Biggest questions for West contenders + breaking down the Angel Reese trade

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones look at the top-six in the Western Conference (Thunder, Spurs, Nuggets, Lakers, Rockets, Wolves) and share their biggest questions for each team as we inch closer to the playoffs. From there, the guys shift to the WNBA and react to the Chicago Sky's shocking trade of Angel Reese to the Atlanta Dream. They explore the logic behind it, evaluate the trade package itself, and discuss Angel's fit with the Dream. Sticking with the W, the guys give their big takeaways from Friday's expansion draft and catch up on other news. If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 3:33 Oklahoma City Thunder 14:19 San Antonio Spurs 22:12 Denver Nuggets 27:00 Los Angeles Lakers 33:20 Houston Rockets 41:43 Minnesota Timberwolves 47:38 Dream acquire Angel Reese 01:12:46 Expansion Draft reaction 01:21:11 Other WNBA news (Mystics, Aces, Liberty) Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! First, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones are joined by Justin Rowan and Carter Rodriguez (The Chase Down Podcast) to discuss all things Cleveland Cavaliers! They talk through schematic shifts compared to last season, James Harden's addition, Donovan Mitchell's shift in responsibility, the (hidden) growth of Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, lineup questions and much more. From there, the guys react to the latest injury news. More specifically: how equipped are the Lakers to deal with Luka Doncic's hamstring injury? Nekias also provides a list of notable names to watch in terms of award eligibility (Wemby, Jokic, Kawhi, Ausar and more). Finally, the guys discuss the Chicago Sky's pair of trades ahead of Friday's expansion draft. They talk through the logic of the moves, and debate if they were ultimately worth making.  If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 1:50 Cavs discussion, starting with how the team has shifted schematically 31:26 Evaluating the Donovan Mitchell-James Harden partnership 44:52 Putting Evan Mobley's season in its proper context 56:04 Jarrett Allen's leap in aggression 1:09:52 Who's the ideal 5th starter/closer? 1:23:09 Lakers without Luka Doncic 1:30:00 Award Eligibility Watch 1:32:25 Chicago Sky expansion draft trades Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss the epic turnaround of the Los Angeles Clippers! After a 6-21 start, they've gone a ridiculous 33-15 over their last 48 games. The guys discuss Kawhi Leonard's play, how Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin have slotted into their new home and how dangerous they could be in a playoff setting. From there, the guys react to the latest foundational news in the NBA. Anti-tanking measures are coming, and we may be on the cusp of two new teams joining the league soon. They talk through the latest proposals and debate whether the league needs to add two teams right now. Finally, it's time to talk about the upcoming WNBA expansion draft! We have the rules and the timing (April 3, 3:30 ET) -- now it's time to discuss who may actually be joining new rosters. The guys go team by team, talking through the five players each team may choose to protect. Strategy and shenanigans may be afoot! If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 1:30 Los Angeles Clippers check-in 26:28 NBA anti-tanking proposals 44:17 Should the NBA expand? 49:03 WNBA expansion draft expectations Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! After having a broader discussion about evaluating defense on the last episode, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones discuss their top candidates for Defensive Player of the Year and the All-Defense awards.  From there, the guys talk about the awesome play of Jalen Duren. He's been great all year, earning All-Star honors for the first time. He's been even more dominant as of late, thriving while taking on more offensive responsibility in Cade Cunningham's absence. They discuss his growth areas, award merits (Most Improved, All-NBA), and his ranking among centers right now. Finally, Breanna Stewart -- one of the greatest basketball players and winners of all-time -- joins the show! In a wide-ranging conversation, the trio talk about Stewart's basketball journey, her defensive prowess, Sarah Strong's dominance, her new life as a podcaster, and much more. If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 1:47 DPOY +All-Defense discussion 9:37 Jalen Duren breakdown + center rankings 01:01:50 Breanna Stewart interview Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones have a broader discussion about the Defensive Player of the Year and All-Defensive team races. They discuss what they're evaluating, how they weigh different types of defenders and the value of their responsibilities, what statistics they find useful, and a PSA to always, always #WatchTheTape. From there, the guys check in on Jayson Tatum ahead of a potential Finals preview between the Celtics and Thunder. They talk about his growing fit within the offense, growth areas they're keeping an eye on (OTD shooting, drive, lower-body power generation), and have a mini-debate about the Celtics potentially tweaking his usage to aid his comfort in the offense. Next, Nekias asks Steve about a couple of end-of-game defensive mishaps that led to game-winning baskets -- Amen Thompson's putback against the Heat, and Luke Kennard's three against the Magic -- to see where he thought blame, if any, should go. Finally, New Orleans Pelicans rookie Derik Queen joins the show! In a wide-ranging conversation, the trio talks about Queen's basketball journey, his stacked Montverde team, adjusting to the Pelicans vs. his teammates adjusting to him, the Baltimore Ravens' offseason and more! If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 3:58 Defensive award discussion 35:38 Checking in on Jayson Tatum 49:28 What went wrong: Amen Thompson's game-winner 52:26 What went wrong: Luke Kennard's game-winner 56:22 Derik Queen interview Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones start the show discussing the absurd run Luka Doncic has been on over the past 24 hours -- 100 points across two games?! They talk about what makes him so tough to deal with, and dabble in some "Best In The World" talk. From there, Nekias asks Steve how concerned he is (if at all) about the Pistons, Wolves, Bucks, and Rockets. Next, the guys have a Role Player draft! Based on a recent article written by Steve, the two chose from a 13-player pool to build a starting five of some of the most impactful role players in the league this year. Make sure to grade their roster this weekend! You can also read Steve's piece here: https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/article/the-nbas-most-impactful-role-players-who-elevate-these-title-contenders-175656183.html Finally, a new WNBA CBA has been agreed to! Nekias and Steve salute the transformational nature of the deal, then dig into some of the details that intrigue them most. What will this expansion period look like? How much movement will we see in free agency? Who's going to be the biggest domino of the offseason? Are we truly ready for a 52-game season? If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 2:20 -- Luka Doncic is unreal 20:11 -- Are we concerned? (Pistons/Bucks/Wolves/Rockets) 40:02 -- NBA Role Player Draft 55:11-- WNBA CBA thoughts Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones check in on the Los Angeles Lakers and Atlanta Hawks, boasting six and ten-game winning streaks respectively. They discuss what's standing out to them during this stretch, and how much they believe in them moving forward. Next, Nekias has some quick-hitting questions for Steve. How real are the MVP chances for Luka Doncic and Victor Wembanyama right now? Can Kawhi Leonard land an All-NBA First Team selection among a crowded group of contenders? How close is Stephon Castle to being the Spurs' second best player? Finally, they discuss Team USA's undefeated weekend. Team USA assistant, and Phoenix Mercury head coach, Nate Tibbetts took over for Kara Lawson as she returned to Duke ahead of this year's tournament. The guys discuss what looked different under Tibbetts, and have a broader discussion about who's led the way through four games, and who's put themselves in (better) position to ultimately make the 2028 Olympic roster. If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. (1:38) -- Los Angeles Lakers 29:02 -- Atlanta Hawks 39:55 -- Victor Wembanyama for MVP? 45:20 -- Kawhi Leonard for All-NBA First Team? 48:22 -- How close is Stephon Castle to being the Spurs' 2nd best player? 51:08 -- Team USA Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones celebrate a week of incredible performances around the league. From Bam Adebayo's 83-point game, to Shai breaking a seemingly unbreakable Wilt record, to Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic having legendary performances on their own. There's so much joy to be had watching basketball these days. Next, the guys discuss the early returns of Team USA during FIBA World Cup qualifying. Young stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese make their senior club debuts; head coach Kara Lawson experimented a ton with her defensive coverages and lineup combinations. Steve and Nekias discuss how they analyzed these games, what stood out, and growth areas they'll be keeping tabs on. Finally, Gordon Hayward joins the show! The conversation ranges from his role as an Executive Basketball Advisor at Butler, the validity of Bam's 83-point performance, tennis, the importance of brushing your teeth -- and more! If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. (2:04) The league's in a great place (4:26) Bam Adebayo's 83-point game (24:52) SGA breaks Wilt's record (plus quick Jokic & Luka love) (39:08) Early Team USA thoughts (51:17) Gordon Hayward interview (01:09:10) Steve has a bone to pick with Nekias Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

We have a jam-packed episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down Jayson Tatum's first two games back from injury. They discuss what they liked, his usage, how his minutes have been dispersed, and things they're looking for moving forward. Next, the guys discuss the latest epic battle between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. Was there anything to learn about this game tactically, or was it simply a great game? And it had to be asked: did Shai Gilgeous-Alexander officially slam the door for MVP with his performance?  From there, the guys check in on a couple of reeling teams in the Eastern Conference: the top-seeded Detroit Pistons (four straight losses) and the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers (1-4 in March). Are they just going through a bit of turbulence, or are there real flaws here worth acknowledging? Finally, Steve talks through his latest Rookie Rankings, and they both share what their Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie teams would look like as of today. If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 2:45 Jayson Tatum + Boston Celtics discussion 24:05 Thunder-Nuggets 41:15 Pistons concern levels 51:40 Sixers concern levels 59:04 Let's talk rookies Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube

We have a fun episode of The Dunker Spot coming your way! Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones are joined by Couper Moorhead (HEAT.com, After The Buzzer podcast) to talk all things Miami Heat. They explore Miami's drastic shift offensively, their still-elite defense (and zone) usage, and bring much-needed nuance to the conversations surrounding Bam Adebayo, Kel'el Ware, Tyler Herro and more. After that, Steve and Nekias discuss the imminent return of Jayson Tatum. They get into what he adds to the fold, what they'll be looking for in his debut, and the (annoying) conversations around his return. Finally, the guys give a salute to Mist BC for winning this year's Unrivaled championship. In light of the game ending with a made free throw, they also discuss 1) whether that should be allowed moving forward and 2) potential tweaks in the case that it isn't. If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected]. 3:25  Preseason expectations vs. reality 13:05 Evaluating the new offense 16:46  Bam Adebayo (usage, role, award talk) 33:41  Kel'el Ware (growth, role, usage) 52:04 Tyler Herro's offensive growth 58:50 Rapid fire, starting with Andrew Wiggins' fit in Miami 1:01:37 Is Pelle Larsson a core piece moving forward? 1:05:34 Jaime Jacquez Jr. for 6th Man of the Year? 1:10:15  Early returns for rookie Kasparas Jakučionis 1:13:33 What is Miami's best/ideal closing lineup? 1:17:55 Jayson Tatum is (coming) BACK 1:26:35 Unrivaled championship recap Subscribe to the The Dunker Spot on your favorite podcast app:🎧 Apple Podcasts🎧 Spotify🖥️ YouTube📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network, yahoosports.tv and Yahoo Sports NBA on YouTube