Verno and KOC begin the show discussing Kyrie Irving’s apology (02:11). James Harden is expected to miss a month with a foot injury, but the guys believe the 76ers will be just fine (22:02). Also, they discuss the Cavs-Celtics game from Wednesday night, Darvin Ham finding his groove with the Lakers, and the terrible start for the Warriors (28:05). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA’s Disgusting Off-Court Stories Overshadow a Competitive Start to the Season

Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.

Sports

Verno and KOC discuss their frustration with Luka Doncic, who fouled out in Game 3, and the ripple effect his fouling out caused (01:25). Would the Mavs have won if he didn’t foul out? Would a Mavs Game 3 win have completely flipped the series? They also discuss how Jaylen Brown’s impressive improvement should be a blueprint for Luka to get better, give credit to Brad Stevens for building out this type of roster, and share their hope for a Game 5 on Monday night. Next, Verno shares his experience working with Jerry West during his time with the Grizzlies and explains how his tortured Finals losses helped shape the NBA during successful runs in NBA front offices (49:48). Lastly, the guys debate whether JJ Redick will be the next Lakers head coach and get into some brief draft talk (59:14). 
 Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA! 
 The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. 
 Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Social: Keith Fujimoto   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celtics Up 3-0, Luka’s Shortcomings, and Remembering Jerry West

As the Finals shift to Dallas for Game 3, Verno and KOC discuss how the Celtics have been able to exploit the Mavericks' defensive weaknesses, as well as limit their offensive production en route to a 2-0 series lead (01:24). They also discuss the impact of Kristaps Porzingis, Kyrie Irving's struggles, Luka Doncic's need to produce some of his signature magic, as well as Jayson Tatum’s poor shooting but effective playmaking and defense. Next, the guys debate whether Dan Hurley just used the Lakers' offer as leverage and the undesirable position Hurley's rejection has put the Lakers in (44:26). The guys finish off the show by discussing the odd athletic measurables of the potential top pick, Zaccharie Risacher (57:26). 
 Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA! 
 The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. 
 Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Social: Keith Fujimoto   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is it Over for the Mavs? Plus: Lakers Rejected, Kyrie’s Disappearance, and Tatum’s Non-Scoring Impact.

Verno and KOC react to the Celtics' Game 1 blowout victory, as they take a 1-0 series lead in the Finals (01:54). They discuss Kristaps Porzingis's dominant return, how the Celtics defense dramatically affected the Mavs offense, shot-quality numbers, expectations for how the Mavs can respond, and more takeaways from Game 1. Next, the guys dive into the latest rumors involving the Lakers' head coaching search that now includes UConn’s Dan Hurley (38:32). Can the Lakers offer Hurley enough to make the jump to the NBA? How would this affect LeBron James’s situation? And how would his potential jump affect the college basketball world? The NBA had their scouting combine in Italy, as they guys finish off the show debating whether international prospect Nikola Topic’s ACL injury will impact his draft stock, as well as some more draft talk (55:51). 
 Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA! 
 The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. 
 Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Social: Keith Fujimoto   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celtics-Mavericks Game 1 Analysis, and Will Dan Hurley Leave UConn for the Lakers?

Ahead of the Finals, Verno and KOC have a rendition of everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous (01:09)! They discuss various topics regarding the Finals, including Kristaps Porzingis’s health issues, the Mavs' defensive strategies, Luka’s first Finals appearance, and Jayson Tatum. They also give their predictions for the series. The guys then dive into some draft talk and discuss the vast parity that is currently in the league, as this season will have the sixth consecutive different champion. 
 Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA! 
 The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. 
 Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Social: Keith Fujimoto   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NBA Finals Preview, Celtics-Mavericks Predictions, and Draft Talk

Verno and KOC congratulate the Dallas Mavericks as they beat the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals to face the Celtics (01:07). They discuss Luka Doncic’s brilliant Game 5 performance, and give credit to Mavs GM Nico Harrison for finally building the right roster around Luka. Next, they debate what the future holds for the Timberwolves, as they are nearing the second luxury tax apron and will face several restrictions when it comes to improving the team (18:08). Do they run it back? Or will they look to make a trade and retool for next season? Also, the guys answer what lessons can be learned from the impact that Dereck Lively II has made with the Mavs (43:47). Lastly, the guys talk about prospects who are going to return for another season in college, and how NIL has completely changed the game when it comes to prospects deciding to go pro (51:50). 
 Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. 
 Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Social: Keith Fujimoto   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The NBA’s Disgusting Off-Court Stories Overshadow a Competitive Start to the Season

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