On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Tom Haberstroh hops on to discuss the instant classic between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. Kevin and Tom both agree after Wednesday night's statement victory, the Cleveland Cavaliers are bona fide NBA title contenders. KOC points out the Cavs' depth is full of unsung heroes like Ty Jerome and Dean Wade. They know the matchup might not be the sexiest when it comes to TV ratings, but who cares! They both want to see these two teams face off again in June and luckily for fans these 2 teams face off again next week (if only Chet Holmgren was healthy!)

The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson now that he's back in the lineup and looking great. Tom's idea: why shouldn't the Spurs take a swing for Zion? Pairing Williamson and Wemby might be the modern day equivalent of Shaq-Kobe when it comes to unstoppable duos. The trade chatter didn't stop there: each of the guys give their take on where Bradley Beal and Jimmy Butler could wind up, too. While Golden State Warriors fans wish Steph Curry would get some help, the guys explain why GSW may stand pat. And speaking of "Pat," Riley and the Miami Heat might be better off tanking for Cooper Flagg at this point. Fresh off Tom attending Duke's last game, Tom and Kevin discuss the ultra-talented 18-year-old.

(1:45) - Cavaliers beat Thunder, prove they are legit

(17:40) - Wemby no match for Giannis in Spurs-Bucks showdown

(26:40) - Zion Williamson returns, should NOP sell-high?

(35:30) - Why the Warriors need to trade now

(40:35) - Latest on Jimmy Butler, Bradley Beal trade rumors

(50:05) - Cooper Flagg, still definitely tops in this year's draft class

(55:30) - Reed Sheppard gets his groove back in G-League

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On this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, Mo Dakhil of Bleacher Report hops on to discuss a wild Monday night in the NBA, and of course the latest trade rumors as we inch closer to the deadline. One of the teams that can't escape trade rumors, the Phoenix Suns, were in action on Monday — and got a huge win after Coach Bud decided to remove Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic from the starting lineup. Mo wonders if Bradley would waive his no-trade clause, while Kevin thinks a certain Eastern Conference Playoff team could be in the mix. And speaking of trade rumors involving Eastern Conference powers — could the Milwaukee Bucks be the surprise team to make a run at acquiring Jimmy Butler?

The guys broke down the chances of the New Orleans Pelicans actually moving Zion Williamson this season — why they both could see the Golden State Warriors making a run at the oft-injured superstar. Plus — Kevin and Mo react to the Orlando Magic getting the surprise win against the New York Knicks, they hit the Los Angeles Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves game, and also Coby White and the Chicago Bulls' thrilling win over the San Antonio Spurs. Before the guys call it a day, Kevin asks Mo ahead of Wednesday's monster showdown: what is more impressive between the Oklahoma City Thunder defense and Cleveland Cavaliers offense?

(2:30) - Suns win & Jimmy Butler trade talk

(21:05) - Wolves come back against Clippers

(29:15) - Jamahl Mosley for Coach of the Year?

(38:00) - Did Doug Christie save the Sacramento Kings?

(40:20) - Should Pelicans showcase Zion for a trade?

(48:50) - Bulls-Spurs recap

(56:30) - Boston Celtics vs. Denver Nuggets preview

(1:02:30) - Thunder vs. Cavs preview

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Goodbye 2024, hello 2025. With the new year only three days into existence, Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh to conjure up ten wild predictions for the remaining 363 days.

Kevin outlines the reason Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is primed to win his first MVP this season, Tom explains why a LeBron James trade is coming this offseason and how it connects to his son Bryce James' commitment to Arizona and the guys predict into a whole lot more. There's even some predictions for you Charlotte Hornets fans out there.

Buckle up for ten of KOC and Tom Haberstroh's most outlandish, yet realistic, NBA predictions for 2025.

(0:05) - Jimmy Butler's comments signal upcoming trade

(9:45) - SGA wins his first MVP

(16:35) - Wemby breaks Kobe's 81 point mark

(23:15) - Jalen Johnson makes Eastern Conf. All-Stars

(26:55) - Houston trades Reed Sheppard

(29:15) - Phoenix gets rid of stars, goes full rebuild mode

(37:05) - A star draft prospect holds out

(44:55) - Charlotte trades LaMelo Ball

(49:07) - Vince Wiliams Jr. is a starter and major contributor on Memphis

(51:15) - Golden State trades for LeBron James

(1:05:55) - Cleveland wins the Eastern Conference, goes to NBA Finals

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In this episode of the Kevin O'Connor Show, KOC is joined by Dan Titus to break down some of the NBA's biggest trade moves and coaching shakeups before deep diving on the Detroit Pistons with Bryce Simon. KOC and Dan start with the recent D'Angelo Russell trade, with the Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Dorian Finney-Smith. KOC and Dan discuss what else the Lakers need before the conversation turns to the Memphis Grizzlies, who missed out on DFS in this deal. KOC and Titus evaluate what this means for Memphis, which has been struggling to find its footing this season. Meanwhile, over in Brooklyn, the Nets' latest moves signal a full rebuild. KOC also takes a moment to reflect on the Orlando Magic’s standout Tristan Da Silva turning heads as the team’s depth continues to shine.

Later in the episode, the guys discuss a range of topics, from Mike Brown's firing in Sacramento to the state of the NBA's culture around fighting and villains in the game. KOC and DT weigh in on the Sacramento Kings' disappointing start and the reality that the team needs a full reset. They debate the best landing spots for D’Aaron Fox, with the San Antonio Spurs emerging as a dream destination.

Later, KOC and Bryce Simon dive into the Detroit Pistons' early season performance, with a focus on Cade Cunningham's development. While Cunningham has made significant strides in his shooting, KOC questions whether his struggles with finishing at the rim and turnovers could hinder his potential as a true #1 option. They also discuss the inconsistency of Ivey and Duren, the Pistons' potential draft plans and whether adding a player like Zach LaVine could be the key to unlocking the team’s next level.

(1:10) - D'Angelo Russell to the Brooklyn Nets, Dorian Finney-Smith to the Lakers

(11:05) - Should Grizzlies fans be concerned about missing out on Finney-Smith?

(17:15) - Magic depth pieces shine in comeback win

(20:10) - Should the NBA allow fights?

(23:35) - Mike Brown fired: will the Kings finally reset?

(43:05) - Pistons deep dive with Bryce Simon

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The NBA's five-game lineup on Christmas Day delivered against a crowded sports landscape in which the NFL (and Beyoncé) tried to make waves of their own on the Wednesday holiday. Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh to break down all five games from the Christmas day slate.

Starting with Victor Wembanyama's statement game in a road loss to the New York Knicks, the guys argue that Wemby has already entered into elite top-ten player status and his 42-point MSG opus is just the start of another decade of dominance.

They also discuss Luka Dončić's leg injury in a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and why Luka's lack of conditioning is finally catching up to him.

Kevin & Tom later break down the Philadelphia 76ers' win against the reigning champion Boston Celtics and if the Sixers have finally turned things around after a rough start to the season.

LeBron James & Steph Curry had yet another Christmas day battle, this time with Austin Reaves playing the pivotal role in a 115-113 Lakers win. This was everything Christmas day NBA games should be and LeBron even took shots at the NFL encroaching on the NBA's territory after the game.

Wrapping up the show, the guys discuss the Denver Nuggets falling to the Phoenix Suns, why Nikola Jokić needs a better supporting cast, and if improvements don't come to Denver soon, how Jokić could soon be making waves with lobbying to move onto greener pastures.

(1:15) - Wemby shines in MSG loss to Knicks

(12:00) - Luka's injury the big story of MIN/DAL

(20:40) - Did Sixers turn around their season vs. Celts?

(30:55) - Lakers/Warriors was legendary

(39:20) - Lakers or Warriors: who needs a big trade more?

(44:55) - Counting down until Jokić is unhappy in Denver

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In this festive episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin O'Connor and Wosny Lambre share their NBA Christmas wishes that they want to see come true this season. First, KOC suggests the Sacramento Kings should trade D’Aaron Fox while his value is at its peak. The duo agrees that the Kings need to look ahead and start building around their future stars. Next, the conversation shifts to the Denver Nuggets, where Wosny believes Nikola Jokić needs more help if Denver is going to compete at a higher level. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks could see a big boost from Mitchell Robinson’s return, with Wos stressing the importance of his physical presence to elevate their offense to the next level.

Later, the duo discusses some players and teams needing adjustments, including Zion Williamson’s future with the New Orleans Pelicans and the need for Zach LaVine to finally get out of Chicago. KOC and Wos also hit on the Philadelphia 76ers, Amen Thompson and Jonathan Kuminga, plus KOC has bold predictions for Victor Wembanyama, already calling him a top-5 player in the NBA. The duo finish up with a mailbag question on the Oklahoma City Thunder and whether they'll keep adding.

(1:20) - Time to trade D'Aaron Fox

(8:20) - Nuggets need to get some help for Jokic

(15:40) - Knicks need Mitchell Robinson back

(20:50) - Amen Thompson needs more opportunities

(25:25) - Warriors wash their hands of Jonathan Kuminga

(27:55) - Nick Nurse needs to add layers to the 6ers offense

(30:30) - Zach LaVine finds a new home

(33:50) - Pelicans trade everybody

(39:20) - Victor Wembanyama a top-5 player?

(46:10) - Thunder re-sign Alex Caruso

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT

The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup wrapped up on Tuesday night in Las Vegas and there were interesting takeaways both on and off the court. Kevin O'Connor is joined by Yahoo Sports contributor Tom Haberstroh (of The Big Number) to react to the Milwaukee Bucks win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, what it means for both teams involved and a post-game story that should not go overlooked.

On the hardwood, the Bucks notched an easy 97-81 win over OKC, and Giannis Antetokounmpo looked unstoppable, while the Thunder could not get their offense going at all. The guys discuss how OKC may be a bit too defense-heavy in their roster construction and why a trade for elite three-point shooting must be considered this winter.

In the locker room after the game, it was a different story. The Bucks left the league's provided champagne and beer celebration untouched; Kevin & Tom explain why Milwaukee's lack of enthusiasm for winning the Cup is a bad look for the league.

Also a bad look for the league — TV ratings are down. The guys discuss growing concern around the NBA of the league's declining TV audience in the face of record in-game attendance and social media reach, throw out a few rule changes that could improve fan interest in the sport & discuss the new 2025 All-Star Game format.

(0:00) - New York soundly defeats Minnesota in KAT's return

(9:00) - Milwaukee defeats OKC in NBA Cup Final

(26:15) - Bucks don't celebrate NBA Cup win: bad look?

(31:15) - Declining NBA TV ratings

(50:45) - 2025 All-Star Game changes: good or bad?

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In this episode of The Kevin O'Connor Show, Kevin deep dives on the two NBA cup final teams and what to expect in their upcoming showdown before discussing ALL of the latest news and storylines around the NBA.

Kevin is first joined by NBA expert Andrew Schlecht to dive deep into the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive 20-5 start to the season and their upcoming challenge against the revamped Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA cup final. With Giannis Antetokounmpo looming as a major test for the Thunder's top-tier defense, Andrew explains how OKC plans to handle the Greek Freak by committee, with key contributions from Lu Dort and Alex Caruso. The duo also break down the Thunder's unique style of play, including their small-ball strategy and the crucial impact of Isaiah Hartenstein's screening and lob connections on offense. They discuss the vibes in Las Vegas and the growth of the event, and how the Thunder's ultra-competitive guards will help fill in any gaps when Chet Holmgren returns. Plus, Andrew shares a story from his Oklahoma roots about winning a Shaq Phoenix Suns jersey through an unforgettable peanut butter competition.

Later, Kevin and Ekam Nagra (Ball Don't Stop) dive into the early-season performances of several NBA teams and standout players, starting with the Milwaukee Bucks. Kevin and Ekam praise Giannis's MVP-caliber play and his evolving chemistry with Damian Lillard. They also discuss the challenges opposing defenses face in stopping Giannis from getting into the paint, a key area where the Bucks’ dominance continues. The duo also reflects on the Atlanta Hawks' struggles to build a consistent identity, noting that Trae Young needs a reliable secondary scorer to help elevate the team.

Moving on to the Houston Rockets, Ekam breaks down Jalen Green's highs and lows, suggesting the young guard needs to find a consistent rhythm and control his pace to become a star. They also discuss the Dallas Mavericks & Golden State Warriors scoring 48 threes in a game, and how the current NBA trend toward data-driven, analytically optimized play has led to a more homogenized style of basketball, impacting the uniqueness of teams. The conversation turns to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with Ekam pointing out how their older, more physical style of play still holds weight in the modern game but isn't enough to make the Lakers title contenders without more roster moves. They close with thoughts on NBA trades, with a focus on Dennis Schröder's role in Brooklyn, potential moves for Zach LaVine and how Jimmy Butler's fit in Phoenix might not maximize his strengths for a title run.

(00:55) - Thunder vs. Bucks preview

(18:25) - NBA cup vibes in Las Vegas

(28:40) - Andrew's peanut butter competition for a Shaq jersey

(35:00) - Dame & Giannis are starting to click

(39:00) - How can the Hawks keep building an identity?

(44:55) - How far away are the Rockets?

(50:30) - Why more threes isn't necessarily good for the NBA

(56:45) - What's clicking for LeBron and AD?

(1:01:55) - Could Dillon Harper challenge Cooper Flagg for top prospect?

(1:06:55) - Dennis Schröder to the Warriors

(1:12:40) - Potential NBA trades: Jimmy Butler & Zach Lavine

(1:21:30) - Quick hitters

📢Yahoo Sports podcast network: https://apple.co/3zEuT