On this absolutely jam-packed edition of the Kevin O'Connor Show, ESPN's Bobby Marks *and* college basketball guru John Fanta both stop by to talk hoops. First up, the Front Office insider Marks is asked whether he believes the Memphis Grizzlies are the secret team in the running for Jimmy Butler. Knowing he's a rental like what the Toronto Raptors once got for Kawhi Leonard, would the Grizz do it? Plus KOC and Bobby break down the trade possibilities for 3 disappointing teams: the Phoenix Suns, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors. Interestingly enough, Bobby and Kevin both seem to think Draymond Green could be moved to the Dallas Mavericks or the Detroit Pistons. And between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, which powerhouse is the more likely trade destination for Cam Johnson?

And when John Fanta stops by, Cooper Flagg is the name of the game. Which NBA player comps can they both see in the Duke phenom? Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Garnett, and Anthony Davis are just some of the names that the guys land on when it comes to the guaranteed #1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Plus, TikTok may be in flux but PikTok is here to stay — Kevin introduces a new segment which is just that: talkin’ 2025 NBA draft prospects as seen through the eyes of the college basketball expert, Mr. Fanta.

(1:00) - Grizzlies defeat Timberwolves: Jimmy Butler to Memphis?

(7:45) - Cavs defeat Suns: Should Cavs trade for Cam Johnson?

(21:00) - Julius Randle for Cam Johnson?

(24:50) - Celtics defeat Warriors: time to trade Draymond Green?

(40:55) - KOC saw Cooper Flagg in person

(55:15) - Favorite non-top-three guy to watch: Derik Queen

(1:01:30) - Player who could steal #2 slot: Kasparas Jakucionis

(1:06:35) - Freshman standout to watch: Thomas Sorber

(1:11:10) - Senior ready for the NBA: Kam Jones

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On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh and KOC play a little game of Panic Meter with certain NBA teams that are struggling as of late. Should these teams feel CHILL, should they be SWEATING or is it full blown PANIC? The guys start with the Boston Celtics, who have been playing .500 ball as of late. Is Kristaps Porzingis entirely to blame for Boston's recent woes? The second team Kevin and Tom evaluate are the Minnesota Timberwolves. Both guys are panicking, and Julius Randle is the main reason why. But is "Dubious Handles" impossible to move ahead of the deadline? And thirdly, the Golden State Warriors. Kevin and Tom both think the Warriors have no shot to win this season, and it may be time for Steph and the Dubs to part ways.

Would that potential divorce look similar to how Tom Brady left the New England Patriots? Would Warriors fans still support Steph, even if he were to leave? KOC thinks Steph owes nothing to the Warriors, and it would benefit Curry and the NBA if he were moved to a contender. In fact, what if that contender was the Houston Rockets? Kevin and Tom have concocted a hypothetical trade you need to see to believe. And if Rockets trade rumors are your thing, don't miss KOC and Tom discuss hypotheticals involving Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, as the Phoenix Suns' season of misery continues.

(0:29) Panic meter

(0:50) Celtics panic meter

(11:35) Timberwolves panic meter

(25:36) Warriors panic meter

(40:26) Suns trade for Nick Richards

(51:18) Scoot Henderson scores 39

(53:31) After the pod: bonus Warriors trade talk

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On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Morgan Ragan and Deuce Mason of the Deuce & Mo Podcast hop on to tell Kevin how wrong he's been about their beloved Sacramento Kings. Deuce and Mo don't hold back, as they're sick and tired of the negative Kings takes KOC has dished out this season - enough is enough! Especially now that the team is on their improbable win streak. They discuss the surprising differences between interim head coach Doug Christie and former head coach Mike Brown. And a must-see blockbuster trade proposal that KOC concocted to bring Cam Johnson to Sacramento.

Plus an incredible mailbag that features Kevin declaring the Big Baller Brand is all the way back (and he's got the gear to prove it). Find out how LiAngelo, LaMelo and Lonzo are making their old man proud. KOC also weighs in on Tyler Herro's incredible ascent for the Miami Heat, if the Portland Trail Blazers might need to consider moving on from Scoot Henderson, why the New Orleans Pelicans have almost nothing to be optimistic about, and if the Orlando Magic might be the perfect trade destination for Zach LaVine.

(1:08) Deuce & Mo talk the Sacramento Kings

(2:32) Domantas Sabonis improvement

(7:26) Kings offense under Doug Christie

(23:14) How long will the win-streak continue?

(24:31) Should the Kings make a trade before the deadline?

(36:42) Mailbag

(36:48) Mailbag: Big Baller Brand

(38:23) Mailbag: Tyler Herro

(41:13) Mailbag: Russell Westbrook

(45:15) Mailbag: Scoot Henderson

(48:05) Mailbag: Top Shot buy low options

(50:23) Mailbag: New Orleans Pelicans

(52:23) Mailbag: Orlando Magic

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On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh hops on to discuss the instant classic between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. Kevin and Tom both agree after Wednesday night's statement victory, the Cleveland Cavaliers are bona fide NBA title contenders. KOC points out the Cavs' depth is full of unsung heroes like Ty Jerome and Dean Wade. They know the matchup might not be the sexiest when it comes to TV ratings, but who cares! They both want to see these two teams face off again in June and luckily for fans these 2 teams face off again next week (if only Chet Holmgren was healthy!)

The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson now that he's back in the lineup and looking great. Tom's idea: why shouldn't the Spurs take a swing for Zion? Pairing Williamson and Wemby might be the modern day equivalent of Shaq-Kobe when it comes to unstoppable duos. The trade chatter didn't stop there: each of the guys give their take on where Bradley Beal and Jimmy Butler could wind up, too. While Golden State Warriors fans wish Steph Curry would get some help, the guys explain why GSW may stand pat. And speaking of "Pat," Riley and the Miami Heat might be better off tanking for Cooper Flagg at this point. Fresh off Tom attending Duke's last game, Tom and Kevin discuss the ultra-talented 18-year-old.
 

(1:45) - Cavaliers beat Thunder, prove they are legit

(17:40) - Wemby no match for Giannis in Spurs-Bucks showdown

(26:40) - Zion Williamson returns, should NOP sell-high?

(35:30) - Why the Warriors need to trade now

(40:35) - Latest on Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal trade rumors

(50:05) - Cooper Flagg, still definitely tops in this year's draft class

(55:30) - Reed Sheppard gets his groove back in G-League

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On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Mo Dakhil of Bleacher Report hops on to discuss a wild Monday night in the NBA, and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. One of the teams that can't escape trade rumors, the Phoenix Suns, were in action on Monday — and got a huge win after Coach Bud decided to remove Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic from the starting lineup. Mo wonders if Bradley would waive his no-trade clause, while Kevin thinks a certain Eastern Conference Playoff team could be in the mix. And speaking of trade rumors involving Eastern Conference powers — could the Milwaukee Bucks be the surprise team to make a run at acquiring Jimmy Butler?

The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson this season — why they both could see the Golden State Warriors making a run at the oft-injured superstar. Plus — Kevin and Mo react to the Orlando Magic getting the surprise win against the New York Knicks, they hit the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game, and also Coby White and the Chicago Bulls' thrilling win over the San Antonio Spurs. Before the guys call it a day, Kevin asks Mo ahead of Wednesday's monster showdown: what is more impressive between the Oklahoma City Thunder defense and Cleveland Cavaliers offense?

(00:45) - Suns win & Jimmy Butler trade talk

(21:05) - Wolves come back against Clippers

(29:15) - Jamahl Mosley for Coach of the Year?

(38:00) - Did Doug Christie save the Sacramento Kings?

(40:20) - Should Pelicans showcase Zion for a trade?

(48:50) - Bulls-Spurs recap

(56:30) - Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets preview

(1:02:30) - Thunder vs. Cavs preview

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Goodbye 2024, hello 2025. With the new year only three days into existence, Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh to conjure up ten wild predictions for the remaining 363 days.

Kevin outlines the reason Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is primed to win his first MVP this season, Tom explains why a LeBron James trade is coming this offseason and how it connects to his son Bryce James' commitment to Arizona and the guys predict into a whole lot more. There's even some predictions for you Charlotte Hornets fans out there.

Buckle up for ten of KOC and Tom Haberstroh's most outlandish, yet realistic, NBA predictions for 2025.

(0:05) - Jimmy Butler's comments signal upcoming trade

(9:45) - SGA wins his first MVP

(16:35) - Wemby breaks Kobe's 81 point mark

(23:15) - Jalen Johnson makes Eastern Conf. All-Stars

(26:55) - Houston trades Reed Sheppard

(29:15) - Phoenix gets rid of stars, goes full rebuild mode

(37:05) - A star draft prospect holds out

(44:55) - Charlotte trades LaMelo Ball

(49:07) - Vince Wiliams Jr. is a starter and major contributor on Memphis

(51:15) - Golden State trades for LeBron James

(1:05:55) - Cleveland wins the Eastern Conference, goes to NBA Finals

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In this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by Dan Titus to break down some of the NBA's biggest trade moves and coaching shakeups before deep diving on the Detroit Pistons with Bryce Simon. KOC and Dan start with the recent D'Angelo Russell trade, with the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith. KOC and Dan discuss what else the Lakers need before the conversation turns to the Memphis Grizzlies, who missed out on DFS in this deal. KOC and Titus evaluate what this means for Memphis, which has been struggling to find its footing this season. Meanwhile, over in Brooklyn, the Nets' latest moves signal a full rebuild. KOC also takes a moment to reflect on the Orlando Magic’s standout Tristan Da Silva turning heads as the team’s depth continues to shine.

Later in the episode, the guys discuss a range of topics, from Mike Brown's firing in Sacramento to the state of the NBA's culture around fighting and villains in the game. KOC and DT weigh in on the Sacramento Kings' disappointing start and the reality that the team needs a full reset. They debate the best landing spots for D’Aaron Fox, with the San Antonio Spurs emerging as a dream destination.

Later, KOC and Bryce Simon dive into the Detroit Pistons' early season performance, with a focus on Cade Cunningham's development. While Cunningham has made significant strides in his shooting, KOC questions whether his struggles with finishing at the rim and turnovers could hinder his potential as a true #1 option. They also discuss the inconsistency of Ivey and Duren, the Pistons' potential draft plans and whether adding a player like Zach LaVine could be the key to unlocking the team’s next level.

(1:10) - D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers

(11:05) - Should Grizzlies fans be concerned about missing out on Finney-Smith?

(17:15) - Magic depth pieces shine in comeback win

(20:10) - Should the NBA allow fights?

(23:35) - Mike Brown fired: will the Kings finally reset?

(43:05) - Pistons deep dive with Bryce Simon

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The NBA's five-game lineup on Christmas Day delivered against a crowded sports landscape in which the NFL (and Beyoncé) tried to make waves of their own on the Wednesday holiday. Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh to break down all five games from the Christmas day slate.

Starting with Victor Wembanyama's statement game in a road loss to the New York Knicks, the guys argue that Wemby has already entered into elite top-ten player status and his 42-point MSG opus is just the start of another decade of dominance.

They also discuss Luka Dončić's leg injury in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and why Luka's lack of conditioning is finally catching up to him.

Kevin & Tom later break down the Philadelphia 76ers' win against the reigning champion Boston Celtics and if the Sixers have finally turned things around after a rough start to the season.

LeBron James & Steph Curry had yet another Christmas day battle, this time with Austin Reaves playing the pivotal role in a 115-113 Lakers win. This was everything Christmas day NBA games should be and LeBron even took shots at the NFL encroaching on the NBA's territory after the game.

Wrapping up the show, the guys discuss the Denver Nuggets falling to the Phoenix Suns, why Nikola Jokić needs a better supporting cast, and if improvements don't come to Denver soon, how Jokić could soon be making waves with lobbying to move onto greener pastures.

(1:15) - Wemby shines in MSG loss to Knicks

(12:00) - Luka's injury the big story of MIN/DAL

(20:40) - Did Sixers turn around their season vs. Celts?

(30:55) - Lakers/Warriors was legendary

(39:20) - Lakers or Warriors: who needs a big trade more?

(44:55) - Counting down until Jokić is unhappy in Denver

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In this festive episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Wosny Lambre share their NBA Christmas wishes that they want to see come true this season. First, KOC suggests the Sacramento Kings should trade D’Aaron Fox while his value is at its peak. The duo agrees that the Kings need to look ahead and start building around their future stars. Next, the conversation shifts to the Denver Nuggets, where Wosny believes Nikola Jokić needs more help if Denver is going to compete at a higher level. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks could see a big boost from Mitchell Robinson’s return, with Wos stressing the importance of his physical presence to elevate their offense to the next level.

Later, the duo discusses some players and teams needing adjustments, including Zion Williamson’s future with the New Orleans Pelicans and the need for Zach LaVine to finally get out of Chicago. KOC and Wos also hit on the Philadelphia 76ers, Amen Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga, plus KOC has bold predictions for Victor Wembanyama, already calling him a top-5 player in the NBA. The duo finish up with a mailbag question on the Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they'll keep adding.

(1:20) - Time to trade D'Aaron Fox

(8:20) - Nuggets need to get some help for Jokic

(15:40) - Knicks need Mitchell Robinson back

(20:50) - Amen Thompson needs more opportunities

(25:25) - Warriors wash their hands of Jonathan Kuminga

(27:55) - Nick Nurse needs to add layers to the 6ers offense

(30:30) - Zach LaVine finds a new home

(33:50) - Pelicans trade everybody

(39:20) - Victor Wembanyama a top-5 player?

(46:10) - Thunder re-sign Alex Caruso

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The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup wrapped up on Tuesday night in Las Vegas and there were interesting takeaways both on and off the court. Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh (of The Big Number) to react to the Milwaukee Bucks win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, what it means for both teams involved and a post-game story that should not go overlooked.

On the hardwood, the Bucks notched an easy 97-81 win over OKC, and Giannis Antetokounmpo looked unstoppable, while the Thunder could not get their offense going at all. The guys discuss how OKC may be a bit too defense-heavy in their roster construction and why a trade for elite three-point shooting must be considered this winter.

In the locker room after the game, it was a different story. The Bucks left the league's provided champagne and beer celebration untouched; Kevin & Tom explain why Milwaukee's lack of enthusiasm for winning the Cup is a bad look for the league.

Also a bad look for the league — TV ratings are down. The guys discuss growing concern around the NBA of the league's declining TV audience in the face of record in-game attendance and social media reach, throw out a few rule changes that could improve fan interest in the sport & discuss the new 2025 All-Star Game format.

(0:00) - New York soundly defeats Minnesota in KAT's return

(9:00) - Milwaukee defeats OKC in NBA Cup Final

(26:15) - Bucks don't celebrate NBA Cup win: bad look?

(31:15) - Declining NBA TV ratings

(50:45) - 2025 All-Star Game changes: good or bad?

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