The Big Number

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss Jaylen Brown’s $35,000 fine after calling out the NBA refs, break down how the lack of foul shots is impacting the league in the new year and ask what can be done to end the scoring drought.Next, they dive into the latest NBA trade deadline rumor mill news. The duo breaks down Rich Paul’s comments surrounding a potential Austin Reaves trade and gives their thoughts on the best fit for Ja Morant.Later, they react to Giannis being booed by his home crowd. Should the Bucks trade Giannis for Jalen Johnson? Plus, they discuss Anthony Davis not undergoing surgery for his hand injury and confirm he is back on the trade block. Where would he fit best?1:12 - The Big Number: $35,000 - Jaylen Brown’s fine for criticizing refs3:50 - NBA scoring drought: What's causing the slump?15:57 - The Little Numbers: 77 - 3-shot fouls called since January 1st22:11 - The Little Numbers: 12 - teams with at least 17% of total points from free throws26:43 - The Little Numbers: 3.4% - OKC’s FTA rate increase in the new year30:49 - Latest with the trade deadline32:41 - What’s next for Ja Morant?37:37 - Anthony Davis back on the trade block47:10 - Giannis gets booed by home crowd Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

On this episode of The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss if what happens in Vegas, truly does stay in Vegas. The numbers show that the NBA Cup champions face a very interesting decline in the Cup’s immediate aftermath, and the New York Knicks are the most recent victims of the NBA Las Vegas hangover, losing 4 straight.They also look into other teams suffering post-NBA Cup, including the once-seemingly invincible Oklahoma City Thunder and the preseason Eastern darling Orlando Magic. What’s causing this sudden slip for these contenders? Tom and Dan investigate.Plus, the pair look into Trae Young’s fit as a Washington Wizard and predict next season’s success with the star guard at the helm. (0:57) The Big Number: NBA Cup hangover(16:10) Jalen Williams shooting woes(24:37) Knicks defensive drama(33:17) Magic struggling without Suggs(43:17) Does trading Trae to the Wizards make sense? Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

In the final Big Number episode of 2025, Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss the major implications of the Nikola Jokic knee extension and how it affects both the NBA’s MVP race, as well as the Denver Nuggets’ playoff chances.Then, they take a look at some of the most trade-eligible players for the new year, leading with Anthony Davis, who despite being one of the most effective players while on the court, still provides question marks on his ability to stay on it. The pair also address the Zach LaVine situation in Sacramento - should he get traded, and where to?Finally, the Trae Young fiasco in Atlanta is picked apart - what should the Hawks do? Is waiving the former superstar point guard on the table? That and more on today’s Big Number.(01:08) The Big Number: 4 - minimum number of weeks Jokic misses with knee injury(19:08) The Little Numbers: 1.5 - Anthony Davis’ estimated plus minus(21:03) New team, new year: potential landing spots for Anthony Davis(24:06) The Little Numbers: 13 - players avg. 25+ points on .600 true shooting percentage(26:16) New team, new year: will Michael Porter Jr. have a new team in 2026?(28:51) The Little Numbers: 10 - Zach LaVine 3-point attempts per possession(38:18) The Little Numbers: 126.2 - Hawks’ defensive rating with Trae Young(49:06) Should the Hawks waive Trae Young? Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down the NBA’s Christmas Day slate and preview Cooper Flagg’s historic holiday start at just 19 years, 4 days old. Dan then shares four little numbers for the top players to watch in each Christmas Day game: Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive leap for the Knicks, Stephon Castle’s ascent with the Spurs, LeBron James’ shift away from predominantly creating his own shots and Jamal Murray’s elite efficiency for Denver. Later, Tom & Dan push for radical reform and suggest the NBA get rid of the Draft system to prevent teams from tanking. (1:23) The Big Number: Flagg’s Christmas Day debut(17:28) The Little Numbers: KAT at-rim defense(22:21) The Little Numbers: Stephon Castle a superstar?(27:35) The Little Numbers: LeBron’s assisted baskets(33:11) The Little Numbers: Jamal Murray’s efficiency(38:24) Should the NBA get rid of the Draft? Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the New York Knicks’ first NBA Cup championship run. Following the departure of Tom Thibodeau, has the Knickerbockers’ offensive scheme unlocked a new level? With the defense maintaining its integrity as the offense continues to explode, are the Knicks now a real championship threat? Then, the pair discusses and shares their thoughts on the Knicks' decision not to celebrate their NBA Cup championship with a banner. Later, they respond to commissioner Adam Silver’s comments regarding the NBA injury crisis and propose solutions to end the prolonged absence of star power for the league.(1:14) The big number: $530,933 - Knicks player earnings from NBA Cup (11:20) Knicks refuse to hang NBA Cup Banner (19:32) The little number: +21.5 Knicks net rating with Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart on the floor (22:36) The little number: 7.9 minutes per game Jalen Brunson has possession of the ball this season (26:40) The little number: 11th - Knicks defensive efficiency ranking(32:07) Injury Crisis Update Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the keys to the New York Knicks punching their ticket to Vegas with their victory over the Toronto Raptors, including Jalen Brunson’s impact this year and the Knicks’ elite 3-point shooting game. Are the Knicks now the East favorite? Next, they discuss the Magic’s victory over the Heat as they advance to the next round of the NBA Cup. They share how Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black are the difference makers for Orlando and discuss the keys to Orlando’s success in the next round of the NBA Cup. Later, the duo shares their picks for the NBA Cup Quarterfinals. Are the Thunder untouchable? Can the Spurs take down the Lakers without Wemby?1:42 Are the New York Knicks the top contender in the East?20:02 Are Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Anthony Black better on the floor without Banchero?29:10 NBA Cup Eastern Conference semifinal preview36:56 NBA Cup Western Conference quarterfinal preview Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dissect the corpse of the Los Angeles Clippers' franchise! The pair react to the Clippers' 3 AM disposal of Chris Paul and discuss potential new destinations for the 40-year-old veteran guard. They also analyze both the historical and current woes of the Clippers, noting the Herculean offensive efforts from James Harden and horrific team defense. Norman Powell's success in Miami is also discussed, making this episode deliciously miserable for fans in Clipperland.(1:05) The Big Number: Clippers send Chris Paul home(30:57) The Little Numbers: LAC half-court defense(35:35) The Little Numbers: James Harden’s offensive impact(41:04) The Little Numbers: Clippers missing Norm Powell Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss gratitudes in the NBA for this Thanksgiving episode. The pair chat about LA's luck with Luka Dončić—who's on a historic tear, even in Lakerland. They break down Lonzo Ball’s mini-resurgence and offer appreciation for Erik Spoelstra and Jalen Suggs for the Heat & Magic.Tom brainstorms nicknames for Derik Queen, the Raptors and Deni Avdija receive some love, and they ask the big question: can the Thunder REALLY win 77 games?(1:25) Lakers are lucky to have Luka(15:56) Cavs thankful for Lonzo Ball(19:33) Heat grateful for Erik Spoelstra(26:45) Magic thankful for Jalen Suggs(31:53) Pelicans grateful for Derik Queen(39:13) Dan thankful for the Raptors(42:46) Tom grateful for Deni Avdija(47:13) Thankful for the Thunder Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine give their way-too-early awards for the NBA season thus far. They debate whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokić should be the NBA MVP and whether the Rookie of the Year award should be awarded to Cooper Flagg or Cedric Coward. Next, they discuss why it’s a unanimous decision to give Victor Wembyanama the Defensive Player of the Year despite his injury and why Ryan Rollins has the strongest case for Most Improved Player of the Year.Plus, why has there been an increase in star player injuries this year? Tom gives his insight. Lastly, LeBron James made his season debut last night against the Utah Jazz. Will he continue to bring the Lakers to life? All that and more!1:14 SGA for MVP?4:10 Jokic for MVP?9:15  Honorable mention MVP: Giannis14:48 Rookie of the Year picks21:02 Wemby for Defensive Player of the Year?27:35 Ryan Rollins for most improved player?29:59 Jalen Duran for most improved player?37:07Jaime Jaquez Jr for 6moy?44:41 NBA star injury crisis55:41 LeBron makes his debut Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the Dallas Mavericks firing Nico Harrison just ten months after trading Luka Dončić to the Lakers and ask if drafting Cooper Flagg accelerated Nico’s exit timeline. The pair deep dives into Jason Kidd’s future with the Mavs and his role in Nico’s firing. They debate how Dallas can improve its lackluster offense while Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving have been sidelined, and ask if it might make sense to trade AD away. Later, Tom & Dan react to the new NBA All-Star format. Can the new changes really bring life back to the All-Star Game, or will it be more of the same?(1:28) The Big Number: Nico Harrison's plan that never was(21:19) The Little Numbers: Mavericks' offensive woes(27:05) The Little Numbers: Anthony Davis missing games(30:56) The Little Numbers: Time to trade away AD?(37:39) The Little Numbers: Mavs 2026 NBA Draft Lottery odds(42:50) NBA announces new All-Star format Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the Grizzlies’ most recent drama with Ja Morant and ask: is it time to move on from him? Or should Memphis ride out the turbulence?With Morant’s dunk numbers slumping and his future in Memphis clouded by tension, Tom & Dan evaluate potential trade destinations including the Sacramento Kings, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets and more.(1:27) The Big Number: Ja Morant’s declining dunks(20:43) The Little Numbers: Morant to Sacramento?(26:20) The Little Numbers: Should Dallas trade for Morant?(28:16) Does Ja fit with the Nets?(32:24) The Little Numbers: Morant to Houston?(35:13) Could Ja fit with Milwaukee?(37:57) The Little Numbers: Should Memphis keep Morant?(42:27) OKC starts season 8-0 Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine break down what makes Victor Wembanyama’s 4-0 start with the San Antonio Spurs truly historic, as he does something no other NBA player has EVER done before in a four-game stretch. The episode details how Wemby’s on-court presence reshapes defensive strategy, deters shots at the rim and generates a ripple effect for Spurs teammates. Tom and Dan also dissect the numbers behind San Antonio’s surprising 4-0 start and discuss how the team’s revamped tempo and lineup versatility could sustain a playoff push. Plus, a deep dive into the Emirates NBA Cup—format, contenders, group predictions and what fans can expect as the tournament tips off.(1:03) The Big Number: Wemby is one of a kind(19:00) The Little Numbers: Spurs opponent winning percentage(22:39) The Little Numbers: San Antonio starting 5 (26:45) The Little Numbers: Spurs transition points per play(30:05) The Little Numbers: Dylan Harper drives to the basket(36:56) NBA Cup begins Friday Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to the NBA's opening night. They discuss Alperen Sengun's impressive three-point shooting to open the season. What kind of impact could this have on the Houston Rockets' season, and could Sengun be an MVP candidate? The duo also share their takeaways from the Golden State Warriors' win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Are the Warriors title contenders? What do the Lakers need to do to improve their defense? Plus, does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston's system after struggling in the opener?Then Tom and Dan share their thoughts on Michael Jordan's sit down with Mike Tirico for the debut of "MJ: Insights to Excellence." What do they expect going forward?(2:05) The Big Number: Alperen Sengun's 3-point shooting(24:14) - Little Numbers: Warriors title contenders?(28:25) - Little Numbers: Lakers defensive struggles(32:19) - Little Numbers: Rockets unique defensive approach(36:37) - Little Numbers: Does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston(44:56) - "MJ: Insights to Excellence" debuts Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry.Plus, Russell Westbrook signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings and is expected to join the team later this week. But where exactly does Westbrook make sense on this Kings roster?(1:20) The Big Number: Victor Wembanyama MVP case(21:40) Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP case(24:37) Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić MVP case(29:13) Little Numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP case(32:55) Little Numbers: Steph Curry MVP case(38:44) Russell Westbrook signs deal with Sacramento Kings Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the stats to determine if the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after he revealed that the trade rumors surrounding him this summer were not only true, but that he has a preferred destination in mind: the New York Knicks. Is now the right time for the Bucks to consider moving Giannis in order to set themselves up for success in a future without him? And if so, how can the Knicks realistically make a move for Giannis when they only have one first round pick to offer?Plus, the duo reacts to Ja Morant's 'week-to-week' sprained ankle injury and how it will impact the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup just days away from opening night.(1:56) The Big Number: Should Bucks trade Giannis?(18:12) Little Numbers: Wins Above Replacement Bucks lost this offseason(22:57) Little Numbers: When will Bucks control their own 1st round pick?(29:24) Little Numbers: Knicks tradable 1st round draft picks(33:56) Little Numbers: OG Anunoby & Mikal Bridges trade offers(38:06) Ja Morant week-to-week with ankle sprain Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the biggest stories from NBA Media Days around the league including how little clarity came from Kawhi Leonard and Clippers president Lawrence Frank concerning the salary cap circumvention allegations against them during their press conference. The pair also unpack Giannis Antetokounmpo commenting how he wants to compete for another championship, it just might not be in Milwaukee. Plus, is LeBron James really going to be willing to share the ball more with Luka? And did the Warriors and Kuminga only kick the can down the road with his contract or will he finally find his fit on the Golden State roster?(1:52) The Big Number: Clippers have no evidence to prove their innocence(20:20) Little Numbers: Giannis wants 2nd championship(25:12) Little Numbers: Will LeBron really share the ball more with Luka?(31:40) Little Numbers: Denver's plus/minus without Jokic(37:01) Little Numbers: Cleveland's new starting 5(42:35) Kuminga finally agrees to contract with Warriors Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the Houston Rockets’ outlook after Fred VanVleet's devastating ACL injury and reveal just how big a blow it is to Houston’s contender status. Can Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard fill that void or does losing VanVleet put the brakes on their title chase, even with KD on the team? Plus, Dan shares insights from Knicks Media Day with fresh details on Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns.(2:35) The Big Number: Fred VanVleet's injury(15:37) Little Numbers: Amen Thompson Net Rating(22:08) Little Numbers: Reed Sheppard 3PT shooting(26:30) Little Numbers: Rockets $1,255,588 under first apron(32:07) Little Numbers: Rockets future first round picks(39:11) New York Knicks media day recap Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the latest in the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga restricted free agency standoff. Has Kumingа played his final game for the Warriors? If so, Tom & Dan weigh the pros and cons of the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets and others as potential fits. Later, the duo reacts to Adam Silver’s shifting public stance on the Kawhi Leonard and LA Clippers salary cap circumvention allegations.(1:51) The Big Number: Jonathan Kuminga contract stalemate(19:02) Little Numbers: Chicago Bulls free throw attempt rate(24:22) Little Numbers: Kuminga points scored rolling after setting a screen(32:01) Little Numbers: Washington Wizards individual 20-point performances(37:02) Little Numbers: Brooklyn Nets top-10 picks(42:51) Adam Silver comments on Kawhi controversy  Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine deep dive on the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class: who's a lock, and who deserves more consideration than they're getting? The duo start with Andre Iguodala, who has one big number going his way that could make him a lock. Next, Dan breaks down the chances of Marques Johnson, Blake Griffin, Shawn Marion and Lamarcus Aldridge based on their career numbers and advanced stats.Tom & Dan finish things off with the news that the Chicago Bulls re-signed Josh Giddey to a multi-year contract. The hosts look back on their free agency predictions (2 for 2 so far!) and discuss whether Cam Thomas made the right move taking his $6M qualifying offer.(1:45) - Is Andre Iguodala a Hall of Fame lock?(16:45) - Does Shawn Marion have the stats to make it in?(22:35) - Lamarcus Aldridge's Hall of Fame chances(28:10) - Marques Johnson's scoring average deserves consideration(31:40) - Is Blake Griffin being overrated as a HOF prospect?(39:40) - Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas & other free agency news Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine deep dive into this offseason’s free agency moves—or rather the lack thereof. What’s changed in the NBA that’s keeping All-Star level players with their current teams or moving via trade rather than making moves during free agency? The pair also assess the Clippers’ alleged cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and a $28 million endorsement deal, unpacking what punishments the NBA may dole out if the claims are proven true.(2:27) The Big Number: All-Stars in free agency(15:54) Little Numbers: Orlando Magic pull-up 3s(21:03) Little Numbers: Atlanta Hawks 3-pointers(25:26) Little Numbers: Cam Johnson offensive EPM(28:49) Little Numbers: Clippers defense without Zubac(34:17) Kawhi Leonard earns $28M for ‘no show’ job Subscribe to the The Big Number on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube