The Ringer NBA Show - "The 2026 Take-a-Thon, Part 2 | Real Ones"
Date: February 14, 2026
Hosts: Logan Murdoch, Howard Beck, Tyler Parker
Special Guest/Judge: Jomi Adeniran
Episode Overview
Part two of The Ringer’s first ever "Take-a-Thon" crowns the best NBA hot take from the hosts. The Real Ones trio (Logan, Howard, and Tyler) each pitch bold, often hilarious takes on a range of NBA All-Star players. Takes are judged by esteemed “take expert” Jomi Adeniran, who determines whose perspective is the spiciest and most compelling. Along the way, the crew veers into signature jokes, player personas, and NBA culture with classic Ringer irreverence.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Take-a-Thon Format and Stakes
- Structure: Each host is assigned players from three symbolic All-Star teams. They deliver their strongest/craziest "takes" on each, with Jomi serving as the all-powerful judge.
- Lighthearted Tone: Tyler dons a knight’s helmet (03:21), setting an irreverent, competitive vibe.
"I'm taking this extremely seriously. There's literally nothing in the world that means more to me right now than making sure I get this right."
— Jomi (03:34)
2. LeBron James’ Changing Power Dynamic [05:22]
- Main take: LeBron no longer controls NBA narratives or his franchise as in the past, especially post-Luka trade.
- Discussion: Unparalleled media presence, LA’s unique power structure, and diminished leverage.
- Concern: Will LeBron accept a Kareem-like late-career torch-passing or chase control elsewhere? Logan wonders if his lack of ultimate narrative control is unprecedented for him.
"For him to just vanish without a trace would be pretty odd."
— Logan (05:47)
- Panel view: Unlikely LeBron retires this season; he may shift teams but will never have his old control.
3. Chet Holmgren Needs a Vibe Change [11:14]
- Tyler’s take: Chet should “embrace his inner sleaze”: bleach hair, mustache, visible tattoos à la Ryan Gosling in Place Beyond the Pines.
"I think Chet needs to bleach his hair and shave his beard into a mustache and get 10 to 15 visible tattoos."
— Tyler (11:14)
- Logan objects: Chet's not headed that route, but Tyler frames it as hypothetical possibility for narrative spark.
- Fun moment: "He runs the risk of looking a little bit like a penis if he does that.” (12:02)
4. Nikola Jokic: Does He Need Another Ring? [14:22]
- Howard’s take: Jokic is a generational talent, but needs more titles to silence doubters and secure his all-time legacy.
- Context: Three MVPs, but only one championship.
- Stat chase: Compares to other MVPs and ring-bearers.
"Nikola Jokic needs another ring... To put all those people to rest and shut them up, he just needs the extra hardware."
— Howard (14:24 & 17:32)
- Panel: Jokic gets less rings-culture critique than peers; his unique style is both celebrated and polarizing.
5. Kawhi Leonard: The CBA’s Future Avatar? [18:00]
- Logan’s take: Kawhi’s injury history and contract leverage could become a cautionary tale for NBA owners in future negotiations—a possible pretext to limit guaranteed money.
- Reaction: Not the first hurt max-contract player; but his side-deals and Clippers’ dealings notable.
6. Devin Booker: Best Signature Shoe, Best Beanie? [20:25]
- Tyler and Logan: Celebrate Booker’s signature shoe for classic, minimalist appeal, and “old-school” off-court wear.
- Tyler's “secondary take”: NBA should let Booker wear a beanie during games.
7. Victor Wembanyama’s “Face of the League” Potential [22:38]
- Howard’s take: Wemby is the next all-in-one superstar, but does he have enough "charisma" for mass-appeal face-of-the-league status?
- Disagreement: Tyler finds Wimby less off-court interesting, possibly “manufactured cool.”
- Debate: Does face-of-the-league require personality or just on-court greatness and commercial appeal?
"He’s the next face and arms and legs and everything else of the NBA."
— Howard (23:08)
8. Jalen Brunson: Top 5 Small Guard? [31:00]
- Logan’s take: Brunson’s ceiling—possibly top-5 small guard (≤6’2"), but unlikely to carry Knicks to a title.
- Discussion: Impact compared to Isaiah Thomas, Allen Iverson, Chris Paul.
- Realism: Great leader, but not enough to overcome New York's structural issues.
9. Jalen Duren: Best Shoulders in the League [34:55]
- Tyler: Duren’s shoulders “best of the century,” surpassing even Dwight Howard and rivaling young David Robinson for sheer mass.
10. Deni Avdija: The Wizards’ Miss [36:33]
- Howard: Avdija’s breakout in Portland only underscores Washington’s mismanagement—gave him away during a rebuild.
11. Steph Curry: The New Dirk in Golden State? [38:18]
- Logan’s take: The Warriors' front office has failed Steph in his twilight; his career may begin to mirror Dirk’s—a lone late-career star surrounded by organizational malaise, possibly missing the playoffs soon.
- Howard: Warriors haven’t been idle, but the aging core, recurring injuries, and past mistakes (hanging onto young prospects) may leave Steph stranded—a poetic new-Dirk scenario.
"Steph deserves better. I don’t think we’re going to see the Warriors in the postseason."
— Logan (41:03)
12. Donovan Mitchell: Entering Late-Stage Dame Mode [46:18]
- Logan: Mitchell has a couple more years as a solo act before “needs help” discourse begins.
- Howard: His playoff “flameouts” are as much about poor supporting casts/injuries as Mitchell himself.
13. Alperen Şengün: The Polar Bear Comparison [50:05]
- Tyler: Şengün’s body type is “polar bear”—long torso, thick legs.
- Analysis: Great offensive skill; defensive development overstated by his fans; a “pickup ball” savant.
14. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA): Mystery Box Superstar [53:13]
- Howard: SGA is the “least knowable” megastar—ultra-modern, aloof, and not interested in being the face of the league.
- Logan: Compares SGA to Frank Ocean—mysterious but captivating to Gen Z.
- Tyler: “Pinterest all-star”—his mystery and style command a unique cultural gravity.
- Debate: Is SGA’s guardedness cool or a drawback for larger stardom?
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Jomi on judging the Take-a-Thon:
- "There's literally nothing in the world that means more to me right now than making sure that I get this right." (03:34)
- Tyler, on Chet Holmgren’s needed transformation:
- "If he wants to shave his head, that's fine. I do think he runs the risk of looking a little bit like a penis if he does that." (12:02)
- Howard, on Jokic’s legacy:
- "Nikola Jokic needs another ring... To put all those people to rest, he just needs extra hardware." (14:24)
- Logan, on Steph Curry’s future:
- "Steph deserves better, man. I don't think we're going to see the Warriors in the postseason." (41:03)
- Tyler, describing Şengün:
- "Şengün has the long stretched torso and short, thick legs of a polar bear." (50:05)
- Howard, on SGA:
- "He is the least knowable superstar of his era." (54:31)
- Logan, on SGA’s modern star-power:
- "He is the most Gen Z superstar. They don’t care about… you just have to say one soundbite and it will just go everywhere on reels." (56:09)
Timestamp Highlights
- 01:08 — Show begins, Take-a-Thon rules and tone set
- 05:22 — LeBron discussion: narrative control, legacy, Lakers’ power dynamics
- 11:14 — Chet Holmgren “vibe change” take and ensuing jokes
- 14:22 — Jokic needs another ring for legacy
- 18:00 — Kawhi Leonard, CBA, and superstar contract debates
- 20:25 — Devin Booker’s shoes and “Beanie Booker” idea
- 22:38 — Wemby’s charisma, “face of the league” debate
- 31:00 — Brunson as a top 5 small guard, Knicks’ ceiling
- 34:55 — Jalen Duren’s shoulders vs. Dwight Howard and David Robinson
- 38:18 — Steph Curry as “modern Dirk,” Warriors’ front office critique
- 46:18 — Donovan Mitchell: supporting cast needed?
- 50:05 — Şengün as polar bear, style analysis
- 53:13 — SGA as a “mystery box” and Gen Z’s NBA star
The Take-a-Thon Winner
Jomi’s Decision:
- Winner: Howard Beck
- Winning Take: “Jokic needs another ring to cement his legacy.”
- Reasoning: In an era with more league-wide parity, the three-time MVP needs additional titles for true all-time great status. Jomi, tongue-in-cheek, reveals his “rings culture” stance here. (59:44–61:47)
"If you’re Jokic, and we’re putting you in conversations with Hakeem and Shaq and Kareem, you can’t just sit there and only have one ring on your finger. That’s not really how it goes."
— Jomi (61:13)
Final Aftershow Banter [62:30+]
- Quick, salty jabs (especially at Damian Lillard) continue in classic Ringer post-credits fashion.
- Tyler: “Just Trae Young with better PR.” (62:30)
- Jomi: “Legitimately embarrassing career.” (63:13)
Conclusion
This Take-a-Thon episode is a whirlwind of creative NBA takes, smart basketball analysis, and uniquely Ringer banter. The hosts cover legacy and culture (LeBron, Jokic, Steph), stylistic quirks (Booker, Shengün, Duren), rising stars and their mystique (Wemby, SGA), with plenty of inside jokes and friendly roast sessions. Howard Beck’s assertion that Jokic needs another title to secure his legacy takes home the 2026 “Best Take” crown.
For listeners and NBA fans who missed the episode, this is a playfully irreverent yet deep take on the NBA’s present and future—well worth experiencing, with memorable quotes and thoughtful, occasionally wild, debate throughout.