Join us for a special edition of FaceTime with The Baseline featuring best-selling author and cultural commentator Shea Serrano. Hosted by co-host Warren Shaw, this episode dives into Serrano’s latest book, Expensive Basketball, a captivating exploration of basketball’s unquantifiable magic beyond the box-score. Shea opens up about his journey — from middle-school science teacher to four-time New York Times bestseller author (including hits like Basketball (and Other Things). 

He shares how Expensive Basketball reframes iconic players, moments and games — from the final 196 seconds of Kobe Bryant’s career to the fearless artistry of Tim Duncan and the motion poetry of Sue Bird — through the lens of emotion, memory and what a truly great hoop moment feels like.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Serrano talks about writing with humor and heart, the evolving culture of basketball storytelling, and how Expensive Basketball pushes back against the era of numbers-only analysis in sports. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or simply love stories that make you feel the game, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Tune in as we go beyond stats, dig into storytelling, and celebrate why basketball — at its most “expensive” — is still poetry in motion.

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In this week’s episode of The Baseline, we hit the court running with News and Notes, as Trae Young goes down with a sprained MCL expected to sideline him for four weeks and Ja Morant headlines a dramatic start to the 2025-26 NBA season.

Then, in our featured segment “Impress Me,” we spotlight the teams and players making noise early — the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs have each turned heads with strong starts, fueled by rookie impact performances and veteran leadership. We also dive into the resurgence of Jrue Holiday in Portland, where he’s reminding fans why he’s still one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards.

 🎧 Tune in as The Baseline breaks down the storylines that impress us most in the NBA’s opening weeks — from breakout rookies to redemption arcs and everything in between.

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We break down the shocking details behind the FBI’s Operation Nothing But Bet and Operation Royal Flush, a gambling scandal shaking the NBA to its core.

With over 30 arrests tied to organized crime, insider betting, and underground poker rings involving figures like Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones, this case has rewritten the conversation around integrity in professional basketball.

Then, in our “Do It or Don’t” segment, we shift focus from off-court chaos to on-court stakes — spotlighting Jonathan Kuminga, Jabari Smith, Benedict Mathurin, Deandre Ayton, Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez, and Shaedon Sharpe players facing make-or-break seasons in 2025-26. 

🎧 All Bets Are Off when it comes to the NBA this year — scandals, surprises, and stars fighting for redemption.

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It’s award season on The Baseline Podcast! Cal, Shaw, and special guest Jabari Davis break down their 2025-26 NBA Award predictions — from Rookie of the Year to MVP — and debut a few exclusive Baseline Awards you won’t hear anywhere else. 🏆 Official NBA Award Picks:

• Rookie of the Year: Cal – Cooper Flagg | Shaw – Ace Bailey | Jabari – Cooper Flagg
• Most Improved Player: Cal – Amen Thompson | Shaw – Matas Buzelis | Jabari – Amen Thompson
• Defensive Player of the Year: Unanimous pick – Victor Wembanyama
• Sixth Man of the Year: Cal – Josh Hart | Shaw – Josh Hart | Jabari – Trey Murphy III
• MVP: Cal – Anthony Edwards | Shaw – Victor Wembanyama | Jabari – Luka Dončić

🎖️ The Baseline Awards:

• MacGyver Award (Player who does the most with the least) – Derrick White (Jabari)
• New Threads: Best Fit on a New Team – Desmond Bane & Jrue Holiday (Cal)
• Keep Ish Together: Glue Guy of the Year – Dyson Daniels, Jalen Suggs, Ivica Zubac (Shaw)
• I Got Next Award (Next breakout star) – Kel’el Ware (Jabari)
• The Robin Award (Best 2nd Option) – LeBron James, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaylen Williams (Shaw)
• MVPBT: Most Valuable Player on a Bad Team – Devin Booker (Cal)

From bold MVP takes to creative Baseline originals, this episode delivers laughs, insight, and plenty of hoops talk for real NBA heads.

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In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we deliver our 2025-26 NBA Western Conference Preview — breaking down all 15 teams into four tiers: Contenders, Middle of the Pack, Play-In Hopefuls, and Lottery Bound squads. While many believe it’s OKC Thunder’s conference to lose, the West is as tight as ever, with razor-thin margins separating playoff locks from the lottery line. We debate where every team stands, highlight breakout candidates, and predict how this year’s Western Conference hierarchy will shake out.

If you love NBA analysis, power rankings, and season previews, this is the episode for you.

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The Baseline NBA Podcast is back with a full-court Eastern Conference preview! 

Hosts Cal Lee and Warren Shaw are joined by Dan Favale of Hardwood Knocks to break down all 15 teams in the East — from the Eastern Elite contenders to the Playoff Powerhouses, Play-In Pack, and those chilling in Lottery Lane.

Who’s rising? Who’s rebuilding? And who’s ready to run the East in 2025-26?

We’ve got predictions, hot takes, and sharp analysis on every franchise that matters. Tune in for your definitive NBA Eastern Conference Tier Breakdown — all the insight, debate, and basketball banter you need before tip-off.

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On this week’s Baseline NBA Podcast, Warren Shaw takes us inside Miami Heat Media Day with nsights, reactions, and storylines coming out of South Beach as the Heat gear up for its most challenging season yet. Then we go Around the League with a jam-packed slate of headlines:

• Nikola Jokić reveals his plans to retire as a Denver Nugget — what this means for the franchise’s long-term identity.?
• The Houston Rockets face a major challenge after the devastating loss of Fred VanVleet to injury — can their backcourt and new-look roster keep them in contention?
• Kevin Durant makes it clear: he intends to re-sign with Houston. We debate how that impacts the Rockets’ championship window.
• Anthony Edwards spent time working with the legend himself, Michael Jordan. Could MJ’s mentorship push Ant to another superstar level?
• Kawhi Leonard speaks out on the Clippers’ legal situation, insisting the team will be acquitted. Is this a good look for the Clippers and Kawhi?
• Zion Williamson is reportedly in the best shape of his NBA career. Can this finally be the season where Zion can stay on the court injury-free?
• The Portland Trail Blazers are building an identity around defense — we break down how that shift could redefine their young roster.
• And in Golden State, the Jonathan Kuminga stalemate continues. What does this mean for the Warriors’ future as they juggle veteran stars and developing talent?

Another loaded episode of The Baseline, where we take you from Media Day to the biggest storylines across the Association.

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The NBA is buzzing with controversy and big storylines. The league has launched a high-profile investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, probing a reported $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal that could bring major salary cap penalties.

We also break down Cam Thomas’ bold decision to sign a one-year qualifying offer with the Brooklyn Nets, setting up a critical contract year that could reshape his future. Plus, we look back and celebrate the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Class—featuring icons like Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and the legendary 2008 “Redeem Team.” 

From NBA scandals to all-time greats, this episode dives into the news, notes, and narratives shaping basketball today.

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We break down which rising stars could capture their first MVP award in the next 3–5 years. From favorites like Luka Dončić, Victor Wembanyama, and Anthony Edwards, to strong contenders such as Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, Anthony Davis, and Jayson Tatum, we evaluate their cases for becoming the face of the league. We also spotlight intriguing dark horses—Tyrese Haliburton, Cade Cunningham, Paolo Banchero, Evan Mobley, Cooper Flagg, and Zion Williamson—and debate what it would take for each to shock the NBA world. Tune in as we project the future of the MVP race and predict who’s destined to rise to the top.

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This week, we break down the players entering fresh situations with something to prove. Will their new teams and roles spark a comeback season, or are we selling the hype? Join us as we discuss who’s primed for redemption and who might be headed for disappointment.

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We sit down for some FaceTime with the Baseline featuring none other than Jordan Hinds — one of the brightest stars rising out of the college hoops scene. 

CIAA 2024–2025 Player of the Year
Leading Scorer in the CIAA
CIAA All-Conference Selection
Atlantic Region Player of the Year
HBCU Division II Player of the Year

Jordan chops it up with us about his unforgettable college career and takes us behind the scenes of a grind-heavy summer that saw him ball out in the Miami Pro League, try out for the Memphis Grizzlies, and compete in the high-stakes TBT (The Basketball Tournament).

We dive into his mental preparation, how he stays sharp in high-pressure moments, and which part of his game he believes fans and scouts still overlook. Whether you're a hoops junkie, a college basketball follower, or chasing your own grind, this episode is full of gems from a player who's just getting started.

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We’re joined by NBA cap expert Yossi Gozlan from the Third Apron Podcast to break down all the biggest trades, signings, and surprises from the NBA offseason. Who made power moves? Who overpaid? And who's quietly stacking wins? Tap in for sharp insights, salary cap breakdowns, and offseason winners and losers.

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Game 7. All on the line.
We break down the epic NBA Finals showdown between the Indiana Pacers and OKC Thunder — clutch plays, defining moments, and what this means for both franchises going forward.
🎙️ Don’t miss our raw reactions and expert insight. #NBAFinals #Game7 #ThunderUp #Pacers

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Hold. UP. NBA fans, you absolutely have to hear this! The Indiana Pacers just pulled off the impossible, forcing a decisive Game 7 in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder! In a stunning Game 6 performance, Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton put on a clinic, denying Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams their shot at an early championship celebration.

This isn't just a recap; this is a deep dive into how the Pacers clawed their way back against all odds. We're breaking down every crucial play, every strategic adjustment, and the sheer willpower that led to this epic Game 7 showdown. Did the Thunder get complacent? How did the Pacers exploit their weaknesses? What does this mean for the legacies of SGA, J-Dub, Siakam, and Haliburton?

Whether you're a die-hard Thunder or Pacers loyalist, or just a hoops head who loves high-stakes basketball analysis, this episode is your definitive breakdown of the game that shocked the NBA world. Get ready for sharp insights, bold predictions for Game 7, and all the championship chatter you can handle. Don't miss it – the NBA Finals just got a whole lot more interesting!

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In this week's episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we delve into the highly anticipated 2025 NBA Finals matchup between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This series features two of the youngest teams in NBA history competing for the championship, showcasing a clash between the Pacers' high-octane offense and the Thunder's elite defense. We analyze the Pacers' fast-paced offensive strategies, led by their dynamic young core, and how they plan to penetrate the Thunder's formidable defense, which has been statistically one of the best in the modern era. Conversely, we examine how the Thunder's disciplined defensive schemes aim to disrupt the Pacers' rhythm and capitalize on transition opportunities. Key Discussion Points:

• Breakdown of team strategies and key player matchups
• Impact of coaching decisions and adjustments
• Historical context of young teams in the NBA Finals
• Predictions and X-factors that could determine the series outcome

Join us as we provide in-depth analysis and insights into this exciting NBA Finals showdown. Subscribe to The Baseline NBA Podcast for comprehensive coverage of the NBA Finals and more.

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In this week’s episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we dive deep into our ongoing Autopsy Report series, breaking down the shocking and unceremonious playoff exits of the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. Once considered title contenders, both teams now face serious questions about their future with financial pressures looming and roster changes on the horizon. We analyze:

• What went wrong for the Celtics and Cavaliers
• Impact of injuries, coaching decisions, and star performances
• Potential offseason trades, free agency moves, and salary cap issues
• Future outlook for stars like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Donovan Mitchell, and Darius Garland

Then, we shift gears and preview the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers. A rivalry rekindled from last year’s playoff showdown now reaches new heights. Can the Knicks finally return to the ECF for the first time since 2000, or will Tyrese Haliburton and the red-hot Pacers punch their ticket back to the Finals?

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The stage is set for an electric showdown in the 2025 NBA Western Conference Finals as the Minnesota Timberwolves face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder. In this special episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we deliver a full breakdown and preview of what’s sure to be a hard-fought battle between two of the league’s most dynamic young teams.

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s the 2024–2025 NBA season concludes, we turn our analytical lens to two teams that showcased promise: the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets. In this installment of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we dissect their seasons, evaluating whether their performances were fleeting successes or indicators of sustained growth.

Orlando Magic: With a roster brimming with young talent, the Magic made significant strides this season. We delve into their defensive prowess, player development, and what strategic moves are necessary in the offseason to maintain their upward trajectory.

Houston Rockets: The Rockets' youthful core demonstrated flashes of brilliance. We assess their season's highlights, defensive metrics, and discuss potential roster adjustments to solidify their place in the competitive Western Conference.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or an NBA enthusiast, this episode offers in-depth analysis and insights into the future of these emerging teams.

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In this week’s episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we dive into seismic news out of San Antonio Spurs territory: Gregg Popovich retires as head coach, closing the book on one of the most legendary careers in NBA coaching history. With Mitch Johnson tapped as his successor, we break down what this means for Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs’ rebuild, and their trajectory in the Western Conference. Then, we pivot to the major fallout from the NBA Playoffs first round, where three NBA superstars — Giannis Antetokounmpo, James Harden, and Luka Dončić — faced early exits. What went wrong for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks? Will these teams bounce back or break apart this offseason? We unpack the looming questions around:

• Potential NBA trades and free agency decisions
• Coaching changes and front office moves
• Each superstar’s path forward: stay or go?

This is a must-listen for fans tracking NBA playoff analysis, offseason rumors, and franchise-shifting moves. Subscribe, rate, and tap in with The Baseline NBA Podcast — where every headline gets broken down, every star gets scrutinized, and the NBA storylines come alive.

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In this week’s episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we continue our Autopsy Report series, taking a deep dive into the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat. Both teams were knocked out of the NBA Playoffs in convincing fashion—dispatched by the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers, respectively. We break down what went wrong for these once-feared franchises, examining key injuries, underperformance, coaching decisions, and roster challenges. With the Grizzlies and Heat clinging to past glory, we explore whether it's time for a rebuild, roster overhaul, or front office reset. Get insights on:

• NBA Playoff analysis
• Future of Ja Morant, Tyler Herro, and key stars
• Trade rumors, free agency outlook, and team needs
• Coaching and front office evaluations

If you're a fan of NBA news, team analysis, and basketball breakdowns, this is a must-listen episode. 🎧 Subscribe, rate, and review The Baseline NBA Podcast — your source for in-depth NBA talk, basketball strategy, and playoff recaps.

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