Verno and KOC discuss their first impressions on some of the traded players from last week’s deadline, beginning in Dallas with Kyrie Irving and their loss to the Timberwolves (04:46). It’s hard to believe the Mavs are true contenders with all the issues they have, including their lack of defense. In moving on to the Lakers, they discuss last night’s blowout loss to the Blazers, talk about LeBron’s strange injury, and debate what is really going on with Anthony Davis (15:29). They discuss the debut of Jalen McDaniels with the 76ers and Josh Hart with the Knicks before diving into Jalen Brunson’s rising star power and Jacque Vaughn’s comments about Ben Simmons (35:01). Also, the guys talk about the nearly nixed trade with the Warriors and Blazers centered on Gary Payton II’s failed physical (48:45).
*The Ringer NBA squad is coming to Salt Lake City for NBA All-Star Weekend! Get your tickets here!*
Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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First Impressions After the Trade Deadline: Not Buying Into the Mavs, the Lakers' Ceiling, and More

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 congratulate the Dallas Mavericks as they beat the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals to face the Celtics (01:07). They discuss Luka Doncic’s brilliant Game 5 performance, and give credit to Mavs GM Nico Harrison for finally building the right roster around Luka. Next, they debate what the future holds for the Timberwolves, as they are nearing the second luxury tax apron and will face several restrictions when it comes to improving the team (18:08). Do they run it back? Or will they look to make a trade and retool for next season? Also, the guys answer what lessons can be learned from the impact that Dereck Lively II has made with the Mavs (43:47). Lastly, the guys talk about prospects who are going to return for another season in college, and how NIL has completely changed the game when it comes to prospects deciding to go pro (51:50).

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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Dallas Advances to the NBA Finals, Wolves Exit Interviews, and an Offseason Lookahead

Verno and KOC discuss the Celtics' comeback win as they sweep the Pacers and move on to the NBA Finals (00:55). They dive into why the Celtics have been so successful with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as what the sweep means from the Pacers' perspective. Next, they discuss the potential sweep in the West, as the Mavs look to finish the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals (25:27). The guys discuss the Mavs' terrific defense on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns all series long, as well as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s clutch minutes. Lastly, the guys share stories about Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who passed away on Monday (46:08).

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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Celtics Sweep, Mavs On The Brink, and Remembering Bill Walton

Verno and KOC discuss the absolute stomping of the Pacers by the Celtics as Boston takes a 2-0 series lead (01:00). They debate whether the Pacers stand any chance of coming back without Tyrese Haliburton, who left Game 2 with an injury, and discuss Jaylen Brown’s performance after he was snubbed for an All-NBA team. Moving on, they discuss how the Mavs defense was able to restrain Anthony Edwards to take Game 1 (23:48). They discuss the Timberwolves’ defensive strategies and whether Chris Finch needs to make some adjustments, as well as Rudy Gobert’s overall impact. Also, the guys share their reaction to the All-NBA teams, J. B. Bickerstaff’s firing, and whether Trajan Langdon can bring some much-needed stability to the Pistons' front office (48:26).

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

Celtics Roll Pacers, the Dominant Dallas Defense, and Some Timberwolves Concerns

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

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

First Impressions After the Trade Deadline: Not Buying Into the Mavs, the Lakers' Ceiling, and More

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