Austin and Pausha send their farewells to the youngest MVP in NBA history, Derrick Rose, upon his retirement and share their favorite memories looking back at his career (18:00). Then, they jump into way-too-early predictions and decide which players already belong in the MVP race, like Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and SGA. Later, they discuss Jokic’s potential for a fourth MVP award (43:36). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha discuss their top questions heading into the preseason and kick things off with talk of ‘Starting 5’ on Netflix (8:07). Then, they get into Giannis’s future in Milwaukee (20:04), the importance of the point guard position (28:46), which teams are destined for the play-in games (35:16), and more! Later, they say their farewells to Adrian Wojnarowski after his shocking retirement, and share their favorite Woj bomb moments (51:41). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Erika Cervantes Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are back to share their final summer thoughts from the offseason and kick things off by trying to figure out what exactly the Cleveland Cavaliers’ plan is with their current roster construction (9:22). Then, they break down the Knicks’ approach to next season with an emphasis on Julius Randle (14:58), discuss Luka’s legacy if he never receives an MVP (30:12), and then rank the top cores in the league, before answering whether or not they would trade Chet Holmgren for Cooper Flagg (42:53). Later, Austin wraps up with his theory about the league’s approach to young vs. veteran players (1:01:59), and Pausha shares his missed opportunity with The New York Times (1:18:19). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are joined by Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr.! They kick things off by discussing the Olympics and the potential that MPJ will play in 2028 (3:52). Then, they talk about MPJ’s shooting skills and why he’s received nicknames like Michael "The Possession Ends Here" Porter Jr. (8:50). Later, they touch on playing alongside Nikola Jokic (12:52) and the pressures of playing elite ball while juggling family demands (28:20). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Guest: Michael Porter Jr. Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha take one last look at Team USA’s Olympic run, starting with the close call against Serbia (16:10). Then, they hit on the gold medal game against France (22:13) and address the top five takeaways from the games, including Steph’s ridiculous 3s, LeBron adding to his GOAT résumé, the Jayson Tatum controversy, and more (34:54)! Later, they play a game of Whose Career Would You Rather Have: Jrue Holiday vs. Damian Lillard edition (56:36). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are back to break down Team USA and what they’ve seen thus far. They discuss the importance of Derrick White’s role (6:30), give Bam Adebayo his well-deserved flowers, and preview what Team USA could look like in 2028 (13:28). Later, they highlight the top three players leading the team, with a special shout-out to the GOAT, LeBron James, before touching on what’s happened to the Summer of Tatum after he got a DNP (33:31). Plus, they answer a few league questions (43:05) before wishing Austin a happy birthday! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha evaluate what we’re seeing from the exhibition games played by Team USA so far (3:46), discussing why Kevin Durant could take the fourth spot in the starting lineup, and how they could use Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum. Then, Austin reflects on his experience playing in the NBA Summer League against players like Damian Lillard. They wrap up by highlighting which players have stood out so far in Las Vegas (32:07). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha react to free agency moves, starting with DeMar DeRozan heading to the Kings (3:36), then talk through the Spurs’ additions with Chris Paul and Harrison Barnes (6:45). Later, they discuss why high profile teams are missing out on big name players (22:58), and then share what lineup they want to see for Team USA (58:14). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha break down the biggest story lines during this free agency period, starting out with Donovan Mitchell’s extension with the Cavs (01:34). Then, they discuss if the Sixers have surpassed the Knicks with the addition of Paul George (12:10) and how Isaiah Hartenstein helps OKC's title chances (26:00). Plus, Austin explains why the Warriors made a mistake not keeping Klay Thompson and the Warriors (33:54) and Boston's consistency (61:00). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Ben Cruz and Eduardo Ocampo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha return to ‘Off Guard’ to dive into the 2024 NBA draft. The duo share their insights on the league's current landscape, favorite picks, plus, the most and least surprising moments. Finally, they weigh in on the nepotism debate surrounding Bronny James. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producer: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are joined by Charlotte Hornets guard (and Austin’s brother-in-law), Seth Curry, to discuss the NBA Finals! They dive into another dominant performance by the Celtics that resulted in a gentleman’s sweep and the Larry O’Brien trophy (3:05). Then, they talk through Jaylen Brown getting named Finals MVP (13:23), Jayson Tatum almost being crowned King of the Summer, and what they want to see at the parade. Later, Seth dives into his time playing with the Mavs and compares playing with Kyrie in Brooklyn vs. Dallas (32:07). Plus, Austin and Seth reminisce on playing together at Duke and share another incredible Coach K story (45:32). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Guest: Seth Curry Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha recap Game 3 of the Finals with the Celtics now within reach of their 18th franchise championship (0:40), and then they discuss the pride the Mavericks will play with in Game 4 despite facing insurmountable odds. Then, they discuss Jayson Tatum's and Kyrie Irving’s on-court responses to criticism in the media and talk through Luka’s seeming lack of effort on defense (17:30). Later, they touch on trends they identify as major components to building a successful team (43:20)! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are back to talk Game 2 of the Finals and start by discussing the controversial block made by Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, which helped seal a huge win for the Celtics (0:45). Later, Austin shares his thoughts on why Game 3 means more for Kyrie Irving specifically (20:02) and then shouts out Jrue Holiday for being an absolutely vital piece of Boston’s roster (26:52). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha fire up the mics following Game 1 of the NBA Finals and kick things off discussing just how different the Boston Celtics look with Kristaps Porzingis officially back in the mix (0:45). They then talk through the adjustments the Mavericks can make in Game 2 to flip the series (19:02) before reacting to the latest reports of the Lakers’ interest in Dan Hurley to be their next head coach (33:24). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are back for the official ‘Off Guard’ Finals preview! They run through top story lines that include expectations for the Mavs and the Celtics, discuss who’s the best third player in the series, predict who takes home the win, and more! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are back to recap the Timberwolves’ disheartening Game 5 loss, which also sent the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals (1:02). Then, they highlight the top story lines between Dallas and Boston, with an early Finals preview (14:10). Later, they talk through the Western and Eastern Conferences and how they could potentially stack up next season (24:17). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha break down Game 4 in the Western Conference finals, with the Timberwolves taking their first win of the series (0:45). They discuss the adjustments Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns made, and talk through the chances that Minnesota can push the series to Game 7. Later, they touch on how to identify solid players in not-so-great situations, and tip their hat to the Mavs for their “risky” additions this season (6:58). Then, they preview what a hypothetical Finals series would look like between the Celtics and Mavs, with Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown all at their peak (34:08). Plus, Austin and Pausha discuss where Luka ranks among the best players and how that would change if he can take home a ring! Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are back to discuss the devastating loss for the Pacers in Game 2 against the Celtics, and emphasize the dominant Tatum-Brown duo (11:05). Then, they hit on Kyrie and Luka’s epic performance in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, before addressing adjustments the T-Wolves have to make for the rest of the series (44:40). Plus, the guys take a quick look back at LeBron’s best years. Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha are back to break down the Timberwolves’ huge Game 7 win over the Nuggets (1:12). Then, they share a trend they’ve observed that emphasizes the importance of having depth on your roster versus star power (17:31). Later, they make predictions for the Wolves-Mavs Western Conference finals, and give a shout-out to Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers for moving on to the Eastern Conference finals (45:32). Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Austin and Pausha kick things off discussing what the Timberwolves did differently in Game 6 that led to their 45-point statement win over Denver (1:58). Then, they talk through predictions for Game 7 of Timberwolves-Nuggets and Game 6 of the Mavs-Thunder series, before betting on which team they think the Mavericks would much rather run into if they move on (15:50). Later, they hit on the pressure for the Celtics to take home a championship after returning to the conference finals for the sixth time in eight years (44:53), touch on J.J. Redick potentially taking the Lakers coaching gig, and wrap with Draymond’s comments about Rudy Gobert on ‘Inside the NBA.’ Hosts: Austin Rivers and Pausha Haghighi Producers: Erika Cervantes and Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices