WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.100 Welcome back to Basketball Home, your essential 00:00:02.100 --> 00:00:04.339 weekly guide to understanding the biggest stories 00:00:04.339 --> 00:00:06.320 shaping the league today. We're covering everything 00:00:06.320 --> 00:00:09.839 from the incredible drama unfolding on the NBA 00:00:09.839 --> 00:00:12.259 hardwood all the way down to the foundational 00:00:12.259 --> 00:00:15.179 talent brewing in the college game. Yeah, we 00:00:15.179 --> 00:00:17.460 have an incredibly dense slate today. We really 00:00:17.460 --> 00:00:20.800 do. We're talking high stakes, off the court 00:00:20.800 --> 00:00:23.800 drama in Dallas, the intensifying race for the 00:00:23.800 --> 00:00:26.399 NBA Cup, and then we'll take a detailed look 00:00:26.399 --> 00:00:28.890 at the future of the league. The 2026 mock draft 00:00:28.890 --> 00:00:31.370 class is already starting to generate some serious 00:00:31.370 --> 00:00:33.990 buzz. It really is. And you can't ignore what's 00:00:33.990 --> 00:00:35.869 happening in Detroit. Oh, absolutely not. The 00:00:35.869 --> 00:00:38.469 Pistons are on fire. A 13 -game winning streak. 00:00:38.750 --> 00:00:41.549 That ties a franchise record. Just unbelievable 00:00:41.549 --> 00:00:44.329 momentum. And that sets up a truly fascinating 00:00:44.329 --> 00:00:47.149 weekend of cup play, which will break down group 00:00:47.149 --> 00:00:48.810 by group. We're going to give you that shortcut 00:00:48.810 --> 00:00:51.450 to being fully informed on the entire basketball 00:00:51.450 --> 00:00:54.179 ecosystem. But first, let's start with maybe 00:00:54.179 --> 00:00:56.539 the most anticipated individual return of the 00:00:56.539 --> 00:00:59.240 season. It has to be. It's tied to power, to 00:00:59.240 --> 00:01:03.100 legacy, and crucially, a trade that really did 00:01:03.100 --> 00:01:06.340 change two franchises forever. Anthony Davis 00:01:06.340 --> 00:01:09.319 facing the Lakers. So Anthony Davis has been 00:01:09.319 --> 00:01:12.760 sidelined for 14 games. He's been recovering 00:01:12.760 --> 00:01:15.620 from what the team called a standard cat strain. 00:01:15.819 --> 00:01:19.129 Right. And Coach Jason Kidd. confirmed he looked 00:01:19.129 --> 00:01:21.349 strong after a full practice this past Wednesday. 00:01:21.709 --> 00:01:25.310 But the decision on his return date, it's been 00:01:25.310 --> 00:01:27.549 anything but simple. Simple is the last word 00:01:27.549 --> 00:01:30.170 I would use. I mean, the fact is Davis himself 00:01:30.170 --> 00:01:32.450 basically gave the front office an ultimatum. 00:01:32.510 --> 00:01:34.629 He really did. When reporters asked him, you 00:01:34.629 --> 00:01:36.650 know, do you want to return Friday against the 00:01:36.650 --> 00:01:39.379 Lakers or Saturday against the Clippers? He was 00:01:39.379 --> 00:01:42.060 so plain about it. Zero ambiguity. He just said, 00:01:42.060 --> 00:01:44.239 you know what game I want to play. Exactly. That's 00:01:44.239 --> 00:01:46.480 unmistakable intent. And it puts immense pressure 00:01:46.480 --> 00:01:48.900 on a franchise that's already been walking on 00:01:48.900 --> 00:01:50.879 eggshells around his health. And that intent, 00:01:51.040 --> 00:01:53.359 it just brought all this internal conflict right 00:01:53.359 --> 00:01:56.099 to the surface in Dallas. It really did. What's 00:01:56.099 --> 00:01:58.500 fascinating here is how the injury saga has just 00:01:58.500 --> 00:02:00.920 exposed the front office's internal struggles. 00:02:01.219 --> 00:02:03.700 And this is all happening while the Lakers have 00:02:03.700 --> 00:02:07.040 surged with Luka in Davis's absence. Which really 00:02:07.040 --> 00:02:10.639 proves that trade was far more beneficial for 00:02:10.639 --> 00:02:12.580 L .A. than a lot of people initially projected. 00:02:12.900 --> 00:02:15.780 But the real drama is the power struggle that 00:02:15.780 --> 00:02:18.439 happened just before this return. According to 00:02:18.439 --> 00:02:20.780 reports, Davis had an earlier push to get back 00:02:20.780 --> 00:02:23.439 on the court. But team governor Patrick Dumont 00:02:23.439 --> 00:02:26.080 directly blocked it. He stepped in. And that 00:02:26.080 --> 00:02:29.620 move defied both Davis's wishes and those of 00:02:29.620 --> 00:02:32.159 the former GM, Nico Harrison, who apparently 00:02:32.159 --> 00:02:34.460 believed Davis was medically ready to go. So 00:02:34.460 --> 00:02:35.900 we should probably dive into the medical side 00:02:35.900 --> 00:02:37.919 of this because that's what fueled Dumont's anxiety. 00:02:38.379 --> 00:02:40.680 Yeah, a calf strain, especially for a player 00:02:40.680 --> 00:02:43.500 with Davis's history of lower body issues. It's 00:02:43.500 --> 00:02:46.139 not just a standard muscle pull. It's intimately 00:02:46.139 --> 00:02:49.009 connected to the Achilles tendon. And medical 00:02:49.009 --> 00:02:51.150 professionals always warn that if you rush a 00:02:51.150 --> 00:02:52.969 calf strain back before it's at full strength, 00:02:53.110 --> 00:02:56.270 you significantly increase the risk of a catastrophic 00:02:56.270 --> 00:02:59.650 season -ending Achilles tear. And that's exactly 00:02:59.650 --> 00:03:01.889 what Dumont was told. He consulted the director 00:03:01.889 --> 00:03:04.169 of health and performance who gave him that exact 00:03:04.169 --> 00:03:06.870 stark warning. So he's facing the ultimate risk 00:03:06.870 --> 00:03:09.370 management scenario. Right. And Dumont, who has 00:03:09.370 --> 00:03:12.169 been relatively hands -off in basketball operations 00:03:12.169 --> 00:03:15.229 since taking over. He steps in and he prioritizes 00:03:15.229 --> 00:03:18.310 the long term health of their most valuable and 00:03:18.310 --> 00:03:21.030 let's be honest, their most fragile asset. And 00:03:21.030 --> 00:03:23.789 the consequence of that intervention was immediate. 00:03:23.930 --> 00:03:26.610 Yeah. And it was severe. Nico Harrison was fired 00:03:26.610 --> 00:03:29.699 three days later. That's the key part. This is 00:03:29.699 --> 00:03:32.219 critical to understanding the hierarchy in Dallas 00:03:32.219 --> 00:03:35.099 now. It's the first time Dumont has directly 00:03:35.099 --> 00:03:37.439 intervened in basketball operations at this level. 00:03:37.560 --> 00:03:39.439 Harrison had been lobbying for Davis's return, 00:03:39.699 --> 00:03:42.259 and his dismissal signals that Dumont is willing 00:03:42.259 --> 00:03:45.319 to defy both his GM and his star player to protect 00:03:45.319 --> 00:03:48.319 the franchise's future. It just reveals how fragile 00:03:48.319 --> 00:03:50.659 Dallas's future really is with Davis, given his 00:03:50.659 --> 00:03:52.740 health history. And it shows that the franchise 00:03:52.740 --> 00:03:55.319 is now entirely run from the top down by ownership. 00:03:55.949 --> 00:03:58.629 Health is the absolute priority over short -term 00:03:58.629 --> 00:04:01.909 success or even player happiness. It sets the 00:04:01.909 --> 00:04:04.930 stage perfectly. That Friday game against the 00:04:04.930 --> 00:04:07.650 Lakers is now a must -see moment. Oh, absolutely. 00:04:07.969 --> 00:04:10.409 And not just for the basketball. Davis facing 00:04:10.409 --> 00:04:12.530 the team that shipped him out for Luka Doncic. 00:04:12.789 --> 00:04:15.449 It's a true collision of two franchise universes. 00:04:15.689 --> 00:04:18.290 It's a definitive benchmark for both organizations. 00:04:18.689 --> 00:04:20.970 The stakes could not be higher. Speaking of high 00:04:20.970 --> 00:04:23.379 stakes. We should pivot to the East. Yeah, injuries 00:04:23.379 --> 00:04:26.420 are forcing teams with serious championship aspirations 00:04:26.420 --> 00:04:29.519 to get creative, starting with the Celtics. They're 00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:31.439 facing Detroit tonight, and they'll be without 00:04:31.439 --> 00:04:34.259 their starting center, Nemeas Cueta. Yeah, that's 00:04:34.259 --> 00:04:36.800 a sprained left ankle he suffered Sunday against 00:04:36.800 --> 00:04:40.160 the Magic. And Cueta's absence is far more than 00:04:40.160 --> 00:04:42.560 just a missing body in the rotation. He's been 00:04:42.560 --> 00:04:45.350 one of the biggest... Most pleasant surprises 00:04:45.350 --> 00:04:47.529 in their 9 -8 start. He's averaging career highs, 00:04:47.670 --> 00:04:50.930 right? 9 .3 points and 7 .9 boards. But the real 00:04:50.930 --> 00:04:54.490 deep impact is in those advanced on -off numbers. 00:04:54.730 --> 00:04:56.709 It's staggering. Okay, so let's break those numbers 00:04:56.709 --> 00:04:58.689 down for you because they are. The sources say 00:04:58.689 --> 00:05:01.829 the Celtics allow 25 .7 fewer points per 100 00:05:01.829 --> 00:05:04.550 possessions when Cueta is on the court. What 00:05:04.550 --> 00:05:07.709 does a plus 17 net rating in 17 games actually 00:05:07.709 --> 00:05:10.649 mean for a team? It means total domination when 00:05:10.649 --> 00:05:13.579 he's playing. The net rating, that's the difference 00:05:13.579 --> 00:05:15.319 between a team's offensive and defensive rating. 00:05:15.459 --> 00:05:18.160 It's the single best indicator of player impact. 00:05:18.420 --> 00:05:21.600 And plus 17 is? It's elite. It's bordering on 00:05:21.600 --> 00:05:24.120 MVP level production in terms of making your 00:05:24.120 --> 00:05:27.839 team dramatically better. Allowing 25 .7 fewer 00:05:27.839 --> 00:05:30.740 points per 100 possessions means that when Queda 00:05:30.740 --> 00:05:34.199 is sitting, the Celtics defense just... It cracks. 00:05:34.399 --> 00:05:36.459 So he's the anchor. He's the crucial anchor. 00:05:36.519 --> 00:05:39.180 He's cleaning up mistakes, controlling the paint, 00:05:39.300 --> 00:05:41.100 and allowing their perimeter defenders to take 00:05:41.100 --> 00:05:43.980 bigger risks. Losing that kind of interior impact 00:05:43.980 --> 00:05:47.860 against a hot Detroit team is... Well, it's disastrous. 00:05:48.139 --> 00:05:50.199 Absolutely. It forces Boston into a committee 00:05:50.199 --> 00:05:52.100 approach. You're talking Xavier Tillman, Chris 00:05:52.100 --> 00:05:54.579 Boucher, Luka Garza. And they're even calling 00:05:54.579 --> 00:05:56.459 up the rookie two -way center Amari Williams 00:05:56.459 --> 00:05:58.579 from Maine. And they're facing Detroit's strong 00:05:58.579 --> 00:06:01.439 frontcourt led by Jalen Duran, who will absolutely 00:06:01.439 --> 00:06:04.180 feast if Boston can't match that physicality. 00:06:04.259 --> 00:06:06.319 This isn't just a physical test. It's a philosophical 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:08.980 test of Boston's depth right now. Then you look 00:06:08.980 --> 00:06:12.459 north to the Raptors. They are absolutely scorching 00:06:12.459 --> 00:06:15.019 hot. League best eight -game winning streak. 00:06:15.500 --> 00:06:19.160 13 -5 record. But they just got a major scare 00:06:19.160 --> 00:06:22.199 with R .J. Barrett. Yeah, that knee sprain. Thankfully, 00:06:22.300 --> 00:06:24.500 it wasn't a major blow. He'll be reevaluated 00:06:24.500 --> 00:06:27.240 in one week. But the panic was totally understandable. 00:06:27.540 --> 00:06:30.189 Oh, for sure. The injury happened without contact, 00:06:30.410 --> 00:06:32.970 which is the immediate signal for serious ligament 00:06:32.970 --> 00:06:35.850 damage. The collective sigh of relief across 00:06:35.850 --> 00:06:38.269 the league was palpable when the real diagnosis 00:06:38.269 --> 00:06:42.009 came in. Dodging that disaster is huge, especially 00:06:42.009 --> 00:06:44.850 since Barrett's been playing maybe the best basketball 00:06:44.850 --> 00:06:47.550 of his career. He's averaging almost 20 points, 00:06:47.689 --> 00:06:50.529 shooting over 50 % from the field. That's incredibly 00:06:50.529 --> 00:06:53.370 efficient for a wing. So Coach Darko Radjikovic 00:06:53.370 --> 00:06:56.170 is approaching this absence with... That classic 00:06:56.170 --> 00:06:58.750 coach's mindset, right? Turn adversity into a 00:06:58.750 --> 00:07:01.110 chance to test your bench. Exactly. Deep in the 00:07:01.110 --> 00:07:03.089 roster, he's plugging Jacoby Walter into the 00:07:03.089 --> 00:07:06.050 starting spot. This forces guys who might usually 00:07:06.050 --> 00:07:08.649 only play 10 minutes to perform heavy minutes 00:07:08.649 --> 00:07:10.949 during a winning streak, which can pay huge dividends 00:07:10.949 --> 00:07:12.829 later in the season. Let's move to the West. 00:07:12.949 --> 00:07:16.430 We've got two situations wrapped in mystery and 00:07:16.430 --> 00:07:18.939 frustration. Both show that delicate balance 00:07:18.939 --> 00:07:21.279 between injury management and team transparency. 00:07:21.639 --> 00:07:23.500 Starting with Jonathan Kaminga of the Warriors. 00:07:23.740 --> 00:07:26.079 He's missed six straight games with bilateral 00:07:26.079 --> 00:07:28.819 knee tendonitis. And the whole situation has 00:07:28.819 --> 00:07:30.660 been bizarre because of the lack of communication. 00:07:31.139 --> 00:07:33.879 It frankly sounds like an internal rift. It really 00:07:33.879 --> 00:07:36.920 does. Initially, Coach Steve Kerr, when he was 00:07:36.920 --> 00:07:39.439 asked about Kaminga's status, he told reporters, 00:07:39.600 --> 00:07:42.540 I have no idea what he is doing. He even suggested 00:07:42.540 --> 00:07:45.439 they ask Kaminga directly. And then Kaminga declined 00:07:45.439 --> 00:07:48.240 to comment. That level of public miscommunication, 00:07:48.279 --> 00:07:51.819 it just signals major trouble in the relationship 00:07:51.819 --> 00:07:53.899 between the player, the coach, and the training 00:07:53.899 --> 00:07:56.180 staff. So what's so intriguing is what's really 00:07:56.180 --> 00:07:58.899 going on. Is it frustration over playing time 00:07:58.899 --> 00:08:02.620 manifesting as a mysterious injury? Or is Kerr 00:08:02.620 --> 00:08:05.339 trying to force Kuminga to be more accountable? 00:08:05.639 --> 00:08:07.379 Well, Kerr was initially quoted saying Kuminga 00:08:07.379 --> 00:08:09.819 was not moving well and that they needed to figure 00:08:09.819 --> 00:08:12.470 it out. If there's no structural damage, which 00:08:12.470 --> 00:08:15.009 the MRI confirmed, then the problem is either 00:08:15.009 --> 00:08:17.649 psychological or related to pain tolerance and 00:08:17.649 --> 00:08:19.990 recovery. Which is a massive internal problem 00:08:19.990 --> 00:08:22.449 for a team trying to stay in the title conversation. 00:08:22.910 --> 00:08:24.790 Thankfully, there was a more positive update 00:08:24.790 --> 00:08:27.670 recently. It suggests the internal strife might 00:08:27.670 --> 00:08:30.629 be resolving. Kuminga completed three -on -three 00:08:30.629 --> 00:08:33.309 work. He participated in practice and is scheduled 00:08:33.309 --> 00:08:36.080 for a five -on -five scrimmage. And that scrimmage 00:08:36.080 --> 00:08:38.279 is typically the final hurdle before a player 00:08:38.279 --> 00:08:40.779 is cleared to return to game action. It suggests 00:08:40.779 --> 00:08:43.200 his return is imminent and the team's ready to 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:45.580 move past all the public drama. OK, let's move 00:08:45.580 --> 00:08:48.200 to Memphis. Rookie center Zach Eadie's early 00:08:48.200 --> 00:08:50.840 production just hit a wall after suffering a 00:08:50.840 --> 00:08:53.240 head injury against Denver. Yeah, he's questionable 00:08:53.240 --> 00:08:55.279 for Wednesday's game against the Pelicans due 00:08:55.279 --> 00:08:57.639 to a migraine. And that's an issue he's dealt 00:08:57.639 --> 00:08:59.940 with previously. He missed two games last season 00:08:59.940 --> 00:09:02.870 with similar symptoms. Eadie's early impact was 00:09:02.870 --> 00:09:04.769 substantial, though, especially after returning 00:09:04.769 --> 00:09:07.230 from ankle surgery. He was posting, what, 12 00:09:07.230 --> 00:09:10.169 .3 points, 9 .3 rebounds, and two blocks over 00:09:10.169 --> 00:09:13.009 four games. He had provided that interior presence 00:09:13.009 --> 00:09:16.049 Memphis desperately lacked. The team is already 00:09:16.049 --> 00:09:18.289 struggling at 6 -11. They're missing Ja Moran 00:09:18.289 --> 00:09:20.950 and Brandon Clark. You just can't overstate how 00:09:20.950 --> 00:09:23.370 important that interior stability is for a team 00:09:23.370 --> 00:09:26.250 that relies on transition and generating turnovers. 00:09:26.669 --> 00:09:29.470 Coach Tumas Aisolo emphasized that Edie's absence 00:09:29.470 --> 00:09:32.870 is a huge loss. He noted his massive impact on 00:09:32.870 --> 00:09:36.169 defense, on rebounding, and how he attracts defenders 00:09:36.169 --> 00:09:39.309 inside, which generates easier outside shots 00:09:39.309 --> 00:09:41.590 for his teammates. Yeah, when he's not there, 00:09:41.769 --> 00:09:43.970 opponents have a much easier time driving to 00:09:43.970 --> 00:09:46.490 the rim and forcing perimeter players to take 00:09:46.490 --> 00:09:49.009 tough contested shots. And given the sensitivity 00:09:49.009 --> 00:09:51.370 around head injuries, plus the fact that migraines 00:09:51.370 --> 00:09:53.769 are a recurring issue for him, the team is expected 00:09:53.769 --> 00:09:56.759 to be extremely cautious. Right. Even though 00:09:56.759 --> 00:09:59.000 he was spotted at practice doing basic movements 00:09:59.000 --> 00:10:01.360 like hook shots and free throws, Memphis now 00:10:01.360 --> 00:10:04.320 faces a difficult road stretch without him. It 00:10:04.320 --> 00:10:06.340 just shows how tenuous their stability is right 00:10:06.340 --> 00:10:08.059 now. If Memphis is going to salvage this season 00:10:08.059 --> 00:10:10.360 before Morant gets back, they need their healthy 00:10:10.360 --> 00:10:12.620 players, especially impact rookies like Edie, 00:10:12.659 --> 00:10:15.519 on the court consistently. Okay, let's shift 00:10:15.519 --> 00:10:18.429 gears completely to the NBA Cup. which has finally 00:10:18.429 --> 00:10:20.870 found its rhythm and is rapidly moving into the 00:10:20.870 --> 00:10:23.289 knockout phase. Yeah, the Lakers have secured 00:10:23.289 --> 00:10:25.149 the second spot in the knockout round, joining 00:10:25.149 --> 00:10:28.789 the Raptors in the East with a decisive 135 -118 00:10:28.789 --> 00:10:31.690 win over the Clippers, their 3 -0 in group play. 00:10:31.789 --> 00:10:34.490 That win was an absolute statement of intent, 00:10:34.690 --> 00:10:37.250 and it was dominated by the Lakers' big three. 00:10:37.450 --> 00:10:40.399 Oh, completely. Luka Doncic, Austin Reeves, and 00:10:40.399 --> 00:10:43.980 LeBron James combined for an insane 99 points, 00:10:44.220 --> 00:10:47.639 24 rebounds, and 22 assists. Doncic specifically 00:10:47.639 --> 00:10:51.019 was phenomenal. 43 points, 13 assists, and 9 00:10:51.019 --> 00:10:53.820 rebounds. He just narrowly missed a triple -double. 00:10:53.940 --> 00:10:55.700 And while the quality of basketball was high, 00:10:55.860 --> 00:10:58.320 the motivation behind the intensity is pretty 00:10:58.320 --> 00:11:00.700 clear. It's the money. It's the money. Coach 00:11:00.700 --> 00:11:03.759 J .J. Redick was candid. He cited the $53 ,000 00:11:03.759 --> 00:11:06.720 player bonus as a lot of money, which definitely 00:11:06.720 --> 00:11:09.539 provides extra incentive, especially for players 00:11:09.539 --> 00:11:12.320 on two -way or minimum contracts. It's not just 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:14.799 a glorified exhibition. That cash prize is making 00:11:14.799 --> 00:11:17.200 everyone play harder. But the special cup environment 00:11:17.200 --> 00:11:19.159 also caused some controversy that we need to 00:11:19.159 --> 00:11:22.279 talk about. Player safety. Exactly. Luka Doncic 00:11:22.279 --> 00:11:25.460 ripped the special Laker hardwood court used 00:11:25.460 --> 00:11:28.570 for the game. He called it... dangerous, due 00:11:28.570 --> 00:11:30.629 to slipping issues caused by the paint and the 00:11:30.629 --> 00:11:33.350 finish. And this is the third year in a row we've 00:11:33.350 --> 00:11:35.330 heard players complain about these distinctive 00:11:35.330 --> 00:11:37.669 court designs. It raises a genuine question. 00:11:38.090 --> 00:11:40.789 Is the novelty of the special court design worth 00:11:40.789 --> 00:11:44.289 the risk to player health? I mean, if the competition 00:11:44.289 --> 00:11:46.289 is meant to be high stakes and high intensity, 00:11:46.570 --> 00:11:49.490 the floor can't be this peculiar variable that 00:11:49.490 --> 00:11:52.009 leads to injuries. It's a conflict between marketing 00:11:52.009 --> 00:11:53.870 and safety that the league needs to address, 00:11:54.110 --> 00:11:57.379 and fast. And that competitive tension? It boiled 00:11:57.379 --> 00:12:00.000 over late in that game. It did. Donjic got into 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:02.299 a confrontation with Chris Dunn, which resulted 00:12:02.299 --> 00:12:05.159 in Dunn's ejection after two technicals. Jackson 00:12:05.159 --> 00:12:07.580 Hayes also earned a technical for pushing Dunn 00:12:07.580 --> 00:12:10.240 after Dunn gave Luka what was described as a 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:12.500 cheap shot in my back. while they were waiting 00:12:12.500 --> 00:12:15.080 for a rebound. And Dontridge immediately confirmed 00:12:15.080 --> 00:12:17.620 he would cover Hayes' resulting $2 ,000 fine. 00:12:17.820 --> 00:12:20.039 He said, I appreciate it. I told him right away, 00:12:20.159 --> 00:12:22.399 thanks for having my back. That says a lot about 00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:24.279 the protective chemistry on this newly configured 00:12:24.279 --> 00:12:26.820 Lakers team. It really does. When you see your 00:12:26.820 --> 00:12:28.820 teammates willing to take a technical and cover 00:12:28.820 --> 00:12:31.440 your back, literally, that builds championship 00:12:31.440 --> 00:12:34.019 -level trust. So you have the high -level basketball, 00:12:34.639 --> 00:12:37.440 the player safety drama, the financial incentive, 00:12:37.759 --> 00:12:40.340 and the on -court scuffles all wrapped up in 00:12:40.340 --> 00:12:42.649 this new tournament format. So with the Lakers 00:12:42.649 --> 00:12:45.230 and Raptors already in, we look ahead to Wednesday 00:12:45.230 --> 00:12:48.110 and Friday to finalize the brackets. And this 00:12:48.110 --> 00:12:50.870 sets up some incredible drama. Starting with 00:12:50.870 --> 00:12:53.690 West Group A, which features a thrilling Western 00:12:53.690 --> 00:12:56.690 Conference Finals rematch on Wednesday, exclusively 00:12:56.690 --> 00:12:59.769 on ESPN. That's the Oklahoma City Thunder holding 00:12:59.769 --> 00:13:03.509 a 2 -0 group record, hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves, 00:13:03.509 --> 00:13:06.710 who are 2 -1. For OKC, this game is everything. 00:13:07.240 --> 00:13:09.799 A win here, followed by a win against the Suns 00:13:09.799 --> 00:13:12.120 on Friday, would likely secure them the top seed 00:13:12.120 --> 00:13:14.259 and that critical home court advantage in the 00:13:14.259 --> 00:13:16.580 quarterfinals. Which, given the Thunder's young 00:13:16.580 --> 00:13:19.240 roster, is hugely valuable. But the Suns are 00:13:19.240 --> 00:13:21.879 right there, also 2 -0. They have a must -win 00:13:21.879 --> 00:13:25.059 situation Wednesday against Sacramento. The pressure 00:13:25.059 --> 00:13:28.120 is immense on Phoenix. For sure. Even if they 00:13:28.120 --> 00:13:31.669 lose to OKC on Friday. A decisive Wednesday win 00:13:31.669 --> 00:13:34.289 puts them in a strong position to advance to 00:13:34.289 --> 00:13:36.509 the knockout round, potentially as the wildcard 00:13:36.509 --> 00:13:38.309 if they finish with the best goal differential 00:13:38.309 --> 00:13:41.529 among second -place teams. For Phoenix, the Cup 00:13:41.529 --> 00:13:44.129 offers a chance to build chemistry and win something 00:13:44.129 --> 00:13:46.850 tangible early in the season. Over in West Group 00:13:46.850 --> 00:13:50.450 C, the Trailblazers, despite being below .500 00:13:50.450 --> 00:13:54.169 overall, they control their own destiny at 2 00:13:54.169 --> 00:13:56.769 -1. This is the beauty of the cup format, isn't 00:13:56.769 --> 00:13:59.049 it? A struggling team can use this high -stakes 00:13:59.049 --> 00:14:01.389 tournament run to change their entire season 00:14:01.389 --> 00:14:04.470 narrative? Absolutely. A victory over the Spurs, 00:14:04.590 --> 00:14:07.809 who are 1 -1 on Wednesday, wins the group outright 00:14:07.809 --> 00:14:10.429 for Portland. But if San Antonio manages to win 00:14:10.429 --> 00:14:12.809 that game, they then face the Nuggets, who are 00:14:12.809 --> 00:14:15.870 2 -1 on Friday for the crown. And the Nuggets, 00:14:15.889 --> 00:14:17.610 obviously, they're a title contender with immense 00:14:17.610 --> 00:14:20.149 pride, but they haven't been as dominant as they 00:14:20.149 --> 00:14:22.860 could be, which makes this group see... extremely 00:14:22.860 --> 00:14:25.000 unpredictable. The Blazers have the most to gain 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:27.559 here. A potential cut berth could inject life 00:14:27.559 --> 00:14:30.200 into their fan base and their locker room. Moving 00:14:30.200 --> 00:14:33.200 to the East, Group B is focused squarely on Detroit. 00:14:33.519 --> 00:14:36.559 Yep. The Magic are 3 -0, but the Pistons are 00:14:36.559 --> 00:14:39.700 2 -0, and they're riding that incredible franchise 00:14:39.700 --> 00:14:43.200 record 13 -game winning streak. This is one of 00:14:43.200 --> 00:14:45.240 the biggest stories in the NBA right now, period. 00:14:45.700 --> 00:14:49.440 And... This sets up an electrifying Friday matchup 00:14:49.440 --> 00:14:52.159 between those two teams. Detroit would win the 00:14:52.159 --> 00:14:55.000 group with a Friday victory, regardless of what 00:14:55.000 --> 00:14:57.299 happens in their Wednesday game against Boston. 00:14:57.440 --> 00:15:00.059 For the Pistons, this streak is validating their 00:15:00.059 --> 00:15:03.080 entire rebuild. If they can parlay this momentum 00:15:03.080 --> 00:15:05.580 into winning their group and reaching the knockout 00:15:05.580 --> 00:15:08.159 round, it validates every coaching decision, 00:15:08.419 --> 00:15:10.360 every draft pick they've made over the last three 00:15:10.360 --> 00:15:13.460 seasons. Finally, East Group C is tight. The 00:15:13.460 --> 00:15:16.620 Bucs at 2 -0 and the Knicks at 1 -1 are vying 00:15:16.620 --> 00:15:18.480 to become the first team to reach the knockout 00:15:18.480 --> 00:15:20.740 round in three straight seasons. And the 2 -1 00:15:20.740 --> 00:15:23.259 Heat are firmly in the mix, too. That means every 00:15:23.259 --> 00:15:25.360 single game this week is essentially a playoff 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:27.460 environment for these three teams. Milwaukee 00:15:27.460 --> 00:15:29.919 visits Miami on Wednesday and then New York on 00:15:29.919 --> 00:15:32.700 Friday. The critical X factor there is the status 00:15:32.700 --> 00:15:35.419 of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Right. He's been dealing 00:15:35.419 --> 00:15:38.019 with that groin injury. And Milwaukee has dropped 00:15:38.019 --> 00:15:40.460 four straight games without him. falling below 00:15:40.460 --> 00:15:43.700 .500 for the first time this season. His return 00:15:43.700 --> 00:15:45.860 could instantly flip the outcome of these crucial 00:15:45.860 --> 00:15:48.799 group games. If he's back at full strength, the 00:15:48.799 --> 00:15:50.820 Bucs become the immediate favorite to advance. 00:15:51.240 --> 00:15:54.019 His health is the linchpin for the entire group. 00:15:54.490 --> 00:15:56.889 Let's shift our focus now from the urgency of 00:15:56.889 --> 00:15:58.990 the tournament to the long -term foundational 00:15:58.990 --> 00:16:02.210 debates driving the league, team tactics, player 00:16:02.210 --> 00:16:05.370 valuation, and trade market dynamics. Let's start 00:16:05.370 --> 00:16:07.929 with tactical adjustments, specifically in New 00:16:07.929 --> 00:16:11.169 York and the curious case of Carl Anthony Towns. 00:16:11.419 --> 00:16:12.899 Yeah, now in his second year with the Knicks, 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:14.919 he is struggling. His lowest overall shooting 00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:18.299 percentage since 2015 at 45%, and a career -low 00:16:18.299 --> 00:16:21.580 33 .7 % from 3 through 16 games. It's hard to 00:16:21.580 --> 00:16:23.539 watch because he established himself as an All 00:16:23.539 --> 00:16:25.820 -NBA player precisely because of his shooting 00:16:25.820 --> 00:16:28.700 range. But the analysis suggests he needs a fundamental 00:16:28.700 --> 00:16:31.100 temporary change. He needs to lean into his size. 00:16:31.399 --> 00:16:34.740 Exactly. Lean into his 7 -foot, 248 -pound frame 00:16:34.740 --> 00:16:37.340 and establish an interior game before stretching 00:16:37.340 --> 00:16:40.000 to the arc. If he can't hit shots from distance, 00:16:40.240 --> 00:16:42.639 he needs to generate rhythm down low. And the 00:16:42.639 --> 00:16:45.159 data strongly supports this adjustment. It's 00:16:45.159 --> 00:16:48.539 a direct correlation. In Nick's wins, Towns averages 00:16:48.539 --> 00:16:52.820 11 .2 paint points. And subsequently, he shoots 00:16:52.820 --> 00:16:56.279 a scorching 40 .7 % from three. Which suggests 00:16:56.279 --> 00:16:58.639 that when he forces defenses to respect his size 00:16:58.639 --> 00:17:01.460 down low, the three -point line opens up and 00:17:01.460 --> 00:17:04.579 his confidence follows. But in losses, he completely 00:17:04.579 --> 00:17:08.700 regresses. He dips to just 8 .7 pat points, and 00:17:08.700 --> 00:17:10.839 his three -point percentage plummets to an absolutely 00:17:10.839 --> 00:17:15.079 abysmal 21 .2%. The question is, why does he 00:17:15.079 --> 00:17:17.700 stop going inside when the team is losing? It's 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:19.299 usually a symptom of trying to shoot yourself 00:17:19.299 --> 00:17:21.660 out of a slump, which is the worst thing an elite 00:17:21.660 --> 00:17:23.180 shooter can do when they have an established 00:17:23.180 --> 00:17:25.849 interior game. What's truly revealing is that 00:17:25.849 --> 00:17:28.789 in losses, the 6 '2 Jalen Brunson is averaging 00:17:28.789 --> 00:17:31.130 significantly more paint points than Towns 14 00:17:31.130 --> 00:17:34.069 .0. That gap highlights the issue perfectly. 00:17:34.549 --> 00:17:36.529 Towns is settling for chucking up shots from 00:17:36.529 --> 00:17:38.650 distance while slumping, rather than using his 00:17:38.650 --> 00:17:40.509 size and getting to the rim to generate rhythm 00:17:40.509 --> 00:17:42.730 and force defenses to collapse. So this creates 00:17:42.730 --> 00:17:45.170 a clear coaching mandate for Mike Brown. Drop 00:17:45.170 --> 00:17:47.210 more plays to get Towns closer to the basket, 00:17:47.250 --> 00:17:49.470 even if he feels uncomfortable doing it. And 00:17:49.470 --> 00:17:52.430 if nothing else, this focus on physicality down 00:17:52.430 --> 00:17:54.609 low should help him get to the free throw line, 00:17:54.730 --> 00:17:57.029 where he's having a career best season shooting 00:17:57.029 --> 00:18:00.849 88 .4%. It's a simple mechanical change that 00:18:00.849 --> 00:18:03.410 could unlock the entire Knicks offense and pull 00:18:03.410 --> 00:18:05.609 him out of this slump. Now we get into trade 00:18:05.609 --> 00:18:07.789 value debates, starting with a move that was 00:18:07.789 --> 00:18:10.630 initially panned by nearly every pundit. The 00:18:10.630 --> 00:18:13.309 Utah Jazz swapping Colin Sexton for Yusuf Nurkic 00:18:13.309 --> 00:18:16.150 this past offseason. The Jazz were lambasted 00:18:16.150 --> 00:18:18.529 for exchanging a younger, score -first guard 00:18:18.529 --> 00:18:21.490 for an aging center. And yet here we are. The 00:18:21.490 --> 00:18:23.750 move may be working out perfectly for the Jazz, 00:18:23.990 --> 00:18:26.789 largely because Walker Kessler suffered a season 00:18:26.789 --> 00:18:29.430 -ending injury which thrust Nurkic into a starter's 00:18:29.430 --> 00:18:31.849 role much earlier than anticipated. And despite 00:18:31.849 --> 00:18:33.910 being past his prime, Nurkic has put up decent 00:18:33.910 --> 00:18:37.309 numbers. 7 .5 points, 9 .6 rebounds, and 3 .5 00:18:37.309 --> 00:18:40.470 assists in about 25 minutes a game. And NBA insider 00:18:40.470 --> 00:18:42.650 Jake Fisher reported that Nurkic has performed 00:18:42.650 --> 00:18:45.109 well enough that he is expected to generate significant 00:18:45.109 --> 00:18:47.910 interest from rival teams as he plays out his 00:18:47.910 --> 00:18:51.509 $19 .3 million expiring contract. This highlights 00:18:51.509 --> 00:18:53.750 a crucial point about value in the modern NBA 00:18:53.750 --> 00:18:56.250 that often flies under the radar. It's that the 00:18:56.250 --> 00:18:59.190 specific type of player often matters more than 00:18:59.190 --> 00:19:01.970 raw age or individual scoring talent, especially 00:19:01.970 --> 00:19:04.250 when teams are gearing up for the playoffs. Right. 00:19:04.450 --> 00:19:07.740 Exactly. Nurkic, even with his decreased mobility, 00:19:08.039 --> 00:19:11.680 is a quality rotation big man and a unique high 00:19:11.680 --> 00:19:14.700 post operator. He's a connector big who could 00:19:14.700 --> 00:19:17.220 facilitate offense from the elbow. And that role 00:19:17.220 --> 00:19:19.960 is highly coveted by playoff teams who need depth 00:19:19.960 --> 00:19:23.319 at center and a secondary playmaker. His value 00:19:23.319 --> 00:19:25.599 on an expiring deal is reportedly higher than 00:19:25.599 --> 00:19:28.000 Sexton's, who, despite his scoring potential, 00:19:28.359 --> 00:19:30.880 is viewed by the league as a score -first guard 00:19:30.880 --> 00:19:33.680 who is exploitable defensively in a high -stakes 00:19:33.680 --> 00:19:36.160 seven -game series. Teams will specifically target 00:19:36.160 --> 00:19:39.059 Sexton in a defensive scheme, while Nurkic adds 00:19:39.059 --> 00:19:42.000 size and structure. Shifting to the legacy conversation, 00:19:42.539 --> 00:19:45.500 reigning MVP Shai Gilgis -Alexander is leading 00:19:45.500 --> 00:19:47.400 the Oklahoma City Thunder to the league's best 00:19:47.400 --> 00:19:50.250 record. But Nikola Jokic is forcing his way back 00:19:50.250 --> 00:19:52.109 into the narrative. And the conversation is getting 00:19:52.109 --> 00:19:55.450 serious. It is. Jokic is having a historic season 00:19:55.450 --> 00:19:58.630 at 30 years old. He's averaging 29 .6 points, 00:19:58.789 --> 00:20:02.529 12 .8 rebounds, and 11 .1 assists, while shooting 00:20:02.529 --> 00:20:06.349 incredibly efficiently 62 .6 % from the field 00:20:06.349 --> 00:20:10.200 and 43 .4 from three. His combination of size, 00:20:10.480 --> 00:20:13.259 efficiency, and playmaking is nearly unprecedented. 00:20:13.720 --> 00:20:15.940 But the conversation around his legacy is heating 00:20:15.940 --> 00:20:19.200 up, maybe too fast. A former NBA finalist coach 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:22.069 actually put Jokic in the conversation for Best 00:20:22.069 --> 00:20:24.089 player in the history of the NBA. Which is a 00:20:24.089 --> 00:20:26.410 huge claim. A huge claim for a player with only 00:20:26.410 --> 00:20:29.549 one title and three MVPs. What criterion did 00:20:29.549 --> 00:20:32.230 that coach use that puts him ahead of, say, a 00:20:32.230 --> 00:20:34.769 five -time champion like Magic Johnson or the 00:20:34.769 --> 00:20:37.009 established GOAT conversation with Michael Jordan? 00:20:37.230 --> 00:20:40.069 The focus is entirely on his efficiency and basketball 00:20:40.069 --> 00:20:42.900 IQ. The coach argued that no player with his 00:20:42.900 --> 00:20:44.920 size has ever combined that level of playmaking, 00:20:45.019 --> 00:20:47.500 averaging a near triple -double with that level 00:20:47.500 --> 00:20:49.279 of shooting efficiency. So it's the intellectual 00:20:49.279 --> 00:20:51.319 argument. It's all about his incredible basketball 00:20:51.319 --> 00:20:54.220 IQ. And that IQ translates not just to offensive 00:20:54.220 --> 00:20:56.220 playmaking, but also to defense. He's a good 00:20:56.220 --> 00:20:58.059 team defender who generates steals one point 00:20:58.059 --> 00:21:00.180 true for his career just by anticipating passes 00:21:00.180 --> 00:21:02.880 and rotations. So the argument is that if you 00:21:02.880 --> 00:21:05.619 value total offensive perfection and intellectual 00:21:05.619 --> 00:21:08.579 dominance, Jokic is already approaching that 00:21:08.579 --> 00:21:11.579 tier, even if he needs... more titles to solidify 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:13.619 his status in the traditional sense. Exactly. 00:21:13.619 --> 00:21:15.700 It's an intellectual argument that separates 00:21:15.700 --> 00:21:18.339 him from the sheer athleticism of other greats. 00:21:18.359 --> 00:21:20.559 Yeah. He still has time to add those titles, 00:21:20.680 --> 00:21:23.420 but the underlying numbers supporting the claim 00:21:23.420 --> 00:21:25.900 are staggering. All right. We've hit the trade 00:21:25.900 --> 00:21:28.180 deadline. Watch. The Sacramento Kings are having 00:21:28.180 --> 00:21:31.700 a surprisingly rocky start at 5 and 13. And that 00:21:31.700 --> 00:21:34.200 leads directly to trade rumors that suggest they 00:21:34.200 --> 00:21:36.380 are willing to listen to offers for almost everyone 00:21:36.380 --> 00:21:39.630 except Keegan Murray and Neek Clifford. If they 00:21:39.630 --> 00:21:42.890 do decide to sell, veteran Jamar DeRozan is the 00:21:42.890 --> 00:21:45.730 easiest and most valuable chip to move. No doubt. 00:21:45.849 --> 00:21:48.269 He's still performing well at 18 .7 points per 00:21:48.269 --> 00:21:51.450 game on 50 % shooting, but the key is his contract. 00:21:51.910 --> 00:21:54.349 Next season is only partially guaranteed at $10 00:21:54.349 --> 00:21:56.970 million. That makes him highly movable for a 00:21:56.970 --> 00:21:58.970 contending team looking for a short -term boost. 00:21:59.349 --> 00:22:01.329 So let's run through the three most sensible 00:22:01.329 --> 00:22:03.490 trade scenarios being discussed, because they 00:22:03.490 --> 00:22:05.650 demonstrate three different motivations for trading. 00:22:05.910 --> 00:22:08.640 First up. the L .A. Clippers, who are reportedly 00:22:08.640 --> 00:22:11.099 already looking into him. This trade would be 00:22:11.099 --> 00:22:14.259 driven by desperation and necessity. Absolutely. 00:22:14.420 --> 00:22:17.599 The Clippers are 5 -12, and they owe their first 00:22:17.599 --> 00:22:20.920 -round pick, so they are firmly all -in on maximizing 00:22:20.920 --> 00:22:23.900 this window. The suggested trade is DeRozan for 00:22:23.900 --> 00:22:26.940 Bogdan Bogdanovich and Derek Jones Jr. This works 00:22:26.940 --> 00:22:29.799 for Sacramento because they acquire Bogdanovich 00:22:29.799 --> 00:22:32.779 as an asset to potentially flip later or integrate 00:22:32.779 --> 00:22:35.869 immediately. The biggest drawback for the Clippers 00:22:35.869 --> 00:22:39.269 is adding another older player. DeRozan is 36 00:22:39.269 --> 00:22:42.289 to an already aged roster that needs youth and 00:22:42.289 --> 00:22:45.390 durability. They're banking entirely on DeRozan 00:22:45.390 --> 00:22:47.819 pushing them into contention right now. Okay, 00:22:47.920 --> 00:22:50.480 next is the Golden State Warriors scenario, which 00:22:50.480 --> 00:22:52.380 is built on solving that internal dysfunction 00:22:52.380 --> 00:22:54.920 we talked about earlier. Right, the Kuminga conundrum. 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:57.240 If the Warriors decide that they cannot wait 00:22:57.240 --> 00:22:59.559 on Jonathan Kuminga's development and want to 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:02.920 maximize their win -now window, trading for DeRozan 00:23:02.920 --> 00:23:04.980 makes a lot of sense, despite his non -traditional 00:23:04.980 --> 00:23:07.059 fit in their offense. The proposed deal sends 00:23:07.059 --> 00:23:09.440 DeMar DeRozan and Keon Ellis to Golden State 00:23:09.440 --> 00:23:12.220 in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Heald 00:23:12.220 --> 00:23:14.799 heading to Sacramento. This is fascinating. For 00:23:14.799 --> 00:23:17.720 Golden State, this provides a proven win -now 00:23:17.720 --> 00:23:20.339 piece whose ability to create reliable mid -range 00:23:20.339 --> 00:23:23.019 scoring is immense. It offers a new dimension 00:23:23.019 --> 00:23:25.660 in the half court. And for Sacramento, they get 00:23:25.660 --> 00:23:28.900 their man in Kuminga, a young, high -upside player 00:23:28.900 --> 00:23:31.920 hungry for a larger role, which aligns perfectly 00:23:31.920 --> 00:23:34.319 with their stated goal of building around young 00:23:34.319 --> 00:23:37.019 core pieces. But this trade has to wait until 00:23:37.019 --> 00:23:39.500 Kaminga is trade eligible in January. Correct. 00:23:39.700 --> 00:23:42.160 And finally, the Boston Celtics scenario, which 00:23:42.160 --> 00:23:44.420 is purely about salary. It just demonstrates 00:23:44.420 --> 00:23:46.799 the complex influence of the collective bargaining 00:23:46.799 --> 00:23:49.720 agreement on decision making. The reports say 00:23:49.720 --> 00:23:52.220 this move is driven purely by Boston's desire 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:54.559 to manage their salary structure and avoid the 00:23:54.559 --> 00:23:56.740 financial penalties associated with being a high 00:23:56.740 --> 00:23:59.400 spending team. Precisely. The Celtics are a hair 00:23:59.400 --> 00:24:01.819 over the first apron and about $12 million above 00:24:01.819 --> 00:24:05.160 the tax line. Trading Anfernee Simons, who is 00:24:05.160 --> 00:24:08.720 on an expiring $27 million deal for DeRozan's 00:24:08.720 --> 00:24:11.599 $24 million salary, helps them move closer to 00:24:11.599 --> 00:24:13.799 getting under the luxury tax and that first apron. 00:24:13.960 --> 00:24:16.380 And for those unfamiliar with the CBA, that first 00:24:16.380 --> 00:24:19.059 apron severely restricts a team's ability to 00:24:19.059 --> 00:24:21.200 acquire players and make trades later in the 00:24:21.200 --> 00:24:24.619 season. By maneuvering below it... Boston maintains 00:24:24.619 --> 00:24:27.599 essential flexibility. And the Kings would acquire 00:24:27.599 --> 00:24:30.059 Simons as a high -scoring asset to either flip 00:24:30.059 --> 00:24:32.700 immediately or use in a sign -and -trade later. 00:24:32.940 --> 00:24:35.660 His scoring ceiling is high, despite being streaky 00:24:35.660 --> 00:24:38.420 early in his Celtics tenure. It's a move motivated 00:24:38.420 --> 00:24:41.579 by accounting, not necessarily by optimizing 00:24:41.579 --> 00:24:44.140 on -court talent immediately. We transition now 00:24:44.140 --> 00:24:46.019 to the college ranks, where teams are building 00:24:46.019 --> 00:24:48.299 their resumes during early tournament play and 00:24:48.299 --> 00:24:50.799 non -conference battles. The landscape is already 00:24:50.799 --> 00:24:52.900 seeing some shakeups. Let's start with consistency. 00:24:53.400 --> 00:24:55.640 Missouri men's basketball is just rolling along, 00:24:55.839 --> 00:24:58.940 improving to a perfect 7 -0 after dominating 00:24:58.940 --> 00:25:02.619 South Carolina State 98 -66. They held the Bulldogs 00:25:02.619 --> 00:25:05.839 to just 37 .5 % shooting. They're showing that 00:25:05.839 --> 00:25:08.200 early season consistency that suggests they are 00:25:08.200 --> 00:25:10.539 a real threat in the SEC this year. And a team 00:25:10.539 --> 00:25:12.140 that made a massive statement on the defensive 00:25:12.140 --> 00:25:15.460 end was Indiana. They beat Kansas State 86 -69. 00:25:15.779 --> 00:25:17.839 And that victory helped them jump seven spots 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:21.059 to no 15 nationally in defensive efficiency on 00:25:21.059 --> 00:25:24.630 Ken Palm. And that jump is huge. Ken Palm, for 00:25:24.630 --> 00:25:26.670 those unfamiliar, uses predictive efficiency 00:25:26.670 --> 00:25:29.009 ratings and advanced metrics to project team 00:25:29.009 --> 00:25:32.369 performance, and climbing into the top 15 defensively 00:25:32.369 --> 00:25:35.450 shows Indiana is fundamentally sound. Their defense 00:25:35.450 --> 00:25:38.549 was absolutely suffocating. It was. Indiana forced 00:25:38.549 --> 00:25:42.250 a remarkable 25 % turnover rate against a K -State 00:25:42.250 --> 00:25:44.430 team that averaged under 20 % on the season. 00:25:44.589 --> 00:25:46.849 That's just pure defensive pressure and scheme 00:25:46.849 --> 00:25:49.619 work. And their top scorers were Reed Bailey 00:25:49.619 --> 00:25:52.640 with 21 points and Taton Connerway adding 19 00:25:52.640 --> 00:25:55.579 points and two assists. That victory proved they 00:25:55.579 --> 00:25:57.599 have enough reliable offensive talent to win 00:25:57.599 --> 00:25:59.980 even when their top draft prospects might struggle. 00:26:00.319 --> 00:26:02.640 They're relying on solid defensive execution 00:26:02.640 --> 00:26:05.140 and secondary scoring. The Maui Invitational 00:26:05.140 --> 00:26:07.660 provided huge highlights and exposed some national 00:26:07.660 --> 00:26:09.880 contenders. Yeah, Seton Hall registered its biggest 00:26:09.880 --> 00:26:13.059 win of the season, dominating no 23 -22 NC State 00:26:13.059 --> 00:26:17.039 85 -74. A .J. Stett -McCray had 22 points. Seton 00:26:17.039 --> 00:26:19.339 Hall trailed by only two at halftime, but they 00:26:19.339 --> 00:26:21.940 opened the second half with a decisive 17 -2 00:26:21.940 --> 00:26:25.000 run. The Wolfpack never got closer than nine 00:26:25.000 --> 00:26:27.799 the rest of the way. That second -half explosiveness 00:26:27.799 --> 00:26:29.779 is a great indicator of coaching adjustments 00:26:29.779 --> 00:26:32.819 and superior conditioning. But the Pirates' run 00:26:32.819 --> 00:26:36.859 was ultimately edged by USC 83 -81. Yeah, USC 00:26:36.859 --> 00:26:39.559 rallied behind Baker Mazzara after their star 00:26:39.559 --> 00:26:42.460 player Rice left early in the second half with 00:26:42.460 --> 00:26:44.480 what looked like an upper arm or shoulder injury. 00:26:44.880 --> 00:26:47.579 Baker Mazaras stepped up. He scored 12 points 00:26:47.579 --> 00:26:49.759 over a crucial five -minute stretch, including 00:26:49.759 --> 00:26:52.059 a three -pointer that finished a 10 -0 run to 00:26:52.059 --> 00:26:53.960 put the Trojans ahead for good. It's a great 00:26:53.960 --> 00:26:56.240 example of a team showing resilience and stepping 00:26:56.240 --> 00:26:58.299 up when their primary option goes down. Then 00:26:58.299 --> 00:27:00.339 we saw a true trouncing in the Vegas finale. 00:27:00.900 --> 00:27:04.980 Syracuse was just destroyed 95 -64 by No. 15 00:27:04.980 --> 00:27:07.720 Iowa State. Syracuse was competitive. They were 00:27:07.720 --> 00:27:09.579 only down one point at halftime, but they were 00:27:09.579 --> 00:27:12.019 absolutely annihilated, outscored 60 -30 in the 00:27:12.019 --> 00:27:14.119 second half. Iowa State's defense was the key. 00:27:14.240 --> 00:27:16.920 They forced 19 Syracuse turnovers that translated 00:27:16.920 --> 00:27:19.279 directly into 30 points. You just can't win when 00:27:19.279 --> 00:27:22.140 you get that many points. And Iowa State's Milan 00:27:22.140 --> 00:27:24.980 Momsilovic had a game -high 24 points, hitting 00:27:24.980 --> 00:27:28.140 6 of 10 shots from three -point range. His shooting 00:27:28.140 --> 00:27:30.460 was the dagger that allowed Iowa State to pull 00:27:30.460 --> 00:27:33.160 away completely in that second half. So beyond 00:27:33.160 --> 00:27:35.500 the box scores, we are tracking players whose 00:27:35.500 --> 00:27:37.619 performances are starting to catch the intense 00:27:37.619 --> 00:27:40.579 attention of NBA scouts. Starting with Iowa's 00:27:40.579 --> 00:27:43.289 senior guard. Then it's Sturtz. Right. Sturtz 00:27:43.289 --> 00:27:45.309 had an incredible night against Ole Miss, went 00:27:45.309 --> 00:27:47.869 off for 29 points, including six of eight from 00:27:47.869 --> 00:27:50.569 beyond the arc, leading the Hawkeyes to a 74 00:27:50.569 --> 00:27:53.990 -69 win. And he followed his coach, Ben McCollum, 00:27:54.069 --> 00:27:57.529 from Drake to Iowa, and is averaging almost 20 00:27:57.529 --> 00:28:00.369 points through Iowa's first four wins. But what 00:28:00.369 --> 00:28:02.910 are scouts actually seeing in his game, beyond 00:28:02.910 --> 00:28:05.339 the numbers? The interest isn't just because 00:28:05.339 --> 00:28:07.240 he's a high scorer. It's because he understands 00:28:07.240 --> 00:28:11.140 modern NBA movement. Sturtz is a master of off 00:28:11.140 --> 00:28:12.920 -ball offense. He's running McCollum's system 00:28:12.920 --> 00:28:15.500 perfectly. Exactly. Using screens to get open 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:17.759 for quick trigger threes and showcasing excellent 00:28:17.759 --> 00:28:19.859 pick -and -roll ability, which is essential for 00:28:19.859 --> 00:28:22.579 a modern NBA guard. His ability to hit those 00:28:22.579 --> 00:28:24.660 shots off movement and use smart passes when 00:28:24.660 --> 00:28:27.119 the defense collapses is what's driving him up 00:28:27.119 --> 00:28:29.119 the mock drafts. What's also compelling about 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:32.480 Sturtz is the off -court narrative. He reportedly 00:28:32.480 --> 00:28:35.160 turned down a lot of money in the transfer portal 00:28:35.160 --> 00:28:38.579 to stay loyal to McCollum's system. He prioritized 00:28:38.579 --> 00:28:41.160 the relationship and fit over NIL temptation. 00:28:41.500 --> 00:28:44.500 And he's reportedly prioritizing using his platform 00:28:44.500 --> 00:28:47.140 to give glory to him God rather than chasing 00:28:47.140 --> 00:28:50.099 personal endorsement fame. This speaks to a maturity 00:28:50.099 --> 00:28:53.019 level that NBA front offices really value when 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:55.720 they look at potential late -round steals. Back 00:28:55.720 --> 00:28:58.220 to the college game. Will Barron Phelan Jr., 00:28:58.220 --> 00:29:00.980 the sophomore guard for No. 8 Alabama, he looks 00:29:00.980 --> 00:29:03.680 primed for an All -American campaign. The 6 '4 00:29:03.680 --> 00:29:06.579 guard is averaging elite numbers. 20 .7 points, 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:10.500 5 .7 assists, and 2 .7 rebounds through six contests. 00:29:10.680 --> 00:29:12.960 And Alabama's offensive philosophy is helping 00:29:12.960 --> 00:29:15.599 him shine. They shoot the sixth most three -pointers 00:29:15.599 --> 00:29:17.839 per game in the country. This incredible floor 00:29:17.839 --> 00:29:19.660 spacing, which pulls centers out of the paint, 00:29:19.779 --> 00:29:22.079 is leading directly to their interior efficiency. 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:25.559 Exactly. Filon is benefiting immensely from that 00:29:25.559 --> 00:29:28.180 spacing. He is a primary beneficiary of the wide 00:29:28.180 --> 00:29:30.039 -open driving lanes, which allows him to use 00:29:30.039 --> 00:29:32.380 his athleticism and scoring touch to post an 00:29:32.380 --> 00:29:35.460 elite 60 .7 two -point percentage, ranking them 00:29:35.460 --> 00:29:38.059 in the top 30 nationally. He's not just scoring. 00:29:38.500 --> 00:29:41.099 He's scoring efficiently and setting up his teammates 00:29:41.099 --> 00:29:43.740 within a high -powered offensive system. All 00:29:43.740 --> 00:29:45.859 right, let's shift our focus years ahead now 00:29:45.859 --> 00:29:49.359 to the 2026 NBA mock draft, where the foundational 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:51.640 talent is already starting to separate itself. 00:29:51.920 --> 00:29:54.299 Front offices are already dedicating significant 00:29:54.299 --> 00:29:56.920 scouting resources to these prospects. For sure. 00:29:57.059 --> 00:29:59.960 Darren Peterson, the dynamic guard who was committed 00:29:59.960 --> 00:30:02.799 to Kansas. He's an early candidate for the consensus 00:30:02.799 --> 00:30:06.140 number one spot. His combination of size, scoring 00:30:06.140 --> 00:30:09.079 punch, and athleticism is exactly what NBA teams 00:30:09.079 --> 00:30:11.599 look for in a franchise cornerstone. But another 00:30:11.599 --> 00:30:13.559 prospect, Wilson, who's currently playing prep 00:30:13.559 --> 00:30:16.240 school basketball, he's rapidly creating separation 00:30:16.240 --> 00:30:19.420 as a clear top five contender. He leads the nation 00:30:19.420 --> 00:30:21.940 in box plus minus and has logged a ridiculous 00:30:21.940 --> 00:30:25.000 24 dunks in just five games. His motor and downs 00:30:25.000 --> 00:30:27.460 are well documented, but the key developmental 00:30:27.460 --> 00:30:30.220 leap is his offensive complexity. He's creating 00:30:30.220 --> 00:30:32.519 easy baskets using his handle and slicing through 00:30:32.519 --> 00:30:35.380 defenses. This versatility is what scouts love. 00:30:35.539 --> 00:30:39.079 And you see flashes of true high IQ passing and 00:30:39.079 --> 00:30:41.259 legitimate shooting range coupled with elite 00:30:41.259 --> 00:30:45.099 defensive tools. This versatile skill set suggests 00:30:45.099 --> 00:30:47.500 he is quickly separating himself in those early 00:30:47.500 --> 00:30:50.200 top tier discussions because he projects not 00:30:50.200 --> 00:30:52.859 just as an athletic marvel, but as a genuine 00:30:52.859 --> 00:30:55.119 two -way wing who can contribute immediately. 00:30:55.500 --> 00:30:58.420 Then there is Pete from Arizona State. He's a 00:30:58.420 --> 00:31:00.839 prospect whose game is based on raw power and 00:31:00.839 --> 00:31:03.740 polish. He's showing incredibly advanced footwork, 00:31:03.859 --> 00:31:06.500 touch, and strength, consistently separating 00:31:06.500 --> 00:31:09.299 himself from much bigger defenders like the 230 00:31:09.299 --> 00:31:12.880 -pound Alex Condon and the 265 -pound Ruben Chinelo. 00:31:13.059 --> 00:31:15.539 Pete relies on signature short -range follow 00:31:15.539 --> 00:31:18.039 -aways or athletic finishes, and he uses his 00:31:18.039 --> 00:31:20.920 body beautifully. Scouts are divided on him, 00:31:20.980 --> 00:31:22.700 though, and this is where the debate gets interesting. 00:31:22.940 --> 00:31:25.019 Some buy the tools and the polish. They point 00:31:25.019 --> 00:31:27.319 to his production as a young player. He averaged 00:31:27.319 --> 00:31:31.220 9 .4 points. shot 60 % inside the arc, and posted 00:31:31.220 --> 00:31:34.000 an impressive 9 .8 % block rate as a 17 -year 00:31:34.000 --> 00:31:36.539 -old freshman. But the concern is translatability 00:31:36.539 --> 00:31:39.599 to the pro game. He's listed as a 6 '8 power 00:31:39.599 --> 00:31:42.380 forward with limited range, and he relies heavily 00:31:42.380 --> 00:31:45.000 on contested two -point jumpers. In the NBA, 00:31:45.240 --> 00:31:48.240 relying on contested twos is a difficult way 00:31:48.240 --> 00:31:50.619 to make a living. If he could improve his shooting 00:31:50.619 --> 00:31:53.700 range and overall half -court creation, his defensive 00:31:53.700 --> 00:31:56.980 instincts and elite post -footwork alone could 00:31:56.980 --> 00:32:00.440 make him a special NBA impact player. But that 00:32:00.440 --> 00:32:03.559 jump shot is the ceiling limiter right now. Okay, 00:32:03.599 --> 00:32:05.480 moving into the middle of the first round, we 00:32:05.480 --> 00:32:08.920 see Chris Cenac Jr., a 6 '11 power forward from 00:32:08.920 --> 00:32:11.740 Houston, projected 16th to the Oklahoma City 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:14.759 Thunder. Cenac is a high -floor prospect. He's 00:32:14.759 --> 00:32:17.440 productive and efficient, provides reliable minutes 00:32:17.440 --> 00:32:20.519 due to his size, athleticism at the rim, and 00:32:20.519 --> 00:32:22.420 shot -making versatility hitting foul -aways 00:32:22.420 --> 00:32:24.900 from the post and rhythm threes. He's come to 00:32:24.900 --> 00:32:27.140 Jabari Smith Jr., which suggests he's built to 00:32:27.140 --> 00:32:29.660 be a modern scoring big. The pathways to upside 00:32:29.660 --> 00:32:32.059 are where scouts have questions, though. He lacks 00:32:32.059 --> 00:32:34.619 defensive playmaking and passing, meaning scouts 00:32:34.619 --> 00:32:36.839 question how strongly he'll impact games if his 00:32:36.839 --> 00:32:39.220 shot isn't falling consistently. For OKC, this 00:32:39.220 --> 00:32:41.319 pick would provide reliable size and shooting 00:32:41.319 --> 00:32:43.519 depth as they continue to refine their roster. 00:32:43.759 --> 00:32:45.759 At pick 18, the New York Knicks are projected 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:47.819 to take Matt Abel from North Carolina State, 00:32:47.960 --> 00:32:50.220 who draws a pro comparison to Landry Shammott. 00:32:50.279 --> 00:32:53.279 His shooting is the primary draw? but he operates 00:32:53.279 --> 00:32:55.819 with real poise and intelligence. He really does. 00:32:55.980 --> 00:32:58.519 He utilizes smart escape dribbles into pull -ups 00:32:58.519 --> 00:33:01.380 and makes very smart passing reads for a scoring 00:33:01.380 --> 00:33:04.319 guard. While he's mostly been a perimeter scoring 00:33:04.319 --> 00:33:07.059 specialist, his finishing shows obvious touch, 00:33:07.200 --> 00:33:09.740 which alleviates concerns about his lack of strength 00:33:09.740 --> 00:33:12.440 and explosion. He's a guy you can plug into an 00:33:12.440 --> 00:33:15.180 offense who instantly makes it smarter. OKC potentially 00:33:15.180 --> 00:33:18.759 grabs another prospect at 26 with Caden Boozer 00:33:18.759 --> 00:33:22.440 from Duke comped to Trey Jones. Boozer is a player 00:33:22.440 --> 00:33:25.279 whose numbers might not jump off the page, but 00:33:25.279 --> 00:33:28.349 he demonstrates an advanced feel. unselfishness, 00:33:28.349 --> 00:33:31.450 and high IQ running the offense. This is pure 00:33:31.450 --> 00:33:33.890 floor generalship. So scouts who value steady, 00:33:34.089 --> 00:33:36.329 reliable point guard play will appreciate his 00:33:36.329 --> 00:33:38.369 ability to make the game easier for his teammates, 00:33:38.450 --> 00:33:41.109 even if they question his lack of explosive athleticism 00:33:41.109 --> 00:33:43.069 or scoring punch for a lead guard in the NBA. 00:33:43.369 --> 00:33:45.890 Exactly. Moving into the second round, Juke Harris, 00:33:46.130 --> 00:33:48.329 currently playing prep basketball, is projected 00:33:48.329 --> 00:33:51.490 37th and is comped to Aaron Wiggins. Harris has 00:33:51.490 --> 00:33:53.789 produced his way into the conversation as a 6 00:33:53.789 --> 00:33:57.200 '7 small forward. He's a serious transition weapon, 00:33:57.420 --> 00:33:59.880 a three -point threat, and a good off -ball scorer, 00:33:59.880 --> 00:34:02.779 driving, cutting, and crashing the glass. The 00:34:02.779 --> 00:34:05.119 key for him is sustaining that level of scoring 00:34:05.119 --> 00:34:07.599 and efficiency throughout his first year in college 00:34:07.599 --> 00:34:10.920 or on the professional circuit. If he shows consistency, 00:34:11.219 --> 00:34:13.840 he moves into the first round easily. Finally, 00:34:13.880 --> 00:34:16.219 a strong international prospect, Sergio de la 00:34:16.219 --> 00:34:19.119 Rea from Valencia, Spain, projected 39th to the 00:34:19.119 --> 00:34:21.500 Spurs, who always look for international talent. 00:34:21.949 --> 00:34:25.050 He's comped to Bogdan Bogdanovich. He's a 6 '5 00:34:25.050 --> 00:34:27.070 shooting guard who is a knockdown three -point 00:34:27.070 --> 00:34:30.489 shooter. He hit 43 .2 % last year and is starting 00:34:30.489 --> 00:34:33.670 this season 18 for 34. He also averages 3 .1 00:34:33.670 --> 00:34:36.469 assists in only 15 .8 minutes, which shows obvious 00:34:36.469 --> 00:34:38.750 feel and passing IQ in ball screen situations. 00:34:39.210 --> 00:34:41.710 His combination of size, shot making, and playmaking 00:34:41.710 --> 00:34:44.929 gives him an easy projected fit in the NBA, especially 00:34:44.929 --> 00:34:47.210 for a team like the Spurs that runs a sophisticated 00:34:47.210 --> 00:34:49.949 offensive system. That wraps up our look into 00:34:49.949 --> 00:34:52.630 the most pressing issues in the NBA and the exciting 00:34:52.630 --> 00:34:55.769 talent pipeline in college basketball. We've 00:34:55.769 --> 00:34:58.530 seen incredible drama from Anthony Davis demanding 00:34:58.530 --> 00:35:01.230 his way back onto the court despite front office 00:35:01.230 --> 00:35:03.550 pushback. A move that cost his general manager 00:35:03.550 --> 00:35:06.630 his job. To the Pistons tying a franchise record 00:35:06.630 --> 00:35:08.989 with their 13 -game winning streak heading into 00:35:08.989 --> 00:35:11.530 critical cut play. And tactically, the conversation 00:35:11.530 --> 00:35:15.179 around player value is evolving fast. We talked 00:35:15.179 --> 00:35:17.619 about how Nurkic, despite being past his prime, 00:35:17.860 --> 00:35:20.780 is expected to generate more trade interest than 00:35:20.780 --> 00:35:23.539 a score -first guard like Sexton because of his 00:35:23.539 --> 00:35:26.320 specific role as a rotational high post big. 00:35:26.519 --> 00:35:29.380 It just reinforces that fit, specific positional 00:35:29.380 --> 00:35:32.119 need, and contract flexibility often outweigh 00:35:32.119 --> 00:35:33.880 traditional metrics of raw scoring or youth. 00:35:34.250 --> 00:35:36.570 Similarly, we saw the hard numbers supporting 00:35:36.570 --> 00:35:38.969 the idea that a player like Carl Anthony Towns 00:35:38.969 --> 00:35:41.230 must use his interior game, even if he's a great 00:35:41.230 --> 00:35:43.789 outside shooter, to anchor his rhythm. Right. 00:35:43.869 --> 00:35:45.849 When he scores more in the paint, his three -point 00:35:45.849 --> 00:35:49.429 percentage jumps from 21 % up to 40%. The tactical 00:35:49.429 --> 00:35:51.610 adjustment for New York is obvious. Rhythm comes 00:35:51.610 --> 00:35:54.110 from proximity. And the excitement of the NBA 00:35:54.110 --> 00:35:57.670 Cup is now firmly in the knockout stages. The 00:35:57.670 --> 00:36:00.010 high -stakes financial incentive of that $53 00:36:00.010 --> 00:36:03.329 ,000 bonus is clearly adding tangible motivation 00:36:03.329 --> 00:36:06.409 for every player, despite some critical issues 00:36:06.409 --> 00:36:08.809 with the special court designs and player safety. 00:36:09.050 --> 00:36:11.730 As we look ahead, the future is incredibly bright 00:36:11.730 --> 00:36:14.550 both in the NCAA and in the upcoming draft classes. 00:36:14.730 --> 00:36:17.090 But the decisions struggling teams make right 00:36:17.090 --> 00:36:19.769 now regarding their existing veteran talent will 00:36:19.769 --> 00:36:22.340 define that future. Which raises an important, 00:36:22.440 --> 00:36:25.199 provocative question for you, the listener. Which 00:36:25.199 --> 00:36:27.840 struggling lottery -bound team like the Sacramento 00:36:27.840 --> 00:36:30.260 Kings, who are already listening to trade offers 00:36:30.260 --> 00:36:32.639 for DeRozan, or maybe a team like the Brooklyn 00:36:32.639 --> 00:36:35.519 Nets, will be the first to truly commit to building 00:36:35.519 --> 00:36:38.599 around a young, high -upside, unproven talent 00:36:38.599 --> 00:36:41.179 like Jonathan Kuminga, or an incoming prospect 00:36:41.179 --> 00:36:44.059 like Alex Saar, rather than chasing a quick fix 00:36:44.059 --> 00:36:46.099 with a veteran? That long -term vision is always 00:36:46.099 --> 00:36:47.940 the hardest bet to make in the competitive landscape 00:36:47.940 --> 00:36:50.380 of the NBA. You have to decide to take a step 00:36:50.380 --> 00:36:53.000 back before you can take two steps forward. Thank 00:36:53.000 --> 00:36:55.219 you for joining us for another edition of Basketball 00:36:55.219 --> 00:36:56.400 Home. We'll catch you next time.