I received a request from a reader last summer asking me to ‘distill’ some of the best things I’ve read, seen, or listened to during the off-season, and I got great feedback from the post, so I wanted to run it back again this summer. Here’s a running list of some of the most entertaining shows, pods, articles and other hoops content that will ramp you energy back up for the start of next season. Keep checking back each week for new content!
G League Ignite will start their preseason on September 6th against the Perth Wildcats in a pair of games (Sept. 6 and 8, 6 p.m. ET on NBA TV) that will potentially feature multiple 2024 NBA draft picks including Matas Buzelis, Ron Holland, Izan Almansa and Alexandre Sarr. The games will be replayed throughout the week on NBATV as well.
16-part A History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers podcast series from Russ Bengston and Lang Whitaker
JJ Reddick’s Old Man and the Three podcast with Rajon Rondo – some classic stories from Rondo on this one!
Destination NBA: A G League Odyssey documentary streaming on Amazon prime
Dwyane Wade Hall of Fame induction speech – I’ve been watching Hall of Fame ceremonies for decades and I think this was the best speech I’ve ever seen. Beautifully structured with heartfelt thank-yous to teammates and family, his path to the NBA, learning to play on the playgrounds of Chicago with his father, an epic tribute to Allen Iverson, and even some timeless life lessons to pass along
Thinking Basketball’s “Who Could Be the Goat” 3-part podcast – part 1, part 2, part 3
Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (HBO) – Season 2 is out! A lot more about Larry Bird’s background in this one, contrasting his path to the NBA with Magic’s. And sadly the final season of this one, as HBO chose not to renew it
Bill Simmons Podcast does a highly entertaining Seattle/Vegas NBA Expansion Draft with Ryen Russillo and Bill Simmons
Feel like shopping? Check out the new designs in our Threadless shop. And remember, all profits go to charities that give opportunities for underprivileged youth to play team sports
Goliath – Documentary series examining the historic life, career and impact of Wilt Chamberlain. From his unparalleled athleticism to his pioneering achievements, Chamberlain changed the game of basketball, breaking records and racial barriers along the way. Streaming on Paramount+
and Thinking Basketball’s podcast on the making of Goliath with Directors Christopher Dillon and Rob Ford
If you don’t have any games saved on your DVR, you can always check out the NBA’s full game replays on YouTube
