The Zach Lowe Show

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to talk news and notes from around the league, including Brandin Podziemski’s new contract and Kyrie Irving’s return to the court. Then, they draft the most confusing teams in the league for the upcoming season. Plus, Zach is writing about the NBA again! Sign up for his weekly newsletter, The Lowe Post, at (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:36) Rob Mahoney joins the show! (2:51) Brandin Podziemski gets a new deal (11:20) Knicks tabling contract-extension talks (21:20) Five most confusing teams in the NBA (1:00:26) Other teams we're confused by (1:08:26) Are the Pistons a lock to be a top-six seed? (1:15:02) Are we not giving the Mavs enough credit? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Rob Mahoney Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. #ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! MICHELOB ULTRA®️ COURTSIDE ’26 to ’27. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+ Begins on 10/1/26 and ends on 6/30/27. Multiple entry periods. See Official Rules at for free entry, entry deadlines, prizes, and details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach and Nekias Duncan start things off by sharing their biggest takeaways from the preseason so far and revealing the players they find most intriguing. Then, Nick Friedell joins Zach to explain the Warriors' game plan for this season and provide some updates to their extension discussions. Finally, Tyrese Haliburton comes on to recap his recovery and thoughts on the Finals, his rivalry with the New York Knicks, and what he’d like to do in the WWE. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:27) Nekias Duncan joins the show! (9:20) Random preseason observations (34:10) Rapid-fire thoughts (37:52) Most intriguing players (58:35) Nick Friedell joins the show! (1:07:09) Should we expect a Podziemski extension? (1:16:38) The Warriors should probably just ride this out (1:21:22) Tyrese Haliburton joins the show! (1:24:16) What’s different about you from when you were at your peak? (1:34:11) On the team's differences at center (1:40:30) On the Knicks rivalry (1:42:35) WWE wishlist (1:45:28) Does this team have a hunger to it? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Nekias Duncan, Nick Friedell, and Tyrese Haliburton Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Create a Personalized Price Plan® today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Steve Nash to discuss LeBron’s latest injury concerns and how Giannis jelled with the Heat in his first action. Then, they answer big questions for the upcoming season, including who to trust in the East and which team in the West could jump into a top-six seed. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for Mets Corner to debate the Mets' chances next season and make the case for Carson Benge as Rookie of the Year. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:24) Steve Nash joins the show! (3:48) Four questions for the Eastern Conference (27:54) Does OKC still have a "death lineup"? (31:38) Eastern Conference pick besides the Knicks (37:50) Best in the West besides OKC and SA (41:20) Which Western Conference team can jump into the top six? (47:34) Memories of playing with the Suns (50:44) Preseason MVP pick (55:41) How Steve would speed up the game (59:58) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey! (1:06:15) Serious doubts about whether the Mets can win next season (1:26:04) Are we happy that Andy Green is back? (1:30:51) Benge's Rookie of the Year chances Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Steve Nash and Sean Fennessey Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. #ULTRACourtside could get you closer to the game! MICHELOB ULTRA:registered: COURTSIDE ’26 to ’27. No Purchase Necessary. Open to US residents 21+ Begins on 10/1/26 and ends on 6/30/27. Multiple entry periods. See Official Rules at for free entry, entry deadlines, prizes, and details. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry to run through the Eastern Conference and share the fatal flaw of each contender. Then, they reveal which team they think is most dangerous to the Knicks and share some awards picks. Finally, Joanna Robinson comes on to discuss The New York Times' list of the top 100 TV shows of the 21st century. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:44) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show! (5:25) Which team is most dangerous to the Knicks? (17:48) How much will the Knicks miss Mitchell Robinson? (20:59) Cleveland still has a wing depth issue (33:09) The Pacers are still a contender (50:18) Who will be Rookie of the Year? (53:10) If not Wemby, who can win Defensive Player of the Year? (1:09:57) NYT's top 100 TV shows of the 21st century with Joanna Robinson (1:17:38) Underrated shows (1:31:17) Shows you were surprised didn’t make the list (1:33:49) Overrated shows Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Kirk Goldsberry and Joanna Robinson Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil to cover the latest from NBA media day. Then, they reveal their under-the-radar X factors, share who could be a first-time All-Star, and review Jalen Brunson’s 'SNL' performance. Then, Keith O’Brien comes on to share stories about Larry Bird from his book ‘Heartland.’ (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:30) Mo Dakhil joins the show! (2:05) Media day news (30:32) Under-the-radar X factors for this season (53:35) Who can be a first-time All-Star? (1:04:11) Jalen Brunson 'SNL' review (1:10:44) Keith O’Brien joins the show! (1:21:00) On Bird almost quitting basketball (1:29:26) Larry Bird got into some fights Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Mo Dakhil and Keith O’Brien Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli Learn More at Lincoln.com The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Howard Beck to run through the latest news from around the NBA. They start by discussing the most likely outcomes for Jalen Duren and the Pistons. Then, they share their thoughts on Kawhi Leonard’s contract extension, before previewing what the contracts could look like for the Knicks’ stars. Finally, they close the show with some early award predictions.(0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show!(01:34) Howard Beck joins the show!(03:03) The Jalen Duren contract situation is getting spicy!(10:55) Duren is only 22 and his trajectory is still pointing up(21:50) Kawhi Leonard contract extension(30:03) Steph Curry latest(37:42) What’s going to happen with KAT?(48:00) Coach of the Year Award Picks(56:17) 6th Man of the Year Award PicksHost: Zach LoweGuest: Howard BeckProducers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike WargonSocial: Keith Fujimoto and Michael SzokoliThe Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to go team by team through the Western Conference, and each share one big question they have for each team and cover the latest news and notes along the way. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:42) Rob Mahoney joins the show! (3:01) Utah Jazz (8:45) Denver Nuggets (13:36) Minnesota Timberwolves (18:52) Portland Trailblazers (23:08) Oklahoma City Thunder (28:28) Memphis Grizzlies (33:43) Dallas Mavericks (37:59) San Antonio Spurs (42:36) Houston Rockets (55:39) New Orleans Pelicans (1:02:26) Golden State Warriors (1:07:03) Phoenix Suns (1:11:54) Los Angeles Clippers (1:15:48) Sacramento Kings (1:26:06) Los Angeles Lakers Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Rob Mahoney Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Chris Ryan and Joe House to draft their favorite NBA champions since 2000. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for Mets Corner to discuss how they both feel about Citi Field giving Pete Alonso a curtain call. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (2:33) Drafting favorite NBA champions since 2000 (23:02) Second round (36:58) Third round (54:19) Fourth round (1:11:41) Fifth round (1:28:05) Teams that weren’t selected (1:40:38) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey! (1:41:21) Should Mets fans have given Pete Alonso a curtain call? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Chris Ryan, Joe House, and Sean Fennessey Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Michael Pina to recap Steve Ballmer’s apology letter and put a bow on the entire Clippers saga. Then, they run through every team in the Eastern Conference and ask one big question for each. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:28) Michael Pina joins the show! (2:02) Final thoughts on the Clippers (9:43) Toronto Raptors (14:02) Boston Celtics (17:25) Philadelphia 76ers (21:09) Brooklyn Nets (24:37) New York Knicks (29:24) Miami Heat (32:51) Atlanta Hawks (37:01) Washington Wizards (41:39) Orlando Magic (46:33) Charlotte Hornets (51:38) Indiana Pacers (57:02) Detroit Pistons (1:03:18) Cleveland Cavaliers (1:07:47) Chicago Bulls (1:13:59) Milwaukee Bucks Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Michael Pina Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Law Murray to discuss the seven teams that have not won a playoff series this decade and rank them in order of the likelihood that they'll break that streak this season. Then, Luke Epplin comes on to share stories from his new book, 'Moses and the Doctor.' (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:31) Law Murray joins the show! (3:03) The Clippers remain a mess (7:31) Ranking the seven teams that haven’t won a playoff series in the 2020s (9:56) The Magic still have the best chance to win a playoff series (32:33) Ranking the same seven teams based on which ones you'd want to run over the next five years (35:37) The Wizards jump up the list here (1:05:21) Fake Domantas Sabonis trades (1:15:46) Luke Epplin joins the show! (1:16:39) It’s been 43 years since the 76ers won a title (1:30:50) How Dr. J got his nickname (1:34:46) Darryl Dawkins was unfiltered in interviews Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Law Murray and Luke Epplin Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. This episode is brought to you by State Farm. Create a Personalized Price Plan® today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by John Hollinger to once again look at the punishment given to the Clippers and question whether maybe they got off easy. Then, they look at the players eligible for rookie extensions and share what they think will happen. Then, Mike Schur comes on to explain how fandom works in sports, discuss writing the infamous basketball scene in ‘The Office’ and even rank fruit. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:43) John Hollinger joins the show! (4:01) Did the Clippers get off easy? (13:28) Why did the Clippers even bother doing this? (25:00) Extension eligible rookies (1:03:17) Mike Schur joins the show! (1:13:36) Is it possible to become a fan later in life? (1:14:42) How Tom Hanks became an Aston Villa fan (1:37:33) Zach ranks his top five fruits (1:45:20) Writing the basketball scene in ‘The Office’ Host: Zach Lowe Guests: John Hollinger and Mike Schur Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry and Michael McCann to break down the massive punishment given to the Los Angeles Clippers. They run through the report and share their takeaways on the entire situation. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for a late-season edition of Mets Corner! (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:41) Kirk Goldsberry and Michael McCann join the show! (6:00) This is the biggest punishment from the league ever (14:54) Let’s look back at how all this started (31:27) This could be Steve Ballmer’s legacy (37:24) Kawhi didn’t receive much of a punishment (51:20) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey (52:44) Mets look better but still far from perfect (1:01:13) Things that have gone right for the Mets (1:12:13) Things that have gone wrong Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Kirk Goldsberry, Michael McCann, and Sean Fennessey Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Jon Krawczynski to break down what the next season will hold for the Minnesota Timberwolves with LaMelo Ball and Jonathan Kuminga. Then, Mo Dakhil comes on to answer five big questions about the upcoming NBA season. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:17) Jon Krawczynski joins the show! (7:57) What is the Timberwolves’ ceiling? (17:46) Can this team compete with the Thunder or Spurs? (26:38) Will Kuminga be useful in the half-court offense? (33:07) Entertaining kids on vacation (37:57) Mo Dakhil joins the show! (40:50) Unwritten rules in baseball are stupid (43:20) Big questions for next season! (44:04) What Western Conference team can insert itself into the top six? (1:03:47) Most exciting potential playoff race (1:15:01) Who could win Most Improved Player? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Jon Krawczynski and Mo Dakhil Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to cover all the news they missed while on vacation. They discuss Bennedict Mathurin going to the Pelicans, Kawhi’s latest, and Peyton Watson going to the Cavs. Plus, they cover Klay Thompson signing with the Heat and Russell Westbrook announcing his retirement. Then, James Surowiecki joins to break down the ins and outs of the Lakers sale. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:27) Rob Mahoney joins the show! (1:51) Pelicans sign Bennedict Mathurin (10:08) What the hell is happening with Kawhi Leonard? (20:09) Cavs acquire Peyton Watson in sign-and-trade with Nuggets (33:24) What does this trade do for the Cavs? (45:01) Klay Thompson signs with Miami Heat (52:53) Russell Westbrook retires (1:09:45) James Surowiecki on the sale of the Lakers (1:31:08) Where does this end for Mark Walter? (1:39:19) Has this affected fans' access to games? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Rob Mahoney and James Surowiecki Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is once again joined by Kirk Goldsberry as they continue to rank the 10 players under the most pressure next season. They begin by debating Anthony Edwards vs. Tyrese Haliburton, before continuing their rankings and revealing the player they think is facing the most pressure. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:42) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show! (2:18) Anthony Edwards vs. Tyrese Haliburton (8:47) Pressure on Jaylen Brown playing without Tatum? (25:47) Joel Embiid is out of excuses (38:53) The Lakers are Luka’s team now (44:22) Jalen Williams has to be more available than last season Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producers: Oscar De La Luz, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Kirk Goldsberry for a two-part special looking at the 10 players under the most pressure next season. In Part 1, they reveal the first half of their list and close the episode by discussing whether the Pacers should feel pressure next season. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:31) Kirk Goldsberry joins the show! (9:12) Players under the most pressure next season (16:19) This season could define Chet Holmgren’s career (30:19) De'Aaron Fox needs to bounce back following his playoff struggles (40:03) How will Jayson Tatum fare without Jaylen Brown? (51:27) Should the Pacers be feeling pressure? Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Kirk Goldsberry Producers: Oscar De La Luz, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Mo Dakhil to dive back into LeBron James signing with the 76ers and discuss what they expect from this team. Then, they throw out some fun Steph Curry trades before previewing what to expect from some Western Conference teams. Then, Sean Fennessey joins for Mets Corner to debate what the Mets should be planning ahead of the trade deadline. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:42) Mo Dakhil joins the show! (8:32) This is the most fun LeBron outcome (12:54) The Warriors are the biggest losers of the offseason (27:27) Fun hypothetical Steph Curry trades (35:34) Let’s take a look at the Trail Blazers (48:08) What should Suns fans expect this season? (55:23) Is the Nuggets' window closed? (1:05:42) Mets Corner with Sean Fennessey! (1:09:34) Who are the Mets' untouchables? (1:20:37) Should the Mets be trying to trade for MLB-ready talent? (1:29:20) Zach’s first pitch at Citi Field Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Mo Dakhil and Sean Fennessey Producers: Oscar De La Luz, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

LeBron James has signed with the Philadelphia 76ers! Zach is joined by Chris Ryan and Michael Pina to break down what this signing means. They discuss if this makes Philly a title contender, whether Embiid could be traded, and how this offense will function with so many options. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:42) Chris Ryan and Michael Pina join the show! (8:41) Does this make Philly a title contender? (26:05) This offense is going to work (32:43) Should they consider trading Embiid? (44:30) It feels weird for LeBron to be on the 76ers (51:07) Is this the best starting five in the league now? (1:07:40) More likely to win a title or lose in the first round? Host: Zach Lowe Guests: Chris Ryan and Michael Pina Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Grant Liffmann to once again ponder what is happening with LeBron James. Then, they draft the 10 most interesting extension candidates and share their honorable mentions. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:33) Grant Liffmann joins the show! (2:11) Still on LeBron watch (6:23) Keyonte George (12:48) Anthony Davis (18:56) Zion Williamson (22:22) Rudy Gobert (26:12) Dejounte Murray (30:05) Michael Porter Jr. (40:51) Ausar Thompson (45:39) Pascal Siakam (49:16) Brandin Podziemski (54:45) Jaylen Wells (57:44) Honorable mentions Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Grant Liffman Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Zach is joined by Rob Mahoney to discuss the news, or lack thereof, of LeBron James's free agency decision. Then, it’s time for the relegation zone draft where they rank the most intriguing teams that may find themselves in the relegation zone next season. (0:00) Welcome to The Zach Lowe Show! (1:33) Rob Mahoney joins the show! (6:00) LeBron is still good enough to fit with any team (8:15) The relegation zone draft (9:47) Memphis Grizzlies (17:44) New Orleans Pelicans (27:44) Chicago Bulls (34:47) Thoughts on the free throw rule in summer league? (36:45) Dallas Mavericks (52:05) Washington Wizards (1:01:56) Brooklyn Nets (1:07:20) Los Angeles Clippers (1:12:26) Sacramento Kings (1:18:21) Milwaukee Bucks Host: Zach Lowe Guest: Rob Mahoney Producers: Jonathan Frias, Billy Gil, and Mike Wargon Social: Keith Fujimoto and Michael Szokoli The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit to learn more about the resources and helplines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices