RealGM Radio

The unofficial first quarter of the season is officially in the books! Through the first seven weeks of the season, we’ve seen teams separate themselves as dominant, others separate themselves as sad, and plenty of epic games and performances. Consider the stage set for what promises to be an entertaining and unexpected NBA season. Wes Goldberg and Andrew Salop (Combo's Court) hand out some (theoretical) hardware for the most valuable player, top defender, most improved, sixth man, coach and the top team.

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Wes Goldberg and Mo Dakhil talk about the top of the Eastern Conference and ask if the Detroit Pistons are really the team to beat. They also discuss what's good and bad about the New York Knicks, Scottie Barnes breaking out for the Toronto Raptors and adding Tyler Herro to the Miami Heat's new offense before exploring some Trae Young trade ideas. They also talk about uneven seasons for the Cavaliers and Magic so far.

0:00 – Intro & Eastern Conference Surprise Standings
2:10 – Are the Pistons the Best Team Right Now?
6:05 – Knicks as Future Favorites?
11:40 – Offensive Rating in the Regular Season vs Playoffs
17:10 – Detroit Pistons Breakdown: Defense, Cade, Identity
23:45 – Toronto Raptors: Barnes’ Leap & Darko’s New System
33:22 – Heat Offense Revamp: Fast Pace + Elite Defense
50:40 – Cleveland Cavaliers: Injuries, Fit & Mobley Questions
55:05 – Hawks Outlook: Jalen Johnson Leap & Trae Young Trades
1:04:40 – Orlando Magic: Anthony Black, Suggs & Offense Concerns

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🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis!

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PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets are separating themselves from the rest of the Western Conference. Wes Goldberg and Keith Parish (Fastbreak Breakfast, Grits & Grindz podcasts) talk about what makes these teams elite, Nikola Jokic vs Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Part 2, LeBron James' role with the Los Angeles Lakers and what comes next for the Memphis Grizzlies. #nba #lakers #okcthunder #nuggets #nikolajokic #shaigilgeousalexander #alperensengun #houstonrockets

RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected]

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis!

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PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

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Wes Goldberg breaks down the real reasons why Nico Harrison traded Luka Doncic and ultimately lost his job as GM of the Dallas Mavericks before exploring some potential Anthony Davis trade ideas.

RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected]

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis!

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Follow Wes Goldberg

PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

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Wes Goldberg and Mike Shearer (Basketball Poetry) break down how the Miami Heat's new up-tempo offense works and how Tyler Herro can fit in -- or fit out -- (1:00). Then they build their long list of early Most Improved Player candidates (30:00).

RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected]

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis!

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Follow Wes Goldberg

PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

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The Los Angeles Lakers are soaring to the top of the Western Conference behind -- wait for it -- the two-way play of Luka Doncic.

Wes Goldberg is joined by Dave DuFour (Athletic NBA Daily) to break down what's going on in Los Angeles, JJ Redick's coaching and how LeBron James will fit in when he returns. They also talk about the latest in the Ja Morant situation in Memphis before building some fake trades. Finally, the teams moving up their watchability rankings, including the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons.

#victorwembanyama #lukadoncic #lakers

0:00 Intro

RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected]

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Follow Wes Goldberg

PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of RealGM Radio, NBA experts Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore break down the 2025 NBA contender tiers, diving into early-season surprises, elite teams, and breakout stars. From the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense to Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric leap, this deep dive explores how early trends shape the championship race.

The duo also examines the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, debating who truly belongs in the top tier. Later, they discuss under-the-radar teams like Houston, Milwaukee, and San Antonio, plus what’s gone wrong for squads like Orlando and Atlanta. Packed with sharp insights, stats, and smart banter, this is your must-listen guide to where every team stands in the NBA’s title chase.

00:00 – Intro: Breaking down the NBA contender tiers

01:25 – Early-season overreactions and meaningful trends

03:55 – OKC Thunder: defending champs or vulnerable?

06:12 – Thunder depth and star power discussion

08:25 – Tier Two: Denver Nuggets & Cleveland Cavaliers

11:40 – Denver’s defensive issues and Jokic’s dominance

14:15 – Can Cleveland’s defense carry them to the Finals?

14:41 – Tier Three: Warriors and Timberwolves analysis

16:45 – Golden State’s “Jimmy Butler era” & aging core

24:37 – Minnesota’s defense and trade deadline potential

28:52 – Tier Four: Spurs, Rockets, Bucks & Knicks

32:12 – Victor Wembanyama’s rise into NBA’s elite

39:53 – Houston’s struggles and the Fred VanVleet effect

45:09 – Giannis and the Bucks’ identity; Knicks’ hero-ball

49:21 – Mid-tier teams: Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Magic, etc.

59:51 – Miami’s fast-paced offense & elite conditioning

1:03:23 – Disappointments: Celtics, Hawks, Pelicans

1:06:39 – The Cooper Flagg problem in Dallas

1:13:00 – Lamelo Ball’s frustrations and Charlotte’s direction

1:15:51 – Utah & Washington’s surprising progress

1:17:31 – Trade deadline talk and rebuilding futures

1:19:15 – Outro: final thoughts on NBA tiers

RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected]

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Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM

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Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg

PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers defined an unforgettable NBA era — filled with drama, triumph, and transformation. In this RealGM Radio episode, host Wes Goldberg sits down with Yaron Weitzman, author of A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers, to break down the truth behind the team’s highs and lows. They discuss Jeanie Buss’s leadership, Rob Pelinka’s evolution, and how LeBron’s complex relationship with the Lakers changed basketball in Hollywood. From the Westbrook trade to LeBron’s post-playing ambitions in Las Vegas, Weitzman reveals the power plays shaping the modern NBA. Tune in for an insider’s perspective on one of basketball’s most fascinating eras.

00:00 – Intro

RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected]

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis!

Follow RealGM

Follow Wes Goldberg

PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wes Goldberg and Jared Dubin predict the top 10 offenses in the NBA for the 2025-26 season. Will the Cavaliers slide? Will Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets rise to the top? Can the Celtics' system keep them afloat? #nba #lakers #warriors #nikolajokic

RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected]

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis!

Follow RealGM

Follow Wes Goldberg

PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

#nba

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Wes Goldberg attempts to predict the top 10 defenses in the league for the upcoming season, with the Oklahoma City Thunder setting the pace as the NBA's no. 1 defense again. Where will teams like the Warriors, Rockets, Magic and Clippers finish? Will a team surprise and crack the top 10? Can Victor Wembanyama lift the Spurs into the top tier?

00:00 – Intro & Overview of NBA Defense Predictions

04:00 – Oklahoma City Thunder: Defensive Identity & Strategy

10:30 – Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson’s Breakout Year

17:45 – LA Clippers: Kawhi, Zubac & Ty Lue’s Defensive Core

22:00 – Orlando Magic: Depth, Health & Defensive Consistency

27:30 – Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis & Derek Lively Combo

33:10 – Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo’s Versatility & Coaching

39:45 – Minnesota Timberwolves: Gobert & McDaniels’ Impact

44:30 – Golden State Warriors: Veteran IQ & Depth

50:10 – Cleveland Cavaliers: Mobley, Allen & Lonzo’s Role

54:00 – Detroit Pistons: Young Defensive Potential

59:00 – Honorable Mentions

RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact [email protected]

🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis!

Follow RealGM

Follow Wes Goldberg

PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup!

Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.