Hear District

This week on Hear District, Marques & Kris Johnson welcome Evan Cohen (ESPN Radio’s UnSportsmanLike) to break down the Milwaukee Bucks’ under-the-radar outlook for the 2025–26 season. They discuss which offseason moves set the Bucks up for another 50-win run, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s EuroBasket bronze medal with Greece, and why he called it his greatest achievement. Evan also reflects on Kris’ UCLA days, the importance of draft position, underrated NBA teams that never won a title, and his journey through sports radio. Later, Van Fayaz & Jackson Gross of Brew Hoop join #BucksPodFest to talk Bucks’ offseason moves, standout players to watch, Wisconsin’s big summer in sports, and how AI is reshaping sports media. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

This week on Hear District, Marques & Kris Johnson welcome Jason Timpf of Hoops Tonight to debate Giannis Antetokounmpo’s place among the NBA’s elite, what it would take for him to achieve his 3rd MVP, and why next season could be his best defensively. They also break down the Bucks’ 3-guard lineup and how it could shape Milwaukee’s success. Later, Justin Garcia & Camille Davis of Locked On Bucks join to kick off #BucksPodFest, sharing stories of their Milwaukee roots, the Bucks’ biggest X-Factor for the upcoming season, why Kevin Porter Jr. could be the Bucks’ No. 2 scorer, their most anticipated lineups of next season, favorite players in franchise history, and where this summer stands in the pantheon of all-time Wisconsin sports' summers. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

This week on Hear District, Kris & Marques Johnson break down Giannis Antetokounmpo’s EuroBasket dominance, what it'll take for him to solidify himself as Greece’s basketball G.O.A.T., Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s return to Milwaukee and his impact on team culture. Radio voice Dave Koehn takes us behind the scenes of the Puppy Bowl with two of its stars… his French Bulldogs! He also discusses his favorite moment of the Bucks' 2024-25 season, Tony Bennett's NBA coaching prospects and more! MJ & Kris also react to the NBA’s proposed U.S. vs. World All-Star Game and draft squads of potential first-time All-Stars in the East. Other topics include a preview of the Bucks' roster heading into training camp, the Clippers/Kawhi Leonard salary cap investigation, Angel Reese’s comments on the Chicago Sky and Spike Lee’s new film, "Highest 2 Lowest." For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Greek journalist Harris Stavrou joins Kris & Marques Johnson from Cyprus to dive deep into Giannis Antetokounmpo’s rise, the Antetokounmpo brothers’ legacy, and the cultural impact of EuroBasket. Harris reflects on first seeing Giannis at 16, his leadership growth, and whether he's embraced in Greece the same way he is in Milwaukee. They also break down Greece's EuroBasket hopes and Thanasis' triumphant return to the court. Later, Jacob Sutton of JHuttHoops on Substack talks Bucks breakout candidates—why Cole Anthony and Ryan Rollins could shine—Giannis’ mid-range game, scoring guard free agents, and the next Dyson Daniels. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Award-winning journalist Jemele Hill joins Marques & Kris Johnson on Hear District for a wide-ranging conversation on sports, media, and culture. Jemele shares how her Detroit upbringing shaped her resilience, the challenges she's faced in sports journalism, and how social media and former athletes are transforming the industry. They revisit the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2020 bubble boycott, its impact on sports activism, and how the movement has evolved since. The trio also discusses when we might see the NBA’s first female head coach and the WNBA’s growing popularity, with a focus on CBA negotiations and media narratives around Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Jemele talks about her shelved Colin Kaepernick documentary with Spike Lee and his latest film, "Highest 2 Lowest." Marques & Kris wrap things up with thoughts on the Bucks signing Amir Coffey and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s dominance at EuroBasket 2025. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

9-year NBA vet and MAC legend, Gary Trent Sr., joins Kris and Marques Johnson on Hear District, breaking down his son's path to the NBA, his first year in Milwaukee, how Doc Rivers recruited Gary Trent Jr. to the Bucks, and why the 3-guard lineup featuring GTJ dominated last season. But first, they discuss Trent Sr.'s difficult upbringing, how that shaped his professional life and how he found basketball. They dive into his NBA career, the shooting tips he imparted on Trent Jr. from playing with Dirk Nowitzki and when he knew Gary Jr. had what it takes to make it. Finally, Marques & Kris discuss a Top 10 Bucks of All-Time List curated by Bucks Twitter, and the new age of celebrity GMs running college basketball programs. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

MJ & Kris are joined by Hall of Famer, Kevin Garnett, for an epic episode of Hear District spanning his legendary playing career; from humble beginnings through his NBA journey & life after basketball. Garnett discusses the profound impact Bucks coach Doc Rivers made on his life on and off the court, his early impressions of Giannis Antetokounmpo and their experience training together, plus KG's newfound relationship with Bobby Portis, his impressions of the Bucks signing Myles Turner, and what it takes to be an all-time great. Garnett explains the personal meaning behind his involvement in the Hoop It Up 3x3 basketball tourney as it visits Deer District from August 15 to 17, 2025. KG also gives Marques his flowers as they discuss their iconic film roles in "Uncut Gems" and "White Men Can't Jump" respectively, playing with Kris at Timberwolves training camp, how overcoming trouble in his youth led to KG getting drafted out of high school, and much more. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports joins Kris & Marques Johnson to analyze the Milwaukee Bucks' offseason moves and how it positioned them to contend in a wide-open Eastern Conference. But first, Kevin shares his reactions to the Bucks' signings, how Cole Anthony factors into the lineup, Giannis Antetokounmpo's place in 'Best Player in the World' debates, how Myles Turner fits in Milwaukee and adds an element of versatility, Point Giannis, the Bucks' potential new Starting 5 and how players like Kevin Porter Jr., Kyle Kuzma & Andre Jackson Jr. can fulfill their potential next season. They also discuss the state of restricted free agency, a hilarious story about Isaiah Hartenstein, Jimi Hendrix's influence & much more. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Legendary NBA journalist Marc Stein of The Stein Line joins Marques & Kris to talk through GM Jon Horst's busy offseason and the Bucks' place in the Eastern Conference. But first, they reminisce about what made Marques Johnson such a compelling player and how the NBA landscape has evolved since. They dissect lessons in modern teambuilding from the NBA Finals, Horst's splashy summer, the Myles Turner signing, Bucks' roster construction, Giannis Antetokounmpo's decision to play for Greece in EuroBasket 2025 and what it means for his Bucks season, MJ's role in "White Men Can't Jump," whether it should've been remade, the controversial trade that sent Marques to the Clippers & more. Then, MJ & Kris react to some Bucks players' first time dunking and reflect on their earliest dunks, including the first time Kris dunked on MJ, before diving into the live streaming era and how sports media is evolving before our eyes. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

ESPN's Jorge Sedano drops by Hear District to discuss whether Milwaukee's new tandem of Giannis Antetokounmpo & Myles Turner give it the best frontcourt in the NBA. They also discuss the Bucks' place in an unpredictable Eastern Conference landscape, media perception of the Bucks' offseason moves, how Myles transforms Milwaukee's defense, Giannis' MVP possibilities and more. Later on, MJ and Kris break down Cole Anthony's fit with the Bucks, how his role in Milwaukee will set him up for success, and how his addition impacts the team's guard rotation moving forward. They dive into Kyle Kuzma's role and how to maximize his skill set, Chris Livingston's remarkable growth through 2025 Summer League, expectations for minutes distribution and how the Bucks' coaching staff is setting up for success next season. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

In this week's Hear District, Kris & Marques Johnson are joined by former Bucks Trainer & UCLA athletics legend, Tony Spino, to reflect on the '70s Bucks & understand why Achilles injuries are plaguing the NBA. But first, MJ & Kris react to Doc Rivers' latest comments and how he plans to unleash 'Point Giannis' next season. They assess how this plan could unlock core Bucks players like the newly re-signed Jericho Sims, Gary Trent Jr. & AJ Green. They also look at how Gary Harris can add to the team and which Bucks players are standing out most in the early stages of NBA Summer League. MJ drops a hot take about Cooper Flagg before introducing Tony, who shares memories of Kareem, a rookie Marques Johnson, the great Junior Bridgeman & that era of the Milwaukee Bucks. They dive into the state of NBA injuries and why seven players lost their seasons to Achilles tears after decades of that injury being a rarity. They finish with a hilarious story about Coach John Wooden & former President Bill Clinton, and other musings about Tony's relationship with the Johnson family & his place in UCLA history.

After a busy week in the NBA, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel beat reporter Jim Owczarski joins Kris & Marques Johnson on Hear District to break down all the Milwaukee Bucks' moves. After sharing their initial reactions to the team's latest moves, they dive into Damian Lillard's Bucks tenure & how both sides have a bright path forward. They dissect Myles Turner's fit with Giannis and how this pairing can help unlock the Bucks' potential on both sides of the floor. The trio bids farewell to Brook Lopez & Pat Connaughton, pondering how the championship team will be honored and if No. 11 should be retired. Jim shares his insights on Bobby Portis' extension, Gary Trent Jr.'s market and how these signings solidified an impactful summer for Milwaukee's rotation. Subscribe to the Hear District podcast to enjoy the biggest names in basketball sounding off on your favorite team. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Fresh off the 2025 NBA Draft, Zach Harper of The Athletic & SiriusXM NBA Radio joins Marques & Kris to discuss the 47th pick, Bogoljub Marković, & what his selection signals for the Milwaukee Bucks. They dissect his playstyle, how he fits with Milwaukee's core & how Bogi can follow in the footsteps of other great European players. They also react to post-draft comments by Bucks Assistant GM Milt Newton, analyze the best ways to build around Giannis Antetokounmpo, discuss a Bucks free agent class headlined by Gary Trent Jr., Bobby Portis & Kevin Porter Jr., the team's pathway to contention in the Eastern Conference, navigating the tricky CBA/Second Apron, the crew's thoughts on Ryan Coogler's "Sinners" & Zach's movie recommendations for MJ. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 5:46 - Bogoljub Breakdown 14:14 - CBA Fallout 18:41 - Building Around Giannis 23:03 - Competing in the East 29:18 - Bucks Free Agency 32:32 - Movie Recommendations Subscribe to the Hear District podcast to enjoy the biggest names in basketball sounding off on your favorite team. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok & Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Rafael Barlowe of NBA Big Board joins Kris & Marques Johnson to preview the 2025 NBA Draft & the Milwaukee Bucks' many options with the 47th pick. But first, they look back at Rafael's extensive pre-draft scouting of Tyler Smith & Ryan Rollins, discussing what the young duo can accomplish in the NBA. They also dive into some potential second-round & undrafted targets for Milwaukee, how Giannis Antetokounmpo's mental approach set him apart from elite prospects, the advantages of being an underdog, how NIL is helping or hurting the draft, global scouting, prospect demographics, youth basketball & more draft insights. MJ & Kris round out the episode by showing love to some Hear District fans & reflecting on the intricacies of Black Father's Day through some greetings MJ received for the holiday. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 3:02 - Scouting Ryan Rollins 6:57 - Underdog Advantages 12:39 - Scouting Tyler Smith 14:30 - Bucks' Draft Possibilities 18:03 - 2nd Round Prospects 29:55 - NBA Draft Philosophies 36:15 - State of NIL & Youth Hoops 45:55 - Global Hoops Development 53:27 - Fan Love & Black Father's Day Subscribe to the Hear District podcast to enjoy the biggest names in basketball sounding off on your favorite team. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Marques Johnson & his co-host/son, Kris highlight 50 years of the Wooden Award with a special episode of Hear District from the L.A. Athletic Club, where they reflect on the legendary coach's legacy, philosophies & his impact on a young MJ at UCLA, inspiring him to become the first ever Wooden Award winner. They also discuss Giannis' proposal of a U.S. vs. the World All-Star game, his trip to Brazil & what his offseason signals to Milwaukee so far, plus some buzz from around the team. In light of Don Nelson winning the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award, MJ reminisces about his former Bucks coach & his visit to Nellie's Hawaii estate. They pay respects to the late David Greenwood and share the story of the time he trash-talked Wilt Chamberlain, rank MJ among UCLA legends, dive into iconic coaching styles and much more on this week's Hear District. Subscribe to the Hear District podcast to enjoy the biggest names in basketball sounding off on your favorite team. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hear-district/id1733360203 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5WI3L2MP4ZgSjWwXqxvK58 For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bucksplusaudio/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bucksplusaudio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bucksplusaudio TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bucksplusaudio

Agent Zero joins Hear District as Marques, Kris & Gilbert Arenas dive into his influence on Damian Lillard & a generation of No. Zeroes in the NBA. Gil shares lessons from Kobe Bryant & Ray Allen's workouts, why he slipped to the second round and his advice for the Milwaukee Bucks' second-round picks. He shares hilarious stories of meeting MJ's son & his Gil's Arena co-host, Josiah, a turn of events at the 2001 NBA Draft Combine, his place in Arizona basketball history, Gil's entertainer mindset & backlash over recent comments about Karl-Anthony Towns. He also updates MJ & Kris on his son Alijah after his scary cybertruck crash, and his road to becoming a 5-star USC commit. Plus, Gil's secrets to a successful NBA career, how Marques fumbled his chance with renowned journalist, Gayle King, Kenyon Martin's toughness & much more. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

NBA & WNBA Skill Development Coach Olin Simplis joins Marques & Kris Johnson to discuss player development, including a key adjustment that could aid Giannis Antetokounmpo’s evolution, his training philosophies, and offseason focus areas for several Young Bucks. Known as 'The Guard Whisperer' for his work with MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Simplis also breaks down the growth of players like AJ Green, Ryan Rollins, and Kevin Porter Jr. The trio shares stories of NBA stars — including four of the five main 2025 award winners — and explores how live-game runs like the Drew League and Summer League fuel development. Marques & Kris close by revisiting recent Giannis narratives through the lens of recent guests. For more, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

The iconic Ice Cube joins Hear District to discuss what another title in Milwaukee would mean for Giannis Antetokounmpo's legacy, how he'd perform in Cube's BIG3 league, whether WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark could play in the 3-on-3 league, and much more. He answers the age-old question… 'Did Ice Cube really mess around and get a triple-double?' after diving into his split from N.W.A., "No Vaseline," infusing L.A.'s culture in his music, and the 35th anniversary of his solo debut, "Amerikkka's Most Wanted." Plus, he ranks the best basketball players who can rap, including Damian Lillard and what's coming to the BIG3 in its eighth season. For more Hear District, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

Legendary sports-talk host Christopher 'Mad Dog' Russo joins Marques and Kris to dish his hottest takes on Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, his place among the all-time greats, whether the Marques-era Bucks would win a championship today, and more. They also talk about Mad Dog’s love for the Packers, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s coin-flip arrival in Milwaukee, whether the NBA Draft Lottery is broken, why modern players wouldn't survive in the '70s NBA, and First Take host's Stephen A. Smith’s possible 2028 presidential run. For more Hear District, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.

ESPN NBA reporters Dave McMenamin and Jamal Collier join Marques & Kris on Hear District this week to filter through the noise surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's summer and explore how the Milwaukee Bucks can best build around him moving forward. They dive deep into Giannis' relationship with Bucks GM Jon Horst and how that dynamic could shape the Bucks' offseason plans, including potential strategies to unleash 'Point Giannis' and set him up for an MVP campaign. They also compare Milwaukee's first-round playoff exit with the Lakers', unpacking why the public narratives around both teams are so different. Plus, there's a look at whether Bronny James has a future as an impact player in the NBA, how Luka Doncic can improve going into next season, and whether Lakers head coach JJ Redick may share more common ground with Bucks head coach Doc Rivers after this year's playoffs. Jamal and Dave also offer insights into how the second apron and the latest CBA are impacting small-market teams like Milwaukee, and why road teams are dominating this year’s NBA Playoffs. For more Hear District, follow @bucksplusaudio — the official podcast network of the Milwaukee Bucks — on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Facebook, and check out all Bucks+ podcast content at www.bucks.com/plus.