Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective

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? 

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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 worst Heat season since 2008?

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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 Memphis Grizzlies as Ty Jerome leads the league in scoring.

0:00 Intro

1:35 What does the Thunder front office do now?

18:56 Kawhi to miss time for knee swelling

26:24 How concerned should Heat fans be?

34:59 Memphis much better than expected?

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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.

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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.

0:00 Intro

4:48 Lakers dominate Warriors to start season

6:45 Yaxel vs. Luka back-and-forth getting headlines

11:28 Kessler dream start to career in LA

14:40 Evaluating Clippers first game after punishment

16:50 Will there be punishment for the Bucks from the NBA?

19:08 What is the future with the Warriors & Porzingis?

30:10 Timberwolves impress against the Heat

36:48 After unique offseason Blazers dominate game 1

40:58 Tough starts for some rookie stars

45:19 Veteran NBA agent Andy Miller joins the show

45:53 A significant move around the NBA

50:58 Windy Storytime: Unique Garnett contract

56:53 Analyzing a unique NBA coaching contract

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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

11:43 Make or break season for the Cavaliers

27:50 Can Haliburton bring back the Pacers?

35:30 Bucks post Giannis future looks murky

42:05 Young talent is intriguing with the bulls

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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 Jerry Sloan and assess the current state of the Utah Jazz. To close, the guys reflect on their Macao experience and wrap up the Hoop Collective’s World Tour 2026!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Welcome to The Hoop Collective Live from NBA House in Macao

00:20 Assessing the NBA House & Macao experience

06:18 Mavs' President Masai Ujiri joins the show

7:20 Challenge building Mavs to Western contention

12:00 Is Cooper Flagg underrated already?

15:10 What does Kyrie mean to the team in Dallas?

16:20 What it takes building title contenders

19:35 Reaction to Kawhi Returning to Toronto

24:45 ESPN's Chao Meng joins the show

25:55 Explaining the NBA's popularity in China

30:25 What is the shoe culture like in China?

32:03 Yang Hansen's popularity as a Chinese player

34:00 NBA legend Carlos Boozer rejoins the show

34:10 What was it like playing for Jerry Sloan?

36:40 What is the current state of the Utah Jazz?

39:15 Thank you to everyone involved with the World Tour 2026!

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