Drive and Dish NBA Podcast

Welcome to the Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir). We started back in 2014 as a way to discuss our favorite league like we would whenever we hung out outside of work. Two cities, and a couple of radio jobs later, here we are. We strive to give you the best in everything NBA both on and off the court on a weekly basis and keep it light and fun, the way basketball is supposed to be. Honestly, which league is more fun than the NBA right now? Our goal is to make you feel like you’re sitting on the couch, at the barbershop, or at a barstool with us. We cover the league year-round from opening night in October, all the way through the NBA Finals in June. If that’s not enough, we keep going in the summer for the NBA draft, NBA summer league & free agency. Segments include Who’s Ballin, Who’s Fallin, our NBA version of the stock market where we tell you what’s trending up, and what’s trending down each week. We’ve also got Hot Takes from Reddit, where we bring you the spiciest and most comical takes from NBA Reddit each week. You also will hear the best in NBA guests throughout the season and all summer long. Like we said earlier though, the show is all about fun, because if you’re not having fun, why do something right

The Knicks Win the NBA Cup & Christmas Day Games

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by previewing the Christmas day games. Rumors around Darius Garland's availability have begun as the Cavs face the Knicks, the Spurs and Thunder have a budding rivalry, the Klay Thompson bowl and key West showdowns between the Rockets and Lakers and the Nuggets and Timberwolves. Next, the Knicks are NBA Cup champions. What it means for them going forward the rest of the season and how much the city is celebrating. Then, the guys discuss ways to improve the NBA Cup going forward or if it's ok as is. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, Kon Kneuppel hits 100 3's in record time, Draymond Green yells at Steve Kerr, Ben Simmons is going fishing and the Jacksonville Jaguars? Finally another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcast and watch the show on YouTube.

12-24
01:27:34

Farewell to the Chris Paul Farewell Tour & Giannis Watch

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys begin the show by talking about the Clippers announcing that Chris Paul will no longer be with the team. Some speculation into why this happened and if this is another blunder by the Clippers. Plus, a look at the teams that makes sense for CP3. Next, Giannis Antetokounmpo meets with the Bucks to discuss his future. An early look at rumored potential trades to the Knicks and Heat and if the Bucks should 100% make the decision to move on from Giannis. In Who's Ballin Who's Ballin, the Thunder's chase for 73 and some sad news for Jason Collins. Finally, the return this week of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you find your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

12-14
01:07:35

A Huge (Non) Break for Franz Wagner & NBA Cup Quarterfinals

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined by WOKV's Chase Bunker (@chasebunker) to talk the Magic avoiding a worst case scenario as Franz Wagner has suffered a high-ankle sprain and will not miss the entire season. The lessons the Magic learned from Paolo Banchero's absence that can help here and who will step up. Next, a preview of the Magic/Knicks NBA Cup semi-final after they eliminate the Heat and Raptors. Out West, the Thunder steamroll the Suns and await the winner of Lakers/Spurs. The guys debate if it matters or if the Thunder will beat anybody in front of them. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

12-11
28:21

Chris Paul Calls It a Career & NBA Cup Preview

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined by Carlton Cabey (@Carlton_KB) to first start the show with Chris Paul's announcement that he will retire at the end of the season. A look back at the many eras of Chris Paul, his complicated playoff legacy and his involvement in one of the greatest "what-if's" in NBA history with the vetoed trade to the Lakers. Next, the guys take a look at the elimination rounds of the NBA Cup. The battle of Florida as the Magic and Heat are set to faceoff and we talk a surprising start for Carlton's Heat as well as the Raptors plus a look at a looming juggarnaut in OKC out West, life with LeBron back for the Lakers and some Spurs and Knicks talk. Finally, some love for the Pistons who continue to play well in the East and of course, some cologne talk with Carlton and some Eagles talk with Kevin. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

12-03
01:16:58

High Early Season Ratings & Wemby/Sabonis/Giannis Injuries

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 a successful first month for the NBA as they've seen the highest ratings in 15 years. A look at how social media, new stars and NBC have played a role in the boost. Next, a pair of injuries out West as Wemby goes down for 1-2 weeks and Sabonis goes down for 3-4 weeks. How the Spurs and Kings will try and staty afloat and why it's time for the Kings to blow it up already. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, LeBron's All-NBA streak is in jeopardy, Cooper Flagg is starting to heat up, LaMelo is apparently happy in Charlotte and Giannis will miss some time for the Bucks. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

11-22
01:02:43

Nico Harrison & Willie Green are Headed for Unemployment

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show with the Pelicans firing Willie Green as coach. A discussion if Willie was the scapegoat and what the Pelicans should do next with Zion Williamson continuing to deal with injuries. Next, Bradley Beal is out for the season with a hip fracture. How the Clippers can potentially replace his production and if they need to make a move now. A quick look at the West then before the guys dive into Nico Harrison getting fired as GM of the Mavericks after a 3-10 start to the team. A final look at his tenture and the Luka trade and if post-Nico firing, the Mavs are likely to trade Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, Steph Curry leaves Under Armour, Christian Braun will miss 6 weeks with an ankle sprain, the surging Pistons and Pat Bev's arrest. Finally, the return of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

11-15
01:06:01

The Joy is Gone for Ja Morant & Early Injuries

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined by WOKV's Chase Bunker (@chasebunker) to first survey the league almost ten games into the new season. Who has surprised us and who has disappointed? Then, Ja Morant voices his displeasure with the Grizzlies and gets suspended for a game. An early debate about what the market value for Ja Morant would be if he's traded and if there's any hope of salvaging the relationship in Memphis. Finally, in Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, the Lakers white guys, Wemby meets his Star Wars heroes, a slow start for the Magic and a season ending injury for Walker Kessler. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

11-06
52:57

Are the Stakes are Too High in the NBA?

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined by Osceola Magic play-by-play voice Nick Gryniewicz (@GetNickG) to first discuss their initial reaction to the first week of the NBA season. Hot starts for the Thunder, Spurs and Sixers plus if Houston needs some time to adjust, how expectations might be skewed in Dallas and a barrage of 50-point games. Next, the gambling scandal that is rocking the NBA. Trail Blazers head coach Chauncy Billups and Terry Rozier have been arrested for their role in rigged poker games and betting on NBA games. What's next and a discussion about the league's relationship with gambling. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, VJ Edgecombe, Jonathan Kuminga joining the Warriors starting lineup, a slow start for the Magic and Shaq's SUV getting stolen.

10-30
01:01:41

Welcome to Season Lucky Number 13

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show (and 13th season!) by talking the Kings signing Russell Westbrook and re-signing Keegan Murray to a long-term extension. Do these moves make sense and where can we expect the Kings to end up in a loaded Western Conference. After the break, a look at the West and who can realistically challenge OKC and if there's any surprise leaps. Out East, who can take advantage of a wide-open conference. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, LeBron doesn't retire, Malcom Brogdon does retire, season 2 of Starting 5 and some Lakers talk. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid.

10-19
01:24:19

VanVleet ACL Tear, New Warriors Contracts & the Same Old Sixers

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys are back! A catchup on Kevin's vacation and a look back at last week's episode with Justin and Chase Bunker plus of course, some Jacksonville talk. In Warm Up Jumpers, Fred VanVleet has torn his ACL during an offseason workout. What this means for Houston's standing in the West and what their options will be moving forward. Then, the Sixers are back being the Sixers. Jared McCain suffers a setback with a torn UCL and it's still unclear when Joel Embiid and Paul George will play. The guys also talk Quentin Grimes new deal and what it means long term. Next, a trip to the Bay as the Warriors re-sign Jonathan Kuminga, ending a long offseason saga. They also talk the Warriors adding Al Horford. Finally, Who's Ballin Who's Fallin and another round of Immaculate Grid.

10-04
01:16:10

Heaves, Hoops, and Hidden Deals

The NBA just changed the rulebook: failed end-of-period heaves no longer count against a player’s shooting stats — but is this protecting stars or hurting the game? We dive into the history of the league’s greatest (and worst) heave-takers, from Curry’s magic touch to Kobe’s one lonely make. Then we unravel the latest twists in the Kawhi Leonard scandal, where endorsement money, ownership ties, and injury timelines raise serious questions for the Clippers. Plus, the Knicks quietly add Malcolm Brogdon while the Spurs launch a pricey new fan section for Wemby Nation. Guest host Chase Bunker joins us to break down who’s ballin’, who’s fallin’, and who’s just letting the shot clock expire.

09-19
56:32

Clippers Cap Allegations & More All-Star Format Rumors

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.

09-09
01:10:06

Schedule Release 2025 & One Time for Linsanity

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.

09-03
01:02:16

New Contracts for Luka & De'Aaron Fox & John Wall Retires

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.

08-22
01:22:02

All Bridges Still Lead to New York, but How about Europe?

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.

08-03
01:14:16

Summertime & the Second Apron

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.

07-27
57:09

A Pair of Homecomings: Dame to Portland & CP3 to the Clippers

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!

07-23
57:14

New Contracts for the Champs & Devin Booker

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!

07-14
01:13:19

It's No Longer Dame Time in Milwaukee & Other Free Agency Moves

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!

07-08
57:26

NBA Draft Recap & Boston Blows it Up

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!

06-30
01:18:11

Sam O'Leary

What about a rose trade, surely clips an lakes will both be keen

01-06 Reply

Mass Ass

You guys need to do more research on the Knicks situation.

02-04 Reply

babyface ba11er

supremeeeee pod!!!

08-07 Reply

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