The Mismatch

Verno and KOC go through the most intriguing rookie debuts from over the weekend, starting with Jared McCain and Adem Bona with the 76ers (02:12). Next, they discuss Zach Edey’s impressive debut with the Grizzlies and why he’ll fit perfectly in Memphis alongside Ja Morant (14:40). Also, the guys discuss who they are most excited to watch at this year’s summer league in Las Vegas, why they like DeMar DeRozan signing with the Kings, and how the Spurs’ offseason has set them up for success now and into the future (25:00).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Now that the free agency period has started, Verno and KOC react to all the free agent signings, extensions, and more, starting with Jayson Tatum’s record-breaking contract extension with the Celtics, as well as Paul George’s impact with the Sixers and where the Clippers go from here (01:26). They then move on to discuss the contracts of Tyrese Maxey, Immanuel Quickley, and debate why the Nuggets wouldn’t match the contract that the Magic gave to Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (20:27). Next, they discuss Klay Thompson’s departure from the Warriors as he leaves to join the Mavs (38:56). Also, the impact that Chris Paul will make on Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, and the rest of the young Spurs, as well as the latest rumors on Lauri Markkanen (46:47).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC recap the 2024 NBA draft, as they discuss picks they liked, picks they disliked, surprises, and more! They start off by discussing Zach Edey’s fit with the Grizzlies, the one big difference maker for Ron Holland’s development with the Pistons, and the importance of situation, fit, and opportunity for younger players entering the league (01:12). Next, they discuss why the Hornets taking Tidjane Salaun at no. 6 led to the Spurs trading away Rob Dillingham, Dalton Knecht’s surprising fall to the Lakers at no. 17, why Buck fans should be pissed, and the increasing value of international prospects (25:05). Also, which second-round picks have the best chance to succeed, as well as the best-case scenario for Bronny James, who was selected by the Lakers and is now teammates with his dad (50:30).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the NBA draft this week, Verno and KOC dive into the latest draft news, including the uncertainty around the Hawks and the top overall pick and why people are suddenly high on prospect Zaccharie Risacher (01:48). As the conversation continues for who should be the top overall prospect, KOC shares which players he considers to be the safest prospects at the top of the draft, and Verno breaks down why Reed Sheppard would be a perfect fit with the Grizzlies and why the Rockets are big-name hunting (11:21). Next, they debate whether Ron Holland can be this draft’s GG Jackson and talk about the best shooting prospects in this class, Johnny Furphy’s ceiling, and Verno’s favorite college prospects (24:44). Then, KOC ranks his favorite prospect interviews (47:07). Also, what happens with Bronny James? The guys share what they thought about JJ Redick’s introductory press conference with the Lakers and the Cavs' hiring of Kenny Atkinson as their next head coach. Plus, what Scottie Barnes’s max extension means for the Raptors' future (56:19).You can read KOC’s article mentioned in this episode here, and you can find KOC’s Draft Guide here.Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Finals now behind us, Verno and KOC dive fully into the offseason, starting off with the Lakers' hiring of JJ Redick as their next head coach (02:34) and the Pistons’ firing of Monty Williams (23:44). Next, the guys discuss the surprising trade between the Thunder and Bulls that sends Alex Caruso to OKC and Josh Giddey to Chicago (31:01). They also discuss the latest news around the league, including Pascal Siakam re-signing with the Pacers, Sixers free agent rumors, and more (41:17). With the draft next week, the guys discuss the latest with Bronny James and KOC’s latest mock draft (48:11).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC congratulate the Boston Celtics on winning the 2024 NBA Finals! They discuss their dominant playoff run as well as their dominant play all season long en route to an NBA record 18th NBA championship (01:22). Where does this Celtics team rank among the all-time great teams? The guys also applaud Brad Stevens for making the necessary moves to win it all, what lessons owners can take from this year's Finals, as well as the redemption arc for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Next, KOC shares some undervalued players he believes teams should target going into free agency, and what Luka Doncic and the Mavs need to do to not only make it back to the Finals, but to win it all (42:35).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss their frustration with Luka Doncic, who fouled out in Game 3, and the ripple effect his fouling out caused (01:25). Would the Mavs have won if he didn’t foul out? Would a Mavs Game 3 win have completely flipped the series? They also discuss how Jaylen Brown’s impressive improvement should be a blueprint for Luka to get better, give credit to Brad Stevens for building out this type of roster, and share their hope for a Game 5 on Monday night. Next, Verno shares his experience working with Jerry West during his time with the Grizzlies and explains how his tortured Finals losses helped shape the NBA during successful runs in NBA front offices (49:48). Lastly, the guys debate whether JJ Redick will be the next Lakers head coach and get into some brief draft talk (59:14).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Finals shift to Dallas for Game 3, Verno and KOC discuss how the Celtics have been able to exploit the Mavericks' defensive weaknesses, as well as limit their offensive production en route to a 2-0 series lead (01:24). They also discuss the impact of Kristaps Porzingis, Kyrie Irving's struggles, Luka Doncic's need to produce some of his signature magic, as well as Jayson Tatum’s poor shooting but effective playmaking and defense. Next, the guys debate whether Dan Hurley just used the Lakers' offer as leverage and the undesirable position Hurley's rejection has put the Lakers in (44:26). The guys finish off the show by discussing the odd athletic measurables of the potential top pick, Zaccharie Risacher (57:26).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC react to the Celtics' Game 1 blowout victory, as they take a 1-0 series lead in the Finals (01:54). They discuss Kristaps Porzingis's dominant return, how the Celtics defense dramatically affected the Mavs offense, shot-quality numbers, expectations for how the Mavs can respond, and more takeaways from Game 1. Next, the guys dive into the latest rumors involving the Lakers' head coaching search that now includes UConn’s Dan Hurley (38:32). Can the Lakers offer Hurley enough to make the jump to the NBA? How would this affect LeBron James’s situation? And how would his potential jump affect the college basketball world? The NBA had their scouting combine in Italy, as they guys finish off the show debating whether international prospect Nikola Topic’s ACL injury will impact his draft stock, as well as some more draft talk (55:51).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ahead of the Finals, Verno and KOC have a rendition of everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous (01:09)! They discuss various topics regarding the Finals, including Kristaps Porzingis’s health issues, the Mavs' defensive strategies, Luka’s first Finals appearance, and Jayson Tatum. They also give their predictions for the series. The guys then dive into some draft talk and discuss the vast parity that is currently in the league, as this season will have the sixth consecutive different champion.Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC congratulate the Dallas Mavericks as they beat the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals to face the Celtics (01:07). They discuss Luka Doncic’s brilliant Game 5 performance, and give credit to Mavs GM Nico Harrison for finally building the right roster around Luka. Next, they debate what the future holds for the Timberwolves, as they are nearing the second luxury tax apron and will face several restrictions when it comes to improving the team (18:08). Do they run it back? Or will they look to make a trade and retool for next season? Also, the guys answer what lessons can be learned from the impact that Dereck Lively II has made with the Mavs (43:47). Lastly, the guys talk about prospects who are going to return for another season in college, and how NIL has completely changed the game when it comes to prospects deciding to go pro (51:50).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Verno and KOC discuss the Celtics' comeback win as they sweep the Pacers and move on to the NBA Finals (00:55). They dive into why the Celtics have been so successful with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, as well as what the sweep means from the Pacers' perspective. Next, they discuss the potential sweep in the West, as the Mavs look to finish the Timberwolves and advance to the Finals (25:27). The guys discuss the Mavs' terrific defense on Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns all series long, as well as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving’s clutch minutes. Lastly, the guys share stories about Hall of Famer Bill Walton, who passed away on Monday (46:08).Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available.Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’ConnorProducer: Jessie LopezSocial: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices