Claim OwnershipCourtside With Gale Klappa
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Gale Klappa sits down with the Milwaukee Bucks every week, bringing you unparalleled access to players, coaches, and the front office.
58 Episodes
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Time keeps on ticking, and the Bucks are deep in the NBA stretch run with just 19 games left and little margin for error.
On this episode of Courtside, Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks Radio Network play-by-play voice Dave Koehn to take the temperature of Milwaukee’s playoff chase, the frustration that can creep in during a difficult season, and what the team needs to rediscover down the final stretch.
Dave breaks down the impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s extended absences and ongoing minutes restrictions, how constant lineup shuffling has challenged the team’s identity, and what the Bucks must do to rebuild chemistry while key pieces change around their star. The conversation also highlights bright spots amid the turbulence, including the development of Ryan Rollins, the upside of recent addition Ousmane Dieng, and the leadership and production of Bobby Portis during a standout season.
Plus, as March Madness approaches, Dave reflects on calling Virginia’s 2019 national championship run, one of the most memorable tournament rides in college basketball history.
On this episode of Courtside, Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks head coach Doc Rivers to break down where Milwaukee stands with 21 games remaining and a playoff berth hanging in the balance.
Doc reacts to being named a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and shares his candid assessment of the team’s recent struggles, including inconsistent play and tough losses that have complicated the postseason path. He discusses Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return from injury, the challenges of managing a minutes restriction, and why shutting him down was never part of the conversation.
The conversation also dives into injury concerns surrounding Kevin Porter Jr., the integration of new additions like Cam Thomas and Usman Dieng, and the rapid development of young contributors such as Ryan Rollins and Jericho Sims. Plus, Doc reflects on his community work in Milwaukee and lays out what it will take for the Bucks to make a final push.
The unofficial mayor of Milwaukee is back on Courtside. Gale Klappa sits down with Bobby Portis for a candid and energetic conversation about the Bucks’ up-and-down season, the cloud of trade speculation around Giannis, and the team’s mindset entering the final stretch.
Portis opens up about embracing his role as one of the locker room’s veteran voices, mentoring young players like Pete Nance and Ryan Rollins, and helping steady a younger roster through adversity. He reflects on his career-best three-point shooting, his All-Star Weekend experience in the Three-Point Contest, and the daily work that’s fueled his growth. Bobby also shares his scouting report on new additions Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng, discusses Giannis’ return to form, and outlines what it will take for the Bucks to make a late-season playoff push.
Gale Klappa welcomes former Bucks great and current TV analyst Marques Johnson for a special conversation following his selection as a Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame finalist. Johnson reflects on what the honor means to him, what it represents for Bucks history, and the unique experience of being recognized alongside Bucks head coach Doc Rivers, another finalist from a different era of the game.
The conversation also turns to today’s team, including Milwaukee’s trade deadline additions of Cam Thomas and Ousmane Dieng, and how their skill sets could impact the stretch run. Johnson revisits his legacy as the pioneer of the “point forward” role and shares his perspective on how Giannis Antetokounmpo has embraced and expanded that role this season. Finally, Marques offers his outlook on the Bucks’ chances in the home stretch and what it will take to sneak into the playoffs and make noise once they get there.
With trade deadline chaos fading and the Bucks searching for momentum heading into the All-Star break, Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks General Manager Jon Horst for a wide-ranging conversation from the front office perspective. Horst addresses the season’s constant outside noise, explains the organization’s long-term approach to building a sustainable contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo, and shares the guiding goal behind his deadline strategy.
Horst breaks down the multi-team deadline deal that brought in versatile forward Ousmane Dieng, how that move created roster flexibility, and why it opened the door to add scoring punch with Cam Thomas. Plus, Horst provides an update on Giannis’ calf rehab, highlights the development of Ryan Rollins, AJ Green, and Pete Nance, and gives well-earned praise to Bobby Portis for his production, leadership, and impact. Finally, he shares a message for Bucks fans everywhere as Milwaukee looks to turn a difficult first half into a strong finish.
With the trade deadline approaching and the Bucks battling through a tough stretch, Gale Klappa turns the focus from rumors to a young player carving out a real role. Bucks power forward Pete Nance joins Courtside to share his path to Milwaukee, from college stops at Northwestern and North Carolina to the grind of the G League and life on a two-way contract. Nance explains how two-way deals work, what it means to be ready at a moment’s notice, and the surreal day he suited up for two games in two different leagues.
Nance also talks about growing up in a basketball family, building confidence as a floor-spacer, and what he’s learned from practicing and playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, and Bobby Portis. Plus, he breaks down the team’s emphasis on rebounding and second-chance points, reflects on the toughest matchups he’s faced so far, and shares a message to Bucks fans as the team looks to find momentum and get healthy.
With the season past the halfway mark and the Bucks still fighting to climb above .500, Gale Klappa sits down with Head Coach Doc Rivers to take stock of where things stand and what has to change. Rivers breaks down the ongoing challenge of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s minutes restriction, why it’s a medical decision that won’t change overnight, and how the team must improve in the minutes when Giannis is off the floor.
Doc also discusses rotation tweaks that helped in the win over Atlanta, including giving meaningful run to a young two-way big who brings high IQ and stability to the second unit. Plus, Rivers dives into Bobby Portis’ evolution, from shot selection and three-point growth to rebounding and defensive progress. And for a fun trip down memory lane, Doc revisits his iconic January 1981 Marquette buzzer-beater against Notre Dame, the coldest day in Milwaukee, and the lesson he learned about staying on the court for the celebration. Finally, Rivers shares his message to fans and his expectations as the February 5th trade deadline approaches.
It’s a moment of reflection and transition for the Milwaukee Bucks. Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks President Peter Feigin and incoming president Josh Glessing for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of the franchise and what comes next. Feigin looks back on 12 transformative seasons, from securing the future of the team in Milwaukee to building Fiserv Forum, launching the Deer District, and delivering an NBA championship to the city.
Glessing, a Wisconsin native and lifelong Bucks fan, shares his perspective on stepping into one of the most coveted leadership roles in professional sports, his priorities for fans and the community, and how he plans to build on the foundation already in place. Together, they discuss the global growth of the Bucks brand, engaging fans around the world, navigating ongoing Giannis speculation, and what it will take to keep the team moving forward on and off the court. A candid, wide-ranging episode marking the end of one era — and the beginning of another.
Gale Klappa sits down with Vin Baker, former first-round pick, four-time NBA All-Star, and current Bucks assistant coach, for an in-depth conversation on the evolution of the Bucks this season. Baker discusses Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return from injury and the renewed energy and confidence he’s shown since coming back, along with his continued development as a passer, playmaker, and on-court leader for a young roster.
The conversation also explores how the Bucks are managing minutes when Giannis is off the floor, the impressive offseason progression of Ryan Rollins, and the defensive impact Rollins has made this year. Baker shares insight into Myles Turner’s fit within the Bucks system as he settles into his role, and reflects on why injuries are more common in today’s NBA, pointing to the increased pace and physical demands of the modern game.
Finally, Baker opens up about his work in the community addressing addiction, discussing how his personal journey has shaped his purpose beyond basketball and continues to drive his mission to help others.
The Bucks are ready to slam the door on 2025. A season packed with injuries and lineup chaos finally gets a jolt of stability as Giannis Antetokounmpo returns from a strained calf and immediately looks like himself, even while playing under a minutes restriction. In this episode of Courtside, Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks TV play-by-play voice Lisa Byington to break down what Giannis’ comeback changes, how the team managed (and sometimes survived) without him, and why everyone else is able to “slide back into place” when the superstar is on the floor.
Lisa dives into the unexpected bright spots powering Milwaukee’s push forward, including Ryan Rollins’ development from two-way contributor to defensive playmaker, Kevin Porter Jr.’s disruptive impact, A.J. Green’s steady climb into a trusted shooter and starter-caliber piece, and the veteran value Gary Harris has provided in meaningful minutes. The conversation also tackles the constant Giannis future speculation, why legacy still matters, and what the Bucks must prove during a pivotal stretch against sub-.500 opponents.
The NBA grind hasn’t been kind to Milwaukee. A hot start gave way to injuries, inconsistency, and a calf strain that sidelined Giannis Antetokounmpo, forcing the Bucks to find out who they are without their MVP on the floor. In this episode, Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers to unpack it all: how the team is using a rare midseason reset, what it means to have young players like Ryan Rollins, Kevin Porter Jr. , and Jericho Sims taking on bigger roles, and the impact of losing Taurean Prince for (likely) the year.
Doc also addresses the constant Giannis trade speculation, clarifies where things really stand, and shares what he’s seeing from Giannis’ rehab and mindset. Plus, he breaks down AJ Green and Bobby Portis as elite three-point threats, explains Kyle Kuzma’s evolving role (and why he can be “the Giannis of the second unit”), and offers a coach’s-eye view on league-wide injuries, defensive size questions, officiating on Giannis, and what has to change for the Bucks to turn the corner.
In this episode, Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks President Peter Feigin for a candid conversation about the turbulence and turning points of the season. Feigin talks on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee, offers updates on Giannis’ recovery from a calf strain, and discusses the team’s efforts to rally through injuries to AJ Green, Taurean Prince, and others. He shares insight into Kevin Porter Jr.’s impact at point guard, Myles Turner’s leadership and locker room presence, and how the organization is keeping its culture strong through adversity. Plus, Feigin discusses the NBA Cup’s impact on scheduling, and what it will take to right the ship as the Bucks aim to climb back into contention.
On this episode of Courtside with Gale Klappa, Gale is joined by Eric Nehm of The Athletic to break down the Milwaukee Bucks’ early season struggles and what’s next as Giannis Antetokounmpo works his way back from injury. They discuss how the team is adjusting under Doc Rivers, the emergence of Ryan Rollins as a key contributor, Myles Turner’s fit in the Bucks’ system, and the impact of role players like Gary Harris. Eric also offers insight into Milwaukee’s evolving defensive schemes, the silver linings from Giannis’ absence, and how the Bucks can regain their rhythm as the season unfolds.
Gale Klappa sits down with Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers to break down the latest developments as Milwaukee battles through the early stretch of the season. Rivers shares an update on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, the encouraging news on Kevin Porter Jr.’s upcoming return, and the steady rise of Ryan Rollins, whose work ethic has stood out amid injuries. The conversation also dives into Kyle Kuzma’s expanded role in the starting lineup, and what it means for team chemistry. Plus, Doc explains why the NBA Cup matters to players and coaches alike .
It’s early days in the new NBA season, and the Bucks are finding their rhythm. Gale Klappa sits down with assistant coach Darvin Ham for an inside look at the team’s progress - from flashes of brilliance to lessons learned along the way. Ham shares insight on the Bucks’ chemistry, updates on key injuries, and the rise of young guard Ryan Rollins. Plus, hear his thoughts on working with Giannis, integrating Miles Turner, and how the coaching staff is shaping the team’s identity for the long haul.
Bucks General Manager Jon Horst joins Gale on the show this week. They discuss early-season challenges, injuries to Kevin Porter Jr., the development of young talent like Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony, the team’s moves to sign Myles Turner, and Giannis’ incredible start to the year. Plus, Horst breaks down how the Bucks are navigating these changes and setting themselves up for success this season.
Bucks Head Coach Doc Rivers joins Gale this week on the show. They talk about a couple early injury updates, Giannis' outstanding performances, how the Bucks acquired Myles Turner in the off-season, Cole Anthony's recent play and the NBA gambling scandal news that broke last week.
Gale Klappa is joined by first-year Milwaukee Buck Cole Anthony to talk about why he signed with Milwaukee, playing alongside Giannis, what to expect from the team in 2026, and much more!
Courtside is back! And to kick things off, Gale is joined by Bucks President Peter Feigin! They discuss speculation from the national media surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo in the off-season, the addition and work ethic of Miles Turner, Kevin Porter Jr.'s progression, and updates to Fiserv Forum ahead of the 2025-2026 season!
On the season finale of Courtside, Gale is joined by one of the Bucks majority owners in Jimmy Haslam. The two talk about the regular season ending with the Bucks on an 8-game winning streak before getting into an update on Dame Lillard heading into the postseason. They also discuss the backstory of the trade of Khris Middleton and dive into the sale of the Boston Celtics and how it impacts the business of the NBA. Jimmy ends the discussion with a hope for Bucks fans being loud and proud for playoffs games.
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