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NBA Contender Tiers (with Matt Moore)

In this episode of RealGM Radio, NBA experts Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore break down the 2025 NBA contender tiers, diving into early-season surprises, elite teams, and breakout stars. From the Oklahoma City Thunder’s title defense to Victor Wembanyama’s meteoric leap, this deep dive explores how early trends shape the championship race. The duo also examines the Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors, and Minnesota Timberwolves, debating who truly belongs in the top tier. Later, they discuss under-the-radar teams like Houston, Milwaukee, and San Antonio, plus what’s gone wrong for squads like Orlando and Atlanta. Packed with sharp insights, stats, and smart banter, this is your must-listen guide to where every team stands in the NBA’s title chase. 00:00 – Intro: Breaking down the NBA contender tiers 01:25 – Early-season overreactions and meaningful trends 03:55 – OKC Thunder: defending champs or vulnerable? 06:12 – Thunder depth and star power discussion 08:25 – Tier Two: Denver Nuggets & Cleveland Cavaliers 11:40 – Denver’s defensive issues and Jokic’s dominance 14:15 – Can Cleveland’s defense carry them to the Finals? 14:41 – Tier Three: Warriors and Timberwolves analysis 16:45 – Golden State’s “Jimmy Butler era” & aging core 24:37 – Minnesota’s defense and trade deadline potential 28:52 – Tier Four: Spurs, Rockets, Bucks & Knicks 32:12 – Victor Wembanyama’s rise into NBA’s elite 39:53 – Houston’s struggles and the Fred VanVleet effect 45:09 – Giannis and the Bucks’ identity; Knicks’ hero-ball 49:21 – Mid-tier teams: Lakers, Clippers, Heat, Magic, etc. 59:51 – Miami’s fast-paced offense & elite conditioning 1:03:23 – Disappointments: Celtics, Hawks, Pelicans 1:06:39 – The Cooper Flagg problem in Dallas 1:13:00 – Lamelo Ball’s frustrations and Charlotte’s direction 1:15:51 – Utah & Washington’s surprising progress 1:17:31 – Trade deadline talk and rebuilding futures 1:19:15 – Outro: final thoughts on NBA tiers Rea

RealGM Radio

State of the NBA (with Dieter Kurtenbach)

Wes Goldberg and guest Dieter Kurtenbach dissect the explosive Kawhi Leonard investigation, praising Pablo Torre's groundbreaking reporting. They scrutinize Adam Silver's tenure as NBA commissioner, questioning his focus on TV deals over league health. They explore innovative ways to enhance NBA strategy discussions, comparing coverage to the NFL and proposing new systems for describing team formations. All-Star Game format changes and ideas for boosting fan engagement round out this wide-ranging NBA analysis. Tune in for a critical look at the league's present and future, including potential consequences for cap circumvention and suggestions to revolutionize NBA media coverage. 0:00 Intro 3:42 Sports media's coverage of Kawhi scandal 15:41 NBA salary cap circumvention and punishment for alleged violations 20:30 League Dynamics and Player Influence: League control by top players 24:42 NBA Star Player Movement: Failure of acquiring star players 37:47 NBA Contracts and Team Flexibility 41:54 Coverage of Basketball vs. Other Sports 55:28 Sports broadcasting and game scheduling: Importance of structured game nights 1:03:52 Naming Defensive Formations 1:12:24 Mark Cuban's defense of Steve Ballmer 1:17:03 Ideas for All-Star weekend changes 1:22:00 The Take Wheel RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play y

RealGM Radio

Southwest Division Preview (with Keith Parish)

The Southwest Division is STACKED with storylines heading into this NBA season. Wes Goldberg (RealGM Radio) and Keith Parrish (Fastbreak Breakfast, Grits & Grinds) break down every team—Rockets, Spurs, Pelicans, Mavericks, and Grizzlies—and make predictions for how the division will shake out. We cover Kevin Durant joining the Houston Rockets, Victor Wembanyama’s year three leap, Zion’s health, Cooper Flagg’s impact in Dallas, and Memphis’ tough decision to move Desmond Bane. 00:00 – Intro & why the Southwest Division is fascinating 02:00 – NBA division realignment talk & rivalries 08:45 – Houston Rockets: Kevin Durant trade, roster fit & concerns 20:30 – San Antonio Spurs: Year 3 of Wemby, Fox pairing & depth chart questions 30:00 – New Orleans Pelicans: Confusing offseason, Point Zion & Jordan Poole fit 42:20 – Dallas Mavericks: Cooper Flagg’s role, Kyrie injury & roster imbalance 49:30 – Memphis Grizzlies: Trading Desmond Bane, Ty Jerome & KCP additions, leadership void 59:45 – Predictions: Who wins the Southwest Division? RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f

RealGM Radio

Southeast Division Preview (with Keith Smith and Brad Rowland)

The NBA's Southeast Division is ready to level up. Wes Goldberg and guests Keith Smith (Spotrac) and Brad Rowland (Locked On Hawks) dissect offseason moves, potential lineups, and bold predictions for the Hawks, Magic, Heat, Hornets and Wizards. #nba #miamiheat #traeyoung 0:00 Thoughts on Kawhi Leonard situation 9:00 Orlando Magic 21:45 Atlanta Hawks 35:41 Miami Heat 50:44 Charlotte Hornets 59:00 Washington Wizards 1:05:00 Heat create cap space 1:09:00 Hornets rookies can redefine franchise, Zaccharie Risacher & Alex Sarr ready for a leap RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com 🔔 Like, comment, and subscribe for more NBA insights and analysis! Follow RealGM Twitter: https://x.com/RealGM Follow Wes Goldberg Twitter: https://x.com/wcgoldberg PrizePicks: PrizePicks is the best place to get real money sports action. With over 10 million members and billions of dollars in awarded winnings, PrizePicks has made daily fantasy sports accessible to all. You just pick MORE or LESS on at least two players for a shot to win up to 1000x your cash! Run Your Game all season long on PrizePicks. Download the app today and use code CLNS to get $50 instantly after you play your first $5 lineup! Gametime: Take the guesswork out of buying tickets with Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code CLNS for $20 off your first purchase. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices