KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the offseason plans for the New Orleans Pelicans after they were eliminated by the Thunder (02:02). They debate the futures of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram on the Pels and discuss potential trade targets. Next, they discuss Anthony Edwards’s growth and maturity as a player as he continues to rise to superstardom (18:40). Can Ant and the Timberwolves be the team to dethrone the Nuggets? Also, the guys discuss Rob Dillingham’s potential and debate whether he’s worthy of being the top overall pick (31:28). Check out KOC’s 2024 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann open up the episode by discussing the return of international prospect Nikola Topic (01:29). Can he rise up the draft boards and be a top pick? Next, the guys look at some of the younger players who are making some noise in the playoffs, starting with the Thunder-Pelicans series (14:01). They discuss Cason Wallace's role with OKC, as well as Herb Jones's and Trey Murphy III's play with the Pels. In looking at the Lakers-Nuggets series, the guys discuss the near-seamless fit that Christian Braun and Peyton Watson have in Denver (33:30). Also, they discuss what the Magic need to do in the offseason and what they’ve liked from the young players on the Heat (38:52). Check out KOC’s 2024 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor is joined by Victor Wembanyama, fresh off his phenomenal rookie season with the Spurs. They discuss all things from his first year in the NBA, from getting his name called on draft day to the Spurs' 18-game losing streak, his relationship with Gregg Popovich, and what he plans to work on during the offseason. The potential Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year also shares what lessons he’s learned throughout the season, what moves he would want to steal from other players, expectations for next season, why he feels immune to all the distractions, and so much more. Host: Kevin O’Connor Guest: Victor Wembanyama Editor: Drew Van Steenbergen Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz, Jack Wilson, and Cory McConnell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss UConn’s national championship win over Purdue and look specifically at the battle of the bigs between Zack Edey and Donovan Clingan, as well as their rise up the draft boards during the NCAA tournament (02:51). They also debate Stephon Castle’s draft ranking. Next, they discuss French prospect Zaccharie Risacher’s struggles and debate where he belongs among this draft class (17:13). They then dive into the news that Bronny James has entered draft while keeping his college eligibility open and share what they think is the best move for him (26:04). You can read KOC’s article about scouting Bronny James here. Check out KOC’s 2024 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann analyze the draft prospects from the teams in the Final Four, beginning with UConn and Donovan Clingan (3:42). They then debate whether Alabama’s Mark Sears can perform well enough to earn some first-round consideration (11:14). As Purdue’s Zach Edey continues to impress, the guys debate where he should be on draft boards (20:14) and discuss what NC State’s DJ Burns Jr. needs to do to make it on an NBA roster (27:20). Also, they discuss what the future holds for Duke (32:50). Should Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, and Jared McCain strongly consider returning for another season? Next, they debate whether Tennessee's Dalton Knecht is a top-10 prospect and how much of a hit Terrence Shannon Jr.'s and Coleman Hawkins's draft stocks took after Illinois was dominated by UConn in the Elite Eight (36:46). Check out KOC’s 2024 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann give you six prospects to keep an eye on headed into the Sweet 16. Also, they discuss the best potential Elite 8 matchups for scouting prospects, Kentucky's disappointing performance in the tournament, and the overall strength of this year's class (36:12). (02:42) - Zach Edey, Purdue (09:50) - Donovan Clingan, UConn (14:08) - Stephon Castle, UConn (20:55) - Jared McCain, Duke (26:14) - Harrison Ingram, North Carolina (30:29) - Dalton Knecht, Tennessee Check out KOC’s 2024 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC sits down with potential top-five pick Izan Almansa of the G League Ignite as they discuss why he decided to make the jump from the Overtime Elite to the G League, how he handles his confidence with shooting, Joel Embiid versus Nikola Jokic, playing with the national team in Spain, looking forward to playing in the playoffs, and so much more. Host: Kevin O’Connor Guest: Izan Almansa Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC sits down with one of the top prospects in next year’s draft, Matas Buzelis of the G League Ignite. They discuss his desire to make history and win a championship with the Ignite, what he needs to develop to improve his defense, his relationship with teammate Ron Holland, as well as handling the expectations of being a potential top draft pick. Host: Kevin O’Connor Guest: Matas Buzelis Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC sits down with international prospect Alex Sarr from the Perth Wildcats after his breakout performance against the G League Ignite in Las Vegas. They discuss Parr's expectations for developing his defense for the next level, how he got involved in basketball, the importance of finding his jump shot, favorite French players, and more. Host: Kevin O’Connor Guest: Alex Sarr Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kevin O’Connor sits down with potential number one pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Ron Holland, to talk through his basketball journey, his defensive versatility, his growing offensive game and what he needs to improve on in order to make it to the NBA. Host: Kevin O’Connor Guest: Ron Holland Producer: Brian H. Waters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann wrap up this year’s summer league by discussing the performance of Cam Whitmore and taking a look at the Rockets roster that’s loaded with young talent (01:21). After discussing other players who impressed them during summer league, the guys turn their attention to next year’s draft class (18:13). They discuss who the better prospect is between Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland, which prospects they are high on, and which prospects have the best chances to raise their stock. Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the draft grades and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann are live from Las Vegas for Summer League as they discuss the debuts of Amen Thompson and Scoot Henderson (01:49). They then move on to Victor Wembanyama’s lackluster debut and what Brandon Miller could potentially bring to the messy Hornets (17:45). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the draft grades, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and the returning J. Kyle Mann react to last week’s NBA draft, beginning with Ausar Thompson’s near-perfect fit with the Pistons and the questionable picks made by the Magic (04:30). The guys debate Cam Whitmore’s role in Houston, and KOC shares why he didn’t like the Bucks' draft picks of Andre Jackson Jr. and Chris Livingston (22:08). Also, the guys discuss the rest of the Spurs picks outside of Victor Wembanyama, as well as how much we will see of Leonard Miller, who got drafted to the Timberwolves (28:06). Finally, they discuss the future implications for the Blazers after they drafted Scoot Henderson, and they predict how eclectic the crowd will be at this year’s Summer League for Wemby’s potential debut (36:01). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the draft grades and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC welcomes back Danny Chau after his return to The Ringer, and they dive right into Danny’s affection for Amen Thompson (01:54). They then discuss the potential of Kobe Bufkin out of Michigan and Cam Whitmore from Villanova (13:12). In looking at Danny’s favorite team, the Toronto Raptors, the guys debate what they can do with the 13th pick, what the Blazers should do with the third pick, and reminisce about the last time they recorded a pod, after the 2019 draft with Jonathan Tjarks (20:36). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and Danny Chau Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Now that the Nuggets are NBA champions, the draft season is in full swing! KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss what prospects the Nuggets can target with their draft picks, including the 37th pick they acquired in last week’s rare mid-Finals trade with the Thunder (02:01). Also, the guys debate whether the Blazers or Hornets should look into what packages the Pelicans could offer after it was reported that the Pels want to trade up to draft Scoot Henderson (17:05). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the latest rumors surrounding the draft, starting with what the Hornets are thinking with the second overall pick (01:15). Will it be Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, or a trade? The Rockets are one of the more intriguing teams in the lottery, and the guys debate what moves (if any) they can make to contend for a playoff spot next season (11:34). The Ringer’s NBA Draft Guide was recently updated, so KOC shares his motives for some of the risers and fallers on his big board (17:57). Also, the guys turn to Twitter for an NBA draft Q&A (25:13). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss what the NBA's other 28 teams can learn from watching the Nuggets and Heat reach the Finals (01:35). They project forward with draft prospects like Jordan Miller from Miami (Fla.), debate UCLA’s Jamie Jaquez Jr.’s potential role in the NBA, and why they both are high on UCF’s Taylor Hendricks (12:01). After watching Jaylen Brown struggle with handling the ball against the Heat, the guys discuss similar prospects who struggle with the ball and whether they can succeed in the league without evolving that skill (32:50). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss the combined performances of the Thompson Twins and where they could potentially get drafted (01:30). Next, they discuss Wake Forest’s Bobi Klintman skipping the combine and why the guys were impressed by UCLA’s Amari Bailey (19:39). They also discuss the combined performances of Ben Sheppard, Brandin Podziemski, and more (35:56). Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KOC and J. Kyle Mann dive into the draft lottery, starting with San Antonio’s leap to the number one pick, and how drafting Victor Wembanyama will dictate the Spurs’ offseason. Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Producer: Jonathan Kermah Additional Production Support: Corey McConnell and Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
With one week left until the draft lottery, KOC and J. Kyle Mann discuss which teams have the most and least to gain in the lotto before spinning the Tankathon wheel to have one last mock draft. Nos. 1-5 (22:22) Nos. 6-10 (35:47) Nos. 11-14 (45:19) Check out KOC’s 2023 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, mock drafts, and more! Hosts: Kevin O’Connor and J. Kyle Mann Associate Producer: Jessie Lopez Production Supervision: Ben Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wayway
y'alls Trae hate was funny before but now it's overblown and completely exaggerated.