VanVleet ACL Tear, New Warriors Contracts & the Same Old Sixers

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys are back! A catchup on Kevin's vacation and a look back at last week's episode with Justin and Chase Bunker plus of course, some Jacksonville talk. In Warm Up Jumpers, Fred VanVleet has torn his ACL during an offseason workout. What this means for Houston's standing in the West and what their options will be moving forward. Then, the Sixers are back being the Sixers. Jared McCain suffers a setback with a torn UCL and it's still unclear when Joel Embiid and Paul George will play. The guys also talk Quentin Grimes new deal and what it means long term. Next, a trip to the Bay as the Warriors re-sign Jonathan Kuminga, ending a long offseason saga. They also talk the Warriors adding Al Horford. Finally, Who's Ballin Who's Fallin and another round of Immaculate Grid.

The NBA just changed the rulebook: failed end-of-period heaves no longer count against a player’s shooting stats — but is this protecting stars or hurting the game? We dive into the history of the league’s greatest (and worst) heave-takers, from Curry’s magic touch to Kobe’s one lonely make. Then we unravel the latest twists in the Kawhi Leonard scandal, where endorsement money, ownership ties, and injury timelines raise serious questions for the Clippers. Plus, the Knicks quietly add Malcolm Brogdon while the Spurs launch a pricey new fan section for Wemby Nation. Guest host Chase Bunker joins us to break down who’s ballin’, who’s fallin’, and who’s just letting the shot clock expire.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start with Justin's return! What the guys have been up to this summer and why jumping back into a gym routine isn't quite the same in your 30's. In Warm Up Jumpers, more rumors regarding the All-Star format which involve two U.S. teams playing the world. What the guys think the rosters for each squad would look like and they debate who will come out on top. Next, the Clippers are accused of circumventing the salary cap with Kawhi Leonard. The duo takes a look at the early details and what could potentially happen if the NBA finds any wrongdoing. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, new deals for Cam Thomas and PJ Washington and Gilbert Arenas's take on the Clippers. Finally, the guys get back to some Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined by Ryan Mayer (@r_mayer) from The Athletic. The guys start the episode with Jeremy Lin announcing his retirement from basketball. A look back at Linsanity from when Kevin and Ryan lived in New York and why it was more fun than anything else. Next, the NBA has released the full 2025 schedule. A look at some of the highlights including opening night and Christmas Day games. Does anybody have a reason to gripe? We further discuss the early start again to the NBA Cup and why it takes a lot of steam out of it. Along with the schedule, the duo debates the Western Conference and which teams are in the best position headed in 2025. Can anybody in the East keep up? Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart, Kevin is joined by Carlton Cabey (@Carlton_KB) as they start the show by talking John Wall's retirement. A look back at his career and why the guys think it will age well plus a quick comparison between John Wall and Gilbert Arenas and why Carlton thinks the Wizards could have done more around Wall. Next, the Lakers sign Luka Doncic and the guys discuss the new era of Lakers basketball featuring Luka and debate again whether LeBron should try to make a move or stick in Los Angeles. The Spurs have signed a 4-year extension with De'Aaron Fox and the guys discuss where the Spurs stack up in a loaded Western Conference and why it's time for the them to start winning games. Rick Carisle also has signed a multi-year extension to coach the Pacers as we get Carlton's opinion on a weaker Eastern Conference. Finally, stick around for some NFL thoughts ahead of the Eagles/Dolphins upcoming seasons, Carlton's Panthers winning back to back Stanley Cups and Carlton's new cologne page (@SmellGoodChronicals) and how he got into the hobby. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by discussing games in London and Berlin for both the Magic and Grizzlies. Where else the guys expect potential Europe games in the next few years and other logical international destinations for the NBA. Next, Mikal Bridges signs a 4-year, $150 million exension to stay with the Knicks. How this contract allows the Knicks to remain flexible and why the guys believe the Knicks are the team to beat in the East. In Who's Balin Who's Fallin, Luka slims down, Ricky Council IV goes to Brooklyn, Gilbert Arenas is out of prison post gambling arrest and the new Naked Gun's credits that have an NBA twist. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir) and Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose), the guys start the show by discussing C.J. McCollum's recent comments on the second apron and incentives for team's to keep their homegrown guys. We debate the balance and if that's possible under the current structure. Next, a look at the rest of the summer in the NBA. Marcus Smart is headed to the Lakers and the guys talk his fit and why this is another sign the team is moving around Luka and not LeBron. Plus, a difficult summer for restricted free agents and if we expect any to sign the qualifying offer. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, Chris Paul gets #3 back on the Clippers, the Sixers waive Ricky Council IV, LeBron vs. artifical intelligence and Nick Young's lifetime beef with D'Angelo Russell. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), Kevin is joined this week by Chris Crawford (@OnAirwithCC), Assisstant Program Director at WSB to discuss a pair of NBA returns. First, Damian Lillard heads back to Portland. What they think about a surprising choice to head back and one final look at Dame's time in Milwaukee and why things didn't work they way they expected. Next, Chris Paul returns to the Clippers and Bradley Beal is coming with him. Where does the pair rank the Clippers in a competative West and how they feel about going all in on an older core. Plus, a look at the Spurs this year and what they need to do to take the next steps to make the playoffs and some quick MLB chat about CC's red hot Toronto Blue Jays. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by talking some Lakers & a potential LeBron watch. As LeBron has opted in, the franchise has made some more moves around Luka Doncic. Is it possible for the team to be on two timelines at once? Next, some big time paydays in Oklahoma City with SGA, Chet Holmgren and Jaylen Williams all getting max extensions. What this means for the Thunder moving forward cap wise and who might be on the way out. Plus, a discussion about which teams out West are the most likely to give the Thunder fits next year. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, a massive two-year extension for Devin Booker in Phoenix, AD getting his retina fixed, A-Rod's initial vision for Minnesota and a hilarious Luka well-wishes video. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!

On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir) and Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose), the guys start the show by discussing the Knicks hiring Mike Brown as head coach. A debate if that was the right move and if he'll do better than Thibs did plus a look at why Kevin believes the Knicks are the team to beat in the East. Next, free agency is in full swing. The Bucks waive Damian Lillard and the duo debates if that was the right call or desperate. Other notable moves include Lonzo Ball to the Cavs, Norm Powell to the Heat and the Hawks pushing the right buttons. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, the 10-year anniversary of DeAndre Jordan's free agency saga, the WNBA expands to Philly, Detroit and Cleveland, Red Panda gets hurt & LeBron takes up golf. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!