Thanksgiving Mailbag + A Chat with Gary Payton II

For the first time this NBA season, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones go to the Dunker Spot mailbag!They answer questions about league-wide defensive trends, potential shifts to the Heat's offense, Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations and much more.If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected] you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot(1:27) — Common themes for teams that have made leaps this year(8:41) — Will we see more zone and/or college-style press defenses?(18:05) — Who are we most excited to see explore and develop during the Unrivaled season?(24:20) — How do we judge (good) defense + potential Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations(35:43) — Building defensive chemistry + potential tweaks to Miami's offense moving forward(45:48) — How will young role players fill in for key rotation pieces across the league?(49:46) — What makes the Cade Cunningham/Jalen Duren partnership effective + a Jaden Ivey trade idea(56:52) — Who could use Trendon Watford?(59:09) — Is it time for NBA realignment?(01:02:22) — An All-Star game format suggestion(01:06:23) — Does LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves make up the best passing trio EVER?(01:12:52) — Gary Payton II conversation 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine discuss gratitudes in the NBA for this Thanksgiving episode. The pair chat about LA's luck with Luka Dončić—who's on a historic tear, even in Lakerland. They break down Lonzo Ball’s mini-resurgence and offer appreciation for Erik Spoelstra and Jalen Suggs for the Heat & Magic.Tom brainstorms nicknames for Derik Queen, the Raptors and Deni Avdija receive some love, and they ask the big question: can the Thunder REALLY win 77 games?(1:25) Lakers are lucky to have Luka(15:56) Cavs thankful for Lonzo Ball(19:33) Heat grateful for Erik Spoelstra(26:45) Magic thankful for Jalen Suggs(31:53) Pelicans grateful for Derik Queen(39:13) Dan thankful for the Raptors(42:46) Tom grateful for Deni Avdija(47:13) Thankful for the Thunder 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones salute the streaking Pistons, Heat, and Raptors, then talk about teams, players and other things they're grateful for this season. From Chris Paul, to absurd Thunder runs, to alternate courts, to broadcast gimmicks. Basketball is awesome and we're glad we have it.If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected] you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot(1:24) — Detroit Pistons(9:29) — Miami Heat(18:35) — Toronto Raptors(25:20) — Teams (and things) we're grateful for(41:41) — Players we're grateful for 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O’Connor is joined by Justin Termine to discuss Kawhi Leonard returning to the Los Angeles Clippers, James Harden continuing his legacy and whether the Clippers can revive their season.Next, they break down the heated moment between Klay Thompson and Ja Morant, Chris Paul’s career after announcing his retirement and Norm Powell shining for the Heat. Later, Kelly Iko joins to discuss his report of LaMelo Ball growing frustrated with the Hornets’ organization and being open to a trade. Where could he possibly land? KOC gives his pick. Then, they discuss how KD’s absence will impact the Rockets, Jalen Johnson’s All-Star potential and the state of the Chicago Bulls. Plus, Ricky O’Donnell joins to share his thoughts on the 2026 NBA draft class and key players and games to watch this week.(0:28) Kawhi returns, but Clippers still struggle(12:23) Chris Paul to retire after this season(16:19) Ja Morant vs. Klay Thompson(24:14) Norm Powell shines for Heat in Herro’s absence(28:33) Suns comeback vs. Timberwolves(33:51) Kelly Iko on LaMelo Ball trade possibilities(43:28) Rockets without KD for 2 games(52:04) Jalen Johnson All-Star potential(55:27) Who is Pistons #24?(1:01:36) State of the Chicago Bulls(1:05:38) Draft Class with Ricky O’Donnell 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones break down the season debut of LeBron James, discussing the positives, growth areas, and things to keep track of as the sample grows.Then, they react to the recent reporting surrounding LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets. How did we get here, how solvable is it, and who are some potential fits for LaMelo if the plug is pulled?Finally, the guys check in on the Sacramento Kings. The vibes are bad and the record is worse; they discuss the current state and how they should move forward.If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected] you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot(1:20) — LeBron James' debut(22:51) — LaMelo Ball discussion(43:13) — Should the Sacramento Kings blow this up? 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O’Connor and Tom Haberstroh answer the twelve biggest NBA questions at this point in the season, including whether Houston is a top-tier contender and which team should trade for Anthony Davis. Then they explain why star player injuries have increased and how the league can address this.Next, they discuss Coby White’s impact on the Bulls, Jonathan Kuminga’s fit with the Golden State Warriors and whether the Nets are featuring Michael Porter Jr. for a trade. Plus, they break down LeBron’s season debut, Bam Adebayo’s defensive player of the year odds and the best player comparisons for Kon Knueppel.Later, Sam Vecenie joins the show to break down which rookies are making an impact with this week’s edition of Draft Class.(0:22) Rockets' strange offense(7:27) Who should trade for AD?(13:21) Coby White's impact for Chicago(18:30) Where does Scoot fit with the Blazers?(20:35) Magic, Celtics & Bucks Finals odds(25:47) NBA injury issues(34:31) Updated assessment of Kuminga’s fit(41:27) Michael Porter Jr. recent performances(49:03) LeBron returns to Lakers' lineup(50:51) Bam Adebayo for DPOY?(53:54) Player comps for Kon Kneuppel(59:55) Derik Queen drops 30 on Nuggets(1:09:07) Draft Class with Sam Vecenie(1:20:29) Lottery Lessons: Cam Boozer(1:31:22) Lottery Lessons: AJ Dybantsa(1:39:13) Weekly Movers: Kingston Flemings 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Tom Haberstroh and Dan Devine give their way-too-early awards for the NBA season thus far. They debate whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Nikola Jokić should be the NBA MVP and whether the Rookie of the Year award should be awarded to Cooper Flagg or Cedric Coward. Next, they discuss why it’s a unanimous decision to give Victor Wembyanama the Defensive Player of the Year despite his injury and why Ryan Rollins has the strongest case for Most Improved Player of the Year.Plus, why has there been an increase in star player injuries this year? Tom gives his insight. Lastly, LeBron James made his season debut last night against the Utah Jazz. Will he continue to bring the Lakers to life? All that and more!1:14 SGA for MVP?4:10 Jokic for MVP?9:15  Honorable mention MVP: Giannis14:48 Rookie of the Year picks21:02 Wemby for Defensive Player of the Year?27:35 Ryan Rollins for most improved player?29:59 Jalen Duran for most improved player?37:07Jaime Jaquez Jr for 6moy?44:41 NBA star injury crisis55:41 LeBron makes his debut 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Ariel Helwani joins Kevin O’Connor in-person for a look at the Knicks’ season so far, from Mike Brown’s uptempo system and deep bench rotation to the frustrations of injuries to Brunson and Anunoby. Kevin and Ariel also react to the latest on the Clippers-Kawhi drama.Then, Molly Morrison joins Kevin O’Connor to break down the latest NBA news including Victor Wembanyama’s injury and Jalen Duren’s rising star. Morrison shares insights on Ja Morant, the Grizzlies’ evolving identity and why her Memphis loyalty still runs deep despite roster chaos. The duo unpacks what makes Nikola Jokic’s elusive greatness so compelling and Molly recounts her journey from anonymous Twitter user to a unique voice in basketball media.(0:25) Ariel Helwani on the Knicks(10:58) Ariel Helwani on the Clippers(33:39) Molly Morrison on Victor Wembanyama(54:38) Molly Morrison on Ja Morant 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones roam the baseline with praise for the Oklahoma City Thunder and surprisingly-feisty Atlanta Hawks.Then, they check in on the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks as they deal with teams working to take away their strengths.Finally, the guys do their first All-Star check-in of the season. Who's in? Who's close? What will the US-based teams look like?If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected] you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot(1:27) — Oklahoma City Thunder(20:42) — Atlanta Hawks(36:35) — Minnesota Timberwolves(51:01) — Cleveland Cavaliers(01:03:34) — Milwaukee Bucks(01:08:42) — All-Star check-in 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Kevin O’Connor asks Es Baraheni if he's gone ‘too far or not far enough,' as they break down if the Atlanta Hawks are better without Trae Young, if the Rockets are truly the best offense in the NBA and whether Lauri Markkanen is worth five first-round picks. Plus, will LeBron's return to the reshaped Lakers be clunky? Next, they share some early-season overreactions, including whether the Nuggets have the best defense of the Nikola Jokic era, if Scottie Barnes is an All-Star and whether the 76ers are now Tyrese Maxey’s team? Speaking of overreactions, they analyze whether Draymond Green takes it too far in a heated fan exchange.(1:08) Hawks better without Trae?(9:14) Do Rockets have the best offense in the NBA?(20:51) Is Markkanen worth 5 first-round picks?(27:45) Will LeBron fit well back with Lakers?(32:18) How good is Denver's defense?(38:09) Scottie Barnes All-Star potential(45:20) Do 76ers belong to Maxey or Embiid?(49:22) Draymond gets into it with a fan 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv