The Hoop Collective: The Best Player Of The Year - Our 2025 Baller d'Or Award Show

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to give out their Baller d'Or winner, our award for the best basketball player of the calendar year inspired by the Ballon d'Or in soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss what Jokic’s injury means for the Nuggets in the Western Conference and how it could impact the MVP with the minimum game requirements. Then, the guys react to the first round of NBA All-Star voting including if LeBron could miss out for the first time in two decades before talking a big matchup between the Knicks with newfound depth and the Spurs who have come down to earth after Christmas.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the Hawks’ struggles since Trae Young’s return including if it is time for Atlanta to move on from Trae and the potential struggles in doing so. Plus, the guys break down why the trade market for Anthony Davis is challenging for the Mavs before talking the impressive play from the Nets and Jazz of late. Then, we talk Wemby’s development as the face of the franchise in San Antonio, the Clippers getting back on track with a historic game from Kawhi and finally the drama around Giannis’ late dunk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to another huge win for the Spurs over the Thunder. The guys discuss if San Antonio’s 3-0 record versus the defending champs shows that the Spurs need to be taken seriously as contenders and if this highlights any issues for OKC. Plus, we break down how concerned we should be about the Lakers' defense, talk about two role players starring for the Knicks, a very strange week for Golden State with Draymond and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the NBA brainstorming measures to combat tanking including how viable various solutions are to actually be put into place. Then, the guys talk if the Celtics could remain dangerous enough this season to make a return for Tatum make sense and how much that could impact the rest of the league. Plus, the Pelicans find some success and drama makes headlines for Draymond Green and Steve Kerr. Finally, the guys break down the Christmas Day games they are most excited for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk the Cavs’ ongoing struggles including what, if anything, they can do to turn their season around. Plus, the guys explain some key NBA officiating controversies in the last few days before talking about Anthony Edwards’ epic performance and OKC’s first stumbles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to Bontemps’ 1st MVP Straw Poll of the season including if we are set for another historic battle between Jokic and SGA, some surprising newcomers to the list and who truly has a chance for the award this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to break down the Knicks big victory to claim the NBA Cup over the Spurs including what San Antonio showed the league during this run. Plus, the guys discuss some big updates from NBA commissioner Adam Silver including if there may be a new home for the NBA Cup, some major updates on league expansion and what may come of the Heat & Terry Rozier. Finally, we talk Cooper Flagg’s outrageous play of late and a passionate reaction from Ime Udoka. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to some wild NBA Cup Semifinal action in Las Vegas. The guys talk the Spurs making a major statement against OKC including if this demonstrates San Antonio’s ability to be a top 4 seed in the Western Conference. Then, the guys break down if the Knicks are an elite contending team before talking about the Cavs continuing struggles. Finally, ‘International Windy’ describes his time at one of the greatest basketball events he has been to. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vincent Goodwill and Bobby Marks to react to the Spurs exposing some of the Lakers' key weaknesses, the guys discuss if LA needs to address them at the deadline. Plus, we talk how far ahead of schedule San Antonio’s young talent may be. Then, the crew breaks down the challenges rebuilding in the NBA before talking the historic domination from the Thunder including if any team can stop them from achieving history. Finally, what players and teams to keep an eye on for trade season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices