Brian Windhorst’s “The Hoop Collective” continued its three-times-a-week run with new episodes on December 3 and December 1, dissecting early-season trouble spots for several Western Conference contenders. The ESPN podcast streams every Monday, Wednesday and Friday on major audio platforms, including Spotify, Apple and YouTube.
Dec. 3 episode: Lakers’ issues, Clippers’ slide, Denver’s depleted defense
Joined by ESPN reporters Tim Bontemps and Tim MacMahon, Windhorst opened the December 3 show by examining Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and the team’s fragile defensive makeup after a lopsided loss in Phoenix. Bontemps noted that James appeared noticeably slower than usual and cited lineup data showing the trio of James, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves being outscored by nine points per 100 possessions over their first five games together, with a defensive rating of 120.6—worse than all but two NBA teams at that point.
The panel then shifted to the Los Angeles Clippers, labeling the club’s start “a disaster” as losses continued to mount. MacMahon highlighted a strong night from Dillon Brooks against the Lakers and praised young Dallas Mavericks players who “are leveling up.”
MacMahon also drilled into the Denver Nuggets’ injury list, emphasizing that the defending champions ranked first in offensive efficiency but last in defense—allowing 127.3 points per 100 possessions—during the five-game stretch since Aaron Gordon strained a hamstring. With Gordon on the floor earlier in the season, Denver’s defensive rating was 105, which would have placed second league-wide.
The episode closed with MacMahon awarding his monthly “Cojones Factor Player” honor, followed by brief discussions on Oklahoma City’s challenge to retain young talent, Danilo Gallinari’s winding career path and ESPN’s annual Jimmy V Week initiatives.
Dec. 1 episode: Hawks-Sixers drama, Embiid’s return, lottery outlook
Two days earlier, Windhorst, Bontemps and MacMahon recapped a wild finish between Atlanta and Philadelphia, where the Hawks edged the 76ers despite Joel Embiid’s comeback from injury. Bontemps said the All-Star center remained an offensive magnet but questioned whether his knee would allow the lateral quickness needed to anchor the defense long term.
MacMahon described Atlanta’s experimentation without Trae Young, suggesting the franchise must decide whether to build around the high-scoring guard or embrace a longer, more balanced lineup.
The trio also previewed the 2026 draft lottery landscape, pointing out that Oklahoma City could control multiple lottery picks. A short oral history of the 2003 draft punctuated the segment, before attention turned to Cleveland’s ongoing struggles, Minnesota’s point-guard problems and a pivotal week for San Antonio while rookie Victor Wembanyama sat out.
“The Hoop Collective” returns with its next episode on Friday, December 5.
Source: ESPN
