The Ringer NBA Show

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with another edition of Real Ones to dive into what impressed them in this first week of NBA action. LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards showed out in their season debuts. Are they the perfect match in Minnesota? Plus, Luka and the Lakers destroyed Steph and the Warriors in their openers while having a back-and-forth with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Are people sleeping on the Lakers, and should Steph seek his way out of Golden State?

(01:13) - LaMelo and Ant ball out. Plus, Giannis is back.

(28:47) - First...

Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J.Kyle Mann are back to discuss their top takeaways from the real opening night of the NBA.

(0:00) Intro
(6:36) Timberwolves-Heat
(28:09) Grizzlies-Jazz
(39:30) Blazers-Suns
(51:16) Hawks-Magic
(59:00) Lakers-Warriors
(1:05:06) Pacers-Pelicans

And don’t forget, the Group Chat guys are doing a live show on Tuesday, October 27, at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota! Plus, a live show Thursday, December 10, at HI-FI Indy in Indianapolis, Indiana. Buy your tickets here!

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J.Kyle Mann
Producers: Victoria Valencia, Stefan Anderson, an...

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back with their reactions to an exciting Opening Night to the NBA season.

(0:00) Intro
(1:16) Spurs-Thunder
(23:04) Knicks-Sixers
(42:51) Celtics-Pistons

Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck
Producers: Victoria Valencia and Isaiah Blakely
Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines.

The Club for every holiday club. Sam’s Club.

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back with the highly anticipated Verrierables! They talk about surprise teams and the best young players and make award and Finals predictions.

(0:00) Intro

(7:46) Surprise first Verrierable

(34:19) Second Verrierable

(1:06:17) Third Verrierable

(1:26:56) Fourth Verrierable

And don’t forget, the Group Chat guys are doing a live show on Tuesday, October 27, at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota! Plus, a live show Thursday, December 10, at HI-FI Indy in Indianapolis, Indiana. Buy your tickets here!

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here with the final edition of the preseason power rankings, Part 6. They reveal who they think are the top teams in the league ranked 5-1.

(00:00) Intro

(3:56) Timberwolves

(32:00) Sixers

(1:03:16) Knicks

(1:19:40) Spurs

(1:41:02) Thunder

And don’t forget, the Group Chat guys are doing a live show on Tuesday, October 27th at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN! Buy your tickets here!

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J.Kyle Ma...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back with Part 5 of the preseason power rankings and they reveal the teams ranked 10-6.

(00:00) Intro

(5:51) Rockets

(25:10) Lakers

(42:58) Nuggets

(1:03:15) Celtics

(1:18:38) Cavaliers

And don’t forget the Group Chat guys are doing a live show on Tuesday, October 27th, at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN! Buy your tickets here!

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J.Kyle Mann

Producers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, and Ben Cr...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back with part 4 of the preseason power rankings, and they're talking about the teams ranked 15-11.

(00:00) Intro

(4:56) Magic

(25:26) Pistons

(52:09) Heat

(1:10:38) Raptors

(1:33:40) Pacers

And don’t forget the Group Chat guys are doing a live show on Tuesday, October 27th at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN! Buy your tickets here!

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J.Kyle Mann

Producers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, Liz Jerry, and Ben Cruz

Studio Production: Trevor Ra...

Part 3 of the preseason power rankings is here, and Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are unveiling the teams ranked 20-16.

(00:00) Intro
(4:12) Hornets
(26:08) Warriors
(42:38) Trail Blazers
(1:07:20) Hawks
(1:19:18) Jazz

And don’t forget that the Group Chat guys are doing a live show on Tuesday, October 27, at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis! Buy your tickets here!
Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann
Producers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, Liz Jerry and Ben Cruz
Studio Production: Trever Rabone, Kevin Cureghian, Chris Thomas, Chris Wohlers, and Jo...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back for Part 2 of the preseason power rankings. This time they are joined by Bill Simmons! They discuss the teams ranked 25 and 24 before the guys finish up with the teams ranked 23 through 21.

(00:00) Intro

(3:00) Pelicans

(28:34) Grizzlies

(52:40) Mavericks

(1:15:09) Wizards

(1:36:43) Suns

And don’t forget the Group Chat guys are doing a live show on Tuesday, October 27th at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN! Buy your tickets here!

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J.Kyle Mann

...

Preseason Power Rankings Part 1 | Group Chat
Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back with the annual preseason power rankings! As usual, the guys start with the lowest ranked teams: 26-30.
(00:00) Intro
(7:23) Kings
(28:50) Bucks
(44:24) Nets
(59:59) Clippers
(1:15:55) Bulls

And don’t forget the Group Chat guys are doing a live show on Tuesday, October 27th at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis, MN! Buy your tickets here!

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann
Producers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, Liz Jerry, and Ben Cruz
Studio Pr...

Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are joined by Tyler Parker to discuss the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Western Conference teams. Will Wemby be on a revenge tour all season and capture the Larry O’Brien, MVP, and DPOY? Could one team see their All-World MVP center ask for an exit out of town? How far can Luka and the Lakers go with LeBron no longer in Los Angeles?

Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck
Guest: Tyler Parker
Producers: Logan Murdock, Victoria Valencia, Jacob Cornett, Clifford Augustin and Ben Cruz
Production Supervision: Ja...

Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are joined by Tyler Parker to discuss the best- and worst-case scenarios for each team in the Eastern Conference. Can the Knicks become champions again? Is LeBron under too much pressure in Philly? Plus, which teams are Finals contenders?
Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck
Guest: Tyler Parker
Producers: Logan Murdock, Victoria Valencia, Jacob Cornett, Clifford Augustin, and Ben Cruz
Production Supervision: Jack Wilson and Conor Nevins

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Logan Murdock and Howard Beck are joined by Jason Concepcion to share their hottest takes ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season. Who will win MVP this season? Which teams will see the conference finals? Plus, how will LeBron fit with the Sixers?
Hosts: Logan Murdock and Howard Beck
Guest: Jason Concepcion
Producers: Logan Murdock, Victoria Valencia, Jacob Cornett, Clifford Augustin, and Ben Cruz
Production Supervision: Jack Wilson and Conor Nevins

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

Logan Murdock is joined by Van Lathan and Jomi Adeniran of the Ringer-Verse for a special edition of Real Ones: Heroes and Villains of the NBA. Which NBA star that switched teams this offseason could be entering his hero era? Which NBA team owner should be embracing their villain era? Plus, has analytics ruined NBA discourse?
(00:00) - Heroes
(59:53) - Villains
Host: Logan Murdock
Guests: Van Lathan and Jomi Adeniran
Producers: Logan Murdock, Victoria Valencia, Clifford Augustin, and Ben Cruz
Studio Production: Chris Thomas, Jamie Yukich, Jonathan Ratliff, and Chris Wohlers
Production Supervision...

Justin, Rob, and JKM are back with another edition of Group Chat and take a deep dive into the mess that was ClippersGate and the funniest moments of the whole scandal. Did this ultimately just become a pissing contest between Steve Ballmer and the NBA? Plus, there are some intriguing training camp battles to look forward to in the next couple of weeks. Which veteran signings could become starters for their new teams?

05:26 - Kawhi finally returns to Toronto and leaves the Clippers in the dust

21:18 - The misreporting...

On the latest edition of The Ringer NBA Show, Howard Beck and Michael Pina discuss their most intriguing story lines heading into the 2026-27 season. Which former Finals MVP has the best chance of capturing a ring again? Is there an in-season trade that could shock the league? The guys also debate the most intriguing teams to watch.

(00:00) Intro

(2:37) - Former Finals MVP with best chance to win another

(41:01) - Most Intriguing story lines

Hosts: Howard Beck and Michael Pina
Producers: Victoria Valencia, Clifford...

After ranking the teams in the East, J. Kyle Mann and Michael Pina return to create their hierarchy for the Western Conference. Can the Thunder get back on track to dethrone the Spurs in the West? How far can Steph Curry carry the Warriors? Is LaMelo Ball the missing piece for Anthony Edwards and the Wolves? How will the Clippers respond after the severe punishments for circumventing the salary cap?
(00:00) Intro

(20:41) 15-10
(54:26) 9-5
(1:20:44) 4-1
Hosts: J.Kyle Mann and Michael Pina
Producers: Victoria Valencia, Jessie Lopez, and Ben Cruz

<...

Justin, Rob, and JKM have finally reassembled and are ready to talk hoops and discuss what they think they know about the highly anticipated 2026-27 NBA season. Now that LeBron is no longer a Laker, has the front office built a team that complements Luka? Is reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg ready to take that next step in his development? Are the Western Conference champion Spurs poised to take the Western crown again?

(14:00) - Luka’s Lakers
(28:00) - Wolves add Jonathan Kuminga
(37:45) - Cooper Flagg in year two
(57:00) - Prove-it-year Pistons

Welcome to another episode of Ringer NBA Lore, where we remember iconic teams and moments in NBA history. Today, Logan Murdock is joined by Joel Anderson and Bomani Jones, both of whom are Houston natives and followed the Rockets closely during their mid-’90s championship run. Joel and Bomani examine the multiple heartbreaks that Houston fans endured leading up to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets finally breaking through and winning back-to-back championships.

Host: Logan Murdock

Guests: Joel Anderson and Bomani Jones

Producers: Logan Murdock, Ben Cruz, and Conor Nevins

...

Welcome to a Real Ones special edition series we’re calling Ringer NBA Lore, where we remember iconic teams and moments in NBA history. Today, Logan Murdock is joined by Howard Beck and Tim Kawakami to dive deep into the first championship run of the Lakers' 2000s three-peat. Howard and Tim both covered the team that season, so they share their stories and behind-the-scenes insights on the friction between Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, Phil Jackson’s mind games, Jerry West’s influence, and how this team defined the NBA at the turn of the century.

Now that the dust has settled on the major offseason moves and key acquisitions, J. Kyle Mann and Michael Pina have decided to come up with their hierarchy for the Eastern Conference and rank where they think each team stands right now. Following their championship run, have the Knicks solidified their standing as top dog in the East? Now that Giannis has been traded from Milwaukee to Miami, have the Heat shot up their rankings? Where do the guys have the Sixers now that LeBron is headed to Philly?

(00:00) Intro

(6:30) 15-10

Howard Beck and Michael Pina have their way-too-early NBA player awards for the 2026-2027 season. Find out their jalapeño and reaper picks for Defensive Player of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Most Valuable Player. The takes definitely get spicy!

(6:45) Defensive Player of the Year

(16:36) Sixth Man of the Year

(32:25) Most Improved Player-

(45:33) Rookie of the Year 

(56:35) Coach of the Year

(1:10:01) Most Valuable  Player

Hosts: Howard Bec...

That's right! LeBron James is headed to Philly and joining the Sixers on a two-year deal. Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss the move, which is likely to be the last of his career. Why did LeBron choose Philly? How does he fit with the star-studded roster? What does this mean for the teams that he didn’t choose?

(5:00) - LeBron's Fit in Philly
(14:24) - Joel Embiid’s role
(29:28) - LeBron and the Philly fanbase
(42:40) - The teams that missed out on LeBron
Hosts: Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck...

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck put a bow on the 2025-26 NBA season with their sixth annual Realys Awards. Find out who wins the highly anticipated Real One of the Year award, who Raja crowns as the Raja Bell Memorial Defender of the Year, and much more!

(00:00) Intro 

(1:50) OG of the Year 

(10:23) Newcomer of the Year 

(17:25) Worst Trade of the Year 

(24:41) Crashout of the Year 

(30:50) Moment of the Year 

(35:13) Who won the year? 

(38:24) Who lost the year? 

(41:24) Raja Bell Mem...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann return to recap what they’ve seen so far during summer league and answer some mailbag questions.

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann
Producers: Victoria Valencia and Stefan Anderson

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Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann return to discuss which teams and players have made the most and least of the offseason.

(00:00) Intro

(3:52) Best Moves

(16:11) Worst Moves

(36:52) Biggest Questions

(47:08) Biggest Winner

(54:14) Biggest Loser

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann
Producers: Victoria Valencia and Stefan Anderson
Production Supervision: Ben Cruz and Conor Nevins

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Logan is joined by Michael Pina in the latest edition of Real Ones, and they dive right into LeBron’s free agency. Where might the King take his talents? Where do we want to see him end up? What place does analytics have in the NBA following the Jaylen Brown trade and the discussion of Brown not being an analytics darling? How will the Jaylen Brown trade play out for both the Celtics and Sixers?

(00:00) Intro

(1:33) Should the Lakers have kept Lebron?

(12:30) Jaylen Brown and analytics across the NBA
(24:43) Ja Morant's re...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann start by reacting to the Celtics press conference with GM Brad Stevens and owner Bill Chisholm explaining the Jaylen Brown trade. Then, they each rank the best destinations for LeBron, and play matchmaker for a few remaining free agents.
(00:00) Intro
(1:56) Celtics press conference
(18:25) Best fits for LeBron
(1:13:20) Free agency matchmaker
Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann
Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Jeff Shearin, Victoria Valencia, and Ben Cruz

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Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann react to the blockbuster trade that will send Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers and Paul George to the Boston Celtics. They break down the fit for Brown in Philly and debate why this move was made at this exact moment. Next, they go through some of the major moves made since the start of free agency, including the Lakers acquiring Walker Kessler from the Jazz, Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto, and Ja Morant’s trade to the Blazers. They also discuss some of the smaller moves made, including Norman Powell signing with...

LeBron James will not be returning to the Los Angeles Lakers, and will likely finish his career elsewhere. Just where might that be? Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck discuss LeBron’s departure and where his next landing spot will be. Could he return home to Cleveland, where it all began? Maybe Miami, where he captured his first championship? Or could he reconnect with Olympic teammate Steph Curry in Golden State? Plus, Kawhi Leonard is headed back to Toronto after the Clippers traded him for Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, and picks. Where does this put the Raptors in th...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to prepare us for the official start of free agency. They talk through all the news, including the Warriors' plan to lure LeBron to Golden State, the Jaylen Brown trade saga, Kawhi Leonard's potential return to Toronto, and much more.

(00:00) Intro
(2:53) LeBron to Golden State?
(19:21) Jaylen Brown
(44:37) The Charlotte Hornets' moves
(1:07:52) The most intriguing situations

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann

Producers: Isaiah Blakely, Victoria Valencia, and Ben Cruz

Learn more...

LaMelo Ball has been traded from Charlotte to Minnesota in exchange for Naz Reid, a 2033 unprotected first-round pick, three first-round pick swaps (2028, 2029, and 2030), and three second-round picks. Logan Murdock and Howard Beck discuss the stunning move, and examine why both teams made the trade. Did Minnesota improve, or did they drop themselves in the Western Conference hierarchy? Plus, the Lakers extended Austin Reaves to a max deal, but was it the right decision? Will Jaylen Brown be a Celtic when next season starts?
(00:00) - Intro
(01:30) - LaMelo Ball to Minnesota
(36:50) - Austin Reaves extended
(43:48...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here after night one of the NBA draft to discuss some of the most interesting selections from the first round. They discuss the top four picks, the run of guards, and discuss some other selections that caught their eye. Then they talk about Austin Reaves re-signing with the Lakers and answer some next questions for the Bucks and Heat after the Giannis trade.

(00:00) Intro
(4:08) Most intriguing draft outcomes
(58:29) Austin Reaves re-signs
(1:07:30) Next questions after the Giannis trade
Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle...

The Giannis saga in Milwaukee has officially ended with two time league MVP officially being traded to the Miami Heat along with teammate Bobby Portis in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, three first-round picks (including no. 13 in Tuesday’s draft), a second-round pick, and one pick swap. Logan, Raja and Howard react to the news and what this means for the landscape of the NBA. Plus, could this trade have ramifications for another eastern conference all-star?

(00:00) - Intro

(01:21) - Initial thoughts

(15:18) - Jaylen Brow...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are back to discuss which team they’d rather see Giannis on now that the reporting is saying it’s down to Miami and Boston. Then they do draft cause and effect, take a look at a few of the interesting picks in the lottery, and talk about what the picks should be and what they'd mean for each team—including the Dallas Mavericks, who just hired former Michigan head coach Dusty May.
(00:00) Intro
(3:24) Giannis trade news
(38:19) Draft cause and effect
Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann

With the 2026 NBA draft just days away, Justin and J. Kyle Mann are joined by Tate Frazier to break down their mock draft. The guys go through “can't miss” prospects like Cameron Boozer to the hidden gems flying under the radar. They debate who's got the bag to be a franchise cornerstone and which player could pull off the biggest draft-night heist.

(00:00) Intro

(6:11) Draft Picks

(57:50) Wrapping up

Hosts: Justin Verrier and J. Kyle Mann

Guest: Tate Frazier

Producers: Victoria Valencia and Ashl...

Logan Murdock, Raja Bell, and Howard Beck are back together to close out the NBA Finals, which saw the New York Knicks take the crown back to the Big Apple for the first time in 53 years. What did we learn about Jalen Brunson and building a team around small guards? Did Wemby become a villain throughout this playoff run? What parts of his game does he need to improve? Plus, the guys recount how they got Ben Stiller on the pod the night the Knicks won the title and get into the Real One of the Week!

(00:00...

Justin, Rob, and J. Kyle Mann are here to give their thoughts on the New York Knicks ending their 53-year drought and becoming NBA champions. Then they talk about some ripple effects and takeaways from the Finals.

(00:00) Intro

(11:55) Jalen Brunson

(25:55) What’s next for Wemby and the Spurs?

(53:39) Finals ripple effects

Hosts: Justin Verrier, Rob Mahoney, and J. Kyle Mann

Producers: Victoria Valencia, Isaiah Blakely, and Ben Cruz

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please vi...

The Knicks have finally ended their 53-year championship drought, defeating the Spurs 94–90 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals to capture the title. Logan Murdock and Howard Beck break down how New York got it done, and Knicks superfan Ben Stiller joins the pod to celebrate and relive the glory of a long-awaited championship.

(00:00) Intro

(0:44) Knicks Win

(06:26) - Jalen Brunson wins finals MVP

(38:42) - Wemby discussion

(52:41) - Ben Stiller joins the show!

Hit the mailbag: [email protected]

Hosts: Logan Mu...

Justin, Rob and Kyle catch their breath enough to fire up the microphones after a historic Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

They kick things off breaking down the finer details of OG Anunoby’s absurd game-winning tip-in before shifting to the Spurs’ side and discussing De’Aaron Fox’s questionable decision making down the stretch.

The guys then move into talking through how much of the game was the Knicks coming back vs. the Spurs melting down and whether or not it’s possible for San Antonio to recover after such an epic collapse.<...