Verno and KOC take a tour around the league, starting with LaMelo Ball's success in Charlotte (3:00) and what factors play into the increasingly early success of young players over the past decade (11:00). Then they jet over to San Antonio, where Dejounte Murray led the Spurs to victory over the Warriors (28:36) and Steph Curry continued to make a fringe case for MVP (31:30). Finally, they hit Utah to discuss an underappreciated Jazz team (34:40), Boston to parse through trade whispers (37:45), and Sacramento to acknowledge De’Aaron Fox’s bona fide star power (51:15).
Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
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LaMelo Ball and the Instant Impact of NBA Rookies. Plus: Appreciating Dejounte Murray, Steph Curry, and De’Aaron Fox.

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

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

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

LaMelo Ball and the Instant Impact of NBA Rookies. Plus: Appreciating Dejounte Murray, Steph Curry, and De’Aaron Fox.

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