ESPN draft guru Jay Bilas joined the latest episode of Basketball by Association, along with our very own NBA Draft Lead Writer Jonathan Wasserman.

We assigned value to the top picks while setting realistic expectations to the class overall.

Jay also shared with us some of the fun moments that go on behind the scenes at the draft, along with his wealth of experience evaluating players on their way from college to the pros.

Jay spoke with us on behalf of the Dove Men + Care campaign. To watch Jay’s video and help him support our fathers in uniform, please click here.

Basketball by Association cast members and more pro hoops plus NBA Draft analysis can be found at Bleacher Report’s Court Vision blog.

Who can win the whole thing? Which teams should be happy just to survive a round or two? Who will be lucky just to grab a single playoff game?

On this episode of Basketball by Association, assistant editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes dissect every likely participant in the 2013 NBA Playoffs, ranking each by their upside.

As you’ll see, the regular-season standings don’t necessarily mesh with the reality that matchups, seeding, health and having that “extra playoffs gear” impart.

Who did we rank incorrectly? Which orders are spot on?

Leave us your thoughts in the comments section below and catch more great NBA analysis from these guys here.

As the postseason field coalesces, the final weeks give us a good idea of what to expect, but nagging questions and fears still surround many teams who will play in late April and beyond.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, Bleacher Report’s NBA lead writer Jimmy Spencer joins assistant editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes to temper expectations and diagnose what’s wrong with certain “contenders.”

Ceilings and expectations differ from one team to the next. Where losing in the first round would be devastating for one group, failing to make the Conference Finals or the championship round would be disappointing for another.

Who else did we miss?  What keeps you up late at night when it comes to worrying about your favorite franchise?

Leave us your thoughts in the Comments section below, and catch more great NBA analysis from these guys here.

But man, doesn’t it seem like they’ve really screwed over a bunch of teams this year?

Whether it’s stifling a potential playoff run or scuttling a franchise’s chance at winning anything at all, star ailments have been particularly devastating in 2012-13.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA lead writer Jimmy Spencer joins assistant editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes to lament lost seasons and hurdles caused by hurt.

We tried to mention as many of the “big” injuries as possible, but there were so many to note, that even somebody like Dirk Nowitzki slipped by. Who else did we miss?  Which woes have really sunk your favorite team?

Leave us your thoughts in the Comments section below, and catch more great NBA analysis from these guys here.

Whether it’s deciding what to do with all that extra money, or just how to get some cap relief in the first place, free agency will pose plenty of paths.

Some teams just need to figure out a plan and then stick with it.

For others, it’s about deciding the future of key stars and the direction of their organization over the next few years.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA lead writer Jimmy Spencer joins assistant editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes to note which teams are facing monumental moments once the regular season ends.

What are the difficult decisions your favorite team is facing, and how can they get it right?

Leave us your thoughts in the Comments section below, and catch more great NBA analysis from these guys here.

But the future is even brighter.

While stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony carry the torch today, tomorrow’s NBA might be even more deep, fast and entertaining.

And for many of the top players under 25 years old, the future is already now. They’re bona fide stars who still have their best years ahead of them.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Lead Writer Jimmy Spencer joins Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes to hold a special kind of mock draft.

They each have to fill a starting five, and they can only select players who are 25 years and younger.

The decisions are difficult, but only because there are so many good choices available.

Who did they get right? Which picks did they botch? Leave us your thoughts in the Comments section below, and catch more great NBA analysis from these guys here.

They are still great descriptors for “Zo” today, yet Mourning has always been so much more than simple adjectives.

As the long-time face of the Miami Heat, the cerebral and reflective center had a long, winding road to travel before becoming a world champion in 2006.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, Mourning sits down with Assistant NBA Editor Joel C.Cordes to talk about being traded as a young player and dealing with health adversity and basketball disappointment before ultimate redemption and reward for his hard work.

As Vice President of Player Programs and Development, Mourning also mentors Heat players and represents the organization in community efforts and corporate partnerships such as the Marriott Rewards® Premier Visa® Signature Card from Chase cardmembers event.

Participants in this opportunity are spending time with Mourning throughout a day filled with hoops memories and experiences, along with prime seats for the March 1st Heat game versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

Whether it’s teaching young guys, including his son, Trey, how to “play the game the right way” or connecting with fans around the league, Mourning’s love for basketball and wide array of experience remains as engaging and intense as it ever was during his on-the-court career.

While the San Antonio Spurs continue to crank out the hits, it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder who topped the charts last year.

Yet, the L.A. Clippers already had their moment in the sun this season. Are they one hit wonders or something bigger?

What about “middle teams” like the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and Golden State Warriors? Can they be headlining acts for more than a first-round playoff series?

Finally, the L.A. Lakers, Utah Jazz and Houston Rockets remain locked in a battle of musical chairs that will leave one group out in the cold.

On this episode of Basketball By Association, Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes sort through the rowdy Western Conference playoff picture.

Catch more great NBA analysis from these guys here.

After that, things get really interesting.

While the Indiana Pacers have been hot of late, the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls have taken their turns as the East’s hottest squad.

So, how will the conference shake out? Can the middle teams win a series? Which bubble teams will make the cut?

On this episode of Basketball By Association, Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes predict each facet of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Catch more great NBA analysis from these guys here.

Steve helped select the 2013 Allstate NABC Good Works Team, a wonderful way to celebrate and recognize the social contributions of collegiate basketball athletes.

In addition to talking about this admirable project, Steve dishes on his career as a Final Four participant, Olympic Basketball representative, multi-time NBA champion, General Manager of the Phoenix Suns and basketball broadcaster.

He also provides insight into the Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James debate, what the L.A. Lakers can learn from the Miami Heat, and what to expect in the NBA Playoffs.

Check out more NBA coverage from these guys here.

Not only does the entire NBA get a much needed break during the winter doldrums, but it’s a fantastic way to celebrate and recognize the best players from the season’s first half.

Friday will include the Sprint All-Star Celebrity Game and BBVA Rising Stars Challenge. Saturday has the Sears Shooting Stars Challenge, Taco Bells Skills Challenge, Foot Locker Three-Point Contest and Sprite Slam Dunk Competition.

Sunday’s main event is the NBA All-Star Game presented by Kia. You can find the complete schedule, rosters and TNT TV times for each event here.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes predict the winners for each pro event. Here’s what to expect.

Check out more NBA Trade deadline coverage from these guys here.

The sellers are watching their playoff chances go down the tubes, are looking to improve their cap space, want to collect future assets or all of the above.

The buyers are looking to load up for a big end-of-season run or just get a jump start on acquiring talent before the free agency period begins this offseason.

There are even a few franchises who will both buy AND sell, as they seek equal value back for prized pieces.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes both speculate and nod to the latest rumors while tabbing who will be active on the trade front and how they’ll do it.

Check out compelling NBA coverage from these guys and more here.

The sellers are typically teams already out of the hunt. They either don’t have the cash, playing time or interest in holding onto non-essential players. They want expiring contracts and/or draft picks as assets instead.

The buyers are those on the fringe of the NBA Playoffs picture. They’re looking for a shot in the arm, and they can’t always break the bank to get it.

Legit title contenders are looking to round out their rosters as they make that Finals push, and they don’t typically want a blockbuster deal that could constrict their chemistry.

Thus, these are the players who could be thrifty gets for NBA Trade Deadline shoppers.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes both speculate and nod to the latest rumors while detailing which supporting pieces should be on the move.

Check out compelling NBA coverage from these guys and more here.

We’ve already seen a recent multi-team trade give Rudy Gay, Jose Calderon and Tayshaun Prince a chance to reboot their careers with the Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons and Memphis Grizzlies, respectively.

Those are nice fits when it comes to playing time and roles, and we’re looking for similar situations for these rumor mill regulars.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes both speculate and nod to the latest rumors while picking out the prime destinations for the NBA’s most likely trade candidates.

Check out compelling NBA coverage from these guys and more here.

They may have struggled and/or been incognito during the first 40-some games, but that’s going to change. Starting now.

Whether returning from injury, seeing an increased role, finally getting comfortable or just because they HAVE to be better, these NBA players are going to rock it during the second half of the season.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Lead Writer Jonathan Wasserman joins NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes to predict who will break out in the final 40 games.

Check out compelling NBA coverage from these guys and more here.

We can’t turn away, and they can’t seem to stop themselves from careening into oblivion.

The most troubling part? Everyone knows there’s something wrong, but the franchise still seems dumbfounded as to what the actual issue is.

And you can’t have a solution until you identify the problem.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Lead Writer Jonathan Wasserman joins NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes to identify just what ails the league’s premier franchise.

More importantly, they’ll wrestle with how to stop this disaster before it’s too late.

Check out compelling NBA coverage from these guys and more here.

Whereas superstars provide the consistent, baseline stats on a nightly basis, X factors can turn the tide of a ballgame with their critical production.

Yet, they can also lose it completely by failing to contribute.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes have the list of surprising X factors who are often deciding the margins and outcomes for their franchises.

Check out compelling NBA coverage from these guys and more here.

We’re still in the preliminary stages, where speculation swirls much faster than actual news, but the buyers and sellers at this year’s trade deadline are already beginning to become visible.

The “usual” names like Rudy Gay, Pau Gasol and Anderson Varejao are quickly being joined by plenty of intriguing newcomers.

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes detail the biggest names, along with where they could and/or should wind up.

Check out compelling NBA coverage from these guys and more here.

“LeBron James is the best player in the NBA, but Kevin Durant is actually the game’s best scorer.”

But wait… Is that really true?

What do guys like Kobe Bryant and Carmelo Anthony have to say about it? It’s not a coincidence that they’re neck and neck with both James and Durant for BOTH the scoring title and MVP races.

All four players are hovering near 30 points per game, while scoring in a myriad of ways. A lot.

And what are James Harden’s 26+plus points per game? Chopped liver?

On this episode of Basketball by Association, NBA Assistant Editors Ethan Norof and Joel C. Cordes welcome NBA Lead Writer Jonathan Wasserman to debate and rank league’s best pure scorer.

Check out compelling NBA coverage from these guys and more here.