Podcast Summary: Game Over with Max Kellerman & Rich Paul
Episode: Latest NBA Trends, And Which Players of the Past Would Thrive Today?
Date: March 4, 2026
Host: The Ringer
Hosts: Max Kellerman & Rich Paul
Episode Overview
Max Kellerman and Rich Paul, two voices at the intersection of sports media and NBA business, dive into the latest NBA trends, player development, and a lively debate about which historic players would excel in today’s game. The episode blends analysis of current teams and players with cultural insights, personal anecdotes, and playful banter. Memorable moments include a spirited debate about Michael Jordan in the modern NBA and a reflection on personal routines shaping professional success.
Key Topics & Discussion Points
1. Life Lessons from Rich Paul's Upbringing
[01:12 – 06:44]
- Rich pulls from Chapter 4 (“Lil Rich”) of his book Lucky Me, recounting childhood lessons about personal appearance and effort.
- “My father talked to me about the importance of appearance...no matter what, you may not have a dollar in your pocket, but you have to look the part.” — Rich Paul [02:30]
- Both discuss how simple routines like ironing clothes taught discipline, routine, and self-respect.
- “The way you do anything is the way you do everything, is the expression.” — Max Kellerman [06:00]
- “It’s the smallest things that cost you no money. What it does cost you is it costs you effort, and it costs you awareness. Observance.” — Rich Paul [06:41]
- The broader message: details and consistency pay off, and these habits translate into bigger personal and professional wins.
2. Knicks, Carl Anthony Towns, and Team Trends
[07:35 – 15:56]
- Analysis of Carl Anthony Towns’ performance, especially defensively, and how it’s shaped the Knicks’ season.
- Max worries Cat might run out of gas playing at both ends, influencing the Knicks’ playoff prospects:
- “I think he got exhausted. I think he had tired legs. I think his offense suffered and then he couldn’t play defense anymore for a while.” — Max Kellerman [09:04]
- Max worries Cat might run out of gas playing at both ends, influencing the Knicks’ playoff prospects:
- Rich counters with playoff optimism—slower pace, more rest between games, and stronger rotations benefit teams with players like Towns.
- “The one thing that does happen is you shorten the rotation...game slows down, you get days in between. I don’t think you have a reason to be nervous.” — Rich Paul [10:02–11:05]
- Discussion on the importance of rim protection, the modern big’s defensive responsibilities, and why versatile big men are so valued today.
3. Evolving NBA Styles & Player Usage
[15:56 – 24:23]
- Max and Rich dissect the shift from big-man-driven offenses to the modern, perimeter-oriented, high-usage era.
- “Usage rates for the singular stars, now, they’re so ball dominant...the styles changed.” — Max Kellerman [19:41]
- Debate over whether stars should fit in or impose themselves—a balance current stars must master.
- “To be great, you have to impose yourself a little bit.” — Advice from Shaq, discussed by Max [18:38]
- Shoutouts to Ant (Anthony Edwards) and his assertiveness: “He went off. He had 41. They won behind his 41.” — Max Kellerman [19:00]
4. Modern Parity & Playoff Mentality
[15:56; 16:09–17:26]
- Rich recalls advice from LeBron:
- “I don’t want to play a home game for Game Seven. I’d rather play on the road...there’s less oohs and ahhs so you could play more basketball.” — Rich Paul [16:09–16:31]
- Exploration of how the playoff environment affects stars vs. role players—role players often perform better at home, stars are unfazed anywhere.
- Notion that parity means seedings and homecourt aren’t as critical as they once were.
5. Charlotte Hornets’ Culture and Young Talent
[21:57 – 24:23]
- The Hornets’ turnaround highlighted:
- “They’re 31 and 31 now, Rich. They’re 15 and 3 in their last 18 games.” — Max Kellerman [21:57]
- Rich credits front office changes and the drafting of not just stars, but depth and culture changers.
- “First thing they did was say, okay, how do we change this culture…They’ve done extremely well in the draft.” — Rich Paul [22:38]
- Praise for rising talents (Khan Caniple and others) and emphasis on educating feet (skills/fundamentals).
6. Draymond Green, Nico Harrison, and Trade Evaluations
[27:58 – 30:25]
- Max addresses Draymond Green’s claim that Nico Harrison deserves an apology for the Luka/AD trade, arguing the issue was the return value, not the decision to move on from Luka.
- “The issue was...for him to be essentially traded straight up for Luka, the feeling was you need to get more than that. And the fact is that has panned out. AD Just got moved again. And he got hurt and he got moved again.” — Max Kellerman [29:39]
7. Debate: Past NBA Legends in Today’s NBA
[31:02 – 43:21]
- Sparks fly in a fun segment speculating how legends from the past (Jordan, Bird, Barkley, Isaiah Thomas, Nick Van Exel, more) would fare in the modern league.
- Max makes a bold claim:
- “I don’t think Michael Jordan in today’s game would average a 40 point triple double, Rich.” [32:13]
- “If he’s at 32, 8 and 8 in that era without shooting the three, what do you think he is today?” — Max Kellerman [35:14]
- Rich pushes back, emphasizing the mentality of current players and that pecking orders are less rigid.
- “These kids today, they not bowing down to nobody…Now, could he average 40? Yeah...but you said a 40 point triple double.” — Rich Paul [34:29]
- Both agree players like Barkley, Isaiah, Van Exel, Scottie Pippen would thrive; much love given to overlooked or undervalued stars.
8. Chet Holmgren and the “Bobby Murcer” Phenomenon
[44:51 – 49:44]
- Max delivers a “five minute max” monologue drawing parallels between Bobby Murcer (baseball) and Chet Holmgren’s early NBA arc.
- “Chet’s having a Bobby Mercer type moment...Pretty soon, I’d like to see Chet impose himself on the game a little bit more.” — Max Kellerman [47:25]
- Commentary on the need for talented young stars to seize their moments and make the leap from “good” to “franchise-changing.”
9. NFL Sidebar: Franchise Quarterback Qualities & the Franchise Tag Concept
[52:35 – 63:07]
- NFL news cut-in: Kyler Murray’s pending release/trade, Daniel Jones’ transition tag, what makes a franchise QB.
- Rich discusses what it means to be a franchise player and compares the NFL tag to NBA contract structures.
- “Should there be a franchise tag in the NBA?” — [58:26]
- Rich: “Hell no...If there were, it’s an interesting way to think about it...I would say you can only franchise, a player can only be franchised one time...I would say 30%.” [58:45 and 59:54]
10. Mailbag: Sneaker Culture, GOAT Debates, and More
[63:32 – 71:29]
- Fun sneaker talk:
- Max: “The Jordan Threes...When I saw this for the first time I couldn’t…I thought I was looking at the future.” [65:05]
- Rich: “I'm Mr. Bias. I'm a New Balance guy...Jordan 3, shell top, and a 993. I don't need no other shoes.” [64:19; 67:55]
- Discussion of how sneaker culture has shifted—less focus on one must-have, more on individuality and optionality.
- “I don't think the basketball shoe today has the impact it had yesterday in terms of converting to a lifestyle shoe. But there is room for it to come back.” — Rich Paul [68:36]
- Listeners are encouraged: “Email us about that for sure. See you on Friday." — Rich Paul [72:29]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the little things:
- “It’s the smallest things that cost you no money. What it does cost you is it costs you effort and it costs you...awareness.” — Rich Paul [06:41]
-
Jordan in the modern era:
- “I don’t think Michael Jordan in today’s game would average a 40 point triple double, Rich.” — Max Kellerman [32:13]
- “Now, could he average 40? Yeah...but you said a 40 point triple double.” — Rich Paul [34:29]
-
Franchise tag in the NBA:
- “Hell no...But if we did, I would say you can only franchise a player one time, and I would go over the 25%. 30%. 35%, maybe 40%.” — Rich Paul [58:45; 63:05]
-
On sneaker culture:
- “The Jordan 3 was so impactful in so many different ways… but now it's all about cool and comfort.” — Rich Paul [66:34; 67:01]
Timestamps by Topic
| Segment | Start | End | |------------------------------------------|-------|-------| | Life Lessons/Book Discussion | 01:12 | 06:44 | | Knicks & Towns Analysis | 07:35 | 15:56 | | Playoff Trends & Defensive Bigs | 10:02 | 17:26 | | Evolving NBA Styles/Usage Rates | 15:56 | 24:23 | | Hornets’ Turnaround/New Talent | 21:57 | 24:23 | | Draymond Green/Nico Harrison Debate | 27:58 | 30:25 | | NBA Legends: Then vs Now | 31:02 | 43:21 | | Holmgren/Assertiveness in Young Stars | 44:51 | 49:44 | | NFL Sidebar/Franchise QBs & Tag | 52:35 | 63:07 | | Mailbag (Sneakers, Culture, GOATs) | 63:32 | 71:29 |
Tone & Style
The show balances in-depth sports analysis with personal storytelling and friendly banter. Both hosts maintain a conversational, authentic, and sometimes humorously competitive tone. Rich injects lived NBA business experience, while Max frames sports within broader cultural and historical perspectives.
Summary for New Listeners
This episode exemplifies "Game Over" at its best: deep dives into current NBA storylines, honest debates about the game’s evolution, and nostalgic trips through basketball history—punctuated with laughs, sneaker talk, and a smooth blend of culture and sports wisdom. If you want to understand the NBA’s present by learning from its past—and have fun along the way—this episode is for you.