Hardwood Knocks

Dan is joined by Olivia Panchal (@olivianba), formerly of Daily Thunder, for an extensive discussion about the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Chet Holmgren injury, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, the future and MUCH more. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - Intro 2:39 - Chet Holmgren injury 4:55 - Impact of Chet's injury on timeline 6:11 - Outside perception of the Thunder's rebuild 10:16 - Does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have another leap in him? 18:00 - Josh Giddey's development 21:22 - Jalen Williams, Jaylin Williams and Ousmane Dieng 24:04 - Alexsej Pokusevski's future 27:24 - The futures of Tre Mann, Aaron Wiggins and Vit Krejci 29:06 - Building a 10-man rotation for Oklahoma City 38:48 - Weirdo lineups we want to see 40:02 - Biggest roster needs 42:42 - Best crunch-time lineup 44:39 - Over/under predictions 47:46 - Final thoughts/Lu Dort JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @froma

In the latest mailbag, Dan tackles questions that cover Ben Simmons' future with the Brooklyn Nets, Russell Westbrook trades, Chet Holmgren's injury, the value of Collin Sexton, Anthony Edwards' next step, RJ Barrett's trajectory and so much more. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:07 - PODCAST SCHEDULING NOTES 4:11 - Chet Holmgren/Victor Wembanyama 7:04 - Best Russell Westbrook trades 17:04 - Evaluating youngsters with metrics 20:14 - Should any teams see if the Nets will trade Ben Simmons? 25:01 - How can the NBA better promote its international stars? 31:02 - Did the Timberwolves and Jazz change the NBA trade market forever? 37:19 - Is Anthony Edwards already All-NBA material? 40:52 - Most overrated players of the past 10 years (reaction) 43:37 - Is RJ Barrett overrated?  46:55 - Jae Crowder's trade value/Trade targets for the Suns 52:35 - Montrezl Harrell's fit on the Sixers 53:35 - What is De'Andre Hunter worth? Which teams might pay him if he reaches RFA in 2023? 55:49 - The importance of Isaac  developm

Dan is joined by Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) from Liberty Ballers and The NBA Podcast (@TheNBAPod) for a deeeep dive into the 2022-23 Philadelphia 76ers. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:46 - Offseason thoughts 7:12 - Is James Harden on the decline? 12:37 - Joel Embiid-James Harden partnership 14:28 - Two MVP candidates? 19:19 - Tyrese Maxey's development 28:50 - Paul Reed/Backup center rotation 33:10 - Matisse Thybulle 36:40 - Speed of the offense 38:44 - Biggest roster concerns 40:03 - Trade targets 44:42 - Player most likely to be traded 45:22 - 10 man rotation 47:17 - Player most likely to have a bigger role than expected 48:48 - Best crunch-time unit 51:01 - Weirdo lineups we want to see 53:33 - Over/Under and playoff predictions 59:53 - Final thoughts JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWI

Dan goes through the latest ESPN NBA survey and reacts to who execs, coaches and scouts chose for their offseason and 2022-23 campaign superlatives. Who will be the best NBA player in five years? Who had the best offseason? What about the worst? Let's hop to it! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:21 - Who's the best player in the NBA entering the 2022-23 season? 3:30 - Who will be the best player in the NBA five years from now? 5:52 - Who will be the 2022-23 MVP? 11:45 - Who will be the best rookie in five years? 13:44 - Which team will Kevin Durant be on the day after the trade deadline? 16:27 - Which team will Donovan Mitchell be on after the trade deadline? 18:51 - Which team had the best offseason? 22:18 - Which team had the worst offseason? 27:35 - What was the most surprising move of the offseason? 30:05 - Who wins the East, West and NBA Finals? JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWI

Dan and Grant offer their instant, in-depth reaction to the Cleveland Cavaliers completing a Donovan Mitchell trade with the Utah Jazz. 0:30 - INTRO/Trade Details 2:17 - Are the Cavaliers now title contenders? 17:48 - Direction of the Jazz 33:27 - Where do the New York Knicks go from here? JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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

The Washington Wizards are reportedly in on the Donovan Mitchell trade sweepstakes. But do they actually have enough assets to pair Bradley Beal with another star? While they certainly can't outbid the New York Knicks for Mitchell, their top-shelf trade offer is better than you'd expect. JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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

No one can beat the New York Knicks best and most realistic trade package for Donovan Mitchell. But the Toronto Raptors feel like they can come pretty close WITHOUT dealing Scottie Barnes. The question: Should the Raptors even consider engaging the Utah Jazz? Stick with Dan as he looks into whether Mitchell would be a good fit for Toronto. JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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 reacts to RJ Barrett signing a four-year, $120 million extension with the New York Knicks. Is RJ worth this much? And does his extension actually cost the Knicks a Donovan Mitchell trade? LET'S FIND OUT. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:45 - Is RJ Barrett worth $120 million?!? 15:33 - Impact Barrett's extension has on Donovan Mitchell trade talks with the Utah Jazz JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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, AGAIN. This time, we're hitting questions about signature sneakers, the NBA's salary, battle royales, James Harden, regression candidates, make-or-break stars and MORE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:20 - Which NBA player has the worst sneaker design? And which players should get his own signature shoe? 4:51 - How can we learn more about the NBA salary cap? 10:36 - Building the All-NBA "Who Would Win in a Battle Royale" Starting Five 13:30 - Will James Harden hurt Joel Embiid's 2022-23 MVP chances? 21:26 - NBA teams poised to disappoint during the 2022-23 season 23:16 - Should the NBA adopt the WNBA's first-round playoff format? 25:32 - NBA players who will make or break their team's 2022-23 season 30:47 - SHOUT-OUT FRANK NTILIKINA JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMath

MAIL TIME. Our latest trip down the Listener Asks, We Answer Lane has talking about the New Orleans Pelicans having a potentially Big Three, the most interesting storylines for next season, LeBron James and Bronny James and much more. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 3:04 - Toughest playoff matchups for possible contenders in 2023 12:25 - Can Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum form a cohesive Big Three for the New Orleans Pelicans?  19:37 - Games we wish the NBA had for 2022-23 Rivalry Week 24:11 - Would an NBA team draft Bronny James just to get LeBron? 29:03 - The 10 Most Interesting Storylines To Follow During The 2022-23 NBA Season 43:20 - How many LeBron James clones would it take to win a bear fight? JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about y

Dan and Grant convene to deliver their 2022 NBA offseason grades for the Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings. Insufferable homers need not listen. Also: Please remember we’re grading every team relative to the tools that were at their disposal this summer. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 3:07 - CRITERIA 3:58 - Golden State Warriors 16:34 - LA Clippers 22:36 - Los Angeles Lakers 37:43 - Phoenix Suns 49:13 - Sacramento Kings JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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

Kevin Durant is staying with the Brooklyn Nets...But is he really? Dan gets into the impact KD's about-face has on the Nets, Kyrie Irving and the rest of the NBA. He also discussed why, if we're being honest, this isn't really over. JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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 convene to deliver their 2022 NBA offseason grades for the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors. Insufferable homers need not listen. Also: Please remember we’re grading every team relative to the tools that were at their disposal this summer. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:48 - CRITERIA 3:42 - Boston Celtics 13:23 - Brooklyn Nets 22:21 - New York Knicks 35:45 - Philadelphia 76ers 47:25 - Toronto Raptors JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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 dives into the latest Kevin Durant trade rumors and Donovan Mitchell update. Are the Memphis Grizzlies a threat to get KD? Are the Knicks and Jazz getting closer on their own blockbuster trade? TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:12 - Grizzlies and Kevin Durant 11:58 - The latest on the Jazz, Knicks and Donovan Mitchell JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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 digs into the implications of the LeBron James extension with the Los Angeles Lakers, and whether it allows the team to chase a third star to pair with him and Anthony Davis. JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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

Round 4. LET'S GO. Dan and Grant convene to deliver their 2022 NBA offseason grades for the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic and Washington Wizards. Insufferable homers need not listen. Also: Please remember we’re grading every team relative to the tools that were at their disposal this summer. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:41 - Criteria 2:21 - Atlanta Hawks 15:01 - Charlotte Hornets 23:24 - Miami Heat 33:40 - Orlando Magic 41:49 - Washington Wizards JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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

On to the Northwest Division! Dan and Grant convene to deliver their 2022 NBA offseason grades for the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Oklahoma City Thunder, Portland Trail Blazers and Utah Jazz. Insufferable homers need not listen. Also: Please remember we’re grading every team relative to the tools that were at their disposal this summer. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:59 - Criteria 2:48 - Denver Nuggets 14:25 - Minnesota Timberwolves 26:45 - Oklahoma City Thunder 34:53 - Portland Trail Blazers 44:50 - Utah Jazz JOIN OUR DISCORD: t.co/nhOSSpduPT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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/29

Southwest Division, come on down! Dan and Grant convene to deliver their 2022 NBA offseason grades for the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and San Antonio Spurs. Insufferable homers need not listen. Also: Please remember we’re grading every team relative to the tools that were at their disposal this summer. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:30 - Criteria 1:53 - Dallas Mavericks 18:35 - Houston Rockets 27:23 - Memphis Grizzlies 40:21 - New Orleans Pelicans 50:19 - San Antonio Spurs JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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/29

OFFSEASON REPORT CARD TIME. Dan and Grant convene to deliver their 2022 NBA offseason grades for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. Insufferable homers need not listen. Also: Please remember we're grading every team relative to the tools that were at their disposal this summer. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 3:05 - Criteria 5:56 - Chicago Bulls 17:25 - Cleveland Cavaliers 32:38 - Detroit Pistons 41:09 - Indiana Pacers 55:46 - Milwaukee Bucks JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis 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. AGAIN. This latest batch of question is THERMONUCLEAR AF...AND THEN SOME. We begin by talking about Donovan Mitchell trades as well as the Utah Jazz's future. After that, we delve into some Detroit Pistons analysis, take a look at the potential for NBA expansion, dive into the value of left-handed players and cannonball into more thoughts on the Brooklyn Nets vs. Kevin Durant saga. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:58 - Should the Utah Jazz keep Donovan Mitchell through the 2023 NBA All-Star Game? 6:38 - Is a Donovan Mitchell trade more likely to happen before or during the regular season season? 11:42 - Could Utah decide to keep Donovan Mitchell? 17:55 - Is Steve Nash out of a job regardless of what happens with Kevin Durant? 24:36 - Who should be in the Detroit Pistons starting five? 27:03 - Free agency targets for the Pistons in 2023 31:21 - Most likely NBA expansion destinations 33:52 - Can you have too many left-handed NBA players? JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE