48 Minutes with Hall of Fame Journalist Adrian Wojnarowski

0:00 ... Show open ... Bruce Bernstein introduces co-host Michael "World B" Freer and our special guest Dave Wohl, the former player, coach, and general manager. 0:56 ... Dave reflects on the just concluded NBA Finals series between the OKC Thunder and Indiana Pacers.  Dave felt that these two teams may meet again in the Finals at some point. 2:06 ... World B points out that OKC may not even have shown the best version of what they can still become as a team.  Dave praises OKC GM Sam Presti for the way he built the Thunder into a championship squad. 4:36 ... Bruce points out that NBA players voted Tyrese Haliburton the "most overrated" player in the league and silly they look now.  Dave explains how Haliburton's growth whas been so much fun to watch. 5:59 ... World B asks about whether the league has to address the length of the season given the number of high profile injuries.  Dave explains why that may not be feasible but suggests a lengthy break midway through the season so players can mentally and physically recharge. 8:40 ... Bruce points out the uniform numbers of the three players who suffered the achilles were all "0."  Dave points out how achilles injuries can be so random. 9:53 ... Shai Gilgeous Alexander was originally drafted by the Clippers and traded to OKC in Sam Presti's greatest move.  Dave goes through some of Presti's moves while also defending the trade with LA due to the wishes of owner Steve Ballmer. 12:45 ... Bruce transitions to the Kevin Durant trade where he went from the Suns to the Rockets and asks Dave if this closes the gap between the Rockets and the Thunder.  Dave likes the deal for Houston but thinks they may miss Dillon Brooks and his defense. 14:59 ... Did the Rockets simply give up on Jalen Green?  Dave feels Durant gets them closer to a title more quickly than Green ever could. 17:17 ... How does this deal affect the future of the Phoenix Suns franchise given their bad salary situation? 19:10 ... The New York Knicks' pursuit of the coaches from five other teams has affected their relationships with a lot of teams.  How much damage was done?   The Knicks didn't have a plan and now whomever they sign will be their 6th or 7th choice. 21:50 ... In spite of the Knicks mis-steps, they're still a premier eastern conference team, so is it better for the NBA to have a lot of teams that COULD win as opposed to fewer elite teams like OKC that could be a future dynasty? 24:06 ... Bruce asks Dave about Tom Thibodeau's decision to bring Josh Hart off the bench and whether the fact that Hart suggested the change might have caused Knicks management to question Thibs' leadership. 27:25 ... The Lakers will be sold for $10 billion and as a former member of the Lakers organization, Dave has some thoughts on how the "Mom and Pop" nature of the team might change under a more corporate ownership.  Jeanie Buss will still represent the team as their "Governor," but her input on basketball decisions might be affected. 29:54 ... How will the price tag for the Lakers affect the entry fees for the next NBA expansion teams, which are expected to be Seattle and Las Vegas? 32:08 ... Dave sounds off on what expansion teams are like to work for since he worked for the Miami Heat when they were an expansion team.  He feels that expansion teams start with a clean slate and can build their own unique culture.  Dave hired Erik Spoelstra as video coordinator and explains why Spo' appealed to him as a young potential hire. 34:27 ... The NBA Draft is on Wednesday night and we discuss five "bottom feeder" teams and what their goals should be in the draft.  Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz are first. 35:51 ... The Washington Wizards are next ... members of their management all worked in OKC and Dave feels they'll follow Sam Presti's model. 37:08 ... Washington is a major market while Oklahoma City is not.  Does that affect the Wizards' ability to use the OKC model, which requires patience. 39:04 ... The Charlotte Hornets are picking at #4 ... and have missed the playoffs the last 9 years ... they have some talent on the roster so they'll probably draft for a position. 40:32 ... New Orleans picks at #7 but Zion Williamson's lack of reliability really hurts this franchise and also negatively affects his trade value. 42:20 ... Philadelphia is a "bottom feeder" in name only as they were devastated by injuries last season.  Can they use the #3 pick wisely and get healthy in time for next season?  Will they have to use the trade market more than the draft in order to improve? 44:02 ... Philly's Joel Embiid was one of several Olympians who were injured this season but Dave feels that their injuries were not the result of their Olympic obligations.  Dave explains how players who work hard all summer can wear their bodies out even though they're not playing in games. 46:41 ... Bruce asks everyone for their overall thoughts on the season that just concluded.  Dave felt it was a "season of change." 47:52 ... World B feels like OKC is built for a run that could result in multiple titles. 49:30 ... Bruce wants to give Pacers coach Rick Carlisle his flowers for a sensational coaching job this season and how he will end up in Springfield one day. 50:22 ... Bruce wraps it up ... thanks everyone ... teases the NBA Draft and next week's show ... TRT 51:23             Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

24 Juni 51min

0:00 .... Hello and Welcome ... Ross introduces the panel ... 0:33 ... Episode #161 is dedicated to Pat Spencer of the Golden State Warriors 1:23 ... The crew discusses their respective Father's Day celebrations 2:33 ... Pacers/Thunder game 5 discussion ... 3:10 ... Bruce felt the seeds of OKC's game 5 victory were planted on Friday night when they came back late in the game to defeat the Pacers on the road.  And OKC's defense dominated game 5 from the jump. 4:49 ... World B felt that Indiana played a sloppy game on Monday and that was their undoing as the turnovers were a huge difference in the game. 6:56 ... Ross cited Tyrese Haliburton's leg injury and the guys discussed whether Indiana can come back if he is not at full strength. 8:52 ... World B feels like TJ McConnell might be able to rise to the occasion in game 6 if Haliburton struggles. 10:21 ... Bruce feels Andrew Nembhard needs to have a big game in game 6 for Indiana. 12:19 ... Bruce asks Ross if game 5 will be known as "The Jalen Williams game?"  Ross agrees and also cites Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for a great effort. 14:27 ... Bruce cites Williams for his work on defense and how he is a real disruptor on defense and everyone agrees that he has answered all the questions about whether he is a premier "Number Two" in the league. 15:15 ... Ross tees up everyone for their game 6 predictions ... all three of the guys like Indiana to force a game 7. 17:05 ... The Memphis Grizzlies have traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic and the guys discuss how he fits into the Magic lineup with his great three point shooting and all around game.  While Orlando gave up a lot to acquire Bane, the situation in the eastern conference might be very favorable for the Magic with Bane. 22:44 ... Cole Anthony goes from Orlando to Memphis and World B feels he got a raw deal with the Magic.  Bruce feels Anthony's chippy style will play well in Memphis.  Kentavious Caldwell Pope hopes to rejuvenate his career with the Grizzlies. 25:52 ... Memphis gets four unprotected first round draft picks plus a pick swap, so Ross feels Memphis will do fine with this deal.  The guys then discuss whether the Grizz might be looking to deal more players, but Jaren Jackson Junior, Ja Morant, and Jaylen Wells all seem to be franchise cornerstones. 30:36 ... Kevin Durant has told the Suns which three teams he'd like to be traded to: Miami, Houston, or San Antonio.  Bruce would love to see KD end up in San Antonio with Victor Wembanyama.  World B doesn't feel like KD is chasing a ring since he seems uninterested in going to Minnesota.  Bruce cited Marc Stein's report that Miami might offer players other than Bam Adebayo or Tyler Herro and doesn't feel like Phoenix would consider Andrew Wiggins or Duncan Robinson.  Ross feels like if Phoenix wants to rebuild, Devin Booker would bring a King's ransom in return. 38:41 ... The Knicks are having problems finding their next coach because they keep trying to hire coaches that are currently employed by other teams and have looked clueless in their pursuit.  World B calls it an embarrassment.  Bruce compares Knicks management to the Keystone Cops.  Bruce thinks NY should hire Mark Jackson, who played for the Knicks and coached the Warriors as they were about to become a dynasty under Steve Kerr. 45:30... Ross wraps it up and says good bye and see you next week. TRT 45:47         Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 Juni 45min

0:00 Intro 1:12 Ross introduces special guest Joe Doerrer of StrictlyBball 2:07 The Indiana take a 2-1 lead in the NBA Finals with a big Game 3 home win 3:34 Is Joe surprised with how the Pacers are finding success against the Thunder? 10:05 Is Game 4 a must win game for the Oklahoma City Thunder? 12:42 Ross asks Joe to reflect on the Western Conference Finals given his ties to Chet Holmgren while also being a huge Wolves fan 14:25 Is Anthony Edwards status in the league following the same lines as Jayson Tatum’s pre-championship? 16:13 What’s the future hold for Naz Reid? 17:35 Is Cooper Flag going to be able to live up to all the hype entering the NBA? 19:52 Where are area’s for improvement in Flagg’s game? 21:31 Do Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey have all-star potential? 24:23 Of the Monteverde Acadamy’s historic Class of 2024 group which player other than Flagg will have the most success in the NBA? 27:38 Is Tre Johnson the best perimeter shooter in the draft? 28:46 Joe provides his insights on Kon Knueppel 31:25 Joe on Khaman Maluach 33:48 Carter Bryant’s upside at the next level 36:17 Why isn’t a guy like Johni Broome highly regarded? 39:02 Ross asks for Joe’s thoughts on how NIL deals are effecting the NBA draft 40:27 When did V.J. Edgecombe get on Joe’s radar & what’s his NBA potential look like? 43:10 Who’s the best point guard in this draft class? 44:01 Who’s the top international prospect in this draft class? 45:05 Who are some of Joe’s favorite 2nd round sleepers? 46:28 Does Joe believe this will be one of the wildest off season’s leading up to the draft? 47:20 Joe gives us a sneak preview into next year’s NBA draft class 48:57 Should we expect to see StrictlyBball on stage at the NBA draft again this year? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

12 Juni 51min

0:00 Intro 1:25 Bruce gives special guest Antonio Davis a proper introduction 2:46 Antonio Davis shares his own memories of the Pacers/Knicks rivalry 6:12 How unique & equally matched the Pacers/Knicks rivalry was in the 90’s 8:39 Antonio gives his thoughts on the most recent Pacers/Knicks series in the Eastern Conference Finals 10:56 Haliburton’s heroic Game 1 buzzer beater & “choke” gesture brought back some memories 14:01 Antonio shares his love & respect for Rick Carlisle 16:54 How screens have changed throughout the years 19:40 Antonio shares a great story from his college days guarding Tim Hardaway in practice 22:36 What was it like finally playing as a Knick inside Madison Square Garden? 26:16 Antonio reflects on playing alongside Vince Carter in Toronto 28:31 Do the Indiana Pacers have a shot at pulling off a huge NBA Finals upset? 30:50 Antonio on one of the most notorious plays in the history of the Knicks/Pacers rivalry 35:03 What is the mission of the National Basketball Retired Players Association? 43:30 Antonio shares his vision for the future of the NBRPA 47:09 Antonio on how the NBAPA & NBRPA have worked hard together to provide heath insurance to retired players 51:49 What are some of Antonio’s immediate goals coming up this offseason 56:43 Antonio shares 1 quick final story on the Harlem Globetrotters Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3 Juni 58min

0:00 .... Ross hello and welcome, introduces the panel, and dedicates show #158 to Jack McVeigh of the Houston Rockets who is the only NBA player to wear uniform #58. 1:33 ... Instant reaction to Tuesday night's game #4 of the Knicks/Pacers Eastern Conference Finals playoff series. 2:45 ... Bruce highlights the performances of Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, and Pascal Siakam who were the biggest reasons Indiana took game #4 and grabbed a 3-1 series lead. 3:53 ... Ross pointed out how it was a game of runs but Indiana never allowed New York to really get close enough to threaten the Pacers. 4:55 ... World B was disgusted with the sloppy play of the Knicks and feels they need to reduce turnovers in game 5 if they hope to extend the series.  He is also concerned about the health of Karl-Anthony Towns who hurt his knee in the 4th quarter on Tuesday night. 7:23 ... The crew previews game 5 in New York and discusses if Tom Thibodeau will dial back his rotation as he did in the first two games. 10:17 ... Ross is concerned about how Towns will be perceived by the NY fans if he doesn't play in game 5 due to his knee.  Bruce needs Mikal Bridges to show up big in game #5, but World B points out how hard Bridges has to work on defense against Haliburton. 14:38 ... Ross tees up a brief discussion on how Thibodeau expanded his rotation and how Josh Hart nudged him into doing it by offering to come off the bench and allow Mitchell Robinson to start games 3 and 4. 16:00 ... Western Conference Finals discussion as Oklahoma City won Monday's game #4 to put a stranglehold on their series against Minnesota.  Bruce felt the tone was set in the first quarter.  World B says the series is over now that OKC has a 3-1 series lead and it was impressive how they bounced back from a 42 point loss on Saturday.  Ross agrees and praises Jalen Williams of the Thunder for his great performances.  Everyone feels the series is over except for the final result.  OKC's defense is the decisive factor. 23:25 ... Anthony Edwards needs a great performance in game 5 after scoring just 13 points in game 4.  World B feels he is not holding himself accountable. 24:18 ... Ross wants to praise Minnesota's Nickiell Alexander-Walker whose great postseason performances will help him find a team willing to pay him big bucks as a free agent this off-season. 24:50 .... Shai Gilgeous-Alexander beat Nikola Jokic for the MVP Award ... the guys discuss the large margin of victory in the voting and how both players were most deserving of the award. 28:13 ... All-NBA Team discussions ... On the first team the only quibble was Donovan Mitchell making it over Anthony Edwards, Jalen Brunson, and Stephen Curry. 30:33 .... On the second team, the guys discussed LeBron James making it in spite of ESPN's Brian Windhorst not voting him on any of the three All-NBA teams. 33:36 ... On the third team, Bruce bemoaned the fact that Jaylen Brown fell two games short of the 65 game minimum to qualify for All-NBA.  Bruce felt he would have made the third team, but sacrificed an individual award in order to be healthier for the playoffs and Bruce is really annoyed at some Celtics fans who are blaming Brown for the team's earlier than expected postseason exit.  World B felt Tyler Herro should have made third team over James Harden.  Ross pointed out that if not for injury, Victor Wembanyama would also have probably made 2nd or 3rd team All-NBA and probably also won Defensive Player of the Year. 37:08 ... Smokin' Hot Take from World B ... Cade Cunningham will be first team All-NBA next season.  This bodes well for the Pistons ascending into the top 4 in the eastern conference next season. 40:10 ... Final Thoughts ... Bruce on how OKC's comeback from a 42 point loss to Minnesota last weekend reminds him of two former NBA Championship teams that had similar experiences 40 seasons ago: the 1984 Celtics and the 1985 Lakers. 41:30 .... World B on how the Knicks loss to Indiana in game one was not the biggest choke in the Knicks history.  It was 30 years ago when Reggie Miller made the Knicks the worst chokers in franchise history.  Tyrese Haliburton will clearly haunt World B's dreams for many years to come. 46:16  ... Ross on how all the off-season transactions will be very exciting this year.  And from that he says goodbye and "see you next week." TRT 46:57               Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

28 Maj 46min

0:00 Intro 1:39 The crew share their thoughts on Sunday’s OKC/DEN Game 7 matchup 4:42 Bruce on why the Thunder have a short turnaround time between Game 7 & WCF Game 1 5:31 How do the Timberwolves stack up against the Thunder in the series 12:26 The crew give their Western Conference Finals series predictions 14:13 Eastern Conference Finals Preview 26:03 The crew give their Eastern Conference Finals series predictions 28:21 What’s next for the Denver Nuggets? 35:15 What’s next for the Boston Celtics? 41:41 What’s next for the Cleveland Cavaliers? 45:03 The WNBA season is underway! Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese recap 47:13 1st overall pick Paige Bueckers made her debut with the Dallas Wings 48:57 Bruce makes a Game 5 confession! 50:42 World B responds to Trae Young’s recent comments 52:57 Ross shares the latest NBA term recently noted by GG Jackson Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 Maj 54min

0:00 ... Ross hello & welcome ... introduces panel and dedicates episode #156 to Stephen Curry for his 56 point game against Orlando in February. 1:23 ... Ross tees up discussion of the Knicks big win over Boston on Monday night, giving NY a 3-1 lead in their playoff series.  World B feels it was one of the most impressive Knicks games in more than two decades. 3:32 ... Bruce felt that even with an 11 point lead at halftime, the Celtics were not in great shape because the Knicks stayed attached the entire game. 5:04 ... Jayson Tatum played great until he injured himself in the final minutes but it appears to be a serious injury and it sure looks bad for his return on Wednesday. for game 5. 8:00 ... Bruce appreciated Tatum's scoring heroics in game 4, but took issue with some of his shot decisions and how they helped stifle the Celtics ball movement, thus playing into New York's hands.  World B points out how Boston plays a lot of isolation ball and when they don't penetrate into the paint, they can be successfully defended. 10:46 ... With Tatum likely unavailable in game five, the guys discuss who might step up for Boston.  Jrue Holiday might be ready to have a big night. 13:08 ... Ross and World B discuss the pressure NY may feel if Boston can somehow take game 5 on Wednesday.  World B has lots of praise for Tatum and how much he respects him. 15:08 ... Ross is concerned that Kristaps Porzingis may be physically unable to step up in to help fill the void that Tatum leaves in game five. 15:39 .... The Cavaliers are being curb stomped by Indiana as they also trail their series 3 games to one.  They may not be dead, but they're close to dead.  The Cavs are lucky that Sunday's blowout only counted for one loss. 22:30 ... Bruce puts Bennedict Mathurin on notice that moves like his bush league punch in game 4 will get him extra scrutiny from the refs if the Pacers move on.  World B feels like Indiana has exhibited some punk-like behavior in the series. 23:59 ... The Thunder and Nuggets are tied at 2 games each out west and OKC's defense has carried the team with their offense not looking especially sharp. 25:15 .... Bruce predicts that Shai Gilgeous Alexander will received his MVP Award on Tuesday night before game 5.  Bruce feels that OKC's defense wore down the Nuggets in game four and in the final quarter caused the Nuggets to "drop their hands" like a boxer who absorbs too many punches to the ribs.  Ross predicts a Nuggets win in game five and a seven game series ... World B agrees and has high praise for Aaron Gordon of the Nuggets for his performance.  Ross feels Gordon is their 3rd most important player. 32:33 ... Game four of Timberwolves/Warriors was underway as the show was being recorded on Monday night and none of the guys felt that Golden State would come back to take the series.  Julius Randle was having another big game and has found his playoff groove in Minnesota.  With Steph Curry injured, they just need more scoring than they can muster right now. 36:14 ... The Draft Lottery took place on Monday night and the guys respond to the Dallas Mavericks beating the odds and earning the right to draft Cooper Flagg in June's NBA Draft.  Bruce was thinking that when the Spurs made it into the top four, they might once again get the 1st overall pick as they did with Victor Wembanyama, Tim Duncan, and David Robinson in previous NBA Drafts. 37:50 ... The saddest teams in the league have to be Charlotte, Washington, and Utah, all of whom were hosed in the lottery and missed out on the #1 overall pick. 41:08 ... The guys take issue with ESPN's star NBA journalist Shams Charania claiming that Giannis Antetokounmpo discussed leaving Milwaukee for the very first time this weekend when he actually did it on our podcast back in September of 2023.  We playfully demanded an apology but offered to kiss and make up if he joins us on a future show to talk hoop!  Giannis' comments on 48 Minutes were instrumental in helping the Bucks to acquire Damian Lillard, which required them to trade Jrue Holiday to Portland and led to the trade to the Celtics. 44:10 ... Ross was on Milwaukee radio today and told the host "Sparky" Fifer that Bucks fans shouldn't panic because Giannis is loyal to the Bucks and the city. 45:38 ... Milwaukee can't expect to get equal value in return for Giannis in any trade because players of his caliber are hardly ever are traded.  Oklahoma City has the assets needed to entice the Bucks into a possible trade, so we'll see if those teams do business in the off-season. 50:10 ... Ross wraps things up and says goodbye. TRT 50:33                       Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

13 Maj 50min

0:00 Intro 0:56 Ross provides Bruce & World B with an update on how their 1st Round predictions fared 1:15 What we’ve learned from the 2025 NBA Playoffs thus far 1:26 Bruce on the Northwest Division & James Harden 2:08 World B on the Minnesota Timberwolves 2:43 Ross on JJ Redick, LeBron James, & the LA Lakers 3:47 The New York Knicks steal a Game 1 OT Win in Boston over the Celtics 14:10 Is Game 2 a must win for the Celtics? 17:43 The Indiana Pacers steal Game 1 in their series against the Cavaliers in Cleveland 24:50 Two underdogs out West are set to face off in the 2nd Round between the Warriors & Timberwolves 35:53 Will Nikola Jokic & the Nuggets put up a good fight against the OKC Thunder? Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

6 Maj 44min