Pound The Rock

We react to the news that Michael Porter Jr. is undergoing his 3rd back surgery and will miss the rest of the season, as well as the Knicks' decision to pull the struggling Kemba Walker from the rotation, before discussing the Lakers' myriad struggles and what (if anything) they can do to turn their fortunes around. Note: We'll be aiming to record two episodes a week for the foreseeable future

On this week's episode, we talk about what's propelling the ever-steady Phoenix Suns, who've won 14 straight without hitting their top gear. Then we dive into the teams that have made us scratch our heads most this season, including the Raptors, Grizzlies, Spurs, Pacers, Knicks, and Mavericks.

Alex Wong, whose new book Cover Story explores the stories behind basketball's most iconic magazine covers, joins the show. If you like hoops history, basketball nostalgia, and popular culture, this is the show - and the book - for you.

On this week's episode, we talk more about what's ailing the Celtics and whether a Jaylen Brown trade is the best solution, wonder how the Sixers' vastly improved guard play changes their playoff outlook if Ben Simmons stays put, discuss the work Nikola Jokic has done to paper over Denver's depth woes, delve into Portland's issues on and off the court, and marvel at the two-way dominance of a revamped Warriors squad.

We delve into the most disappointing (Celtics), most impressive (Heat), and most surprising (Wizards) teams of the early season, before breaking down some of the impressive showings we've seen from the most exciting rookie class in recent memory.

Luka Doncic's supporting cast, the Lakers, and James Harden look shaky, while the Grizzies, Hornets, Timberwolves, and Bulls look awesome. We dig into those early-season observations - and many more - in this week's episode.

Which teams will meet in the NBA Finals? Who takes home MVP honors this season? Which players and teams will surprise us and disappoint us this year? Catch all that and more in our annual bold predictions season preview episode.

For our 200th episode (Part I), Will Lou of Sportsnet and FAN590 returns to the show to discuss where the retooling Raptors are headed, and what the present and future might hold for their four core players: Scottie Barnes, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet. We also hit on the rest of the East, including most interesting teams, teams set to move into or out of the playoff picture, and conference finals predictions.

On this week's episode, we're looking at players whose performances this season can tilt the balance of power in the NBA, depending on where they land within their broad ranges of potential outcomes. How can De'Andre Hunter, Klay Thompson, Jaren Jackson Jr., Tobias Harris, Michael Porter Jr., Kristaps Porzingis, D'Angelo Russell, and C.J. McCollum swing the '21-22 season?

A vocal minority of vaccine-hesitant players took over Media Day, and we talk about our breakout candidates for the 2021-22 season. *Apologies for lagging audio, which caused some overlap in our voices at times*

The great Caitlin Cooper of Indy Cornrows joins the show to talk all things Pacers, including: how injuries have made it impossible to know what this team's core is really capable of, how Rick Carlisle can make better use of the Sabonis-Turner pairing, why rebounding was such a struggle last year, how Indiana should tweak its defensive scheme, what Caris LeVert needs to improve upon at both ends of the floor, where a healthy T.J. Warren fits into all this, expectations for the coming season, and the type of roster move that can maximize this iteration of the team. Read all of Caitlin's Pacers coverage here: https://www.sbnation.com/users/C.%20Cooper

We're back from a brief hiatus to catch up on an intriguing three-team swap that netted the Blazers Larry Nance Jr. and saddled the Cavs with Lauri Markkanen. Then, we pick our favorite over/under bets for regular-season win totals. How will the Blazers, Nets, Pistons, Heat, Raptors, Grizzlies, Jazz, and Spurs fare relative to the expectations of the betting public? Finally, another obligatory segment on the ongoing Ben Simmons saga.

With all the big free-agent signings out of the way, we offer our takes on some of the quieter but potentially still impactful moves of the offseason, including the Nets' excellent work in the margins, the Jeff Green fit in Denver, what Dennis Schroder can do for Boston, how Reggie Bullock does and doesn't help the Mavs, why it made sense for the Jazz to target Rudy Gay and Eric Paschall, Cody Zeller coming to save the Blazers, and more. Finally, a note on Ben Simmons, and why we need to get him to Sacramento.

On this week's show, we talk free agency splashes and offseason movers like the Heat, Bulls, Knicks, Lakers, and Pelicans.

We sifting through a draft night that sent Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles in a questionable trade for the Lakers, gave the Pistons a much-needed injection of hope in the form of Cade Cunningham, saw the Raptors veer off-script with the No. 4 pick, featured some interesting Knicks maneuvering, and more.

With the 2020-21 season in the books, we reflect on Milwaukee's championship, Giannis' staggering Finals performance, the roadblocks and roster holes the Bucks overcame en route to their vindicating title, the challenges the Suns will face in returning to this stage, and why it doesn't make sense to expect other stars to follow the one-franchise route Giannis is being celebrated for taking to this point. Then we turn our attention to the offseason and examine the questions facing the Sixers, Warriors, and Raptors.

The Bucks are on the verge of the franchise's first championship in 50 years, thanks to an all-time performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, and some redeeming showings by Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, and Mike Budenholzer. Also, why it makes sense for Damian Lillard to ditch the Trail Blazers.

The GyroStep Podcast's Ti Windisch joins the show to talk about how Giannis Antetokounmpo's star teammates are letting him down in the NBA Finals, and whether the Bucks have any chance of stopping Phoenix's run to a championship.

NBA Twitter legend 'Sreeky Shooter' joins the show to talk everything Suns.

Ben Simmons and the Philadelphia 76ers have reached the point of no return, Giannis and the Bucks survive an epic Durant series, and unlikely heroes propel the Clippers to new heights. Also, welcome back, Paul George.