The Ringer NBA Show

The Ringer’s Juliet Litman and Chris Ryan wade through the murky news surrounding Markelle Fultz’s shoulder injury (1:10), react to the bizarre schism between Eric Bledsoe and the Phoenix Suns (9:45), and celebrate the return of Draymond Green’s expert trash talk (16:30). Then they run through the trending topics from the first eight days of the young NBA season, including the joyless Minnesota Timberwolves (20:50), the ever-tumultuous New York Knicks (24:10), and the surprisingly competent Brooklyn Nets (29:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor discuss the Suns firing Earl Watson (2:00), Eric Bledsoe's trade value (8:00), D-Wade's move to the bench (18:00), Giannis Antetokounmpo's MVP-level start (24:00), LaMarcus Aldridge's improved play (32:00), the Warriors' early struggles (37:00), Denver's bench talent (45:00), De'Aaron Fox's 'Dragon Ball Z' infatuation (57:00), the undefeated Grizzlies (1:05:00), and Ben Simmons's hot start (1:08:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Juliet Litman and John Gonzalez sit down to talk some NBA story lines, including Oklahoma City's precarious start to the season (1:05), Giannis MVP watch (5:15), Eric Bledsoe's illuminative tweet (11:48), and Lonzo Ball's first few NBA performances (19:14). Then they indulge in a few overreactions (29:44) and end with some games to look forward to (32:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy to chat about the first Clippers-Lakers matchup of the season (1:10), Chris Paul's timely released short film (5:38), and the Rockets' impressive bout with the Warriors (10:00). Then they discuss rookies' updated stock values (16:40), speculate on this season's MVP prospects (34:15), and discuss the talent gap between some top and bottom tier teams (38:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer's Chris Vernon and Kevin O'Connor bang out a far-reaching NBA regular season preview. Topics include: LaMarcus Aldridge's extension (4:00), McCollum missing the opener (14:00), the Houston Rockets experiment (17:00), the OKC superteam (24:00), the unpredictable T'Wolves (33:00), Nurkic's inspired play (43:00), the Pistons' improvement (49:00), IT's belief in Boston's regret (53:00), the Coach of the Year contenders (1:00:00), and the potential first coach fired this season (1:05:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons is joined by Haralabos Voulgaris after a long hiatus from the podcasting world to discuss the biggest offseason moves (6:00), Oklahoma City's potential contender status (13:00), Kyrie's lacking defense (19:00), LeBron's exit strategy (27:00), the Warriors' unselfishness (36:00), the myth behind the Warriors' reinvention of basketball (44:00), and Ben Simmons's Rookie of the Year campaign (55:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Ryan and Justin Verrier are joined by Haley O’Shaughnessy to chat about the ballooning hype for Joel Embiid (1:20), the possible precariousness of the "new old-look" Cleveland Cavaliers (8:50), and the awkward roster fits for the revamped Minnesota Timberwolves (18:55). Then, they bring on Paolo Uggetti to debate the meaning behind Kyrie Irving’s bizarre comments regarding the Cavs (26:10), whether Kyle Kuzma can maintain his impressive preseason performance (35:55), and if Carmelo Anthony will be good for the Oklahoma City Thunder (38:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor express their astonishment at Joel Embiid’s contract extension (1:50), wonder about the reasoning behind Gary Harris’s contract extension (19:00), and discuss the importance of nutrition when it comes to young NBA players (25:10). Then they debate the trajectory for preseason standout Kyle Kuzma (33:35), take sides in the James Harden–Kevin McHale feud (42:15), and explain Markelle Fultz’s new shooting form (49:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HBO and The Ringer's Bill Simmons outlines the entire Eastern Conference with help from Joe House and Jason Concepcion. Topics include: the inferior Eastern Conference (6:00), the Bulls' tanking efforts (10:00), the Nets not tanking anymore (18:00), the lack of incentive for the Knicks (24:00), reasons why the Pacers will stay competitive (29:00), the awful Orlando Magic (35:00), Philly's chance to take the next step (42:00), the Miami Heat's dark-horse title chances (57:00), Jabari Parker's trade value (1:06:00), the Wizards' chance for a Boogie trade (1:11:00), the Celtics' new core (1:15:00), and Kyrie's relationship with Brad Stevens (1:18:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Ringer’s Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor kick off their preseason discussion by speculating the meaning of Tommy Heinsohn’s comments on Aron Baynes (1:05) and wondering about the Orlando Magic’s future with Jonathan Isaac and Mario Hezonja (7:55). Then they react to Russell Westbrook’s contract extension (15:25), Ben Simmons playing with Markelle Fultz during his de facto rookie season (27:25), Klay Thompson’s looming free agency (35:45), Jaylen Brown’s lukewarm comments on the new Boston roster (38:15), and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ fluctuating starting five (42:55). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices