Podcasts by On the NBA Beat

On the NBA Beat

A show bringing you nuanced perspectives on the NBA's most important stories, hosted by USC alums Aaron Fischman, Joshua Jonah Fischman and Loren Lee Chen. Find us on our website at OnTheNBABeat.com or our Twitter page (@OnTheNBABeat).

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 186: Jason Gallagher: Dallas "Has an Identity" Around Luka Again from 2023-11-18T22:06:43

On the heels of the Dallas Mavericks’ 9-3 start, Jason Gallagher returns, and you bet the head of production...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 185: Alex Kennedy Winds Through the West from 2023-10-24T19:28:17

Alex Kennedy, Chief Content Officer at Listen

On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 184: Jake Fischer Explores the East from 2023-10-20T19:52:44

Jake Fischer, Yahoo! Sports senior NBA reporter and the author of Listen

On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 183: Andy Liu on Warriors’ 2023-24: “This Thing Is Tenuous” from 2023-10-02T04:21:50

Andy Liu of the Light Years podcast is back yet again; for a record ninth time, in fact. His task this time? Helping Aaron preview the Golden State Warriors as they attempt to bounce back from a...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 182: "Freedom to Win" Book Special With Ethan Scheiner from 2023-09-19T19:18:20

Enjoy Ethan Scheiner discussing his new book, "Freedom to Win."

Here are some highlights: 3:23-6:23: “The thing that is so incredible about this story is that it is an unbeliev...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 181: Sean Highkin: Portland Is "the Perfect Spot" for Jerami Grant from 2022-12-12T16:01

In a tightly packed Western Conference, where only a handful of games separate the first- and thirteenth-place teams, Sean Highkin of Rose Garden Report is encouraged by the Portland Trail Blazers’...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 180: Jason Gallagher: “Right Now, The Pieces Don’t Fit” for Mavericks from 2022-11-29T23:26

On the heels of a 2022 Western Conference finals berth, the 9-10 Dallas Mavericks are mired in mediocrity despite receiving historically brilliant contributions from superstar point guard Luka Donc...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 179: Justin Rowan: Donovan Mitchell Provides “Massive Boost for the Cavs” from 2022-11-15T01:00

After an 8-1 start to the season that had some prognosticators pegging them as dark horse title contenders, the Cleveland Cavaliers have been hit with the On the NBA Beat curse and have lost their ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 178: Molly Morrison: "It's a New World for Grizzlies Fans" from 2022-11-01T15:54

Last season's Memphis Grizzlies announced their arrival by earning the 2nd seed in the Western Conference and with the fifth-youngest roster in the NBA and proven success building through the draft...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 177: Derek James: "No Idea What [Anthony Edwards'] Ceiling Is" from 2022-10-18T13:00

After their 2021-22 season ended with a first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Memphis Grizzlies, the Minnesota Timberwolves retooled by trading for three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Yea...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 176: Law Murray: The Clippers Are "Pretty Injury-Proof" from 2022-10-03T13:00

After a grueling, injury-marred 2021-22 season, in which the Los Angeles Clippers clawed their way into the play-in games but failed to advance any further, the Clips have returned for NBA preseaso...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 175: Andy Liu: “More Mature” Warriors “Come at You Without Shooting 3s” from 2022-05-22T18:35

After two seasons of missing the playoffs, the Golden State Warriors are back on the main stage, making their sixth Western Conference finals appearance in the last eight years. Ahead of Sunday nig...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 174: Parish: Desmond Bane Is “Absolutely Key for the Grizzlies” from 2022-05-07T21:49

With the Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors tied through two games of an intense Western Conference semifinal series, we're joined by Keith Parish, host of Grind City Media‘s Fastbreak Bre...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 173: John Karalis: Celtics "Cutting Durant's Legs Off" from 2022-04-25T19:42

With the Boston Celtics (arguably) improbably leading the Brooklyn Nets 3-0 in an opening-round 2-7 matchup, we're joined by John Karalis, host of Locked on Celtics, Celtics beat reporter for The B...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 172: Shamit Dua: “If You Had to Offer (Zion) the Max, You’d Do It” from 2022-03-12T16:00

Shamit Dua, host of the In the NO podcast, discusses the promising, young New Orleans Pelicans, whose vastly improved defense and deadline acquisition of guard CJ McCollum has them tentatively in a...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 171: Caitlin Cooper: “The Way [Haliburton] Can Freeze Defenders” Boosts Pacers from 2022-02-22T14:04

Caitlin Cooper, contributing writer for SB Nation’s Indy Cornrows, has experienced quite a memorable 2021-22 Pacers season so far. Although the team stands at 20-40 at the All-Star break, well belo...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 170: Zach Weiss on Cavs: “We Are Real” from 2022-02-09T02:46

Zach Weiss, host of the “Across the Cavs” podcast, is back to provide Loren an update, and boy, is it an exciting one! As the Cavaliers ready to host the 2022 NBA All-Star game, they just received ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 168: Zach Weiss: Sexton’s Injury a “Mega, Mega Issue” for Cavs from 2021-11-22T16:00

The Cleveland Cavaliers outperformed everyone's expectations during a blistering start that saw them near the top of the Eastern Conference standings and rookie Evan Mobley as the odds-on favorite ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 167: Nick Denning: LaMelo's Hornets "Worth the Price of Admission" from 2021-11-17T13:50

In Year 2 of 20-year-old point guard LaMelo Ball’s NBA career, the Charlotte Hornets are playing with one of the league’s fastest paces while managing to score efficiently. Their successful high-oc...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 167: Nick Denning: LaMelo's Hornets "Worth the Price of Admission" from 2021-11-17T13:50

In Year 2 of 20-year-old point guard LaMelo Ball’s NBA career, the Charlotte Hornets are playing with one of the league’s fastest paces while managing to score efficiently. Their successful high-oc...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 166: Andy Liu on Warriors: “It's Safe Now to Love Steph" Curry from 2021-11-03T13:00

The Golden State Warriors have made their triumphant return to the upper echelon of the Western Conference behind an MVP-caliber start of the season from their star, Steph Curry. On this episode, A...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 165: "Built to Lose" Book Special With Jake Fischer from 2021-10-28T12:08

Enjoy Aaron's one-on-one conversation with Bleacher Report writer Jake Fischer on his debut book, "Built to Lose: How the NBA’s Tanking Era Changed the League Forever." 4:47-5:23: “There was a lon...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 164: Sarah Todd on Jazz: “It’s Not About the Regular Season Anymore” from 2021-10-12T14:00

Sarah Todd, Utah Jazz beat reporter for the Deseret News and host of the Unsalvageable podcast, sheds light on last season's best regular-season team. How can the Jazz take their pre-playoff succes...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 163: Paul Garcia: The Young Spurs “Finally Get the Keys to the Car” from 2021-09-30T21:58

Gregg Popovich finds himself in an unfamiliar position after a quarter-century of coaching the San Antonio Spurs. For the first time, he’ll be tasked with leading a youthful group packed with promi...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 162: Keith Parish: "There's a Lot Riding on Jaren Jackson Jr.” from 2021-09-13T12:00

The Memphis Grizzlies, particularly outside of franchise cornerstone Ja Morant, haven’t received much national attention in recent years, but they increasingly should. They’re a fascinating youthfu...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 161: "From Hang Time to Prime Time" Book Special With Pete Croatto from 2021-08-24T12:00

Author Pete Croatto, whose work has appeared in the New York Times, GQ and SportsIllustrated.com, among other places, discusses his debut book, "From Hang Time to Prime Time: Business, Entertainmen...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 160: Blake Murphy: "There's a Million Things to Say" About Kyle Lowry's Raptors Impact from 2021-08-16T16:40

Blake Murphy of The Athletic joins the show to delve into the performance of the Toronto Raptors during Las Vegas Summer League, especially regarding the newly drafted Scottie Barnes. Additionally,...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 159: Schroeder Recaps Draft: "Evan Mobley Is Like Water" from 2021-08-02T17:21

A couple days after the 2021 NBA Draft, independent draft analyst Brian Schroeder brought his insight and expertise as he ran through the most notable storylines surrounding this year's class. Amon...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 158: Madden: “Still Pinching Myself” After Bucks’ Title Feat. Jewell Graham from 2021-07-25T13:00

In honor of the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2020-21 NBA championship, the franchise’s first in 50 years, two longtime Bucks fans share their joyous feelings and thrilling experiences from the past week. First...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 157: Frank Madden: Bucks Should “Use Their Size” in NBA Finals from 2021-07-11T20:42

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Greek Freak, led his Milwaukee Bucks to the franchise’s first NBA Finals in 47 years. Along the way, he received critical help from talented teammates Khris ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 156: Espo: “There’s No Asterisk” on Suns’ Finals Berth from 2021-07-03T21:16

The Phoenix Suns are headed to the 2021 NBA Finals, and there absolutely should be no asterisk attached to their stellar run, according to guest Greg "Espo" Esposito, host of the Solar Panel Podcas...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 155: Dan Morgan: “Ben Simmons” Will Be “the Guy Blamed" for 76ers' Exit from 2021-06-25T19:15

Dan Morgan of the Process Potables podcast joins Loren and Aaron to break down the Philadelphia 76ers’ heartbreaking Game 7 defeat at the hands of the Atlanta Hawks. From Ben Simmons’ offensive dis...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 154: Mike Singer: Stopping Phoenix an “Impossible Equation” for Nuggets from 2021-06-13T21:44

Nikola Jokic earned 2020-21 MVP honors and was presented with his trophy before Denver’s home Game 3 against the Phoenix Suns. But an epic individual performance from the skilled center was not eno...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 153: Pratik Patel: “This Is the Loosest the Bucks Have Been” from 2021-06-07T22:51

Despite a dominant performance by reigning, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nets star James Harden going down with a hamstring injury in the first minute of Game 1, the Milwaukee Bucks were ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 152: Milholen: “Lethal” Nets Boast “Arguably Most Prolific Offense Ever” from 2021-06-01T20:01

As soon as eight-time All-Star James Harden was acquired by the Brooklyn Nets in January, "title" flashed on everyone's minds. The addition paired the talented lefty with fellow superstars Kyrie Ir...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 151: Law Murray: Clips Have “Not Enough Good” Options Vs. Doncic from 2021-05-27T19:58

In an opening-round rematch from the 2020 playoffs, the Mavericks have stunned many by stealing the first two games in Los Angeles. As the Clippers scramble for answers as to how to slow down Luka ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 150: Espo: Suns Registered a “Cinderella Story” Season from 2021-05-19T15:40

The 2020-21 NBA regular season has officially come to a close, and one of the most pleasant surprises was the year the Phoenix Suns recorded. Suns fans already had reason for optimism after an 8-0 ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 149: Seth Rosenthal: Randle’s “Rare” Turnaround Fuels Knicks’ “Dream of a Season” from 2021-05-11T20:11

Seth Rosenthal, video producer for SB Nation’s Secret Base, makes his triumphant return to discuss his beloved Knicks’ superb season in the face of extremely low expectations coming into the year. ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 148: Kevin Cottrell: “Ball Don’t Lie” Reporting “Felt Like Therapy" from 2021-05-05T14:00

NBA TV producer Kevin Cottrell Jr. joins the show to discuss his debut book, Ball Don’t Lie, a collection of detailed conversations with 10 legends of the game.  9:23-9:42: “I never wanted to be th...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 147: Sarah Spencer: Hawks Have “Caught Fire” from 2021-04-28T14:00

Going into the 2020-21 season, the Atlanta Hawks revamped their roster, hoping a few high-profile veteran additions would help their talented young core finally make the playoffs. The plan didn’t e...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 146: Jared Weiss: The Nets "Have a Giant Frickin' Laser Beam" from 2020-12-24T00:07

Just in time for the start of the season, The Athletic’s Jared Weiss broke down the most striking storylines around the Eastern Conference with an emphasis on the Boston Celtics, whom he covers so ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 145: Sekou Smith: “In the West, Everybody is Swinging for the Fences at All Times” from 2020-12-18T22:50

Sekou Smith of NBA TV, NBA.com and the Hang Time Podcast returns to the show to survey the ultra-competitive West, a conference replete with fascinating storylines ahead of the season’s start. For ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 144: Melissa Isaacson on STATE: “We’re Gonna Remember This the Rest of Our Lives” from 2020-12-14T17:10

Longtime journalist Melissa Isaacson, who spent years reporting at the Chicago Tribune and ESPN, among other outlets, appears On the NBA Beat for a discussion devoted to her third book, “State: A T...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 143: Drafting and Dynasties With Pesquera, Ibañez-Baldor from 2020-11-17T18:37

Javier Pesquera, roving NBA draft analyst and occasional consultant for The Stepien, returns to break down the fast-approaching 2020 draft. Then, after the break, Agu Ibañez Baldor stops by to disc...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 142: "The Knicks of the Nineties" With Paul Knepper from 2020-11-09T21:56

Author Paul Knepper takes us back to the 1990s, a time when the New York Knicks, led by Patrick Ewing, perennially made the playoffs and once came within a game of winning it all. Boasting a bruisi...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 141: Lakers-Nuggets With Harrison Faigen, Katy Winge from 2020-09-22T21:34

Thanks to Anthony Davis' buzzer-beating 3, the Los Angeles Lakers narrowly escaped with a Game 2 win Sunday night to extend their series lead over the Denver Nuggets to 2-0. Just as the plot begins...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 140: Salman Ali: "(Lakers-Rockets) Is Big Ball Versus Micro Ball" from 2020-09-08T19:34

With the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Lakers tied at one win apiece, Rockets reporter Salman Ali lends his insight and analysis about the intriguing matchup that’s only just begun. A General NBA...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 139: Melissa Isaacson: Bulls' Title Run Was a "Magical, Magical Time" from 2020-05-17T16:10

Melissa Isaacson, former sports reporter for the Chicago Tribune, relives covering the historically dominant Bulls teams of the early 1990s, as she breaks down The Last Dance, the popular docuserie...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 138: Harrison Faigen: “There’s Genuine Dislike Between (Lakers and Clippers)” from 2020-05-11T20:36

SB Nation's Silver Screen&Roll writer and editor-in-chief Harrison Faigen discusses the present state of the Los Angeles Lakers as uncertainty swirls around a potential NBA return this season. 7:5...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 137: Tomer Azarly on Clippers: "Still A Work in Progress" from 2020-01-27T23:20

Tomer Azarly of Clutch Points joins the show to discuss the state of the Clippers just past the season's midway point. Enjoy these clips/Clips: 6:04-6:42: I just think it's a work in progress. It’...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 136: Will&Grace's David Kohan: “I Think This Is the (Clippers') Year” from 2019-07-31T03:00

David Kohan, along with his friend Max, created the long-running hit comedy series Will&Grace. But the Emmy Award winner is also one of the biggest Clippers fans we know, and boy was he excited to ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 135: Jovan Buha: Leonard, George "Can Be Best Perimeter Pairing Since Pippen, M.J." from 2019-07-11T20:37

Last Friday night, Los Angeles residents, among people in others places such as Las Vegas, felt a 7.1-magnitude earthquake. Within nearly two and a half hours, the Clippers had pulled off an earth-...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 134: Jake Fischer: Top-Tier Free Agents May Need to Wait for Kawhi from 2019-06-29T18:48

Jake Fischer joins the show on the doorstep of the official beginning to the 2019 NBA free agency period. The Sports Illustrated reporter takes us through the likeliest scenarios involving supersta...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 133: Eric Nehm: With Bucks, "Is There Anything That Really Needs Fixing?" from 2019-06-04T20:43

On the heels of a disappointing Eastern Conference finals exit at the hands of the Raptors, The Athletic’s Eric Nehm is here to talk all things Milwaukee Bucks, including Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MV...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 132: Tom Westerholm: Giannis Will "Have to Work for Every Bucket" (Celtics-Bucks) from 2019-05-02T20:29

The Boston Celtics stole Game 1 in Milwaukee before the mighty Bucks answered Tuesday with a comfortable victory of their own. With the series all squared up and storylines aplenty, Tom Westerholm ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 131: Tomer Azarly: The Clippers Want to "Build (Their) Own Identity" from 2019-04-07T19:10

Tomer Azarly of Clutch Points goes in depth and breadth on the special 2018-19 Clippers team that has exceeded expectations despite significant player turnover. The Clippers are back in the playoff...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 130: James Edwards III: Griffin, "Gritty, In Your Face, Bruising" Embodies Pistons' Identity from 2019-03-30T19:45

The Athletic's James Edwards III informs on all things Detroit Pistons at this critical juncture for the franchise. *Due to dynamic advertising, excerpt time stamps may vary per listener:According ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 129: Joshua Recounts All-Star Weekend, Including His Joe Harris Exclusive from 2019-02-25T21:11

Two years ago, the NBA moved the All-Star game away from Charlotte due to the passage of North Carolina's discriminatory House Bill 2. Within months, HB2 was repealed, and although many in the LGBT...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 128: Howard Beck on Deadline Deals, AD&Superstars' Increasing Leverage from 2019-02-12T22:18

Bleacher Report's Howard Beck has been covering the NBA full-time for the past couple decades, and he detects an unmistakable change in the way the league's superstars are increasingly dictating wh...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 127: Coral Lu: Consuming NBA Now “Part of Daily Life” in China from 2019-01-14T11:20

From David Stern's visits to China in the '80s to every NBA Finals game being broadcast there live in 1994 to Yao Ming's thrilling rookie season with the Rockets in 2002 to LinSanity 10 years later...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 126: Mares: Nikola Jokic Redefining ‘MVP’ in Today’s NBA from 2019-01-04T18:45

The Denver Nuggets are on the upswing with a talented young core and six straight months of winning basketball. They also hold the Western Conference’s No. 1 spot, one and a half games ahead of the...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 125: James Ham: These Kings Are a “Breath of Fresh Air” from 2018-12-03T23:21

The Sacramento Kings are off to a strong beginning after most expected them to finish at or near the conference's cellar. And second-year point guard De'Aaron Fox's seismic leap is a huge reason wh...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 124: The Bucks Are Scoring 122 Points Per Game! from 2018-11-26T23:44

Aaron reviews the first quarter of the 2018-19 season, focusing on overall offensive production compared to last year and the Milwaukee Bucks' considerable improvement. While scoring is way up, off...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 123: Brad Botkin Previews West: Spurs “Not Good Enough” for Playoffs from 2018-10-16T19:45

Brad Botkin, senior NBA writer for CBS Sports and co-author of Olympic gold medalist Dan O' Brien's memoir, "Clearing Hurdles," has strong opinions about this season's Western Conference and he's u...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 122: "It's a Terrible (Eastern) Conference" With Kelly Dwyer from 2018-10-15T20:23

In the wake of LeBron James' departure, Kelly Dwyer discusses his Eastern favorites and why the conference is overall so bad. The online basketball writing pioneer who wrote for Yahoo!'s Ball Don't...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 121: "The (Clippers) Curse" Book Special With Mick Minas from 2018-09-08T15:00

Mick Minas, author of "The Curse: The Colorful&Chaotic History of the LA Clippers," is here to discuss his comprehensive book that chronicles the wild history of the Clippers. Plagued by penny-pinc...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 120: LeBron's Lakers With Harrison Faigen, Eric Pincus from 2018-08-29T14:00

Following a five-year playoff drought, come July, the Los Angeles Lakers and their fan base could exhale. That’s when they landed LeBron James, the most dominant and versatile player in today’s NBA...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 119: Around the League in 80 Days Book Special With Bill, Gabe Allen from 2018-07-25T23:29

A soon-to-be college graduate and his dad, a recently retired professor, set out on an 80-day journey around the NBA, stopping by all 29 arenas over a nearly three-month period. That's the backdrop...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 118: Harvey: “Which Rockets Team Will We See?" from 2018-05-18T22:33:14

We’ve brought back Randy Harvey, former sports editor of the Houston Chronicle, to discuss the Houston Rockets’ Western Conference finals run. Since retiring on March 1st, Randy and his wife moved ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 117: Grizz Gaming GM Lang Whitaker: “It’s Like Real Sports” from 2018-02-24T13:00

Lang Whitaker is back for another exhilarating appearance, this time informing us on the brand new NBA 2K League and his role as general manager of Grizz Gaming, the Memphis Grizzlies’ representati...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 116: Bill Bohl: "Everything Makes More Sense When [Jimmy Butler's] on the Court" from 2018-02-13T14:00

A little more than six months after our latest Timberwolves-themed episode, things are looking pretty good for the team currently fourth in the West. Aaron checked in with Billy Bohl, writer for ES...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 115: Salman Ali: Rockets "Not Mincing Words, Want to Go at Warriors" from 2018-01-31T00:00

After a disappointing second-round exit in the 2017 playoffs, the Rockets were busy during the offseason, trading for star point guard Chris Paul and adding defensive specialists Luc Richard Mbah a...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 114: Jordan Maly: Markkanen’s “Confidence is Oozing” for the Bulls from 2018-01-15T17:00

The Chicago Bulls ended the year last season by surprisingly stealing two games in Boston in their first-round playoff series against the Celtics and then subsequently losing the next four games. S...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 113: Ian Levy: Oladipo Spearheads Pacers' Newfound “Kinetic Explosiveness” from 2017-12-23T15:00

The Indiana Pacers have bounced back from a subpar start to stand 18-14. In an Eastern Conference crowded with many solid, second-tier teams looking to separate themselves from the pack, Indiana is...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 112: Max Rappaport: "Now 76ers Care About Wins&Losses Too" from 2017-12-09T22:12:02

With redshirt rookie Ben Simmons garnering heavy praise around the league and Joel Embiid looking healthy and better than ever, the long-tanking 76ers are finally winning games, beginning to reap t...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 111: Duncan Smith: Drummond’s Game Sees “Complete&Total Shift” from 2017-12-04T15:00

The Detroit Pistons have bounced back from an incredibly disappointing 2016-17 campaign to begin this season 14-8. In the process, Detroit is securing come-from-behind victories with great frequenc...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 110: Eric Nehm: "Giannis Is a Kobe-Level Lunatic" from 2017-11-21T16:00

Since the Milwaukee Bucks took Giannis Antetokounmpo with the 15th pick of the 2013 NBA Draft, he’s shown tremendous growth as a basketball player, both literally and figuratively. This season, he ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 109: Andrew Schlecht: Thunder Have No Offensive Identity Yet from 2017-11-13T16:00

The Oklahoma City Thunder turned heads around the NBA this offseason when they added stars Paul George and Carmelo Anthony. So far, though, integrating them into the team hasn't been a smooth proce...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 108: Adam Mares: “Guys Are Figuring Out New Roles Around Millsap” from 2017-11-07T16:00

The 5-5 Denver Nuggets are currently about as good as their record would suggest, according to this week’s guest Adam Mares, host of the Locked on Nuggets podcast and site manager for SB Nation’s D...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 107: Sandy Mui: "Nets Fans Have a Lot to Look Forward To" from 2017-10-31T15:00

The Brooklyn Nets’ 2017-18 season, much like Boston’s, was shaken from the very start when starting point guard Jeremy Lin went down with a scary-looking knee injury. Shortly after, it was announce...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 106: Clippers Basketball "Transports" Will&Grace Co-Creator David Kohan from 2017-10-24T15:00

David Kohan, best known for co-creating the pioneering hit comedy series “Will&Grace” is actually a huge Los Angeles Clippers fan, attending games at the LA Sports Arena beginning in the late ‘80s....

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 105: Sekou Smith (Eastern Conference Preview): Giannis' Next Challenge? Being Great Every Night from 2017-10-17T14:00

A number of stars, including Paul George, Jimmy Butler and Paul Millsap, no longer play in the East, potentially leaving the conference with ample playoff spots available for the taking. In additio...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 104: Ward-Henninger (Western Conference Preview): "There's Operation Shutdown Potential" for OKC from 2017-10-16T21:12

Colin Ward-Henninger of CBSSports.com helps preview the talent-loaded Western Conference after an action-packed offseason replete with key player movement.8:54-9:52: “Paul George actually had a hig...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 103: Dave Zirin: “There Is No Stay in Your Lane…All the Rules Are Gone” from 2017-10-11T21:39:33

In these unprecedented political and social times, Dave Zirin of The Nation and the Edge of Sports podcast joins the show for an important conversation. Below, you can find some highlights from the...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 102: Magnotti: Luka Doncic's "Brilliant Passing" Draws CP3 Comparison from 2017-09-24T20:44

Led by tournament MVP Goran Dragic and impressive 18-year-old Luka Doncic, Slovenia upset the perennial favorite, Spain, on its way to a EuroBasket Gold, the first medal of any kind in the tourname...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 101: Matt Hill on His Projects, Lonzo Ball Fascination from 2017-09-15T00:30

The creative Matt Hill, Super Hoopers cofounder and cohost, graces us with his presence, as we discuss a wide selection of topics, ranging from his viral animated comedy web series “Spurs Special F...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 100: Celebrating the 100th Show from 2017-09-05T22:19

For this special episode, your hosts will break precedent and not write too much below the audio player. Most importantly, we sincerely appreciate the myriad contributions to our project and made t...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 99: Oliver Maroney: Big3 Players Really “Looking to Prove Something” from 2017-08-18T21:52:12

Oliver Maroney, basketball writer for Dime on Uproxx and host of The Big3 Show, calls in to discuss the Big3 tour just as it concludes its regular season and prepares for Sunday’s semifinal round i...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 98: Sue Favor: WNBA Must Increase Its Visibility, Start Growing Again from 2017-08-11T20:46:58

Ahead of Friday night’s matchup between the top two teams in the WNBA, the Minnesota Lynx and Los Angeles Sparks, Sue Favor joins the podcast to talk about the league. Sue, a devoted women’s hoops ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 97: Tim Faklis: Timberwolves Primed for Playoffs as 5 or 6 Seed from 2017-08-04T15:50:10

The Minnesota Timberwolves have missed the playoffs in each of the past 13 seasons, while finishing with more losses than wins over the last 12. However, the tide is about to turn, according to our...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 96: Joe Morgan on Pro Scout School and “Belief in the Future” for the Sacramento Kings from 2017-07-16T00:13:32

The NBA world has taken over Las Vegas for the last two weeks, and while the main attraction has obviously been Las Vegas Summer League, where teams test out and try to develop their new talent, wi...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 95: Jovan Buha: Griffin Will “Surpass Paul as Best&Most Important Clipper Ever” from 2017-07-07T17:45:47

ESPN.com’s Jovan Buha joins the podcast to analyze the Los Angeles Clippers’ tumultuous 2017 offseason, highlighted by the departure of Chris Paul and the re-signing of Blake Griffin. Developments ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 94: Keith Smith: Clippers Face “No-Win Situation,” Celtics Target Hayward from 2017-06-30T21:33:11

Though the free agency period does not officially begin until July 1, the landscape of the NBA has already been shifted dramatically after the draft, a few franchise-altering trades and a couple ex...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 93: Sean Derenthal: Lonzo Ball Could Be Draft’s “Best Player or Basically Unplayable” from 2017-06-16T21:30:45

With the draft fast approaching – it’s scheduled for Thursday, June 22, – we’re joined by a pair of men who closely and passionately follow the NBA draft and its potential prospects year-round. Ode...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.38: The Golden State Warriors’ Pursuit of Playoff Perfection from 2017-06-09T21:12:49

With just over three minutes left in a thrilling Game 3, the Cleveland Cavaliers held a three-point lead and looked to be on their way to handing the Golden State Warriors their first loss since Ap...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.37: 2017 NBA Finals Preview With Brendan Bowers, Andy Liu from 2017-06-01T16:15:51

The 2017 NBA Finals are finally here. And no surprise…the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers are set to face off an NBA-record third straight time. These behemoths come in a combined 24-...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep 2.36: Jim Park: If Warriors Fall Short, “Being Disappointed Would Be the Understatement of the Century” from 2017-05-26T18:56:02

In advance of the NBA Finals, Aaron catches up with former Sheridan Hoops writer Jim Park about the Golden State Warriors’ dominance, Steve Kerr’s health-related absence and what, if anything, can ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.35: Missing Kawhi and “Peak Powers” LeBron With Paul Garcia, Tas Melas from 2017-05-19T17:19:26

In this two-part episode, The Starters’ Tas Melas joins us to discuss the league’s biggest storylines, such as the highly anticipated third straight Warriors-Cavaliers Finals matchup, the Celtics’ ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.34: Wizards Must Overcome Road Woes to Advance, Featuring Chase Hughes&Michael Pina from 2017-05-12T17:08:49

Chase Hughes of Comcast SportsNet Mid-Atlantic and Vice Sports’ Michael Pina deliver back-to-back interviews in which they delve deeply into the captivating Eastern Conference semifinal series betw...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.33: Flipping the Switch, IT’s Legendary Night, Rockets-Spurs Breakdown from 2017-05-05T20:20:17

Did they just “flip the switch?” Following Cleveland’s middling post-All-Star break stretch, Loren and Aaron begin by discussing the Cavaliers’ dominant first two games against the Raptors. Also on...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.32: Zach Harper: With Continuity, Jazz Could Become “Best Non-Warriors Lineup in NBA” from 2017-04-28T18:39:25

Before this season, the Utah Jazz had made their last postseason appearance in 2012 and hadn't won a playoff game since 2010. Since then, they bottomed out at 25 wins in 2013-14, then steadily buil...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.31: Dane Carbaugh: Blazers Approaching “Make-It or Break-It Offseason” from 2017-04-21T17:32:53

The Portland Trail Blazers’ prospects of advancing look grim, but the future is fairly bright, according to NBC Sports Pro Basketball Talk’s Dane Carbaugh, who also runs the popular YouTube channel...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.30: Jovan Buha: Clippers “Much Closer to (Dominant) Team From Beginning of Season” from 2017-04-14T17:02:15

On this playoff edition, ESPN's Jovan Buha joins us to help preview the Los Angeles Clippers-Utah Jazz matchup, an opening-round series that pits the league's No. 4 offense against the No. 3 defens...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.29: Salman Ali: Rockets Enjoying “Perfect Synergy” Throughout Organization from 2017-04-07T21:52:56

The Rockets embody one of the best storylines of the 2016-17 season. After badly underwhelming a year ago, the front office adeptly moved around pieces, Mike D’Antoni was brought in to lead the tea...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.28: Andy Liu Actually Believes the “Warriors Are Underrated” from 2017-03-31T20:51:14

Our favorite Golden State Warriors guest, Andy Liu of Warriors World, is back for a record fourth episode to discuss his team with us. After a brief stumble during which they lost five of seven gam...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.27: Andrew Lynch: Suns' “Season Has Been a Complete Lost Cause” from 2017-03-26T16:41:14

Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight and Tyson Chandler have already been shut down for the remainder of the Phoenix Suns’ season, but Fox Sports Senior NBA Writer Andrew Lynch isn’t convinced full-on tank...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.26: Rest for the Weary in Today's NBA from 2017-03-24T17:00:20

Resting healthy starters is not exactly a new phenomenon, as LeBron James recently pointed out; heck, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich has been doing it for more than a decade. However, there hasn't been...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.25: Blake Murphy: “Raptors Will Be Measured By What They Do Against Cleveland” from 2017-03-17T17:36:35

O Canada! Our home and native land! Blake Murphy, who writes about the Raptors for ESPN TrueHoop's Raptors Republic and The Athletic among other sites, joins the podcast to share his knowledge on R...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.24: Justin Rowan: LeBron James Is “More Comfortable in His Own Skin” from 2017-03-11T18:00

Most listeners are aware that LeBron James has consistently guided his teams to NBA Finals appearances (six straight, to be exact), yet this season’s Cavaliers continue to be tested by a number of ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.23: Darius Soriano: “Onus Is on Lakers’ Player Development Folks” to Maximize Potential from 2017-03-03T23:19:04

The Los Angeles Lakers have a new president of basketball operations and general manager, as first-year head coach Luke Walton leads a youthful squad headlined by lottery picks from the past three ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.22: James Ham: Kings “Rip the Band-Aid Off” by Trading Cousins from 2017-02-25T12:59

Last Sunday, the Sacramento Kings finally dealt the player who served as both franchise cornerstone and a near-constant thorn in their side for his first six and a half NBA seasons. Comcast Sports ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.21: Dan Devine: Pelicans’ “Bully Ball” Could Take Toll on Warriors in Postseason (Trade Deadline Special) from 2017-02-23T12:50

Less than 24 hours before the NBA's annual trade deadline, Yahoo! Sports NBA editor Dan Devine (Ball Don't Lie) fits us into his busy schedule. Dan breaks down the league's biggest trades to date (...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.20: Kacy Sager: Dad, Craig, “Always Referred to (NBA All-Star Weekend) as His Christmas” from 2017-02-17T21:15:36

With NBA All-Star Weekend upon us and her dad, Craig, slated to be inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame Friday, Kacy Sager joins the podcast. In addition to sharing some special anecdotes ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.19: Michael Pina: Celtics Should Grow With Current Core, Resist Butler Trade from 2017-02-03T21:11:25

As Massachusetts readies for another Super Bowl appearance by its Patriots, the Boston Celtics are playing terrific basketball, guided by two-time All-Star Isaiah Thomas, who turned in one of the m...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.18: NBA Reacts to Muslim Ban; Loren’s Jeopardy Run from 2017-02-01T02:38:07

Last Friday's executive order from the Trump administration has drawn criticism from the NBA community, as well as from various corners of the country and world. The panel will discuss the NBA's re...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.17: KL Chouinard: Hawks “Have a Shot Against Cleveland” from 2017-01-27T16:44:25

The Hawks’ season thus far can reasonably be separated into three segments: (1) a hot start, (2) a brutal stretch 11-game stretch, and, finally, (3) the successful period Atlanta is currently enjoy...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.16: Jeff Garcia: Kawhi Leonard “Lurking in the Shadows” of MVP Race from 2017-01-19T22:41:33

Amid all the talk of a potential third straight Cavaliers-Warriors Finals matchup and a statistically historic MVP race between Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the San Antonio Spurs have quietl...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.15: Andrew Han: Clippers’ Griffin, Paul Likely to Stay Put from 2017-01-14T16:57

At the midpoint of the Clippers’ regular season, there’s no need to fear. Why not? ESPN.com NBA writer and editor Andrew Han is here. The host of ESPN LA's Clippers Podcast dazzles as he reverses r...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.14: Dan Feldman: Pistons’ Andre Drummond’s a “Work in Progress” from 2017-01-10T18:22:53

Last time Dan Feldman of NBC Sports' Pro Basketball Talk joined the podcast, he detailed the Pistons' inconsistency. Again, a season later, Feldman breaks down the team's streakiness and many other...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.13: Nick Denning: “Steve Clifford Perfect for (Hornets), Knows How to Maximize Their Talent” from 2016-12-31T15:57

The Charlotte Hornets’ reliable core is back this season and performing admirably despite some early-season streakiness. As usual, with a Steve Clifford-led team, the defense is generally stout and...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.12: Chris Reichert: NBA Teams “Looking for Rotational Role Players” in D-League from 2016-12-21T19:01:43

Chris Reichert of FanSided Network's The Step Back visits to tell us everything we need to know about the D-League. The league expert explains the expected impact of the new Collective Bargaining A...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.11: All That Amar: Utah Jazz “Think They Definitely Need to Win Now” from 2016-12-13T17:00

All That Amar, Managing Editor of SB Nation’s SLC Dunk, stops by to discuss the Utah Jazz, whom he declares are finally in win-now mode. The young Jazz haven’t won a playoff game since 2010 and hav...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.10: Morgan Ragan: Defenders’ Best Strategy Against Cousins? “Get In His Head” from 2016-12-07T18:57

With a new defensive-minded head coach, the Sacramento Kings are hoping to halt their 10-year playoff drought, but they continue to struggle, especially on the defensive end. However, our guest, Mo...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.9: Can Mavericks’ Harrison Barnes Become an NBA Star (Featuring Jason Gallagher, Andy Liu)? from 2016-12-03T18:00

This special Harrison Barnes-themed episode draws upon the perspectives of Dallas Mavericks fan Jason Gallagher, who currently serves as a multimedia editor at The Ringer, as well as Andy Liu of Wa...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.8: Ashish Mathur: “Jimmy (Butler) Establishing Himself as (Bulls’) New Alpha” from 2016-11-28T17:56:28

Following dramatic offseason changes, the Chicago Bulls have jumped out to a 10-6 start. At 34, future Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade has returned to his hometown. Chicago also brought in former NBA cha...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.7: Porzingis Transforms Into a New Yorker&A Cuban Odyssey With Adena Andrews from 2016-11-18T19:04:31

Freshly returned from Cuba, fellow Trojan Adena Andrews, who has written for ESPNW, NBA.com and CBS Sports, talks about her New York Knicks and her life-changing trip. Despite falling to the bottom...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.6: Patrick Fenelon: “There’s Nothing Wrong With (the Timberwolves’) Offense Right Now” from 2016-11-12T23:59:04

The 2-5 Minnesota Timberwolves may be on the cusp of something very promising, but they’re awfully young. Under new head coach and president Tom Thibodeau, that inexperience has likely already cont...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.5: Jake Fischer: 76ers’ Joel Embiid Is the “Pillar This Team Needed” from 2016-11-04T17:00

Four games into the season, the Philadelphia 76ers are again winless, and the franchise hasn’t won a pre-December regular-season game since the 2013-14 season. This time, however, Sixers fans are e...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.4: Mason Ginsberg: Pelicans “Really Need That Secondary High-Usage Player” Alongside Anthony Davis from 2016-11-01T16:17:29

As expected, three games into the 2016-17 season, Anthony Davis is putting up monster averages of 37.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.0 blocks and 2.7 steals per game, including an almost unfathomable pe...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.3: Josh Baumgard: Heat’s Justise Winslow “Is the Key to the Whole Season” from 2016-10-25T17:10

In the first team-focused interview of the season, Slice Miami’s Josh Baumgard makes On the NBA Beat history by becoming the first guest to appear three times, and the third time was certainly a ch...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.2: Previewing the 2016-17 NBA Season With James Herbert from 2016-10-19T16:00

On this episode, James Herbert, NBA Writer at CBSSports.com, joined us to run through the most compelling storylines for the fast approaching 2016-17 NBA season. After an offseason filled with play...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2.1 Welcome Back! from 2016-10-18T16:00

In the inaugural episode of Season 2, Aaron and Loren go over last season's podcast highlights while unveiling the names of the first three interview guests of 2016-17.  Music: "Who Likes to Party?...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 37a: Sam Vecenie: Celtics Should’ve “Taken Kris Dunn and Continued to Negotiate With Bulls, 76ers” from 2016-06-28T19:23:33

The knowledgeable and passionate Sam Vecenie of CBS Sports checks in to review the 2016 NBA Draft. He discusses the uniquely unpredictable nature of the picks, No. 1 overall selection Ben Simmons, ...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 36a: Mangiaracina: Thunder “Need Roberson Out There to Stop Klay” in Game 7 vs. Warriors from 2016-05-30T19:07:18

Despite Oklahoma City's Game 6 collapse and squandering of a 3-1 series lead, Welcome to Loud City's Marina Mangiaracina explains why the Thunder stand a legitimate chance of upsetting the mighty G...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 35a: Andy Liu: Warriors Should “Put Draymond at Center, Speed Everything Up” vs. Thunder from 2016-05-18T21:13:51

The mighty, 73-win, defending champion Golden State Warriors squandered a 13-point halftime lead, as the Oklahoma City Thunder stole Game 1 at Oracle Arena Monday night. While Golden State of Mind'...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 34a: The Hawks’ Tall Task Against the Cavaliers Featuring Lang Whitaker, Jacob Rosen from 2016-05-04T22:30:30

Although the Hawks put a mighty scare into the Cavaliers after storming all the way back from 18 down, Cleveland ultimately hung on to take the series opener. In a tantalizing rematch of last year'...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 33a: How Do Raptors Overcome “Ghosts of Playoffs Past” With Joseph Casciaro, Ben Gibson from 2016-04-26T19:49:29

With the Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers deadlocked at two games apiece, there's ample anxiety around the Raptors and their fan base. And it's only natural for a franchise that has struggled mig...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 32a: How Do Hornets Bounce Back Against Heat With Josh Baumgard, Nick Denning from 2016-04-20T05:00

Coming off a Game 1 shellacking, the Charlotte Hornets could really use a Game 2 upset against the talented Miami Heat, who are clicking on all cylinders. Nick Denning, writer for SB Nation’s At th...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 31a: Michael Levin: Sixers’ Jerry Colangelo “Emerged as a Tremendous Snake” from 2016-04-15T05:00

A flurry of activity surrounded the Philadelphia 76ers front office during the final week of the regular season, beginning with the resignation of GM Sam Hinkie, a figure beloved by some and misund...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 30a: Harvey: Rockets Haven’t “Played With (Consistent) Sense of Urgency” All Season from 2016-04-10T05:00

As the Houston Rockets battle for a postseason berth, it’s the perfect time to bring on Houston Chronicle sports editor Randy Harvey. Of course, the Rockets have wildly underperformed, just a seaso...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 29a: Larsen: For Jazz Future “So Much Depends on How Good Exum Is” from 2016-04-09T05:00

The Utah Jazz are in the midst of a tight race at the bottom of the Western Conference playoff picture as the regular season comes to a close. Andy Larsen, a beat reporter for KSL.com and managing ...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 28a: Steve McPherson: Timberwolves “Very Concerned About Developing Their Young Talent” from 2016-04-07T05:00

On the heels of Minnesota’s exhilarating, nationally televised upset of the mighty Warriors, Steve McPherson (Rolling Stone, Hardwood Paroxysm and A Wolf Among Wolves, among other outlets) drops by...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 27a: Devin Kharpertian: Nets Will Have to “Strike Gold” in Offseason from 2016-03-31T05:00

The Brooklyn Nets and new GM Sean Marks certainly have a difficult road ahead trying to turn around a struggling team without having control of any of their own first or second round draft picks fo...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 26a: Frank Madden: Bucks’ Jabari Parker Is a “Savant Offensively” from 2016-03-30T05:00

Although the Milwaukee Bucks fell well short of expectations this season, Frank Madden, founder and managing editor of SB Nation’s Brew Hoop, explains why the team essentially got what it was looki...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 25b: PG’s Pacers, Wes Matthews’ Down Year and More on Tanking from 2016-03-27T05:00

Following OTNB’s two most recent team interviews, Aaron and Loren riff on the state of the Pacers and Mavericks. Each team features a key player returning from serious injury and is fighting to ear...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 25a: Tim Cato: Mavericks “Just Can’t Tank With Dirk” from 2016-03-23T05:00

After dropping seven of their last 10 games, the Dallas Mavericks are in jeopardy of missing the playoffs. Tim Cato of SB Nation and Mavs Moneyball joins us to dissect the team’s recent struggles, ...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 24a: Jared Wade: Pacers’ Frank Vogel Is a “Defensive Genius” from 2016-03-17T05:00

As we enter the stretch run, the Eastern Conference playoff picture is wide open, with ample room for jockeying. Jared Wade of Fansided’s 8 Points 9 Seconds stops by to illuminate the Indiana Pacer...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 23a (Book Special): Jonathan Abrams Discusses His Book, “Boys Among Men” from 2016-03-16T05:00

The wait is over. Jonathan Abrams’ highly anticipated book ”Boys Among Men: How the Prep-to-Pro Generation Redefined the NBA and Sparked a Basketball Revolution,” is finally out! In it, he expertly...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 22b: SVG’s Moves, Melo’s Mounting Frustration and the Balanced Blazers from 2016-03-06T06:00

After three straight team interviews, all of which you can find at On the NBA Beat’s Team Interview Central, your hosts are back with some banter as they delve more deeply into specific topics surr...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 22a: Dan Feldman Gives Pistons a “Coin-Flip Chance” to Make Playoffs from 2016-03-02T06:00

Hovering just around .500, the Detroit Pistons are probably the streakiest team in the NBA this season, amassing long winning and losing streaks alike. However, for all the team’s inconsistency, De...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 21a: Seth Rosenthal: Despite Knicks’ Struggles, Porzingis Has “Made Everything Worthwhile” from 2016-02-28T06:00

Following a brutal season the New York Knicks would much rather you forgot, the team jumped out to a solid 22-22 start this campaign. Unfortunately, the team subsequently experienced a bitter downt...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 20a: Dane Carbaugh: Blazers’ Lillard Has “Biggest Chip on His Shoulder Ever” from 2016-02-25T06:00

After a summer of roster upheaval, highlighted by the departure of LaMarcus Aldridge, the Portland Trail Blazers have been finding their way on the fly. Since falling to the Warriors by 20 on Jan. ...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 19b: The Buzz About Charlotte and Deadline Deals and Duds from 2016-02-22T06:00

Following the interview with Doug Branson earlier in the week, Aaron and Loren continue the discussion about the surging Charlotte Hornets who have outperformed expectations and won nine of their l...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 19a: Doug Branson: Charlotte Hornets “Definitely in Win-Now Mode” from 2016-02-18T06:00

The crew interviews Doug Branson, host of Hive Talk Live, on the state of the upstart Charlotte Hornets. He expounds on the various factors that have led the team to overachieve this campaign after...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 18b: What’s With Whiteside and the T-Wolves Take Toronto from 2016-02-14T06:00

Spend some of your All-Star break with your favorite fellas as they discuss the Miami Heat and All-Star Saturday night. The co-hosts revisit interviewee Josh Baumgard’s thoughts on Hassan Whiteside...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 18a: Josh Baumgard: Heat “Not the Contenders They Thought They’d Be” from 2016-02-11T06:00

While Josh Baumgard of Slice Miami doesn’t believe the Heat are the contenders theyexpected to be, he does shed light on their many strengths and what’scurrently holding them back. Also on the dock...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 17a: Conrad Kaczmarek: “LeBron Controls as Much as He Wants to Control” from 2016-02-03T06:00

Nearly two weeks ago, the best team in the Eastern Conference fired its head coach. Conrad Kaczmarek, former editor of SB Nation’s Fear the Sword, makes an appearance to discuss the state of those ...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 16b: Orlando’s Sudden Demise and the Near All-Stars We Won’t Call “Snubs” from 2016-01-31T06:00

On this week’s banter episode, Aaron and Loren revisit the discussion of the Orlando Magic’s tale of two seasons and what this rough stretch might mean in context of the development of their young ...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 16a: Zach Oliver: The Magic “Just Lock Up” in Close Games Down the Stretch from 2016-01-28T06:00

After a promising 19-13 start under new head coach Scott Skiles, the Orlando Magic have fallen on very hard times this calendar year, dropping 11 of 12 contests. A stagnant offense has especially p...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 15b: Raptors All-Stars, Bye Bye Blatt and J-Smoove on the Move from 2016-01-25T06:00

Listen in as Loren and Joshua play a little two-man game. First on the docket is the team that interview guest Holly MacKenzie so eloquently covers, the Toronto Raptors. The fellas discuss the All-...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 15a: Holly Mackenzie: Raptors’ Demar DeRozan’s “Been Crazy at Driving to the Basket” from 2016-01-20T06:00

Toronto will be hosting the NBA’s All-Star Weekend this season, and the timing could not be better. Just a tad more than 20 years since NBA basketball came to Toronto, the Raptors find themselves i...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 14b: Midseason Awards Starring Porzingis, Towns, Popovich and McCollum from 2016-01-17T06:00

Midway through the NBA season, Loren and Aaron take theopportunity to handicap the league’s various awards, including Best Hair ofcourse. In the opening segment, they reflect on the state of the Su...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 14a: Faudree on Nuggets: “[Gallinari] Should Be in Their Future Plans” from 2016-01-10T06:00

The Denver Nuggets have had their fair share of struggles so far this season, with a new head coach, a bottom-tier defense and numerous injuries to key players. We were joined this episode by Justi...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 13a: Andrew Lynch: Suns “Have to Cut Bait With Markieff (Morris)” from 2016-01-07T06:00

A season that began with so much promise appears headed downhill and fast for the Phoenix Suns. In a span of nine days, starting in late December, the Suns fell to the 76ers, lost Eric Bledsoe for ...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 12b: Beantown Basketball Banter and the East No Longer the Least from 2016-01-03T06:00

Following Loren’s interview with Red’s Army’s John Karalis earlier in the week, the boys are back together serving up Beantown basketball banter. Among the appetizing topics on the menu are Jared S...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 12a: John Karalis: Regarding Preparation, Coach “(Brad) Stevens Is at Another Level” for Celtics from 2015-12-30T06:00

Danny Ainge and the youthful Boston Celtics are a fascinating study in team-building. On this week’s exhilarating interview episode, Loren is solo with Red’s Army’s John Karalis for a discussion of...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 11a: Hasseltine: Amid Randolph Decline, a “Lot More on Marc Gasol’s Shoulders” from 2015-12-23T06:00

Although the Memphis Grizzlies find themselves better than .500, they’ve struggled to beat the league’s upper-echelon teams. Grizzlies radio play-by-play announcer Eric Hasseltine joins the show to...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 10b: Rondo’s Mishandling of Bill Kennedy Incident, Combating Homophobia in the NBA from 2015-12-20T06:00

Last week, longtime NBA referee Bill Kennedy publicly announced that he was gay three days after Rajon Rondo was suspended for twice directing a homophobic slur at Kennedy. Before closing out with ...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 10a: Mike Prada Gives Wizards 30 Percent Chance at Playoffs from 2015-12-16T06:00

Despite the offseason departure of Paul Pierce, the Washington Wizards and their young core were widely expected to turn in another quality season. Well, things haven’t quite gone that way. SB Nati...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 9b: Kobe and Garnett: Passing the Torch to Russell, Towns in Different Ways from 2015-12-12T06:00

On the heels of the Lakers-focused interview with ReyMoralde, the guys delve further into how Los Angeles can best develop itshighly touted young players and how important it will be for the Lakers...

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On the NBA Beat Ep. 9a: Rey Moralde: Kobe Will “Retire Firing” in a “Chuckers’ Heaven” from 2015-12-09T06:00

This season’s Los Angeles Lakers are being talked about for mostly unfortunate reasons. One of the best players of all time, Kobe Bean Bryant, will retire upon season’s end and is undoubtedly playi...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 8b: Waxing Warrior, Media Negativity and Locker Room Reporting from 2015-12-08T06:00

The podcast warriors wax Warrior, as they delve into why Splash Brother Klay Thompson has not been splashing as much, Festus Ezeli’s promising development and coach Luke Walton’s reluctance to rest...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 8a: Andy Liu: The Warriors Are “Cocky As Hell” from 2015-12-02T06:00

As Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors continue to make history, Andy Liu of SB Nation’s Golden State of Mind comes by to drop some knowledge. He opines on the team’s dominant 19-0 start, S...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 7a: Stephen Anderson “Likes [the Spurs’] Chances Against Golden State” from 2015-11-25T06:00

While the Warriors are grabbing all the headlines, thanks to a perfect 16-0 start, the reliable San Antonio Spurs are quietly succeeding at a high level on both ends of the court. They are led by 2...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 6b: The Still Undefeated Warriors and the Aesthetically Pleasing Hawks from 2015-11-21T06:00

Despite Aaron’s absence, Joshua and Loren revisit the Hawks conversation that began with Lang Whitaker earlier in the week. We touch upon Atlanta’s mounting injuries and how those might impact such...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 6a: Lang Whitaker: Schroder’s “Got a Lot of Swag” from 2015-11-18T06:00

After Jeff Teague’s ankle injury, the Atlanta Hawks have been on a bit of a slide, dropping three straight to the Nets, Jazz and Timberwolves. Fortunately, they began the season winning eight of 10...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 5b: Sidelined Durant, the Combustible Kings and Kawhi Wait for Superstardom from 2015-11-14T06:00

In this action-packed episode, the guys reflect on the state of the Oklahoma City Thunder, particularly given Kevin Durant’s hamstring strain. Later, the trio celebrates the emergence of 24-year-ol...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 5a: Chuck Chaney: Thanks to Donovan, Westbrook Is Thunder’s Best Player from 2015-11-11T06:00

Following Tuesday’swin over the Wizards, we caught up with Chuck Chaney of ThunderObsessed.com todiscuss the current state of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Chuck is encouraged bythe increased space ne...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 4b: Best Rookies, Portland’s Surprise Start and the Enigmatic Derrick Rose from 2015-11-07T06:00

On today’s episode, the A-A-Ron Block is devoted to continued discussion of the Chicago Bulls. This intriguing-yet-perplexing team has defeated the Cavaliers and Thunder, while also surrendering 13...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 4a: Sean Highkin Talks Bulls Frontcourt Depth and Hoiberg vs. Thibodeau from 2015-11-04T06:00

This week, Sean Highkin of Bleacher Report, NBC Sports and Sports on Earth gives us a detailed glimpse into the Chicago Bulls, a talented team that returns much of its roster but is playing under a...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 3b: Everybody Hates the Clippers, Early-Season Overreaction from 2015-10-31T05:00

On today’s episode of the podcast, LLC Incorporated continues the week’s discussion of the Los Angeles Clippers. The co-hosts touch on the Clippers’ bad-boy reputation, Lance Stephenson’s comfort l...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 3a: Isaac Lowenkron: Clippers’ Depth Allows Doc Rivers to Be “Basketball Mad Scientist” from 2015-10-28T05:00

WithDeAndre Jordan returning and the bench deficiencies seemingly fixed,expectations for the Los Angeles Clippers are sky high this season. Fox Sports Radio’sIsaac Lowenkron stops by to convince us...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2b: McLemore’s Development, New Head Coaches and D. Wade from 2015-10-23T05:00

In the J Spot, the panel continues the Kings discussion from earlier in the week, touching upon the Kings’ playoff hopes, Ben McLemore’s changing role given the improved guard depth, Rudy Gay’s see...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 2a: James Ham Feels Optimistic About Retooled Kings from 2015-10-21T05:00

The Sacramento Kings are mired in a nine-year playoff drought. But James Ham, Kings Insider for Comcast SportsNet, brings preseason cheer in the form of his optimistic outlook. He believes there is...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 1b: Elfrid Payton, Hinkieball and the Cheating Fan from 2015-10-17T05:00

On the debut of OTNB’s three banter segments (the A-A-RonBlock, LLC Incorporated and the J-Spot), the co-hosts react to theWarriors-Clippers media beef and opine on Jamal Crawford’s fit with theCli...

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On the NBA Beat
On the NBA Beat Ep. 1a: Alex Kennedy Traverses the Loaded West from 2015-10-14T05:00

On the very first episode, Aaron, Joshua and Loren are joined by Alex Kennedy of Basketball Insiders to talk about the many contenders out West, young players poised for breakout seasons and what i...

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