Podcasting has become popular big time. In 2021, according to data reported on the website of consumer and market data company Statista, there were an estimated 120 million podcast listeners in the United States. Experts predict this number will increase by around 20 million each year, meaning that in 2023, the number of listeners will hit more than 160 million. Podcasts are in.
Perhaps one of the main reasons for the popularity of podcasts is that listeners can listen to discussion of the subjects that interest them the most. Today, it’s possible to get podcasts on almost every subject under the sun: true crime, science, personal finance, sport, current affairs… the list is endless.
That’s good news for NBA fans, who can listen to podcasts on the game and keep up with all the latest news and analysis. In fact, if they like to bet on NBA matches with DraftKings, podcasts are an excellent tool for helping them to make informed decisions around their bets.
Below is a look at some of the best basketball podcasts for fans of the hoops:
The Bill Simmons Podcast
The founder and CEO of the sports website The Ringer, Bill Simmons, hosts this hugely popular sports podcast which focuses mostly on the NBA and NFL. On the show, Bill discusses player behavior and the plays in each game, with recurring guests such as Cousin Sal, Joe House and other friends or family who seem to be around at the time of the podcast recording.
If you’re looking for tell-it-like-it-is views on sports, you’ll find them here. Bill and his guests don’t hold back if they don’t agree with a play or a decision. The podcast is fresh, funny and without any filters. If you’re into sports, this podcast is a must-have on your phone or wherever else you tune in for your podcasts.
The Greatest of All Talk
The co-hosts of Sports Illustrated’s “Open NBA” podcast from 2016 to 2019, Andrew Sharp and Ben Golliver, have joined forces to bring NBA fans an independent podcast, “The Greatest of All Talk”. On the podcast, they deliver high-quality conversation about the prestigious basketball association, including chat on NBA news and rumors, as well as engage in heated debates over various aspects of the sport.
Despite the disagreements between the two over some issues, the debates themselves make for easy listening. It’s not all heated discussion, however. There are plenty of light-hearted conversations and the mix keeps the podcast entertaining, as does the fact that these guys are seriously knowledgeable about basketball, which means they talk a lot of sense amongst all the banter.
Dunc’d on Basketball
This podcast, created and hosted by Nate Duncan, is a little unusual as far as podcasts on the NBA go, but no less worth listening to. The fact that the presenter discusses events in the NBA from a business perspective creates a new take for listeners on everything that’s happening in the NBA. For instance, if a team maneuvers their cap space, can they sign a certain free agent?
Ultimately, the podcast is very analytical but is also tremendous for in-depth discussion on specific teams. Along with his guests, Nate will carry out deep dives and dedicate entire episodes to discussing a sole team. He also breaks down games in depth and discusses issues such as scouting. Definitely a podcast to listen to if you like detail.
The Woj Pod
If you haven’t heard of Adrian Wojnarowski, known more commonly as “Woj,” then it’s hard to call yourself an NBA fan. Woj is an ESPN NBA insider and has some excellent sources. He’s a major breaker of news, perhaps the foremost news breaker in any sport and his account on Twitter is a must-follow. If there’s a new signing or trade in the NBA, you’re likely to first hear about it from Woj.
The podcast is just as insightful and full of reliable, high-quality information. Guests include NBA major stars, coaches, executives and newsmakers. The podcast delivers a mix of interviews, analysis and storytelling and, ultimately, is one not to be missed if you want to keep truly in the know on everything happening in the NBA.
The fast pace and the drama of the NBA makes it full of talking points, which has created scope for lots more amazing podcasts. Have a listen to the ones above and if you’re hungry for more NBA podcasts, try the aforementioned “Open Floor”, as well as “The Ringer NBA Show,” “The Starters,” and “The Hoop Collective.” Keep an eye out, too, for anything involving Rachel Nichols, who for a long time has been one of the best basketball interviewers and brings a great deal to any podcast on which she appears or which she presents.
