor Sep 24, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of Tyler Herro's 37-point explosion in Game 4 of the East finals. Where does that night rank in NBA history for players at his age? Where did Herro come from? How does he compare to Celtics foils from years past? From there, Ben and Michael zoom out to see what's gone wrong for Boston and whether they are toast. Then, they dig into the Breonna Taylor ruling and how it impacted NBA players and coaches on Wednesday. What takeaway should players have about their advocacy on behalf of Taylor's family? Ben and Michael close with quick thoughts on the Western Conference finals and Billy Donovan's move to the Bulls before Michael unveils his latest episode of The Pod's Book Club.

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The biggest shot of Anthony Davis's career; Celtics fight back Sep 21, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by offering their thoughts on the Los Angeles Lakers' dramatic Game 2 victory over the Denver Nuggets, which came courtesy of an Anthony Davis buzzer-beater. Did Davis sink the Nuggets? Did the Lakers deserve to lose? How will Davis be received if the Lakers win the title after he elbowed his way off the small-market Pelicans? From there, Ben and Michael shift to the resurgent play of Rajon Rondo and Dwight Howard, taking a moment to reminisce on Rondo's early-career peak. They close with a look at the Boston Celtics' big Game 3 bounceback, how Gordon Hayward changes the series, and whether Jaylen Brown should be viewed as the Eastern Conference Finals' X-factor.

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Clippers collapse, Nuggets get their due, West Finals preview Sep 17, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig in deep to the Clippers' spectacular demise, assigning blame to Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Doc Rivers before listing the extenuating circumstances that contributed to their collapse. Then, at the urging of many angry Nuggets fans, Ben and Michael riff on Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray while previewing an unexpected Western Conference finals match-up with the Los Angeles Lakers. Is Jokic vs. LeBron the best showdown of playmakers since Magic vs. Isiah? Is Gary Harris the WCF's X-factor? How will the match-up battles between the stars shake out? The show closes with a look back at Boston's late offensive struggles in Game 1, and Michael pours his heart out describing what it felt like to watch Bam Adebayo block his beloved Jayson Tatum with the game on the line.

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LeBron James & the Lakers peak, Rockets combust, ECF preview Sep 14, 2020

Ben Golliver opens the floor to angry listeners who demand accountability for Michael Pina's takes about the Lakers. How have LeBron James and company turned things around? How did they dismantle the Rockets so easily? Are they now the clear title favorites? Then, Ben and Michael dig into Houston's complicated future and ponder James Harden trade scenarios. They close with updates on Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, plus a rapid fire preview of the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat.

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Raptors live on, Heat watch and wait, Danuel House in trouble Sep 10, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping the best game of the bubble: Toronto's double-overtime Game 6 win over Boston. Why did Nick Nurse decide to go super small? Did Jayson Tatum need to do more late? What will be the deciding factors in Game 7? From there, they shift gears to show love to the Miami Heat, who are in the Eastern Conference finals just waiting to find out their opponent. What are Miami's key strategic advantages in the East finals? How well does Jimmy Butler need to play to get to his first NBA Finals? Can their shooters be trusted to stay hot? Ben and Michael close with a look at the impact of Danuel House's possible health protocol violation and how the Bucks' protest has inspired striking teachers across the country.

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4x4 NBA playoff round-up Sep 08, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the long holiday weekend of NBA playoff basketball by asking four questions about each of the four remaining series. Who's to blame for the Bucks' collapse? Did the Celtics unveil their championship case in Game 5? Has an MVP ever played worse than Russell Westbrook did in Game 2? Is Patrick Beverley the NBA's best troll? If the Celtics and Heat meet in the East finals, who wins and in how many games? Do the Rockets have any answers for Playoff LeBron? Why don't the Heat get more love as a title favorite?

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Steve Nash to Brooklyn, referee hijinks, Bucks crumbling Sep 03, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the stunning news that the Brooklyn Nets have hired Steve Nash as coach. Is Nash really the next Steve Kerr? Can he be the Kevin Durant whisperer? Can any coach lead Brooklyn to the title? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to recap a crazy week of NBA playoff action. What's up with the referees mucking up late-game scenarios? Why are the Bucks struggling and how much is Mike Budenholzer to blame? What does the future look like for Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert after Utah's first-round exit? And what can Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's boycott of the 1968 Olympics tell us about the players' activism efforts in the bubble?

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Jamal Murray's moment, NBA resumes play, Goodbye to Luka and Dame Aug 31, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by gushing over Jamal Murray's latest scoring explosion and poignant post-game interview. What does Murray's playoff rise say about the Nuggets' pecking order and the importance of big men in the NBA's evolving style? Where does Murry rank among 23-and-under talents? Will his historic scoring duel with Donovan Mitchell lead to bubble asterisk talk? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to recap the Bucks' protest and the NBA's return. Did the players extract enough in their negotiations with the owners? Did the protest prove its point? The guys close with farewells to Luka Doncic's Dallas Mavericks and Damian Lillard's Portland Trail Blazers. How did the Lakers turn their series around to eliminate the Blazers and what are the next steps on Doncic's rise to world domination?

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An inside look at the Milwaukee Bucks' historic walkout Aug 27, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the Milwaukee Bucks' historic walkout and react to the NBA players' decision to continue with the 2020 playoffs. Ben offers a first-hand account of the Bucks' decision not to play their playoff game against the Orlando Magic in protest of Jacob Blake's police shooting, which triggered a postponement of the NBA's Wednesday schedule. From there, they react in real time to news that the NBA players, after discussing a possible cancelation to the rest of the playoffs, have decided to continue playing.

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Luka Mania Aug 24, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig deep into Luka Doncic's unbelievable 43-point triple-double against the Los Angeles Clippers by answering a bunch of questions from the Open Floor Globe. Luka or Giannis to start a franchise? Luka, LeBron or Harden to win a title this year? Luka or Dame for Bubble MVP? Would you buy a Luka sneaker? Are the Mavericks the most likeable team in the Bubble? From there, Ben and Michael analyze the Clippers' many issues -- including Paul George's shooting struggles -- and explore the impacts of a potential upset.

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Lakers woes, Joel Embiid's future, Bucks adjustments Aug 21, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the early first-round NBA playoff action by digging into the Lakers' shooting struggles. How can LeBron James fix this? What's up with Anthony Davis? Should they go small more often? From there, they shift gears to the Bucks' disappointing Game 1 loss. Will they get right and can their defensive strategy hold up to the way basketball is being played in the bubble? Ben and Michael then give the Sixers a full autopsy and ponder Joel Embiid trades before glancing at Luka Doncic's first playoff win and Denver's defensive problems.

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Goodbye to Boylen, Vlade, Gentry & hello to NBA playoffs Aug 18, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping a busy weekend on and off the court. Jim Boylen is out in Chicago, Vlade Divac is out in Sacramento, and Alvin Gentry is out in New Orleans. Will Boylen ever get a second chance? Did Luka Doncic cost Vlade his job? What will the Pelicans look for in their next coach? From there, Ben and Michael recap Portland's play-in win by discussing Ja Morant's upside and Damian Lillard's growing legacy. They close by selecting their most likely first-round upsets, with Michael making a pick that is sure to enrage Lakers fans everywhere.

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NBA playoffs preview Aug 14, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview the long-awaited NBA playoffs by breaking down the seven first-round match-ups that have been set in stone and guessing who will face the Los Angeles Lakers. Ben and Michael make their predictions for each series and identify key storylines that will determine each series. Out West, does bad blood make Thunder/Rockets the most interesting showdown of the eight series? Will the Clippers flip the switch and lock down Luka Doncic? Will anyone watch Nuggets/Jazz? Are the Lakers at risk of an upset? In the East, will the Celtics fold under the pressure of everyone picking them to destroy the Sixers? Does TJ Warren really have a chance to lead the Pacers past the Heat? Can you name the starting five for the Nets, and is that a bad sign for their match-up with the Raptors? Will the Bucks treat the 2020 Magic like the 2019 Pistons?

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Luka's magic, Lillard's beef, Zion's stumbles Aug 11, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap a wild weekend of NBA action by rethinking some of their conventional wisdom from before the bubble. Why aren't defenses ahead of offenses? Did the NBA really invite too many teams to Orlando? Will the favorites romp in the playoffs or will chaos reign? From there, they gush about Luka Doncic's electric showing against the Milwaukee Bucks, dig into Damian Lillard's squabble with the Clippers, and try to make sense of the disappointing New Orleans Pelicans. Will Zion Williamson have a new coach next season?

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LeBron James vs. Donald Trump, evolving threes, bubble eavesdropping Aug 07, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the back-and-forth between LeBron James and Donald Trump over the NBA's kneeling demonstrations. Did LeBron show a strategic shift from the "U bum" showdown in 2017? Then, they double back quickly to Jonathan Isaac's demonstration to discuss why some people draw a distinction between Black lives mattering in general and the Black Lives Matter movement specifically. From there, Ben and Michael dig into Michael's story on one-dribble three-pointers. Why have they grown in popularity? Why do they matter so much in the modern game? They close with questions from the Open Floor Globe on what it sounds like to hear players and referees banter in the empty bubble gyms, whether too many fouls are being called, and how helpful Gordon Hayward is at this stage of his career.

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NBA Bubble opening weekend HEATERS - NBA Bubble Insider Aug 04, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the opening weekend of the NBA Bubble with their boldest opinions and hottest takes. Before diving into the action, they discuss Jonathan Isaac, Meyers Leonard, Gregg Popovich and the other NBA figures who chose not to kneel during the national anthem demonstrations. Then, they hand out superlatives. Most impressive player? Most disappointing performance? Weakest link on a contender? Favorite quote? Coach who is getting canned? Team that's set to implode? And they reassess the tiers of contenders. How many teams showed they have championship potential?

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Recapping NBA bubble opening night: Kneeling! LeBron! Rudy! Zion! - NBA Bubble Insider Jul 31, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina offer a detailed breakdown of the NBA bubble's opening night. They start by analyzing the pre-game social justice demonstrations during the National Anthem by players, coaches and referees. Was this a demonstration, a protest or a sanctioned protest? Then, they pivot to discussing LeBron James's epic opener: a game-winner, a big defensive stand and a moving tribute to Colin Kaepernick. They wrap up by discussing the Pelicans' weird treatment of Zion Williamson and Rudy Gobert's full-circle moment after being the "patient zero" of American sports

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BONUS: Podding the Bubble - Part 3: Will the NBA Bubble Burst? Jul 29, 2020

Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 3 puts the NBA's plan into the context of what other major sports leagues are doing, and of the pandemic at large as it stands today. And with the help of global health expert and noted bioethicist, Dr. Zeke Emanuel, we try to answer the question: Was all of this a good idea?

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The NBA returns, complete with strip club drama - NBA Bubble Insider Jul 28, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina welcome NBA fans to opening week of the bubble restart. They discuss how stars like LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic looked in early scrimmage play, and break down the audio and visual components of the NBA's new made-for-TV courts. From there, they dive into Lou Williams' Magic City misadventure. Did he threaten the bubble? Should we be thanking our lucky stars for Jack Harlow? Do Williams and the Clippers owe their fans and colleagues an apology? Then, the Open Floor Globe weighs in with questions. How close in proximity are the MLS and NBA bubbles? Are there any titles from past NBA history that deserve asterisks? Who won the Jay-Z versus Nas beef?

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BONUS: Podding the Bubble - Part 2: Will the NBA Players Go Stir Crazy? Jul 28, 2020

Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 2 follows the lives of the NBA players inside the bubble who now face a unique challenge. How do they stave off restlessness and cabin fever for three months while living inside the bubble through the rest of the season and the playoffs? Not to mention, they still have to find a way to play their best basketball.

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BONUS: Podding the Bubble - Part 1: A Deep Dive into the NBA Biosphere Jul 27, 2020

Podding the Bubble is a three-part mini-series taking a deep dive look into the biosphere created by the NBA in Orlando. Part 1 explores how the NBA decided that a bubble was the right solution for them to be able to finish the 2019-2020 NBA season and conduct something resembling a normal playoffs and NBA finals. We'll also get into how the bubble is supposed to work on paper, both for players and basketball staff, as well as for Disney Parks employees, and for journalists.

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LeBron James & Giannis Antetokounmpo meet the media at NBA bubble practices - NBA Bubble Insider Jul 23, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina celebrate as the NBA's Disney bubble opened practice sessions to the media. What was the best thing LeBron James said? How did Giannis Antetokounmpo's shot look? Are the Bucks about to spoil all the narratives and run to a "boring" title just like the Spurs of yore? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. What do the new playing courts look like? Should we rename the "Mt. Rushmore of the NBA" conversation? Will players want to keep their social justice message jerseys after this season?

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NBA bubble tour & top informant suspects - NBA Bubble Insider Jul 21, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina get into the NBA bubble talk with a quick tour from Ben of the media's access area after he finally cleared his week-long quarantine. Which Disney World areas and amenities are available to media and which are off limits? Which NBA players and figures has he seen so far? Do the NBA's rules regarding media access make sense? From there, Ben and Michael dig into everyone's favorite bubble topic: the informant tip line. Which players are most likely to rat out violators? What kind of crazy informant conspiracies has Tinfoil Hat Pina come up? Is Michael actually a secret agent? What would it take for Ben to call the line?

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Latest from NBA bubble & playoff X-factors - NBA Bubble Insider Jul 17, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with the latest from the NBA bubble, where Ben has entered Day 5 of quarantine. How is Ben holding up? Is Michael starting to get worried? Are the NBA's safety protocols holding up as designed? From there, they shift gears to an extended conversation about playoff X-factors, discussing Mike Budenholzer, Kemba Walker, Zion Williamson, Anthony Davis and more. They close by launching Michael's new series of book recommendations, "The Pod Reads."

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Reporting live from the NBA's Orlando bubble - NBA Bubble Insider Jul 14, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina detail the launch of the NBA's Orlando bubble, with Ben reporting live from Disney World as he begins his seven-day hotel room quarantine. They talk through a variety of topics: how to pack for a three-month trip, how to dress for a bubble playoffs, how media members are able to interact with each other, and how the NBA's extensive coronavirus testing raises ethical questions given the state of testing around the country. From there, Ben and Michael name their NBA bubble soulmates, select their favorite player social media accounts to follow, and ponder how Rudy Gobert will be treated by the broadcast media when games return. They close by taking reader questions about the use of the term "stud" and on Stephen Jackson's unfortunate turn.

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It's finally NBA bubble time! Plus, more worst decisions of the decade - NBA Bubble Insider Jul 10, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina announce that Ben will enter the NBA's Orlando quarantine bubble this weekend. Michael offers his travel tips and the two discuss health, food, exercise, and other quality of life concerns as a marathon hotel stay awaits. They check in on why the MLS had to send two teams home from its bubble and answer questions from the Open Floor Globe about how the next three months might unfold. From there, they double back to answer queries about topics from previous episodes, including the value of ring-chasing and which common phrases should be removed from the NBA pundit lexicon in light of the social justice protests. They close by running through listener nominations for worst NBA moves of the past decade, including the Paul George trade, the Grievis Vasquez trade, the entire Timberwolves franchise history, and Nerlens Noel betting on himself.

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The 10 worst NBA decisions since "The Decision" by LeBron James Jul 07, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina commemorate the tenth anniversary of LeBron James's "The Decision" television special by running through the 10 worst NBA decisions of the past decade. Before they dig into the list, Ben and Michael recall where they were when they found out James had picked the Heat in 2010, whether Miami's four-year run was a success or a disappointment (or both), and why "The Decision" left such a major mark on the league. Then, it's time to dig deep on blown draft picks (Anthony Bennett), terrible trades (Jayson Tatum), insane free agent contracts (Ian Mahinmi), and much more.

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NBA ramps up and top contenders push back on asterisk talk Jul 03, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take stock of the NBA ramping up its return for the Orlando bubble. Top contenders like the Lakers, Clippers and Bucks met the media this week, seeking to pick up their title chases and push back against asterisk talk. Will the 2020 champs get an asterisk or a gold star? Is this, like Giannis Antetokounmpo said, the "toughest championship" of all time? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Who is Steele Sidebottom and how will players be punished if they violate the terms of the bubble? How should we distinguish between the coronavirus and an injury? Did the pairing of Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady in Toronto deserve more props? Why are the Jazz on opening night in Orlando? What should you do if a deer interrupts your free-throw shooting routine?

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Vince Carter retrospective & NBA schedule breakdown Jun 30, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by taking a long look back at Vince Carter's career after the 22-year vet announced his retirement? Where did he rank compared to his contemporaries? What were his best moments? How will he be remembered? Did he inspire love? Did he have both the greatest in-game dunk and Dunk Contest dunk of all time? Will he make the Hall of Fame? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears with a breakdown of the NBA's schedule for the Orlando restart. Which opening week games are the most tantalizing? Do Zion Williamson and the Pelicans have the inside track to the playoffs? Which first-round playoff matchups do the guys want to see?

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NBA players test positive for coronavirus, renaming awards, star semantics Jun 26, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take stock of the NBA's return plan, which saw players report to their teams for coronavirus testing this week. Is the media to blame for reporting an individual player's positive tests? If now, how should the NBA be handling the testing results? Did Nikola Jokic's positive test reveal anything new about worst-case scenarios facing the league inside the bubble? Then Ben and Michael touch on the worsening state of the coronavirus in Florida and how fans should react to players who decide not to participate before taking questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which NBA awards and accomplishments should be named after famous players? Should it be the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar MVP award and the Michael Jordan scoring title? To close, the guys debate the difference between a "star" and "superstar" and wonder whether there should be a new category that differentiates between a garden-variety superstar and the cream of the crop.

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Remember that NBA move? Plus, Florida's coronavirus spike Jun 23, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by going back to review some of the NBA's minor transactions from February and March before the shutdown. Consider this "Who he play for?" Open Floor style. Who signed Reggie Jackson? Michael Kidd-Gilchrist? Joakim Noah? Jeff Green? Markieff Morris? They debate whether any of those moves will be viewed in a new light given the NBA's Orlando bubble plan and possible player withdrawals. From there, they pivot to questions from the Open Floor Globe. How concerned should the NBA be about Florida's spike in coronavirus cases? Does the NBA have enough schedule flexibility to handle a wider outbreak in Orlando or would a forfeit be in order? Would the NBA consider signing up its players for vaccine trials? Is it time to bust myths like "the team with the best player always wins the series"?

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Life, safety and games in the NBA's Disney World bubble Jun 19, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into the NBA's health and safety protocol for the upcoming season at Disney World. Is this a good plan? How will games be played and which hotels will house the players? Will the players buy in? What are some of the quirks fans should watch for once play resumes? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to take questions from the Open Floor Globe. What can the NBA do to increase its number of African-American owners? What happens in the empty arenas next year if NBA games can't be played with fans? Could the NBA players ever break off to form their own league? Should fans get to pick their audio broadcasts -- fake noise or real noise -- during the Orlando bubble? How can the broadcasts incorporate activist messages?

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NBA players voice concerns about Orlando return Jun 16, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the NBA players' various concerns about the Orlando return plan. What is Kyrie Irving's role in all of this? What did Damian Lillard tell Michael about his stance? Will basketball distract from the ongoing social justice protests? What would happen if the players collectively chose not to play? Have the health and safety questions been answered? Will the plan stay on track? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to answer questions from the Open Floor Globe. Can the NBA incorporate fans into the visual and audio experiences? Which teams will be hurt the most by the long lay-off? Finally, who would be the worst person to present the Finals MVP trophy if Bill Russell can't make it to Orlando?

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NBA superstars mobilize for social justice Jun 12, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by surveying the superstar landscape to detail how the NBA community is gearing up in the wake of George Floyd's death. LeBron James tackles voting rights, Michael Jordan donates $100 million, Kevin Durant calls for fair treatment of the police officers involved in Minneapolis, Giannis Antetokounmpo seeks to better Milwaukee, Russell Westbrook funds a documentary about Tulsa, and Stephen Curry protests and chants about President Trump. After digging into each of those topics, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe about their all-quarantine draft from last week. Which team did the Globe think won? Who had a better draft strategy? Could a Globe member field a better team? Why were Luka Doncic and Marcus Smart snubbed?

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Ten predictions for the new NBA playoffs Jun 09, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dive headfirst into an impossible task: trying to predict the most unpredictable playoffs in NBA history. Will the NBA be able to keep its players safe and crown a champion? If so, who will win the title and Finals MVP? Will there actually be a play-in round? Will the extra eight regular season games influence the NBA award races? How will the neutral site impact the length of series? Will we see any noticeable differences from the referees? What aspect of the television product will Basketball Twitter whine about the most? How many owners will appear in the bubble? Should Michael Jordan make an appearance?

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The NBA sets return plans & an all-quarantine draft Jun 05, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping the NBA's 22-team return-to-play plan. Was it a good compromise, a money grab or both? Will it succeed in generating interest out of the gate? From there, they draft their all-quarantine teams, putting together eight-man rosters of the guys they expect to play well, and play well together, in Orlando's unique circumstances. Who will thrive without fans? Who will suffer? Which stars will be in tip top shape? How much should a TV-friendly roster matter? At the end, they challenge the Open Floor Globe to vote on whether Ben or Michael drafted the better squad.

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The NBA responds to George Floyd's death Jun 02, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recount the weekend of nationwide protests that followed George Floyd's death in police custody in Minneapolis. They address what things are like in their communities right now and how long these protests might continue. From there, Ben and Michael survey responses from throughout the NBA community -- Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Doc Rivers, Dwane Casey, Stephen Jackson, Jaylen Brown, Malcolm Brogdon -- and try to pinpoint why the reaction to Floyd's death was different than previous episodes of police brutality. Along the way, Michael shares his family's stories of combating racial bias and Ben lays out the predicament facing NBA commissioner Adam Silver as he tries to restart the NBA's season. They close by offering thoughts on how to cope with this weekend's violence and how to contribute to the causes of equality and social justice.

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Playoff format overload, scoring champ title winners May 29, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by running through this week's developments regarding the potential format of the 2019-20 resumed NBA season. Why is Adam Silver even bothering with World Cup group stage and expanded playoff proposals? What advice would Ben and Michael offer to the commissioner? Did Damian Lillard have a point when he threatened to sit out if the Blazers can't play meaningful games? Should the NBA cater its proposal to the intense fan interest in Zion Williamson? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Who will be the next player to win a scoring title and the NBA championship in the same year? And why did a new mother laugh at Michael's lack of pain tolerance?

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Jack McCallum on Michael Jordan and the 1992 Dream Team May 28, 2020

Ben Golliver is joined by legendary basketball writer Jack McCallum to discuss his new podcast project, "The Dream Team Tapes." Which Michael Jordan story does Jack wish he could have told on "The Last Dance"? How did Jack prepare to cover USA Basketball's 1992 team and how did he forge relationships with Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Charles Barkley? What was Christian Laettner's life like in Barcelona? Which player on that team has become the most underrated by history? Who should have replaced Laettner during the roster selection process? Why did Jack develop a soft spot for Portland after covering the Tournament of Americas? What does he make of the state of USA Basketball in 2020?

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The NBA's return plans: the good, bad and ugly May 26, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig through the NBA's first official steps towards a resumption of the 2019-20 season. Do they like Disney World as a host? How many teams should be invited? How should the playoffs be formatted and seeded? If they were players, would they participate? As reporters, would they attend and cover the events in person? Will there be an asterisk? From there, they shift gears to take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which GMs could make a name for themselves this offseason? Could the Spurs dynasty carry a "Last Dance" documentary? What about Kevin Durant?

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Closing thoughts on The Last Dance, Michael Jordan, the Pacers and the Jazz May 22, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina conclude their coverage of "The Last Dance" by taking questions from the Open Floor Globe. Should this project be considered a documentary? How should Jordan be viewed as a player and leader? What was the project missing? What do Jordan's narrative successes tell us about the Warriors dynasty? What's the signature MJ game? Was the "Flu Game" story believable? What legacy do Reggie Miller's Pacers leave? Did John Stockton and Karl Malone get shortchanged?

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Michael Jordan didn't want the Bulls dynasty to end May 19, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the key revelation of the final two episodes of "The Last Dance": That Michael Jordan wanted to run things back with the Chicago Bulls during the 1998-99 season on one-year contracts. Does Jordan's vision of how that would work make sense? What, exactly, was Jerry Krause's take? How about Phil Jackson? Scottie Pippen? Owner Jerry Reinsdorf? If the Bulls had returned with Jordan and Pippen in a lockout year, could they have reached the 1999 NBA Finals and beaten the San Antonio Spurs? From there, Ben and Michael reassess their favorite Jordan seasons and moments after watching the 10-hour series. Then, they take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Did this documentary help Jordan win the 2020 NBA title? Will storytelling and narrative become an even bigger part of the discussion of great players as we move forward in the modern media environment?

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Being Michael Jordan's teammate, more NBA quitters May 15, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina begin their latest recap of "The Last Dance" by asking how they would survive as Michael Jordan's teammate. Would Ben take the bullying without responding? Would Michael walk off the job? Then, they ponder whether Steve Kerr truly believes getting punched was the best thing that happened to his relationship with Jordan, break down Gary Payton's memorable cameo and show love to B.J. Armstrong. After making their predictions for the series' final two episodes, they shift gears to take more listener nominations for the NBA's biggest quitters.

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Scottie Pippen's sit down & the biggest quitters in NBA history May 12, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina look back at Scottie Pippen's decision to sit out the closing seconds of a 1994 playoff game against the New York Knicks. Was Pippen guilty of a cardinal sporting sin? What context helps explain his sit down? Could the same situation play out in today's NBA? From there, Ben and Michael pivot to a wider discussion of the NBA's biggest quitters? Does changing teams in free agency make you a quitter? What about retiring early? Were Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant guilty of quitting at various points of their careers? And what did Cedric Ceballos, Dwight Howard, Rajon Rondo and Andrew Bynum do to make the list?

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Michael Jordan comes up short on politics & gambling, top under-25 duos May 08, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina break down the latest episodes of "The Last Dance" by dissecting Michael Jordan's shaky defenses of his gambling habit and lack of interest in politics. Should the documentary have approached the issue of gambling addiction with more nuance? Did Jordan have an obligation to embrace his potential as an activist? Is Jordan truly apolitical or is he worried that people won't like his politics? From there, Michael shares some of his favorite scenes from the documentary -- including the Toni Kukoc beef at the Olympics -- and what's jumping off the screen for his wife. Then, Ben and Michael shift gears to take questions from the Open Floor Globe on where top European players of the past would be drafted in 2020 and which NBA teams possess the best under-25 duos. They close with updates from a mail carrier and a basketball fanatic from overseas.

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Michael Jordan's most tortured opponents, NBA shutdown fall-offs and bounce-backs May 05, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by arguing about an age-old question: Who was Michael Jordan's most tortured opponent? Charles Barkley or Patrick Ewing? From there, they discuss the impact that the coronavirus shutdown could have on aging players. Which veterans might enter a different stage of their careers by the time basketball is back? Kyle Lowry? Chris Paul? PJ Tucker? Dwight Howard? On the flip side, which players are poised for bounce-back seasons after the extra time off? Ben and Michael close with a discussion of Marvin Bagley III and Aaron Gordon, two younger players in need of a boost. Will Bagley fulfill his all-star potential? Is it time to give up on Gordon? And, more importantly, can Gordon rap?

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Bad Boys revisited, the real Dennis Rodman, 2020 expansion draft May 01, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina review episodes 3 and 4 of "The Last Dance" by digging into the rivalry between the Bulls and Pistons. Did Isiah Thomas deserve Michael Jordan's hate? Are the Bad Boys overrated, underrated or properly rated? Could Dennis Rodman's late-blooming career arc have happened in the modern NBA? Was his Las Vegas trip really indicative of who he was as a Bulls player? From there, they shift gears to conduct a 2020 expansion draft. What would Ben and Michael name their teams if they were the owners? Where would the teams play? And what would their starting lineups look like if each current NBA team was able to protect 3 players and they could draft from the rest of the pool?

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The NBA's Most Hated, basketball's chemistry majors Apr 28, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina use Michael Jordan's intense hatred of Isiah Thomas and the Detroit Pistons as a jumping off point to discuss the most reviled people in NBA history. Which former players were universally despised? Are owners easier to hate than players? Which attributes -- laziness, selfishness, lack of integrity -- wind up drawing the most ire? And which players did Ben and Michael personally hate the most? From there, they shift gears to Michael's recent feature on chemistry in the NBA. Which teams are best handling the rise in player movement? In five or 10 years, will superstar free agents be lured with an offer of naming their own GM and coach in a package deal?

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First impressions of Michael Jordan's "Last Dance," NBA name games Apr 24, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina deliver their first impressions of the first two episodes of "The Last Dance," the 10-part documentary about Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. Was Jerry Krause portrayed fairly? Should Scottie Pippen have gone nuclear? Was 1985 Michael Jordan the coolest person in world history? How would young MJ have reacted to The Process? From there, they shift gears to take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which NBA players would have had better careers if they had cooler names? Which stars would have fallen short if their names were less cool? And which players in today's game have the best names? They close with follow-ups on FIBA's numbering system and Luka Doncic's "77" number gaffe.

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Last Dance hype, NBA numerology, Basketball stars as track athletes Apr 21, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a quick rundown of the excitement around "The Last Dance," the Michael Jordan documentary, but decide to save their full commentary until Friday to avoid early spoilers. From there, they recap NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's recent press conference and pivot to questions from the Open Floor Globe. Why are certain numbers like 32 so popular in basketball? Which NBA players would make the best track and field athletes? Would Zion Williamson be a good shotputter? Would LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo win the decathlon? Finally, they discuss which modern players would have been better in the 1980s and 1990s and which players would have been worse. They close by saying thanks to a 10-year-old listener.

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Previewing ESPN's "The Last Dance" documentary about Michael Jordan's Bulls Apr 17, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina offer an extended preview of "The Last Dance," ESPN's 10-part documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Ben teases some memorable scenes, lays out Jordan's participation in the project, and describes how the series came together. From there, they shift to a recent SB Nation feature on the most memorable "Title-less" teams in NBA history and Michael recaps some of the saddest title defenses.

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Rudy Gobert fake trades, Our biggest draft misses, NBA inspirations Apr 14, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig deep into the strained relationship between Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell. They lay out the importance of both players to the franchise and explore Gobert trade scenarios. Which teams should target Gobert? How should the Jazz rework themselves around Mitchell? Then, Michael lays out his three favorite fake trades. From there, Ben and Michael answer two questions from the Open Floor Globe. What are their favorite Draft hits and misses over the years? Which NBA figures provide them with daily inspiration?

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The most overrated NBA players, coaches, front offices & owners Apr 10, 2020

In response to a question from the Open Floor Globe, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina sift through nominees for the NBA's most overrated figures. They debate the likes of Mike D'Antoni, Reggie Miller, Chris Paul and the "Big 3" Celtics and discuss what exactly it means for someone to be "overrated" in the NBA context. Then, Ben and Michael make their own lists of current players, coaches, owners and front offices. Along the way, they dissect Kyrie Irving, Joel Embiid, Kyle Kuzma, Kemba Walker, Jamal Murray, Devin Booker, Julius Randle, the Warriors' owners and the Spurs' front office.

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Best and Worst HORSE players, 1990s cult heroes, no-ring-yet Dream Team Apr 07, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by diving deep into the NBA's proposal to launch a HORSE tournament during quarantine. Is the NBA desperate? Are we desperate enough to watch? Which players make the dream field and which players would be absolutely horrible? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which cult heroes of the 1990s are worth re-watching on YouTube? Should the NBA change its MVP voting procedure to adopt daily updates like Australian Rules Football? Which players would form our no-ring-yet Dream Teams? Should free Legos have been part of the USA's COVID stimulus program?

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Best games of 2019-20, coronavirus mid-life crises, past greats in modern NBA Apr 03, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with Michael's story on a Palo Alto company's ranking of the most memorable games of the 2019-20 season. What does the company's algorithm prioritize? Does it have any blind spots? And what were Ben and Michael's favorite games of the season? From there, they dive into questions from the Open Floor Globe. Will the coronavirus trigger mid-life crises and retirements from coaches and players? Should non-NBA basketball stars be invited to All-Star Weekend in some way? Which stars of the 1990s and 2000s would be the most fun to watch in the modern era? What have been the biggest changes to the NBA media landscape over the last 20 years?

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Hakeem's what-if, MJ's 55, the wall of sound Mar 31, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dive into another batch of questions from the Open Floor Globe, starting with an incredible "What if?" involving the Houston Rockets and a possible 1984 trade that could have landed Clyde Drexler and Michael Jordan alongside Hakeem Olajuwon. Would that Big 3 have worked? How many titles would Jordan and Olajuwon have won as teammates? From there, Ben and Michael discuss re-watching Jordan's 55-point explosion at Madison Square Garden on its 25th anniversary. How famous would John Starks be in the Twitter and Instagram era? What made Jordan's game-winning play so special? Why did Hubie Brown steal the show? The guys then pivot with questions about NBA crowd environments, and whether the coronavirus might spoil Steve Ballmer's idea of building a "Wall of Sound" in his new arena. At the end, Michael explains his 40" vertical leap and accepts an offer to be a ringer on a Milwaukee beach volleyball team.

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Two truths and a lie, media as fans, social distancing stars Mar 27, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a game of "Two Truths and a lie." Did Michael have a 40-inch vertical in high school? Is he really related to Dana Barros? Did Ben once shatter a backboard? Did he watch the 2004 Finals in a disease-fueled state in a foreign country? From there, they take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Should media members act as stand-in fans if NBA games resume in empty arenas? Which NBA stars would rise to the top if the league enacted a six-foot social distancing policy on the court? What advice do the guys have for a recent high school graduate about becoming a sportswriter and picking games to watch on a nightly basis?

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Free agency match-making, Saving the NBA awards, White whale games Mar 24, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a summary of the NBA's looming $1 billion hit due to the coronavirus and possible impacts on next year's salary cap. Should the owners and players agree to "smooth" a possible record cap decline? From there, Michael plays matchmaker between 2020 free agents and teams, pairing Fred VanVleet with the Knicks, Montrezl Harrell with the Pistons and Paul Millsap with the Suns. Then, the guys take questions from the Open Floor Globe. How should the NBA save its annual awards show? Were Anfernee Hardaway and Shaquille O'Neal underrated as a duo? Which 1980s-era playoff games do Ben and Michael wish they had been alive to see? At the end, they address a distraught high school senior and an emailer who is seeking forgiveness after lying to Open Floor about his love life.

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NBA's lost narratives, our favorite seasons, MJ's return Mar 20, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina cope with the coronavirus crisis by running through some of this season's biggest lost narratives. What's next for the Bucks, Nets and Rockets? How will the suspended schedule impact Giannis Antetokounmpo's "supermax" decision? Would Kevin Durant consider a return to the delayed postseason? Is Daryl Morey off the hook for his Hong Kong tweet? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe about the favorite NBA seasons of their childhoods and their memories of Michael Jordan's return from baseball. They show some love to U.S. health care workers and close by discussing their NBA doppelgangers.

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The coronavirus & the NBA schedule, airing old grievances Mar 17, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the coronavirus and its ongoing impacts on the NBA schedule. Players have been sent home and the NBA is on hiatus for at least two months. Can a postseason be salvaged? Should a postseason be salvaged? An Open Floor Globe member from Denmark sounds the alarm about what's coming for the USA, while another from France correctly suggests that this crisis is an opportunity in disguise. From there, Ben and Michael circle back to take questions on heated debates from past shows. If LeBron James supposedly isn't as famous as we think, why is he so well-known in an underground gold mine in the Australian outback? Should an Orlando Magic fan seek revenge after his girlfriend cheated on him during the Slam Dunk Contest? Should we add an oddities wing to our plans for making a statue garden at the Hall of Legends?

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NBA suspends season due to coronavirus Mar 12, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the NBA's decision to indefinitely suspend the 2019-20 season after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert and guard Donovan Mitchell tested positive for the coronavirus. Did the NBA make the right decision and should they have made it earlier? Will we see any more games this season? If not, which playoff storylines will we miss the most? How should fans treat Gobert? What can you and your family do to stay safe?

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LeBron's Lakers enjoy a big weekend, Coronavirus gets real Mar 10, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina look back at LeBron James's big weekend, as the Los Angeles Lakers enjoyed signature victories over the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers. Did LeBron vault into the MVP conversation? Are the Lakers now the title favorites? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo's injury damage his MVP chances, and should it alter Milwaukee's approach to the rest of the season? From there, Ben and Michael discuss the NBA's ongoing response to the Coronavirus, including the anticipated closing of locker rooms to media members. They wrap up the episode by dissecting Kenny Atkinson's departure as Brooklyn Nets coach, running through possible replacement candidates, and announcing that a Zion-themed hymn has become the show's new theme song.

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Stephen Curry's next chapter, Does NBA need commentating shake-up? Mar 06, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina welcome Stephen Curry back to the court with an extended discussion about the Golden State Warriors guard's legacy and next chapter. Will Curry win another title and/or MVP? Where will the Warriors finish in the West standings next year? How much elite basketball does he have left in the tank, and which factors are working for and against him? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. They respond to accusations of LeBron-induced myopia, discuss the state of NBA television commentating in the wake of Daryl Morey's critiques, and weigh a possible Joel Embiid to the Nets trade scenario.

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Giannis vs. Harden escalates, KD considers Tokyo, Peak Westbrook Mar 03, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by dissecting the escalating tension between James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Does Harden have a point? Is he guilty of hypocrisy? What constitutes "skill" in basketball? Then, they pivot to a quick discussion about Kevin Durant's possible interest in representing Team USA at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. From there, they break down the Rockets' overtime victory over the Celtics. How does Boston build into a title team? What makes Russell Westbrook so dangerous in Houston's new five-out approach? Are the Clippers prepared to spoil the Rockets' rise? Ben and Michael close with follow-up questions about their Hall of Legends and Statue Garden ideas, including snub nominees and a "Statuability" ranking.

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LeBron vs. Zion, Giannis vs. 70, Road jersey etiquette Feb 28, 2020

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of LeBron James' first game against Zion Williamson. Was LeBron trying to prove a point? How did Zion hold up? Was there some chilliness to their post-game comments, and is a rivalry budding? From there, Ben and Michael dig deep into Milwaukee's historic season. Will Mike Budenholzer screw this up or does he take unfair criticism? Should the Bucks chase 70 wins? How should they handle Giannis Antetokounmpo's minutes in the playoffs? The episode closes with questions from the Open Floor Globe. Which players need a change of scenery this summer? If Zion got kidnapped, who should the kidnappers call first to ensure the biggest ransom? How did Michael manage to be kind and insightful on a Suns podcast? And, finally, should a Heat fan buy and wear a Sixers jersey when he goes to a game in Philadelphia during a work trip?

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MJ honors Kobe, Tatum erupts, Simmons' back woes Feb 25, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina offer a line-by-line breakdown of Michael Jordan's incredibly moving tribute for Kobe Bryant. Why did MJ's speech resonate with so many people? Why should it be viewed as the ultimate validation for Kobe's career? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. Should there be a more exclusive "Hall of Legends" that complements the Hall of Fame but only honors players with lasting impacts? If so, who should be in and who should be out? Then, the discussion shifts to the Celtics and Sixers. What does Jayson Tatum's recent hot stretch say about his long-term ceiling? Should Ben Simmons shut it down for the season due to his back problems?

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Kyrie Irving's season ends, All-Star Weekend fixes Feb 21, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the fallout surrounding Kyrie Irving's season-ending shoulder surgery. What's next for the Brooklyn Nets? Does the concept of a "Gap year" really exist? Would the Nets undo their 2019 summer if they could? From there, Ben and Michael pivot to suggestions from the Open Floor Globe on how to fix All-Star Weekend. Should the dunk contest add sensors or change its scoring system? Should the Three-Point Contest be turned into a giant game of 21? Should the All-Star Game's Elam ending add protections so that it doesn't finish on a free throw? Finally, they address whether Giannis Antetokounmpo's late-game weaknesses on offense cost Team Giannis the All-Star Game victory.

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All-Star Weekend winners and losers Feb 17, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina convene for a late-night All-Star Weekend recap. Ben and Michael run through the winners and losers of the midseason showcase in Chicago, praising the NBA's new All-Star Game format and the many standouts from Sunday's game (Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, Chris Paul, Rudy Gobert). They chide Joel Embiid and Kemba Walker for their late-game missteps, before shifting gears to dive deeply into a Slam Dunk Contest breakdown and a pity party for Aaron Gordon. Just how badly did the judges blow it? What's the fix for next year? Then, Ben offers some behind-the-scenes gushing on Zion Williamson and names his Mt. Rushmore of All-Star Weekend figures. Along the way, Ben and Michael discuss the brewing rivalry between Giannis Antetokounmpo and James Harden, and praise the All-Star Saturday victories for Bam Adebayo and Buddy Hield.

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2020 NBA All-Star Weekend Preview Feb 13, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend. Will Zion Williamson and Team USA crush Luka Doncic and the World Team in the Rising Stars Challenge? Who will benefit from the rule changes in the Three-Point Contest? With Zion skipping out, will the Dunk Contest still be worth watching? And who will take the crown: Aaron Gordon or Derrick Jones Jr.? Then, on Sunday, won't the All-Star Game be the perfect opportunity for Nick Nurse and the Raptors to recruit Giannis Antetokounmpo? Ben and Michael close by taking questions on the evolving nature of basketball and the Cleveland Cavaliers' dismal future.

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Surging Raptors, Damian Lillard's outrage, All-Star mailbag Feb 11, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recover from the NBA trade deadline by catching their breath before the upcoming craziness of All-Star Weekend. They start with a deep dive into the Toronto Raptors, who have won 14 straight entering Monday. What's driving the Raptors' success and why are they such an intriguing threat to the Bucks? From there, they analyze Damian Lillard's complaints about the officials and the NBA's stunning decision not to pushing Portland for its vociferous complaining. To close, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. How many All-Star starters throughout history have been worse than Trae Young? Should the All-Star rosters be expanded? Is Gersson Rosas the Messiah in Minnesota? Why does one San Diego chef always think about Kobe Bryant whenever he remembers slicing off his finger in a cooking accident?

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NBA Trade Deadline Winners & Losers Feb 07, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina run though the winners and losers of the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline. Did the Warriors gamble wisely on Andrew Wiggins? Did the Timberwolves sacrifice too much in their successful pursuit of D'Angelo Russell? Did the Rockets, Sixers and Heat do enough to change their playoff outlooks? Were the Bucks and Clippers actually the biggest winners? How depressing, exactly, was Andre Drummond's trade to the Cavaliers?

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NBA trade deadline preview, Kobe Bryant's tribute, All-Star angst Feb 04, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview this week's NBA trade deadline. First, though, they recap the Lakers' Friday night tribute to Kobe Bryant and Damian Lillard's remarkable 48-point performance in LA. How did LeBron James do with his pre-game speech? Are there any hypothetical duos that would be better than LeBron and Dame? Are the Blazers the team everyone should want to claim the West's eighth seed? When it comes to the deadline, Ben and Michael talk through which aspiring contenders are the most desperate to make a move (Rockets, Sixers) and which should consider rolling the dice (Lakers, Clippers, Bucks). They close by talking through the various All-Star snubs -- Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Zach LaVine -- to determine who actually has a case.

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Los Angeles, the Lakers & the NBA remember Kobe Bryant Jan 30, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the aftermath of Kobe Bryant's tragic death. Ben discusses the scene at the site of the helicopter crash in Calabasas, describes the memorials across Los Angeles and offers first-hand observations from the Lakers' first media session after Bryant's death. From there, Michael offers perspective from New York, and they discuss the implications of Bryant's death on the upcoming trade deadline, All-Star Weekend and NBA playoffs. They close by discussing Bryant's influence -- from his jersey numbers to his sneakers -- and take the New York Knicks to task for their ugly on-court incident and post-game comments while the league was still in mourning.

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Kobe Bryant, remembered Jan 27, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to the tragic deaths of Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna

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Dissecting Zion Williamson's debut & contender check-in Jan 24, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina tackle all angles of Zion Williamson's electrifying debut for the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. Ben provides some on-scene highlights, then they grade Williamson's performance and reminisce about his 17-point fourth-quarter explosion. From there, they discuss the Pelicans' strict interpretation of Williamson's minutes limit, the fact that the game was somehow not sold out, and the current state of Williamson's health. To close, Ben and Michael pivot to a contender check-in on the Bucks and Rockets. Is Milwaukee actually misunderstood and underrated? Is Giannis Inc. itself guilty of underrating their 2020 title chances? Can Houston salvage its season? Does Tilman Fertitta need to step up and swing big at the deadline?

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Zion returns, Top 5 under 23, NBA fan conversion strategies Jan 21, 2020

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview Zion Williamson's upcoming season debut on Wednesday. What's the baseline for a successful return to the court? What should we expect from the No. 1 overall pick? Can he alter the West's playoff race? From there, they pivot into a discussion of the top five franchise players who are 23 and under. Is it Luka Doncic and everyone else? Zion Williamson or Ja Morant? Donovan Mitchell or Ben Simmons? Brandon Ingram or Jayson Tatum? Ben and Michael close with questions from the Open Floor Globe. Is Al Horford a sleeper agent for the Boston Celtics? Who are the most pretentious fan bases? How can a Sacramento Kings fan convince his girlfriend to follow the NBA?

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2020 NBA All-Star picks, snubs & toughest calls Jan 17, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick their 2020 NBA All-Star teams. They stick tightly to the official rules, naming their starting lineups, reserves, injury replacements and snubs. Do Trae Young, Devin Booker, Brandon Ingram and Ja Morant deserve spots? How many Celtics, Raptors and Bucks should make the cut? Should the Jazz get both Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell? Should Karl-Anthony Towns be snubbed because of his recent injury? At the end, who are the toughest players to leave off this year's teams? Which players would drive Ben and Michael the craziest if they were to make the real rosters thanks to the coaches' vote?

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Kyrie Irving returns, Kevin Durant's title odds, champions & non-champions in the 2020s Jan 14, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into Kyrie Irving's return to the court for the Brooklyn Nets. How did he look and can he pair effectively with Spencer Dinwiddie? Will the Nets salvage the rest of this season and are they potential playoff spoilers? What percentage chance does Kevin Durant have to win a championship in Brooklyn? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe. What factors are driving the perception of Russell Westbrook in Houston? Which players and teams are bound to win titles in the 2020s? Which players and teams never will? The episode closes with a check-up on former Open Floor co-host Andrew Sharp, who has launched a new NBA podcast project with Ben called "Greatest Of All Talk." For more information, visit GreatestOfAllTalk.com.

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John Beilein's slugs, RJ Barrett's blurry Knicks existence & the NBA's biggest dead ends Jan 10, 2020

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the John Beilein controversy in Cleveland. Is his "thugs vs. slugs" explanation believable? What do these repeated leaks say about his job security? How should the Cavaliers handle the next month until the trade deadline? From there, Ben and Michael consider RJ Barrett's rough rookie existence and launch into their rankings of the NBA's biggest dead end destinations. For elite NBA draft prospects, what's the worst place to land: Cleveland, Charlotte or Detroit? Do the Bulls and... gasp... the Spurs deserve mention too? They close by taking questions from the Open Floor Globe on the value of defensive highlights, the resurgent Utah Jazz and the Australia brush fires. Please consider donating to Celeste Barber's Facebook campaign to raise money for Australian firefighters.

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Russell Westbrook returns to OKC, three cheers for Sam Presti, Pondering midseason boredom Jan 07, 2020

On today's episode, Ben Golliver opens with exciting news about former Open Floor co-host Andrew Sharp, who has made his triumphant return to the NBA podcast world. From there, Ben and Michael Pina dive deep into Russell Westbrook's upcoming return to Oklahoma City. Would the Rockets undo the Westbrook trade if they could? Was Thunder GM Sam Presti the biggest winner from last summer? Should Presti be an Executive of the Year candidate? Aside from Chris Paul's all-star play, what has driven Oklahoma City's success this season? From there, they take emails from the Open Floor Globe, weighing different ways to honor former Commissioner David Stern and discussing whether the NBA's season has reached an extended lull. Ben and Michael close with big news from Poland: Listening to Open Floor while practicing basketball has turned one listener there into a potential superstar.

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RIP David Stern, Bold predictions for 2020, Alternative all-decade awards Jan 03, 2020

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a remembrance of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, who died this week at age 77. What were some of Stern's most memorable moments and accomplishments? What is Stern's legacy? How should the NBA honor him? From there, Ben and Michael shift gears to make bold predictions for 2020. Will the Houston Rockets win the title or blow up completely? Will Zion Williamson come back to claim Rookie of the Year? Will Giannis Antetokounmpo shock the world by signing the Supermax? They close by taking questions from the Open Floor Globe, handing out alternative all-decade awards for the 2010s like "Most Iconic Performance" and "Best feel-good story."

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Kawhi, LeBron, Embiid, Luka & 10 Post-Christmas NBA Takeaways Dec 31, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reconvene after a short holiday break to run through 10 takeaways from the NBA on Christmas. Did Kawhi Leonard seal his spot as the greatest player in basketball? Are LeBron James and the Lakers finally showing some cracks? Has anyone actually forgotten about Joel Embiid? How should the Bucks react to their humbling loss? Should Al Horford regret his decision to leave Boston? Why wasn't Luka Doncic scheduled to play on Christmas? Was Masai Ujiri the NBA's Executive of the Decade? Was Steve Kerr the Coach of the Decade? Has the criticism of Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets gone too far? Has the criticism of the Rockets not gone far enough?

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NBA on Christmas Preview: LeBron vs. Kawhi, Giannis vs. Embiid & key stats to consider Dec 23, 2019

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina offer a full preview of the NBA's 2019 Christmas quintuple-header, ranking the games in terms of watchability. What's at stake for LeBron James's Lakers and Kawhi Leonard's Clippers in their rematch? Could a holiday showdown with Philadelphia be one of the most important days in Giannis Inc.'s history? After breaking down the headline match-ups, Ben and Michael offer one key stat for each of the 10 teams playing on Christmas, highlighting Jayson Tatum's insane RPM, the Nuggets' unmatched continuity, Lonzo Ball's inefficiency and the Warriors' very depressing team leaders. Programming note: Open Floor will be off for the rest of the week and will resume regularly scheduled programming on Dec. 31. Happy holidays.

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Who are the NBA's heels? Did the 2010 Celtics break LeBron? What's up with Ayton? Dec 19, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina are joined by special guest Captain Accountability, who has many thoughts on Deandre Ayton's return from a 25-game drug suspension. From there, Ben and Michael dig into Kevin Garnett's comments about LeBron James. Did the Celtics break LeBron in 2010? Did KG leave out some important details from the conversation? KG was an all-time NBA heel, but who are the best NBA heels right now? And will the Lakers, Clippers, Rockets or Sixers emerge as the league's most hated team come playoff time? Then, the Open Floor Globe checks in with fake trades involving Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, plus an extended riff on John Coltrane and player development.

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NBA trade season opens, favorite fake trades, "real fans" Dec 17, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina celebrate the Dec. 15 NBA trade-eligibility deadline by compiling their favorite fake trades. DeMar DeRozan to the Bulls? Kevin Love to the Suns? Kyle Lowry to the Jazz? Aaron Gordon to the Hawks? JJ Redick to the Bucks? Derrick Rose to the Sixers? From there, they propose rule changes that would make the trade deadline more fun. Ben and Michael close by taking questions from the Open Floor Globe on what it means to be a "real fan." Can a Thunder fan hop on the Grizzlies bandwagon? Can a LeBron James fan use "we" to describe the Lakers?

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Kawhi Leonard’s triumph, Bam Adebayo’s breakout, First-Time All-Stars Dec 13, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss Kawhi Leonard's return to Toronto for ring night. Did Leonard and the Clippers make a statement? Are they engaged in a "tortoise and the hare" race with the Lakers? Is sizing a championship ring to fit the middle finger cool or lame? From there, they dig into Michael's feature on Bam Adebayo, Miami's breakout star. How does he change the Heat's offense, defense and long-term planning? Should the Heat swing for the fences at the trade deadline? Ben and Michael close out by pondering Adebayo's All-Star chances and nominating other potential first-time all-star candidates.

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Knicks change coaches, Giannis vs. LeBron Finals dreams, the case for Team Fandom Dec 10, 2019

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina ask the questions no one else is asking about the New York Knicks' coaching change. Who, really, is to blame for the players' lack of effort? If Masai Ujiri were to actually consider becoming Knicks president, what type of ludicrous negotiation demands should he make? Can we safely assure an Australian listener that the Knicks won't make the 2020 playoffs? From there, they switch gears to digging into the narrative possibilities of a 2020 NBA Finals match-up between Giannis Antetokounmpo's Milwaukee Bucks and LeBron James's Los Angeles Lakers. Which factors make this potential showdown of juggernauts so exciting? Would it be more like the 1991 Finals or the 2007 Finals? Ben and Michael close with questions from the Open Floor Globe about Trae Young's true value and Brandon Ingram's remarkable rise, plus a passionate case for eschewing player fandom in favor of being a team fan through thick and thin.

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Live from the Bronny James beat, more NBA cheating ideas, Peak Giannis Dec 06, 2019

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig deep into Bronny James and the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers. After Ben's visit to the elite high school in California, they discuss the different environments faced by LeBron James and his son, the hype that has built around the Southern California powerhouse, how the ambitious school positioned itself to land Bronny and whether a LeBron/Bronny NBA connection is possible. From there, they open it up to the Open Floor Globe for another batch of hilarious plans for cheating in the NBA. They close with questions about how Giannis Antetokounmpo can reach his absolute peak and whether Kawhi Leonard made one of the worst free agency decisions of all time.

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Quarterly NBA awards, the ethics of a scoring rampage, Spurs’ faith dwindling? Dec 03, 2019

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reconvene after the long holiday weekend to hand out first-quarter NBA awards. LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo or James Harden for MVP? Is Luka Doncic both an MVP candidate and the MIP favorite? Who are Michael's off-the-radar picks for Most Improved and Sixth Man? From there, they shift gears to discuss the evolving ethics of stat-hunting in blowouts. Should Harden have chased Kobe Bryant's 81-point mark or did the Houston Rockets do the right thing by shutting him down? To close, Ben and Michael take emails from the Open Floor Globe on the dwindling prospects of the San Antonio Spurs and a snowy sunrise at Bryce Canyon National Park.

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NBA schedule proposals, cheating the game, Harden's double teams Nov 26, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina vote up or down on the NBA's three major schedule proposals: reseeding the conference finals, adding a midseason tournament, and incorporating play-in games for the playoffs. From there, they dive into a wide-ranging debate about cheating in sports. Should honor be a bigger deal? What can be done to curb flopping and other acts that violate the spirit of the game? What crazy methods, like Deflate-Gate in football or sign-stealing in baseball, could prove to be successful strategies in the NBA? They close with a discussion of James Harden's double teams, an absolutely epic takedown comparing Vlade Divac to POTUS, and a bunch of emails explaining how various Open Floor Globe listeners partake in the show. Note: Open Floor will take off on Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday and resume next Tuesday with the usual schedule.

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LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the top 5 stories of the 2019-20 season so far Nov 22, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina run through the top five basketball stories of the 2019-20 season so far, highlighted by LeBron James's resurgence and Luka Doncic's emergence as an MVP candidate. From there, they take questions from the Open Floor Globe. How did Kawhi Leonard and Paul George look in their first game together? If the Warriors had the "Death Lineup," do the Clippers have the "Coma Lineup"? How good of a shooter does a 5'6", 220-pound listener need to be to make the NBA? Ben and Michael close by expanding their understanding of podcasting genres, adding "listening while cooking" and "listening while working on shooting mechanics."

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Celtics cruising, Sixers stumbling, Carmelo resurrected, Paul George shining Nov 19, 2019

On today's episode, Ben Golliver welcomes his new co-host: Michael Pina, NBA writer for SB Nation. With Open Floor's bi-coastal balance restored, Ben and Michael dig into two teams at the top of the Eastern Conference: the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. Are the Celtics as good as their record indicates? Does their hot start, coupled with Brooklyn's challenges, shine a new light on Kyrie Irving? How does Philly fix its offense? Are Al Horford and Joel Embiid a fit? Is the clock ticking on Ben Simmons again? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe on Carmelo Anthony's resurrection with the Blazers and Paul George's strong start for the Clippers.

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Knicks coaching crisis, Harden's place in the hierarchy, Shot quality vs. shot location Nov 15, 2019

On today's podcast, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the dilapidated state of the Knicks. Is there any coach, or person, alive who could replace David Fizdale and find success? Why did the front office shift its expectations between July and November? Which of New York's young building blocks are keepers? From there, Ben and Rob debate James Harden's place in the NBA hierarchy and dissect Russell Westbrook's dismissal of Patrick Beverley. After discussing the relative importance of shot location and shot distribution, they close with a painful email from a British listener whose 2016 USA road trip was ruined by Klay Thompson. Note: This is Rob's last episode as co-host. Ben will welcome a new co-host on the next episode, which will be released on Tuesday.

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Siakam's soaring Raptors, Lillard's slumping Blazers, Rob Mahoney reflects on 7 years at SI Nov 12, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney open with extended comments on Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors. Where does Siakam rank right now? Is he actually Giannis-like? Does Toronto's player development program get enough credit? From there, Ben and Rob shift gears to discuss Damian Lillard's MVP start, the Blazers' roster problems, Ja Morant's Rookie of the Year chances and the fan's perspective on load management. To close, Rob reflects on his favorite stories and games as he prepares to leave Sports Illustrated after seven years.

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Giannis revenge mission, NBA statues, load management ethics Nov 08, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney go deep on the Milwaukee Bucks after their recent win over the Los Angeles Clippers. They engage in comical Giannis Antetokounmpo hyperbole on the following topis: his revenge mission, MVP defense, pre-game grunting, winning plays and leadership intangibles. From there, they tackle pressing questions from the Open Floor Globe on everything from NYC marathon attire to the utility of the phrase "two-way player." Ben and Rob also debate the many ethical issues surrounding the load management question and how teams should determine which stars to honor with statues outside their arenas. They close by checking the temperature on Mike D'Antoni's seat in Houston.

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Luka Luka Luka, Bucks check-in, sputtering Rockets Nov 05, 2019

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the mounting hype around Luka Doncic following his weekend duel with LeBron James and his multiple triple-doubles. Should Dallas be viewed as a legit playoff threat? What's Luka's long-term ceiling? Would you undo/redo the Trae Young trade from either side? From there, Ben and Rob discuss NBPA executive director Michele Roberts' comments on China before taking questions from the Open Floor Globe on the Rockets' dynamic duo, the Bucks' uneven start and Kevin Love trade scenarios. They close by examining the conversation around Kyrie Irving's mental health and Rodney Hood's lack of flare.

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Steph Curry’s injury, Kawhi Stockton, Team Jo or Team KAT? Nov 01, 2019

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the grisly repercussions of Stephen Curry's broken hand for the Golden State Warriors. Should Golden State tank? Does this increase the urgency to trade D'Angelo Russell or Draymond Green? From there, they take questions on Kawhi Leonard's newfound passing ability, the Minnesota Timberwolves' impressive start and the longstanding rivalry between Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid. Are you team KAT or Team JoJo? Is a rivalry with Embiid the best possible thing that could happen to Towns? They close by considering an old man take on the NBA's "Content Industrial Complex" and debating whether League Pass is worth the sticker price.

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Warriors' comeuppance, Trae Young's arrival, Suns' progress Oct 29, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney consider the Golden State Warriors' slow start. Do their early struggles require a reputation revision for Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr? Is there any hope for their putrid defense? Should they consider trading D'Angelo Russell or Draymond Green? Should they tank? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to answer questions from the Open Floor Globe on Trae Young's All-Star chances, the Phoenix Suns' sudden competence, Dwight Howard's promising first week and Deandre Ayton's 25-game suspension.

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The New King of LA, Charles Barkley’s take summit, Opening week instant reactions Oct 25, 2019

On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss TNT commentator Charles Barkley's latest take summit. Ben lays out Barkley's thoughts on why Kawhi Leonard has surpassed LeBron James after the Clippers' opening win over the Lakers. They also dissect two other Barkley ideas: that Anthony Davis needs to be the Lakers' best player if they're going to win the title, and that Paul George will face significant pressure in the 2020 playoffs. From there, Ben and Rob take questions from the Open Floor Globe on why no one cares about Andre Drummond, Kyrie Irving's 50-point Brooklyn debut, and whether it was acceptable for a listener to cut short a trip to San Diego so that he could return to Ohio and watch basketball by himself.

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The NBA season is here! Finals predictions, Zion heartbreak & Jamal Murray's swag Oct 22, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney gear up for the start of the 2019-20 NBA season by making their predictions. Which teams will make the conference finals? Who will win the title? What's the dream West match-up? Are there any spoilers looming in the East? Which teams will disappoint, which will surprise, and which will be downright awful? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to reflect on the implications of Zion Williamson's knee surgery. How bad is this for the NBA as a whole? Will he need to change his body type? Are Blake Griffin and Greg Oden reason comparison points? They close by digging into Rob's Sports Illustrated story on Jamal Murray, which features a fateful coaching decision and a brash prediction of better days to come.

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LeBron takes on Morey over China, NBA award predictions, Buddy's threat and Beal's deal Oct 18, 2019

On Today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney pick up their jaws after LeBron James's pointed criticism of Daryl Morey on the Hong Kong/China issue. Did LeBron have a point about Morey's bad timing? Should activism be convenient? What did this episode reveal about LeBron? Did the controversy prove that Kawhi Leonard made the right decision to join the Clippers rather than the Lakers? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to make their picks for MVP, ROY, DPOY, COY, SMOY and MIP. The usual suspects (Giannis and Zion) make appearances, but so do some other big names (Embiid, AD, Luka). Finally, they close with why context matters in Buddy Hield's negotiation standoff with the Kings, and the different levels of winning baked into the Wizards' new contract extension for Bradley Beal.

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Harden and Westbrook deep dive, California vs. the World, the West's future powers Oct 15, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney dive deep into Rob's Sports Illustrated NBA preview story on the Houston Rockets. How will James Harden and Russell Westbrook actually work together? Are the Rockets as unstable as they appear from the outside? Are they title contenders? Then, Ben and Rob take questions from the Open Floor Globe, assessing Tilman Fertitta's competence, fielding rosters for a "California vs. the rest of the world" showdown, and welcoming the coming galactic battle between Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo. They close by discussing the West's best rising powers and taking on a brutal critique of Portland, Oregon, from an Irish tourist.

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The NBA game goes on in China, Zion hype heats up, the next Jrue contract Oct 11, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney detail the latest developments from the NBA's China crisis. What should James Harden make of Daryl Morey? Did Adam Silver let down the media by allowing the Lakers and Nets to play without conducting press conferences? Do Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich deserve heat for sidestepping the controversy? Then, Ben and Rob field questions from the Open Floor Globe on Zion Williamson's debut week, which players have the chance to surprisingly live up to their massive contracts a la Jrue Holiday, and whether the NBA intelligentsia has it all wrong on the depressing Hornets.

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Daryl Morey's China crisis, AD's stellar debut, 2020 NBA style of play Oct 08, 2019

On today's show, Ben Golliver offers an Open Floor "State of the Union" address in light of Sports Illustrated's recent staffing changes. Ben is then joined by his new co-host, Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated, to discuss Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey's tweet about Hong Kong and the ensuing fallout in China. Should Morey have been fired? Could the NBA have handled its response differently? Are US politicians correct when they accuse the NBA of hypocrisy? From there, Ben and Rob discuss: Anthony Davis's stellar debut, how Davis compares with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and whether the NBA will see major changes in its style of play now that Kevin Durant hast left the Warriors. They close by analyzing Deandre Ayton's summer priorities and Michael Porter Jr.'s Rookie of the Year chances.

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