Drive and Dish NBA Podcast

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start with Justin's return! What the guys have been up to this summer and why jumping back into a gym routine isn't quite the same in your 30's. In Warm Up Jumpers, more rumors regarding the All-Star format which involve two U.S. teams playing the world. What the guys think the rosters for each squad would look like and they debate who will come out on top. Next, the Clippers are accused of circumventing the salary cap with Kawhi Leonard. The duo takes a look at the early details and what could potentially happen if the NBA finds any wrongdoing. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, new deals for Cam Thomas and PJ Washington and Gilbert Arenas's take on the Clippers. Finally, the guys get back to some Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined by Ryan Mayer (@r_mayer) from The Athletic. The guys start the episode with Jeremy Lin announcing his retirement from basketball. A look back at Linsanity from when Kevin and Ryan lived in New York and why it was more fun than anything else. Next, the NBA has released the full 2025 schedule. A look at some of the highlights including opening night and Christmas Day games. Does anybody have a reason to gripe? We further discuss the early start again to the NBA Cup and why it takes a lot of steam out of it. Along with the schedule, the duo debates the Western Conference and which teams are in the best position headed in 2025. Can anybody in the East keep up? Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart, Kevin is joined by Carlton Cabey (@Carlton_KB) as they start the show by talking John Wall's retirement. A look back at his career and why the guys think it will age well plus a quick comparison between John Wall and Gilbert Arenas and why Carlton thinks the Wizards could have done more around Wall. Next, the Lakers sign Luka Doncic and the guys discuss the new era of Lakers basketball featuring Luka and debate again whether LeBron should try to make a move or stick in Los Angeles. The Spurs have signed a 4-year extension with De'Aaron Fox and the guys discuss where the Spurs stack up in a loaded Western Conference and why it's time for the them to start winning games. Rick Carisle also has signed a multi-year extension to coach the Pacers as we get Carlton's opinion on a weaker Eastern Conference. Finally, stick around for some NFL thoughts ahead of the Eagles/Dolphins upcoming seasons, Carlton's Panthers winning back to back Stanley Cups and Carlton's new cologne page (@SmellGoodChronicals) and how he got into the hobby. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by discussing games in London and Berlin for both the Magic and Grizzlies. Where else the guys expect potential Europe games in the next few years and other logical international destinations for the NBA. Next, Mikal Bridges signs a 4-year, $150 million exension to stay with the Knicks. How this contract allows the Knicks to remain flexible and why the guys believe the Knicks are the team to beat in the East. In Who's Balin Who's Fallin, Luka slims down, Ricky Council IV goes to Brooklyn, Gilbert Arenas is out of prison post gambling arrest and the new Naked Gun's credits that have an NBA twist. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir) and Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose), the guys start the show by discussing C.J. McCollum's recent comments on the second apron and incentives for team's to keep their homegrown guys. We debate the balance and if that's possible under the current structure. Next, a look at the rest of the summer in the NBA. Marcus Smart is headed to the Lakers and the guys talk his fit and why this is another sign the team is moving around Luka and not LeBron. Plus, a difficult summer for restricted free agents and if we expect any to sign the qualifying offer. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, Chris Paul gets #3 back on the Clippers, the Sixers waive Ricky Council IV, LeBron vs. artifical intelligence and Nick Young's lifetime beef with D'Angelo Russell. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined this week by Chris Crawford (@OnAirwithCC), Assisstant Program Director at WSB to discuss a pair of NBA returns. First, Damian Lillard heads back to Portland. What they think about a surprising choice to head back and one final look at Dame's time in Milwaukee and why things didn't work they way they expected. Next, Chris Paul returns to the Clippers and Bradley Beal is coming with him. Where does the pair rank the Clippers in a competative West and how they feel about going all in on an older core. Plus, a look at the Spurs this year and what they need to do to take the next steps to make the playoffs and some quick MLB chat about CC's red hot Toronto Blue Jays. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by talking some Lakers & a potential LeBron watch. As LeBron has opted in, the franchise has made some more moves around Luka Doncic. Is it possible for the team to be on two timelines at once? Next, some big time paydays in Oklahoma City with SGA, Chet Holmgren and Jaylen Williams all getting max extensions. What this means for the Thunder moving forward cap wise and who might be on the way out. Plus, a discussion about which teams out West are the most likely to give the Thunder fits next year. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, a massive two-year extension for Devin Booker in Phoenix, AD getting his retina fixed, A-Rod's initial vision for Minnesota and a hilarious Luka well-wishes video. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir) and Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose), the guys start the show by discussing the Knicks hiring Mike Brown as head coach. A debate if that was the right move and if he'll do better than Thibs did plus a look at why Kevin believes the Knicks are the team to beat in the East. Next, free agency is in full swing. The Bucks waive Damian Lillard and the duo debates if that was the right call or desperate. Other notable moves include Lonzo Ball to the Cavs, Norm Powell to the Heat and the Hawks pushing the right buttons. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, the 10-year anniversary of DeAndre Jordan's free agency saga, the WNBA expands to Philly, Detroit and Cleveland, Red Panda gets hurt & LeBron takes up golf. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by talking the Celtics making a pair of trades, sending Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta and Jrue Holiday headed to Portland. If we expect to see Boston continuing to make moves and what we expect the East to look like next year amid a ton of shakeups. Plus some bonus Warm Up Jumpers as Justin defends Jacksonville from an article that said it was the most boring city in America. Next, the guys talk all things NBA Draft. Cooper Flagg goes #1 and Dylan Harper goes #2. What type of impact can we expect from them right away? The guys talk other picks they like including for Philly, Sacramento and OKC. Plus, Ace Bailey's gamble backfires as he heads to Utah and a a look at why the Pelicans may have made a massive blunder regarding their pick next year. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, Naz Reid gets paid by the Timberwolves, Masai Ujiri is out in Toronto in a big shift and the NBA draft sells out to State Farm. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined this week by Andy Jordan (@andysmagicminute) for a jam packed episode. First, the Oklahoma City Thunder are NBA champions for the first time as a franchise since moving to OKC. We recap how the Thunder got here and how they can become the dynasty that many expect them to be. On the other side, the devastating Tyrese Haliburton injury that robbed us of a potential classic. Why this Pacers run will live on despite a disappointing result and what next year looks like with Hali out for the year. Next, Kevin Durant is headed to Houston. Kevin and Andy discuss why they love this move for the Rockets and why they are primed to make a Finals run next season. On the other hand, the duo discusses why they hate it for Phoenix and how the franchise feels lost right now. Then, another blockbuster deal with Desmond Bane going to Orlando. Andy talks why the Magic went all-in now and their chances of contending in a suddenly wide open Eastern Conference. Plus, a look at what this means for the Grizzlies moving forward and why a full rebuild is unlikely. Finally, a quick look at the draft coming up this week and what teams should make of Ace Bailey sitting out of workouts. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir) and Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose), the guys open up the show by discussing the latest Kevin Durant trade rumors. Minnesota, Miami, New York, San Antonio and Houston are all said to be in the mix. We discuss which sides can make the best offers and which make the most sense for Phoenix. Next, the duo dives into all things NBA Finals. The series is tied at 2-2 headed back to OKC for a crucial game 5. Who has shined this series for each squad and what they expect over the next 2 games. Is it do or die for both teams in Game 5? In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, Wemby's training to be a monk, some love for the Thunder and Pacers fans, the Knicks get rejected by every franchise as they try to interview their coaches and Stephen A plays Solitaire. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of the Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by diving into the Pacers game 1 win in the NBA Finals. More Haliburton madness as the Pacers come back from another double digit lead in the 4th quarter. How did they pull it off again & what did they learn as they battled back in the second half. For OKC, who do they need more out of and why we shouldn't be as worried about their mental about a Game 1 loss. Plus, they preview what to expect in Game 2. Some quick expansion talk as well before another round of Immaculate Grid, featuring a fitting NBA Finals theme. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir) and Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose), the guys start the show with the news that the Knicks have fired Tom Thibodeau after their Eastern Conference Finals loss. They debate if the the move was too rash following a great season for the Knicks or if the book has been written on Thibs' coaching style on ready. Plus, we look at Minnesota's exit and discuss the biggest changes that could be coming this offseason and how the Timberwolves can get over the hump after two straight WCF losses. After the break, the duo dives into everything NBA Finals. We know OKC is favored but can Indy shock the world? A look at how similar these squads are as well and the matchups that will define the series. Will Justin also curse another team by picking them? In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, Adam Silver talks small markets, the Suns hire Jordan Ott, the Pacers travel difficulties and a final farewell to the NBA on TNT. Finally, Immaculate Grid is back! Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of the Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined by Chase Bunker (@ChaseBunker) from News 104.5 WOKV and That Game Show to discuss everything Conference Finals. The Thunder jump out to a 2-1 lead on the Timberwolves with two convincing wins in Games 1 and 2, but the Timberwolves respond with a 42-point victory in Game 3. Have they cracked OKC's defense or is it a flash in the pan? In the East, the Pacers take two games in the Garden, including an instant classic in Game 1, while the Knicks mount a comeback of their own in Game 3. Why the pressure is high for both teams in Game 4 and who is facing the most pressure in NY. Finally, we add Denver to the Doom Meter after their second round elimination. Where do they stack up after a second straight second round exit? Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of the Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir) & Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose), the guys start Warm Up Jumpers with a recap of the NBA draft lottery. The Mavericks make an "improbable" jump to #1 where they will select Cooper Flagg. Some thoughts. Plus do the Spurs draft Harper or trade for Giannis and what can we expect from the Sixers at 3. After the break, the guys first talk Thunder/Nuggets Game 7. How did we get to this point and how much will the Aaron Gordon injury news weigh on this series. The guys talk why Jalen Williams needs to step up for OKC and why MPJ needs to for Denver and briefly take a look at a hypothetical matchup with the Timberwolves and if there's a team that Minnesota would rather play. Next, a dive into the Knicks and Pacers ECF. Why this looks to be an incredible series that both of the guys believe is going the distance and how the Pacers faster style of play will contrast with the Knicks half-court offense. Who will end their 25-year finals drought? Finally, Who's Ballin Who's Fallin and a look at the Doom Meter for the Celtics, Cavaliers and Warriors after their second round exits. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the showing by bringing back the Doom Meter for the Rockets and Clippers. How concerned should each team be with their early exit and how does it compare to other teams that have been eliminated already. Then, a dive into the second round of the NBA Playoff. The Pacers have jumped out to a 2-1 on the Cavaliers. Can the Cavs blame it on injuries or is there something more concerning here? The Knicks meanwhile have gone into Boston and taken the first two games. How have the Knicks been able to come back late in games and what the Celtics can do to adjust on the road. Then a trip out West where the Nuggets are up 2-1 on the Thunder. What's been the key to the Nuggets playoff surge and who needs to step up for OKC to get even. Finally, the Timberwolves and Warriors are tied at a game a piece but Stephen Curry is out with a hamstring injury. Does this mean the end of the road for the Dubs or should the Timberwolves not let their guard down? Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir) and Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose), the guys start the showing by discussing Gregg Popovich stepping down as Spurs head coach and becoming president of basketball operations. A look back at Pop's tenure, initial reactions to Mitch Johnson as the new Spurs coach and why this is a big offseason for San Antonio. Next, the guys preview a pair of first-round game 7's. What to expect from the Nuggets/Clippers dog fight and how the Rockets were able to claw back from 3-1. Can they complete the job at home? The guys also look ahead to how the winner of those respective games will fare against the Thunder and Timberwolves. Next, a trip out East to discuss the second round. The Cavs and Pacers face off in a Central Division showdown. How can the Cavs slow down Hali and do the Pacers have enough firepower to keep up? Then a look at Celtics and Knicks and Kevin explains why he believes this will be a short series. A quick nod to Dyson Daniels winning Most Improved Player of the Year and Stephon Castle winning Rookie of the Year, before a dive into the Doom Meter. Which NBA teams should feel the worst about being eliminated already? Do the Bucks have any hope of keeping this together without trading Giannis? Should the Grizz trade Ja? Does Pat Riley have any magic left? Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin welcomes Osceola Magic Play-by-Play commentator Nick Gryniewicz (@GetNickG) back to the show. Nick first talks his heart transplant at the Cleveland Clinic and his road to recovery over the last few months. A look behind the curtain and how you can help others going through the organ transplant process. Next in Warm Up Jumpers, the guys talk the beginning of award season. Peyton Pritchard wins Sixth Man of the Year, Evan Mobley wins Defensive Player of the Year and Jalen Brunson wins Clutch Player of the Year. Then, a trip out West to look at the first-round series. The Thunder are crusing up 3-0, while the Jimmy Butler injury looms large in Warriors/Rockets. Is it over for the Nuggets and are the Clippers dark horse contenders? What type of adjustments can the Lakers make or do the Timberwolves have too much size? Out East, the Cavs are handling business, while physicality has defined Celtics/Magic and Knicks/Pistons. The Bucks saved face in game 3 but was that a flash in the pan or are the Pacers in trouble? Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by breaking down all things about the first round of the NBA playoffs. Out East, are Cleveland & Boston easy favorites to advance? Can Detroit push the Knicks off attitude alone & who is the best players in that series? Is Milwaukee & Indy a lock to go the distance. Out West, let's get spicy in basically every single one of these series & again the guys ask, are we sleeping on OKC as the heavy favorite? In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, Dame is back much sooner than expected, Monte McNair & Mike Budenholzer are in search of new jobs & Rob Pelinka gets a new contract. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts & watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show breaking down the last week of the NBA regular season. Chaos abounds at West while the East is completely settled. What do we expect in play-in games from Chicago vs. Miami, Sacramento vs. Dallas & Orlando vs. Atlanta? Who is most likely to play the Grizz in the 7/8 game out West? Plus a quick preview of the East come first round. Next, the duo dives into the shocking firing of Mike Malone & GM Calvin Booth in Denver with just 3 games of the regular season left. How did we get to this point, what does the Nuggets long-term future look like & if there's any hope for salvaging this season. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, a disaster end to the season for Phoenix, Luka's return to Dallas & Ant Edwards getting suspended at the worst possible time. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts & watch the show on YouTube!