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.

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536 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes536

Newest first

Dec 3, 2019 · 1 hr 7 min
Quarterly NBA awards, the ethics of a scoring rampage, Spurs’ faith dwindling?
On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reconvene after the long holiday weekend to hand out first-quarter NBA awards. LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo or James Harden for MVP? Is Luka Doncic both an MVP candidate and the MIP favorite? Who are Michael's off-the-radar picks for Most Improved and Sixth Man? From there, they shift gears to discuss the evolving ethics of stat-hunting in blowouts. Should Harden have chased Kobe Bryant's 81-point mark or did the Houston Rockets do the right thing by shutting him down? To close, Ben and Michael take emails from the Open Floor Globe on the dwindling prospects of the San Antonio Spurs and a snowy sunrise at Bryce Canyon National Park. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 26, 2019 · 1 hr 18 min
NBA schedule proposals, cheating the game, Harden's double teams
On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina vote up or down on the NBA's three major schedule proposals: reseeding the conference finals, adding a midseason tournament, and incorporating play-in games for the playoffs. From there, they dive into a wide-ranging debate about cheating in sports. Should honor be a bigger deal? What can be done to curb flopping and other acts that violate the spirit of the game? What crazy methods, like Deflate-Gate in football or sign-stealing in baseball, could prove to be successful strategies in the NBA? They close with a discussion of James Harden's double teams, an absolutely epic takedown comparing Vlade Divac to POTUS, and a bunch of emails explaining how various Open Floor Globe listeners partake in the show. Note: Open Floor will take off on Friday for the Thanksgiving holiday and resume next Tuesday with the usual schedule. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 22, 2019 · 1 hr
LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the top 5 stories of the 2019-20 season so far
On today's show, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina run through the top five basketball stories of the 2019-20 season so far, highlighted by LeBron James's resurgence and Luka Doncic's emergence as an MVP candidate. From there, they take questions from the Open Floor Globe. How did Kawhi Leonard and Paul George look in their first game together? If the Warriors had the "Death Lineup," do the Clippers have the "Coma Lineup"? How good of a shooter does a 5'6", 220-pound listener need to be to make the NBA? Ben and Michael close by expanding their understanding of podcasting genres, adding "listening while cooking" and "listening while working on shooting mechanics." Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 19, 2019 · 1 hr 12 min
Celtics cruising, Sixers stumbling, Carmelo resurrected, Paul George shining
On today's episode, Ben Golliver welcomes his new co-host: Michael Pina, NBA writer for SB Nation. With Open Floor's bi-coastal balance restored, Ben and Michael dig into two teams at the top of the Eastern Conference: the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers. Are the Celtics as good as their record indicates? Does their hot start, coupled with Brooklyn's challenges, shine a new light on Kyrie Irving? How does Philly fix its offense? Are Al Horford and Joel Embiid a fit? Is the clock ticking on Ben Simmons again? From there, Ben and Michael take questions from the Open Floor Globe on Carmelo Anthony's resurrection with the Blazers and Paul George's strong start for the Clippers. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 15, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min
Knicks coaching crisis, Harden's place in the hierarchy, Shot quality vs. shot location
On today's podcast, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the dilapidated state of the Knicks. Is there any coach, or person, alive who could replace David Fizdale and find success? Why did the front office shift its expectations between July and November? Which of New York's young building blocks are keepers? From there, Ben and Rob debate James Harden's place in the NBA hierarchy and dissect Russell Westbrook's dismissal of Patrick Beverley. After discussing the relative importance of shot location and shot distribution, they close with a painful email from a British listener whose 2016 USA road trip was ruined by Klay Thompson. Note: This is Rob's last episode as co-host. Ben will welcome a new co-host on the next episode, which will be released on Tuesday. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 12, 2019 · 59 min
Siakam's soaring Raptors, Lillard's slumping Blazers, Rob Mahoney reflects on 7 years at SI
On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney open with extended comments on Pascal Siakam and the Toronto Raptors. Where does Siakam rank right now? Is he actually Giannis-like? Does Toronto's player development program get enough credit? From there, Ben and Rob shift gears to discuss Damian Lillard's MVP start, the Blazers' roster problems, Ja Morant's Rookie of the Year chances and the fan's perspective on load management. To close, Rob reflects on his favorite stories and games as he prepares to leave Sports Illustrated after seven years. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 8, 2019 · 1 hr 2 min
Giannis revenge mission, NBA statues, load management ethics
On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney go deep on the Milwaukee Bucks after their recent win over the Los Angeles Clippers. They engage in comical Giannis Antetokounmpo hyperbole on the following topis: his revenge mission, MVP defense, pre-game grunting, winning plays and leadership intangibles. From there, they tackle pressing questions from the Open Floor Globe on everything from NYC marathon attire to the utility of the phrase "two-way player." Ben and Rob also debate the many ethical issues surrounding the load management question and how teams should determine which stars to honor with statues outside their arenas. They close by checking the temperature on Mike D'Antoni's seat in Houston. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 5, 2019 · 1 hr 5 min
Luka Luka Luka, Bucks check-in, sputtering Rockets
On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the mounting hype around Luka Doncic following his weekend duel with LeBron James and his multiple triple-doubles. Should Dallas be viewed as a legit playoff threat? What's Luka's long-term ceiling? Would you undo/redo the Trae Young trade from either side? From there, Ben and Rob discuss NBPA executive director Michele Roberts' comments on China before taking questions from the Open Floor Globe on the Rockets' dynamic duo, the Bucks' uneven start and Kevin Love trade scenarios. They close by examining the conversation around Kyrie Irving's mental health and Rodney Hood's lack of flare. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Nov 1, 2019 · 1 hr 4 min
Steph Curry’s injury, Kawhi Stockton, Team Jo or Team KAT?
On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss the grisly repercussions of Stephen Curry's broken hand for the Golden State Warriors. Should Golden State tank? Does this increase the urgency to trade D'Angelo Russell or Draymond Green? From there, they take questions on Kawhi Leonard's newfound passing ability, the Minnesota Timberwolves' impressive start and the longstanding rivalry between Karl-Anthony Towns and Joel Embiid. Are you team KAT or Team JoJo? Is a rivalry with Embiid the best possible thing that could happen to Towns? They close by considering an old man take on the NBA's "Content Industrial Complex" and debating whether League Pass is worth the sticker price. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 29, 2019 · 1 hr 2 min
Warriors' comeuppance, Trae Young's arrival, Suns' progress
On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney consider the Golden State Warriors' slow start. Do their early struggles require a reputation revision for Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr? Is there any hope for their putrid defense? Should they consider trading D'Angelo Russell or Draymond Green? Should they tank? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to answer questions from the Open Floor Globe on Trae Young's All-Star chances, the Phoenix Suns' sudden competence, Dwight Howard's promising first week and Deandre Ayton's 25-game suspension. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 25, 2019 · 57 min
The New King of LA, Charles Barkley’s take summit, Opening week instant reactions
On today's episode, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney discuss TNT commentator Charles Barkley's latest take summit. Ben lays out Barkley's thoughts on why Kawhi Leonard has surpassed LeBron James after the Clippers' opening win over the Lakers. They also dissect two other Barkley ideas: that Anthony Davis needs to be the Lakers' best player if they're going to win the title, and that Paul George will face significant pressure in the 2020 playoffs. From there, Ben and Rob take questions from the Open Floor Globe on why no one cares about Andre Drummond, Kyrie Irving's 50-point Brooklyn debut, and whether it was acceptable for a listener to cut short a trip to San Diego so that he could return to Ohio and watch basketball by himself. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 22, 2019 · 1 hr 5 min
The NBA season is here! Finals predictions, Zion heartbreak & Jamal Murray's swag
On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney gear up for the start of the 2019-20 NBA season by making their predictions. Which teams will make the conference finals? Who will win the title? What's the dream West match-up? Are there any spoilers looming in the East? Which teams will disappoint, which will surprise, and which will be downright awful? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to reflect on the implications of Zion Williamson's knee surgery. How bad is this for the NBA as a whole? Will he need to change his body type? Are Blake Griffin and Greg Oden reason comparison points? They close by digging into Rob's Sports Illustrated story on Jamal Murray, which features a fateful coaching decision and a brash prediction of better days to come. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 18, 2019 · 1 hr 3 min
LeBron takes on Morey over China, NBA award predictions, Buddy's threat and Beal's deal
On Today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney pick up their jaws after LeBron James's pointed criticism of Daryl Morey on the Hong Kong/China issue. Did LeBron have a point about Morey's bad timing? Should activism be convenient? What did this episode reveal about LeBron? Did the controversy prove that Kawhi Leonard made the right decision to join the Clippers rather than the Lakers? Then, Ben and Rob shift gears to make their picks for MVP, ROY, DPOY, COY, SMOY and MIP. The usual suspects (Giannis and Zion) make appearances, but so do some other big names (Embiid, AD, Luka). Finally, they close with why context matters in Buddy Hield's negotiation standoff with the Kings, and the different levels of winning baked into the Wizards' new contract extension for Bradley Beal. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 15, 2019 · 1 hr 4 min
Harden and Westbrook deep dive, California vs. the World, the West's future powers
On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney dive deep into Rob's Sports Illustrated NBA preview story on the Houston Rockets. How will James Harden and Russell Westbrook actually work together? Are the Rockets as unstable as they appear from the outside? Are they title contenders? Then, Ben and Rob take questions from the Open Floor Globe, assessing Tilman Fertitta's competence, fielding rosters for a "California vs. the rest of the world" showdown, and welcoming the coming galactic battle between Zion Williamson and Giannis Antetokounmpo. They close by discussing the West's best rising powers and taking on a brutal critique of Portland, Oregon, from an Irish tourist. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 11, 2019 · 1 hr 5 min
The NBA game goes on in China, Zion hype heats up, the next Jrue contract
On today's show, Ben Golliver and Rob Mahoney detail the latest developments from the NBA's China crisis. What should James Harden make of Daryl Morey? Did Adam Silver let down the media by allowing the Lakers and Nets to play without conducting press conferences? Do Steve Kerr and Gregg Popovich deserve heat for sidestepping the controversy? Then, Ben and Rob field questions from the Open Floor Globe on Zion Williamson's debut week, which players have the chance to surprisingly live up to their massive contracts a la Jrue Holiday, and whether the NBA intelligentsia has it all wrong on the depressing Hornets. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Oct 8, 2019 · 1 hr 2 min
Daryl Morey's China crisis, AD's stellar debut, 2020 NBA style of play
On today's show, Ben Golliver offers an Open Floor "State of the Union" address in light of Sports Illustrated's recent staffing changes. Ben is then joined by his new co-host, Rob Mahoney of Sports Illustrated, to discuss Houston Rockets GM Daryl Morey's tweet about Hong Kong and the ensuing fallout in China. Should Morey have been fired? Could the NBA have handled its response differently? Are US politicians correct when they accuse the NBA of hypocrisy? From there, Ben and Rob discuss: Anthony Davis's stellar debut, how Davis compares with Giannis Antetokounmpo, and whether the NBA will see major changes in its style of play now that Kevin Durant hast left the Warriors. They close by analyzing Deandre Ayton's summer priorities and Michael Porter Jr.'s Rookie of the Year chances. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy