Best Aaron Bollwinkel Podcasts (2025)

1
The Minivan Takes Another Spin (Northwest Division Preview) 2:32:03

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9d ago2:32:03

2:32:03

The guys start out with another pass at the increasingly convoluted Kawhi Leonard story. They follow that with the WNBA playoffs (24:02), including analysis of all the Game 1s and picks through to the champion. Finally, the last division has arrived, as the Northwest Division—home of the reigning champions—is previewed (53:03). Utah Jazz: 55:31 Por…

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Basketball is Jazz w/ David Thorpe 56:02

10d ago56:02

56:02

Ray and Aaron talk with Coach David Thorpe—longtime personal basketball coach, mentor, analyst, and author—about his recent TrueHoop story “Jazz Lessons,” which explores the success of incorporating improvisation into NBA offenses. The conversation touches on some of the all-time greats who set the standard, highlights a few teams thriving with fre…

1
WNBA First Round Playoff Preview w/ Bob Bellotti 48:03

12d ago48:03

48:03

Aaron is joined by basketball analyst, author, and Substack writer Bob Bellotti to discuss all the intrigue and storylines in the four first-round matchups for the WNBA playoffs beginning this Sunday. Western Conference Preview with Bob Bellotti Fledgling WNBA Players Thrive in Second Half of Season Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballi…

1
How the Clippers Are Navigating the Wake of the Pablo Torre Story w/ Law Murray 35:39

19d ago35:39

35:39

Aaron interviews The Athletic’s Law Murray about the state of the Clippers as they contend with the damaging allegations of salary cap circumvention laid out by the “Pablo Torre Finds Out” podcast on September 3. Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!…

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Went Out Like a Wet Fart (Central Division Preview) 2:05:26

21d ago2:05:26

2:05:26

The guys open with the Clippers circumvention allegations before getting into how the WNBA playoff picture is taking shape and their opinions on Angel Reese's comments (22:28). Then, it's down to just two divisions as Evan and Aaron give their outlooks for the Eastern Conference Central Division (42:10), featuring the Chicago Bulls (43:56), Indiana…

1
But Fish Grease Is Really Hot (Pacific Division Preview) 2:20:49

27d ago2:20:49

2:20:49

Evan and Aaron start with the all-of-a-sudden hotly contested MVP race in the WNBA. Then the divisional previews continue with the Pacific Division (28:58) featuring the Phoenix Suns (29:14), Sacramento Kings (48:16), Golden State Warriors (1:06:42), Los Angeles Clippers (1:21:50), and the Los Angeles Lakers (1:39:11). Aaron then closes by going sc…

1
WNBA Parity and the Effects of Expansion w/ Bob Bellotti 33:38

29d ago33:38

33:38

Aaron Bollwinkel interviews Substack writer and longtime analyst Bob Bellotti about his recent findings regarding the ways in which the WNBA’s parity is affected based on expansion, and what that will likely mean for the league as it embarks on its most aggressive period of growth yet. Follow Bob’s work here Check out the daily newsletter at www.ba…

1
Just Because It’s an Imperative Doesn’t Make It a Reality (Atlantic Division Preview) 2:05:12

1M ago2:05:12

2:05:12

Aaron and Evan Tip-Off by talking about the rapid ascendance of Dominique Malonga and the inevitability of the Minnesota Lynx. They then do a Vibe Check on the release of some of the more important games of the NBA schedule for the forthcoming season (26:58). Afterwards, the guys preview the Atlantic Division (40:55), featuring the Brooklyn Nets (4…

1
The Maverick with a Stallion (Southwest Division Preview) 2:11:15

2M ago2:11:15

2:11:15

Aaron and Evan tip off with a whole smattering of WNBA talk, including a discussion of the comments made by Self-Oppression Barbie, the end of the Aces, and new faces in new places. Then they discuss the Luka Dončić contract extension (26:55), followed by their Southwest Division preview (34:43) featuring the New Orleans Pelicans (35:21), Dallas Ma…

1
Contender Building in the Era of Parity w/ Howard Beck 37:27

2M ago37:27

37:27

Ray and Aaron interview The Ringer senior writer Howard Beck about the different ways in which teams are going about building contenders in Adam Silver's new era of parity. Link to Howard's original story: There’s No Right Way to Build an NBA Contender Anymore Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA sto…

1
Sally Jessy A-T-L (Southeast Division Preview) 2:06:09

2M ago2:06:09

2:06:09

Aaron and Evan Tip-Off by discussing the Mikal Bridges contract extension before getting into the skinny Luka article (17:25) and the spate of bad media personalities getting the axe this week. Then, the guys start their series of NBA divisional previews by discussing what to expect from the Southeast Division (33:14) featuring the Charlotte Hornet…

1
An Appeal for More Nuance in the Basketball Discourse and Summer Fun in the Scorching Vegas Sun 1:52:58

2M ago1:52:58

1:52:58

Aaron and Evan open by diving into the dredges of the discourse around ranking Kobe Bryant and the all-time greats, the disingenuous dialogue surrounding Caitlin Clark, and why people need to show some chill on the Noah Essengue play (19:03). Then Aaron shares what he saw during the first five days of Las Vegas Summer League (24:28). That’s followe…

1
Digging Deeper Into The Draft w/Nick Agar-Johnson 59:44

3M ago59:44

59:44

Ray and Aaron are joined by Nick Agar-Johnson of No Ceilings and the Kings Weekly Podcast to review the 2025 NBA Draft. They start out by giving their first impressions in the wake of the draft, and discuss the impact that NIL had on this year's class. Then, they break down the biggest storylines from the draft, including some of their favorite and…

1
Free Agency Is Nigh 1:36:42

3M ago1:36:42

1:36:42

With the NBA's official free agent period beginning in mere hours, Aaron and Evan talk about the significant signings and trades that have already occurred—beginning with a discussion of another offseason where LeBron wants people to know how much he wants to win, while the Clippers commit to another likely first-round exit. Rafael Stone apparently…

1
The Thunder Have Been Heard and Lots of Early Offseason Noise 2:07:37

3M ago2:07:37

2:07:37

Evan basks in the warm afterglow of Oklahoma City's championship parade as he and Aaron discuss the directions for both Finals teams following a wonderful series, including the importance of toilets (40:00) for the Thunder's forthcoming arena. Then, the guys break down all the early trades (1:09:25) happening as the league hits the ground running i…

1
J-Double-Dub 1:26:30

3M ago1:26:30

1:26:30

Evan and Aaron give their immediate reactions to what shall henceforth be known as "The Jalen Williams Game," as OKC gets a huge win on the back of a 40-point performance from their third-year forward. Plus, we give our feelings on the Desmond Bane deal. As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. …

1
The Thunder Clap Back 36:40

4M ago36:40

36:40

Evan and Aaron give their immediate reactions to a very assertive Oklahoma City game 2 victory. As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.By Evan Kuck & Aaron Bollwinkel

1
The Legend of Haliburton Grows 35:54

4M ago35:54

35:54

Aaron and Evan give their immediate reactions to a wild NBA Finals game 1 comeback victory that feels all too familiar from these never-say-die Pacers. As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball insight.…

1
NBA Finals Preview and a Whole Lot of The W 2:00:24

4M ago2:00:24

2:00:24

Evan and Aaron discuss the NBA's coaching carousel, what to expect in the Thunder–Pacers matchup (32:40), and what they are seeing around the WNBA in its first two weeks (1:20:56). As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get even more basketball ins…

1
Julius Randle Reformation 2:04:08

4M ago2:04:08

2:04:08

Aaron and Evan tip off by getting into the ramifications of what appears to be a major injury for Jayson Tatum and what that means for the Celtics, both present and future. Then they touch on the Cavaliers struggling to keep pace in their second-round series and what that may mean for their future (23:50). That's followed by the resident Thunder fa…

1
Someone Tell The New Avengers That Anthony Edwards Is Collecting Infinity Stones 1:37:10

5M ago1:37:10

1:37:10

Aaron and Evan start by performing autopsies on the Clippers (2:10) and Rockets (14:31), including a discussion on whether Houston should trade for KD, Giannis, or a very intriguing Door Number 3 (26:00). That’s followed by second-round playoff talk, featuring a take on the Knicks that immediately goes badly (33:10), an aside about how Bill Raferty…

1
Killer Kawhi and Early Playoff Impressions 1:59:56

5M ago1:59:56

1:59:56

Aaron starts out by immediately pissing off Boston fans with his take on Payton Pritchard winning Sixth Man of the Year (2:53). Then the guys have a conversation about the Magic's lack of offensive trickery and the return of Franz's woeful long-range shooting (23:46). Aaron then cooks some Greek food (54:33), followed by some awe-induced gushing ab…

1
Play-In/Playoff Preview 2:12:15

5M ago2:12:15

2:12:15

Aaron and Evan briefly discuss Paige Bueckers being selected as the number one overall pick in the WNBA Draft before diving into the far more depressing conversation of the setting Suns (9:30). That’s followed by an in-depth breakdown of this week’s Play-In games (20:01). Then, the boys get into the 3–6 and 4–5 matchups in both the Eastern (1:09:09…

1
Post Malone and the Ballast Bunch 2:19:56

6M ago2:19:56

2:19:56

Aaron and Evan talk about Luka's return to Dallas before jumping into the shocking firing of Michael Malone (3:32). Then, the pair give you two hours of conversation about the ten teams that won't be competing in the NBA's postseason, including some serious questions about what direction Utah is heading (1:04:09), reaffirming our fealty to Lord Den…

1
March Badness w/Eric Koreen 34:46

6M ago34:46

34:46

Nick and Ray talk with The Athletic's Eric Koreen about his recent article detailing the issues concerning the quality of basketball come March for the NBA. The discussion touches on how to de-incentivize tanking, as well as the merits of potentially shortening the NBA season. Click here to read Eric's piece. Check out the daily newsletter at www.b…

1
RefMasters w/Sony Tiwari 59:14

6M ago59:14

59:14

Ray LeBov and Nick Agar-Johnson talk with Sony Tiwari, Co-Founder and CEO of RefMasters, a platform created to educate people on officiating. The three discuss the mechanics of the platform and the community fostered around it, as well as several different areas of discussion regarding refereeing habits and common misconceptions of officiating. Che…

1
Deni Avdija Fanboys 2:05:24

6M ago2:05:24

2:05:24

We talk about the NCAA's March Madness (8:03) and the NBA's March Badness (11:40). Aaron gives you his insider's guide to bracket mediocrity (19:42). Then, we have a long conversation about the Celtics sale that almost sounds like we know what we're talking about (21:30). We clarify who the real Big 3 in LA is (52:35) before discussing a Franz for …

1
Dark Alley All-Stars 2:07:31

6M ago2:07:31

2:07:31

Evan rants about arbitrary accolades while Aaron claims he loves historical stats—right before botching a big one. We work in a Ricky Davis reference (10:41)! Somewhere around the conversation about Steph's possibility of making it to 5,000 career threes, Aaron's audio starts acting right (20:57). Then, we give you our 3-up/3-down and problem/probl…

1
The Best Young Defensive Wings w/Nick Agar-Johnson 1:00:48

7M ago1:00:48

1:00:48

Ray and Aaron speak with Nick Agar-Johnson, Editor-in-Chief and staff writer for No Ceilings and co-host of the Kings Weekly podcast, about the ten most exciting wing defenders in the NBA. Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!…

1
Heart and Hustle w/David Rushing 2:13:00

7M ago2:13:00

2:13:00

We got our first guest! The Mayor of NBA Threads and co-star of The Corner Three podcast, David Rushing, joins us for a little victory lap on the Lakers. We also talk pretenders/contenders in both conferences and finish with a draft tailored toward the players giving it their all without always getting the glory. Give the meal some time Basketball …

1
Stop! Mallet Time! 1:22:28

7M ago1:22:28

1:22:28

Who's worse off: PHI or DAL? What Aaron saw around the league over the last week. Plenty of Eastern Conference conversation. And a chance we have drawn the attention of Kash Patel. 2:28 PHI vs. DAL for the yuck championship 17:52 Palace intrigue with Kyrie? 21:38 What Aaron has seen around the league of late 23:58 Hunting Darius Garland 26:24 What …

1
Not All NBA Offenses Are The Same 1:01:16

7M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

Aaron Bollwinkel talks with The Athletic's Law Murray about the false notion that all NBA offenses are operating the same, the 40/20 club, and the state of the Clippers. Law's articles discussed in this interview: What stands out and what separates NBA teams’ offensive identities? - The Athletic Luka Dončić is new to Lakers-Clippers rivalry, but he…

1
Bring Back Rock N' Jock! 2:06:28

7M ago2:06:28

2:06:28

We talk All-Star Weekend and reform... sort of. Also, the two-thirds-of-the-way-through-the-season awards. (Oh... we get it, midseason just sounds better.) Plus, who would win a coaches' fighting tournament, LeBron James conspiracies, and much more... PLEASE DONATE TO DOUG'S DYING TO SERVE TOUR 1:21 Tip-Off: All-Star Game Conversation 3:40 "Back in…

1
Who The Hell is Brandon Graham? 2:11:34

8M ago2:11:34

2:11:34

Evan and Aaron put a button on trade season talk, predict the final standings for both conferences, meander about the G-League, and talk more Toronto Raptors than any pod this side of the International Boundary. Please send us any questions you would like to have answered for next Monday's mailbag. As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Thre…

1
Jimmy Butler Trade and the State of The Warriors with Sam Gordon 52:29

8M ago52:29

52:29

Aaron Bollwinkel interviews San Francisco Chronicle Warriors beat writer, Sam Gordon, about the Jimmy Butler trade, the state of several of the Warriors' young players, and what to expect for the team down the stretch of the season following their blockbuster deal. Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NB…

1
Dallas Did What Now?!?!?!?!?! 2:04:46

8M ago2:04:46

2:04:46

Evan and Aaron talk about the trade that collectively shook the world, the Fantastic Mr. Fox going to Texas, and a whole slew of hypothetical deals that passed the trade machine's approval, in this trade-centric third episode of No Gimmes. As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. …

1
"Basketball Beyond Paper" interview with Dean Oliver 1:00:05

8M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

Ray LeBov and Aaron Bollwinkel interview Dean Oliver, the author of Basketball Beyond Paper and one of the most important figures in the history of sports analytics. Click the links below to purchase your copy of Dean's incredible book: Basketball beyond Paper - Nebraska Press Amazon.com : basketball beyond paper Check out the daily newsletter at w…

1
Satman and Dodgin 1:50:01

8M ago1:50:01

1:50:01

In Episode 2, Evan and Aaron discuss the Sixers ceramic duo, All-Star Game balloting and potential reforms, the Celtics and Mavs looking like distant versions of their Finals selves, more Pelicans talk than anyone outside of NOLA is giving you, and much more... Link to Jonathan Wasserman interview As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threa…

1
NBA Draft talk with Jonathan Wasserman 1:21:02

8M ago1:21:02

1:21:02

It's never too early to start talking about the draft, but here at The Unrestricted Area, we were fortunate enough to be the first to pick the brain of Bleacher Report's draft expert, Jonathan Wasserman, who recently dropped his Mock Draft 2.0. Aaron Bollwinkel (Live. Breathe. Ball. and No Gimmes) and Jonathan talk about his current projected lotte…

1
Jimmy Holds Grudges 1:57:03

8M ago1:57:03

1:57:03

Evan and Aaron talk about the ongoing Jimmy Butler drama, the Pistons hitting on all cylinders, the sad state of the Warriors, and so much more, in this, the maiden voyage of the all-new No Gimmes podcast As always, you can find Evan and Aaron on NBA Threads Also, don't forget to subscribe to Live. Breathe. Ball. and Basketball Intelligence to get …

1
"Balls of Confusion" interview with author Bob Kuska 1:11:42

9M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

Ray LeBov and Aaron Bollwinkel interview author and basketball historian Bob Kuska about his new book, Balls of Confusion: Pro Basketball Goes to War (1965-1970)—the most in-depth look we've been provided about the early days of the ABA. Please click the link to purchase your own copy of Bob's excellently written book: Balls of Confusion: Pro Baske…

1
Rookie Impact 1:21:31

11M ago1:21:31

1:21:31

Ray Lebov (@ticketrules) talks with BI’s own, Aaron Bollwinkel, from Live. Breathe. Ball., as well as draft expert, Nick Agar-Johnson, from No Ceilings, about their thoughts regarding who they believe will be this season’s most impactful rookies. Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-cura…

1
NBA Shooting Coach Marc Campbell on his best bets for the season 47:56

12M ago47:56

47:56

Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) talks with NBA shooting coach Marc Campbell (@LowManHelp) about the teams they feel Vegas misjudged. Marc is the writer of the Low Man Help Substack and host of the Low Man Help Youtube channel, so check those out for shooting mechanic breakdowns, player development plans, player profiles, and so much more! Check out t…

1
French Basketball, the Olympics, and the NBA, with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff 1:00:26

1y ago1:00:26

1:00:26

Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Dr. Lindsay Sarah Krasnoff, a leading world expert on sports diplomacy and French sporting history. Dr. Krasnoff speaks to us from Paris, where she’s attending the Olympics. We cover basketball’s place in the French sporting world, what sports diplomacy is and how it has real-world impacts, how Tony Parker and …

1
Atlanta Hawks' play-by-play legend Bob Rathbun 48:13

1+ y ago48:13

48:13

Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@raylebov) are delighted to chat with Atlanta Hawks’ broadcaster Bob Rathbun. We discuss load management, the burden of travel, why broadcasters knew something had changed with the officiating before anyone else, the state of the Hawks, the excitement around the #1 pick, and much more! Check out the dail…

1
Did the NBA's changes cause all these playoff injuries? w/ James Herbert, CBS Sports 1:00:23

1+ y ago1:00:23

1:00:23

Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer chat with James Herbert of CBS Sports. We primarily cover James’ piece discussing whether or not the NBA’s regular-season alterations, like the IST and officiating changes, had an impact on the wave of injuries afflicting the playoffs. We also leave plenty of room for Finals coverage, including how the Mavericks can claw …

1
Dean Oliver on what to watch for in the NBA Finals and his new book 47:12

1+ y ago47:12

47:12

Mike Shearer(@bballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@raylebov) are once again delighted to chat with the legendary analytics pioneer Dean Oliver (@DeanO_Lytics). We cover some anecdotes and insights from his forthcoming book (Basketball Beyond Paper, now available for preorder on Amazon!), including a story about Shane Battier and the Observer Effect. We a…

1
Bill Walton's life and legacy, with Kerry Eggers 36:43

1+ y ago36:43

36:43

Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Kerry Eggers about Bill Walton. Eggers spoke with more than a dozen of Waltons’ closest associates to paint a complete picture of the player and the man. He wrote a compelling piece that warranted further discussion. We also spend some time discussing why Wilt Chamberlain should be the GOAT, for some reason. It…

1
Playoff Standouts and Surprises 29:31

1+ y ago29:31

29:31

Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer break down some of the 2024 playoffs’ biggest surprises and standouts. They discuss the new wave of superstars, coaching improvements, the officiating, injury resilience, and so much more. Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!…

1
Dean Oliver on offensive rebounding, momentum, and his new book, Basketball Beyond Paper 41:48

2y ago41:48

41:48

Once again, Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer speak with the godfather of modern NBA analytics, Dean Oliver. Dean talks about the trade-off between offensive rebounding and transition defense, the existence of momentum, what he'd tell armchair analysts today, and his new book, Basketball Beyond Paper, in which he quantifies some of the ways to train and i…