The Mismatch

Episodes

• The Mismatch’s AI TeamsVerno and Jacoby return to give their most interesting players to watch heading into the 2026-27 NBA Season. Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:17) MISMATCH ALL-INTERESTING TEAM (2:17) IMMANUEL QUICKLEY: KAWHI EFFECT (9:02) FRED VANVLEET: BACK AND BOMBING (14:14) STEVEN ADAMS: KING OF THE GLASS (18:56) WALKER KESSLER: LAKERS’ BIG BET (23:45) AUSTIN REAVES: BRIGHTER SPOTLIGHT (29:43) VJ EDGECOMBE: SIXTH MAN SCORER? (35:26) JAYLEN BROWN: LEADING MAN NO MORE (40:23) CALEB WILSON: HIGHS AND LOWS (43:54) GIANNIS: STILL ELITE WHEN HE PLAYS (49:51) JALEN WILLIAMS: THUNDER’S X-FACTOR (52:31) DYLAN HARPER: BENCH OR STARTER? (57:07) DEMAR DEROZAN: ONE LAST RING CHASE (1:00:11) KRISTAPS PORZINGIS: IF HE PLAYS (1:04:30) ISAIAH JOE: LIFE OUTSIDE OF OKC (1:07:37) BEEF STEW: GRIT AND GRIND 2.0 (1:13:28) MITCHELL ROBINSON: KNICK TO CELTIC (1:17:05) KNICKS TABLE KAT EXTENSION TALKS The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  542|1T 25min
• Basketball Is (Almost) Back!Verno and Jacoby return to give their early observations from this week’s preseason games. From LeBron’s rumored argument with Joel Embiid to Tyrese Haliburton’s return, they discuss it all. Welcome to The Mismatch! (01:32) Cam Boozer vs. Magic: 16 points, six rebounds in 22 minutes (10:22) Aday Mara is 15-for-15 from the field in the preseason (15:59) Joan Beringer didn't touch a basketball until 2021 (21:33) Mike Breen walks back story about LeBron scolding Embiid (26:35) Sixers' Ariel Hukporti out indefinitely with torn Achilles (27:45) LeBron is commuting to Sixers practice by helicopter (29:41) Haliburton returns in Ames: seven points, six assists in 16 minutes (36:21) Shams: KAT, Josh Hart unextended; trade deadline talk could heat up (39:09) Nikola Jokic's behind-the-back dime: "One of one" (44:33) Ja Morant starts Blazers debut: eight points, five assists in 19 minutes (51:20) Caleb Wilson's debut: 15 points, but 0-for-4 from 3 (53:46) John Collins grabs Dillon Brooks by the throat (58:11) Steve Kerr on Kristaps Porzingis: "I haven't seen him yet" (1:06:52) Wemby skipped U.S. media this offseason, except '60 Minutes' Leave us a message on our Mismatch voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  541|1T 12min
• Next Question: Media Day ReactionsVerno and Jacoby run through every team's media day story line, so it's next question, next question. LeBron didn't leave his family to lose in the second round, Jay-Z hexed the Spurs, Giannis meets an iguana, and the young Nets want to golf shirtless. Plus, the Kings' hot mic, and Verno proves he's the opposite of a hypocrite. Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:51) Sixers: LeBron, Embiid and the Jaylen Brown "alpha" question (15:33) Warriors: Porzingis out with "health issue" as Curry agrees to 2-year, $116M extension (20:39) Pistons: Jalen Duren skips media day, still unsigned (22:02) Nuggets: Nikola Jokic will re-sign "if they want me" (25:29) Raptors: Kawhi won't discuss punishment, agrees to 2-year, $115M extension (32:07) Heat: Giannis and Bam, Miami's new superstar duo (36:58) Spurs: Harper and Castle's 'GQ' feature, bench talk, MSG and Jay-Z's hex (55:09) Lakers: JJ Redick says roster makes sense for first time in three years (59:05) Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards on life without Naz Reid and Julius Randle (1:01:05) Nets: Julius Randle says young teammates tried to golf shirtless, broke a driver (1:07:10) Pelicans: Entering Year 8, Zion says career "not where I want to be" (1:12:48) Kings: Hot mic catches reporters rating Ben Simmons and Zach LaVine Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Stefan Anderson and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  540|1T 28min
• Offseason Loves and LoathesVerno and Jacoby return to discuss some of the latest news around the league, including the contract extensions for Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George, Henri Veesaar's season-ending injury, and more. With the offseason coming to an end, media days around the corner, and preseason games coming soon, the guys dive into their full offseason loves and loathes. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (07:13) Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George sign contract extensions (13:45) Doc Rivers to join NBC’s NBA broadcast (15:52) The Hawks’ Henri Veesaar tears ACL, will miss the whole season (17:05) Jalen Brunson set to host 'Saturday Night Live' this weekend (22:06) Verno loves: How much stronger the teams in the East have gotten (26:02) Jacoby loves: LaMelo Ball on the Timberwolves with Anthony Edwards (28:25) Verno loathes: A weaker Western Conference (33:41) Jacoby loathes: The Knicks' championship summer is coming to an end (36:22) Verno loves: Rookie class (39:57) Jacoby loves: The Cavs trading for Peyton Watson (43:34) Verno loathes: Long-tenured players with new teams (50:04) Jacoby loathes: The Pelicans' offseason (50:39) Verno loves: New head coaches (54:29) Jacoby loves: The Rockets have true point guards now (55:59) Verno loathes: Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul retiring (57:00) Jacoby loathes: Ja Morant with the Blazers (1:01:04) Verno loves: The 76ers' offseason (1:05:21) Jacoby loves: OG Alvarado (1:07:03) Verno loathes: Blazers owner Tom Dundon being cheap (1:10:36) Jacoby loathes: Kyle Lowry’s dinosaur statue Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  539|1T 13min
• Steve Ballmer Accepts His Fate, the Pistons’ Mess, the Year of Brunson Continues, and the A.I. TakeoverVerno and Jacoby return as they react to Steve Ballmer’s statement accepting his punishment for the NBA’s investigation into the Clippers. They discuss what the expectations are for the Clippers next season as well as what impact Kawhi Leonard will have with the Raptors now that the trade has been made official. Next, they discuss Mark Williams’s surgery, Jalen Brunson hosting 'Saturday Night Live,' and the ongoing contract negotiations between Jalen Duren and the Detroit Pistons. Lastly, the guys have three questions each, ranging from the impact of new head coaches to artificial intelligence. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:44) Steve Ballmer releases statement accepting his punishment for circumventing the salary cap (9:41) Expectations for Raptors with Kawhi Leonard (19:15) Mark Williams to miss several months after shoulder surgery (21:01) Jalen Brunson hosting the season premiere of 'SNL' (26:56) Jalen Duren and Detroit Pistons remain far apart in contract negotiations (40:07) Are the Clippers wrong for giving Chris Paul’s no. 3 to Bradley Beal? (44:25) Which team are you personally high on that probably won’t be good? (48:48) Which new head coach will have a major impact next season? (54:58) Reaction to Nikola Jokic’s comments about being a well known NBA player (1:03:43) Which team do you know you will like more than the consensus? (1:05:48) How long do we have until A.I. murders us all? Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  538|1T 15min
• Clippers Get Hammered, Ben Simmons Is Back, and Five Questions Ahead of Next SeasonVerno and Jacoby return as they discuss the NBA’s punishment on the Clippers for circumventing the salary cap with Kawhi Leonard. They then discuss Amen Thompson’s contract extension, Ben Simmons’s return to the league, and the latest with Jalen Duren. Next, the guys have five questions ahead of next season. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:41) League slams the hammer on the Clippers for circumventing the salary cap with Kawhi Leonard (17:11) Is the Kawhi Leonard signing the worst signing ever? (21:39) Amen Thompson signs a five-year, $208 million contract extension with the Rockets (25:50) Ben Simmons is back; signs a deal with the Kings (30:00) Jalen Duren, Pistons remain apart in contract negotiations (34:31) How many teams enter training camp with real championship expectations? (42:34) Are the Lakers going to be better than they were last year? (46:53) How will Giannis’s move to the Heat affect what Nikola Jokic could do with the Nuggets? (51:43) Where do the Pistons rank among the rest of the Eastern Conference? (54:22) Does Jacoby recommend driving across the country in a RV? Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  537|1T 9min
• The Players We Can’t Wait to See on New Teams. Plus, Which Star Will Finally Get a Ring?Verno and Jacoby return to go through the players they are most looking forward to seeing in action with a new team. They break it all down by each selecting a star, a role player, a once-upon-a-time star, and an "I still believe in them" player. Then they discuss which star is most likely to win their first championship, which small offseason move will net the biggest result, and which scandal they care about the most going into the season. Also, they briefly discuss some of the recent signings around the league, the Wolves' ownership change, and Shaedon Sharpe’s injury. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (1:46) Klay Thompson and DeMar DeRozan sign with the Heat and Nuggets, respectively (7:40) Timberwolves ownership change (12:07) Shaedon Sharpe’s injury (16:17) Star player on a new team we are most looking forward to seeing (19:52) Role player on a new team we are most looking forward to seeing (25:07) The once-upon-a-time star player on a new team we are most looking forward to seeing (31:00) The "I still believe in them" player on a new team we are most looking forward to seeing (40:49) Which star is most likely to win their first championship? (46:19) Small offseason signing that will lead to big results (53:07) Scandal they care about the most Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  536|1T 1min
• Inside the Lakers’ New Era With Dan WoikeVerno and Jacoby are joined by The Athletic’s Dan Woike to help break down the entire Lakers situation. They discuss Mark Walter's shocking decision to sell the Lakers to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner, the not-so-shocking Buss family drama since the Lakers were flipped by Walter, how the new ownership could affect Luka Doncic, and more. They also discuss how the Lakers' offseason acquisitions fit next to Luka, expectations for LeBron James on the Sixers, and Dan’s thoughts on the Clippers-Aspiration investigation. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:16) Initial reaction to the Lakers' sale to Bob Iger and Josh Kushner (10:10) On Mark Walter and the changes he started implementing on the Lakers (17:41) How does new ownership affect Luka Doncic? (21:10) LeBron James leaving the Lakers to sign with the Sixers (28:48) Explaining how a team governor role works (38:17) Pros and cons from the Lakers' offseason (48:34) Clippers-Aspiration investigation Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Guest: Dan Wokie Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  535|56min
• The NBA Schedule Has Arrived, and Russell Westbrook Calls It a CareerThe NBA has finally released the schedule for the 2026-27 season, and Verno and Jacoby react by discussing the Christmas Day games, which team has a surprising amount of national TV games, debate who’ll get booed when returning to their former team, and more. Also, the guys share some of their fond memories of Russell Westbrook after he announced his retirement. (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (00:23) NBA releases the full 2026-27 schedule (3:41) Opening Day schedule (10:51) Christmas Day schedule (17:06) Nationally televised games (32:13) Homecoming games (39:02) Trying to make sense of the Lakers getting flipped by Mark Walter (44:21) Can't-miss games of the season (55:40) Happy retirement, Russell Westbrook Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  534|1T 11min
• Loves and Loathes of the Offseason So FarVerno and Jacoby return with the offseason edition of Loves and Loathes! (00:00) Welcome to The Mismatch! (2:32) Verno loves: The power shift of the Eastern Conference (10:38) Jacoby loves: Still riding the high of the Knicks' championship (16:59) Verno loathes: The second apron (22:56) Jacoby loathes: Victor Wembanyama taking a pay cut (26:00) Verno loves: Underrated acquisitions of the offseason (29:38) Jacoby loves: The Chicago Bulls (32:06) Verno loathes: The neverending Clippers-Aspiration saga (and a bonus side story on Verno competing against Joey Chestnut) (38:21) Jacoby loathes: The Warriors' offseason (39:29) Verno loves: New head coaches around the league (42:38) Jacoby loves: LeBron James surprising everyone by signing with the 76ers (44:53) Verno loathes: Blazers owner Tom Dundon (46:47) Jacoby loathes: Pistons not addressing their needs (49:28) Verno loves: Minnesota Lynx’s Olivia Miles (53:51) Jacoby loves: NBA Europe (55:35) Verno loathes: Being out of touch with current movies and TV shows (1:02:22) Jacoby loathes: Booking an RV vacation with his family Leave us a message on our Mismatch Voicemail line! (323) 389-5091 Hosts: Chris Vernon and David Jacoby Producers: Jessie Lopez, Stefan Anderson, and Jeff Shearin Social: Keith Fujimoto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  533|1T 8min