Verno and KOC discuss Damian Lillard's request for a trade from the Blazers (01:20). Despite Dame’s desire to go to the Miami Heat, do they have enough assets to entice Portland to make the trade? The guys discuss some of the things that stood out to them in free agency, starting off with the real reason Jerami Grant and Kyle Kuzma got the contracts that they did (23:41). Next, the guys discuss the values of Austin Reaves's, Dillon Brooks's, and Bruce Brown's contracts (30:56). Also, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus cashed in this summer after their Finals run, and the Suns made some surprisingly good pickups (46:19). Lastly, the guys share their excitement for Summer League in Las Vegas (01:00:06).

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG 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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Damian Lillard’s Demands, Free Agency Takeaways, and Summer League Preview

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

The conference finals are finally here, as Verno and KOC break down how the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets in Denver to reach the Western Conference finals (01:23). Now that the Nuggets are eliminated, the guys go through what they should prioritize this offseason in order to remain competitive in the rapidly growing West. Next, the guys dive into the Thunder’s weakness in the middle that was exposed in their series against the Mavs, and debate whether Zach Edey can be the missing piece (25:20). Also, they preview what expects to be a competitive series between the Wolves and Mavs, debate whether the Pacers can make the Eastern Conference finals interesting against the Celtics, and applaud this year’s rookie class after the league announced its All-Rookie teams (41:18).

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 visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Social: Keith Fujimoto
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NBA Conference Finals Preview, Plus Denver’s Implosion, Draft Talk, and the All-Rookie Teams

Verno and KOC discuss the Game 6 blowout win from the Timberwolves, as they force a Game 7 on Sunday in Denver (01:18). They then move on to tonight’s Game 6 between the Knicks and Pacers before discussing the Cavs' future after they got eliminated by the Celtics (23:14). Also, the guys debate whether the Thunder can push for a Game 7 against the Mavs and KOC shares his experience watching Dead & Company at the Sphere (42:42).

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 visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
Social: Keith Fujimoto
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Wolves Force Game 7, Knicks-Pacers Preview, and OKC’s Odds in Dallas

Chris and Kevin immediately react to the Thunder’s comeback win against the Mavericks to tie the series at 2-2 (1:17). They discuss Luka Doncic’s current status, and who will win the series (5:24). Then, they discuss the Celtics' win over the Cavaliers to take a commanding 3-1 lead (22:52). Later, they compare the Knicks and Pacers’ benches and the difference it can make in their series (27:58). And then, they debate whether Anthony Edwards could have scored even more points to lift the Timberwolves over the Nuggets in Game 4 (41:06). Last, they close the show discussing the results of the NBA draft lottery (52:30).

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 visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Brian H. Waters
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OKC’s Gritty Win in Dallas, Celtics Go Up 3-1, Game 5 Previews, and Draft Lottery Reaction.

Verno and KOC discuss PJ Washington’s performance in the Mavs' Game 2 win over the Thunder to tie the series (01:13). They also discuss Kyrie Irving’s impact, the Mavs defense, as well as Josh Giddey becoming close to unplayable. They then move on to the Cavs, who tied their series with the Celtics after the getting the best version of Evan Mobley, and also discuss why the Jayson Tatum-Jaylen Brown era Celtics have been extremely inconsistent in the playoffs (20:34). Next, the guys discuss their excitement for the pair of Game 3s between Knicks-Pacers and Nuggets-Timberwolves (41:37). Can the Knicks continue to play at this fast pace? How will Nikola Jokic respond after winning his third MVP?

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 visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

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

Boston’s Big Blunder, Mavs-Thunder Takeaways, Jokic’s Legacy, and More NBA Playoff Analysis

Verno and KOC go through the Timberwolves blowing out the Nuggets to take a 2-0 series lead (01:03). They discuss the Wolves stingy defense on Jamal Murray, Chris Finch’s shortened bench, and debate whether the Nuggets stand any chance to come back. The Knicks were lucky to escape with a Game 1 victory against the Pacers, and the guys debate whether the remainder of the series will be just as competitive, and if Tom Thibodeau can sustain playing his starters extended minutes (31:34). Also, they discuss Donovan Mitchell’s importance to the Cavs as they move on to face the Celtics, as well as share their excitement for the Thunder-Mavs series (45:29).

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 visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.

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

Damian Lillard’s Demands, Free Agency Takeaways, and Summer League Preview

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