The Zach Lowe Show

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to discuss how Jimmy Butler’s injury changes the Warriors plans. Plus, trouble brewing in New York? They break down the Knicks struggles, preview the trade deadline, and choose their All-Star reserves. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:41) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show! (6:00) The Jimmy Butler injury changes what the Warriors may do with Kuminga (15:36) Biggest names to watch at the trade deadline (29:45) Big players in small markets are important (35:40) The Knicks slide continues (42:06) Karl-Anthony Towns is a magnet for the Knicks' problems (55:59) Detroit is a fascinating deadline team (1:01:19) Has Boston become a buyer? (1:06:25) Lakers have dropped to sixth in the West (1:11:13) Zach continues to be a LaMelo Ball believer (1:20:38) Picking All-Star reserves (1:27:30) Is LeBron worthy of being an All-Star? Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Tim Legler to preview where Jonathan Kuminga, Anthony Davis, and Ja Morant might end up. Plus, they discuss finals contenders in the East and share their biggest surprise and disappointment of the season. Then, Nekias Duncan comes on to break down Thunder-Spurs IV and do a deep dive on the Phoenix Suns! (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:36) Tim Legler joins the show! (2:08) Jonathan Kuminga demands a trade (13:29) What’s going to happen with Anthony Davis? (33:42) Ja Morant wants out of Memphis (51:32) Could the Cavs potentially win the East? (58:10) Which teams in the East can make the Finals? (1:06:58) Biggest surprise of the year (1:15:25) Biggest disappointment of the year (1:17:39) Nekias Duncan on Thunder-Spurs IV (1:24:58) Phoenix Suns deep dive (1:31:31) Suns are able to make 3s and get offensive rebounds (1:35:40) This team has been great on defense (1:39:08) Booker needs to be on the All-Star team (1:49:32) Does something about Luka look off to you? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Tim Legler and Nekias Duncan Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Five Big Questions With Richard Jefferson! Zach is joined by Richard Jefferson to answer five questions, including best fit for Ja Morant and where LeBron will play next season. Then, Mo Dakhil comes on to discuss Anthony Davis’s latest injury, the Portland Trail Blazers' play-in hopes, and more. Finally, Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George stops by to share what he remembers from draft night, his tough lesson from his coach, and who on the Jazz makes the best burgers. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:26) Five Big Questions with Richard Jefferson! (5:10) Best fit for Ja Morant (18:04) Who will make the Finals from the eastern conference? (22:34) What team does LeBron play for next season? (27:18) Under-the-radar team that could win the title (39:30) Player that RJ wanted to fight the most (45:39) Zach welcomes in Mo Dakhil! (49:11) Anthony Davis hurt again (53:21) Let’s break down this Portland team (1:01:13) What is Donovan Clingan’s role on offense? (1:07:44) Free throw rate is down league-wide (1:10:56) Lakers check-in (1:17:19) Ayton has not worked for the Lakers (1:20:45) Which 'Rocky' character are the Thunder? (1:25:37) Keyonte George stops by! (1:29:23) What do you remember from draft night? (1:34:30) How has Will Hardy driven you to be better? (1:49:18) Best piece of advice Kevin Love has given you? (1:51:34) What would you like to improve on? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Richard Jefferson, Mo Dakhil, and Keyonte George Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to break down the decision to trade Trae Young to the Wizards. Then, they predict the final All-Star roster for the Western and Eastern conferences. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:47) Rob Mahoney joins the show! (3:52) This is rock bottom for Trae Young’s trade value (13:34) What does this mean for Alex Sarr’s development? (21:16) What would you think of Anthony Davis with the Hawks? (24:56) Trae still has juice and could reinvigorate the Wizards (27:56) Predicting Western Conference All-Stars (31:43) Should the last spot be Devin Booker or Chet Holmgren? (37:04) The Nuggets have continued to win without Jokic (41:04) What’s happening with OKC? (47:37) Issuing apologies for the West snubs (56:44) Predicting Eastern Conference All-Stars (1:00:57) Did Franz Wagner earn a spot? (1:06:35) Derrick White has a legitimate case (1:12:17) Why is the KAT experience so maddening? (1:17:58) Jaylen Brown has entered the MVP conversation (1:21:47) Giannis says that he will never request a trade Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Rob Mahoney Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Fred Katz to discuss whether the Thunder have reason for concern after another loss. Then, they update their Eastern Conference power rankings and try to make sense of the cluster of teams at the top. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:38) Fred Katz joins the show! (4:39) Any reason to be concerned with the Thunder? (13:51) Eastern Conference power rankings (15:50) No. 15 (20:23) No. 14 (25:33) No. 13 (29:13) No. 12 (32:42) No. 11 (35:37) No. 10 (40:37) No. 9 (44:17) No. 8 (45:07) No. 7 (51:09) No. 6 (1:03:33) No. 5 (1:12:05) No. 4 (1:18:16) No. 3 (1:28:55) No. 2 (1:39:14) No. 1 Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Fred Katz Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Adam Mares to break down how the Nuggets will fare without Nikola Jokic, discuss the 65-game minimum required for postseason awards, and dive into the Utah Jazz. Then, Mo Dakhil comes on to talk about the Spurs young core and the biggest stories in the East. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:22) Adam Mares joins the show! (7:38) How many wins do you expect the Nuggets to win while Jokic is out? (14:10) The 65-game rule could take Jokic out of postseason awards contention (21:15) Miscellaneous Nuggets thoughts (22:40) LeBron is at risk of missing the All-Star Game (27:48) Tanking and the Utah Jazz (38:38) Zach welcomes Mo Dakhil to the show! (40:51) How is Wemby developing offensively? (50:59) Should the Spurs go all in this season? (56:16) Teams in the east are not afraid of the Knicks (1:03:50) Cavs continue to improve (1:09:01) Bucks fall to the Wizards again (1:14:58) Thoughts on Paolo Banchero’s situation (1:26:36) Looking around the trade landscape (1:31:30) The Lakers offense is underperforming Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Adam Mares and Mo Dakhil Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Howard Beck to dive deep into the Atlanta Hawks' options for the rest of the season, including what they might do with Trae Young. Then, they share their thoughts on Giannis’s windmill dunk in garbage time, the most interesting lottery teams, and the Warriors' continued struggles. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:50) Howard Beck joins the show (4:37) Zach’s Atlanta Hawks apology (11:58) A divorce between Trae Young and the Hawks feels inevitable (16:53) Which Hawks path is the most interesting? (24:30) Do we care about Giannis’s windmill dunk? (31:40) Teams that have the best chance in the lottery (38:20) How should the Jazz handle the rest of the season? (54:49) Clippers were playing below their talent level and have improved (59:06) Wild-card teams: Nets and Hornets (1:06:02) Warriors dynasty continues to fade (1:19:17) Celtics continue to exceed expectations (1:22:05) A potential Jayson Tatum return remains fascinating Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Howard Beck Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to examine why the Spurs match up so well with the Thunder and how it affects the rest of the NBA season. Then, they reveal their Christmas Day hot takes: They're fine with not bringing the Christmas jerseys back, Nikola Jokic is the MVP, and they're feeling better about the Cavs, despite the loss. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (2:02) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show! (5:41) The Spurs are ahead of schedule and are legit title contenders (16:34) This is the best rivalry in the NBA right now (22:11) Should the Thunder have Chet Holmgren guard Victor Wembanyama more? (25:51) The Spurs are not afraid of Chet (33:38) The Spurs' role players are outplaying the Thunder's role players (36:25) What is the ceiling for the Spurs? (37:53) Zach’s Insights to Mediocrity (41:34) Christmas game hot takes (42:29) JJ Redick is not happy with the Lakers (48:32) The Rockets offense is better than we thought (53:37) Nikola Jokic is once again the MVP of the league (56:48) Can we please get the tanking rules right this time around? (1:01:20) Our confidence level in the Cavs after they fell to the Knicks (1:07:01) Anthony Davis suffers a groin injury Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Tony Jones and Jon Krawczynski to discuss the forgotten teams in the NBA: the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves. Then, J. Kyle Mann comes on to break down this year's rookie class and select a midseason All-Rookie team. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (2:05) Tony Jones and Jon Krawczynski join the show (6:10) Could Ivica Zubac be on the move? (15:21) Thoughts on the league changing the tanking policy (25:45) The forgotten teams: the Philadelphia 76ers (35:11) VJ Edgecombe has changed things for Philly (46:02) The forgotten teams: the Minnesota Timberwolves (50:04) This team is waiting to be challenged (1:04:41) J. Kyle Mann on this year's rookie class (1:11:45) Who is the Rookie of the Year right now? (1:15:17) Edgecombe has the makings to be a star (1:25:38) Dylan Harper’s driving and finishing are phenomenal (1:38:07) How does Ace Bailey stack up? (1:47:16) Who are the other contenders for the All-Rookie team? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Tony Jones, Jon Krawczynski, and J. Kyle Mann Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Big Wos to discuss the bone he has to pick with ‘Jeopardy’ before running through their list of under-the-radar trade candidates. Then, Alperen Sengun comes on to break down his play and share his goals. Finally, Zach welcomes in Jalen Duren to learn more about his love of ‘Friends’ and what expectations we should have for the Pistons. (0:00) Welcome to the Zach Lowe Show! (1:47) Wosny Lambre joins the show (6:26) Cavs' disappointing season continues (14:26) Should the Knicks be allowed to enjoy their Cup win? (29:41) Could the Bucks be buyers? (38:12) What is LaMelo Ball’s trade value? (43:04) Time for the Clippers to sell? (45:20) Hawks can fill out their team without Giannis (49:22) Could be tough for Minnesota to make a trade (55:25) Wild-card trade candidates (1:07:58) Zach is joined by Alperen Sengun (1:09:20) On losing in the playoffs last season (1:17:51) On upping his game defensively (1:27:12) How close are you to being All-NBA? (1:31:06) Jalen Duren joins the show (1:32:43) How much do you want to be an All-Star? (1:38:27) On his fandom of the show ‘Friends’ (1:49:46) What do you remember from the Pistons 28-game losing streak? (1:53:19) Can the Pistons contend for a title? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Wosny Lambre, Alperen Sengun, and Jalen Duren Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Michael Pina to break down Wemby’s return, preview the Cup finals, and discuss the Western Conference play-in bubble. Then, Nick Friedell comes on for a Warriors check-in. Finally, Zach welcomes in Cam Johnson to learn more about playing with Jokic and his career. (0:00) Welcome to the Zach Lowe Show! (1:37) Michael Pina joins the show (3:24) Can the Spurs win it all this season? (11:40) Spurs-Knicks preview (15:05) The Cavs continue to struggle (21:11) Zion is back!! (32:15) Western Conference play-in team breakdowns (33:16) Portland Trail Blazers (42:19) Memphis Grizzlies (51:36) Utah Jazz (59:32) One prediction gone wrong (1:05:47) Warrior check-in with Nick Friedell (1:15:05) The team is letting Steph Curry down (1:21:09) Can this team win a playoff series? (1:26:24) The Warriors will try to make a trade but it may not be easy (1:30:42) Zach welcomes in Cam Johnson (1:32:49) How did you learn of the trade from Brooklyn (1:40:14) What’s it like playing with Jokic? (1:50:56) On the Valley Oop play with Phoenix (1:53:37) The story behind the Suns' no-show against Dallas in Game 7 Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Michael Pina, Nick Friedell, and Cam Johnson Producers: Mike Wargon, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Howard Beck to put into context just how good OKC is (6:30). Then, they preview the NBA Cup semifinals, before going through the history of mega-trades (46:47). Finally, Zach closes the show with a somber edition of Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey (1:23:38). Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Howard Beck and Sean Fennessey Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Tim Legler to answer one question for each NBA Cup quarterfinal team (2:30). Then they talk through their favorite Giannis fits (37:15) before closing the show by revealing their All-Star picks (1:15:33). Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Tim Legler Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more and join waitlist at ScoutMotors.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to find potential Giannis trade partners, including the Knicks, Hawks, Spurs, and Rockets; share their thoughts on Chris Paul; and discuss the Thunder’s unbelievable start (2:07). Then, Sean Fennessey joins the show for an offseason edition of Mets Corner (1:21:44). Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Kirk Goldsberry and Sean Fennessey Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil to untangle the crowded Eastern Conference field. They discuss whether anyone will challenge the Knicks and Cavs (8:10), whether Atlanta needs to move on from Trae Young (33:42), and why the Celtics are outperforming expectations (48:04). Plus, they list the players they think could be on the move, including what they think the Hornets will do with LaMelo Ball (1:11:48). Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Mo Dakhil Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Stan Van Gundy to answer six big questions, including how Tyler Herro’s return affects the Heat (4:06) and whether the Hawks are better without Trae Young (23:38). Plus, why Nikola Jokic might just be the greatest NBA player ever (55:38), and Stan reveals his updated NBA Finals pick (1:05:36). Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Stan Van Gundy Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What up, Beck (1:34)?! Howard joins Zach to see how the teams in Los Angeles are doing now  that Kawhi has returned and LeBron has two games under his belt (14:06). Next, to Florida to look at two rising teams: the Magic (30:59) and Heat. And then a look at two falling teams: the Warriors (51:30) and Wizards. Finally, Bill Simmons joins the show to talk about the career of Chris Paul (1:13:45): best years, worst moments, and his place in history. Plus, don’t miss Zach’s thoughts on parades and stories about high school chaperoning! Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Howard Beck and Bill Simmons Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Shopping. Streaming. Celebrating. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Jones Jr. joins Zach to first break down LeBron James's season debut (1:48). How’d the Lakers offense look? Any concerns on defense? And how far can they go in a loaded West? Next, a look at the red-hot Pistons (25:44) and what their ceiling can be. Then a quick detour to Zach’s Insights to Mediocrity (42:26) this week, featuring what to do about your ties! Lastly, the pair share some thoughts on the Cavs (44:12), Wolves (51:28), and Heat (1:02:26), as well as some court and jersey gripes to get off their chest! Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Steve Jones Jr. Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mo Dakhil joins Zach (1:54) to talk about the dominance of the Thunder and Nuggets and how they’ve separated themselves from the rest of the league. Next, they look toward the bottom of the standings to discuss five disasters happening out West (25:43). Who’s got the biggest issues right now? What about going forward? And is choosing the worst disaster worse than going on 'Fear Factor'? Finally, some happy surprises across the NBA, including the Raptors (56:37), Suns (01:04:12), and Hawks (01:10:42). Plus, some end-of-game coaching dilemmas, a classic “who says no” fake trade, and a whole lot more! Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Mo Dakhil Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach ventures to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for his FIRST live show ever (0:00), and he begins by power ranking the Western Conference with Rob Mahoney (2:23). Where did the hometown team come in? Next, The Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski (20:18) hops onstage to go through the most pivotal moments in Timberwolves franchise history: everything from big draft picks to the big-balls dance. Then, Chris Finch (37:03) and Donte DiVincenzo (58:28) join the show before they close it out with some Q&A from the audience (1:14:25). Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Rob Mahoney, Jon Krawczynski, Chris Finch, and Donte DiVincenzo Producers: Mike Wargon, Jesse Aron, Jonathan Frias, and Billy Gil Social: Keith Fujimoto The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices