In this week’s episode of The Baseline, we hit the court running with News and Notes, as Trae Young goes down with a sprained MCL expected to sideline him for four weeks and Ja Morant headlines a dramatic start to the 2025-26 NBA season.

Then, in our featured segment “Impress Me,” we spotlight the teams and players making noise early — the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs have each turned heads with strong starts, fueled by rookie impact performances and veteran leadership. We also dive into the resurgence of Jrue Holiday in Portland, where he’s reminding fans why he’s still one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards.

 🎧 Tune in as The Baseline breaks down the storylines that impress us most in the NBA’s opening weeks — from breakout rookies to redemption arcs and everything in between.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

We break down the shocking details behind the FBI’s Operation Nothing But Bet and Operation Royal Flush, a gambling scandal shaking the NBA to its core.

With over 30 arrests tied to organized crime, insider betting, and underground poker rings involving figures like Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones, this case has rewritten the conversation around integrity in professional basketball.

Then, in our “Do It or Don’t” segment, we shift focus from off-court chaos to on-court stakes — spotlighting Jonathan Kuminga, Jabari Smith, Benedict Mathurin, Deandre Ayton, Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez, and Shaedon Sharpe players facing make-or-break seasons in 2025-26. 

🎧 All Bets Are Off when it comes to the NBA this year — scandals, surprises, and stars fighting for redemption.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

It’s award season on The Baseline Podcast! Cal, Shaw, and special guest Jabari Davis break down their 2025-26 NBA Award predictions — from Rookie of the Year to MVP — and debut a few exclusive Baseline Awards you won’t hear anywhere else. 🏆 Official NBA Award Picks:

• Rookie of the Year: Cal – Cooper Flagg | Shaw – Ace Bailey | Jabari – Cooper Flagg
• Most Improved Player: Cal – Amen Thompson | Shaw – Matas Buzelis | Jabari – Amen Thompson
• Defensive Player of the Year: Unanimous pick – Victor Wembanyama
• Sixth Man of the Year: Cal – Josh Hart | Shaw – Josh Hart | Jabari – Trey Murphy III
• MVP: Cal – Anthony Edwards | Shaw – Victor Wembanyama | Jabari – Luka Dončić

🎖️ The Baseline Awards:

• MacGyver Award (Player who does the most with the least) – Derrick White (Jabari)
• New Threads: Best Fit on a New Team – Desmond Bane & Jrue Holiday (Cal)
• Keep Ish Together: Glue Guy of the Year – Dyson Daniels, Jalen Suggs, Ivica Zubac (Shaw)
• I Got Next Award (Next breakout star) – Kel’el Ware (Jabari)
• The Robin Award (Best 2nd Option) – LeBron James, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaylen Williams (Shaw)
• MVPBT: Most Valuable Player on a Bad Team – Devin Booker (Cal)

From bold MVP takes to creative Baseline originals, this episode delivers laughs, insight, and plenty of hoops talk for real NBA heads.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

The Western Conference is as unpredictable as ever — and The Baseline NBA Podcast is breaking it ALL down.

In this episode, Cal Lee and Warren Shaw go team by team through their 2025–26 NBA Western Conference Preview — ranking every squad, debating roster moves, and spotlighting the players who could flip the West upside down.

Key Talking Points:

• Zion’s make-or-break year in New Orleans
• Portland’s defensive mindset under Chauncey Billups
• The Sacramento “Chicago Kings” experiment
• Can Memphis survive without consistency?
• Cooper Flagg’s fit in Dallas next to AD
• Wembanyama’s breakout season in San Antonio
• Clippers vs. Warriors: depth vs. dysfunction
• OKC, Denver, Minnesota, and Houston — who’s built for a run?

This episode is packed with analysis, banter, and bold predictions. The West is deep — but someone’s gotta rise.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

The East is back in the spotlight!

Cal Lee and Warren Shaw return to The Baseline NBA Podcast with special guest Dan Favale of Hardwood Knocks to preview the entire 2025–26 Eastern Conference. Who’s ready to take the crown — the Knicks, Cavs, or a surprise squad like the Magic or Pistons?

Which teams are built to contend, and which ones are quietly resetting for the future? In this episode, the crew breaks down:

• The true “Beasts of the East” 👑
• Why the Sixers and Bucks face make-or-break seasons
• Which young cores (Magic, Pistons, Hawks) could shake up the standings
• What Spoelstra’s next evolution means for Miami

It’s intelligent hoops talk, no fluff — just real NBA conversation from three of the sharpest minds in the game.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

On this week’s Baseline NBA Podcast, Warren Shaw takes us inside Miami Heat Media Day with nsights, reactions, and storylines coming out of South Beach as the Heat gear up for its most challenging season yet. Then we go Around the League with a jam-packed slate of headlines:

• Nikola Jokić reveals his plans to retire as a Denver Nugget — what this means for the franchise’s long-term identity.?
• The Houston Rockets face a major challenge after the devastating loss of Fred VanVleet to injury — can their backcourt and new-look roster keep them in contention?
• Kevin Durant makes it clear: he intends to re-sign with Houston. We debate how that impacts the Rockets’ championship window.
• Anthony Edwards spent time working with the legend himself, Michael Jordan. Could MJ’s mentorship push Ant to another superstar level?
• Kawhi Leonard speaks out on the Clippers’ legal situation, insisting the team will be acquitted. Is this a good look for the Clippers and Kawhi?
• Zion Williamson is reportedly in the best shape of his NBA career. Can this finally be the season where Zion can stay on the court injury-free?
• The Portland Trail Blazers are building an identity around defense — we break down how that shift could redefine their young roster.
• And in Golden State, the Jonathan Kuminga stalemate continues. What does this mean for the Warriors’ future as they juggle veteran stars and developing talent?

Another loaded episode of The Baseline, where we take you from Media Day to the biggest storylines across the Association.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

The NBA is buzzing with controversy and big storylines. The league has launched a high-profile investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, probing a reported $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal that could bring major salary cap penalties.

We also break down Cam Thomas’ bold decision to sign a one-year qualifying offer with the Brooklyn Nets, setting up a critical contract year that could reshape his future. Plus, we look back and celebrate the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Class—featuring icons like Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and the legendary 2008 “Redeem Team.” 

From NBA scandals to all-time greats, this episode dives into the news, notes, and narratives shaping basketball today.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

We break down which rising stars could capture their first MVP award in the next 3–5 years. From favorites like Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Anthony Edwards, to strong contenders such as Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, and Jayson Tatum, we evaluate their cases for becoming the face of the league. We also spotlight intriguing dark horses—Tyrese Haliburton, Cade Cunningham, Paolo Banchero, Evan Mobley, Cooper Flagg, and Zion Williamson—and debate what it would take for each to shock the NBA world. Tune in as we project the future of the MVP race and predict who’s destined to rise to the top.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

This week, we break down the players entering fresh situations with something to prove. Will their new teams and roles spark a comeback season, or are we selling the hype? Join us as we discuss who’s primed for redemption and who might be headed for disappointment.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

We sit down for some FaceTime with the Baseline featuring none other than Jordan Hinds — one of the brightest stars rising out of the college hoops scene. 

CIAA 2024–2025 Player of the Year
Leading Scorer in the CIAA
CIAA All-Conference Selection
Atlantic Region Player of the Year
HBCU Division II Player of the Year

Jordan chops it up with us about his unforgettable college career and takes us behind the scenes of a grind-heavy summer that saw him ball out in the Miami Pro League, try out for the Memphis Grizzlies, and compete in the high-stakes TBT (The Basketball Tournament).

We dive into his mental preparation, how he stays sharp in high-pressure moments, and which part of his game he believes fans and scouts still overlook. Whether you're a hoops junkie, a college basketball follower, or chasing your own grind, this episode is full of gems from a player who's just getting started.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

• Visit: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $50 in lineups.

• This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

• Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG
•  Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/
• Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup
• Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest
• Follow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaseline
• Follow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline