This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine react to the NBA's opening night. They discuss Alperen Sengun's impressive three-point shooting to open the season. What kind of impact could this have on the Houston Rockets' season, and could Sengun be an MVP candidate? The duo also share their takeaways from the Golden State Warriors' win over the Los Angeles Lakers. Are the Warriors title contenders? What do the Lakers need to do to improve their defense? Plus, does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston's system after struggling in the opener?

Then Tom and Dan share their thoughts on Michael Jordan's sit down with Mike Tirico for the debut of "MJ: Insights to Excellence." What do they expect going forward?

(2:05) The Big Number: Alperen Sengun's 3-point shooting

(24:14) - Little Numbers: Warriors title contenders?

(28:25) - Little Numbers: Lakers defensive struggles

(32:19) - Little Numbers: Rockets unique defensive approach

(36:37) - Little Numbers: Does Reed Sheppard fit in Houston

(44:56) - "MJ: Insights to Excellence" debuts

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This week on The Big Number, Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine make the case for their top five 2025-26 NBA MVP candidates. Can Victor Wembanyama and San Antonio win enough games in the Western Conference this year to propel him into the MVP conversation? Can Jokić earn a fourth league MVP boosted by an improved Nuggets roster? The duo also discusses the MVP arguments for SGA, Giannis & Steph Curry.

Plus, Russell Westbrook signed a deal with the Sacramento Kings and is expected to join the team later this week. But where exactly does Westbrook make sense on this Kings roster?

(1:20) The Big Number: Victor Wembanyama MVP case
(21:40) Little Numbers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander MVP case
(24:37) Little Numbers: Nikola Jokić MVP case
(29:13) Little Numbers: Giannis Antetokounmpo MVP case
(32:55) Little Numbers: Steph Curry MVP case
(38:44) Russell Westbrook signs deal with Sacramento Kings

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine dive into the stats to determine if the Milwaukee Bucks should trade Giannis Antetokounmpo after he revealed that the trade rumors surrounding him this summer were not only true, but that he has a preferred destination in mind: the New York Knicks. Is now the right time for the Bucks to consider moving Giannis in order to set themselves up for success in a future without him? And if so, how can the Knicks realistically make a move for Giannis when they only have one first round pick to offer?

Plus, the duo reacts to Ja Morant's 'week-to-week' sprained ankle injury and how it will impact the Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup just days away from opening night.

(1:56) The Big Number: Should Bucks trade Giannis?

(18:12) Little Numbers: Wins Above Replacement Bucks lost this offseason

(22:57) Little Numbers: When will Bucks control their own 1st round pick?

(29:24) Little Numbers: Knicks tradable 1st round draft picks

(33:56) Little Numbers: OG Anunoby & Mikal Bridges trade offers

(38:06) Ja Morant week-to-week with ankle sprain

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine react to the biggest stories from NBA Media Days around the league including how little clarity came from Kawhi Leonard and Clippers president Lawrence Frank concerning the salary cap circumvention allegations against them during their press conference. The pair also unpack Giannis Antetokounmpo commenting how he wants to compete for another championship, it just might not be in Milwaukee. Plus, is LeBron James really going to be willing to share the ball more with Luka? And did the Warriors and Kuminga only kick the can down the road with his contract or will he finally find his fit on the Golden State roster?

(1:52) The Big Number: Clippers have no evidence to prove their innocence

(20:20) Little Numbers: Giannis wants 2nd championship

(25:12) Little Numbers: Will LeBron really share the ball more with Luka?

(31:40) Little Numbers: Denver's plus/minus without Jokic

(37:01) Little Numbers: Cleveland's new starting 5

(42:35) Kuminga finally agrees to contract with Warriors

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the Houston Rockets’ outlook after Fred VanVleet's devastating ACL injury and reveal just how big a blow it is to Houston’s contender status. Can Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard fill that void or does losing VanVleet put the brakes on their title chase, even with KD on the team? Plus, Dan shares insights from Knicks Media Day with fresh details on Jalen Brunson & Karl-Anthony Towns.

(2:35) The Big Number: Fred VanVleet's injury

(15:37) Little Numbers: Amen Thompson Net Rating

(22:08) Little Numbers: Reed Sheppard 3PT shooting

(26:30) Little Numbers: Rockets $1,255,588 under first apron

(32:07) Little Numbers: Rockets future first round picks

(39:11) New York Knicks media day recap

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine break down the latest in the Golden State Warriors and Jonathan Kuminga restricted free agency standoff. Has Kumingа played his final game for the Warriors? If so, Tom & Dan weigh the pros and cons of the Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Sacramento Kings, Brooklyn Nets and others as potential fits. Later, the duo reacts to Adam Silver’s shifting public stance on the Kawhi Leonard and LA Clippers salary cap circumvention allegations.

(1:51) The Big Number: Jonathan Kuminga contract stalemate
(19:02) Little Numbers: Chicago Bulls free throw attempt rate
(24:22) Little Numbers: Kuminga points scored rolling after setting a screen
(32:01) Little Numbers: Washington Wizards individual 20-point performances
(37:02) Little Numbers: Brooklyn Nets top-10 picks
(42:51) Adam Silver comments on Kawhi controversy

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Tom Haberstroh & Dan Devine deep dive on the 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame class: who's a lock, and who deserves more consideration than they're getting? The duo start with Andre Iguodala, who has one big number going his way that could make him a lock. Next, Dan breaks down the chances of Marques Johnson, Blake Griffin, Shawn Marion and Lamarcus Aldridge based on their career numbers and advanced stats.

Tom & Dan finish things off with the news that the Chicago Bulls re-signed Josh Giddey to a multi-year contract. The hosts look back on their free agency predictions (2 for 2 so far!) and discuss whether Cam Thomas made the right move taking his $6M qualifying offer.

(1:45) - Is Andre Iguodala a Hall of Fame lock?

(16:45) - Does Shawn Marion have the stats to make it in?

(22:35) - Lamarcus Aldridge's Hall of Fame chances

(28:10) - Marques Johnson's scoring average deserves consideration

(31:40) - Is Blake Griffin being overrated as a HOF prospect?

(39:40) - Josh Giddey, Cam Thomas & other free agency news

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Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine deep dive into this offseason’s free agency moves—or rather the lack thereof. What’s changed in the NBA that’s keeping All-Star level players with their current teams or moving via trade rather than making moves during free agency? The pair also assess the Clippers’ alleged cap circumvention involving Kawhi Leonard and a $28 million endorsement deal, unpacking what punishments the NBA may dole out if the claims are proven true.

(2:27) The Big Number: All-Stars in free agency

(15:54) Little Numbers: Orlando Magic pull-up 3s

(21:03) Little Numbers: Atlanta Hawks 3-pointers

(25:26) Little Numbers: Cam Johnson offensive EPM

(28:49) Little Numbers: Clippers defense without Zubac

(34:17) Kawhi Leonard earns $28M for ‘no show’ job

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