The Mismatch podcast

The Mismatch

Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.

Kevin O’Connor and Chris Vernon discuss all the news, trends, and transactions happening in the NBA. They also offer their on-court analysis, and occasionally get into heated debates.

 

#334

Determining Jontay Porter’s Punishment, March Madness Prospect Stock, and Can the Rockets Catch the ...

Verno and KOC discuss the NBA’s investigation into Jontay Porter after multiple instances of "betting irregularities" were discovered and debate the type of punishment the NBA should hand down (01:20). After this weekend’s March Madness games, they discuss the draft stock of Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard, UConn’s Donovan Clingan, Marquette’s Tyler Kolek, and more (19:32). While there are no franchise cornerstones in this draft class, the guys explain why the prospects in this class can still make a big impact (37:15). Next, they discuss Jalen Green’s performance during the Rockets' nine-game winning streak and Draymond Green’s huge defensive impact for the Warriors. Then, they debate whether the Clippers are frauds and whether Domantas Sabonis can continue this type of play into the playoffs (42:27). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

26 Mar 2024

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:11

26 Mar 2024


#333

The Most Interesting NBA Players Down the Stretch, Plus March Madness Prospects to Watch

Verno and KOC discuss how the NCAA tournament can greatly impact the draft stocks for prospects and highlight a few of the prospects participating, including Purdue’s Zach Edey, Colorado’s Cody Williams, North Carolina’s Elliot Cadeau, and more (01:34). Next, the guys each select four players they are keeping a close eye on with just a few weeks left in the regular season (23:34). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

22 Mar 2024

1 HR 17 MINS

1:17:07

22 Mar 2024


#332

Exploring the Thunder’s Chemistry, Playoff Prospects, and Tournament Anticipation

Verno and KOC discuss how the Thunder’s organic team chemistry has led to their success this year (03:04). The guys react to Kyrie Irving’s game-winner over the weekend before taking a hard look at the Suns after losing to the Giannis-less Bucks (19:59). Also, was Alperen Sengun holding back Jalen Green (33:56)? Finally, the guys discuss how important OG Anunoby is to the Knicks and share their excitement for the NCAA tournament to begin (45:06). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Mar 2024

1 HR 07 MINS

1:07:17

19 Mar 2024


#331

Is There a New Alpha in Boston? Plus, Exposing the Lack of Foul Calls.

Verno and KOC discuss Al Horford and Jaylen Brown’s performance in last night’s Celtics win over the Suns (01:48). Is Brown quietly becoming the new leader in Boston? Next, the guys dive into Tom Haberstroh and Ethan Strauss’s recent reporting about how officiating has changed and the lack of fouls being called in games (23:05). The guys speculate about whether this is something Adam Silver has quietly done to improve the game for potential future broadcast partners and whether this could lead to more rule changes down the line. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

15 Mar 2024

1 HR 08 MINS

1:08:27

15 Mar 2024


#330

The NBA Postseason Belief Scale

With just over a month left in the regular season, Verno and KOC discuss their levels of belief in all of the potential playoff teams in each conference. They start off in the East (02:45) before turning their attention to the West (37:51). Also, with KOC’s NBA Draft Guide launching and the March Madness tournament starting up, the guys dive into some draft talk and discuss a few prospects they like (01:09:10). You can find KOC’s Draft Guide [here] (https://nbadraft.theringer.com/?_ga=2.110472773.1766304343.1710175079-1297010252.1653878580) . Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

12 Mar 2024

1 HR 27 MINS

1:27:54

12 Mar 2024


#329

The Nuggets Sweep the Season Series Against the Celtics, Edwards Drops 44, and Luka’s Historic Perfo...

Verno and KOC start with the highly anticipated matchup between the Nuggets and Celtics, which saw the Nuggets sweep the season series. They discussed what this matchup could look like in the Finals, how to guard Denver, and more. Then, they discuss some of the other close games from Thursday night, including Luka getting another 35-point triple-double (18:30), Anthony Edwards exploding for 44 points and a game-saving block (21:27), and the Bulls upsetting the Warriors (40:29). Then, they quickly check in on the top draft prospects and guys to watch with conference tournaments beginning and March Madness starting soon(45:20). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @‌ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) _ and @‌_ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout [theringer.com/RG] (https://www.theringer.com/pages/responsiblegaming) to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

08 Mar 2024

1 HR 02 MINS

1:02:30

08 Mar 2024


#328

Dame Still Has It, Gearing Up for a Boston-Denver Collision, and Can Wemby Upset Gobert for the DPOY...

Verno and KOC discuss the Bucks’ impressive win over the Clippers, despite being without Giannis (01:42). Dame showed us he still has some of his Portland magic as the Clippers continue to slide. The Celtics are riding high after completely blowing out the Warriors over the weekend, extending their win streak to 11. The guys then preview the Celtics’ highly anticipated Thursday night matchup against the Nuggets (20:39). After losing to the Lakers, the guys debate whether the Thunder can match their size if the two meet in the playoffs again. Plus, there is discussion of who will win the Defensive Player of the Year award (32:05). The guys also get into how Gary Harris’s shooting is impacting the Magic, why you should still be wary about the Heat, and the Kings’ fourth-quarter meltdown against the Bulls (48:48). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

05 Mar 2024

1 HR 07 MINS

1:07:27

05 Mar 2024


#327

Buying Into the Chet Vs. Wemby Rivalry and the Emerging Warriors, Plus: Has Doc Fixed the Bucks?

Verno and KOC break down what could be the next great NBA rivalry between the Spurs and Thunder with Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama (01:50). They dive into how special these rookies are and why the future's so bright for both. With Andrew Wiggins away from the Warriors, Moses Moody slides into the starting lineup—the guys explain why this move could be beneficial for the team down the stretch (14:28). With the no. 5 and no. 10 seeds separated by only 3.5 games in the West, the guys debate which teams have the best chance to secure the guaranteed playoff spot and avoid the play-in (28:38). Also, KOC explains what Doc Rivers has done to fix the Bucks defense and discusses Joel Embiid's plan to return to the Sixers this season (37:00). You can read KOC’s article about Doc and the Bucks [here] (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2024/2/28/24085544/milwaukee-bucks-defense-giannis-antetokounmpo-doc-rivers) . Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

01 Mar 2024

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:06

01 Mar 2024


#326

NBA Abominations, Wemby's 5x5, and Defending This Year's Draft Class

Verno and KOC discuss the wild ending to the Knicks-Pistons game, as well as the weird state of the Nets franchise (01:19). Trae Young had surgery and is expected to miss four weeks, and the guys explain why the Hawks could use this time to evaluate their future (12:36). Also, they discuss how well Jaime Jaquez Jr. has performed this season, KOC’s experience watching the UCLA-USC basketball game over the weekend, and the unparalleled success of Kentucky guards in the league (20:09). The guys examine Victor Wembanyama’s extraordinary rookie season and explain why he is already destined to become one of the all-time greats (46:45). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

27 Feb 2024

59 MINS

59:52

27 Feb 2024


#325

The Six Most Interesting Teams Down the NBA’s Final Stretch

Verno and KOC are back from the All-Star break and they each name the three teams they are most interested in as teams gear up for the playoff push (08:48). Is this the best Mavs team that Luka Doncic has had? Are the Warriors starting to figure things out? Is Russell Westbrook going to hold the Clippers back from winning it all? The guys discuss all this and more. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming, please checkout [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

23 Feb 2024

1 HR 03 MINS

1:03:06

23 Feb 2024


#324

Trae Young Trade Rumors, Grizzlies Silver Linings, All-Star Festivities, and Does Pop Still Got It?

Verno and KOC discuss the Grizzlies' upset win over the Bucks as well as Klay Thompson’s hot performance after getting benched (00:24). Next, they have a leaguewide check-in entering the All-Star break, starting off with all the noise surrounding the Warriors after it was reported that they looked into LeBron James's availability (25:05). They debate whether Victor Wembanyama is a top-20 player (39:00), wonder how far the 76ers could fall in the standings (01:04:01), discuss what they are looking forward to in this weekend’s All-Star game festivities (01:11:20), and so much more. Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

16 Feb 2024

1 HR 25 MINS

1:25:16

16 Feb 2024


#323

Wolves and Bucks Pick Up Statement Wins, Quick Rookie Check-in, and Reacting to the Second MVP Straw...

Verno and KOC begin the show by talking about the games they attended last night, starting with the Timberwolves' victory over the Clippers. Then they discuss the Pelicans' win over the Grizzlies (12:31). Next they talk about what kind of statement the Bucks made with their win over the Nuggets (18:40). After that, they talk about a few other notable results and performances, specifically from a handful of rookies (39:16), before wrapping up by giving their reactions to the second MVP straw poll results (55:17). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Isaiah Blakely Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

13 Feb 2024

1 HR 01 MINS

1:01:39

13 Feb 2024


#322

Believing in the Thunder, Why the Knicks and Mavs Won the Day, and Recapping a Mediocre Trade Deadli...

Verno and KOC discuss a mediocre NBA trade deadline that saw no real impactful moves made. They go through the winners of the deadline, including the Knicks and Mavericks, as well as their disappointment with the Lakers and Warriors for not making any moves (08:40). Next, they discuss what kind of impact Gordon Hayward will have with the Thunder, and debate whether Oklahoma City can make a Finals run (24:35). Also, they discuss what Royce O'Neale brings to the Suns, Xavier Tillman’s fit with Boston, and other smaller deadline deals (38:07). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

09 Feb 2024

57 MINS

57:53

09 Feb 2024


#321

NBA Trade Rumor Recap, Embiid’s Surgery, and Draft Talk

Verno and KOC go through KOC’s recent article (found [here] (https://www.theringer.com/nba/2024/2/5/24062099/joel-embiid-meniscus-injury-philadelphia-76ers-trade-deadline) ) and discuss the 76ers' next move after Joel Embiid’s injury, whether the Hawks should consider trading Trae Young instead of Dejounte Murray, LeBron’s pressure on the Lakers, and so much more (02:02). With the trade deadline this week, the guys discuss some of the names that are rumored to be moving, including Grant Williams (44:08). Also, Verno discusses what he likes from prospect Matas Buzelis after watching him play in person, and KOC shares his experience testing out the new Apple Vision Pro headset (52:29). Got a question for Verno and KOC? Send them an email at [nbamailbag@gmail.com] (mailto:nbamailbag@gmail.com) ! Or you can send the guys a tweet @ [ChrisVernonShow] (https://twitter.com/ChrisVernonShow) and @ [KevinOConnorNBA] (https://twitter.com/KevinOConnorNBA) ! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out [http://theringer.com/RG] (http://theringer.com/RG) to find out more, or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Hosts: Chris Vernon and Kevin O’Connor Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [podcastchoices.com/adchoices] (https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices) ... Read more

06 Feb 2024

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:05

06 Feb 2024