The Woj Pod

Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller on his part in the wild 2013 NBA Draft that included Giannis, his looming free agency, how to embrace your role in the league, much more. Plus, ESPN Draft Analyst Mike Schmitz on the latest ahead of Thursday night's draft.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

He was a Greek teen of Nigerian descent, hawking trinkets on the streets of Athens. And when he started playing basketball, few people knew what to make of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The only thing the scouts could see was that he was all arms and legs. The only thing Giannis could envision was an opportunity for his family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After a showcase in a coastal Italian town, the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks had seen enough. And yet, it was the Hawks' courtship that secured a promise for the franchise to believe they had an inside track on drafting Giannis. And when Giannis touched down in Atlanta prior to the draft, the organization became even more obsessed with making this Greek teen a Hawk. Learn more about your ad c...

From Atlanta to New York, Giannis' new American journey delivered him to the NBA draft. First, he needed to understand how it all worked. He needed a suit. He needed a Greek flag. And he needed a team. No one knew who would be selected no. 1. As the picks started to come off the board, Giannis Antetokounmpo finally wondered whether this grand plan would all come together. Learn more about your ad...

Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley joins The Woj Pod to discuss the challenge of the franchise's rebuild, what Luka Doncic taught him, the journey of African-American assistants in the NBA, his MMA training, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

USC women's basketball coach Lindsay Gottlieb joins The Woj Pod on the experience in the NBA for female coaches, her two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's Tim Bontemps joins The Woj Pod to discuss Brad Stevens’ first move as president of basketball operations trading Kemba Walker to Oklahoma City and what it means for the Celtics in the near and long term. Plus, ESPN's Tim MacMahon on the changes in Dallas and how the Mavericks need synergy from the top down as they build around Luka Doncic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

ESPN's Malika Andrews joins The Woj Pod to discuss the Bucks-Nets, Mike Budenholzer's future, Hawks-Sixers, emerging head coaching candidates and much, much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks joins The Woj Pod to discuss the challenges facing Boston's Brad Stevens with his elevation to run the franchise's basketball operations, the Clippers-Mavs, Lakers-Suns and anticipation for the Bucks-Nets series.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Breen and Jerry Ferrara join The Woj Pod to discuss the renaissance of the Knicks and Madison Square Garden in these NBA Playoffs, including why Jerry didn’t name his new son Julius. Also: ESPN’s Kevin Negandhi on his hometown 76ers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Woj and ESPN's Zach Lowe discuss the league's commitment to the play-in tournament, the first round playoff matchups they are most intrigued by, and look ahead to the offseason. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Boston Celtics All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum joins The Woj Pod to discuss the franchise’s uneven season, his growth as a franchise player, all-NBA candidacy, fighting through the aftermath of COVID, Kobe Bryant and much more; Also: Best-selling author Harvey Araton on the Knicks season, Tom Thibodeau, and his book, “Our Last Season.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adcho...

Tim Grover – longtime trainer and confidant of Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, author a new book, “Winning: The Unforgiving Race to Greatness,” – joins the Woj Pod to go inside the complex dynamics of Kobe and MJ, Kobe’s professional aspirations for Gigi, and much, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Atlanta Hawks All-Star guard Trae Young joins The Woj Pod to discuss his All-NBA candidacy, the franchise’s rise to Eastern Conference contender, his desire to see Nate McMillan become permanent coach, his Olympic basketball dreams, the arrival of his signature shoe and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN’s Jay Bilas on the changing face of feeder systems to the NBA, the 2021 NBA Draft, the college vs. NBA coaching worlds, Quin Snyder, and the GM job he turned down 13 years ago.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New York Knicks All-Star forward Julius Randle joins The Woj Pod for an illuminating visit on his starring role in the franchise’s revival, his connection with Tom Thibodeau, how much he’d love a Knicks-Nets playoff series, remembering Kobe, and much, much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges joins The Woj Pod to discuss his breakout season, the Suns rise to the top of the West, the impact of Monty Williams and Chris Paul, the benefits of a four-year experience at Villanova, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony joins The Woj Pod to discuss his new Mock Draft, the rise of Baylor's Davion Mitchell, the staying power of the new G-League Ignite program, and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach Lowe joins The Woj Pod to discuss Toronto's handling of Kyle Lowry at the NBA trade deadline, possible Aaron Gordon destinations, teams interested in Lonzo Ball, and where guys on the buyout market might end up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Cassidy Hubbarth join The Woj Pod to discuss the NBA Trade Deadline and MVP race.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brooklyn Nets guard Joe Harris joins The Woj Pod to discuss James Harden's impact on Harris' career-best season in the NBA, learning to be an indispensable role player among All-Stars, his $75M contract extension and much more. Plus: ESPN Draft Analyst Mike Schmitz on LaMelo Ball's evolution from Chino Hills HS, and why the G League Bubble has benefitted Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga over a sea...

Carmelo Anthony joins The Woj Pod to discuss his revitalization in Portland, inside the 10th anniversary of the Denver-New York trade, how 2010 free agency could've been different for 'Melo and LeBron James, the ill-fated 2004 Athens Olympics and much, much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Utah Jazz GM Justin Zanik joins The Woj Pod to discuss the team's remarkable start to the season, the roster-building process with President Dennis Lindsey and coach Quin Snyder, and much more. Also: Dr. Leroy Sims, the NBA's Sr. VP of Medical Affairs, on the challenge and process of getting players vaccinated.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks joins The Woj Pod to discuss the impact of the Anthony Davis injury for the Lakers and LeBron James, the marketplace for Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond, the approaching trade deadline and buyout market, and All-Star Weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Charlotte Hornets star Gordon Hayward joins The Woj Pod discuss his return to All-Star form, inside his decision to leave the Celtics, the quality of pandemic basketball, LaMelo Ball, much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices