Kevin O’Connor has landed in Las Vegas for summer league, so he and Chris dive into all of their observations, starting with how last year’s rookie class is faring and whether we underrated them because of the challenges created by COVID-19 (1:00). Then they talk about Cam Thomas’s incredible scoring bonanza and his fit on the Nets (13:20), the contributions of a few undrafted players, like Isaiah Miller and Omer Yurtseven (21:18), Kevin finally seeing Alperen Sengun play in person (28:45), and which players people in Las Vegas are buzzing about (33:00). Finally, The Ringer’s Mirin Fader joins to talk about her new book, 'Giannis: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP' (37:05).
Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Guest: Mirin Fader
Associate Producer: Sasha Ashall
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Cam Thomas Looks Like an NBA Scoring Threat and More Summer League Observations. Plus: Mirin Fader on Her New Giannis Antetokounmpo Biography.

Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.

Sports

Verno and KOC go through all the playoff matchups from Monday night, starting off with Jamal Murray’s game-winning shot to put the Nuggets up 2-0 over the Lakers (01:26). Next, they discuss how the Knicks were able to grind out a victory over Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the Sixers (14:06). Also, the guys discuss what makes the Cavs a little different this year, and debate how far the Timberwolves can go with this version of Anthony Edwards (30:06). They then discuss why Khris Middleton is pivotal for the Bucks' success, what the key difference is in the Mavs-Clippers series, and debate whether the Pelicans can truly challenge the Thunder (48:12).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Thrillers in Denver and New York, Plus Breaking Down Every NBA Playoff Series

Verno and KOC share what they enjoyed the most from KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama before turning their attention to the play-in games from earlier this week (01:29). They discuss their disappointment with Zion Williamson's injury and Brandon Ingram’s performance in the Pelicans' loss to the Lakers, as well as their surprise at the Kings easily defeating the Warriors (10:16). Do the Lakers stand any chance to upset the Nuggets? How far can the inexperienced Thunder go? The guys debate whether Joel Embiid can bounce back to his MVP form against the Knicks (38:48). Also, they discuss the hideous performance from the Hawks, Coby White’s huge game for the Bulls, the Heat’s chances without Jimmy Butler, and more (47:09).

You can find KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama here.

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Sixers Survive, Impactful Injuries, Believing in OKC, and Playoff Predictions

Verno and KOC open the episode by briefly teasing KOC’s interview with Victor Wembanyama (01:52). They then turn their attention to the playoff matchups, as well as this week’s play-in tournament (13:20). Should the Lakers lose on purpose to avoid the Nuggets in the first round? Do the Timberwolves stand any chance against the Suns? They debate this and look at the other playoff series in the West. Also, while looking at the East, the guys discuss which teams are in the best positions to make a run (35:17).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Can Any of the Play-In Teams Make a Conference Finals Run? Plus, Playoff Preview and a Wemby Tease

Verno and KOC open up the episode by discussing Stephon Castle’s rise to no. 1 on KOC’s draft board (01:36). Next, they dive into everyone’s favorite segment: "That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous" (10:25). They discuss Jrue Holiday’s extension with the Celtics, debate whether this will be the last year we see Trae Young in a Hawks uniform, Luka Doncic’s MVP chances, how much pressure is on the Suns, and so much more.

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please checkout rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A Close MVP Race, the Nobody Paolo, a New Top Prospect, and Can the Sixers Knock Off the Celtics?

Verno and KOC discuss last night’s national championship game, which saw UConn continue its dominance  against Purdue as it secured back-to-back titles (01:07). They share their thoughts on watching basketball games at football stadiums, KOC's updated draft stock for Donovan Clingan and Zach Edey, the most obvious team for Clingan, and Tristen Newton’s NBA potential. With the season nearing its end, the guys discuss which playoff matchups they want to see the most in both conferences (30:51).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cam Thomas Looks Like an NBA Scoring Threat and More Summer League Observations. Plus: Mirin Fader on Her New Giannis Antetokounmpo Biography.

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