The NBA was officially open for business for the 2021-22 season on Monday with the beginning of free agency. The Miami Heat made a big splash by agreeing to a sign-&-trade deal with Toronto to acquire 6-time All-Star Kly Lowry. The man who broke the story, Yahoo! Sports Senior NBA Writer Vincent Goodwill, joined our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to discuss why this was good fit for Lowry (think Monopoly board game) and why Pat Riley continues to put his team in position to contend. Goodwill also chats about his hometown Pistons drafting Cade Cunningham and gives us his thoughts on the Lakers acquiring Russell Westbrook.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Catch and Shoot

The Heat is On: Yahoo! Sports' Vincent Goodwill on the Start of NBA Free Agency, Draft

Oklahoma State's Cade Cunningham is expected to be the #1 pick in the NBA Draft (whether or not it's the Pistons who make the pick) and our old friend Adam Stanco joins Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to discuss what makes him so special. Stanco tells us Cunningham's elite level of scoring and passing abilities puts him on track to at least be a multi-time all-star ...and, perhaps, the ultimate individual honor. Stanco, VP and Executive Producer at 247 Sports, gives us his views of other high-level prospects expected to go early in the draft (Jalen Green, Jalen Suggs, Evan Mobley, Jonathan Kuminga, Scottie Barnes), some sleepers (like Tennessee's Keon Johnson), and also gives us interesting insights on how the draft evaluation process works for many teams. We also discuss with him his own evaluation 8 years ago of a certain prospect from Greece.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

NBA Draft Preview: Adam Stanco on Cade Cunningham's Ceiling and the Evaluation Process

The Bucks steal (literally!!) Game 5 of the NBA Finals and look to close out their first NBA Championship since 1971. ESPN Radio's Marc Kestecher has been on the call for the entire Finals and describes for us what it's been like to return to NBA arenas during these playoffs, as well as his call of Giannis Antetokounmpo's already iconic "Block" in game 4. Marc also breaks down with our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong how the Bucks can close out the series or how Phoenix can keep it going. Plus, what a Milwaukee win would mean for the Greek Freak and head coach Mike Budenholzer. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Closing Time? ESPN Radio's Marc Kestecher on NBA Finals and Being Back in NBA Arenas

It seemed like the NBA Finals were already over when the Phoenix Suns took a 2-0 lead on the Milwaukee Bucks. However, continued inspired play by Giannis Antetokounmpo and a little-home cooking has the Bucks back in the series. Meadowlark Media and Sirius XM NBA Radio's Amin Elhassan helps break down what's taken place so far in the Finals with our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong, and what to look forward to for the rest of the series. Elhassan, who worked in the Suns front office from 2006-2012, tells us, if Phoenix had to do it all over again, would they still take Deandre Ayton with the #1 pick in the 2018 draft over Luka Doncic. The guys also discuss the struggles of Team USA in their tune-up games for the Tokyo Olympics. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Amin Elhassan on the NBA Finals and Team USA's Prep for the Olympics

On the new Catch & Shoot 2.0, co-hosts Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin welcome Dave Wohl, a former player, coach, and GM as well as the host of Pure Hoops Media's "Dave's Front Office" for a deep dive preview of the NBA Finals. They size up key matchups, the relative health of both teams, the "under the radar" players who will make a difference, & the coaches for both teams. And of course, the guys share their predictions for the series. After a 50 year NBA career, Dave cuts through all the clutter and provides rare insight into how this series will play out.Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

Otto Strong, Aaron Berlin, & Dave Wohl preview the NBA Finals

The Milwaukee Bucks have taken control of the Eastern Conference Finals versus the Atlanta Hawks, and NBA Senior Editor for The Athletic Rob Peterson -- who happens to be a Wisconsin native -- explains what it means for the area to see the Bucks potentially make it to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974. Peterson goes over how Khris Middleton has become the closer for this particular squad and his interchangeability with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Our hosts Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Aaron Berlin) also get Peterson to reflect on his growing up in Wisconsin as a Bucks fan, then eventually working for the team, and how cool the old Mecca court used to be. Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

Everybody Loves Khris: The Athletic's Rob Peterson on the Bucks Playoff Run and the Ascension of Khris Middleton

The Phoenix Suns may have surprised many in the NBA world by earning the 2nd seed in the West and making the Conference Finals, but Hall of Famer and Bally Sports Arizona Color Analyst Ann Meyers Drysdale tells us how the blending of veterans like Chris Paul and Jae Crowder with rising stars Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton have put the team in position to make their first NBA Finals since 1993 and win their first ever title. As a trailblazer for women in basketball in her own right, Meyers Drysdale also gives our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong her thoughts on Becky Hammon being a finalist for the Portland head coaching job and how soon we will see a woman head coach in the NBA. She also discusses the WNBA as it just celebrated its 25th anniversary and where she sees the league in 5-10 years. Privacy Policy and California Privacy Notice.

Sunny Days: Ann Meyers Drysdale on Phoenix's Rise & Women Breaking the NBA's Glass Ceiling

Both the NBA Draft Combine and Lottery take place next week in Chicago, and who better to discuss the process and top prospects then having our former host (and Pac-12 Network Coordinating Producer) Adam Stanco. Stanco joins our Aaron Berlin and Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Otto Strong) and tells us how the interview process at the Combine, even more than the physical "measurables", have become an important factor in how front offices have gauged prospects. Stanco also tells us what prospects he's keeping his eyes on, plus how the development and creation of the G League and Overtime League have started to change how the NBA looks at developing players and what that might mean for the "One & Done" rule.

Back to the Future: Adam Stanco on the NBA Draft Combine, Lottery

Last Wednesday, June 2nd, was a crazy day in the basketball world. The Boston Celtics announced Danny Ainge was retiring as President of Basketball Operations, with Head Coach Brad Stevens promoted to replace him. Meanwhile, Hall of Fame Coach Mike Krzyzewski will retire as the head man at Duke following the 2021-2022 season, to be replaced by top assistant Jon Scheyer. Stadium Basketball Analyst Jeff Goodman broke the story on Coach K's retirement while also covering angles on what the Celtics have done. Goodman tells our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong why Krzyzewski decided now was the time to make the announcement and how he think Scheyer will do as the Blue Devils' head man. As for the C's, Goodman goes over how the news of Stevens promotion took him by surprise; what won't be a surprise to him is seeing Stevens back on the bench somewhere in the not-too-distant future.

Tales of Blue and Green: Stadium's Jeff Goodman on Duke's Coach K Retiring & Celtics Staff Changes

The Dallas Mavericks were flying along with a 2-0 lead in their First Round NBA Playoff series versus the L.A. Clippers. Then, their superstar Luka Doncic developed a neck strain during Game 3 and the team has struggled ever since. TJ Macias of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram joined our Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin and discussed what options are on the table for Dallas, including sitting Doncic for Game 5 to allow for a potential return to health for Game 6, and possibly Game 7. Macias also dishes on how the Mavs can counter the Clippers "small ball" lineup, why Kristaps Porzingis hasn't developed into the second superstar that the team had hoped and how the intelligence of former Maverick Rajon Rondo, now with the Clippers, has been a thorn in Head Coach Rick Carlisle's side. On the back end, the fellas discuss the issues of fan behavior (or the lack thereof) at some of these playoff games. 

Big 'D' Dilemma: Fort Worth Star-Telegram's TJ Macias on Mavericks Dealing with Doncic's Health

After LeBron James and the Lakers made it through the NBA's Play-In Tournament, the defending champions took one on the chin in their playoff opener against Phoenix. Jovan Buha, who covers the team for The Athletic (as well as co-hosts The Forum Club podcast) breaks down where the team struggled versus the Suns and what adjustments the team needs to make so they can advance in the playoffs (one key: Anthony Davis needs to play better). Buha also tells our hosts Otto Strong and Aaron Berlin how cap space and luxury tax issues could effect the team's decisions in the off season, especially in considering their own free agents like Alex Caruso, Montrezl Harrell and Dennis Schroeder. Finally, Aaron & Otto give us both their initial reaction to the opening of the playoffs as well as their thoughts on the Play-In Tournament.

The King's Gambit: Jovan Buha of The Athletic Talks Lakers Opening Playoff Series vs. Suns

The NBA Playoffs are here and Turner Sports' and NBA TV's Jared Greenberg joins our Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Aaron Berlin) to help us dissect the Play-In Tournament as well as some of the opening round match-ups. Greenberg explains why the creation of the Play-In Tourney has been a good thing for the league and its fans, and tells us who he thinks emerges to the regular Playoffs bracket. Greenberg also discusses what it has been like to work with Marv Albert, who will be retiring at the end of this year, as well as his relationships with Mike Breen and Chris Webber, who are both going into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 

Come Out & Play! Jared Greenberg Breaks Down the NBA'S Play-In Tourney & Opening Round

Of all the surprising stories during this NBA season, perhaps the most unexpected is the return to relevance of the New York Knickerbockers. MSG Network and ESPN Radio's Alan Hahn joined our Aaron Berlin and Otto Strong to tell us how the Knicks, after years of mediocrity (or worse), are not only playing their best basketball in years, but might also be well set up for years to come. Hahn brings some insight on how Head Coach Tom Thibodeau, while still pushing his typically tough and physical style of basketball, has adapted and mellowed a bit in relating to his players. This style has rubbed off well on his team's star Julius Randle, who has had a career year and seems likely headed to the Most Improved Player Award. Hahn also gives us a sense on the importance this turnaround has been for New York in the wake of what's going on across town with the Brooklyn Nets, while also demonstrating what the energy inside Madison Square Garden will be like once fans are allowed to return in full capacity. Otto and Aaron also show some appreciation for a couple of league superstars who surpassed big milestones last week -- Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. 

A Garden Party Once Again: MSG & ESPN's Alan Hahn on Knicks Sudden Revival

Last season ended in disappointment for L.A.'s other team, the Clippers, but can this year's version live up to lofty expectations? The Athletic's Law Murray, who covers the Clippers beat, gives us an update on where the team stands as we enter the final 2 weeks of the regular season. He tells our Aaron Berlin & Otto Strong that while the team had a rough time last week (losing 3 in a row) they seem to be getting healthy just in time for the playoffs. Of course, there is concern on how head coach Ty Lue will work out all the rotations in the remaining time. That said, Lue has been a good fit for this roster, seeming to better relate to the team's superstars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George than his predecessor Doc Rivers. 

Clip & Save: The Athletic's Law Murray on the Clippers Outlook for the Playoffs

After going to the Eastern Conference Finals last season for the 3rd time in 4 years, the Celtics have struggled to find any consistency in play this year. Amina Smith of NBC Sports Boston joins our Otto Strong and Bruce Bernstein (filling in for Aaron Berlin this week) and tells us that while health issues have certainly been to blame for some of the poor play,, a lack of focus and energy have also come to the forefront. Smith also discusses if the team can find cohesion in time for the playoffs. Bruce & Otto further break down the East and if anyone other than Brooklyn, Philadelphia or Milwaukee (perhaps the red-hot Knicks) can make a run to the Finals.

NBC Sports Boston's Amina Smith Dishes on Celtics Inconsistencies + East's "Other" Contenders

Catch and Shoot is Pure Hoops Media's mid week show featuring interviews with many of the biggest names in basketball.  Catch and Shoot features some of the smartest takes on the hottest issues, and we'll chat with interesting characters from every level of basketball.  

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Catch and Shoot

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