Zach is joined by Ian Begley of SNY to discuss Joel Embiid's contract extension and legacy through this point of his career and they discuss the news that Mitchell Robinson is going to miss the start of the season and what the Knicks plan to do at center. Then, new Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick joins the podcast to discuss his whirlwind s…

Zach reacts to Adrian Wojnarowski leaving ESPN, divides the Eastern conference into tiers, and then brings in Steve Jones Jr. of The Dunker Spot to explain why these 8 teams will be worth watching: the Wizards, Hornets, Bulls, Raptors, Jazz, Blazers, Nets, and Pistons. :15- Zach's thoughts on Woj's retirement from media 9:30- Tiering out the east 1…

Zach Lowe and Mo Dakhil discuss the biggest question marks surrounding the Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat and if any of those teams can upset the top four of the Eastern Conference in a playoff series. Also, they debate if Jayson Tatum gets his proper respect as an NBA Superstar. All that and more! 3:30 Which of …

Zach Lowe and Bobby Marks discuss Jamal Murray signing his contract extension with the Denver Nuggets and what that means for the Nuggets title window, the trade rumors surrounding Julius Randle and Brandon Ingram, and which 4th year rookie scale contract extensions they expect to come through. All that and more! :55- Jamal Murray's contract extens…

Zach Lowe is joined by Kevin Pelton to discuss the Olympics and all of the late offseason news from around the league, then they discuss the teams they have the most questions for after this summer, and which players they think are the most intriguing heading into the 2024-2025 NBA season. All that and more! 3:45- Recapping Team USA's nerve racking…

Zach Lowe is joined by Tim MacMahon to discuss the lingering trade rumors surrounding Lauri Markkanen and Brandon Ingram heading into the 2024-25 NBA Season and what they make out of the Phoenix Suns. Then, Adam Mares joins the show to figure out if the Denver Nuggets can find a way back to being a championship level team and finally Jon Krawczynsk…

Zach and Fred Katz discuss Team USA winning competitive exhibition games and how they feel about the team heading into the Olympics, then they discuss the most interesting win totals by ESPN Bet and which teams they think will surpass or fail to meet expectations, and if there are any moves left to make for the New York Knicks. All that and more! T…

Zach and Seth Partnow discuss what the Raptors and Hornets are up to before weighing in on some offseason winners and losers. Then ESPN's Jamal Collier joins for the latest on the Bucks. Plus, Russell Westbrook is reportedly headed to Denver. Raptors (3:01) Banchero vs. Barnes (24:58) Hornets (32:21) Offseason winners and losers (49:45) Collier (1:…

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss Jalen Brunson's extension with the Knicks and whether or not it will be a precedent in the apron era, the Warriors' pursuit of Lauri Markkanen, and a look at a few teams that make you wonder about their direction. Brunson's extension (1:04) Will this be a precedent? (12:34) Where do the Knicks stack up in the Ea…

Zach looks back on the Paul George-Kawhi Leonard era of the Clippers. Then ESPN's Tim MacMahon joins to take stock of the Warriors, possible Lauri Markkanen trade teams, and the state of the Memphis Grizzlies. The Kawhi-PG era (1:01) Tim MacMahon (19:21) Team USA latest (20:11) Current state of the Warriors (30:34) Markkanen trades (43:58) Don't sl…

Zach and ESPN's Chris Herring react to Paul George's comments about his contract negotiations with the Clippers, discuss the Heat losing Caleb Martin to the Sixers, the Kings trading for DeMar DeRozan, and the Bulls' attempt at a rebuild. Then ESPN's Brian Windhorst joins to preview a loaded Olympic field and Team USA's biggest questions. Paul Geor…

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Klay Thompson sign and trade to the Mavericks, the state of the Warriors, potential moves for the Lakers, the Cavs re-signing Donovan Mitchell, and the Top 3 free agency winners. Klay to the Mavs (1:01) Sizing up the Warriors (24:06) The Heat made a move (35:27) Lakers' off-season (37:51) Cavs re-sign Donova…

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the Clippers losing Paul George to the Sixers, Klay Thompson leaving the Warriors, landing spots for Lauri Markkanen, free agent options for the Lakers, the Thunder adding Hartenstein, the Pelicans trading for Dejounte Murray, the Magic getting KCP, the Raptors re-signing Barnes and Quickley, and more. Hartenstei…

Zach and ESPN NBA Draft Analyst Jonathan Givony discuss the Knicks trading a haul to Brooklyn for Mikal Bridges, the Nets rebuild, Houston acquiring Suns' picks, Minnesota moving up for Rob Dillingham, Dalton Knecht falling to the Lakers, Portland adding Avdija and Clingan, and much more on the draft. Knicks trade for Bridges (2:35) Nets need a nap…

Zach Lowe and ESPN Draft Expert Jonathan Givony discuss the Cavaliers hiring Kenny Atkinson and what that means for Darius Garland and the future of their franchise. Then they preview the top of the NBA Draft and potential trades what trades, some of their favorite sleeper prospects, and look at possible landing spots for Paul George. Kenny Atkinso…

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks talk through all of the angles of the Alex Caruso-Josh Giddey trade, look at landing spots for Paul George, weigh in on the Kings' cap sheet and potential moves, and discuss the state of the Lakers now that they've landed a head coach in JJ Redick. Sam Presti's press release on Giddey trade (1:21) Chicago's rebuilding pl…

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla joins The Lowe Post to discuss his flashbulb memories after winning the championship, his analytical approach, the challenge of repeating, and the role of luck in the playoffs. Then Jeff Van Gundy joins to discuss his role as an advisor to the Celtics and why he decided to join the Clippers staff as Ty Lue's lead assistan…

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Zach Lowe to react live to the Boston Celtics winning the 2024 NBA Finals. The guys are joined by surprise guests including legendary sportswriter Jackie MacMullan, Celtics' legend Cedric Maxwell, ESPN's Tim Bontemps & Tim MacMahon and more to break down what the difference was for Boston, the future potential of…

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Mavericks' monster win in Game 4, Luka Doncic's improved defensive effort, Dallas' physicality, how Kristaps Porzingis' absence was felt, and the slim chances the Mavericks have to get the series back to Dallas. Mavericks rout Celtics to stave off elimination (1:35) Luka's defensive effort (6:12) The absence…

Zach and Mo Dakhil of The Athletic discuss Luka Doncic fouling out of Game 3, Boston's offensive woes in the 4th quarter, who their Finals MVP is at this point, and the legendary life of Jerry West. Celtics survive late rally from Mavs to take 3-0 lead (1:08) Luka's fouls (5:14) Boston's 4th quarter meltdown (10:21) Why can't Dallas generate more 3…

Zach and Steve Jones, Jr. of The Dunker Spot react to the news of Kristaps Porzingis' leg injury and what it could mean for the Mavericks and Celtics if he can't play in Game 3. Plus, Boston's commitment to driving the ball, ways for Dallas to crack the Celtics' defense, and Dan Hurley turns down the Lakers job. Entire series summed up in one stat …

On this special episode of The Lowe Post x Hoop Collective crossover, Zach Lowe and Brian Windhorst discuss the NBA Finals Game 2 reaction. They break down the Celtics' 105-98 victory over the Mavericks, highlighting how Boston managed to win despite having a lesser game. The hosts delve into Kyrie Irving's struggles and Dallas's costly turnovers, …

Zach and ESPN's Tim Legler discuss why the Mavericks should be more worried about their defense after Game One, how the Celtics won the math, ways Dallas can spark their offense in Game Two, and the Lakers' head coaching search. Dallas should be more concerned about their defense (1:24) Dallas needs to take and make more 3s (13:21) Ways to get Mavs…

On this episode of the Lowe Post, Zach welcomes Brian Windhorst of the Hoop Collective to discuss the Celtics' impressive 107-89 Game 1 victory over the Mavericks in the NBA Finals. They examine Porzingis's immediate impact off the bench, the Celtics' stifling defense, and their decision not to double Luka Dončić, leading to his lowest assist numbe…

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon look ahead to the chess match on both sides of the ball in the NBA Finals, the differing paths the Celtics and Mavericks took to get here, and how they see the series playing out. Then ESPN's Draft Analyst Jonathan Givony joins for the latest on the top of the draft, how the Spurs plan to build around Victor Wembanyama,…

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton react to Luka Doncic's monster game as the Mavs advance to the Finals, how the Celtics and Mavericks match up on both sides of the ball, Minnesota's looming financial crunch and fake KAT trades. Wolves had no answer for Luka (3:07) Celtics won't have best player in the Finals (15:28) Luka's on pace to wind up in rarefie…

Zach and ESPN's Chris Herring discuss the Western Conference Finals, Minnesota's chances of pulling an historic comeback, the Mavs playoff surge and very early thoughts on their potential Finals matchup with Boston, the state of the Celtics and the pressure on them to win, the Mike Brown situation in Sacramento, and the incomparable Bill Walton. Th…

Zach and ESPN's Tim Bontemps discuss Luka Doncic's game-winning 3-pointer to put the Mavs up 2-0 in the Western Conference Finals, the struggling Minnesota offense, the media narratives around Jayson Tatum, and why the Celtics need to win the NBA title. Final sequence (1:33) Are we emotionally prepared for a Celtics vs. Kyrie Irving NBA Finals? (10…

Zach and Kirk Goldsberry discuss the Mavericks win in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals, how both Dallas and Minnesota might adjust in Game 2, the All-NBA results, Cleveland firing JB Bickerstaff and what comes next for Donovan Mitchell, quick Pacers-Celtics takes, and Kirk's new book "Hoop Atlas." Dallas grinds out Game 1 in Minnesota (2:17)…

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton react to Game 7 wins for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Indiana Pacers, questions in Denver and New York going forward, Knicks injuries, and more. Plus: Quick thoughts on Mavs-Wolves and Celtics-Pacers in the conference finals, what's next for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and much more. Nuggets offseason questions (19:47)…

Zach and Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic talk all things Wolves-Nuggets and preview Game 7. Then (38:47) Zach discusses the Boston Celtics soft path to the conference finals and the perception Boston isn't playing well enough to win the title -- and whether anything short of that is a failure. Then (54:09) Zach welcomes in ESPN's Tim MacMahon to di…

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss the Nuggets showing the heart of a champion to bounce back and even their series against the Wolves, the Knicks running out of gas in Game 4 against the Pacers, and what Indiana's off-season could look like. Then ESPN's NBA Draft Expert Jonathan Givony joins on what the Hawks could do with the #1 pick, how the Sp…

Zach and ESPN's Tim Legler discuss the home losses in Game 2 by the Celtics and Thunder, the firing of Frank Vogel in Phoenix, and what to expect in Wolves-Nuggets and Knicks-Pacers. Plus, Mike Singer joins to share the story of his forthcoming book on the rise of Nikola Jokic. Knicks-Pacers (4:30) Cavs rout Celtics in Game 2 (8:46) Mavs win Game 2…

Zach and NBA.com's John Schuhmann discuss the Wolves beatdown of the Denver Nuggets and New York's wild and controversial win over the Pacers -- and what comes next in both series. Then they briefly preview Cavs-Celtics and Mavs-Thunder, make picks, and discuss the fallout from first-round eliminations for the Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, and LA Clip…

Zach and Howard Beck of The Ringer discuss the epic Knicks-Sixers series, Joel Embiid's play, what's next for the Sixers, Heat, and Bucks after disappointing first-round exits, the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George era in LA, the Darvin Ham noise, Knicks-Pacers early thoughts, and much more. Then Adam Mares of DNVR Sports and Jon Krawczynski of The Athleti…

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks discuss Anthony Edwards' brilliance in Minnesota's sweep of Phoenix, the potential fallout for the Suns, fake Kevin Durant trades, Clippers-Mavericks and Kawhi Leonard's injury, the pressure on Cleveland in Cavs-Magic, the stakes for the Sixers and Bucks behind 3-1, and much more. Then Fred Katz of The Athletic joins for…

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil for reactions to Game 3 in Knicks vs. 76ers, Cavaliers vs. Magic, and Nuggets vs. Lakers. They also preview the Game 3's in the Friday slate of games and how they expect the rest of the first round to play out. 2:55 Sixers bounce back against the Knicks 20:35 Lakers vs Nuggets 38:30 Magic vs. Cavs 44:00 Clippers vs. Mave…

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss what they've seen from every Game 1 of the first round and what to look for as each series progresses. Knicks-Sixers (2:11) Celtics-Heat (8:03) Cavs-Magic (12:06) Nuggets-Lakers (16:46) Timberwolves-Suns (27:10) Thunder-Pelicans (36:21) Clippers-Mavericks (50:23) Bucks-Pacers (1:02:57) Learn more about your ad c…

Zach discusses the Warriors being eliminated from playoff contention and questions if this is the end of this team as we know them, then he is joined by David Thorpe for their annual 8x8 first round deep dive. 0:00 The Warriors being eliminated by the Kings. 19:10 Injury updates following the play-in. 25:55 Minnesota vs. Phoenix series preview 41:2…

Zach is joined by ESPN's Chris Herring to review Sunday's regular-season conclusion, preview the four play-in games and four playoff series that we know so far, and give their final awards picks for the 2024 season. 7:00 Winners and losers from Sunday's regular season conclusion 12:15 Is Orlando actually a good matchup for the Cavs? 18:00- The Phoe…

Zach asks injury expert Jeff Stotts about the extent of Giannis Antentokounmpo's injury and his potential recovery timetable. Then The Athletic's Mo Dakhil joins to discuss Knicks-Celtics, playoff seeding, and the MVP race. What will Giannis' recovery look like? (1:27) Dakhil (17:20) Does anything concern you about the Celtics? (21:03) Knicks are a…

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks weigh in on the pivotal races in the Western Conference. Then ESPN's Tim Bontemps joins to discuss the logjam behind Boston in the East, what's gone wrong in Cleveland, and how their All-Defense and All-NBA ballots are shaping up. The race for 6th in the West (3:21) How the top spot will be determined in the West (20:05)…

Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the Sixers' chances now that Joel Embiid is back in the fold, how seeds 3 through 5 might shake out in the East, the race for the top seed in the West, how dangerous the Lakers can be, and what to make of the Suns and Clippers. Sixers with Embiid (10:31) Are the Heat going to heat up or what? (24:01) Knicks with…

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss Joel Embiid's expected return to the Sixers, the charging Mavericks, and a trio of teams succeeding without an injured star. Plus, TrueHoop's David Thorpe joins to run through the top candidates for Most Improved Player. Impact of Embiid's return (1:04) Mavs currently in 5th in the West (9:42) Hawks without Trae…

Zach and ESPN's Doris Burke discuss Draymond Green's ejection and the Warriors' push for the play-in before revealing their preseason takes that have since fallen flat. Headlines around the league (15:04) Worst Preseason Takes (22:07) Under on the Thunder (22:27) Hawks to finish in the top 5 (30:56) Lukewarm on the Porzingis trade (33:19) A Mavs sw…

Zach and The Dunker Spot's Steve Jones, Jr. discuss what's going on with the Warriors, the races for the 6th seed in the East and West, and the battle for positioning among the 3-4-5 spots in the East. Then ESPN Chalk's David Purdum joins for the latest on the NBA looking into betting irregularities involving Toronto's Jontay Porter. What's going o…

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon discuss how the Celtics and Bucks would match up in a playoff series, forecast the Thunder's chances in the West, and weigh in on Coach of the Year candidates. Then The Athletic's Jon Krawczynski joins to talk all things Anthony Edwards- the dunk and his elevation into superstardom- plus, what success looks like for the…

Zach and The Athletic's Mo Dakhil discuss the latest Laker losses, the charging Mavericks, their concern for the Clippers and Suns, Victor Wembanyama making highlight plays look routine, and candidates for 6th Man of the Year. Lakers-Warriors reaction (4:03) The surging Mavs (15:08) Concerns about the Clippers (30:47) Officiating has been tweaked s…

Zach and ESPN's Bobby Marks run through their preliminary list of candidates for All-NBA. Then the NBA's Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and the Senior VP of Referee Training and Development Monty McCutchen join to discuss why scoring has dipped since the All-Star Break, ideas to help defenders, and the unintended consequences of the 65-ga…

Zach and ESPN's Andrew Lopez discuss the red-hot Pelicans, Zion's play, Brandon Ingram's unheralded season, and how the Pelicans stack up against each of the West's elite. Then ESPN's Kevin Pelton joins to pick All-Defensive teams, talk Heat, Suns, Magic and Jamahl Mosley's extension, the recent decline in scoring and free throws, Victor Wembanyama…