The Kevin O'Connor Show

In this week’s episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Dan Titus dive into the latest NBA trends, including a closer look at LeBron James and the struggling Los Angeles Lakers. Is this the worst stretch of LeBron's legendary career? Can the Lakers stay afloat, or are they cooked? Kevin and Dan discuss the team’s lack of creation, LeBron’s fatigue and the challenges ahead unless a major trade is made.

Next, the guys turn their attention to the Western Conference playoff race. The Minnesota Timberwolves just secured a big win, but are they truly a contender? Dan thinks they have the best chance to make the playoffs out of the bottom teams, though they still need more to reach the next level. Meanwhile, Kevin isn’t buying into the Sacramento Kings’ playoff hopes, citing coaching concerns and the rise of other teams in the conference.

In a surprising turn, the Milwaukee Bucks are on a 6-game win streak, but are they legitimate championship contenders? Kevin and Dan break down Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP-level play, but warn against getting too carried away until they face tougher competition.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are rolling with Franz Wagner leading the charge, and the Memphis Grizzlies have won 6 in a row thanks to impressive depth. Could either of these teams be a sneaky playoff contender? Kevin also dives into the struggling New Orleans Pelicans and wonders if it’s time for a full rebuild.

Later, the guys address the Washington Wizards' ongoing misery and preview James Harden’s recent dominance for the Los Angeles Clippers. Plus, what to expect from the Charlotte Hornets in LaMelo Ball's absence, and how to navigate fantasy hoops in this weird double week.

(1:05) - Can the Lakers overcome LeBron's declining play?

(8:20) - Timberwolves & the Western Conference playoff picture

(17:40) - Are Bucks back to being a contender?

(24:05) - What clicking for the Magic?

(28:40) - Are the Grizzlies sneaky contenders this season?

(31:50) - Time for the Pelicans to blow it up?

(38:15) - Wizards on pace for historically bad season

(41:50) - Fantasy basketball corner

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On a special Thanksgiving edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh joins the show to help share what they're thankful for this Thanksgiving.

They discuss their favorite players, trends, and statistics across the league this season that make the NBA exciting an entertaining. Among the topics discuss, they cover Giannis Antetokounmpo's improved jump shot, older players outperforming their age, Jarrett Allen's unique personality and the NBA Cup.

(1:33) "Golden Guys"

(7:47) Players being honest

(13:21) Hubie Brown

(16:04) Kris Dunn

(19:40) Dunk Score

(27:55) Giannis Antetokounmpo's jump shot

(32:54) Jarrett Allen

(36:35) Area 51

(40:35) The NBA Cup

In this week’s episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tate Frazier to dive deep into the biggest storylines in college basketball, with an eye on the 2024 NBA Draft. They break down the top prospects, sleepers, and potential steals in a packed episode.

Cooper Flagg continues to dominate as the top 2024 draft prospect, and Tate and Kevin discuss his impressive defensive play, his development potential and how he might fit with NBA teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. They also take a look at other high-level freshmen like Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, and explore whether someone can challenge Flagg for the #1 overall spot.

The conversation shifts to some intriguing draft sleepers, with Tate spotlighting Lebaron Philon from Alabama and Kevin highlighting Collin Murray Boyles, who draws comparisons to Draymond Green. They also discuss Egor Demin from BYU and whether he could make a push into the lottery or even the top pick conversation.

The guys also talk about UConn's rising stars, including Liam McNeeley and Alex Karaban, two prospects who are seeing their draft stock rise early in the season. Tate weighs in on UConn’s chances of a three-peat, and Kevin breaks down how these young players are developing under Dan Hurley’s system.

Finally, they touch on the state of the Charlotte Hornets, with Tate sharing his thoughts on LaMelo Ball and the future of the franchise as they look to build around the promising Brandon Miller.

(1:50) - Cooper Flagg and Duke's impressive freshmen

(12:30) - Who can challenge Flagg for the #1 overall spot?

(18:55) - Favorite NBA draft sleepers

(34:15) - UConn deep dive: impressive freshmen & three-peat chances

(42:20) - Tate's Hornets thoughts

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A month after the start of the NBA season, Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh reveal what their award ballots would look like if the season ended today.

(01:05) - Magic 119, Lakers 118
(06:30) - KOC visits the Intuit Dome
(12:10) - Hornets 123, Pistons 121 (OT)
(15:30) - How worried should the Timberwolves be?
(17:45) - Should the NBA change playoff seeding?
(24:50) - NBA one-month awards

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC and Tom Haberstroh dive into the news before revealing what their award ballots would look like if the NBA season ended today.

The guys use the Magic's thrilling victory over the Lakers last night to highlight Franz Wagner, who has found his jump shot and once again looks like one of the 20 best players in the NBA. Anthony Davis, an MVP favorite, is already starting to look a bit tired.

KOC talks about his visit to the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, where he witnessed many bathrooms and The Wall, which may or may not be filled with paid actors.

The Hornets topped the Pistons in overtime and seem like they're built for the future with young stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Tom and Kevin also discuss the Timberwolves, who have fallen to 8-7 and appear to be out of sorts with a difficult part of the schedule ahead of them.

Before diving into their NBA one-month award ballots, the guys discuss the idea of the NBA changing its playoff seeding to a 1-16 system that does not rely on conferences. Is it in the best interest of the league? Is it even possible?

Finally, find out who would be their picks for MVP, Rookie of the Month, Defensive Player of the Month, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Month, Sixth Man of the Month and even on the All-NBA or All-Rookie teams if the season ended today.

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Kevin O'Connor is joined by Mo Dakhil to give their thoughts and takeaway's from Monday night's NBA action. The duo start off with the Los Angeles Clippers beating the Golden State Warriors, as they discuss the Clippers' playoff aspirations and how much the Warriors should still scare teams in the Western conference. Next up is the Atlanta Hawks' dramatic victory over the Sacramento Kings, as the duo discus De'Aaron Fox and Zachary Risacher, among others. In other news, Franz Wagner looks to be coming into his own just as Kevin predicted, and the Cleveland Cavaliers look to keep their undefeated streak alive against the Boston Celtics. Kevin and Mo also touch on the NBA Cup and a rumored change to the All-Star Game structure.

Later, Spike Eskin joins the show to do a deep dive on the utterly depressing Philadelphia 76ers, who blew a 19-point lead to fall to 2-11 tonight. Spike vents about the apparent lack of effort on the court and why the Joel Embiid return has been such a disaster so far. Kevin isn't ready to give up on the Sixers just yet due to some star talent still performing at a high level and a weak conference, but they're nevertheless off to a nightmarish start. Kevin & Spike finish off the show with their thoughts on Linkin Park's latest album.

(1:20) - Clippers beat Warriors

(13:05) - Hawks beat Kings

(27:00) - Magic beat Suns

(32:45) - Are the Cavs in the same tier as the Celtics?

(41:00) - Thoughts on the NBA Cup & potential All-Star Game changes

(47:40) - Sixers deep dive with Spike Eskin

(1:10:30) - Linkin Park's new album

Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh discuss the worrying Mavericks and Timberwolves, Victor Wembanyama's and LeBron James's hot shooting, and their rankings of the top NBA rookies so far this season.

(00:40) - Are the Mavericks in trouble?

(12:20) - Are the Timberwolves worse off than the Mavericks?

(17:45) - Is Donovan Clingan the best rookie in this class?

(22:35) - Victor Wembanyama's red-hot 3-pt shooting

(30:30) - LeBron James continues to amaze

(41:10) - 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tom Haberstroh. The guys kick off the episode by talking about the Dallas Mavericks, who have lost four consecutive games and don't look like the defending Western Conference Champions.

Similarly, the Minnesota Timberwolves do not look like a team that would've made it to the Western Conference Finals. Is it Anthony Edwards' fault? Do they miss Karl Anthony-Towns? Should the Timberwolves be concerned about the clunky fit of their current roster?

Portland Trail Blazers' rookie center Donovan Clingan racked up 8 blocks against Minnesota on Wednesday, and he's starting to look like he might be the best big man in this year's draft class.

Victor Wembanyama must've been listening last week when Kevin and Tom told him to stop shooting so many 3s, because he's made 20 of them in his last 3 games and seems to be breaking basketball on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James has posted three consecutive triple-doubles, as he nears his 40th birthday. Tom has an incredible stat that doesn't feel real but sums up just how productive this season has been for James. However, the Lakers still have major issues they need to work out.

Finally, the guys go through a way too early look at the 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings. There's a big surprise at the #1 spot and a few guys that are ready to jump up the list in a hurry.

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Kevin O'Connor is joined by Adam Mares to break down the biggest storylines from around the NBA, including Nikola Jokic's early bid for another MVP, Luka Doncic's struggles with the Dallas Mavericks, the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, whether Oklahoma City should go all-in, some key injury news and much more.

Kevin and Adam start with Nikola Jokic's big night, as the duo break down what's changed about the Joker's game this year that's made him even more dangerous and why Russell Westbrook fits so well in Denver's scheme. On the other side of Sunday night's game, the Dallas Mavericks are now 5-5, and Luka Doncic's lack of development so far this season is starting to catch up with them.

Joel Embiid makes his return Tuesday night, and Kevin and Adam discuss how the Philadelphia 76ers can best utilize him if they want to be a legitimate playoff team. The Sixers aren't the only team affected by injuries so far this season, as the Oklahoma City Thunder are treading water without a few key players. The hosts discuss whether or not OKC needs to break the bank and go all-in this season with a player like Giannis.

Later, Kevin and Adam discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers starting the season 12-0 and how far that could last, plus what's not clicking with the Milwaukee Bucks. The duo finish up by answering a mailbag question on how Jayson Tatum's early successes could raise the ceiling for the Boston Celtics.

(0:50) - Why Nikola Jokic is already playing at an MVP level

(16:15) - Luka Doncic's early struggles

(22:30) - How Sixers can best build around Joel Embiid

(29:30) - NBA injury madness: time for OKC to make a move?

(39:55) - How long can the Cavaliers stay undefeated?

(45:10) - Things just aren't clicking yet in Milwaukee

(47:20) - Does Jayson Tatum's play raise Celtics ceiling?

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The 2024-2025 NBA season is around its 9-game mark as of Thursday night, so Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to share 9 observations about the league and its trends at this roughly 10% completion point in the season.

Can the Philadelphia 76ers survive their atrocious start without Tyrese Maxey and with Joel Embiid slated to play his first game of the season this Tuesday against New York? What adjustments need to be made in San Antonio to get Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul playing complementary basketball that bolsters Wemby's strengths? Will Zion Williamson ever be Zion Williamson again? All that and more on today's Kevin O'Connor Show.

(0:50) - Sixers aren't who we thought they were

(5:10) - Can anything fix the east vs. west conference imbalance?

(7:10) - Cavs are 9-0, can they get to 60 wins?

(10:30) - Should NBA abandon conferences and go to 58 games?

(16:00) - How can CP3 and Wemby get on the same page?

(25:45) - Kings can reach a new level with DeRozan add

(28:40) - Can Zion ever be Zion again?

(34:20) - Jalen Johnson's usage is crazy

(38:22) - Ja Morant is back with a vengeance

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

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On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by True Hoops' David Thorpe to discuss the biggest headlines from the start of the NBA season. They break down the reason for the Golden State Warriors' hot start this year and what has held back Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.

Also on today's show, they discuss the emergence of Gradey Dick for the Toronto Raptors and what will happen to the San Antonio Spurs without Gregg Popovich. They wrap up the episode with mailbag questions from listeners, ranging from how the Pistons can become competitive and which team will turn into a soap opera. 

(5:54) The Warriors hot start

(13:30) Gradey Dick's big second year

(21:47) Gregg Popovich's health issue

(24:22) What is wrong with Tyrese Haliburton?

(33:25) Pacers trade targets

(40:02) Fixing the Pistons

(43:03) Soap Opera teams

(51:31) Bright future teams

Kevin O'Connor, along with Tom Haberstroh, wonders if it's time for the Bucks to trade away Giannis and Damian Lillard, how many 5x5 games Wembanyama will have and why aren't rookies playing more?

(00:00) - Time for the Bucks to panic?
(08:05) - Should Milwaukee trade Giannis and Damian Lillard?
(18:00) - Can the Grizzlies survive more injuries?
(24:00) - Victor Wembanyama gets another 5x5
(33:00) - Paolo Banchero is one of several stars facing injury
(37:00) - Why aren't the NBA's rookies playing more?
(44:20) - Ryan Dunn for Rookie of the Year?
(52:00) - Is Anthony Edwards shooting too many 3s?

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh joins Kevin and the show starts with a conversation about the 1-4 Milwaukee Bucks and whether it's time for them to panic and start looking for trade destinations for Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez.

The Memphis Grizzlies, coming off of a definitive win over the Bucks, seem to be the picture of stability but their injury issues from last year might be crashing the party yet again.

Spurs' center Victor Wembanyama became the 3rd player in NBA history to net more than a single 5x5 game. How many will he have in his career? And why isn't the Spurs offense better when he's on the floor?

The guys use the news of Paolo Banchero's oblique injury to talk about the six players that were all-stars last season and are currently dealing with injuries at the start of the NBA season.

Things are trending upward, but Tom points out that rookies are playing fewer minutes than ever to start the season. How can we get the Rockets to free Reed Sheppard? And is Ryan Dunn the favorite to win Rookie of the Year right now?

Finally, the guys talk about why they're worried about Anthony Edwards shooting more 3-pointers and discuss why nobody is noticing the uptick in dunks as well as long-range shots.

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