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(1210)

OKC’s Fiscal Cliff; What Should RFAs Get; Draft and MVP WATFOs

OKC’s Fiscal Cliff; What Should RFAs Get; Draft and MVP WATFOs

Nate and Danny dive deep into the Oklahoma City Thunder’s evolving cap situation following extensions for Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, analyzing the trade-offs and future implications. They then break down recent NBA news including Herb Jones’ extension in New Orleans, the mechanics behind Jaren Jackson Jr.’s renegotiation in Memphis. The duo also surveys the restricted free agent market for players like Jonathan Kuminga and Josh Giddey, and closes with a round of WATFOs for the coming season.Timestamps:Thunder lock in Jalen Williams on a max rookie extension. 0:40Holmgren’s max and whether OKC could’ve negotiated harder. 2:58Comparing Holmgren’s résumé to other rookie max recipients. 4:42Evaluating OKC’s future cap crunch and team-building constraints. 7:17Potential trade candidates to relieve Thunder luxury pressure. 10:07Caruso’s extension and long-term value. 11:09Strategic tradeoffs for the Thunder to stay under the second apron. 12:58Jaren Jackson Jr.’s renegotiation via Cole Anthony buyout. 15:50Memphis waives and stretches Anthony; he lands in Milwaukee. 17:18Cole Anthony’s fit with the Bucks. 18:51Herb Jones’ extension: Value and future tradability. 19:53Dom Barlow and Philly’s two-way depth. 21:58Isaiah Jackson gets 3 years, $21M from Indiana. 22:57Isiah Jackson’s injury history and contract structure. 23:59Comparing Jackson’s deal to past backup center contracts. 26:22Fred VanVleet named NBPA president. 27:01Players are not getting squeezed by the new CBA. 27:48What’s left in free agency? Top RFAs and Horford watch. 29:17Jonathan Kuminga’s market and Warriors cap math. 30:32Quentin Grimes’ with Philadelphia. 33:10Cam Thomas’ likely value and deal structure. 34:33Josh Giddey’s extension outlook with Chicago. 35:04WAFTOs: 37:46 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.

14 Heinä 56min

Powell/Collins Trade; Contract Day of Truth

Powell/Collins Trade; Contract Day of Truth

Nate and Danny break down a fascinating trade involving John Collins and Norman Powell.  Why did the Clippers get so little for Powell, and what does this portend as a next move? Plus, where does this steal of Powell put the Heat?Then, we find out what’s actually on paper in a lot of these reported contracts from the moratorium, the Grizzlies make their own puzzling trade, the Bucks fill out their roster, and more. 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.

8 Heinä 1h 15min

Sneak Preview! Day 1 of 2025 Free Agency

Sneak Preview! Day 1 of 2025 Free Agency

Day 1 of NBA free agency brought a whirlwind of moves and major implications for the salary cap going forward. Nate and Danny begin with an in-depth discussion of the NBA’s projected cap growth slowing from 10% to 7% and its long-term ripple effects. They then analyze the Nuggets’ blockbuster trade of Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson and Bruce Brown’s return. Multiple teams made aggressive depth plays or faced key departures, while others laid the groundwork for future cap space. Every major signing and roster shift from the day is covered in a team-by-team format.Denver Nuggets: Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown – 00:07:04Brooklyn Nets: Michael Porter Jr. – 00:27:30Houston Rockets: Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela – 00:32:33Los Angeles Lakers: Jake LaRavia – 00:47:29 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.

1 Heinä 1h 3min

The Table is Set!

The Table is Set!

Nate and Danny break down the biggest news on the eve of free agency, including LeBron James finding another bump in the road in LA, Malik Beasley’s legal troubles suddenly making the Pistons interesting players in free agency, the Rockets locking up Jabari Smith, Jr., a surprising Jazz/Hornets trade, and an even more surprising buyout of Deandre Ayton. Plus, we recap all the option and qualifying offer decisions of note and set the table for tomorrow.Setting the stage for free agency and nostalgia for midnight July 1st signings. 0:00LeBron James opts in—what does it mean for his future and the Lakers’ strategy? 1:45Interpreting Rich Paul’s statement and how LeBron's decision gives him trade flexibility. 2:20The Lakers' approach to asset management and competing timelines with Luka. 6:45Why LeBron might have more control through opting in vs free agency. 9:00Evaluating the odds of LeBron finishing 25-26 with the Lakers. 11:00Kyrie Irving ACL return—odds and considerations for 25-26. 14:06Dorian Finney-Smith declines option; what are the Lakers’ options to bring him back? 16:53Houston's cap situation and fit for DFS. 18:56Jabari Smith Jr.'s extension—terms, upside for Rockets, and long-term implications. 21:51How Jabari’s deal affects Houston’s trade flexibility and potential star trades. 25:56Julius Randle's new 2+1 deal in Minnesota—fit, cap impact, and comparison to Towns. 30:21Malik Beasley under federal investigation—what it means for the Pistons. 35:28Detroit’s shifting cap space plans and options on the wing. 38:04Nikhil Alexander-Walker’s market and potential destinations. 39:49Simone Fontecchio’s trade market. 40:51James Harden’s new 1+1 contract with partial guarantee—structure and implications. 41:32Sam Amick reports LeBron and Lakers didn’t discuss extensions—what does it mean? 47:16Utah sends Collin Sexton to Charlotte for Jusuf Nurkic—trade analysis. 48:00Why Utah made the move and what it means for their tanking effort. 50:00Sexton's fit in Charlotte and how this impacts their offseason approach. 55:04Deandre Ayton bought out in Portland—next steps and potential suitors. 58:00Ranking Ayton among free agent centers. 1:00:30Bobby Portis re-signs in Milwaukee—value analysis and cap context. 1:01:21Option decisions around the league: Jaylin Williams (OKC), Moe Wagner, Caleb Houstan, and others. 1:06:13Tribute to Bojan Bogdanović as he retires. 1:10:00OKC’s Jaylin Williams deal—cap impact and backup center fit. 1:11:39Quentin Grimes seeking $25M annually—what’s his market? 1:27:29Duncan Robinson declines ETO—what are Miami’s options now? 1:31:27Wrap-up and preview of Day 1 of free agency. 1:34:00  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.

30 Kesä 1h 34min

2025 NBA Draft

2025 NBA Draft

Nate and Danny break down every single trade and every single pick of the First Round in a 2 hour extravaganza. They give preliminary evaluations on each player drafted and discuss their winners and losers of the night.Plus, they hit on the biggest news outside of the draft, including Kyrie Irving and Fred VanVleet reaching new contract agreements with Dallas and Houston. 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.

26 Kesä 1h 58min

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the 2025 NBA Champions; KD is Traded to the Rockets

The Oklahoma City Thunder are the 2025 NBA Champions; KD is Traded to the Rockets

Even with our moods a bit muted in light of the Tyrese Haliburton injury, we celebrate the championship journey of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Sam Presti and the Thunder organization for one of the great turnarounds in NBA history. Indiana is devastated by the Tyrese Haliburton injury. We look back on their unbelievable postseason and turn a somber eye to what comes next.Kevin Durant played this trade scenario right and got his desired destination with the Houston Rockets. We discuss the return for Phoenix and their next steps, how KD fits into Ime Udoka’s schemes in Houston, Houston’s finances going forward with KD in the fold, and whether Minnesota, Miami, and Phoenix should have FOMO.  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.

23 Kesä 1h 22min

2025 Mock Offseason with Kevin Pelton, Dan Feldman, and Danny Leroux, Part 1

2025 Mock Offseason with Kevin Pelton, Dan Feldman, and Danny Leroux, Part 1

Kevin Pelton of ESPN joins Dunc’d On’s Dan Feldman, Danny Leroux, and Nate Duncan to game out the 2025 offseason. The trade market is the first focus as we discuss possible deals for Giannis, KD, Markkanen, Paul George, PJ Washington, DeMar Derozan, Julius Randle, and the Celtics’ stars. 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 Kesä 1h 22min

The KD Sweepstakes + Tuesday Daily Duncs (6/17/25)

The KD Sweepstakes + Tuesday Daily Duncs (6/17/25)

Kevin Durant trade talks are evolving into a high-stakes game of poker between Durant, the Suns, and interested teams.⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠Pacers-Pelicans tradeKevin DurantJalen WilliamsJalen WilliamsTyrese HaliburtonGame 5Indiana Pacers3-2StealsOffensive rebounding⁠Full 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.

18 Kesä 17min

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