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 will be in the mix for Giannis … [Read more...] about Ethan Skolnick on Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and the Heat Culture. Plus Where Will Giannis Go?
Pure Hoops
Hosts: BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman
The Pure Hoops flagship show covering the most intriguing league topics, high profile guests, 90s look back segments and unique stories from our hosts BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman will highlight each episode.
Nuggets Broadcaster Chris Marlowe on Denver’s Star Turn
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. … [Read more...] about Nuggets Broadcaster Chris Marlowe on Denver’s Star Turn
Game 7 with the Voice of the Celtics and What’s Next for Giannis and Bucks?
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Celtics radio voice Sean Grande to break down the coaching X's and O's heading into Game 7, why Jayson Tatum needs to show more fire and why Jimmy Butler presents major problems for whichever team advances. Plus, BJ and Eric discuss how Miami dismantled Milwaukee and what the Bucks need to do to advance further and entice Giannis … [Read more...] about Game 7 with the Voice of the Celtics and What’s Next for Giannis and Bucks?
Clippers Hit Their Stride; LA Braces for Showdown
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Andrew Greif of the Los Angeles Times. They discuss the late game impact of Kawhi Leonard and the deals the last two years that brought in Marcus Morris, Sr. and Ivica Zubac. Plus, is LA ready for a Clippers-Lakers showdown and what would be a Laker fan’s worst nightmare? … [Read more...] about Clippers Hit Their Stride; LA Braces for Showdown
The NBA World Stops. What Happens Next? A Conversation with Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Mannix. They discuss the abrupt halt to the NBA Playoffs, why Adam Silver's absence from the bubble may be a problem and what players want to happen next. … [Read more...] about The NBA World Stops. What Happens Next? A Conversation with Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix.
Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell and the Importance of Drafting Well
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong with first impressions of the Playoffs. Why Jayson Tatum is BJ's MVP for NEXT season, and how the pre-Draft trade that put him in Celtics green can make or break a franchise. Plus, how everyone missed on Donovan Mitchell, what the Lakers need to do fend off the Blazers and insights on all eight Playoff series. … [Read more...] about Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell and the Importance of Drafting Well
Tim Legler on Playoff Matchups to Fear; Dame on Fire; Luka an All-time Great
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by ESPN analyst Tim Legler. They discuss Western Conference teams the Lakers and Clippers should fear, plus what we'll be saying in a decade about Luka Doncic, the Raptors' take-no-prisoners attitude and how the role of shooters has changed since BJ and Tim played. … [Read more...] about Tim Legler on Playoff Matchups to Fear; Dame on Fire; Luka an All-time Great
Raptors Rolling Inside the Bubble
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Ryan Wolstat of The Toronto Sun. They discuss the Raptors’ strong play in the bubble, the amazing rise of Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam’s rise to stardom. Plus, who can derail Toronto’s championship defense, TJ Warren saving the Pacers’ season and the Sixers’ prognosis without Ben Simmons - it might not be as bad as you think. … [Read more...] about Raptors Rolling Inside the Bubble
FINALLY: Basketball is Back!
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are fired up for the return of the game. BJ has a bold prediction for next year’s MVP, and the guys discuss why the champion might not be from LA or Milwaukee. Plus, how do the Pelicans use Zion Williamson - win now or focus on the future. And what BJ doesn’t want to hear on NBA telecasts. … [Read more...] about FINALLY: Basketball is Back!
Return of Westbrook, Going All-in on Smallball, and an Overlooked Hall of Famer in Houston
Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle. They discuss the return of Russell Westbrook to the bubble, how the Rockets intend to go even faster on-court and whether that style will hold up in the Playoffs. Plus, revisiting an overlooked Hall of Famer and BJ reflects on an unusual scrimmage he ran with the Bulls. … [Read more...] about Return of Westbrook, Going All-in on Smallball, and an Overlooked Hall of Famer in Houston