The Hoop Collective: Celtics & 76ers Major Contenders in East? + Surprising Suns & OKC’s Quest For 70

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to break down Trae Young and the Hawks working together on a potential trade including the best landing spot at the moment. Then the guys talk about the recent struggles for New York & Oklahoma City including Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s comments on the future goals for the team. Finally, some interesting comments form KD after a clutch shot and a major conclusion from the latest round of All-Star voting results. 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 Suns continuing to exceed expectations this season and if the Thunder still have a chance to reach 70 wins. Then, the crew talks why Boston is becoming a bigger threat in the Eastern Conference by the day while the 76ers should be getting more consideration as another contender in the East. Finally, MacMahon gives out the ever prestigious Cojones Factor Player of the Month award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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