Pound The Rock

James Herbert of CBS Sports joins the show to talk about his recent article on the NBA's upsizing trend, how the Orlando Magic's tall-ball experiment is going, the advantages and disadvantages of playing big, why things aren't working out in Minnesota, why the post-up might be making a comeback, the new possession game, and much more. Read James' piece here: https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/from-smallball-to-tall-ball-the-nba-is-resizing-again/

The Jazz, Trail Blazers, and Thunder have pleasantly surprised us, while the Timberwolves, Pelicans, Warriors, and Mavs have disappointed us.

We bounce around some recent league news - including a foot injury that's expected to sideline James Harden for at least a month - before delving into the ongoing tumult surrounding the Brooklyn Nets. Then, we look at the second (i.e. non-Bucks) tier of contenders in the Eastern Conference, breaking down what we've seen so far from the Celtics, Cavs, and Raptors, and what we expect to see from them moving forward. Finally, our make-or-miss segment tackles LeBron's war on Father Time, where the Grizzlies' backcourt ranks in the NBA, the odds of Jae Crowder rejoining the Suns, and whether a hard cap will actually be seriously debated in CBA talks.

We discuss the NBA's latest tampering penalty - which saw the 76ers docked two 2nd-round picks - and wonder if this is really the best system for curbing "tampering," or if such a system even needs to exist. Then, we delve into the Bucks' 6-0 start, which has been powered by the best player in basketball ... and Giannis Antetokounmpo. We also hit on the perplexing Hawks, who still can't defend and also have some kinks to iron out on offense. Finally, after reacting live to news of Steve Nash's firing, we conclude with a Make or Miss segment on the LaMelo-less Hornets, the upstart Blazers, the rip-roaring Cavs, and (sigh) Kyrie Irving.

Ben Simmons' struggles, the Blazers' hot start, Ja Morant's shooting, the Knicks' pace, Denver's porous defense, and more! What's real and what isn't through one week of the season?

With every NBA team having played at least one regular-season game, we break down what we've seen so far, with a focus on the Sixers, Lakers, Pelicans, Raptors, Cavs, Blazers, and Kings.

After touching on Jeanie Buss' decision to extend Rob Pelinka in Laker Land, and debating whether the Warriors can truly bury the drama between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole, we make 10 bold predictions for the new NBA season. Topics include the Kings, Pelicans, Joel Embiid, Pascal Siakam, the Timberwolves, Hornets, Christian Wood, Evan Mobley, and the Bucks.

We kick off this week's episode by delving into the potential implications and ramifications of the Draymond Green-Jordan Poole incident. Then we pick our favourite breakout candidates for the 2022-23 campaign, contemplating what this season could have in store for Trey Murphy, Bones Hyland, Jaylen Nowell, Onyeka Okongwu, Josh Green, Precious Achiuwa, and others.

We dig into why James Wiseman, Anthony Davis, Ben Simmons, Zion Williamson, Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, Tyrese Maxey, and Anthony Edwards could be the eight most important swing players in the NBA this season.

Kyrie Irving continues to spew nonsense. The NBA could soon see high-schoolers drafted again, as well as welcoming a mental health designation on injury reports. How concerned should Celtics fans be about Robert Williams' knee? Robert Sarver prepares to sell the Suns.

We discuss the suspension and fine the NBA gave Suns owner Robert Sarver after a long investigation into his workplace misconduct, and lament the reasons the slap on the wrist felt like an inevitable outcome. Then, we delve into the teams we expect to over- and underperform expectations this coming season, explaining why we're either higher or lower than consensus on the 76ers, Pelicans, Blazers, Kings, Nets, Mavericks, Grizzlies, Heat, Raptors, and Bulls.

Samson Folk of Raptors Republic and Minute Basketball joins the show to discuss Donovan Mitchell's fit with the Cavs. We hit on the strengths and weaknesses of a Mitchell-Garland backcourt, the need for defensive effort from Mitchell, the insulating effect of Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley on the back line, the NBA version of the Maginot Line, and trying to win without wings. Then, we delve into some of the tactics and stylistic trends that will define the NBA in 2022-23, from "grindball" to post playmaking to ghost screens to declining rim frequency and more. Finally, a look at the Raptors' innovative defense, and a case for the Pelicans as 2023 champions.

Anthony Irwin of Silver Screen and Roll joins the show to discuss the chaotic Lakers acquiring Patrick Beverley and Kevin Durant staying put in Brooklyn. In addition, Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren is sidelined.

Boston reportedly throws a wrench - and Jaylen Brown - into the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, while we ask the biggest lingering questions (non-KD, non-Mitchell division) still to be answered this offseason, including questions about Colin Sexton, the Heat, the Pacers, the Mavs, and the Lakers.

We discuss the long-simmering contract standoff between the Suns and Deandre Ayton that ultimately ended with Phoenix matching a max offer sheet to retain him (for now). We wonder how this reflects on the Suns, what's next for the Pacers, whether restricted free agency needs to change, and how likely it now is that Kevin Durant will start the season in Brooklyn. Then, we hit on Donovan Mitchell's availability, why going after him makes sense for the Knicks (and Raptors), and how prioritizing draft picks over flawed but talented young players can go too far. Finally, we discuss the gigantic new contracts signed by Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard, and weigh the pros and cons of NBA co-dependency.

We discuss the stalemate between the Nets, their two superstars, and the teams interested in trading for them. Then, we dig into our favourite and least favourite free agency signings so far, featuring the Blazers, Warriors, Kings, Sixers, Knicks, Nuggets, Wolves, Grizzlies, Lakers, Wizards, Clippers, Bucks, Pistons, and Mavs.

Kevin Durant hits the trade market, while Rudy Gobert, Dejounte Murray, Malcolm Brogdon, and Kevin Huerter find new homes.

After some time to reflect and digest the 2022 playoffs, we offer our big-picture takeaways from a postseason in which proactive, shape-shifting defense and scheme-proof shot creation took center stage. Then we react to the first two notable transactions of the offseason, with the Blazers acquiring Jerami Grant and the Mavs landing Christian Wood.

Appreciating this very different - yet somewhat similar - fourth championship in eight years for Golden State, while eulogizing a surprising Celtics team that ultimately shot itself in the foot.

Andrew Wiggins and the rest of the Warriors step up on a rare off-night for Steph Curry to push the sloppy Celtics to the brink of elimination.