In recent years, there has been an explosion in the number of NBA players launching their own podcasts. From all-time greats like Shaquille O’Neal to current stars such as JJ Redick and CJ McCollum, players are using podcasts to connect with fans in new ways.
For basketball lovers, player podcasts provide unique insights into life in the NBA, from locker room stories to analysis of games and trends.
They allow fans to get to know their favorite players’ personalities up close. And with new shows launching all the time, there’s always fresh content to dive into.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the best NBA player podcasts—from the most entertaining to the most insightful. Whether you’re a diehard basketball fan or just casually interested in the NBA, you’re sure to discover some great new shows to add to your playlist.
Our Criteria for the Best NBA Podcasts
When ranking the top NBA player podcasts, we used the following criteria:
- Entertainment value: Is the show genuinely fun and engaging to listen to? Do the hosts have good chemistry?
- Insider perspective: Does the podcast provide intriguing insights into life in the NBA?
- Informative analysis: How smart and insightful is the commentary on league news, players, teams, and games?
- Production quality: Does the podcast sound well-produced and polished?
- Consistency: How often do new episodes come out and is there a wealth of content to explore?
Using these benchmarks, here are the NBA player podcasts that made the cut as the very best on the internet today.
1. The Old Man and the Three with JJ Redick and Tommy Alter
If you want an inside look at the NBA through the eyes of a recently retired player, JJ Redick’s podcast is a must-listen.
Co-hosted by Tommy Alter, The Old Man and the Three provides a fun and refreshing perspective on league news and player culture.
As a sharpshooting veteran who played for six franchises over 15 seasons, Redick has formed personal connections with many of the league’s biggest stars. That insider access allows for incredibly candid conversations, from Joel Embiid’s habits to Kyle Lowry’s leadership style.
Redick and Alter also analyze the NBA with intelligence. Whether discussing the playoffs or the drama of the offseason, they showcase their high basketball IQs while keeping the vibe light and humorous. Few podcasts strike that perfect balance between entertainment and insight like this one.
Key Info
- Launched: 2020
- Frequency: 1-2 episodes per week
- Length: 60-90 minutes
Why It’s One of the Best
- Redick’s connections to star players allow for fantastic interviews
- Redick and Alter have excellent on-air chemistry
- Smart, nuanced analysis of games and news
- Fun, irreverent tone makes every episode enjoyable
2. All the Smoke with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson
For unfiltered NBA commentary, few podcasts can compete with All the Smoke.
Hosted by former players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson, each freewheeling episode dives deep into headline stories, personal player beefs, locker room gossip, and more.
As consummate professionals with championship pedigrees, Barnes and Jackson form a yin-yang pairing. Barnes brings West Coast swagger; Jackson delivers East Coast attitude.
Combined, they prod their guests to open up about controversial subjects most shows wouldn’t dare touch.
All the Smoke lives up to its name—no topic feels off limits here. From Kobe Bryant’s final days to the fallout from “The Malice at the Palace,” Barnes and Jackson get the inside scoop other analysts only speculate about. Just don’t expect politically correct takes.
Key Info
- Launched: 2019
- Frequency: 1 episode per week
- Length: 60-120 minutes
Why It’s One of the Best
- Uncensored stories and opinions you won’t hear elsewhere
- Great player interviews, including stars like Allen Iverson
- No topic is off limits—Barnes and Jackson ask the tough questions
- Authentic discussions of race, culture, and politics in the NBA
3. Knuckleheads with Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles
Hoops fans longing for the NBA’s golden era of the late ’90s and early 2000s will love Knuckleheads.
Hosted by former high flyers Quentin Richardson and Darius Miles, the show celebrates the culture and community of pro basketball during their heyday.
As members of the notorious “Clippers of the Early 2000s,” Richardson and Miles have no shortage of outrageous stories from their playing days. But Knuckleheads offers more than just humor and hijinks.
Richardson and Miles also conduct thoughtful interviews with legends about the journey of being a pro athlete.
From Allen Iverson opening up about practice rants to Chris Webber discussing the Fab Five’s legacy, Knuckleheads gives a platform to all-time greats to look back on pivotal career moments.
For nostalgic fans, it’s a delightful time capsule highlighting an influential era.
Key Info
- Launched: 2018
- Frequency: 1 episode per week
- Length: 60-120 minutes
Why It’s One of the Best
- Fun locker room tales from Richardson and Miles’ Clippers days
- Nostalgic discussions about ‘90s and ‘00s NBA culture
- In-depth career retrospectives with larger-than-life stars
- Relaxed, comedic vibe between the two hosts
4. Podcast P with Paul George
Dive into the heart of the NBA with Paul George‘s “Podcast P,” where the superstar forward brings fans closer to the personal and professional aspects of basketball life.
Alongside co-hosts Jackie Long and Dallas Rutherford, George delivers an entourage-style look into an NBA star’s journey, blending brotherhood, family, and the highs and lows of the sport.
With a roster of guests from Vince Staples discussing his Netflix show and Snoop Dogg‘s influence to NBA veterans sharing locker room tales and on-court strategies, “Podcast P” offers a unique blend of entertainment and insight.
It’s a candid exploration of the game’s evolving landscape, player development, and the personal growth stories behind the stats.
Key Info
- Launched: 2024
- Frequency: Weekly episodes
- Length: Varies, typically around 1 hour
Why It’s One of the Best
- George‘s insider perspective brings unparalleled authenticity
- Engaging co-host dynamics and high-profile guests
- Deep dives into NBA culture, strategies, and personal player stories
- A perfect mix of humor, analysis, and behind-the-scenes access
5. The Long Shot with Duncan Robinson
As the official podcast of the Miami Heat franchise, The Long Shot stands out for its inside access.
Co-hosted by Heat guard Duncan Robinson and his best friend Davis Reid, episodes give fans a window into the team’s inner workings.
From Riley to Spoelstra—fascinating organizational decisions get unpacked here each week. Locker room secrets get revealed too, as Robinson isn’t afraid to share funny stories or across-the-aisle text conversations. The Long Shot makes you feel like part of the team.
Beyond the Heat intel, Robinson excels at interviews with some of the NBA’s top talents.
His teammates Jimmy Butler, Kyle Lowry, and Bam Adebayo have all stopped by for hilarious chats providing a unique perspective into their lives.
Key Info
- Launched: 2020
- Frequency: 1 episode per week
- Length: 60 minutes
Why It’s One of the Best
- Rare “behind-the-scenes” look at the Miami Heat organization
- Great player interviews, especially with Heat stars
- Fun locker room stories and text conversations revealed
- Relaxed, bro-y vibe between Robinson and co-host Reid
6. The CJ McCollum Show
For NBA analysis that goes deep on strategy, skill development, and the daily grind of players, CJ McCollum Show stands out as a super informative listen.
Hosted by Pelicans guard CJ McCollum, topics range from pick-and-roll tactics to perfecting footwork in the post.
As one of the smartest players in the league, McCollum provides nuanced Xs and Os breakdowns you won’t find elsewhere. He’s quick to highlight substantive stories about training methods or leadership styles that get overlooked by flashier shows.
From Jayson Tatum’s scoring craft to Jrue Holiday’s defensive mastery, CJ McCollum Show spotlights the less glamorous side of greatness. Watch any MVP accept their award and they’ll cite the podcast as impactful. It’s catnip for serious basketball junkies.
Key Info
- Launched: 2019
- Frequency: 1-2 episodes per week
- Length: 60-120 minutes
Why It’s One of the Best
- Smart Xs and Os analysis from one of the league’s savviest players
- Focuses on in-depth player development stories
- McCollum is an engaging, thoughtful interviewer
- Always features great player and coach guests
7. No Chill with Gilbert Arenas
One of the wildest personalities in recent league history, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas anchors the outrageously fun No Chill podcast. True to its name, No Chill pulls no punches—unafraid to name names and call out BS whenever Arenas detects it.
As an 11-year NBA veteran, Arenas dishes private stories about stars like Shaq, Dwight Howard, and Nick Young that have circles of players cracking up.
He also offers hot takes guaranteed to annoy coach types. But that’s Gilbert‘s charm: loud opinions laced with genuine hoops insights.
If you want politically correct analysis, No Chill certainly isn’t the show for you. But if you love funny locker room tales, petty beefs, and rumormongering—basically, all the stuff the NBA tries to hide—then get ready to binge.
Key Info
- Launched: 2019
- Frequency: 1-2 episodes per week
- Length: 60-120 minutes
Why It’s One of the Best
- Arenas always speaks his unfiltered mind
- Loads of crazy stories and gossip about star players
- Fun, irreverent tone; never boring
- Great player interviews in each episode
8. Green Room with Danny Green
For an inside look at the past two NBA champions, Green Room is a goldmine.
Hosted by three-time champ Danny Green over Zoom calls, interviews with Green’s current and former teammates allow fans to relive recent title runs.
During the Lakers’ 2020 playoff dash, Anthony Davis, Dwight Howard, and others provided fresh intel on locker disputes, practice habits, and team bonding stories.
Last year as a 76er, Green got Philly stars like Embiid and Maxey to open up on their pregame routines en route to an East’s top seed.
Beyond the insider info, Green conducts smart player profile interviews as well. From Russell Westbrook‘s intensity to Draymond Green‘s leadership, Green Room spotlights some of the league’s most compelling talents away from the hardwood.
Key Info
- Launched: 2020
- Frequency: 1-2 episodes per week
- Length: 60 minutes
Why It’s One of the Best
- Fun locker room stories from recent title teams
- Interesting player profile interviews
- Green’s relationships allow insider team access
- Zoom call format creates an intimate vibe
9. The Big Podcast with Shaq
Nearly a decade into retirement, Shaq‘s larger-than-life persona still powers The Big Podcast—an Interview series that showcases superstar athletes and entertainers across sports.
A pop culture icon beyond basketball circles, Shaq is genuinely curious about what makes celebrated talents tick. That innate interest draws candid backstories from guests about childhood hardships, responses to fame, evolving public images and more.
Of course, Shaq can’t resist dishing NBA memories too. Hearing 15-time All-Stars nostalgize never gets old, especially with Shaq‘s gift for mythmaking.
Whether remembering Kobe or mending fences with Pat Riley, The Big Podcast beautifully blends celebrity conversation with hoops history.
Key Info
- Launched: 2015
- Frequency: 1 episode per week
- Length: 60 minutes
Why It’s One of the Best
- Shaq is an intelligent, thoughtful interviewer
- Superstar guests from various sports and entertainment
- Always shares interesting stories from his legendary career
- Fun atmosphere with Shaq’s big personality shining
Sources:
www.complex.com/sports/a/complex-sports/best-nba-player-podcasts-ranked
en.as.com/nba/what-are-the-best-podcasts-made-by-nba-players-draymod-green-jj-redick-cj-mccollum-v/
sportsbrief.com/nba/44704-a-list-nba-players-podcasts-nba-podcast-kings/
