Marques and Kris Johnson sit down with Dan Devine of Yahoo Sports to break down the Milwaukee Bucks’ early-season surge — and how Ryan Rollins went from three teams in three years to one of the NBA’s most surprising storylines. They dive into his breakout, future role, how he fits when Kevin Porter Jr. returns, and what comes next in his development.

Dan offers a national perspective on Milwaukee’s depth, the Rollins–Cole Anthony backcourt, the Giannis–Myles Turner connection, Bobby Portis’ evolving role, and his Big Question for the Bucks. The crew also examines how Doc Rivers is fine-tuning rotations, balancing the second unit, and shaping the team’s new identity.

Plus — Marques’ viral call on Giannis’ monster dunk, the legendary game-winner that followed, stories of clutch moments, why 34's jumper looks so good this year, and a video breakdown of Doc’s signature double-big screen that’s helping the Bucks exploit defenses.

It’s basketball IQ, culture, and conversation — the Hear District way.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 — Intro

4:32 — MJ's Viral Call & Game-Winners

11:31 — Giannis, Bucks Embrace Modern NBA

25:41 — About That Action

33:57 — AJ Green on "Locked In"

38:06 — Intro to Dan Devine

41:10 — Ryan Rollins Deep Dive

1:01:13 — Bench Unit & Doc's Adjustments

1:09:02 — Bucks' Big Questions

For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Renowned podcaster & columnist, Zach Lowe joins Marques & Kris Johnson on this week's episode of Hear District to dissect the Milwaukee Bucks' hot start to the season, Giannis Antetokounmpo's path to a third MVP trophy and the team's Playoff possibilities in a wide-open Eastern Conference.

But first, they discuss the untraditional path that led Zach to NBA coverage and how his New England roots inspired his love of the game. They dissect the criteria for MVP, and why Giannis has as good a chance as ever to compete for the trophy. They also delve into Ryan Rollins' rise, why Cole Anthony is an X-Factor for this team, Bobby Portis' grit, Myles Turner's fit with Milwaukee, and why Zach has always been a fan of Gary Trent Jr.

They also touch on the Eastern Conference Playoff picture, Victor Wembanyama's ascension, massive scoring performances to start the NBA season and trends around the league.

On this week’s Hear District, Marques and Kris Johnson are joined by 4× New York Times bestselling author Shea Serrano to talk about his new book Expensive Basketball, why he dedicated a chapter to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2021 NBA Finals run, and how emotion drives the game. The crew also debates the Mount Rushmore of basketball movies, writing techniques, and share stories from their respective basketball journeys, including run-ins with Michael Jordan, Reggie Miller and Denzel Washington.

Before that, Marques and Kris break down the Milwaukee Bucks’ home opener, including Khris Middleton’s return, the newfound defensive edge of Doc Rivers’ squad, Ryan Rollins’ growth, Myles Turner’s debut, and how the Bucks’ offseason intensity is paying off. They also debate which Bucks legends deserve statues in the Deer District.

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 — Intro

2:34 — Season Opener

20:47 — Celebrating Khris

28:59 — Bucks Statues

34:41 — Intro to Shea Serrano

43:29 — Giannis' Chapter

47:50 — Backstory & Writing

1:03:37 — Michael Jordan

1:08:05 — Bucks' Outlook

1:16:02 — Basketball Movies

For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Bobby Portis joins Hear District ahead of the 2025-26 season to talk Bucks basketball, leadership, and life. The fan-favorite forward opens up about his journey from Little Rock to Milwaukee — and the lessons that shaped his game, mindset, and purpose. He shares how being raised by a single mother and grandparents fueled his drive, how early NBA challenges built his resilience, and what made Milwaukee the perfect fit when he joined the Bucks in 2021 — including the story of how he personally called Giannis to pitch himself as a free agent. Bobby reflects on the Bucks’ 2021 championship run, the roots of his underdog mentality, and stepping into a veteran leadership role on a younger, energized roster. He also shares his excitement for a rejuvenated team under Doc Rivers — and why he believes Milwaukee now has one of the deepest benches in basketball.

For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

In this week's episode of Hear District, Marques & Kris Johnson break down the Milwaukee Bucks’ first preseason games — spotlighting Doc Rivers’ new system, defensive energy, and early standouts like Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, and Kevin Porter Jr. They also touch on Giannis' response to recent rumors, why they both had a chip on their shoulders as players, and more. Then, Kyle Kuzma’s trainer, Clint Parks, joins to share his journey, training philosophy, and insight from working with Kawhi Leonard. They discuss Kuzma’s offseason development, his fit with Giannis Antetokounmpo, how playing alongside LeBron James shaped him, and what Bucks fans can expect this season.

For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Marques Johnson and Kris Johnson break down Milwaukee Bucks training camp on this week’s Hear District. They cover Giannis missing Media Day, Kevin Porter Jr.’s role leading a deep guard rotation, Kyle Kuzma’s revamped shot diet, and how the Bucks’ playstyle could evolve this season. The guys also debate whether Milwaukee has the NBA’s best trio of bigs and who’s likely to make the final roster. Later, WNBA & Big Ten analyst Shimmy Miller joins to unpack Napheesa Collier’s fiery comments about WNBA leadership, the league’s ongoing ref and CBA issues, the WNBA Finals, and whether A’Ja Wilson is cementing her GOAT case. Plus, insight from Shimmy’s decades of coaching young women’s hoops.

For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

On this episode of Hear District, Marques & Kris are joined by Bucks insider Eric Nehm to preview Milwaukee’s thrilling 2025–26 season. They dive into how a faster pace, more 3-point shooting, and a revamped guard rotation could elevate the offense. They also discuss the team's ability to force turnovers at a higher rate, how defense will become a greater priority, and why Myles Turner is an excellent fit for the lineup. They also explore Giannis Antetokounmpo’s mindset entering the year, from his sharper jumper to his evolving role as lead playmaker and leader, while diving into hilarious and meaningful anecdotes from their own careers. Later, Ti Windisch & Rohan Katti of the Gyro Step Podcast join #BucksPodFest to talk bold predictions, Bucks hot takes, favorite players, and which guard could emerge as a breakout star. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

This week on Hear District, Marques & Kris Johnson welcome Evan Cohen (ESPN Radio’s UnSportsmanLike) to break down the Milwaukee Bucks’ under-the-radar outlook for the 2025–26 season. They discuss which offseason moves set the Bucks up for another 50-win run, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s EuroBasket bronze medal with Greece, and why he called it his greatest achievement. Evan also reflects on Kris’ UCLA days, the importance of draft position, underrated NBA teams that never won a title, and his journey through sports radio. Later, Van Fayaz & Jackson Gross of Brew Hoop join #BucksPodFest to talk Bucks’ offseason moves, standout players to watch, Wisconsin’s big summer in sports, and how AI is reshaping sports media.

For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

This week on Hear District, Marques & Kris Johnson welcome Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight to debate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s place among the NBA’s elite, what it would take for him to achieve his 3rd MVP, and why next season could be his best defensively. They also break down the Bucks’ 3-guard lineup and how it could shape Milwaukee’s success. Later, Justin Garcia & Camille Davis of Locked On Bucks join to kick off #BucksPodFest, sharing stories of their Milwaukee roots, the Bucks’ biggest X-Factor for the upcoming season, why Kevin Porter Jr. could be the Bucks’ No. 2 scorer, their most anticipated lineups of next season, favorite players in franchise history, and where this summer stands in the pantheon of all-time Wisconsin sports' summers.

For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

This week on Hear District, Kris & Marques Johnson break down Giannis Antetokounmpo’s EuroBasket dominance, what it'll take for him to solidify himself as Greece’s basketball G.O.A.T., Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s return to Milwaukee and his impact on team culture. Radio voice Dave Koehn takes us behind the scenes of the Puppy Bowl with two of its stars… his French Bulldogs! He also discusses his favorite moment of the Bucks' 2024-25 season, Tony Bennett's NBA coaching prospects and more! MJ & Kris also react to the NBA’s proposed U.S. vs. World All-Star Game and draft squads of potential first-time All-Stars in the East. Other topics include a preview of the Bucks' roster heading into training camp, the Clippers/Kawhi Leonard salary cap investigation, Angel Reese’s comments on the Chicago Sky and Spike Lee’s new film, "Highest 2 Lowest."

For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.