NBA on ESPN

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to talk about Houston’s impressive 6-1 start to the season including if the Rockets are now a legitimate contender to win the title. Plus, we break down why Kyrie Irving may not be traded this season in Dallas after a strong start to the season with Cooper Flagg. Next, we assess where the Thunder stand with their mounting injuries before giving praise to the Grizzlies for an undefeated start. Finally, the 76ers’ clutch scoring has created a dream start to the season in Philadelphia, but is it sustainable? 

<...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Ben Golliver to talk about Ben’s 10 early-season NBA overreactions article including what to make of Anthony Edwrads’ injury, if it is time to panic/celebrate some major offseason moves and much more.

0:00 Intro

4:18 Windy Storytime: Blatt & Playoff Bron

7:22 Early-season NBA overreactions

10:09 Ant MVP case getting tanked early 

20:49 Did offseason moves make Hornets better?

34:35 Will the Kings need to make big changes?

44:00 Will Bulls be the worst team in the East?

48:00 Will this be the w...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks to talk about a series of unfortunate injuries for the Thunder to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace before discussing what this means for OKC’s future including if the team will need to make some moves. Then, the guys break down the latest on Kawhi Leonard’s concerning knee injury and how that could impact Toronto. Plus, we discuss how concerned fans of the Miami Heat should be after an 0-4 slump to begin the season. Finally, we give praise to the impressive start to the season from the...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to talk about an important message sent to the Spurs early this season, the Rockets announcing themselves as potential contenders and the disastrous start to the season from the Heat. Plus, we discuss some negative headlines in New York and the media drama surrounding Tatum and Brown before talking about some insane opening week performances. Finally, we react to some major injuries of the first week.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Anthony Slater to react to the dramatic back-and-forth between Yaxel Lendeborg & Luka Doncic before diving into the Lakers’ impressive performance and the future for Kristaps Porzingis in Golden State. Next, the guys evaluate the vibes in the Clippers’ first game after their punishment and if any punishment will come to the Bucks. Finally, we break down two impressive performances from the Timberwolves and Blazers before welcoming veteran NBA agent Andy Miller to give a special announcement and break down the coaching market in the league.

<...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to react to the Opening Night of the NBA season including Boston’s collapse in Detroit, the 76ers spoiling the Knicks’ ring night and SGA & OKC making a statement to the league against Wemby in San Antonio. Then, Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia joins the show to talk about his expectations for the Suns, his thoughts on expansion & NBA Europe and more. 

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and first time Hoop Collective guest Alan Hahn to preview the upcoming season for the Atlantic Division in the NBA. The guys tackle how the Knicks will defend their title, what reasonable expectations are for the 76ers, if the Celtics’ big bet will pay off, how much Kawhi can elevate the Raptors and more. Finally, we discuss the big opening night matchups. 

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to preview the upcoming season for the Southeast Division in the NBA including if the Heat have enough to contend this season, why now is the time for the Magic to step up and what teams can take a leap after major offseason overhauls. Finally, producer Jackson joins for our annual win total draft for the upcoming NBA season. 

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

Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Vince Goodwill preview the Central Division, breaking down the biggest questions facing the Pistons, Cavaliers, Bulls, Pacers and Bucks heading into the 2026–27 NBA season. Is this a make-or-break year for Cleveland? Can Detroit take another step forward? Can Tyrese Haliburton lead an Indiana resurgence? Plus, Milwaukee’s uncertain future, Chicago’s intriguing young talent and where each team stacks up in the Eastern Conference.

Timecodes:

00:00 Welcome To The Hoop Collective

00:15 Our 2026-27 Central Division Preview

04:25 Lots of big questions for the Pistons

11:4...

Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon are live from Rockets-Mavericks NBA House in Macao! Mavericks president Masai Ujiri joins the show to discuss Cooper Flagg’s limitless potential, Kyrie Irving’s importance to Dallas and the challenges of building a contender in the Western Conference. Plus, Ujiri reflects on what it takes to build a championship team and Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto. Next, ESPN’s Chao Meng also joins to explore the NBA’s popularity in China, the country’s sneaker culture and the excitement surrounding Yang Hansen. Then, NBA legend Carlos Boozer returns to share memories of playing for...

Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon are live from Rockets-Mavericks media day in Macao! Rockets general manager Rafael Stone joins them discussing Houston’s approach to roster construction, building on last season’s 52 wins and navigating a competitive Western Conference. Then, Jabari Smith Jr. joins to talk about the Rockets’ expectations and Fred VanVleet’s return, while Mavericks wing Naji Marshall talks about developing his floater, playing alongside Cooper Flagg and new head coach Dusty May’s influence.

Plus, NBA legends Shawn Marion and Carlos Boozer join the show. Marion reflects on the 2011 NBA Finals, being a pi...

The Hoop Collective is live from Manila, Philippines, answering your biggest questions about the NBA! Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon welcome Jimmy Alapag to discuss his coaching career with the Sacramento Kings before diving into underrated storylines for the upcoming season, the Clippers’ outlook and the NBA’s growing international talent pool.

Plus, the biggest “what ifs” surrounding LeBron James’ free agency, the best path to building a contender, trades that could have changed the league and offseason moves deserving more attention. Brian and Tim also share their favorite basketball moments, and what they miss about...

Brian Windhorst, Tim McMahon and Michael C Wright preview the Southwest Division, breaking down the biggest questions facing the Spurs, Rockets, Mavericks, Pelicans and Grizzlies heading into the 2026 NBA season. The guys discuss each team’s outlook, the roster questions that could define their season and where they stack up in the Western Conference. Plus, who has the highest ceiling, which team has the most to prove and who could surprise?

Timecodes:

00:00 Welcome To The Hoop Collective

02:25 Our 2026-27 Southwest Division Preview

02:38 Sky high expectations for the Spurs 

Brian Windhorst and Tim McMahon host a sold out live show at Courtside in Melbourne, Australia with guests: Cole Anthony, Luke Paul, Olgun Uluc and Derek Rucker. The guys talk with Cole Anthon about his experience in the NBL, Luke Paul on his decision to go to Duke and his NBA expectations. Plus, Olgun reveals the next wave of Australian stars to watch and what to expect for their next world cup team. 

Timecodes:

00:00 Welcome To The Hoop Collective

00:35 Derek Rucker joins the show

02:10 Cole Anthony joins the s...

Brian Windhorst, Tim McMahon and Anthony Slater preview the Pacific Division, breaking down the biggest questions facing the Lakers, Warriors, Suns, Kings and Clippers heading into the 2026 NBA season. The guys discuss each team’s outlook, the roster questions that could define their season and where they stack up in the Western Conference. Plus, who has the highest ceiling, which team has the most to prove and who could surprise?

Timecodes:

00:00 Welcome To The Hoop Collective

00:20 Our 2026-27 Pacific Division Preview

01:05 Can Lakers Take The Next Step In Pl...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN reporters checking in from Media Day around the league. Tim McMahon, Dave McMenamin, Vince Goodwill, Jamal Collier, Eric Woodyard, Ben Golliver, Anthony Slater, and Michael C. Wright join the show with the latest from the Lakers, Clippers, Thunder, Spurs, Knicks, 76ers, Warriors, Timberwolves and Pistons.

What are the biggest questions facing each team as training camp begins? They break down the storylines and early expectations across the NBA.

Melbourne Show Link: Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon Special Live Podcast 

T...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to discuss the ongoing contract extension discussions between Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks including how this could set the tone for the future in New York. Then, the guys discuss some interesting quotes from Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Thunder Sam Presti with regards to OKC’s commitment to keeping their title contending squad together. Finally, we tackle how strong Kawhi Leonard’s extension with the Raptors is and explain why it is a fascinating deal.

Learn more about your ad choi...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to break down expectations for our Hoop Collective World Tour. Then, we tackle some substantial extensions that flew under the radar before talking about some you need to keep an eye on. Finally, we discuss some financial bonuses that separate the Lakers and Knicks from the rest of the field. 

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks to break down ESPN’s NBA Future Power Rankings including the some teams who were surprisingly high and some who had substantial drop-off from last season.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Vince Goodwill to talk about the Clippers’ owner Steve Ballmer accepting the NBA’s punishment and how that may have cleared the path for the completion of the Kawhi trade to the Raptors. The crew breaks down what we can expect from Kawhi on the court, discusses some wild stories from his previous stint in Toronto and if we will see elite performance once again. Plus, we tackle what Brian is watching in NBA owners' meetings like the state of expansion in the NBA and Adam Silver's tone about the Clip...

Brian Windhorst is joined by the publishing director for Eurohoops Aris Barkas to break down what the future plans are for the NBA in Europe including if the concepts are feasible, how everything could potentially work and the state of the current landscape of European basketball.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to break down the latest on the fallout from the Clippers’ punishment following the NBA’s probe into their dealings with Kawhi. The guys talk about how some key league history indicates what may be to come, why LA got into this situation and what may have been known by Kawhi. Next, the guys tackle Amen Thompson’s extension with the Rockets before talking Ben Simmons signs with the Kings.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to react to the punishments given to the Clippers by the NBA after the probe into their dealings with Kawhi. The guys break down what this means for the future of the Clippers, if the punishment makes sense and if this will impact Kawhi moving forward in Toronto.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Anthony Slater to break down Steph Curry’s interesting future in Golden State including how his potential extension could determine the future for the Warriors. Then, the guys tackle the intriguing situation between Jalen Duren & the Pistons as his restricted free agency presses on. We discuss if Detroit will be able to manage this moving forward or if it could cause major issues for the team. Finally, we talk about the FIBA World Cup qualifiers with some epic battles taking place in Europe.

Learn more about yo...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to break down Jonathan Kuminga signing with the Timberwolves including if this is the right fit and what Minnesota will look like this season. Next, the guys tackle Ben Mathurin signing with the Pelicans before reacting to the Shaedon Sharpe injury update in Portland. Then, the guys go through the ESPN NBA Summer Forecast covering some major NBA Awards like MVP & Rookie of the Year plus the league scoring champion and most disappointing team.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to break down the Klay Thompson buyout in Dallas and subsequent signing in Miami including if Miami has solved their biggest problem and where they fit into the Eastern Conference. Then, the guys discuss what this means for the future in Dallas with Cooper Flagg as the Mavs try to build around a young star. Finally, after an ownership change in Minnesota we discuss why this season is so critically important to the future of the Wolves and their superstar Anthony Edwards.

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Dave McMenamin to break down the multiteam trade between the Cavs, Nuggets and Clippers highlighted by Cleveland getting Peyton Watson, Max Strus going to LA and Denver getting picks. The guys discuss what this means for each team in the deal including reaction to James Harden’s extension. Next, the guys tackle all of the drama surrounding the Lakers’ ownership from Jeanie Buss to Mark Walters. Finally, how will this impact the current team and Luka Doncic’s future in LA?

Learn more about your ad choice...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Vince Goodwill to break down the win totals for every team in the Eastern Conference including which lines are way too high, who is being overlooked and where the conference stands after some major shakeups.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to break down the win totals for every team in the Western Conference including which lines are way too high, who is being overlooked and what team is most interesting to them.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Ramona Shelburne to react to the Lakers’ getting sold in a stunning & record-breaking $12.5 billion dollar deal to Josh Kushner and Bob Iger. We break down why this sale happened now, what this means for the future in Los Angeles and more.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN’s Anthony Slater to break down the latest on the situation with Kawhi and the Clippers including how that will impact the plans for the Raptors. Next, we discuss how Dillon Brooks’ contract impacts the future spending plans for the Suns before we talk about why Denver’s books put them in trouble moving forward. Finally, we remember NBA legend Don Nelson.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by Tim MacMahon and Vince Goodwill to re-draft the 2023 NBA Draft including who got their picks right and what stars needed to be selected much higher. 

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks to break down the biggest questions of the 2027 offseason including why it could be a huge summer for the Nuggets & Jokic and Steph Curry & the Warriors.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks to break down some of the most interesting trades in NBA history that never came to fruition. The guys tackle everything from Chris Paul to the Lakers, Melo to the Nets, Kobe leaving LA and much more.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Vince Goodwill to explain why LeBron James joining the 76ers is truly a one of a kind situation and break down who will need to sacrifice the most in order to make it work in Philadelphia. Then, we discuss if Steph Curry could have a future outside of Golden State now that the Warriors have missed out on LeBron before talking about what the other teams who missed out on LeBron can do from here. Finally, we illustrate how the Thunder put the Nuggets in a difficult position and if...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks to react to LeBron James signing with the Philadelphia 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option. The guys break down how LeBron fits with the 76ers, if a title is possible this year and what this means for the rest of the league.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks to talk about the biggest winners and losers of the NBA offseason. The guys break down why there were some interesting moves, some surprising decisions and unique trends creating the best & worst offseasons. Finally, we talk two of Brian’s favorite stories from the week including a fascinating update on the future of the Portland Trail Blazers. 

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Bobby Marks and Vince Goodwill to react to the Thunder’s interesting deal sending Lu Dort to the Hawks in a 3-team trade with Dallas. The guys break down why OKC would do this, what it means for the Thunder’s future, if Atlanta should be a team to watch and why this could work out for the Mavs. Plus, could the future include more movement for Jonathan Kuminga? Finally, we talk about two players you need to keep an eye on this summer.

Learn more abou...

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to react to interesting reporting from Portland and commentary from Adam Silver’s press conference as it relates to the future of the Blazers before talking the league’s investigation into the Gary Trent Jr. contract with the Bucks. Then ESPN’s Dave McMenamin joins from Fanatics Fest to break down what we learned from LeBron James’ various appearances today, discuss when we will get his decision and some interesting stories from his Heat days.

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

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to react to Victor Wembanyama’s decision to give back some money on his extension to help the Spurs’ pursuit of titles. The guys break down how this could help San Antonio before talking the strong reaction against this from the NBPA and if this could be the start of a trend. Next, we discuss why the Bucks’ Gary Trent Jr. contract is getting an interesting response around the league. Then, we tackle the Bam Adebayo & Tyler Herro altercation including the back and forth with Udonis Haslem & Draymond Green. Finally, we discus...