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Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to talk about a few teams who have had surprising starts to the season including the Warriors who have rejuvenated Steph Curry with the sensational play of Yaxel Lendeborg. Then, we break down what Kristaps Porzingis’ announcement means for his future and what Golden State can/will do moving forward. Next, we tackle how the Lakers’ start to the season has impressed including LA winning a big game without Luka. Finally, we break down the strong play of the Thunder before dissecting how their latest trade will impact the team before previewing the first regular season matchup between the Celtics & 76ers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Vince Goodwill to talk about Victor Wembanyama’s historic performance against the Mavs including if Wemby can maintain that physicality this season. Next, we discuss the 76ers’ ‘dream start’ to the season and break down why they have yet to scratch the surface of what they could be before talking about what LeBron’s latest return to Cleveland will be like. Then, we discuss how SGA has adjusted his approach to scoring this season due to the injuries to the Thunder and if that could create an interesting MVP discussion. Finally, we tackle the latest in the ongoing drama with Kristaps Porzingis and the Warriors along with how this could create a very interesting trade market for KP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to talk about Luka Doncic’s historic start to the season and what changes he has made that could lead to continued success for the Lakers. Then, we discuss the growing concern about the Heat’s defense including if there is a path to fixing these issues. Next, we break down the impressive starts of a few members of this historic rookie class, especially highlighting the incredible start to the season from Yaxel Lendeborg in Golden State. Finally, we give some praise to a quality start to the season for the Blazers.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to talk about Houston’s impressive 6-1 start to the season including if the Rockets are now a legitimate contender to win the title. Plus, we break down why Kyrie Irving may not be traded this season in Dallas after a strong start to the season with Cooper Flagg. Next, we assess where the Thunder stand with their mounting injuries before giving praise to the Grizzlies for an undefeated start. Finally, the 76ers’ clutch scoring has created a dream start to the season in Philadelphia, but is it sustainable?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Ben Golliver to talk about Ben’s 10 early-season NBA overreactions article including what to make of Anthony Edwrads’ injury, if it is time to panic/celebrate some major offseason moves and much more. 0:00 Intro 4:18 Windy Storytime: Blatt & Playoff Bron 7:22 Early-season NBA overreactions 10:09 Ant MVP case getting tanked early  20:49 Did offseason moves make Hornets better? 34:35 Will the Kings need to make big changes? 44:00 Will Bulls be the worst team in the East? 48:00 Will this be the worst Heat season since 2008? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Bobby Marks to talk about a series of unfortunate injuries for the Thunder to Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace before discussing what this means for OKC’s future including if the team will need to make some moves. Then, the guys break down the latest on Kawhi Leonard’s concerning knee injury and how that could impact Toronto. Plus, we discuss how concerned fans of the Miami Heat should be after an 0-4 slump to begin the season. Finally, we give praise to the impressive start to the season from the Memphis Grizzlies as Ty Jerome leads the league in scoring. 0:00 Intro 1:35 What does the Thunder front office do now? 18:56 Kawhi to miss time for knee swelling 26:24 How concerned should Heat fans be? 34:59 Memphis much better than expected? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to talk about an important message sent to the Spurs early this season, the Rockets announcing themselves as potential contenders and the disastrous start to the season from the Heat. Plus, we discuss some negative headlines in New York and the media drama surrounding Tatum and Brown before talking about some insane opening week performances. Finally, we react to some major injuries of the first week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and Anthony Slater to react to the dramatic back-and-forth between Yaxel Lendeborg & Luka Doncic before diving into the Lakers’ impressive performance and the future for Kristaps Porzingis in Golden State. Next, the guys evaluate the vibes in the Clippers’ first game after their punishment and if any punishment will come to the Bucks. Finally, we break down two impressive performances from the Timberwolves and Blazers before welcoming veteran NBA agent Andy Miller to give a special announcement and break down the coaching market in the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to react to the Opening Night of the NBA season including Boston’s collapse in Detroit, the 76ers spoiling the Knicks’ ring night and SGA & OKC making a statement to the league against Wemby in San Antonio. Then, Suns’ owner Mat Ishbia joins the show to talk about his expectations for the Suns, his thoughts on expansion & NBA Europe and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon and first time Hoop Collective guest Alan Hahn to preview the upcoming season for the Atlantic Division in the NBA. The guys tackle how the Knicks will defend their title, what reasonable expectations are for the 76ers, if the Celtics’ big bet will pay off, how much Kawhi can elevate the Raptors and more. Finally, we discuss the big opening night matchups.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim MacMahon to preview the upcoming season for the Southeast Division in the NBA including if the Heat have enough to contend this season, why now is the time for the Magic to step up and what teams can take a leap after major offseason overhauls. Finally, producer Jackson joins for our annual win total draft for the upcoming NBA season.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Vince Goodwill preview the Central Division, breaking down the biggest questions facing the Pistons, Cavaliers, Bulls, Pacers and Bucks heading into the 2026–27 NBA season. Is this a make-or-break year for Cleveland? Can Detroit take another step forward? Can Tyrese Haliburton lead an Indiana resurgence? Plus, Milwaukee’s uncertain future, Chicago’s intriguing young talent and where each team stacks up in the Eastern Conference. Timecodes: 00:00 Welcome To The Hoop Collective 00:15 Our 2026-27 Central Division Preview 04:25 Lots of big questions for the Pistons 11:43 Make or break season for the Cavaliers 27:50 Can Haliburton bring back the Pacers? 35:30 Bucks post Giannis future looks murky 42:05 Young talent is intriguing with the bulls Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon are live from Rockets-Mavericks NBA House in Macao! Mavericks president Masai Ujiri joins the show to discuss Cooper Flagg’s limitless potential, Kyrie Irving’s importance to Dallas and the challenges of building a contender in the Western Conference. Plus, Ujiri reflects on what it takes to build a championship team and Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto. Next, ESPN’s Chao Meng also joins to explore the NBA’s popularity in China, the country’s sneaker culture and the excitement surrounding Yang Hansen. Then, NBA legend Carlos Boozer returns to share memories of playing for Jerry Sloan and assess the current state of the Utah Jazz. To close, the guys reflect on their Macao experience and wrap up the Hoop Collective’s World Tour 2026! CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to The Hoop Collective Live from NBA House in Macao 00:20 Assessing the NBA House & Macao experience 06:18 Mavs' President Masai Ujiri joins the show 7:20 Challenge building Mavs to Western contention 12:00 Is Cooper Flagg underrated already? 15:10 What does Kyrie mean to the team in Dallas? 16:20 What it takes building title contenders 19:35 Reaction to Kawhi Returning to Toronto 24:45 ESPN's Chao Meng joins the show 25:55 Explaining the NBA's popularity in China 30:25 What is the shoe culture like in China? 32:03 Yang Hansen's popularity as a Chinese player 34:00 NBA legend Carlos Boozer rejoins the show 34:10 What was it like playing for Jerry Sloan? 36:40 What is the current state of the Utah Jazz? 39:15 Thank you to everyone involved with the World Tour 2026! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon are live from Rockets-Mavericks media day in Macao! Rockets general manager Rafael Stone joins them discussing Houston’s approach to roster construction, building on last season’s 52 wins and navigating a competitive Western Conference. Then, Jabari Smith Jr. joins to talk about the Rockets’ expectations and Fred VanVleet’s return, while Mavericks wing Naji Marshall talks about developing his floater, playing alongside Cooper Flagg and new head coach Dusty May’s influence. Plus, NBA legends Shawn Marion and Carlos Boozer join the show. Marion reflects on the 2011 NBA Finals, being a pioneer in the evolution of positionless basketball, earlier contract extensions and playing with LeBron James in Cleveland. And, Boozer shares lessons for his son, Cameron Boozer and the comparisons in their game. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome to The Hoop Collective live from Rockets-Mavericks media day in Macao 01:46 Rockets GM Rafael Stone joins the show 03:45 How the Rockets approach team building 09:20 Growing on the Rockets’ 52 wins last season 13:30 Expectations in a competitive Western Conference 14:48 Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. joins the show 15:56 Houston’s expectations with Fred VanVleet returning 18:18 Navigating the competition in the Western Conference 20:15 Mavericks wing Naji Marshall joins the show (fix?) 21:55 Developing Naji’s floater 25:15 Playing alongside Cooper Flagg 28:00 Dusty May’s influence 28:42 NBA legend Shawn Marion joins the show 31:53 Memories of the 2011 NBA Finals 35:05 The evolution of positionless basketball 39:48 Why are contract extensions happening earlier? 44:00 Playing with LeBron James in Cleveland 46:35 NBA legend Carlos Boozer joins the show 47:45 Lessons for Cameron Boozer 52:08 Thanks for watching! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Hoop Collective is live from Manila, Philippines, answering your biggest questions about the NBA! Brian Windhorst and Tim MacMahon welcome Jimmy Alapag to discuss his coaching career with the Sacramento Kings before diving into underrated storylines for the upcoming season, the Clippers’ outlook and the NBA’s growing international talent pool. Plus, the biggest “what ifs” surrounding LeBron James’ free agency, the best path to building a contender, trades that could have changed the league and offseason moves deserving more attention. Brian and Tim also share their favorite basketball moments, and what they miss about Bontemps. Timecodes: 00:00 Welcome to the Hoop Collective live from Manila 01:02 Jimmy Alapag joins the Hoop Collective 04:57 Jimmy's coaching career with the Kings 18:23 Answering your biggest NBA questions 23:12 What is an underrated storyline for this upcoming season? 27:32 What to make of the state of the Clippers? 32:08 Will the flow of International players continue? 36:39 What the crew misses about Tim Bontemps 42:23 Who couldn't the Heat close a deal for LeBron James? 46:22 The biggest "what ifs" of LeBron's free agency 50:20 What is the best route to building a contender? 55:06 Brian & Tim's favorite basketball moments 1:06:12 What failed trade would've changed the league? 1:07:19 How to report controversial stories 1:09:54 What offseason move deserves more attention? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices