The `The Hoop Collective` podcast, hosted by ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, provides comprehensive analysis of the NBA season. New episodes are released every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Windhorst, along with regular guests such as Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon, breaks down the action on and off the court, evaluating key trends and examining the latest league news.
- Recent Episodes
- December 26: Are the Spurs Officially Contenders?
- December 24: Can the NBA Fix Tanking? Are the Celtics the League`s Most Intriguing Team?
- December 22: Can Cavs Turn It Around? And Oklahoma City Stumbles
- December 19: Historic Race in the First MVP Straw Poll?
- December 17: Knicks Win the NBA Cup and NBA Expansion Updates
- December 15: Are the Spurs Legit Contenders? Where Do the Knicks Stand in the East?
Recent Episodes
December 26: Are the Spurs Officially Contenders?
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN`s Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to a significant victory for the San Antonio Spurs over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The discussion centers on whether San Antonio`s success against the defending champs validates them as serious contenders, and if the losses expose weaknesses for OKC. Additionally, the trio discusses concerns regarding the Los Angeles Lakers` defense, highlights two key role players for the New York Knicks, and analyzes the strange week surrounding the Golden State Warriors and Draymond Green.
- Spurs` arrival and potential OKC issues.
- Are the Spurs legitimate title contenders?
- Major concerns regarding the Lakers` defense.
- Robinson and Kolek lead the Knicks` Christmas comeback.
- A strange week for the Warriors and Green.
December 24: Can the NBA Fix Tanking? Are the Celtics the League`s Most Intriguing Team?
Brian, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon discuss the NBA`s recent brainstorm concerning new measures to combat tanking. They then shift focus to the Boston Celtics` potential this season, weighing Jayson Tatum`s possible return if the team maintains its threat level in the East. The second half covers the Pelicans` recent upswing, the most anticipated Christmas Day games, and the latest developments in the Draymond Green and Steve Kerr saga.
- Potential new anti-tanking measures and options.
- How the league can incentivize year-long winning.
- Celtics finding their form and potential this season.
- Recent success for the Pelicans.
- The Green and Kerr drama.
MacMahon on anti-tanking fixes: “Discussion or rule change is merited because I do think the tanking epidemic, honestly, it’s the NBA’s biggest problem. Not being allowed [to have top-four odds] in consecutive years, to me, is an interesting idea.”
December 22: Can Cavs Turn It Around? And Oklahoma City Stumbles
Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon delve into the Cleveland Cavaliers` struggles this season and what actions they might take to salvage their year. The discussion also touches upon recent NBA officiating controversies, including the Eric Lewis announcement, before concluding with a look at Anthony Edwards’ special performance and the Oklahoma City Thunder’s recent losses.
- Growing concerns regarding the Cavaliers` struggles.
- How the Cavaliers can address their problems.
- NBA officiating in the headlines.
- Any concern surrounding recent Oklahoma City losses?
Windhorst on potential Cleveland moves: “I honestly think they don’t have much of a choice. I think they just have to kind of weather the storm. I don`t think [trading] is a feasible pathway for them. They are a second apron team. I think their pathway is to get healthier and to have their players round into form.”
December 19: Historic Race in the First MVP Straw Poll?
Brian is joined by Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to reveal Bontemps` initial MVP straw poll of the season. The hosts analyze the tight contest between Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, discuss surprising names that made the list, and identify other players with a realistic chance to compete for the trophy this season.
- Analysis of the bottom portion of the poll.
- Donovan Mitchell (No. 10) and Jaylen Brown (No. 9).
- Victor Wembanyama (No. 8).
- Tyrese Maxey (No. 7) and Giannis Antetokounmpo (No. 6).
- Jalen Brunson (No. 5).
- The close race between Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic.
December 17: Knicks Win the NBA Cup and NBA Expansion Updates
Brian Windhorst, Tim Bontemps, and Tim MacMahon recap the New York Knicks` victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup Final. They analyze what the Spurs` run to the final showed the league. The episode features major updates from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver concerning NBA expansion, the potential future format of the NBA Cup, and the Terry Rozier investigation. They conclude with praise for Cooper Flagg`s recent stellar performance.
- Knicks win the NBA Cup.
- Wemby`s struggles late in the Cup.
- Spurs are poised for a significant step forward.
- Potential changes to the NBA Cup format.
- Huge update on NBA expansion and definitive timeline.
Bontemps on Silver`s expansion comments: “This is easily the most definitive, and the first time there’s ever been any kind of timeline put on expansion. [Silver said] `Sometime in 2026, we will make a determination.`”
December 15: Are the Spurs Legit Contenders? Where Do the Knicks Stand in the East?
The trio discusses the NBA Cup semifinals, following wins by the New York Knicks over the Orlando Magic and the San Antonio Spurs over the Oklahoma City Thunder. They debate whether the Spurs` impressive performance against the Thunder is proof that San Antonio is a legitimate top-four contender in the Western Conference. They also assess the Knicks` status as elite contenders in the East and further analyze the ongoing struggles of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
- NBA Cup semifinals reaction.
- Can Spurs-Thunder develop into an NBA rivalry?
- Brunson leading the way for the Knicks.
- Cavaliers` struggles continue to mount.
- Update from Brian`s international travels.
