48 Minutes: OKC Wins Title, Durant Traded, Lakers Sold, Knicks Drama

0:00 ... Hello and Welcome 0:30 .. Bet On Line Commercial Read 1:20 ... Bruce's opening comment is on Marcus Smart's return to Boston on Sunday and how much love he was shown by Celtics fans. 2:30 ... World B's open is on the Charlotte Hornets and what an embarrassment they are. 4:44 ... Ross's open is on the odd situation that involves new Bucks coach Doc Rivers and his assignment as the Eastern Conference All Star coach. 7:01 ... The first quarter this week deals with the All Star reserve snubs.  Bruce feels Joel Embiid should be replaced by Kristaps Porzingis.  World B doesn't feel that Embiid and Julius Randle necessarily should be replaced by other bigs. 8:44 ... Ross goes through the reserves and asks if Jalen Brunson should be a starter instead of Damian Lillard. 9:55 ... Bruce felt Trae Young might be considered a snub but he liked the guards who were named as reserves and feels all of them are more deserving that Young.  World B disagrees and makes a compelling case for Young and wonders if Trae should be there instead of Jaylen Brown. 13:27 ... Ross feels that Scottie Barnes of Toronto would be a worthy replacement for Randle up front. 14:45 ... Bruce feels that the worst snub out west was Karl-Anthony Towns making it while Domantas Sabonis did not.  Ross agrees with Bruce. 16:30 ... World B doesn't feel that "games played" should be a deciding factor in selecting All Stars and feels like De'Aaron Fox is a worse snub that his teammate Sabonis.  Bruce felt Fox was a "mini snub," but feels that Steph Curry, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker are all more deserving. 20:18 ... World B wants the NBA to make the All Star rosters include 15 players instead of 12. 21:50 ... The second quarter is all about the smoking hot Cleveland Cavaliers (14-1 in their last 15 games) and how they are racing up the standings and could be second in the east by All Star weekend. 23:03 ... Ross gives credit to Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen for keeping the team on a winning run despite injuries to Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. 23:41... World B is really impressed at how the Cavs have made up so much ground in a short time as they continue their rise in the east. 24:58 ... Bruce discusses how Allen and the Cavs defense are dominating and allowing them to grind out wins on the road. 25:58 ... The third quarter is all about the New York Knicks and their 15-3 hot streak since January 1st.  World B is impressed but not really surprised but feels the team needs some more offensive players to help out Jalen Brunson. 29:36 ... The addition of OG Anunoby really made a difference and in spite of his recent injury, the team continues to win games. 30:56 ... Ross shares his feelings about how Donte Di Vicenzo has been a real difference maker for the Knicks with his scoring and toughness. 32:40 ... Bruce is impressed with the Knicks rebounding and how they finish defensive possessions by controlling the boards.  As is the case with Cleveland, their defense allows them to win on nights where they don't score a lot of points. 34:28 ... The fourth quarter features trade talk and everyone agrees that the Chicago Bulls need to clean house and look to the future. 36:45 ... World B feels Andre Drummond will likely be traded and also feels that Buddy Hield of Indiana could be moving on at the trade deadline.  World B feels like the Charlotte Hornets need to also clean house. 38:35 ... Ross thinks Miles Bridges and Nick Richards ought to be moved.  He also wonders what is up with the Pistons and Alec Burks?  When Burks is on the court, the Pistons are competitive.  And while he has trade value, the Pistons young core needs to experience some winning basketball in order to grow and not develop bad habits. 41:52 ... NBA writer Marc Stein floated a Bobby Portis for Grant Williams deal between the Bucks and Mavs but Ross is dead set against the proposal. 43:27 ... Stein also reported that Malcolm Brogdon wants to stay in Portland and his presence could go a long way in helping rookie Scoot Henderson develop. 45:44... Ross's "Best Bets" are back this week with his player prop bets that you should consider. 47:06 ... Bruce's closing thought is on Joel Embiid who is having an MVP caliber season but will be disqualified from winning the award due to his injuries. 49:09 ... World B feels that the explosion of scoring should not cause panic and result in rule changes that will reduce scoring.  He feels the game is fine as it is. 51:11 ... Ross has an exciting announcement about the new Playback.TV platform where our 48 Minutes crew will interact with audience members as we watch a live game together on NBA League Pass.  It's a great way to share the viewing experience with smart hoop fans and your friends on this podcast.  Our first game will be Thursday February 8th at 10:00pm ET as we watch the Nuggets vs. Lakers together with you. 55:05 ... Bye and see you soon TRT 55:18

6 Feb 202455min

0:00 Intro 0:57 Ross introduces special guest Alex Squadron author of “Life in the G” 2:01 What sparked Alex’s interest in writing this book & why he chose the Birmingham Squadron 4:46 Alex on how unique it was to cover a G-League team in their first season 7:02 How big of an impact did the G-League coming to Birmingham have on the surrounding community 9:29 Alex on how grateful he was to have the top players in Birmingham buy into sharing their time/lives 12:12 What was Alex’s big takeaway from his whole experience covering the G-League for a full season 15:22 The major differences between a call up in G-League compared to a call up from minor league baseball 18:19 Alex on how NBA teams reward G-League players with call ups for financial purposes 20:32 What was the biggest challenge Alex faced writing this book 22:13 Covering the G-League season during the Covid outbreak across the league 26:15 Alex’s impression on what it’s like to be a G-League coach 31:24 What adjustment in the G-League stood out to Alex the most 34:32 Alex on the relationship between the NBA Head Coach & G-League Head Coach 37:20 If Alex could make 1 change to the G-League what would that be? 39:51 Live NBA Card Break Challenge 40:24 Tyrese Hailburton 41:55 Jaylin Williams 42:56 Evan Mobley 43:51 Emoni Bates 46:00 Brandon Miller 47:23 RJ Barrett 49:44 Lonnie Walker 53:13 Alex shares where you can purchase his new book: Life in the G

1 Feb 202454min

An EMERGENCY PODCAST was warranted as we got some big news out of Milwaukee today as the Milwaukee Bucks relieved Adrian Griffin of his head coaching duties & already announced the hiring of Doc Rivers!

24 Jan 202425min

0:00 Intro 1:09 Ross introduces former NBA assistant coach & broadcaster Brendan Brown 2:35 Pascal Siakam debuts for the Pacers & Tyrese Haliburton is back. Are the Pacers now a big threat in the East? 5:43 Will Siakam be a difference maker on the defensive end for Indiana? 7:27 Brendan shares his thoughts on Tyrese Haliburton this season 9:19 Are there long-term concerns signing Siakam to a max extension? 11:30 Do NBA International stars tend to prefer smaller markets? 14:05 Brendan provides his thoughts on the Knicks/Raptors trade 19:10 Immanuel Quickley & RJ Barrett’s big adjustments in Toronto 25:34 World B provides his thoughts & concerns on the Knicks bench moving forward 27:08 Ross shares his perspective on why Evan Fournier’s contract could be huge at the trade deadline 27:52 Brendan shares his formula on the Knicks 30:18 The Knicks playoff chances rely on Julius Randle’s play 31:52 Marquee heavyweight NBA matchups from this past weekend! 32:03 Brendan & the crew breakdown the Denver Nuggets/Boston Celtics matchup 34:26 Has Brendan seen any player even somewhat comparable to Nikola Jokic? 37:50 Any concerns with the Denver Nuggets staying healthy? 40:20 Can the Oklahoma City Thunder or Minnesota Timberwolves challenge the Nuggets out West? 45:53 Brendan shares his perspectives on the Minnesota Timberwolves 48:08 Bruce shares a Hubie Brown memory & asks why Hubie’s former players absolutely love him 51:23 Brendan shares his thoughts on his dad’s time as the head coach of the New York Knicks 56:50 Bruce shares another Hubie Brown memory with Dr. Jack Ramsay before asking Brendan to share his definitive story about his father 1:02:06 Is Brendan surprised his father is calling NBA games for ESPN at age 90 & what still drives him?

23 Jan 20241h 9min

0:00 ... Welcome to 48 Minutes episode #85 which honors Baron Davis, who wore that number twice. 0:33 ... Bet Online live commercial read 1:05 ... Bruce Bernstein's opening comment takes Chicago Bulls fans to task for booing the late Jerry Krause in front of his widow at last week's Ring of Honor ceremony. 3:18 ... World B. Freer's opening comment concerns how the new rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 games might affect postseason awards. 5:27 ... Ross Geiger's opening comment praises how the NBA has used the sport to help honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the national holiday each January. 6:38 ... The Utah Jazz are playing great ball and are one of the surprises of the league. 8:50 ... The Jazz traded Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland last season and two of the players who joined Utah (Lauri Markkanen and Colin Sexton) have sparked the team.  Team President Danny Ainge is improving the Jazz just as he improved the Celtics. 16:30 ... Bruce points out that while Utah isn't the greatest free agent destination, it has always been a place that International stars are very comfortable. 17:14 ... The guys discuss the top four teams in the west and compare and contrast the "Big Four." 18:05 ... The case for the Minnesota Timberwolves 21:13 ... The case for the Los Angeles Clippers 28:25 ... The case for the Oklahoma City Thunder 30:47 ... The case for the Denver Nuggets 35:01 ... Everyone predicts which team will win the western conference championship. 37:05 ... Key guy returning to the lineup: Joel Embiid's impact 39:39 ... Key guy returning: LaMelo Ball 41:41 ... Key guy returning: Jimmy Butler 43:56 ... Key guy returning: Draymond Green 46:21 ... Key guy returning: Bradley Beal 48:52 ... Three Man Weave: Dame Time in Milwaukee 50:39 ... Three Man Weave: Pistons deal Marvin Bagley III to Washington. 53:09 ... Three Man Weave: Cleveland getting its act together. 56:26 ... In Bruce's Closing Comment, he calls Russell Westbrook our for his hypocrisy 57:37 ... World B's closing comment asks some thoughtful questions about the criteria for the "Most Improved Player" Award. 59:15 ... Ross concludes with a tribute to rookie GG Jackson of Memphis whose days in ther G-League may soon be over. 1:01:00 ... Ross says goodbye TRT 1:01:15

17 Jan 20241h 1min

0:00 Intro 1:23 Bruce introduces special guest B.J. Armstrong 3:57 The Warriors dynasty is fading in Golden State 7:57 Could the Warriors dynasty have lasted longer with better draft selections? 12:54 Are the LA Clippers a contender in the Western Conference 15:26 Are the reigning champion Denver Nuggets still the team to beat in the West? 18:16 Is now the right time for the Oklahoma City Thunder to make a trade? 22:50 B.J. Armstrong on Victor Wembanyama 26:00 B.J. Armstrong on the New York Knicks & recent OG Anunoby trade 29:27 Where does B.J. rank the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference 32:32 Are the Boston Celtics “The Team” to beat this year? 35:10 Do the Milwaukee Bucks have enough time required to adjust & make an NBA Finals run? 38:16 Life as an NBA Agent with B.J. Armstrong 40:31 As a former player what does B.J. offer his clients that other agents that didn’t play can’t? 43:41 Is there an aspect of the NBA agency side that B.J. wasn’t aware of as a player? 48:56 What was Ron Artest like as a rookie in Chicago? 51:11 The relationship between players/coaches with NBA officials these days 52:52 B.J. on the atmosphere playing for the dominant Chicago Bulls & then moving on to other teams 57:15 B.J. on being an absolute legend in the video game NBA Jam

9 Jan 20241h

0:00 ... Hello and Welcome .... Episode #83 is dedicated to Mikal Bridges and Ross Geiger explains why. 0:37 ... Live commercial read for Bet Online 1:12 ... Bruce's opening comment is on Steve Kerr's complaint that the Warriors lack grit, but Bruce feels the Warriors' biggest issue is the fact that the young guns around the league have caught up to the aging 'Dubs. 2:54 ... World B's opening comment deals with the fact that teams that can't make three-point shots can't win in today's NBA. 5:47 ... Ross' opening comment is on Senator Herbert Kohl, the former Milwaukee owner who saved basketball in Milwaukee by buying the team and then selling it to owners who promised to keep the team in Milwaukee.  Ross' life was personally touched by Senator Kohl. 9:20 ... Bruce tells his own Herbert Kohl story about watching a Bucks/Celtics game with the Bucks owner in 2012 and what that was like. 11:57 ... The Knicks and Raptors made a five player deal that was headlined by OG Anunoby becoming a Knick.  The crew examined Anunoby's expected impact for New York. 14:27 ... Bruce shares his thoughts on OG and how he's in a contract year and it will be up to his teammates to make sure he gets quality scoring opportunities in order to keep him motivated to play the type of defense he is expected to play. 16:39 ... Ross praises Anunoby's defensive skills and reminds us that he was a member of the 2019 NBA Champion Raptors. 17:26 ... World B shares some numbers from OG's first game for the Knicks and points out that his three point shooting is most effective from the corners. 19:00 ... Ross explains why Anunoby's corner 3's are a great fit with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle who operate mostly in the paint and at the elbows. 19:50 ... Ross and World B discuss why they feel that Precious Achiewa is a significant addition for the Knicks. 22:40 ... Bruce likes Achiewa's versatility but doesn't feel he will be an effective rim protector at the center position. 24:02 ... Bruce thinks Barrett will face less scrutiny in Toronto from the media, but might face more distractions from family and friends in his hometown. 25:25 ... World B admits that he was down on Barrett and called him "a shooting guard who can't shoot." 27:15 .... Ross changes the topic to Immanuel Quickley and everyone expects him to do well in Canada.  Bruce feels that IQ and Coach Thibodeau were never really on the same page, and now that he's in Toronto, he could break out in a way similar to Tyrese Maxey in Philasdelphia. 28:56 ... Ross wonders how badly it hurt World B to see Quickley leave and World explains how he felt. 31:00 ... The second round pick the Raptors received from the Knicks is much more significant because it is really Detroit's pick.  Bruce likes the way Toronto is going about its rebuild. 33:56 ... Ross feels like the Raptors have won this trade.  World B feels that "any team that acquired Barrett" lost the trade. 35:31 ... Everyone is impressed with the Oklahoma City Thunder who defeated the Celtics on Monday night.  Shai Gilgeous Alexander is the leader of this group.  SGA was Ross' preseason MVP choice. 39:23 ... Bruce praises the cohesive nature of the Thunder team and points out all of the areas where they are among the league leaders. 41:02 ... World B doesn't feel that OKC needs to make any moves at this time.  Everyone discusses the great free throw shooting by the Thunder. 43:02 ... Bruce explains why Chet Holmgren has been such a game changer for OKC. 43:36 ...The Pacers and Bucks hate each other's guts .... isn't it great? 45:13 ... World B praises the historically great stretch that Tyrese Haliburton is currently enjoying. 46:26 .... Bruce reminds us about Giannis Antetokounmpo's continued dominance against Indiana. 47:45 ... Ross loves that Bucks' enemy Haliburton is a Wisconsin native. 48:18 ... Ross' Best Bets for Wednesday include a same game parlay. 49:39 ... In his closing comment, Bruce recaps the wild week the Detroit Pistons just endured. 51:33 ... World B praises Tyrese Haliburton for his continued brilliance including back to back 20 point/20 assist games. 53:38 ... Ross's final thought has to do with the Raptors and whether they should keep dealing, including Pascal Siakam. 54:49 ... Ross says goodbye TRT 55:04

3 Jan 202455min

0:00 Intro 1:09 Bruce shares his favorite thing in the NBA from 2023 3:32 World B discusses his concerns for the current state of the Phoenix Suns 5:02 Ross questions the Suns decision to have Damion Lee address the home crowd on Christmas night 6:20 The Boston Celtics keep rolling out West in impressive fashion 16:31 Heat culture continues to do Heat things 25:55 In-Season Tournament Fallouts: Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles Lakers 26:18 Indiana Pacers are sliding down the standings 32:42 Los Angeles Lakers are struggling 37:56 Western Conference teams potentially in danger 38:17 Phoenix Suns 41:44 Golden State Warriors 46:05 Houston Rockets 47:53 Memphis Grizzlies 49:25 Ross’s Best Bets: Current First Basket Leaders in the NBA 50:21 World B touches on the race for MVP 51:26 Bruce gives a NBA prediction for 2024 53:24 Ross provides optimistic thoughts on the Detroit Pistons

27 Des 202355min