Best Aaron Bollwinkel Podcasts (2025)

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

3d 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

16d 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

24d 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

29d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

7M 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

7M 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

9M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

11M 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

1+ y 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…

1
Life in the G, with author Alex Squadron 52:49

1+ y ago52:49

52:49

BI’s Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov are joined by Alex Squadron, who recently authored a book called Life in the G: Minor League Basketball and the Relentless Pursuit of the NBA. We talk about his season embedded with the Birmingham Squadron (no relation to Alex) and what he learned while covering the players, coaches, and staff during a uniquely tumul…

1
Potential NBA rule changes, with former NBA official Ronnie Nunn and Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey 59:14

1+ y ago59:14

59:14

Basketball Intelligence's Mike Shearer (@bbballispoetry) and Ray LeBov (@RayLebov) speak with Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey (who authored a story suggesting these changes) and former Director of Officiating Ronnie Nunn about some potential rule changes the NBA could adopt to improve the game. The conversation covers the feasibility of live-ball reb…

1
Knicks-Raptors lawsuit, with Seth Partnow and Mike Kasdan 44:08

1+ y ago44:08

44:08

Basketball Intelligence is joined by NBA analyst Seth Partnow and intellectual property expert Mike Kasdan to discuss the wild Knicks-Raptors lawsuit. It's a fascinating deep dive filled with legal and basketball nuances as they discuss trade secrets, how much of a competitive edge the Raptors could really gain, how common this is within the league…

1
Dean Oliver on analytics and coaching 40:45

1+ y ago40:45

40:45

Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer speak with the godfather of NBA analytics, Dean Oliver. He discusses why we're talking about defense wrong, his new book, how coaching is different than a front office role, Kristaps Porzingis' love of numbers, and how the four factors have changed over time. Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.ne…

1
2023 NBA Draft Thoughts, with Adam Spinella 41:45

2y ago41:45

41:45

Ray and Mike speak with The Box And One's Adam Spinella, the multitalented coach and scout. We discuss his favorite picks, his issues with quiet personalities being unfairly judged, an awesome Cam Whitmore story, Anthony Black's shooting mechanic, second-round steals, and more! Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for al…

1
Krysten Peek on the 2023 NBA Draft 26:40

2y ago26:40

26:40

Ray LeBov and Corban Ford talk with Krysten Peek, draft expert from Yahoo Sports. On the eve of the draft, she talks about Brandon Miller vs. Scoot Henderson, some risers and fallers, how she navigates the flood of misinformation at this time of year, what it's like watching these young men grow up over the years, and more! Check out the daily news…

1
Fran Fraschilla on USA 3x3 Basketball 41:31

2y ago41:31

41:31

Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov interview Fran Fraschilla, the longtime coach, scout, and analyst, to discuss his new role coaching the USA Men's 3x3 team. They talk about the upcoming Olympics, the thrill of representing the USA, the shadow of the Serbians, how Fran developed his international scouting expertise, and how he shut down Michael Malone in …

1
The National Basketball Retired Players Association, with President and CEO Scott Rochelle 41:49

2y ago41:49

41:49

Basketball Intelligence's Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer host Scott Rochelle, head of the National Basketball Retired Players Association, for a fascinating conversation about players' lives after basketball. They talk about the evolution of the NBRPA, the health, educational, and community work it provides for members and communities, how it presents …

1
March Madness! The Most Interesting NBA Prospects in the Tourney, with Nathan Grubel 38:06

2y ago38:06

38:06

Ray LeBov of Basketball Intelligence is joined by No Ceilings' Nathan Grubel to discuss some of the most interesting future NBA players in the NCAA Tournament today. Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!By Ray LeBov

1
Stephen Cagan from NBA University on the Orlando Magic 58:25

2+ y ago58:25

58:25

Basketball Intelligence's Mike Shearer talks with Stephen Cagan from NBA University about all things Magic. Come for the discussion about Franz Wagner's upside, Paolo Banchero's defense, and Markelle Fultz's surprisingly positive fit on the team, but stay to hear about Wendell Carter's weirdly normal proportions! Stephen also offers his insights in…

1
8 Surprising Rookies, with Maxwell Baumbach of No Ceilings 59:01

2+ y ago59:01

59:01

Hosts Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov speak with Maxwell Baumbach, from the No Ceilings NBA draft collective, about eight rookies who have exceeded expectations. They discuss what expectations were coming out of college, how they've been successful in the NBA, and what circumstances have allowed them to succeed in the league. In order: Andrew Nembhard D…

1
The #BeamTeam, with The Athletic's Sam Amick 55:07

2+ y ago55:07

55:07

We get into the the Kings' offseason additions, the impact of coach Mike Brown on the team's defense, De'Aaron Fox's resurgence, the repercussions of the Tyrese Haliburton trade for Domantas Sabonis, and, of course, the victory beam (and just how bright that thing is!). Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the be…

1
What To Make Of The Wolves, with Chris Hine 40:00

2+ y ago40:00

40:00

Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov talk with Chris Hine from the Star Tribune about the Minnesota Timberwolves' start to the season. We cover KAT, Gobert, rebounding, meeting expectations, Anthony Edwards, the popularity of Jordan McLaughlin, D'Angelo Russell, Popeyes, and more! Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the b…

1
The Surprising Blazers, with The Athletic's Jason Quick 43:15

2+ y ago43:15

43:15

Ray and Mike talk with Jason about all things Blazers, including the team's surprising defense, Shaedon Sharpe, Chauncey Billups, Damian Lillard, Joe Cronin, and why Josh Hart might be Jason's favorite Blazer this year Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketballintelligence.net for all the best NBA stories hand-curated from around the web!…

1
The Refreshing Indiana Pacers, with Caitlin Cooper 41:49

2+ y ago41:49

41:49

Ray and Mike talk with analyst nonpareil Caitlin Cooper of Indy Cornrows about the surprisingly fun Indiana Pacers. We dive into the Haliburton/Mathurin backcourt, the Pacers’ unconventional lineups, why Buddy Hield is the best option to guard power forwards, Tyrese’s tricky low gather, and much more! Check out the daily newsletter at www.basketbal…

1
The Utah Jazz's Hot Start with Sarah Todd and Eric Walden 38:50

2+ y ago38:50

38:50

Today, Basketball Intelligence’s Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer talk with Utah Jazz reporters Sarah Todd, of Deseret News, and Eric Walden, of The Salt Lake Tribune. We cover the end of the old Jazz, coach Will Hardy, the team’s fast start (and its sustainability), Collin Sexton, Lauri Markkanen, and why Eric’s vacations are a good luck charm for Utah.…

1
NBA Front Offices On Mock Drafts, Misinformation And More With Adam Finkelstein Of 247Sports 43:42

2+ y ago43:42

43:42

Today on The Unrestricted Area, we interview Adam Finkelstein, the director of scouting at 247Sports and college basketball insider at CBS Sports, who wrote a fascinating piece interviewing front office executives and scouts about the early draft process. He touches upon how teams play the misinformation game, when teams actually start ranking play…

1
Central Division Preview with Marques Johnson 46:33

2+ y ago46:33

46:33

Hosts Mike Shearer and Ray LeBov talk to former NBA All-Star and current color analyst for the Milwaukee Bucks Marques Johnson for a Central Division Preview. We cover all five teams, touching upon the Bucks' injury situations (and opportunities they open for younger players), Patrick Williams' struggles, Johnson's high-ish hopes for the Pacers, wh…

1
2022-2023 Season Preview with David Thorpe and Mike Shearer 1:09:02

2+ y ago1:09:02

1:09:02

Hosts Ray LeBov and Mike Shearer have a wide-ranging chat with coach and TrueHoop analyst David Thorpe. 0'-23': Which teams are contenders? What should Golden State do with Draymond? 23': Which teams have the widest variance? 35': Who are the most impactful new additions? 46': Vic Wembanyama and the possibility of a tankathon 56': Why coach Thorpe …

1
"The Oldest Professional Basketball League" with Syl Sobel 1:05:59

2+ y ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Ray LeBov and Michael Shearer of Basketball Intelligence talk with Syl Sobel, who co-authored a book on the Eastern Professional Basketball League, an early competitor to the NBA. They discuss the EPBL's rise and fall, racial quotas in the nascent NBA, and much more in this fascinating look back at the oldest professional basketball league in the c…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Aaron Bollwinkel Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen