Dunc'd On Basketball NBA Podcast

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2025

Nate and Danny take questions on Indiana through Washington in the Eastern Conference.   Pacers — 0:13 What explains the divergence between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers despite their seemingly comparable losses in talent? Did the Pacers truly “miss” on Ryan Nembhard given their existing guard depth with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell? Do the Pacers have a starting-caliber center on the roster (Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, Tony Bradley), or will they ultimately need to upgrade? What should Bennedict Mathurin’s next contract and long-term role look like? Heat — 11:01 Why has the Bam Adebayo–Kel’el Ware starting lineup struggled defensively and in transition? What is going on with Nikola Jović, and was his extension an overpay? Can Jaime Jaquez Jr. eventually become a starter and primary handler, or is he capped as a high-end sixth man? Why is Kel’el Ware playing so few minutes despite his flashes? Which current Heat players are most likely to remain on the roster by opening night 2027? Bucks — 24:58 If Giannis Antetokounmpo is traded, should the Bucks keep Myles Turner or move him next to replenish assets? How much of Milwaukee’s struggles stem from coaching and scheme—offensive rebounding philosophy, defensive rebounding, transition issues, and rotation decisions involving Myles Turner, Andre Jackson Jr., and Amir Coffey? Knicks — 31:27 What has happened to Guerschon Yabusele compared to last season? Will the triangle offense ever make a comeback in the modern NBA? Is Miles “Deuce” McBride a starting-caliber guard on most teams? Magic — 40:47 How can the Magic realistically get under the tax—moving Jet Howard, Tyus Jones, Jonathan Isaac, or others? If the Magic truly believe in Paolo Banchero’s ceiling, should they consider trading Franz Wagner now while his value is highest? Should the Magic be considered the favorites in the Eastern Conference? With Moe Wagner returning, should the Magic increase minutes for Penda and consider moving Jonathan Isaac? Sixers — 51:55 What do we make of VJ Edgecombe’s rookie season so far? Did Tyrese Maxey deserve more All-NBA consideration given how he has carried the Sixers? Raptors — 59:09 What do Jamal Shead’s playmaking numbers and on/off data suggest about his long-term role? How much of Toronto’s improvement is due to Scottie Barnes’ development versus shooting and Immanuel Quickley’s influence? How should the Raptors manage R.J. Barrett’s future given his contract and offensive importance? Wizards — 1:09:00 Can Cam Whitmore turn things around after being benched for not meeting on-court standards? What should Wizards fans look for when evaluating Brian Keefe—player development, stylistic identity, or broader organizational signals?

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

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 links⁠⁠ Lawrence Frank Chris Paul-Clippers Chris Paul L.A. Clippers Cleveland Cavaliers Giannis Antetokounmpo Spurs-Magic Pistons-Bucks Dunc'd On Live Pat Spencer Denver Nuggets Denver Nuggets ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

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Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2025

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’ aspirations DEN: 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’ resurgence LAC: James Harden’s 55-point game was a ton of fun to watch SAS: David Jones-Garcia looks like a solid stopgap with their guard injuries MEM: Jaylen Wells has struggled in his second year OKC: Their 31-4 run in 15 possessions against Utah GSW: Moses Moody is finally getting major minutes SAC: Getting Keegan Murray back will help them return to respectability

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2025

CHA: Kon Knueppel has truly impressed early on

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2025

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Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

Author Yaron Weitzman joins to unpack his new book, A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers—and all the palace intrigue that shaped this era. We dig into why the LeBron–Lakers “marriage” delivered a title yet still feels unresolved, from Buss family succession politics to who actually pulls the levers in L.A. You’ll hear how decisions really got made—Ty Lue negotiations, Linda/Rob’s influence, the AD trade mechanics, and the inside story of the Westbrook pivot. We look at the common “Klutch runs the Lakers” narrative with fresh reporting on where that’s true, where it isn’t, and how those tensions played out.  You can ⁠buy Yaron’s book here⁠.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2025

Part 2 of our look at the Eastern Conference 2 weeks in. Orlando Magic — Can Jamahl Mosley unlock Desmond Bane? ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠ Miami Heat 15 in 60 Ja Morant Myles Turner New Orleans Pelicans Egor Demin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Santi Aldama Costumes ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

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Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2025

Nate Silver of Silver Bulletin knows a little bit about risk and prediction.  He joins Dunc’d On to discuss every aspect of this evolving issue.  How much should NBA fans care about this scandal? How much does he care as an NBA fan and bettor? Should we be concerned about the overall integrity of NBA games?  Why would multi-millionaires like Terry Rozier or Chauncey Billups engage in the alleged behavior?  Plus, how should the NBA fix these problems?

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2025

Transcribed - Published: 24 October 2025

Christian Braun extension (5/$125) and apron pressure

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2025

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2025

Newly minted San Antonian Jared Weiss of the Athletic joins us to discuss a fascinating Spurs season.  What new skills has Victor added for year three? How is #2 overall pick Dylan Harper looking in camp? What will the fit be between Harper, Stephon Castle, and De’Aaron Fox?   Plus, how is Mitch Johnson settling in to his first full year as coach?  Who will he start, and who should close for this group?  Finally, we give our predictions for the Spurs season.

Transcribed - Published: 18 October 2025

Pistons tag-team of Omari Sankofa II and Bryce Simon of Pistons Pulse and Game Theory join to discuss the Pistons’ attempt to build on their breakout season a year ago.  What enabled the improvement, and how much of that can sustain this year?  Which of the youngs will take a step forward, and how? How will they deal with the loss of Malik Beasley? Finally, we make our predictions for Detroit’s season. Plus, is it ok to put chips on sandwiches?

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

Caitlin Cooper of Basketball She Wrote is our guest to discuss the upcoming Pacers season.  Is it, in fact, a gap year?  What are the Pacers missing without Tyrese Haliburton, and can Andrew Nembhard handle everything that’s going to be on his plate? Who will start in a crowded but unproven center rotation? What does it look like with Pascal Siakam back in a leading role offensively? Plus, could a new “Nate’s guy” be emerging in the Pacers backcourt? Plus, we make our predictions for the Pacers season.

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

Brady Hawk of 5 Reasons Sports is our guest to breakdown the first full season of the post-Butler era in Miami.  What are the Heat getting in Norman Powell? Which of the young bigs, Ware or Jovic, will start in the frontcourt? Is Davion Mitchell a key piece for Miami? How will Erik Spoelstra sort out his rotation in the absence of Tyler Herro, and what can we expect from Herro when he returns?  What changes is Spo making schematically this year?

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2025

Adam Mares of DNVR is our guest to discuss the refreshed Denver Nuggets.  Why couldn’t they get over the hump last year against OKC, and what have they done to improve this year? What will be the roles of Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway, Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas?  What will Denver be doing differently on defense under David Adelman? Can Jamal Murray get back to the form he flashed in the 2023 playoffs? Plus, we make our predictions for the Nuggets season.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2025

Magic beatman Jason Beede is a first-time guest to analyze the Orlando Magic.  Can this group take the next step to East contender after the Desmond Bane trade? What can we take away from last year’s funhouse season of great defense and historically awful shooting? When will Jalen Suggs make his debut? Can they play faster now with better guard play? And can Franz and Paolo fulfill their roles as the 2 best players on a contender? Plus, we make our picks for the Magic season.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

Anthony Slater is celebrating his 10th season covering Golden State (and 9th as our Warriors Outlook guest). We get into the final resolution of the Jonathan Kuminga stalemate before discussing how the Warriors’ new additions fit in, including the signing of Al Horford. ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠ LeBron James Expansion 10 people Circumvention All-Star Jonathan Kuminga Miami Heat Ja Morant ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

Nate and Danny examine the over/under season win totals for the Eastern Conference.  Can Cleveland cruise to #1 again? How will Boston and Indiana respond to the losses of their best players? What about young midfield teams like Atlanta and Toronto? Can we make anything of the Sixers?  We pick over or under for all 15 teams in the East, then make our 5 best bets for the league as a whole. Washington Wizards — 0:30 Toronto Raptors — 10:09 Philadelphia 76ers — 17:22 Orlando Magic — 27:24 New York Knicks — 35:13 Milwaukee Bucks — 39:23 Miami Heat — 48:53 Indiana Pacers — 56:38 Detroit Pistons — 1:03:27 Cleveland Cavaliers — 1:11:30 Chicago Bulls — 1:15:11 Charlotte Hornets — 1:21:24 Brooklyn Nets — 1:28:40 Boston Celtics — 1:33:31 Atlanta Hawks — 1:37:36 Wrap-up and best bets–1:40:30

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2025

Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets joins to discuss a Rockets season that’s taken an unexpected turn with the injury to Fred VanVleet. Who will fill in for him, Amen Thompson or Reed Sheppard? How will they integrate KD, and can Alperen Sengun build on his sterling Eurobasket to take the next step as a leader of the offense? Can Ime Udoka help this team improve offensively? Will the offensive rebounding be even more devastating this year? Plus, we make our predictions for the Rockets season.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

James Edwards III of The Athletic is our guest to to look ahead to one of the most anticipated seasons in New York Knicks history. We look back on their playoffs a year ago, and discuss how Mike Brown will likely change things from Tom Thibodeau. Other topics: will they start two bigs? Who can Mike Brown trust off his bench? How well will Brown's desire to run more and move the ball mesh with this personnel? Can the Knicks get the Mikal Bridges they traded for? Plus, we discuss the Knick strengths and weaknesses and make our predictions for the season.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025

Noa Dalzell of CLNS and SBNation is our guest to look ahead to a new and not altogether welcome kind of season in Boston.  We break down who is left after all the high-profile departures and injuries and what Joe Mazzulla’s rotation may look like. Plus, we give our season win predictions for the Celtics. ⁠⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠ Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Leonard Kawhi Leonard Quentin Grimes Jonathan Kuminga Walker Kessler K.J. Martin Fred VanVleet ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

Joe Mussatto of the Oklahoman is our guest to discuss the World Champion Oklahoma City Thunder's title defense. We discuss which Thunder players might enter the playoff rotation, how JDub and Chet can take the next step, and Shai's MVP follow-up. Plus, a look at who the biggest threat is to the Thunder in the West, and what Joe thinks the national media is getting wrong about OKC.

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2025

Blake Murphy of Sportsnet takes time out from baseball to look ahead to the Toronto Raptors season. These guys are one of the most fascinating teams in the league because we haven't seen this talented group together at all. ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠ Kawhi Leonard Steve Ballmer Kawhi Leonard Adam Silver Investigation Jonathan Kuminga Future power rankings Old future power rankings ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2025

Radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider David Locke is our guest to look ahead to a season of discovery in Utah. With some of the key veterans traded away, it will be a competition among youngsters Ace Bailey, Taylor Hendricks, and Cody Williams at forward and Keyonte George, Bryce Sensabaugh, Walter Clayton, Jr., and Isaiah Collier at guard. What will be the most important things to watch for from that group this season? Plus, is Lauri Markkanen poised to regain his All-Star form? Plus, Nate gives his prediction for the Jazz season.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2025

Nate reacts to Pablo Torre's latest reporting indicating that Clippers co-owner Dennis Wong made a suspicious investment in Aspiration shortly before Kawhi Leonard was given an overdue payment by the ailing company. Will Gottlieb of CHGO is our guest to discuss Josh Giddey agreeing to a 4-year/ $100 million restricted free agency contract. We break down how the Bulls did in terms of value and what this means for the roster going forward, plus Giddey's prospects this season. Then, a look ahead to this Bulls season as a whole. How will exciting young forwards Matas Buzelis and Noa Essengue develop? Who are the progression and regression candidates? How did Billy Donovan manage to keep this team out of the bottom-10 on both sides of the ball last season, and can he do it again? Plus, we make our predictions for the Bulls season.

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2025

Jon Krawczynski of the Athletic and the Jon Krawczynski Show is our guest to look ahead to the Wolves' season as they look to build on back to back Conference Finals runs. How much will they miss NAW, and which of the young guys can step up?

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2025

Welcome back to mock rookie extensions, where we try to find palatable extension numbers for the rookie class of 2022. Nate Duncan is the player agent, while Danny Leroux and Dan Feldman play the teams. We break down the current state of league trends as they relate to these extensions, and then get on with a rollicking good time negotiating the extensions. ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠ Olivier-Maxence Prosper P.J. Washington Dawn Staley Kings-Jonathan Kuminga Tim Connelly Mat Ishbia Danny Leroux Rookie-scale extensions ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2025

Brad Rowland of Locked on Hawks kicks off our Season Outlook series on all 30 teams. Topics as we look ahead to an exciting season in Atlanta: What can we take away from last year's team? How will Kristaps Porzingis and Nickeil Alexander-Walker fit in? Was Trae Young's down year a concern? What do we expect now with more pieces around him? How will Zaccharie Risacher look to improve in year 2? Can we expect Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu to build on last year? How should Quin Snyder use Kristaps Porzingis in his limited minutes, staggered from Trae Young or to help him? Will any young players emerge in the rotation this year? And finally, our predictions for this Hawks season.

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

We hold ourselves accountable by going back and re-grading the 2024 offseason, including the Grizzlies' draft. ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠ Malik Beasley Malik Beasley Josh Giddey Russell Westbrook Malik Monk Toronto Raptors Heat-Nets trade Giannis Antetokounmpo ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2025

We continue our 2024 offseason re-grades, looking back at how the big moves from last summer have aged with the benefit of a full season. From extensions in Orlando and Philly to Toronto’s direction and Washington’s draft, then through a Western run of Dallas, Denver, Golden State, Houston, the Clippers, and the Lakers, we revisit the decisions that shaped the past year and the future outlook for these franchises. East Orlando Magic — 1:10 (Franz Wagner max, Jalen Suggs extension, KCP signing) Philadelphia 76ers — 16:54 (Paul George signing, Joel Embiid extension, Jared McCain draft) Toronto Raptors — 29:39 (Scottie Barnes max, Immanuel Quickley extension, Bruce Brown trade piece) Washington Wizards — 35:51 (Alex Sarr pick, Deni Avdija trade, Bobi Carrington/Keyshawn George draft) West Dallas Mavericks — 44:26 (Josh Green trade, Klay Thompson sign-and-trade, Tim Hardaway Jr. dump) Denver Nuggets — 53:09 (DaRon Holmes draft, Jamal Murray extension, KCP departure) Golden State Warriors — 1:06:20 (Klay Thompson exit, Kyle Anderson/Buddy Hield signings, Jonathan Kuminga not extended) Houston Rockets — 1:14:15 (Reed Sheppard pick, Jalen Green & Sengun extensions, Nets/Suns pick trade) Los Angeles Clippers — 1:20:19 (Letting Paul George walk, Derrick Jones Jr./Chris Dunn additions, Zubac extension) Los Angeles Lakers — 1:25:12 (LeBron 1+1 with no-trade, Dalton Knecht pick, JJ Redick hire, Max Christie extension)

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

We hold ourselves accountable by going back and re-grading the 2024 offseason. First up, the Eastern Conference features fascinating teams and trades, like Atlanta and the Dejounte Murray deal, Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle in New York, Mikal Bridges to New York, Brooklyn’s change of direction, and so many more fascinating offseasons that we couldn’t even finish the East in the first 2 hour segment. Atlanta Hawks – 2:16 Boston Celtics – 12:55 Brooklyn Nets – 23:29 Charlotte Hornets – 41:00 Chicago Bulls – 46:00 Cleveland Cavaliers – 52:29 Detroit Pistons – 56:29 Indiana Pacers – 1:06:00 Miami Heat – 1:13:41 Milwaukee Bucks – 1:22:44 New York Knicks – 1:23:08

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

Nate and Danny look at Summer League prospects for the Portland Trail Blazers, including Yang Hansen. ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠⁠ Warriors-Josh Giddey Chicago Bulls Joe Mazzulla Coaches Immanuel Quickley Rookie-scale extensions Nikola Jokic Sophomores ⁠Full Daily Duncs with links⁠

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025

Nate and Danny discuss summer leaguers for the Nets.

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2025

Nate and Danny hand out offseason grades for all 15 Western Conference teams, analyzing each front office's approach in free agency, trades, and the draft. They highlight Dallas' aggressive moves to build around Cooper Flagg, Denver's quiet summer and internal development strategy, and Golden State's crossroads as they navigate their aging core. The Rockets' eventful offseason, the Clippers' reshuffling around James Harden, and the Lakers’ attempts to refocus around Luka Doncic get close inspection. The second half covers controversial trades like Memphis moving Desmond Bane, Minnesota’s financial risk on Naz Reid, and the Pelicans’ lack of direction. They finish with OKC's conservative approach post-Finals run, Phoenix’s pivot without Durant, and promising youth-focused moves by San Antonio and Utah. Timestamps by team: Dallas Mavericks: 00:00:21 Denver Nuggets: 00:18:03 Golden State Warriors: 00:30:27 Houston Rockets: 00:42:22 LA Clippers: 00:49:19 LA Lakers: 00:58:38 Memphis Grizzlies: 01:10:19 Minnesota Timberwolves: 01:23:39 New Orleans Pelicans: 01:33:31 Oklahoma City Thunder: 01:41:45 Phoenix Suns: 01:46:41 Portland Trail Blazers: 01:55:13 Sacramento Kings: 02:02:05 San Antonio Spurs: 02:07:34 Utah Jazz: 02:13:15

Transcribed - Published: 3 August 2025

Indiana Pacers :09 Miami Heat 10:17

Transcribed - Published: 31 July 2025

Atlanta Hawks 1:31 Boston Celtics 14:04 Brooklyn Nets 25:07 Charlotte Hornets 32:56 Chicago Bulls 40:18 Cleveland Cavaliers 47:48 Detroit Pistons 52:55

Transcribed - Published: 28 July 2025

Nate and Danny react to Damian Lillard and Marcus Smart finding new homes on the buyout market, plus the rest of the league news. Then, a look at the Summer Leaguers from the teams that drafted in the top-5, including of course Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel, and Ace Bailey DAL: 22:28 SAS: 36:25 PHI: 52:47 CHA: 1:14:09 UTA: 1:41:27

Transcribed - Published: 21 July 2025

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. 0:40 Holmgren’s max and whether OKC could’ve negotiated harder. 2:58 Comparing Holmgren’s résumé to other rookie max recipients. 4:42 Evaluating OKC’s future cap crunch and team-building constraints. 7:17 Potential trade candidates to relieve Thunder luxury pressure. 10:07 Caruso’s extension and long-term value. 11:09 Strategic tradeoffs for the Thunder to stay under the second apron. 12:58 Jaren Jackson Jr.’s renegotiation via Cole Anthony buyout. 15:50 Memphis waives and stretches Anthony; he lands in Milwaukee. 17:18 Cole Anthony’s fit with the Bucks. 18:51 Herb Jones’ extension: Value and future tradability. 19:53 Dom Barlow and Philly’s two-way depth. 21:58 Isaiah Jackson gets 3 years, $21M from Indiana. 22:57 Isiah Jackson’s injury history and contract structure. 23:59 Comparing Jackson’s deal to past backup center contracts. 26:22 Fred VanVleet named NBPA president. 27:01 Players are not getting squeezed by the new CBA. 27:48 What’s left in free agency? Top RFAs and Horford watch. 29:17 Jonathan Kuminga’s market and Warriors cap math. 30:32 Quentin Grimes’ with Philadelphia. 33:10 Cam Thomas’ likely value and deal structure. 34:33 Josh Giddey’s extension outlook with Chicago. 35:04 WAFTOs: 37:46

Transcribed - Published: 14 July 2025