The Baseline NBA Podcast

Oct 9, 2026 · 1h 31m

The Western Conference is loaded with contenders, rising powers, and teams facing major questions — but who belongs where?On this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, Cal “Game Face” Lee and Warren Shaw welcome special guest Paul Garcia of Small Market Bias to preview the 2026-27 NBA Western Conference and break down the teams poised to rise, fall, or surprise.We sort the West into four tiers: Lottery Bound, Middle of the Pack, Contenders, and Elite. Can the Oklahoma City Thunder maintain their place at the top?Are the San Antonio Spurs ready to make another leap?Can the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets challenge for the crown?Which teams are toughest to figure out — the Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, or Memphis Grizzlies?From playoff expectations to rebuilding questions, we debate the identities, outlooks, and potential of all 15 Western Conference teams as the new NBA season approaches.From the Baseline: Which Western Conference team is most likely to finish in a different tier than we predicted?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

Oct 2, 2026 · 1h 12m

NBA Media Day is always full of quotes — but what happens when we actually stop and listen to what the players are saying?On this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, Warren Shaw was on the ground at Miami Heat Media Day, collecting soundbytes and reactions from players as the league gears up for the new NBA season.We hear from LeBron James, AJ Dybantsa, Tyrese Maxey, Jayson Tatum, Nikola Jokić, Ja Morant and more.Then it’s time for “Let Be Said” — where we take what was said at Media Day and dig a little deeper. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

Sep 15, 2026 · 58m

The Baseline NBA Podcast is back! In Since We’ve Been Gone, we catch up on the biggest NBA stories from our hiatus, including the Clippers’ penalties and fallout, Jonathan Kuminga joining the Timberwolves, Ben Simmons landing in Sacramento, the Cavs’ acquisition of Peyton Watson, and plenty more from around the basketball world.Then it’s time for Who Ya Got? as we build the ultimate NBA What-If Teams, featuring Derrick Rose, Penny Hardaway, Len Bias, Shawn Kemp, Greg Oden, Brandon Roy, DeMarcus Cousins, Jay Williams and other stars whose careers were altered by injuries, tragedy, or circumstances beyond their control. We put it all together All Time . No Ifs And But or Maybe about the lastest drop Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

Aug 22, 2026 · 1h 5m

In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we welcome Uriah Young from the BBall Now and Then Podcast for another edition of They Reminisce Over You. This time, we shine the spotlight on Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas, exploring why “Zeke” remains one of the most underappreciated greats in NBA history.We revisit Thomas’ greatness, legendary moments, competitive fire, and the very trait that helped make him great — while also becoming part of his complicated legacy. It’s a celebration of one of the greatest guards to ever play the game.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

Aug 5, 2026 · 58m

This week on the Baseline NBA Podcast, we dive into a wild stretch of league headlines. The NBA has officially paused the Kawhi Leonard trade talks as the investigation heats up, and we break down what that means for the Clippers and the league at large. Plus, the Raptors, Heat, and Clippers are heading north for the 2026 NBA Canada Games, and NBA 2K27 is teasing covers featuring Victor Wembanyama, Caitlin Clark, or Derrick Rose — we debate who deserves the spotlight. Then in our Soapbox Soliloquy, we unpack why LeBron’s latest move places a scarlet letter on his entire generation, how his influence truly shaped the era, and why Rich Paul declaring “This is Tyrese Maxey’s team” might be the most honest statement of the offseason.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

Jul 22, 2026 · 47m

The Baseline NBA Podcast breaks down the Thunder–Hawks–Mavs blockbuster trade that sent Lu Dort to Atlanta, Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas, and added even more draft capital to Oklahoma City’s massive offseason haul. We dig into how OKC’s $224M payroll reset reshapes their roster, what Risacher brings to the Mavericks, and how Atlanta pivots with Dort and Ryan Nembhard. We also run through the best NBA free agents still available, including LeBron James, Draymond Green, DeMar DeRozan, Bradley Beal, Jonathan Kuminga, Bennedict Mathurin, and more. Who can shift the market, who fits where, and which teams are positioned to strike next. A fast, sharp, and fully loaded look at the NBA offseason’s biggest moves and biggest names.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

Jul 3, 2026 · 1h 12m

The NBA offseason has officially gone off the rails. In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we break down a wild week of movement across the league — from Kawhi Leonard’s shocking return to Toronto and LeBron leaving the Lakers after eight seasons, to Ja Morant landing in Portland and LaMelo Ball heading to Minnesota. We dive into every major trade, opt‑out, signing, extension, and RFA update shaping the new NBA landscape.We cover the Suns’ push for Miles Bridges, Miami’s deal with Tim Hardaway Jr., OKC’s decision on Lu Dort, Golden State’s moves with Porzingis and Wiggins, and a flurry of re‑ups across the league. Plus, the latest on Jalen Duren and Walker Kessler’s RFA meetings. If you want the smartest, sharpest breakdown of the NBA’s offseason chaos, this episode delivers everything you need to stay ahead of the curve.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

Jun 25, 2026 · 1h 36m

The NBA offseason is already delivering fireworks. In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we break down the blockbuster trade sending Giannis Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat and examine how the move reshapes the Eastern Conference and the NBA championship landscape.We also wrap up the First Round of 2026 NBA Draft, discussing the biggest winners and losers, our favorite selections, surprise picks, and which rookies are best positioned to make an immediate impact. From franchise-altering trades to the league's newest talent, we cover the moves that could define the next NBA season.Download and Discuss with USBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline

Jun 19, 2026 · 1h 20m

The 2026 NBA Finals are in the books, and we're breaking down how the New York Knicks captured their first championship in decades by dispatching the San Antonio Spurs in a convincing Gentleman’s Sweep.In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we recap the Finals, discuss what went right for the Knicks and what went wrong for the Spurs, and close out the season with our final edition of The Autopsy Report.We examine the futures of both franchises, whether either team can return to the NBA Finals, and why oddsmakers are much more bullish on the Spurs' chances than the defending champion Knicks. Is a rematch in the cards, or will the road back to the Finals prove even tougher than the journey there?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CLNS and use code CLNS and get $150 ifyou win your first $5 lineup!Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MGLooking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquisite Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/Opus Clip: https://www.opus.pro/?via=19mediaCheck out our Streamyard affiliate linkhttps://streamyard.com/?fpr=19mediagroupDiscover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroupWant to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19GuestFollow The Baseline on X: https://twitter.com/nbabaselineFollow The Baseline on IG: https://instagram.com/nba_baseline