First Weekend Wrap-Up

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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Jaksot(1209)

Live Mailbag! (12.2.25) + Thursday Daily Duncs (12/4/25)

Live Mailbag! (12.2.25) + Thursday Daily Duncs (12/4/25)

With the East so open, should the Pistons push their chips in now for a star forward like Jaren Jackson Jr. (or Markkanen/AD), and what would that kind of trade cost?Is an Austin Reaves–Luka Dončić backcourt too weak defensively for the Lakers to be a true championship contender?⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠Lawrence FrankChris Paul-ClippersChris PaulL.A. ClippersCleveland CavaliersGiannis AntetokounmpoSpurs-MagicPistons-BucksDunc'd On LivePat SpencerDenver NuggetsDenver Nuggets⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠ 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.

5 Joulu 17min

Giannis for Real Now? DET @ MIL; SAS @ ORL; Murray’s 52; CP Sent Home

Giannis for Real Now? DET @ MIL; SAS @ ORL; Murray’s 52; CP Sent Home

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential trade request leads off the show, as Nate and Danny retrace how Milwaukee got here and debate where he could go next.They then break down Bucks/Pistons, highlighted by Giannis’ calf injury, Doc Rivers’ clever 2–3 zone, and Jericho Sims’ decisive and-one.San Antonio/Orlando follows, with Dylan Harper’s electric playmaking, De’Aaron Fox’s tough shotmaking, and Luke Kornet’s game-saving block on Franz Wagner.Jamal Murray’s 52-point explosion against Indiana ranks among the most efficient 50-point games ever.A shorthanded Warriors/Thunder matchup features Pat Spencer’s breakout, Seth Curry’s debut, and OKC’s defensive lapses.Finally, Chris Paul’s exit from the Clippers headlines a lengthy news segment on injuries and updates around the league.Giannis’ looming trade request, the Bucks’ timeline, and possible destinations and returns. 0:30Bucks/Pistons: Giannis’ calf injury, Doc’s 2–3 zone on Cade, Sims’ putback, and Detroit’s crunch-time collapse. 17:30Spurs @ Magic: Harper vs Fox, Orlando’s paint attack, and Luke Kornet’s game-saving block on Franz. 25:47Jamal Murray drops 52 on Indiana and what it reveals about Denver’s season and their home/road split. 45:38Warriors/Thunder in SF: Pat Spencer’s shock performance, OKC’s shorthanded defense, Seth Curry signing, and Kuminga’s health. 50:08Chris Paul sent home by the Clippers, locker-room dynamics, Ty Lue/Lawrence Frank, and what’s next for CP3. 58:59News (league-wide injuries/updates: Nuggets, Clippers, Lakers, Heat, Pelicans, Wizards, Knicks, Kings, Celtics, Nets, Bulls, Hornets, and more). 1:06:41 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.

4 Joulu 1h 24min

NBA Awards (December 2, 2025)

NBA Awards (December 2, 2025)

Nate and Danny take their first crack at the NBA awards. Jokic, Shai, Luka, or Giannis for MVP? 00:01:38We break down a ridiculously deep field for the All-NBA teams, with over 25 legitimate candidates. 00:28:59Then, Defensive Player of the Year, with some surprising and some familiar candidates. 00:57:59Coach of the Year is another great one with coaches who have totally overhauled their systems, and others who have continued consistent excellence. 01:05:42Sixth Man of the Year also has some great options, although Nate and Danny have much different approaches to this award than the typical voter. 01:14:11Who is the leader for Rookie of the Year in a really talented class? 01:22:15People have been low on the 2024 draft, but some sophomores have started emerging. Who is the Sophomore of the Year? 01:29:17 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.

2 Joulu 1h 37min

NBA Cup Quarterfinals are SET!

NBA Cup Quarterfinals are SET!

Nate and Danny break down all the action on point differential night! Orlando and Detroit was a fascinating matchup of two hungry, athletic, physical teams.Cleveland had a chance to advance as the wild card, but the Hawks defense stifled them late. 29:00Jalen Brunson out-dueled Giannis down the stretch in a win or go home game to reach the quarterfinals. 42:53Denver disappointingly blew an 18 point lead to San Antonio at home to again bow out of the NBA Cup, as the Spurs make the quarterfinals. 50:14Phoenix continues its plucky resurgence but ultimately Shai was too much. 1:05:07Plus, we catch up on the latest news around the league. 1:13:22 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 Marras 1h 24min

Full 15 in 60! (Western Conference 11.24.25)

Full 15 in 60! (Western Conference 11.24.25)

Our bi-weekly look at the Western Conference! LAL @ UTA: The Lakers hold on against the Jazz in LeBron James’ second game of the season.NOP @ DAL: Two young teams go at each other in a fun matchup over the weekend.POR: What makes Deni Avdija so hard to stop?MIN: Rob Dillingham just isn’t a rotation player right now for a team with the Wolves’ aspirationsDEN: How could they use Cam Johnson more?HOU: How real is their 3-point shooting?PHX: Collin Gillespie has been a big part of the Suns’ resurgenceLAC: James Harden’s 55-point game was a ton of fun to watchSAS: David Jones-Garcia looks like a solid stopgap with their guard injuriesMEM: Jaylen Wells has struggled in his second yearOKC: Their 31-4 run in 15 possessions against UtahGSW: Moses Moody is finally getting major minutesSAC: Getting Keegan Murray back will help them return to respectability 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 Marras 2h 3min

LATE Night NBA Cup Friday

LATE Night NBA Cup Friday

Denver and Houston was a fascinating tactical matchup between two of the three-best teams in the league with a lot of different pitches to throw. Phoenix’s new identity helped them steal a game they had no business winning against the Wolves. 33:43Portland took control of their own destiny in the West Group of Death with an upset over Golden State. 46:24We look at the rest of the NBA Cup standings and scenarios, then discuss the latest news including LaMelo Ball and Anthony Davis potentially being on the block. 1:02:24 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.

22 Marras 1h 19min

CHA 15 in 60

CHA 15 in 60

CHA: Kon Knueppel has truly impressed early on 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.

21 Marras 15min

15 in 60 (Eastern Conference 11.17.25 Part 1)

15 in 60 (Eastern Conference 11.17.25 Part 1)

We take our biweekly look at the teams in the Eastern Conference, featuring scouts on two young breakout players in the Central Division.  Plus, we discuss the firing of Willie Green in New Orleans.Willie Green FiringDET: Daniss Jenkins has come out of nowhere to feature in Detroit 6:04ORL: Tristan da Silva is looking like a rotation stalwart 16:47CHI: What are we seeing from Matas Buzelis, who SOME ARE SAYING should have been the #1 pick in the 2024 draft? 26:48ATL: How is Dyson Daniels evolving offensively? 43:49PHI: A re-check on VJ, and what does Trendon Watford bring that the Sixers need? 54:22TOR: Brandon Ingram is thriving so far in Darko Rajakovic’s system 1:04:40BRK vs WAS: The Nets handle Washington in the toilet bowl 1:15:00 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.

17 Marras 1h 35min

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