Episodes
Verno and KOC debate whether Luka Doncic really is out of shape and discuss New Balance’s new shoe endorsement deal with top prospect Cooper Flagg (01:44). Also, the guys open up the summer mailbag to answer more of your questions (11:06). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [email protected]! 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...
Published 08/27/24
Published 08/27/24
Verno and KOC open up the mailbag to answer more of your questions (03:50). Is Jalen Brunson’s style of play sustainable? What are the chances the Pistons can reach the play-in? Are the Nets even worth watching? The guys answer these questions and more. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [email protected]!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...
Published 08/23/24
Verno and KOC discuss Zion Williamson’s viral photo that shows him in great shape ahead of the season and how a healthy Zion impacts how the Pelicans are viewed (01:20). They then discuss the 76ers’ signing of Guerschon Yabusele after an impressive Olympics run for the French team, as well as the fantastic offseason the Sixers have had (11:44). Next, the guys continue to open up the mailbag to answer some of your questions (18:14). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at...
Published 08/20/24
Verno and KOC react to the NBA schedule release and discuss the glaring lack of excitement around the release as well as the need for more rivalries in the NBA (01:19). Also, they debate whether the NBA is making the right call by positioning the Lakers and Warriors as the two teams on national TV the most this season despite not being true Finals contenders (12:38). Is it time for the NBA to move on from LeBron James and Steph Curry and feature the next generation of NBA stars? The guys open...
Published 08/16/24
Verno and KOC discuss Team USA’s thrilling victory over France to secure the fifth straight men's basketball gold medal (01:10). They debate where the gold medal ranks among Steph Curry’s achievements, discuss Guerschon Yabusele's impressive performance in the Olympics, and talk about why the basketball that was showcased is good for the global game of basketball. With the U.S.’s reliance on older players to win gold this year, is the window open for a different country to claim gold in 2028...
Published 08/13/24
Verno and KOC discuss Team USA’s incredible rally against Serbia to make it to the gold medal match on Saturday against France (01:25). They dive into Steph Curry’s 36-point performance, Joel Embiid's run in the fourth quarter, how amazing it is to see the older players still able to play a pivotal role on the team, as well as where the future of Team USA stands. They then discuss France’s thrilling victory over Germany and why France’s head coach, Vincent Collet, deserves huge credit for...
Published 08/09/24
Verno and KOC discuss the latest Olympic basketball play, including the respect earned by the South Sudan team, Jamal Murray’s struggles with Canada, and the strong play by the German team (01:10). They then open up the mailbag and answer more questions from the listeners (15:32). They discuss whether the Warriors should look to trade Steph Curry, how they would tweak the rules to help make expansion teams competitive from the beginning, what musical acts they would want to see perform at...
Published 08/06/24
Verno and KOC discuss the U.S. men’s basketball team defeating South Sudan and how Bam Adebayo’s strong play can carry over to the upcoming season with the Heat (01:22). They then discuss Luol Deng's personal involvement with the South Sudan team, and Verno explains why the men’s 3x3 basketball team isn’t led by current players in the NBA. Next, the guys discuss the recent news of Gordon Hayward's retirement, Jarrett Allen’s extension, and Luke Kennard returning to the Grizzlies (25:57)....
Published 08/01/24
Verno and KOC open up the show by discussing the U.S. men’s basketball team’s win over Nikola Jokic and Serbia (03:50). They dive into why Jayson Tatum's lack of play doesn't matter, the incredible performances we’re seeing from Kevin Durant and LeBron James, why Derrick White was the right choice for this team, and a brief outlook for the promising French team that features Victor Wembanyama. Next, they discuss their excitement over the Suns' signing of Tyus Jones, why the Nuggets should be...
Published 07/30/24
Just after the Heat beat the Grizzlies in the nail-biting NBA summer league championship game (0:58), KOC and Verno convene to talk about the standout players from Vegas this summer (8:26). Then they talk about the rumors flying around that Russell Westbrook will sign with the Denver Nuggets (38:14), Team USA’s exhibition games (44:57), and the news that TNT will be submitting a matching offer to retain NBA rights (49:19). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at...
Published 07/23/24
Verno and KOC are live from Las Vegas as they recap their Vegas trip before diving into the summer league action. They discuss Reed Sheppard’s impressive debut performance, debate if Tidjane Salaun will become the best French player from this draft class, get into what DaRon Holmes's unfortunate injury means for the Nuggets, and more. Also, they discuss Jalen Brunson’s extension and why he decided to take a lot less money to stay with the Knicks. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them...
Published 07/16/24
Verno and KOC go through the most intriguing rookie debuts from over the weekend, starting with Jared McCain and Adem Bona with the 76ers (02:12). Next, they discuss Zach Edey’s impressive debut with the Grizzlies and why he’ll fit perfectly in Memphis alongside Ja Morant (14:40). Also, the guys discuss who they are most excited to watch at this year’s summer league in Las Vegas, why they like DeMar DeRozan signing with the Kings, and how the Spurs’ offseason has set them up for success now...
Published 07/09/24
Now that the free agency period has started, Verno and KOC react to all the free agent signings, extensions, and more, starting with Jayson Tatum’s record-breaking contract extension with the Celtics, as well as Paul George’s impact with the Sixers and where the Clippers go from here (01:26). They then move on to discuss the contracts of Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, and debate why the Nuggets wouldn’t match the contract that the Magic gave to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (20:27). Next, they...
Published 07/02/24
Verno and KOC recap the 2024 NBA draft, as they discuss picks they liked, picks they disliked, surprises, and more! They start off by discussing Zach Edey’s fit with the Grizzlies, the one big difference maker for Ron Holland’s development with the Pistons, and the importance of situation, fit, and opportunity for younger players entering the league (01:12). Next, they discuss why the Hornets taking Tidjane Salaun at no. 6 led to the Spurs trading away Rob Dillingham, Dalton Knecht’s...
Published 06/28/24
With the NBA draft this week, Verno and KOC dive into the latest draft news, including the uncertainty around the Hawks and the top overall pick and why people are suddenly high on prospect Zaccharie Risacher (01:48). As the conversation continues for who should be the top overall prospect, KOC shares which players he considers to be the safest prospects at the top of the draft, and Verno breaks down why Reed Sheppard would be a perfect fit with the Grizzlies and why the Rockets are big-name...
Published 06/25/24
With the Finals now behind us, Verno and KOC dive fully into the offseason, starting off with the Lakers' hiring of JJ Redick as their next head coach (02:34) and the Pistons’ firing of Monty Williams (23:44). Next, the guys discuss the surprising trade between the Thunder and Bulls that sends Alex Caruso to OKC and Josh Giddey to Chicago (31:01). They also discuss the latest news around the league, including Pascal Siakam re-signing with the Pacers, Sixers free agent rumors, and more...
Published 06/21/24
Verno and KOC congratulate the Boston Celtics on winning the 2024 NBA Finals! They discuss their dominant playoff run as well as their dominant play all season long en route to an NBA record 18th NBA championship (01:22). Where does this Celtics team rank among the all-time great teams? The guys also applaud Brad Stevens for making the necessary moves to win it all, what lessons owners can take from this year's Finals, as well as the redemption arc for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Next, KOC...
Published 06/18/24
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...
Published 06/14/24
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...
Published 06/11/24
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...
Published 06/07/24
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...
Published 06/04/24
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...
Published 05/31/24
Verno and KOC discuss the Celtics' comeback win as they sweep the Pacers and move on to the NBA Finals (00:55). They dive into why the Celtics have been so successful with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as what the sweep means from the Pacers' perspective. Next, they discuss the potential sweep in the West, as the Mavs look to finish the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals (25:27). The guys discuss the Mavs' terrific defense on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns all series...
Published 05/28/24
Verno and KOC discuss the absolute stomping of the Pacers by the Celtics as Boston takes a 2-0 series lead (01:00). They debate whether the Pacers stand any chance of coming back without Tyrese Haliburton, who left Game 2 with an injury, and discuss Jaylen Brown’s performance after he was snubbed for an All-NBA team. Moving on, they discuss how the Mavs defense was able to restrain Anthony Edwards to take Game 1 (23:48). They discuss the Timberwolves’ defensive strategies and whether Chris...
Published 05/24/24