The Mismatch

Verno and KOC discuss Tyrese Haliburton's amazing performance as the Pacers defeat the Celtics to advance to the semifinals of the In-Season Tournament (01:31). KOC also explains why Kristaps Porzingis is an X-factor for any Celtics' title hopes. The guys discuss Ime Udoka’s ejection over the weekend against the Lakers, and Sam Amick’s interview with James Harden (24:40). After the Kings got outma...

Verno and KOC go through the night's slate of NBA action before discussing what they would change for future in-season tournaments (02:11). They next discuss KOC’s article detailing the need for the Warriors to reinvent themselves around Steph Curry (18:17). Also, the guys give their biggest surprises (34:17) and disappointments from the season so far (48:47). You can read KOC’s article here. Got...

Verno and KOC discuss the dominant performance by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the rest of the 76ers as they blew out the Lakers by 44 points on Monday night (01:05). After watching the Suns and Timberwolves over the weekend, both teams look like legit championship contenders (21:47). Next, the guys dive into KOC’s power rankings after the first month of the season (30:08). Also, they discuss th...

Verno and KOC go through last night’s in-season tournament play, starting with the Pacers, who clinched their spot in the knockout stage, and the growing star power of Tyrese Haliburton (02:57). The guys explain the 76ers’ struggles and debate whether Zach LaVine could help turn them around (26:11). They also dive into the Suns' success even though they didn't have Bradley Beal, Chet Holmgren’s ga...

Verno and KOC open up the show by discussing the bad as well as some good about Draymond Green’s suspension for choking Rudy Gobert (01:13). The guys dive into Kelly Oubre Jr.'s strange situation after he was (or wasn't) hit by a car (13:23). Also, they discuss some of the things they like and dislike about the NBA season so far (24:12). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbam...

Heading into the second month of the season, Verno and KOC discuss a handful of teams whose stock is trending up, and which teams are trending down. Los Angeles Clippers (01:30) Philadelphia 76ers (14:29) Golden State Warriors (23:01) Minnesota Timberwolves (32:20) New Orleans Pelicans (40:19) Houston Rockets (49:40) Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com! Or...

Verno and KOC discuss the Bucks losing to the Pacers despite getting 54 points from Giannis, before discussing Adam Silver’s comments wishing that NBA media was more "NFL-like" (01:16). As the in-season tournament continues, Verno suggests an idea to help differentiate those games from the rest (21:40). Also, the most important game in podcast history: It’s the first "That’s True, That Might Be Tr...

Verno and KOC discuss the Monday slate of NBA games, including James Harden’s debut with the Clippers, before discussing how they felt about the new in-season tournament that began last week (01:38). Will the tournament grow on fans? The guys discuss the latest injury news around the league, headlined by Robert Williams III, who will miss the rest of the season (25:20). KOC discusses his article d...

Verno and KOC discuss James Harden’s comments at his introductory press conference with the Clippers, and explain why what he said is worrisome (03:27). Will he show willingness to adapt while playing next to Kawhi Leonard and Paul George? Next, the guys each give three losers (19:15) and winners (43:18) of the NBA season so far. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@g...

After requesting a trade in June, James Harden finally got his wish, and Verno and KOC react to the 76ers sending him to the Clippers for a handful of expiring contracts and picks (02:30). The guys take a look at the trade from the Clippers' perspective and discuss the huge risk they are taking by bringing in Harden (20:17). Also, the guys discuss the improved Sixers offense under Nick Nurse (34:2...

Verno and KOC discuss the phenomenal debut of Damian Lillard in Milwaukee, as the Bucks defeat the 76ers despite a rare off night from Giannis (01:25). Also, what do the Sixers do with James Harden? With the NBA season fully underway, the guys discuss some of their first impressions from the start of the season (16:15). They discuss star players already missing prime-time games, rookie debuts, the...

Verno and KOC go through all the latest NBA news, beginning with Giannis’s three-year extension with the Bucks and how this solidifies Milwaukee's future (01:43). They then move on to discuss the contract extensions of Jaden McDaniels, Onyeka Okongwu, Josh Green, and Cole Anthony before discussing the Grizzlies' options at center after losing Steven Adams for the season (10:50). With the season ab...

Verno and KOC break down the news of assistant coach Terry Stott's departure from Bucks, as well as the never-ending drama with James Harden (00:00). The guys also discuss Calvin Booth’s comments to ESPN after his quotes in KOC’s story went viral (22:37). With the season starting up next week, the guys give their semi-bold predictions for the upcoming NBA season (32:40). Got a question for Verno a...

Verno and KOC open the show by discussing Kevin’s latest article detailing Nuggets GM Calvin Booth's desire to build a dynasty in Denver (01:36). Damian Lillard made his Bucks debut over the weekend, as the guys share what they like about the Dame-Giannis duo, then discuss the biggest questions surrounding the Lakers heading into the season (25:01). The guys next debate whether Ben Simmons can ret...

Verno and KOC discuss their excitement for the upcoming season after watching Victor Wembanyama battle Chet Holmgren in the Spurs' preseason opener against the Thunder (01:32). The Suns defeated the Pistons in their first preseason game, and the guys debate just how potent the Suns offense could be and discuss all the obstacles that Monty Williams will face as he tries to turn the Pistons around (...

After being included in the trade for Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday is on the move once again as the Celtics acquire him from the Blazers for Robert Williams III, Malcolm Brogdon, and multiple picks (01:58). Verno and KOC debate how this affects the Celtics, as the move depletes their depth and adds pressure on Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford. Despite the overall haul that the Blazers got for Dam...

It finally happened ... Damian Lillard has been traded and will join Giannis on the Bucks after a three-team trade sent Dame to Milwaukee; Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, and picks to Portland; and Jusuf Nurkic and more players to Phoenix. Verno and KOC react to the trade and discuss what it means for all the teams involved. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com...

After it was reported that the Raptors are front-runners to trade for Damian Lillard, Verno and KOC discuss Toronto’s interest in Dame, what it would take for both sides to agree to a deal, and the other teams that could possibly make a move (03:41). Also, as the guys enter their eighth season covering basketball together, they discuss eight things that they are most excited for in the upcoming se...

Verno and KOC discuss the low-risk signing of Kelly Oubre Jr. for the 76ers and debate whether Jarred Vanderbilt can exceed expectations after the Lakers gave him an extension (04:25). After it was reported that a secret Eastern Conference team is linked to Damian Lillard, the guys debate which team it could be (18:49). The guys then discuss which bigs will start for the Celtics, and why Malcolm B...

Verno and KOC recap the FIBA World Cup and discuss what went wrong for Team USA, before showing some love to Dillon Brooks and Team Canada (01:58). After congratulating Germany for beating Serbia to win the World Cup, the guys debate how good Franz Wagner can be (19:15). KOC shares what he saw from the top prospects in Las Vegas after a series of exhibition games between the G League Ignite agains...

Verno and KOC continue to share their excitement for the ongoing FIBA Basketball World Cup (01:00). They discuss Team USA’s roster, which is filled with rising young talent, as well as their lack of size before diving into the rebounding issue that could be trouble for future rosters in the World Cup. Also, they dive into their mailbag and answer more emails! They discuss if Shai Gilgeous-Alexande...

Verno and KOC discuss how impressed they are with the presentation of the World Cup and their excitement watching this new era of Team USA basketball (01:38). Luka Doncic continues to shine in the World Cup, but can he translate this play into an MVP season? Also, which other countries are impressing the guys the way Germany and Cape Verde have (13:42). After a trip to Arizona, Verno shares why he...

The NBA is investigating James Harden calling Daryl Morey a liar, as Verno and KOC discuss the ongoing drama that surrounds Harden (01:27). With the FIBA World Cup around the corner, the guys discuss some of Team USA’s young rising stars, including Anthony Edwards's emergence as the face of the team (15:27). Also, after KOC shares his experience watching Mt. Joy at Red Rocks, the guys answer all y...

Verno and KOC react to James Harden's comments, in which he called Daryl Morey a liar, at an Adidas media event in China (02:12). The guys debate if Harden would have gotten more money if he never opted into his contract with Philadelphia and wonder who in the league would even want Harden after he publicly called out Morey. Also, the guys discuss ESPN’s new slate of announcers who will be calling...

Verno and KOC react to Anthony Davis’s historic contract extension and explain why this was the right move for both AD and the Lakers (01:37). Also, the guys continue to answer your mailbag questions! This week features questions on Cade Cunningham, Jeremy Sochan, parenting, and more (08:08). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com! Or you can send the guys a t...