Hardwood Knocks: An NBA Podcast

Dan is joined by T.J. McBridge (@TJMcBrideNBA) from Mile High Sports to break down the short- and long-term outlook of the Denver Nuggets. They discuss Michael Porter Jr.'s potential season-ending injury, the Nuggets' shorthanded rotation, Nikola Jokic's MVP case, possible trade targets, Denver's defense, the team's future beyond this season and much more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:32 - Intro 🔘 3:14 - State of the Nuggets 🔘 6:42 - Jamal Murray/Michael Porter Jr. 🔘 9:56 - Importance of Bones Hyland 🔘 14:49 - How much will Bones play? 🔘 17:02 - JaMychal Green 🔘 18:41 - Bol Bol or nah? 🔘 20:57 - Will the Nuggets make a trade? Buyout/Free-Agency options & a trade idea 🔘 27:01 - Long-term concerns in Denver? 🔘 34:01 - The Nuggets' place in the West 🔘 35:10 - Nikola Jokic's MVP case/defense 🔘 41:15 - DPOY Odds on Aaron Gordon Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAIL TIME. Our latest trip down You Asked, We Answered Lane covers potential John Wall trades, the Denver Nuggets' future following the Michael Porter Jr. injury, the New York Knicks' decision to bench Kemba Walker, Monte Morris' efficiency, Draymond Green's defensive value, Alperen Sengun's rookie year, early-season trends we're buying, a list of the most underrated players, a Mario Hezonja update and much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 1:51 - Intro 🔘 4:19 - Reaction to Knicks benching Kemba Walker 🔘 15:40 - Joe Harris Injury 🔘 19:12 - The John Wall situation: Can he be traded? 🔘 29:17 - Trade targets for the Nuggets following Michael Porter Jr. injury 🔘 34:42 - Trends to buy 20 games into the season 🔘 37:40 - Draymond Green's defense 🔘 43:16 - Best Blazers lineup(s) 🔘 46:53 - NBA team records on second end of back-to-backs vs. opponents on two days rest 🔘 48:24 - How good is Alperen Sengun? 🔘 51:09 - Monte Morris' mid-range efficiency 🔘 53:02 - Zach LaVine's shooting 🔘 54:12 - Who's the most underrated player in the NBA? 🔘 1:00:30 - Where on Earth is Mario Hezonja?!? Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes (@gt_hughes) to tackle the biggest questions they each have as the NBA nears the quarter-mark of the 2021-22 season. Their maze of inquiries covers playoff predictions for the Eastern Conference, the Sacramento Kings' future following Luke Walton's exit, the Toronto Raptors' direction, the Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets, the Orlando Magic's starting five, the Phoenix Suns and Devin Booker and much, MUCH more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:16 - Intro 3:32 - The future of the Sacramento Kings 27:57 - Who's the fourth-best team in the West? 35:37 - The Lakers 38:51 - Predicting top-six seeds in the East 45:46 - The Cavs Favorite Players to Watch This Season⬇️ 48:02 - Devin Booker 50:18 - Evan Mobley 51:46 - Herb Jones 52:55 - Zach LaVine 54:06 - Ja Morant 54:32 - The Magic's Starting Five 57:04 - What are the Raptors? (Alternatively: WHY are the Raptors?) 1:05:28 - Utah's championship stock 1:10:40 - Do the Warriors need another shot creator? Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Follow: @HardwoodKnocks Follow: @The_Sports_Math Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the second part of a super-duper-mega mailbag, Adam and Dan discuss Jonas Valanciunas' impact on the New Orleans Pelicans; the news about the Sacramento Kings being displeased with Luke Walton; their favorite guilty-pleasure league pass watches; DeMar DeRozan's MVP case; how the new foul rules could impact team-building in the future; the way analytics are presented to fans; and much more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:28 - Intro 🔘 3:27 - Luke Walton/Kings 🔘 13:29 - Jonas Valanciunas' impact in New Orleans 🔘 Worst rotation players this season (23:41) 🔘 28:13 - Most surprisingly watchable teams this season 🔘 35:37 - Where is DeMar DeRozan on the early-season MVP ballot? 🔘 40:29 - Steph vs. Magic: Playmaking impact 🔘 44:36 - Which players are underrated because we focus too much on what they CAN'T do? 🔘 52:57 - Are stat/analytic models adequately explained to fans? 🔘 1:01:35 - Will the new foul rules impact heliocentrism or how teams build out rosters? Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Follow: @HardwoodKnocks Follow: @The_Sports_Math Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAIL TIME! In Part One of our TWO-PART SUPER-DUPER-MEGA MAILBAG, your questions have us covering Karl-Anthony Towns' future with the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Atlanta Hawks' recent struggles, trade targets for the Charlotte Hornets' center rotation, impressions of the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Clippers' offense, Ben Simmons news, Will Barton's leap, the Denver Nuggets' title stock and more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:16 - Intro 🔘 1:46 - What's wrong with the Hawks? 🔘 13:56 - Center targets for the Hornets 🔘 21:55 - Best/Worst "Mixtape" jerseys 🔘 32:58 - Most underrated player(s) on the Spurs 🔘 37:29 - What is San Antonio's ideal starting five? 🔘 39:51 - Are the Wolves using Karl-Anthony Towns properly? 🔘 46:30 - The Clippers offense 🔘 50:54 - Do the Nuggets need to make a trade? 🔘 54:27 - Does Will Barton have a Most Improved Player case? 🔘 57:16 - Nikola Jokic's MVP stock 🔘 58:13 - Ben Simmons Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam and Dan build their NBA awards ladders now that every team has played around 10 games for the season. Please note these are not meant to be predictions, but more of a snapshot of where the awards races stands if the 2021-22 campaign ended today. We have top five candidates for the MVP race, plus a top-three ladder for Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, Executive of the Year and Coach of the Year. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘1:51 - Intro/Rankings Criteria 🔘6:03 - Executive of the Year 🔘14:44 - Coach of the Year 🔘26:52 - Most Improved Player 🔘38:40 - Sixth Man of the Year 🔘50:45 - Rookie of the Year 🔘59:57 - Defensive Player of the Year 🔘1:11:38 - MVP Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hardwood Knocks reacts to the explosive report from ESPN that alleges Phoenix Suns managing partner Robert Sarver has created a racist and misogynistic work environment over the course of his 17-year tenure. After that, Dan relays one stat—but really more—for every NBA team he finds interesting or will be watching for the rest of the season. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:15 - Intro 2:52 - Robert Sarver allegations 14:03 - Atlanta Hawks 15:15 - Boston Celtics 16:58 - Brooklyn Nets 19:10 - Charlotte Hornets 22:19 - Chicago Bulls 24:30 - Cleveland Cavaliers 26:30 - Dallas Mavericks 28:05 - Denver Nuggets 29:46 - Detroit Pistons 31:55 - Golden State Warriors 33:48 - Houston Rockets 35:22 - Indiana Pacers 37:07 - LA Clippers 39:12 - Los Angeles Lakers 42:07 - Memphis Grizzlies 44:15 - Miami Heat 47:37 - Minnesota Timberwolves 49:05 - Milwaukee Bucks 50:09 - New Orleans Pelicans 52:16 - New York Knicks 55:04 - Oklahoma City Thunder 56:33 - Orlando Magic 58:01 - Philadelphia 76ers 59:41 - Phoenix Suns 1:01:30 - Portland Trail Blazers 1:03:20 - Sacramento Kings 1:04:57 - San Antonio Spurs 1:06:39 - Toronto Raptors 1:08:40 - Utah Jazz 1:11:06 - Washington Wizards Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAIL TIME! This week's dive into listener questions will cover the New York Knicks' hot start (loss to the Toronto Raptors not withstanding), Scottie Barnes, Evan Mobley, Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jokic, Michael Porter Jr., the Denver Nuggets' depth, the NBA's worst benches, Miles Bridges, Dalano Banton, RJ Barrett, the Most Improved Player, Dejounte Murray and muuuuch more! TIMESTAMPS ⬇️ 🔘 0:27 - Intro 🔘 3:01 - Quick thoughts on the Hawks and Nets 🔘 5:18 - The Knicks! 🔘 10:39 - Will RJ Barrett have an MIP case? 🔘 13:33 - Nikola Jokic/Denver Nuggets bench 🔘 16:24 - Michael Porter Jr. 🔘 21:41 - Can you statistically measure fun? / The Hornets 🔘 24:25 - Is Miles Bridges' leap sustainable? 🔘 28:03 - Are the Bulls legit contenders? 🔘 32:54 - How many games until team and player performance are representative of new normals? 🔘 35:36 - Worst benches in the league 🔘 42:22 - Evan Mobley's ceiling 🔘 47:29 - Scottie Barnes' statistical impact/ceiling 🔘 51:43 - Franz Wagner 🔘 52:32 - Dalano Banton 🔘 54:10 - Best second-round rookies from 2021 class 🔘 55:40 - Lakers and Wizards 🔘 1:01:16 - How good is Dejounte Murray? 🔘 1:04:02 - Jimmy Butler's MVP case/overall player ranking Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time for our second annual NBA 'Truth or Trash?!?' Sure, it's basically rebranded 'Fact or Fiction," but who cares? Dan is joined by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes (@gt_hughes) to discuss a bunch of surprising early-season trends and whether they should be viewed as new normals (truth!) or fleeting blips on the radar (trash!). Their discussion covers the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Minnesota Timberwolves, James Harden, Charlotte Hornets and Miles Bridges, Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Clippers and muuuuuch more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:30 - Intro 🔘 4:12 - The Suns! 🔘 14:17 - Anthony Davis/Lakers 🔘 25:02 - Lakers vs. Clippers 🔘 31:55 - Bulls, Cavs & Timberwolves 🔘 44:35 - The Warriors 🔘 55:56 - Ja Morant 🔘 1:00:30 - Desmond Bane 🔘 1:04:08 - The Grizzlies' Starting Five 🔘 1:07:13 - James Harden 🔘 1:16:39 - The Hornets 🔘 1:21:51 - Miles Bridges 🔘 1:25:26 - The Hawks Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAIL TIME IS BACK! In our first mailbag of the 2021-22 NBA season, Hardwood Knocks covers the Ben Simmons saga FROM A DIFFERENT ANGLE, talks about Tyler Herro's development, the Chicago Bulls' hot start, Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, mid-range jumpers and muuuuuch more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 Ben Simmons...but not what you think (3:27) 🔘 Ja Morant vs. Zion Williamson (14:40) 🔘 Are we sleeping on the Nuggets? (22:29) 🔘 Tyler Herro's development (26:49) 🔘 Good mid-range vs. bad mid-range shots (33:03) 🔘 Are the Bulls for real? (36:58) 🔘 Most interesting stat you've ever seen (41:11) 🔘 Top-75 snubs (44:10) 🔘 Are you for a four-point line? (49:13) 🔘 Which team could have the best starting five if they could only chose from their bench? (53:29) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam is back, which means the band is back, which means he and Dan have over/under win predictions for every NBA team ahead of the 2021-22 season. Buckle up for safety. The takes are about to fly. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:00 - Intro 🔘 3:12 - Approach 🔘 8:44 - Atlanta Hawks 🔘 11:34 - Boston Celtics 🔘 15:19 - Brooklyn Nets 🔘 19:19 - Charlotte Hornets 🔘 24:13 - Chicago Bulls 🔘 30:59 - Cleveland Cavaliers 🔘 36:01 - Dallas Mavericks 🔘 39:50 - Denver Nuggets 🔘 43:24 - Detroit Pistons 🔘 46:48 - Golden State Warriors 🔘 51:14 - Houston Rockets 🔘 55:20 - Indiana Pacers 🔘 58:57 - LA Clippers 🔘 1:03:03 - Los Angeles Lakers 🔘 1:11:22 - Memphis Grizzlies 🔘 1:14:59 - Miami Heat 🔘 1:22:01 - Milwaukee Bucks 🔘 1:27:30 - Minnesota Timberwolves 🔘 1:32:40 - New Orleans Pelicans 🔘 1:38:24 - New York Knicks 🔘 1:46:17 - Oklahoma City Thunder 🔘 1:50:05 - Orlando Magic 🔘 1:55:25 - Philadelphia 76ers 🔘 1:58:59 - Phoenix Suns 🔘 2:00:48 - Portland Trail Blazers 🔘 2:06:31 - Sacramento Kings 🔘 2:11:26 - San Antonio Spurs 🔘 2:15:03 - Toronto Raptors 🔘 2:20:07 - Utah Jazz 🔘 2:24:01 - Washington Wizards Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Follow: @HardwoodKnocks Follow: @The_Sports_Math Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Allana Tachauer (@AllanaTachauer) of the Feel The Heat podcast over at 5 Reasons Sports to discuss all things Miami Heat ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. Their discussion covers Kyle Lowry's arrival and impact, the next step for Bam Adebayo, Jimmy Butler's jumper, Tyler Herro's development, Victor Oladipo's timeline for return and potential value, the bench rotation, lineup possibilities, the defense, the floor spacing and much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:30 - Intro 🔘 3:30 - Kyle Lowry's fit and impact 🔘 6:23 - P.J. Tucker's value 🔘 8:25 - Bam Adebayo's next step 🔘 10:25 - Jimmy Butler 🔘 12:22 - Expectations for Tyler Herro in Year 3 🔘 15:53 - Victor Oladipo's timeline/role upon return 🔘 18:03 - The offense's pace 🔘 19:53 - Max Strus and Gabe Vincent 🔘 21:30 - The top-10 rotation 🔘 24:46 - Is Miami deep enough? 🔘 25:42 - Trade candidates 🔘 30:03 - The defense's ceiling 🔘 33:33 - Does Miami have enough shooting? 🔘 36:10 - Biggest Weakness 🔘 39:50 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 43:40 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 45:34 - Kyle Lowry's impact on the culture 🔘 47:54 - Win-total prediction/Place in the East Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Jason Patt (@Bulls_Jay) from the Cash Considerations podcast for a mega-ultra-super-deep dive into the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. Their conversation covers a reaction to the Bulls' offseason, Zach LaVine's superstardom, the fit between he, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic, Lonzo Ball's impact on offense, the importance of Alex Caruso and Patrick Williams, the defense, the backup wing and big rotations, lineup possibilities, Javonte Green's play and much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 2:03 - Intro 🔘 5:06 - Impressions of the Bulls' offseason 🔘 7:44 - Chicago's direction since the 2021 trade deadline 🔘 15:11 - The fit of Lonzo, LaVine, DeRozan and Vooch/How will the stars be staggered? 🔘 18:26 - Alex Caruso's fit and role 🔘 20:02 - Coby White's future 🔘 25:06 - Patrick Williams' role/development 🔘 29:36 - The backup frontcourt rotation 🔘 31:46 - Will Javonte Green get regular minutes? 🔘 33:27 - Chicago's defensive ceiling 🔘 36:19 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 38:21 - The late-game rotation 🔘 39:35 - Quirky lineups we want to see/Troy Brown Jr. 🔘 43:05 - Ayo Dosunmu 🔘 45:32 - Win-total prediction/Place in the East 🔘 49:32 - Trade candidates 🔘 51:06 - Final thoughts about Chicago's future Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Follow: @HardwoodKnocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) from The NBA Front Office Show and Spotrac for a deeeeeep dive into the Orlando Magic ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. Their conversation covers the Wendell Carter Jr. extension, rookie-year expectations for Jalen Suggs, trade candidates, the health of Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz, the 10-man rotation, Mo Bamba, lineup possibilities, RJ Hampton's ceiling, win-total predictions and more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 2:03 - Intro 🔘 4:00 - Wendell Carter Jr.'s extension 🔘 9:55 - Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac 🔘 12:56 - Jalen Suggs: Rookie-year role and 🔘 expectations 🔘 15:41 - The backcourt rotation 🔘 18:10 - RJ Hampton/Cole Anthony 🔘 21:10 - Expectations for Chuma Okeke 🔘 23:29 - Wendell Carter Jr. 🔘 31:46 - Mo /Robin Lopez/Frontcourt rotation 🔘 37:33 - Top-10 rotation 🔘 40:50 - Impressions of Franz Wagner 🔘 42:49 - Orlandos' style under Jamahl Mosley 🔘 44:48 - Biggest weakness 🔘 47:19 - Trade candidates 🔘 51:22 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 53:02 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 56:38 - The Magic's overall direction 🔘 1:00:17 - Win-total prediction 🔘 1:03:21 - Orlando's place in the standings Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks IG: @hardwood_knocks Follow: @The_Sports_Math Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Sharon Brown (@SharonShyBrown) of the Memphis Flyer for a fantastic and in-depth discussion about the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. Their conversation covers Ja Morant's development, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s future, Ziaire Williams' role as a rookie, the center rotation after trading Jonas Valanciunas for Steven Adams, Kyle Anderson's value, Desmond Bane's breakout potential, lineup possibilities and a lot more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 2:03 - Intro 🔘 5:15 - Offseason takeaways 🔘 7:59 - Jaren Jackson Jr.'s development and role 🔘 11:24 - The frontcourt rotation 🔘 13:12 - Desmond Bane's breakout potential 🔘 14:20 - Ja Morant's deepening bag 🔘 19:06 - Starting-lineup permutations 🔘 22:34 - Rookie-year expectations for Ziaire Williams 🔘 24:36 - Will Jarrett Culver, er, play? 🔘 28:10 - Does Memphis have enough shooting and secondary creation? 🔘 29:36 - The defense 🔘 31:46 - Biggest weakness 🔘 33:56 - Trade candidates 🔘 35:44 - Dillon Brooks 🔘 37:07 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 38:14 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 39:58 - Win-total prediction/Place in the West 🔘 41:13 - Importance of Steven Adams Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Shamit Dua (@FearTheBrown) from the In The N.O. podcast for an honest and thorough talk about the New Orleans Pelicans' present and future ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. They discuss New Orleans' somewhat controversial offseason, Zion Williamson's health, development and happiness, how the team will build out the rotation, Nickeil Alexander-Walker's ceiling, Trey Murphy III's fit, the defense, lineup possibilities and much more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 2:03 - Intro 🔘 4:31 - Offseason takeaways/impressions 🔘 9:51 - Zion Williamson's health and future 🔘 19:52 - Zion's on-court development/defense 🔘 23:49 - Starting-five predictions/preferences 🔘 26:10 - Jonas Valanciunas' fit and value 🔘 28:34 - Expectations for Nickeil Alexander-Walker 🔘 32:27 - Jaxson Hayes/The backup center rotation 🔘 37:35 - Trey Murphy III's role/rookie-year expectations 🔘 40:44 - Tomas Satoransky, Garrett Temple, Kira Lewis Jr. 🔘 43:04 - Kira Lewis' future 🔘 45:06 - Devonte' Graham 🔘 46:03 - Naji Marshall's role and value 🔘 48:42 - Biggest weakness 🔘 50:19 - Brandon Ingram 🔘 51:34 - Josh Hart 🔘 54:56 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 56:13 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 57:10 - Win-total prediction/Place in the West 🔘 1:00:19 - Willie Green's impact Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Follow: @HardwoodKnocks Follow: @The_Sports_Math Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Derek James (@DerekJamesNBA), one of the smartest Minnesota Timberwolves insiders/analysts/writers around, to talk about—you guessed it!—the Minnesota Timberwolves in advance of the 2021-22 NBA season. They discuss the Wolves' interest in Ben Simmons, Year 2 expectations for Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns' place in the superstar hierarchy, D'Angelo Russell's value and role, lineup possibilities, Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels' season, the 10-man rotation, Chris Finch's impact, Patrick Beverley and more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 2:03 - Intro 🔘 6:20 - Minnesota's offseason 🔘 10:05 - Ben Simmons talk 🔘 20:08 - Chris Finch's impact 🔘 23:51 - Can the defense be much better? 🔘 26:33 - Year 2 expectations for Anthony Edwards 🔘 29:33 - D'Angelo Russell's role/fit next to Ant 🔘 33:34 - Karl-Anthony Towns Appreciation Minutes 🔘 42:01 - Jaden McDaniels' ceiling 🔘 46:02 - The frontcourt rotation beside KAT: Naz Reid, Jarred Vanderbilt, McDaniels, etc. 🔘 47:21 - Top-10 rotation 🔘 50:00 - Minny's biggest weakness 🔘 51:15 - Trade candidates 🔘 53:34 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 56:08 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 57:27 - Win-total prediction/Place in the West Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Greg Wissinger (@gwiss) from The Kings Herald for a deeeeeep dive into the Sacramento Kings ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. Their conversation covers De'Aaron Fox's continued growth, Tyrese Haliburton's path to stardom, Davion Mitchell's fit, three-guard lineups, four-guard lineups, the wing rotation, Richaun Holmes, Buddy Hield, trade candidates and, yes, Ben Simmons—plus much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 2:03 - Intro 🔘 4:20 - Thoughts on Sacramento's offseason/Richuan Holmes 🔘 7:02 - The Ben Simmons discussion 🔘 11:19 - De'Aaron Fox's next frontier 🔘 13:03 - The defense 🔘 15:25 - Fun De'Aaron Fox stat that is fun! 🔘 20:14 - Tyrese Haliburton's path to stardom 🔘 22:35 - Expectations for Davion Mitchell 🔘 24:45 - The three-guard lineup 🔘 26:52 - Louis King's value 🔘 29:24 - The Marvin Bagley III Hope Meter 🔘 31:12 - Who should be the fifth starter? 🔘 33:40 - 10-man rotation 🔘 37:08 - Trade candidates 🔘 38:21 - Could the Kings be sellers at the deadline? 🔘 43:03 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 44:25 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 46:07 - Win-total prediction/Place in the West 🔘 49:42 - Luke Walton's job security 🔘 54:04 - Buddy Hield's future Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) from DNVR and the Locked On Nuggets podcast for an in-depth chat about the Denver Nuggets ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. Their conversation covers Nikola Jokic's MVP defense, Jamal Murray's rehab, Michael Porter Jr.'s next step, rookie-year expectations for Bones Hyland, the importance of P.J. Dozier, the value of Aaron Gordon, the secondary frontcourt rotation, lineup possibilities, win-total predictions and so much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:30 - Intro 🔘 3:06 - Jamal Murray's absence 🔘 4:09 - Point guard rotation without Murray 🔘 6:35 - Will Bones Hyland play a meaningful role? 🔘 10:55 - Expectations for Michael Porter Jr. 🔘 18:50 - Aaron Gordon's extension/offensive optimization 🔘 22:31 - The backup big rotation 🔘 24:50 - Impact meter: Vlatko Cancar vs. Zeke Nnaji vs. Bol Bol 🔘 26:39 - Nikola Jokic's MVP defense 🔘 29:23 - Denver's biggest weakness 🔘 33:00 - Jokic's workload 🔘 34:19 - Trade candidates 🔘 36:08 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 37:42 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 39:40 - Win-total prediction/Place in the West 🔘 45:01 - Adam fires up the P.J. Dozier bandwagon Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Sam Cooper (@scooperhoops) and Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) from The Timeline Podcast for a mega-ultra-super-deep dive into the Phoenix Suns ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. Their conversation spans Devin Booker's next step, the fit of JaVale McGee and Landry Shamet, Mikal Bridges' heightened offensive role, Cam Johnson's development, Deandre Ayton's future, Chris Paul, lineup possibilities, win-loss projections and muuuuuuch more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:21 - Intro 🔘 4:28 - Dueling timelines 🔘 6:15 - Thoughts on Phoenix's offseason 🔘 10:51 - Deandre Ayton/Mikal Bridges extensions 🔘 14:58 - Mikal Bridges' offensive growth and potential 🔘 27:58 - Will there be a CP3 maintenance program? 🔘 30:59 - Cam Johnson's next step 🔘 35:41 - Deandre Ayton's arrival/development/role 🔘 44:40 - Devin Booker's value/Can he become an All-NBA lock? 🔘 54:50 - Landry Shamet's fit 🔘 56:16 - JaVale McGee's fit 🔘 58:24 - The backup big rotation/Will they still play small? 🔘 1:00:20 - Jalen Smith/Abdel Nader 🔘 1:03:11 - Best crunch-time lineups 🔘 1:03:44 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 1:07:20 - Trade candidates/targets 🔘 1:12:37 - Win-total prediction 🔘 1:14:45 - Toughest matchups in the West Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Tony Jones (@TjonesontheNBA) for a deeeeep dive into the Utah Jazz ahead of 2021-22 NBA season. They talk urgency within the franchise, Rudy Gobert's value, Donovan Mitchell's next step, the wing defense, the rotation, Jared Butler, regression candidates and much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:00 - Intro 🔘 3:56 - Urgency in Utah? 🔘 7:25 - Regression candidates 🔘 9:59 - The Rudy Gobert discourse 🔘 16:28 - Will Utah try playing when Gobert sits? 🔘 19:40 - Donovan Mitchell's next step 🔘 25:53 - Jordan Clarkson's importance 🔘 28:45 - Will Jared Butler play? 🔘 31:27 - Eric Paschall, Miye Oni, Elijah Hughes 🔘 34:03 - More Jared Butler 🔘 38:30 - Utah's wing defense 🔘 40:47 - Royce O'Neale appreciation 🔘 45:31 - Is Utah playoff-proof now? 🔘 49:57 - Is the front office willing to make a move? 🔘 54:02 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 55:39 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 57:46 - Win-total prediction 🔘 58:27 - Utah's place in the West Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) from The NBA Podcast and Forbes to discuss all things Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. They tackle the Ben Simmons situation and potential trade destinations, Tyrese Maxey's development, Ben Simmons, the importance of Seth Curry and Tobias Harris, Ben Simmons, Philly's defense without Ben Simmons, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, lineup possibilities, Ben Simmons, Andre Drummond, win-total predictions, Ben Simmons and then, um, yeah, Ben Simmons! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:15 - Intro 2:35 - The Ben Simmons situation from ALL angles 27:49 - Joel Embiid's workload/Philly's play style 31:59 - Matisse Thybulle's role/The defense without Simmons 37:43 - Tyrese Maxey's development/role 39:40 - Tobias Harris' role 41:44 - Andre Drummond/Georges Niang 44:18 - Getting weird with the backup 5 rotation 45:59 - Furkan Korkmaz 47:46 - Jaden Springer 49:38 - Isaiah Joe/Paul Reed 51:40 - Seth Curry's role 55:17 - Trade candidates (non-Simmons division) 58:44 - Best crunch-time lineup 59:31 - Quirky lineups we want to see 1:01:10 - Philly's ceiling without Simmons 1:03:31 - Win-total prediction 1:06:12 - A Ben Simmons trade idea/Final thoughts Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Jabari Ali Davis (@JabariDavisNBA) from the Never Meet Your Heroes and The Baseline podcasts for a deeeeep dive into the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. They discuss the LeBron James-Russell Westbrook fit, Anthony Davis-at-the-5, the potential for a defensive drop-off, rounding out the rest of the rotation, Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, DeAndre Jordan, floor spacing, lineup possibilities and much, much, MUCH more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:33 - Intro 🔘 4:54 - The Russell Westbrook Fit 🔘 9:40 - Predicting the most impactful new additions (non-Westbrook division) 🔘 13:50 - Frank Vogel 🔘 17:08 - Anthony Davis-at-the-5 🔘 18:47 - Is AD a sleeper MVP candidate? 🔘 22:19 - Are floor-spacing concerns overblown? 🔘 25:57 - Who gets squeezed in the rotation? 🔘 30:12 - Carmelo Anthony's fit/value 🔘 34:42 - Talen Horton-Tucker's role/importance 🔘 43:01 - Predicting where LA ranks on defense 🔘 44:46 - LeBron James' playing time 🔘 46:48 - Biggest weakness of the roster 🔘 47:45 - Trade candidates/Trade targets 🔘 51:05 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 53:22 - Quirk lineups we want to see 🔘 55:17 - Win-total prediction 🔘 57:30 - Western Conference landscape Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Kristian Winfield (@Krisplashed) from the New York Daily News and Uninterrupted's Certified Buckets show for a deeeeep dive into the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. Their discussion covers the Kyrie Irving situation, how his absence would impact the team, the workload of James Harden and Kevin Durant, the center rotation, a dearth of wings, the team's defense, the backup point guard carousel, lineup predictions and much, much, MUCH more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:15 - Intro 🔘 3:17 - The Kyrie Irving situation 🔘 6:16 - Will the Nets move forward without Kyrie? 🔘 10:11 - Who takes Kyrie's spot in the starting lineup/rotation? Can Brooklyn win a title without Kyrie? 🔘 18:10 - The 4-5 rotation 🔘 20:54 - Nicolas Claxton's role 🔘 24:05 - Bruce Brown's role 🔘 25:19 - Brooklyn's lack of wings 🔘 29:10 - Can Cameron Thomas crack the rotation? 🔘 31:33 - How will Brooklyn stagger its stars/primary ball-handlers? 🔘 34:22 - Patty Mills' importance/Brooklyn's secondary secondary playmakers 🔘 37:37 - Jevon Carter can help! 🔘 39:37 - Will Brooklyn load manage Kevin Durant and James Harden? 🔘 41:46 - Defensive-ranking prediction 🔘 43:10 - Trade candidates 🔘 45:34 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 47:07 - Quirky lineups we want to see/KD-at-the-5 🔘 50:19 - Win-total prediction 🔘 52: 50 - Day'Ron Sharpe Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Justin Rowan (@Cavsanada) from The Chase Down podcast to cannonball, nosedive and belly flop into all things Cleveland Cavaliers ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. They discuss Darius Garland's next frontier, the additions Ricky Rubio and Lauri Markkanen, the frontcourt pairing of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, Collin Sexton's future, Isaac Okoro's development, the Kevin Love awkwardness, final roster spots, Ben Simmons and muuuuuch more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:29 - Intro 🔘 3:25 - Impressions of Cavs offseason 🔘 5:49 - Evan Mobley's fit/rookie-year expectations 🔘 8:39 - The Evan Mobley-Jarrett Allen pairing 🔘 10:24 - Lauri Markkanen's fit 🔘 16:55 - Jarrett Allen's contract 🔘 17:59 - Kevin Love's role/future 🔘 20:20 - Darius Garland's next frontier 🔘 22:30 - Collin Sexton's value/future 🔘 28:05 - SEXLAND long term 🔘 30:06 - Isaac Okoro's ceiling 🔘 32:47 - The 10-man rotation 🔘 34:34 - Final roster spots/rotation slots 🔘 37:53 - Biggest weakness on roster 🔘 39:01 - Offense/defense rankings 🔘 40:51 - Trade candidates 🔘 42:22 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 43:47 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 45:54 - Win-total prediction/place in the East 🔘 50:33 - Would the Cavs make a consolidation trade? 🔘 52:36 - VIBES! Please subscribe to Hardwood Knocks here. And if you're listening to us in Apple 's podcast player, please, please pretty please leave us a rating and write a review here. Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Follow: @HardwoodKnocks Follow: @The_Sports_Math Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Paul Garcia (@PaulGarciaNBA) from Project Spurs to discuss all things San Antonio Spurs ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. They cover San Antonio's overall direction, Dejounte Murray's development, the playmaking rotation, Josh Primo, Keldon Johnson's potential for improvement, Lonnie Walker IV's future, Devin Vassell's role, Thaddeus Young's value, lineup possibilities, the Ben Simmons trade rumors and much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:30 - Intro 🔘 2:51 - San Antonio's direction 🔘 5:02 - Do they have a primary cornerstone? 🔘 6:15 - Dejounte Murray's next step 🔘 7:40 - The Dejounte Murray-Derrick White combination 🔘 8:31 - Can Tre Jones (when healthy) fill the playmaking void? 🔘 9:32 - Is Josh Primo ready for immediate minutes? 🔘 11:13 - The need for San Antonio to experiment/play fast 🔘 16:03 - Keldon Johnson's ceiling 🔘 18:25 - Lonnie Walker IV's future 🔘 21:14 - Devin Vassell's role 🔘 23:12 - Thaddeus Young's value/future 🔘 25:06 - The frontcourt rotation 🔘 28:01 - The Ben Simmons discussion 🔘 30:55 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 32:51 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 33:53 - Win-total prediction/Place in the West 🔘 37:30 - Final roster cuts 🔘 38:52 - San Antonio's defensive identity Please subscribe to Hardwood Knocks here. And if you're listening to us in Apple 's podcast player, please, please pretty please leave us a rating and write a review here. Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Follow: @HardwoodKnocks Follow: @The_Sports_Math Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Quinton Mayo (@RealQuintonMayo) of BetMGM, Audacy and Blue Wire Pods for a deeeeeep dive into the Washington Wizards ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. They talk Bradley Beal's future, Daniel Gafford's development, Rui Hachimura's absence from training camp and prospective role, the Russell Westbrook trade, Spencer Dinwiddie's fit, the importance of Deni Avdija, the frontcourt rotation, trade candidates and so much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:00 - Intro 🔘 2:57 - Impact of the Russell Westbrook trade 🔘 6:17 - Spencer Dinwiddie's fit 🔘 10:15 - Expectations for Daniel Gafford 🔘 16:00 - Importance of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope/Kyle Kuzma 🔘 21:01 - The frontcourt rotation with/without Rui Hachimura 🔘 24:03 - Rui's offensive ceiling 🔘 26:11 - How Wiz will play under Wes Unseld Jr. 🔘 30:15 - Does Washington have enough secondary playmakers? 🔘 31:58 - Sophomore expectations for Deni Avdija 🔘 35:21 - Corey Kispert 🔘 38:14 - The perimeter defense 🔘 40:42 - Bradley Beal's future 🔘 45:58 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 47:54 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 50:20 - Win-total prediction/Washington's place in the East 🔘 54:30 - Montrezl Harrell's role 🔘 55:43 - Trade candidates Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Tara Bowen-Biggs (@tcbbiggs) from the We Have A Take podcast for a deeeeeep dive into the Portland Trail Blazers ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. We discuss Damian Lillard's future, CJ McCollum's value, Jusuf Nurkic's areas of improvement, Larry Nance Jr.'s fit, the development of Nassir Little and Anfernee Simons, which new additions will have the biggest impact, defensive concerns, trade candidates, potential lineups and so much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:17 - Intro 🔘 5:25 - Marquese Chriss' Wikipedia page 🔘 8:13 - Impressions of the Blazers' offseason 🔘 9:18 - Larry Nance Jr.'s fit 🔘 14:25 - Importance of Tony Snell and Cody Zeller 🔘 17:43 - Damian Lillard's future 🔘 28:39 - CJ McCollum's future/value 🔘 35:53 - Jusuf Nurkic's role/areas of improvement 🔘 41:42 - Will Anfernee Simons play a meaningful role? 🔘 45:03 - Nassir Little's role 🔘 47:42 - How much better can the Blazers defense get? 🔘 50:32 - Biggest weakness of the roster/Greg Brown thoughts 🔘 53:15 - Trade candidates 🔘 59:37 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 1:01:59 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 1:08:48 - Win-total prediction 🔘 1:12:07 - Final thoughts on Dame Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Lazarus Jackson (@lazchance) from SB Nation's Detroit Bad Boys and Blue Wire's Pistons vs. Everybody podcast for a wildly, and enjoyably, thorough deep dive into the Detroit Pistons in advance of the 2021-22 NBA season. They discuss Cade Cunningham, Killian Hayes, Jerami Grant, Kelly Olynyk, the secondary rotation, Saben Lee, the Sekou Doumboya trade, Detroit's overall direction, win-loss predictions, lineups and much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:20 - Intro 🔘 3:14 - CHANCE JACKSON SCOUTING REPORT🗣🗣 🔘 4:48 - Overall impression of Pistons offseason 🔘 7:18 - The Sekou Doumbouya trade (aka LAZ PREDICTS TREY LYLES MAKES AN ALL-STAR TEAM) 🔘 10:12 - Rookie-year expectations for Cade Cunningham 🔘 16:29 - Jerami Grant, Round 2 🔘 20:09 - Hope for Killian Hayes 🔘 25:51 - Saddiq Bey's ceiling 🔘 30:04 - Isaiah Stewart's impact 🔘 36:41 - The frontcourt rotation 🔘 38:03 - Hamidou Diallo 🔘 40:20 - Josh Jackson 🔘 40:57 - Saben Lee 🔘 44:53 - Chris Smith 🔘 46:06 - Luka Garza/Isaiah Livers 🔘 48:47 - Trade candidates 🔘 1:00:49 - Biggest weaknesses 🔘 1:04:53 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 1:05:57 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 1:10:58 - Win-total prediction 🔘 1:15:23 - Pistons' overall direction and play style Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Sabreena Merchant (@sabreenajm) from SB Nation and The Step Through podcast for a mega-ultra-super deep dive into the LA Clippers ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. They talk Kawhi Leonard's future and health, Paul George's MVP viability, Eric Bledsoe's fit, the center rotation, potential lineups, Luke Kennard's role, the flier on Justise Winslow, Ivica Zubac's defense, playing small and much, much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:30 - Intro 🔘 3:36 - Kawhi's health and future 🔘 6:52 - Eric Bledsoe's fit 🔘 11:45 - The secondary ball-handling rotation 🔘 13:31 - Is Paul George an MVP sleeper? 🔘 18:31 - Importance of Reggie Jackson & Nic Batum 🔘 22:24 - Terance Mann's development 🔘 24:41 - Serge Ibaka's health 🔘 25:17 - Harry Giles vs. Isaiah Hartenstein 🔘 26:27 - Will the Clippers play without a big more often? 🔘 29:12 - Justise Winslow's role 🔘 31:25 - Keon Johnson, Brandon Boston Jr., Jason Preston 🔘 33:56 - Is Luke Kennard fated for a bigger role? 🔘 37:12 - Biggest weakness of the roster 🔘 41:09 - Trade candidates 🔘 42:43 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 44:23 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 45:49 - Win-total prediction 🔘 49:37 - Marcus Morris thoughts Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Yasmin Duale (@carmelodrama) from the Dishes & Dimes podcast to cannonball into all things Toronto Raptors in advance of the 2021-22 NBA season. They talk Pascal Siakam's health and role, Fred VanVleet's room for improvement, OG Anunoby emerging as a star, the center rotation, Goran Dragic's fit, fringe roster spots, Malachi Flynn's development, Scottie Barnes' rookie expectations, lineups and muuuuuch more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 00:54 - Intro 🔘 2:33 - Goran Dragic's fit 🔘 4:48 - OG Anunoby's offensive evolution 🔘 7:13 - Pascal Siakam's return/Is he underrated now? 🔘 10:14 - Where must Fred VanVleet improve? 🔘 17:40 - Rookie-year expectations for Scottie Barnes 🔘 22:36 - The center rotation 🔘 24:55 - CHRIS BOUCHER FOREVER 🔘 27:06 - Precious Achiuwa 🔘 28:37 - Sophomore expectations for Malachi Flynn 🔘 30:24 - Yuta Watanabe's value 🔘 32:07 - Fringe-roster players 🔘 33:36 - Figuring out Toronto's direction 🔘 36:20 - Biggest functional void on the roster 🔘 38:14 - Trade candidates 🔘 39:55 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 41:24 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 42:44 - Win-total prediction/Toronto's place in the East 🔘 48:25 - Gary Trent Jr. feelz Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Dalton Trigg (@Dalton_Trigg) of the Mavs Step Back podcast to break down all things Dallas Mavericks in advance of the 2021-22 NBA season. They discuss Luka Doncic's next step, Kristaps Porzingis' role, the frontcourt rotation, Jalen Brunson, offseason additions like Reggie Bullock and Sterling Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr.'s importance, lineups to look out for, trade candidates, trade targets and more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:54 - Intro 🔘 4:23 - Did the Mavs have an underrated free agency? 🔘 7:17 - The Luka-plus-shooting model 🔘 9:05 - Impact Sterling Brown and Reggie Bullock 🔘 11:12 - Dallas' lack of secondary shot creation 🔘 14:15 - What does a better version of Luka look like? 🔘 19:17 - Kristaps-at-the-4(???) 🔘 25:52 - Trey Burke vs. Frank Ntilikina vs. Josh Green 🔘 32:44 - Other changes to expect under Jason Kidd 🔘 35:46 - Trade candidates/Trade targets 🔘 40:54 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 43:29 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 45:29 - Win-total prediction 🔘 47:33 - Final thoughts on Jason Kidd Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Alex Kungu (@Kungu_NBA) from Hoops Island for a deeeeeep dive into the Boston Celtics ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. We're talking Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Dennis Schroder, Al Horford, Robert Williams III, Josh Richardson, Aaron Nesmith, Payton Pritchard, potential lineups, trade candidates and soooooo much more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:54 - Intro 🔘 3:30 - Takeaways from Celtics offseason 🔘 6:37 - Can Jayson Tatum take another playmaking leap? 🔘 10:22 - Does Jaylen Brown have more table-setting in him? 🔘 16:41 - The fits of Dennis Schroder & Josh Richardson 🔘 19:36 - Marcus Smart's expanded role 🔘 21:49 - Robert Williams III's expanded role 🔘 23:56 - Will RWIII play a ton with Al Horford? 🔘 26:38 - Expectations for Payton Pritchard & Aaron Nesmith 🔘 28:50 - End of rotation decisions: Juan Hernangomez, Romeo Langford, Grant Williams, Jabari Parker 🔘 31:47 - Boston's defensive ceiling 🔘 35:08 - Trade candidates 🔘 38:21 - Best crunch-time lineup 🔘 40:32 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 43:32 - Win-total predictions 🔘 45:21 - Alex trolls the Knicks! (But also advocates for Kemba's defense!) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Olivia Panchal (@olivianba) from Daily Thunder's Crossbolts podcast to break down the long-term trajectory and current expectations for the Oklahoma City Thunder in advance of the 2021-22 NBA season. We talk Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Tre Mann, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, tanking, trade candidates and much, much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:00 - Intro 🔘 3:40 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 🔘 8:23 - Impressions of Thunder's offseason 🔘 11:13 - Endgame for OKC's draft-pick armory 🔘 15:15 - Josh Giddey's game and fit 🔘 18:01 - How much will Tre Mann play? 🔘 19:18 - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl's role 🔘 21:55 - Expectations for Aleksej Pokusevski in Year 2 🔘 24:05 - Expectations for Darius Bazley 🔘 26:01 - Theo Maledon's upside 🔘 27:15 - The center rotation 🔘 28:13 - KENRICH WILLIAMS FOREVER 🔘 29:52 - Lu Dort's future 🔘 33:37 - Predicting OKC's second-leading scorer 🔘 34:30 - OKC's best chance at a second star 🔘 37:48 - Best closing lineup 🔘 38:34 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 43:57 - Win-total prediction 🔘 46:33 - Will SGA make the All-Star team? Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) from the Gyro Step Podcast to discuss the immediate and long-term outlook of the REIGNING CHAMPION Milwaukee Bucks in advance of the 2021-22 NBA season. From Giannis Antetokounmpo's next step and Mike Budenholzer's improvement, to the importance of Bobby Portis and Donte DiVincenzo, to prospective weaknesses and trade candidates, we cover it all! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 0:00 - Intro 🔘 2:14 - Championship feelz 🔘 7:08 - Khris Middleton, I love you 🔘 11:00 - Importance of George Hill and Grayson Allen 🔘 15:18 - Donte DiVincenzo's return(?) 🔘 24:17 - Can Giannis get even better? 🔘 27:52 - Is P.J. Tucker's departure being overblown? 🔘 30:51 - Will Giannis play more 5? 🔘 33:26 - Bobby Portis' encore 🔘 40:06 - Milwaukee's Biggest weakness 🔘 44:35 - Trade candidates 🔘 49:06 - Best closing lineup 🔘 51:37 - Quirky lineups we want to see 🔘 53:55 - Win-total prediction 🔘 57:26 - The Khris-Giannis connection 🔘 1:03:48 - Mike Budenholzer Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Konata Edwards (@NataTheScribe) from the Locked On Hornets podcast to discuss the ins, outs and diagonals of—you guessed it!—the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. We cover LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier's extension and his on-court value, potential trade targets, James Bouknight's development, the center rotation, Miles Bridges' future, P.J. Washington's defense and so much friggin' more! TIMESTAMPS ⬇️ 🔘 Intro (0:57) 🔘 Grant Riller catharsis (2:39) 🔘 Why Charlotte didn't spend big on a center (7:06) 🔘 Rookie-year expectations for Kai Jones (12:45) 🔘 P.J. Washington's progress at the 5 (16:56) 🔘 Kelly Oubre Jr.'s fit (20:33) 🔘 Miles Bridges' ascendance/next contract (23:43) 🔘 Terry Rozier's extension/long-term value to Charlotte (33:26) 🔘 Early impressions of James Bouknight (40:15) 🔘 Where LaMelo Ball needs to improve (47:24) 🔘 Charlotte's place in the East (52:17) 🔘 Will the Hornets consider trading for a center? (1:02:21) 🔘 Best closing lineup (1:09:57) 🔘 Quirky lineups we want to see (1:11:32) 🔘 Win-total predictions/Eastern Conference standings (1:13:10) 🔘 Jalen McDaniels (1:21:31) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by the world-famous Caitlin Cooper (C2_Cooper) from Indy Corn Rows and FiveThirtyEight to cannonball into all things Indiana Pacers ahead of the 2021-22 NBA season. From Rick Carlisle's impact on the offense and the frontcourt rotation, to Caris LeVert and T.J. Warren, to quirky lineups and potential trade candidates, we cover everything you can imagine—and then some. TIMESTAMPS ⬇️ 🔘 A quick thank you <3 (00:54) 🔘 Intro (6:50) 🔘 Rick Carlisle's impact on Indiana's play style (7:44) 🔘 Replacing Doug McDermott (12:13) 🔘 Torrey Craig's fit (16:18) 🔘 T.J. Warren's injury/importance (19:05) 🔘 Who's the fifth starter? (22:00) 🔘 The offensive pecking order/Domantas Sabonis (25:24) 🔘 Caris LeVert's next step (30:26) 🔘 The secondary rotation (33:11) 🔘 Myles Turner looks healthy?!? (36:17) 🔘 Trade candidates (37:41) 🔘 Biggest functional concern (42:02) 🔘 Best closing lineup (44:29) 🔘 Quirky lineups we want to see (45:48) 🔘 Win-total prediction/Indy's place in the East (47:54) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan speaks with Sarah K. Spencer (@sarah_k_spence) of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution about everything and anything Atlanta Hawks in advance of the 2021-22 NBA season. From Trae Young and John Collins, to De'Andre Hunter and Cam Reddish, to potential trades and Jalen Johnson-at-the-5, we cover it all. TIMESTAMPS ⬇️ 🔘 Intro/Puppies! (00:00) 🔘 Impressions of the Hawks offseason (6:29) 🔘 Trae Young's next step (14:04) 🔘 Atlanta's offense when Trae sits (17:41) 🔘 The backup center rotation (22:22) 🔘 John Collins' growth (24:02) 🔘 Expectations for De'Andre Hunter (29:24) 🔘 Kevin Huerter and Cam Reddish (33:26) 🔘 Nate McMillan's impact (36:41) 🔘 Rookie-year expectations for Sharife Cooper and Jalen Johnson (40:07) 🔘 Are the Hawks built for a consolidation/blockbuster trade? (42:47) 🔘 Player most likely to be traded (51:49) 🔘 Best closing lineup (54:34) 🔘 Quirky lineups we want to see (55:22) 🔘 Win-total prediction (57:20) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Sam Esfandiari (@samesfandiari) of the Light Years Podcast to for an in-depth chat about the Golden State Warriors heading into the 2021-22 NBA season—and beyond. They cover everything from Ben Simmons trade rumors and Stephen Curry's performance, to the availability of Klay Thompson and James Wiseman, to the frontcourt rotation, Draymond Green-at-the-5 and season predictions. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 Intro (00:00) 🔘 The Ben Simmons talk (2:53) 🔘 Jordan Poole/The offense when Steph sits (9:49) 🔘 Expectations for Klay Thompson (12:22) 🔘 Expectations for James Wiseman (16:00) 🔘 Jonathan Kuminga and Mose Moody (22:09) 🔘 Importance of Otto Porter Jr., Nemanja Bjelica and Andre Iguodala (24:47) 🔘 Will Golden State lean more on Draymond-at-the-5? (28:18) 🔘 Can Stephen Curry remain ageless? (34:23) 🔘 Best closing lineup (37:35) 🔘 Quirky lineups we want to see (40:08) 🔘 Win-total prediction (42:31) 🔘 Should we expect the Dubs to make a major trade? (44:05) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) from the Red Nation Hoops podcast to talk about all things Houston Rockets heading into the 2021-22 NBA season. From John Wall and Ben Simmons trades, to Christian Wood and Jalen Green, to Jae'Sean Tate and Usman Garuba, we cover it all. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 Overall impressions of the Rockets offseason (3:57) 🔘 How will the John Wall situation end? (5:12) 🔘 Other trade candidates on the Rockets (16:01) 🔘 Can the Rockets get involved in the Ben Simmons sweepstakes? (22:41) 🔘 Christian Wood's value to Houston (24:59) 🔘 Can Kevin Porter Jr. be a full-time floor general? (30:34) 🔘 Jalen Green's role (34:18) 🔘 How will the Rockets use Alperen Sengun? (38:00) 🔘 Rookie-year expectations for Josh Christopher, Usman Garuba (44:06) 🔘 Jae'Sean Tate's ceiling (47:14) 🔘 Is Kenyon Martin Jr. a long-term keeper? (52:18) 🔘 Where will the Rockets defense and offense rank? (54:26) 🔘 Best crunch-time lineup (1:00:04) 🔘 Quirky lineups we want to see (1:01:51) 🔘 Win-total prediction (1:04:59) 🔘 Final thoughts (1:11:54) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Andrew Claudio (@AndrewJClaudio_), the producer of Knicks Film School (@KnicksFilmSkool) and co-host of Final Review (@FinalReviewPod), for a long chat about movies and, of course, the 2021-22 New York Knicks. First, they discuss the premise and movies that will be covered by Final Review, a must-listen for all actual and wannabe cinephiles. Then, they dig into the immediate and long-term future of the Knicks, covering everything from Julius Randle, RJ Barrett and possible trade targets, to Kemba Walker, Immanuel Quickley, Obi Toppin and player development. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘Final Review Podcast (2:13) 🔘Overall impression of Knicks offseason (22:25) 🔘Kemba Walker’s fit (30:26) 🔘The sustainability of Julius Randle (34:34) 🔘RJ Barrett’s offensive role (44:26) 🔘How good will the revamped Knicks be on defense? (51:45) 🔘Immanuel Quickley’s sophomore role (59:14) 🔘Will Obi Toppin get regular minutes? (1:03:15) 🔘Expectations for Quentin Grimes, Deuce McBride and draft what-ifs (1:12:43) 🔘Player most likely to be traded/How are the Knicks set up for a blockbuster move (1:21:44) 🔘Best closing lineup (1:25:20) 🔘Quirky lineups we want to see (1:27:08) 🔘Win-total prediction (1:29:10) 🔘The Damian Lillard talk (1:35:12) Be sure to subscribe to Final Review here. Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes (@gt_hughes) to drop their offseason grades for every team in the Western Conference. Buckle up, because we’re going off-road, through the weeds, over all sorts of other terrain, until we reach the Land of the Granular Takes and Scorching-Hot Feelz. If you haven't checked out the Eastern Conference report cards, you can do that here. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 Dallas Mavericks (4:04) 🔘 Denver Nuggets (15:07) 🔘 Golden State Warriors (22:52) 🔘 Houston Rockets (42:10) 🔘 Los Angeles Clippers (51:29) 🔘 Los Angeles Lakers (59:13) 🔘 Memphis Grizzlies (1:14:02) 🔘 Minnesota Timberwolves (1:23:05) 🔘 New Orleans Pelicans (1:30:33) 🔘 Oklahoma City Thunder (1:46:21) 🔘 Phoenix Suns (1:56:52) 🔘 Portland Trail Blazers (2:07:41) 🔘 Sacramento Kings (2:15:05) 🔘 San Antonio Spurs (2:23:07) 🔘 Utah Jazz (2:32:53) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our latest batch of listener questions covers Ben Simmons' potential fit on the Cavaliers, Jayson Tatum's MVP candidacy, the Utah Jazz's center rotation, the top remaining NBA free agents, some wild LeBron James stats, top under-25 talents and muuuuuch more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 Are any NBA players misplaced? (2:30) 🔘 The Rudy Gobert/Hassan Whiteside dynamic (9:04) 🔘 OG Anunoby's best defensive role (15:18) 🔘 Remaining free agents who can make an impact (18:59) 🔘 Most superstar upside for under-25 players (23:54) 🔘 Is Cleveland a realistic landing spot for Ben Simmons? (28:23) 🔘 Best mid-range savants, non-CP3 division (36:36) 🔘 Will Jayson Tatum be an MVP candidate? (39:15) 🔘 Are the Spurs underrated? (45:46) 🔘 Wild LeBron stats (49:36) 🔘 Most efficient guards who played under 30 minutes last season (54:41) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dan is joined by Bleacher Report's Grant Hughes (@gt_hughes) to drop their offseason grades for every team in the Eastern Conference. Buckle up, because we're going off-road, through the weeds, over all sorts of other terrain, until we reach the Land of the Granular Takes and Scorching-Hot Feelz. TIMESTAMPS ⬇️ 🔘 Grading Criteria (2:46) 🔘 Atlanta Hawks (5:26) 🔘 Boston Celtics (13:17) 🔘 Brooklyn Nets (25:14) 🔘 Charlotte Hornets (31:58) 🔘 Chicago Bulls (42:57) 🔘 Cleveland Cavaliers (55:13) 🔘 Detroit Pistons (1:02:42) 🔘 Indiana Pacers (1:10:45) 🔘 Miami Heat (1:16:41) 🔘 Milwaukee Bucks (1:25:12) 🔘 New York Knicks (1:32:10) 🔘 Orlando Magic (1:46:13) 🔘 Philadelphia 76ers (1:51:16) 🔘 Toronto Raptors (1:57:23) 🔘 Washington Wizards (2:06:53) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam and Dan select one player from every Western Conference team they believe could have a breakout year in 2021-22. Be sure to check out our Eastern Conference edition of this exercise here. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 Dallas Mavericks (3:45) 🔘 Denver Nuggets (10:39) 🔘 Golden State Warriors (19:35) 🔘 Houston Rockets (26:33) 🔘 Los Angeles Clippers (31:31) 🔘 Los Angeles Lakers (35:59) 🔘 Memphis Grizzlies (40:25) 🔘 Minnesota Timberwolves (44:59) 🔘 New Orleans Pelicans (53:08) 🔘 Oklahoma City Thunder (1:00:44) 🔘 Phoenix Suns (1:07:03) 🔘 Portland Trail Blazers (1:12:11) 🔘 Sacramento Kings (1:16:42) 🔘 San Antonio Spurs (1:23:10) 🔘 Utah Jazz (1:26:37) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Adam and Dan dissect the latest Ben Simmons trade rumors AND rap about his best potential destinations. After that, they move on to their 2021-22 breakout candidate for every NBA team in the Eastern Conference. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 Ben Simmons trade rumors (2:37) 🔘 Hawks (17:44) 🔘 Celtics (21:27) 🔘 Nets (26:07) 🔘 Hornets (30:27) 🔘 Bulls (34:40) 🔘 Cavaliers (39:56) 🔘 Pistons (46:20) 🔘 Pacers (50:42) 🔘 Heat (55:21) 🔘 Bucks (59:59) 🔘 Knicks (64:16) 🔘 Magic (69:46) 🔘 Sixers (73:58) 🔘 Raptors (79:47) 🔘 Wizards (84:29) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAIL TIME. Hardwood Knocks is back with Part 2 of our mailbag with questions that cover RJ Barrett, the New York Knicks, potential surprises and disappointments for next season, the Houston Rockets, OG Anunoby, Toronto Raptors, Golden State Warriors and much more. If missed Part 1, check that out here. 🔘 OG Anunoby (1:55) 🔘 Best offenses in postseason history (6:53) 🔘 What should the Rockets starting five be? (10:07) 🔘 How does the Bucks offseason look after not signing PJ Tucker? (15:33) 🔘 Dante Exum or Frank Ntilikina? (19:50) 🔘 Is RJ Barrett underrated? (21:01) 🔘 Who's the fourth-best team in the East? (25:55) 🔘 Recent mega-jumps (30:02) 🔘 Michael Porter Jr.'s defense (31:17) 🔘 Most average player at every position (32:18) 🔘 Which team will underachieve/overachieve most next season? (33:21) 🔘 Should the Warriors sign another free agent? (39:03) 🔘 Could the Grizzlies be a sleeper team in Ben Simmons sweepstakes? (42:38) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAIL TIME. In the first of a two-part listener-driven shindig, Hardwood Knocks comes up with the best fits and trades for Kyle Anderson and Dillon Brooks; Brandon Clarke's NBA ceiling; expectations for the Minnesota Timberwolves; potential lineups for the Charlotte Hornets; the path to Nikola Jokic winning a second NBA MVP; the Denver Nuggets' place in the Western Conference without Jamal Murray; a what-if Klay Thompson scenario; and much more! TIMESTAMPS ⬇️ 🔘 What's the ceiling on a fully healthy Timberwolves team? (3:01) 🔘 What must Nikola Jokic do to repeat as MVP? (5:51) 🔘 Are the Nuggets a top-four contender with Jamal Murray? (10:10) 🔘 How good would a team with Klay Thompson as its best player be? (13:42) 🔘 Brandon Clarke's future (18:17) 🔘 Should the Grizzlies move Kyle Anderson/Dillon Brooks (19:59) 🔘 Best Kyle Anderson/Dillon Brooks trade destinations (24:52) 🔘 Starting/closing lineup options for the Hornets (33:35) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's time to catch up on the latest batch of NBA rumors and news. In this episode, Dan covers the Terry Rozier extension, Marcus Smart extension, Joel Embiid extension, Ben Simmons trade rumors, the Philadelphia 76ers' future, the 2021 Christmas Day Slate, potential rookie extensions and much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 🔘 Terry Rozier extension (1:28) 🔘 Marcus Smart extension (6:49) 🔘 Impact of extensions on free agency (10:36) 🔘 Long-term financial security vs. Tile contention (14:56) 🔘 Analyzing the Joel Embiid extension (19:56) 🔘 Will Ben Simmons END next season in Philly? (24:11) 🔘 Can you build around Ben Simmons? (34:06) 🔘 Kevin Durant/Draymond Green interview (40:58) 🔘 Most interesting rookie extensions (42:58) 🔘 What are the Grizzlies doing?!? (49:46) 🔘 Best rehabilitation projects from 2017 draft class (55:44) 🔘 Scorching-hot 2021 Christmas Day schedule takezzz (59:45) 🔘 #WashedKing (1:02:06) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

MAIL TIME. Our latest plunge for listener questions will cover studs from Summer League; our bigger non-lottery steals from the 2021 draft; Richaun Holmes; the Golden State Warriors' wing rotation; the Sacramento Kings' defense; Jalen Suggs vs. Scottie Barnes; the Denver Nuggets; the Charlotte Hornets; Russell Westbrook; and much more. TIMESTAMPS ⬇️ 🔘 Summer League takeaways (2:27) 🔘 Predicting biggest draft steals outside the lottery (11:28) 🔘 Bol Bol (17:56) 🔘 Is Atlanta built for a trade? (22:57) 🔘 When did positions become so fluid? (27:09) 🔘 Rudy Gobert or The Field for DPOY? (30:20) 🔘 Jamal Murray/Nuggets (34:34) 🔘 Scottie Barnes vs. Jalen Suggs (39:10) 🔘 Best way to compare players at different players?(42:13) 🔘 The Warriors wing rotation (45:27) 🔘 Unassisted threes (55:00) 🔘 Kings defense (57:28) 🔘 Russell Westbrook/Lakers (1:02:37) 🔘 The Jazz (1:03:45) 🔘 Should the Hornets have gone harder after Richaun Holmes? (1:07:11) Host: @danfavale Host: @fromal09 Twitter: @HardwoodKnocks Instagram: @hardwood_knocks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices