Big news, hoop-heads. Kevin O'Connor is joining Yahoo Sports and his new podcast, The Kevin O'Connor Show, is premiering this October ahead of the 2024-2025 NBA...
Lakers cooked? Surging Bucks and Magic, falling Kings, Harden’s return & more
In this week’s episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Dan Titus dive into the latest NBA trends, including a closer look at LeBron James and the struggling Los Angeles Lakers. Is this the worst stretch of LeBron's legendary career? Can the Lakers stay afloat, or are they cooked? Kevin and Dan discuss the team’s lack of creation, LeBron’s fatigue and the challenges ahead unless a major trade is made.Next, the guys turn their attention to the Western Conference playoff race. The Minnesota Timberwolves just secured a big win, but are they truly a contender? Dan thinks they have the best chance to make the playoffs out of the bottom teams, though they still need more to reach the next level. Meanwhile, Kevin isn’t buying into the Sacramento Kings’ playoff hopes, citing coaching concerns and the rise of other teams in the conference.In a surprising turn, the Milwaukee Bucks are on a 6-game win streak, but are they legitimate championship contenders? Kevin and Dan break down Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP-level play, but warn against getting too carried away until they face tougher competition.Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic are rolling with Franz Wagner leading the charge, and the Memphis Grizzlies have won 6 in a row thanks to impressive depth. Could either of these teams be a sneaky playoff contender? Kevin also dives into the struggling New Orleans Pelicans and wonders if it’s time for a full rebuild.Later, the guys address the Washington Wizards' ongoing misery and preview James Harden’s recent dominance for the Los Angeles Clippers. Plus, what to expect from the Charlotte Hornets in LaMelo Ball's absence, and how to navigate fantasy hoops in this weird double week.(1:05) - Can the Lakers overcome LeBron's declining play?(8:20) - Timberwolves & the Western Conference playoff picture(17:40) - Are Bucks back to being a contender?(24:05) - What clicking for the Magic?(28:40) - Are the Grizzlies sneaky contenders this season?(31:50) - Time for the Pelicans to blow it up?(38:15) - Wizards on pace for historically bad season(41:50) - Fantasy basketball corner📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT
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NBA things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving with Tom Haberstroh
On a special Thanksgiving edition of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh joins the show to help share what they're thankful for this Thanksgiving.They discuss their favorite players, trends, and statistics across the league this season that make the NBA exciting an entertaining. Among the topics discuss, they cover Giannis Antetokounmpo's improved jump shot, older players outperforming their age, Jarrett Allen's unique personality and the NBA Cup.(1:33) "Golden Guys"(7:47) Players being honest(13:21) Hubie Brown(16:04) Kris Dunn(19:40) Dunk Score(27:55) Giannis Antetokounmpo's jump shot(32:54) Jarrett Allen(36:35) Area 51(40:35) The NBA Cup
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47:25
NBA draft primer: Cooper Flagg, Ace Bailey, UConn, sleeper prospects with Tate Frazier
In this week’s episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin is joined by Tate Frazier to dive deep into the biggest storylines in college basketball, with an eye on the 2024 NBA Draft. They break down the top prospects, sleepers, and potential steals in a packed episode.Cooper Flagg continues to dominate as the top 2024 draft prospect, and Tate and Kevin discuss his impressive defensive play, his development potential and how he might fit with NBA teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. They also take a look at other high-level freshmen like Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper, and explore whether someone can challenge Flagg for the #1 overall spot.The conversation shifts to some intriguing draft sleepers, with Tate spotlighting Lebaron Philon from Alabama and Kevin highlighting Collin Murray Boyles, who draws comparisons to Draymond Green. They also discuss Egor Demin from BYU and whether he could make a push into the lottery or even the top pick conversation.The guys also talk about UConn's rising stars, including Liam McNeeley and Alex Karaban, two prospects who are seeing their draft stock rise early in the season. Tate weighs in on UConn’s chances of a three-peat, and Kevin breaks down how these young players are developing under Dan Hurley’s system.Finally, they touch on the state of the Charlotte Hornets, with Tate sharing his thoughts on LaMelo Ball and the future of the franchise as they look to build around the promising Brandon Miller.(1:50) - Cooper Flagg and Duke's impressive freshmen(12:30) - Who can challenge Flagg for the #1 overall spot?(18:55) - Favorite NBA draft sleepers(34:15) - UConn deep dive: impressive freshmen & three-peat chances(42:20) - Tate's Hornets thoughtsCheck out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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46:36
NBA one-month awards: MVP, Rookie of the Month, Most Improved & more
A month after the start of the NBA season, Kevin O'Connor and Tom Haberstroh reveal what their award ballots would look like if the season ended today.(01:05) - Magic 119, Lakers 118(06:30) - KOC visits the Intuit Dome(12:10) - Hornets 123, Pistons 121 (OT)(15:30) - How worried should the Timberwolves be?(17:45) - Should the NBA change playoff seeding?(24:50) - NBA one-month awardsOn this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC and Tom Haberstroh dive into the news before revealing what their award ballots would look like if the NBA season ended today.The guys use the Magic's thrilling victory over the Lakers last night to highlight Franz Wagner, who has found his jump shot and once again looks like one of the 20 best players in the NBA. Anthony Davis, an MVP favorite, is already starting to look a bit tired.KOC talks about his visit to the Intuit Dome, home of the Los Angeles Clippers, where he witnessed many bathrooms and The Wall, which may or may not be filled with paid actors.The Hornets topped the Pistons in overtime and seem like they're built for the future with young stars like LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Tom and Kevin also discuss the Timberwolves, who have fallen to 8-7 and appear to be out of sorts with a difficult part of the schedule ahead of them.Before diving into their NBA one-month award ballots, the guys discuss the idea of the NBA changing its playoff seeding to a 1-16 system that does not rely on conferences. Is it in the best interest of the league? Is it even possible?Finally, find out who would be their picks for MVP, Rookie of the Month, Defensive Player of the Month, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Month, Sixth Man of the Month and even on the All-NBA or All-Rookie teams if the season ended today. Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts
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52:55
Dead Sixers, Franz’s growth, feisty Clippers, Fox’s hot scoring & Cavs-Celtics battle
Kevin O'Connor is joined by Mo Dakhil to give their thoughts and takeaway's from Monday night's NBA action. The duo start off with the Los Angeles Clippers beating the Golden State Warriors, as they discuss the Clippers' playoff aspirations and how much the Warriors should still scare teams in the Western conference. Next up is the Atlanta Hawks' dramatic victory over the Sacramento Kings, as the duo discus De'Aaron Fox and Zachary Risacher, among others. In other news, Franz Wagner looks to be coming into his own just as Kevin predicted, and the Cleveland Cavaliers look to keep their undefeated streak alive against the Boston Celtics. Kevin and Mo also touch on the NBA Cup and a rumored change to the All-Star Game structure.Later, Spike Eskin joins the show to do a deep dive on the utterly depressing Philadelphia 76ers, who blew a 19-point lead to fall to 2-11 tonight. Spike vents about the apparent lack of effort on the court and why the Joel Embiid return has been such a disaster so far. Kevin isn't ready to give up on the Sixers just yet due to some star talent still performing at a high level and a weak conference, but they're nevertheless off to a nightmarish start. Kevin & Spike finish off the show with their thoughts on Linkin Park's latest album.(1:20) - Clippers beat Warriors(13:05) - Hawks beat Kings(27:00) - Magic beat Suns(32:45) - Are the Cavs in the same tier as the Celtics?(41:00) - Thoughts on the NBA Cup & potential All-Star Game changes(47:40) - Sixers deep dive with Spike Eskin(1:10:30) - Linkin Park's new album
Big news, hoop-heads. Kevin O'Connor is joining Yahoo Sports and his new podcast, The Kevin O'Connor Show, is premiering this October ahead of the 2024-2025 NBA season. Subscribe for in-depth discussions, interviews & special guests as KOC navigates the ins and outs of everything NBA (and maybe a little college hoops too).
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