

The Kevin O'Connor Show
Yahoo Sports
Kevin O’Connor has been covering the NBA since 2013, offering film breakdowns and deep analysis along with the occasional hot take or spicy piece of advice for NBA franchises. Check out The Kevin O'Connor Show, where he’ll be giving his opinions and breaking down the biggest news in the basketball world with other analysts, insiders and NBA players in a way only the most NBA-obsessed mind could.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 3min
Hawks better without Trae? Houston's offense unstoppable? NBA overreactions with Es Baraheni
Es Baraheni, an NBA reporter for The Athletic and Raptors Republic, dives into some hot takes on the league. He discusses whether the Atlanta Hawks are actually better without Trae Young, the Houston Rockets' offensive prowess, and if Lauri Markkanen's value could equate to five first-round picks. The conversation also tackles early-season overreactions, including Scottie Barnes’ All-Star potential and Tyrese Maxey taking the lead in Philadelphia. Plus, they reflect on Draymond Green's fan interaction and the evolving league dynamics.

Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 39min
Jokic dominates, Thunder surge & Draymond calls out KOC + NFL talk with Field Yates
Kevin O’Connor welcomes Tom Haberstroh to discuss Jokic’s historic 55-point night against the Clippers and the impact of Bradley Beal’s injury for LA. Next, they break down the Thunder's defensive masterclass, detailing their victory over the Lakers. The Thunder now boast a 12-1 record, but can they realistically win 70 games this season?Later, KOC & Tom break down Steph Curry’s 46-point game against the Spurs and Draymond Green’s impressive night holding Wemby to 2/10 with multiple turnovers. In a dramatic twist, Draymond and KOC get into a heated exchange via Threads over Kevin’s analysis of Podz’s comment that he hopes to be better than Steph one day.Plus, Tom shares his top picks for who will replace Nico Harrison and KOC gives his top Rookie of the Year candidates so far this season.(0:38) Jokic scores 55 in Nuggets win(7:03) Bradley Beal out for the season(11:07) Thunder beat Lakers 121-92(21:39) Warriors get win vs. Spurs(25:04) Draymond Green comes at KOC online(37:27) Nico Harrison fired as Mavs GM(53:44) Are Kings planning to rebuild?(56:48) Way-too-early ROTY picks(1:00:08) Silver linings for bad teams(1:06:01) NFL Six Points! with Field Yates
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 41min
PeeWeeDaPlug on Nico’s future, Magic mediocrity & Fox’s debut + James Barlowe joins Draft Class
Kevin O’Connor is joined by Pierre Andresen, aka PeeWeeDaPlug, to discuss the current state of the Dallas Mavericks and if their disappointing 3-7 start will lead to Nico Harrison being fired. They also react to De’Aaron Fox’s return from injury for the Spurs and ask if San Antonio can truly be a title contender when they’re firing on all cylinders. Speaking of firing, with the Orlando Magic struggling despite high expectations, the pair debates whether head coach Jamahl Mosley is truly on the hot seat or if the Orlando players are primarily responsible in this blame game.Later, KOC is joined by James Barlowe to take a look at some of the top prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft. They spotlight standout performances from Koa Peat, AJ Dybantsa, Neoklis Avdalas, Cameron Carr and more.(1:30) Nico Harrison likely to be fired by Mavs(8:21) De'Aaron Fox returns to Spurs lineup(19:45) Rockets mount 4th quarter comeback vs. Bucks(29:38) State of the Phoenix Suns(41:53) Chicago Bulls lose 3 of last 4 games(45:40) Where does Paul George fit on 76ers roster now?(52:12) Is Jamahl Mosley on the hot seat in Orlando?(1:04:32) Draft Class with James Barlowe
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Nov 6, 2025 • 1h 24min
Memphis a mess, Houston’s high-power offense & the Dallas downfall continues + Donovan Mitchell on latest NBA trends
Kevin O’Connor welcomes Tom Haberstroh back to the podcast to unpack the top stories in the NBA this week, starting with Ja Morant & Memphis as they speculate whether the Grizzlies should trade Ja and what they ought to get for him in return if they do. The duo breaks down Minnesota’s flaws, especially their defensive collapse without Rudy Gobert and analyze whether the Timberwolves’ current roster construction has hit a ceiling.KOC & Tom also talk Houston’s offensive surge, Portland ending OKC’s unbeaten run and Detroit’s surprising two-big experiment. Later in the show, Kevin gets a surprise appearance from disgruntled Mavs fan Slightly Biased, who details his frustrations as Dallas struggles without Luka Doncic.Plus, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell joins the show to talk about how he’s improving his game, the impactful addition of Lonzo Ball to the Cavs and the latest trends in the NBA.(0:31) What should Memphis do with Ja Morant?(8:11) Can Timberwolves really contend?(15:21) Is Houston's offense for real?(21:35) Trail Blazers end OKC's winning streak(28:26) Time for Jaylen Brown to go bald?(32:55) Walker Kessler out for the season(36:09) Pistons playing with two bigs(42:50) Way-too-early MVP picks(45:26) Ayton shines in Lakers win(48:09) We need more Wemby on national TV(53:17) Slightly Biased on the Dallas Mavs(1:12:54) Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell joins
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 41min
Ja Morant drama, small sample takeaways + college basketball prospects to watch with Jason Timpf and Jeff Goodman
Jason Timpf, an NBA commentator and Hoops Tonight analyst, joins forces with Jeff Goodman, a college basketball insider and founder of The Field of 68. They dive into the ramifications of Ja Morant's suspension and whether Memphis should panic or remain patient. The discussion also explores the Suns' strategy against Wemby, the Thunder's potential for 70 wins, and standout 2026 NBA Draft prospects, including Cam Boozer's versatility and Darren Peterson's competitiveness.

Oct 30, 2025 • 60min
NBA ‘Trick or Treat’ with Adam Mares
Adam Mares, a notable NBA analyst for All-NBA and DNVR, joins for a lively discussion packed with insights. They evaluate Austin Reaves’ All-NBA potential and dive into the Pelicans' locker room issues. Jamal Murray's standout season draws attention, while Miami's innovative offense might reshape the league. The duo debates if the full-court press is here to stay and whether Paolo Banchero is the right star for the Magic. They also analyze Jonathan Kuminga's promising start with the Warriors and the unique dynamics of the winless teams.

Oct 27, 2025 • 60min
T-Wolves PG problems, rise of the full court press + more NBA week 1 reactions with Dane Moore
Kevin O'Connor is joined by Dane Moore, host of the Dane Moore NBA Show, to dig into the Timberwolves' complicated point guard situation and the team's shifting identity in a stacked Western Conference. Recorded before the news of Anthony Edwards' hamstring injury, Kevin & Dane react to his evolving role as a potential lead guard with Julius Randle acting as an offensive hub. Plus, why is Minnesota’s defensive rating sliding in non-Gobert minutes?The pair also react to the Lakers stellar start to the season, powered by outstanding performances from Luka Doncic, Deandre Ayton & Austin Reaves. Elsewhere in the NBA, the Pacers deal with an overwhelming amount of injuries as they start the season 0-3 and the Trail Blazers step up their full-court press.(0:34) Early impressions of Timberwolves(22:06) Pacers start season 0-3(24:52) Lakers stars shine even without LeBron(30:11) Trail Blazers defensive improvements(32:30) League-wide increase of full-court press(47:13) KOC’s week 1 reactions
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 12min
Wemby’s special game, NBA betting scandal + opening night reactions with Kirk Henderson, Spike Eskin & Jonathan Macri
Kevin O’Connor is joined Spike Eskin to discuss VJ Edgecombe’s incredible rookie debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in their win over the Boston Celtics and debate whether Sixers fans should be concerned about Joel Embiid. Kevin is then joined by Kirk Henderson to unpack Victor Wembanyama’s dominant performance against the Dallas Mavericks and ask what's going wrong with Dallas’ current lineup.KOC reacts to the news that Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups and at least 30 others were arrested by the FBI on allegations of illegal gambling. Later, Jonathan Macri joins the show to talk the Knicks first win of the Mike Brown era against the Cleveland Cavaliers.(0:16) Kirk Henderson on Mavs loss to Spurs(16:42) Rozier, Billups & other arrested(20:35) Spike Eskin on 76ers victory vs. Celtics(43:47) Jonathan Macri on Knicks win vs. Cavs
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 26min
Rockets-Thunder OT thriller, Lakers look lackluster vs. Warriors + Ace Bailey on his role in Utah
Kevin O’Connor welcomes Andrew Sharp to break down the NBA’s opening night action. From the double-overtime Rockets-Thunder thriller and SGA’s game-winning free throw to standout performances by Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, the duo examine early trends and dynasty potential in Oklahoma City. Kevin and Andrew also spotlight Lakers-Warriors, questioning Deandre Ayton’s usage and what LeBron James’ odd body language on the bench might mean for his future in LA.Then, Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey joins the show to break down his game, from implementing dribble-handoff sets to why he wants to perfect the mid-post. Ace talks learning reads, modeling his game after Kevin Durant, embracing life in Utah and his rookie goals.(0:34) Rockets vs. Thunder recap(21:16) Warriors vs. Lakers recap(42:44) NBA on NBC(1:08:44) Ace Bailey joins the show
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
Chris Vernon & KOC reunite: ‘Semi-Bold Predictions’ for the 2025-26 NBA season
Kevin O'Connor and Chris Vernon make semi-bold predictions for the 2025-26 NBA season, including which rookies will break out, MVP hopefuls, and surprise playoff teams. The pair predicts big things for Victor Wembanyama, Devin Booker, and even a potential LeBron James move away from the Lakers.Later, KOC & Verno react to NBA news such as Russell Westbrook signing with the Kings, Michael Jordan's role on NBA on NBC and even talk a little NFL.(0:48) Semi-bold predictions(17:07) Semi-bold predictions continued(47:25) Russell Westbrook signs with Sacramento(52:18) NFL Week 7 reaction(58:57) Expectations for Cedric Coward
Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube


