In this episode, I talk with my good friend Dylan from A&M and we discuss the early season from the Houston Rockets. The exit of James Harden obviously brings a tough challenge to any team, so we talk about the transitional phase the fanbase is in, going from perennial challengers in the West to a plucky, scrappy team fighting for every win.

In this episode, Adam and I discuss the 17-13 Bucks and even though they are 3rd in the East, they have felt underwhelming. Losing 5 of their last 6 games we try and figure out the reason they aren't racking up the wins. (1:30) We then talk about the Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz, two of the hottest teams in the league right now, and discuss their playoff ceilings respectively. (14:00)

The Warriors from 2015-2019 were a juggernaut that seemed like an undefeatable foe, as they reeled off 3 championships in 5 years. Injuries and the departure of Kevin Durant however have made them seem quite a bit more mortal. In this episode I talk with my good friend Michael De La Rosa, picking his brain about the new-look Warriors, and how they fit in with the familiar figures from the team that broke so many records and fanbases. Hope you enjoy!

Through a quarter of the NBA year, there have been some players who have really stood out from others. Those players aren't quite superstars yet, but the growth they have made from last season to the current one has been something that deserves recognition. Adam and I also dive into the teams who have done well thus far, as well as highlighting some players and teams we had high expectations for who just haven't come through yet. Hope you enjoy this episode of Talking Hoops with BDate, and here's to having you back for the next one!

Kobe Bryant was my hero. The guy I wanted to be like as a young kid. The first sports jersey I ever owned, and the main reason I fell in love with the game of basketball. On this date one year ago, Kobe, along with his 2nd daughter Gianna and 7 others, were tragically taken from this earth in a helicopter crash. Here I reflect on my favorite player and first true athletic inspiration, and his massive impact on not only myself, but the whole world who loved him as much as I did.

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