The Ringer Nba Show

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell are back with a Friday edition of Real Ones. The Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning champions, are off to a historic 24-1 start and don't seem to be letting up. Logan and Raja take a deep dive into the Thunder, how they’re smashing opponents, and whether they’re poised to possibly be the greatest team ever assembled. The Knicks have been hot lately and are on the heels of the Pistons for the lead in the East. Now that they’re healthy and at full strength, how scary are they? Raja then relives a story that Steve Nash told on NBA on Prime about how Raja was suspended for Game 6 of a Suns-Lakers playoff series and watched in a bar full of Lakers fans. Plus, Real One of the Week. (0:00:00) Intro (1:40) FanDuel ad break (2:40) Oklahoma’s historic start (26:49) FanDuel ad break (27:43) Amazon Prime ad break (32:11) NBA travel (38:13) Knicks and Spurs (41:46) Raja relives being suspended for Game 6 against the Lakers (51:52)Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! ⁠realonesmailb

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to provide their instant reactions to the Knicks and Magic moving on to the semifinals of the NBA Cup. Then the guys talk about Derik Queen’s historic triple-double and how the Pelicans should build for the future around Queen. (00:00) Intro (4:32) NYK-TOR(21:52) ORL-MIA (39:34) Derik Queen(55:39) Pelicans trade ideas Check out The Ringer's League Pass Awards here! Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, J. Kyle MannProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia  The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Mf’n Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones, this time examining the Ewing theory as it applies to three of the league's favorites. Ja Morant, Trae Young, and Paolo Banchero are all highly touted stars in the league and the cornerstones of their respective franchises, but with their teams performing better without them, are there destinations that could better fit their skill sets where they could contribute to team success? Orlando Magic guard Desmond Bane had another crash out against the Knicks when he unnecessarily threw the ball at Knicks forward OG Anunoby. The guys try to figure out the reasoning behind some of his outbursts. Plus, the return of the mailbag! (0:00:00) Intro (1:00) FanDuel ad break (2:44) Ja Morant Ewing theory (22:12) Amazon Prime ad break (22:46) Trae Young Ewing theory (38:11) Paolo Banchero Ewing theory (44:40) What’s going on with Desmond Bane? (54:40) Mailbag! Check out Howard Beck’s latest piece on Giannis: https://www.th

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back and here to talk about some players and teams that may have flown under the radar while the frenzy of Giannis Antetokounmpo trade news was going around. Then, they wrap up by previewing the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. (00:00) Intro (5:43) Ryan Nembhard(18:10) Deni Avdija(33:33) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (44:18) Pat Spencer(56:23) Spurs(1:03:46) Noah Clowney(1:17:20) NBA Cup Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron’s Streak Ends. Plus, CP3’s Turbulent Ending With the Clippers.LeBron James’s 1,297-game streak of scoring in double digits has come to an end, but the Lakers came out on top with a victory over the Raptors thanks to a LeBron assist to Rui Hachimura. Raja Bell and Logan Murdock discuss whether this is the version of LeBron the Lakers need to be successful. After he was sent home by the Clippers, more has been revealed about why Chris Paul is no longer with the team. Were the Clippers out of line for the manner in which they released arguably the best player in their franchise's history? Plus, there's been an uptick in injuries to stars and games being missed by important players; does basketball have a problem with the way it's developing players? Plus, a pack watch for the ages! (0:00) Welcome (1:46) FanDuel ad break (2:29) What does the end of LeBron’s streak say about him? (18:42) Pop quiz: The last time LeBron scored under double digits (20:26) Amazon Prime ad break (20:59) Pack Watch with Jom

No J. Kyle Mann today, but Justin and Rob are joined by Chris Ryan for another edition of Name That Take! First, however, the guys discuss the news that recently broke about Chris Paul being sent home by the Clippers. They share their thoughts about the decision and what’s next for Paul in his final season. Then they play Name that Take!, where Rob and Chris are tasked with guessing Justin’s take about a certain team or player in as few hints as possible. (00:00) Intro(01:54) Chris Paul news(14:13) Boston Celtics(29:28) Giannis Antetokounmpo(47:56) Oklahoma City Thunder(58:31) Chicago Bulls Hosts: Justin Verrier and Rob MahoneyGuest: Chris RyanProducers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, Victoria Valencia, and Jon JonesThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're about a quarter of the way through the NBA season, so now is a great time to revisit some of our predictions from the preseason. Howard Beck and Michael Pina assess what has happened so far this season, and if their predictions have been accurate. Plus, who’s the Most Valuable Player and Coach of the Year so far? Revisiting hottest preseason takes (10:05) Stubborn take (21:55) Bold take (35:41) Coach of the First Quarter of the Season (57:37) MVP of the first quarter of the season (01:55:00) Mailbag (01:49:07) Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Check out Michael Pina’s latest piece: https://www.theringer.com/2025/12/01/nba/nba-awards-2025-26-nikola-jokic-luka-doncic-shai-gilgeous-alexander-mvp Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael Pina Producers: Liz Jerry and Clifford

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to break down which teams are NBA title contenders and what percentage chance they have to win the title. Then, they put their lists together to create a consensus title pie. (00:00) Intro (6:30) FanDuel ad break (7:07) Title pie intro (10:42) Title favorites (24:41) FanDuel ad break (25:34) Amazon Prime ad break (33:36) Title contenders (50:09) Dark horse contenders Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are joined by Zach Lowe to bring in Thanksgiving with their annual NBA potluck. Each person brings a player or team and one take to the table to share with everyone. (00:00) Intro (1:31) FanDuel ad break (2:45) Jaden Ivey (16:19) Miami Heat (33:54) Amazon Prime ad break (34:27) Jalen Suggs and the Orlando Magic (48:47) Chet Holmgren (57:31) Justin’s take (1:01:20) Rob’s take (1:04:26) Zach’s take (1:08:00) Kyle’s take Check out The Ringer’s updated Top 100 Players in the NBA list here! Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Guest: Zach Lowe Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of the greatest point guards in NBA history has officially decided to call it a career. Chris Paul will retire at the end of the season after playing for 20 years and seven different franchises. Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss CP3’s legacy and what he brought to the NBA and the franchises he’s played for. Plus, Klay Thompson exchanged words with Ja Morant when the Grizzlies faced the Mavericks on Saturday and had some stark comments for Morant after the game. Was he correct in his assessment of Ja? (0:00:00) Intro (1:03) FanDuel ad break (1:57) Chris Paul to officially retire (2:11) CP3’s career timeline (9:54) Chris Paul’s perception across the league (31:55) What will be said about his career when it’s all said and done? (38:42) FanDuel ad break (39:48) Amazon Prime ad break (40:35) Klay Thompson’s comments about Ja Morant (55:06) Did Derik Queen mess with the basketball gods? Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Pl

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are handing out some hardware with their one-month awards. (00:00) Intro (3:31) FanDuel ad break (4:26) Best Player (18:49) Best Team (27:17) FanDuel ad break (29:04) Amazon Prime ad break (29:41) Biggest Surprise/Biggest Leap (52:40) Biggest Disappointment (1:01:28) Big Boy Award (1:06:11) Preseason mulligan (1:10:45) Buy-low stock The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Isaiah Blakely and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell discuss the latest drama in Laker land, as the team fired part owners Joey and Jesse Buss from their roles in the basketball operations department on Thursday morning. What does this mean with the new ownership group now in place, and what role might Jeanie Buss have played in this move? LeBron James also returned to the lineup on Tuesday. How did he look playing alongside Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves? Plus, is LaMelo Ball’s time ticking in Charlotte? And how realistic would it be for Tyrese Maxey to win a championship? (0:00) Intro (1:27) FanDuel ad break (2:53) The Lakers fire Joey and Jesse Buss from front office positions (16:07) LeBron’s return to the Lakers lineup (28:17) FanDuel ad break (29:10) Amazon Prime ad break (29:50) LaMelo Ball clowns on reports that he’s seeking a trade (45:32) Tyrese Maxey for MVP? (53:59) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/21/nba/lebron-james-kareem-abdul-jabbar-los-angeles-lakers

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back together, and they’re here to take a look at some of the most surprising teams from around the league. (00:00) Intro (3:23) FanDuel ad break (4:18) Lakers (20:52) Pistons (34:05) Hawks (46:54) Raptors (1:01:03) Suns https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/19/nba/lebron-james-return-injury-los-angeles-lakers-luka-doncic The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs star Victor Wembanyama has been sidelined indefinitely due to a calf strain and will be reevaluated in two to three weeks. What does this mean for Victor, the Spurs, and injury concerns across the league? Deeeeetroit Basketballlll is back! The Pistons have won 10 straight, and that’s been with many key players sidelined. Have they cemented themselves as top dogs in the Eastern Conference? Should the NBA step in to protect players from fan interactions similar to the one Draymond Green had with a fan in New Orleans over the weekend? Plus, the mailbag! (0:00:00) Intro (2:15) FanDuel ad break (2:53) Victor Wembanyama’s calf strain (21:49) The Pistons' 10-game win streak (41:48) Draymond Green’s fan interaction (58:44) Mailbag! Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck Producers: Victoria Valencia

Justin starts today's show by talking to Nick Friedell from The Athletic. They talk about the up-and-down start to the season for the Warriors. They run through all of the major players and storylines that have made this such an interesting start for Golden State. Then, J. Kyle Mann joins Justin to talk about how the Rockets continue to roll after they defeated the Magic in overtime. Lastly, they wrap up with some NBA draft talk. The guys talk through some of their early thoughts on the top prospects in the draft. (00:00) Intro (1:14) FanDuel ad break (3:08) Warriors with Nick Friedell (45:58) FanDuel ad break (46:59) Rockets (1:06:40) Draft crash course (1:09:04) Darryn Peterson (1:15:27) AJ Dybansta (1:23:07) Cam Boozer (1:30:42) Mikel Brown Jr. (1:34:47) Caleb Wilson (1:38:39) Sleepers The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier and J. Kyle Mann Guest: Nick Friedell Producers: Be

Logan Murdock and Raja Bell are back with another edition of Real Ones, taking a deep dive into the Western Conference hierarchy. Is it possible that the reigning champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, are even better than they were last season? Should they try to break the regular season win record? Are Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on their heels? Plus, Steph Curry and Under Armour have decided to end their partnership. What does this mean for Steph’s brand moving forward? (0:00:00) Intro (1:08) FanDuel ad break (3:38) Are the Thunder primed to repeat as champions? (16:33) FanDuel ad break (19:30) Have the Nuggets closed the gap on the Thunder? (28:26) Can the Spurs grab the Western Conference crown this season? (36:59) What are the Rockets’ chances of winning the conference without a true point guard? (46:41) Will the Lakers be a realistic threat in the West once LeBron returns? (52:04) Brad Beal out for the season and the Clippers are free-falling. (55:37) Steph and Under Armour have split. (1

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann react to Nico Harrison getting fired and discuss where the Mavs should go from here. Then they look at some other franchises and discuss whether they should blow up the roster and rebuild or stay the course they’re on. (00:00) Intro(2:45) FanDuel ad break(3:22) Mavs fire Nico Harrison(22:42) What’s Next for A.D.?(43:45) Kings(59:50) Clippers(1:08:56) Celtics The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss the Dallas Mavericks relieving GM Nico Harrison of his duties on Tuesday. The Mavs went from contending for a title in 2024 to trading their franchise player just months later, and they currently find themselves at the bottom of the Western Conference. How will the Mavericks clean up the mess that Harrison left behind? Plus, every team has now played at least 10 games this season. What have been the biggest surprises and disappointments, and who would you least like to be? 0:00:00 Intro 1:01 FanDuel ad break 2:00 Initial reaction to Nico’s firing 34:37 Biggest surprises 41:41 Biggest disappointment 48:06 Who Would You Least Like to Be Also, check out The Ringer's Michael Pina on Nico Harrison’s tenure as the Mavericks GM:https://www.theringer.com/2025/11/11/nba/nico-harrison-fired-dallas-mavericks. Hit the mailbag! realonesmailbag@gmail.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to check in on some of the top rookies across the league. They start with the top pick, Cooper Flagg, and how he’s been doing in a dysfunctional Mavs offense. Then they talk about the exciting flashes from Pelicans rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen. Next, they talk about the three Hornets rookies, V.J. Edgecombe, and Ace Bailey’s slow start. They wrap up with their thoughts on a handful of other rookies who have stuck out to them. Intro (0:00:00) FanDuel ad break (3:21) Cooper Flagg (6:55) FanDuel ad break (23:59) Pels rookies (25:29) Hornets rookies (44:12) V.J. Edgecombe (59:22) Ace Bailey (1:03:12) The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Ben Cruz, Isaiah Blakely, and Victoria Valencia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luka Dončić has found himself in the history books yet again to start the season. The Lakers have looked good thus far, holding second place in the West without LeBron James logging a single minute on the court. Logan Murdock and Raja Bell discuss the Lakers and how they should operate when LeBron returns. Luka’s former team, the Dallas Mavericks, find themselves in the bottom of the West following a loss to the Pelicans. Are they mismanaging Cooper Flagg’s development? (0:00:00) Intro (1:05) FanDuel ad break (2:30) Luka’s historic start to the season (5:12) What will the Lakers look like when LeBron returns? (23:04) FanDuel ad break (24:14) Cooper Flagg’s development (41:11) Raja’s thoughts on tension between Ja Morant and the Grizzlies (51:57) Real One of the Week Hit the mailbag! ⁠⁠realonesmailbag@gmail.com⁠⁠ Hosts: Logan Murdock and Raja BellProducers: Victoria Valencia and Clifford AugustinAdditional Production Support: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins The Ringer is committed to responsible g