The Sean Jones NBA Show

Let's discuss each first round playoff series and pick a winner, including Thunder vs. Grizzlies or Mavs (1:38), Rockets vs. Warriors (8:16), Lakers vs. Wolves (20:28), Nuggets vs. Clippers (29:24), Cavs vs. Hawks or Heat (37:56), Celtics vs. Magic (42:49), Knicks vs. Pistons (47:22), Pacers vs. Bucks (53:33), and then I make my NBA Finals picks (1:04:14).

Let's discuss the stunning news that the Nuggets have fired both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth, including a deep dive into the recent mismanagement of this franchise and the failure to build a sustained contender around prime Nikola Jokic.

Let's start by discussing Memphis' shocking firing of Taylor Jenkins (1:25), before doing a stock up, stock down exercise on some of the hottest and coldest teams in the NBA right, including stock up on the Pacers (14:07), stock down on the Cavs (21:25), stock up on the Celtics (25:21), stock down on the Nuggets (30:48), stock up on the Wolves (38:32), stock down on the Grizzlies (44:30), stock up on the Warriors (53:04), stock down on the Bucks (1:01:16), stock up on the Clippers (1:07:13), and stock up on the Rockets (1:14:35). Then, we'll get into who I think the MVP should be and the truly historic season that the Thunder are having (1:22:13). Lastly, a quick victory lap on the Josh Giddey trade (1:29:57).

Let's take a step back and discuss the championship contention landscape as a whole by ranking and tiering all 30 teams into groups based on their current likelihood of contending. The tiers are as follows:Tier 8 - Duke Season Ticket Holders (1:52)Tier 7 - To Tank, Or Not To Tank (13:37)Tier 6 - The Ceiling Is The Floor (26:17)Tier 5 - Year From Hell (37:17)Tier 4 - Probably Still A Year Away (52:09)Tier 3 - Flawed, But Can't Rule Out (1:10:28)Tier 2 - Fully In The Mix (1:36:32)Tier 1 - The Favorites (2:02:13)

Sean is joined by Gerald Bourguet of PHNX Sports to discuss everything surrounding the Phoenix Suns and the disaster season they've had so far, coming from someone that's covered the Suns for many years. Starting with why the Suns have been so much worse this season despite appearing to be better on paper than last year (1:32), some potential adjustments to the rotation that we'd like to see (11:55), if there is any level of optimism for the rest of Phoenix's season (22:02), and what changes the Suns should consider in the offseason, including weighing a potential KD trade (26:20). Then, Victor Wembanyama has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a rare blood clot condition, so Sean will discuss the implications of that (34:10).

Sean is joined by Harrison Faigen of SB Nation to discuss everything surrounding the Lakers and early returns on the Luka Doncic addition coming from someone who has covered the Lakers for many years. Starting with Harrison's initial reaction to the deal (1:58), what we've seen fit-wise out of the small sample of Luka playing next to LeBron (11:46), the Mark Williams trade that was rescinded and has left the Lakers center-less (23:57), if the Lakers can legitimately contend this season as currently constructed and what their ceiling might be (36:09), if it would be a mistake to treat this season as a transition or throwaway year (45:43), and some potential offseason targets to address their hole in the front court (55:35). Then, we discuss our thoughts on the new All-Star game format and throw out some potential ideas on how to fix the product even further (1:09:01).

Let's discuss all the (non-Luka Doncic) moves that happened at this year's NBA trade deadline, including De'Aaron Fox joining forces with Wemby in San Antonio (0:58), Jimmy Butler finally getting moved to the Warriors (15:07), the Lakers adding Mark Williams to round out their rotation (27:42), the Bucks shipping out Khris Middleton for Kyle Kuzma (37:30), Brandon Ingram to the Raptors (47:11), De'Andre Hunter to the Cavs (54:27), Bogdan Bogdanovic to the Clippers (57:39), and the Suns dumping Nurkic and shopping--but keeping--Kevin Durant (1:03:44).

Let's discuss maybe the most shocking trade in NBA history, with Luka Doncic being dealt unprompted to the Lakers in the prime of his career for Anthony Davis. Starting off with the Mavs side of things and trying to understand why they would make this move and what their short- and long-term outlook is now in a post-Luka world (0:48). Then, moving to the Lakers side to understand how adding Luka changes both their current team and their future, including what moves might follow this one in order to round out their roster (21:39).

Let's discuss the Phoenix Suns flipping their unprotected 2031 first round pick for three additional firsts, in what could be a precursor deal for a bigger move... cough Jimmy Butler cough (1:09). Then, Sean goes through the Eastern Conference to pick his All-Star starters (10:48) and reserves (21:40), as well as his Western Conference starters (48:14) and reserves (56:00).

Sean is joined by Nick Walas—from Words With Walas—to discuss the contender picture in the East, including if the Celtics are still the favorites despite their recent semi-struggles, if the Cavs' regular season dominance can translate to the postseason, and which teams can really win the East (1:35). Then, we move out West to discuss the group of teams tightly compacted behind OKC, including which teams we view as the biggest threats to the Thunder, if the Rockets and Grizzlies are legit, and which playoff-hopeful teams are in danger of missing the play-in altogether (37:32). Then, we talk through the Nick Richards to Phoenix deal (1:03:42), before wrapping up with a few potential trades we'd like to see (or not see) ahead of the deadline in a few weeks (1:15:43).

Let's discuss the recent news of Jimmy Butler formally asking for a trade, including how we got to this point with him and Miami and which side is more at fault for the ugly breakup (1:16), then we'll look at every possible Jimmy destination and what a deal with each team might look like (13:51). Next, with the Suns plummeting, they've decide to shake up their lineup by benching Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic. I'll discuss what's led to their struggles, if this adjustment was the right move, and if Phoenix should consider blowing it up (40:22).

Let's discuss the Bucks' dominant win over the Thunder en route to winning the 2024 NBA Cup (1:21), the Bucks' turning their season around (3:36), the Thunder's flaws exposed (19:09), the Hawks' (27:56) and Rockets' (36:30) impressive runs to the semi-Finals, and overall thoughts on the successes and failures of the NBA Cup as a concept (41:31). Then, Dennis Schroder is dealt to the Warriors (47:58) and the Jimmy Butler rumors (52:29) with reported interest in Golden State (54:32), Dallas (56:43), Houston (58:23), and Phoenix (1:00:40).

Let's play another edition of my annual game called Sample Size Roulette, where I answer whether or not the sample size is big enough to say that... the 76ers' season is already over (0:54), the Knicks resoundingly won the Towns trade (10:47), the Cavaliers can actually make the NBA Finals (19:15), Tyrese Haliburton is just bad now (31:13), the Warriors are legitimate contending threats in the West (37:12), the Rockets are locks to make the playoffs in the West (45:38), both Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are taking the leap in the same season (52:43), the Suns have a serious problem at the center position (59:22), the Clippers are... kinda good? And maybe could be in the mix once Kawhi is back (1:05:07), and the league should consider abolishing conferences due to their lopsidedness (1:11:09).

Only 4-to-5 games into the season, let's play a little game of 'This or That', where I pose a question and decide between two teams to answer it. Including, which struggling team is in bigger trouble to start the season, the Nuggets or Bucks? (0:51) Which young team is a more serious threat to contend in the East, the Magic or Cavs? (19:10). Which head coach has had a greater impact on their new team, JJ Redick or Mike Budenholzer? (33:29) Which team has created greater separate in their respective conference, the Thunder or Celtics? (52:03) Which aging roster has been the bigger pleasant surprise, the Clippers or Warriors? (1:04:35) And which West playoff contender more desperately needs to make a move, the Pelicans or Rockets? (1:07:31)

Let's discuss 10 semi-bold predictions for the upcoming NBA season, including:-The Clippers will be a bottom-3 team in the West (1:32)-The Hawks will make the postseason (7:51)-The Celtics will lose in the second round (14:44)-The Pelicans will trade Brandon Ingram midseason for a starting center (21:28)-The Bucks will make the NBA Finals (26:53)-Reed Sheppard will replace Jalen Green in the Rockets' starting lineup (35:22)-The Suns will be a top-3 seed in the West (40:34)-The Mavericks will lose in the first round (48:39)-The Hornets will make the play-in (53:49)-The Heat will miss the playoffs and it will be Jimmy Butler's last season in Miami (57:40)Then, some quick hitting predictions including regression for a young team, some first time All-NBA players, a contender who will finish lower than expected, an unsuspecting winner for MIP, and public perception changing on one of the major offseason trades (1:01:16). Finally, I will wrap up with my formal predictions for how the standings will shake out and reveal my pick to win the NBA Finals (1:08:09).

Let's wrap up the preseason contender tiers. In part 2, I'll cover the following tiers:Tier 4 - NON-SERIOUS PLAYOFF TEAMS (0:53)15) Orlando Magic (3:06)14) New Orleans Pelicans (10:13)13) Los Angeles Lakers (19:41)12) Cleveland Cavaliers (27:22)11) Indiana Pacers (34:44)10) Memphis Grizzlies (42:16)Tier 3 - SLEEPING GIANT (50:14)9) Phoenix Suns (51:16)Tier 2 - IF THE BALL BOUNCES OUR WAY (1:00:52)8) Minnesota Timberwolves (1:02:02)7) Dallas Mavericks (1:10:07)6) Philadelphia 76ers (1:21:19)5) New York Knicks (1:29:50)4) Milwaukee Bucks (1:38:08)3) Denver Nuggets (1:46:58)Tier 1 - THE FAVORITES (1:55:49)2) Oklahoma City Thunder (1:56:27)1) Boston Celtics (2:06:18)

Let's start the 2024-25 NBA season preview--kicking off with some preseason contender tiers. In part 1, I'll cover the following tiers:Tier 8 - HAVE TANKATHON BOOKMARKED (1:21)30) Brooklyn Nets (2:17)29) Washington Wizards (4:59)28) Portland Trail Blazers (8:16)27) Detroit Pistons (11:40)26)Utah Jazz (15:05)Tier 7 - GEOGRAPHICAL BENEFICIARIES (18:08)25) Toronto Raptors (19:18)24) Chicago Bulls (23:21)23) Charlotte Hornets (27:31)22) Atlanta Hawks (30:16)Tier 6 - I MIGHT REGRET THIS (35:27)21) San Antonio Spurs (36:00)20) Houston Rockets (39:56)Tier 5 - FURTHER THAN YOU THINK (46:03)19) Los Angeles Clippers (46:50)18) Golden State Warriors (51:46)17) Miami Heat (56:51)16) Sacramento Kings (1:01:47)To hear tiers 1-4, check out part 2!

Let's discuss the blockbuster deal between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New York Knicks involving Karl-Anthony Towns and Julius Randle, starting with the trade parameters (0:58), then discussing the Knicks' side of the deal (2:58), and then looking at the Wolves' perspective (22:44).

Let's discuss the recent transaction frenzy with all the biggest free agent signing and trades. First, Paul George signs with the 76ers, what that means for Philadelphia as a contender, and Daryl Morey's patience winning once again (0:55). Then, what PG's departure means for the Clippers moving forward in the short and long term (14:56). Next, Mikal Bridges joins his former Villanova teammates in New York in a intra-city blockbuster, looking at this trade both in a vacuum and within context, and where the Knicks now stack up in the East (22:17). Then, how this trade grades out for Brooklyn, including the deal they made with Houston to get their own pick back (40:20). Next, the Pelicans acquire Dejounte Murray from Atlanta and if his addition moves the needle for New Orleans in the West (45:33). Then, if the Hawks made the right decision dealing Murray and building around Trae Young (53:14). Next, the Thunder make two medium-sized splashes by adding Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso and what those additions do for their title hopes (56:47). Then, the Magic add Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1:05:22) and what his loss means for Denver as they lose their second key piece in two years (1:08:06). Next, the Mavs add Klay Thompson via sign-and-trade (1:14:09) and what the Warriors do in a post-Klay Thompson world (1:20:10). Lastly, Wemby finally gets the point guard he lacked last season with point god himself, Chris Paul (1:25:14).

Let's discuss the 2024 NBA draft, starting with a quick discussion on the weak 2024 class overall (0:55). Then, I'll go through each of the projected lottery picks with a scouting reports, player comps, and will decide if each player will be a bust, role player, or all-star:1. Zaccharie Risacher (9:07)2. Alexandre Sarr (15:57)3. Reed Sheppard (23:10)4. Donovan Clingan (30:06)5. Matas Buzelis (34:52)6. Stephon Castle (40:16)7. Cody Williams (45:48)8. Dalton Knecht (50:23)9. Devin Carter (55:29)10. Ron Holland II (1:01:52)11. Rob Dillingham (1:10:14)12. Tidjane Salaun (1:14:13)13. Nikola Topic (1:19:28)14. Zach Edey (1:26:02)Lastly, I will wrap up with a few players outside of the lottery that I am higher on than most (1:34:54).

Let's discuss the Celtics defeating the Mavericks in game 5 to officially win the 2023-24 championship, starting with a quick game 5 recap (1:00). Then, the biggest keys to Boston's victory and the impressive performance of the entire team throughout their run (6:38), a Finals MVP discussion (36:05), a rundown of the all-time great and truly historic season that the Celtics put together (42:45), and if Boston could turn into a dynasty, or at the very least, a repeat (50:02). Then, the biggest shortcomings of the Mavs and why they fell short (56:48), why this season was still a resounding success for Dallas (1:08:30), and how close the Mavs are to actually winning it all and what options they have to get there (1:15:29).

Let's discuss the Mavericks blowing out Boston to extend the NBA Finals and make it a 3-1 lead for the Celtics, starting with a quick game recap (1:02). Then, Luka's improved defensive effort that allowed Dallas to excel on that end (7:13), the Kyrie adjustment that has gotten him back on track (15:26), the Dallas role players finally stepping up (18:42), and some lineup tweaks for Jason Kidd to consider (26:00). Next, the Celtics noticeably missing Porzingis (28:58), their stagnant perimeter-oriented offense (34:34), Tatum officially having a bad series (37:13), and Boston's lackluster effort across the board (40:42). Lastly, why Boston's panic meter should still be as low as it gets (43:43).

Let's discuss the Celtics winning game 3 in Dallas to take a 3-0 lead in the 2024 NBA Finals, starting with a quick game recap (1:10). Then, the Celtics continued strong play led by the improvement and evolution of Jaylen Brown in this postseason (9:51) and Boston's all-time dominant clutch time play in these playoffs (19:54). Next, the wildly disappointing effort from Luka Doncic in all aspects of the game (23:14) and a not so great Jason Kidd game and why there just might not be any adjustments for Dallas in this matchup (31:03). Lastly, revisiting the bizarre media and fan narrative surrounding this series (41:24) and how this Celtics playoff run and this Finals might compare all-time if Boston completes the sweep (45:16).

Let's discuss the Celtics taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the 2024 NBA Finals, starting with a quick game recap (1:11). Then, why losing this game was absolutely killer for Dallas (5:57), the 'Jrue Holiday Game' and how he's found the perfect role in Boston (8:46), the shot quality discrepancy (14:12), Luka's struggles defensively and usage concerns (17:18), and Kyrie and the role players not hold up their end of the bargain (23:38). Next, I will talk about four key adjustments that Dallas should consider making if they want to get back into the series (29:43). Finally, I will wrap up with a discussion on Jayson Tatum's offensive struggles in the Finals and how him and this team will be remembered if his play continues (45:07).

Let's discuss the dominate Boston win in game one led by a beautifully executed game plan and total team win, including Porzinigis' immediate impact, Brown's defensive excellence, Kyrie's struggles, Dallas' lack of ball movement, Luka's defensive mess, and more!

Let's give a full preview of the upcoming NBA Finals matchup between the Celtics and the Mavericks. First, I will set the stage with summaries on the very different paths that Dallas (1:11) and Boston (6:13) took to reach this year's Finals. Then, I will run through six key things to watch for that could decide the outcome of the series, starting with Kristaps Porzingis' health and effectiveness (8:09), who wins the battle between number two options with Kyrie and Brown (16:15), how the Celtics guards Luka and who guards Luka (24:47), Boston's late game execution and clutch time performance (31:34), if Dallas' swing guys can continue to perform at a high level (36:57), and the head coaching battle (41:40). Then, of course, I will give my formal series prediction and justification (46:41). Lastly, I will take a look at what a Finals win (53:35) and loss (1:05:21) would mean for the Mavs and what a win (1:06:40) and loss (1:15:44) would mean for the Celtics.

Let's discuss the Celtics and Mavericks winning their respective conferences and earning spots in the 2024 NBA Finals. Starting off in the East, with Boston and their sweep over Indiana, led by the strong play of Brown, Tatum, and Holiday (0:55) and why the Celtics' easy path to the Finals does not matter and won't be remembered if they win it all (12:23). Then switching to the Pacers to discuss their strong effort and wildly successful season despite being undermanned (20:01). In the West, I breakdown Luka's true domination (31:03), Kyrie, the Gafford/Lively pairing, and the rest of the role players' impact (38:17), and the brilliant moves by Nico Harrison that led to the Mavs' ascension (46:20). Lastly, the Timberwolves' embarrassing showing in Game 5 and series-long offensive woes (49:38), Ant's struggles and where this leaves him in the NBA superstar pecking order (54:21), Gobert and the role players' shortcomings (59:02), and if Towns' dreadful showing means the Wolves should considering trading him for an upgrade (1:02:06).

Let's discuss the Wolves winning game 7 over the defending champs and Jokic (0:58), Denver's flaws this season compared to last (17:44), the pressure on Denver to make additions (24:42), Indiana's historic game 7 shooting performance (29:22), New York's gas tank finally hitting empty (34:47), if the Knicks need to make a move or should run it back (41:32), Dallas and Luka advancing over the Thunder (46:16), OKC's youth getting exposed (1:01:23), if the Thunder should preach patience or go for it now (1:09:26), and picks for the Eastern Conference Finals (1:12:43) and Western Conference Finals (1:15:37).

Let's discuss where each second round series sits after four games. Starting with Denver coming back to tie things up with Minnesota, what's changed for Denver, and how the Wolves have begun to lean back into their bad habits (0:57), then the Thunder steal a game from the Mavs to tie it up 2-2, an SGA legacy game, OKC growing up in real-time, and Luka not doing his part for Dallas (25:03), then the Pacers demolish the Knicks to even the series, Haliburton starting to look more like himself, Indiana winning with pace and depth, and New York running on fumes (50:15), then the Celtics righting the ship versus Cleveland, the Mitchell-less Cavs showing some fight, and Jayson Tatum's underwhelming postseason (1:06:33).

Let's discuss the Cavaliers winning game 7 over the Magic, led by a big Donovan Mitchell performance (1:02), the Magic's successful season despite their roster limitations (3:48), why the Cavs shouldn't be fooled by their series win (13:25), if Cleveland has any chance versus Boston (21:30), the Clippers falling short due to injuries once again (25:21), the Mavs continuing their strong play (33:16), a Dallas and OKC series preview (37:03), and Anthony Edwards and the Wolves stealing game 1 in Denver (45:36).

Let's discuss the dogfight matchup between the Knicks and Sixers (1:11), if the one-man Brunson show is sustainable (10:06), elevating the Embiid-era and if the Sixers can ever get over the hump (16:50), the Bucks' season from hell coming to a close (29:08), the resounding successful Indiana Pacers season (37:24), previewing the Pacers vs. Knicks round two matchup (41:02), what the Kristaps Porzingis injury means for Boston (44:54), previewing the exciting Denver vs. Minnesota second round matchup (52:43), who wins the remaining two first round series in Mavs vs. Clippers (1:05:22) and Cavs vs. Magic (1:10:01), and Darvin Ham is fired by the Lakers (1:12:53).

Let's discuss the Timberwolves sweeping the Suns in convincing fashion, starting with a quick review of Phoenix's inconsistent season (0:54), how the Wolves pulled this off and what their ceiling is (5:09), the inherent flaws of Phoenix's roster and on-court performance (18:04), and where the Suns go moving forward (30:37).

Let's discuss where each first round series stands a few games into matchups.Suns vs. Wolves (0:47)Lakers vs. Nuggets (12:36)Pelicans vs. Thunder (25:19)Mavericks vs. Clippers (31:40)76ers vs. Knicks (38:29)Heat vs. Celtics (49:30)Pacers vs. Bucks (53:27)Magic vs. Cavaliers (1:00:21)

Let's discuss each first round series in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, including series previews and formal predictions for each matchup. Bucks vs. Pacers (0:44), Knicks vs. 76ers (11:50), Cavs vs. Magic (21:16), Celtics vs. either Heat, Bulls, or Hawks (30:37). **Note: This was recorded before news of Jimmy Butler's potential MCL injury.

Let's discuss each first round series in the Western Conference Playoffs, including series previews and formal predictions for each matchup. Clippers vs. Mavs (1:18), Wolves vs. Suns (16:10), Nuggets vs. Lakers (32:20), Thunder vs. either Kings or Pelicans (44:15).

Let's discuss the news that Julius Randle will miss the remainder of the season and what that means for the Knicks' postseason hopes (1:02), Joel Embiid's return to play and how that impacts the 76ers (9:28), the reign of mediocrity and inconsistency across the Eastern Conference playoff picture - most notably the Bucks, Knicks, Cavs, and Pacers (16:57), and then we will dive deep into the most intriguing and inevitable first round matchup between the red-hot Mavericks and inconsistent Clippers (28:17).

Let's discuss the recent news of the NBA investigating Jontay Porter for a potential gambling scandal (0:49), Jalen Green and the Rockets' hot streak putting pressure on the Warriors for the 10 seed (11:25), the race to avoid the play-in between the Mavs, Suns, Kings, and Lakers (23:36), the race for the 1 seed between the Nuggets, Wolves, and Thunder (36:20), and the potential 4/5 matchup between the Clippers and Pelicans (40:47). Then I move to the East to discuss the seed jockeying for the 2 thru 5 seeds between the Bucks, Knicks, Cavs, and Magic (47:42), and the Pacers, Heat, and 76ers looking to avoid the play-in (58:23).

Let's discuss LeBron James hitting the 40,000 career points scored milestone and how unbreakable of a record it truly is (1:07), the Boston Celtics' historical run and their all-time great season (14:27), the Bucks and Doc Rivers finally figuring it out defensively and looking like contenders (30:54), Wemby's absurd recent stretch, if he should win the DPOY, and why the pressure is on the Spurs to improve ASAP (40:27), and how injuries across the league have impacted a number of playoff contenders recently - most notably, the Sixers, Suns, Knicks, Pacers, and Cavs (52:06).

Let's discuss where each team stands as a contender and tier them off into post-all-star break contender tiers, including:HAVE TANKATHON.COM BOOKMARKED (2:20)BAD BUT FRISKY (6:10)DIRECTIONLESS TEAMS (11:22)NON-SERIOUS PLAYOFF TEAMS (17:02)FIRST ROUND NIGHTMARE (26:19)REGULAR SEASON DARLINGS (34:35)PUNCHER'S CHANCE (54:25)FLAWED THREATS (1:05:27)THE FAVORITES (1:15:30)

Let's discuss all things trade deadline, including a look at this year's moves versus last year's (0:50), the Knicks loading up with Bojan Bogdanovic (3:28), the Thunder adding Gordon Hayward (14:22), Buddy Hield to the 76ers (21:16), the Mavs emptying their draft cupboard for a pair of role players (25:15), the Wolves (35:11), Celtics (37:03), Suns (38:45), and Bucks (42:09) adding key bench pieces, and then two head-scratching trades by the Raptors (43:29). Lastly, we'll wrap up with teams who decided to stand pat like the Lakers (50:00), Bulls (54:07), Hawks (56:09), Nuggets (58:13), and Warriors (1:02:04).

Let's discuss Milwaukee's shocking move to fire Adrian Griffin, including why they did it and if it was a good move (0:49), plus the Doc Rivers rumors (16:18). Then, Terry Rozier is dealt to Miami for Kyle Lowry, we'll talk through what Rozier brings to the Heat (21:00), where Miami falls as a contender (29:28), and Charlotte's side of the deal (31:50). Finally, Joel Embiid dropped 70 points in a game and is having a truly historic season (36:19).

Let's discuss Pascal Siakam being traded to the Pacers and how he will improve the team (0:54), how Indiana did value-wise (14:01), and how close this puts the Pacers to contention (19:08). Then we'll move to the Raptors' side of things with how they did in this deal (25:22), before deep-diving into the mismanagement of assets in Toronto's front office since their 2019 title run (29:45).

Let's discuss Ja Morant's season-ending injury and if it's a blessing in disguise (0:57), if the Clippers can actually win the West (9:38), and the issues with the Suns (26:40), Warriors (37:24), and Lakers (47:44).

Let's discuss the out-of-nowhere trade of OG Anunoby to the Knicks for RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, including how he fits in with this Knicks team (0:45), where they now stand as a contender (12:57), and Toronto's outlook moving forward (18:16).

Let's discuss Draymond's latest antics that have led to an indefinite suspension (1:16), where that leaves the struggling Warriors overall (9:15), Giannis' huge 64-point game that led to a post-game scuffle between two budding rivals (20:48), the Clippers finally starting to put things together with Harden (29:05), the atrocities that are the Pistons (36:18), Spurs (44:52), and Wizards (48:22), and Cleveland's devastating injuries (53:28).

Let's discuss the Lakers winning the inaugural in-season tournament with LeBron taking home the MVP (0:48), Tyrese Haliburton's coming out party and the up-and-coming Pacers (15:00), Zion's bizarre physical decline (26:16), the Buck's defensive issues (33:23), quick notes on the Celtics and Suns (39:39), and an overall evaluation of the NBA's first in-season tournament (44:08).

Let's play a little game called Sample Size Roulette, where I answer whether or not the sample size is big enough to say that... the Sixers are better without Harden (1:35), the Jeremy Sochan at point guard experiment is a failure (8:30), the Bucks regret trading for Dame (15:03), the Lakers offseason was overrated (23:35), the Wolves are legit contenders in the West (31:10), the Suns are pretenders (38:30), the Clippers made a massive mistake trading of Harden (45:10), the Pacers, Thunder, Rockets, and Magic are all playoff teams (51:11), the Grizzlies should consider this a throwaway season (1:05:38), the Kings will be a one hit wonder as a playoff team (1:12:56), and Cam Thomas is actually good (1:16:49).

Let's discuss James Harden FINALLY being traded to the Clippers, including how he fits in with the current Clippers roster (3:31), where they fit in as contenders (14:00), where this leaves the new-look Sixers (20:38), and what their next move might be (26:58).

Let's discuss the NBA season FINALLY kicking off, starting with Jokic and the Nuggets beating up on the Lakers on their ring night (1:10) and Devin Booker leading the Suns over the Warriors (22:31).

Let's discuss Jrue Holiday's arrival in Boston and what that does for this year's Celtics team (1:00), Portland's ever-evolving haul for Dame and new young core (26:53), and the overall outlook for the East and teams like Philadelphia and Miami that missed out Holiday (33:53).

Let's discuss the shocking 3-team blockbuster deal between the Bucks, Blazers and Suns that sent Dame Lillard to Milwaukee. We'll start off with what this means for the Bucks both this season and beyond (1:38), how the Blazers did with their return and examine their young core (17:29), how this affects the Suns depth and rotation (28:09), the fallout of Miami failing to get this done (37:35), and potential Jrue Holiday landing spots (43:34).