Sam VecenieEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

Kevin O'Connor breaks down the biggest action from Wednesday night's NBA games including Victor Wembanyama's historic performance vs. the Mavericks, Luka's continued dominance for the Lakers and Jaylen Brown's defense against the Pistons. Plus, is it already time to panic for the Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets? Later, Kevin O'Connor and Sam Vecenie preview the wide-open 2027 NBA Draft class, compare top prospects Tyran Stokes and Bruce Branch to recent No. 1 picks and spotlight key returners to college that NBA teams are tracking. But first, the pair react to how rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is performing so far this...

Kevin O'Connor breaks down the biggest action from Wednesday night's NBA games including Victor Wembanyama's historic performance vs. the Mavericks, Luka's continued dominance for the Lakers and Jaylen Brown's defense against the Pistons. Plus, is it already time to panic for the Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets? Later, Kevin O'Connor and Sam Vecenie preview the wide-open 2027 NBA Draft class, compare top prospects Tyran Stokes and Bruce Branch to recent No. 1 picks and spotlight key returners to college that NBA teams are tracking. But first, the pair react to how rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is performing so far this...

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! First, Sam Vecenie (Game Theory Podcast, The Athletic) makes his return! The guys participate in a Rookie Intrigue draft, each selecting the five players they're most intrigued by for this upcoming season. On the WNBA side, the guys break down an electric game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever and talk through some of the broader lessons to take away. From there, they briefly check in on the streaking Mystics and the reeling Wings, evaluate the Team USA World Cup r...

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! First, Sam Vecenie (Game Theory Podcast, The Athletic) makes his return! The guys participate in a Rookie Intrigue draft, each selecting the five players they're most intrigued by for this upcoming season. On the WNBA side, the guys break down an electric game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Indiana Fever and talk through some of the broader lessons to take away. From there, they briefly check in on the streaking Mystics and the reeling Wings, evaluate the Team USA World Cup r...

In this edition of the Game Theory Podcast, Sam Vecenie & Bryce Simon react LIVE to all 30 picks selected during the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft! (24:58) - #1. Washington Wizards draft AJ Dybantsa (BYU) (31:15) - #2. Utah Jazz draft Darryn Peterson (Kansas) (37:19) - #3. Memphis Grizzlies draft Cameron Boozer (Duke) (43:49) - #4. Chicago Bulls draft Caleb Wilson (North Carolina) (50:09) - #5. LA Clippers draft Keaton Wagler (Illinois) (55:58) - #6. Brooklyn Nets draft Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville) (1:02:40) - #7. Sacramento Kings draft Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas) (1:08:11) - #8. Atlanta Hawks draft Kingston Flemings (Houston) (1:13:45) - #9. Dallas Mavericks draft Morez Johnson Jr. (Michigan) (1:19:20) - #10. Milwaukee Bucks draft Brayden Burries (Arizona) (1:27:45) - #11. Golden State Warriors draft Yaxel Lendeborg (Michigan) (1:34:33) - #12. Oklahoma City Thunder draft Aday Mara (Michigan) (1:44:20) - #13. Miami Heat draft Nate Ament (Tennessee) (Traded to Milwaukee) (1:52:19) - #14. Charlotte Hornets draft Hannes Steinbach (Washington) (1:59:28) - #15. Chicago Bulls draft Dailyn Swain (Texas) (2:06:28) - #16. Memphis Grizzlies from Bennett Stirtz (Iowa) (Traded to Oklahoma City) (2:14:39) - #17. Oklahoma City Thunder draft Ebuka Okorie (Stanford) (Traded to Detroit via Memphis) (2:22:34) - #18. Charlotte Hornets draft Christian Anderson (Texas Tech) (2:28:12) - #19. Toronto Raptors draft Allen Graves (Santa Clara) (2:36:03) - #20. San Antonio Spurs draft Jayden Quaintance (2:42:19) - #21. Detroit Pistons draft Karim López (New Zealand Breakers) (Traded to Memphis) (2:49:28) - #22. Philadelphia 76ers draft Labaron Philon Jr. (Alabama) (2:55:00) - #23. Atlanta Hawks draft Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s) (2:58:50) - #24. New York Knicks draft Cameron Carr (Baylor) (Reportedly traded to Los Angeles Lakers) (3:09:32) - #25. Los Angeles Lakers draft Sergio De Larrea (Valencia) (Reportedly traded to Dallas via New York) (3:17:52) - #26. Denver Nuggets draft Tarris Reed Jr. (Connecticut) (Reportedly traded to San Antonio) (3:23:45) - #27. Boston Celtics draft Chris Cenac Jr. (Houston) (3:30:50) - #28. Minnesota Timberwolves draft Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State) (Traded to Brooklyn) (3:35:10) - #29. Cleveland Cavaliers draft Alex Karaban (Connecticut) (Reportedly traded to Sacramento) (3:38:15) - #30. Dallas Mavericks draft Koa Peat (Arizona) (Reportedly traded to Phoenix via New York) CHECK OUT THE ⁠⁠VIDEO VERSION⁠⁠ OF THE FULL LIVE SHOW ON THE GAME THEORY ⁠⁠YOUTUBE CHANNEL⁠⁠ ! ⁠⁠SIGN UP FOR BONUS NBA DRAFT FILM BREAKDOWNS & DISCUSSIONS ON SUBSTACK!⁠⁠ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevin O’Connor reacts to the Knicks sweeping the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Are we underestimating the Knicks? And what’s next for Cleveland? Kevin is joined by Sam Vecenie to talk all things NBA Draft. They discuss the best fits for top prospects, players we’re underestimating, and which guys should stay in the draft vs. return to school. Later, UConn’s Alex Karaban joins to talk his game & NBA Draft hopes. (0:29) Knicks sweep Cavs in East Finals (16:10) NBA Draft questions with Sam Vecenie (59:18) NBA’s 3-2-1 lottery oversight (1:17:33) Draft prospect Alex Karaban joins the show 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv 🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Kevin O’Connor reacts to the Knicks sweeping the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Are we underestimating the Knicks? And what’s next for Cleveland? Kevin is joined by Sam Vecenie to talk all things NBA Draft. They discuss the best fits for top prospects, players we’re underestimating, and which guys should stay in the draft vs. return to school. Later, UConn’s Alex Karaban joins to talk his game & NBA Draft hopes. (0:29) Knicks sweep Cavs in East Finals (16:10) NBA Draft questions with Sam Vecenie (59:18) NBA’s 3-2-1 lottery oversight (1:17:33) Draft prospect Alex Karaban joins the show Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Ryen opens the show by reexamining the San Antonio Spurs’ ceiling for the 2025–26 season and Deandre Ayton’s fit with the Lakers. Then The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie joins to discuss the top of the 2026 NBA draft class and college basketball’s talent glut. Finally, Ryen and Kyle close the show with Life Advice, including why standing to pee is important and Boston parking space–saving etiquette. NBA OPEN (1:43) Spurs 2025-26 Ceiling (12:55) DeAndre Ayton as a Laker SAM VECENIE (18:53) The Darryn Peterson Mystery (30:16) Cam Boozer (39:57) A.J. Dybantsa (46:49) Caleb Wilson (51:55) Keaton Wagler (57:50) Kingston Flemings (1:02:58) What to make of Saint John’s (1:07:41) College Basketball is back! LIFE ADVICE (1:18:32) _ _ _ _ _ Download the Gametime app and use code RUSSILLO for $20 off your first purchase. _ _ _ _ _ Learn more at https://microsoft.com/m365copilot _ _ _ _ _

Andrew Schlecht is joined by Sam Vecenie to discuss the 2026 NBA Draft, if it is worth tanking for, what the quality of the top of the draft is, and where else teams will be able to find value. Plus, how NIL is thinning out the 2nd round. Then in part 2 the guys discuss the NBA’s rookie class, how Kon is exceeding expectations, what Cooper is doing for Dallas, and much more. Then they end with a few Giannis fake trades. Join our Discord! https://discord.gg/eme2tPcUM2 Host: Andrew Schlecht With: Sam Vecenie Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Monica Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Sam Vecenie of the Athletic and the Game Theory Podcast to discuss the 2026 NBA Draft. Is Darryn Peterson as good as everyone says? Why is Cam Boozer off to an awesome and also strange start? Is AJ Dybantsa a can’t miss prospect at 3, or does he have too many holes in his game? Who else will break into the top 5 + a lightning round of questions.Then the guys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Sam Vecenie Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Monica Compton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh answer the twelve biggest NBA questions at this point in the season, including whether Houston is a top-tier contender and which team should trade for Anthony Davis. Then they explain why star player injuries have increased and how the league can address this. Next, they discuss Coby White’s impact on the Bulls, Jonathan Kuminga’s fit with the Golden State Warriors and whether the Nets are featuring Michael Porter Jr. for a trade. Plus, they break down LeBron’s season debut, Bam Adebayo’s defensive player of the year odds and the best player comparisons for Kon Knueppel. Later, Sam Vecenie joins the show to break down which rookies are making an impact with this week’s edition of Draft Class. (0:22) Rockets' strange offense (7:27) Who should trade for AD? (13:21) Coby White's impact for Chicago (18:30) Where does Scoot fit with the Blazers? (20:35) Magic, Celtics & Bucks Finals odds (25:47) NBA injury issues (34:31) Updated assessment of Kuminga’s fit (41:27) Michael Porter Jr. recent performances (49:03) LeBron returns to Lakers' lineup (50:51) Bam Adebayo for DPOY? (53:54) Player comps for Kon Kneuppel (59:55) Derik Queen drops 30 on Nuggets (1:09:07) Draft Class with Sam Vecenie (1:20:29) Lottery Lessons: Cam Boozer (1:31:22) Lottery Lessons: AJ Dybantsa (1:39:13) Weekly Movers: Kingston Flemings Subscribe to The Kevin O’Connor Show on the your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh answer the twelve biggest NBA questions at this point in the season, including whether Houston is a top-tier contender and which team should trade for Anthony Davis. Then they explain why star player injuries have increased and how the league can address this. Next, they discuss Coby White’s impact on the Bulls, Jonathan Kuminga’s fit with the Golden State Warriors and whether the Nets are featuring Michael Porter Jr. for a trade. Plus, they break down LeBron’s season debut, Bam Adebayo’s defensive player of the year odds and the best player comparisons for Kon Knueppel. Later, Sam Vecenie joins the show to break down which rookies are making an impact with this week’s edition of Draft Class. (0:22) Rockets' strange offense (7:27) Who should trade for AD? (13:21) Coby White's impact for Chicago (18:30) Where does Scoot fit with the Blazers? (20:35) Magic, Celtics & Bucks Finals odds (25:47) NBA injury issues (34:31) Updated assessment of Kuminga’s fit (41:27) Michael Porter Jr. recent performances (49:03) LeBron returns to Lakers' lineup (50:51) Bam Adebayo for DPOY? (53:54) Player comps for Kon Kneuppel (59:55) Derik Queen drops 30 on Nuggets (1:09:07) Draft Class with Sam Vecenie (1:20:29) Lottery Lessons: Cam Boozer (1:31:22) Lottery Lessons: AJ Dybantsa (1:39:13) Weekly Movers: Kingston Flemings 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv 🖥️ Subscribe to the all new Yahoo Sports NBA channel on YouTube!

Dave DuFour, Es Baraheni, and Sam Vecenie talk about this year's rookie class, Sam's rankings, and Cooper Flagg as a point guard. Then, Eric Koreen joins the show to breakdown the Raptors big win over the Cavaliers, Scottie Barnes start to the year, and how the bench has been boosted. Host: Dave DuFour With: Es Baraheni, Sam Vecenie, and Eric Koreen Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Producer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We are live at NBA Summer League in Vegas and Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers check in with Sam Vecenie of the Athletic to discuss Summer League and all the players surrounding it. During the interview Alex gives Sam and Andrew a trivia quiz. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Sam Vecenie Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Sam Vecenie of the Athletic to discuss the NBA Draft, what the Pelicans and Nets are doing, who from this class will be an All Star or fringe All Star and so much more. Then the guys have Sam sort the 2024 and 2025 drafts into categories of All Star, Starter, Role Player and Out of the league with the lottery for each draft. They finish the show with a fun edition of Andrew vs. The Beat. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Sam Vecenie Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Editor: Gonzalo Torres Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russillo starts the show by looking at how the Pacers were able to dominate in Game 6 (1:55). Then, he’s joined by Sam Vecenie to break down Cooper Flagg’s game, share their favorite prospects, and discuss which team has the most trustworthy front office (13:33). Next, Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell comes on to explain what it was like having two lottery picks last season, how Rutgers will build off this, and what to make of Ace Bailey canceling meetings with teams (1:19:12). Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, livestreams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Host: Ryen Russillo Guests: Sam Vecenie and Steve Pikiell Producers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, Mike Wargon, and Jonathan Frias Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Sam Vecenie of the Athletic to discuss the NBA Draft! They discuss how NIL is affecting the draft and the second round, if the Sixers are going to move their pick, and we discuss a variety of first round prospects and Vecenie's thoughts and opinions on them. Then the boys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat, a trivia game where Andrew is pitted against Sam. Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers With: Sam Vecenie Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Audio/Video Editor: Gonzalo Torres Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the NBA draft just two weeks away, J. Kyle Mann brings on The Athletic's Sam Vecenie to discuss his latest mock draft, the excitement and challenges that come with evaluating players, and the concept of the weak link theory in the NBA. They also explore the potential of various prospects and the factors that could contribute to their success or limitations in the league. (00:00) Intro (01:42) The process of evaluating players (08:22) How Sam builds out his mock using tiers (15:55) On Kasparas Jakucionis from Illinois (17:28) On Carter Bryant from Arizona (22:41) On Collin Murray-Boyles from South Carolina (30:45) On Derik Queen from Maryland (36:28) Are you considering the "weak link theory" when scouting prospects? (43:12) Are there any top-15 prospects that you can see being on the floor in the current Finals? (46:01) Imagining Dylan Harper with the Spurs (54:06) On Tre Johnson from Texas (55:16) On Kon Knueppel from Duke (57:30) On Noah Penda from France (58:26) On Khaman Maluach from Duke (01:02:53) On Noa Essengue from France (01:05:35) On Joan Beringer from France (01:12:25) On Danny Wolf from Michigan (01:17:33) On Maxime Raynaud from Stanford Check out The Ringer’s 2025 NBA Draft Guide for all the latest prospect rankings, draft grades, and more! Host: J. Kyle Mann Guest: Sam Vecenie Producer: Jessie Lopez Additional Production Support: Ben Cruz Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Andrew Schlecht and Sam Vecenie are on location at Summer League to breakdown all the rookies to watch and discuss the sophomores that need to show out. Host: Andrew Schlecht With: Sam Vecenie Executive Producer: Andrew Schlecht Producer: Dave DuFour Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Russillo is joined by UConn head coach Dan Hurley to learn more about UConn’s draft prospects and discuss the Lakers head-coaching job (0:35). Then, Sam Vecenie comes on to preview the lottery picks, talk about the strength of the class, and break down Bronny James (27:36). Finally, Life Advice with Ceruti and Kyle (88:50)! Can I hit on girls at the gym? Check us out on YouTube for exclusive clips, live streams, and more at https://www.youtube.com/@RyenRussilloPodcast The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please check out rg-help.com to find out more or listen to the end of the episode for additional details. Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Dan Hurley and Sam Vecenie Producers: Steve Ceruti, Kyle Crichton, and Mike Wargon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on the Trailblazers landing Scoot Henderson with the third overall pick, teams drafting for need, Chris Paul being traded to the Warriors, and ESPN's draft coverage (0:35). Then Ryen is joined by The Athletic's Sam Vecenie to discuss Brandon Miller being drafted second overall to the Hornets over Scoot, the Thompson twins going fourth and fifth overall, and Cam Whitmore's drastic slide to 20th, as well as their least favorite picks, first round sleepers, and more (18:01). Finally, Ryen recaps the NYC live show before answering some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:02:48). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Sam Vecenie Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ryen is joined by 'The Athletic'’s Sam Vecenie for an extensive breakdown of all the major prospects in next week’s NBA draft, including where Chet Holmgren should want to land, if we’re underrating Jabari Smith Jr.’s ceiling, and more (0:32)! Then, he’s joined by the NBA’s associate VP of international basketball operations, Chris Ebersole, to talk about the influx of international talent in the league, why it's only going to keep growing, and a look at some of the best international prospects in this draft (56:12). Finally, he closes it out with some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:16:09). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Sam Vecenie and Chris Ebersole Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Russillo shares his thoughts on college football conference realignment (0:35) before talking with The Athletic's Sam Vecenie about the upcoming NBA draft and running through almost every first-round prospect (10:15). Finally Ryen answers some listener-submitted Life Advice questions (1:04:40). Host: Ryen Russillo Guest: Sam Vecenie Producers: Kyle Crichton and Steve Ceruti Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Athletic's Sam Vecenie joins Sam and Andy to discuss all things draft. How likely are the Warriors to trade the picks? Kuminga or Bouknight? Moody or Giddey? Will Davion Mitchell be there at 14? Chris Duarte or Trey Murphy? And much much more. Host: Sam Esfandiari and Andy Liu Guest: Sam Vecenie Producer: Tim Angan Music Provided by Uknowshino Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The NBA Podcast, Morten Jensen (@msjnba) and Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) welcome Sam Vecenie (@sam_vecenie) of The Athletic to preview the 2019 NBA draft before discussing the fallout from the Anthony Davis trade. Where does Zion Williamson rank among top prospects in recent years? Should the Pelicans trade the No. 4 pick? Should the Grizzlies trade Mike Conley this week? Which mid-round prospects should teams be targeting? Did the Lakers really forget to negotiate the timing of the Davis trade? Check out the episode to hear Morten, Bryan and Sam discuss all of that and more. Follow us on Twitter: @TheNBAPod

Host Danny Leroux (@DannyLeroux) and draft expert Sam Vecenie of The Athletic (@Sam_Vecenie) preview the NCAA Tournament, focusing on 2019 NBA Draft prospects. They discuss Zion Williamson’s return from injury, Ja Morant making March Madness, players who can affect their draft stock and much more. Sponsored by Yahoo Daily Fantasy (yahoo.com/DailyFantasy) CBS Sports HQ, Peter Millar (petermillar.com/realgm), Betonline.ag and TrueCar Subscribe to RealGM Radio on iTunes or via the RSS feed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Danny Leroux (@DannyLeroux) and draft expert Sam Vecenie of The Athletic (@Sam_Vecenie) break down the 2019 NBA Draft prospects and the overall player development system. They discuss the NBA’s new G-League payment path, the top players in the 2019 draft class, the overall strength of the last few drafts and much more. Sponsored by All American on The CW, Simple Contacts (simplecontacts.com/realgm), Betonline.ag, Pluto TV and TrueCar Subscribe to RealGM Radio on iTunes or via the RSS feed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Danny Leroux (@DannyLeroux) and draft expert Sam Vecenie of The Athletic (@Sam_Vecenie) review an eventful 2018 NBA Draft. They discuss the massive Mavericks/Hawks trade, Michael Porter Jr’s fall, the best values in both rounds and their big takeaways from the night. Sponsored by Hims (http://forhims.com/real) and TrueCar. Subscribe to RealGM Radio on iTunes or via the RSS feed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Host Danny Leroux (@DannyLeroux) and NBA Draft expert Sam Vecenie of The Athletic (@Sam_Vecenie) break down the NCAA Tournament and the NBA prospects involved in it. They discuss players who NBA fans should watch early, prospects with the best opportunity to elevate their stock, DeAndre Ayton’s place in the conversation for first overall pick and much more. Sponsored by BetDSI, TrueCar and the Legends of Sport podcast Subscribe to RealGM Radio on iTunes or via the RSS feed. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sam Vecenie from The Athletic stops by to talk to Tyler and Smallz about the first round of the NCAA tournament. The guys pick 5 games each, talk about some early tournament story lines and Smallz throws shade at Kelvin Sampson. For more college basketball insights and potential winners, follow Sam on twitter, @Sam_Vecenie. 20:18 -- Picking Winners