On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY Sports Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt reflect on the Finals and what the latest Warriors title means, discuss the draft and all the fireworks that might come with it and dissect LeBron James' free agency options from every angle.

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, USA TODAY Sports Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt reflect on the Finals and what the latest Warriors title means, discuss the draft and all the fireworks that might come with it and dissect LeBron James' free agency options from every angle.

NBA Finals Recap

JR Smith

On this week's NBA A to Z pod, we unpack the wild Game 1 of the Finals and what it means for the Warriors and Cavs going forward with USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick, Michael Singer and A.J. Neuharth-Keusch. Will LeBron James ever forgive JR. Smith for his late-game blunder? Was this the Cavs' last, best at challenging the Warriors? So many questions, and we're here for the answers.

On this week's NBA A to Z pod, we unpack the wild Game 1 of the Finals and what it means for the Warriors and Cavs going forward with USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick, Michael Singer and A.J. Neuharth-Keusch. Will LeBron James ever forgive JR. Smith for his late-game blunder? Was this the Cavs' last, best at challenging the Warriors? So many questions, and we're here for the answers.

NBA Finals Game 1 recap - JR Smith's historical brain cramp

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick discuss the Western finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets and Eastern Conference final between the Cleveland Celtics and Boston Celtics. Both series are going at least six games. Also, USA TODAY Sports’ NBA editor Mike Singer joins the pod to discuss the NBA draft combine and its impact on the June draft.

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick discuss the Western finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets and Eastern Conference final between the Cleveland Celtics and Boston Celtics. Both series are going at least six games. Also, USA TODAY Sports’ NBA editor Mike Singer joins the pod to discuss the NBA draft combine and its impact on the June draft.

Inside the Conference Finals and a look at the 2018 draft 

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick discuss the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers and Western Conference finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. With a break between Games 2 and 3 in both series, Jeff and Sam dig deep and break down what’s transpired through two games.

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick discuss the Eastern Conference finals between the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers and Western Conference finals between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. With a break between Games 2 and 3 in both series, Jeff and Sam dig deep and break down what’s transpired through two games.

Conference Finals Breakdown

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick talk with Mo Dakhil, a former video coordinator for the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs. Mo goes behind the scenes inside the video room and describes the role and life of a video coordinator during the regular season and playoffs. What do coaches want from the video coordinator? What do players want? Plus, Mo tells us how he found a way to stop of a Los Angeles Lakers play involving Kobe Bryant.

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick talk with Mo Dakhil, a former video coordinator for the Los Angeles Clippers and San Antonio Spurs. Mo goes behind the scenes inside the video room and describes the role and life of a video coordinator during the regular season and playoffs. What do coaches want from the video coordinator? What do players want? Plus, Mo tells us how he found a way to stop of a Los Angeles Lakers play involving Kobe Bryant.

Inside the NBA video room

Larry Coon

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick talks with Larry Coon, the league's preeminent expert on the collective bargaining agreement, a longtime NBA writer and the founder of The Sports Business Classroom event that takes place every July at Las Vegas Summer League. Sam and Larry discuss the story behind his famous CBA FAQ, the behind-the-scenes discussions he frequently has with league executives about key roster moves, and the ways in which he's paying it forward by way of The Sports Business Classroom.

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick talks with Larry Coon, the league's preeminent expert on the collective bargaining agreement, a longtime NBA writer and the founder of The Sports Business Classroom event that takes place every July at Las Vegas Summer League. Sam and Larry discuss the story behind his famous CBA FAQ, the behind-the-scenes discussions he frequently has with league executives about key roster moves, and the ways in which he's paying it forward by way of The Sports Business Classroom.

Learning how NBA teams roster moves work with Larry Coon, The Sports Business Classroom

Ian Thomsen

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk to veteran basketball writer Ian Thomsen whose new book ‘The Soul of Basketball: The Epic Showdown Between LeBron, Kobe, Doc, and Dirk That Saved the NBA’ was just released. The book focuses on the 2010-11 season and how it revealed the NBA’s identity and its impact on the future of the league. Thomsen shares stories about LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Pat Riley, Doc Rivers and Gregg Popovich, and he explains why he wanted to write the book.

On this week’s NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk to veteran basketball writer Ian Thomsen whose new book ‘The Soul of Basketball: The Epic Showdown Between LeBron, Kobe, Doc, and Dirk That Saved the NBA’ was just released. The book focuses on the 2010-11 season and how it revealed the NBA’s identity and its impact on the future of the league. Thomsen shares stories about LeBron James, Dirk Nowitzki, Pat Riley, Doc Rivers and Gregg Popovich, and he explains why he wanted to write the book.

Ian Thomsen, basketball writer

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the early part of the playoffs, from the mysterious Kawhi Leonard situation in San Antonio and what that might mean to the Cavs' struggles, Boston's battle against Milwaukee to the rest of the East and West matchups around the Association. 

On this week's NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the early part of the playoffs, from the mysterious Kawhi Leonard situation in San Antonio and what that might mean to the Cavs' struggles, Boston's battle against Milwaukee to the rest of the East and West matchups around the Association.

NBA First Round Playoff Breakdown

C.J. McCollum

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk with Portland Trail Blazers star and new podcast host, C.J. McCollum. The 26-year-old whose team is on the verge of the playoffs, and who graduated with a journalism degree from Lehigh University, launched a new show, "Pull Up with C.J. McCollum," to discuss life on and off the court in the NBA. He discusses this season, his new venture and how sharing his opinion stirs emotions from fans. He also talks about the media and how it covers the league.

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk with Portland Trail Blazers star and new podcast host, C.J. McCollum. The 26-year-old whose team is on the verge of the playoffs, and who graduated with a journalism degree from Lehigh University, launched a new show, "Pull Up with C.J. McCollum," to discuss life on and off the court in the NBA. He discusses this season, his new venture and how sharing his opinion stirs emotions from fans. He also talks about the media and how it covers the league.

C.J. McCollum, Portland Trail Blazers

Jon Krawczynski

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick discusses the Wild West playoff race with Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. They discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves' attempt to end their league-long playoff drought, the San Antonio Spurs' hopes of continuing their two-decade-long playoff streak, and the many other subplots of this race. 

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Insider Sam Amick discusses the Wild West playoff race with Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. They discuss the Minnesota Timberwolves' attempt to end their league-long playoff drought, the San Antonio Spurs' hopes of continuing their two-decade-long playoff streak, and the many other subplots of this race.

Breaking down the playoff races; Jon Krawczynski, The Athletic

We’ve got the NBA covered from A to Z with this inside look at the Association from veteran journalists Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt. Great guests and gab for the hoophead in you. 

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We’ve got the NBA covered from A to Z with this inside look at the Association from veteran journalists Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt. Great guests and gab for the hoophead in you.

NBA A to Z with Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt

Andrew Bogut

The teams in the Western Conference who are in the playoffs are fighting for position as we move into the final week of the season and A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss that with USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain. Sam Amick talks to Andrew Bogut about how he changed as a player and his Golden State Warriors. Kevin Spain and Sam Amick talk to Oklahoman reporter Darnell Mayberry about the Oklahoma City Thunder. The guys discuss the sale of the Atlanta Hawks and the players association announcement of awards voted on by players. Jeff Zillgitt and Kevin Spain talk to USA TODAY Sports colleges reporter Nicole Auerbach about top talent from the NCAA Tournament.

The West is brutal; Andrew Bogut interview

Justise Winslow

USA TODAY Sports' Kevin Spain talks with Scott Gleeson about some of the top players at the upcoming NBA draft. Gleeson catches up with Duke's Justise Winslow, who talks about how his experience with Coach K prepared him for the NBA. Spain talks to Derek Bodner about the top five centers and power forwards in this year's draft.

Draft talk, Justise Winslow interview

Terry Stotts

Since there's not much discussion of Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, the NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk about his season with USA TODAY's Kevin Spain. The guys also discuss the race in the Eastern Conference and if the Toronto Raptors can catch the Cleveland Cavaliers and what teams will make the playoffs. They explore the candidacy of Portland's Terry Stotts as coach of the year.

Is Steph Curry unstoppable? Can Raps catch Cavs? Is Terry Stotts coach of the year?

Steph Curry talks to USA TODAY’s Sam Amick about his incredible three-point shooting and how he has changed the game. They discuss how other teams are trying to space the floor and open up shooters, emulating what he and the Golden State Warriors are doing. Curry said he’s flattered how even kids are trying to play the game like he does. He talks about discovering how he might be this generation’s Michael Jordan and the spotlight on he and his team. They discuss the idea that Curry could be the best ever and his thoughts on that. Before the interview, Sam makes his predictions for the Western Conference first round playoffs series.

Stephen Curry on how he has changed basketball

In this episode, the A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss who will emerge in this hotly-contested MVP race. They'll break down the top candidates and give their assessment on why each guy has a legit shot. Does Russell Westbrook win it if he averages a triple-double? Can James Harden win because of the Rockets' turnaround? LeBron James has been as good as ever, why not him? The guys also talk about the playoff races, which are tightening up as we begin the final stretch run of the season.

Around the NBA with Sam and Jeff

Billy Donovan

On this week's edition of the NBA A to Z podcast, Sam talks to Oklahoma City Thunder coach Billy Donovan about Russell Westbrook's special season and the question of how he sizes up against the Houston Rockets' James Harden in the MVP race. Donovan, the former Florida coach who joined the Thunder two summers ago, shares behind-the-scenes stories of Westbrook's winning ways and why his impact goes well beyond his numbers."

Billy Donovan, Oklahoma City Thunder coach; MVP Debate Pod

Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt talk about who should be on the Eastern and Western Conference All-Star rosters. The guys start out with who should’ve been starting, but didn’t get the nod. They then break down who should be on the reserves on the East and West teams. They start with the East and an obvious pick in Kyle Lowry. They then look at some who should be in and some who are long shots. Does the poor season in New York hurt the chances of Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis? They go out west and discuss some difficult picks into guys who should be on the team but might not make it. They discuss if Portland’s step back this season hurts Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum’s chances. After they talk All-Stars, they discuss the state of the top of the league coming out of the big San Antonio Spurs win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. They talk about what we learned about those teams coming out of that game.

The great best players debate

The first USA TODAY NBA mock draft is out and the man who put it together, Derek Bodner, joins Kevin Spain to discuss. They talk about possible top pick Ben Simmons from LSU and how his game  fits into the NBA. They break down other players in the Top 10 -- guys who can make an immediate impact and possible surprises. Then they discuss guys at the lower end of the draft and their opportunity to be a good longterm player.

Why is Ben Simmons No. 1 in mock draft boards?

Sam Hinkie

When Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie resigned recently, he wrote a 13-page letter to the owners of the team. That letter was leaked to the public and it had quotes attributed to people like Warren Buffett and Abraham Lincolin. NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt discuss the resignation, the state of the Sixers and most importantly, the letter. That is what everyone in the league has been talking about.

Why 76ers' Sam Hinkie resigned and he's still polarizing

You've done your homework, studied all the analytics and are ready for your fantasy basketball draft. But all things being equal, who should you take No. 1? Josh Lloyd from Basketball Monster and the Locked on Fantasy Basketball podcast joins USA TODAY's Kevin Spain to tell you. They break down the top five players, go over some positions, give you the sleepers and where you take them, and tell you some guys to avoid.

Who should you take in your fantasy basketball draft?

Kristaps Porzingis

The Golden State Warriors keep piling up wins and the NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt weigh in with Kevin Spain on how good they are and how impressive Luke Walton has been as interim coach. They also look at how good Kristaps Porzingis looks for the New York Knicks so far and how Ryan Anderson has gotten hot for the New Orleans Pelicans. Everyone is doing the Dirk now - Dirk Nowitzki's influence on the tall shooter. The ageless wonders of Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are leading the Miami Heat to good things so far. The guys give their airball and swish. Oh, and there's an interlude about going to a Grateful Dead concert (after all, we're talking about a Walton).

Can the Warriors or Kristaps Porzingis be stopped?

Not many coaches have made the leap from college to the NBA and been successful right off the bat. Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY NBA reporter, sat down with one of those guys, Billy Donovan of the Oklahoma City Thunder. The two discuss the move Donovan made, what he's learned on the job and his relationship with Thunder stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

Billy Donovan joins to talk about his rookie year

NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the trades made at NBA trade deadline. There's more to the story of Jeff Green being shipped out of Memphis. What to make of Lance Stephenson with the Grizzlies. How did the Wizards make out in their move. And, Dwight Howard is still in Houston.

Breaking down the trades at NBA trade deadline

Klay Thompson

As much as any of the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson could feel the effect of Kevin Durant joining the team. USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick and Kevin Spain discuss how those two players' games can co-exist. Amick caught up with Thompson at a recent Team USA practice to get his thoughts on Durant joining the Warriors, how his game will be affected and how Durant's agent grilled guys before the signing.

What Klay Thompson thinks of KD affecting his game

Ever wonder what it’s like to be on the inside of a championship team? USA TODAY’s Sam Amick talks to Golden State Warriors assistant general manager Travis Schlenk. They discuss everything from how life is with the team on the road, what it’s like after wins and losses and how to keep building a team when you pick at the end of the draft. They also talk about what the team thought of Draymond Green when he was at Michigan State and what he thinks of how good Stephen Curry is now.

Going inside the Golden State Warriors

Isaiah Thomas

Sam Amick chats with Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas. They talk about Isaiah’s work with the Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Tacoma, Wash. He donated a basketball court and talked to kids about his story, how as a boy growing up he had to fight battles and what he had to overcome to become a professional athlete. They talk about Isaiah’s time in Sacramento and how it all ended there. They also talk about his journey to Boston and how he’s in a perfect situation for him now. Isaiah talks about his relationship with Celtics coach Brad Stevens. They talk about Isaiah’s parents, and how they instilled into him his work ethic. They talk about how Isaiah grew up a Lakers fan and he thought he was going to be drafted by them when he came out of college. They talk about the upcoming All Star weekend and his thoughts on not being a starter.

Isaiah Thomas on life on and off the court

On this week's NBA A to Z, USA TODAY Sports' Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the would-be threats to the Golden State Warriors' throne. Can the Houston Rockets, with Chris Paul back in the fold, pose a problem for Golden State? Might San Antonio survive the extended absence of Kawhi Leonard to truly challenge the champs? Jeff breaks down the most familiar foe of all, LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, with beat writer Joe Vardon of Cleveland.com. 

On this week's NBA A to Z, USA TODAY Sports' Insiders Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down the would-be threats to the Golden State Warriors' throne. Can the Houston Rockets, with Chris Paul back in the fold, pose a problem for Golden State? Might San Antonio survive the extended absence of Kawhi Leonard to truly challenge the champs? Jeff breaks down the most familiar foe of all, LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, with beat writer Joe Vardon of <a href="http://Cleveland.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cleveland.com</a>.

Who are the biggest threats to the Golden State Warriors?

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