Hardwood Knocks: An NBA Podcast

Dan asked an expert who covers each NBA team to make one prediction for this coming season. Here's what they said. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
 
0:00 - INTRO
1:20 - Atlanta Hawks
5:30 - Boston Celtics
6:14 - Brooklyn Nets
8:48 - Charlotte Hornets
10:26 - Chicago Bulls
11:56 - Cleveland Cavaliers
15:21 - Dallas Mavericks
17:35 - Denver Nuggets
19:52 - Detroit Pistons
23:15 - Golden State Warriors
25:18 - Houston Rockets
32:20 - Indiana Pacers
32:59 - Los Angeles Clippers
37:36 - Los Angeles Lakers
39:29 - Memphis Grizzlies
40:51 - Miami Heat
41:56 - Milwaukee Bucks
44:24 - Minnesota Timbe...

Dan is joined by Samson Folk (@samfolkk) of Raptors Republic and Basketball, She Wrote for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Toronto Raptors. SUBSCRIBE TO RAPTORS REPUBLIC HERE. https://www.youtube.com/raptorsrepublic. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
2:37 - Masai Ujiri’s exit 
4:51 - Raptors pressure index 
8:19 - Expectations for Scottie Barnes 
17:27 - Brandon Ingram’s fit
23:37 - How RJ Barrett’s game will change 
29:38 -Future of Immanuel Quickley
33:57 - How valuable is Jakob Poeltl
42:12  - Importance of Sandro Mamukelashvili
44:18 - The defensive ceiling
46:53 - Most important reserves
48:37 - Co...

Dan and Grant go through their preseason NBA awards picks...WITH A TWIST for each one. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
6:00 - MVP
15:51 - MVP Wild Cards
18:01 - Defensive Player of the Year
23:50 - DPOY Wild Cards
25:16 - Rookie of the Year
30:27 - ROY Wild Cards
35:46 - Most Improved Player
44:31 - MIP Wild Cards
48:17 - Sixth Man of the Year
53:29 - SMOY Wild Cards
55:02 - Coach of the Year
58:31 - COY Wild Cards
1:00:31 - Executive of the Year
1:04:38 - EOY Wild Cards

SUPPORT THE SHOW...

Dan and Grant drop their over/under and full record predictions for every NBA team in the Western Conference. JOIN OUR OVER/UNDER COMPETITION HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
2:47 - Dallas Mavericks
6:13 - Denver Nuggets
11:17 - Golden State Warriors
16:31 - Houston Rockets 
23:06 - Los Angeles Clippers 
27:57 - Los Angeles Lakers
34:38 - Memphis Grizzlies 
39:06 - Minnesota Timberwolves 
43:49 - New Orleans Pelicans
49:17 - Oklahoma City Thunder 
55:09 - Phoenix Suns 
1:04:17 - Portland Trail Blazers
1:10:12 - Sacramento Kings
1:18:23 - San Antonio Spurs
1:25:53 - Utah Jazz


SUPPORT TH...

Dan is joined by Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) from CLNS Media and The Garden Report for a deep dive into the Boston Celtics. SUBSCRIBE TO THE GARDEN REPORT HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️


0:00- INTRO
1:42 - The Jayson Tatum timeline 
7:58 - Celtics direction this season
13:43 - Anfernee Simons’ fit
18:13 - Will the Celtics play faster?
21:31 - Impact of Joe Mazzulla
25:11 - Derrick White and Jaylen Brown scaling up 
33:08 - Will Hugo Gonzalez play?
35:36 - Josh Minnott is an x-factor
39:18 - Continued development of Neemias Queta
42:19 - Biggest strengths and weaknesses at center

Dan is joined by Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg) from Locked On Heat and RealGM Radio for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Miami Heat. SUBSCRIBE TO LOCKED ON HEAT. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
1:08 - Impact of last season
3:52 - The Heat’s timeline 
6:54 - Will Miami play faster?
13:53 - Norman Powell’s fit
16:21 - The importance of Tyler Herro
20:37 - Continued development of Nikola Jovic
23:47 - Ceiling for Kel’el Ware
26:54 - The Bam Adebayo conundrum
29:52 - Pelle Larsson vs Jaime Jaquez Jr.
30:46 - Kasparas Jakucionis’ development
32:37 - Dru Smith and thr...

Dan and Grant drop their over/under and full record predictions for every NBA team in the Eastern Conference. JOIN OUR OVER/UNDER COMPETITION HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
4:47 - Atlanta Hawks
8:46 - Boston Celtics 
11:53 - Brooklyn Nets
14:31 - Charlotte Hornets 
19:23 - Chicago Bulls
21:46 - Cleveland Cavaliers 
25:51 - Detroit Pistons
30:10 - Indiana Pacers
33:21 - Miami Heat 
39:12 - Milwaukee Bucks
43:16 - New York Knicks
49:15 - Orlando Magic 
54:17 - Philadelphia 76ers
59:47 - Toronto Raptors 
1:06:49 - Washington Wizards


SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MER...

Dan is joined by Adam Mares (Adam_Mares) from DNVR Sports and the All NBA Podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Denver Nuggets. SUBSCRIBE TO THE ALL NBA PODCAST HERE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCbCjMq1m6Kjok4OGuO7CSQ. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
1:00 - Lessons learned from last season
3:15 - The Cam Johnson fit
5:53 - Defensive changes under David Adelman
10:56 - The Jonas Valanciunas fit
18:51 - Continued development of Peyton Watson
21:07 - Future of Christian Braun
24:07 - Do the Nuggets need to take more threes?
25:48 - Expectations for Jama...

Dan is joined by Grant Hughes (@granthuhges) of the world-famous Hardwood Knocks NBA podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Golden State Warriors. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
2:28 - The Jonathan Kuminga situation 
12:37 - Al Horford’s fit
17:29 - The defense
24:15 - The Jimmy Butler fit
30:31 - Expectations for Stephen Curry
34:45 - Expectations for Draymond Green
38:41 - Next frontier for Brandin Podziemski 
42:18 - Quinten Post’s role
46:11 - Importance of Moses Moody
51:11 - Gui Santos’ role
52:33 - Steve Kerr contract situation
55:58 - Biggest need
59:24 - Under the radar st...

Dan and Grant are joined by Lucas Kaplan (@lucaskaplan) from Nets Daily for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Brooklyn Nets. FOLLOW LUCAS' WORK HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
1:32 - What is the Nets’ plan?
5:26 - The Cam Thomas situation 
15:28 - Brooklyn’s draft philosophy 
20:01 - The vision Egor Demin
22:18 - Outlook for Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf 
26:00 - Will Drake Powell and Danny Wolf play?
30:08 - Picking the Nets’ most interesting prospect
33:37 - The Michael Porter Jr. transition 
36:04 - What we learned about Jordi Fernandez
40:49 - The defensive identity 

Dan is joined by Sarah Todd (@nbasarah) of the Deseret News and the Unsalvageable'podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Utah Jazz. SUBSCRIBE TO UNSALVAGEABLE HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
1:43 - Biggest takeaways from last season
5:48 - The future of Walker Kessler
12:57 - What’s next for Lauri Markkanen?
22:37 - Development of Ace Bailey
29:32 - The backcourt rotation 
43:12 - Taylor Hendricks’ return
48:19 - Continued development of Kyle Fililpwski
51:27 - Can Cody Williams pop in Year 56:41 - Which vet plays the most?
1:01:17 Defensive improvement 
1:03:32 - Under the radar storylines and Biggest...

Dan and Grant are joined by Andrew "GMAC" Claudio (@andrewjclaudio_) of Knicks Film School for a deep dive into the 2025-26 New York Knicks. SUBSCRIBE TO KNICKS FILM SCHOOL HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 -Intro
2:13 - The Thibodeau firing
7:27 - Tactical changes under Mike Brown
10:43 - Who should start?
17:56 - Josh Hart’s fit 
21:55 - How will the Knicks flesh out the roster?
25:35 - Jordan Clarkson’s fit
28:10 - Importance of Guerschon Yabusele
32:35 - Can Jalen Brunson adapt?
37:56 - Karl-Anthony Towns’ playmaking 
40:50 - Future of Mikal Bridges
46:25 - OG Anunoby’s offensive ro...

Dan is joined by Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) from Liberty Ballers, Forbes, FanSided AND Bleacher Report for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Philadelphia 76ers. FOLLOW HIS WORK AT LIBERTY BALLERS HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
3:17 - End of the Quentin Grimes saga / The offseason
11:59 - What is the Sixers’ direction?
15:50 - Expectations for Joel Embiid
19:06 - The Sixers’ play style moving forward
23:20 - Three-guard and four-guard lineups
28:16 - Impact of VJ Edgecombe
33:48 - Continued development of Jared McCain
36:56 - Future of Justin Edwards
39:58 - The secondary big man rotation 
41:26 - Continu...

Dan and Grant drop their biggest questions, takeaways and observations entering NBA training camp on the heels of EVERY team having their 2025 Media Day. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
2:226 - Al Horford to the Warriors
5:56 - The Jonathan Kuminga situation 
8:57 - The Quentin Grimes 
14:02 - Are the Sixers going to be healthy?
19:47 - Will Jayson Tatum play this year?
23:45 - Is Giannis Antetokounmpo trolling us all?
31:52 - The Kevin Durant talk
33:19 - The West is big, man
40:08 - Dereck Lively II and Victor Wembanyama are growing 
42:32 - Can anyone catch Cooper...

At LONG LAST, Dan and Grant drop their 2025 offseason grades for every NBA team in the Western Conference. Check out the Eastern Conference grades here. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO / Criteria
3:17 - Dallas Mavericks
10:39 - Houston Rockets
16:37 - Fred VanVleet injury
30:05 - Memphis Grizzlies
39:52 - New Orleans Pelicans
47:43 - San Antonio Spurs 
56:35 - Denver Nuggets
1:05:57 - Minnesota Timberwolves
1:13:53 - Oklahoma City Thunder 
1:20:28 - Portland Trail Blazers
1:29:28 - Utah Jazz
1:38:22 - Golden State Warriors
1:47:01 - Los Angeles Clippers
1:54:02 - Los Angeles Lakers
2:08:37 - Phoenix Suns
2:18:29 - Sacr...

Dan is joined by Jason Patt (@bullsjay) from the Cash Considerations podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Chicago Bulls. SUBSCRIBE TO CASH CONSIDERATIONS HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
2:17 - What is the Bulls’ direction?
6:03 - Billy Donovan extension / Offensive style 
11:03 - Can Josh Giddey be a star?
24:07 - The Isaac Okoro trade and fit
28:53 - Future of Coby White
35:19 - Tre Jones / the guard rotation
39:28 - Continued development of Matas Buzelis
48:29 - The center rotation / Future of Nikola Vucevic
50:51 - Will the Bulls make a trade?
54:54 - Early i...

Dan is joined by Greg Wissinger (@gwiss) from The Kings Herald for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Sacramento Kings. CHECK OUT THE KINGS HERALD HERE https://kingsherald.com/. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 -INTRO
1:07 - The Kings’ direction
2:21 - The Doug Christie hire
6:45 - Dennis Schroder’s fit
10:47 - Future of Malik Monk
14:58 - The Russell Westbrook rumors
15:38 - Jonathan Kuminga rumors
17:16 - Future of Keon Ellis
22:18 - The Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan fits
28:02 - Impact of Doug Christie’s coaching style
29:46 - Frontcourt rotation, Development of Isaac Jones and Maxime Ray...

Dan is joined by Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper/@caitlinmaycooper) from 'Basketball, She Wrote" for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Indiana Pacers. SUBSCRIBE TO BASKETBALL, SHE WROTE ON PATREON. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
1:27 - The transformation of the Pacers
10:10 - Covering the NBA Finals
12:51 - The Tyrese Halliburton recovery
16:36 - The loss of Myles Turner
20:38 - Playing five-out vs four-out
23:26 - Isaiah Jackson’s return
25:18 - Jay Huff’s fit
28:38 - Will James Wiseman have a role?
30:40 - Pascal Siakam-Obi Toppin minutes
34:17 - Continued development of Bennedict Mathurin
42:33 - Andrew...

Dan is joined by Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) and Sam Cooper (@scooperhoops) of 'The Timeline' pod for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Phoenix Suns! SUBSCRIBE TO THE 'THE TIMELINE' PATREON HERE.  TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
1:34 - RIP to the Kevin Durant era
8:19 - The second Kevin Durant trade
13:39 - The Bradley Beal Exit
18:28 - The hiring of Brian Gregory
21:18 - Impact of Jordan Ott hire
24:25 - The future of Devin Booker
31:10 - Jalen Green’s fit
37:00 - Importance of Collin Gillespie
43:08 - Mark Williams expectations
49:10 - Development of Khaman Maluach...

At LONG LAST, Dan and Grant drop their 2025 offseason grades for every NBA team in the Eastern Conference. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
2:50 - Grading criteria 
5:01 - Atlanta Hawks
13:53 - Charlotte Hornets
19:38 - Miami Heat 
26:00 - Orlando Magic
39:11 - Washington Wizards 
47:15 - Boston Celtics
56:22 - Brooklyn Nets
1:09:15 - New York Knicks
1:22:05 - Philadelphia 76ers
1:26:39 - Toronto Raptors 
1:34:43 - Chicago Bulls
1:44:02 - Cleveland Cavaliers
1:48:41 - Detroit Pistons
1:58:24 - Indiana Pacers
2:06:25 - Milwaukee Bucks

SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH

JOIN OUR...

Dan is joined by Shamit Dua (@fearthebrown) from the 'In The N.O.' Substack and podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 New Orleans Pelicans. SUBSCRIBE TO IN THE N.O ON YOUTUBE AND SUBSTACK. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
0:57 - The Pelicans’ direction 
8:05 - Expectations for Derik Queen
16:50 - Expectations for Jeremiah Fears
23:43 - Continued development of Trey Murphy 
28:08 - Future of Zion Williamson
36:11 - Continued development of Yves Missi 
40:58 - Impact of Jordan Poole
42:32 - Dejounte Murray timeline 
45:20 - Secondary wing rotation
48:18 - Will the Pelicans make mor t...

Dan is joined by Tara Bowen-Biggs (@tccbiggs) and Rose Harding (@roselharding) from the We Have A Takee podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Portland Trail Blazers. SUBSCRIBE TO WE HAVE A TAKE HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
3:10 - Takeaways from last season
4:45 - The return of Damian Lillard
9:46 - Offseason impressions / Jrue Holiday fit
15:47 - Yang Hansen’s fit and role
25:30 - Donovan Clingan expectations 
30:27 - Continued development of Scoot Henderson
35:50 - Continued development of Shaedon Sharpe
40:13 - Deni Avdija's impact
43:18 - Chauncey Billups’ toughest rotation decision
43:50 - Importan...

Dan is joined by Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) from Pod Maverick and Mavs Moneyball for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Dallas Mavericks. SUBSCRIBE TO POD MAVERICK HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
0:56 - The Mavs’ direction
7:02 - Cooper Flagg development
12:56 - Kyrie Irving timeline
15:10 - Offseason impressions 
17:58 - The big-man rotation 
19:51 - Future of Dereck Lively II
23:36 - Dallas’ transition offense
26:17 - Mavs’ defensive ceiling
27:53 - Expectations for Max Christie
31:15 - Brandon Williams’ fit
34:03 - Early impressions of Ryan Nembhard
35:02 - Future of Jaden Hardy
36:13 - Biggest needs, under-t...

Dan is joined by Lauren Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) from the AJC for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Atlanta Hawks. CHECK OUT LAUREN' WORK HERE: https://www.ajc.com/staff/lauren-williams/. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:14 - Biggest takeaway from last season
3:16 - Continued development of Jalen Johnson
5:54 - The offseason and front office
14:05 - Future of Trae Young 
21:26 - Kristaps Porzingis-Onyeka Okongwu fit
26:43 - Secondary ball-handling
30:40 - The rise of Dyson Daniels
38:16 - Zaccharie Risacher development
45:41 - Hawks’ offensive pace
48:03  - Atlanta’s defensive ceiling + Impact of Mo Gueye
51:21 - Early im...

Dan and Grant are joined by Mort Jensen (@msjnba) of The NBA Podcast to break down the latest news and rumors around the NBA, including the Clippers and Kawhi Leonard cap circumvention scandal, Cam Thomas signing his qualifying offer, Josh Giddey getting $100M from the Bulls and more. TIMESTAMPS⤵️

0:00 - INTRO
2:02 - The Clippers' Kawhi Leonard/salary-cap scandal
53:09 - Cam Thomas signs his qualifying offer
1:09:09 - Josh Giddey gets PAID
1:30:06 - Jonathan Kuminga and Quentin Grimes

SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH

JOIN OUR DISCORD

SUBSCRIBE TO OU...

Dan is joined by Tayler Peterson (@Tayler_P15) and JD Silva (@jdsilva_) from The Uncontested Podcast (@The_Uncontested) for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Oklahoma City Thunder. SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNCONTESTED ON PATREON. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
2:51 - The Thunder’s title run 
6:21 - Biggest takeaways from last season
9:36 - Why the Thunder are built to last
12:22 - The Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams extensions 
17:45 - Continued development of Chet Holmgren
23:36 - Future of Jalen Williams
31:20 - Impact of Isaiah Hartenstein
35:45 - Continued development of Cason Wallace 
39:35 - What is the ce...

Dan is joined by Laz Jackson (@lazchance) from Detroit Bad Boys for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Detroit Pistons. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:06 - Last season’s most important development 
4:53 - Impact of JB Bickerstaff
6:36 - The Offseason
16:40 - Continued development of Jaden Ivey
24:06 - Future of Jalen Duren
29:33 - Ausar Thompson’s next steps
36:01 - Continued development of Ron Holland
42:56 - The next frontier for Cade Cunningham
49:02 - Will Isaiah Stewart take more threes?
51:44 - Impact of Tobias Harris 
56:34 - Marcus Sasser
58:06 - Bobi Klintman
59:29...

Dan is joined by Clippers reporter Justin Russo (@flybyknite) for a deep dive into—you guessed it!—the 2025-26 Los Angeles Clippers. Please note we recorded BEFORE the Kawhi Leonard salary-cap circumvention allegations. SUBSCRIBE TO JUSTIN'S 'RUSSO WRITES' SUBSTACK HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
2:18 - Takeaways from last season
3:43 - Planning for the future 
10:27 - Did the offseason hurt their defensive identity?
15:31 - Evolution of Ivica Zubac
20:29 - The fit of Bradley Beal
28:14 - Optimizing Kawhi Leonard
36:17 - Chris Paul's role
38:50 James Harden adjustments
43:39 - The frontline rotation
45:13 - Impact of...

Dan is joined by CBS Sports podcast producer extraordinaire Konata Edwards (@NataTheScribe) for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Charlotte Hornets. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
2:45 - Impact of Charles Lee
4:15 - The offseason
9:05 - Big man rotation 
11:57 - Future of LaMelo Ball
18:13 - Continued development of Brandon Miller
20:40 - Early impressions of Kon Knueppel
23:01 - Early impressions of Liam McNeeley
24:09 - Juggling a crowded a perimeter rotation 
26:03 - Future of Tidjane Salaun
30:27 - Early impressions of Ryan Kalkbrenner 
32:05 - Can Charlotte rebound and defend?
34:23 - Biggest needs, strengt...

Dan is joined by Matt Modderno (@MattModderno) of the Bleav In Wizards podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Washington Wizards. SUBSCRIBE TO BLEAV IN WIZARDS HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:32 - State of the rebuild
3:43 - Fast-track coming?
7:24 - What do we make of Brian Keefe?
9:43 - Continued development of Alex Sarr?
16:52  - Ceiling of Bilal Coulibaly
21:08 - Early impressions of Tre Johnson
24:13 - Cam Whitmore’s fit
29:19 - Next steps for Kyshawn George
32:37 - Bub Carrington outlook
37:57 - How much will Khris Middleton and CJ McCollum play?

Dan is joined by Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) of The NBA Podcast to discuss teams that could pleasantly or unpleasantly surprise us next season. Here are the rules: We each get to pick two pleasant surprises, and we have to pick one unpleasant surprise. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
3:46 - Chicago Bulls
8:02 - Toronto Raptors
14:37 - San Antonio Spurs
24:48 - Charlotte Hornets
31:53 - Golden State Warriors
43:52 - New York Knicks

SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH

JOIN OUR DISCORD

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

FOLLO...

Dan and Grant are joined joined by Keith Parish (@fastbreakbreak) of the Grits and Grinds podcast as well as the Fastbreak Breakfast podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Memphis Grizzlies. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:01 - The Offseason
5:05 - Desmond Bane trade
8:19 - Jaren Jackson Jr.
12:45 - Impact of Tuomas Iisalo
19:05 - Future of Ja Morant 
23:32 - Continued development of Zach Edey
26:25 - Continued development of Jaylen Wells
30:20 - Expectations for Cedric Coward
33:22 - The ceiling of GG Jackson
36:32 - Secondary guard rotation
39:01 - Biggest needs, strengths, under...

Dan is joined by Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) of The Vic-and-Roll for a deep dive into the 2025-26 San Antonio Spurs. SUBSCRIBE TO THE VIC-AND-ROLL HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:35 - Mitch Johnson’s fit as head coach 
3:55 - De’Aaron Fox’s extension 
7:55 - San Antonio’s overall direction
9:52 - The fit between Fox and Wembanyama
12:55 - The three-guard dynamic
17:25 - Continued development of Stephon Castle 
23:56 - Early impressions of Dylan Harper
27:53 - The future of Jeremy Sochan 
34:02 - The future of Devin Vassell
39:31 - Victor Wembanyama’s next frontier 

Dan is joined by iHeart podcast producer extraordinaire Jabari Ali Davis (@jabariadavis) for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Los Angeles Lakers. SUBSCRIBE TO THE G.O.T.E. (GREATEST OF THEIR ERA) PODCAST HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:19 - The Lakers offseason
6:46 - Future of LeBron James
11:15 - Evaluating JJ Redick
15:01 - Early impressions of the Luka Doncic fit 
21:05 - The fit of Luka, LeBron and Austin Reaves
25:26 - Deandre Ayton
31:55 - Marcus Smart
34:47 - Jake LaRavia
37:46 - Secondary frontcourt rotation and the minutes without Ayton
43:33 - Rui Hachim...

Dan is joined by Philip Rossman-Reich (@philiprr_OMD) from 'Locked On Magic" and Orlando Magic Daily for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Orlando Magic. SUBSCRIBE TO THE LOCKED ON MAGIC HERE. SUPPORT PHILIP'S WORK ON PATREON. CHAPTERS BELOW. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:14 - They went for it!
6:56 - Fit of Desmond Bane
14:36 - The transition offense
17:52 - The Tyus Jones fit
20:10 - Jamahl Mosley pressure index
23:26 - Continued development of Paolo Banchero
31:29 - Franz Wagner jump-shot watch
39:32 - Jalen Suggs’ offensive importance 
46:26 - Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva
51...

Dan is joined by Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) from The Dane Moore NBA Podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Minnesota Timberwolves. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DANE MOORE NBA PODCAST HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 

0:00 - INTRO
3:10 - Last season’s ending
6:25 - The offseason
9:20 - Naz Reid’s contract and defense
16:20 - The Karl-Anthony Towns trade one year later 
23:25 - Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle 
27:36 - Continued development of Anthony Edwards
36:46 - Importance of Rob Dillingham 
44:38 - Jaden McDaniels’ offensive ceiling
49:34 - Terrence Shannon Jr. breakout coming?
53:05 - The transition offense
55:45 - Ja...

Dan is joined by Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) of The NBA Podcast to predict what happens with the Big Four restricted free agents who remain unsigned: Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes and Cameron Thomas. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
7:34 - Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls 
18:26 - Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers 
28:39 - Cam Thomas and the Brooklyn Nets
40:55 - Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State Warriors

SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH

JOIN OUR DISCORD

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇...

Dan is joined by Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) from The Gyro Step podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Milwaukee Bucks. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHASEDOWN HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:39 - Offseason impressions
10:33 - Myles Turner’s fit
15:59 - Point Giannis!
19:53 - Secondary ball-handlers 
26:23 - Giannis’ defense
31:36 - AJ Green
35:04 - Ryan Rollins
35:49 - Chris Livingston
36:55 - Andre Jackson Jr. 
39:06 - Tyler Smith
40:10 - Jericho Sims
41:42 - The Kyle Kuzma fit 
48:37 - The defensive ceiling 
52:28 - Biggest concern
53:37 - Are the guards underrated?
54:27 - Top-10 rot...

"To make a mistake is human, but to blame it on someone else, make excuses or entirely pretend you didn't make a mistake is even more human." Dan and Grant are BACK to hold themselves accountable for their 2024 NBA offseason report cards with re-grades for EVERY team in the Western Conference. Check out the Eastern Conference edition HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO/CRITERIA
8:08 - Dallas Mavericks
13:49 - Houston Rockets
18:25 - Memphis Grizzlies
23:05 - New Orleans Pelicans
27:33 - San Antonio Spurs 
31:34 - Denver Nuggets
45:11 - Oklahoma City Thunder
47:28 - Portland Trail Blazers
...

Dan is joined by Justin Rowan (@Cavsanada) from THE CHASEDOWN PODCAST for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Cleveland Cavaliers. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHASEDOWN HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

0:00 - INTRO
1:42 - How last season ended 
4:43 - Offseason impressions
10:32 - Jaylon Tyson’s development 
12:28 - Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland 
16:55 - Integrating Lonzo Ball
18:22 - Continued development of Evan Mobley
29:55 - The starting small forward 
35:10 - What’s the defensive ceiling?
40:13 - Early impressions of Tyrese Proctor
43:35 - The defense is underrated!
44:39 - Top-10 rotation
48:19 - Go-to closing lineup
49:07...