Hardwood Knocks

Dan and Grant spotlight concerns for every NBA team in the Eastern Conference to start the 2023-24 NBA season and decide whether it's time to seriously worry about them. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO7:08 - News and Rumors16:00 - PEACE OR PANIC?!16:30 - Atlanta Hawks18:58 - Boston Celtics23:07 - Brooklyn Nets27:02 - Charlotte Hornets32:35 - Chicago Bull39:47 - Cleveland Cavaliers43:53 - Detroit Pistons49:49 - Indiana Pacers52:58 - Miami Heat58:48 - Milwaukee Bucks1:06:48 - New York Knicks1:10:28 - Orlando Magic1:15:40 - Philadelphia 76ers1:20:08 - Toronto Raptors1:26:51 - Washington WizardsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.comThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.sprea

MAIL TIME. Dan answers YOUR questions. This latest journey around the NBA covers the rise of the Houston Rockets, a deep dive into the Milwaukee Bucks defense and how to fix it, Jalen Suggs' breakout, trade targets for the Orlando Magic, a look at Keyonte George's ceiling on the Utah Jazz and MUCH more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO5:13 - CROWDSOURCING!6:56 - NEWS: Kelly Oubre Jr. injury + Should the NBA draft be two days?13:25 - Why didn't the NBA use divisions for the in-season tournament?17:18 - Who will be stronger and more physical by the prime of their career: Victor Wembanyama, Evan Mobley or Chet Holmgren?19:55 - Is OG Anunoby a good trade target for the Indiana Pacers?27:13 - What is Keyonte George's ceiling on the Utah Jazz?30:57 - Is Jalen Suggs breaking out?35:06 - Best trade targets for the Orlando Magic39:42 - Is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's defense underrated?44:33 - What's up with the Milwaukee Bucks defense?49:20 - Which surprise teams will sustain their play? Which struggling teams will turn things

Dan and Grant give you 70-PLUS MINUTES of our 'Stat Padding' segment. We're talking Hall of Fame probability from Basketball-Reference, NBA word association, 'Guess That Player!,' Stephen Curry and LeBron James hypotheticals, a Draymond Green vs. Ben Simmons off-the-walls scenario, statistical over/unders for players, terrible NBA draft takes and MUCH more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO/ PUPPY TALK6:01 - STAT PADDING6:17 - Guess That Player!27:36 - 25-point seasons31:40 - Player over/unders35:34 - Draymond Green with a backpack or Ben Simmons free throws?37:12 - Stephen Curry on the Miami Heat or LeBron James on the Golden State Warriors40:02 - Klay Thompson or Draymond Green?41:56 - Hall of Fame probability quiz48:11 - Which NBA rookies were you most wrong about?51:14 - Which NBA player has these tattoos56:11 - NBA word association1:07:03 - Start, bench, cut NBA signature moves1:11:44 - Guess these NBA nicknamesSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOL

Dan and Grant discuss the latest NBA injury news and answer a mailbag question about the future of title contenders. Then, they bounce around the league to discuss teams and players who have stuck out to them the most so far. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:07 - Injury news and updates11:08 - Will younger NBA teams start winning titles?21:04 - Oklahoma City Thunder23:22 - Chet Holmgren32:03 - Minnesota Timberwolves47:01 - Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks53:38 - RJ Barrett, New York Knicks1:03:28 - Milwaukee Bucks, MarJon Beauchamp1:11:41 - Indiana PacersSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.comThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

MAIL TIME. Dan answers YOUR questions that cover James Harden, the Milwaukee Bucks defense, Scottie Barnes' breakout and the future of the Toronto Raptors, Zach LaVine trade destinations, the Phoenix Suns, the CJ McCollum injury and evolution and MUCH MORE. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️0:00 - INTRO4:00 - NBA City Edition Jerseys7:25 - Jaden Ivey and the Detroit Pistons12:35 - Jalen Johnson, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards18:15 - James Harden, Draymond Green25:02 - Milwaukee Bucks defense28:59 - Building a 10-man rotation with healthy Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies and Detroit Pistons players31:33 - Time to worry about the Phoenix Suns?36:20 - Time to worry about the Miami Heat?42:20 - Utah Jazz trade targets50:22 - Impressions of Scottie Barnes, Can the Toronto Raptors keep him AND Pascal Siakam?1:00:52 - Zach LaVine trade destinations1:09:20 - CJ McCollum's play and injury, the New Orleans Pelicans1:14:08 - You have THREE NBA wishes...1:17:13 - The origin of our love for Frank Ntilikina1:19:49 - What should th

Dan gives his thoughts on the NBA in-season tournament and then runs through 25 players who are currently breaking out to start the 2023-24 regular season. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:29 - The NBA In-Season Tournament11:40 - Deep Cut Breakouts17:32 - Second Year Breakouts20:10 - Third Year Breakouts25:15 - "Oh, You Though Their Contracts Were Bad?!" Breakouts30:44 - Continuation of Leaps from Last Year36:23 - Stardom Bound Breakouts44:39 - Superstars Re-Breaking Out?!?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.comThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

Dan and Grant cover every angle of the James Harden trade. What does it mean for the Philadelphia 76ers? Are the L.A. Clippers among the top NBA title contenders now? Which star might Philly target? What's the NBA's championship pecking order? All this, and more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

Dan and Grant use hyperbole to get into some of their most critical takeaways, thoughts, musings, observations and predictions for the Eastern Conference. We also respond to your NBA hot takes. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO/CRITERIA2:21 - Brooklyn Nets6:09 - Chicago Bulls12:49 - Atlanta Hawks16:41 - Detroit Pistons, Cade Cunningham22:07 - Washington Wizards26:38 - James Harden, Philadelphia 76ers, L.A. Clippers31:08 - Orlando Magic, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero35:49 - Milwaukee Bucks40:03 - Cleveland Cavaliers, Evan Mobley43:26 - Miami Heat45:38 - Boston Celtics 49:07 - Toronto Raptors52:09 - 'HOT OR NOT?!' SUBMISSIONS—Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks—Oklahoma City Thunder—Memphis Grizzlies—Jason Kidd, Mavs again—Four 50-plus-win teams in the Western Conference?—Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant—Brandin Podziemski —Grizzlies—Russell Westbrook—Cade Cunningham—Indiana Pacers—Mavs, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers—Washington Wizards—New Orleans Pelicans—Atlan

LET'S OVERREACT, PART 1. Dan and Grant use hyperbole to get into some of their most critical takeaways, thoughts, musings, observations and predictions following the open two days of 2023-24 NBA regular season action. FIRST UP: The Western Conference. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO4:15 - CRITERIA6:33 - Memphis Grizzlies, Steven Adams13:03 - Portland Trail Blazers, Robert Williams III20:30 - Denver Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr.29:32 - Golden State Warriors, Jonathan Kuminga40:57 - Utah Jazz, Keyonte George47:01 - San Antonio Spurs, Victor Wembanyama57:02 - Dallas Mavericks, Dereck Lively, Devin Vassell1:03:58 - Phoenix Suns, Devin Booker1:09:38 - STAT PADDINGSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.comThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interes

Dan is joined by freelance NBA writer and salary-cap enthusiast David Brandon (@birdrightsnba) to discuss the flurry of recent extensions. They also get into the players who were eligible for rookie extensions and did not sign them. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:23 - Why did we get so many extensions?5:18 - The Giannis Antetokounmpo extension10:30 - The Jaden McDaniels extension, Future of the Timberwolves16:48 - The Josh Green extension23:40 - The Onyeka Okongwu extension, No extension for Saddiq Bey27:51 - The Cole Anthony extension35:19 - The Deni Avdija extension38:43 - The Zeke Nnaji extension43:26 - The Zach Collins extension47:47 - The Aaron Nesmith extension51:19 - Aleksej Pokusevski52:18 - James Wiseman, The Pistons56:03 - No extension for Immanuel Quickley1:01:53 - No extension for Tyrese Maxey, The Sixers' future1:05:21 - No extension for Patrick Williams1:08:13 - No extension for Isaac Okoro, Other non-extensionsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTU

Dan is joined by Miami Heat podcaster and fan Allana Tachauer (@AllanaTachauer) to talk about...the 2023-24 Miami Heat! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:01 - Miami's 2023 Finals run4:48 - The departures of Max Strus and Gabe Vincent5:59 - Kyle Lowry and Tyler Herro reactions to being in trade rumors7:46 - The continued development of Tyler Herro11:43 - Josh Richardson, Thomas Bryant, Kevin Love14:03 - Is Duncan Robinson back???14:48 - Bam Adebayo taking it to the next level17:18 - Can the Heat meaningfully improve the off3ense, or do they need a trade?19:54 - Early impressions of Jaime Jacquez Jr.22:14 - Role expectations for Nikola Jovic23:02 - Any concerns about the defense26:03 - How many threes will Jimmy Butler hit? His aging curve28:41 - Are the Heat prepared to make a midseason trade?32:43 - Be more excited about Josh Richardson, DAMMIT33:45 - The 10-man rotation35:34 - Best crunch-time unit37:14 - Weirdo lineups we want to see38:51 - Win total predictions, Where do the Heat stack up in the Eastern Conference

Dan is joined by Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) from CLNS Media and The Garden Report podcast for a deep dive into one of the NBA's most polarizing teams for the 2023-24 season: The Boston Celtics. Support Bobby's GREAT work by following his written stuff for CLNS here. And also subscribe to The Garden Report podcast here. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:44 - What prompted the Celtics' aggressive offseason?8:32 - The Kristaps Porzingis fit23:18 - The Jrue Holiday fit32:49 - Can Jaylen Brown evolve?37:18 - Is Jayson Tatum officially able to drive the offense as a passer?43:21 - The importance of Derrick White?47:32 - Payton Pritchard's role, Who are the Celtics' seventh and eighth most important players?52:41 - The 10-man rotation, Lamar Stevens, Oshae Brissett, Neemias Queta, Jordan Walsh, Wenyen Gabriel55:43 - Best crunch-time lineup, How often will the Celtics play with two bigs?, The pressure on Joe Mazzulla1:01:33 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:03:48 - Win total predictions1:05:11- Toughest matchups for Bost

Dan is joined by Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) from The Dane Moore NBA Podcast and the Flagrant Howls Podcast to discuss the 2023-24 Minnesota Timberwolves and the high-stakes NBA regular season they're about to embark upon. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DANE MORE NBA PODCAST HERE AND THE FLAGRANT HOWLS PODCAST HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:42 - How much do we read into last season?3:59 - Changes to the offense8:08 - Can Rudy Gobert evolve on offense?, Who does he need to be on offense?13:11 - Karl-Anthony Towns giving short answers to the media, What do the Wolves need him to do this season?19:37 - The continued development of Naz Reid21:38 - Which dual-big combination is most concerning? Which is most intriguing?25:01 - Will the Wolves ever run one-big lineups?27:03 - Does Kyle Anderson have a future in Minnesota?30:43 - The continued development of Anthony Edwards38:03 - How will Jaden McDaniels' role change on offense? Will he sign an extension?48:07 - The importance of Nickeil Alexander-Walker53:06 - Leonard Miller, Jo

Dan is joined by Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite), who covers the LA Clippers and NBA at large on Substack to discuss—YOU GUESSED IT—the trajectory of the 2023-24 Clippers. And yes, out of obligation, they do delve into the James Harden trade rumors and his potential fit on this roster. SUBSCRIBE TO JUSTIN'S SUBSTACK HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:08 - What went wrong last season?6:04 - Do Kawhi Leonard and Paul George deserve criticism for their availability?9:48 - Will Kawhi play back-to-backs? How have he and PG looked so far?13:42 - Will Kawhi or PG sign an extension?16:07 - The Russell Westbrook fit19:48 - The importance of Terance Mann26:01 - Robert Covington is critical to the rotation28:09 - K.J. Martin's role31:18 - Diagnosing the Clippers' defensive problems, Tactical adjustments from Ivica Zubac37:06 - How much faster will the Clippers offense play?41:03 - Brandon Boston Jr.42:56 - Kobe Brown44:02 - Bones Hyland46:01 - Prospective fit of James Harden53:32 - Are the Clippers prepared to make another trad

Dan and Grant drop their picks for every major 2023-24 NBA season award. Buckle up! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO5:43 - Awards Criteria8:48 - MVP24:43 - Defensive Player of the Year33:59 - Rookie of the Year45:54 - Sixth Man of the Year 50:32 - Most Improved Player1:03:54 - Coach of the Year1:08:53 - All-NBA Teams1:14:37 - All-Defense Teams1:19:09 - All-Rookie Teams1:24:50 - Executive of the Year1:29:33 - STAT PADDINGSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.comThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

Dan is joined by Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) from The Athletic to discuss everything and anything about the 2023-24 Utah Jazz. SUPPORT TONY'S WORK BY SUBSCRIBING TO THE ATHLETIC HERE: https://theathletic.com/author/tony-jones/. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:40 - How did last season impact the rebuild?6:54 - What does the offseason say about their future? Interest in Jrue Holiday???10:55 - John Collins' fit, How does he impact the rotation?16:18 - Will Hardy's coaching style and principles19:23 - The backcourt rotation, Rookie year expectations for Keyonte George26:24 - Jordan Clarkson, the playmaker28:16 - Can Collin Sexton improve his stock in Utah?31:01 - Talen Horton-Tucker, Kris Dunn, the "creator" rotation38:03 - Will Lauri Markkanen's role change?45:42 - Sophomore expectations for Walker Kessler49:08 - How good is Ochai Agbaji?53:02 - Roles for Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks56:58 - Defining strengths, weaknesses58:16 - The 10-man rotation59:07 - Best crunch-time unit(s)1:01:03 - Win total prediction

Dan is joined by Sam Esfandiari (@samesfandiari) from the Light Years Pod to discuss all things 2023-24 Golden State Warriors—including, and most notably, the addition and fit of Chris Paul to the core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. Be sure to check out the Light Years Pod as they host LIVE shows ON MONDAY NIGHTS all year long on PLAYBACK. Follow all of their content HERE. And be sure to check out their YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:50 - What went wrong last year?7:38 - The Chris Paul experience so, potential fit, concerns13:47 - Jonathan Kuminga's development17:01 The Klay Thompson aging curve, Will he sign an extension?23:48 - Andrew Wiggins25:51 - Development of Moses Moody28:43 - Brandon Podziemski30:03 - How will Draymond Green and CP3 fit together?32:01 - The Bob Myers exit, Faith in Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kirk Lacob, Are the Dubs prepared to make a big midseason trade?36:41 - How much better will the bench be with CP3?38:56 - The 10-man rotation40:0

Dan is joined by Tara Bowen-Biggs (@tcbbiggs) from the We Have a Take podcast to talk about the 2023-24 Portland Trail Blazers as they embark on transitioning from the Damian Lillard era to the Scoot Henderson- and Shaedon Sharpe-centric rebuild. SUBSCRIBE TO WE HAVE A TAKE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:49 - The end of the Damian Lillard era17:24 - What is Chauncey Billups' coaching identity?21:17 - Blazers stylistic leanings this season27:56 - The importance of Malcolm Brogdon, Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III29:53 - Is Deandre Ayton headed for a bounce-back year?36:17 - Do the Blazers view Robert Williams III as a long-term piece, Will he play with Ayton?39:38 - How long will Malcolm Brogdon be in town?39:47 - Expectations for Scoot Henderson45:16 - The continued development of Shaedon Sharpe49:43 - Is Anfernee Simons a core member of this team?, Will Simons, Sharpe and Scoot play a lot of minutes together?53:25 - Matisse Thybulle's fit54:33 - When will Jerami Grant be traded57:20 - Moses Brown59:57 - Touman

Dan is joined by Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) from Nets Daily and Swish Theory to discuss the 2023-24 Brooklyn Nets. FOLLOW LUCAS' COVERAGE OF BOTH THE BROOKLYN NETS AND NY LIBERTY HERE: TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:31 - Moving on from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving2:52 - Impressions of the offseason4:53 - The rise (and continued ascent) of Mikal Bridges9:41 - Will the Nets play faster this year?11:52 - Are the Nets too small? How will they change defensively? 13:19 - Expectations for Ben Simmons20:42 - Cam Johnson's health, contract and continued development26:01 - Development of Nic Claxton30:46 - The future of Cam Thomas32:51 - Dennis Smith Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, Darius Bazley, Harry Giles, Trendon Watford35:55 - Day'Ron Sharpe's role38:06 - Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead42:03 - Will this team make a big midseason trade?44:13 - Nic Claxton's impending free agency48:59 - Underrated strengths, concerns52:01 - The 10-man rotation, starting five54:45 - Best crunch-time lineup56:51 - Weirdo lineups we want to see59:

Dan is joined by Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) from AirAlamo and the Alamo City Limits (@AlamoCityLimits) podcasts to discuss the 2023-24 San Antonio Spurs and, of course, superstar cornerstone Sandro Mamukelashvili. Oh, and Victor Wembanyama, too. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO7:17 - Offseason impressions14:16 - The Devin Vassell extension, What's the next frontier for him?23:52 - Victor Wembanyama's offensive role, defensive impact, fit with the rest of the roster, strengths, concerns, etc.39:28 - Who will start?43:29 - The future of Keldon Johnson45:24 - The development of Jeremy Sochan50:17 - Julian Champagnie51:36 - Malaki Branham54:10 - Blake Wesley55:57 - Charles Bassey56:38 - Sandro Mamukelashvili58:17 - Dominick Barlowe59:41 - Cedi Osman, Doug McDermott, Devonte' Graham, Khem Birch1:02:21 - Will the Spurs keep playing fast?, The new shooting coach1:05:58 - The 10-man rotation1:09:02 - Best crunch-time unit1:09:59 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:12:28 - Win total predictions, Where do the Spurs stack up i