Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective
ESPN, Omaha Productions, Brian Windhorst
Brian Windhorst and a team of ESPN's Insiders sort out life in and around the NBA world.
Recent Episodes
20 episodesCoaches Frustrated With SGA + Mark Cuban’s Biggest Regret In Dallas + LeBron’s Future
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss some coaches expressing frustration with the whistle Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been getting. Then, the guys tackle Mark Cuban’s comments on his biggest regret with selling the Mavericks. Next, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin joins to break down LeBron’s future including where he may play next season. Finally, we dish out the Cojones Factor Player of the Month and give a shoutout for an important cause. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The True Contenders In The Eastern Conference + A Historic Rookie Of The Year Battle
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the Thunder getting a big win over the Knicks before talking if New York is an actual contender for the NBA Finals this season. Plus, we break down some high profile battles in the Eastern Conference standings down the stretch of the season including the emergence of the 76ers. Finally, we tackle this historic Rookie Of The Year race between Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel and react to the NBA’s tanking proposals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Celtics Most Consequential Win Of Year? + Adam Silver Takes a Major Stand
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and Anthony Slater to discuss the Celtics big win over the Thunder in Boston including a huge game from Jaylen Brown and why this was one of the more consequential games of the season. Then, we break down if the MVP race is actually heating up before talking about some historic MVP votes that we disagree with. Plus, we tackle how far NBA commissioner Adam Silver will go on tanking after his stern comments at the board of governors meeting. Finally, how concerning are the tough times for the Warriors for next season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Giannis & Bucks At Odds Again & Wemby Makes Claim For MVP + Evaluating Tatum
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the continuing drama between the Bucks and Giannis including the NBPA statement in support of Giannis playing. Plus, will there be a 65-game exemption for Cade Cunningham? Then, we break down if Victor Wembanyama’s speech has any chance to influence MVP voters and if he has a legitimate case for the trophy. Finally, how has Jayson Tatum’s return to Boston impacted the team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Lakers’ Run Continues & Luka’s Biggest Weakness + Playoff Seeding Battles
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to discuss the Lakers strong play of late including Luka’s scoring outbursts before discussing a weakness that keeps popping up. Plus, an interesting stretch for the Cavs and some playoff seeding battles to monitor moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cade Injury Make East Wide Open? + Did Bucks Wait Too Long To Trade Giannis?
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and Anthony Slater to discuss if Cade Cunningham’s injury will prevent Detroit from a deep playoff run and if it will open up the Eastern Conference any more. Then, we discuss the Giannis injury and the Bucks’ desire to shut him down for the season including if Milwaukee should be looking to trade him this offseason. Finally, we break down some interesting postgame quotes from Jaylen Brown before talking if Boston is taking control of the Eastern Conference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
KD & Rockets In Danger In West? Lakers Finding Something With LeBron
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the Rockets continuing to struggle in clutch time and if their issues on offense could prevent them from competing with the elite teams in the Western Conference. Plus, the Lakers have been streaking and LeBron has adapted his play to fit the team, what can this mean for playoff hopes in LA? Next, we break down how big of an issue Anthony Edwards’ injury is for the Wolves before talking how dangerous Boston is becoming in the East. Finally, we discuss some future NBA stars to watch out for in March Madness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Luka Magic Taking Hold For Lakers + SGA’s Historic Streak & Wemby’s Confidence
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk about a major win for the Lakers and how Luka is stepping forward as the leader in LA. Next, we discuss OKC getting a big win over the Wolves and SGA fighting to keep his 20-point game streak alive. Then, the guys break down some very confident quotes from Victor Wembanyama and how he continues to back them up. Finally, an interesting schedule situation for the Hawks and reaction to the Big 12 Tournament. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
5 Biggest Questions For Knicks Playoff Chances + Believe In Magic Hot Streak? & State Of Boston With Tatum's Return
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and Anthony Slater to talk the biggest questions that will decide the fate of the season for the Knicks before reacting to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra apologizing to “absolutely no one” about the path to Bam’s historic 83-point game. Then, we discuss the latest updates on Steph Curry’s injury including how the Warriors are approaching it with caution. Next, the guys tackle how much stock we are putting in the hot streak from the Magic of late. Finally, we are joined by trial lawyer and Celtics superfan Alex Spiro to assess the state of expectations for Boston with Tatum’s return. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Did SGA End MVP Debate? + Best Year Of Kawhi Ever & A Big Question In The East
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s heroic performance against the Nuggets including if that epic game ended the MVP debate. Plus, are we concerned about the healing Nuggets at all or encouraged by improving health? Then, we discuss if this is the best season of Kawhi’s career before discussing if the up and down Knicks are a concern. Finally, the epic return of the Cojones Factor Player Of the Month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
EMERGENCY POD: Bam Adebayo Scores 83 points!! Passing Kobe for 2nd-Most in NBA History
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to get together for an emergency pod to react to Bam Adebayo scoring a historic 83 points for the Heat tonight. We discuss the significance of him passing Kobe for 2nd-most points in NBA History and some wild reactions around the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tatum Return Make Boston Favorites? Wemby Passion Great For NBA + SGA’s Elite Scoring
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk Tatum’s return to the Celtics and if it now makes Boston the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference. Next, we talk about the Lakers’ big win over the Knicks before diving into Victor Wembanyama’s impassioned performances of late. The guys discuss why Wemby’s passion and competitive fire are so good for the NBA moving forward. Then, we discuss the state of the Thunder with their injuries and talk about Steve Kerr’s comments on SGA getting to the line. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
FULL Breakdown of this Historic 2026 NBA Draft Class + Dybantsa vs. Peterson Debate
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and King McClure to preview the top prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft including which players have the chance to change the trajectory of an NBA franchise. Plus, we talk about the drama with the top pick between AJ Dybantsa & Darryn Peterson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Giannis Return Change Bucks’ Future? + Paolo & Magic Staff At Odds?
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk about Giannis’ return to the Bucks and what these next few months will mean for his future in Milwaukee. Then, we discuss an interesting back and forth between Paolo Banchero and Orlando head coach Jamahl Mosley before speaking about Trae Young’s upcoming debut for the Wizards. Finally, we break down Steph Curry’s latest injury before talking OKC’s strategy to keep their stars healthy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Wemby & Spurs Not Playoff Ready? Concerned About Jokic? + Dort Foul Reaction & Watch Out For Hornets
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to talk about the Knicks getting a big win over the Spurs at MSG including if San Antonio has some concerns for the playoffs surrounding Wemby’s support. Plus, we break down injury updates on Jayson Tatum & Steph Curry before tackling a big win for Minnesota and the potential for Anthony Edwards to be a playoff threat again. Finally, we discuss if Jokic’s wrist injury is cause for concern in Denver before talking why nobody should want to face the Hornets in the playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pistons Not Satisfied Yet + KD On Team USA’s Future & Jokic Is Looking Human??
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Vince Goodwill and Anthony Slater to talk a big matchup between the Cavs & Pistons in Detroit including why the Pistons are extra motivated for the playoff push this season. Plus, we react to Kevin Durant’s comments on the future of Team USA basketball and how they compare to the rest of the world heading into the 2028 Olympics. Finally, we discuss why Nikola Jokic has not looked right of late before highlighting a promotion in Atlanta. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Cavs Down Knicks + Spurs Expose Pistons? OKC’s Depth Showing Finals Repeat Chances?
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the Cavs getting a big home win over the Knicks including a breakdown of what this game says about each team. Plus, the Spurs make a statement in Detroit in a fashion that raises questions about the Pistons’ ability to make a deep playoff run, in part due to San Antonio having two elite defenders. The guys then tackle the injured Thunder continuing to get the job done and how that could potentially impact the future of the franchise. Finally, the guys settle if Jaylen Brown is underrated or properly rated. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can Cavs Figure It Out For Playoffs? Watch Out For Boston & Is Detroit Ready For A Finals Run?
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to the Thunder getting a shorthanded win against the Cavs including if Cleveland will be able to figure out their rotations in time to make a deep playoff run. Next, we talk about more inexplicable losses from the Wolves before diving into a tough loss for the Lakers against Boston on Pat Riley’s day in LA. Finally, we discuss if the young Pistons will be ready to win the East this season or will a potentially healthy Boston be ready soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
2nd MVP Straw Poll - Late Surges Enough For New MVP? + Possible Tanking Solution?
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to react to Bontemps’ 2nd MVP Straw Poll of the season including some possible paths to first time winners, the brilliance of SGA and if Jokic can get enough games in. Plus, we break down some possible tanking solutions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Revealing The True NBA Finals Contenders + Tight NBA Awards Races & Things To Watch Down The Stretch
Brian Windhorst is joined by ESPN's Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon to break down what teams in the NBA have a 5% chance to win the NBA Finals this season. Then, the guys tackle some of the tight battles for the NBA end of season awards before talking about the three things they are most excited for down the stretch of the season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices