The Hoop Genius Podcast

In this episode of the Hoop Genius Podcast, we break down three of the biggest storylines shaping the NBA right now - and how they may be more connected than they first appear. We start in Milwaukee, where turmoil around the Bucks has reached a boiling point. With the team struggling, injuries piling up, key personnel moves backfiring, and Giannis Antetokounmpo quietly fueling speculation about his future, we examine whether the Bucks have reached the end of their championship window. We analyze how the Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard decisions altered the team’s defensive identity, why the current CBA severely limits Milwaukee’s ability to retool, and which franchises realistically have the assets to pursue a Giannis trade. From New York and Miami to OKC and San Antonio, we assess which destinations make basketball sense and which are noise. From there, we move to Los Angeles, where one of the strangest personnel decisions of the season unfolded as Chris Paul was abruptly sent home by the Clippers. Drawing on decades of coaching and front-office experience, we unpack what it actually takes for a Hall of Fame point guard to reach that point inside an organization. We dig into leadership, locker-room dynamics, tone vs accountability, and how communicated authority matters just as much as basketball IQ - especially when a team is losing. This segment goes well beyond headlines to explain how NBA teams really operate when tensions surface. Finally, we zoom out to the league’s biggest curveball: the Oklahoma City Thunder. With historically dominant metrics, elite two-way depth, roster continuity, and unprecedented draft capital, OKC is quietly building something rare in modern NBA history. We debate whether the Thunder’s current trajectory puts them on a path toward all-time great team status, how their style compares to dynasties like the 1996 Bulls, 2017 Warriors, and 1986 Celtics. To close the episode, we take things a step further by drafting and simulating the greatest NBA teams of all time using NBA 2K26, putting legends and dynasties head-to-head to test how modern basketball, spacing, and three-point variance change the conversation around greatness. This episode blends breaking news, tactical analysis, historical context, and insider perspective — the kind of NBA conversation you don’t get from highlight shows or hot-take culture. If you care about how teams are really built, broken, and remembered, this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

NBA Legend Penny Hardaway joins the Hoop Genius Podcast for a rare, exclusive interview! In this episode, Penny responds to Shaq’s viral claim that he would be a "Top 3 player ever" without injuries , reveals his future plans to coach in the NBA , and explains why he would dominate today's "drop coverage" defense. Penny opens up about his iconic run with the Orlando Magic, the truth about the Chris Webber draft night trade , and auditioning for Shaq during the filming of "Blue Chips". He also gives his unfiltered take on Ja Morant , the problems with modern AAU basketball causing injuries , and drops his controversial All-Time Starting 5 list. Penny discusses playing alongside Shaq in Orlando, the Finals run, guarding elite scorers, and why spacing, pace, and rule changes would amplify his offensive impact today. He also shares his evolution from NBA superstar to Memphis head coach, his views on AAU development vs European systems, and how basketball IQ separates great players from elite ones. The "What If" Legacy: Penny agrees with Shaq that his IQ, size, and skill set would have put him in the GOAT conversation alongside Jordan and LeBron had he stayed healthy. Modern NBA vs. 90s: Penny breaks down why he loves the current era's spacing but believes he could score more easily today due to the lack of hand-checking and "drop coverage" defenses. Coaching Future: For the first time, Penny explicitly states that coaching in the NBA would "complete the cycle" of his basketball life. Sneaker History: A look back at the Nike Foamposite and why it remains one of the grestest sneakers of all time. 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

Nikola Jokic isn’t just putting up numbers, he’s ripping the mask off how fake most “all-time” debates really are. We break down why labeling him the “greatest ever” off one ring and soft playoff paths makes no sense, how era and competition actually matter, and why comparing him to guys like Jordan, Kareem, Hakeem, Shaq, Wilt and Bill Russell without context turns into pure nonsense. We get into rules changes, hand-checking, pace, travel, sports science, segregation era realities and why “most talented era ever” talk usually ignores how today’s offenses are juicing transition and threes rather than proving some mythical skill boom. From there we flip to the future: Cooper Flagg already breaking LeBron’s age records, what makes his game real winning impact instead of just hype, and how Dallas should really be thinking about building around him with aging, fragile stars like AD and Klay on monster money and limited trade value. We also dive deep on the new-look Miami Heat, how Spo and Pat Riley have completely flipped their identity into a high-pace, isolation-heavy attack, what the numbers actually say about whether it’s sustainable, and how Tyler Herro’s return and role shift changes the ceiling of this version of the team. We close by setting the table for the NBA Cup knockouts and the wider league picture: full breakdown and predictions for Magic–Heat, Raptors–Knicks, Thunder–Suns and Lakers–Spurs, why OKC look like a potential all-time regular-season buzzsaw, plus what Detroit’s recent streak and repeated late-game collapses tell us about Cade Cunningham, young contenders, and learning how to actually close games in the playoffs. 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/   

Bob Delaney isn’t just one of the most respected referees in NBA history. Before officiating over 1,700 NBA games and standing toe-to-toe with Michael Jordan, he was living a completely different life. In this episode, Delaney breaks down his remarkable journey from undercover law enforcement on a federal organized-crime task force to the biggest stages in basketball. He shares how he infiltrated the mob, paid off real-life gangsters, lived under constant threat, and later used basketball as therapy to survive PTSD. We dive into: What it actually takes to referee NBA superstars Why “superstar calls” aren’t a conspiracy How officials manage chaos, egos, and volatile games The untold realities of undercover work and organized crime Why the NBA court became his path to healing This is not a basketball interview. It’s a story about double lives, pressure, fear, control, and resilience at the highest level. One of the most unique conversations ever on Hoop Genius. 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/    Learn more about Bob here: https://www.nba.com/watch/video/in-case-you-didnt-know-with-nick-nanton-bob-delaney-hiding-in-plain-sight?plsrc=nba&collection=must-watch-videos

In this episode, we break down why the NBA’s max contract bubble is about to burst. The new CBA, second-apron penalties, shrinking roster flexibility and the rise of availability concerns are forcing teams to rethink who actually deserves max money. We get into why players like Trae Young, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and Anthony Davis may no longer command the contracts they once did, and why the league is shifting toward a smaller group of true top-tier franchise cornerstones. We also cover the latest across the NBA: the Pelicans’ long-term bet on Fears and Queen, what Derek Queen’s emergence means for Zion, the Hawks’ internal reset, Warriors and Clippers decline, Toronto’s surge, Detroit’s culture shift, OKC’s dominance, and the league-wide injury wave that has coaches and players questioning the speed of the modern game. Coach Brendan Suhr gives front-office level insight on contract valuation, team-building economics, trade leverage, and how availability now dictates player worth more than ever. If you want to understand where the NBA is heading, this is the episode. 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/   

Drew Hanlen joins Mo Mooncey & Coach Brendan Suhr, as he breaks down the real mechanics of turning talented players into elite NBA stars. This episode goes through the full process: how he evaluates players, builds their confidence, fixes weaknesses, and designs off-season and in-season development plans. He details his work with names like Jayson Tatum, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Bradley Beal, plus the mental challenges players face during injuries. No fluff. Just the full methodology behind one of the most effective trainers in basketball. 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/   

Steph Curry might be about to make the biggest gamble of his career. In this week’s NBA recap, we break down what his next sneaker move could look like, what it means for Under Armour, Nike and Curry Brand, and how it all ties into his legacy while he’s still killing teams at 37. Then we run through the rest of a ridiculous week around the league: young stars going off, contenders separating from pretenders, and a couple of franchises already headed for disaster. In this episode we get into: Steph Curry’s future shoe deal and what it means for Curry Brand & Under Armour How Steph is still warping defenses and carrying Golden State in year 16 Cade Cunningham’s 46-point explosion and whether the Pistons are actually for real or just stat-padding SGA and the Thunder looking like a 60+ win monster, what’s sustainable and what isn’t Willie Green being fired by the Pelicans here's why!  Jokic casually breaking basketball again and what Denver’s “new normal” really is The Grizzlies without Ja, front office decisions catching up, and how far the fall can go Why so many young teams can’t defend and what the film actually shows + much much more 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/   

The NBA just announced a major overhaul to All-Star Weekend: a brand-new World vs. USA format with three teams, round-robin games, and a completely redesigned selection system. In this episode, Mo Mooncey, Coach Brendan Suhr, and Frank Isola break down exactly how the new All-Star format works, why fans are confused, and whether this change will fix the league’s biggest exhibition problem. We also dive deep into the Dallas Mavericks front-office meltdown, the Luka Doncic–Anthony Davis trade disaster, and the chain reaction that led to Nico Harrison being fired. Frank explains how the deal really happened, who knew about it, and why the league reacted the way it did. This episode covers: – NBA All-Star format explained – World vs USA debate – Why players stopped taking All-Star seriously – Nico Harrison firing breakdown – Luka/AD trade fallout – How front offices actually make (and ruin) trades – Untold stories from decades covering the NBA  🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/   

This episode cuts through noise. Cade Cunningham claims MVP status as Detroit climbs from historic losing to the top of the East. Jalen Duren looks like a future anchor. Dallas sinks while the Cooper Flag point-guard experiment shows its limits. Klay Thompson falls off, can he get back? Luka and JJ Redick keep the Lakers afloat without LeBron. LeBron conditioning with the G-League is floated as a practical ramp-up. OKC remains relentless with real depth and coaching. Clippers look old and slow; their future assets funnel toward Philadelphia. Quick hit breakdowns, no fluff. 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/   

Coach Darvin Ham joins the show for an in-depth breakdown of his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, coaching LeBron James, working with Russell Westbrook, and why the narrative around his exit was wrong. He explains how the roster was built, what actually happened in the locker room, why Westbrook was misunderstood, and how the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals. Ham also details his dominance in the NBA Cup, his philosophy on coaching elite stars, and how the 2004 Detroit Pistons would translate in today’s NBA, as well as much more in this conversation with Mo Mooncey & Brendan Suhr! 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms. 📺 Subscribe for new episodes 2x a week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/   

Ever wondered how to get a job in the NBA? ESPN insider and former Brooklyn Nets Assistant GM Bobby Marks joins Mo Mooncey and Coach Brendan Suhr to reveal the real path into the league - from his $19K internship with the New Jersey Nets to 30 years inside NBA front offices. Bobby shares behind-the-scenes stories on:  • How to actually break into an NBA team or front office  • The truth about the Celtics–Nets trade that changed basketball forever  • What every aspiring GM, scout, or analyst should learn right now  • How the new CBA will reshape salaries, trades, and player development This is a masterclass on how the NBA really works - from the man who’s lived it. 🎧 Listen to the full Hoop Genius Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & all platforms.  📺 Subscribe for new episodes every week. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

The Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat are tearing up the NBA with a brand new style of play. No superstar dominance, no one-man show - just depth, pace, and relentless energy. Billy Donovan has the Bulls running 11-man rotations like it’s the playoffs, while Erik Spoelstra has the Heat ditching traditional play calls for pure chaos. In this episode of the Hoop Genius Podcast, we break down how these two teams are catching the league off guard, why their approach is so hard to play against, and what it means for the rest of the Eastern Conference. We also take a look at the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets and more from the first week of the 2025-26 NBA Season 📌 New NBA podcasts every Monday & Thursday 🎧 Watch on YouTube; listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

The NBA season is heating up: some teams and players are on fire, while others are ice cold. In this episode, we break down the biggest hot starts and cold starts across the league so far. ⏱️ Timestamps 0:00 - welcome to the show 01:07 - performers of the week 06:26 - disaster in Dallas? 11:52 - Houston, we have a problem 15:11 - Celtics collapse again and again 23:50 - the Knicks are BALLIN' 29:30 - it's Wemby's world, we're just living in it 31:57 - Uncle Al still at it for the Warriors 37:03 - NBA Cup special! 52:23 - the "drama" from the NBA this week We cover: • Hot: Wembanyama, Knicks’ identity shift, Bulls bench, Aaron Gordon surge • Cold: Mavs’ early mess, Rockets’ zone disaster, Celtics’ blown leads • Also: copy-paste type offenses, injuries from short training camps, NBA Cup incentives & picks 📌 New NBA podcasts every Monday & Thursday 🎧 Watch on YouTube; listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

NBA legend Isiah Thomas joins the show for an unfiltered interview about his career, his rivalries, and his thoughts on today’s NBA. From beating Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird at their peak, to the infamous “Jordan Rules”, to how the game has changed in 2025 - Isiah doesn’t hold back. We cover: - How the Bad Boys Pistons took down Jordan, Magic & Bird - The truth about the Jordan Rules - Why Isiah believes today’s NBA is easier to win - Larry Bird’s greatness and the battles of the 80s - Why Isiah says he was the blueprint for the modern point guard - Thoughts on defense, coaching, and how the game has evolved This is one of the most honest interviews you’ll ever see from a Hall of Famer, 2x NBA Champion, and one of the greatest point guards of all time. 📌 Subscribe for new NBA podcasts every Monday & Thursday. 🎧 Full episodes on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

⚡ The Ultimate NBA Championship and MVP Hot Take! ⚡ Mo Mooncey & 2x NBA Champion Brendan Suhr bring you their 2025-26 NBA champions and award predictions! The reigning champs are being called a FRAUD! On this episode, we lay down our official predictions for the NBA Finals winner and every major individual award (MVP, DPOY, ROY, etc.). We go all-in on a piping hot take: Coach Suhr believes the OKC Thunder will NOT repeat as champions, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is NOT walking away with another MVP trophy. Who is the dark horse we're picking to dethrone them? Who is the unexpected MVP candidate ready for the biggest jump? We break down the toughest picks. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

Check out Larry's show "Switch the Play" on the Men in Blazers network! Larry Nance Jr. joins Mo Mooncey and he GOES OFF: "I LOVE FOOTBALL MORE Than Basketball!" 🤯 The NBA star and Leeds United owner discusses the Cavs, GOAT debate, and his controversial future! Cleveland Cavaliers forward and surprise Premier League soccer investor Larry Nance Jr. sits down for an exclusive, wide-ranging discussion about his life on and off the court. In this can't-miss interview, Larry doesn't hold back on his viral claim: "Soccer is TOUGHER than Basketball!" We dive deep into his obsession with European Football, his role as a Leeds United minority owner, and the surprising reasons why so many NBA players are obsessed with the game. Plus, Larry breaks down the biggest debates in sports, including: - Who are The Real GOATs in sports history? (Jordan vs. LeBron vs. Messi vs. Ronaldo) - His expectations and the real goals for the Cleveland Cavaliers this upcoming NBA season. - The impact of his ownership and podcast, Switch the Play, on his basketball career. - His return to the Cavs and the mentality needed for a deep NBA Playoff run. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

Mo Mooncey & 2x NBA Champion Brendan Suhr bring you their NBA OFFSEASON WINNERS AND LOSERS MOCK DRAFT 2025. After the NBA Free Agency, Trades, and Signings: the ultimate NBA Offseason Review podcast is here! We've completed our Mock Draft to definitively rank the Best and Worst moves of the summer. Find out which NBA teams truly FAILED or COOKED and deserve the title of Biggest Losers or Winners after this flurry of NBA Free Agency signings and trades. Did your team make an all-time Disaster move? We break down every major NBA Offseason transaction, from star trades to sneaky minimum contract hidden gems. This podcast is brought to you by NBA2K26: https://nba.2k.com/2k26/buy/

Mo Mooncey is joined by Sacramento Kings General Manager Scott Perry, 3x NBA Champion BJ Armstrong, & 2x NBA Champion Coach Brendan Suhr to catch up on everything that's happened since Scott & BJ joined the Sacramento Kings front office! Join the conversation in our discord: https://www.discord.me/hoopgenius

Please support the show by clicking here: https://2kgam.es/4df6qnM Mo Mooncey is joined by 2x NBA Champion Coach Brendan Suhr to break down the trades and moves of NBA free agency! Join the conversation in our discord: https://www.discord.me/hoopgenius

Please support the show by clicking here: https://2kgam.es/4df6qnM Mo Mooncey is joined by 2x NBA Champion Coach Brendan Suhr to break down the best and worst picks in the 2025 NBA Draft. Join the conversation in our discord: https://www.discord.me/hoopgenius