The Mismatch

Latest Episodes:

No One Knows What’s Coming in the NBA Draft Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

With the NBA draft this week, Verno and KOC dive into the latest draft news, including the uncertainty around the Hawks and the top overall pick and why people are suddenly high on prospect Zaccharie Risacher (01:48). As the conversation continues for who should be the top overall prospect, KOC shares which players he considers to be the safest prospects at the top of the draft, and Verno breaks down why Reed Sheppard would be a perfect fit with the Grizzlies and why the Rockets are big-name hunting (11:21). Next, they debate whether Ron Holland can be this draft’s GG Jackson and talk about the best shooting prospects in this class, Johnny Furphy’s ceiling, and Verno’s favorite college prospects (24:44). Then, KOC ranks his favorite prospect interviews (47:07). Also, what happens with Bronny James? The guys share what they thought about JJ Redick’s introductory press conference with the Lakers and the Cavs' hiring of Kenny Atkinson as their next head coach. Plus, what Scottie Barnes’s max extension means for the Raptors' future (56:19).

You can read KOC’s article mentioned in this episode here, and you can find KOC’s Draft Guide here.

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

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Redick to L.A., the Caruso-Giddey Deal, Bronny, and NBA Draft Rumors Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

With the Finals now behind us, Verno and KOC dive fully into the offseason, starting off with the Lakers' hiring of JJ Redick as their next head coach (02:34) and the Pistons’ firing of Monty Williams (23:44). Next, the guys discuss the surprising trade between the Thunder and Bulls that sends Alex Caruso to OKC and Josh Giddey to Chicago (31:01). They also discuss the latest news around the league, including Pascal Siakam re-signing with the Pacers, Sixers free agent rumors, and more (41:17). With the draft next week, the guys discuss the latest with Bronny James and KOC’s latest mock draft (48:11).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Banner 18 in Boston, the Mavs' Future, and Finals Takeaways. Plus, Who’s the Next Derrick White? Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

Verno and KOC congratulate the Boston Celtics on winning the 2024 NBA Finals! They discuss their dominant playoff run as well as their dominant play all season long en route to an NBA record 18th NBA championship (01:22). Where does this Celtics team rank among the all-time great teams? The guys also applaud Brad Stevens for making the necessary moves to win it all, what lessons owners can take from this year's Finals, as well as the redemption arc for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Next, KOC shares some undervalued players he believes teams should target going into free agency, and what Luka Doncic and the Mavs need to do to not only make it back to the Finals, but to win it all (42:35).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celtics Up 3-0, Luka’s Shortcomings, and Remembering Jerry West Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

Verno and KOC discuss their frustration with Luka Doncic, who fouled out in Game 3, and the ripple effect his fouling out caused (01:25). Would the Mavs have won if he didn’t foul out? Would a Mavs Game 3 win have completely flipped the series? They also discuss how Jaylen Brown’s impressive improvement should be a blueprint for Luka to get better, give credit to Brad Stevens for building out this type of roster, and share their hope for a Game 5 on Monday night. Next, Verno shares his experience working with Jerry West during his time with the Grizzlies and explains how his tortured Finals losses helped shape the NBA during successful runs in NBA front offices (49:48). Lastly, the guys debate whether JJ Redick will be the next Lakers head coach and get into some brief draft talk (59:14).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it Over for the Mavs? Plus: Lakers Rejected, Kyrie’s Disappearance, and Tatum’s Non-Scoring Impact. Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

As the Finals shift to Dallas for Game 3, Verno and KOC discuss how the Celtics have been able to exploit the Mavericks' defensive weaknesses, as well as limit their offensive production en route to a 2-0 series lead (01:24). They also discuss the impact of Kristaps Porzingis, Kyrie Irving's struggles, Luka Doncic's need to produce some of his signature magic, as well as Jayson Tatum’s poor shooting but effective playmaking and defense. Next, the guys debate whether Dan Hurley just used the Lakers' offer as leverage and the undesirable position Hurley's rejection has put the Lakers in (44:26). The guys finish off the show by discussing the odd athletic measurables of the potential top pick, Zaccharie Risacher (57:26).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celtics-Mavericks Game 1 Analysis, and Will Dan Hurley Leave UConn for the Lakers? Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

Verno and KOC react to the Celtics' Game 1 blowout victory, as they take a 1-0 series lead in the Finals (01:54). They discuss Kristaps Porzingis's dominant return, how the Celtics defense dramatically affected the Mavs offense, shot-quality numbers, expectations for how the Mavs can respond, and more takeaways from Game 1. Next, the guys dive into the latest rumors involving the Lakers' head coaching search that now includes UConn’s Dan Hurley (38:32). Can the Lakers offer Hurley enough to make the jump to the NBA? How would this affect LeBron James’s situation? And how would his potential jump affect the college basketball world? The NBA had their scouting combine in Italy, as they guys finish off the show debating whether international prospect Nikola Topic’s ACL injury will impact his draft stock, as well as some more draft talk (55:51).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBA Finals Preview, Celtics-Mavericks Predictions, and Draft Talk Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

Ahead of the Finals, Verno and KOC have a rendition of everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous (01:09)! They discuss various topics regarding the Finals, including Kristaps Porzingis’s health issues, the Mavs' defensive strategies, Luka’s first Finals appearance, and Jayson Tatum. They also give their predictions for the series. The guys then dive into some draft talk and discuss the vast parity that is currently in the league, as this season will have the sixth consecutive different champion.

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dallas Advances to the NBA Finals, Wolves Exit Interviews, and an Offseason Lookahead May 31, 2024

Show notes

Verno and KOC congratulate the Dallas Mavericks as they beat the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals to face the Celtics (01:07). They discuss Luka Doncic’s brilliant Game 5 performance, and give credit to Mavs GM Nico Harrison for finally building the right roster around Luka. Next, they debate what the future holds for the Timberwolves, as they are nearing the second luxury tax apron and will face several restrictions when it comes to improving the team (18:08). Do they run it back? Or will they look to make a trade and retool for next season? Also, the guys answer what lessons can be learned from the impact that Dereck Lively II has made with the Mavs (43:47). Lastly, the guys talk about prospects who are going to return for another season in college, and how NIL has completely changed the game when it comes to prospects deciding to go pro (51:50).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celtics Sweep, Mavs On The Brink, and Remembering Bill Walton May 28, 2024

Show notes

Verno and KOC discuss the Celtics' comeback win as they sweep the Pacers and move on to the NBA Finals (00:55). They dive into why the Celtics have been so successful with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as what the sweep means from the Pacers' perspective. Next, they discuss the potential sweep in the West, as the Mavs look to finish the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals (25:27). The guys discuss the Mavs' terrific defense on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns all series long, as well as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s clutch minutes. Lastly, the guys share stories about Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who passed away on Monday (46:08).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celtics Roll Pacers, the Dominant Dallas Defense, and Some Timberwolves Concerns May 24, 2024

Show notes

Verno and KOC discuss the absolute stomping of the Pacers by the Celtics as Boston takes a 2-0 series lead (01:00). They debate whether the Pacers stand any chance of coming back without Tyrese Haliburton, who left Game 2 with an injury, and discuss Jaylen Brown’s performance after he was snubbed for an All-NBA team. Moving on, they discuss how the Mavs defense was able to restrain Anthony Edwards to take Game 1 (23:48). They discuss the Timberwolves’ defensive strategies and whether Chris Finch needs to make some adjustments, as well as Rudy Gobert’s overall impact. Also, the guys share their reaction to the All-NBA teams, J. B. Bickerstaff’s firing, and whether Trajan Langdon can bring some much-needed stability to the Pistons' front office (48:26).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!

Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor

Producer: Jessie Lopez

Social: Keith Fujimoto

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices