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Is a Jimmy Butler to Phoenix trade imminent, remembering Kobe’s 81-points & are on-court beefs good for the NBA? | Good Word with Goodwill Jan 22, 2025

Show notes

Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus react to Tuesday’s Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz trade where the Suns added three additional first round picks. Will these be enough ammunition to trade for Jimmy Butler? They also discuss some interesting comments made by Scottie Pippen suggesting he could win six NBA championships with or without Michael Jordan and his belief that NBA general managers would choose him over LeBron James.

Vince and Dan then take a trip down memory lane and reminisce on Kobe Bryant’s 81-point performance that happened on this day in 2006 against Toronto.

Later, Vince and Ice Young express their appreciation for Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green’s relationship or lack thereof despite being tied to each other for much of their basketball lives. They also chat Jayson Tatum and Steve Kerr’s awkward encounter and why the Olympics may have had something to do with it.

(3:05) - Suns preparing to move for Jimmy Butler?

(14:55) - Scottie Pippen makes bold claims about LeBron, Jordan

(21:20) - On this day in 2006: Kobe Bryant scored 81 points on Raptors

(34:05) - Encouraging opening week for Unrivaled

(40:00) - Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green’s on-court beef

(45:10) - Jayson Tatum and Steve Kerr’s awkward moment

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Cooper Flagg's NBA comps with John Fanta & trade chatter with Bobby Marks | Kevin O'Connor Show Jan 21, 2025

Show notes

On this absolutely jam-packed edition of the Kevin O'Connor Show, ESPN's Bobby Marks *and* college basketball guru John Fanta both stop by to talk hoops. First up, the Front Office insider Marks is asked whether he believes the Memphis Grizzlies are the secret team in the running for Jimmy Butler. Knowing he's a rental like what the Toronto Raptors once got for Kawhi Leonard, would the Grizz do it? Plus KOC and Bobby break down the trade possibilities for 3 disappointing teams: the Phoenix Suns, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. Interestingly enough, Bobby and Kevin both seem to think Draymond Green could be moved to the Dallas Mavericks or the Detroit Pistons. And between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, which powerhouse is the more likely trade destination for Cam Johnson?

And when John Fanta stops by, Cooper Flagg is the name of the game. Which NBA player comps can they both see in the Duke phenom? Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Garnett, and Anthony Davis are just some of the names that the guys land on when it comes to the guaranteed #1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Plus, TikTok may be in flux but PikTok is here to stay — Kevin introduces a new segment which is just that: talkin’ 2025 NBA draft prospects as seen through the eyes of the college basketball expert, Mr. Fanta.

(1:00) - Grizzlies defeat Timberwolves: Jimmy Butler to Memphis?

(7:45) - Cavs defeat Suns: Should Cavs trade for Cam Johnson?

(21:00) - Julius Randle for Cam Johnson?

(24:50) - Celtics defeat Warriors: time to trade Draymond Green?

(40:55) - KOC saw Cooper Flagg in person

(55:15) - Favorite non-top-three guy to watch: Derik Queen

(1:01:30) - Player who could steal #2 slot: Kasparas Jakucionis

(1:06:35) - Freshman standout to watch: Thomas Sorber

(1:11:10) - Senior ready for the NBA: Kam Jones

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Should the Lakers, Pistons, Nuggets, Suns trade before the deadline or stand down? | Good Word with Goodwill Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Vincent Goodwill and former Knicks GM Scott Perry discuss whether or not several prominent teams in the NBA such as the Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets and Phoenix Suns should make a splash move ahead of the trade deadline or keep their rosters together.

Vince and Scott also discuss if the Philadelphia 76ers should consider trading Joel Embiid.

Later, the two react to Adam Silver's open admission that the league needs to address the current style-of-play due to the volume of three pointers across the sport. Closing out the show, Vince and Scott discuss the two most difficult trades Scott had to make in his career.

(2:30) - Los Angeles Lakers

(12:40) - Denver Nuggets

(18:00) - Phoenix Suns

(25:14) - Detroit Pisons

(31:45) - Philadelphia 76ers

(39:25) - Adam Silver's comments about the 3-point line

(50:55) - What was the most difficult trade Scott Perry made?

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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NBA panic meter: Celtics, Timberwolves & Warriors + could Steph Curry go to the ROCKETS? | Kevin O'Connor Show Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh and KOC play a little game of Panic Meter with certain NBA teams that are struggling as of late. Should these teams feel CHILL, should they be SWEATING or is it full blown PANIC? The guys start with the Boston Celtics, who have been playing .500 ball as of late. Is Kristaps Porzingis entirely to blame for Boston's recent woes? The second team Kevin and Tom evaluate are the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both guys are panicking, and Julius Randle is the main reason why. But is "Dubious Handles" impossible to move ahead of the deadline? And thirdly, the Golden State Warriors. Kevin and Tom both think the Warriors have no shot to win this season, and it may be time for Steph and the Dubs to part ways.

Would that potential divorce look similar to how Tom Brady left the New England Patriots? Would Warriors fans still support Steph, even if he were to leave? KOC thinks Steph owes nothing to the Warriors, and it would benefit Curry and the NBA if he were moved to a contender. In fact, what if that contender was the Houston Rockets? Kevin and Tom have concocted a hypothetical trade you need to see to believe. And if Rockets trade rumors are your thing, don't miss KOC and Tom discuss hypotheticals involving Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, as the Phoenix Suns' season of misery continues.

(0:29) Panic meter

(0:50) Celtics panic meter

(11:35) Timberwolves panic meter

(25:36) Warriors panic meter

(40:26) Suns trade for Nick Richards

(51:18) Scoot Henderson scores 39

(53:31) After the pod: bonus Warriors trade talk

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🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY

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https://apple.co/3zEuT

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Cade Cunningham’s 7 triple-doubles tell us WHAT about the Detroit Pistons? | The Big Number Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

‘Top 10’ and ‘Detroit Pistons’ are not two words you hear together often, but Cade Cunningham has led the Pistons to a 21-19 record and a near top-10 offense so far this season. Third most in the NBA in triple-doubles, and improving statistically in several major categories from last season, does Cade Cunningham deserve a shout for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award? Or does a player finally meeting his potential three years after being drafted no.1 not qualify for something like ‘most improved?’ Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine answer these questions and more with this week’s Big Number.
Dan brings four more numbers to the table to ask which came first in Detroit’s success this season: Cade Cunningham’s improved shooting or the Pistons surrounding him with multiple 3-point shooters? The chicken or the egg? Perhaps it doesn’t even matter, just as long as the Detroit Pistons are eating eggs for breakfast in Motor City.
To wrap, the pair checks in on their over/unders competitions and make two, new Detroit-centric picks.
(1:49) The Big Number: 7
(5:05) Should Cunningham win Most Improved Player?
(15:30) The Little Numbers: 113.5
(20:24) The Little Numbers: 8.1
(24:04) Cade Cunningham minigame
(26:22) The Little Numbers: 37.6
(30:24) The Little Numbers: 5.9
(37:32) Detroit Pistons over/unders

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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Are the Nuggets missing Zach LaVine? Why the Sixers should move Joel Embiid & Draymond Green’s waving the white flag | Good Word with Goodwill Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Vincent Goodwill and Dan Titus react to the Denver Nuggets sluggish start this season and whether they should weigh a trade to bring Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine to Denver.

Vince and Dan then break down why the Sixers are so bad this season and Dan explains his reasoning for a full rebuild in Philadelphia…without Joel Embiid.

Later, Vince and Ice Young react to Draymond Green’s reluctance for the Golden State Warriors to strengthen ahead of the trade deadline. Should the Warriors mortgage their future for one more title run with Steph and Draymond?

(3:00) - Is Denver better with Russ in the starting lineup?

(12:00) - Cavs staking their claim for best team in the NBA

(19:30) - What’s going on with the 76ers?

(28:00) - Time for Sixers to move on from Embiid?

(36:00) - Draymond/Warriors giving up on season?

(47:45) - Unrivaled league debuts Friday

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Kings go from sellers to buyers & Big Baller Brand is BACK | Kevin O'Connor Show Jan 14, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Morgan Ragan and Deuce Mason of the Deuce & Mo Podcast hop on to tell Kevin how wrong he's been about their beloved Sacramento Kings. Deuce and Mo don't hold back, as they're sick and tired of the negative Kings takes KOC has dished out this season - enough is enough! Especially now that the team is on their improbable win streak. They discuss the surprising differences between interim head coach Doug Christie and former head coach Mike Brown. And a must-see blockbuster trade proposal that KOC concocted to bring Cam Johnson to Sacramento.

Plus an incredible mailbag that features Kevin declaring the Big Baller Brand is all the way back (and he's got the gear to prove it). Find out how LiAngelo, LaMelo and Lonzo are making their old man proud. KOC also weighs in on Tyler Herro's incredible ascent for the Miami Heat, if the Portland Trail Blazers might need to consider moving on from Scoot Henderson, why the New Orleans Pelicans have almost nothing to be optimistic about, and if the Orlando Magic might be the perfect trade destination for Zach LaVine.

(1:08) Deuce & Mo talk the Sacramento Kings

(2:32) Domantas Sabonis improvement

(7:26) Kings offense under Doug Christie

(23:14) How long will the win-streak continue?

(24:31) Should the Kings make a trade before the deadline?

(36:42) Mailbag

(36:48) Mailbag: Big Baller Brand

(38:23) Mailbag: Tyler Herro

(41:13) Mailbag: Russell Westbrook

(45:15) Mailbag: Scoot Henderson

(48:05) Mailbag: Top Shot buy low options

(50:23) Mailbag: New Orleans Pelicans

(52:23) Mailbag: Orlando Magic

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DdhtRO

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

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Zion-Pelicans on the rocks, new CBA is stifling trades & All-Star ballot reveal | Good Word with Goodwill Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

On today's episode of Good Word with Goodwill, Vincent Goodwill is joined by The Ringer's Howard Beck as they do a deep on the latest with Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans. The two also preview what could be an underwhelming trade deadline and why the new CBA is stifling player movement across the league.

Goodwill and Beck breakdown why it's unlikely the Phoenix Suns will be able to move on from Bradley Beal and why it's harder than it looks for the Miami Heat to move on from Jimmy Butler. The two also discuss if Chicago Bulls Zach LaVine could be on the move this trade deadline and which teams would even have the space make a move for the prolific scorer.

The two end the show by revealing their official media member votes for this year's All-Star starters. While both have a few locks for each conference, Goodwill and Beck find disagreement on which guards should be starting for the East.

(2:00) - Why Zion Williamson and the New Orleans Pelicans are headed for divorce

(21:15) - The Suns might be stuck with Bradley Beal... and the same could be said for Jimmy Butler and the Heat

(27:40) - Why the new CBA and old contracts are stifling player movement across the league

(44:00) - Vinny and Howard reveal their 5 starters for each conference in their media members All-Star ballot

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Cavs prove they are legit title contenders & imagining a Wemby-Zion pairing in San Antonio | Kevin O'Connor Show Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh hops on to discuss the instant classic between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. Kevin and Tom both agree after Wednesday night's statement victory, the Cleveland Cavaliers are bona fide NBA title contenders. KOC points out the Cavs' depth is full of unsung heroes like Ty Jerome and Dean Wade. They know the matchup might not be the sexiest when it comes to TV ratings, but who cares! They both want to see these two teams face off again in June and luckily for fans these 2 teams face off again next week (if only Chet Holmgren was healthy!)

The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson now that he's back in the lineup and looking great. Tom's idea: why shouldn't the Spurs take a swing for Zion? Pairing Williamson and Wemby might be the modern day equivalent of Shaq-Kobe when it comes to unstoppable duos. The trade chatter didn't stop there: each of the guys give their take on where Bradley Beal and Jimmy Butler could wind up, too. While Golden State Warriors fans wish Steph Curry would get some help, the guys explain why GSW may stand pat. And speaking of "Pat," Riley and the Miami Heat might be better off tanking for Cooper Flagg at this point. Fresh off Tom attending Duke's last game, Tom and Kevin discuss the ultra-talented 18-year-old.

(1:45) - Cavaliers beat Thunder, prove they are legit

(17:40) - Wemby no match for Giannis in Spurs-Bucks showdown

(26:40) - Zion Williamson returns, should NOP sell-high?

(35:30) - Why the Warriors need to trade now

(40:35) - Latest on Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal trade rumors

(50:05) - Cooper Flagg, still definitely tops in this year's draft class

(55:30) - Reed Sheppard gets his groove back in G-League

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Are the Sacramento Kings better off WITHOUT De’Aaron Fox? | The Big Number Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

The Sacramento Kings are on a five-game win streak with the latest two victories coming with De’Aaron Fox on the sidelines. With this in mind, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine reveal this week’s Big Number and evaluate if the Kings are better off WITHOUT De’Aaron Fox on the court and, if so, should they trade him before the deadline?
Dan brings in four Little Numbers that explain what’s going right and what’s still wrong with Sacramento this season including Keon Ellis’ rising star and Keegan’s Murray’s drop in production. Dan also dives deep into the Kings’ offensive possessions in transition and compares their expected total wins this season with their actual win total.
The pair give an update to their over/unders competition and wrap by sharing their latest Yahoo Sports stories on Victor Wembanyama & potential first-time NBA all-stars.

(1:21) The Big Number: -5.2

(12:55) The Little Numbers: 8.9

(17:21) Keon Ellis minigame

(21:16) The Little Numbers: .513

(25:51) The Little Numbers: 14.6%

(29:59)The Little Numbers: -2.8

(36:29) Over/under scoreboard update

(37:49) Tom & Dan's recent Yahoo Sports stories

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!