The Jj Redick Podcast

Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. KOC goes up north and brings on Samson Folk, a freelance reporter who covers the Raptors for Raptors Republic. (00:56) - KOC’s thoughts on Paul George’s return and the Bucks-76ers game (06:18) - The Raptors' unique offensive strategy (08:16) - Pascal Siakam’s improvement and what more to expect from OG Anunoby (14:49) - Describing Scottie Barnes (19:31) - How the Raptors used Barnes against Nikola Jokic (26:51) - Can Barnes grow into the primary facilitator? (28:47) - Rookie rankings and the case for each top candidate to win ROTY (37:09) - Samson’s favorite players not on the Raptors (41:18) - The NBA is as deep as ever and continuing to evolve Host: Kevin O'Connor Guest: Samson Folk Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC begin the show by discussing the injury to Robert Williams and what it means to the Celtics (02:33). The Warriors have lost nearly every game since Steph Curry’s injury, and the guys discuss their bad stretch of games (18:16). The Suns have been by far the best team in the NBA, and the guys believe the only way they'll go down is with a major injury (23:31). After weeks of speculation, it was announced that Paul George will be making his return to the Clippers (41:48). Also, they discuss the race for MVP (49:20) and Rookie of the Year (56:33). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC begin the show discussing their latest NBA prospect rankings (01:09). Has Chet Holmgren fallen from the top spot after Gonzaga’s loss? Can Jaden Ivey raise his draft stock? The guys debate whether the Suns are really getting disrespected after Chris Paul’s return and clinching the top seed in the West (16:26). In a wide-open NBA, can the Grizzlies make a true run at the title (29:40)? The guys debate whether there is more behind the video of Zion Williamson dunking (38:38). They also dive into the altercation that happened on the Heat sideline between Jimmy Butler and Udonis Haslem (46:32) before Verno shares why the Nets don’t scare him, especially without Ben Simmons (53:02). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside basketball with the people who know it best. With March Madness in full swing, KOC brings on Mark Titus and Tate Frazier from the ‘Titus and Tate’ podcast on Fox Sports. They go full swing on all the NCAA tournament action as well as the top NBA prospects. (06:42) - Why Jabari Smith Jr. struggled (13:22) - On Malaki Branham and E.J. Liddell (19:40) - Benefits of being able to test the draft process for college players (27:25) - On Christian Koloko and Arizona (34:09) - On Paolo Banchero, A.J. Griffin, and Duke (44:32) - Chet Holmgren’s NBA potential (51:09) - NBA prospects no one is talking about (58:29) - How high will Hunter Dickinson go? (01:01:07) - What makes UCLA so tough? Host: Kevin O'Connor Guest: Mark Titus and Tate Frazier Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Celtics riding a four-game win streak, has Verno come around to see them as a Finals sleeper (02:11)? KOC gives us reasons the Celtics are serious contenders for the title. The guys talk about how Patrick Beverley has completely changed the culture for the Timberwolves (12:54). The 76ers beat the Heat last night, despite being without James Harden and Joel Embiid, but KOC has noticed Harden playing different lately (22:25). With Ben Simmons out and Kyrie Irving still playing part time, the guys debate the Nets' title chances (27:33). They also take a look at some of the teams on the rise in the East (38:47) before discussing the possibility of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard returning (43:03). Finally, they give the latest updates on the biggest injuries in the NBA (50:20).  Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC go through the first day of the NCAA tournament and how the top prospects performed (01:40). One of the top prospects, Chet Holmgren, blew the guys away (09:12). Another day and another 50-point performance in the NBA, this time from the Pistons’ Saddiq Bey (19:24). Just when the Warriors were getting healthy, Steph Curry gets injured and the guys discuss the effects his injury will have across the West (31:36). The Raptors are on a five-game winning streak, and the guys debate whether they are a team who could make some noise in the playoffs (41:54). Does Skip Bayless know something about Kawhi Leonard that we don't (50:34)? Also, they discuss the Donnie Nelson lawsuit against Mark Cuban and the Mavs (55:05). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. Today’s guest is The Ringer’s own Dan Devine. Dan joins the show to discuss his latest article about the Dallas Mavericks before diving into the hottest topics in the NBA. (02:25)—Why the Mavericks are dominating (10:17)—Can the Mavs make it to the Finals? (18:13)—Steph Curry's Injury (23:56)—Nets' title chances without Kyrie Irving and what the Ben Simmons news means (29:14)—What we’ve learned about the Suns without CP3 (42:22)—Why Scottie Barnes won’t win Rookie of the Year (46:34)—Jalen Green’s development (53:24)—Laker woes with Russell Westbrook (01:03:41)—On RJ Barrett Host: Kevin O'Connor Guest: Dan Devine Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC begin the show by discussing KAT’s 60-point performance, Draymond Green’s return, and Kevin Garnett’s jersey retirement (01:15). They next bring on former VP of basketball operations for the Memphis Grizzlies and current NBA writer for The Athletic, John Hollinger. They discuss the top prospects in the ACC, how he views prospects differently, and why the conference games are more important when it comes to scouting (27:28). John was at the Nets-Knicks game over the weekend and shares his experience watching Kevin Durant drop 53 (55:08) before discussing the top teams in each conference (01:01:10). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Guest: John Hollinger Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC begin the show by discussing the Nets' blowout win against the 76ers (01:30) before discussing Seth Curry’s influence and why he’s becoming such an important player in Brooklyn (17:42). After a five-game losing streak, the Warriors have won two in a row, but without Draymond Green, the guys are unsure whether they can make a run (28:50). As the regular season winds down, KOC mentions an idea he’s been hearing that adds incentives to the top seeds in each conference (35:12). Rookies Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green are starting to find their groove (51:19). They last give some college names to keep an eye on as March Madness looms closer (58:45). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. Today’s guest is Adam Mares. He is the VP of creative production at DNVR Sports and hosts two Nuggets podcasts, 'DNVR Nuggets' and 'Locked on Nuggets'. (02:04) - Kyrie Irving drops 50, a preview of a role for Ben Simmons (07:04) - Will Kawhi Leonard and Paul George return? (11:04) - What to expect from Golden State’s young players and Jackie Moon’s impact on Klay Thompson (15:22) - Darius Garland’s style of play and Evan Mobley coming up big (20:30) - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a weird night, but the Bucks destroyed OKC (24:55) - Is Nikola Jokic the MVP, or the best player in the game? (33:08) - How is Jokic influencing the game? (51:29) - Are the Nuggets Finals sleepers? (56:08) - Russell Wilson traded to the Broncos (01:02:38) - Draft talk about Colorado State’s David Roddy Host: Kevin O'Connor Guest: Adam Mares Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho

Verno and KOC begin the show discussing the level playing field in the East and West (01:40). Both are excited to watch the race to the postseason, with several teams chasing a playoff spot. KOC shares why he believes the 3-seed is the real 1-seed in the East (07:43). Verno simply can’t believe what Nikola Jokic is doing with the Nuggets as the guys discuss his case for back-to-back MVPs (09:08). After the Bulls dropped their fifth straight last night, they are starting to look like pretenders more than contenders (27:10). KOC continues to nag Verno about the Celtics and their Finals chances (32:30). They discuss last night’s Mavs-Jazz game, specifically the interaction between Rudy Gobert and Luka Doncic (37:00), before diving into what is going on with the Warriors (43:45). One thing is certain for the Warriors: They need Draymond Green back. Also, they go into the last night's drama around Russell Westbrook (51:22). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choi

Verno and KOC open up the show by discussing yet another Lakers blowout loss, this time to the Clippers (01:54). KOC believes the loss was symbolic, while Verno can’t believe that the Clippers have been competitive without Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Can the Clippers make some noise even if just PG returns (08:51)? While everyone is paying attention to James Harden in Philly, KOC points out that Spencer Dinwiddie has found his groove again since being traded to the Mavs (19:33). With the way the Mavs have been playing since the trade deadline, the guys believe that they have a chance to make a run (23:07). While the Warriors remain second in the West, they are 3-7 in their past 10 games and riding a three-game losing streak. The guys discuss Draymond Green’s importance to the Warriors and why James Wiseman will need to immediately contribute (31:10). Also, Verno gets real about the Celtics after watching them beat his Grizzlies on Thursday night (40:35). As the Celtics continue to play better, KOC asks Ver

Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. Today’s guest is Jason Maples. He is a cohost of the ‘Temple of Hoop’ podcast with Big Kings and an assistant coach for the Contra Costa College men's basketball team. (06:11) - Lakers losses are all the same (11:04) - True issues with the Lakers (21:55) - Warriors not making a move will come back to haunt them (27:51) - Clippers are title favorites if Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are healthy (33:01) - Luka’s eerily similarities (36:08) - Cade Cunningham’s upside (40:07) - Predicting where the Nets will finish (45:21) - Brandon Ingram’s improvement (51:29) - How bout dem Cowboys? Host: Kevin O'Connor Guest: Jason Maples Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno is still buzzing from last night’s Grizzlies game after watching Ja Mortant drop 52 points (01:10). KOC points out how Morant has fully embraced the city of Memphis and how he’s revitalized a franchise (05:40). The guys debate just how good the Timberwolves are before discussing their chances to catch the Mavs and Nuggets (14:15). Scottie Barnes continues to shine as a rookie as the guys discuss his potential and take a deeper look at the Raptors roster (19:57). The guys discuss what the Hornets can do now that Gordon Hayward is out with an ankle sprain (29:50). Despite the absolutely terrible play from the Lakers lately, the guys are in agreement that with a healthy LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they still have a chance to make some noise (37:54). Lastly, they give their thoughts on the new-look 76ers with James Harden (53:26). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The All-Star break is over as the second half of the NBA season is underway! The Bulls beat the Hawks on Thursday night, with DeMar DeRozan continuing his historic shooting streak (02:05). The guys gush about DeMar's midrange game and how he's elevated himself while also carrying the Bulls. James Harden is scheduled to make his debut as a Sixer on Friday night, but before Harden made his way to Philly, Joel Embiid actually wanted someone else as a teammate (17:06). Don’t look now, but the Celtics are on a roll, losing only twice in the past month. KOC gives big credit to Robert Williams for their turnaround (30:27). However, Verno still doesn't believe the Celtics have enough to make any noise for a deep playoff run (38:58). The guys get into a heated debate about the Blazers' future after it was announced that center Jusuf Nurkic is out with a left foot injury (49:31). Lastly, they discuss the Nuggets' chances in the playoffs once Jamal Murray returns, and KOC’s favorite, Point Booker (01:02:15).  Hosts: Chr

Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. KOC brings on Crooked Media’s Jason Concepcion, host of Crooked’s 'Takeline,' 'ALL CAPS NBA,' and 'X-Ray Vision.' They discuss all the latest noise surrounding Zion Williamson’s future with the Pelicans (03:44). What is the better path for the Pelicans: compete for a playoff spot or tank for draft position (14:29)? Jason also talks about his dream scenario of Zion joining the Knicks (16:44). Despite the Knicks' disappointing campaign, Jason is intrigued enough by the team's young core to consider tanking the rest of the season (20:01). Jason also shares his emotions about former Knick Kristaps Porzingis (27:48). Then they go in-depth on the state of the NBA, specifically on how audiences are connecting with teams and players and how media outlets are covering the league (34:27). Lastly, they debate whether LeBron James will eventually leave the Lakers to play with his son Bronny (47:14). Host: Kevin O'

Verno and KOC begin the show detailing their All-Star Weekend. This weekend’s dunk contest was a complete dud, and the guys debate what the NBA can do to bring excitement back to the contest (00:48). Should the league explore using the Elam Ending in more games (12:54)? After wrapping up the All-Star festivities, the guys play everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous (19:35). Some of the topics they go through include whether the MVP is Joel Embiid’s to lose (19:55), the Suns' chances without Chris Paul (29:53), LeBron James getting sour with the Lakers (43:37), and whether Jabari Smith Jr. has become the top prospect in college basketball (57:31). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to ‘The Void,’ where Kevin O’Connor brings you deep inside the NBA with the people who know it best. Today, KOC is joined by The Ringer's own Rob Mahoney. They begin by discussing the Knicks blowing a 28-point lead to the Nets (01:07). Both agree that the Nets are a more complete team after trading away James Harden (06:59). Anfernee Simons has the Blazers rolling, but just how valuable are these wins for a franchise that was looking to tank (12:37)? Next, they discuss how the Clippers have been able to remain competitive without Kawhi Leonard and Paul George (23:11). Rob expands on his latest article, in which he detailed the direction the Mavs are moving toward without Kristaps Porzingis (26:48). Also, Nikola Jokic’s quiet leadership with the Nuggets (32:25) and DeMar DeRozan’s stellar season with the Bulls (39:35). Lastly, they talk about Anthony Davis’s latest injury and whether Russell Westbrook is finally starting to understand his role with the Lakers (47:16). Host: Kevin O'Connor Guest: Rob M

Verno and KOC begin the show discussing Jake Fischer’s latest article, which details Kevin Durant’s role in the James Harden trade (03:59). Will drama ever stop following Harden? Josh Giddey’s rookie stock continues to rise after his 28-point triple-double performance helped the Thunder defeat the Knicks at Madison Square Garden (16:39). The guys debate how good Giddey can be. DeMar DeRozan is on a historic streak as he continues to carry the Bulls amid all their injuries (25:32). The Celtics are on a quiet run and playing excellent defense, and KOC fully believes this team has turned it around (31:10). With no show this Friday, the guys give their All-Star Game predictions (40:50). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC recap the slew of NBA trades made yesterday, beginning with the one trade everyone was waiting for: James Harden for Ben Simmons (02:00). KOC still believes the Bucks are the safe pick to win it all, but the 76ers' potential with Harden can definitely carry them (10:00). Verno believes there is more pressure facing Harden in Philadelphia than Simmons in Brooklyn (20:00). They next look at the Celtics and debate their trade for Derrick White (32:33) before questioning the move the Mavs made in trading Kristaps Porzingis for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans (38:48). Lastly, they give their thoughts on the rest of the trades made yesterday (49:02). Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices