Conference Finals Previews, Continued Parity & Ant's Ascent

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss and debate the top 30 players in the NBA going into the 2024-25 season. 

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the blockbuster trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns, Donte DiVincenzo, and Julius Randle, and where it leaves the Wolves and Knicks heading into the 2025 NBA season. Then they discuss the recent extensions signed by Steph Curry, Joel Embiid, and Jamal Murray, and the departures of two seminal media figures at ESPN. 

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss the United States' gold medal win in the Paris Olympics, including LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant's ageless performances, Jayson Tatum's lack of playing time, and the state of international basketball. Plus: What the U.S. men's basketball team could look like in 2028. 

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber traverse the post-free agency landscape, breaking down the biggest signings, trades, and dominoes yet to fall in the league, including: how Paul George reshapes the 76ers; whether the Nuggets are still in the top tier of the Western Conference; the Pelicans trading for Dejounte Murray; Dallas' upgrades on the wing; and much more. 

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber recap the two-day event that was the 2024 NBA Draft, including which players might fit the best on their new teams, how some of the more experienced rookies might help their new teams next season, Bronny James' fit on the Lakers, and more. Then, they dive into the Knicks' busy week that included trading for Mikal Bridges and re-signing OG Anunoby.  

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber are joined by Brad Rowland of Locked On Hawks and Dime UPROXX to discuss the most interesting prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft, including the two Frenchmen at the top of the board, first-round sleepers who could make an impact, the Hawks' options with the first pick, who the Spurs should target, and much more. 

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the Boston Celtics' run to their 18th NBA title, including Jaylen Brown winning Finals MVP, how last offseason solidified the team, their incredible balance, Joe Mizzula's coaching, and much more. Then they dive into the Thunder trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso and a pair of coaching hires. 

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the Celtics' wins over the Mavericks in the first two games of the NBA Finals, including how Boston has defended Dallas' pick-and-roll attack, Luka Doncic's brilliance, who the "best player" on the Celtics is, and much more. 

Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber break down the tactical and strategic battles that could swing the NBA Finals, including how the Celtics will defend Luka Doncic in the pick-and-roll, why Kristaps Porzingis is so important in the series, and much more. Plus: a discussion on how modern championship teams are built, the stylistic differences between the Celtics and Mavericks, and a note on the late Bill Walton. 

As the NBA playoffs start to heat up, Ben Ladner and Jon Sauber discuss how the Wolves dethroned the Nuggets and where Denver goes from here, the parity in the NBA over the last six seasons, the strategic and tactical areas that will determine the Conference Finals series, and much more.