May 27, 2021 · 51 min
OF
Sports
Open Floor: SI's NBA Show
SI NBA
From the NBA Draft to the playoffs and back again, Chris Mannix, Rachel Nichols, and Evan Turner take you on a ride across the NBA standings, laying out the latest news and rumors along the way and leaving no basketball conspiracy theory stone left unturned.
- 536 episodes
- Updated Thursday
Episodes536
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May 24, 2021 · 59 minThe Playoffs Are Finally Underway
In today's episode, Michael Pina welcomes his (other) new co-host, Sports Illustrated staff writer Rohan Nadkarni to the show! The two recap several games from the weekend, and ask how concerned the Lakers, Suns (get better, Chris Paul!), Heat, Jazz, and Clippers should really be as they approach Game 2. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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May 21, 2021 · 1 hr 11 minWizards Win Their Way In, Lakers Still Contending, & The Best Playoff Matchups
In today's episode, Michael Pina welcomes his new co-host, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Herring to the show! The two talk play-in developments—the punchy Wizards, whether or not they still believe the Lakers should be considered a contender, and what's next for the Pacers—before previewing the NBA playoffs with a discussion around the series and matchups they're most looking forward to. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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May 18, 2021 · 1 hr 7 minTen questions about LeBron vs. Steph, the play-in & the 2021 playoffs
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina wrap up a wild final weekend of the regular season by asking 10 questions about the upcoming play-in tournament and playoffs. As teams jockeyed for seeds down the stretch, did any cross the line and anger the basketball gods? Which play-in teams were the biggest winners and losers once the dust settled? Does a match-up between LeBron James and Stephen Curry guarantee that the play-in will be back next year? Are the Boston Celtics ready to head to Cancun? Of the teams that barely missed out on the play-in, which was the saddest? What are the best and worst first-round match-ups that have already been set? Note: This was Ben's last episode as co-host of Open Floor. Ben will continue podcasting about the NBA. For more information, visit www.greatestofalltalk.com. More details about what's next for Open Floor will come later this week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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May 14, 2021 · 1 hr 6 minPlayoff Pressure Check & Show Announcement
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the excellent feedback for Michael's SI Daily Cover story about Spurs guard Dejounte Murray. Then, they make a major show announcement: Ben will be stepping down on May 17 after a five-year run as co-host of "Open Floor." From there, Ben and Michael look ahead to the upcoming 2021 NBA playoffs by ranking which star players are facing the most pressure. Does any player need to win a title more than James Harden? Can Giannis Antetokounmpo's reputation survive another early exit? How far do the 76ers need to advance before Joel Embiid starts to be labeled as a postseason underachiever? What has Kawhi Leonard done for us lately? Are Rudy Gobert and the Utah Jazz about to run head first into a referendum? Note: Ben will continue podcasting about the NBA. For more information, visit www.greatestofalltalk.com. For comments, questions and concerns about Ben's departure, please email openfloormail@gmail.com. More details about what's next for Open Floor will be released next week. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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May 11, 2021 · 1 hr 3 minLuka's temper, Zion's finger & All-NBA backlash
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing Luka Doncic's attempted low blow on Collin Sexton. Is Doncic's temper becoming a problem and does an unsportsmanlike act like that change how we should view a player? Then, a discussion of Pelicans executive David Griffin's rigorous defense of Zion Williamson after the second-year star broke his finger. Were the NBA's referees really to blame for the injury and did Griffin deserve to be fined? From there, the guys preview Michael's piece on Spurs guard Dejounte Murray and then dig into responses to their All-NBA debates from last week. Was Russell Westbrook snubbed? Should Ben be judged for listing Joel Embiid at forward? Is Michael a LeBron James hater? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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May 7, 2021 · 1 hr 2 minPicking the All-NBA teams
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina turn their attention to the 2021 All-NBA selections. How do the NBA's positional designations impact this year's teams? Is it okay to treat Joel Embiid as a forward rather than a center if the NBA allows it? Is Embiid deserving of a first team spot because he's been a top-five player this season? How many players are no-brainers for the first team? Is Damian Lillard or Luka Doncic more deserving? Has Ben come around on Stephen Curry and has Michael changed his mind on Chris Paul? How should voters handle players like LeBron James, James Harden, Kevin Durant and others who have missed extended stretches of the season? Is it okay to snub LeBron entirely? Does Zion Williamson or Julius Randle deserve to make it? Both? Neither? Who are this year's biggest snubs? Should the NBA do away with positional designations for All-NBA? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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May 4, 2021 · 1 hr 19 minLakers crumbling, King Jokic & "Bubbleball" book preview
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up the pieces from a wild weekend of basketball to discuss the crumbling Los Angeles Lakers, the streaking Denver Nuggets, and the exciting duel between the Milwaukee Bucks and Brooklyn Nets. What's wrong with Anthony Davis? Did LeBron James return too quickly? Does Andre Drummond even fit? Should Nikola Jokic be viewed as the best player in basketball, not just this year's MVP? Can Giannis Antetokounmpo sustain his monster 49-point effort against Brooklyn across an entire playoff series or will the Nets adjust their defensive approach to stopping him? Would James Harden have made a difference on Sunday? At the end, Michael helps Ben preview his first book, "Bubbleball," which releases on Tuesday. How will the bubble be remembered? What was Ben's writing process like? What are the worst questions he's gotten during promo interviews? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 30, 2021 · 1 hr 6 minHandicapping the 2026 NBA MVP race
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina break out their crystal balls in an attempt to handicap the 2026 NBA MVP race. What will the NBA look like in five years? Which types of players will have the inside track on the league's most coveted award? Will any players who are currently 30 or older be in the mix? Will playmaking forwards still dominate the discussion. Once they've set the parameters, Ben and Michael break out their top five lists. Luka Doncic or Zion Williamson? Where should Anthony Davis rank? Do any current rookies like LaMelo Ball or incoming 2022 rookies like Cade Cunningham crack the top five? Can Bam Adebayo be the next Kevin Garnett? Can Ja Morant be the next Derrick Rose? Should Michael Porter Jr. be included among the dark horse contenders? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 27, 2021 · 1 hr 5 minCoach of the Year & Most Improved Player award debates
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina search for silver linings during the NBA's pandemic season by highlighting two interesting awards races: Coach of the Year and Most Improved Player. Which criteria should matter more in Coach of the Year: results or overachievement? Will Utah's Quin Snyder and Phoenix's Monty Williams be held back by skepticism about their teams' playoff capabilities? Will Tom Thibodeau carry the day thanks to big-market bias? Does Steve Nash have a case? What about Doc Rivers or Nate McMillan? Who is the League Pass Alert Coach of the Year aka the underrated coach who doesn't get enough attention? Is MIP going to Julius Randle no matter what? Do Zion Williamson and Michael Porter Jr. have cases despite their relative youth? And is Michael crazy for suggesting Joel Embiid deserves a look? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 23, 2021 · 56 minNBA reacts to Derek Chauvin verdict, Trae goes down, AD returns
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a rundown of the NBA community's response to the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. Was this "justice" for George Floyd? What role did current and former NBA players play in ensuring that this prosecution took place? Did the league and its teams strike the right notes in their statements and what were the Oakland Raiders thinking? From there, Ben and Michael shift to a discussion of teams hitting newfound turbulence. Will the Hawks fall into the East's play-in round after Trae Young's ankle injury? Are the Blazers doomed to be passed by the Mavericks and lose control of the coveted sixth seed? The guys wrap with Open Floor Globe suggestions for the NBA Clone Wars, the power of positive reinforcement in coaching players, and our habits towards the referees in pick-up games. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 20, 2021 · 58 minRanking Stephen Curry, NBA clone wars, East match-making
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reflect on Stephen Curry's torrid April by taking a fresh look at the Golden State Warriors guard's place in the MVP, All-NBA and "Best Player Alive" conversations. Then, they shift gears to imagine a world with NBA clones. Could 5 LeBrons beat 5 Durants or 5 Kawhis? Would 5 Zions beat 5 Stephs? What's the ideal combination of clones to form a superteam: 1 LeBron, 2 Durants, 1 Steph and 1 Anthony Davis? Would a Zion/Zion pick-and-roll combination be unstoppable? How do Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and James Harden factor into this conversation? At the end: Playing matchmaker in the Eastern Conference playoff field. Which play-in candidates should the favorites root for as first-round opponents and which teams are looming as potential spoilers? Can Miami climb out of the play-in round? Will Washington sneak in to make things interesting? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 16, 2021 · 1 hr 6 minLaMarcus Aldridge retires, Joel Embiid dominates, Stephen Curry catches fire
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gather themselves during a storm of NBA news to discuss LaMarcus Aldridge's sudden retirement due to an irregular heartbeat. How will Aldridge be remembered? How will the Nets adjust without him? From there, Michael presents his research findings on Joel Embiid's incredible shooting numbers. Which factors are driving Embiid's shooting and can they be trusted in the playoffs? Will the new-and-improved Embiid be able to win the match-up game in a way that he wasn't able to in postseasons past? Then, the guys discuss whether James Wiseman's injury clarified the Golden State Warriors' goals in the short-term. Can they transform into the Stephen Curry Show as they eye the play-in tournament and are they a sneaky threat if they claim the 8th seed? The episode closes with Ben trying to get Michael to admit that he secretly loves Luka Magic after the Dallas Mavericks' miraculous last-second win over the Memphis Grizzlies. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 13, 2021 · 1 hr 7 minTen NBA Playoff X-Factors: Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris, Rajon Rondo & more
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina catch their breath during the dog days of the NBA's regular season to look ahead to the 2021 NBA playoffs. Which players are looming as X-factors in the title chase? Can LaMarcus Aldridge hold up against big centers or will size be the Nets' undoing? Is Bojan Bogdanovic the key to a properly-balanced offense for the Jazz? Can Aaron Gordon transform the Nuggets from very good to great? How heavy will Donte DiVincenzo's load be in Milwaukee's new backcourt? Can Rajon Rondo step forward for the Clippers in ways that Patrick Beverley and Reggie Jackson can't? Is Deandre Ayton ready for primetime? Will Tobias Harris finally show up? Why has less Kemba Walker been more for the Boston Celtics and should that continue? Can the Hawks win a first round series if Bogdan Bogdanovic shows up big? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 9, 2021 · 1 hr 7 minChris Paul & Devin Booker have the Suns in the spotlight
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take stock of the Phoenix Suns after a signature win over the Utah Jazz. Should Chris Paul be an all-NBA selection? Can Devin Booker be trusted in the clutch? Will Deandre Ayton be their playoff X-factor and did his play against the Jazz inspire newfound confidence? Who can the Suns beat in the first round and would drawing the Lakers be their worst nightmare? From there, Ben and Michael break down Kevin Durant's long-awaited return and whether the Brooklyn Nets are as unfairly loaded as their critics like to suggest. They close by looking at the Bulls' future and running through Open Floor Globe reactions to the NBA's best and worst contracts. Do Alex Caruso, Donovan Mitchell, Carmelo Anthony and Trae Young deserve some love? Were Otto Porter and Steven Adams snubbed from the “worst” list? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 6, 2021 · 1 hr 2 minJalen Suggs' best NBA fits & Jrue Holiday's monster contract
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping Baylor's NCAA title game triumph over Gonzaga and discussing Jalen Suggs' strong tournament run. Does Suggs have a shot at being the first pick? Did the NCAA tournament prove its worth from a visibility standpoint compared to the G-League? Then, the guys dig into Suggs' best NBA fits. Should he ride shotgun to Zion Williamson in New Orleans? Take over for Kyle Lowry in Toronto? Enjoy an epic homecoming in Minnesota? Pair with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in OKC? Ben and Michael close by shifting gears to dissect Jrue Holiday's four-year, $160 million extension. Is this one of the NBA's worst contracts? Was it still worth doing? What chance does Milwaukee have to win a title with its new Big 3? Is Jrue Holiday now Milwaukee's version of Tobias Harris? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Apr 1, 2021 · 1 hr 11 minThe NBA's best and worst contracts
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take a look at the NBA's best and worst contracts after the trade deadline and the round of buyout agreements. Who is delivering the most value in the league this year? Should LeBron James be the automatic No. 1? Or should all-stars on rookie deals like Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson top the list? Which veteran all-stars are delivering max production on non-max deals and which former second-round picks are way outperforming their contracts? On the flip side, now that guys like Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond have been bought out, which deals are the league's most onerous? Would you rather have John Wall, Russell Westbrook or Kevin Love? Does Klay Thompson have to be mentioned? How does Tobias Harris, who has had an awesome season, factor into this conversation? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Mar 29, 2021 · 1 hr 8 minLaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Drummond, buyout backlash & the tank is on
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina analyze the latest buyout moves, including LaMarcus Aldridge to the Brooklyn Nets and Andre Drummond to the Los Angeles Lakers. What roles will Aldridge and Drummond play in the postseason? Which factors influenced their decisions? Does the recent acceleration of buyouts harm small-market teams? Should the NBA institute rules governing buyouts to help limit the flow of veteran players to a select number of contenders? From there, Ben and Michael discuss whether two-way wings were the real winners of the trade deadline before digging into the NBA's tank race. Is OKC headed for a draft lottery dream after shutting down Al Horford? Who needs the number one pick the most? Which team deserves the top pick? The guys close with a look at the MVP race and how best to pitch Nikola Jokic's candidacy to voters. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Mar 25, 2021 · 1 hr 12 minNBA Trade Deadline Winners & Losers
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to Thursday's NBA trade deadline, handing out their grades for a busier-than-expected day and running through the winners and losers. Were the Orlando Magic smart for pulling the plug? How do Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier fit in their new homes? Which aspiring contenders in the West made moves that could tilt the title chase? Will the Miami Heat's many new additions boost them higher in the East standings? Was anyone a bigger loser than the Houston Rockets? Did the Chicago Bulls make a sneaky good play by adding Daniel Theis? Should the Raptors have lowered their asking price to get a Kyle Lowry trade done or was grabbing Gary Trent Jr. enough? Will Portland be willing to pay up to keep Norman Powell or is this a short-term rental only? Will Victor Oladipo's short Houston tenure turn into another example of Player Tanking? Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
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Mar 22, 2021 · 1 hr 12 minThe Lakers without LeBron James, crushing LaMelo Ball news
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into a depressing weekend of NBA injury news concerning LeBron James and LaMelo Ball. How will the Lakers manage without LeBron James and how far will they slide in the standings? Does the high ankle sprain end his MVP pursuit, and which players are the new favorites? Will top teams try to tank down the stretch to avoid the Lakers in the playoffs? From there, Ben and Michael pay a quick tribute to Ball's sensational rookie year by listing their favorite moments and ranking him compared to his fellow under-23 playmakers. The guys close with a discussion of Aaron Gordon's reported trade request and ponder a listener's question about whether the NBA should seek better competitive balance by mandating that each team can only have one all-star or one player on a max contract. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy