Nba A To Z With Sam Amick And Jeff Zillgitt

Now that the Olympics are over, where do guys who have been successful in international play but not in the NBA go from here? USA TODAY's Sam Amick, who covered the games, discusses what's next for DeMarcus Cousins of the Sacramento Kings and Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks with USA TODAY's Kevin Spain. They talk about how USA Basketball performed in the run up to the gold medal. They also discuss how Kevin Durant got some quality time with new teammates Klay Thompson and Draymond Green.

With the Olympics underway, USA TODAY NBA reporters Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt take a look at USA Basketball and how they were pushed to the limit by Australia. The guys discuss how that game will be important to the Americans as they try to win another gold medal. They discuss the situation in Rio, trying to get to the various events and practices. They talk a little about the Olympics experience and the USA TODAY coverage of the games. Then they talk about some of the other sports they’ve been able to check out while they’re in Rio and how the USA Basketball team is just as star struck with some of the other super athletes as folks are to them. Sam and Jeff pull back the curtain a little and talk about what it’s like to cover these games, from the accommodations to the food. The guys then share a conversation with Kevin Durant and DeMar DeRozan.

Grant Hill and Melissa Proctor of the Atlanta Hawks join AJ Neuharth-Keusch of USA TODAY to talk about a project the team is doing to better connect with the community. Hill chats about what he has always thought being an owner would be and what is reality. With all the big money available, Neuharth-Keusch asks Hill if theres any chance of a comeback.

As much as any of the Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson could feel the effect of Kevin Durant joining the team. USA TODAY Sports' Sam Amick and Kevin Spain discuss how those two players' games can co-exist. Amick caught up with Thompson at a recent Team USA practice to get his thoughts on Durant joining the Warriors, how his game will be affected and how Durant's agent grilled guys before the signing.

Jerry Colangelo, director of USA Basketball joins A to Z guys Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick in Las Vegas to talk about the U.S. team as we get closer to the Rio Olympics. Colangelo breaks down the team, discussing the defensive ability and scoring. They talk about Carmelo Anthony’s decision to rejoin the team and how important it was to him. They talk about what it’s like trying to put the team together as some of the players dropped out. They discuss the Zika virus and other issues that Olympians have had to face and Colangelo talks about some issues they’ve faced in the past and how that was dealt with. They then break down the competition, looking at what countries might challenge USA in the tournament. They talk about how Draymond Green talked to the team about his incident in Michigan. They talk about how important it is for high profile athletes speaking out on social issues.

Nancy Armour, USA TODAY columnist, guest hosts and sits down with New Orleans Pelicans player Anthony Davis. They're at a Red Bull tournament and dunk contest event and Davis talks about how NBA players have the power to make a difference in their communities. He said it’s important for him to come back to his hometown of Chicago to work with some kids. They talk about the New Orleans Pelicans signing Terrence Jones during free agency that Davis had a hand in bringing in. They talk about the Pelicans’ first-round draft pick Buddy Hield, who Davis said that once he saw play at Oklahoma, told team officials they needed to draft Hield. They discuss the outlook for a Pelicans team that missed the playoffs a year after getting there in 2015. Davis talks about what he thinks of New Orleans. They discuss the Olympic team — a team Davis will miss because of injury — about how several guys have dropped off. He talks about how good the team can be.

Now that Kevin Durant has left Oklahoma City and joined the Golden State Warriors, where does that leave his former running mate Russell Westbrook? USA TODAY Sports Sam Amick breaks it all down with Anthony Slater, Thunder beat reporter for the Oklahoman. They discuss how Westbrook's role with the team might change and how Westbrook has told kids at a camp that he plans to be back next season. They discuss if the Thunder might decide to make a trade or if they're with him long term.

How did the Golden State Warriors land Kevin Durant in free agency? Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY NBA reporters walk you through the behind the scenes and discuss the meetings that were had that led to his decision. They also discuss what backlash Durant might experience for leaving the Thunder, comparing it to what LeBron James went through when he left Cleveland to join the Miami Heat. They then talk about how the Warriors with Durant will play. They also discuss how things will be different for the Oklahoma City Thunder this season and how they will have some decisions to make for the future as well.

Los Angeles Clippers' Jamal Crawford joins NBA A to Z guy Sam Amick to break down free agency. As a player, Crawford has a unique perspective on where guys might go and what the market is for other players. They discuss Kevin Durant’s situation and how Durant will be talking to Crawford’s team. They break down some of the younger players and Crawford gives his list of guys he’d pursue if he was a general manager. Then they talk about how Crawford, a free agent himself, stays in playing shape even in his late 30s. They also talk about other guys, in particular Dwyane Wade, who is in Crawford’s age bracket and how he might fit in with the Miami Heat’s plans.

The Kevin Durant sweepstakes is on. Where will this summer's top free agent going to sign? The NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt take a deep dive into what the Oklahoma City Thunder star’s options are and when he might do. A team that could lose some players is the Toronto Raptors. What will they do? The guys discuss players like DeMar DeRozan and Bismarck Biyombo and what they might do. The discussion turns to some restricted free agents like Andre Drummond and Bradley Beal. What will Mike Conley do? He has been a perfect fit in Memphis, he helped create the style of play and the culture there with the Grizzlies, but does he like what he is seeing in terms of the future? Will Charlotte keep Nic Batum, a sneaky good player they picked up in a trade with Portland before last season. They get around to Miami to talk about Dwyane Wade and the businessman Hassan Whiteside. They break down how the Derrick Rose trade could help the New York Knicks in free agency. The chat about J.R. Smith and the fact tha

The NBA A to Z guys wrap up the NBA season in the wee hours following Game 7 of the Finals. They break down how the Cleveland Cavaliers won an improbable title, coming from a 3-1 series deficit to beat the Warriors 4-3. They hit on the surprising good game from Kevin Love and how much Kyrie Irving came through for the Cavs. A big discussion is how LeBron James reasserted himself as the best player in the game, whereas Steph Curry had been the guy during the regular season. The are joined by SB Nation’s Paul Flannery to discuss Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue and how when he was with the Boston Celtics, everyone - included then head coach Doc Rivers - thought Lue was going to be a great coach. Then ESPN’s Rachel Nichols joins to talk about LeBron and how great this championship was for him.

In the late hours following Game 6, NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down what happened in the Cavaliers’ big win. The guys assess the problems the Warriors ran into and what they’ll need to address as the series heads back to Oakland for Game 7. LeBron James was again outstanding, getting 41 points for the second game in a row, but was equally good on the boards and as a passer. They break down the fact that the Warriors haven’t lost three games in a row since Steve Kerr took over as coach. For Cleveland to win the title, it’ll have to do that. The guys also discuss the Steph Curry incident at the end of the game where he threw his mouthpiece and hit a fan and whether he’ll be suspended. The guys make their prediction for Game 7.

From the parking lot of Oracle Arena, NBA A to Z's Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt breakdown the 41 point performances from Kyrie Irving and LeBron James. It was the first time teammates scored more than 40 points in an NBA Finals game. By winning Game 5, the Cavaliers send the series back to Cleveland for Game 6. Amick and Zillgitt make their picks for that game.

Remember Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson? Yeah, we do too. Especially after they broke out of their slump to lead the Golden State Warriors to an NBA Finals Game 4 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. NBA A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break down this game and look ahead to Game 5 in Oakland. They also explore what might happen to Draymond Green after his scuffle with LeBron James.

So where did this Cleveland Cavaliers team come from? After looking overmatched in the first two games of the NBA Finals, the Cavs come alive and blow out the Golden State Warriors. A to Z guys Jeff Zillgitt and Sam Amick break it down from an empty Quicken Loans Arena. They also look ahead to Game 4 and explore how Cleveland can keep this run going.

Mychal Thompson, member of the Los Angeles Lakers in the Showtime era and father of Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors, agrees with his son that this Warriors team would beat his. Mychal Thompson joined Sam Amick for a quick chat about why and about how good this team is. Kevin Spain and Amick set it up on how good the Warriors have been and they discuss the travel woes of USA TODAY's Jeff Zillgitt.

Now that the Golden State Warriors are up 2-0 in the NBA Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt ask if the series is over. They discuss how poorly the Cavs have played in the series so far, how good the Warriors have been all season, and ponder how this series can be salvaged. They break down the matchups, look ahead to Game 3 in Cleveland and make their picks.

Game 1 of the NBA Finals goes to the Golden State Warriors in convincing fashion and the A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break it down with USA TODAY's Kevin Spain. While the guys are talking, they are joined by ESPN's Amin Elhassan, who gives his opinion on why Cleveland just can't expect to win because Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving are back in the lineup. Then Amick, Zillgitt and Spain give their pick for Game 2.

The Cleveland Cavaliers get another shot at the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals and the A to Z guys Sam Amick and Jeff Zillgitt break it down. The guys look at the how the two teams got there and their season matchups. They make their predictions on who will win.

USA TODAY’s Michael Singer and draft guru Derek Bodner break down why the Philadelphia 76ers could very well take LSU’s Ben Simmons with the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft. They also break down the game of Duke’s Brandon Ingram and why he has an outside chance of moving ahead of Simmons. Looking at the Boston Celtics, they chat about what staying where they are could do for the team and the possibility of moving out and how that might work. They look back at the NBA combine and how it’s conducted and how team executives and scouts were able to see players in game action, measurables and interviews. They also hear from Henry Ellenson, Thon Maker and Jakob Poetl and break down their games and who’s game they to which they might compare.