First Weekend Wrap-Up
Dunc'd On Basketball NBA Podcast24 Loka 2022

First Weekend Wrap-Up

We continue familiarizing ourselves with all these teams at the start of the season, with a focus on TOR/MIA, GSW/DEN, HOU/MEM, ATL/ORL, plus some smaller notes on the Spurs, Pacers, Thunder, and Pistons.

Plus, Friday Daily Duncs.

Friday Daily Duncs

Rob Murphy

The Pistons are investigating assistant general manager Rob Murphy over an allegation of workplace misconduct involving a former female employee, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Hopefully, the investigation will produce a just outcome.

James Edwards III of The Athletic profiled Murphy in August.

LeBron James

LeBron James drew attention to the Lakers' lack of quality 3-point shooting after they shot 10-for-40 (25%) from beyond the arc in their season-opener.

Well, they shot even worse – 9-for-45 (20%) – in a loss to the Clippers last night.

LeBron:

"Our ballclub is our ballclub, and I'm definitely not going to sit here and harp on what we can't do every single game. That's not a leader. What I know we can do: We can defend our ass off. And we did that tonight, which gave us an opportunity to win, and we just couldn't make it happen. But, I'm OK with that."

LeBron both tries to be a good leader and sometimes makes passive-aggressive comments. In this case, he has already made his point. The Lakers' roster has a crucial flaw, particularly for a LeBron team. The front office heard that. Not much else to be done at this moment.

At some point, LeBron might try to accelerate the Lakers' trade timeline or reiterate what he wants a trade to accomplish.

But for now, LeBron is seemingly settling into trying to win games with the teammates he has.

Darvin Ham

Russell Westbrook said coming off the bench in the Lakers' preseason finale "absolutely" could have contributed to his hamstring injury.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham:

"First and foremost, let me be clear with this. The Lakers, myself, my staff – we in no way, shape or form would ever put anybody – a player, an employee – in harm's way, be it physically, mentally, spiritually. We don't stand for that. We're not about that. That's not who we are."

Ham said he and Westbrook had a "brief discussion."

Ham:

"We moved on. We've got an understanding. And again, as the coach of this team, my staff and I, we’re going to do what’s best for our team to be as successful as it can be. And I’ll just leave it at that.”

Ham was hired in part for his ability to hold players accountable. Westbrook is a different challenge. But Ham sounds resolute.

Ham, via Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register:

"You have to be prepared to do whatever your team needs you to do,” he added. “And that’s called being a professional. So, however we choose to use him, there has to be a willingness there to sacrifice for your teammates and the overall good of the team if that course of action is going to lead to success.”

The true test will come if Ham decides bringing Westbrook off the bench would be better for the Lakers. And, really, we might not know if that happens. We'll know only if Ham follows through. Assuming the coach does, we'll see how Westbrook buys in – and how Ham responds if Westbrook makes more waves.

But for now, Ham can call this latest issue quashed.

Christian Wood

Which of Luka Doncic's Mavericks teammates has been the best player? Kristaps Porzingis set the bar while fizzling, which says something about the bar. I'd say Jalen Brunson last year.

Tim Cato of The Athletic analyzes whether it might be Christian Wood.

Wood isn't even starting for Dallas. But he's darned talented and, as Cato details, has already shown nice chemistry with Doncic. That seems sustainable given the multiple ways Wood can attack the pick-and-roll. If Wood defends a little better – I believe he's capable – this pairing could really work.

Santi Aldama

Danny's pick for biggest surprise player – Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama – looks pretty good. Starting at power forward with Jaren Jackson Jr. out, Aldama scored 18 points on 3-of-8 3-point shooting and grabbed 11 rebounds in Memphis' season-opening win over the Knicks on Wednesday. The Grizzlies outscored New York by 18 in his 39 minutes (and got outscored by 15 in the other nine minutes).

Damichael Cole of the Memphis Commercial Appeal looked deeper into Aldama's performance, including how the slender Aldama held up defensively against the burlier Julius Randle.

Victor Wembanyama

Want more Victor Wembanyama hype? David Aldridge of The Athletic talked to six NBA personnel people about the presumptive No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft and delivers plenty.

My favorite quote:

It’s not just his skill. It’s the flexibility he moves with. It’s incredible. It’s like seeing a giraffe, but a giraffe that’s moving like a completely different animal. And you’re going: ‘Wait a minute; that’s a giraffe, it’s supposed to move slowly.’ And, meanwhile, it’s like this giraffe that’s a predator. The giraffe is hunting you. And you’re going wait, what? It’s something we’ve never seen before.

It's also interesting how Aldridge's sources seem divided on how to best deploy the 7-foot-4 Wembanyama defensively.

One: "He’s not a switch defender; he’s a drop guy."

Another: "He slides and moves so well, if they put him in pick-and-roll, he can switch. There’s not a lot of fives in our league that can do that."

A third: "He’s a four. He’s not going to be able to guard threes out on the perimeter all the time."

A fourth: "No one that big is going to stay in front of prime-time NBA guards consistently out on the perimeter. But he has enough lateral movement — it’s probably the best I’ve ever seen in anybody that big – that he’ll surprise you from time to time on some stuff out there. But the great equalizer, if you blow by him, you talk about some guys that’ll be looking over their shoulder as they’re going to the basket. You could beat him, and he could be at the free-throw line, and he takes one step and he’s pinning the thing."

A fifth: "If whoever he gets drafted by ever had some type of conception of utilizing a zone? Can you imagine having a backline (with him) – or maybe even putting him in the top of defenses, trying to see over this albatross of a player?"

Pick swaps

Pick swaps have become the rage as teams look to circumvent the Stepien Rule, which prohibits trading future first-round picks in consecutive drafts. Pick swaps allow teams to convey value in consecutive future drafts by retaining a first-rounder every other year, albeit a lower first-rounder.

Think of pick swaps, and the first one that comes to mind is probably Celtics-Nets in 2017. As a condition of the Kevin Garnett-Paul Pierce trade four years earlier, Boston swapped its first-round pick (No. 27) for Brooklyn's (No. 1). The Celtics traded down to No. 3 and picked Jayson Tatum, who has developed into a star and left the Nets (and 76ers, who moved up to get Markelle Fultz No. 1) looking foolish.

But pick swaps don't usually work like that.

Zach Kram of The Ringer dug into the history of pick swaps and found most don't even get exercised. He determined the average value of a first-round pick swap is the No. 36 pick.

Kram's research and presentation are certainly useful. Read his article, and you will be more informed.

But I think he underplays the upside of pick swaps. The draft – and therefore, draft picks – are about upside. For many teams, the draft is the best – maybe only – way to get a franchise-changing star. That's more likely to happen high in the draft.

A high second-rounder might have the average value of a pick swap. But only an unprotected pick swap has that limitless upside. That carries significant value.

At some point, successful teams have all hit big on a player. Moderately positive moves aren't enough. You can keep hitting singles. But in a league with 29 other teams, some of them will hit home runs and surpass you. If you want to get to the top, you sometimes have to swing for the fences – even if you're more likely to strike out.

Scoring record

You probably know LeBron James will soon pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the NBA's all-time scoring record. Do you know how many points Abdul-Jabbar scored? I sure didn't.

Finding an excellent angle on such a well-covered storyline, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times looked into how few people know the number and why that is. This is a really cool article.

After reading it, I can tell you Abdul-Jabbar's career scoring mark is 38,387 – a number I'm sure to forget by tomorrow.

Rudy Gobert/Karl-Anthony Towns

Nikola Jokic has become an All-NBA mainstay at center. Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis are likely All-NBA players when healthy, which isn't always. Often, it feels like one spot is left for Rudy Gobert or Karl-Anthony Towns. In fact, Gobert or Towns – but never both – have made All-NBA each of the last six years.

Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic explored how Gobert and Towns viewed each other while foes and now teammates with the Timberwolves.

Thanasis Antetokounmpo

Thanasis Antetokounmpo actually played a small role on the Bucks last season as a defensive specialist on the wing, helping to shed the image he's in the NBA only because he's Giannis Antetokounmpo's brother.

But good luck convincing anyone now.

Video caught Thanasis picking Giannis' nose before Milwaukee's win over the 76ers last night.

In defense of Thanasis, it wasn't a deep pick. He did the ol' thumb-out move. Though technically a pick, that's barely more than a scratch.

In prosecution of Thanasis, it was someone else's nose!

-Dan Feldman

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With @DannyLeroux and @NateDuncanNBA

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Jaksot(1219)

De’Aaron Fox is a Spur

De’Aaron Fox is a Spur

San Antonio makes the biggest star trade in their history, with Texas native De’Aaron Fox headed to the Alamo City.  What do we think of the Spurs’ decision to prioritize giving up future draft capital rather than players on their roster to acquire Fox?Did the Bulls do as well as recent teams who managed to acquire their own traded picks back in moving Zach LaVine? 21:26Given their situation, what do we make of the Kings acquiring Zach LaVine in addition to other draft capital? 28:00Other big news around the league includes Dejounte Murray’s torn Achilles and how it will affect the Pels’ direction with players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum (55:00) , the continued reporting around the Luka trade, and Jimmy Butler scuttling extension talks in Golden State. Join Dunc'd On Prime for 35% off a yearly subscription in honor of the Mock Trade Deadline! Use code mockdeadline26. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

3 Helmi 20251h 20min

HOU @ MEM; ORL @ POR; OKC @ GSW; All-Star Snubs; This Just In

HOU @ MEM; ORL @ POR; OKC @ GSW; All-Star Snubs; This Just In

The Grizzlies and Rockets is one of the many must-see matchups in the West among young teams these days, and this was another fascinating entry in their budding rivalry.Orlando’s shooting has reached comical levels, while Portland is coalescing having won 6 of 7. 32:08Golden State summoned the old magic to outlast the Thunder and Shai’s 52 on Wednesday night. 46:58We discuss the big All-Star snubs–and unlike many we actually say who shouldn’t have made it as well. 1:04:10This Just In looks at the latest injury news and why the Hawks’ misfortune with the Jalen Johnson season-ending injury is to the Spurs’ benefit.Plus, Nate asked Steve Kerr about the criticism that everyone plays the same these days. 1:29:49 Join Dunc'd On Prime for 35% off a yearly subscription in honor of the Mock Trade Deadline! Use code mockdeadline26. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

31 Tammi 20251h 34min

Dunc’d On Prime Teaser: De’Aaron Fox Mock trade!

Dunc’d On Prime Teaser: De’Aaron Fox Mock trade!

Kevin Pelton is kind enough to rejoin us for a Mock Trade Deadline supplement trying to move De’Aaron Fox.  Kevin plays the Kings while Rich Paul and the Spurs try to navigate Fox to his preferred destination. Will he get there, or can another team provide a better offer to the Kings? Join Dunc'd On Prime for 35% off a yearly subscription in honor of the Mock Trade Deadline! Use code mockdeadline26. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

29 Tammi 202527min

2025 Mock Trade Deadline Part 1

2025 Mock Trade Deadline Part 1

The 3-hour extravaganza is back for a 10th season, featuring Kevin Pelton of ESPN, Danny Leroux, Dan Feldman, and Nate Duncan.  The four cap nerds split up the league’s teams and look to find homes for the biggest trade candidates around the league.In part 1 of the 2025 Mock Trade deadline, big names are potentially on the move including Jimmy Butler, Brandon Ingram, and Zach LaVine Join Dunc'd On Prime for 35% off a yearly subscription in honor of the Mock Trade Deadline! Use code mockdeadline26. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

28 Tammi 20251h 28min

Pacific and Northwest Division Trade Deadline Outlooks

Pacific and Northwest Division Trade Deadline Outlooks

PHX–If a Butler trade isn’t happening, who can they pursue with their 3 firsts?LAL—What would be worth putting their future firsts on the table for, and how can they upgrade at backup C? 18:30LAC–The Clippers unexpected success could make them buyers at the deadline, but what can they trade? 30:59SAC–Are they in the Cam Johnson sweepstakes? How do they improve the frontcourt? 41:20GSW–In Vuc we trust? 51:08OKC–They can go get basically anyone available, so who should be on the shopping list? 1:02:10POR–Did they miss the boat on trading Simons or Grant? And should they trade anyone else who’d make sense on a winner? 1:16:22DEN–They’ve righted the ship, so what’s their move now? Would they consider trading a young player? 1:28:13UTA–John Collins and Collin Sexton should be available. What would the price be for trading Walking Kessler? 1:37:05MIN–Uncertainty dominates this trade deadline for the Wolves. 1:50:55 Join Dunc'd On Prime for 35% off a yearly subscription in honor of the Mock Trade Deadline! Use code mockdeadline26. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

27 Tammi 20252h 1min

New Orleans Pelicans Trade Deadline Outlook; Friday Daily Duncs

New Orleans Pelicans Trade Deadline Outlook; Friday Daily Duncs

What should it take for New Orleans to move Brandon Ingram? Full Daily Duncs with linksLuxury taxDumping groundsAll-Star startersGenerationLaMelo BallNikola JokicTrade rumorsJazz-SunsNew Orleans PelicansCharles BarkleyFull Daily Duncs with links Join Dunc'd On Prime for 35% off a yearly subscription in honor of the Mock Trade Deadline! Use code mockdeadline26. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

25 Tammi 202524min

Jake Fischer Assesses the 2025 Deadline

Jake Fischer Assesses the 2025 Deadline

Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report and the Stein Line answers Nate’s questions on the 2025 deadline.  How will the Jimmy Butler situation and Phoenix’s recent trade to free up more picks change the market?Will the Nets get what they’re looking for in a Cam Johnson trade?What is on the table for the Chicago Bulls with their competing goals?Who are some dark horse players who could become available?What are the Blazers thinking with their goals for the rest of the season?The Thunder have unlimited assets, and Nate thinks they have a need for more shooting and scoring. Would they pursue a deal? Join Dunc'd On Prime for 35% off a yearly subscription in honor of the Mock Trade Deadline! Use code mockdeadline26. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

24 Tammi 202551min

10 in 76 (Western Conference 1.20.25)

10 in 76 (Western Conference 1.20.25)

Part one of our bi-weekly look at the West, with one Eastern Conference crasher.LAL @ LAC: The Lakers couldn’t get to the rim against Ivica Zubac, and Kawhi is looking pretty good…WAS @ GSW: The Wizards crash the West party. Alex Sarr has taken strides from early in the season, while the Warriors somehow have no power forwards left. 17:01OKC @ DAL: The Mavericks transition defense put the clamps on OKC as both teams were missing their MVP candidates. 34:12UTA @ NOP: Zion vs Drew Eubanks (seriously) was great theater, and Isaiah Collier has…something to his game, we’re just not sure what yet. 48:06PHX: Jusuf Nurkic’s defense hasn’t been what it was last year, nor has Devin Booker’s offense. 59:54SAC: Only one thing has changed statistically under Doug Christie so far, but it really matters. 1:07:16 Join Dunc'd On Prime for 35% off a yearly subscription in honor of the Mock Trade Deadline! Use code mockdeadline26. Join Dunc’d On Prime! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well!Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more.Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 Tammi 20251h 15min

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