Pure Hoops

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 jump the line due to the … [Read more...] about First Impressions of James Harden & Brooklyn’s New Big Three, protecting players from COVID-19, and the curious case of Zach Lavine

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 offensive firepower, can the Nets … [Read more...] about Sorting out the four team James Harden trade and the future of the Nets & Rockets

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 great play of Julius Randle and … [Read more...] about As we flip the calendar to 2021, BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman size up the Rockets, Sixers, Celtics, Suns, & Knicks

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? … [Read more...] about Opening Night thoughts, Christmas matchups, & One Great Story

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. And Doc resurfaces in Philly … [Read more...] about Impactful Moves: Bucks, Hawks, Suns, Clippers, & 76ers

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 the Clippers changed course … [Read more...] about BJ Armstrong answers 5 key questions heading into the NBA season

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. … [Read more...] about Thompson’s Injury, Wiseman’s Impact and Where the Warriors Go from Here

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. … [Read more...] about Zion in Year 2 and Stan’s Plan for the Pelicans

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. … [Read more...] about Free Agency, Coaching Changes and What Do the Warriors Do at #2

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? … [Read more...] about How Many More Years for LeBron James?