Pure Hoops

Kenny Smith of Turner Sports and "Inside the NBA" joins Eric Newman to discuss the NBA Playoffs as well as his new venture on "Bright," which is a live video conversation platform. Kenny sizes up all of the series to this point and really drills down on the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns, two young teams growing up really fast! Kenny also discusses his upcoming conversation on … [Read more...] about Kenny “The Jet” Smith joins the Pure Hoops Pod to talk NBA Playoffs & his new venture on “Bright.”

The NBA Playoffs are here as BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman break down each first round series of what promises to be a thrilling post season. Will Utah play like a #1 seed? Will the Lakers find their rhythm? Can Portland upset Denver? Will the Nets dominate? and much more. … [Read more...] about NBA PLAYOFFS 2021, THE BREAKDOWN

BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman detail the play-in race and potential playoff matchups. Also, the pair breakdown why certain contenders like the Jazz, Clippers, and 76ers will AND won’t make the finals. Finally, Eric opens a pack of 1990 Fleer Basketball cards, leading to a trip down memory lane. … [Read more...] about Play-In Preview, Contender Breakdowns, and 1990s Basketball Cards

BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman discuss LeBron's setback, evaluate the coaches on the hot seat, and breakdown the NBA play-in race. … [Read more...] about LeBron’s Setback, Coaches on the Hotseat, and the Play-In Race Continues

BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman share their praise for the Suns, who have just clinched their first playoff berth in 11 years. The Washington Wizards are on a tear, and the guys breakdown a tightening playoff race. Also, BJ and Eric take a trip down memory lane, discussing the origins of Larry Bird’s stepback jumper. … [Read more...] about The Phoenix Suns, Washington Wizards, and the Playoff Picture Tightens. Plus, a History Lesson

BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman discuss the rise of the New York Knicks, the brilliance of Stephen Curry, and how injuries to NBA stars have changed how teams could approach the playoffs. … [Read more...] about The New York Knicks, Stephen Curry, and Injuries Piling Up

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. … [Read more...] about BJ and Eric’s Playoff Wishlist

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 between Stephen A. Smith and … [Read more...] about Reflecting on College Basketball, the Buyout Market, and Russell Westbrook

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. … [Read more...] about Trade Deadline Spectacular

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 do to get over the hump. … [Read more...] about Blake Griffin to the Nets, LaMarcus Aldridge Rumors, and the Boston Celtics