Pro Basketball Talk on NBC Sports podcast

Talking Magic Johnson with author of new biography Roland Lazenby Nov 07, 2023

Magic Johnson is synonymous with the five-time champion Showtime Lakers — the fast-break master with the no-look pass whose infectious smile belies one of the most competitive players ever to lace them up.

In his incredibly well-researched new biography on Earvin "Magic" Johnson, author Roland Lazenby dives into the complex personality of of Magic, the guy who never forgot his roots and always seemed grounded, but also continues to compete with Michael Jordan on the financial front. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports and Lazenby discuss how Magic and Larry Bird — along with David Stern — turned the NBA into a prime-time, must watch show (setting the stage for Michael Jordan).

They also delve into Magic's HIV announcement and how that was received domestically and internationally, his family and the influence of his mother and father on the man Magic would be, and how Magic the businessman made his billion dollars by focusing on building for underserved black communities in Los Angeles.

It's a full discussion of one of the NBA's greats with details not often discussed about the Magic man.

Western Conference preview with Mark Medina Oct 19, 2023

The Western Conference is stacked — 12 teams enter the season thinking they can make the playoffs. That will lead to some very disappointed fans (and front offices/coaches on the hot seat) come April, and veteran NBA journalist Mark Medina joins NBC Sports Kurt Helin to break it all down.

The Denver Nuggets are the team to beat and believe they can start where they left off in championship form, despite the loss of Bruce Brown, because they have Nikola Jokic. Chasing them are the Phoenix Suns, a top-heavy roster but one that's a threat if they can find enough depth and defense by the time the playoffs start. The Lakers and Warriors are threats, but both have aging cores — if the Lakers' LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the Warriors' Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, can get to the playoffs healthy, they are threats.

What about Memphis, without Ja Morant for the first 25 games of the season? Do we trust the Clippers? Does Minnesota figure it out this season with two bigs and the emergence of Anthony Edwards? The Thunder are set to make a leap. Do we trust Zion Williamson to stay healthy and make the Pelicans a threat?

We break all that down and more.

NBA season preview with betting edge Oct 17, 2023

Every NBA season comes with questions and opportunities, but this season more than most: What's going to happen with James Harden and the 76ers? Could the Cavaliers be better than the Sixers? Would that make Evan Mobley Defensive Player of the Year or maybe J.B. Bickerstaff for Coach of the Year?

Those outcomes could make a savvy bettor money, so today we break down the coming NBA season with Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) of NBC Sports Bet the Edge. We talk about under/overs we like and how to really take advantage of that if you're really confident a team will comfortably beat the number (as I am with the Raptors).

We also talk about how to approach the awards market, as well as the East champion or division champion markets in a way that brings real value. Drew knows his hoops so this is more than a betting conversation but also a good basketball one.

World Cup semifinals, Central division preview and Erykah Badu Sep 06, 2023

This year's version of Team USA, even without America's biggest names (or maybe because of that), has shown more chemistry than we have seen from the men's senior national team in a long time. However, will that be enough against a very good German team in the FIBA World Cup semifinals, and against Canada or Serbia in the Finals (if the Americans advance)? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss what they have seen with Team USA, what has worked, and what players have looked good at the World Cup.

Then in Corey's Jukebox, Corey explains how Erykah Badu ties into Team USA.

For Kurt's Korner, the pair breaks down the Central division. How much pressure are the Milwaukee Bucks under after Giannis Antetokounmpo's offseason comments? Can the Cleveland Cavaliers push the Bucks? Kurt thinks everyone is sleeping on the Pacers. Then what should be the Bulls next move? What should be expected of this season's Pistons?

Harden saga, Diana Taurasi, Northwest Division preview Aug 16, 2023

In the middle of what is usually the quiet period of the NBA calendar — when the focus should be on the basketball Hall of Fame and the WNBA — James Harden and the 76ers have kept the drama going. The 76ers ended trade talks (for now) for Harden and say they want to bring him to camp, Harden called 76ers President Daryl Morey a "liar" and said he would never play in an organization Morey is part of.

Is there a good outcome for anyone in this scenario? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss that and how both sides have few good options.

Then the conversation shifts to Diana Taurasi, who became the first woman to break the 10,000-point barrier in the WNBA. They discuss her place in the league, and if she should be in Paris next summer as part of Team USA at the Olympics. From there the conversation takes a sharp shift to discussing how Radiohead ties into the Australian NBL in Corey's Jukebox.

Finally, the duo discusses and previews the Northwest Division. Denver is a contender with Nikola Jokić, but how much will they miss Bruce Brown and Jeff Green? Are we sleeping on the Oklahoma City Thunder? What exactly are the Minnesota Timberwolves and are they Anthony Edwards' team now? Where is Utah in its development, and where does John Collins fit in? Then there is Portland, with the Damian Lillard trade looming and a shift to the Scoot Henderson era.

Talking WNBA, Sixth Person of the Year love with Sun's DiJonai Carrington Aug 02, 2023

DiJonai Carrington's path to the WNBA was not smooth. While she came from an athletic family — her father, Darren Carrington, played eight years in the NFL, and her mother, Vickie, ran track at Northern Arizona — she had to overcome multiple knee surgeries, including one this past offseason.

It hasn't slowed her down as Carrington is one of the frontrunners to be Sixth Player of the Year, and she has helped lead the Connecticut Sun to a 19-7 record that has them as one of the title contenders this season.

Carrington joined NBC Sports' Kurt Helin on this week's PBT Podcast to discuss how a Southern California native is adjusting to Connecticut, what is feuling her run this season and how making it to the WNBA Finals last year and losing on their home court has motivated the Sun this season. They also talk about overcoming all those injuries, her desire to win Sixth Person of the Year, and what musical act she'd jump on stage with and sing/rap along with.

Harden trade, Summer League standouts, WNBA All-Star Game Jul 19, 2023

With Summer League and free agency in the rearview mirror, this is supposed to be the slow offseason of the NBA. Not so much this summer. There was plenty for Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to dive into, including the latest on the James Harden trade saga — while there is little movement on the trade front itself, there is plenty of posturing. What everyone around the NBA is really watching is how Joel Embiid reacts, and Corey and Kurt get into that.

From there the topic shifts to the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas and how Sabrina Ionescu stole the show and proved that the 3-point contest is the highlight of all things All-Star in basketball. Then it's time for Corey's Jukebox to combine the Smiths and the Phoenix Suns' local broadcast rights moves.

Finally, in Kurt's Korner the duo discusses the NBA's in-season tournament plan — is this aimed at an overseas market more than the American one? Finally, Kurt talks about a few of the less-mentioned standouts he saw at Summer League in Las Vegas.

NBA free agency breakdown, Lillard trade talk Jul 06, 2023

The NBA off-season has come fast and furious and it's time to talk about the biggest moves so far — with the Damian Lillard and James Harden trades still hanging out there. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all the biggest NBA offseason stories: The Boston Celtics trading away Marcus Smart and bringing in Kristaps Porzingis, Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez coming back to Milwaukee, Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks heading to Houston, plus much more. They then get into the possibilities of Damian Lillard getting traded to Miami and how that will drag out.

Not all the offseason moves have been great, which gets to Corey's Jukebox and "Oof" by Inner Wave.

Finally some lightning round to round out the summer: Could Chet Holmgren top Victor Wembanyama for Rookie of the Year? Is Anthony Edwards the face of the Timberwolves now (and what does that mean for Karl-Anthony Towns)? Which Los Angeles team made better offseason moves? Then they end it on a fun note discussing their favorite summer BBQ foods.

Beal trade to Suns, NBA Draft talk Jun 22, 2023

So much news to get to this week that it took a few minutes even to get to the NBA Draft. But they got to it.

First up was the news of the Bradley Beal trade to the Phoenix Suns. Did anyone win? Phoenix got its man but at the possible exception of roster depth, which was already its biggest weakness. Can Beal and Kevin Durant stay healthy? Can a "big three" roster work in the world of the modern CBA? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports debate all that then move on to the Ja Morant suspension and if 25 games is the right number.

From there it's time to discuss Draymond Green and Kyle Kuzma turning down their player options, was that the right move? Then what about the start to the WNBA season and just how impressive is Breanna Stewart (very, very impressive)? Finally, we move on to Corey's Jukebox and tie Mat Ishbia's Suns into Gang Starr.

In Kurt's Korner they run through Kurt's consensus NBA Mock Draft for the lottery. He feels pretty good about Victor Wembanyama going No. 1 to the Spurs, after that just about everything is up in the air.

Talking NBA Draft, what will Portland do with Sean Highkin Jun 16, 2023

Here's what we know for sure: The San Antonio Spurs will select Victor Wembanyama with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. After that, it could be chaos with Charlotte at No. 2 and Portland at No. 3 open to trading their picks (as is Houston at No. 4), with names as big as Zion Williamson potentially in play.

It's going to be a wild night next Thursday and Sean Highkin of the Rose Garden Report and podcast joined Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss the Portland Trail Blazers plans. First, that does not include a Damian Lillard trade, the plan in Portland remains to build around the greatest player in franchise history and win with him there. Building around Lillard means the Trail Blazers want to trade the No. 3 pick as a lot of teams covet Scoot Henderson, but will Charlotte trade its No. 2 pick for that reason before Portland can act? Or do the Hornets take Brandon Miller and let Scoot fall to three?

Also, is New Orleans really ready to move on from Zion? Is Brandon Ingram in play at all? And what other teams would have interest in a big, bold move to jump up to a top-three pick to land Scoot or Miller? Also, the duo talks about all the expected trades in the late teens and 20s as contenders try to round out their rosters with affordable rookie contracts, a byproduct of the new CBA.

Nuggets earn title, can it be a dynasty? Plus trade, draft talk. Jun 15, 2023

The Denver Nuggets left no doubt who was the best team in the NBA. Not only did they roll through the West, but also the Miami Heat dragged the game into the mud and played much of the Finals on their terms. It did not matter. The Nuggets beat the Heat at their own game.

Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports dive into the Nugget's win and then tackle the big questions: Can they repeat and win another? Can they turn this into a dynasty? That tied directly into Corey's jukebox, which compares early Fleetwood Mac to where the Nuggets are right now.

Finally, the duo dives into trade talk — will Bradley Beal be on the move — and the upcoming NBA Draft, where the four picks after No. 1 are available for the right price. Would the Pelicans be willing to move Zion Williamson to land Scoot Henderson? It's not out of the question.

Heat vs. Nuggets NBA Finals, coaching hires Jun 09, 2023

After three games of the NBA Finals, there are still so many questions. Can the Heat stop the Jamal Murray/Nikola Jokić pick-and-roll? Will Miami find 3-point shot again and will that be enough? Is Denver the team that does not wilt under the pressure Miami puts on them? Is there a better player on the planet than Nikola Jokić.

Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports get into all of that, then talk coaching hires. Is Frank Vogel a good hire in Phoenix? speaking of coach talk, Corey's Jukebox talks Monty Williams and how a classic Aretha Franklin song sums him up.

Finally, the conversation turns to Team USA and the roster headed to the Philippines for the World Cup this summer — a lot of young, athletic talent, but will any of the American NBA elites join them? Also, who is your favorite NBA mascot?

NBA Finals preview, plus Nurse to Philly, and Bucks as opera May 31, 2023

The NBA Finals are here and it's not the matchup anybody predicted: The Denver Nuggets vs. the Miami Heat. In this latest PBT Extra podcast, Kurt Helin and Corey Robinson break down that Finals matchup and if the Heat have any chance of slowing down Nikola Jokić. First the pair talk the Heat's Game 7 win over the Boston Celtics and what this says for the future of the Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown era in Boston.

After the Finals, in Corey's Jukebox, Corey compares the Bucks and the recent hiring of Adrian Griffin as the team's head coach to the famed Mozart opera Don Giovanni — and that's not a complement to Milwaukee.

Then the duo get into the news around the NBA: What does Bob Myers leaving mean for the Warriors? Is Nick Nurse a good hire in Philadelphia? And what the heck is Eric Lewis thinking?

Nuggets advance, LeBron talks retirement, and coaching carousel May 25, 2023

LeBron James and his retirement stole the headlines, but the Denver Nuggets and their play deserve to be front and center, and that's the first topic in this week's podcast. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin get into what works for Denver, then dive into if LeBron is really thinking about retirement (he's not) and what the Lakers need to do. From there there is a conversation about the Heat and if the Celtics can come back on them. Then, for Corey's Jukebox, it's time to sing the blues with Johnny Lee Hooker and talk Lakers a little more. The conversation then shifts to Carmelo Anthony and his Hall of Fame career, before talking about the coaching searches around the NBA and how Nick Nurse is a hot name. Also, would you fire Joe Mazzulla? Finally, a quick conversation about the Game of Life.

It's a Fiesta when Spurs win lottery, plus playoff talk May 18, 2023

It's a Fiesta in San Antonio. Literally. And not just because the Spurs won the NBA Draft Lottery, and with it the rights to draft Victor Wembanyama, although Corey Robinson says that has added to the party along the River Walk — with some Afro-Cuban All-Stars music.

In this latest episode of the PBT Extra Podcast, Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports talk about why landing in San Antonio is a win for Wembanyama as well as the Spurs, how starting his career under the tutelage of Gregg Popovich is a good thing, and how the Spurs should be patient with their build-out around a franchise cornerstone. Then the pair discuss how the lottery was a win for the Hornets and Trail Blazers, but not so much for the Pistons.

From there they discuss Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals and what to take away from the Nuggets' dominant start and the Lakers' comeback. Then they get into the Eastern Conference Finals, where they agree the Heat will bring it and question how much they should trust the Celtics.

All that plus discussing heroes and villains.

Playoffs second round, All-NBA and NBA Draft Lottery talk May 13, 2023

This has been a wild playoffs and in this episode of PBT Extra Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the second round with a discussion of the 76ers and Celtics Game 7. They touch on the epic Lakers and Warriors series, the Heat and Knicks, and spend time talking about what is next for the Suns this summer — plus why we always seem to overlook the Denver Nuggets.

Speaking of the Nuggets, Corey's Jukebox compares Jokić and the Nuggets to a legendary Todd Rundgren album. From there in Kurt's Korner it's time to talk about the NBA hiring Mike Krzyzewski for... something. Then there is the All-NBA teams and finally the excitement around the NBA Draft lottery and what it could mean for some of the teams at the top.

Talking NBA playoffs second round, Grizzlies future May 05, 2023

After a summer of brash talk and high-profile distractions — including poking the bear that is LeBron James — the Memphis Grizzlies exited the playoffs with a whimper. That was quickly followed by reports they were not bringing back free agent Dillon Brooks as part of a shift to make this more of a playoff team. Is that the right move? NBC Sports' Corey Robinson doesn't think so, although Kurt Helin is less sure.

Before the duo goes walking in Memphis they take a stroll through the first round of the NBA playoffs. (This was recorded hours before news broke about Mike Budenholzer being fired by the Bucks.)

They talk about Jimmy Butler and the Heat against the Knicks, if Kevin Durant can bring the Suns back against Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets, and the rest of the first-round series. Tied into that is Corey's Jukebox, where Anthony Davis gets the Rolling Stones treatment.

First round playoff talk, what's next for Clippers Apr 27, 2023

We're approaching the end of what has been an unexpectedly great first round of the NBA playoffs. Remember when we thought the West was going to be wild with upsets but the East was predictable and follow the chalk? Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat thought differently. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports dive into all the first-round matchups including the Warriors and Kings, the Heat and Bucks, if the Grizzlies can come back on the Lakers and more.

Then for Corey's Jukebox, it's time for the King of Country George Straight to sing one for Kawhi Leonard. That leads to a conversation about where the Clippers go from here after another injury-plagued season and playoffs. Should they run it back, or is it time to move on from the Paul George/Kawhi Leonard era? Then the duo talk officiating in the playoffs, always a fraught topic this time of year. Finally, the duo talk about what animal — real or imagined — they would take on a quest.

First round playoff preview, latin music for LaMelo Apr 13, 2023

No more talk of load management or the Groundhog Day nature of NBA regular season — the playoffs are here. The games matter, the intensity is high and coaching strategies — and team roster building — are put to the ultimate stress test.

Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into the play-in games — particularly the Lakers win over the Timberwolves — and then get into all the first-round matchups. Can the Lakers upset the Grizzlies? What about the Warriors knocking off the 3-seed Kings? Will there be any upsets in the East.

Corey's Jukebox gets into LaMelo Ball and what's next for the star in Charlotte.

MVP and NBA awards, new CBA, and a deep Hall of Fame class Apr 07, 2023

It's the busy season in the NBA with the playoffs about to start, but Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports focus on the big picture this week. They talk about a deep Hall of Fame class — Gregg Popovich, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Tony Parker and more — then slide into talking about the new CBA and what it might mean for players and fans of elite teams.

Corey's Jukebox this week uses the classic rock music of Heart to explain what is going on with the Dallas Mavericks.

After that, the duo gets into the NBA MVP and other end-of-season awards. Should it be Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo with the hardware this year? Did Jaren Jackson Jr. play enough games to earn Defensive Player of the Year honors, or should it go to Brook Lopez and all he has brought to the Bucks? Can anyone top Paolo Banchero as Rookie of the Year? They discuss it all and more.

Talking big games down NBA stretch run, crumbling Mavericks Mar 29, 2023

The NBA is very good at backloading its schedule with games between its best teams, and that makes the final weeks of the regular season interesting. This week the suddenly-hot Timberwolves — who have come together with Mike Conley running the point — face the Lakers with LeBron James back from his foot issue. Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets take on Kevin Durant and the Suns in what could be a Western Conference second-round preview. Just how sideways are things in Dallas? Can the Heat beat the Knicks — and how big a threat is New York?

Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin get into all that, and while talking Mavericks, Corey's Jukebox talks Mavericks and some classic rock from Deep Purple. Then the conversation turns to players being shut down for the season — Damian Lillard and Ben Simmons among them — and how that sparks trade talk. Especially for Lillard, even though he has done nothing but be loyal to Portland. Then that discussion evolves into talking... karaoke? Yes, Karaoke.

Kings a playoff threat? Plus some summer free agent talk. Mar 23, 2023

The last time the Sacramento Kings were in the playoffs, there was a Bush in the White House and Pixar released the first "Cars" movie. They are back with a vengeance this season, going into the playoffs with a top-three seed and an elite offense, but how far can they go once in there? Maybe a long ways if things break right, and Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that. They discuss the passing of Knicks legend Willis Reed, then Corey's Jukebox compares Jayson Tatum to Eddie VanHalen's "Eruption." Finally, they focus on some possible free agents this summer maybe making their final runs with teams — will Draymond Green be back with the Warriors? What about Kyrie Irving with the Mavericks? The Knicks want Josh Hart back but are not getting a discount, and don't be surprised if the Heat and Trail Blazers try to make some big moves.

Where do Grizzlies go next? What about USA Basketball? Mar 16, 2023

Ja Morant and his gun incident at a club have understandably drawn the headlines — and an eight-game suspension from the NBA — but the issues with the Grizzlies are larger than that. There are the injuries to Steven Adams (he could return for the postseason) and Brandon Clarke (torn Achilles), but also there is what NBC Sports' Corey Robinson describes as a "punk rock attitude" about the team that can be a source of strength but also lead to undisciplined moments. [Editor's note: This podcast was recorded just a couple of hours before the NBA handed down Morant's suspension.]

Robinson and NBC Sports' Kurt Helin dive into that and what steps the Grizzlies need to take in a tight West playoff race. From there it is Corey's Jukebox segment, with some underground Los Angeles hip hop for the Clippers, and some classic Irish music for the Knicks' Julius Randle.

Finally, the duo discusses the changes at USA Basketball under Grant Hill — now players don't have to play in a World Cup to play in the Olympics? It's a concession to the modern game, but is it good for the American squad in an era where the gap between them and the world's other top teams has shrunk dramatically? The duo also talks a little March Madness — go UC Santa Barbara Gauchos.

Durant with Suns, Lillard with Blazers, songs for Bulls Mar 02, 2023

Kevin Durant has the kind of game that will plug-and-play with any team, but how will his presence impact the rest of the Phoenix Suns? Does Devin Booker get better matchups and more open looks? Will Chris Paul be more of a passer and shoot less? Will Deandre Ayton be happy in his new role? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all of that, followed by Corey's Jukebox with some Marvin Gaye for the Chicago Bulls and a little George Frideric Handel for the Suns. Then the duo fall into a discussion about loyalty in the NBA, and why Damian Lillard is a bit of an anomaly.

Unwatchable All-Star, buyout market, Hawks coaching search Feb 23, 2023

There are good things with the NBA All-Star Weekend: The 3-point Contest, this year the Dunk Contest and Mac McClung, and the many NBA-themed events that come up around it such as a Basketball Without Borders event, clinics and events with the youth of Salt Lake City, the Legends Breakfast and much more. But the actual All-Star Game itself is unwatchable.

Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the weekend and discuss if anything can be done to fix it. From there the topic turns to the Atlanta Hawks firing Nate McMillan and their coaching search. If McMillan was a scapegoat for bigger problems, will a new coach fix them?

Then they dive into the buyout market and the moves of Kevin Love to the Heat and Russell Westbrook to the Clippers. Mixed in with that is Corey's Jukebox music and NBA connections, plus a quick look ahead at the final quarter of the season.

Durant trade talk, predictions for All-Star Saturday Feb 16, 2023

The NBA is still reverberating from the shockwaves of the NBA trade deadline, and specifically the blockbuster that sent Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns. Does this make the Suns contenders? Favorites to come out of the West? What do they need to do to prove they belong on that level? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into all of that, plus where the Nets go from here. On this week's Corey's Jukebox segment it's more Suns talk, with a little Britney Spears thrown in, and a nod to the Jazz. Then the duo discusses All-Star Saturday night and what to look for in the Skills Competition, the 3-Point Contest, and the Dunk Contest. Finally, they end with a little Super Bowl halftime talk (and avoid the end-of-the-game talk).

LeBron chases history, WNBA superteam and trade talk Feb 02, 2023

It's one of the craziest weeks in the NBA — the week before the trade deadline is always insane — yet that is maybe the third biggest story in the league right now. First, we dive into LeBron James chasing history and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's all-time scoring record — what does that say about LeBron and his legacy? And his conditioning to be doing this 20 years into his NBA career. From there, Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports dive into the biggest move in the basketball world this week — Breanna Stewart shaking up the WNBA and choosing the New York Liberty in free agency. She formed a superteam in New York, there's another one in Las Vegas, and this is an opportunity for the WNBA to grow – and get charter flights for their players. From there, it's Corey's Jukebox and time to talk some Damian Lillard. Then the duo gets into trade rumors from around the league and everyone waiting on the Raptors to open up the market.

Hachimura trade and All-Star team Jan 26, 2023

Rui Hachimura is a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, which is a win for the Lakers front office — "Look! We're doing something!" — but how much of a win was that for the Lakers? Does it change much of anything for them on the court? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss that, then talk about the Orlando Magic and the return of Jonathan Isaac to the floor. Corey's Jukebox ties together the Magic and the Phantom of the Opera, and from there the duo get into Kurt's selections for the NBA All-Star Game, both starters and reserves. Plus, who would you want to star as if you were in a movie?

Trade rumors, and is Curry the new MJ? Jan 19, 2023

Are the Raptors going to trade Fred VanVleet? What about the Spurs with Jakob Poeltl? The best player likely to be moved is John Collins from the Hawks, or Bojan Bogdanovic from the Pistons, but will they actually be traded? It's three weeks from the trade deadline in the NBA and rumors are popping up everywhere, which is part of what Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break down in the latest PBT Extra Podcast. First they get into Steve Kerr's comments that Stephen Curry is the new MJ — is Curry really in the Jordan conversation? What about impact off the court? From there it's Corey's Jukebox and some VanVleet musical talk. Then it's trade talk time... followed by what world record do you think you could break?

NBA mid-season award picks, Durant injury Jan 12, 2023

We've reached the midway point of the NBA season, it's time to talk award frontrunners: MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year and more. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports gives out his mid-season picks with Corey Robinson of NBC adding his perspective and thoughts. First, however, the two discuss Corry's time in London, then the Kevin Durant injury and what that portends for the Nets. Then it's time for Corey's Jukebox, talking a little reggae and Atlanta Hawks. And more food in London.

Why scoring is up and NBA power rankings talk Jan 05, 2023

December and early January NBA ball has been fun to watch — seemingly every night some player is putting up historic scoring numbers, from Donovan Mitchell's 71 to Giannis Antetokounmpo's personal best 55. But it's not just individuals, team scoring is up as well. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports talk about the phenomenon and what is behind it — and why it's fun in the middle of a long season. After that Corey's Jukebox focuses on a song for Luka Doncic. Then they discuss the new target score ending being used in the G-League and if it could come to the NBA for overtimes.

Which Christmas Day NBA Games are worth watching? Dec 22, 2022

The NBA's traditional slate of five Christmas Day games goes up against the NFL a triple-header of NFL games year, which could lead to some channel flipping in some households (or the kids streaming the NBA game on their phones while their grandfathers and uncles watch the NFL. But which of the NBA games are worth flipping away from the NFL to see? Bucks at Celtics for sure, but what about the 76ers at Madison Square Garden against the Knicks? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that. First, the duo discusses the sale of the Phoenix Suns to Mat Ishbia and what that will mean for the franchise, then Corey's Jukebox picks a song for the Suns. After that comes a discussion of the NBA's international games — the league recently played in Mexico City and heads to Paris early next year — and the growth of the sport outside the United States, and how NBA 2K plays a big role in that. Then comes a discussion of all things Christmas.

New-look awards, Warriors road woes and Purple Haze for AD Dec 15, 2022

Cade Cunningham is out for the season with a shin injury, setting back the rebuilding process in Detroit a little, but as they focus on the lottery should they trade Bojan Bogdanovic? Or is having a veteran in the locker room who shows the young players how to be professional worth $20 million a season? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports debate that, then talk about the new-look NBA awards — the new designs are fine, but did they choose the best players to represent those awards as the NBA tries to teach its history? In Corey's Jukebox its tango music for the Trail Blazers and a Purple Haze for Anthony Davis. Then the duo discusses the Warriors' road woes (before the Stephen Curry shoulder injury and loss to the Pacers) and why the Warriors aren't focused on the road. Finally, Corey and Kurt discuss the hole-in-the-wall favorite places they would take each other for dinner if they got together around the holidays.

Lakers, Clippers, and Jokic as Beethoven Dec 08, 2022

Anthony Davis has played at an MVP-level for weeks now, outdueling even Giannis Antetokounmpo recently in a Lakers' win. LeBron James is still a force at age 37, Russell Westbrook has accepted the role and been a game-changer as a sixth man, and the Lakers' role players are hitting their 3-pointers. It's been an impressive run, but can the Lakers keep it up and be a threat in the West? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss all that, plus whether the now-healthy Clippers can find a groove and become a threat. In Corey's Jukebox he dances a little salsa and explains how Nikola Jokic is like Beethoven. Then there is talk of the Kyle Kuzma trade rumors, and what exactly are the long-term plans in Washington.

Timberwolves without KAT, get Luka some help Dec 01, 2022

Minnesota had already stumbled out of the gate this season, and now they will be without Karl-Anthony Towns for around a month with a calf strain. Just how much trouble are the Timberwolves in? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports discuss that then get into Giannis Antetokounmpo's Team USA vs. Team World matchup — does Evan Fournier get the world team in trouble? Who guards whom? From there it's time for Corey's Jukebox and some New Orleans jazz for Zion Williamson. That's followed by some Mavericks' talk — Dallas has put a big load on the shoulders of Luka Doncic, and while he's playing like an MVP it's a long-term concern for the Mavericks and their fans.

Ben Simmons, Ja Morant and punk music for the Grizzlies Nov 24, 2022

Ben Simmons handled his return to Philadelphia about as well as could be hoped, but his Nets team dropped the game to an extremely shorthanded 76ers team — what does that say about the Brooklyn Nets? is Kevin Durant frustrated? Then there is Ja Morant, who missed just one game with a Grade 1 sprained ankle and returned to drop 34 on the Kings — should we be worried about the long-term health of Morant? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC discuss all that plus Corey picks punk music to describe the Grizzlies, they discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers and if they are for real. What about the Sacramento Kings? And what they will be watching on Thanksgiving Day.

Knicks start .500, where do they go from here Nov 22, 2022

The New York Knicks sit at .500 and are the eighth seed in the East at the time of this podcast recording, yet things feel worse than that. Maybe it's the 25th ranked defense, maybe its the clunky fit of Julius Randle and RJ Barrett, maybe it's coach Tom Thibodeau's system, but things don't feel right. Tommy Beer - author of the “What’s on Tap” newsletter about the Knicks - joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to break down all-things Knicks. There is the good, such as the play of Jalen Brunson and the fact some of the team's young potential stars — Quentin Grimes and Immanuel Quickley — are getting healthy. Then there are so many questions, such as the fit of Julius Randle, is Obi Toppin ready for the big stage, and are the Knicks going to make a bold move at the trade deadline?

Nets hire Vaughn, red-hot Bucks, a song for Westbrook Nov 10, 2022

The Brooklyn Nets chose stability and gave interim coach Jacque Vaughn the job permanently on Wednesday, choosing not to hire suspended Celtics coach Ime Udoka (and avoiding the massive backlash that would have come with that deal). Hiring Vaughn calms things down, but will it get the Nets more wins? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break down where the Nets go from here, including should they trade Kyrie Irving or Kevin Durant? From there they discuss the red-hot Milwaukee Bucks, the Lakers and if they should make a trade, and there's another edition of Corey's Jukebox where he picks songs for the Utah Jazz and Russell Westbrook.

Talking Wizards start, East overall with Chase Hughes Nov 08, 2022

This is not the start the Wizards envisioned, but is it who they really are? Washington raced out to a 3-1 start against a soft spot in the schedule, but since the Wizards have stumbled going 1-5 (heading into Monday). More concerning, they are bottom 10 in the NBA in offense and defense — how does a team with Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and solid role players such as Kyle Kuzma struggle to score, especially in the halfcourt? Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington joins Kurt Helin to talk about Beal (no, they are not trading him), Porzingis, the Wizards and where they fit in an East with the red hot Cavaliers and the potential implosion of the Nets.

Nets drama, NBA surprise teams, and Christmas music Nov 03, 2022

When is it time to start playing Christmas music? After Thanksgiving? Is there ever a time not to play Christmas music? Sure, there is a lot of NBA news that Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into, including Steve Nash being out and Kyrie Irving Tweeting out another distraction in Brooklyn, but music draws some focus in this episode of the PBT Podcast. Coryey's Juke Box is back with a song — from an opera — for Irving, plus some classic Marvin Gaye for the Pistons. Then there is the Christmas music discussion. Also on tap is a discussion of the biggest surprises this young season, and how Zion Williamson has become a bigger threat with the addition of passing to his game.

Fast starts, slow starts, and what's the best song for the Lakers Oct 27, 2022

We're a little over one week into the season and there's a lot to talk about. There are the fast starts for the Trail Blazers and Spurs — can they keep it up, or are those starts a mirage? What about the slow starts, are the Lakers in trouble? (Hint: yes.) What about the 76ers? The Heat? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that in their weekly conversation, plus they break out a new segment Corey's Juke Box where he has a song choice for Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant. Then they look ahead at the week in the NBA and what games to watch.

NBA awards, title talk — and how to bet them Oct 19, 2022

The NBA season tipped off this week but it's not too late to look ahead at the big awards — MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, etc. — and not just make a prediction on who will win, but talk about how to bet them. And bet those NBA futures wisely. When thinking MVP, it's not just the player but is the team winning enough? With Rookie of the Year, it's about volume. Can another guard get the Defensive Player of the Year award? Drew Dinsick of NBC Sports Edge joins Kurt Helin and Corey Robinson of NBC Sports to talk title and award predictions, what the archetype is for players who win each award, and who everyone is picking. There's a lot of Joel Embiid love for MVP, and Jordan Poole is a Sixth Man favorite.

Draymond returns, what now for Warriors? Plus tanking talk Oct 12, 2022

Draymond Green will return to the Warriors in time for the season opener, having gotten a fine and no suspension, something that the players reportedly not only were good with but pushed for. Can Golden State move past this and win another ring this year? What does it mean long-term for the Warriors? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break all of that down, plus talk about Victor Wembanyama and if he (and Scoot Henderson) will bring tanking back to the NBA. At least for a year.

NBA Western Conference preview Oct 10, 2022

It's going to be a wild season in the Western Conference. There are sure-fire contenders at the top with the Warriors and Clippers, teams that could be contenders if things break right like the Nuggets and Suns, and finally just really good teams like the Mavericks and Grizzlies. There will be little margin for error. Mark Medina of NBA.com joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk all things Western Conference, including if the Clippers are for real, and if the Lakers could be. How much will Luka Doncic miss Jalen Brunson in Dallas? Did the Suns miss their window? Why we all should be watching the Pelicans, and much more.

Philadelphia 76ers season preview Oct 03, 2022

The Philadelphia 76ers are title contenders — if James Harden and Joel Embiid can up their performances on the biggest of stages. Philadelphia learned its lessons from the playoff loss to Miami last season and filled out the roster with more toughness and two-way players in the form of P.J. Tucker, Danuel House and DeAnthony Melton. Add in the development of Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle and you have a deep roster of quality players — all the way down to B-Ball Paul. Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss if Doc Rivers is ready to take this team to the next level and if all the additions can come together when it matters. And can James Harden shake his playoff reputation and lead a team to the Finals?

What's next for Celtics, Suns... and should NBA drop age limit? Sep 28, 2022

NBA training camps just opened and teams have yet to play a preseason game, but already two contenders are dealing with problems. The Celtics have the suspension of coach Ime Udoka as a distraction, plus defensive anchor center Robert Williams will miss at least the start of the season. The Suns have the distraction of a suspended owner who is selling the team, plus Jae Crowder is out and demanding a trade, and Deandre Ayton does not seem happy. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports go through all the training camp news, including the wilder ones with the Lakers and Nets, breaking down what to take away from all that — plus how good Zion Williamson and James Harden look on the court. Then the pair discusses the potential of the NBA doing away with the one-and-done role and letting 18 year olds back in the game — is that good for the NBA?

Golden State Warriors season preview Sep 26, 2022

The Golden State Warriors will enter the season hanging banner number four from this era and passing out their championship rings, but this is a team with more questions than most returning champs. Otto Porter and Gary Payton II are gone and their minutes are going to go to a young core — Jordan Poole, Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, James Wiseman — who are going to be asked to carry a larger load. Particularly during the regular season. Dalton Johnson of NBC Sports Bay Area joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to break down this coming Warriors season, what to expect, and if the young core can get the older vets to the playoffs rested and ready to defend their title. There's also talk of what comes next in Golden State, as some hard contract choices are coming in the next few years.

NBA dramas: Sarver, Mitchell, in-season tournament Sep 15, 2022

Big, dramatic storylines follow the NBA into what is supposed to be the quiet, slow part of the offseason, and Cory Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of it in this podcast. It starts with a discussion of the NBA's one-year suspension and $10 million fine of Suns' owner Robert Sarver for his racist and misogynistic actions in the Suns' offices and what comes next (this was recorded before Adam Silver's press conference on the matter, and before several players spoke out on the matter). From there the pair dive into the Donovan Mitchell trade to Cleveland and what that will mean, both for the Cavaliers and the Jazz. After that, the pair discuss if anyone will care when the NBA hosts an in-season tournament, and finally they talk NBA 2K player ratings, which came out this week.

Did Knicks make right move extending RJ Barrett? Aug 31, 2022

For the first time since the 1990s and Charlie Ward, the Knicks have signed their first-round pick to a multi-year extension, keeping RJ Barrett and not putting him in a trade for Donovan Mitchell. Was that the right move for the Knicks? Now what happens with the Mitchell trade? Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of that, plus they discuss the WNBA playoffs and the challenges the favorites face after losing the first game of the second round. Then the pair talk about the best and worst retro jerseys this season and all-time.

Durant returns to Nets, but is this really over? Aug 25, 2022

Kevin Durant has decided to return to the Brooklyn Nets, a decision that is both surprising and inevitable. Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports delve into how Durant didn't have the leverage he thought he had, the Nets never lowered their sky-high asking price but the team and KD also could not create a bidding war. The pair discuss what this means for the Nets long-term, and if this really is a partnership like the Nets are trying to sell. Also, what does this mean for the top of the Eastern Conference — how big a threat is a stacked Nets team?

Durant drama: Is trade request bad for his hooper legacy? Aug 18, 2022

Kevin Durant drama keeps unfolding like a good television series, and Corey Robinson and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports get into all of it: Durant's "the coach and GM or me" ultimatum to owner Joe Tsai, the stalled out negotiations, and how long things can drag out. Then the duo disagrees on what this says about Durant's legacy as a guy who puts the game first — did he tear down Brooklyn and ask out, or is this him wanting to compete and realizing he can't do it in Brooklyn?

After that the conversation turns to the Christmas Day games, and the Bucks vs. Celtics matchup in particular. From there the discussion evolves into Dejounte Murray's call for more NBA players to do Pro-Ams and give fans who can't afford an NBA ticket the chance to see them play up close. That can be a great thing for hard-core hoops fans.

Bill Russell's impact. Is Brown for Durant wise? Another international MVP? Aug 04, 2022

Bill Russell helped change the game on the court, but Corey Robinson of NBC Sports talks about the impact he had off the court and the respect other greats of the game (like Corey's father David) have for Mr. Russell. After that discussion, Corey and Kurt Helin get into the modern Celtics with a discussion of a potential Jaylen Brown for Kevin Durant trade and whether that would be wise. The focus then turns to the MVP race and why so many international players are at the top of that list, and the pair finish off talking about the best arena food Corey and Kurt have ever had.

Corey & Kurt talk Mitchell trade, Westbrook's role, Ayton with Suns, more Jul 21, 2022

In what will be a new regular feature for NBC Sports PBT podcast, Corey Robinson — the son of NBA legend David Robinson and a former wide receiver for Notre Dame — and Kurt Helin talk all the news around the NBA. That includes trade talk, such as what should be the asking price for Donovan Mitchell and do the Jazz just want picks? The duo discusses if Russell Westbrook can find a role with the Lakers, and what the public statement from Westbrook's agent means. They get into Deandre Ayton's return to the Suns and the risk the Suns took hin handling it the way they did. There was a discussion of the PBT NBA Power Rankings for the summer, and also who stood out at NBA Summer League. That includes talking about non-NBA athletes we'd love to see on the court.

Donovan Mitchell trade Jul 15, 2022

The Jazz trading Donovan Mitchell to the Knicks seems like a matter of when, not if.

Dan Feldman and Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune discuss what the final trade might include, how New York will look with Mitchell, how Utah will look without Mitchell, the Rudy Gobert-Karl-Anthony Towns pairing with the Timberwolves, the misunderstood Royce O'Neale-Nets trade, reporting in the Mitchell saga and the root of Mitchell's dissatisfaction with the Jazz.

Mocking Nets-Lakers Kyrie Irving trade talks Jul 07, 2022

What will the Nets do with Kyrie Irving?

Dan Feldman and Nate Duncan of the "Dunc'd On" podcast hold mock trade negotiations between the Nets, Lakers and Mavericks:

PBT Podcast: Bird Rights Trap: The game Jun 28, 2022

John Hollinger of The Athletic coined the term "Bird Rights Trap" to describe when a team can exceed the salary cap to re-sign a helpful player but wouldn't open cap space if the player leaves.

Dan Feldman and Keith Smith of Spotrac analyze teams caught in the Bird Rights Trap this summer, making calls on whether they should pay up or let the player walk:

76ers: James Harden
Wizards: Bradley Beal
Bulls: Zach LaVine
Suns: Deandre Ayton
Hornets: Miles Bridges
Mavericks: Jalen Brunson

Note: The episode opens with discussion of Kyrie Irving, who opted in with the Nets after recording. However, the evaluation of Irving's value still holds water, especially with Brooklyn eligible to sign him to an extension this summer.

PBT Podcast: Best and worst picks and fits of 2022 NBA Draft Jun 24, 2022

Why did the Magic run a subterfuge campaign before drafting Paolo Banchero No. 1, and – more importantly – was he worth the top pick? Which teams drafted the best fits? How did the Knicks, Thunder, Pistons, Hornets, Grizzlies and 76ers do in their trades?

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin review the 2022 NBA Draft.

2022 NBA Draft prospect preview Jun 21, 2022

Auburn's Jabari Smith, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren or Duke's Paolo Banchero?

Dan Feldman and Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated discuss the big three prospects in the 2022 NBA Draft, several other players slotted for the first round and a couple sleepers.

The Warriors are your 2022 NBA Champions Jun 17, 2022

Was it the Warriors' championship mettle and experience, or did the Celtics beat themselves? Or, was it just the fact Stephen Curry was just the best player in the series by a mile. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports sit courtside at the TD Garden in Boston not long after Golden State was crowned NBA Champions for the fourth time in eight years and talked about the Warriors' underrated defense, the greatness of Stephen Curry, the smart moves by Golden State in not making a big trade, the play of Andrew Wiggins, and what the Boston Celtics have to do to get back to this stage again.

NBA Finals Game 2 Jun 06, 2022

The Warriors beat the Celtics in Game 2, tying the NBA Finals 1-1.

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss Draymond Green's behavior, Stephen Curry's scoring and how Boston can adjust:

Warriors vs. Celtics NBA Finals preview Jun 01, 2022

The Boston Celtics vs. the Golden State Warriors for the NBA Title. It's a fitting matchup. There are fascinating storylines of franchise history, and it's a chess of player matchups. Stephen Curry with Marcus Smart on him, Jayson Tatum guarded by Andrew Wiggins. Kurt Helin of NBCSports.com and Mark Medina of NBA.com break down the Finals matchup, the history, and what it means for both franchises — and both predict a seven-game series.

Heat's weird sickness May 26, 2022

The Heat trail the Celtics 3-2 in the Eastern Conference finals and look worn down.

Yet, in a season that included an infamous blowup between Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler, Miami made another deep playoff run behind its tremendous culture.

Dan Feldman and Wes Goldberg of Locked On Heat preview the NBA Finals and discuss the Heat's present predicament and their future with Butler, Kyle Lowry, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and a potential additional star.

Magic lottery May 18, 2022

The Magic have won 11 playoff series in franchise history.

All 11 happened with a player they drafted No. 1.

After experiencing major success with 1992 No. 1 pick Shaquille O'Neal (and Penny Hardaway, who was acquired in a draft-day trade for 1993 No. 1 pick, Chris Webber) and 2004 No. 1 pick Dwight Howard, Orlando has once again won the NBA draft lottery.

Will the Magic select Auburn's Jabari Smith, Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren or Duke's Paolo Banchero?

Dan Feldman and Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel (reporting from the lottery in Chicago) discuss the Magic's decision, how getting the top pick changes the franchise's trajectory and what this particular outcome – Magic 1, Thunder 2, Rockets 3 – means for the NBA.

Bucks-Celtics and other Boston(-ish) topics May 13, 2022

Dan Feldman and Jared Weiss of The Athletic discuss Celtics-Bucks, Sean Marks' comments on Kyrie Irving, Executive of the Year, Danny Ainge's task with the Jazz and the NBA naming conference finals MVPs.

NBA playoffs and other minutiae May 05, 2022

After a blip, the Suns – up 2-0 on the Mavericks with Devin Booker healthy – have regained their status as championship favorite.

The other three second-round series look far closer. Grizzlies-Warriors and Celtics-Bucks are each tied 1-1. Though the Heat are up 2-0 on the 76ers, Joel Embiid could return.

Dan Feldman and J. Michael of the Orlando Sentinel discuss all four ongoing playoff series and a few side plots, including the Ben Simmons saga and Davis Bertans' contract.

As mentioned on the pod, here are the first-round series MVPs the NBA should just name itself.

NBA championship race reset Apr 28, 2022

The Suns lost Devin Booker to injury. The Bucks lost Khris Middleton to injury. The Nets just lost.

Meanwhile, the already-strong Warriors (with Stephen Curry getting healthier), Celtics (with Robert Williams getting healthier) and Heat (at least if Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry are healthy) look even better than expected.

Not even a full round through the playoffs, the NBA championship race looks significantly different than how it began.

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin take stock and rank the remaining contenders/

New stressors of instantly intense NBA playoffs Apr 21, 2022

Just five days into the NBA playoffs, the landscape is already shifting dramatically.

Dan Feldman and James Boyd of The Indianapolis Star discuss who has had the pressure on them increase most since the playoffs began.

Handicapping NBA Playoffs with Drew Dinsick Apr 15, 2022

The NBA playoffs tip-off this weekend and it's the best time of the NBA season — and a chance for savvy betters to make some money. Drew Dinsick of NBC Sports Edge (@whale_capper on Twitter) joins NBC's Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) to break down all the first-round matchups. Are the Miami Heat undervalued by betters? Are the Milwaukee Bucks overvalued? Who comes out on top when Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and the Nets take on the defensive-minded Celtics? Are the Toronto Raptors a threat to upset the Philadelphia 76ers?

Kurt and Drew talk about all that and break down the Western Conference as well.

2022 Utmost Improved Player Apr 11, 2022

Which NBA players have improved most during their careers?

Dan Feldman gave his top 10 list for 2022 Utmost Improved Player.

He and Brett Koremenos discuss their top candidates for the award.

All-NBA Mar 31, 2022

The All-NBA debate is already raging more than a week before the season ends.

Dan Feldman and Michael Pina of Sports Illustrated give their picks.

Best and worst fits in NBA, 90s Knicks Mar 24, 2022

I intended to talk only briefly with Chris Herring of Sports Illustrated about the 1990s Knicks. Those teams had such a strong identity – which fit some players exceptionally well… and others not so much. The plan was to pivot into the current NBA, ranking the players who fit best and worst with their current teams.

But Herring's new book – "Blood in the Garden: The Flagrant History of the 1990s New York Knicks" – is so fascinating, we spent considerable time on the 90s Knicks.

Then still got into the current players who are in the exact right spot and those who could use a change of scenery.

Note: This podcast was recorded before Kyrie Irving was cleared to play Nets home games.

Overrated, underrated by stats Mar 18, 2022

Dan Feldman and "The Midrange Theory" author Seth Partnow – who also writes for the The Athletic and hosts "Callin Shots" – rank:

Three NBA players most underrated by traditional box-score statistics
Three NBA players most overrated by traditional box-score statistics
Three NBA players most underrated by advanced statistics
Three NBA players most overrated by advanced statistics

Russell Westbrook, 'Westbrick' and the point guard's future Mar 11, 2022

Russell Westbrook wants to be treated with a certain level of deference.

He wants the Lakers to keep his role prominent. He reportedly wants to leave Los Angeles this summer, even with the complication of his contract running through next season. And, most recently, he wants everyone to stop calling him "Westbrick" – publicly issuing a personal/appeal warning about how the nickname unacceptably shames his family.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman – of whom Westbrook once said "I just don't like you" – discuss Westbrook's issues in this phase of his career and the Thunder's post-Westbrook rebuild:

Ranking NBA's best-of-the-rest teams Mar 03, 2022

Five teams have emerged as consensus favorites to win the 2022 NBA title: Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Nets and Brooklyn Nets.

Does anyone else belong in that group?

Eight other teams have at least a 98% chance of making the playoffs, according to The Ringer:

Miami Heat (41-22)
Chicago Bulls (39-23)
Cleveland Cavaliers (36-26)
Boston Celtics (37-27)
Memphis Grizzlies (43-20)
Utah Jazz (39-22)
Dallas Mavericks (37-25)
Denver Nuggets (36-26)

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Dan Devine of The Ringer – who recently wrote an excellent article on the Heat's playoff hopes – rank those eight best-of-the-rest teams:

How to fix NBA All-Star Feb 17, 2022

The greatest concentration of easily correctable NBA problems occur around All-Star.

On the ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Michael Lee of The Washington Post fix NBA All-Star – from selecting rosters to Rising Stars to the dunk contest to the All-Star game itself:

NBA trade deadline Feb 11, 2022

The Nets-76ers James Harden-Ben Simmons deal was a monumental in-season trade.

But that was hardly the end of the action.

Kristaps Porzingis, Derrick White, Domantas Sabonis, Tyrese Haliburton, C.J. McCollum and more changed teams in the eventful leadup to the trade deadline.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss the flurry of NBA transactions:

Players most likely to get dealt before NBA trade deadline Feb 03, 2022

Ben Simmons has loomed over the NBA trade market for months. Jerami Grant, Harrison Barnes, Domantas Sabonis, Myles Turner, John Collins are drawing plenty of attention now. There's even speculation about Bradley Beal getting dealt.

But which NBA players are actually most likely to get traded before the trade deadline (Thursday, Feb. 10)?

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and “Built to Lose: How the NBA’s Tanking Era Changed the League Forever” author Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report give their top-10 lists:

Should the Wizards trade Bradley Beal? Jan 27, 2022

The star everybody – including his own team – should be talking more about ahead of the trade deadline: Bradley Beal.

Beal has shown significant loyalty to the Wizards. He continues to say how much he appreciates a franchise building around him, which wouldn't happen if he joins a super team elsewhere. There's something cool about a star spending his entire career with the same team, trying to hurdle rather than dodge any obstacles, even if it ultimately results in less success. The journey can be rewarding, and the victories are even sweeter.

But Beal reportedly won't sign a $181,301,299 max contract extension before the trade deadline.

Maybe that's just so he can re-sign for $242 million over five years this summer. Yet, that route also opens the door for him leaving as an unrestricted free agent.

Beal has talked about being selfish for the first time in his career. A catastrophic loss this week could be ominous. How Washington sends him into the summer could be highly important. Despite a strong start, the Wizards aren't even a lock for the postseason, let alone the playoffs.

Dan Feldman and Ben Standig of The Athletic discuss the difficult decisions facing Beal and Washington.

Ben Simmons trade parameters Jan 21, 2022

After starting with about 30 trade targets, 76ers president Daryl Morey said he lowered his asking price for Ben Simmons and would now accept a "top-40 player who’s a great fit."

Who cracks Philadelphia's list?

Dan Feldman and Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia discuss which players the 76ers would trade Simmons for, which teams can trade for Simmons without including a core star, Michele Roberts spreading a rumor that a promise was made about trading Simmons and what happens after the trade deadline if Simmons isn't dealt:

Picking 2022 NBA All-Stars Jan 13, 2022

For some reason, the NBA allows fans, players, other media, coaches and – if there's an injury – the commissioner say in picking All-Stars.

Everyone should just listen to us.

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin select their All-Star rosters.

Mid-season awards: Talking MVP, Rookie of Year, more Jan 11, 2022

The first half of the NBA season has gone by quickly, and to celebrate that midpoint it's time to talk NBA Awards, with Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports giving their picks. Stephen Curry was the early favorite to win MVP, but is he still? Evan Mobley impressed early on, but is he still the Rookie of the Year? Who is the Sixth Man of the year when so many bench players were forced into starting roles? Kurt and Dan get into all of that plus Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and more.

Star or Not a Star? Dec 23, 2021

Pacers president Kevin Pritchard backtracked after saying the team needed to "manufacture that real star." After all, Indiana has Domantas Sabonis, who made the last two All-Star games and might be playing even better this season.

But is Sabonis really a star?

How about Hornets guard LaMelo Ball? Or Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram? Or Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Rod Beard of The Detroit News play "Star or Not a Star?":

Key Dec. 15 additions to NBA trade market Dec 14, 2021

Dec. 15 is viewed as the unofficial start of NBA trade season. Though that date hasn't proven to be particularly significant, it is when most free agents who signed the prior offseason become eligible to be dealt. That opens numerous possibilities.

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss the most intriguing players who can hit the trade market Dec. 15.

Future NBA stars Nov 05, 2021

Which NBA players who've never been All-Stars are most likely to become All-Stars at some point?

Dan Feldman and Patrick Hayes give their top-10 lists.

Ben Simmons, mental health and a new status quo Oct 29, 2021

Ben Simmons told the 76ers he wasn't mentally to play, and they stopped fining him.

Where will this détente lead?

Dan Feldman and Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia discuss on the ProBasketballTalk Podcast.

NBA 75th anniversary team Oct 22, 2021

The NBA named 76 players to its 75th anniversary team.

Time to argue about it.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss the biggest snubs, surprising inclusions, surprising exclusions, the entire 50 Greatest Players list making it, Andre Iguodala's top-20 endorsement of Kyrie Irving, several other borderline candidates (some in, some out) and players most likely to rise onto the 100th anniversary team:

2021-22 NBA season-preview challenge Oct 18, 2021

Who will win NBA MVP?

Probably not Luka Doncic. Probably not Giannis Antetokounmpo. Probably not Stephen Curry. Probably not Joel Embiid. Probably not Kevin Durant. Probably not Damian Lillard. Probably not LeBron James. Probably not Nikola Jokic. Probably not James Harden. Probably not Anthony Davis.

At minimum, 90% of those predictions will be correct. Far better odds than naming a single player and him winning the award.

Rather than take wild shots on single predictions for these wide-open races, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin challenge each other to find the smallest pools that'll include the correct answer for:

NBA champion
Eastern Conference champion
Western Conference champion
Most Valuable Player
Defensive Player of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Sixth Man of the Year
Most Improved Player
Coach of the Year

Who had the better picks? Listen to the ProBasketballTalk Podcast and decide.

Talking Steve Kerr with Scott Howard-Cooper Oct 05, 2021

Steve Kerr is expected to soon be named the USA Basketball head coach to succeed Gregg Popovich, but Kerr's journey to this place is unlike any other. Kerr was barely recruited out of high school as a player, ended up becoming a legend at Arizona under Lute Olsen, and went from being a second-round NBA pick to 15 years in the league, five rings, and a black eye from a punch from Michael Jordan. Kerr's life was not easy — his father was assassinated by terrorists in the Middle East while he was in college — but he also has had some breaks, then took full advantage of them. In this latest PBT Podcast, we talk about all of that with Scott Howard Cooper, the man who literally wrote the book on Kerr, which is available now, Steve Kerr: A Life.

NBA and coronavirus vaccination Oct 01, 2021

Magic forward Jonathan Isaac and Wizards guard Bradley Beal said plenty about coronavirus vaccines.

As Kent Bazemore showed, there's value in engaging on the topic with people who aren't vaccinated.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Cassie Scarfone – an infection preventionist and registered nurse in critical care with a masters in epidemiology from the University of Michigan School of Public Health – discuss vaccination within the NBA and the league's coronavirus policies:

Grant Hill talks Hawks, new coach for USA Basketball Sep 30, 2021

Duke legend, basketball Hall of Famer, and now the president of USA Basketball Grant Hill joins Kurt Helin at NBC Sports to talk about a number of topics. that includes picking a new coach for USA Basketball in the next few months, plus what the Hawks need to do to build off last season.

NBA's most polarizing offseason (AKA talking Chicago Bulls) Sep 21, 2021

The Bulls added Lonzo Ball – a move highly praised in some corners (including this one) and deeply panned in other corners.

The Bulls added DeMar DeRozan – a move highly praised in some corners and deeply panned in other corners (including this one).

Dan Feldman and K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago discuss the Bulls' eventful offseason (which also included signing Alex Caruso and sign-and-trading Lauri Markkanen), Zach LaVine's future with the team and Chicago's larger plan dating back to the Nikola Vucevic trade.

What are the Cavaliers doing? Sep 09, 2021

The Cavaliers shortchanged their final year of title contention with LeBron James by not trading the Nets pick. Then, they undercut their rebuild before it even began by giving Kevin Love a massive contract extension.

Since those highly consequential era-ending and era-opening blunders, Cleveland had been mostly quietly rebuilding.

Until this year.

This summer, the Cavs drafted Evan Mobley No. 3, re-signed Jarrett Allen to a five-year, $100 million contract, gave Lauri Markkanen a $67 million contract and surrendered Larry Nance Jr. in a sign-and-trade and traded for Ricky Rubio.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com and Dan Feldman discuss those moves and some the Cavaliers haven't (yet?) made: trading for Ben Simmons (by including Darius Garland or otherwise), trading Collin Sexton, extending Sexton, buying out Love.

Ben Simmons-76ers standoff Sep 02, 2021

Ben Simmons, seeking a trade from the 76ers, is threatening not to report to training camp. Joel Embiid is tweeting about it. Other teams are trying to entice Daryl Morey with their not-so-great offers.

How did Philadelphia get here?

Dan Feldman and Noah Levick of NBC Sports Philadelphia discuss Doc Rivers' infamous comment about Simmons, the Simmons-Embiid dynamic and of course Simmons trade talk:

Talking Siakam, Joshua Primo with agent Todd Ramasar Aug 27, 2021

Were the offseason trade rumors around Pascal Siakam legitimate, or was it just a lot of media speculation gone wild? How did Alabama guard Joshua Primo vault up to the No. 12 pick and surprise pundits? NBC Sports' Kurt Helin asked the agent for both men, Todd Ramasar, about all that, plus they talk draft prep for players, some Thomas Bryant, and even a little Baron Davis.

Damian Lillard, Ben Simmons, Bradley Beal, tanking Aug 25, 2021

Damian Lillard remains with the Trail Blazers – for now.

Ben Simmons remains with the 76ers – for now.

Bradley Beal remains with the Wizards – for now.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and "Built to Lose: How the NBA’s Tanking Era Changed the League Forever" author Jake Fischer discuss the offseason's lingering star drama and, of course, tanking.

Kevin Durant-Draymond Green sit-down, Warriors' present and future Aug 20, 2021

Draymond Green and Kevin Durant made major waves in their recent Bleacher Report interview.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area discuss:

Fallout from Green's and Durant's comments in Golden State, especially with Bob Myers and Steve Kerr
Green's infamous blowup at Durant
When Durant decided to leave the Warriors
Whether Golden State can bridge the gap between its veterans (Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson) and young players (James Wiseman, Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody)
Why the Warriors didn't make a big trade or use the mid-level exception
Curry's four-year, $215 million contract extension
Green's 3-point shooting

Talking Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jason Kidd, Evan Mobley, Andre Drummond with Mirin Fader Aug 13, 2021

Giannis Antetokounmpo conquered the NBA on his own terms.

How did he climb from poverty in Greece to leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship? Mirin Fader chronicled Antetokounmpo's journey in her new book: “Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP."

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Fader discuss:

Antetokounmpo's upbringing in Greece, particularly as he approached the 2013 NBA Draft
How Antetokounmpo handled his rookie year, when Milwaukee was awful
Why Antetokounmpo is so loyal to the Bucks
The racism Antetokounmpo has faced
What the Mavericks should expect from former Bucks coach Jason Kidd
Cavaliers No. 3 pick Evan Mobley, an exciting prospect with a unique perspective
Why it didn't work with Andre Drummond and the Lakers and whether he'll fit better on the 76ers

NBA offseason superlatives Aug 06, 2021

Dan Feldman and Nate Duncan of the "Dunc'd On" podcast discuss 24 superlatives from the NBA offseason:

Best offseason
Worst offseason
Best signing
Worst signing
Team that improved most for next season
Team that declined most for next season
Team that improved most for 2022-23 and beyond
Team that declined most for 2022-23 and beyond
Signing that will produce most value in Year 1
Signing that will produce least value in Year 1
Signing that will produce most value in Year 2
Signing that will produce least value in Year 2
Signing that will produce most value in Year 3
Signing that will produce least value in Year 3
Signing that will produce most value in Year 4
Signing that will produce least value in Year 4
Signing that will produce most value in Year 5
Signing that will produce least value in Year 5
Best fit
Worst fit
Best player to sign for less than mid-level exception
Best player to sign for minimum
Signing that creates most complications for his team
Best free agent remaining (besides Kawhi Leonard)

Russell Westbrook trade, NBA draft Jul 30, 2021

The Wizards are trading Russell Westbrook to the Lakers. Five NBA draft lottery picks were stunning. Plenty of other picks were surprising, including two highly ranked players slipping into the second round.

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin analyze a wild night in the NBA:

Confounding 2021 NBA Draft podcasts Jul 28, 2021

I publish an NBA draft board each year.

But I also also start the process relatively late. Though I watch college basketball throughout the season, I don't drill down into the top prospects until the draft is approaching. As a result, my impressions don't always match the draft experts who track players for years coming up.

Experts like Chad Ford (whom you can read here and listen to here).

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Ford explains what I'm missing on some of the prospects where I differ from the apparent consensus – if there even is an apparent consensus:

Alperen Sengun
Scottie Barnes
Jonathan Kuminga
Jalen Johnson
Ziaire Williams
JT Thor

Wow, Giannis Antetokounmpo Jul 12, 2021

Giannis Antetokounmpo just played a historically great NBA Finals game.

Then, he played an even better NBA Finals game.

Antetokounmpo is enjoying this experience and Bucks fans should, too. He has even gotten Milwaukee within a game of the Suns.

Dan Feldman and Frank Madden of Locked On Bucks discuss the NBA Finals and Milwaukee's longer-term outlook.

Previewing 2021 NBA Finals Jul 05, 2021

Is Phoenix-Milwaukee the ideal big-market NBA Finals?

No.

Do Dan Feldman and Mike Prada care?

No.

The Suns and Bucks are enjoyable teams that play hard, smart and together. This Finals matchup could be excellent – especially if Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy.

Feldman and Prada preview the series (with a look back on conference finals MVPs).

Conference finals, coaching carousel and more Jul 02, 2021

The shorthanded Bucks just beat the shorthanded Hawks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, could Milwaukee hang with the Suns in the NBA Finals? Even if Trae Young returns, could Atlanta?

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discuss the playoffs ahead and behind (who should win Western Conference finals MVP?).

They also cover the Clippers' outlook with (or without?) Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the Trail Blazers facing complications with Damian Lillard and Chauncey Billups and the Mavericks hiring Jason Kidd.

Pistons and Raptors win big in NBA draft lottery Jun 23, 2021

The Pistons haven't won a playoff game in 13 years.

But their fortunes are changing.

Detroit won the 2021 NBA Draft lottery, getting the inside track to Cade Cunningham (or Jalen Green???). The other big winner: the Raptors, who moved up from the No. 7 lottery seed to the No. 4 pick. Tanking pays, apparently.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman discusses how the Pistons will handle their windfall with James Edwards III of The Athletic and whether Toronto's lottery luck will change the team's trajectory with Eric Koreen of The Athletic.

COIVD, ACL, coaches fired, breaking down NBA's wild Wednesday Jun 16, 2021

Wednesday was so insane around the NBA we barely talked about Kevin Durant having a game for the ages the night before. Chris Paul and COVID, Kawhi Leonard and his ACL, Stan Van Gundy out in New Orleans, then Scott Brooks out in Washington, Donnie Nelson out as GM in Dallas, and LaMelo Ball being named Rookie of the Year. It's almost too much to process, but Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports give it a shot — and they take a couple of listener questions.

Trail Blazers could turn a corner – but in which direction? Jun 09, 2021

The Trail Blazers have reached a crossroads.

After making the playoffs eight straight years, Portland ousted coach Terry Stotts. C.J. McCollum could get traded. Damian Lillard almost certainly won't, but building around him is a major challenge.

And Neil Olshey said A LOT at his end-of-season press conference (embedded above).

Where will and should the Trail Blazers go from here?

Dan Feldman and Danny Marang of NBC Sports Northwest and the Blazers Edge Podcast discuss.

What's going on with the Celtics? Jun 03, 2021

The Celtics just went through a shocking shakeup, Danny Ainge stepping down as team president (though not necessarily retiring) and Brad Stevens getting promoted from coaching to running the front office.

What's happening in Boston?

Dan Feldman and Jared Weiss of The Athletic discuss the Celtics' new structure, whether they'll trade Kemba Walker or Marcus Smart, how they should build around Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, comments Ainge made or may not have made on the way out the door and how prepared the Nets' defense – after stifling Boston – is for the Bucks:

Re-assessing Western Conference title contenders May 27, 2021

The NBA playoffs began with three-to-four Western Conference teams – Lakers, Clippers, Jazz and arguably Suns – looking like championship contenders.

All four have have taken dents to their cases:

The Clippers might be imploding as they've fallen behind 2-0 to the Mavericks.
Lakers star LeBron James has looked only relatively healthy (at best) with his ankle issue.
Suns star Chris Paul is injured.
The Jazz had a rough showing in Game 1 then a key defenseless stretch in Game 2.

On the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast, Dan Feldman and Andy Larsen of The Salt Lake Tribune give progress reports for the West contenders and assess whether Dallas belongs in the conversation.

They also got into a Philadelphia fan dumping popcorn on Russell Westbrook, a Knicks fan maybe spitting on Trae Young, Kyrie Irving's comments about racism in Boston, fallout from Utah sitting Donovan Mitchell in Game 1, whether Jazz teammates Jordan Clarkson or Joe Ingles should have won Sixth Man of the Year and why Bojan Bogdanovic got a Most Improved Player vote.

Lakers win, Clippers struggle, no battle of LA again? May 26, 2021

The Los Angeles Lakers struggled at points but went to Anthony Davis at center lineup when it mattered and evened their series with the Suns. The other Los Angeles team, the Clippers, look to be in serious trouble down 0-2 to Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, with the Clippers' defense falling apart. Another year without a battle for Los Angeles? No Hallway Series? Mark Medina of the USA Today joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss the two Los Angeles teams and their playoff series, plus some talk of how aggressive the Warriors need to be this offseason to build a team around Stephen Curry.

2021 NBA awards May 20, 2021

Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin discussed their 2021 NBA award picks, including:

Dan and Kurt also reveal their yet-to-be-published choices for Most Improved Player and All-Rookie, going especially deep on their indefensible, ridiculous, unwarranted, disrespectful, unfair, preposterous, ludicrous, revolting, unacceptable snub of Anthony Edwards for Rookie of the Year.

NBC's NBA Play-in/playoff preview May 17, 2021

The first-ever play-in tournament at the end of a regular season (as much as you can call this season regular) starts off with a showstopper: Warriors at Lakers. We delve into why the Lakers are no lock in that game, plus look at the other play-in games: Spurs at Grizzlies, and in the East Washington at Boston and Charlotte at Indiana. From there, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports look at all the matchups in the first round, including why the Bucks facing the Heat is the most intriguing first-round series.

Which peaking players have improved most during their NBA careers? May 11, 2021

David Thorpe of TrueHoop is NBA media's foremost expert on player of development.

So, he was the perfect person for discussing Dan Feldman's new concoction – Utmost Improved Player.

Utmost Improved Player honors the player who has improved the most since his rookie season. The only ground rule: He must be having a career year.

On the latest PBT Podcast, Thorpe and Feldman discuss their top five UIP candidates (Feldman wrote about his top 10 here).

Debating Russell Westbrook's legacy, loving play-in tournaments May 06, 2021

Wizards coach Scott Brooks said Russell Westbrook would go down as the second-best point guard of all-time (behind Magic Johnson).

That seemed extreme.

But Westbrook is posting historic numbers, building his resume and helping Washington surge into the postseason.

Dan Feldman and Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington discussed Westbrook's legacy and the NBA's hotly contested play-in tournaments on the latest ProBasketballTalk Podcast:.

Bubbleball with Ben Golliver May 03, 2021

There has never been and will never be anything again like the 2019-20 NBA season. From Kobe Bryant's death through the pandemic shutting down the league to the season being resurrected in "the bubble" on the Walt Disney campus in Orlando, it was unique. Ben Golliver of the Washington Post was on the inside and wrote about his bubble experiences in a new book, "Bubbleball," which covers basketball, mental health, social justice, and Kawhi Leonard in a golf cart. Ben joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about the book, his experiences, and what we can take away from the bubble into the coming playoffs (will the Clippers fold again, or are they different?).

Jazz and Suns appreciation episode Apr 29, 2021

The Nets, Lakers and Clippers are deservedly championship favorites.

But this isn't just a three-horse race.

The Jazz and Suns – who've been the NBA's best teams so far this season – absolutely have title chances. Even if they fall short of that ultimate prize in the playoffs, Utah and Phoenix deserve even more commendation for their overall success this year.

Dan Feldman talked with Jazz beat writer Tony Jones of The Athletic and Suns beat writer Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic about these high-quality teams.

Celtics questions, Wizards run and East playoff chase Apr 29, 2021

Teams have about 10 games left and the Eastern Conference playoff chase is still both wide open and confusing. Can anyone explain Boston's ups and downs? How has defense fueled the Wizards' recent run? Did the Bulls miss on Daniel Gafford? Of the Bucks, Nets, and 76ers, which one comes out of the East? The Knicks turnaround has been brilliant, but are they are playoff threat this year? Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington and Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports and Celtics Blog join Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to break down the East playoff chase over the final 10 games of this condensed season.

What's left to learn the rest of this NBA regular season? Apr 22, 2021

The NBA regular season is about 80% complete. Some teams have established themselves as much as possible in the regular season and are just biding their time until an opportunity to prove themselves in the playoffs. Other teams are tanking strategically emphasizing resting good veterans and developing bad young players.

But the regular season isn't over.

There are still at least a few things to learn the rest of the regular season.

Dan Feldman and J. Michael of The Indianapolis Star discuss with an emphasis on the Celtics, Mavericks, Raptors, Bulls and Warriors and MVP and Sixth Man of the Year races.

Talking Stephen Curry, West playoff chase with Drew Shiller Apr 21, 2021

Stephen Curry is on the kind of roll that is getting the attention of fans, MVP voters, and opponents alike. What does that mean for the Warriors' playoff chances, and what does it mean for the franchise going forward as it looks ahead to next season and beyond? Drew Shiller, the Warriors outsider from NBC Sports Bay Area, joins Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports. The trio also discusses the wide-open playoff chase in the West, not sleeping on Utah or Phoenix, and does the entire conference come down to the health of Anthony Davis and LeBron James.

NBA Trade Deadline winners and losers Mar 26, 2021

Who came out on top in a hectic NBA Trade Deadline day where we saw 16 deals in a span of hours? Did Denver make itself a legit title contender by adding Aaron Gordon to the mix with Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray? What about Chicago, picking up All-Star center Nikola Vucevic? Miami landed Victor Oladipo, but both it and Philadelphia struck out with Kyle Lowry, who stayed in Toronto. How much will Rajon Rondo help the Clippers? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down all the big trades plus get into a discussion about the upcoming buyout market.

NBA trade deadline preview with USA Today's Mark Medina Mar 16, 2021

Who is likely to be on the move at the NBA trade deadline? LaMarcus Aldridge? Kyle Lowry? Aaron Gordon? Will Atlanta decide to move on from promising young player John Collins? Where will players such as P.J. Tucker or George Hill land? Kurt Helin from NBC Sports and Mark Medina of the USA Today talk about all of that, whether this is going to be an active trade deadline at all, which players are more likely to be bought out, and who will be buyers at the deadline.

MVP and other mid-season NBA awards Mar 11, 2021

Who was the MVP for the first half of the NBA season: Joel Embiid? LeBron James? Nikola Jokic? Is LaMelo Ball running away with Rookie of the Year? What about Coach of the Year, should it be Quin Snyder with the Jazz? Tom Thibodeau with the Knicks? Don't sleep on the job that Gregg Popovich is doing with the Spurs. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports dive into both of those and the rest of the major NBA awards at the mid-point of the season.

Picking our 2021 All-Star starters, reserves Feb 18, 2021

The 2021 NBA All-Star Game is happening March 7 in Atlanta, whether the players want it or not. But which players will get selected? Who should get picked, both by the fans (and media/players) as starters, and as reserves? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports lay out their picks and debate both the starters and the fringes of the team, where arguments for a number of players likely to just miss the cut can be made.

Biggest surprises, disappointments this season Feb 04, 2021

We are a quarter of the way into this NBA season, and there have been surprises — Memphis, Cleveland — and there have been disappointments, such as Dallas and Miami. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports discuss those four teams and more, and delve into what got them there and if they can sustain it/turn things around.

Does James Harden trade make Brooklyn a title lock? Jan 14, 2021

The Brooklyn Nets pushed all their chips into the middle of the table in a trade for James Harden, forming a super trio with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving (when he returns). Is that enough? Can these three stars get along on offense, and the bigger question, will they have enough defense to win at the highest levels? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports break down the trade, what it means for Brooklyn, where Houston goes from here, and why Indiana and Cleveland did well. The duo also talks about the coronavirus and its impact on the league and season.

NBA season preview: Who is MVP? Can anyone beat the Lakers? Dec 23, 2020

Is Giannis Antetokounmpo going to repeat as MVP, or can a first-timer such as Luka Doncic pick up the award this year? Is No. 1 pick Anthony Edwards going to be Rookie of the Year? And is there any team in the West — or the East for that matter — that can rise up and knock LeBron James and the Lakers off the mountain top? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports dive into all of this, make their predictions (and yes, both of them have the Lakers going back-to-back — but it's not going to be easy).

Washington Wizards talk and Eastern Conference preview Dec 17, 2020

The Washington Wizards' clear goal is to make the playoffs this season, and they are banking on Russell Westbrook to help lift Bradley Beal and the rest of the squad up to that level. Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington joins Kurt Helin of NBC to talk about what Beal wants if he is going to stay in Washington, and if a team with Thomas Bryant, Davis Bertans, and Rui Hachimura can become a solid playoff team in the East. The pair also then discuss all of the Eastern conference, from Milwaukee and Miami at the top through an interesting to watch but not very good Charlotte team.

Giannis Antetokounmpo re-signs + West preview Dec 15, 2020

Giannis Antetokounmpo has chosen to stay in Milwaulkee, which is fantastic for the Bucks, maybe good for the league, but bad for the free agent market next summer. The Bucks are title contenders this season but will they keep spending to stay at that level? Were does Antetokounmpo's decision leave Miami, Dallas, and other teams interested in him. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports get into all of that, then jump into previewing the Western Conference and discuss if any team can knock the Lakers off the mountain top.

2020 NBA Mock Draft (and some James Harden talk) Nov 16, 2020

It's a draft with far more questions than answers: LaMelo Ball, James Wiseman, or Anthony Edwards for the top pick? Does someone trade up to snag Wiseman? What do the Bulls do at No. 4? The Hawks at 6? Does a potentially strong player like Isaac Okoro or Onyeka Okongwu slide down the board and make some team very happy. There's a lot of solid talent in the draft, not a lot of star talent and Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman break it all down. They also digest the latest James Harden rumors.

Shaq, Kobe, Phil and the Laker dynasty with Jeff Pearlman Nov 12, 2020

There is something captivating about the three-peat Lakers of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant — the way they feuded, the way they won, and ultimately the way they came apart. One of the best sportswriters alive today, Jeff Pearlman, joins the NBC ProBasketballTalk Podcast to talk about that team and his new book, "Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty" (now available wherever books are sold). We delve into the team and discuss how Kobe's and Shaq's attitudes about how to approach life impacted their rocky relationship, the rough early years they were together, Phil Jackson's role, and ultimately how it all came apart. Pearlman provides fantastic insights and fascinating stories about these legendary players and their iconic team that is now part of Lakers' lore.

NBA offseason preview: Free agency, trades, more Oct 22, 2020

It may be October heading into November, but the NBA offseason is here and there are a lot of questions: Will Giannis Antetokounmpo lock in with the Bucks? Will Victor Oladipo get traded? What about Chris Paul? Will the Timberwolves or Golden State trade out of one of the top couple picks in the NBA draft? Which teams made a smart hire with their new coach. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports are joined by friend of the podcast Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports/Real GM/Celtics blog to go over all of that and more — there is even Jakob Poeltl talk. Listen and you will be better prepped for the coming NBA offseason.

NBA Finals Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat Sep 28, 2020

It's moved from June to October, and rather than cross-country flights everyone will be in a bubble in Orlando, but the NBA Finals are finally here: The Los Angeles Lakers vs. the Miami Heat. The Lakers are the heavy favorites but Miami posses some matchup challenges, starting with Bam Adebayo on Anthony Davis. Add in Jimmy Butler checking LeBron James for stretches, and the Heat shooters such as Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson, and this is not going to be a cakewalk for Los Angeles. Mark Medina of the USA today joins Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports to break down the Finals, talk about what it would take for Miami to pull off the upset, and discuss how this matchup could influence how other teams build out their rosters in the future.

Which players' stock rose most in the bubble? Sep 24, 2020

In the wake of Tyler Herro looking like the best offensive player Miami has seen since some guy decided to go back home to Cleveland, the question becomes what players have helped themselves the most in the bubble, and in the playoffs in particular? Not coincidentally, Miami and Denver have a lot of those players. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports get into that, talk some Boston/Miami series, and also talk about the recent coaching carousel including Billy Donovan to Chicago and the fact no team has hired a Black coach this offseason.

What happened to the Clippers? East, West finals, more Sep 16, 2020

What happened to a Clippers team that played like it was entitled to a trip to the Finals? Does the gritty, surprising Denver team that came back on Utah and the Clippers have a chance against LeBron James and the Lakers? Seriously, what happened to the Clippers? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports discuss all of that, plus get into the start of the Boston and Miami series in the East, what Mike D'Antoni and the Rockets might do, and also, what the heck happened to the Clippers?

Minnesota wins 2020 NBA Draft Lottery... now what? Aug 21, 2020

The ping-pong balls bounced the Minnesota Timberwolves way, they now have the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. Now what? Do they take Anthony Edwards or LaMelo Ball, seemingly the consensus top two picks? Do either of them fit next to D'Angelo Russell at the point, and with Karl-Anthony Towns at center? Just how bad would Minnesota's defense be with Towns, Russell, and either Ball or Edwards on the court together? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports discuss all that, plus how badly the Warriors may want to trade out of the No. 2 pick, and what happens with Charlotte at No. 3 and down through the lottery, all the way to Boston at No. 14 (and the end of the Celtics run of using other team's picks).

Life inside the bubble, NBA restart with USA Today's Mark Medina Jul 30, 2020

What is life like inside the NBA's restart campus at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, is it all just basketball and Mickey-shaped ice cream bars? Mark Medina of the USA Today is one of the reporters in the bubble and he spoke with Kurt Helin in this latest PBT Podcast about life and food in the bubble. They also discussed the scrimmage games, the opening of the NBA season, players kneeling and taking more than just symbolic steps for Black Lives Matter, who is going to win it all, and much more.

NBA restart predictions with Dan Feldman Jul 23, 2020

Which team is going to win it all? Which is the biggest threat Milwaukee and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the East? Which team will be the biggest surprise? Can anyone catch Memphis for the eighth seed? The NBA is back and Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports make their restart predictions on all of that and more in this podcast, plus they talk about the likely sale of the Timberwolves.

The NBA is back! Breaking down the restart format. Jun 05, 2020

The NBA is back! Or will be in July, at least, when 22 teams report to Orlando to play in a format that will see eight "seeding" games followed by potential play-in games for the eighth seed. After that it's a regular playoffs — no 1-16 seed but still East and West — with seven-game series each round. Kurt Helin, Dan Feldman, and Keith Smith break down the format and whether this is a format that provides enough safety to the players and staffs in Orlando.

2020 NBA Mock Draft crossover podcast, Part 2 May 29, 2020

For the third straight season, Rob Dauster of College Basketball Talk collaborated with Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk for a full mock draft. Rob knows the prospects better than anyone. Kurt knows the teams and their needs better than anyone. The result is a unique listening experience breaking down who will be picked where based on fit.

The first ten picks are on this podcast. Picks 11-30 can be found over on the College Basketball Talk feed.

Here are the time-stamps for each team:

11. San Antonio Spurs: (Open)

12. Sacramento Kings: (5:52)

13. New Orleans Pelicans: (8:58)

14. Portland Trail Blazers: (13:50)

15. Orlando Magic: (19:01)

16. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Brooklyn Nets): (21:32)

17. Boston Celtics (via Memphis Grizzlies): (25:53)

18. Dallas Mavericks: (28:10)

19. Milwaukee Bucks (via Indiana Pacers): (30:30)

20. Brooklyn Nets (via Philadelphia 76ers): (36:54)

21. Denver Nuggets (via Houston Rockets): (40:34)

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Oklahoma City Thunder): (44:27)

23. Miami Heat: (46:10)

24. Utah Jazz: (49:07)

25. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Denver Nuggets): (51:20)

26. Boston Celtics: (53:02)

27. New York Knicks (via Los Angeles Clippers): (56:34)

28. Toronto Raptors: (58:24)

29. Los Angeles Lakers: (1:00:12)

30. Boston Celtics (via Milwaukee Bucks): (1:03:46)

Talking Michael Jordan, The Last Dance with author Roland Lazenby Apr 22, 2020

To get inside the Jordan-era Bulls and the documentary The Last Dance, we went to the guy who wrote the book on Jordan. Literally. Author Roland Lazenby wrote "Blood on the Horns" about these very 1997-98 Bulls, plus he wrote "Michael Jordan: The Life" and he joined Kurt Helin of NBC Sports this week. They talk about the tension on that team with GM Jerry Krause, how Michael Jordan's upbringing made him competitive, and his time in baseball — all with inside details you're not going to hear anywhere else.

Our NBA Awards: LeBron or Giannis for MVP? Plus Rookie of Year, more Apr 16, 2020

LeBron James or Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP? Zion Williamson or Ja Morant for Rookie of the Year? Can Rudy Gobert three-peat as Defensive Player of the Year? The entire team at NBC Sports' NBA page — Kurt Helin, Dan Feldman, and Keith Smith — talk about their picks for end-of-season awards, and the controversy isn't always where fans might expect it.

Who should be drafted No. 1? Mock NBA Draft talk. Apr 02, 2020

Should Anthony Edwards be the No. 1 pick? Or James Wiseman? How would Obi Toppin fit with the Warriors? More importantly, how is anyone preparing for a draft when nobody knows when it will take place? Rob Dauster of NBC Sports joins Kurt Helin to discuss what they know and don't know about the 2020 NBA Draft, starting with nobody knowing when it will take place. They discuss players from the big schools and a sleeper to watch.

Mock Expansion Draft Mar 20, 2020

What if the NBA added two new teams this summer, an expansion rebirth of the Seattle Supersonics plus the Flint Tropics? What would that expansion draft look like? What players would teams protect, and could players like Blake Griffin, Gordon Hayward, and Kevin Love be on the move? Kurt Helin, Dan Feldman, and Keith Smith of NBC Sports perform just that mock draft and lay the foundations for their future teams.

NBA suspends season, now what happens? Mar 12, 2020

The NBA has hit pause on its season after Utah's Rudy Gobert — and later, teammate Donovan Mitchell — tested positive for coronavirus. Now what happens? Is the season shortened, do they just resume where they are, and what could this mean for the draft, Summer League, and the Olympics? What will the reduction in income to the league mean to the salary cap? Kurt Helin and Keith Smith from NBC Sports talk about what they know, and a lot about how nobody really knows what happens in this uncharted territory. They also answer a couple of listener questions, including on what Giannis Antetokounmpo might do this summer and what it means for every other team.

Early look at 2020 NBA Draft prospects Feb 13, 2020

Is Anthony Edwards out of Georgia a No. 1 pick? What about LaMelo Ball? James Wiseman? NBA teams are not convinced, they see this as a down draft year, but someone will have to go No. 1. Rob Dauster from NBC Sports joins Kurt Helin to talk about the draft overall and why you may not want a top three pick this year, which guys lineup to be good pros, a few sleepers, and they get into which teams can win the national championship. And yes, Baylor is one of them.

NBA Trade Deadline winners and losers Feb 07, 2020

The NBA Trade Deadline saw the Clippers land Marcus Morris, the Timberwolves land D'Angelo Russell while getting out from under the contract of Andrew Wiggins, and Miami added Andre Iguodala to the mix while Memphis took on a lot of salary. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break the biggest NBA trade deadline deals down, and talk about the winners and losers, whose moves they liked and did not like.

NBA Trade Deadline rumors talk Feb 04, 2020

The NBA Trade Deadline is fast approaching and the rumors are flying. The Lakers want a playmaker, the Clippers want size up front, so do the Celtics, the Rockets want to trade Clint Capela to someone, and Andre Iguodala is still sitting out there. What is going to happen with all of this? Mark Medina of the USA Today joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss all of that, plus they get into a little Kobe Bryant talk plus what is next for the Knicks after Steve Mills.

Zion Williamson's debut, and who should make All-Star teams Jan 23, 2020

Zion Williamson's debut lived up to the hype — at least 3.5 minutes of it did — and that sparked a discussion between Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports about what should be the takeaways from the night. Was Alvin Gentry wrong to pull him out in the fourth quarter? What can we expect going forward? And can the Pelicans make a playoff push? Kurt and Dan then get into the All-Star vote, including who they think should start and be the reserves — and where the fans got it wrong.

NBA mid-season awards: MVP, Rookie of Year, more Jan 16, 2020

Is it James Harden or Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP? Kawhi Leonard or Rudy Gobert for Defensive Player of the Year? Can anyone catch Ja Morant for Rookie of the Year? We've reached the midpoint of the NBA season, meaning it's time for Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports to break down where the NBA's awards races stand. They also get into Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, and the All-NBA teams.

Buy or Sell: Carmelo helps Blazers? Luka Doncic MVP? Other early season surprises. Nov 19, 2019

Buy or Sell: Carmelo Anthony will make the Portland Trail Blazers better.

Buy or Sell: The Boston Celtics are contenders in the East.

Buy or Sell: Luka Doncic is an MVP candidate.

Buy or Sell: LeBron James will lead the league in assists.

Early this NBA season there are a lot of surprises, so Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports either buy or sell them in this edition of the NBC Sports ProBasketballTalk podcast. Also on the table is a discussion of if James Harden can average 40 points a game, if the Suns are a playoff team, and is Karl-Anthony Towns the best center in the NBA.

What's going on with the Knicks? Plus, we answer your questions. Nov 14, 2019

The big question with the Knicks: WTF? On an entire podcast based around questions — mostly questions from you the listeners on a range of NBA topics — we had to start with that one about the Knicks. Tommy Beer from Forbes Magazine and NBC Sports Rotoworld joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talks what has gone wrong with the Knicks this season, where they go from here, and just how worried David Fizdale should be about his job. From there we talk Kyrie Irving and the Nets, Kristaps Porzingis and the Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard and load management, and where the Celtics need to go to get a big man. Plus much more.

Stephen Curry out, Sixers/Timberwolves suspensions, early season surprises Oct 31, 2019

There is no easing into the NBA season. One week into the grind we have Stephen Curry with a fractured hand (on a block/charge play worth discussing), which is bad news but clarifies the path forward in Golden State. Joel Embiid and Karl-Anthony Towns are suspended (this was recorded before the news came down, but we discuss situation). And the first week saw surprises — players such as Trae Young in Atlanta, and Pascal Siakam in Toronto, and teams like Miami is playing well and Sacramento... what happened to them? Keith Smith from Yahoo Sports joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to break down the wild first week of the season.

Our NBA season predicions: MVP. Rookie of the Year. Champion. Oct 21, 2019

Who will take home the NBA MVP hardware this season: Giannis Antetokounmpo? James Harden? Stephen Curry? What about Rookie of the Year? Can anyone top Zion Williamson? What would it take for Ja Morant or anyone else to get into the conversation. Finally, what team will hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy at the end of the season? Will it be a team from Los Angeles? What about Philadelphia? Milwaukee? Can Houston or Utah get in on the conversation. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports get into all of that, making their season predictions for the NBA in this latest Pro Basketball Talk podcast.

Lakers? Clippers? Jazz? Rockets? Breaking down race out West Oct 15, 2019

What are the odds that one of the teams from Los Angeles is in the NBA Finals? Could the Utah Jazz surprise the Lakers and Clippers, returning to the Finals for the first time since Stockton and Malone? Is it Denver's turn to step up? James Harden and Russell Westbrook in Houston's turn? Maybe Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum? The NBA's Western Conference really is the Wild West this season where anything can happen, and Mark Medina of the USA Today joins NBC's Kurt Helin to break down the West, who could come out, and how, in a very deep conference, there will be no easy path forward.

After impressive offseason, are the Utah Jazz title contenders? Oct 08, 2019

Last season the Utah Jazz won 50 games and looked like a team on the rise with Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert leading the way. This summer Utah may not have landed the biggest names, but it had one of the best summers of any team trading for Mike Conley and getting Bojan Bogdanovic in free agency. The Jazz are now a well rounded team with an elite defense and multiple shot creators who can make plays in the clutch. But without a top-eight superstar, can the Jazz knock off the Lakers or Clippers in a deep West? Andy Larson of the Salt Lake Tribune joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss whether or not the Jazz are really threats to win it all for the first time in franchise history.

Top picks, sleepers, your complete NBA fantasy basketball preview Oct 03, 2019

It's easy to select James Harden or Stephen Curry with a high pick in your NBA Fantasy basketball draft, but who are the sleepers to grab in the later rounds? When do you spend a pick on Russell Westbrook in Houston or D'Angelo Russell in Golden State? After Karl-Anthony Towns, who are the centers you can trust to get you points? Tommy Beer of NBC Sports' Rotoworld, and one of the authors of their fantasy basketball draft guide, joins NBC Sports' Kurt Helin to break all that down and more and get you ready for the upcoming NBA fantasy season.

Where do they go from here? Washington Wizards season preview. Sep 30, 2019

There's a new sheriff in town in Washington, Tommy Sheppard has taken over as GM, but the big question remains: What's the plan? Trade Bradley Beal and go all-in on a rebuild? Or, re-tool on the fly and try to build around Beal? The latter seems to be the goal, Beal is not available in a trade and he wants to stay to try and get a supermax contract extension, Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington tells Kurt Helin in this NBC Sports Podcast. The pair get into how this Wizards team is not built to compete now, with Ish Smith and Isaiah Thomas at the point and rookie Rui Hachimura likely to get heavy run. They also discuss what happens next season when John Wall returns. It's going to be an interesting year in our nation's capital.

Now what? Golden State Warriors season preview Sep 25, 2019

Kevin Durant is gone, switching coasts. Also gone are some of the veterans — Andre Iguodala, Shaun Livingston — that provided depth and continuity. Even gone is Oakland, with the Warriors moving into the brand new Chase Center in San Francisco this season. Everything feels different with the Golden State Warriors, but write them off at your own peril. They still have Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, they added an All-Star in D'Angelo Russell, they likely get Klay Thompson back late in the season? Is all of that enough in a deep West? Logan Murdock of NBC Sports Bay Area joins Kurt Helin of NBC to talk all things Warriors and the West in this season preview. The West may be wide open this season, but if the Warriors can stay healthy and things break their way... watch out.

French Toast: USA bounced from World Cup, what went wrong? Sep 12, 2019

Despite the fact that some of the best NBA players chose to sit out this World Cup — Anthony Davis, James Harden, Damian Lillard — as did the next tier of guys (Bradley Beal, Kevin Love), this was still a talented USA Basketball roster that was the tournament favorite. Then they got bounced by the French in the quarterfinals — Team USA will not even medal. What went wrong? Kurt Helin of NBC Sports and Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports and Real GM (and CelticsBlog) talk about everything from why players chose not to show up, how FIBA made things difficult for the USA and hurt the quality of the tournament overall, and what were the bright spots for the USA (such as qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics). There are not simple answers to any of it, and Kurt and Keith get into all of that.

The NBA's top 25 players in 5 years, ranked Aug 29, 2019

What is the NBA going to look like in five years? Who will be the game's best players? The All-Stars, the guys on the cover of 2K24, the guys with signature shoe deals? As a fun summer project, the NBA team at NBCSports.com pulled out our crystal balls and tried to project forward who would be the 50 best players in the NBA in five years — in the summer of 2024.

In this episode, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin from NBC Sports break down the top 25 players in that ranking, including Joel Embiid, Kawhi Leonard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, and more. We talk about why players were ranked where they were — are we too low or too high on a player like Embiid? — and why certain players are where they are on this list.

The NBA's top 50 players in five years, rankings 26-50 Aug 21, 2019

What is the NBA going to look like in five years? Who will be the game's best players? The All-Stars, the guys on the cover of 2K24, the guys with signature shoe deals? As a fun summer project, the NBA team at NBCSports.com pulled out our crystal balls and tried to project forward who would be the 50 best players in the NBA in five years — in the summer of 2024.

In this podcast, Rob Dauster from NBCSports.com's college basketball page joins Kurt Helin to talk about players 26-50 on our list, which includes up-and-coming high school players such as James Wiseman and Emoni Bates. The back half of the list also includes a lot of current stars who will fade in five years — Klay Thompson, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard, and more — but the question is how much. It's a fun discussion about the NBA's best and how they will fit into an evolving league.

Breaking down NBA's top 10 duos Jul 18, 2019

LeBron James & Anthony Davis. Kawhi Leonard & Paul George. James Harden & Russell Westbrook. The wildest, most roller coaster summer ended up leaving the NBA looking like a real-life version of NBA Jam with elite duos all over the league. Not just the guys who changed teams, but returning combos such as Stephen Curry & Draymond Green or Nikola Jokic & Jamal Murray or Joel Embiid & Ben Simmons. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports is joined by Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports and Real GM talk about their top 10 duos lists, discuss the teams around those stars, and what that says about the NBA.

NBA Free agency preview with Sean Deveney Jun 27, 2019

Kawhi Leonard will tip the balance of power in the NBA with his decision. Torn Achilles or not, Kevin Durant has suitors lined up around the block to give him max money — and he may not meet with any of them. Will Jimmy Butler take the fifth year with the Sixers? Will Philly put that on the table for Butler, and what about Tobias Harris? Is Kemba Walker really headed to Boston or is Michael Jordan about to open up his pocket book? The Lakers have max money, but should they spend it on one guy? All that and much, much more gets discussed as Sean Deveney joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports in their annual podcast to break down NBA free agency. The pair discuss the stars but also the demand for players such as Patrick Beverley and Bojan Bogdanovic.

NBA Draft breakdown: Who won, who lost and why did Bol Bol fall? Jun 21, 2019

Zion Williamson went No. 1, as he should. The Pelicans got the guy who could turn that franchise around (and maybe save the NBA in New Orleans). Ja Morant to the Grizzlies and R.J. Barrett to the Knicks at No.2 and 3 were expected and solid picks. But after that, in a flat 2019 NBA Draft, things got weird. Gonzaga's Rui Hachimura to the Wizards at No. 9 was a surprise, but not as big Cameron Johnson of North Carolina to the Suns at No. 11. And then there was Bol Bol, a fan favorite, falling all the way to the 44th pick (and being traded to Denver). Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down this draft, what it's like picking in a flat draft like this, why the Cavaliers did well and so much more.

NBA Finals breakdown, where do Warriors go from here? Jun 14, 2019

2019 NBA Mock Draft Podcast, Part 2 May 31, 2019

Kurt Helin was joined by the host of the College Basketball Talk podcast, Rob Dauster, for a thorough breakdown of the NBA draft. The two walk through every single pick in the first round of the draft, talking through team needs and which players fit those needs. The first ten picks are broken down over on the College Basketball Talk feed -- you can find that here -- while the final 20 picks are right here, in this podcast.

Warriors vs. Raptors NBA Finals preview May 29, 2019

The Golden State Warriors are looking to add to their legacy as one of the most dominant teams of an era in NBA history. The Toronto Raptors are in their first Finals ever but led by a guy who already has one Finals MVP trophy. The NBA Finals are here and it's a fascinating matchup. When does Kevin Durant return and how much does he change this series if and when he does get on the court? What about DeMarcus Cousins? Can the Warriors slow Kawhi Leonard? How do the Raptors choose to cover Stephen Curry pick-and-rolls? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports get into all of that, breaking down the Finals series and making their predictions.

What's next for Boston? Philly? Denver? Plus East playoff talk May 24, 2019

Will Kyrie Irving stay in Boston? If not, what is Plan B? Is Jimmy Butler back in Philadelphia next season? If he is will Tobias Harris be back? What are the next steps to turn Denver into a contender. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports and Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports break down those three teams recently turned out of the playoffs. They also start off talking about teams actually in the playoffs, particularly Toronto's comeback in the Eastern Conference Finals, and how those teams can take advantage with Kevin Durant out.

Breaking down Trail Blazers/Warriors, Raptors/Bucks series May 13, 2019

Toronto controlled the tempo when it mattered and — thanks to Kawhi Leonard — ground out a 7-game win against Philadelphia, but can they do the same thing against Milwaukee? Does Portland even stand a chance against Golden State? Does Durant missing the start of this series open the door even a little? Probably not on that last question, but Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman break down both NBA Conference Finals series in this podcast, talking about the keys and what to watch for. They also talk about the hiring of John Beilein by the Cavaliers and Frank Vogel (with Jason Kidd attached to his hip) in Los Angeles.

How to make the NBA from outside the draft lottery, the Pro Basketball Combine May 10, 2019

Watch the Game 7 coming up between Portland and Denver and you will see a few players — Seth Curry for the Blazers, Torrey Craig for Denver — contributing for their teams, guys who were not highly sought after lottery picks, they weren't drafted at all. How does a guy like that get noticed? How does a player not drafted in the first 45 (if at all) get the attention of a team, make a Summer League or G-League roster? Enter Jake Kelfer and his Professional Basketball Combine, an event in Southern California later this month where players not at the NBA's Draft Combine or G-League Elite Camp get a chance to impress in workouts and other combine events. Kelfer joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about the Professional Basketball Combine, it's success — players such as Antonio Blakeney and Charles Cooke have come through it, and 23 guys have picked up Summer League invites — and what it takes to get paid to play basketball for the guys not destined for the NBA lottery.

Breaking down Boston's breakdown, NBA playoffs' second round May 07, 2019

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks adjusted, Kyrie Irving and the Celtics can't score, and suddenly the Bucks are in charge up 3-1 and seem headed to the next round — this is the most clear cut, and still maybe the most interesting series of the second round. Then there is the back-and-forth series between Philadelphia and Toronto — where Kawhi Leonard has been otherworldly — that seems destined for seven games. Golden State still looks like the better team, but a lot of James Harden and physical play has that series knotted at 2-2. Then there is the entertaining and incredibly even — if a bit of a defense-free zone — series between Portland and Denver, which is also 2-2. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down all the series, plus talk a little Monty Williams and Tyronn Lue.

Looking ahead at the NBA playoffs second round Apr 25, 2019

Boston vs. Milwaukee. Philadelphia vs. Toronto. Houston vs. Golden State. The first round of the NBA playoffs had plenty of emotion — just ask Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook — but it was short, with very possibly only one series going at least six games. The second round? That's not going to be so quick, and it is filled with even matchups that present a lot of questions. Is this the Rockets' year? They have the formula, can they execute it? The Bucks were the best team in the regular season, but can they carry that elite level into the second round against Boston? Is Toronto the team to beat? Kurt Helin of NBC Sports welcomes in Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports/Real GM/Celticsblog to look ahead at the second round, and even talk a little about what is next for Oklahoma City.

NBA playoffs first round preview, plus NBA careers at Basketball 101 Apr 12, 2019

Can Indiana upset Boston? What about the Thunder as they take on the shorthanded Trail Blazers? And who comes out on top when Houston and Utah face off? Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders joins NBC Sports' Kurt Helin to talk the first round of the playoffs and the rash of fired coaches right as the season ended. They also talk about the Basketball 101 program, part of the Professional Basketball Combine, coming to Southern California, and how it can teach you about career paths in the NBA and how to get your foot in that door. Come for the information on breaking into the league, stay for the LaVar Ball stories.

NBA awards breakdown: MVP, All-NBA, Rookie and more Apr 09, 2019

James Harden or Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP? Rudy Gobert or Paul George for Defensive Player of the Year? For the first time in more than a decade, is LeBron James not going to make All-NBA First Team? This year's NBA end of season awards have some challenging choices and debates, and Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports get into all of them. And no, Hawks fans, Trae Young playing good for half a season does not mean Rookie of the Year is up for debate. Kurt and Dan discuss Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man, Most Improved, and even the awards for All-Rookie and All-Defensive teams.

Is this the final playoff run for these Golden State Warriors? Apr 02, 2019

It's being treated as a foregone conclusion: The Golden State Warriors will be the NBA champions. Again. A three-peat and four-in-five years. It probably should be, but is there any team in the Western Conference that puts some fear in the hearts of the Warriors? What about Milwaukee or Boston out of the East? Mark Medina, Warriors beat writer for the San Jose Mercury News and Bay Area News Group joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about that — and then the thing everyone actually cares about, what is Kevin Durant's future? Do the Warriors have a sense of what he will do? Does Durant know? And what are the fallout implications of Durant's decision for Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the rest of Golden State?

What's next for the Portland Trail Blazers? Mar 28, 2019

CJ McCollum was already out (maybe for the rest of the regular season) when Portland center and third-best player Jusuf Nurkic went down with a horrific leg injury. Where does that leave Damian Lillard and Portland heading into these playoffs? Have they become the team everyone else wants to face in the first round now? Beyond that, what happens this summer in Portland? Do they keep the core together, try to add role players and make another run at it, or is it time to see what the trade market is for McCollum. Dane Delgado, Blazers analyst for NBC Sports Northwest joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about all of that, and how the death of owner Paul Allen and the potential sale of the team plays into all of that. The pair also discuss how the rest of the West might shake out.

Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, future NBA players to watch in NCAA Tournament Mar 14, 2019

Zion Williamson, R.J. Barrett, and Cam Reddish of Duke are the big names, the top five pick stars we've watched all season. But what can they show us in the ACC and NCAA Tournament that will translate to the NBA? Just how good is Ja Morant? When watching Virginia, should I be focused on De'Andre Hunter? What can Jarrett Culver of Texas Tech bring to the NBA? Rob Dauster, NBSports.com's college basketball expert, joins Kurt Helin of NBC to talk about that and more, players that NBA fans need to keep an eye on through the conference tourneys then the NCAA Tournament the next couple of weeks.

MVP talk, listener questions answered with NBC's Dan Feldman Mar 07, 2019

James Harden, Giannis Antetokounmpo, or Paul George for MVP? What team is going to come out of the East? When Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and the rest of the league's free agents are making their decisions next summer, will the Clippers dark past hurt their chances? Listeners asked those questions and more, and Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports answer and discuss them and more in the latest NBC Sports PBT Podcast. Other topics include the surging Pistons and the Suns beating the Bucks twice.

Former Cavs/Suns GM David Griffin; breaking down East playoff chase Feb 20, 2019

David Griffin is a hot commodity — any time a general manager opening comes up in the NBA, so does his name (most recently New Orleans). What does Griffin want in a job if he returns to an NBA front office? He discusses what he learned from his experiences at the helm of a LeBron James team, as well as how that applies to what the Lakers went through at the trade deadline. We also discuss his new show on NBA TV, “GM School,” which debuts on tonight (Feb. 20) at 8pm ET. After that we bring in Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports to help Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break down the Eastern Conference playoff race at the top and the four powerhouse teams. Which one has the best chance of advancing? And who will make it in the final two playoffs slots in the East?

Breaking down NBA trade deadline moves, starting with Anthony Davis Feb 08, 2019

Anthony Davis is still a New Orleans Pelican, for now. However, while that shoe didn't drop at the trade deadline (wait for this summer) a lot of other ones did that have changed the landscape of the NBA. Philadelphia added Tobias Harris, Milwaukee added Nikola Mirotic, and Toronto traded for Marc Gasol — there is an arms race at the top of the East. Kristaps Porzingis is in Dallas, setting the Knicks up for a big summer. The Clippers and the Mavericks (even with KP) are poised for big moves this summer. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down all of that and more, including the Markelle Fultz trade, as part of a special post trade deadline podcast.

Kristaps Porzingis trade breakdown; All-Star Game draft Feb 01, 2019

Kristaps Porzingis is a member of the Dallas Mavericks in a blockbuster trade that has sent ripples from Boston to Los Angeles. The Mavericks have gambled that Porzingis can return from his ACL to full Unicorn status and form a contender with Luka Doncic. The Knicks cleared out cap space for two max deals and are betting there are stars that want to fill those slots. Dennis Smith Jr. gets to shoot all he wants now. There's a lot for Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports to break down. Then they divide up — Kurt is LeBron James, Dan is Giannis Antetokounmpo — and they do the schoolyard picks for the upcoming All-Star Game in Charlotte. Complete with some surprise additions halfway through the process.

Anthony Davis requests trade from Pelicans. Now what? Jan 28, 2019

Now things get crazy. Anthony Davis' agent has informed the Pelicans he will not re-sign with the team and wants to be traded. It has opened up a floodgate of rumors and led to a lot of questions: What are the Pelicans looking for in a trade? Who has the hammer and gets to make the call on the trade? Do the Pelicans feel pressure to act fast or do they have the patience to wait until this summer, when Boston can get in the mix and there may be more options. Or, will a contender come in over the top now thinking of this season? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports try to look at all the possibilities as one of the world's top five players goes on the trade market officially.

All-Star Game starters named, who should fill out rosters? Jan 25, 2019

LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo are the captains — they were voted in by the fans and they will be picking their teams for next month's All-Star Game in Charlotte. Nobody should have a problem with those two as starters, but the fans didn't everyone they wanted in the 10 to open the game — Derrick Rose was out and James Harden was in, and Luka Doncic was out Paul George was in. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports welcomes in Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports to break down the All-Star Game starters and make their picks for who should round out the rosters. There are some gimmies there — Anthony Davis or Bradley Beal — but should Jimmy Butler make the team after blowing up Minnesota to start the season? Khris Middleton? LaMarcus Aldridge? They break it all down, plus have a little Victor Oladipo and Pacers' talk.

NBA Mid-Season awards: MVP, Coach of the Year, more Jan 15, 2019

The NBA has no chill — we were talking MVP race the first week of the season. Which is way too early. However, now teams are more than halfway through the season and we have seen enough games, we have enough data to start discussing who is the frontrunner for the NBA's end-of-season awards. Is it James Harden or Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP? Can anyone challenge Luka Doncic for Rookie of the Year? It's a deep field for Coach of the Year, but is Mike Budenholzer the front runner and can Doc Rivers, Dave Joerger or someone else catch him? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports talk about their picks at this point of the season and who is in the running long term.

Previewing the (likely slow) NBA Trade Deadline Jan 10, 2019

Blockbusters? Probably not. But the NBA trade deadline is coming Feb. 7 and there will be some deals — salary will get moved around and a few players who could help teams will change cities and jerseys. Put more directly, Anthony Davis and John Wall aren't getting traded, but Jeremy Lin, Terrence Ross and a few others may be. Sean Deveney of The Sporting News joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about why this will be a slow trade deadline, what guys could get moved and why, and how everything points to a massive summer of player movement and spending around the NBA.

Best (and worst) under-the-radar NBA player pick-ups last summer Dec 20, 2018

We know the big moves: LeBron James went Hollywood, Kawhi Leonard went north. Very north. But while the NBA World has been focused on those, now that we are a couple months into the season, what were some of the best — and worst — pick-ups of the NBA summer that went under the radar at the time. Danny Green as a throw-in when Leonard was traded to Toronto? Brook Lopez in Milwaukee? And what were some of the worst moves of the summer — has Michael Carter-Williams been worse for Houston than Carmelo Anthony? Matt Moore, NBA Twitter superstar and NBA writer for The Action Network, joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about the moves we did not talk about enough last summer but are shaping the NBA landscape now.

Zion Williamson and the rest, an early NBA Draft breakdown Dec 12, 2018

Zion Williamson is a force of nature, an athletic freak that has become must-watch television and silenced the doubters about his game. Before the season, scouts questioned his shot and fit, but his play for Duke so far has moved him past teammate R.J. Barrett on everybody's draft board. Actually, Cam Reddish may be the second Blue Devil taken in next June's draft. Rob Dauster of NBC Sports joins Kurt Helin to talk Duke's trio of superstars, plus other names to watch in this coming draft, including Gonzaga's Rui Hachimura, Oregon's 7'2" Bol Bol, Kevin Porter out of USC and many others.

Jimmy Butler, Joel Embiid, Sixers talk with Philly sideline reporter Serena Winters Dec 05, 2018

Philadelphia has won 8-of-9, coming together quickly after the Jimmy Butler trade. The All-Star guard brings them floor spacing they were missing on offense, he certainly can defend, and the man loves to be the guy closing out games with the ball in his hands — something the 76ers needed. But even with all that, do the Sixers see themselves as contenders in the East right now, or do they need another piece? Serena Winters of NBC Sports Philadelphia, the sideline reporter for Sixers games, joins Kurt Helin from NBC Sports to discuss all that, how Joel Embiid is playing like an MVP, how Landry Shamet is what this team needed, and much more. There is also Markelle Fultz talk (although this was recorded just before the news on his shoulder injury broke).

Utah Jazz deep dive, Kyle Korver trade and slow start breakdown Dec 03, 2018

The Utah Jazz are confounding this season. Nearly everyone went into the season picturing a top 3 team in the West, but a quarter of the way into the season the Jazz are the 14 seed at 11-13, with a middle-of-the-road defense and a bottom five offense. Donovan Mitchell has been flat to start the season after a phenomenal rookie campaign. The Jazz defense has been good but not dominant when Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert is on the court? And what happened to all the shooting. Tony Jones of The Athletic joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss the growing pains in Utah, the tough schedule to start the season, and how the Jazz can turn it around and still be a playoff force.

20 games in: Surprises, early awards talk, plus listener questions Nov 27, 2018

We are 20 games into the NBA season — no more talk of small sample sizes, we have enough data to start drawing conclusions. What teams have surprised us? Boston, Utah, Houston... how worried should we really be about them? Is Sacramento for real? Are teams still ramping up the pace this season? Then there is awards talk: Giannis Antetokounmpo for MVP? LeBron James? And is it Luka Doncic or Deandre Ayton for Rookie of the Year. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports get into all of that plus take reader questions and comments on these topics in the lastest PBT Podcast.

Lakers talk with Eric Pincus (plus Butler, Carmelo news) Nov 13, 2018

Jimmy Butler is in Philadelphia. Carmelo Anthony is in Houston, but not for much longer. And the Lakers have Tyson Chandler and a three-game winning streak — there is never a dull moment in the NBA. Kurt helin of NBC Sports welcomes in Eric Pincus, who covers the Lakers for Bleacher Report plus is a salary cap expert you have seen on NBA TV, to talk about it all. The pair talk about what the Sixers need to do next to capitalize on their window with Butler, are there landing spots for Carmelo Anthony, and then a deep dive on the Lakers: What is the team doing right? Does Lonzo Ball fit with LeBron James? What about Brandon Ingram? And who is the next big star the Lakers will be able to add to their mix?

Everything looks good in Portlandia, but are the Blazers for real? Nov 09, 2018

The Portland Trail Blazers are hot out of the gate: 9-3, including a big win over Milwaukee (which turned around and beat Golden State), with the third best net rating in the league and Damian Lillard playing like an MVP candidate. But I hear what you're saying, "We've seen this movie before and it ends in a first round exit." What is different this time around? Have the Blazers matured and are they ready for the next step? Kurt Helin of NBC Sports put those questions to Dane Delgado of NBC Sports Northwest — where he does the fantastic video breakdown series — and the answer, oddly enough, is that Evan Turner (and Zach Collins) can be part of a different outcome in Portland this year. Kurt and Dane also tackle your questions on what is going on with the Thunder to start the season, how big a disaster are the Wizards, and who else should be mentioned in the too-early MVP discussion.

What is up with the Sacramento Kings fast start? Nov 06, 2018

The Sacramento Kings have been the biggest positive surprise in the young season, a 6-4 start that includes wins over the Thunder, Grizzlies and Heat. This is now De'Aaron Fox's team and the Kings are running — the second fastest pace in the NBA, and that has become their identity. With Buddy Hield running to the arc and knocking down threes, and Willie Cauley-Stein rim running, the Kings have become a solid team that puts pressure on its opponent. Can it last? Kurt Helin of NBC Sports welcomes in James Ham of NBC Sports Bay Area to talk about the fast start, what's working, why the Kings will not be tanking, and why you should expect the Kings to be active at the trade deadline.

What's next for Ty Lue, Cavaliers, other coaches on hot seat early Oct 30, 2018

Only six games into the NBA season, Tyronn Lue is unemployed, fired as the coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers. That was a quick trigger but it brings up some questions: What direction does Cleveland go now? Will Lue get another shot as a head coach somewhere? What other coaches are on the hot seat early this NBA season (think Washington and Oklahoma City)? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports delve into all of that, plus take on your questions covering Ricky Rubio's slow start (again) and other early surprises around the NBA early this season.

Three key early season impressions Oct 22, 2018

The NBA has been impossible to ignore the first week of the season — and not just because players are spitting on each other and throwing punches. Pace and scoring are way up, some teams — Denver, Milwaukee, even Detroit — have been very hot, and a couple of teams we thought would be good have stumbled. Keith Smith from Real GM and Celtics Blog joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about their early season impressions, and take questions/comments from listeners on Twitter. That means the Sacramento Kings and Atlanta Hawks even get some love. The Thunder defense... not as much love.

MVP, Rookie of Year, other awards plus NBA playoffs, Finals predictions Oct 15, 2018

Will James Harden repeat as MVP or will someone else — LeBron James, Anthony Davis — grab the award away from him? Luca Doncic and DeAndre Ayton seem to be the favorites for Rookie of the Year, but could Trae Young or Jaren Jackson Jr. push their way into the conversation? Who will win Coach of the Year? Is Jamal Murray a guy to watch for Most Improved Player? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports discuss all the major awards plus get into playoff predictions. Can Charlotte sneak into the final playoff slot in the East or is Detroit going to take that? Are the Spurs going to miss the playoffs in the West for the first time in 22 years? And are the Warriors a lock to win it all? (Hint: They are not.)

Celtics preview with A. Sherrod Blakely Oct 11, 2018

It's a Finals or bust season for the Celtics, who last won a title in 2008 but now are not only the favorite in the East but also are seen as maybe the team in the league with the best shot to dethrone the Warriors. They have the coach in Brad Stevens, the system, and the talent with Kyrie Irving, Gordon Hayward, Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and the overlooked Al Horford. A. Sherrod Blakely, who covers the Celtics for NBC Sports Boston, joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk all things Celtics, from the rough preseason through the high expectations and what Boston needs to do to reach them. That includes finding ways to keep everyone happy on one of the deepest teams in the NBA. There's even a little Anthony Davis trade talk thrown in.

Five teams we can't take our eyes off of Oct 09, 2018

We know what teams the league wants you to watch and has put all over national television — Golden State, Boston, Houston, Philadelphia. But what teams should you be watching? What teams are fascinating and will draw the NBA Twitter/League Pass crowd. Keith Smith of Real GM and Celtics Blog joins us to talk about all the teams we'll be watching — yes the Lakers and their circus are on the list, but so are the Nuggets, Hawks, Pacers, Jazz, and even the Kings, among others. This is a great time to be an NBA fan and these are the teams with some real buzz — and some real interesting questions about them — heading into the season.

Your mailbag questions, with lots of Jimmy Butler talk Sep 27, 2018

What the hell is going on with the Jimmy Butler trade? That's been the big topic around the league for a week now, and it was the big topic when we asked you for questions to do a mailbag podcast. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports dive into the topic of Butler's trade, where he lands, what teams should and will offer — will Miami put Josh Richardson in a deal? — and how nervous teams should be about that max contract Butler wants next summer. The pair also delve into questions on Philadelphia, Orlando, and who will the three worst teams in the NBA be this season?

How do Indiana Pacers take next step forward? Sep 25, 2018

Last season Victor Oladipo burst on the scene, making the leap from solid rotation player to All-NBA level star who could score and defend, and he dragged the Pacers up to being a solid playoff team with him. The Pacers were the surprise of the NBA, which leads to the question: Can they do it again? More than that, how can they take a step forward? Kurt Helin of NBC Sports talks with J. Michael of the Indy Star about the Pacers and their key role players — Myles Turner, Tyreke Evans, Thaddeus Young and more — and what has to happen to move this team into the top three or four of the East. The pair also discusses the East a little, including whether Toronto is for real, and how big a threat will Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks be.

Can any team beat the Golden State Warriors? Sep 19, 2018

Can any team beat the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors this season? Maybe, although the Warriors will need to participate in their own downfall, one way or another — an injury to Stephen Curry or Kevin Durant, the lack of regular season focus finally catching up with them, or maybe they become too focused on free agency the next summer. Mark Medina of the San Jose Mercury News, and host of the Planet Dubs podcast, joins us to break down how Steve Kerr will work to keep that downfall from happening, how he will keep this team focused, what DeMarcus Cousins means to the roster, and what it will take for the Warriors to three-peat — and what can trip them up.

NBA Free Agency preview with Sean Deveney Jun 28, 2018

NBA free agency is the Wild West, and just about anything can happen. LeBron James is leaning toward Los Angeles, but can he get Paul George to jump with him? What about the Kawhi Leonard trade — is it going to happen with the Lakers? If it does, is LeBron to Los Angeles a lock? If LeBron and Leonard are in L.A., is George going to ditch his OKC plans and follow? Kurt Helin from NBC Sports and Sean Deveney of The Sporting News break all that down, plus talking Chris Paul, DeMarcus Cousins, DeAndre Jordan, J.J. Redick, the Indiana Pacers trying to pick players off (possibly restricted free agents), and everything else going on. Even Brook Lopez.

NBA Draft breakdown: Winners, losers, sleepers Jun 22, 2018

The Phoenix Suns didn't screw up the No. 1 pick landing Deandre Ayton, but they also made an interesting — maybe safe — move getting Mikal Bridges in a trade. The Atlanta Hawks got their man in Trae Young, but the Dallas Mavericks did better getting theirs in Luka Doncic after a trade. The Sacramento Kings got their man in Marvin Bagley. Michael Porter Jr. and Robert Williams fell down draft. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down all of it, who were the winners and losers, who were the sleepers, and what it means heading into free agency this summer.

Risers. Sleepers. Who should go No. 2? Final full draft breakdown Jun 18, 2018

Luka Doncic? Marvin Bagley III? Jaren Jackson Jr.? If you were in the shoes of Vlade Divac and the Sacramento Kings, who would you draft No. 2? Kurt Helin and Rob Dauster of NBC Sports get into that topic as well as breaking down the rest of the draft such as the risers, the sleepers, and is Michael Porter Jr. worth the risk? Also, in the bigger picture, are we focused too much on the bigs at the top of this draft — the majority of guys who will go in the top six — when we just saw in the last two rounds of the NBA playoffs that a lot of bigs can't stay on the court in those situations? Which of these draftees can?

Sixers GM out due to Twitter accounts, plus NBA Finals talk Jun 07, 2018

It was both expected and one of the strangest stories ever in the NBA: Bryan Colangelo is out as the GM of the Sixers because his wife — he contends without his knowledge — ran a series of Twitter burner accounts which defended him and savaged players on the team. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports get into why Colangelo had to go, even if you believe he didn't know about the accounts, and who is most likely next in line to replace him. The pair also gets into the 3-0 NBA Finals, the vibe around the Cavaliers, and what this means for LeBron James going forward.

NBA Finals preview, plus Twitter burner account talk May 30, 2018

Golden State vs. Cleveland. Again. LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry.

Or, more accurately, LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and Draymond Green. Which is why when Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports starts breaking down the 2018 NBA Finals there's a lot of talk about what needs to go perfectly for Cleveland. They need Kevin Love back (and ideally Andre Iguodala to miss some time). They need to hit their threes. The role players have to step up. Their defense needs not to regress against a much better offense. The Cavaliers have no margin for error, the Warriors have a big one, and we break down why.

Also, the first 10 minutes of the podcast is a discussion of the hot water Sixers GM Bryan Colangelo finds himself in after a story pointing to a lot of circumstantial evidence that he was running a series of secondary Turner Burner Twitter accounts that were critical of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz, Masai Ujiri others. While it's led to a lot of jokes (and good ones), this is serious for Colangelo and the Sixers and it could cost someone their job.

Conference Finals now best of three; plus Metta World Peace May 23, 2018

Both NBA Conference Finals are tied 2-2 in both the East and West — and breaking that down is not even the best part of this podcast. That's because NBA champion Metta World Peace joins us to talk about his new book, "No Malice: My Life in Basketball or: How a Kid from Queensbridge Survived the Streets, the Brawls, and Himself to Become an NBA Champion." World Peace discusses the time he cracked Michael Jordan's ribs in a summer game, how he was nervous before Game 7 of the NBA Finals in 2010, and how he was a pioneer in NBA players talking about mental health (Metta's portion of the podcast starts at 30:17). Before that, Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports discuss LeBron James bringing Cleveland back, but with the Celtics going home will the young players wearing green respond and change the momentum around again? And do the Warriors have another gear and the ability to win another game on the road in Houston?

The Second Annual NBA Mock Draft Podcast, part 2 May 16, 2018

Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk was joined by Rob Dauster, the host of College Basketball Talk, to put together a mock draft podcast. On Part 1, here on the CBT feed, you can find a breakdown of the first seven picks in the draft, with Rob providing player breakdowns and Kurt bringing the knowledge on team needs and player fit. Part 2 of the podcast, which includes picks 8-30, can be found right here on the Pro Basketball Talk feed.

The Rundown:

Open: 8. Cleveland Cavaliers

8:30: 9. New York Knicks

11:00: 10. Philadelphia 76ers

12:25: 11. Charlotte Hornets

16:05: 12. and 13. Los Angeles Clippers

25:05: 14. Denver Nuggets

26:20: 15. Washington Wizards

31:10: 16. Phoenix Suns

33:40: 17. Milwaukee Bucks

37:10: 18. San Antonio Spurs

38:25: 19. Atlanta Hawks

41:00: 20. Minnesota Timberwolves

42:45: 21. Utah Jazz

45:25: 22. Chicago Bulls

46:45: 23. Indiana Pacers

49:30: 24. Portland Trailblazers

52:35: 25. Los Angeles Lakers

54:55: 26. Philadelphia 76ers

57:05: 27. Boston Celtics

58:25: 28. Golden State Warriors

1:00:25: 29. Brooklyn Nets

1:02:50: 30. Atlanta Hawks

Getting noticed by NBA teams through Professional Basketball Combine May 14, 2018

Most of the NBA Draft focus right now is on the handful of guys at the top of the draft. However, at any given time up to 20 percent of the guys in the league were undrafted (Robert Covington, Jeremy Lin, Seth Curry, Aron Baynes, Wes Mathews, and Kent Bazemore, to name a few). How do those guys get the attention of scouts and GMs and get their chance? Jake Kelfer with the Professional Basketball Combine joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk about that event — a May event where teams can watch players not at the NBA Combine — and how those players can get a foot in the door. This year, that includes LiAngelo Ball, who will be at the PBC trying to show to scouts exactly what he can do.

Eastern, Western Conference Finals Previews May 10, 2018

Houston vs. Golden State is the showdown we've been waiting for since before the season began. LeBron James has just one more team between him and an eighth straight trip to the NBA Finals, but the Boston Celtics with Al Horford and a smart defense are going to present challenges the Toronto Raptors did not last series. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports get into each series and look at the details. How will Boston handle Kyle Korver and Kevin Love while trying to not let LeBron go off. Can James Harden get isolations and go right at Stephen Curry, and will that work? The pair also get into the discussion of coaches in Toronto and Philadelphia, where there are segments of both fan bases that want to fire the head man.

What went wrong and what's next for Trail Blazers? Apr 25, 2018

It was embarrassing, and left both fans and players of the Trail Blazers angry and frustrated — Portland was swept out of the playoffs by the New Orleans Pelicans. Now what happens in Portland? Is Terry Stotts in danger as the coach? What about GM Neil Olshey? Would they consider trading C.J. McCollum? Is there anyway to offload the contract of Evan Turner? Kurt Helin and the Northeast's own Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports break it all down in this latest podcast. The pair also touch on other series around the league, like do the Pelicans have a shot against the Warriors? And, as required by NBA law, they touch on the Sixers run.

NBA first round playoff series breakdowns Apr 19, 2018

LeBron James' team looks to be in a battle royal in the first round — and they could lose. Miami is challenging the Sixers and shaking the faith of all those that just jumped on the bandwagon. Utah stole a game in Oklahoma City showing great grit and resolve, not to mention a lot of Donovan Mitchell. Anthony Davis has done everything but walk on water for the Pelicans. The first round of the NBA playoffs has been fascinating — and we are just two games into each series. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down all eight first round series in this podcast, starting in the East and the tight races there, then move into the West. There's even some "who wants to pay Jabari Parker this summer?" talk.

Just how vulnerable are the Golden State Warriors? Apr 12, 2018

Golden State seemed like the anointed one, the team destined to return to the NBA Finals and claim another crown before (and through much of) the season. Not any more. With Stephen Curry out until at least the second round, with other injuries to role players, and with some sloppy defense down the stretch (and some disinterested play), the Warriors look like they could be beaten. How vulnerable are they? Kurt Helin of NBC Sports brings in Mark Medina, Warriors beat writer for the San Jose Mercury News and Bay Area News Group, to talk about whether the Warriors can just flip the switch, or do the Spurs — and other teams down the line — have a shot? The two also get into the rest of the West playoff matchups, as well as what is in store for Paul George.

Who should win NBA MVP? Rookie of Year? Our NBA awards episode Apr 10, 2018

James Harden or LeBron James for NBA MVP? Donovan Mitchell or Ben Simmons for NBA Rookie of the Year? Out of a crowded field who should be the NBA Coach of the Year? It's a fascinating field and debate, and while the NBA will not announce the official winners until late June, Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports give you their picks and get into all of the NBA's postseason awards in this podcast. The tough debates include who is on the second and third team All-NBA, as well as second team Rookie of the Year. Kurt and Dan get into them in detail.

NBA Draft prospects to watch in the NCAA Tournament Mar 14, 2018

This will be the last chance to watch Trae Young before the draft — just how good is he?

Marvin Bagley and Wendell Carter Jr. are going to take Duke deep into this tournament (and maybe win it all), but how will their games translate to the NBA?

Does Deandre Ayton look like he deserves the No. 1 pick?

NBA scouts and GMs will be out at NCAA Tournament sites from San Diego to Pittsburgh this weekend to get one last look at potential draft picks playing in competitive college games. Kurt Helin brings in NBC's college basketball insider Rob Dauster to talk about a number of the potential top picks in this draft and what to look for from them during the NCAA Tournament. They cover the guys above, plus get into matchups to keep an eye on this first weekend of the tournament from an NBA perspective.

What to watch in NBA season's stretch run Feb 22, 2018

Are the Cleveland Cavaliers for real? And how are you going to define "for real?"

Who is going to make the playoffs in the West? Is Utah going to get in?

Is James Harden going to be MVP? Is it Ben Simmons or Donovan Mitchell for Rookie of the Year?

Those are just some of the storylines as the NBA races down the stretch run of the season (most teams have around 25 games left). Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down all the things to watch from the end of the season, including if Detroit can climb up into the postseason, and how the top of the East is going to shake out.

NBA Trade Deadline Gone Wild, breaking down Cavaliers, others Feb 09, 2018

Nobody saw this coming. The 2018 NBA trade deadline day turned into one of the most insane days in recent memory — and all because of the Cleveland Cavaliers. In an unprecedented couple of moves, the Cavaliers sent out six players they saw as part of the problem and brought in four players who are younger, more athletic, and might actually try on defense. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down what happened with the Cavaliers, where they go from here. They also get into Tyreke Evans, DeAndre Jordan and the guys not moved, what this means for Utah and their playoff chase, what it means for the Lakers and their cap space, and all-things trade deadline.

Author Jonathan Abrams talks "The Wire," Cavaliers, more Feb 06, 2018

Author Jonathan Abrams, who has written about the NBA for years, has a new book out, an oral history of the legendary HBO series "The Wire." Abrams joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to discuss how the book came about, what he learned about the show writing it, and the show's cultural impact now, many years after it shut down. The two also get into what is going on in Cleveland with LeBron James — Abrams previous book was about the "preps to pros" generation of the NBA — as well as whether the NBA should bring back high school players in the draft. There's even a little discussion of the tension between referees and players.

Breaking down Blake Griffin to Detroit trade Jan 30, 2018

Blake Griffin is headed to Detroit. Nobody saw this coming (not even the teams a week before). Griffin had just inked a $175 million deal with the Clippers months before, when Los Angeles told him he would be a "Clipper for life." But there is no loyalty in the NBA — Griffin was traded Monday to the Pistons for Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic, a first and a second round pick. Why did Detroit go all-in on two big men? To win? To sell tickets? And for the Clippers how fast does the rebuild come and what should be their plans going forward. Kurt Helin in Los Angeles and Dan Feldman in Detroit, both of NBC Sports, break down the trade. They also discuss the John Wall injury and what that could mean in Washington and for the playoff race.

Kidd firing, All-Star Game mock draft with Matt Moore Jan 25, 2018

Our old friend Matt Moore of the Action Sports Network swings by to talk first about the firing of Jason Kidd in Milwaukee and what the Bucks do now. Then the topic shifts to the All-Star Game reserves, where Matt and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports conduct a mock draft of the All-Star starters and reserves, with Matt as LeBron James and Kurt as Stephen Curry. Unlike the real draft, we do ours in public.

All-Star starters mock draft, who should be reserves? Jan 19, 2018

The votes are in, and LeBron James and Stephen Curry are your All-Star captains — this year that means they are picking their own teams, playground style, first from the pool of starters, then the pool of reserves. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports take on the roles of LeBron and Curry and pick their All-Star starters, from James Harden through Kyrie Irving. Then the pair gets into who should be the All-Star Game reserves — and choosing among the Western Conference guards is brutal. Do they leave out Damian Lillard? Lou Williams? Klay Thompson? And that's not even getting into Paul George being a bubble All-Star in a deep West. Kurt and Dan break it all down, plus talk some Kemba Walker trade scenarios.

MVP, Rookie of Year, NBA Midseason Awards breakdown Jan 11, 2018

James Harden or LeBron James for MVP? Is Ben Simmons the runaway Rookie of the Year, or has Donovan Mitchell made a good enough case to take the award? Is anyone the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year? With the NBA reaching the midway of the season, Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down their end-of-season awards ballots to this point. That includes all the big awards, plus who would make the All-NBA team if we had to decide today.

Deep dive on Toronto Raptors with Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun Jan 04, 2018

The Toronto Raptors have the fourth best record in the NBA and the third best net rating — the best point per possession rating in the Eastern Conference. But are they are they for real? DeMar DeRozan is having his best season, Toronto is moving the ball and passing more, they are shooting more threes, and they are defending the best they have in years. The question is can they continue that into the playoffs, when they face Cleveland or Boston? Kurt Helin of NBC Sports and Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun break all that down, discuss the crazy depth of the Raptors, what ownership is thinking, and if team president Masai Ujiri will get fined again for cussing at a playoff game rally.

Kincks' Frank Ntilikina talks adjusting to NBA; Xmas day game previews Dec 21, 2017

For the start of the podcast, Frank Ntilikina joins NBC's Kurt Helin to talk about his adjustment to the NBA, how Jarrett Jack and Jeff Hornacek help him out, and how he's getting used to peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in the locker room (Ntilikina is helping The Boys & Girls Clubs of America because every time anyone uses #PBJLikeAPro on social media, Jif and Smuckers will donate $1 to the Club). After that, Dan Feldman from NBC Sports joins Kurt to break down the Christmas Day games — Joel Embiid vs. Kristaps Porzingis to open the day (if they can get healthy), then Cavaliers at Warriors, and on through the day until the Timberwolves face the Lakers at the end of the night.

Early Trade Deadline Breakdown, is DeAndre Jordan on the move? Dec 14, 2017

The trade deadline is less than two months away, and DeAndre Jordan could well be on the move from the Clippers (and Lou Williams, too). But what is Memphis going to do about Mark Gasol? New Orleans with DeMarcus Cousins? Oklahoma City with Paul George? And if any of those guys are available, who is a buyer? Cleveland? Milwaukee? Portland? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down the high end of the trade market, plus talk about other guys who could be on the move — maybe Nikola Mirotic from Chicago or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist from Charlotte — before Feb. 8 gets here. The last couple of trade deadlines have been interesting, but will we see a move that changes the landscape of the NBA playoffs in a meaningful way?

Jahlil Okafor trade, plus "is it real" look at surprising NBA starts Dec 08, 2017

The "Free Jahlil Okafor" crowd got their wish — the former No. 3 pick has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where he will get the chance to prove he can impact the NBA (and the Sixers do well in the trade getting Trevor Booker back).

Kurt Helin of NBC Sports brings in the well-connected Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders to break down that trade. Then the two get into a discussion of what is real and what isn't at the start of the NBA season: Are the Boston Celtics really the best team in the East? Is James Harden the MVP frontrunner? Is Oklahoma City this bad? Is Detroit this good? The pair cover all of that and much more.

Talking 2018 draft, potential changes to 1-and-done rule Nov 30, 2017

Momentum is building to end the one-and-done rule that nobody likes — not NBA teams, college coaches, universities, or fans — but there is concern about what replaces it. Will that really be better for the players, or do we need a more radical system change? Kurt Helin and Rob Dauster of NBC Sports discuss that, then get into the 2018 draft. How far does Michael Porter Jr. fall? Is or Luca Doncic or Marvin Bagley III the No. 1 pick? What about Deandre Ayton? They cover all that and more in an early draft preview.

Breaking down rookie class's start to NBA season Nov 21, 2017

Markelle Fultz has barely seen the court. Lonzo Ball has had a couple triple-doubles but his shot is a train wreck (and he can't finish around the rim). Right now, Danny Ainge looks like the smartest guy in the room trading down and walking away with Jayson Tatum. Some of the best players out of this draft early — Kyle Kuzma, Donovan Mitchell — were drafted well down the board. It's been a draft class with wild highs, some ugly lows, some polarizing figures — and Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break it down. They go through all the lottery picks individually, plus talk about players down the board who have impressed.

Celtics win over Warriors and all things Boston with A. Sherrod Blakely Nov 17, 2017

Boston is the best team in the NBA — 14 wins in a row, including coming from 17 down to beat the Golden State Warriors. Kurt Helin welcomes in A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston to talk about what this win means to the Celtics, why their defense is so good, how Kyrie Irving is fitting in, how young stars such as Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are rising up, and what is the deal with Marcus Smart. Also there is a lot of Brad Stevens love.

Breaking down the Eric Bledsoe trade Nov 07, 2017

Eric Bledsoe finally has been traded from the Phoenix Suns, landing in Milwaukee for Greg Monroe and an oddly protected first-round pick. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBC Sports break down why this is a good gamble for the Bucks, and why it's about as well as the Suns could do considering the situation. There is also some Jahlil Okafor trade talk thrown in.

Celtics, Grizzlies, Pistons, talking hot NBA teams to start season Oct 31, 2017

All things Sixers with Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia Oct 23, 2017

Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers are off to a rough start this season, but the future is still very bright and the process is still working. Jessica Camerato of NBC Sports Philadelphia joins Kurt Helin to talk Markelle Fultz's shoulder issues and shot, the tough schedule for the Sixers the first couple months of the season, and a team adjusting to having expectations. Also, there is some Suns/Eric Bledsoe talk.

Gordon Hayward injury, what's next for Boston Oct 18, 2017

Gordon Hayward's gruesome ankle injury is a brutal way for the Celtics to start the season. But the big questions now are what is next in Boston, both short term (more small ball) and long term. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down what this means for the Celtics. They also get into Cleveland's opening night win over Boston, Houston upsetting Golden State, the LaMarcus Aldridge contract extension, and whether Joel Embiid should be pissed he has a minutes restriction.

NBA MVP, Awards predictions Oct 12, 2017

With the NBA season about to tip off, we start to wonder who could win the MVP this season? Rookie of the Year? Sixth Man of the Year? All those races are far more interesting than the NBA title chase this coming season. Sean Deveney of The Sporting News joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to make predictions on who will win all the awards — there is a lot of love for LeBron James for MVP — plus discuss the leading candidates heading into the season. They also get into if anyone has a chance at the Warriors.

Thunder, Timberwolves, Northwest division preview Oct 06, 2017

All-Star Game changes and then a discussion of the deep Northwest division are the topics Kurt Helin and Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports tackle in this episode. Can the Thunder's big three make the sacrifices needed to win? Just how good are the Timberwolves going to be? Can Portland take a step forward? We get into all of it.

Impact of college basketball scandal with Rob Dauster Oct 04, 2017

An FBI led bribery and corruption scandal has hit college basketball, but its tentacles reach from AAU to the NBA. Kurt Helin and Rob Dauster of NBC Sports talk about the scandal, what changes it could mean (not many), and a little about the upcoming draft class. #NBA

Cavaliers, Bucks, Central Division Preview Sep 26, 2017

LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers are the class of the East and the class of the Central division. However, the Bucks will be good, the Pistons interesting, plus the Pacers and Bulls are looking to the draft (mostly). Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBCSports.com break the NBA's Central Division down.

Warriors, Lakers, Pacific Division preview with Mark Medina Sep 20, 2017

The Golden State Warriors are the NBA's juggernaut. The Lakers with Lonzo Ball are a must watch team. Mark Medina of the San Jose Mercury News joins NBC's Kurt Helin to talk Warriors, Lakers, plus the rest of the Pacific — Clippers, Suns, and Kings.

Lonzo Ball talks about his father, getting ready for NBA season Sep 12, 2017

In a quick hitter podcast (just 15 minutes), Lonzo Ball stops by to talk about the "Ball in the Family" reality series, his father, teammates reaction to his father, and getting ready for the NBA season with Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.

Breaking down Kyrie Irving trade Aug 23, 2017

Is this going to keep LeBron in Cleveland? Are the Celtics now contenders? NBC's Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman break down the surprising late summer trade sending Kyrie Irving to Boston for Isaiah Thomas and more.

NBA free agency breakdown: Go West Young Man! Jul 03, 2017

Trades have rocked the NBA — Chris Paul to Houston, Paul George to Oklahoma City — and now big free agents are on the move, Paul Millsap to Denver. The theme? Everyone is headed West. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down the first 48 hours of NBA free agency.

Porzingis? George? No. 1 pick traded? We talk NBA gone wild. Jun 20, 2017

The NBA has gone wild in the run-up to the draft. The Knicks might trade Kristaps Porzingis? Probably not. Paul George could move? Much more likely. And the No. 1 pick has been traded. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break all this craziness down.

2017 Mock Draft with PBT and CBT Jun 14, 2017

Kurt Helin of Pro Basketball Talk and Rob Dauster of College Basketball Talk team up to provide a comprehensive first round mock draft. We also discuss leftover NBA Finals topics.

NBA Finals preview with Dan Feldman May 31, 2017

Is Cleveland's defense going to be focused for 48 minutes? How is Golden State going to handle LeBron on the pick-and-roll? What does this Finals mean for the legacy of LeBron James? Or the Warriors? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC get into all that and more in this Finals preview podcast.

Celtics draft or trade? Carmelo future? All from your Twitter questions. May 25, 2017

What will Boston do with the No. 1 pick? What does the future hold for Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks? What is the right way to eat pizza? Kurt Helin and Dane Carbaugh from NBC answer that and more from your Twitter questions.

Breaking down NBA Draft Lottery results with Dan Feldman May 17, 2017

Boston, the LA Lakers, and Philadephia will have the top three picks in the NBA Draft in June. What does that mean? Who are they likely to select? If the Celtics take Markelle Fultz, what does that mean for the future of Isaiah Thomas in Boston? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports get into all of that. There is also some Zaza Pachulia talk, and we discuss if Warriors/Cavaliers round three in the Finals is good for the NBA.

Podcasting a 2017 Mock Draft May 09, 2017

Today, Kurt Helin is joined by Rob Dauster of College Basketball Talk to break down and talk through a mock draft done live on a podcast. Does it get better than that?

Tony Parker injury, playoff series talk with Dane Carbaugh May 04, 2017

The second round is underway, but Tony Parker will be in a suit for the rest of it. What does that mean for San Antonio? Kurt and Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports discuss that plus can Washington come back on Boston? And can we just put Cleveland and Golden State through?

Why Bulls are owning Celtics, plus East breakdown with Sean Highkin Apr 20, 2017

Boston is a flawed team, but nobody saw this coming — the Bulls have owned them for the Celtics for the first two games of the playoffs. Kurt Helin of NBC and Sean Highkin who covers the Bulls for The Athletic break down this series and the rest of the East.

Eastern Conference Playoff Preview with Dan Feldman Apr 14, 2017

Boston is the No. 1 seed, but Chicago is a real threat. Cleveland is the conference favorite, but can the Pacers expose the Cavs' defense. Can the Bucks upset the Raptors? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break down the entire Eastern Conference playoffs in this podcast.

Western Conference Playoff Preview with Dane Carbaugh of NBC Apr 13, 2017

Russell Westbrook vs. James Harden. Is this the year the Clippers break through, or can the Jazz end their playoff run early? Can Memphis or Portland even win a game? Kurt Helin and Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports break down the Western Conference first round.

Future of Isaiah Thomas, Ricky Rubio, also award talk with Dan Feldman Mar 30, 2017

Listener questions from Twitter lead to a discussion of the Celtics' future with Isaiah Thomas, Ricky Rubio with Minnesota, and Devon Booker. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBCSports.com also discuss the tight award races this year. #NBA #Celtics #NBAMVP

B.J. Armstrong talks Krauss, triangle, Derrick Rose and more Mar 24, 2017

Three-time NBA champion B.J. Armstrong joins Kurt Helin from NBC to talk about the late Bulls' GM Jerry Kraus, the triangle offense in today's NBA, his being an agent for Derrick Rose heading into free agency, and there's even a Luc Longly story.

NCAA Tournament prospect watch (and some picks) with NBC's Rob Dauster Mar 14, 2017

March Madness is here, and while you're rooting for Rhode Island to upset it's way to the Elite Eight, there are NBA draft prospects you should be keeping an eye on. College Basketball Talk's Rob Dauster joins NBC's Kurt Helin to discuss the NCAA Tournament with an NBA eye.

Talking coaching, "Basketball is Jazz" with David Thorpe Mar 07, 2017

Basketball is Jazz. It's about people with different skills and styles working to find common ground and be better as a whole. It's about solos and compromise. It's life lessons. Trainer to the pros and ESPN writer David Thorpe and NBC's Kurt Helin talk about all that in the latest PBT Podcast.

Kevin Durant injury, plus taking your questions from Twitter. Mar 01, 2017

Golden State has it's adversity now on its way to the title: Can it hold on to the No. 1 seed without Kevin Durant? Will he be fully healthy for the playoffs? Kurt Helin and Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports talk KD plus take your questions from Twitter on chemistry, Ben Simmons, and burgers.

What does Magic's return mean for Lakers with Mark Medina Feb 22, 2017

Magic Johnson is back... well, he neve really left the Lakers but now he has been put in charge of basketball operations with Jim Buss thrown to the curb. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports and Mark Medina of the LA Daily News break down what led to this and where the Lakers go from here.

Breaking down DeMarcus Cousins trade with Dan Feldman Feb 22, 2017

It happened very quickly and snuck up on the league — DeMarcus Cousins was traded from Sacramento to New Orleans. Who won? What do the Pelicans do now? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break it all down, and talk some other trade possibilities.

Trade deadline preview with Sean Deveney of The Sporting News Feb 10, 2017

Carmelo Anthony? Probably staying put. But Serge Ibaka, Jahlil Okafor and a host of other players could be on the move at the trade deadline Feb. 23. Kurt Helin of NBC Sports And Sean Deveney of The Sporting News break it all down as a preview of what to expect. #NBA #NBATrade #NBAonNBC

What's gone right for Wizards with CSN insider J. Michael Feb 01, 2017

Since Dec. 1, the Washington Wizards have the best record in the East (22-9). They have statistically the best starting five in the East this season. Is this team on par with Toronto and Boston? NBC's Kurt Helin talk about what's gone right (Scott Brooks) and where the Wizards belong with CSNMidAtlantic.com's Wizards' Insider J. Michael.

Bulls, Carmelo Anthony trade talk, All-Star snubs Jan 28, 2017

Infighting threatens the Chicago Bulls. The Knicks want to trade Carmelo Anthony but are not finding it easy. Joel Embiid and others felt snubbed as All-Stars. It's a lot to talk about, but Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBCSports.com break it all down.

Raptors talk with Ryan Wolstat of Toronto Sun Jan 26, 2017

The Raptors are the second best team in the East, but they had lost four in a row heading into Wednesday night and the offense has slumped. I discussed what is going on and the team's future with Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun. #NBA #Raptors #Toronto

Debating NBA midseason awards with Dan Feldman Jan 17, 2017

Russell Westbrook or James Harden for MVP? Is Mike D'Antoni the runaway Coach of the Year? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports debate all of that, plus Sixth Man, Defensive Player of Year, and even takeaways from the Warriors win over the Cavaliers Monday. #NBA #Cavaliers #Warrriors #PBTPodcast

All-Star Starters, Derrick Rose talk with Dane Carbaugh Jan 12, 2017

Who should start the All-Star Game? Not Zaza Pachulia, but after that it gets tricky, Kurt Helin and Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports try to hash it out. They also break down the Derrick Rose situation and talk Kyle Korver to the Cavaliers. #NBA #PBTPodcast #Bulls #Cavaliers

Chicago Bulls talk with Sean Highkin of The Athletic Jan 04, 2017

Rajon Rondo is benched, is he long for Chicago? Would the Bulls listen to Jimmy Butler trade offers? Taj Gibson? Kurt Helin of NBC Sports breaks it all down with Sean Highkin who covers the Bulls for The Athletic. #NBA #ChicagoBulls #Bull

Christmas Day games previews Dec 22, 2016

The NBA's slate of five games on Christmas Day is seen as the unofficial start of the season for many fans. This year that includes the NBA Finals rematch/preview of Golden State at Cleveland. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman from NBCSports.com break down all five games and what to look for. #NBA #NBAChristmas #NBCSports

Early look at 2017 NBA draft prospects with NBC's Rob Dauster Dec 20, 2016

Markelle Fultz. Lorenzo Ball. Harry Giles. Dennis Smith. The 2017 NBA Draft will be loaded with interesting players, but just how good is this class? Kurt Helin brings in NBC's college hoops expert Rob Dauster to break down the top prospects.

Harrison Barnes talk adjustments to being Dallas' No. 1 option (then crew talks NBA news) Dec 14, 2016

Harrison Barnes of the Dallas Mavericks spends about 10 minutes with Kurt Helin of NBC Sports talking ending up in Dallas, Dirk Nowitzki, and adapting to being a No. 1 offensive option. Then Dane Carbaugh joins Kurt to talk Mavericks and other NBA news.

Breaking down Eastern Conference standings with Dan Feldman Dec 05, 2016

The Cavaliers are clearly at the top, Toronto is next, then Boston, but who are playoff teams and who is going to slide as we look at the rest of the Eastern Conference? Will the Knicks hold on? Will Atlanta bounce back? Will the Bulls regress? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break it all down.

Sacramento Kings, Western playoff chase with James Ham of CSN Bay Area Dec 01, 2016

Mention the Kings to fans around the league and the question is "when do they trade Cousins?" But Sacramento still has playoff dreams this season. James Ham of CSN Bay Area breaks down the Kings, why Cousins and Rudy Gay may not be moved at deadline, and the Western Conference playoff race.

Lakers talk — playoffs?!? — with Baxter Holmes Nov 22, 2016

The Lakers have been the biggest surprise in the NBA this season, and Baxter Holmes of ESPN joins Kurt Helin of NBCSports.com to discuss what Luke Walton has meant to the team, plus the growth of D'Angelo Russell, Brandon Ingram, Julius Randle, Nick Young, and more. #NBA #Lakers

Lakers, Wiggins, and discussing your Twitter questions Nov 18, 2016

Is no Kobe the reason the Lakers are winning? Can Andrew Wiggins keep this pace up? Kurt Helin and Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports tackle those and other questions you posed to them on Twitter in this latest PBT Extra. Plus, some Seattle expansion talk.

Five biggest surprises of young NBA season Nov 10, 2016

Dwyane Wade hitting threes? Nick Young's mature game? There are a lot of surprises this newly minted NBA season, and Dan Feldman and Kurt Helin of NBC Sports break down their top surprises through the first couple weeks of the season. Including Boston's terrible defense.

Utah Jazz, weight loss talk with Jody Genessy Nov 08, 2016

Utah is everybody's favorite breakout team this season, and with Gordon Hayward now healthy this team is ready to take the step. Jody Genessy of the Deseret News joins Kurt Helin of NBCSports.com to talk Jazz now, Rudy Gobert, if they can keep this team together, and how Jody lost more than 100 pounds. #NBA #UtahJazz

Kobe Bryant biography "Showboat" with author Roland Lazenby Nov 01, 2016

Kobe Bryant is one of the most captivating, polarizing, nearly inscrutable, and one of the best players ever to come through the NBA. Author Roland Lazenby of the new Kobe biography "Showtime" joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk Bryant, his youth and development, his influences, Shaq, Phil Jackson and more. #NBA #KOBE #KOBEBRYANT #Lakers

More than just Warriors/Cavs: NBA playoff, Finals predictions Oct 25, 2016

Cleveland vs. Golden State. Yes, we at ProBasketballTalk are predicting that as the NBA Finals, but Kurt Helin and Dane Carbaugh of NBC Sports talk what teams could challenge them, who makes the playoffs, teams to keep and eye on and much more. #NBA #Cavaliers #Warriors #NBAFinals #NBApredictions

MVP, Rookie of Year, other NBA award predictions with Dan Feldman Oct 20, 2016

Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are on the same team, so who wins MVP now? Ben Simmons likely will not play enough games, so who wins Rookie of the Year. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman predict them all in this latest PBT Podcast. #NBA #MVP #NBAAwards

Anthony Davis, Pelicans, Southwest division preview with Sean Deveney Oct 18, 2016

Has New Orleans finally put a better team around Anthony Davis? Will the Pelicans finally be healthy enough to make a run? Sean Deveney of The Sporting News joins Kurt Helin of NBC Sports to talk Pelicans, plus the Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks, and Grizzlies. #NBA #Pelicans #AnthonyDavis

Sixers coach Brett Brown talks job security, Joel Embiid, building culture Oct 13, 2016

Philadelphia coach Brett Brown joins NBC's Kurt Helin to talk about the slow evolution of the Sixers, the process of building a culture, how Joel Embiid is at heart of those plans, and his job security. #Sixers #NBA #NBC #JoelEmbiid

Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls, and Central Division with Vincent Goodwill Oct 10, 2016

Dwyane Wade has come home to Chicago, partnering with jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo. But is this even a playoff team? Probably, but Kurt Helin of NBC breaks it down with Vincent Goodwill of CSNChicago.com. The two also discuss if anybody in the East can beat Cleveland, and just how good are Detroit and Milwaukee?

Damian Lillard's Blazers, NorthWest Division preview with Jason Quick Oct 06, 2016

Portland was last season's surprise team, this season everyone will be ready for them. Will bringing in Evan Turner help the Blazers take a step forward? Kurt Helin of NBC and Jason Quick of CSNNW.com talk Portland, plus OKC, Utah, and the entire NorthWest Division. #NBA #NBApreview #TrailBlazers #Lillard

John Wall's Wizards, SouthEast Division preview with J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic Oct 04, 2016

Scott Brooks is now coach, the roster got younger and more athletic, but did John Wall's Wizards get better? Can Wall and Beal get along? Kurt Helin of NBC is joined by J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic to talk Wizards, plus Dwight Howard in Atlanta, the young Magic, and the rest of the SouthEast Division. #NBA #NBApreview #Wizards #Heat #Magic

Lakers, Pacific Division preview with Mark Medina of L.A. Daily News Sep 29, 2016

Kobe who? The Lakers new era begins for real this year with D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram front and center. Kurt Helin of PBT and Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Daily News talk Lakers and the Pacific Division: Can anyone beat Golden State? #Lakers #Warriors #NBA #PBTPodcast

What went wrong for USA in 2004, previewing 2016 Rio Olympic men's hoops Aug 03, 2016

USA Basketball = Olympic Gold. That will be the case in 2016 where Team USA are beyond heavy favorites to take home the gold in Rio. Which is why I spend the first part of this podcast speaking with Bill Leopold and Ben Teitelbaum of NBCOlympics.com about their oral history of Team USA at the 2004 Olympics. Then Dan Feldman of NBCSports and I break down the 2016 Rio games and who else might medal.

Dwyane Wade to Bulls, Kevin Durant to Warriors, more with Dan Feldman Jul 07, 2016

Kevin Durant chose Golden State — and that wasn't the biggest shock in free agency. Dwyane Wade left the Heat for the Bulls, which was shocking but still left Miami in a better spot than Chicago. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC break it all down, plus talk about the big winners during free agency. #KevinDurant #DwyaneWade #Warriors #Bulls #NBA

NBA Free Agency roundup (pre Durant decision) with Sean Highkin Jul 04, 2016

Al Horford chose Boston. Mike Conley stayed in Memphis — and brought Chandler Parsons with him. Bradley Beal, Nicolas Batum, Hassan Whiteside, and DeMar DeRozan all get maxed out. In this latest PBT Podcast Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin of NBC's ProBasketballTalk break it all down. This podcast was recorded before Kevin Durant made his call (and before Jamal Crawford made his, so that part of the podcast is dated).

Sean Deveney of Sporting News stops by for NBA free agency preview Jun 29, 2016

Thanks to an unprecedented spike in the salary cap, we are just days away from the most unpredictable, head-scratching free agency in NBA history. It's far more than just the summer of Kevin Durant. Sean Deveney of The Sporting News stops by to break down free agency with Kurt Helin of NBC Sports. #KevinDurant #NBAFreeAgency #NBA

Breaking down 2016 NBA Draft with Dan Feldman Jun 24, 2016

From Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram through the trade of Serge Ibaka to Orlando, Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break it all down in detail. Also, they discuss the Derrick Rose to the Knicks trade. #NBADraft #Sixers #BenSimmons #BrandonIngram #SergeIbaka

Who should Boston draft at No. 3? Rob Dauster breaks Draft down. Jun 09, 2016

Ben Simmons will go first to the Sixers, followed by Brandon Ingram second to the Lakers. The NBA Draft gets interesting at No. 3: Will Danny Ainge and the Boston Celtics take? Kris Dunn? Dragan Bender? Marquese Chriss? Kurt Helin of NBC's ProBasketballTalk and Rob Dauster of NBC's CollegeBasketballTalk put their heads together and talk NBA Draft, from Simmons and Ingram down through guys who should be rated a little higher, such as Tyler Ulis and Gary Payton II.

NBA Finals Game 3 preview with Dan Feldman Jun 07, 2016

It's been a rough first two games of the NBA Finals for the Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost those games by a record combined 48 points. And that's without the Splash Brothers going off yet. What do the Cavaliers plan to do at home in Game 3? What do they need to do? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports break it all down. #NBAFinals

NBA Finals Game 1 review, Game 2 preview with Sean Highkin Jun 03, 2016

How much trouble are the Cleveland Cavaliers in? Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson combined for just 20 points on 27 shots, and the Golden State Warriors still won by 15. Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin of NBCSports.com break it all down from Oakland and look ahead to Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Cavaliers vs. Warriors NBA Finals preview with Dan Feldman May 31, 2016

LeBron James got what he probably wanted deep down — a second chance at Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors. It's a chance for revenge from last season and to knock Curry off his pedestal. Except this is a difficult matchup for the Cavaliers and their current style of play, something Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports get into in this breakdown of what's to come. They both foresee a long couple of weeks coming for Kevin Love.

Thunder /Warriors, Raps/Cavs, grown men kicked in nuts May 24, 2016

The Oklahoma City Thunder went small and blew out the Warriors. After looking completely overmatched for two games, the Toronto Raptors have evened the series with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Yet all anyone wants to talk about is Draymond Green kicking Steven Adams in the nether regions, and how the league handled that. So Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports start with Green's kick, move on to his poor play in general in Game 3, and discuss Game 4 and the rest of that series. Also covered is Toronto and Cleveland, plus a little talk about Nate McMillan to Indiana and Frank Vogel to Orlando.

Stephen Curry MVP, playoff & coaching talk with Dan Feldman May 10, 2016

Stephen Curry is the MVP, which was a foregone conclusion, but would he be the NBA's first-ever unanimous MVP was up in the air. He was, and Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports discuss why Curry could get that consensus when LeBron James and Shaq couldn't in the past. The pair also talk all four playoff series — especially focused on Spurs/Thunder — and the coaching changes in Sacramento, Indiana, and Memphis.

Thunder/Spurs, Hawks/Cavs, and Game 6s talk with Dan Feldman Apr 29, 2016

Friday night sees some big Game 6s across the NBA playoffs —
Indiana has the best chance of forcing a Game 7 — but everyone is
looking ahead to Oklahoma vs. San Antonio in the next round. Kurt
Helin and Dan Feldman of NBCSports.com discuss those series, the
Friday night Game 6 matchups, and if Portland could beat Golden
State if the Warriors do not get Stephen Curry back.

Stephen Curry, NBA playoff talk with Sean Highkin Apr 25, 2016

Stephen Curry's sprained knee seems to have change the feeling
of inevitability around the NBA playoffs. If the past and soon to
be again MVP misses a chunk of the second round series, can the
Clippers upset the Warriors? Can the Clippers get past the Blazers
to even find out? Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin of NBC Sports discuss
that and all the playoff series around the league in this podcast.
They also talk about the Lakers' coaching search.

Chicago Bulls future talk, Eastern Conference playoffs with Vincent Goodwill Apr 20, 2016

The Chicago Bulls were in the running for most disappointing team in the NBA this season — some pundits thought they were the one team that could challenge Cleveland, but they didn't even make the playoffs. Injuries, chemistry problems, disinterested players that were poor fits for the new coach's system, and a new coach all combined in a perfect storm. Kurt Helin of NBCSports.com talks with Vincent Goodwill of CSNChicago about the Bulls season and future, as well as discussing what is going on in the rest of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Western Conference first round playoff preview with Sean Highkin Apr 16, 2016

It doesn't feel like there is a lot of drama in the first round or the Western Conference playoffs this season — the Warriors, Spurs, Thunder and Clippers are expected to advance. Fairly easily. Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin of NBC's ProBasketballTalk discuss these series, including whether Portland can push Los Angeles a little bit. The two also get off topic at points and talk Lakers and Bulls going forward.

Eastern Conference first round playoff preview with Dan Feldman Apr 14, 2016

Can anyone knock off the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East? Probably not. But that doesn't mean the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs is without drama. Can Toronto finally get out of the first round against the Pacers? Then there are two very interesting chess matches between teams that all won 48 games: Boston vs. Atlanta, and Charlotte vs. Miami. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports' ProBasketballTalk break it all down.

NBA end of season awards preview with Dan Feldman Apr 04, 2016

MVP? Stephen Curry. Rookie of the Year? Karl-Anthony Towns. But some of the NBA's end of season awards are not so clear cut this season. Sixth Man of the Year could go a lot of directions. Can you vote Steve Kerr coach of the year if he only coached half the year? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports and ProBasketball talk discuss all the major end of season awards in this podcast.

What is up with LeBron? We ask Dan Feldman. Mar 24, 2016

LeBron James is sending out cryptic tweets, unfollows the Cavaliers on Twitter, is longingly talking about joining up with his buddies 'Melo/Wade/CP3 — he is clearly sending a message. That message is not "I'm leaving Cleveland" but it is a message. Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports discuss what is driving LeBron's clear frustration. They also talk Warriors going for 73 wins and the playoff races at the bottom of both conferences.

Jonathan Abrams talks new book about high school to NBA generation Mar 21, 2016

Kobe Bryant. Kevin Garnett. LeBron James. They are the most captivating players of the past couple decades in the NBA — and they all went straight from high school to the NBA. But there were a lot of others that had nice careers, and some who flamed out. Jonathan Abrams new book "Boys Among Men" takes a detailed look at the high school to NBA generation, and he joins NBC's Kurt Helin to discuss that trend, what happened to the players, and the future of the one-and-done rule.

Utah Jazz talk with Jody Genessy Mar 14, 2016

There has been no more injury riddled team this season than the Utah Jazz, with Dante Exum, Alec Burk, Rudy Gobert, Derrick Favors, and others missing all or part of the season. Yet, with a month to go before the playoffs, most projection sites have the Jazz passing the Mavericks to make the postseason. Jody Genessy of the Deseret News joins NBC's Kurt Helin to talk all things Jazz, from Gordon Hayward to Quin Snyder. Plus they discuss ketchup potato chips.

Knicks future, DeMarcus Cousins, Twitter questions with Dan Feldman Mar 11, 2016

Is it somehow a surprise that Phil Jackson wanted his friend Kurt Rambis to succeed in New York? Or that Kevin Durant isn't interested in the Knicks? Or that DeMarcus Cousins is frustrated and lashing out in Sacramento? It shouldn't be, but those are the news stories of the day, which Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBC Sports' ProBasketballTalk discuss in this podcast. Other topics include your Twitter questions on the Bucks, Lakers and if Durant could end up in Toronto.

Warriors loss, LeBron tweets, more NBA news talk with Sean Highkin Mar 07, 2016

Nobody saw the Lakers beating the Warriors. Nobody is quite sure what LeBron James is tweeting. Nobody is quite sure what Ty Lawson will bring to Indiana. Nobody is quite sold on the up-and-down rockets. There's a lot to talk about in NBA as teams gear up for their playoff runs, and Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin of NBC Sports get to it all in this latest podcast.

NBA Draft discussion with Rob Dauster of CollegeBasketballTalk Mar 03, 2016

LSU's Ben Simmons is going No. 1, but how good is a guy who doesn't have a jumper? Is Duke's Brandon Ingram better? Who should be drafted third? Kurt Helin of NBC's ProBasketballTalk asks Rob Dauster of NBC's CollegeBasketballTalk talk about the top of the 2016 NBA draft, sleepers worth watching in the second round, the rise of the upper classman, plus some Big West basketball and even a little beer talk.

Joe Johnson future, Kevin Durant's too, other NBA news with Dan Feldman Feb 25, 2016

Joe Johnson has been set free from Brooklyn — at a cost of $3 million to himself — and seems headed to Cleveland, although in this PBT Podcast NBC's Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman discuss how Oklahoma City might be a better landing spot. They also get to the other news of the day such as James Harden reportedly forcing Kevin McHale out, Marc Gasol's broken foot, and where Kevin Durant may play next season.

Lakers present, future talk with Bill Oram Feb 22, 2016

Bill Oram puts it well, the Lakers should be one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA. They are not. Rather, they are hard to watch. It's bad basketball covered up by the Kobe Bryant farewell tour, which pulls the attention away from everything else. Oram, the Lakers' reporter from the Orange County Register, joins NBC's Kurt Helin to talk about where the Lakers are, where they go with both a new coaching search and maybe a new front office search, and how they want to go about building a team that can contend again.

NBA trade deadline breakdown with Dan Feldman Feb 18, 2016

The Detroit Pistons did very well. The New Orleans Pelicans couldn't unload Ryan Anderson and now will lose him for nothing. The Clippers improved, but could they have done even better? Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman of NBCSports.com break down all the trade deadline moves, talk about what we liked and didn't, and try to imagine what the Memphis locker room suddenly looks like with Lance Stephenson, Matt Barnes, Chris Andersen, P.J. Hairston, and Tony Allen is going to be like.

Dunk Contest, Toronto All-Star Weekend talk with Sean Highkin Feb 15, 2016

Toronto may have been cold (really, really cold) but it was home to the hottest All-Star Saturday Dunk Contest since.... Jordan and Dominique? Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin were in Toronto and discuss everything from Kobe Bryant to Sting to Russell Westbrook. All things All-Star in one place, plus some Charlotte talk.

All-Star Weekend talk, predictions with Sean Highkin Feb 11, 2016

NBA All-Star weekend descends upon Toronto starting Friday, with everything from the Rookie/Sophomore... er, Rising Stars Challenge on Friday, the Dunk Contest on Saturday, and the main event on Sunday. Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin of NBC's ProBasketballTalk break it all down with event talk and predictions (plus both will be in Toronto with reports from the event all weekend).

Derek Fisher firing, trade questions from Twitter with Dan Feldman Feb 08, 2016

Derek Fisher is out as coach of the New York Knicks, and NBC Sports' Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman expect another shoe to drop as to why. It's not that Fisher was a great coach, but replacing him with Kurt Rambis mid-season is not an upgrade. Then Helin & Feldman take questions off Twitter from readers/listeners on the coming trade deadline including discussions of Blake Griffin, Jeff Teague, the Pistons, and more.

Raptors talk, trade rumors with Ryan Wolstat of Toronto Sun Feb 04, 2016

Toronto is the clear and away second best team in the East, a roster with one of the NBA's best backcourts featuring All-Stars Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan. But is now the time for the Raptors to make a bold trade and swing for the fences? Ryan Wolstat of the Toronto Sun joins Kurt Helin of ProBasketballTalk to discuss that, Terrence Ross, the Raptors gaping hole at the power forward spot, and how the All-Star Game has Toronto buzzing.

Trade deadline talk with Sean Highkin Feb 01, 2016

The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 18, less than three weeks away, and while there are some interesting names out there — Ryan Anderson, Rudy Gay — don't expect any blockbuster moves until the summer. Still, there are plenty of smaller moves and dynamics, something ProBasketballTalk's Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin break down.

Washington Wizards and what's gone wrong, with J. Michael Jan 28, 2016

Before the season tipped off, the Washington Wizards were expected to be right there with Toronto, Chicago, and Atlanta as teams that would vie for the two seed in the East. As of right now, they wouldn't even make the playoffs. It's not on John Wall, but what went wrong and why? J. Michael, the CSNMidAtlantic.com insider on the Wizards, joins Kurt Helin to talk about how the Wizards' season went sideways.

Cavaliers coaching change, trade talk around league Jan 25, 2016

We reached out to the Twitterverse to get your questions to answer about news around the NBA, and you wanted to talk trades. ProBasketballTalk's Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman did just that starting in Cleveland and got into the sudden coaching change there. That was followed by discussing potential Brandon Jennings trades from Detroit, what the Bulls might do in Chicago, what the Orlando Magic might do, and some Ryan Anderson talk as well.

Los Angeles Clippers talk with Ben Bolch of the LA Times Jan 21, 2016

The Los Angeles Clippers are one of the five best teams in the NBA, but for a core group of Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan, is that going to be good enough? Could they beat Golden State in the second round? Ben Bolch of the Los Angeles Times joins PBT's Kurt Helin to break down Los Angeles, and discuss if the Clippers need to be broken up.

Who makes the All-Star Team? Who should be reserves? Jan 18, 2016

Starters, as chosen by the fans, for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game in Toronto, will be announced on Thursday. Did the fans get it right? And who should be chosen as reserves? Kurt Helin and Sean Highkin of NBC's ProBasketballTalk discuss it all, plus go off on tangents to discuss news and notes around the Association.

San Antonio Spurs talk with Jabari Young Jan 14, 2016

While Golden State hogs the spotlight, the San Antonio Spurs have put together a better point differential — and they are still getting better. Jabari Young of the San Antonio Express-News and Kurt Helin of NBC's ProBasketballTalk discuss how the Spurs' style will counter the Warriors, why the Thunder could be a problem, and, of course, some Boban Marjanović (starting about the 35 minute mark).

MVP, other NBA mid-season awards with Dan Feldman Jan 11, 2016

MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year — we're almost at the halfway point of the NBA season and ProBasketballtalk's Kurt Helin and Dan Feldman break down all six of the major NBA end of season awards and who is ahead at the break. So lots of Stephen Curry and Kawhi Leonard talk. The two also discuss the latest events with the Brooklyn Nets.

Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan talk with Roland Lazenby Jan 07, 2016

Roland Lazenby's NBA novels are just fantastic reads — "Michael Jordan: The Life" or his Jerry West biography — and his next book coming out this August is about Kobe Bryant. Kurt Helin of ProBasketballTalk and Lazenby talk comparisons between Kobe and MJ, the Kobe farewell tour, the Rio Olympics, and more. These are two of the most fascinating NBA players of recent decades and nobody understands them like Lazenby.

Talking 2016 NBA draft with Ed Isaacson Jan 04, 2016

Ben Simmons of LSU is the name everybody knows, but is he really a franchise cornerstone player? Ed Isaacson of NBADraftBlog.com joins Kurt Helin to talk draft, and he isn't so sure. We also discuss Brandon Ingram and the others at the top of the draft board, as well as sleepers to watch.

Sacramento Kings' talk with CSN's James Ham Jan 03, 2016

With DeMarcus Cousins, Rajon Rondo, and George Karl all trying to get along, the Sacramento Kings are one of the best stories in the NBA. Kurt Helin talks about where this team stands, its playoff chances, and potential trades with CSNBayArea.com's James Ham.

Chicago Bulls talk with Sean Highkin Jan 03, 2016

Some days, like Christmas Day, the Chicago Bulls look like clearly the second best team in the East. But they are a Jekyll and Hyde team and there are questions coming out of the locker room about whether Jimmy Butler is the leader he thinks he is. Sean Highkin and Kurt Helin break that down, plus talk Suns, Blake Griffin, Cleanathony Early and the other news around the NBA.

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