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 Dame, the guys discuss how they could still make more moves and why the future is bright in Portland (25:27). Also, KOC shares his experience attending the U2 concert at the Sphere in Las Vegas (45:42).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Breaking Down Jrue to Boston, the Bright-Future Blazers, and the Sphere

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!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez and Steve Ahlman
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Damian Lillard Finally Traded, Set to Join Giannis and the Bucks

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 season (19:35).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Eight Things to Look Forward to Entering the NBA Season

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 Brogdon needs to put his big boy pants on (25:59). Also, KOC shares why French prospect Alex Sarr is rising up his and many other draft boards (42:59).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please check out theinger.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Who’s the Mystery Dame Team? Plus, Lakers Reloaded, and KOC’s Rising Sarr

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 against the Perth Wildcats (41:59). Also, the guys dive into the new rule regarding resting star players (47:35).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Team USA's World Cup Woes, KOC’s Franz Crush, and the NBA's New Rest Rules

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-Alexander can make the superstar leap next season, Noah Lyles's "world champions" comments, what the Raptors can do to return to contention, and so much more (20:45).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Can SGA Make the Leap Next Season? Plus, Admiring All the Talent at the World Cup and the Lost Art of Rebounding.

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’s rooting for the Suns even more (30:18). Lastly, the guys end the show by answering some of your emails (36:29).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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World Cup Takeaways, Luka’s MVP Odds, and the Bright Now Suns

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 your mailbag questions (27:50).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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World Cup Takeaways, Anthony Edwards's Ascension, and Another NBA Investigation

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 NBA games this season and why newly reclassified prospect Cooper Flagg is the real deal (29:22).

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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The James Harden Soap Opera, Broadcast Changes, and Cooper Flagg Reclassifies

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 tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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AD’s New Bag, Paolo Vs. Melo, and Is This the Hawks' Last Chance With Trae?

As the news cycle slows down, Verno and KOC open up the mailbag and answer all of your burning questions, from the in-season tournament to Matas Buzelis! They also discuss hyped teams, Ja Morant, and so much more.

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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The Summer 'Mismatch' Mailbag: Hyped Teams, Timberwolves' Future, and Perfect Movies

Verno and KOC have another rendition of everyone’s favorite game: That’s True, That Might Be True, That's Ridiculous (01:53)! They debate all the hottest topics in the NBA, from Austin Rivers’s comments about players demanding trades to why the Celtics and Jaylen Brown still haven’t agreed to a new contract extension. Also, they discuss if the NBA should be concerned about Kylian Mbappé’s extravagant offer from the Saudis, KOC’s full-body health scan, and the biggest question of the summer: Just how great was 'Oppenheimer'?

Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at nbamailbag@gmail.com!
Or you can send the guys a tweet @ChrisVernonShow and @KevinOConnorNBA!

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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That’s True, That Might Be True, That’s Ridiculous: LIV NBA, 2024 Futures, and Player Empowerment

Verno and KOC discuss how impressed they are by the Summer League performance of Cam Whitmore after he fell in the draft, and take a look at other players who stood out in Las Vegas (01:35). After Joel Embiid said he wants to win a championship in Philadelphia or "anywhere else," the guys debate whether his comments are something to be concerned about (27:15). Also, the lack of progress on a Damian Lillard or James Harden trade, the Suns' unique roster construction, and theorize on why Jaylen Brown hasn't been extended by the Celtics yet (39:48).

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Embiid's Future, Summer League Standouts, and Lingering NBA Story Lines

Verno and KOC are back home from Las Vegas, and they discuss the top performances from this year's summer league, including those from last year's top picks Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr., as well as other young standouts like the Lakers' Max Christie and Celtics' Jordan Walsh (04:00). Also, they discuss the latest on Damian Lillard and James Harden before discussing the latest rule changes that will be in effect for next season (45:15).

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producers: Jessie Lopez and Jade Whaley
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Summer League Takeaways, Bright Futures, and the Dame-Harden Sagas

Verno and KOC are in Las Vegas for NBA Summer League, as they discuss what made Victor Wembanyama’s debut feel so special (03:04). After discussing Marcus Smart’s introductory press conference in Memphis, the guys discuss some of the players that have stood out over the weekend at Summer League (19:55). Also, they dive into the newly introduced in-season tournament, as well as Gregg Popovich’s contract extension (38:06).

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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The Wembanyama Experience, Summer League Observations, and Will People Care about the In-Season Tournament?

Verno and KOC discuss Damian Lillard's request for a trade from the Blazers (01:20). Despite Dame’s desire to go to the Miami Heat, do they have enough assets to entice Portland to make the trade? The guys discuss some of the things that stood out to them in free agency, starting off with the real reason Jerami Grant and Kyle Kuzma got the contracts that they did (23:41). Next, the guys discuss the values of Austin Reaves's, Dillon Brooks's, and Bruce Brown's contracts (30:56). Also, Gabe Vincent and Max Strus cashed in this summer after their Finals run, and the Suns made some surprisingly good pickups (46:19). Lastly, the guys share their excitement for Summer League in Las Vegas (01:00:06).

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Damian Lillard’s Demands, Free Agency Takeaways, and Summer League Preview

Verno and KOC debate where James Harden will land after he opted into his contract with the 76ers and now expects to be traded (01:10). Which interested teams are the best fit for Harden and what could Daryl Morey get in return for him? They also discuss the Kings' re-signing Harrison Barnes, which teams could give the Lakers trouble when it comes to matching an offer sheet for Austin Reaves, and which free agent has the best chance to be this year’s Bruce Brown (28:54).

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please check out ringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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James Harden on the Move, Kyrie Irving's Future, and the Next Bruce Brown

Verno and KOC discuss all the latest around Damian Lillard, who remains a Blazer for now (02:08). Can Portland finally build a championship-caliber team around Dame (10:37)? The guys discuss the Hawks finally trading John Collins, the thinking behind the Timberwolves re-signing Naz Reid, as well as Victor Wembanyama’s decision to skip FIBA and the hope to see him at Summer League (22:13). Also, what to expect from this year’s free agency, which begins on Friday (39:00).

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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Dame’s Future, KAT Trades, Wemby, and Underrated Free Agents

Verno and KOC react to last night’s NBA draft, starting with their thoughts on the Hornets taking Brandon Miller at no. 2. Then, they move onto the weird picks made by the Magic and debate if Bilal Coulibaly could have a Giannis-like growth spurt after being selected in the top 10 (01:14). The guys discuss the lack of movement at the top of the draft as well as the shock of Cam Whitmore's fall to the bottom half of the first round (15:16). Also, KOC shares why he loved the players the Warriors, Nuggets, and Jazz drafted (24:45). The guys discuss how once-touted high school prospects G.G. Jackson and Emoni Bates, who both fell deep into the second round, can succeed as NBA professionals (45:56). Finally, we get to hear Verno’s excitement for Marcus Smart to officially become a part of the Memphis Grizzlies (51:01).

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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NBA Draft Reactions: Big Surprises, Risers and Fallers, and Contenders Reloading. Plus, the Marcus Smart Trade

Verno and KOC discuss the blockbuster trade that sent Bradley Beal to the Suns and what it means for the future of the franchise (03:06). Is the clock now ticking on Deandre Ayton’s time in Phoenix (13:18)? Also, the guys look at the other side of the trade and discuss what the next steps for the Wizards should be after a disappointing return for Beal that included Chris Paul (24:47). After Draymond Green declined his player option and opted to become a free agent, the guys debate what his next move could be (36:28). The guys end the episode by discussing the latest news surrounding Thursday’s NBA draft (52:19).

The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out http://theringer.com/RG to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details.

Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor
Producer: Jessie Lopez
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