Realgm Radio With Danny Leroux

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: Denve

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers defined an unforgettable NBA era — filled with drama, triumph, and transformation. In this RealGM Radio episode, host Wes Goldberg sits down with Yaron Weitzman, author of A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers, to break down the truth behind the team’s highs and lows. They discuss Jeanie Buss’s leadership, Rob Pelinka’s evolution, and how LeBron’s complex relationship with the Lakers changed basketball in Hollywood. From the Westbrook trade to LeBron’s post-playing ambitions in Las Vegas, Weitzman reveals the power plays shaping the modern NBA. Tune in for an insider’s perspective on one of basketball’s most fascinating eras. 00:00 – Intro 00:54 – Comparing the Lakers to the Sixers: Reporting Differences 03:24 – The Lakers’ Legal Threat and Media Control 09:15 – Inside the Lakers’ Chaos: Sources, Secrets, and Scandals 11:44 – LeBron and the Lakers: A Relationship of Mutual Use 15:51 – The Westbrook Trade: Who’s to Blame? 20:09 – Rob

Wes Goldberg and Jared Dubin predict the top 10 offenses in the NBA for the 2025-26 season. Will the Cavaliers slide? Will Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets rise to the top? Can the Celtics' system keep them afloat? #nba #lakers #warriors #nikolajokic RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

Wes Goldberg attempts to predict the top 10 defenses in the league for the upcoming season, with the Oklahoma City Thunder setting the pace as the NBA's no. 1 defense again. Where will teams like the Warriors, Rockets, Magic and Clippers finish? Will a team surprise and crack the top 10? Can Victor Wembanyama lift the Spurs into the top tier? 00:00 – Intro & Overview of NBA Defense Predictions 04:00 – Oklahoma City Thunder: Defensive Identity & Strategy 10:30 – Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson’s Breakout Year 17:45 – LA Clippers: Kawhi, Zubac & Ty Lue’s Defensive Core 22:00 – Orlando Magic: Depth, Health & Defensive Consistency 27:30 – Dallas Mavericks: Anthony Davis & Derek Lively Combo 33:10 – Miami Heat: Bam Adebayo’s Versatility & Coaching 39:45 – Minnesota Timberwolves: Gobert & McDaniels’ Impact 44:30 – Golden State Warriors: Veteran IQ & Depth 50:10 – Cleveland Cavaliers: Mobley, Allen & Lonzo’s Role 54:00 – Detroit Pistons: Young Defensive Potential 59:00 – Honorable Mentions RealGM Rad

In this episode of RealGM Radio, host Wes Goldberg is joined by Mike Shearer, author of Basketball Poetry on Substack, to discuss the NBA’s most impactful offseason additions and how they’ll reshape team identities across the league. From Norm Powell’s role in Miami and Kristaps Porzingis’ impact on Atlanta, to Al Horford’s fit in Golden State, they break down the players redefining their teams’ styles and expectations. Wes and Mike analyze how Kevin Durant brings instant offense to Houston, how Deandre Ayton could finally fill a crucial need for the Lakers, and how rookie VJ Edgecombe’s movement might unlock the Sixers’ offense. They even dive into coaching shifts like Mike Brown with the Knicks and the ripple effects of new ownership in Boston. 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – What “Identity Changers” Means in the NBA 02:15 – Norm Powell Revamps Miami Heat’s Offense 06:00 – Kristaps Porzingis Unlocks Trae Young & the Hawks 13:30 – Al Horford’s Impact on the Golden State Warriors 17:30 – Are the Warriors Stil

The NBA's Pacific Division is home to some of the league's biggest stars and most interesting stories. Wes Goldberg is joined by Andy Kamenetzky (ESPN LA, Locked On Lakers) to break down the key offseason moves and most interesting players on the Lakers, Clippers, Warriors, Suns and Kings. Then Bram Hillsman (Warriors Huddle) jumps on to discuss a frustrating Warriors offseason. 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – Warriors & Jonathan Kaminga drama 13:59 – Who got better, who got worse? 14:30 – Lakers: Luka, Ayton, Marcus Smart 27:49 – Lakers defense & LeBron load management 37:38 – Clippers: Kawhi scandal, Beal, CP3, Lopez 45:52 – Warriors: Horford, Curry’s future, Kerr contract 53:14 – Suns reset: Durant trade fallout, Devin Booker 1:04:31 – Kings: Sabonis/LaVine fit, defense issues 1:12:50 – Biggest newcomers (Ayton, Brooks, Collins) 1:15:20 – Division rankings & playoff picks 1:19:15 – Players to watch: Ayton, Booker, Collins, Kerr 1:29:12 – Warriors fan perspective w/ Bram Hillsman 1:39:05 – Warriors roster breakdow

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 Bask

The NBA's Northwest Division is home to some of the best teams in the NBA. Wes Goldberg and guests Adam Mares (DNVR Sports) and Andrew Schlecht (The Athletic) dissect the key offseason moves and most interesting players for the Thunder, Nuggets, Timberwolves, Trail Blazers and Jazz. 00:00 – Intro 02:00 – OKC Thunder championship run & offseason outlook 10:00 – Denver Nuggets moves 18:00 – Can Minnesota stay in contention? 30:00 – Portland Trail Blazers outlook 40:00 – Utah Jazz rebuild & the Ace Bailey factor 50:00 – Most impactful newcomers in the division 56:00 – Breakout players to watch 1:09:00 – Predictions: playoff teams & final thoughts RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

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

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

The NBA's Central Division is one of the most competitive in the NBA. Wes Goldberg and guests Danny Cunningham and Haize dissect offseason moves, potential lineups, and bold predictions for the Cavaliers, Pacers, Bucks, Bulls and Pistons. From Tyrese Haliburton’s season-ending Achilles injury and the Cavaliers battling their playoff demons, the guys break down every angle. They also discuss Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future in Milwaukee, the Bulls’ longview and why the Pistons could win 50 games. #cavs #bucks #pacers #bulls #pistons #nba 0:00 Intro: Central Division preview 5:21 Debate on teams' offseason improvements 10:39 Most intriguing offseason move: Lonzo Ball trade 16:52 Myles Turner's impact on Bucks' future 23:05 Josh Giddey contract situation with Bulls 29:49 Predictions for Central Division standings 35:56 Central teams making playoffs 40:10 Players with changing perceptions next year 46:51 Bold predictions for the division RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). F

Wes Goldberg, Jared Dubin and Es Baraheni break down the offseasons for the Knicks, Celtics, Raptors, 76ers and Nets before predicting which teams will make the playoffs. 0:00 Intro 3:58 Brandon Ingram's Role and Impact 7:29 Sixers' Uncertain Season Outlook 10:44 Knicks Offense Analysis 20:21 Discussion on Boston's Roster Changes 37:19 Raptors Breakdown 45:30 Most impactful newcomer 50:48 Most interesting rookie 1:00:40 Playoff Predictions RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore react to NBA Western Conference win totals for the upcoming season and make their picks for over/unders. 0:00 Intro 1:30 Mavericks 5:58 Nuggets 11:58 Warriors 20:02 Rockets 25:19 Clippers 31:47 Lakers 40:08 Grizzlies 43:30 Timberwolves 47:50 Pelicans 51:08 Thunder 54:53 Suns 58:59 Trail Blazers 1:00:55 Kings 1:02:18 Spurs 1:03:52 Jazz RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore react to NBA Eastern Conference win totals for the upcoming season and make their picks for over/unders. 0:00 Intro 3:00 Atlanta Hawks 10:30 Boston Celtics 17:30 Brooklyn Nets 20:45 Charlotte Hornets 24:45 Chicago Bulls 28:00 Cleveland Cavaliers 33:00 Detroit Pistons 38:15 Indiana Pacers 43:16 Miami Heat 48:56 Milwaukee Bucks & Giannis' future 55:00 New York Knicks 57:31 Orlando Magic 1:02:00 Philadelphia 76ers 1:04:50 Toronto Raptors 1:07:45 Washington Wizards RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

Wes Goldberg and Katie Heindl discuss the Men's Health feature on Luka Doncic and what it means for Luka at this point in his career. Then they discuss the state of NBA media, Kevin Durant on the Houston Rockets, Chris Paul's return to the LA Clippers, the ESPN feature on Joel Embiid, the Toronto Raptors and what is still missing in the conversation about OKC Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. #nba #lukadoncic #lakers RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

It's all about point guards! Wes Goldberg and John Wilmes talk about the Clippers signing Chris Paul, Damian Lillard returning to the Trail Blazers and the Lakers adding Marcus Smart. Then they discuss potential landing spots for Russell Westbrook before building the ultimate point guard. 0:00 Intro 3:50 Chris Paul returns to Clippers 13:00 Damian Lillard returns to Portland 24:20 Marcus Smart signs with Lakers 37:45 Russell Westbrook's future 41:57 Building the Ulimate Point Guard RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

Wes Goldberg and Anthony Irwin discuss LeBron James' future with the Los Angeles Lakers and how good the Lakers can be with a full year of Luka Doncic before talking about some LeBron trade ideas. 0:00 Intro 2:30 LeBron's future 13:00 Lakers as contenders 20:40 Lakers' next moves 28:00 Bradley Beal buyout reaction 31:00 Bronny James and other Summer League standouts 39:36 LeBron trade ideas 50:38 LeBron's best Lakers teammates draft RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

Catching up on the latest NBA offseason news, LeBron James' future and revisiting "The Decision" 15 years later. 0:00 Intro 5:03 Thunder's future with big three extensions 10:21 Jokic declines extension, future contract plans 17:21 Three-way trade: Heat, Clippers, Jazz analysis 26:52 Worst NBA offseasons 35:43 The Decision 15 years later 46:51 LeBron's future with Lakers RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

Wes Goldberg and Matt Moore rank every NBA team in terms of whether or not they are a contender after the first wave of free agency. #nba 0:00 Intro 7:00 Thunder 9:51 Rockets 16:34 Nuggets 18:43 Cavs and Knicks 29:27 Spurs 32:00 Timberwolves 37:48 Magic 41:22 Pistons 49:02 Bucks 52:13 Lakers & LeBron trade ideas 1:00:47 Mavericks 1:03:59 Pacers 1:09:27 Heat 1:13:43 Pelicans 1:17:07 Bulls 1:20:54 Wizards and Hornets RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com

Wes Goldberg and Adam Mares (DNVR Sports, All NBA Podcast) break down the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship victory, Sam Presti's roster construction and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's superstar ascension. Then they talk about Tyrese Haliburton's injury and its impact on the Pacers future, Kevin Durant getting traded to the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets' plan for the offseason before diving into their "My Guys" in the NBA Draft. Timestamps 0:00 Intro: OKC wins the Finals 20:15 Haliburton's injury 27:15 Kevin Durant traded 33:58 Denver Nuggets offseason changes 35:00 Favorite NBA Draft prospects RealGM Radio is powered in part by North Station Media (CLNS). For advertising or media inquiries, contact info@clnsmedia.com