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BJ Armstrong has done it all in the world of basketball. From starting point guard on Michael Jordan's first three championship teams to front office executive, and now NBA agent with Wasserman. Each Friday on the Pure Hoops Podcast, BJ will be joined by co-host Eric Newman for an insider's perspective on every major issue that hoop fans care about.
The Mike Wise Show is hosted by basketball journalist and story teller Mike Wise. Mike's weekly guests are a "Who's Who" list of players, coaches, executives, journalists, and influencers of hoop culture. Nobody tells a story like Mike and his Wise Ass friends. Each weekly episode of The Mike Wise Show will be available on Monday mornings.
The Mike Wise Show features interesting guests from the world of basketball. From owners like Jeanie Buss to coaches like Stan Van Gundy and George Karl to Hall of Famers like journalist Bob Ryan and photographer Andy Bernstein, they all share their stories with Mike. We have classic locker room memories from Derek Harper, stories about doing broad…
BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman discuss what matchups they’d each like to see in the playoffs, including 76ers-Nets, Kawhi-LeBron, and Simmons-Durant.
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Reflecting on College Basketball, the Buyout Market, and Russell Westbrook
1:15:31
1:15:31
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the Larry Bird-era of college basketball. The pair also breakdown the latest buyout moves, including Andre Drummond to the Lakers, LaMarcus Aldridge to the Nets, and DeMarcus Cousins possibly joining the Clippers? Also, BJ shares his perspective following the back and forth be…
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The Mike Wise Show
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NBA reporter & multimedia journalist Ashley Nevel
39:01
39:01
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39:01
Bruce Bernstein fills in for Mike and welcomes Ashley Nevel to the show. In the new era of news and sports coverage, multimedia journalists like Ashley wear many hats from content creator to "techie," to talent producer, to marketing director, and then some. She is currently covering the Denver Nuggets, but has a long history with the Phoenix Suns …
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The Mike Wise Show
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Veteran NBA journalist Steve Bulpett on the Boston Celtics reboot
43:14
43:14
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43:14
Mike Wise has the week off, so Bruce Bernstein welcomes veteran NBA journalist Steve Bulpett to the show. Steve has covered the Boston Celtics since the 1980s and he shares his thoughts on how the Celtics will fare in the wake of Danny Ainge's trade deadline moves. Is Robert Williams III the answer at center? Will Evan Fournier provide enough scori…
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss the league’s biggest trades following the deadline, including Nikola Vucevic to the Bulls, Aaron Gordon to Denver, Evan Fournier to the Celtics, Rondo to the Clippers, and Norm Powell to the Blazers. In addition, we preview the buyout market and survey the league ahead of the playoffs.…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Legendary NBA Photographer Andrew D. Bernstein
1:05:52
1:05:52
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1:05:52
If you've followed the NBA over the past four decades, your view of the sport was partially shaped by Andy Bernstein. His lens has captured (and sometimes created) iconic NBA moments from Kareem and Dr. J to Magic and Bird, to Shaq, Michael, LeBron, & Steph. And of course, the one and only Kobe Bryant. Andy is literally a Basketball Hall of Famer, …
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Blake Griffin to the Nets, LaMarcus Aldridge Rumors, and the Boston Celtics
54:34
54:34
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54:34
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss what Blake Griffin can do for the Nets, and where they stand in the Eastern Conference. Following news that the Spurs and LaMarcus Aldridge are parting ways, we discuss the best place for the big man. Also, Marcus Smart makes his return for the Celtics, and Eric and BJ give their suggestions on what they need to…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Barbara Barker of Newsday on her early years in sports journalism plus NBA stories
52:43
52:43
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52:43
Barbara Barker is the sports columnist for Newsday in New York. She helps Mike Wise celebrate Women's History Month with stories from the beginning of her career in the early 1990s when female sports journalists were fighting for equal access. Along the way she covered the Knicks and now covers the entire sports scene as a columnist. Barb sizes up …
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Midseason Awards! Plus, Looking Ahead to the Second Half of the Season
1:16:17
1:16:17
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong breakdown the contenders for the NBA’s awards at the midseason break. This includes the MVP race between Joel Embiid and LeBron James, as well as Quin Snyder and Monty Williams competing for the Coach of the Year. The pair also look ahead to the second half of the season, specifically focusing on the Philadelphia 76ers …
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The Mike Wise Show
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Bob Ryan on his half century covering the Boston Celtics
1:10:38
1:10:38
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1:10:38
Bob Ryan spent 43 years at the Boston Globe and nearly three decades with ESPN. In his more than 50 year career, he has covered 20 NBA Finals, 20 Final Fours, 9 World Series, 5 Super Bowls, and 7 Olympics. But the NBA is where he left his lasting mark, covering the Boston Celtics since the days of Bill Russell. Bob and Mike Wise discuss the legenda…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Hall of Famer Ann Meyers Drysdale: A Woman of many "Firsts"
49:31
49:31
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49:31
Ann Meyers Drysdale has had a remarkable life and career. One of 11 children, she became one of the most legendary athletes of the 20th century. She was the "first" to achieve so many things as a female athlete that they're too numerous to list here. She has some incredible life experiences and she shares many of them with Mike Wise. She is a membe…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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“Style Over Substance”, “Big vs. Tall”, and Managing Load Management
1:12:47
1:12:47
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1:12:47
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong cover a myriad of topics in a loaded week of news, including how the coverage of the NBA has shifted more to highlights and flashy play, rather than the production of the league’s best players. The pair also discuss the role of the modern center, and then difference being a “big” versus being “tall”. Also, Eric and BJ g…
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The Mike Wise Show
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New Orleans Pelicans head coach Stan Van Gundy
47:12
47:12
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47:12
Mike Wise welcomes New Orleans Pelicans head coach Stan Van Gundy for a wide ranging discussion about his young team ("their defense has to improve"), gender equality among NBA coaches, Zion Williamson ("he is so smart"), his relationship with Miami Heat President Pat Riley, whether the All Star Game should take place, whether NBA teams should cont…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Celtics Struggles, The Relationship Between Health and Team Success, and What Exactly is Luka Doncic?
1:02:20
1:02:20
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1:02:20
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong investigate the problems that have plagued the Celtics to start the season. The pair also dissect a study showing a correlation this season between team health and their performance. Also, what do the Mavericks do to improve this team? What position should Luka actually play? Where does Kristaps Porzingis fit? Finally, …
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The Mike Wise Show
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Comparing Tom Brady to NBA greats and honoring the late Pedro Gomez of ESPN
45:51
45:51
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45:51
On this week's show, Mike Wise and producer Bruce Bernstein planned to compare seven time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady to NBA greats Michael Jordan and LeBron James. And they did. But Mike and Bruce were also former colleagues of ESPN baseball reporter Pedro Gomez, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 58. Pedro's death shocked and saddened the en…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Marquee Matchups, the MVP Race, Fred VanVleet, and Super Bowl LV
1:04:58
1:04:58
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1:04:58
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss the Nets-Clippers matchup and future outlooks for each. Who has the edge in the MVP race, Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic? Fred VanVleet sets a franchise record in a 54-point outing for the Raptors, what message does this send to younger players that might be “counted out”? Also, Eric and BJ give their picks for Sup…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Kobe Bryant Biographer Roland Lazenby joins Mike Wise
1:04:20
1:04:20
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Roland Lazenby has written more than 70 books in his nearly 50 year career. Among them are two profiles of Kobe Bryant written 16 years apart. Roland's relationship with the late Laker great was incredibly personal as well as professional. Mike Wise and Roland share stories about Kobe that really take you into the mind of the Black Mamba. The detai…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Conference Contenders, Trade Rumors, Stephen Curry, and the Lakers-Celtics Rivalry
1:31:02
1:31:02
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1:31:02
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong remember Sekou Smith. The pair analyze the 76ers as potential favorites in the East, and discuss whether the Utah Jazz are good enough to be contenders out West. With Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick potentially on the trading block, where do the Pelicans go from here? What are good landing places for the two guards? Also, Eric…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Legendary NBA coach George Karl sounds off on Joe Biden to James Harden and everything in between
52:46
52:46
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52:46
George Karl should be in the Basketball Hall of Fame ... period. Only five coaches in NBA history have won more games than George and all are in the Hall of Fame or soon will be. In this revealing conversation, George and Mike Wise discuss the current state of American society, politics, the lessons Coach learned from Dean Smith at North Carolina, …
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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First Impressions of James Harden & Brooklyn's New Big Three, protecting players from COVID-19, and the curious case of Zach Lavine
1:17:50
1:17:50
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1:17:50
BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman take a deep dive into the first three games of the James Harden era in Brooklyn. While offense will never be an issue for Harden, Kyrie Irving, & Kevin Durant, can this team play enough defense to be a championship team? With COVID-19 vaccinations beginning to be administered to the public, should NBA players be able to…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Amin Elhassan on ESPN, the new Dan LeBatard "Pirate Ship," Brooklyn's New Big 3, & more
1:15:55
1:15:55
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1:15:55
Amin Elhassan spent 8 years at ESPN as an NBA front office insider. He is now joining the new Dan LeBatard/John Skipper "Pirate Ship" operation as their #1 draft choice. As Amin embarks on this new chapter in his life, he reflects back on his time at ESPN and sounds off on many topics, including how well the James Harden/Kyrie Irving/Kevin Durant m…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Sorting out the four team James Harden trade and the future of the Nets & Rockets
1:06:18
1:06:18
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1:06:18
BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman examine the four team James Harden trade from multiple angles. Can Harden, Kevin Durant, & Kyrie Irving play together? With the Nets trading away all of their depth, what is the identity of the team? Has Brooklyn mortgaged its future with this move? Are they now the clear favorite to win the east? In spite of their offe…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Monica McNutt with reflections on the DC riots, the activism of WNBA players, and the promising start for the NY Knicks
34:14
34:14
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34:14
Bruce Bernstein fills in for Mike Wise this week and welcomes their Pure Hoops Media teammate Monica McNutt, co-host of the Buckets, Boards, & Blocks podcast. Monica shares her thoughts on last week's riot at the US Capital in Washington and how it looked to African Americans like 76ers coach Doc Rivers who saw how violent rioters were treated diff…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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As we flip the calendar to 2021, BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman size up the Rockets, Sixers, Celtics, Suns, & Knicks
1:24:15
1:24:15
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1:24:15
Will James Harden be happy with the reconstructed Rockets roster? Is Doc Rivers' leadership the reason for the Sixers' early success? In Boston, Jayson Tatum has been outstanding and rookie Payton Pritchard has been a spark off the bench but Jaylen Brown's improvement has been striking. In New York, the Knicks are off to a great start behind the gr…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Mike Wise's 100th show with good pals Harvey Araton & Frank Isola
1:05:02
1:05:02
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1:05:02
The Mike Wise Show debuted on January 14, 2019 and this is his 100th show. To help him celebrate the milestone, two of his best friends join him to look back at 2020 and look ahead to 2021. Harvey Araton, the legendary New York Times journalist and author and Frank Isola of Sirius/XM, YES Network, ESPN, and a 22 year veteran of the NY Daily News sp…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Opening Night thoughts, Christmas matchups, & One Great Story
1:25:05
1:25:05
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BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman look back at the NBA's opening night, size up the Christmas Day matchups, and take a detailed look at the Warriors, Nets, Mavericks, Pelicans, Suns, Heat, Celtics, Clippers, & more. Also, who will make a quicker adjustment to their new team: Russell Westbrook or John Wall?
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The Mike Wise Show
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Mike Wise & Bruce Bernstein preview the season & make their predictions
41:14
41:14
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41:14
The 2020-'21 NBA season is just hours away and Mike Wise and his producer Bruce Bernstein preview the season. Is Brooklyn ready to win it all? Is Kyrie Irving a player, an artist, or both? Will LeBron's "Drive for Five" end successfully? Will Jrue Holiday be a difference maker in Milwaukee? What about the Celtics? Is Denver ready to win it all? Cou…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Impactful Moves: Bucks, Hawks, Suns, Clippers, & 76ers
1:10:00
1:10:00
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1:10:00
BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman discuss impactful moves from five teams. Milwaukee locks Giannis up with a Super Max deal. Atlanta adds some solid veterans to its young core. Phoenix acquires Chris Paul to add leadership and make a playoff push. The Clippers fire Doc Rivers., replace him with Ty Lue, and add Serge Ibaka while losing Montrezl Harrell. An…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Dallas Mavericks legend and TV analyst Derek Harper on everything that matters
50:35
50:35
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50:35
Derek Harper played 16 NBA seasons, including 12 with the Dallas Mavericks. He also played on the 1994 New York Knicks team that lost in the NBA Finals to Hakeem Olajuwon and the Rockets. He and Mike Wise discuss a variety of topics from the greatness of Luka Doncic, to the leadership of Patrick Ewing and everything in between. "Harp" also tells a …
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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BJ Armstrong answers 5 key questions heading into the NBA season
56:35
56:35
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56:35
BJ and Eric Newman size up 5 key teams as the season begins. Has Milwaukee's management done enough to keep Giannis with the Bucks long term? Will the Lakers' "reload" after winning it all work out as planned? Can Kevin Durant handle the load he'll be expected to shoulder in Brooklyn, especially in his first season after a devastating injury? Have …
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The Mike Wise Show
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Stefan Bondy & Mike Wise break down the Nets, Knicks, and covering hoops in the COVID-19 & social media era
47:07
47:07
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47:07
Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News has been covering the Nets & Knicks for ten years. On this week's Mike Wise Show, Stefan and Mike discuss the task in front of rookie Nets coach Steve Nash, who will have to deal with Kyrie Irving, Kevin Durant, and finding enough minutes for a very deep roster. Stefan also sizes up the Knicks and their new c…
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Free Agency analysis & why the Lakers will repeat in 2020-'21
33:00
33:00
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33:00
Mike Wise is joined by Bruce Bernstein for a discussion of the recent free agency news, what lies ahead for Giannis Antetokounpo, why Michael Jordan invested $120 million on injury plagued Gordon Hayward, and why GM Rob Pelinka has put LeBron James and the Lakers in the driver's seat for a second consecutive NBA championship.…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Tim Legler of ESPN on Klay Thompson, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, & More
53:43
53:43
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53:43
Tim Legler of ESPN just began his 20th season as the #1 studio analyst at the network. He is probably the best NBA analyst out there at this point in time. On this week's Mike Wise Show, Legs and Mike discuss the devastating Klay Thompson injury and what challenges Klay faces in his second consecutive missed season. Legs also explains how James Har…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Thompson’s Injury, Wiseman’s Impact and Where the Warriors Go from Here
48:51
48:51
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48:51
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong chat with USA Today’s Mark Medina about Golden State’s tumultuous Draft Day. Plus, what’s next for the Lakers, Philly’s retooled roster and what in the world is going on in Houston.
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The Mike Wise Show
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Former Member of Congress Katie Hill on sports, politics, & current events
41:15
41:15
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41:15
Former Rep. Katie Hill was a Member of Congress from California who served from January-November of 2019. Katie is also a fan of the Los Angeles teams, especially the Dodgers. Katie and Mike Wise discuss numerous topics that cross over from the sports world into society at large. Among them are whether basketball players should "shut up and dribble…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Mike Wise's Download on "The Week That Was"
1:09:18
1:09:18
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Last week was one to remember on many fronts. From the Presidential Election in the United States, to the continued scourge of COVID-19, to mass layoffs at ESPN, and to the expected return of the NBA in just over a month, 2020 continues to exhaust, exhilarate, and challenge us. Mike Wise is joined by Bruce Bernstein from Pure Hoops Media and togeth…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Zion in Year 2 and Stan's Plan for the Pelicans
1:03:29
1:03:29
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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong chat with The Athletic's Will Guillory about the Pelicans. Will makes an unusual comparison for Zion Williamson and explains why a Jrue Holiday deal would be tricky. Plus Eric and BJ reflect on the greatness of Isiah Thomas.
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The Mike Wise Show
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Legendary NBA coach George Karl on basketball, society, and much more
53:42
53:42
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53:42
George Karl is one of the most successful NBA coaches of all time. He's #6 on the all time list of coaching victories and the five in front of him are in the Hall of Fame. George is a disciple of the great North Carolina coach Dean Smith, who not only coached basketball, but was a leader in the area of social justice when it was not easy to do. Coa…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Lakers Governor Jeanie Buss as you've never heard her
1:17:40
1:17:40
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Jeanie Buss represents the Los Angeles Lakers on the NBA Board of Governors. She doesn't like to be called the "owner," but her family has controlled the team for more than four decades. In this very revealing interview with Mike Wise, Jeanie shares some very emotional thoughts about the losses of her Mother, former Commissioner David Stern, and Ko…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Free Agency, Coaching Changes and What Do the Warriors Do at #2
49:09
49:09
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49:09
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Sekou Smith of NBA.com. They look at the loaded Western Conference and the ceiling for the rehabbing Warriors. Plus, why Indiana may have won the offseason coaching lottery and how Fred VanVleet may upend the Eastern Conference power structure.
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Breaking down the greatness of LeBron James and the Lakers' 17th NBA Title
1:02:08
1:02:08
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It only took LeBron James two seasons to take the Lakers from the depths of the NBA to the top of the NBA World. If Dr James Naismith, the creator of basketball tried to create a perfect basketball player in his laboratory, that player would look a whole lot like LeBron James. Mike welcomes 50 year NBA veteran Dave Wohl, who won rings with the Lake…
Eric Newman, BJ Armstrong and Howard Beck discuss whether the Heat have an answer for the Lakers. Plus, offseason priorities for both teams and whether LeBron James can catch Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the scoring title and Michael Jordan for the 6th ring. All that and how the heck did the NBA pull off the bubble?…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Jack McCallum on Miami's Game 3 win, the late David Stern, & hoop in the time of COVID
59:00
59:00
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59:00
Jack McCallum is a Hall of Fame hoop journalist, having won the Curt Gowdy Media Award from the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. Jack stayed up late Sunday night with Mike Wise to discuss Miami's Game 3 NBA Finals win, LeBron James' place in hoop history, a classic David Stern story, and how the Pandemic has affected our society. Jack spent 27 year…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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LeBron Closing in on Title #4; Making Sense of Doc's Firing
57:45
57:45
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57:45
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by LA Times Lakers beat writer Tania Ganguli to discuss whether the Heat can challenge the Lakers and the surprising number of years she thinks LeBron James has left. Plus, Eric and BJ discuss the legendary Pat Riley, the strange Doc Rivers firing, what it mean for Philadelphia and the strange night when BJ's…
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The Mike Wise Show
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Sunday Night Roundtable with Dave Wohl, Aaron Berlin, & Bruce Bernstein
50:50
50:50
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50:50
Bruce Bernstein fills in for Mike Wise on a late Sunday night and welcomes former player, coach, and executive Dave Wohl along with Catch and Shoot co-host Aaron Berlin from Pure Hoops Media. The guys break down Miami's game #6 series clincher over the Celtics, the upcoming NBA Finals matchup with the Lakers, and a discussion of the incredible LeBr…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Ethan Skolnick on Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and the Heat Culture. Plus Where Will Giannis Go?
54:49
54:49
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54:49
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Ethan Skolnick, founder and CEO of Five Reason Sports. They discuss Miami Heat culture and why the bubble was a perfect set up for the team. Plus, why Jimmy Butler makes every team he plays on better, Bam Adebayo on the verge of a breakthrough and of course Herro ball. And lastly (44:20), four teams that w…
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Michael Lee of The Athletic joins Mike Wise for a Sunday night session
56:42
56:42
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56:42
Michael Lee is a Senior Writer at The Athletic, who has covered the NBA for two decades. In a Sunday night download with Mike Wise, the guys break down the Lakers' huge win in game two against the Nuggets as well as examining why the Anthony Davis/LeBron James bond is so tight. Michael and Mike also discuss the Heat/Celtics series and chronicle Gor…
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The Pure Hoops Podcast
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Nuggets Broadcaster Chris Marlowe on Denver's Star Turn
52:52
52:52
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52:52
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Chris Marlowe, the voice of the Denver Nuggets on Altitude TV. They discuss what makes Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray a special tandem, why Michael Porter Jr. is 'a Maserati in the garage', and who guards LeBron James in the Western Conference Finals.
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The Mike Wise Show
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ESPN's NBA Sideline Reporter Cassidy Hubbarth
43:55
43:55
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43:55
Cassidy Hubbarth of ESPN has been patrolling the sidelines for the network's NBA coverage in the Orlando Bubble. Cass shares stories about life in the Bubble, her challenges covering the NBA Playoffs in such unusual circumstances, her feelings about the "virtual fans," her observations and interactions with LeBron James, her thoughts on a Lakers/Cl…
