Episodes

  • FaceTime with Baseline ft NYTimes Best Selling Author Shea Serrano

    FaceTime with Baseline ft NYTimes Best Selling Author Shea Serrano
    Nov 14 2025
    Join us for a special edition of FaceTime with The Baseline featuring best-selling author and cultural commentator Shea Serrano. Hosted by co-host Warren Shaw, this episode dives into Serrano’s latest book, Expensive Basketball, a captivating exploration of basketball’s unquantifiable magic beyond the box-score. Shea opens up about his journey — from middle-school science teacher to four-time New York Times bestseller author (including hits like Basketball (and Other Things).

    He shares how Expensive Basketball reframes iconic players, moments and games — from the final 196 seconds of Kobe Bryant’s career to the fearless artistry of Tim Duncan and the motion poetry of Sue Bird — through the lens of emotion, memory and what a truly great hoop moment feels like.

    In this wide-ranging conversation, Serrano talks about writing with humor and heart, the evolving culture of basketball storytelling, and how Expensive Basketball pushes back against the era of numbers-only analysis in sports. Whether you’re a die-hard NBA fan or simply love stories that make you feel the game, this episode is a must-listen.

    🎧 Tune in as we go beyond stats, dig into storytelling, and celebrate why basketball — at its most “expensive” — is still poetry in motion.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

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    • This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit https://buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

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    52 mins
  • Trae Down, Jrue Up: Early NBA Storylines That Impress

    Trae Down, Jrue Up: Early NBA Storylines That Impress
    Nov 4 2025
    In this week’s episode of The Baseline, we hit the court running with News and Notes, as Trae Young goes down with a sprained MCL expected to sideline him for four weeks and Ja Morant headlines a dramatic start to the 2025-26 NBA season.

    Then, in our featured segment “Impress Me,” we spotlight the teams and players making noise early — the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs have each turned heads with strong starts, fueled by rookie impact performances and veteran leadership. We also dive into the resurgence of Jrue Holiday in Portland, where he’s reminding fans why he’s still one of the league’s most reliable two-way guards.

    🎧 Tune in as The Baseline breaks down the storylines that impress us most in the NBA’s opening weeks — from breakout rookies to redemption arcs and everything in between.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

    This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

    Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG

    Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/

    Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

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    46 mins
  • All Bets Are Off: Inside the NBA’s Gambling Scandal & Players on the Hot Seat

    All Bets Are Off: Inside the NBA’s Gambling Scandal & Players on the Hot Seat
    Oct 27 2025
    We break down the shocking details behind the FBI’s Operation Nothing But Bet and Operation Royal Flush, a gambling scandal shaking the NBA to its core.

    With over 30 arrests tied to organized crime, insider betting, and underground poker rings involving figures like Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones, this case has rewritten the conversation around integrity in professional basketball.

    Then, in our “Do It or Don’t” segment, we shift focus from off-court chaos to on-court stakes — spotlighting Jonathan Kuminga, Jabari Smith, Benedict Mathurin, Deandre Ayton, Nikola Jović, Jaime Jaquez, and Shaedon Sharpe players facing make-or-break seasons in 2025-26.

    🎧 All Bets Are Off when it comes to the NBA this year — scandals, surprises, and stars fighting for redemption.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

    This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

    Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG

    Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/

    Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest

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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Baseline Awards & 2025-26 NBA Honors Predictions ft. Jabari Davis

    Baseline Awards & 2025-26 NBA Honors Predictions ft. Jabari Davis
    Oct 21 2025
    It’s award season on The Baseline Podcast! Cal, Shaw, and special guest Jabari Davis break down their 2025-26 NBA Award predictions — from Rookie of the Year to MVP — and debut a few exclusive Baseline Awards you won’t hear anywhere else. 🏆 Official NBA Award Picks:
    • Rookie of the Year: Cal – Cooper Flagg | Shaw – Ace Bailey | Jabari – Cooper Flagg
    • Most Improved Player: Cal – Amen Thompson | Shaw – Matas Buzelis | Jabari – Amen Thompson
    • Defensive Player of the Year: Unanimous pick – Victor Wembanyama
    • Sixth Man of the Year: Cal – Josh Hart | Shaw – Josh Hart | Jabari – Trey Murphy III
    • MVP: Cal – Anthony Edwards | Shaw – Victor Wembanyama | Jabari – Luka Dončić
    🎖️ The Baseline Awards:
    • MacGyver Award (Player who does the most with the least) – Derrick White (Jabari)
    • New Threads: Best Fit on a New Team – Desmond Bane & Jrue Holiday (Cal)
    • Keep Ish Together: Glue Guy of the Year – Dyson Daniels, Jalen Suggs, Ivica Zubac (Shaw)
    • I Got Next Award (Next breakout star) – Kel’el Ware (Jabari)
    • The Robin Award (Best 2nd Option) – LeBron James, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jaylen Williams (Shaw)
    • MVPBT: Most Valuable Player on a Bad Team – Devin Booker (Cal)
    From bold MVP takes to creative Baseline originals, this episode delivers laughs, insight, and plenty of hoops talk for real NBA heads.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Tiers of the West: Contenders, Climbers & Pretenders (25-26 Conference Preview)

    Tiers of the West: Contenders, Climbers & Pretenders (25-26 Conference Preview)
    Oct 15 2025
    In this episode of The Baseline NBA Podcast, we deliver our 2025-26 NBA Western Conference Preview — breaking down all 15 teams into four tiers: Contenders, Middle of the Pack, Play-In Hopefuls, and Lottery Bound squads. While many believe it’s OKC Thunder’s conference to lose, the West is as tight as ever, with razor-thin margins separating playoff locks from the lottery line. We debate where every team stands, highlight breakout candidates, and predict how this year’s Western Conference hierarchy will shake out.

    If you love NBA analysis, power rankings, and season previews, this is the episode for you.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

    This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

    Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG

    Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/

    Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Who'll Run the East? 2025-26 NBA Conference Power Tiers w/ Dan Favale

    Who'll Run the East? 2025-26 NBA Conference Power Tiers w/ Dan Favale
    Oct 9 2025
    The Baseline NBA Podcast is back with a full-court Eastern Conference preview!

    Hosts Cal Lee and Warren Shaw are joined by Dan Favale of Hardwood Knocks to break down all 15 teams in the East — from the Eastern Elite contenders to the Playoff Powerhouses, Play-In Pack, and those chilling in Lottery Lane.

    Who’s rising? Who’s rebuilding? And who’s ready to run the East in 2025-26?

    We’ve got predictions, hot takes, and sharp analysis on every franchise that matters. Tune in for your definitive NBA Eastern Conference Tier Breakdown — all the insight, debate, and basketball banter you need before tip-off.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

    This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

    Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG

    Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/

    Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest

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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Baseline Breakdown: Heat Media Day, Rockets’ Dilemma & Jokic Forever Nugget

    Baseline Breakdown: Heat Media Day, Rockets’ Dilemma & Jokic Forever Nugget
    Sep 30 2025
    On this week’s Baseline NBA Podcast, Warren Shaw takes us inside Miami Heat Media Day with nsights, reactions, and storylines coming out of South Beach as the Heat gear up for its most challenging season yet. Then we go Around the League with a jam-packed slate of headlines:
    • Nikola Jokić reveals his plans to retire as a Denver Nugget — what this means for the franchise’s long-term identity.?
    • The Houston Rockets face a major challenge after the devastating loss of Fred VanVleet to injury — can their backcourt and new-look roster keep them in contention?
    • Kevin Durant makes it clear: he intends to re-sign with Houston. We debate how that impacts the Rockets’ championship window.
    • Anthony Edwards spent time working with the legend himself, Michael Jordan. Could MJ’s mentorship push Ant to another superstar level?
    • Kawhi Leonard speaks out on the Clippers’ legal situation, insisting the team will be acquitted. Is this a good look for the Clippers and Kawhi?
    • Zion Williamson is reportedly in the best shape of his NBA career. Can this finally be the season where Zion can stay on the court injury-free?
    • The Portland Trail Blazers are building an identity around defense — we break down how that shift could redefine their young roster.
    • And in Golden State, the Jonathan Kuminga stalemate continues. What does this mean for the Warriors’ future as they juggle veteran stars and developing talent?
    Another loaded episode of The Baseline, where we take you from Media Day to the biggest storylines across the Association.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

    Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG

    Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/

    Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Ka-Why?: Clippers and the Kawhi Leonard Scandal | We T.R.O.Y w 2025 NBA H.O.F Class

    Ka-Why?: Clippers and the Kawhi Leonard Scandal | We T.R.O.Y w 2025 NBA H.O.F Class
    Sep 12 2025
    The NBA is buzzing with controversy and big storylines. The league has launched a high-profile investigation into Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers, probing a reported $28 million “no-show” endorsement deal that could bring major salary cap penalties.

    We also break down Cam Thomas’ bold decision to sign a one-year qualifying offer with the Brooklyn Nets, setting up a critical contract year that could reshape his future. Plus, we look back and celebrate the 2025 Basketball Hall of Fame Class—featuring icons like Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, Sue Bird, Maya Moore, Sylvia Fowles, and the legendary 2008 “Redeem Team.”

    From NBA scandals to all-time greats, this episode dives into the news, notes, and narratives shaping basketball today.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-baseline-nba-podcast--3677698/support.

    This show was sponsored in part by Raycon: Visit buyraycon.com/baseline for 20% off new buds!

    Get NBA League Pass: https://link.nba.com/LP19MG

    Looking to book a vacation? Our travel partner Exquiste Travel & Tours has you covered: Call 954-228-5479 or visit https://exquisitetravelandtours.com/

    Discover our favorite podcast gear & shop our studio must-haves on our Amazon Affiliate page! https://www.amazon.com/shop/19mediagroup

    Want to join the conversation or invite us to your platform? Budget-friendly collaborations welcome! https://bit.ly/19Guest

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    1 hr and 1 min