Hardwood Knocks

Another mailbag? ANOTHER MAILBAG. This time, we're covering which NBA teams are one internal leap away from contending for a title. We're also looking at trade targets for the Miami Heat, the growing trend of dual-big frontcourts in the NBA, teams with a wide range of outcomes in 2022-23 and MUCH more. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:47 - How many NBA teams are "one player leap" away from being title contenders? 13:03 - Which NBA teams have the widest range of outcomes leading into next season? 25:09 - Is playing in open-run games during the offseason stupid for NBA players? 28:24 - Who's the worst NBA player in the league who could be the best player on a championship team? 34:51 - Will we see NBA players sign shorter-term contracts? 37:58 - Trade targets for the Miami Heat to pair with Bam Adebayo  40:40 - Is the Minnesota Timberwolves' two-big frontcourt the future of the NBA?  46:25 - OUTRO JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTE

MAIL TIME. Dan once again answers questions from all of you awesome thermonuclear AFers. This latest batch of inquiries covers the Boston Celtics' interest in a Kevin Durant trade and what that says about Jaylen Brown's future, as well as the direction of the Brooklyn Nets. This mailbag also gets into the ceiling on the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers, Bennedict Mathurin's Rookie of the Year chances, a hypothetical NBA expansion draft and MUCH more! TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 3:14 - Jaylen Brown/Kevin Durant 8:33 - Portland Trail Blazers ceiling 14:16 - Can Bennedict Mathurin win Rookie of the Year? 18:15 - Dark Horse Rookie of the Year candidates 20:44 - Will the Sacramento Kings make the playoffs next season? 23:17 - Potential first-time NBA All-Stars in 2022-23 26:10 - Building an NBA expansion draft starting five 30:16 - How should the Brooklyn Nets handle their future after trading Kevin Durant? 33:33 - Better shot: free-throw line jumper or above-the-break three? 35:19 - Free financial

Dan reacts to Kevin Durant telling the Brooklyn Nets he wants a trade or the team needs to fire general manager Sean Marks and head coach Steve Nash. 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. In this latest dive into questions from our Discord users, Dan tackles an interesting thought exercise: Should the New Orleans Pelicans and Boston Celtics consider a Brandon Ingram for Jaylen Green Trade? Aside from that, Dan gets into Wendell Carter Jr.'s potentially All-Star ceiling, the fate of NBA free agency as the salary cap rises and Draymond Green's future with the Golden State Warriors. There's even some Bones Hyland talk for good measure! TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:01 - Will Wendell Carter Jr. make another leap for the Orlando Magic? 11:29 - Who says no to a Jaylen Brown for Brandon Ingram trade? 21:50 - How many PPG will Tyrese Haliburton average next season? 24:30 - Should the NBA change trade rules given the cost of Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant, etc.? 28:46 - Will Bones Hyland turn into a household name next season? 34:17 - Should the Golden State Warriors trade Draymond Green? 40:08 - MILD TAKES ABOUT THE 2022-23 NBA SEASON 42:37 - Is the NBA headed for a free ag

Dan gives a belated tribute to Bill Russell and then handles some mea culpas. After that, he goes through his top 12 remaining NBA free agents, breaks down their value and cobbles together his favorite landing spots for each. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:48 - Bill Russell 3:45 - Mea Culpas 5:31 - Carmelo Anthony 11:58 - Eric Bledsoe 15:41 - DeMarcus Cousins 17:59 - David Duke Jr. 21:50 - Blake Griffin 26:02 - Montrezl Harrell 29:26 - Dwight Howard 32:07 - Jeremy Lamb 35:42 - Dennis Schroder 38:44 - Collin Sexton 40:31 - Yuta Watanabe 47:01 - Hassan Whiteside 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

MAIL TIME. Dan answers YOUR questions yet again, and this time around, they were heavy on Anthony Edwards. The mailbag also covers the best benches in the league for the 2022-23 NBA season, the best- and worst-case outcomes for the Atlanta Hawks and Minnesota Timberwolves, a look at the Orlando Magic's future, Dwyane Wade vs. Donovan Mitchell AND MUCH MORE! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 3:51 - Which teams will have the best benches in 2022-23? 12:33 - Pistons vs. Magic 18:28 - Timberwolves Rotation 20:15 - Best case/Worst case outcomes for Hawks and Timberwolves 25:34 - Expectations for Anthony Edwards next season 31:10 - Four-point line?!? 32:13 - Metric/stats that can predict success of a player 36:20 - Donovan Mitchell vs. Dwyane Wade 39:18 - Should the NBA get rid of conferences? 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 TIK

Donovan Mitchell trade rumors are heating up!...LOLOLOL JUST KIDDING! Dan gets into the report that the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards want a crack at Mitchell. After breaking down the best offers each team can propose, he discusses whether Danny Ainge and the Jazz could call the New York Knicks' bluff and just keep Mitchell into next season. And finally, he has some thoughts on the Zion Williamson weight and work ethic discourse. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:41 - State of Donovan Mitchell rumors 3:42 - Charlotte Hornets interest in Mitchell/potential trade packages 9:24 - Washington Wizard interest in Mitchel/potential trade packages 14:18 - Should the Jazz keep Mitchell into the season? 26:03 - Zion WilliamsonJOIN 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

Dan is back with another ROUSING edition of '1 Question." The topic this time around: What is Collin Sexton worth to the Cleveland Cavaliers? Is it more than the three years and $40 million they're offering? Should other NBA teams be trying to pay him more? Is he misunderstood? Let's cannonball into this shindig! 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. Dan answers listener questions about the fit between Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns on the Minnesota Timberwolves and the dynamic between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray for the Atlanta Hawks. After that, he covers the best way to evaluate offseason developments, the Boston Celtics dangling Jaylen Brown in Kevin Durant trades and whether that means they should also target Donovan Mitchell, Collin Sexton's future in Cleveland and MUCH more! TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:45 - INTRO 2:50 - TRUTH SERUM QUESTION  8:24 - How will Timberwolves defense work with Karl-Anthony Towns playing de facto 4? 15:38 - Collin Sexton's role if he stays in Cleveland 21:29 - RJ Barrett vs. Devin Vassell 29:19 - How do you evaluate during Summer League, training camp and preseason? 34:02 - DAN IS A NARCISSIST 47:18 - The fit between Trae Young and Dejounte Murray 51:00 - Kevin Durant, Jaylen Brown, The Celtics and Donovan Mitchell 55:50 - Draymond Green's future, plus extension outlooks for Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins and Jo

Kevin Durant to Atlanta? Donovan Mitchell to the Magic? John Collins to the Raptors? Dan made his list of the top NBA trade targets. Then he checked it twice. And now, he has hypothetical packages from outside-the-box landing spots that should be interested in the top NBA trade targets after 2022 free agency. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:50 - Criteria 3:07 - Bojan Bogdanovic 6:01 - John Collins 12:43 - Kevin Durant 19:57 - Kyrie Irving 25:33 - Donovan Mitchell 32:01 - Marcus Morris Sr. 36:34 - Collin Sexton 39:18 - Myles Turner 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.c

MAIL TIME. Dan offers his answers to listener questions that run the gamut of the NBA. We're talking Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant's trade request, RJ Barrett and his ceiling, teams ready to make the leap in 2022-23 and SO. MUCH. MORE. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:43 - How Kevin Durant's trade request will impact next CBA negotiations 13:27 - Ranking NBA title contenders for 2022-23 season 23:01 - Eye Test vs. Analytics 26:14 - Michael Jordan's worst NBA Finals Game 28:24 - Moneyball in the NBA 30:38 - How to build an NBA contender around Donovan Mitchell 35:29 - Could RJ Barrett be the next Bradley Beal or Jimmy Butler? 41:03 - Regression candidates for 2022-23 season  44:33 - Is the NBA more stylistically diverse than ever? 47:06 - Finding Next Year's Version of the Cleveland Cavaliers 53:12 - Denver Nuggets lineups we NEED to see next season JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hugh

The Boston Celtics have entered the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Should they trade Jaylen Brown (plus salary) and multiple picks for KD? Is this report just an attempt to drive up bids to the Brooklyn Nets from other NBA teams? If the Celtics are engaged for KD, can they offer the league's best package? Dan gets into all the implications of this report, insofar as there are any. 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/2916956/advertisement

Dan debuts 'ONE QUESTION.' This will hopefully be a keeper installment in which all of us, as a family, ruminate on a subject he is thinking about/discussing with someone else or has been posed by one of you loyal listeners. First up on the agenda: Can the New Orleans Pelicans complete a Kevin Durant Trade AND KEEP Brandon Ingram? TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:04 - Should the New Orleans Pelicans try to trade for Kevin Durant? 4:48 - How the Pelicans can Trade for Kevin Durant and KEEP Brandon Ingram 16:46 - Does New Orleans have the best Kevin Durant trade package even WITHOUT Brandon Ingram included? 25:06 - Are the Pelicans NBA Finals favorites with Kevin Durant? 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/adchoicesT

Dan remains the quintessential, downloads-chasing narcissist and gives his thoughts on the New York Knicks restricting NBA media access to Jalen Brunson's introductory presser, as well as the reaction from fans to this decision. In other words: KnIcKs FoR cLiCkS, baby! 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/2916956/advertisement

MAIL TIME. Dan plows through a thought-provoking batch of questions that covers the Houston Rockets; outrageous NBA comparisons for Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray and Jaden Ivey; the Portland Trail Blazers' defense; the top 10 defenders of all time; dark horse picks to win 2022-23 awards; three-team trade scenarios between the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers; and so much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:56 - Miles Bridges 3:06 - JaMychal Green to Dubs 4:35 - How good will the Portland Trail Blazers be on defense? 9:23 - Will the Indiana Pacers be a third-team facilitator in any Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving trade? 20:14 - Who aged in the NBA less gracefully: Allen Iverson or Russell Westbrook? 24:32 - Do we (read: Dan) owe the Sacramento Kings an apology? 26:16 - OUTRAGEOUS ceiling and floor comparisons for Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray, Jaden Ivey 35:34 - Do the Houston Rockets need to move on for Stephen Silas?   42:

Hardwood Knocks reacts to the latest NBA trade rumors, including rumblings on Donovan Mitchell to the Miami Heat, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving staying in Brooklyn, Russell Westbrook and the New York Knicks, Julius Randle to the Los Angeles Lakers, Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors and more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:22 - Russell Westbrook/Donovan Mitchell 14:23 - The Lakers 19:27 - Donovan Mitchell trade market 21:19 - Miami Heat's superstar pursuit 28:46 - Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving trade markets 33:08 - Toronto Raptors/Scottie Barnes/KD 41:08 - Keldon Johnson extension 43:28 - Kenrich Williams extension 45:54 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 57:16 - OUTRO 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 gives his thoughts on why the Russell Westbrook discourse and the Los Angeles Lakers blame game have become ultra-cringey. After that, it's on to some NBA teams that should consider facilitating a Westbrook trade. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - Intro 1:53 - The Russell Westbrook Discourse/Lakers Blame Game 24:23 - NBA Teams that Should Consider Trading for Russ 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/2916956/advertisement

Dan discusses Deandre Ayton returning to Phoenix, the Suns' chances of a Kevin Durant trade, the future of the Indiana Pacers and whether the New York Knicks should go all in on a Donovan Mitchell trade. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:17 - Deandre Ayton Restricted Free Agency Fallout 9:36 - Kevin Durant/Suns/Raptors/Heat/Dark Horse KD Suitors 28:28 - Non-KD Trade Targets for Suns 36:48 - What's next for the Pacers? 52:05 - Knicks, Donovan Mitchell, RJ Barrett 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/2916956/advertisement

Dan is joined by Adam Spinella from The Box and One (@BoxAndOne_) to discuss their biggest summer league takeways, includING the play of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Keegan Murray, Jaden Ivey and Jabari Smith Jr., as well as some other standouts and team futures AND OHO SO MUCH MORE. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:00 - INTRO 4:18 - Paolo Banchero 9:23 - Chet Holmgren 16:35 - Jabari Smith Jr. 19:47 - Keegan Murray 21:36 - Jaden Ivey 27:36 - Bennedict Mathurin/Detroit Pistons 31:02 - Shaedon Sharpe/Portland Trail Blazers 33:00 - Most impressive non-lottery picks 37:22 - Best second- and third-year players 39:25 - Baby Dubs! James Wiseman! Jonathan Kuminga! 43:16 - R.P.O. (Reckless Pelicans Optimism) 48:49 - Most intriguing young cores 53:52 - Summer League disappointments 55:58 - MarJon Beauchamp/Rayjon Tucker 58:21 - Cam Thomas/Steve Nash 1:00:00 - Caleb Homesley 1:00:25 - Keegan game-tying three or Paolo's game-winning assist? 1:01:31 - Keegan Murray for Rookie of the Year? 1:03:38 - Jabari Walker 1:04:23 - Biggest d

Dan reacts to the news that the Utah Jazz are exploring Donovan Mitchell trades. After riffing on the direction of the Jazz franchise under Danny Ainge, he goes through the best landing spots and packages for Mitchell. From there, we dive into some Kyrie Irving talk and discuss the impact of Pat Connaughton signing an extension and the Khris Middelton injury on the Milwaukee Bucks. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️