The NBA is the best basketball league in the world, and it has millions of fans across North America and the rest of the world.
Many fans are not satisfied simply watching the games.
They need extra content to quell their taste for basketball.
NBA podcasts are fantastic options for people who want to hear about basketball when games are not happening.
The key is finding the best NBA podcasts on the market.
The Best NBA Podcasts (Examples)
We’ve included an overview of our top picks below. For detailed information on each pick, scroll down.
NBA Podcasts Run by Players
What Is an NBA Podcast?
NBA podcasts are no different from any other podcast outside of the topic they cover.
They are typically recorded by two or more people, and they discuss the interesting things happening in the NBA.
However, some shows have a single host who monologues.
We want to examine the 15 best NBA podcasts on the internet.
What Does an NBA Podcaster Talk About?
NBA podcasters can cover a wide variety of topics.
Some will discuss the previous night’s games, whereas others focus on trades, signings, and other managerial topics.
There are podcasts related to prospects, the draft, and the more comedic aspects of the NBA.
There is an NBA podcast for everyone.
What Is Included On an NBA Podcast?
NBA podcasts are a place for listeners to learn more about the NBA and basketball in general. Podcasters usually cover several topics, but those topics vary depending on the podcast.
Some podcasters take a serious approach, informing listeners of news and happenings behind the scenes. Others prefer to take a lighter approach.
Other Things You Can Find On an NBA Podcast
Here are some of the most common topics you can expect to find on an NBA podcast.
- Game Analysis:Â The most common topics for podcasters to discuss are the games.
Podcasters will discuss the previous night’s slate of games, how they played out, and how they affect the standings going forward. - Draft Discussion: Some NBA podcasts prefer to look to the future, focusing on prospects and the NBA Draft.
Hosts of these podcasts typically watch a lot of college, European, and G-League basketball. - Interviews:Â Some podcasts do not focus on current events; instead, they have a different guest every show.
They will listen to the stories the former player, coach, or analyst has from their years in the industry. - Debate:Â Debate is more common in the NBA than in most other sports leagues because of the focus on all-time player rankings.
These podcasts will debate where players are ranked historically, the quality of current players and teams, and much more.
Types of NBA Podcasts
NBA podcasts can be broken does into several types, but to keep things concise, we will focus on three large categories.
These are the categories that most people will find interesting.
- NBA Podcasts:Â The first type of podcast is the general NBA podcast.
These podcasts are the most common because it allows the hosts to discuss anything they want about the NBA.
They can focus on large topics without worrying about exiting a niche. Expect game, trade, managerial, and draft discussion in these podcasts. - NBA Podcasts Run by Players:Â Moreso than any other sport, there are lots of podcasts run by former NBA players. Former and active players host podcasts discussing their experiences and the current state of the NBA.
These podcasts are interesting for getting an inside perspective of the NBA. - NBA Draft Podcasts:Â These podcasts do not focus on the NBA itself, instead focusing on the NBA Draft and prospects.
Although the hosts will discuss the needs of NBA teams, they will not discuss NBA games often.
Instead, they focus on draft-eligible players in college and Europe.
It is also common for them to discuss the early careers of recent draftees in the G-League and NBA.
Best NBA Podcasts: 15 Examples
Here we want to look at 15 of the best NBA podcasts on the market.
We will break them up into the three categories discussed above.
How Many NBA Podcasts Are There?
There are thousands of NBA podcasts out there for you to listen to.
However, it is challenging to determine a precise number given that there are several podcast platforms.
NBA Podcasts
Here are five of the best general NBA podcasts.
The Bill Simmons Podcast
Bill Simmons is one of the longest-running NBA podcasters in the industry.
Although the Bill Simmons Podcast has not been running forever, he previously hosted the BS Report.
Simmons typically posts three episodes a week discussing the NBA, his Celtics, and anything of interest in the league.
He is often looked at as an NBA historian by the basketball community.
The Lowe Post
Zach Lowe is famous for appearing on NBA segments on ESPN. he is an insider with several sources working for NBA teams.
As a result, he can give greater insight than most other podcast hosts.
He discusses insights on his podcast, while also bringing an outstanding fundamental understanding of basketball.
His podcast is a fantastic option for all fans.
Breakaway
Breakaway is an interesting podcast because it is no longer running.
However, the topics are evergreen, so you can listen to the episodes today.
During the show’s short run, host Rob Mahoney sought to bring a deeper understanding of basketball to listeners.
He did this by highlighting 10 players and two coaches.
Dunc’d On
If you want to listen to something with a serious tone, consider Dunc’d On with hosts Nate Duncan and Danny Leroux.
This podcast is notoriously unsentimental, posting consistent game recaps from October to June.
Both writers for The Athletic talk about basketball for 90 minutes, five days a week.
RealGM Radio
Here we have another podcast hosted by Danny Leroux.
He brings on guests for super-focused basketball enthusiasts to get into in-depth conversations about basketball.
This show mostly focused on the news.
NBA Podcasts Run by Players
NBA podcasts run by players include some of the most popular ones in the industry.
Old Man and the Three with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter
When people think of NBA podcasts hosted by players, they think of Old Man and the Three with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter.
Redick has fantastic relationships with current players, allowing him to bring on star-studded gusts.
His history as a 15-year veteran of the NBA allows him to dissect the NBA better than most podcast hosts.
All the Smoke
Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson are two of the most outspoken former NBA players.
Although they sometimes stir up controversy with questionable statements, there is no denying the quality of their podcast.
They have brought on guests like Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
No Chill with Gilbert Arenas
Gilbert Arenas is a former NBA star who started his podcast in 2020. It quickly grew into one of the most popular NBA podcasts.
Arenas love sharing his stories and bringing on top players from the NBA.
Additionally, he releases episodes more frequently than most NBA players, releasing almost 200 episodes since the show’s beginning.
Pull Up with CJ McCollum
CJ McCollum is an active player for the New Orleans Pelicans, and previously of the Portland Trail Blazers.
As a former journalism student during his college days, he wants to enter the media after his playing career.
He is setting himself up well with his hit podcast.
Road Trippin’
Road Trippin’ is hosted by former players Richard Jefferson, Channing Frye, and journalist Allie Clifton.
Their connections have allowed them to bring on guests like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.
It is one of the longest-running NBA podcasts, launching in early 2017.
NBA Draft Podcasts
Starting a sports blog or podcast can be challenging because there are so many popular sports podcasts.
As a result, many people try to find a niche like the draft. Here are five of the best NBA Draft podcasts.
The Draftdaq NBA Podcast
This NBA Podcast focuses on the NBA Drat Market.
They analyze upcoming players in their weekly episodes. Each episode runs for roughly an hour.
Draft Deeper NBA Podcast
This podcast focuses on educating the average NBA fan about scouting and how it works.
They discuss the importance of scouting in the basketball industry. Additionally, they look at the top prospects throughout the year.
Chad Ford’s NBA Big Board – NBA Draft Podcast
On this podcast, Chad Ford dives deep into the NBA Draft and what makes it an exciting and puzzling event.
He discusses the things that go into drafting a player, how teams make decisions, and why mistakes are so common.
Drive and Dish NBA Podcast
The Drive and Dish NBA Podcast do not exclusively talk about the draft.
They focus on the NBA and its events throughout the year.
However, they dedicate the summer to the draft and G-League.
So, you can learn about prospects and young players when listening to this show during the summer.
Upside Swings
The last NBA podcast we want to examine is Upside Swings.
On this weekly show, the three hosts discuss everything about the NBA Draft.
They provide excellent prospect analysis, discussing every angle of their games and why NBA teams should be interested in them.
Similar Podcast Types to Check Out
If you want something other than NBA content, there are plenty of other podcasts for you to listen to.
Here are some podcast types popular among NBA fans.
- Baseball Podcasts:Â If you want to learn about another spot, baseball podcasts are a great option.
There is plenty of content from analysts, players, and fans. - Soccer Podcasts:Â Soccer is the most popular sport in the world, so you will not have trouble finding a high-quality soccer podcast.
Many Americans are probably interested in learning about soccer after the World Cup, and podcasts are great resources. - Fishing Podcasts:Â If you do not want to focus on sports, you can turn to leisure.
Fishing podcasts can be interesting for those who are interested in the hobby. You can find plenty of them on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before we wrap up, we want to answer a few questions you might still have.
Who Has the Best NBA Podcast?
Bill Simmons is the host of the most popular NBA podcast, but there are plenty of other great podcast hosts.
The best podcasts are usually hosted by The Ringer, The Athletic, or former NBA players.
Does the NBA Have a Podcast?
The NBA itself does not have an official podcast.
However, there are several podcasts hosted by people associated with the NBA.
Wrapping Up
If you want to learn more about the NBA, NBA podcasts are a great option.
They provide insight, analysis, and insider information you cannot learn from TV broadcasts.
However, we prefer podcasts hosted by current and former NBA players.
