Open Floor: SI's NBA Show
Episodes
The History of NBA Tanking w/ Jake Fischer
10 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael welcomes special guest Jake Fischer to the show! They discuss his wonderful new NBA book "Built to Lose: How the N...
A Heated Hypothetical 1 on 1 Debate
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss who they think would win a hypothetical 1 on 1 tournament, why Uncut Gems is ...
Ben Simmons Saga Continues, Unpredictable Teams
03 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris unpack new developments in the Ben Simmons saga, including a closer look at which team he will be on when th...
More Offseason Trades & The Best Basketball Movies
31 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down the Lauri Markkanen three-team trade before they open up the mailbag to rank their all-time favor...
Mailbag Ep: Fave Starting Lineups & AD vs. Giannis
27 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan hit the mailbag! They talk about the C- grade Michael gave the Lakers in his most recent offseason report ca...
MVP Betting Odds: Long Shots to Sure Things
24 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris take a long look at the 2021-22 season's MVP race, using the latest betting odds in Las Vegas to frame t...
Christmas Schedule Disappointment & KD's Lasting Legacy
20 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris break down the Christmas Day schedule, debate which teams have a right to feel disrespected by the release, ...
Top Ten Best NBA duos
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Michael and Rohan quickly break down the Eric Bledsoe/Rajon Rondo/Patrick Beverley trade, answer an email from a listener who...
Ranking The Western Conference Standings
13 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan power ranked the Western Conference! They agreed on just about nothing, especially when it comes to the Lake...
Ranking The Eastern Conference Standings
10 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris predict the Eastern Conference standings for the 2021-22 NBA season! Every team, from 15 down to 1. Learn...
Offense Obsessed Lakers & Celtics Slow Start
06 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show, Michael and Chris break down a whole bunch of free agency news, including the Celtics' slow offseason, the Lakers deciding to...
Winners (And a Lot of Losers) of NBA Free Agency
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Michael and Rohan each give their 3 biggest winners and 3 biggest losers for Day 1 of the NBA's silly season. What are the...
NBA Draft Breakdown w/ Jeremy Woo
30 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Rohan and SI's NBA draft insider Jeremy Woo break down the big trade that sent Russell Westbrook to the Lakers, the big winners & losers of th...
The Making of an Improbable MVP w/ Mirin Fader
27 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, Chris is joined by Ringer feature writer and author Mirin Fader, who has an upcoming biography on two-time MVP and now Finals MV...
Mega Crossover NBA Finals Recap
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Michael and Chris are joined by Rohan and special guest, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Howard Beck, who also co-hosts SI...
A Game Five Instant Classic & Team USA Drama
19 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan open up the mailbag to discuss Team USA drama and Kawhi Leonard's ACL surgery before a deep NBA Finals d...
An Instant Finals Classic & Giannis' Impossible Block
15 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's show, Michael and Chris break down Game 4, an absolute and instant Finals classic that was packed with memorable moments, from Giannis...
Giannis Turn Superhuman, Top 5 Individual Finals Performances
12 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan break down Game 3 of the NBA Finals and wonder if there are any adjustments the Suns can make to slow down G...
Suns Stars Do It All & Giannis' Willis Reed Moment
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris open up the mailbag and answer a few big-picture questions about the NBA playoffs before taking a deep dive ...
Jrue Holiday the Deity & Atlanta's Spending Problems
06 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Michael and Rohan take a look back at Atlanta's magical season and wonder if they need to consolidate some of their young ...
We Celebrate All Things CP3 (And Are Crushed Over Giannis)
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris celebrate Chris Paul's greatness from multiple angles, wonder if Kawhi Leonard will stay in Los Angeles...
Totally Plausible Lillard Trades, Bucks Operate At 100%
28 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan recap Hawks-Bucks, discuss Portland's controversial Chauncey Billups hire, and give several of their fav...
NBA Draft Lottery Winners, Team USA's Roster, & The Conference Finals
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode, Michael and Chris give their NBA lottery winners and losers, question Team USA's roster, answer a few more emails about th...
What Happens To Ben Simmons?, Conference Finals Live Draft
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss where Utah and Brooklyn go from here, Ben Simmons' trade value (including a few hypothetical par...
Sixers Epic Collapse, Top Five All Time Playoff Performances
17 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris recap Philadelphia's epic Game 5 meltdown against the Hawks, discuss how injuries are impacting the NBA ...
Breaking Down Game 6 of the 2013 Finals w/ Chris Bosh
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On a special edition of Open Floor, Rohan and two-time NBA champion Chris Bosh dive deep into one of Chris’s favorite games from his career: Game 6 ...
Bucks Even w/ Nets, Nuggets Roster Questions, Suns Complete Sweep
14 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode of Open Floor, Michael Pina and Rohan Nadkarni discuss the fallout of Game 4 between the Nets and Bucks, including how Kyrie Irvi...
Jokic A Single MVP Winner?, Power Ranking The Remaining Teams
10 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris answer a few listener emails about Nikola Jokic's chance of winning multiple MVP awards, along with a fe...
Mavs/Clips End Battle, Porzingis Trades, Bucks/Nets Underway
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan went deep on the instant classic Mavs-Clippers series and talked about where each organization goes from her...
Suns Beat L.A., Should Portland Blow It Up?, & Beal To Boston??
04 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Chris look at what went wrong for the Lakers, Anthony Davis' decision to play while injured in Game 6, why it&...
Bucks Embarrass Heat, Nets Look Unstoppable, How Good are the Hawks?
01 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael and Rohan discuss the impact injuries are having on the NBA playoffs, whether the Miami Heat can get back to the Final...
Fan Unruliness, Luke May Be Unstoppable, & First Round Disappointments
27 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today's episode of Open Floor, Michael and Chris discuss unruly fans, the struggling Clippers, how Kawhi Leonard's free agency may be impac...
The Playoffs Are Finally Underway
24 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael Pina welcomes his (other) new co-host, Sports Illustrated staff writer Rohan Nadkarni to the show! The two recap sever...
Wizards Win Their Way In, Lakers Still Contending, & The Best Playoff Matchups
21 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Michael Pina welcomes his new co-host, Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Herring to the show! The two talk play-in develo...
Ten questions about LeBron vs. Steph, the play-in & the 2021 playoffs
18 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina wrap up a wild final weekend of the regular season by asking 10 questions about the upcoming play-in tournament and play...
Playoff Pressure Check & Show Announcement
14 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the excellent feedback for Michael's SI Daily Cover story about Spurs guard Dejounte Murray. Then...
Luka's temper, Zion's finger & All-NBA backlash
11 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing Luka Doncic's attempted low blow on Collin Sexton. Is Doncic's temper becoming a problem and ...
Picking the All-NBA teams
07 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina turn their attention to the 2021 All-NBA selections. How do the NBA's positional designations impact this year's...
Lakers crumbling, King Jokic & "Bubbleball" book preview
04 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up the pieces from a wild weekend of basketball to discuss the crumbling Los Angeles Lakers, the streaking Denver N...
Handicapping the 2026 NBA MVP race
30 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina break out their crystal balls in an attempt to handicap the 2026 NBA MVP race. What will the NBA look like in five years...
Coach of the Year & Most Improved Player award debates
27 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina search for silver linings during the NBA's pandemic season by highlighting two interesting awards races: Coach of th...
NBA reacts to Derek Chauvin verdict, Trae goes down, AD returns
23 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a rundown of the NBA community's response to the verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial. Was this "justice...
Ranking Stephen Curry, NBA clone wars, East match-making
20 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina reflect on Stephen Curry's torrid April by taking a fresh look at the Golden State Warriors guard's place in the...
LaMarcus Aldridge retires, Joel Embiid dominates, Stephen Curry catches fire
16 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gather themselves during a storm of NBA news to discuss LaMarcus Aldridge's sudden retirement due to an irregular he...
Ten NBA Playoff X-Factors: Aaron Gordon, Tobias Harris, Rajon Rondo & more
13 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina catch their breath during the dog days of the NBA's regular season to look ahead to the 2021 NBA playoffs. Which pla...
Chris Paul & Devin Booker have the Suns in the spotlight
09 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take stock of the Phoenix Suns after a signature win over the Utah Jazz. Should Chris Paul be an all-NBA selection? Can ...
Jalen Suggs' best NBA fits & Jrue Holiday's monster contract
06 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by recapping Baylor's NCAA title game triumph over Gonzaga and discussing Jalen Suggs' strong tournament ru...
The NBA's best and worst contracts
01 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take a look at the NBA's best and worst contracts after the trade deadline and the round of buyout agreements. Who i...
LaMarcus Aldridge, Andre Drummond, buyout backlash & the tank is on
29 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina analyze the latest buyout moves, including LaMarcus Aldridge to the Brooklyn Nets and Andre Drummond to the Los Angeles ...
NBA Trade Deadline Winners & Losers
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina react to Thursday's NBA trade deadline, handing out their grades for a busier-than-expected day and running through ...
The Lakers without LeBron James, crushing LaMelo Ball news
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into a depressing weekend of NBA injury news concerning LeBron James and LaMelo Ball. How will the Lakers manage wit...
Bucks add P.J. Tucker, the perils of drafting a big
18 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of the Milwaukee Bucks' trade with the Houston Rockets for P.J. Tucker. How does Tu...
BONUS: Jack McCallum on Kobe Bryant, LeBron James & the Redeem Team
17 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver is joined by special guest Jack McCallum, a former NBA writer at Sports Illustrated, to discuss season two of his podcast series: "T...
Making the case for trade deadline moves
15 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
With little buzz building before the March 25 trade deadline, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina try to decide which bigger names should actually be moved....
NBA Trade Deadline preview
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina are back from the All-Star Break and ready to look ahead to the March 25 trade deadline. But first: they reflect on the ...
Recapping All-Star Weekend with 20 burning questions
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina recap the 2021 NBA All-Star Weekend by answering 20 burning questions. Does the Skills Challenge need to be fixed or dum...
Officiating complaints, small-market bias, All-Star preview
04 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into the Utah Jazz's extended criticism of the officiating during their loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednes...
The Open Floor's NBA All-Star Mock Draft
01 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up sides for Sunday's NBA All-Star Game. Ben serves as Kevin Durant and Michael serves as LeBron James, and the...
Lagging Lakers, The Jazz machine, All-Star snubs
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a rundown of their biggest beefs with the 2021 NBA All-Star selections. Was Khris Middleton robbed? Was Devin ...
Bonus episode with Haley O'Shaughnessy: All-Star snubs, Nets makeover, NBAstrology
25 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver welcomes special guest Haley O'Shaughnessy of Blue Wire Podcasts for a bonus episode. Ben and Haley open with a discussion of her new...
Rethinking the Nets, Fixing the Celtics, Firing Ryan Saunders
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina check in with the Brooklyn Nets, who are on a six-game winning streak and have started to win over some skeptics, includ...
The great NBA All-Star roster debates
18 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with the news that the NBA has officially announced its All-Star Game for Atlanta on March 7. From there, they brea...
Anthony Davis's injury tests Lakers, Boston's woes, Brooklyn rises
15 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of Anthony Davis's Achilles' strain and why it represents the first major test ...
National Anthem outcry, LaMelo Ball mania, dream All-Star event fields
11 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by wading into the culture wars prompted by the Dallas Mavericks' decision not to play the national anthem befo...
All-Star anger, picking the starters, De'Aaron Fox's rise
09 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by cataloguing the hurt feelings from superstars over the NBA's All-Star Game plans. LeBron James, Kawhi Leonar...
All-Star Game plans & voting returns, contender clash
04 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing the 2021 NBA All-Star Game plans, which are quickly taking shape. Should the NBA even bother with the...
The NBA's biggest early-season regrets
02 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina look back on the first quarter of the NBA season to investigate which teams are having the biggest regrets after six we...
First-quarter MVP, Joel Embiid's Sixers, the LeBron James Award
28 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a remembrance of NBA TV's Sekou Smith, a pioneer in the NBA podcasting world and a charismatic, beloved me...
Shaq questions Donovan Mitchell, Kyrie Irving fake trades
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a look back at Shaquille O'Neal's controversial post-game interview of Donovan Mitchell on TNT. What d...
CJ McCollum's injury, Zion Williamson's next steps, Steve Nash's learning curve
21 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a discussion of the Portland Trail Blazers' injury woes. What was driving CJ McCollum's early season s...
Ten questions about Kevin Durant, James Harden & the new-look Nets
19 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig in deep on James Harden's first two games with the new-look Brooklyn Nets. Why is Harden on his best behavior an...
James Harden blockbuster trade: Winners and Losers
14 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig into all aspects of the Brooklyn Nets' blockbuster trade for Houston Rockets superstar James Harden. How happy i...
COVID woes mount, Stephen Curry's magnetism, Clippers' highs & lows
11 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the NBA's rise in positive tests, contact tracing absences, and postponed games. How close is the NBA to pus...
NBA protests Jacob Blake ruling & Capitol storming
07 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with an extended discussion of the various protests that swept the NBA on Wednesday night in response to a lack of ...
All angles on Stephen Curry's 62-point explosion
04 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by basking in the glow of Stephen Curry's 62-point explosion. Did Curry actually have something to prove? Were ...
NBA New Year's Resolutions
31 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021 by offering 10 New Year's Resolutions to NBA players, teams, and commentators....
NBA opening week chaos; First-time All-Star watch
28 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina pick up the pieces after a chaotic opening week by trying to spot trends. Are the Nets on track for the Finals or set to...
10 teams, 10 takes on NBA opening week
24 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina wrap up the opening week of NBA action with takes on 10 different teams. Did the NBA handle the latest James Harden cont...
Coaches on the hot seat; Top 100 of 2021 debates
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gear up for opening week with a breakdown of the new extensions given to Rudy Gobert and Kyle Kuzma. From there, they s...
Giannis Antetokounmpo's supermax & NBA awards debates
17 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with a big announcement: SI has formed a slack channel for all Open Floor Globe members to use during the upcoming...
Pina's Postseason Picks: Handicapping playoff bubble races
14 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open Monday's episode with big breaking news about Michael's exciting new career move. Then, the guys shift into...
Handling James Harden's holdout, judging Paul George's extension
11 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by surveying the latest drama surrounding James Harden and the Houston Rockets. What are the Rockets' options a...
Debating the 2021 NBA Entertainment Value Rankings
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina preview the upcoming season with an annual staple: Ben's 2021 Entertainment Value Rankings. Which teams will be must...
Russell Westbrook traded for John Wall, LeBron James & Anthony Davis re-sign
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina explore all angles of the Russell Westbrook for John Wall trade between the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards. Who ...
Kevin Durant's comeback, East landscape, Atlanta's spending spree
30 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina ramp up the hype for Kevin Durant's long-awaited comeback with the Brooklyn Nets. What's KD's best-case sce...
John Wall trade request, shaky Clippers & holiday mailbag
27 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina celebrate the holiday weekend by opening the mailbag to the Open Floor Globe. What's up with the Clippers, is Serge ...
NBA free agency winners and losers
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina sort through the winners and losers from the opening weekend of the NBA free agency period. Did the Lakers tighten their...
2020 NBA Draft Winners and Losers
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina run through the winners and losers of the 2020 NBA Draft. How crushing of a blow is Klay Thompson's Achilles injury ...
Chris Paul traded, James Harden rumors, top 5 draft projections
16 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by breaking down the Suns' splashy move for Chris Paul. Why did Phoenix decide to pull the trigger, and could t...
Matchmaking with LaMelo Ball, Rusell Westbrook, Chris Paul & James Harden
12 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina gobble up the latest round of rumors before the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency period and try to find the best landi...
NBA election reaction; Minnesota, Golden State & major Draft decisions
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina round up NBA player reaction to the presidential election. Did the players' More Than a Vote campaign make a differe...
Jrue Holiday fake trades; NBA Draft pressure check
05 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by discussing a recent report that New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday is on the trading block. Which types of ...
The NBA needs a labor deal, Kevin Durant's comeback
02 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open with the latest on the 2020-21 negotiations between the NBA owners and players. Can the two sides afford not to rea...
Will Daryl Morey save the Sixers?
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dive headfirst into Daryl Morey's expected hiring as president of the Philadelphia 76ers. Will Morey trade Ben Simmo...
The NBA's 2020-21 schedule plans: pros & cons
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina lay out the good, the bad and the ugly of the NBA's latest proposals for the 2020-21 season. Why is the league now e...
Zion Williamson gets a new coach
22 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina weigh all sides of the New Orleans Pelicans' decision to hire Stan Van Gundy as their new coach. Was this all about ...
Daryl Morey's complex legacy in Houston
19 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina take an extended look back at Daryl Morey's 13-year run as Houston Rockets general manager. Where does Morey rank as...
Ranking the Lakers vs. the last 10 title teams & updating the GOAT debate
15 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
With the NBA bubble officially wrapped, Ben Golliver and Michael Pina settle into the offseason. They start by giving Lakers fans the opportunity to g...
LeBron James & the Lakers win the bubble title
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina discuss the end of the NBA bubble, which saw the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat in six games to claim their 17th...
The AD adjustment; 3-1 psychology
08 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ben Golliver and Michael Pina dig back into the NBA Finals, exploring the key Game 4 moments that helped the Los Angeles Lakers build a 3-1 series lea...