2025 NBA Media Day Takeaways

Dan is joined by Grant Hughes (@granthuhges) of the world-famous Hardwood Knocks NBA podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Golden State Warriors. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO2:28 - The Jonathan Kuminga situation 12:37 - Al Horford’s fit17:29 - The defense24:15 - The Jimmy Butler fit30:31 - Expectations for Stephen Curry34:45 - Expectations for Draymond Green38:41 - Next frontier for Brandin Podziemski 42:18 - Quinten Post’s role46:11 - Importance of Moses Moody51:11 - Gui Santos’ role52:33 - Steve Kerr contract situation55:58 - Biggest need59:24 - Under the radar storylines 1:01:35 - Top-10 rotation1:06:37 - Go-to crunch-time unit1:07:22 - Wackadoodle lineups we want to see1:09:02 - The stakes for Brandin Podziemski1:10:44 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

Dan and Grant are joined by Lucas Kaplan (@lucaskaplan) from Nets Daily for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Brooklyn Nets. FOLLOW LUCAS' WORK HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:32 - What is the Nets’ plan?5:26 - The Cam Thomas situation 15:28 - Brooklyn’s draft philosophy 20:01 - The vision Egor Demin22:18 - Outlook for Nolan Traore and Ben Saraf 26:00 - Will Drake Powell and Danny Wolf play?30:08 - Picking the Nets’ most interesting prospect33:37 - The Michael Porter Jr. transition 36:04 - What we learned about Jordi Fernandez40:49 - The defensive identity 42:03  - Future of Nicolas Claxton 46:45 - Can Kobe Bufkin break out?48:45 - The non-core youngsters52:37 - Biggest needs53:11 - Under the radar storylines 54:18 - Top-10 rotation57:14 - Go-to closing lineup59:02 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:03:02 - The Nets are mad scientists 1:05:22 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

Dan is joined by Sarah Todd (@nbasarah) of the Deseret News and the Unsalvageable'podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Utah Jazz. SUBSCRIBE TO UNSALVAGEABLE HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:43 - Biggest takeaways from last season5:48 - The future of Walker Kessler12:57 - What’s next for Lauri Markkanen?22:37 - Development of Ace Bailey29:32 - The backcourt rotation 43:12 - Taylor Hendricks’ return48:19 - Continued development of Kyle Fililpwski51:27 - Can Cody Williams pop in Year 56:41 - Which vet plays the most?1:01:17 Defensive improvement 1:03:32 - Under the radar storylines and Biggest need1:04:36 - Top-10 rotation1:08:30 - Go-to crunch lineup1:10:12 - Wackadoodle lineups we want to see1:11:51 - John Tonje expectations 1:13:26 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

Dan and Grant are joined by Andrew "GMAC" Claudio (@andrewjclaudio_) of Knicks Film School for a deep dive into the 2025-26 New York Knicks. SUBSCRIBE TO KNICKS FILM SCHOOL HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 -Intro2:13 - The Thibodeau firing7:27 - Tactical changes under Mike Brown10:43 - Who should start?17:56 - Josh Hart’s fit 21:55 - How will the Knicks flesh out the roster?25:35 - Jordan Clarkson’s fit28:10 - Importance of Guerschon Yabusele32:35 - Can Jalen Brunson adapt?37:56 - Karl-Anthony Towns’ playmaking 40:50 - Future of Mikal Bridges46:25 - OG Anunoby’s offensive role49:11 - The Knicks’ depth 53:01 - New York’s youngsters1:02:18 - Biggest needs1:03:26 - Under-the-radar storyline 1:05:25 - Top-10 rotation 1:06:53 - Go-to crunch-time lineup 1:08:59 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:11:42 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

Dan is joined by Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) from Liberty Ballers, Forbes, FanSided AND Bleacher Report for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Philadelphia 76ers. FOLLOW HIS WORK AT LIBERTY BALLERS HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO3:17 - End of the Quentin Grimes saga / The offseason11:59 - What is the Sixers’ direction?15:50 - Expectations for Joel Embiid19:06 - The Sixers’ play style moving forward23:20 - Three-guard and four-guard lineups28:16 - Impact of VJ Edgecombe33:48 - Continued development of Jared McCain36:56 - Future of Justin Edwards39:58 - The secondary big man rotation 41:26 - Continued development of Adem Bona46:08 - What is the Sixers’ urgency level on the trade market?49:48 - Is Paul George underrated?53:54 - Joel Embiid’s offensive role55:54 - Sixers biggest needs57:41 - Under-the-radar storylines58:44 - Top-10 rotation 1:00:49 - Go-to crunch-time lineup1:01:58 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:04:12 - Kyle Lowry + NBA positivity 1:08:24 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

Dan and Grant drop their biggest questions, takeaways and observations entering NBA training camp on the heels of EVERY team having their 2025 Media Day. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO2:226 - Al Horford to the Warriors5:56 - The Jonathan Kuminga situation 8:57 - The Quentin Grimes 14:02 - Are the Sixers going to be healthy?19:47 - Will Jayson Tatum play this year?23:45 - Is Giannis Antetokounmpo trolling us all?31:52 - The Kevin Durant talk33:19 - The West is big, man40:08 - Dereck Lively II and Victor Wembanyama are growing 42:32 - Can anyone catch Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year44:07 - Future of Walker Kessler49:18 - Are the Memphis Grizzlies in trouble?151:49 - Desmond Bane’s impact on Orlando’s offense55:42 - Who should the Knicks start?1:00:57 - Jalen Williams’ injury timeline1:02:35 - Will LeBron James retire?1:09:01 - Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers1:31:28 - The Trail Blazers are complicatedSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

At LONG LAST, Dan and Grant drop their 2025 offseason grades for every NBA team in the Western Conference. Check out the Eastern Conference grades here. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO / Criteria3:17 - Dallas Mavericks10:39 - Houston Rockets16:37 - Fred VanVleet injury30:05 - Memphis Grizzlies39:52 - New Orleans Pelicans47:43 - San Antonio Spurs 56:35 - Denver Nuggets1:05:57 - Minnesota Timberwolves1:13:53 - Oklahoma City Thunder 1:20:28 - Portland Trail Blazers1:29:28 - Utah Jazz1:38:22 - Golden State Warriors1:47:01 - Los Angeles Clippers1:54:02 - Los Angeles Lakers2:08:37 - Phoenix Suns2:18:29 - Sacramento KingsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

Dan is joined by Jason Patt (@bullsjay) from the Cash Considerations podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Chicago Bulls. SUBSCRIBE TO CASH CONSIDERATIONS HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO2:17 - What is the Bulls’ direction?6:03 - Billy Donovan extension / Offensive style 11:03 - Can Josh Giddey be a star?24:07 - The Isaac Okoro trade and fit28:53 - Future of Coby White35:19 - Tre Jones / the guard rotation39:28 - Continued development of Matas Buzelis48:29 - The center rotation / Future of Nikola Vucevic50:51 - Will the Bulls make a trade?54:54 - Early impressions of Noa Essengue58:13 - Patrick Williams, other youngsters1:02:27 - Biggest needs1:04:54 - Under the radar storylines1:06:27 - Top-10 rotation 1:09:17 - Go-to crunch-time lineup1:10:40 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:11:57 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

Dan is joined by Greg Wissinger (@gwiss) from The Kings Herald for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Sacramento Kings. CHECK OUT THE KINGS HERALD HERE. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 -INTRO1:07 - The Kings’ direction2:21 - The Doug Christie hire6:45 - Dennis Schroder’s fit10:47 - Future of Malik Monk14:58 - The Russell Westbrook rumors15:38 - Jonathan Kuminga rumors17:16 - Future of Keon Ellis22:18 - The Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan fits28:02 - Impact of Doug Christie’s coaching style29:46 - Frontcourt rotation, Development of Isaac Jones and Maxime Raynaud34:21 - Next frontier for Keegan Murray39:20 - Will Keegan Murray get an extension?43:53 - The Domantas Sabonis dilemma49:15 - How can the Kings overachieve?50:51- Will the Kings tear it down?52:23 - Early impressions of Nique Clifford53:58 - Development of Devin Carter55:48 - Biggest need57:36 - Under the radar storylines 59:35 - Top-10 rotation1:00:34 - Go-to starting lineup1:01:35 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:03:07 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]

Dan is joined by Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper/@caitlinmaycooper) from 'Basketball, She Wrote" for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Indiana Pacers. SUBSCRIBE TO BASKETBALL, SHE WROTE ON PATREON. TIMESTAMPS⤵️0:00 - INTRO1:27 - The transformation of the Pacers10:10 - Covering the NBA Finals12:51 - The Tyrese Halliburton recovery16:36 - The loss of Myles Turner20:38 - Playing five-out vs four-out23:26 - Isaiah Jackson’s return25:18 - Jay Huff’s fit28:38 - Will James Wiseman have a role?30:40 - Pascal Siakam-Obi Toppin minutes34:17 - Continued development of Bennedict Mathurin42:33 - Andrew Nembhard as the lead guard46:33 - What makes the Pacers defense special?48:06 - The Andrew Nembhard-Pascal Siakam dynamic50:45 - Can Aaron Nesmith get even better?55:59 - Future of Jarace Walker59:40 -Pascal Siakam falling down/transition defense1:01:39 - Ben Sheppard 1:04:25 - Johnny Furphy, Taelon Peter, Kam Jones, RayJ Dennis1:10:49 - Biggest needs1:13:12 - Under the radar storyline 1:15:31 - Top-10 rotation1:17:04 - Go-to closing lineup1:18:18 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:19:50 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️[email protected]