On today's show, The Basketball Jones discuss the Lakers' chances at jumping the Jazz for a playoff spot, what some lottery teams have to look forward to, Dwight Howard's comments about his former Magic teammates, the NBA's most powerful, the idea of NBA expansion, the flavor profile of Kobe's vino, and which contracts are the most "problematic."
All that, plus chicken fajitas, Shaquille O'Neal quotes, a tight round of Pun-Gun, and why in the world it's taking so long to get a preseason game or two in Australia. Honestly. Leigh Ellis is freakin' out over here, man!
The Basketball Jones — live from a Houston hotel room at All-Star Weekend — look back at the first half of the NBA season. What's surprised us so far? Who are the leading MVP, Coach of the Year, and Most Improved Player candidates? And what are a few Texas-sized bold predictions for the second half?
All that, plus Instagrams, whether we're being "catfished," Leigh's delicious “Tweet of the Weak," and Will Ferrell goes rogue.
Jalen Rose breaks down the pursuit of Dwight Howard, how this summer's trades and signings will affect the NBA, and the rules of attraction in a nightclub.
On today’s show, The Basketball Jones break down the exciting Heat-Thunder Finals: Who's winning the battle of the two superstars? Is Westbrook shooting too much? Should Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks change his starting lineup? We also reveal our favorite moments from the Dream Team doc, analyze the Stern-Rome debacle, and wonder if the Celtics should blow it up.
All that, plus Gerald Wallace, cats, GM Charles Barkley, paper beards, tzatziki, Pun-Gun fun, and a head-scratching "Tweet of the Weak."
The best thing about recording this podcast with Jalen is that I have someone with insider knowledge to answer all of my sports questions. This week, Jalen offered his take on:
What in the world happened at that Pacquiao fight?
What does this mean about the future of boxing?
What was it like in the arena after the result was announced?
What happens to the Celtics now?
What do the Thunder need to do offensively?
What do the Thunder need to do defensively?
What do the Heat need to do offensively?
What do the Heat need to do defensively?
Oh yeah, he also gave his Finals prediction, and both of his Conference finals predictions were right. Enjoy the show and check back next Monday, when we will be recording from Miami.
As I watched the NBA playoffs this weekend, I kept saying to myself, "I can't wait to ask Jalen about this on Monday." I finally got the opportunity this morning in the studio — and the results were glorious.
Jalen not only gives the people what they want, but also gives the insight that only an NBA veteran can. He detailed exactly how the Thunder have changed the way they play the Spurs' pick-and-roll, the play that the Heat tried to run at the end of regulation, why role players only play well at home, the history of flopping, why Lil Wayne should have gotten a ticket to Game 3 in Oklahoma, and then finished by telling the story of partying with Tupac and Mike Tyson. You won't get that story from Jalen on SportsCenter, but you will every Monday on the Grantland Network. Enjoy.
On today’s show, The Basketball Jones break down the NBA Conference Finals: Can the Celtics recover from their demoralizing Game 2 loss? Can the Thunder outrun the Spurs for three more games? Can Rajon Rondo clone himself? We also check in on the Pau Gasol rumor mill, find out NBA players' favorite broadcasters, investigate tampering in the NBA Draft Lottery, and consider why a man would have an ATM in his kitchen.
All that, plus Vinny Del Negro rides again, legal "Linsanity," Rihanna, pun-gun fun, and a swag-tastic "Tweet of the Weak."
On today's show, The Basketball Jones break down the soon-to-be legendary Spurs-Thunder Conference Final. Will Tony Parker and Russell Westbrook guard each other? Which Sixth Man will dominate? And will Gregg Popovich outfox Scott Brooks? We also ask if Chris Bosh's injury was a blessing in disguise for the Heat; ask whether either Boston or Philly can challenge Miami; and decode the imprecise science behind the selection of the All-NBA teams.
All that, plus streakers, medieval weaponry, Rick Ross, GM Shaq, Tom Jones, pun-gun fun, and "Squeaky" Leigh Ellis returns from paternity leave with a "Tweet of the Weak."
The people did not get what they wanted Monday, so we had Jalen come in Wednesday to record a special podcast.
The first half-hour of the pod is all about the physicality of Tuesday night's Heat-Pacers game. As only he can in the podcast format, Jalen offered unique insight into what it's like to be part of these types of incidents, what Larry Bird really means when he calls the team "soft,” and if there is validity to David West's accusation that he was intentionally injured. We also previewed the Spurs-Thunder series, the Celtics-Sixers game, and, of course, the 2 Chainz arrest.
On today’s podcast, The Basketball Jones break down the NBA's second-round series, including: the Pacers' depth and balance, Dwyane Wade's atrocious Game 3, Erik Spoelstra's job security, whether the Lakers or Clippers can survive the weekend, and the resurgent Kevin Garnett. We also discuss the Bulls' Rose-less future, SI's cover story on Tim Duncan, Rookie of the Year and Executive of the Year voting results, Mario Kart 64, JaVale McGee's platypus, Leigh's "Tweet of the Weak," softball, dirt, and much, much more. Enjoy!
On today’s show, The Basketball Jones break down the young and unpredictable NBA Playoffs: Which series has been the most surprising? Which has been the toughest to watch? Which players have risen to the occasion? And will this postseason be remembered for anything but injuries?
We also discuss the merits of the Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player award winners, debate new additions to the Team USA pool, and create a hilariously pointless one-on-one, coach vs. coach tournament.
All that, plus Chris Bosh's baby, fire extinguishers, Deion Sanders, Roscoe's, JD’s "Tweet of the Weak," some pun-gun fun, and surviving a zombie apocalypse.
On today's show, The Basketball Jones discuss the awkward Stan Van Gundy "Dwightmare" in Orlando, Deron Williams hinting not-so-subtly that he's done with New Jersey, the enigma that is Andrew Bynum, Wednesday's Thunder-Heat battle, and LeBron's MVP chances.
All that, plus Leigh's "Tweet of the Weak," some pun-gun fun, and a Kanye West-inspired TBJ NBA rap cypher.
This episode was especially high-energy. Jalen Rose was all fired up about Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo, and imports. What are imports? Imports are the result of NBA players “working the frequent flyer miles” and importing “friends” to hotel rooms during road trips. Toward the end of the podcast, Jalen couldn’t answer my line of questioning without getting fined or possibly fired. We felt like that was a good place to stop.
Join The Basketball Jones on the sonic journey that is The Overdose. On today's show, we examine Linsanity. (Can Melo and Jeremy Lin coexist? Should the Knicks have "thrown" that game against the Wolves? And who will star in the inevitable Jeremy Lin movie?) We also discuss New York's J.R. pickup, list some overlooked NBA storylines, and break down the Sprite Slam Dunk Contest participants.
All that, plus Leigh's "Tweet of the Weak," an enthusiastic edition of "The Pun-Gun Game," Shaq's latest comments about Dwight, 3-point gunners, and more.