On this edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC welcomes in Steve Jones Jr. to help him break down the chaos of the NBA at the moment. The Nuggets and Thunder split their back-to-back, but KOC feels like an MVP may have emerged. More importantly, what did he and Steve learn about both teams? Can Denver be trusted to turn it on this postseason, and is Jalen Williams a viable #2 option on a Championship contender? Speaking of contenders, the Milwaukee Bucks' chances of going on a deep run are thoroughly dissected. Winless against the East's top teams, does anyone believe in Giannis Antetokounmpo and company? Will the Cleveland Cavaliers ever lose again? Would Cooper Flagg really stay one more year at Duke? And don't worry Atlanta Hawks fans, KOC is finally ready to talk Zaccharie Risacher.

(00:40) - Takeaways from Thunder-Nuggets series

(14:05) - Grizzlies def. Suns 120-118

(25:30) - Cavs on 14-game win streak

(36:15) - Do Bucks still have a shot this season?

(42:10) - How LeBron and Amen Thompson’s injuries affect the playoff picture

(49:00) - Rookie Report: The French Guys (& Cooper Flagg)

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh dive into the Lakers' thrilling overtime victory against the Knicks in this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show. How concerned should Knicks fans be about Jalen Brunson's ankle injury, and does Thibs deserve any blame for the star guard's usage down the stretch? Plus, the OT heroics of Luka Doncic prove yet again why Nico Harrison made "the dumbest trade" in the history of sports.

Plus KOC and Tom rank the current Western Conference Play-In picture teams currently seeded from #6-through-#12. How awesome would it be to get a Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers series in Round 1 of the Playoffs? Speaking of the Dubs, the guys break down Draymond Green's foot-in-mouth comments about Karl-Anthony Towns missing the Knicks-Warriors game. And their hilarious recap of the Charles Barkley vs Kendrick Perkins "media feud" that took place on social media Thursday night.

Later, 2025's #1 recruit and BYU commit AJ Dybantsa sits down with KOC to talk his greatest inspirations, why he plays basketball, his expectations for the NBA and much more.

(00:45) - KOC's West Play-In power rankings

(25:20) - Do NBA coaches need to experiment more?

(31:30) - Jalen Brunson suffers ankle injury

(36:00) - NBA media drama: Draymond & KAT, Charles Barkley & Kendrick Perkins

(42:25) - Best restaurants in Portland

(47:00) - AJ Dybantsa on life & basketball

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

I’ve got a lot on my mind watching the NBA as of late, and on this pod I’m unleashing some of those takes. Some are hot. Others are mild. After opening with some thoughts on the Phoenix Suns and Philadelphia 76ers, I brought on three guests to discuss the rest. Jared Weiss, who covers the NBA for The Athletic, talked Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets. Then Legend Of Winning came on to discuss the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, before Bryce Simon made his second appearance to talk Detroit Pistons and some NBA Draft.

(00:30) - Devin Booker needs to request a trade

(2:20) - NBA should change the play-in rules

(4:50) - Celtics are still the favorites in the East

(18:35) - Nuggets need to play their young guys

(21:05) - Lakers are best-equipped team to take out OKC

(44:00) - James Harden needs to adapt

(54:25) - LOW calls out KOC’s dunk contest takes

(1:02:05) - Could the Pistons win a playoff series?

(1:22:15) - NBA draft takes: Jase Richardson & Danny Wolf

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

After yet another night of Stephortless Brongevity, Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh are wondering if Father Time has lost his powers. Steph Curry drops 56 (including 12 threes!) vs. the hapless Orlando Magic, and LeBron James continues to rewrite the history books after a 3-and-D clinic vs the Minnesota Timberwolves. All of that "Face of the League" talk can be quieted, as KOC and Tom point out that these two might STILL be in their primes. Speaking of the "face of the league" comments from King James, Kevin and Tom agree -- the way the national media covers the game right now is STALE.

Also on this episode of The KOC Show: the Denver Nuggets fell to the Milwaukee Bucks and the guys think THE BLAME GAME is about to fall squarely on Russell Westbrook. Uh oh. Plus, the season of misery continues for the Phoenix Suns. They fell to the New Orleans Pelicans and Zion Williamson, who logged his first triple-double -- maybe thanks to Zion's new tattoo? Plus Kevin and Tom hit the streaking Detroit Pistons, the surging Portland Trailblazers, pay homage to Gregg Popovich, and discuss Paul George's temporary leave from podcasting life.

(0:48) Steph drops 56 pts on Magic

(19:50) Bucks defeat Nuggets at home

(29:19) Lakers take down Timberwolves

(37:53) LeBron on being “face of the league”

(43:29) Zion’s new tattoo

(50:53) Suns lose to struggling Pelicans

(58:02) Anthony Edwards double technical

(1:01:32) Popovich won’t return this season

(1:03:32) Paul George breaks from podcasting

(1:04:07) Blazers recent success

(1:06:51) Can Pistons make run in playoffs?

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DdhtRO

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY

📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

Are you tossing and turning at night thinking about all the unanswered questions going on in the NBA right now with just 6 weeks left in the regular season? Kevin O'Connor is dealing with some BAD insomnba, which is like insomnia — just way worse. KOC is tormented wondering if the Suns could actually MISS the Play-In. No way... right? Is the Joel Embiid Era in Philadelphia finally over? Will the New York Knicks problems be fixed with the return of Mitchell Robinson, or will they continue to REGRET the Mikal Bridges trade? Is Paolo Banchero even good?!? Are the Cleveland Cavaliers now built to OVERCOME the Boston Celtics? Will Ja Morant ever return to his old form in the Memphis Grizzlies new-look offense? Was Kevin dumb for thinking the Golden State Warriors should have blown it up? As you can see, it is a BAD case of insomnba. Counting sheep hasn't helped, but voicing his concerns on this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show might do the trick.

(00:25) - Do I regret suggesting GSW blow it up?

(3:20) - Will small ball benefit the Los Angeles Lakers?

(5:30) - Can Ja find himself in Memphis' new-look O?

(7:30) - Are the Phoenix Suns about to miss the play-in?

(27:45) - Is Paolo Banchero actually any good?

(30:25) - Is it worth holding onto hope for the Milwaukee Bucks?

(32:25) - Can new-look Cavs perform better vs. Boston?

(33:15) - Does Mitchell Robinson complete the Knicks?

(53:00) - Who’s going to start tanking?

(56:20) - Is the Joel Embiid era over in Philly?

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

Drew Hanlen is the basketball skills and development trainer for superstars like Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey, Tyrese Haliburton, Trey Murphy and many more of the NBA's elite. What can this "short," former college hooper possibly offer to these GIANTS of the game? A lot, as you'll see on this episode of the Kevin O'Connor show! Why Drew thinks critics are DUMB for calling Joel "washed," how Tatum took the mental leap before winning a title, how Haliburton became "the best passer" in the NBA, and so many more interesting stories, secrets and opinions from one of the most prolific trainers in the NBA. No one knows the inner circles of all the players and teams like Drew, and he keeps it real with his picks for NBA MVP, who he thinks will make the NBA Finals, and more.

(01:32) NBA Contenders

(04:58) Giannis improved mid-range game

(08:18) Cavaliers a real threat in the east?

(10:58) Any hope for Sixers and Joel Embiid?

(17:29) Could you fix Ben Simmons?

(20:55) Jokic and Nuggets on a winning streak

(22:49) Will Luka help LeBron

(25:25) Outlook for the Knicks

(28:31) Jayson Tatum’s mentality

(39:17) Teaching NBA superstars

(43:06) Tyrese Haliburton’s nature

(48:11) Changing NBA end of year awards

(54:32) Ring culture downplaying NBA regular season

(57:04) Player you would love to work with

(1:00) Drew talks his new book

Subscribe to The Kevin O'Connor Show

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

From role player to STUD, Trey Murphy's individual ascent this season surprised even himself. The Pelicans' superstar-in-the-making shares how he went from doubting himself to now KNOWING why he belongs. Trey kept it real on why his New Orleans Pelicans team started the year so poorly. Kevin asks Murphy to fill-in-the-blank: Zion Williamson is a top __ player in the NBA right now? That answer will surprise you. Plus with Trey being the most UNDER-APPRECIATED, unheralded star in the NBA, KOC asks Trey to pick a "starting 5" of the most underrated players in the NBA right now. You will never guess who's on his list. Trey also weighs in on what Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors said about the NBA becoming "boring." how the Oklahoma City Thunder are so hard to beat, his personal reaction to the Luka Doncic-Anthony Davis trade, and much more.

(0:49) Draymond Green comments on NBA

(1:33) Why Trey Murphy loves ball

(2:26) Assessment of Orlando Magic

(5:16) Assessment of Detroit Pistons

(6:01) Murphy's development & improvements

(13:53) Under-appreciated NBA players

(20:41) Luka - AD trade reactions

(21:17) How can Murphy become an All-Star?

(23:27) Zion Williams impact on Pelicans

(25:49) Pelicans struggles this season

(30:48) Assessment of Oklahoma City Thunder

(34:20) Assessment of Denver Nuggets

(35:08) Toughest places to play in NBA

(40:34) Current state of the NBA

(45:41) Kobe's influence on Trey Murphy

(48:27) Call of Duty & gaming

Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DdhtRO

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4gDqoKY

📢 Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

Kevin O'Connor spared no one from a total evisceration of the NBA All-Star Weekend, especially the new Sunday night game format. Why did TNT make the night more about themselves than the players? How did Commissioner Adam Silver allow an All-Star Weekend in San Francisco without Steph Curry in the 3-point contest? How is Kevin supposed to be excited about a "G-Leaguer" that "only uses props" in the Slam Dunk contest? KOC loves LeBron but says he's to blame as well for pulling out of the All-Star Game last-minute! EVERYTHING All-Star is a mess according to Kevin and Dan Titus. The guys also break down the several weird sound bytes from Draymond Green, including he and Jimmy Butler both being "alpha" personalities, Dray's prediction that the Warriors will win the title THIS season, and Green allegedly "turning down" the Warriors' Head Coaching position in the future once Steve Kerr retires.

0:22 - Team Shaq Wins 41-25! MVP: Steph Curry (2nd ASG MVP)

2:16 - Was Wemby Impressive? Injected energy into Team Chuck

3:40 - New Format vs. East vs. West – Which one’s better?

5:35 - Charles Barkley vs. Draymond – Did Dray’s generation ruin the NBA?

6:52 - How To Fix All-Star Weekend – KOC & Dan’s ideas

9:41 - Giannis' Big Idea – Team USA vs. World + Global ASG Cities

12:20 - Mac McClung 3-Peats in the Dunk Contest

17:49 - Draymond on Butler & GSW’s Title Chances

19:08 - Did Draymond Turn Down Future GSW HC Job? Serious or trolling?

21:08 - Fantasy Basketball Breakout Players w/ Dan Titus

26:36 - More Fantasy Pickups – Who’s worth adding?

All 30 NBA teams are ranked by tier in this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show. Heading into All-Star Weekend, which FOUR teams are "The Favorites" according to Kevin (and who's #1)? Which 3 teams does KOC view as "Contender...ish?" Next up, there's the "RESPECT YOUR ELDERS" category, the "SOMETHING IS MISSING" bucket, and then the dreaded "GRIPPING THE ELECTRICAL CORD" tier. Rounding out the rest of the league: the "League Pass Darlings" and unfortunately, the bottom tier: "POOP FOR COOPER" Flagg. All 30 teams fit into one of those categories, and KOC ranks them ALL here.
Plus Tom Haberstroh stops by for an unexpectedly HEATED debate about "Old Man Chris Paul!" Why KOC thinks the San Antonio Spurs are tanking in broad daylight, why the Philadelphia 76ers' Paul George looks like "Khris Middleton but with $100 Million owed to him" and how Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic are playing some of the best 2-man basketball the NBA has EVER SEEN.

(00:35) - Poop for Cooper tier
(9:00) - League Pass darlings tier
(15:05) - Gripping the electrical cord tier
(18:30) - Something's missing tier
(23:35) - Respect your elders tier
(26:20) - Contender-ish tier
(30:55) - The favorites tier
(38:20) - Buy Denver as a legit contender?
(49:55) - Donovan Clingan sleeper for ROTY?
(52:20) - Are the Spurs quiet tanking?
(57:20) - Concern for Los Angeles Lakers in loss to Utah?
(1:04:30) - Bol Bol surging
(1:06:50) - Any hope left for the 76ers?

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

What a debut! The Los Angeles Lakers dismantled the Utah Jazz on Monday night, and the chemistry between Luka Doncic and LeBron James was palpable and on full display. KOC and Daman Rangoola couldn't believe their eyes, it's really real! Daman takes KOC inside the minds of Lakers fans, who actually — for real — feel badly for Dallas Mavericks fans. And with Anthony Davis' injury situation already looking dire, KOC and Daman wonder if the Mavericks "win-now" strategy is about to free-fall.

Jon Krawczynski stops by the KOC Show to talk all things Minnesota Timberwolves. How close was Minnesota to ACTUALLY landing Kevin Durant on Deadline Day? Jon offers insight on what exactly went down as the Wolves tried to create the "DUR-ANT" pairing (and how they still could this coming offseason). KOC and Jon also react to the Wolves' embarrassing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, who welcomed newcomer De'Andre Hunter into their lineup. And, Jon has the latest on the Timberwolves' majority ownership situation.

(00:50) - Reacting to Luka Doncic’s Laker debut

(11:20) - Mark Williams trade debacle

(14:30) - AD’s injury & the Mavericks

(24:50) - Early impressions of new-look Spurs

(29:50) - Thoughts on Jimmy Butler’s fit with Golden State

(35:10) - Cavs beat Wolves 128-107

(42:10) - Wolves inch towards A-Rod majority ownership

(48:50) - Is Wolves’ interest in Kevin Durant genuine?

(54:05) - Just Riffin’

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT