UNC's Shocking Michael Malone Hire & Lakers Injury Woes (w/ Rachel Nichols)

UNC's Shocking Michael Malone Hire & Lakers Injury Woes (w/ Rachel Nichols)

Author: SI NBA April 7, 2026 Duration: 1:01:00

Chris Mannix & Rachel Nichols break down the Chicago Bulls finally cleaning house in their front office, why Michael Malone decided to forgo a return to the NBA to coach at the University of North Carolina, how major injuries to Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves have doomed the Lakers’ promising season, and whether the showdown between Nikola Jokić and Victor Wembanyama is a preview of things to come in the playoffs.



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There’s always another layer to the story in the NBA, a rumor beneath the headline or a strategic gamble that changes everything. Open Floor: SI's NBA Show digs into those details with Chris Mannix, who navigates the entire league landscape from the draft through the playoffs and into the next season’s speculation. This isn’t just a recap of scores; it’s a conversation about the forces shaping the standings, the trades that alter franchises, and the off-court narratives that captivate fans. Each episode unpacks the latest news with the insight you’d expect from Sports Illustrated, while also entertaining the deeper debates and conspiracy theories that make the league so endlessly discussable. You’ll hear clear analysis on team building, playoff pushes, and the evolving legacy of the game’s biggest stars. For anyone who thinks about basketball beyond the highlight reel, this podcast provides a regular, grounded yet engaging look at the real NBA calendar, where the story never actually stops. Tune in for a perspective that’s as much about the why and what’s next as it is about what just happened on the court.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Open Floor: SI's NBA Show
Podcast Episodes
Can The Clippers Recover From Landmark Penalties? (w/ Rachel Nichols) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:04
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols return to break down the fallout from the NBA’s historic sanctions against the Clippers following the Kawhi Leonard investigation. Plus, Nikola Jokić declines a contract extension in Denve…
Unpacking The Biggest Punishment In NBA History (w/ Rachel Nichols) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:51
Chris Mannix and Rachel Nichols return to break down the NBA finally unveiling its punishment for the Los Angeles Clippers and owner Steve Ballmer’s role in the Kawhi Leonard Aspiration scandal. We get into how Pablo Tor…
Kuminga Signs with Minnesota & Our 2026 Breakout Candidates [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:08
SI's Liam McKeone and Blake Silverman break down Jonathan Kuminga signing a prove-it deal with Minnesota and how much he can help a Timberwolves team desperate for forward depth. We also get into some of our candidates f…
Lakers Sale Drama Gets Messier & More Offseason Trades [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:06
SI's Liam McKeone and Blake Silverman break down how Mark Walter's legal troubles and Jeannie Buss refusing to sell the team could impact the purchase of the Lakers. We also get into the Cavs upgrading their roster by tr…
The Lakers Shocking $12B Sale & The NBA Starts The Schedule Release [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:02
SI's Liam McKeone and Blake Silverman get into the shocking sale of the Los Angeles Lakers just one year after Mark Walter purchased the team. We also get into Russell Westbrook calling it a career after a memorable 18-y…
Who Got Better or Worse & The Pelicans’ Uneventful Offseason [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:23
SI's Liam McKeone and Blake Silverman fill in for Chris Mannix as they take a look at whether the Pistons and Timberwolves got better or worse after some major trades, why the Pelicans didn't make any roster moves this o…
Inside Tom Dundon's Cheap Standoff With Portland (w/ Bill Oram) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:12
Chris Mannix is joined by The Oregonian's Bill Oram to break down the latest on new Blazers owner Tom Dundon and his standoff with the city of Portland over the cost of renovating the team's arena. They also discuss whet…