Hardwood Knocks

Dan is joined by Sam Cooper (@scooperhoops) and Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) from The Timeline Podcast(@TheTimelinePod) to break down the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns. SUPPORT THE TIMELINE PODCAST ON PATREON: https://t.co/0OCB8hH1Bx. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:27 - Frank Vogel’s exit4:53 - Expected stylistic changes under Mike Budenholzer7:18 - Breaking down the impact of Tyus Jones 10:29 - How does Jones affect the core lineups?15:38 - The evolution of Grayson Allen17:22 - The fit and future of Bradley Beal21:35 - How important is Jusuf Nurkic to the Suns?28:35 - What makes Devin Booker so polarizing?37:30 - Kevin Durant’s defensive impact38:37 - Can the Suns replicate their defensive success?39:52 - Early impressions of Ryan Dunn42:37 - Early impressions of Oso Ighodaro44:45 - Ranking the importance of role players/Sam picks Bol Bol to win MVP51:06 - Are the Suns flying under the radar? 51:56 - Biggest roster needs / trade targets53:54 - Top 10 rotation54:57 - Go-to crunch-time lineup56:11 - Funky lineups we want to

Dan is joined by Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) from The Dane Moore NBA Podcast and the Flagrant Howls Podcast to discuss the 2024-25 Minnesota Timberwolves and the high-stakes NBA regular season they're about to embark upon. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DANE MORE NBA PODCAST HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dane-moore-nba-podcast/id1399177286. And SUBSCRIBE TO THE FLAGRANT HOWLS PODCAST HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flagrant-howls-a-minnesota-timberwolves-podcast/id1065651304. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO4:00 - Biggest takeaways from last season6:26 - Are we surprised the Wolves stayed together?14:14 - Kyle’s biggest storyline (Expectations!)16:42 - Breaking down the Rob Dillingham acquisition21:15 - Juggling the development of Rob Dillingham with title contention31:35 Continued development of Anthony Edwards43:52 - The success of having three bigs46:54 - How good is Naz Reid, really?53:42 - Karl-Anthony Towns continues to grow59:43 - Why is Rudy Gobert so polarizing?1:06:19 - Can Jaden McDaniels mak

Dan is joined by Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) from Mavs Moneyball and Pod Maverick to discuss the 2024-25 Dallas Mavericks outlook. SUBSCRIBE TO POD MAVERICK. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:00 - Last season’s Finals run4:04 - Impressions of Dallas’ offseason7:25 - Klay Thompson’s fit12:32 - More Luka Doncic off the ball???14:13 - Quentin Grimes’ role15:42 - Development of Dereck Lively II19:03 - The big man rotation22:12 - P.J. Washington’s role25:24 - Future of Jaden Hardy29:25 - Dallas plays fast!32:02 - Outlook on Olivier Maxence Prosper34:55 - Coverage of the Mavs39:11 - Biggest roster concerns40:41 - Top-10 rotation43:42 - Best crunch-time lineups45:56 - Funky lineups we want to see47:48 - Win totals, Most intriguing matchups in the WestSUPPORT 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 INQUIRE

Dan is joined by Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) from CLNS Media and The Garden Report podcast for a deep dive into the REIGNING CHAMPION 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 - INTRO2:16 - The Celtics parade (Bobby was in it!)8:09 - What stood out about the 2023-24 Celtics10:30 - Why are people conditioned to doubt this Boston team?16:32 - The Celtics are SPENDING18:44 - Impact of Kristaps Porzingis injury21:09 - Backup big rotation23:53 - Why is Jayson Tatum so polarizing?31:25 - Jaylen Brown continues to develop36:43 - Defense, defense, defense + Title path43:17 - Early impressions of Baylor Scheierman45:26 - Biggest threats to Boston in the East55:00 - Losing Charles Lee57:13 - Biggest roster concerns58:30 - Top-10 rotation59:11 - Best crunch-time lineup59:28 - Funky lineups we want to see1:00:37 - Win totals, Are the Celtics still in a tier all their own?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING

Dan challenges Grant to guess the All-Time Starting Fives of NBA superstars, both past and present. Three strikes will be allowed for each player. Can you beat Grant's score???? TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:03 - Anthony Edwards All-Time Starting 52:39 - Devin Booker All-Time Starting 53:31 - Dwyane Wade All-time Starting 54:58 - Giannis Antetokounmpo All-Time Starting 5   5:59 - Jayson Tatum All-Time Starting 57:04 - Kevin Durant All-Time Starting 58:10 - Kobe Bryant All-Time Starting 59:19 - Kyrie Irving All-Time Starting 510:30 - LeBron James All-Time Starting 511:33 - Michael Jordan All-Time Starting 512:35 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander All-Time Starting 513:47 - Stephen Curry All-Time Starting 514:40 - LaMelo Ball All-Time Starting 515:39 - Victor Wembanyama All-Time Starting 5SUPPORT 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 TW

Dan is joined by two of the co-hosts from The Uncontested Podcast (@The_Uncontested): Jacob Kniffen (@JacobKniffen) and Tayler Petersen (Tayler_P15) to talk about the 2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder. SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNCONTESTED PODCAST HERE: https://t.co/qBiNELJolG. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - Intro3:50 - Biggest takeaways from last season8:20 - What’s the next step(s) for Chet Holmgren?15:19 - How much will the Big Three progress? 21:06 - The continued development of Jalen Williams27:52 - Impact of adding Isaiah Hartenstein35:49 - Is Alex Caruso a perfect fit?44:37 - Does Oklahoma City have enough shot creation/playmaking?47:53 - Factors behind the offense’s half-court improvement50:24 - So, um, does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have another level?52:45 - Long-term outlook of Cason Wallace55:04 - How will the backcourt rotation shake out?57:58 - Early impressions of Nikola Topic1:01:44 - Early impressions of Dillon Jones1:04:31 - Early impressions of Ajay Mitchell1:06:31 - Time to sell our Ousmane Dieng stock?1:08:57 - “Aa

Dan is joined by Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) of the Gyro Step Podcast ( @WatchGSPN ) to break down everything about the 2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks. SUBSCRIBE TO THE GYRO STEP PODCAST. Also subscribe to their Substack. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - Intro3:24 - Takeaways from last season6:04 - New additions12:01 - Ti’s biggest storyline (Three-star fit)14:34 - Dame and Giannis two-man game17:18 - Damian Lillard’s overall fit21:56 - Evolution of Giannis Antetokounmpo26:17 - Brook Lopez (edit freeze frame)33:05 - Khris Middleton’s health36:22 - Outlooks for MarJon Beauchamp, AJ Green, Andre Jackson Jr., Chris Livington, Tyler Smith, AJ Johnson47:49 - Are the Bucks juggling two timelines?50:20 - Biggest roster needs52:30 - Is Khris Middleton being underestimated on a national level?56:24 - The Top-10 rotation59:02 - Best crunch-time lineup1:01:39 - Funky lineups we want to see1:03:03 - Win totals, Where do the Bucks rank in the Eastern Conference?1:12:02 - Gary Trent Jr.’s role and closing thoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING H

Dan is joined by Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper), THE GOAT HERSELF, from 'BASKETBALL, SHE WROTE' to discuss the 2024-25 Indiana Pacers. SUBSCRIBE TO 'BASKETBALL, SHE WROTE' ON PATREON RIGHT THE HELL NOW: https://www.patreon.com/basketballshewrote/posts. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:12 - Indiana’s direction5:54 - Impressions of the Pacers offseason, Obi Toppin talk!9:332 - Caitlin’s biggest storyline for Indiana (Defense!)15:45 - Why the half-court offense improved18:33 - The Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam partnership21:10 - How should the Pacers use Siakam on defense?27:26 - More development from Haliburton?32:30 - The value of Andrew Nembhard, Will his usage change?39:12 - What does the future hold for Bennedict Mathurin?46:11 - The role and value of Ben Sheppard49:24 - The development of Jarace Walker56:17 - Early impressions of Johnny Furphy57:44 - Breaking down the frontcourt rotation59:29 - Team chemistry, defensive rebounding and Myles Turner’s future1:08:49 - Top-10 rotation1:09:52 - Best crunch-time lin

Dan is joined by Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) from The Vic-And-Roll Substack to discuss the 2024-25 San Antonio Spurs and, of course, superstar cornerstone Sandro Mamukelashvili. Oh, and Victor Wembanyama, too. Subscribe to The Vic-And-Roll on Substack. And follow Noah on YouTube. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - Intro1:57 - San Antonio’s direction9:56 - Development of Devin Vassell16:58 - Is Victor Webmanyama god?26:29 - Was Stephon Castle the right pick?34:48 - Future of Jeremy Sochan40:43 - Future of Keldon Johnson46:15 - Chris Paul’s role48:05 - Secondary young guys52:58 - The big man rotation57:14 - Under the radar strengths1:00:01 - Biggest roster needs1:02:51 - Top-10 rotation1:05:06 - Best crunch-time lineup1:06:12 - Funky lineups we want to see1:08:17 - Win totals, Where do the Spurs rank in the West?1:11:49 - Harrison Barnes’ valueSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_kn

Dan is joined by Jabari Ali Davis (@JabariADavis) from the Mad Boosties podcast to discuss everything and anything related to the 2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers. SUBSCRIBE TO MAD BOOSTIES HERE: https://t.co/k0fdAI2AMD. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:12 - Darvin Ham’s exit6:21 - Playing style under JJ Redick13:24 - Why did the Lakers stand pat?22:08 - Jabari’s biggest storyline of the season25:13 - Offense vs. Defense27:26 - Impact of Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent30:33 - Anthony Davis as an offensive hub37:46 - Will Max Christie have a breakout season?45:48 - Early impressions of Bronny James50:22 - Can Austin Reaves get noticeably better?53:44 - Early impressions of Dalton Knecht56:27 - Is Rui Hachimura underrated?58:42 - Are we underestimating the Lakers’ flexibility?1:00:33 - Biggest roster needs1:02:20 - Top-10 rotation1:04:08 - Best crunch-time lineup, Funky lineups, win totals1:10:19 - Sneaky trade targets for the Lakers1:16:54 - Closing thoughts on this coming seasonSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD K

Dan and Grant exit their lookahead bunker to discuss which NBA teams still seem to have unfinished business ahead of the 2024-25 regular season. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:32 - Team No. 17:20 - Team No. 211:26 - Team No. 317:02 - Team No. 421:45 - Team No. 528:30 - Team No. 634:55 - Team No. 740:38 - Team No. 842:13 - Team No. 943:20 - Team No. 10SUPPORT 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.com

Dan is joined by Greg Wissinger (@gwiss) from The Kings Herald (@thekingsherald) to discuss everything about the 2024-25 Sacramento Kings. Support The Kings Herald here: https://kingsherald.com/. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:41 - What went wrong last season?4:34 - DeMar DeRozan’s fit15:38 - Malik Monk’s return/role18:11 - Keegan Murray’s leap23:39 - The emergence of Keon Ellis27:41 - Sacramento’s defensive ceiling29:38 - Future of Kevin Huerter33:02 - Early impressions of Devin Carter37:17 - Why is Domantas Sabonis so polarizing?40:42 - Will the Kings make a trade?43:28 - The defense of Ellis and Murray44:49 - Biggest concern47:28 - Top 10 rotation48:21 - Best crunch-time lineup50:25 - Funky lineups we want to see51:14 - Win predictions56:29 - Closing thoughts on Domantas Sabonis and De’Aaron FoxSUPPORT 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 / @

Dan is joined by Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) from Red Nation Hoops to break down everything about the 2024-25 Houston Rockets. Subscribe to Red Nation Hoops. TIMESTAMPS

Dan is joined by Fawzan Amer (@FAmer__) of The Sixth Man Show to discuss everything and anything about the 2024-25 Orlando Magic. Follow Fawzan Here: https://x.com/FAmer__. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:38 - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s fit, Impressions of the offseason6:46 - Fawzan’s biggest storyline (Anthony Black!)16:39 - Any concern for Franz Wagner?24:22 - Development of Jalen Suggs29:17 - Is Paolo Banchero That Dude?40:21 - Roles for Jett Howard, Tristan Da Silva43:52 - Can the Magic play faster?46:25 - Orlando’s three-point volume47:52 - Future of Wendell Carter Jr.51:35 - Big-man rotation54:48 - Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony56:30 - Underrated strengths of the roster57:31 - Biggest roster needs59:18 - Will the Magic make a trade?1:06:40 - Top-10 rotation1:10:30 - Best crunch-time unit1:12:45 - Funky lineups we want to see1:15:36 - Record predictions, Where do the Magic stack up in the East?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇

Dan is joined by Justin Rowan (@Cavsanada) from The Chase Down Podcast (@ChaseDownPod) to discuss everything you need to know about the 2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHASEDOWN PODCAST. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:46 - Surprise! Everyone’s back7:20 - Moving on from J.B. Bickerstaff9:22 - How will the Cavs play under Kenny Atkinson?13:50 - Is Donovan Mitchell a top-10 player?18:40 - Expectations for the development of Evan Mobley34:47 - Any concerns about Darius Garland moving forward?39:01 - Breaking down the Isaac Okoro situation45:07 - Impact of Max Strus48:05 - The future of Caris LeVert50:26 - How important is Dean Wade to this team?53:13 - Will Sam Merrill have a role?54:00 - Ty Jerome = X-factor????55:49 - The future of Craig Porter Jr.56:59 - Time to upgrade from Georges Niang?58:52 - Early impressions and expectations for Jaylon Tyson1:04:12 - Biggest roster needs 1:05:56 - Top-10 rotation1:06:48 - Best crunch-time unit1:07:55 - Funky lineups we want to see1:09:55 -  Win projections, How

Dan is joined by Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) from DNVR Sports and Locked On Nuggets to discuss everything and anything about the REIGNING CHAMPION DENVER NUGGETS ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. SUPPORT THE GREAT WORK DNVR DOES HERE: https://thednvr.com/diehard/. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DNVR NUGGETS PODCAST HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dnvr-denver-nuggets-podcast/id1070099369. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:49 - Kentavious Caldwell-Pope’s exit4:18 - Jamal Murray extension/value7:54 - The future of Aaron Gordon10:51 - Adam’s biggest storyline13:33 - Michael Malone’s relationship with Calvin Booth20:14 - How will Russell Westbrook fit?24:44 - The Dario Saric fit28:59 - Can Christian Braun make a leap?32:42 - Continued development of Peyton Watson35:37 - The role of Julian Strawther38:33 - Does Michael Porter Jr. have another level?42:13 - Thoughts on Jalen Pickett, DaRon Holmes II, Hunter Tyson45:48 - Is too much on Nikola Jokic’s shoulders?48:27 - Under-the-radar50:03 - Biggest roster needs 50:26 - Top-10 rota

Dan and Grant deliver their 2024 NBA offseason grades for every team in the Western Conference. Check out our Eastern Conference grades. TIMESTAMPS

Dan is joined by Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) from Nets Daily and Swish Theory to discuss the 2024-25 Brooklyn Nets. FOLLOW LUCAS' COVERAGE OF BOTH THE BROOKLYN NETS AND NY LIBERTY HERE: https://www.sbnation.com/users/Lucas%20Kaplan. TIMESTAMPS⬇️11:59 - The future of Cam Thomas19:09 - Trades coming?24:04 - The value of Nic Claxton30:06 - Development of Noah Clowney36:42 - Jalen Wilson’s role38:35 Dariq Whitehead concern42:26 - Trendon Watford breakout?46:46 - Continued development of Day’Ron Sharpe50:05 - Keon Johnson vs. Ziaire Williams53:33 - Can Ben Simmons contribute?58:06 - Cam Johnson’s value1:03:27 - Roster strengths/weaknesses1:05:21 - Top-10 rotation1:08:34 - Best crunch-time lineup1:09:52 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:11:48 - Predictions! / The Cooper Flagg SweepstakesSUPPORT 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 / @danfavaleGRA

Dan and Grant are joined by Keith Parish from the Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak)and Grits and Grinds(@grizzliespod) podcasts to discuss—YOU GUESSED IT—the 2024-25 Memphis Grizzlies. SUBSCRIBE TO FASTBREAK BREAKFAST and GRITS AND GRINDS. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:19 - Impressions of the Grizzlies offseason9:05 - Keith’s biggest storyline (Ja Morant!)14:12 - Continued development from Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr.18:05 - The fit of Marcus Smart24:39 - Impact of Zach Edey31:21 - Frontcourt rotation34:48 - Development of GG Jackson38:59 - Future of Vince Williams Jr.46:06 - GG Jackson vs Vince Williams Jr.47:54 - Offensive identity51:16 - Under-the-radar strengths52:58 - Biggest concerns1:01:46 - Top-10 rotation1:03:32 - Best crunch-time lineup1:04:46 - Funky lineups we want to see1:07:32 - PredictionsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/I

Dan is joined by Shamit (@FearTheBrown) from the In The N.O. podcast and the In The N.O. Substack to for a deeeeep dive into the 2024-25 New Orleans Pelicans and the stakes they're facing heading into this NBA regular season. JOIN THE IN THE N.O. SUBSTACK. SUBSCRIBE TO THE IN THE N.O. PODCAST. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - Intro1:51 - Takeaways from last season2:40 - Future of Brandon Ingram13:31 - Fit of Dejounte Murray21:53 - Who starts?24:01 - More Zion-at-the-5?25:53 - Is Zion Williamson still developing?29:15 - Value of Trey Murphy36:18 - Continued development from Herb Jones38:17 - The center rotation/Center trade targets45:31 - New Orleans’ defensive success50:08 - Future of Jordan Hawkins51:31 - Willie Green on the hot seat?54:31 - Top 10 rotation55:08 - Best crunch-time unit55:34 Funky lineups we want to see57:20 - Pelicans place in the WestSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @h