The Ringer NBA Show: "The 2026 Take-athon, Part 1 | Real Ones"

Date: February 13, 2026
Hosts: Logan Murdoch, Howard Beck, Tyler Parker
(“Real Ones” edition, live from Spotify Studios LA)

Overview

In this bold, tongue-in-cheek "Take-athon" edition, Logan, Howard, and Tyler go through the NBA All-Stars and unleash outrageous, creative, and occasionally fiery takes—each panelist offering a unique perspective and sometimes engaging in friendly debate. The guest judge, Jeremy Ardenaron, is set to crown the "Take Champion" in the episode’s second part. The objective? Fun, wild opinions, and a fresh look at the league’s biggest names.

Notable Themes & Format

• Each host draws names and shares a hot take about the selected All-Star
• Emphasis on fun and creative perspectives rather than strictly analytical discussion
• Frequent references to basketball culture (accessories, media narratives, legacies)
• Tones shift between playful, irreverent, and occasionally reflective
• Judge Jeremy will declare the boldest “champion take” next episode

Key Discussion Points & Segments

Introduction & Rules (01:29–04:08)

• Hosts introduce the concept:
  “The first ever Take-athon presented by Real Ones where we give the boldest take possible on all of your favorite All Stars.” (Logan, 01:34)
• Joking camaraderie: hosts riff on being together in the same studio, shoutouts to the Ringer team, establish that the takes are for fun.

Anthony Edwards: Best NBA Accessory (04:08–06:55)

• Tyler Parker’s take:
  • Edwards has the best accessory in the league: “The number five sweatband on the left calf. … It’s not too loud, but it’s unique. It says, ‘Look, this is who I am. This is what I’m about.’” (Tyler, 04:29)
  • Hosts reminisce about the evolution of player accessories, from Iverson’s iconic arm sleeve to Edwards’ methodical “science” of accessorizing.
  • Old-school to modern shift: hosts note the increased freedom and individuality with uniform/gear styling.
  • “If the NBA is going to allow for like 72 different fucking uniforms… you got no standing as a league to tell guys you can’t wear various accoutrement.” (Howard, 06:42)

Memorable Moment:

• Logan and Tyler agree to “normalize getting swaggy for a pickup game” as part of playground hoops culture. (08:27)

Giannis Antetokounmpo: Greatest Buck Ever? (08:38–16:32)

• Howard Beck’s take:
  • “No matter what happens next… I think he’s already the greatest Buck of all time—over Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.” (Howard, 09:21)
• Panel discusses:
  • The credentials: Championships, MVPs, and team tenure.
  • Debate about legacy:
    “He’s not the most moral Buck. The best ladies and gentlemen, just the best Buck.” (Logan, 09:52)
  • Kareem vs. Giannis eras: Kareem’s stats “bananas,” but Giannis’ impact in the modern NBA, his roots in Milwaukee, and the meaning of “imprint” on a franchise drive Howard’s argument.
  • Panel considers what constitutes “greatest”: story, impact, stats, longevity, and manner of leaving the franchise.

Notable Quote:

• “This is basically a—what did you mean to that team during your time with that franchise?” (Howard, 14:09)

Jalen Johnson: Most Complete Offensive Player in the East? (19:25–20:41)

• Tyler’s hot take:
  • “I think Jalen Johnson’s the most complete offensive player in the East right now. … He’s averaging 23, 11 and 8. … He can do more… than anybody else in the East.” (Tyler, 19:30)
• Logan and Howard press on the omission of Jayson Tatum and other top players; Tyler hedges: “Tatum’s definitely got an argument… but he’s hurt right now.” (20:08)
• Debate ends with laughter—one of the episode’s bolder, more questionable takes.

Jalen Brown: Approaching a Boston Impasse (20:48–23:41)

• Logan’s take:
  • “We’re about to have another impasse between Jalen Brown, Boston Celtics going forward...” (20:48)
  • Jalen Brown’s recent comments signal that he relishes being “the lead guy” and has long sacrificed for the team.
• Internal tension: Despite team success and past awards (Finals/Conference Finals MVP), Brown’s role as “Batman or Robin” resurfaces.

Memorable Quote:

• Jalen Brown (to Logan in 2023, referencing partnership with Tatum):
  “If it’s your whole career, it’s your whole career. If it’s not, it’s not. … You see where life takes you. … All you really have to focus on is what’s in front of you.” (Logan, 23:41)

Luka Dončić: “The Greatest Threat to Luka is Luka” (24:25–27:55)

• Howard’s take:
  • “The greatest threat to Luka’s overall legacy… is Luka.” (Howard, 25:12)
• Deep dive into Luka’s career arc:
  • Usage rate: highest ever (35%), over Jordan, Iverson, Kobe.
  • Persistent issues: conditioning, defense, constant complaining (“the biggest whiner among stars I’ve seen in 30 years…” — Howard, 25:50).
• Debate about where blame lies—Lakers’ roster construction vs. Luka’s self-imposed limitations.

Karl-Anthony Towns: Should’ve Stayed in Minnesota? (28:09–30:28)

• Logan’s take:
  • “I think Karl Towns would have been better served staying in Minnesota.” (Logan, 28:09)
• Reflection on Towns’ fit as a #2 option in New York:
  “…from a game standpoint and being able to help a team, I think he’s kind of miscast in his role.” (29:12)
• Panel notes the “curse” of homecoming stress, relentless NY media, and Towns’ roots in Minnesota vs. current struggles.

Tyrese Maxey: Most Exciting Offensive Player Over Steph or Wemby? (32:49–34:43)

• Tyler’s take (extra spicy):
  • “This is the most exciting offensive player in the league now. Even above Steph.” (Tyler, 32:57)
• Logan bristles, citing Victor Wembanyama’s jaw-dropping play.
• Tyler counters with Maxey’s speed and deep range, but the panel reacts with disbelief.

Pascal Siakam: The Ideal #2 (34:52–35:59)

• Howard’s take:
  • “He’s the best prototypical number two in the NBA right now, possibly.” (35:19)
• Group agrees:
  “He doesn’t need… [to] say, I need to be the guy.” (Howard, 35:21)
  Siakam is perfect as a co-star but “they’re cooked” if forced into a #1 role (Logan/Howard, 35:45–35:47).

Brandon Ingram: Outlasted Everyone (36:02–36:28)

• Logan’s mini-take:
  • “Shout out to Brandon Ingram for outlasting Ben Simmons and proving… that he was the better player all along.” (36:17)
• Short, celebratory, and a nod to his perseverance after the AD trade.

Scottie Barnes: “Scott Bones” and the Ultimate Glue Guy (36:38–37:46)

• Tyler’s quirky take:
  • “When Scottie Barnes plays well, people should call him Scott Bones.” (36:43)
• Logan adds:
  “I think he’s the ideal number two. … If Scottie Barnes is your number two, you’re cooking.” (36:14)

Jamal Murray: The Properly Rated All-Star (37:51–39:44)

• Howard’s take:
  • “Great that he’s [finally] there. We can stop calling him underrated now. … He was properly rated.” (37:58)
• Lists the Western point guard competition that kept him out; asserts All-Star rating fits his play, not a real slight.

Norman Powell: The Power of “Solid” and the Lament of Letting Good Guys Go (39:45–41:13)

• Logan’s take:
  • “Don’t disparage solid as a means of a compliment… we need a lot more solids in this world.” (39:49)
• Howard’s add-on:
  Every team that’s traded Powell has regretted it:
  “Every single one of these, the team trading Norman Powell was worse off for it.” (Howard, 41:09)

Cade Cunningham: The Best (Non-Giannis) in the East? (41:24–43:20)

• Tyler’s take:
  • “When Giannis is hurt, he’s [Cade] the best player in the East now.” (Tyler, 41:24)
• Discussion about Cade’s rise, clutch play, and excellent hair (“When’s the last time we had a superstar with a good fro?” – Logan, 42:03).
• Praise for his culture-setting leadership in Detroit with new GM Trajan Langdon.

Kevin Durant: The Most Underappreciated Star? (43:27–47:41)

• Howard’s nuanced take:
  • “Kevin Durant is the most underappreciated star of this era or maybe of any era. … It has to do with the decisions he made.” (43:27)
• Panel dives into Durant’s career:
  • Movement between teams has left him without a single, loyal fan base.
  • Despite all-time stats and career accolades, recognition is muted compared to LeBron (Howard: “LeBron is still loved in all these places that he was at… KD…[isn’t]”, 47:13).
• Heated discussion about “ring-chasing,” the NBA’s climate of player mobility, and why KD is strangely tragic in legacy terms.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Accessories:
  “Let’s normalize again just getting swaggy for a pickup game that doesn’t matter at all and that you’re probably going to be trash in.” (Logan, 08:27)
• On Giannis’ Milwaukee legacy:
  “He embraced Milwaukee and he for all of what’s happening now in what is eventually going to be a divorce…he gave them a lot of really great years.” (Howard, 10:39)
• On Luka’s fate:
  “The greatest threat to Luka’s overall legacy … is Luka.” (Howard, 25:12)
• On being “Solid”:
  “Don’t disparage solid as a means of a compliment, because one day, solid can be great.” (Logan, 39:49)
• On KD’s appreciation:
  “He is…way underappreciated. … But I think it’s inarguable that he’s, like, way underappreciated.” (Tyler, 47:49)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Introduction/Setup: 01:29–04:08
• Anthony Edwards: 04:08–06:55
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: 08:38–16:32
• Jalen Johnson: 19:25–20:41
• Jalen Brown: 20:48–23:41
• Luka Dončić: 24:25–27:55
• Karl-Anthony Towns: 28:09–30:28
• Tyrese Maxey: 32:49–34:43
• Pascal Siakam: 34:52–35:59
• Brandon Ingram: 36:02–36:28
• Scottie Barnes: 36:38–37:46
• Jamal Murray: 37:51–39:44
• Norm Powell: 39:45–41:13
• Cade Cunningham: 41:24–43:20
• Kevin Durant: 43:27–47:41

Tone & Style

• Playful, irreverent, and with a deep reservoir of NBA knowledge
• Takes are intentionally spicy, sometimes verging on absurdity
• Frequent jokes and laughter punctuate more serious moments of analysis
• Hosts keep things light, with an emphasis on personality and fun

Closing

The episode ends with the promise that the takes will be judged by Jeremy Ardenaron in Part 2, with the most outlandish or insightful crowned as the “Take Champion.”

Logan Signs Off:
“We will see you [tomorrow] for part two where we crown our champion of the take. That’s next. Thanks for watching.” (Logan, 47:59)

This summary captures the best/wildest takes and the entertaining, basketball-obsessed spirit of the “Take-athon.” Great for anyone who missed the episode and wants the full flavor of the panel’s debates!