The Pure Hoops Podcast

BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman are still on their off-season break, so we're presenting "The Best of the Pure Hoops Podcast." This week, we share their conversation with NBA TV analyst, 2007 NBA Coach of the Year and 13 year NBA veteran Sam Mitchell who shares some classic stories about the city of Atlanta's excitement around the Hawks and Trae Young, the role Sam played in mentoring Kevin Garnett in Minnesota, the Pacers/Knicks battles of the 90s, facing Michael Jordan and much more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are still on their summer hiatus, so we want to present one of our favorite previous shows that you may have missed. Bob Delaney, who in addition to being a former NBA referee also worked as a New Jersey State trooper and infiltrated the mob as an undercover agent. Bob has gained rare insight into the human condition through his work and personal experiences. Currently, he speaks to groups about PTSD and has a unique perspective on the challenges facing the country (4:00) and the sports world (15:10). He also shares classic stories from his days with the NBA (24:45) including vintage Larry Bird trash talk and the time he tried to break up a fight between Shaq and Charles Barkley. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are taking some time off, but we wanted to share one of our favorite interviews with BJ's former teammate & four time NBA champ Will Perdue. In Part 2 of the interview, they discuss Will's departure for San Antonio, comparing the winning culture in San Antonio & Chicago, and how Phil Jackson's relationships with players were strictly professional. Plus BJ on the dirty work that goes into building a championship team.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bj Armstrong & Eric Newman are taking some time off so we wanted to share some of our favorite interviews that you may have missed. Will Perdue joins his former teammate BJ & Eric to discuss "The Last Dance and why Jerry Krause deserves some credit to go along with the blame he received in the film. Will and BJ also share stories of Michael Jordan's famous intensity. (Part 1 of 2)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ and Eric breakdown the greatest of Giannis Antetokounmpo as he led the Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years, what is next for the Phoenix Suns, reflecting on epic finals performances and which teams are a move away from taking the next step in 2021-22. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ and Eric break down what is now a best of 3 NBA Finals as Giannis and the Bucks return to Phoenix with momentum with the series tied 2-2, the underlying issue with TEAM USA and international competition and whether players like John Collins, Lonzo Ball, Collin Sexton and Ben Simmons will find themselves in different uniforms next season. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ and Eric dive into the NBA Finals looking at what the Bucks can do to get back in this series against the red hot Suns, the connection between Coach Monty Williams and his players, the greatness of Tim Duncan in the 2000s and more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ and Eric breakdown the western conference champion Phoenix Suns, what's next for the LA Clippers, the battle between the Bucks and Hawks in the east, go back to the 1993 NBA Finals between the Suns and Bulls along with reviewing the NBA coaching hires in Portland, Dallas, Indiana and Boston!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ and Eric go deep into the remaining 2nd round playoff series featuring the Clippers game planning to move ahead 3-2 vs the Jazz, the Hawks miraculous comeback v Sixers and what the Bucks need to do offensively to top the Nets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 "Bright" with former teammate Vernon Maxwell which will take place on June 16th.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman discuss LeBron's setback, evaluate the coaches on the hot seat, and breakdown the NBA play-in race.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Russell Westbrook.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong breakdown the contenders for the NBA’s awards at the midseason break. This includes the MVP race between Joel Embiid and LeBron James, as well as Quin Snyder and Monty Williams competing for the Coach of the Year. The pair also look ahead to the second half of the season, specifically focusing on the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong cover a myriad of topics in a loaded week of news, including how the coverage of the NBA has shifted more to highlights and flashy play, rather than the production of the league’s best players. The pair also discuss the role of the modern center, and then difference being a “big” versus being “tall”. Also, Eric and BJ give their thoughts on teams sitting players, and what to do about it.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong investigate the problems that have plagued the Celtics to start the season. The pair also dissect a study showing a correlation this season between team health and their performance. Also, what do the Mavericks do to improve this team? What position should Luka actually play? Where does Kristaps Porzingis fit? Finally, Eric and BJ preview the weekend’s top games.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss the Nets-Clippers matchup and future outlooks for each. Who has the edge in the MVP race, Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic? Fred VanVleet sets a franchise record in a 54-point outing for the Raptors, what message does this send to younger players that might be “counted out”? Also, Eric and BJ give their picks for Super Bowl LV.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong remember Sekou Smith. The pair analyze the 76ers as potential favorites in the East, and discuss whether the Utah Jazz are good enough to be contenders out West. With Lonzo Ball and JJ Redick potentially on the trading block, where do the Pelicans go from here? What are good landing places for the two guards? Also, Eric and BJ give perspective on the greatness of Steph Curry, and reminisce about the Lakers-Celtics rivalry.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman take a deep dive into the first three games of the James Harden era in Brooklyn. While offense will never be an issue for Harden, Kyrie Irving, & Kevin Durant, can this team play enough defense to be a championship team? With COVID-19 vaccinations beginning to be administered to the public, should NBA players be able to jump the line due to the nature of their job, which requires travel and close physical contact with non-family members? And the guys look at the curious case of Chicago's Zach Lavine, whose analytics say one thing while the "eye test" says something else. Can analytics measure what is "inside" a player or do they provide an incomplete picture? See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman examine the four team James Harden trade from multiple angles. Can Harden, Kevin Durant, & Kyrie Irving play together? With the Nets trading away all of their depth, what is the identity of the team? Has Brooklyn mortgaged its future with this move? Are they now the clear favorite to win the east? In spite of their offensive firepower, can the Nets play enough defense to be a championship team? Is all of this change too much for rookie head coach Steve Nash to process without sufficient practice time? As for Harden's old team in Houston, they add "free agent to be" Victor Oladipo and a bushel of draft picks plus Dante Exum & Rodions Kurucs, so what is the Rockets' upside? As the "under the radar" team in this four team deal, Indiana adds Caris LeVert, who could explode into superstardom with the Pacers. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will James Harden be happy with the reconstructed Rockets roster? Is Doc Rivers' leadership the reason for the Sixers' early success? In Boston, Jayson Tatum has been outstanding and rookie Payton Pritchard has been a spark off the bench but Jaylen Brown's improvement has been striking. In New York, the Knicks are off to a great start behind the great play of Julius Randle and the team has taken on the hard nosed personality of new coach Tom Thibodeau. And in Phoenix, Chris Paul's organizational skills have helped young players like Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker accelerate their growth. All of this plus a preview of the first meeting between LaMelo and Lonzo Ball and one great "road trip" story from BJ.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman look back at the NBA's opening night, size up the Christmas Day matchups, and take a detailed look at the Warriors, Nets, Mavericks, Pelicans, Suns, Heat, Celtics, Clippers, & more. Also, who will make a quicker adjustment to their new team: Russell Westbrook or John Wall?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman discuss impactful moves from five teams. Milwaukee locks Giannis up with a Super Max deal. Atlanta adds some solid veterans to its young core. Phoenix acquires Chris Paul to add leadership and make a playoff push. The Clippers fire Doc Rivers., replace him with Ty Lue, and add Serge Ibaka while losing Montrezl Harrell. And Doc resurfaces in Philly along with newly acquired Seth Curry, Danny Green, & Dwight Howard.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BJ and Eric Newman size up 5 key teams as the season begins. Has Milwaukee's management done enough to keep Giannis with the Bucks long term? Will the Lakers' "reload" after winning it all work out as planned? Can Kevin Durant handle the load he'll be expected to shoulder in Brooklyn, especially in his first season after a devastating injury? Have the Clippers changed course successfully after firing Doc Rivers, losing Montrezl Harrell, and acquiring Serge Ibaka or have they lost their mojo? And can the combo of Jayson and Jaylen lead the Celtics to the next level after coming close last season? Eric and BJ have the answers. And BJ ends the show with a new weekly feature: "One Great Story," where he shares something memorable from his incredible career. This week it's on Tim Duncan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong chat with USA Today’s Mark Medina about Golden State’s tumultuous Draft Day. Plus, what’s next for the Lakers, Philly’s retooled roster and what in the world is going on in Houston.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong chat with The Athletic's Will Guillory about the Pelicans. Will makes an unusual comparison for Zion Williamson and explains why a Jrue Holiday deal would be tricky. Plus Eric and BJ reflect on the greatness of Isiah Thomas.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Sekou Smith of NBA.com. They look at the loaded Western Conference and the ceiling for the rehabbing Warriors. Plus, why Indiana may have won the offseason coaching lottery and how Fred VanVleet may upend the Eastern Conference power structure.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman, BJ Armstrong and Howard Beck discuss whether the Heat have an answer for the Lakers. Plus, offseason priorities for both teams and whether LeBron James can catch Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the scoring title and Michael Jordan for the 6th ring. All that and how the heck did the NBA pull off the bubble?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by LA Times Lakers beat writer Tania Ganguli to discuss whether the Heat can challenge the Lakers and the surprising number of years she thinks LeBron James has left. Plus, Eric and BJ discuss the legendary Pat Riley, the strange Doc Rivers firing, what it mean for Philadelphia and the strange night when BJ's coach threw out the gameplan and picked on one hapless defender all game long.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Antetokounmpo.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Antetokounmpo to stay in Milwaukee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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?See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by USA Today's Mark Medina, who's still in quarantine in the NBA bubble in Orlando. They discuss the technology the NBA is using, and with the games less than two weeks away, they discuss LeBron without two of his running mates and what to make of the 76ers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Antonio Davis for a discussion on what it was like to face bangers like Charles Oakley, dominant bigs like Patrick Ewing and Hakeem Olajuwon plus the next generation of skilled bigs like Chris Webber. Plus, the legendary battles between the Pacers and Knicks and the role of players as leaders in getting the season up and running again.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong welcome Celtics great Cedric Maxwell to the show. They discuss everything from the racism Maxwell experienced growing up in the south to his “that white boy can play” reaction the first time he guarded Larry Bird in practice. Plus a look back at what might have been the greatest playoff series in NBA history - the 1981 Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and 76ers.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Bleacher Report Senior NBA Writer Howard Beck. They discuss the plan to re-start the NBA season in a bubble in Orlando. Plus a look back at the 2002 Lakers-Blazers Western Conference Final, how it launched the Shaq-Kobe-Phil Threepeat and the dynasty that could have been in Portland.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are joined by Jon Weinbach, executive producer of The Last Dance. They discuss the epic soundtrack, a challenging timeline and why the interview with Steve Kerr was so emotional.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.