Darnell Mayberry, the Assistant Sports Editor at the Oklahoman who was the Thunder Beat Writer for 7 years, joins Coach Nick to discuss whether Russell Westbrook will go nuclear this year. We also talk about the starting five and why Kevin Durant decided to leave Oklahoma City for the Golden State Warriors.

The off season rolls on as actor Markees Christmas joins the podcast to talk about cautionary tales and tattoos from the NBA. A billion other things not related to the NBA are also discussed.

Do NOT miss John Henson, who you loved on E!'s Talk Soup and ABC's Wipeout, as he appears on Worst Cooks In America on the Food Network premiering TONIGHT, Wednesday September 14th. We take a fun jaunt through the 90's era Knicks, as well as a deep dive into what to expect this season. John also regales us with tales of filming Talk Soup and the sheer madness of the production schedule. 

Me and Erik Horne of The Oklahoman wrap up the Northwest division for the Instant Offense Summer Series: Thunder -Mitch McGary gets 10 more games tacked on to his 5 game suspension. Is his future in OKC? -How does Oladipo fit with Westbrook? Where do you rank them in the backcourt pantheon? -What should we expect from Steven Adams? -How does Donovan deploy Enes Kanter? -aside from Oladipo, which new/unproven role player makes the biggest impact? Jazz -Hill, Johnson, and Diaw make the Jazz veratile and deep. We grade their off-season. -Like OKC, Utah's 4 and 5 fly in the face of today's "pace & space" big men. Will they make it work? -"Hayward and Hood compare to ____". As built, how much of a challenge can Utah give the league elite? Blazers -GM Neil Olshey shelled out a mountain of cash to stand pat. Did he outsmart himself? -Who steps into the role of that 3rd option? -How does the frontcourt play out? -What are Crabbe and Harkless' ceilings? Nuggets -We find 3 reasons or Nuggets fans to be optimistic -Jamal Murray. Discuss. -How does Mike Malone juggle his vets with developing the youth? -Is Faried on his way out? Wolves -Will they live up to the newfound hype? -Will Rubio finish the year in Minny? How good can Dunn be? -Are the Timber-Pups playoff bound? Find and follow Erik at @ErikHorneOK, he's a great follow. And again, big shout out to @SFamXNoble, the man who gave me sounds Timberwolves:

Curtlow - a guy you hear often on SiriusXM NBA Radio when he lends his hilarious and insightful takes on the Rockets - joins Coach Nick to preview what will happen this season in Houston and whether they'll get back on track in the Western Conference.

This week we have special guest Frank Madden of Brewhoop.com! We start with a Milwaukee Mind Set Quiz, Get @ Thon Maker, and talk crying in an Arby's bathroom. All this plus beefs and shout outs in another "EPIC" off-season podcast.

Covering a range of topics, writer and professor at Georgia Southern University Jared Yates Sexton comes back on the podcast to talk about his love for the Pacers in the 90s, as well as covering the Trump campaign as a media member.

Bballbreakdown writers James Holas, Vivek Jacob, and Eli Horowitz get together to preview the NBA's Atlantic Division. Is Toronto or Boston better equipped to challenge the Cavs in the East? Will the Knicks make the playoffs this year? Will the Nets or Sixers finish last in the East? 

Matt and Jon pitch ideas to Kobe for his new VC firm. Dave Futernick hates on them all. Also: Hilluminati, Take City and Get @me Dawg.

Sam Hinkie is the Obi Wan-Kenobi for the Force that will be the future 76ers. Marc Lamont Hill (that's @MarcLamontHill on twitter) joins me to celebrate the Sixers and talk us through the rest of the Atlantic division. Sixers: Ben Simmons has fan excitement is through the roof. Do we owe Sam Hinkie an apology? -Jahlil Okafor is a divisive, talented player. Does Philly move on with him, do they just move on? -Between Jah, Noel, Embiid, Saric, and Simmons, the frontcourt is tight. How long does it take coach Brett Brown to figure it out? Marc plays GM: Who stays? -a handful of quality veteran perimeter players are on board this season; does that happen if Hinkie was still around? We discuss the newcomers fit. -Predictions Celtics: Al Horford is the first big FA signing in, well, forever. What's he bring? -The "eye test" loves Jaylen Brown, some analytics hate him. Marc shares his thoughts. -Does Marcus Smart finally "get it"? -Predictions Raptors: Did they do enough to maintain the status quo? -How Do DeMar DeRozan and Kyle lowry stack up to other backcourts? -They went from 25th in DD-Rating in '15 to 11th ;last year. How do they maintain that with Biyombo gone? -Predictions Knicks: Phil Jackson brought in plenty of reinforcements-can they balance "win now" with Porzingis' development? -Choose one: Kristaps, Towns, or Brow. -Can they make the playoffs. SHOULD they? -Predictions Nets: Sean Marks got them younger and more flexible financially. Grade the offseason. -what does Marc deem a "successful" season for them? What is new coach's Kenny Atkinson's focus? -I ask Marc to talk Nets fans down off the ledge.  

Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with former Arizona star and current Pac-12 Network analyst Matt Muehlebach. They discuss a high school rivlary with Gary Payton, playing in the summer camp circuit against some playground legends, and Arizona's intense recruiting pitch. Muehlebach, the winningest player in school history, shares remarkable stories about playing for Lute Olson, building the Arizona program, and developing a lifelong friendship with Steve Kerr. He takes us inside a Golden State Warriors practice and explains how Kerr's understanding of the game has taken Steph Curry to new heights. Also, Muehlebach talks about his short stint as an agent for NBA players.  Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Matt Muehlebach: @mattmuehlebach Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod BBALLBREAKDOWN: @bballbreakdown Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic  

Bulls:

-Coach Hoiberg compared adding Rondo and Wade to Butler with Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell to KG in Minny. Help me put that into perspective.
-Added Portis last year, Valentine this year. Plus Zipser, Felicio, McDermott, and Jerian Grant, there's some tantalizing potential there.
-Lopez-Gibson-Butler-Wade isn't a bad core 4. What's your prognosis for this season under Hoiberg? What's the key to a successful season?

Cavs:

-Any chance they get dethroned?

-last year, Kyrie was working back from injury, showed out in the Finals. Did his playoffs change how you view him? Where did you rank him last preseason, where do you rank him now?

-Does Kevin Love find his footing this season?

Pacers:

I see the Pacers potentially challenging for that 2 spot in the east. Am I crazy?

-Where is Paul George in the current pantheon of players?

-George Hill underrated defender, let PG handle at will. Teague more ball dominant, more offensively explosive. Better or worse for Indy?

-Myles Turner: at 20, one of 8 rookies his age or younger to go for at least 10 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 1.4 blks. What's his ceiling?

 

Pistons:

-Are the Boban and Leuer additions enough to push them into the top 4?

- What does Andre Drummond need to do to propel himself (and Detroit) into that next level?

-Are Ish Smith and  Ray McCallum the answer at backup PG?

-Thoughts on Tobias Harris?

 

Bucks:

Thon Maker and Malcolm Brogdon add youth and more versatility; Dellavedova was overall below replacement level last year. Did they do enough to hop back into the playoff hunt?

-Thoughts on Point Giannis?

-Can Jabari Parker be a franchise cornerstone?

-You're the GM: What to do about Greg Monroe and Michael Carter-Williams?

 

Summertime, offseason, that means Matt and Jon go in all different directions. First, they discuss the like-ability of the Olympic team and then Matt pitches Jon movies ideas. Finally, Obama hanging out with NBA players is analyzed.

Bulls: -Coach Hoiberg compared adding Rondo and Wade to Butler with Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell to KG in Minny. Help me put that into perspective. -Added Portis last year, Valentine this year. Plus Zipser, Felicio, McDermott, and Jerian Grant, there's some tantalizing potential there. -Lopez-Gibson-Butler-Wade isn't a bad core 4. What's your prognosis for this season under Hoiberg? What's the key to a successful season? Cavs: -Any chance they get dethroned? -last year, Kyrie was working back from injury, showed out in the Finals. Did his playoffs change how you view him? Where did you rank him last preseason, where do you rank him now? -Does Kevin Love find his footing this season? Pacers: I see the Pacers potentially challenging for that 2 spot in the east. Am I crazy? -Where is Paul George in the current pantheon of players? -George Hill underrated defender, let PG handle at will. Teague more ball dominant, more offensively explosive. Better or worse for Indy? -Myles Turner: at 20, one of 8 rookies his age or younger to go for at least 10 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 1.4 blks. What's his ceiling?   Pistons: -Are the Boban and Leuer additions enough to push them into the top 4? - What does Andre Drummond need to do to propel himself (and Detroit) into that next level? -Are Ish Smith and  Ray McCallum the answer at backup PG? -Thoughts on Tobias Harris?   Bucks: Thon Maker and Malcolm Brogdon add youth and more versatility; Dellavedova was overall below replacement level last year. Did they do enough to hop back into the playoff hunt? -Thoughts on Point Giannis? -Can Jabari Parker be a franchise cornerstone? -You're the GM: What to do about Greg Monroe and Michael Carter-Williams?  

Warriors:

Can they embrace the role of villains? 

Is there a cross-sport equivalence to them nabbing KD?

Should Kerr's postseason gaffes affect how we view him?

Can the bench do enough? Will it matter if they don't?

 Clippers:

What more do they need?

Was this off season a success?

Is this Blake and Chris Paul's last stand?

Kings:

What's the take on Boogie?

What the hell is going on with the roster?

Can we find any positives this off season?

Suns: 

Grade the wonderous off season.

Where do we rank their young core?

What do the vets bring to the table? Could they shock the NBA this year?

Lakers:

How much does coaching matter?

Are Deng and Mozgov worth $138 million to THIS team?

Who can we compare Ingram and Russell to?

Where do we rank Clarkson among shooting guards?

Is Randle a franchise cornerstone?

-How long until these Lakers return to relevance?

Me too, @SnottieDrippen!

And big shouts to Patrick, aka @SFamXNoble for the sounds!

Miami Heat:
-After 13 years, over 20,000 points, and 3 rings, Dwyane Wade and Pat Riley went through a very public, very ugly split, and Wade's now in Chicago. We get Big Wos' thoughts on the Riley-Wade dynamic.

-Hassan Whiteside is 27, with less than 150 NBA games under his belt, only 75 starts, has questions about his attitude/maturity, and is now in possession of a 4 year, $98 million contract. The Heat took a leap of faith, but did they bet on the wrong horse?

-What's going on with Chris Bosh?

-Will this enough for coach Spoelstra and Riley to make the playoffs?

Orlando Magic:

-What exactly is going on in Orlando?

-Aaron Gordon, Serge Ibaka, Biyombo, and incumbent Vucevic. How does new coach Frank Vogel divvy up the minutes?

-Between Evan Fournier (5 yrs/85 mil),Mario  Hezonja, and Elfrid Payton, how does the backcourt stack up to others in the east?

Atlanta Hawks:

-From 60 wins, to 48 and 4th seed: do they reverse the trend this year?

-Can Paul Millsap and Dwight Howard coexist?

-is Dennis Schroeder ready for starter's responsibilities?

Charlotte Hornets:

Out: Lin, Lee, Big Al

For the last 4 years, they've alternated between missing the playoffs and 1st round exits.Should Hornets fans prep for the lottery, and do they matter?

-Can Kemba Walker make The Leap? What can expect from him this year?

-what's their best case scenario (who needs to step up, how far can they go in playoffs?). Worst case scenario?

Washington Wizards:

Are the off season moves, plus a pissed off john Wall, enough to make them relevant again?

-Is Wall the 2nd best player in the East? Did last year change your POV on Wall?

-What does new coach Scott Brooks bring to the table that can was missing?

Warriors: Can they embrace the role of villains?  Is there a cross-sport equivalence to them nabbing KD? Should Kerr's postseason gaffes affect how we view him? Can the bench do enough? Will it matter if they don't?  Clippers: What more do they need? Was this off season a success? Is this Blake and Chris Paul's last stand? Kings: What's the take on Boogie? What the hell is going on with the roster? Can we find any positives this off season? Suns:  Grade the wonderous off season. Where do we rank their young core? What do the vets bring to the table? Could they shock the NBA this year? Lakers: How much does coaching matter? Are Deng and Mozgov worth $138 million to THIS team? Who can we compare Ingram and Russell to? Where do we rank Clarkson among shooting guards? Is Randle a franchise cornerstone? -How long until these Lakers return to relevance? Follow Marcus on Twitter, @ThompsonScribe! Me too, @SnottieDrippen! And big shouts to Patrick, aka @SFamXNoble for the sounds!

Adam Stanco's in-depth interview with ESPN.com Cleveland Cavaliers beat writer Dave McMenamin. They discuss who on the Cavs believed they could make a historic comeback after trailing 3-1 in the NBA Finals, how they came back, what has been motivating LeBron James, what the future holds for Kyrie Irving, and why Kevin Love has accepted his role as third banana.  Subscribe to the Great Point Podcast on iTunes. On Twitter... Adam Stanco: @NaismithLives Dave McMenamin: @mcten Great Point Podcast: @GreatPointPod BBALLBREAKDOWN: @bballbreakdown Yaw Geez (Intro Music): @YAWmusic

Sopan Deb of CBS News joins Coach Nick to lend his unique insight into covering Donald Trump, from interacting with Trump supporters to following every single one of his events. Find out what it's like to take multiple planes a day, being on the road for over a year straight, and how that shapes the coverage of the Republican nominee for president.

Miami Heat: -After 13 years, over 20,000 points, and 3 rings, Dwyane Wade and Pat Riley went through a very public, very ugly split, and Wade's now in Chicago. We get Big Wos' thoughts on the Riley-Wade dynamic. -Hassan Whiteside is 27, with less than 150 NBA games under his belt, only 75 starts, has questions about his attitude/maturity, and is now in possession of a 4 year, $98 million contract. The Heat took a leap of faith, but did they bet on the wrong horse? -What's going on with Chris Bosh? -Will this enough for coach Spoelstra and Riley to make the playoffs? Orlando Magic: -What exactly is going on in Orlando? -Aaron Gordon, Serge Ibaka, Biyombo, and incumbent Vucevic. How does new coach Frank Vogel divvy up the minutes? -Between Evan Fournier (5 yrs/85 mil),Mario  Hezonja, and Elfrid Payton, how does the backcourt stack up to others in the east? Atlanta Hawks: -From 60 wins, to 48 and 4th seed: do they reverse the trend this year? -Can Paul Millsap and Dwight Howard coexist? -is Dennis Schroeder ready for starter's responsibilities? Charlotte Hornets: Out: Lin, Lee, Big Al For the last 4 years, they've alternated between missing the playoffs and 1st round exits.Should Hornets fans prep for the lottery, and do they matter? -Can Kemba Walker make The Leap? What can expect from him this year? -what's their best case scenario (who needs to step up, how far can they go in playoffs?). Worst case scenario? Washington Wizards: Are the off season moves, plus a pissed off john Wall, enough to make them relevant again? -Is Wall the 2nd best player in the East? Did last year change your POV on Wall? -What does new coach Scott Brooks bring to the table that can was missing? -Can the Kelly Oubre/Otto Porter duo pick up the slack?

Sopan Deb of CBS News joins Coach Nick to lend his unique insight into covering Donald Trump, from interacting with Trump supporters to following every single one of his events. Find out what it's like to take multiple planes a day, being on the road for over a year straight, and how that shapes the coverage of the Republican nominee for president.

The NBA off-season has been bananas, so it'll take a Herculean effort to untangle all of the mayhem. First up, MavsMoneyball.com's Editor-In-Chief and all around good guy Tim Cato (that's @Tim_Cato on Twitter) drops by to dissect the Southwest division.

Mavericks: Key additions/losses, grade Dallas' off season.
Feelings about Dirk Nowitzki getting paid. How much does he have left in the tank?

Is Justin Anderson as bad ass as he seems?

Will Wes Matthews ever return to form? What do we expect from him this year?

Spurs: Did they add enough? What's Pau Gasol/David Lee bring? Who's that X-factor?

Chance Kawhi Leonard wins MVP?

Grizzlies: New Coach, new wing (Chandler Parsons), Marc Gasol & Mike Conley back (153 MILLION DOLLARS); is this enough to compete in the West?

Thoughts on draftees Wade Baldwin & Deyonta Davis?

"You be the GM": you paying Conley so much?

How's the rotation go?

Rockets: Mike D'antoni BYKE, Harden locked in for more years, snagged Ryan Anderson & Eric Gordon, got Sam Dekker back, lost Dwight Howard. What's it all mean?

Thoughts on Clint Capela? Will Onuaku get mins?

Stats projections that mean absolutely nothing.

Pelicans: Health has been a huge issue for them. Anthony Davis & Jrue Holiday back,did they do enough to matter? (drafted Diallo +Hield, signed Galloway, Moore, Solo Hill, Terrence Jones)

concerned about the Brow's injury history? Where does he rank, player-wise?

Is Buddy Hield the missing piece?

The NBA off-season has been bananas, so it'll take a Herculean effort to untangle all of the mayhem. First up, MavsMoneyball.com's Editor-In-Chief and all around good guy Tim Cato (that's @Tim_Cato on Twitter) drops by to dissect the Southwest division. Mavericks: Key additions/losses, grade Dallas' off season. Feelings about Dirk Nowitzki getting paid. How much does he have left in the tank? Is Justin Anderson as bad ass as he seems? Will Wes Matthews ever return to form? What do we expect from him this year? Spurs: Did they add enough? What's Pau Gasol/David Lee bring? Who's that X-factor? Chance Kawhi Leonard wins MVP? Grizzlies: New Coach, new wing (Chandler Parsons), Marc Gasol & Mike Conley back (153 MILLION DOLLARS); is this enough to compete in the West? Thoughts on draftees Wade Baldwin & Deyonta Davis? "You be the GM": you paying Conley so much? How's the rotation go? Rockets: Mike D'antoni BYKE, Harden locked in for more years, snagged Ryan Anderson & Eric Gordon, got Sam Dekker back, lost Dwight Howard. What's it all mean? Thoughts on Clint Capela? Will Onuaku get mins? Stats projections that mean absolutely nothing. Pelicans: Health has been a huge issue for them. Anthony Davis & Jrue Holiday back,did they do enough to matter? (drafted Diallo +Hield, signed Galloway, Moore, Solo Hill, Terrence Jones) oncerned about the Brow's injury history? Where does he rank, player-wise? Is Buddy Hield the missing piece?

Coach Nick sat down with Jared Sexton Yates, contributor to the New Republic and New York Times, to more fully understand what happens at a Donald Trump rally and who attends them. While the prospects for passionate human behavior are dim, it's important to understand what these rallies are doing to the discourse and our political system.