Hoop Ties
SLAM Presents “Hoop Ties”, is the official basketball podcast of the Basketball Bible. Host Ahmad Smith will be bringing his opinions on the state of the game while also interviewing others who love the game equally. If you’re fan of pure hoop, this is the podcast for you.
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Where do the Heat go Next, and Dwyane Wade is CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED | Featuring Wes Goldberg
06/23/2023
Where do the Heat go Next, and Dwyane Wade is CRIMINALLY UNDERRATED | Featuring Wes Goldberg
Another Miami themed episode but before we start talking about the Heat, let’s take a look at some sleeper draft prospects that could make a big splash in the league. Keep an eye out for Jordan Hawkins and Cason Wallace as they could make an immediate impact wherever they go. We also have a special guest on today’s episode to talk everything Miami basketball, Wes Goldberg. We talk about this 8-seed Miami team and their special run. The Miami Heat have now been to two NBA Finals in the last four years but do they have the what it takes to run it back and win it all? What are some of their needs that they have to address going into the next season and can Jimmy Butler be the number one option on a championship team? We wrap this one up talking about some of our favorite all-time Heat players. Follow Ahmad -
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The Greatness of Nikola Jokic and can the Denver Nuggets Repeat as NBA Champions? | Featuring Ryan Blackburn
06/16/2023
The Greatness of Nikola Jokic and can the Denver Nuggets Repeat as NBA Champions? | Featuring Ryan Blackburn
The Denver Nuggets are NBA Champions after making quick work of the Miami Heat in a five game series. To honor this historic season we are joined by Ryan Blackburn, lead Nuggets analyst for Mile High Sports. On this episode we talk about everything Nuggets basketball from this year’s championship to legends of the past. Who are some of the players that really stepped up to take this team to the next level and is Jamal Murray in the conversation to be a a top three point guard in the NBA? We also discuss the greatness of Nikola Jokic and the historic run he went on to lead this organization to their first championship. Are the Nuggets going to be able to repeat next year? Follow Ahmad -
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USA's Basketball Roster, Paolo Banchero and Potential Landing Spots For Jaylen Brown | Featuring Max Van Auken
06/09/2023
USA's Basketball Roster, Paolo Banchero and Potential Landing Spots For Jaylen Brown | Featuring Max Van Auken
Welcome back to Hoop Ties! Why is everyone hating on the USA's FIBA World Cup Roster? No matter how talented other international teams might be, this USA team will have more than enough quality players to get the job done. On this episode, I am joined by Max Van Auken and we start this one off by talking about Paolo Banchero’s potential to be one of the best players in the league. Also, why do people continue to disrespect Trae Young by calling him overrated because he is truly one of the biggest threats in the NBA. We then talk about potential landing spots for Jaylen Brown if the Celtics decide not to pay him. Finally, we discuss some of the best young talent in the league that we are excited to watch develop. Follow Ahmad -
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Can the Miami Heat Beat the Denver Nuggets? Featuring Jermaine “Chill Town Hoops" Womack!
06/02/2023
Can the Miami Heat Beat the Denver Nuggets? Featuring Jermaine “Chill Town Hoops" Womack!
Today we are joined by Jermaine “Chill Town Hoops" Womack! We start this off by talking about Miami’s historical run and what they need to do to beat the Denver Nuggets. We all know Nikola Jokic is a problem but is there a way the Heat can slow him down with their defensive schemes? Who are the x-factors on the Heat that will have to step up and how much does experience impact a teams performance this deep into the the playoffs? We then give our thoughts on who is going to win it all. It’s becoming difficult to bet against a team like Miami since nobody expected them to make it past the first round. Finally, let’s talk about some hoopers from the past that would dominate in this era. Follow Ahmad -
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Can Miami Get To The Finals? Brady Hawk Talks Jimmy Butler & Squad
05/26/2023
Can Miami Get To The Finals? Brady Hawk Talks Jimmy Butler & Squad
I know Lebron James might be frustrated after getting swept and injuries may be starting to catch up to him but is he really considering retirement? At the end of the day he is still one of the top talents in the league even at the age of 38. On today's episode I am joined by Brady Hawk, a Miami Heat Writer for "5 Reasons Sports." We discuss this unprecedented playoff run by the Heat and how their role players have stepped up. We also talk about this potential finals matchup between the Nuggets and the Heat. Do the Heat have an answer to to slow down Nikola Jokic? Let's finish this one of by talking about our favorite Heat players off all-time. Follow Ahmad -
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Andre Drummond | How the Big Man Position has Changed, Victor Wembanyama and the NBA Playoffs
05/19/2023
Andre Drummond | How the Big Man Position has Changed, Victor Wembanyama and the NBA Playoffs
Today I am joined by 2x All-star and 4x rebounding champ, Andre Drummond! From growing up in Connecticut, to being a walk-on on at UCONN to becoming an NBA All-Star, Andre has had a crazy journey. We talk about his time at Detroit and how the big man position has changed over the past decade. We discuss the art of rebounding and some of the l guys Andre thinks are the best rebounders of all-time. What does Andre Drummond think of Victor Wembanyama and who does he have playing in the NBA finals? Follow Ahmad -
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Will the Kings’ Culture Translate to a Championship | Featuring Kings Insider James Ham
05/12/2023
Will the Kings’ Culture Translate to a Championship | Featuring Kings Insider James Ham
Let me start this off by giving my thoughts on who should be featured on the All-NBA teams. Today we are sitting down with James Ham, Sacramento Kings insider for ESPN 1320. We discuss how he first started covering the Kings and his thoughts on this winning culture they are building in Sacramento. Who deserves the most credit for the Kings’ success and what do the Kings need to improve to make a deeper playoff run? Let’s finish this one off by talking about DeMarcus Cousins and how he took the role of “the big man” to the next level. Follow Ahmad -
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Is Stephen Curry a Top 5 NBA Player Ever? Featuring Warriors Writer C.J. Holmes
05/05/2023
Is Stephen Curry a Top 5 NBA Player Ever? Featuring Warriors Writer C.J. Holmes
Let’s start this one off by giving the 2023 MVP, Joel Embiid his flowers. He is such a rare talent and to do what he does on the court as a 7-footer is flat out impressive. For this episode we are joined by C.J. Holmes, a writer for San Francisco Chronicle that covers the Golden State Warriors. We talk about how the Warriors have preformed in the playoffs so far and discuss where Steph Curry ranks among the all-time greats. Is Curry the best player of this generation? We wrap this one up by shouting out some Golden State Warrior legends of the past and discussing the NBA legends that make it on our NBA Mount Rushmore. Follow Ahmad -
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The New York Knicks and the Impact of Jalen Brunson | Featuring Shaun Geddes From The Knicks Wall
04/28/2023
The New York Knicks and the Impact of Jalen Brunson | Featuring Shaun Geddes From The Knicks Wall
Today we are talking everything Knicks with Shaun Geddes. The Knicks are legit this year and they could be sleepers to make it to the NBA Finals. Is Jalen Brunson the best point guard in the Eastern Conference? Would you rather start a franchise with Trae Young, Darius Garland or Brunson? Finally, we talk about the players that have impressed us and disappointed us so far in the playoffs. Watch out for those Knicks! Follow Ahmad -
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Playoff Basketball With Ekam Nagra the Founder of Ball Don’t Stop
04/21/2023
Playoff Basketball With Ekam Nagra the Founder of Ball Don’t Stop
Had to start this one off by talking about the state of the NBA and how the game has changed in recent years from the influence of analytics. Let’s breakdown some of these teams and these first round matchups. The playoffs have been unpredictable so Ekam gives us his thoughts on who he thinks will be in the NBA finals. How has “ring culture” effected the game? Who are the guys we’d want to have leading our team in the toughest playoff games? Finally, let’s talk about pure hoopers in the NBA. No matter the environment these guys are going to cook! Follow Ahmad -
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The NBA Playoff Picture Featuring Memphis Grizzlies Beat Writer Drew Hill
04/14/2023
The NBA Playoff Picture Featuring Memphis Grizzlies Beat Writer Drew Hill
Both the 76ers and the Kings had phenomenal years but do they have what it takes to make a deep playoff run? The West is wide open so watch out for the Lakers and in the East keep on eye on the Cavaliers because they could surprise some people. On this episode I am joined by Drew Hill, a Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Daily Memphian. We talk about the Grizzlies championship aspirations and the players that need to step up for them to get past the Lakers in the first round. What can we expect to see from players like Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Dillon Brooks in the playoffs? Follow Ahmad -
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Is Kyrie Irving Going to Re-sign With the Dallas Mavericks? Featuring Jay Appaji.
04/07/2023
Is Kyrie Irving Going to Re-sign With the Dallas Mavericks? Featuring Jay Appaji.
It is going to be hard to give the MVP award to someone other than Joel Embiid. Is he the most skilled big man this game has ever seen? Jay Appaji from the MavsFilmRoom joins the podcast today. Let’s talk about Dirk Nowitzki’s impact on the Maverick’s franchise. What if Dirk and Steve Nash had more years together? The Kyrie Irving trade shook the basketball world but why hasn’t it worked out yet? Where would the Mavs be if they kept Jalen Brunson? Also, let’s wrap it up by talking about some of our favourite Mavericks of all-time. Follow Ahmad -
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Is Nikola Jokić the MVP? Swipa Cam Joins the Hoop Ties Podcast!
03/31/2023
Is Nikola Jokić the MVP? Swipa Cam Joins the Hoop Ties Podcast!
The 2023 Hall-of Fame class has been announced. So let’s start this off by highlighting a couple of these basketball legends. On this episode I am joined by Denver Sports Analyst, Swipa. We talk about Jokić’s playmaking ability and the key pieces around him. What do the Nuggets need to do to live up to their expectations? Who do they need to step up in the playoffs? Discussion then shifts to the MVP race. Embiid, Jokić or Giannis? This might be the best generation of bigs that we have ever seen. Finally, who are the best players we’ve seen since Michael Jordan retired and who are our favorite Nuggets of all-time? Another episode down! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a thing. Follow Ahmad -
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Gerald Bourguet | Suns Writer for PHNX Sports
03/24/2023
Gerald Bourguet | Suns Writer for PHNX Sports
Welcome to episode 1 of Hoop Ties! Today we are joined by Suns writer Gerald Bourguet. We all know this Suns team is dangerous. Let’s talk about Kevin Durant and his impact on the team. Is there anyone else that needs to step up to make the Suns true contenders? Are the Suns lacking depth? Who is the most valuable trade asset on this team? Finally, who are Gerald’s top 5 favorite players of all time? That’s a wrap on our first episode! Make sure you all subscribe and tune in weekly. Follow Ahmad -
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Is Anthony Davis a Top 3 Player in the NBA?
11/29/2022
Is Anthony Davis a Top 3 Player in the NBA?
We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Kemba Walker is back in the league! How will he fit into the Mavericks roster and will he be productive? Welcome back Anthony Davis! He has been balling and maybe a little adversity is what he needed to get back to playing like a star. Is he a top 3 player in the league? Maybe a top-10 player? Who ranks above him? Also, where does a guy like Jimmy Butler rank in these conversations? Also, should the Timberwolves look to move on from Karl-Anthony Towns? Will the Timberwolves be able to figure it out? They have all the pieces but the fit appears to be off. Who is their number 1 option?
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Will Kyle Kuzma be an All-Star in the Next Two Years?
11/22/2022
Will Kyle Kuzma be an All-Star in the Next Two Years?
Today we are joined by Chase Hughes from NBC Sports Washington. What should be the Wizard’s goal for next few years? Bradley Beal is doing his thing but who else is stepping up for this team. What is Bradley Beal’s overall impact on the community? Has Kyle Kuzma found his NBA home? Will Washington be able to keep him? Can Kuzma make an All-Star team? Also, can this be a team that makes the playoffs and continues to build out their roster? Let’s talk about Russell Westbrook. Could he find his way back to the Wizards? How does the Beal and Porzingis combination compare to other teams? Finally, what Wizard would you build around in their prime? Chase says Jordan Goodwin is a young player to watch!
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Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a Top 5 Player in the League?
11/18/2022
Is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander a Top 5 Player in the League?
We are joined by Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer, Brandon Rahbar! Discussion begins with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He’s a three way scorer and nobody can stop him in the paint. What does the future look like with Shai and Chet leading this team? How does SGA compare to a player like Ja Morant? How would their teams preform if they were to switch places? Can SGA be the number 1 option on a championship team? What will Chet Holmgren’s impact be on this team when he is back? There is definitely a bright future ahead for OKC. If Russ and Kevin Durant stayed, how many championships would this team have? Finally, is their a world where Russell Westbrook comes back to the Thunder? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss conversations like this!
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Is Joel Embiid the Best Big in the League?
11/15/2022
Is Joel Embiid the Best Big in the League?
The conversation starts with the big man who is making a serious statement, Joel Embiid. 100 points over 2 games is a little crazy. Have we seen a 3-level big that is such a pure scorer? Who in the NBA do we think could drop 70 points in a game? Curry? Giannis? We then transition to the Golden State to talk about their struggles. Do they have a guard that can guard? Reigning champs but can they make it back to the finals? Also, can they keep this team together? They have a lot of young talent but are these players getting lost behind the vets? Make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you can stay caught up with the league.
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Can Paolo Banchero be the Rookie of the Year?
11/11/2022
Can Paolo Banchero be the Rookie of the Year?
We are joined by Orlando Magic beat writer Khobi Price! The Magic are a young team on the rise! Listen to us break down the roster and hear our thoughts. The conversation starts with Paolo Banchero. Looking like a definite Rookie of the year candidate but can he be the guy for the future? Is he maybe a Lebron James disciple? Also, Franz Wagner is killing it. Does he really have All-Star potential? Who else stands out on this roster? Things are looking bright for the Magic’s future. When can we expect them to be in the playoffs? Finally, let’s get into the top 5 Magic players of all time and talk about SLAM's six classic digital collectibles.
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Are the Utah Jazz Playoff Contenders?
11/08/2022
Are the Utah Jazz Playoff Contenders?
Are the Utah Jazz serious playoff contenders? They are playing hard and they are a fun team to watch! Did anyone think they were going to be this good? How many games does it take in a before we know what we can expect from teams. We then transition to talk the greatest trades of all-time. Is it the Garnett trade to the Celtics, Gasol to the Lakers or maybe Kawhi to the Raptors? Finally, who are the most athletic guys in the league?
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Who is the Best Player on the Knicks?
11/04/2022
Who is the Best Player on the Knicks?
Who is the best player on the New York Knicks? Is there a clear-cut answer to this question? Hear our thoughts on Jalen Brunson and the leaders of this franchise. Underrated and underappreciated…What players fit into this category around the league? Are Fred VanVleet, Jrue Holiday, Khris Middleton and maybe even De’Aaron Fox in that discussion? We then shift the conversation to the Memphis Grizzlies. Is Desmond Bane on his way to stardom? Finally, let’s talk about the Brooklyn Nets. It looks like Kyrie and Durant might need some more help. Is Steve Nash placing his team in the right position to succeed? Do the Nets have a higher chance of making the playoffs than the Lakers?
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Have the Lakers Turned the Chapter?
11/01/2022
Have the Lakers Turned the Chapter?
It took six games but the Lakers are finally in the win column! Russ makes a move to the bench. Hear our thoughts on what this means for the Lakers. How will Russ adapt to his new role? Also, if Russ isn’t going to be traded, will the Lakers still make some moves? The discussion then shifts to the LA Clippers. They haven’t wowed us quite yet but they still have a ton of talent and should be able to figure it out. Cap or no cap…Oklahoma City will make the players in the next three years? Hear our thoughts on SGA and what his future may hold.
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Is John Wall a First Ballot Hall of Famer
10/28/2022
Is John Wall a First Ballot Hall of Famer
The discussion starts with the Cavs and Donovan Mitchell. Can they be one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference? How far could they go come playoff time? Can they defend the top wing players in the NBA and what are their greatest weaknesses? Also, what positions do guys like Pascal Siakam and Kyle Kuzma actually play? There are a lot of teams that could legitimately win a championship this year. Who will it be? Finally, are Kyle Lowry and John Wall first ballot Hall of Famers. How important are championship rings when discussing players on the fringe of making the hall of fame? Tune in to hear some active players who we think could be first ballot!
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Can Damian Lillard Lead the League in Scoring?
10/25/2022
Can Damian Lillard Lead the League in Scoring?
Damian Lillard is off to a hot start. Will he lead the league in scoring this year? The Trail Blazers are going to be relying on him more than ever. Hear our thoughts on some of the best young players in the league. Will there be a new MVP this year? Are Ja Morant, Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic in the mix to take home that award? There are so many talented young players in the league but who is going to be the one that separates themselves from the rest? Also, we weigh in on the Russell Westbrook dilemma. Will he be a Laker by the end of the year? Is there a team that would be a better fit?
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Will Tyrese Haliburton Win the Most Improved Player Award?
10/21/2022
Will Tyrese Haliburton Win the Most Improved Player Award?
The NBA season has begun and we are joined by Pacers beat writer Scott Agness! A young team on the rise, the Pacers are definitely an interesting talking point. Listen to us break down their roster and talk about their outlook for the season. What will we see from Tyrese Haliburton and be ready to hear our opinions on that blockbuster trade that brought him to Indiana. Also, we talk about the Pacers franchise as a whole. Our thoughts on upper management and how they can retain top talent!
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NBA BOLD PREDICTIONS FOR 2023
10/18/2022
NBA BOLD PREDICTIONS FOR 2023
Will Nikola Jokic join elite company as a 3x NBA MVP? We get active with our predictions for the 2022/23 NBA season. Is there a world where Pat Bev wins DPOY, and do we see a first-time All-Star in Jamal Murray? Plus our comeback player of the year!
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Who’s The Greatest Raptor Ever?
10/14/2022
Who’s The Greatest Raptor Ever?
Hello to our listeners up North! Today we have a Raptor’s special! We are joined by Toronto Raptors NBA beat writer/reporter, Josh Lewenberg! Discussion starts with a focus on Scottie Barnes and the level of growth we should see from him this year. How will the Raptors finish in a stacked Eastern Conference and who will be the players that leads this team? Is Kyle Lowry a Hall of Famer? Listen in to hear us breakdown key players on today’s roster and breakdown the best Raptors of all time!
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What Should The Warriors Do With Draymond Green?
10/12/2022
What Should The Warriors Do With Draymond Green?
Did Draymond Green go too far? If you were Jordan Poole, could you stay on the team after the events of the last week? Also, we talk about how Victor Wembanyama stacks up against the previous number-one overall picks.
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The Redeem Team!
10/07/2022
The Redeem Team!
There are only a few teams that can be considered for the title of G.O.A.T. Was it the ‘92 Dream Team? Or, the ’08 Redeem Team? The Redeem Team wrote one of the greatest comeback stories of all time, with Kobe, Lebron, D Wade and Melo all playing during the peak of their careers. Now, you can hear this story right from the athlete’s themselves in Netflix’s newest documentary, The Redeem Team. From filmmakers that brought you The Last Dance, bring you this inspiring film on a team that had everything to lose, and everything to prove. Out now, only on Netflix!
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Do We Really Care About Preseason Basketball?
10/04/2022
Do We Really Care About Preseason Basketball?
Do we really care about preseason basketball? The Suns took an L to an NBL team… but do we put any stock in it. PSA - The top 250 players in the league are elite, the last 200 may be a situation or because of relationships. Theus is sick of the Laker conversation about Russ, Pat Bev, Buddy Hield and all these different pieces. Anthony Davis should be the main discussion… point blank period, the expectations are here and aren’t going anywhere. How good will the pelicans be with Zion returning to form and on the court. With load management… will any NBA superstar ever play 82 games again?
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