The Pure Hoops Podcast

BJ Armstrong & Eric Newman are still on their off-season break, so we're presenting "The Best of the Pure Hoops Podcast." This week, we share their conversation with NBA TV analyst, 2007 NBA Coach of the Year and 13 year NBA veteran Sam Mitchell who shares some classic stories about the city of Atlanta's excitement around the Hawks and Trae Young, the role Sam played in mentoring Kevin Garnett in Minnesota, the Pacers/Knicks battles of the 90s, facing Michael Jordan and much more.

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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are still on their summer hiatus, so we want to present one of our favorite previous shows that you may have missed. Bob Delaney, who in addition to being a former NBA referee also worked as a New Jersey State trooper and infiltrated the mob as an undercover agent. Bob has gained rare insight into the human condition through his work and personal experiences. Currently, he speaks to groups about PTSD and has a unique perspective on the challenges facing the country (4:00) and the sports world (15:10). He also shares classic stories from his days with the NBA (24:45) including vintage Larry Bird trash talk and the time he tried to break up a fight between Shaq and Charles Barkley.

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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong are taking some time off, but we wanted to share one of our favorite interviews with BJ's former teammate & four time NBA champ Will Perdue. In Part 2 of the interview, they discuss Will's departure for San Antonio, comparing the winning culture in San Antonio & Chicago, and how Phil Jackson's relationships with players were strictly professional. Plus BJ on the dirty work that goes into building a championship team.

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Bj Armstrong & Eric Newman are taking some time off so we wanted to share some of our favorite interviews that you may have missed. Will Perdue joins his former teammate BJ & Eric to discuss "The Last Dance and why Jerry Krause deserves some credit to go along with the blame he received in the film. Will and BJ also share stories of Michael Jordan's famous intensity. (Part 1 of 2)

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BJ and Eric breakdown the greatest of Giannis Antetokounmpo as he led the Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years, what is next for the Phoenix Suns, reflecting on epic finals performances and which teams are a move away from taking the next step in 2021-22.

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BJ and Eric break down what is now a best of 3 NBA Finals as Giannis and the Bucks return to Phoenix with momentum with the series tied 2-2, the underlying issue with TEAM USA and international competition and whether players like John Collins, Lonzo Ball, Collin Sexton and Ben Simmons will find themselves in different uniforms next season.

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BJ and Eric dive into the NBA Finals looking at what the Bucks can do to get back in this series against the red hot Suns, the connection between Coach Monty Williams and his players, the greatness of Tim Duncan in the 2000s and more!

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BJ and Eric breakdown the western conference champion Phoenix Suns, what's next for the LA Clippers, the battle between the Bucks and Hawks in the east, go back to the 1993 NBA Finals between the Suns and Bulls along with reviewing the NBA coaching hires in Portland, Dallas, Indiana and Boston!

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BJ and Eric go deep into the remaining 2nd round playoff series featuring the Clippers game planning to move ahead 3-2 vs the Jazz, the Hawks miraculous comeback v Sixers and what the Bucks need to do offensively to top the Nets.

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Kenny Smith of Turner Sports and "Inside the NBA" joins Eric Newman to discuss the NBA Playoffs as well as his new venture on "Bright," which is a live video conversation platform. Kenny sizes up all of the series to this point and really drills down on the Atlanta Hawks and Phoenix Suns, two young teams growing up really fast! Kenny also discusses his upcoming conversation on "Bright" with former teammate Vernon Maxwell which will take place on June 16th.

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The NBA Playoffs are here as BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman break down each first round series of what promises to be a thrilling post season. Will Utah play like a #1 seed? Will the Lakers find their rhythm? Can Portland upset Denver? Will the Nets dominate? and much more.

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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman detail the play-in race and potential playoff matchups. Also, the pair breakdown why certain contenders like the Jazz, Clippers, and 76ers will AND won’t make the finals. Finally, Eric opens a pack of 1990 Fleer Basketball cards, leading to a trip down memory lane.

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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman discuss LeBron's setback, evaluate the coaches on the hot seat, and breakdown the NBA play-in race.

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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman share their praise for the Suns, who have just clinched their first playoff berth in 11 years. The Washington Wizards are on a tear, and the guys breakdown a tightening playoff race. Also, BJ and Eric take a trip down memory lane, discussing the origins of Larry Bird’s stepback jumper.

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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman discuss the rise of the New York Knicks, the brilliance of Stephen Curry, and how injuries to NBA stars have changed how teams could approach the playoffs.

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BJ Armstrong and Eric Newman discuss what matchups they’d each like to see in the playoffs, including 76ers-Nets, Kawhi-LeBron, and Simmons-Durant.

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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on the Larry Bird-era of college basketball. The pair also breakdown the latest buyout moves, including Andre Drummond to the Lakers, LaMarcus Aldridge to the Nets, and DeMarcus Cousins possibly joining the Clippers? Also, BJ shares his perspective following the back and forth between Stephen A. Smith and Russell Westbrook.

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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss the league’s biggest trades following the deadline, including Nikola Vucevic to the Bulls, Aaron Gordon to Denver, Evan Fournier to the Celtics, Rondo to the Clippers, and Norm Powell to the Blazers. In addition, we preview the buyout market and survey the league ahead of the playoffs.

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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong discuss what Blake Griffin can do for the Nets, and where they stand in the Eastern Conference. Following news that the Spurs and LaMarcus Aldridge are parting ways, we discuss the best place for the big man. Also, Marcus Smart makes his return for the Celtics, and Eric and BJ give their suggestions on what they need to do to get over the hump.

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Eric Newman and BJ Armstrong breakdown the contenders for the NBA’s awards at the midseason break. This includes the MVP race between Joel Embiid and LeBron James, as well as Quin Snyder and Monty Williams competing for the Coach of the Year. The pair also look ahead to the second half of the season, specifically focusing on the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets.

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