Drive and Dish NBA Podcast
Drive and Dish NBA Podcast
Justin Cousart
Welcome to the Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) & Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir). We started back in 2014 as a way to discuss our favorite league like we would whenever we hung out outside of work. Two cities, and a couple of radio jobs later, here we are. We strive to give you the best in everything NBA both on and off the court on a weekly basis and keep it light and fun, the way basketball is supposed to be. Honestly, which league is more fun than the NBA right now? Our goal is to make you feel like you’re sitting on the couch, at the barbershop, or at a barstool with us. We cover the league year-round from opening night in October, all the way through the NBA Finals in June. If that’s not enough, we keep going in the summer for the NBA draft, NBA summer league & free agency. Segments include Who’s Ballin, Who’s Fallin, our NBA version of the stock market where we tell you what’s trending up, and what’s trending down each week. We’ve also got Hot Takes from Reddit, where we bring you the spiciest and most comical takes from NBA Reddit each week. You also will hear the best in NBA guests throughout the season and all summer long. Like we said earlier though, the show is all about fun, because if you’re not having fun, why do something right
Russ Retires & NBA Schedule Release
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show with the news of Russell Westbrook's retirement. A look back at their favorite Brodie moments and how he will be remembered overall. Next, a dive into the NBA's schedule release, including opening night, Christmas, MLK Day and the NBA Cup. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, KG finally gets his number retired by the Timberwolves, the Lakers controversial sale, Brandon Clarke's family getting paid after all and Willie Cauley-Stein's regrets. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.
Aug 16
1 hr 20 min
Another Kawhi Allegation & Remaining Free Agents
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys are joined by Carlton Cabey (@Carlton_KB) to first talk the latest in the Kawhi Leonard investigation as he's accused of getting another endorsement to circumvent the cap. A look at what potential punishment, if any, would look like and what it'd mean for the Clippers and Raptors as their trade remains in limbo. Then, a look at remaining free agents including Bradley Beal, Demar Derozan, James Harden, Jalen Duren and more. Where are the best potential landing spots for everyone? Finally, anothe round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!
Aug 8
1 hr 20 min
Warriors Worries & the Lu Dort Trade
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by discussing Andre Drummond's remarkable free throw improvement over the years. Peak summer chat. Then, Draymond Green signs a one-year deal to return to the Warriors. The duo debates the where the Warriors currently stack up given their lack of offseason moves and if Steph Curry would actually leave. Next, the Lu Dort trade. How can the Thunder try and replace his defense? For the Hawks, what will they look like next season after a strong second half of the season last year and why a gamble on Zaccharie Risacher makes sense for the Mavericks. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, the Pacers bring back a classic jersey, Wemby gets his own shoe with Nike, Kyle Kuzma's recent Tweets on Kalshi and the Kawhi investigation potentially going into 2027. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!
Aug 1
1 hr
Smiling Thru It All. Can't Believe These Are Our Lives.
On this Emergency Episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys react to LeBron James, yes LeBron James, becoming a Philadelphia 76er. The sheer joy of Kevin and Justin currently and why LeBron is the perfect fit for this roster. What can we expect next from the Sixers and what is their roster missing currently. Next, where do the Heat and Cavaliers go after missing out a reunion with LeBron. Finally, with the King in Philly, how does the East shake up. Should the Sixers be labeled as instant contenders? Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!
Jul 27
31 min
Super Summer Pod #2: The NBA Goes Full Chaos Mode
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by reacting to the news that the Kawhi Leonard trade is on hold for now. Why the return to Toronto makes sense for both sides, but if there should be any worry long term amid the NBA's investigation. The guys also break down the Ja Morant trade and if this really makes sense for Portland. Next, LeBron James announces that he is leaving the Lakers. A quick look back at his tenure there and the moves the Lakers have made in the aftermath of the news. As LeBron's destinations focus on Philly, Cleveland and Miami, the guys debate which destination makes the most sense. Philly meanwhile shocked the league by trading for Jaylen Brown as Paul George ships up to Boston. How we got here and how this changes the Sixers timeline. Cleveland meanwhile has re-signed Donovan Mitchell to a long-term extension and the guys discuss what other moves the Cavs could have on tap besides LeBron. In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, a supermax extension in San Antonio for Wemby, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo fight in Vegas and the continued impacts of the second apron. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!
Jul 12
1 hr 19 min
Super Summer Pod: The Knicks are Champs, Giannis & LaMelo trades & NBA Draft Recap
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart, the guys start with the Knicks finishing the job and winning their first title in over 50 years. What comes next and their chances of running it back next year. Then, Giannis Antetokounmpo is finally on the move and headed to South Beach. Does this make the Heat an instant contender in the East and how can they fill out the rest of the roster. Where do the Bucks go from here? Then a more surprising trade as LaMelo Ball is headed to Minnesota. The guys debate if this move is enough to get the Wolves over the top in the West and why they would make this move now. How about the Hornets? Was it the right call to blow things up after such a successful season. Then, the guys look at the market for Jaylen Brown. Then the duo dives into the 2026 NBA Draft. Who were the big winners and losers? Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!
Jun 28
1 hr 33 min
Where Were You for the Greatest Comeback in NBA History?
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by reacting to the Knicks stunning comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals. What went wrong for the Spurs offensively and how much blame does Fox deserve? Kevin argues why the Spurs should somehow still feel alright despite being down 3-1 in the series while Justin says it is over. Next, a look at NBA award winners including SGA for MVP, Wemby for DPOY and Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year. Did the voters get it right? In Who's Ballin Who's Fallin, the Big 3 goes public & Giannis rumors head to Miami. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube!
Jun 13
1 hr 3 min
Knicks 2, Spurs 0
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the show by closing out the season for the Oklahoma City Thunder after their elimination in the Western Conference finals. What went wrong against the Spurs, the big financial decisions ahead of them this offseason and a disastrous game 7 for Chet Holmgren. Next, the duo dives into all things NBA Finals, as the Knicks have taken a 2-0 nothing lead. Why Karl Anthony Towns has been so impressive and the emotional toll of a difficult game 2 loss on the Spurs. Who needs to step up for San Antonio to get back into the mix and why depth again has been the key for the Knicks. Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.
Jun 7
55 min
A Classic Western Conference Finals & the Knicks Party Like It's 99
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse (@rafusetolose) and Justin Cousart (@JustinContheAir), the guys start the showing by previewing Game 7 of the Western Conference finals between the Spurs and Thunder. How did we get here and which team has the advantage going into Game 7? Does home court make as big of a difference as it used to? Plus why the Thunder need more out of SGA and how the Spurs can limit their turnovers. Next, Kevin argues that the Knicks aren't being given nearly enough of a chance to win the NBA Finals after sweeping the Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals. A quick look at which team the Knicks might prefer and how they've flipped the switch after being down 2-1 to the Hawks. As for the Cavs, a big offseason awaits. James Harden and Kenny Atkinson will be back. Will Evan Mobley? Finally, another round of Immaculate Grid. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on YouTube.
May 30
1 hr 2 min
Conference Finals Chaos & Second Round Eliminated Squads
On this episode of The Drive & Dish NBA Podcast, hosted by Kevin Rafuse & Justin Cousart, Kevin is joined this week for a pair of podcast debuts from Andrew Fehr and Mason Switsky, as the guys join him for some conference finals talk. The Knicks storm back from a 22-point deficit to stun the Cavs in Game 1 of the ECF. Is the series already over now? Out West, the Spurs and Thunder are even after two games. Why a pair of injuries for the Spurs could loom large over the rest of the series and some early Wemby brilliance. Then, a quick detour into NBA all-time rankings and some love for Dirk Nowitzki. The guys then fire up the despair meter for the Pistons, Sixers, Lakers and Timberwolves after their eliminations in the second round. Is LeBron destined to leave LA? Mason argues why the Timberwolves have a Julius Randle problem and Andrew says the Pistons shouldn't be too upset despite the tough game 7 loss. Finally, some quick Premier League banter. Listen to the show wherever you get your podcasts and watch the show on Youtube!
May 22
1 hr 25 min
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