Okay, anyone else essentially 85 years old and likes to listen to podcasts? I hope so, because if not, this isn’t the article for you. Over the last few years, on top of all of the basketball content I’ve watched, I’ve also consumed basketball in other forms, namely podcasts and books. Today I want to share with you some of my favorite basketball podcasts to listen to, and of course if you haven’t subscribed to these pods yet, do so right after you finish this article. So without further ado, in no particular order, here are my favorite basketball podcasts.
Man, oh man, is this podcast a good listen. Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes are the OG OG’s, you know? They spent so many years in the league, playing at the highest level, and winning championships along the way. They’re able to take their player perspective and bring that to every conversation they have. In their short 69 (nice) episodes, they’ve been able to talk to everyone and everyone. De’Aaron Fox, Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Amar’e Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, you name them, they’ve had them. Listening to these two banter with the guest is so refreshing. Sometimes when players speak to “traditional media” it gets a bit old, but with Stack and Matt Barnes there is a mutual respect as players and all of the conversations are genuine. Ever since I found their pod, I haven’t missed a show. They always say what they feel, and wear their heart on their sleeves. Come for the guests, stay for the real conversation.
Before I go any further, I am a HUGE Ringer fan boy. My dream would be to work as a journalist for them, so of course I’m plugged into all the basketball pod’s they put out. This one is by none other than Ringer Founder, Bill Simmons. Back in 2009 Bill Simmons published The Book of Basketball: The NBA According to the Sports Guy, where he went in detail about the NBA’s top players of all time in detail. However, since 2009 might as well have been 1982 years ago, things need to be updated. Simmons has guests on every week to discuss players who have entered the new rankings, and those who have stood the test of time. If you’re looking for in depth analysis of a player’s career, and where they stand next to the league’s greatest players, look no further than the Book of Basketball 2.0 podcast.
I very much enjoy niche basketball players, stats, facts, etc. This is no different. I think a lot of the time, fans get caught up in the best in the world, the players that were at the top of their class, and drafted high in the draft, and were expected to succeed. In this podcast, Miami Heat sharpshooter, and undrafted player, Duncan Robinson has on players who weren’t supposed to succeed, and defied the odds. This is a relatively brand new podcast, having only two guests, but Duncan’s first two guests were Alex Caruso and Andre Iguodala. Not a bad way to start your podcast career, right? Duncan and his guests are able to talk about being at the highest level of basketball, when they could have easily failed. I’m looking forward to Isaiah Thomas being a guest, but until then, please listen and subscribe. Duncan has a way with words, and getting to really know his guests. You won’t be disappointed.
Not only a great podcast, but a wonderful play on words with the title. JJ Redick hosts this podcast, and has the hookup when it comes to guests. From Tyrese Haliburton to Chris Paul to Dr. J. Redick has great guests every week, and they leave no stone unturned. Although it wasn’t on this version of the podcast, my personal favorite is the podcast the JJ had with Jimmy Butler back when JJ had a show with The Ringer. JJ and Jimmy get into the nitty-gritty of Butler’s departure from Philly, and going to Miami. Quite the listen, just like his other guests. Again, having a conversation with a player is much different than having them with media members, so the conversations are always so refreshing. One thing I’ve really appreciated is that, even though JJ is in the middle of a NBA season, his podcast episodes are always consistent. JJ, his cohost, and his guests are always ready to have a good talk for our benefit, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the pod.
Here comes some more Ringer love. Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor are the perfect mesh of fire and ice when it comes to their basketball takes. Kevin, the more analytical host, and Chris the more passionate host. There isn’t an episode that I can’t identify with each of their opinions, and that just goes to show how well versed they both are in their basketball knowledge. Yes, sometimes they get into it with each other, what couple doesn’t though? Sometimes it’s about KOC’s “Bright Future Suns” and sometimes it’s about Chris’ undying love for players who are ready to rip your heart out. No matter the subject, KOC and Verno find a way to bring the listener into the fold, and I always enjoy the banter. I won’t miss an episode for the world. Every Tuesday and Friday I look forward to seeing their show in my feed, and I think this is very much worth the listen.
Round The Game 
Leave a comment