Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh discuss the worrying Mavericks and Timberwolves, Victor Wembanyama's and LeBron James's hot shooting, and their rankings of the top NBA rookies so far this season.

(00:40) - Are the Mavericks in trouble?

(12:20) - Are the Timberwolves worse off than the Mavericks?

(17:45) - Is Donovan Clingan the best rookie in this class?

(22:35) - Victor Wembanyama's red-hot 3-pt shooting

(30:30) - LeBron James continues to amaze

(41:10) - 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tom Haberstroh. The guys kick off the episode by talking about the Dallas Mavericks, who have lost four consecutive games and don't look like the defending Western Conference Champions.

Similarly, the Minnesota Timberwolves do not look like a team that would've made it to the Western Conference Finals. Is it Anthony Edwards' fault? Do they miss Karl Anthony-Towns? Should the Timberwolves be concerned about the clunky fit of their current roster?

Portland Trail Blazers' rookie center Donovan Clingan racked up 8 blocks against Minnesota on Wednesday, and he's starting to look like he might be the best big man in this year's draft class.

Victor Wembanyama must've been listening last week when Kevin and Tom told him to stop shooting so many 3s, because he's made 20 of them in his last 3 games and seems to be breaking basketball on both ends of the floor.

LeBron James has posted three consecutive triple-doubles, as he nears his 40th birthday. Tom has an incredible stat that doesn't feel real but sums up just how productive this season has been for James. However, the Lakers still have major issues they need to work out.

Finally, the guys go through a way too early look at the 2024-25 NBA rookie rankings. There's a big surprise at the #1 spot and a few guys that are ready to jump up the list in a hurry.

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Kevin O'Connor is joined by Adam Mares to break down the biggest storylines from around the NBA, including Nikola Jokic's early bid for another MVP, Luka Doncic's struggles with the Dallas Mavericks, the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, whether Oklahoma City should go all-in, some key injury news and much more.

Kevin and Adam start with Nikola Jokic's big night, as the duo break down what's changed about the Joker's game this year that's made him even more dangerous and why Russell Westbrook fits so well in Denver's scheme. On the other side of Sunday night's game, the Dallas Mavericks are now 5-5, and Luka Doncic's lack of development so far this season is starting to catch up with them.

Joel Embiid makes his return Tuesday night, and Kevin and Adam discuss how the Philadelphia 76ers can best utilize him if they want to be a legitimate playoff team. The Sixers aren't the only team affected by injuries so far this season, as the Oklahoma City Thunder are treading water without a few key players. The hosts discuss whether or not OKC needs to break the bank and go all-in this season with a player like Giannis.

Later, Kevin and Adam discuss the Cleveland Cavaliers starting the season 12-0 and how far that could last, plus what's not clicking with the Milwaukee Bucks. The duo finish up by answering a mailbag question on how Jayson Tatum's early successes could raise the ceiling for the Boston Celtics.

(0:50) - Why Nikola Jokic is already playing at an MVP level

(16:15) - Luka Doncic's early struggles

(22:30) - How Sixers can best build around Joel Embiid

(29:30) - NBA injury madness: time for OKC to make a move?

(39:55) - How long can the Cavaliers stay undefeated?

(45:10) - Things just aren't clicking yet in Milwaukee

(47:20) - Does Jayson Tatum's play raise Celtics ceiling?

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The 2024-2025 NBA season is around its 9-game mark as of Thursday night, so Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to share 9 observations about the league and its trends at this roughly 10% completion point in the season.

Can the Philadelphia 76ers survive their atrocious start without Tyrese Maxey and with Joel Embiid slated to play his first game of the season this Tuesday against New York? What adjustments need to be made in San Antonio to get Victor Wembanyama and Chris Paul playing complementary basketball that bolsters Wemby's strengths? Will Zion Williamson ever be Zion Williamson again? All that and more on today's Kevin O'Connor Show.

(0:50) - Sixers aren't who we thought they were

(5:10) - Can anything fix the east vs. west conference imbalance?

(7:10) - Cavs are 9-0, can they get to 60 wins?

(10:30) - Should NBA abandon conferences and go to 58 games?

(16:00) - How can CP3 and Wemby get on the same page?

(25:45) - Kings can reach a new level with DeRozan add

(28:40) - Can Zion ever be Zion again?

(34:20) - Jalen Johnson's usage is crazy

(38:22) - Ja Morant is back with a vengeance

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

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On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by True Hoops' David Thorpe to discuss the biggest headlines from the start of the NBA season. They break down the reason for the Golden State Warriors' hot start this year and what has held back Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton.

Also on today's show, they discuss the emergence of Gradey Dick for the Toronto Raptors and what will happen to the San Antonio Spurs without Gregg Popovich. They wrap up the episode with mailbag questions from listeners, ranging from how the Pistons can become competitive and which team will turn into a soap opera. 

(5:54) The Warriors hot start

(13:30) Gradey Dick's big second year

(21:47) Gregg Popovich's health issue

(24:22) What is wrong with Tyrese Haliburton?

(33:25) Pacers trade targets

(40:02) Fixing the Pistons

(43:03) Soap Opera teams

(51:31) Bright future teams

Kevin O'Connor, along with Tom Haberstroh, wonders if it's time for the Bucks to trade away Giannis and Damian Lillard, how many 5x5 games Wembanyama will have and why aren't rookies playing more?

(00:00) - Time for the Bucks to panic?
(08:05) - Should Milwaukee trade Giannis and Damian Lillard?
(18:00) - Can the Grizzlies survive more injuries?
(24:00) - Victor Wembanyama gets another 5x5
(33:00) - Paolo Banchero is one of several stars facing injury
(37:00) - Why aren't the NBA's rookies playing more?
(44:20) - Ryan Dunn for Rookie of the Year?
(52:00) - Is Anthony Edwards shooting too many 3s?

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh joins Kevin and the show starts with a conversation about the 1-4 Milwaukee Bucks and whether it's time for them to panic and start looking for trade destinations for Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez.

The Memphis Grizzlies, coming off of a definitive win over the Bucks, seem to be the picture of stability but their injury issues from last year might be crashing the party yet again.

Spurs' center Victor Wembanyama became the 3rd player in NBA history to net more than a single 5x5 game. How many will he have in his career? And why isn't the Spurs offense better when he's on the floor?

The guys use the news of Paolo Banchero's oblique injury to talk about the six players that were all-stars last season and are currently dealing with injuries at the start of the NBA season.

Things are trending upward, but Tom points out that rookies are playing fewer minutes than ever to start the season. How can we get the Rockets to free Reed Sheppard? And is Ryan Dunn the favorite to win Rookie of the Year right now?

Finally, the guys talk about why they're worried about Anthony Edwards shooting more 3-pointers and discuss why nobody is noticing the uptick in dunks as well as long-range shots.

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On today's episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin kicks things off with help from Daman Rangoola as the duo give their instant takeaways from Monday night's games, including the Los Angeles Lakers looking promising even in defeat, the Denver Nuggets looking concerning even in victory, Paolo Banchero dropping 50, hype for the Boston Celtics and some early concern over the Milwaukee Bucks and Daman's favorite nicknames for Victor Wembanyama.

Later, Kevin is joined by Minnesota Timberwolves podcaster Dane Moore to discuss the drastic changes to the Timberwolves roster and lineup. They dissect the increased three-point volume for young star Anthony Edwards, and explain what fans should expect from his new play style. They also project the best options for the Timberwolves lineup with new faces like Rob Dillingham and Julius Randle in the mix.

To wrap the show, Kevin answers questions from listeners on this week's mailbag. He covers the difference between the perception for Jayson Tatum and Anthony Edwards, if the Boston Celtics and Oklahoma City Thunder could win 70 games and artists similar to Father John Misty.

(00:45) Phoenix Suns beat Los Angeles Lakers

(12:00) Denver Nuggets beat Toronto Raptors

(23:10) Orlando Magic beat Detroit Pistons

(26:05) Boston Celtics beat Milwaukee Bucks

(38:30) Anthony Edwards' shot selection

(53:35) The Timberwolves best lineup

(1:05:50) Mailbag

(1:06:10) Jayson Tatum vs Anthony Edwards

(1:07:30) Can a team win 70 games?

(1:08:10) Father John Misty

The first few days of the 2024-2025 NBA season are in the books and there is much to discuss. For the first third of the podcast, Kevin O'Connor is joined by Gibson Pyper (aka @HalfCourtHoops) to discuss Thursday evenings games in which Oklahoma City Thunder pummeled the Denver Nuggets, the Minnesota Timberwolves narrowly snuck one by the Sacramento Kings and the Dallas Mavericks had all the answers for the San Antonio Spurs

Later, Tom Haberstroh joins KOC to react to the first few nights of regular season NBA action. The guys start in New Orleans, where an injury to Dejounte Murray's hand could mean the return of "Point Zion" for the Pelicans.

The NBA has said that they are investigating the 76ers after Joel Embiid missed opening night and said that he is done playing in back-to-back games. The bigger question is whether the Sixers can win enough games with Embiid and Paul George sitting so often?

LaMelo Ball lived up to the hype in his return from an ankle injury and led the comeback charge against the Rockets for a road win. Is there any player more fun to watch when they catch fire?

Finally, the guys play a game of "Fact, Fiction or Fantasy" to answer questions about Scoot Henderson's future, the Magic's claim as Florida's best team, the new wall of Clippers fans at the Intuit Dome and a lot more.

(0:40) - Oklahoma City Thunder rolls, time to panic in Denver?

(10:30) - Anthony Edwards and Timberwolves outlast Kings

(19:55) - Klay's debut in Dallas' win over San Antonio

(30:46) - Pelicans' Dejounte Murray fractures hand

(35:30) - NBA investigating 76ers over Joel Embiid's player participation

(40:10) - The Bucks defense looks great

(42:45) - LaMelo shines in comeback win over Rockets

(50:40) - Where have all the rookies been?

(54:40) - FACT, FICTION or FANTASY: Storylines from the first few days of the season

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Kevin O'Connor is joined by Legend of Winning for an episode of predictions before the start of the 2024-25 NBA season. Later, KOC tackles mailbag questions and talks with Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht.

(01:40) - PREDICTION: Magic finish top 3 in the East

(06:20) - PREDICTION: Bucks fans turn on their GM

(11:40) - PREDICTION: The Knicks are overrated

(18:05) - PREDICTION: The NBA will shoot more 3s

(23:05) - PREDICTION: The Grizzlies will miss the playoffs

(29:15) - PREDICTION: De'Aaron Fox will be a trade target

(35:25) - PREDICTION: Rockets will pursue Durant & Harden

(47:55) - Breaking: Jalen Green contract extension

(50:00) - NBA Finals predictions

(51:55) - PREDICTION: Lakers in the Western Conference Finals

(57:20) - The mailbag!

(01:13:35) - Interview with Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, we prepare for the start of the 2024-25 NBA season by making predictions about what will happen this season along with guest co-host Legend of Winning.

Listen in to find out why the guys think the Magic will overperform, the Bucks will underperform and why the Knicks big offseason moves might be overrated (if they can't stay healthy).

KOC adds a prediction about 3-point shooting rates league-wide and explains why he thinks De'Aaron Fox might be the most popular trade target when the deadline comes around. Meanwhile, LOW has some questions about what the Rockets are doing and has a theory that ends with James Harden and Kevin Durant in Houston.

In the mailbag segment, KOC picks a contender to fall out of the playoff race, explains who he thinks will be the most important center on the Suns roster and predicts a trade for the Denver Nuggets.

Finally, Lakers rookie 1st round pick Dalton Knecht joins the show to talk about life under the Los Angeles spotlights (especially around LeBron James and Bronny) and using video games as an escape from the grind.

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Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh to go through the NBA news of the day, including Kawhi's indefinite return from injury and some drama surrounding Giannis and the Bucks, before diving into Tom's Title Tiers.

(00:40) - Clippers F Kawhi Leonard out indefinitely (knee)
(05:15) - Thunder C Isaiah Hartenstein out 5-6 weeks (hand)
(07:20) - 76ers avoid bad news on Paul George's knee
(09:35) - Bulls G Lonzo Ball looks great in preseason return
(16:20) - Timberwolves F Julius Randle debuts
(18:35) - Giannis wonders if the Bucks would trade him
(29:45) - Going over Tom's Title Tiers

As he is every Friday, Kevin O'Connor is joined by Tom Haberstroh for a trip all over the NBA in this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show.

The guys start in Los Angeles, with the news that Kawhi Leonard is out indefinitely with knee inflammation. It's the same knee that kept him out of the Olympics and it's pretty scary that it's not ready to go after so much time away from basketball.

Isaiah Hartenstein's regular season debut with the OKC Thunder will be delayed due to a broken hand, but it doesn't sound serious. The 76ers breathed a sigh of relief when it turned out that Paul George's knee was not seriously injured.

Julius Randle made his Timberwolves debut in a preseason game against the Bulls, but the bigger story was the return of Lonzo Ball after dealing with knee issues for nearly 3 years. Tom and Kevin talk about their favorite parts of his first preseason game back on an NBA court.

After discussing the Milwaukee Bucks, who possibly inched closer to trading Giannis Antetokounmpo next offseason, Kevin goes through Tom's Title Tiers and picks out some of the teams that he feels are worthy of discussion.

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On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Yahoo Sports fantasy basketball analyst Dan Titus to analyze his All-Breakout team before the 2024-2025 season.

Additionally, on today's show, they react to news around the league during the preseason. They highlight Donte DiVincenzo's contentious game against his former team, Bulls guard Lonzo Ball finally returning, the expectation for Joel Embiid to miss most of the 76ers preseason, and the emergence of Suns rookie Ryan Dunn.

Lastly, Kevin wraps up the show by answering listener questions ranging from the Lakers rotation to the start of his sports media career. 

(1:10) Donte DiVincenzo's heated matchup with the Knicks

(7:10) The return of Lonzo Ball

(9:02) How good are the 76ers without Joel Embiid?

(15:52) Ryan Dunn is an emerging weapon for the Suns

(22:09) Dan Titus's All-Breakout Team

(52:19) Mailbag Questions

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Kevin O'Connor is joined by Dan Devine to talk through some preseason NBA narratives and news, including the incredible roster of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Bronny James' place on the Lakers.

(01:05) - Can the Pelicans play Herb Jones at center?

(10:00) - Is Bronny James ready for the NBA?

(15:15) - How long can the Knicks survive with KAT at center?

(25:30) - Are the Thunder the best team in the West?

(36:45) - Can James Harden carry the Clippers with Kawhi out?

(43:15) - How will DeMar DeRozan fit in with the Kings?

(48:30) - Embiid's knee getting evaluated

(54:40) - Early impressions of Zaccharie Risacher

(60:15) - What is the Bulls' identity?

On this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Yahoo Sports senior NBA writer Dan Devine to bounce around the league as the NBA preseason continues.

The guys start in New Orleans, where the Pelicans are saying they will play Herb Jones at center in a small ball lineup. How far can that take them in the loaded Western Conference? Also, how long will Bronny James stay in the NBA before the Lakers have to send him to the G League?

The Knicks will be without Mitchell Robinson until 2025, leaving Karl Anthony-Towns as the team's only option at starting center. Will their offense be good enough to mitigate any issues with the defense?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have more tradeable draft picks than any team and seemingly no holes on their roster. Can anyone in the Western Conference keep them out of the #1 spot?

Kawhi Leonard is, once again, facing knee issues that are keeping him from practicing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Can James Harden recreate his Houston Rockets magic and carry them to the playoffs?

The guys talk about how DeMar DeRozan fits with the Sacramento Kings before diverting to the 76ers, who might need more from Tyrese Maxey if Joel Embiid's knee isn't ready for the season.

Before closing with a conversation about the Bulls being stuck in between good and bad, Kevin and Dan give their thoughts after seeing some preseason action from Hawks rookie #1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher.

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