For this special Valentine's Day edition of Open Run, Stefan & Jesse focus on the NBA relationships they can't stop thinking about. First, Jesse doles out some tough love about KD and the Knicks while Stefan makes his case; then, they both continue to wonder what the future holds for LeBron and the Lakers.

Aaaaaand we're back! Stefan heads down to New Orleans to talk about a pair of franchises in flux with two of his favorite writers and basketball minds: Nathaniel Rich (New York Times Magazine, The Atlantic, New York Review of Books) and Thomas Beller (novelist, essayist, hoops columnist for The New Yorker). Treat your ears to a three-man weave that covers the aftermath of the Kristaps Porzingis trade, the future of the Knicks, the fate of Anthony Davis, and the state of modern NBA fandom.Follow Nathaniel Rich on Twitter: @NathanielRichCheck out his work at nathanielrich.com.Follow Thomas Beller on Twitter: @ThomasBellerClick here to check out his basketball writing forThe New Yorker.

J. Kyle Mann of The Dime Drop checks in to talk about the NBA's youth movement and his new video series about it for The Ringer called The Leap. Stefan & Kyle revisit their Summer League predictions to see what they got right—and so Stefan can mention Mitchell Robinson as many times as possible. Then, they tackle the big questions. Can the young core of the Celtics match the might of the Warriors? Are the Sixers real contenders in the East? Should you leave your phone at home when you walk your dog so you can really stop and smell the roses?? Find out...on Open Run. • Follow The Dime Drop on YouTube• Watch The Leap on YouTube• Follow @jkylemann on Twitter• Follow @dimedrophoops on Twitter

Basketball player, ESPN analyst, and bestselling author Jay Williams joins our man Stefan Marolachakis to talk about his recent experience coaching high school basketball and his quest to become the Oprah of the sports world. Other topics covered: the Celtics's chances of winning it all next season, the future of the Porzingod, what he learned from Coach K, and the art of living a full life.

Rod Strickland a.k.a. the Point God joined us to weigh in on the incoming rookie class, the comparisons to Kyrie, and Boogie's decision to join the Warriors. He also talks about Charles Oakley's unique ability to foul you and talk trash at the very same time, as well as just how dirty a player John Stockton was/wasn't. Oh, and you'll want to stick around for the Arvydas Sabonis portion of the conversation. Bonus: This episode features friend o' the show Kyle Mann of the Dime Drop! Enjoy.

Our man Stefan headed out to Las Vegas with longtime friend o' the show Nat Livingston Johnson for their first—but certainly not last—visit to NBA Summer League, where they did their due diligence on the incoming rookie class. Kyle Mann of The Dime Drop joins the show to talk about the standout rookies, so-so basketball, and fantastic hobnobbing on offer at Summer League. Viva Las Vegas.

Open Run's favorite NBA Draft Nostradamus, Kyle Mann of the Dime Drop, joins us for the one-stop NBA Draft pop-up shop of your dreams. That's right: it's the official Open Run x Dime Drop 2018 NBA Draft Preview! Heart-stopping predictions and life-changing new nicknames abound. The draft won't know what hit it. Follow Kyle Mann on Twitter: @jkylemann...and Instagram: @jkylemann Follow The Dime Drop on Twitter: @dimedrophoops...and Instagram: @thedimedropSubscribe to the Dime Drop on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdf5X8hXBKnkVTfxuxkLiOQ

There's a whole lot of drama this week as Jesse and Stefan wrap up the NBA Finals, crown a Championship Parade King, and look ahead to what is going to be a wild summer of free agency. We're talking LeBron, Kawhi, Paul George—oh, and don't miss their dramatic reading of Kyrie's latest flat-earth musings. You're gonna like the way you look, we guarantee it!

It's Midnight in the Garden of Game 5! So Jesse and Stefan met up on an NYC rooftop to talk about the Celtics' strong Game 5 victory and the impressive Game 4 performance by the Rockets. Can the Rockets withstand another old-school Warriors haymaker? Can the young Celtics really oust LeBron James? Does making it to the Finals another time without winning the chip actually hurt LeBron's legacy? So many questions, not enough rooftops. It's time for...Midnight in the Garden of Game 5 a.k.a. It's Not Me, It's Them!

Jesse and Stefan meet at an undisclosed NYC location to have a much-needed playoffs catchup. We're talking about: LeBron's scary new level; the dismissal of Coach of the Year Dwane Casey; the Rockets' chances against the Olympic team—er, the Warriors; the seeming inevitability of Cavs-Warriors IV; and Becky Hammon, and the path to the NBA's first female head coach.

Who knew Round 1 would be this fun?? Jesse and Stefan share their thoughts on the high-flying Pelicans, the surprising Jazz, and the arrival of The Process: Playoffs Edition. The new guard has arrived!

Journalist Abe Streep joins the show to talk about his experience reporting a New York Times Magazine cover story about the Arlee Warriors of Montana's Flathead Indian Reservation. This high school basketball team started the season looking to repeat as state champs, then found themselves starting a "warrior movement" to help prevent suicide.Related Links: "What the Arlee Warriors Were Playing For" by Abe Streep for The New York Times MagazineArlee Warriors State Dedication videoFollow Abe Streep on Twitter: @abestreep

Newly minted Hall of Famer Ray Allen joins Jesse and Stefan to talk about the art of shooting, the best teams of the modern era, and how he hit one of the greatest shots in NBA history. He takes the guys behind the scenes of his legendary career, shares his take on the G.O.A.T. debate, and decides which animals best represent the members of the 2008 NBA champion Boston Celtics team.

It's a big week for Open Run! We've got the homecoming of co-host Jesse Williams AND the return of longtime friend-of-the-show Dave Hartley of the Grammy-winning band The War on Drugs! First, Jesse shares tales from the Grey's Anatomy set (2:35) before Stefan puts him on the Hot Bench to talk about all the hottest NBA matters (10:56). Then we go to Philly (29:20) where Stefan and Dave catch the Sixers-Knicks game before discussing the state of The Process, the magic of Ben Simmons, the surprisingly surprising playoff picture, and the delicate dance of rooting for a rebuilding team. Prepare for a hoops epic!

Former NCAA and professional basketball player Luke Bonner joins the show to talk about his new life as a player advocate, taking us behind the scenes of NCAA hoops and outlining how he'd like to change the broken system of so-called "amateur" athletics. He shares tales of his time playing ball for both West Virginia and UMass, as well as his tenure in the Lithuanian league—letting us know just what the Ball brothers should expect over there, and rhapsodizing about his life-changing experience seeing ELO in Vilnius.

Your man Stefan is out here roaming the NBA podcast wilds all by his lonesome this week! He ponders what the future might hold for the injured Splash Brothers, The Process, LeBron James, his tanking Knicks, and soon-to-be free agent Isaiah Thomas. Throw on your headphones—it's time for a little basketball walkabout.

Open Run's special New Orleans correspondent Nathaniel Rich joins the show to talk about the state of the Pelicans and the utterly dominant play of the Brow.

Jesse and Stefan weigh in on the latest NCAA scuttlebutt, and then talk about being on the panel for Slam's new Top 100 issue—and which player earned their much-deserved Honorable Mention spot.

The All-Star break is over and the NBA is back in full swing! We have questions. What on earth is going on with Kawhi? Who will win Rookie of the Year? If your team is tanking, do you have to watch them do it? And once more, with feeling: can anyone give the Warriors a run for their money?

Jesse and Stefan slept a total of 47 minutes during All-Star Weekend just so they could return with a full report for you, our dear listeners! From a conversation with 3-time All-Star Draymond Green at UNINTERRUPTED headquarters, to the game at Staples Center, to one of Dave Chappelle's legendary juke joint parties, to the best Wakanda pun you've ever heard, THIS is the one-of-a-kind All-Star Weekend recap you won't find anywhere else.

Stefan has been inconsolable ever since Kristaps Porzingis tore his ACL, so we called in ESPN's Knicks specialist Ian Begley to help bring him back from the edge! They discuss the future of the Unicorn, the team's plans for rebuilding, the latest on the Joakim Noah situation, and how on earth the Knicks will ever claw their way back into title contention.

There's no sleep for your Open Run hosts when it's NBA trade deadline time! Jesse and Stefan hop on the phone at the midnight hour to talk about the flurry of trades by the Cavs, the Lakers, and...well, that one trade the Knicks made. Then they marvel at the Quincy Jones interview for a while. The question is: Y'all like Brazilian music?

Gilbert Arenas a.k.a Agent Zero joins us to talk about dropping 60 on Kobe, the state of the point guard position, and the mystery of Markelle Fultz. He shoots us straight on the whole gun issue and shares his picks for the All-Star team—and even explains how he once wanted to own every DVD ever made.

Open Run is back to take 2018 by storm! It's a Shame or Fame marathon as Jesse and Stefan weigh in on Klay's assist comments, Rodney Hood's phone etiquette, and Lauri Markannen's dining habits.

There was a whole lot of NBA action for Jesse and Stefan to tackle this week: Kobe had both his numbers retired, the Bulls are on a hot streak even though two of their stars aren't on speaking terms, Kyrie's out here dropping illuminati kicks, and the Southeast division has driven their fans to puking in public! (Which raises the question: Is there a "right" way to puke in public?) Download the latest Open Run to find out all about it.

Kevin Durant is out here making kids cry tears of joy! So the Open Run crew had to draw up their list of the players who move them to tears. Also on the menu: Joel Embiid's NBA Finals prediction, the debut of the Big Baltic Brand, the continuing concern about OKC, and David West's magical ability to make old men feel relevant.

Can the Rockets give the Warriors a run for their money in the West? Are the 76ers and the Lakers poised to be the next great rivalry? Should Stefan blow all of his Christmas money on the Knicks jacket of his dreams?! And do we still not know what "basketball reasons" are? All this, and more, in the latest episode of Open Run.

Jesse gets us up to speed on his recent work with Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, and Demi Lovato and then he and Stefan weigh in on all the pressing issues of the young '17-18 NBA season. Is OKC better or worse than their record? Are the Clippers in a state of panic? Who is the best and brightest young megastar? Can Stefan dare to wear the Pippen Uptempos Jesse bought him as a "present"?! We tackle all the hard questions this week, AND unveil our brand-new, soon-to-be fan favorite segment: Should I Buy This?

The Open Run squad reconvenes to talk about the shockingly fun Eastern Conference. Are the Hayward-less Celtics building something sustainable? Are the 76ers poised to take over the world? Is Kristaps Porzingis of this planet? It's time to talk about the East.

Stefan weighs in on the rise of Kristaps Porzingis and shares a Ruffalo-related tale of epic proportions. Then, 13-year NBA veteran and former Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson joins the show to talk about his time in Phoenix, the challenges of the modern NBA, and the next wave of NBA mega-stars.

NBA veteran Al Harrington joins the show to talk about the new UNINTERRUPTED short film “The Concept of Cannabis,” a documentary about his second career as a cannabis entrepreneur. Then Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr calls in to share his thoughts on medicinal marijuana, why he tried it for his chronic back pain, and its potential viability as a tool for NBA players.

It's an emotional Open Run this week as Stefan takes a trip down memory lane with a player who gave him so many nightmares as a young man: Indiana Pacers legend and NBA Hall of Famer, Reggie Miller! They talk about how Reggie would fare in the modern NBA, Michael Jordan's super-team comments, and how Reggie was there when Kyrie learned he'd been traded. AND, of course, they dig deep into the epic Knicks-Pacers rivalry of the '90s (including the push-off on Greg Anthony and Reggie's beef with LJ's 4-point play). It's all here on this monumental episode of Open Run.

The day has finally arrived: Metta World Peace makes his Open Run debut! Stefan talks to the NYC basketball legend about how his game was influenced by growing up with the likes of Nas and Mobb Deep in Queensbridge, his time in LA with Kobe & Phil, his take on the state of both the Knicks and the Lakers—and, of course, the animal he'd most like to be.

Jesse and Stefan reconnect to break down one hell of a week in the world of sports. Then Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson joins the show to talk about what life is like with the up-and-coming squad.

Stefan caught up with reigning Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks at The Meadows Music and Arts Festival last week to talk about what it’s like playing for a legendary PG like Jason Kidd, the delicate art of pronouncing “Antetokounmpo,” and the lasting power of Jay Z and Nas.

Jesse and Stefan discuss Kyrie’s game of interview dodgeball, KD’s notorious tweets, and the weird world of social media. Then they answer your Open Run Hotline questions on topics like next season’s MVP race, the finest nicknames of the ’00s, and the best of the incoming rookie class.

This week: Jemele Hill makes a whole lot of sense, KD unveils some new kicks, and NBA fans are in an uproar about Melo's ESPN ranking! Then Robert Horry a.k.a. Big Shot Rob joins the show to talk about the coldest dude he ever played with, why he was shocked by Kyrie's trade request, and how he thinks Grandmama-era LJ is underrated. He also tells us which legendary coach gives the best halftime speeches—and reveals which one of his many big shots is his all-time favorite.

Stefan, Jesse, and Open Run's Special OKC Correspondent Garrett Colton tackle how to deal with the doldrums of the NBA offseason, the future of the Thunder, and whether or not Kyrie really believes the earth is flat.

Will this Warriors squad face any real challengers this decade? What are the ramifications of the Cavs-Celtics drama? Is there an added layer of meaning to the parking habits of Kristaps Porzingis?! Our Special Correspondent Nathaniel Rich helps us unpack it all on this week's Open Run.

esse and Stefan talk to Taj Gibson about reuniting with his old teammate Jimmy Butler in Minnesota, making the transition from young buck to seasoned veteran, and the time a little Knicks talk took his relationship with Coach Tom Thibodeau to a whole new level. Trainer Travelle Gaines also joins the show to shed light on what pro trainers do to help players deal with the rigors of the NBA, and just how all these epic offseason pickup games come together.

We talk to new Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope about how he’s liking LA so far, and what it feels like to be called “bread from heaven” by his new team. Then we ask him about the hardest player to guard in the NBA and his go-to pregame soundtrack before workshopping some new nickname ideas together.

The Undefeated's senior NBA writer Marc Speaks, NBA badass Kenyon Martin and NYC Jam organizer Jeff Chen chop it up on this week's Open Run.

What is the greatest high school basketball team of all time? Many would argue it was the Dunbar Poets of the early ’80s, which featured future NBA players Muggsy Bogues, Reggie Lewis, David Wingate, and Reggie Williams.

Former Milwaukee Buck and Cleveland Cavalier Larry Sanders joins the show to talk about why he first stepped away from the NBA, his decision to join the Cavs this past spring, and why he wasn't actually all that surprised by Kyrie Irving's trade request.

Carmelo Anthony wants to leave the Knicks and join the Rockets, but can the two teams actually make that happen? Does Lonzo Ball’s Summer League MVP win mean he’s going to turn the NBA into the BBA? And then: a story about a man ripping off NBA players by masquerading as Adele’s manager inspires Stefan to share his own tale about the worst compulsive liar he ever met.

The guys return from vacation to answer this, and other pressing questions! Will Paul George end up on the Lakers? Will LeBron join him there? Will Melo soon be a Houston resident? Are we going to do color commentary at a Lakers practice soon?! Don’t you worry—all your questions shall be answered on this week’s installment of Open Run, the baddest hoops podcast in the business.

Well, it's safe to say we didn't see this trade coming: Paul George is joining reigning MVP Russell Westbrook on the OKC Thunder! Moments after the news broke, Jesse and Stefan got Open Run's OKC correspondent Garrett Colton on the phone to see how people are feeling in OKC a.k.a. Action City, and to talk about how this might change the Thunder's standing in the West next season.

David West of the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors joins the show to talk about his epic post-Finals speech, why he could afford to prioritize winning, and the breaking news about CP3 joining the Houston Rockets.

Jesse and Stefan stage an emergency meeting in NYC to help each other deal with their Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis stress. Then Bleacher Report's NBA Draft Writer Jonathan Wasserman joins up to recap the Draft and share his favorite picks o' the night.

The Washington Post's Tim Bontemps joins the show for a quick breakdown of the very first moves of the offseason, and the countless rumors floating around—including all that Porzingis trade talk that had the internet abuzz, and Stefan's heart aflutter.

NBA Champion & two-time All-Star Caron Butler joins us to share his unique insight into these finals as a former teammate of Kevin Durant in OKC. Then, we talk to current Warriors beat writer—and former OKC Thunder beat writer—Anthony Slater about the arc of KD's career, good ol' superteams, and the state of the NBA. And that's not all! Open Run's OKC correspondent Garrett Colton shares his thoughts, and our producer Ben Cruz takes a little time to gloat. It's all here in the Open Run Finals Wrap-Up!

Former Golden State Warrior and 2015 NBA Champion Festus Ezeli joins the show to tell Jesse and Stefan what it's really like to play against the Cavs in the NBA Finals. Then we talk to writer Myles Brown about the challenges LeBron is facing right now, the differences between his and Steph Curry's paths to greatness, and our complicated feelings about seeing Durant in a Warriors uniform.

It's NBA Finals Preview time! In this corner, representing the Warriors: Mercury News columnist, co-host of the Dray Day podcast, and author of Golden: The Miraculous Rise of Steph Curry....Marcus Thompson! Aaaaand representing the Cavs: Fox Sports Ohio sideline reporter and co-host of the Road Trippin’ podcast...Allie Clifton! And, of course, as always, we bring you a fresh and tasty Shame or Fame—and we dive into your hotline messages. It's all happening, folks.

Jesse and Stefan catch up on the playoffs and how they're coping with blowout boredom. We've also got breaking news o' the day, updates on last week's date night Shame or Fame, and listener messages from the all-new Open Run Hotline!

USA Today’s NBA insider Sam Amick joins the show to talk about the Conference Finals matchups, the NBA Draft Lottery results, and Zaza vs. Kawhi, Pop, and the entire city of San Antonio.

Open Run. Desus & Mero. It's all Big Baller Brand everything when the duos unite to talk about $500 sneakers, the playoffs, all-time NBA greats, and Knicks, Knicks, Knicks.

Jeanie Buss joins Jesse and Stefan to talk about the shuffle within the Lakers' braintrust, her belief in current head coach Luke Walton and the future of the Purple and Gold.

Hall of Famer Rick Barry joins the show to talk about coaching in Ice Cube's new Big 3 league, his plans to shake off his bad reputation, and why he really left the NBA to join the ABA.

Former NBA Champion Stephen Jackson joins the show and regales the guys with amazing stories from his career as well as offering his insight on the current status of today's NBA.

Sam Amick of USA Today joins the show to talk about life in Sacramento post-Boogie, the state of the Lakers, and the Warriors without KD—and then shares a theory about Kawhi Leonard's surprise postgame drug test.

Kenny "The Jet" Smith joins the show to talk about life as a back-to-back NBA champion, the differences between '90s hoops and the modern era, and the time Vernon Maxwell slapped a waiter for not putting enough respect on Kenny's name.

After the debacle at The Garden, New York Knicks legend, Charles Oakley, joins the guys to explain what really happened, his thoughts on James Dolan, what toughness really means to him and this current iteration of the Knickerbockers.

Stefan and a fellow lifelong Knicks fan, writer Josh Koenigsberg, try to figure out what is going on with the Knicks.

L.A. Clippers coach Doc Rivers joins us to talk about his days playing in the NBA, his championship run coaching the Celtics, and the unique experience he’s had coaching his son. Oh, and has some Pat Riley stories you definitely want to hear.

The NBA champ, social activist and author joins Open Run and talks the Bulls in the 90s and his life-changing trip to the White House.

California hoops icon Baron Davis shares some classic, crazy tales from his days playing with the likes of Anthony Mason, Derrick Coleman, Stephen Jackson & more.

Chris Paul, the Mayor of Lob City, joins us to talk the Clippers' hot start, our issue with initial-based nicknames and much more.

Maverick Carter appears in studio "POSSE"-free to set the record straight. Some hoops analysis by Chris Broussard peppered in for flavor.

It's Open Run's first-ever live taping! We talk early NBA season business with ESPN's Rachel Nichols & Complex's Jinx—and then Nick Young aka Swaggy P joins us to talk everything Lakers, including how he got his nickname.

Welcome to our 2nd annual musical season preview where we choose songs that represent how each team will do this year. Next up: the Eastern Conference!

Welcome to our 2nd annual musical season preview where we choose songs that represent how each team will do this year. First up: the Western Conference.

We talk to Luke Walton about his playing days, his time as Warriors' assistant coach, & his new job as head coach of the Purple & Gold.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue talks ending Cleveland's championship drought and yes, Allen Iverson.

Jesse shares thoughts on National Anthem drama, Arian Foster takes a knee & calls us up to talk about it, & Chris Bosh stops by the studio to tell us all about the road back to training camp.

Gold medalist & Toronto Raptors star Kyle Lowry joins the guys to talk everything Rio and of course, Drake.

The King himself makes his podcast debut on a brand new Open Run.

A message from the Open Run Emergency Broadcast System.

Jesse and Stefan discuss the masterful play of LeBron, the sad state of Kevin Love, the pros and cons of Draymond Groin, and the marvelous sight of a blonde Andrew Bynum.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals wasn't the greatest—but Ali certainly was. We talk Warriors, Cavs, Ali, and the end of OKC's playoff run.

Jesse and Stefan meet up in New York to talk about the Knicks' hiring of Jeff Hornacek (and Phil's feisty ways), the Conference Finals matchups, the madness of Gilbert Arenas, and the endless joy Russell Westbrook brings them.

Jesse shares behind-the-scenes tales of his recent visit to Inside the NBA, and then the guys talk Dwight Howard, Curry's unanimous MVP, and LeBron's reaction to it—all before diving into what looks to be a playoff matchup for the ages: Warriors vs. Thunder.

Dave Hartley (The War on Drugs, Nightlands) joins Jesse and Stefan once again to talk about Frank Vogel, Phil Jackson's coaching search, the ousted Detroit Pistons, the Bad Boys documentary, and Charles Oakley vs. Charles Barkley.

Stefan and Jesse rejoin the living, kick off the NBA Playoffs, wax poetic about the '90s Orland Magic, and fondly remember our beloved Prince.

Just in time for Valentine's Day, hosts Jesse Williams and Stefan Marolachakis celebrate the first anniversary of the show. Also discussed: All-Star weekend, what it's like to work with Denzel Washington, and a Draymond-centric Shame or Fame. Happy anniversary to us!

This week, Jesse and Stefan find that all conversational roads lead to David Blatt's firing at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the future of the organization, and its big, bright shining star: LeBron James.

Jesse and Stefan catch up on the high-flying Knicks, the chaos in the land o' the Nets, and play a game of God or Shammgod. Then, it's time to answer listeners' questions with #TweetsIsWatching.

It's a new year, but Jesse and Stefan can't help talking about their ol' favorites: the Bulls and the Knicks. Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis lead Open Run into '16, and O.J. Mayo is the subject of this week's Shame or Fame.

Jesse and Stefan talk December b-ball, Fisher vs. Barnes, and Warriors vs. Spurs before discussing the confusion of nostalgia, and taking a misty-eyed look back at the inaugural year of Open Run. Here's to 2016! 3...2...1...

Jesse and Stefan reconvene for a holiday hoops catch-up of epic proportions, and are visited by 3 holiday spirits: the Ghost of Mike D'Antoni Past, the Ghost of Bulls Present, and the Ghost of Shumpman Future! They also talk Kevin Durant & Kristaps Porzingis—aka THE FLAMINGO!—before engaging in another rousing game of: God...or Shammgod? Hoopy Holidays!

Jesse and Stefan tackle the big issues of the week, namely: the outlandish success of the Warriors, the trials of Jahlil Okafor, and the legacy of Kobe Bean Bryant. Then the gloves really come off for a game of God...or Shammgod?

Jesse & Stefan talk Wizards, Thunder, Detroit's Mr. Drummond, and the dark art of frequent flyer miles before hoops writer Jon Schulman -- of top-notch Knicks blog Posting & Toasting -- joins them to talk Knicks biz & all things PORZINGIS.

Open Run's NBA Season Preview continues as Dave Hartley (Nightlands, The War on Drugs) joins up again to help put together the ultimate Western Conference mixtape.

Open Run's resident Hoops Insider Expert Analyst Extraordinaire Dave Hartley (of The War on Drugs & Nightlands fame) calls in to help the guys do a musically-themed preview of the Eastern Conference squads.

Lakers president Jeanie Buss joins us in studio to discuss Lakers past, present, and future before playing a round of #NameThatBaller and taking her chances on...the #HotBench!

Jesse & Stefan talk Derrick Rose and, of course, Kristaps Porzingis before calling the sexy new Atlanta Hawks hotline. Then Jesse delivers a dramatic reading of poetry from—that's right—Charles Oakley.

Jesse and Stefan talk about this year's Basketball Hall of Fame Inductees before getting into some lightning round predictions for the upcoming season.

Jesse and Stefan talk about the latest chapter in the magical story of J.R. Smith, Michael Jordan's recent court victory, and also deliver a very special all-Kobe installment of Shame or Fame.

Jesse and Stefan catch up on some summer hoops news before DJ Yella of NWA joins up to talk Lakers, new NWA biopic Straight Outta Compton, and how the world's most dangerous group would look as an NBA starting 5.

Jesse and Stefan get their pal Dave Hartley (of The War on Drugs and Nightlands) back on the line to discuss everything the offseason has to offer: the NBA Players Awards, Summer League ball and Knicks neophyte Kristaps Porzingis. And yes, there is a strong nickname in play for Porzingis, in case you were wondering. Dave Hartley on Twitter: @Nightlands The War on Drugs Tour Dates

Jesse and Stefan get Jesse's old pal and NBA wiz Jeremiah Jackson on the horn to break down all the madness of NBA free agency Y2K15 including, of course, #DeAndreGate.