Nate and Danny break down how the Thunder have righted themselves with two huge wins against some of their chief competition in the West, Houston and San Antonio. Plus, we give our thoughts on Jonathan Kuminga’s trade demand from Golden State and the dreaded Memphis Grizzlies medical updates. Join Dunc’d On Prime for 35% off using the code mockoffseason2026 ! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well! Subscribe on YouTub...
Jan 16, 2026•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 1220
Denver Nuggets — 0:23 How have they played without Jokic, plus a breakdown of the best passing stretch of Jamal Murray’s career. Portland Trail Blazers / Houston Rockets — 12:12 A set between these teams saw the Rockets change their approach against Deni Avdija, but he dominated crunchtime on Friday nonetheless. Sacramento Kings / Golden State Warriors — 35:27 Sacramento has a discordant present, while the Warriors are in a mini-surge Dallas Mavericks — 54:00 We take stock of what AD was able to...
Jan 11, 2026•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 1219
John Hollinger joins Nate Duncan and Danny Leroux to discuss the top prospects in the NBA 23 and under. Which players would we most want for the rest of their careers? Where do young stars like Victor Wembanyama, Cooper Flagg, Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Alperen Sengun, Dylan Harper, Alex Sarr, Amen Thompson, Jalen Duren, Reed Sheppard, VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey, Kon Knueppel, Stephon Castle, Matas Buzelis, Keyonte George, Zach Edey, Kel'el Ware, Collin Murray-Boyles, Derik Queen, and Cedric C...
Jan 10, 2026•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 1218
It’s time to look ahead to 2026. What do Nate and Danny think will be the biggest stories of this year, and what storylines are they most interested to see resolve? Full Daily Duncs with links Trae Young-Hawks Wizards-Trae Young Trae Young Kristaps Porzingis Russell Westbrook Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Awards Jalen Brunson Kon Knueppel Kon Knueppel Jaylen Brown Nikola Vucevic Rockets-Suns Peyton Watson Full Daily Duncs with links Join Dunc’d On Prime for 35% off using the code mockoffseaso...
Jan 06, 2026•13 min•Ep. 1217
It’s time to hand out some hardware! Nate and Danny eschew the narratives and give their picks for MVP, All-NBA, Coach of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, 6th Man of the Year, and Rookie of the Year. Most Valuable Player — 1:40 All-NBA Teams — 20:47 Coach of the Year — 51:15 Defensive Player of the Year — 1:00:04 Sixth Man of the Year — 1:05:55 Rookie of the Year — 1:14:00 Join Dunc’d On Prime for 35% off using the code mockoffseason2026 ! It's the only place to get every episode with Nat...
Jan 05, 2026•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 1216
With the benefit of hindsight, Nate and Danny pick out their most interesting games of the last week and do full breakdowns. Kawhi Leonard’s 55 points against the Pistons was one of the most dominant games of the year. Ja Morant showed flashes of a return to form against Joel Embiid and the Sixers, but VJ Edgecombe had the game-winner for Philly. 12:02 Keyonte George is the biggest reason the Jazz have exceeded expectations. He hit the game winner against a Pistons team that troublingly struggle...
Jan 02, 2026•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 1215
Looking back on it, 2025 was one of the craziest years in NBA history. Nate and Danny look back on all of the biggest stories of the season, compare those to what we thought the biggest stories would be at the start of the year, and then pick their top-3 stories of 2025. Join Dunc’d On Prime for 35% off using the code mockoffseason2026 ! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well! Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clu...
Dec 31, 2025•12 min•Ep. 1214
The Thunder definitely have a huge problem with the Spurs. What can OKC do to counter them? And could San Antonio win the championship THIS year? Nikola Jokic authored one of the best games ever on Christmas with his dizzying array of skills. But Denver needed overtime to prevail in a classic. For awhile, it looked like salad days for Cleveland, until the Knicks exposed some of the same old flaws. Speaking of same old flaws, the Lakers have had big-time trouble in every aspect of the game that d...
Dec 26, 2025•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 1213
Nate and Danny are back for their bi-weekly look around the Eastern Conference with segments on each of the 15 teams. Knicks / Heat–Jalen Brunson’s offensive takeover, Kel’el Ware’s breakout game Nets/Raptors–The Nets…..defense was too much for Toronto to handle. Bulls — 25:17 — Coby White is driving the basketball Cavaliers — 35:01 —Can Cleveland break out of its tailspin? Magic — 44:52 — Anthony Black’s ceiling as a playoff guard 76ers — 55:33 — Paul George’s shooting resurgence Wizards — 1:01...
Dec 22, 2025•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 1212
Jared Dubin of Last Night in Basketball and the Double Dribble Podcast makes his annual appearance to discuss the key trends he and Nate have been seeing around the league this year. No more spoilers here, just dive in! And you can visit lastnightinbasketball.com/twentyfive for 25% off a year’s subscription to Jared’s work. Join Dunc’d On Prime for 35% off using the code mockoffseason2026 ! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & N...
Dec 19, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 1211
Sacramento Kings — 0:00:38 Will Sacramento’s ownership accept an intentional rebuild rather than one through ineptitude? Where does Doug Christie rank among the worst coaches of the last 10 years? Who pulls the plug first: Dallas, Sacramento, or Portland? San Antonio Spurs — 11:08 Has Stephon Castle’s improved play this season (outside of shooting) altered your stance on whether the Spurs should move him? Do the Spurs ultimately need to move on from Castle to reach their ceiling? Would trading C...
Dec 19, 2025•41 min•Ep. 1210
Nate and Danny dig into a Western Conference mailbag for the Grizzlies, Wolves, Pelicans, Thunder, Suns, and Blazers, focusing on young bigs, long-term team-building, and how to survive in an OKC/Wemby/Jokic world. Memphis Grizzlies — 0:15 What has Zach Edey’s overall impact been so far, and why hasn’t his strong play gotten more discussion? Given that most of Memphis’ wins with Edey back came against sub-.500 teams, what’s actually real and what projects beyond this season? Why are Ja Morant an...
Dec 18, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 1209
Nate and Danny tackle Western Conference mailbag questions from the Dallas Mavericks through the LA Lakers, digging into star-trade calculus, emerging young players, and which contenders really scare OKC and Denver. Dallas Mavericks — 0:55 Is Max Christie’s 65% true shooting for real, and if/when his shooting regresses, can he still be a starter on a championship team? How should Dallas value and time a potential Anthony Davis trade—what kind of package is “enough,” how much does the extension/p...
Dec 16, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 1208
Victor Wembanyama returns in heroic fashion to power San Antonio past Oklahoma City and give them only their second loss of the season. Plus, the NBA rule that MUST be changed for next year. Jalen Brunson becomes only the 3rd player to drop 40 in Cup play as Orlando had no answers for the new-look Knicks. Then, we look ahead to a fascinating San Antonio vs New York Cup Final. Join Dunc’d On Prime for 35% off using the code mockoffseason2026 ! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate &a...
Dec 14, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 1207
Nate and Danny take questions on Indiana through Washington in the Eastern Conference. Pacers — 0:13 What explains the divergence between the Boston Celtics and the Indiana Pacers despite their seemingly comparable losses in talent? Did the Pacers truly “miss” on Ryan Nembhard given their existing guard depth with Tyrese Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard, and T.J. McConnell? Do the Pacers have a starting-caliber center on the roster (Jay Huff, Isaiah Jackson, Tony Bradley), or will they ultimately nee...
Dec 09, 2025•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 1206
Hawks — 3:36 Should the Hawks trade Trae Young plus two juicy Bucks/Pels picks for Giannis, and how would that look from both teams’ perspectives? If the Hawks keep Trae, re-sign him reasonably, and just add this incoming Pelicans pick, can that path ever realistically lead to a championship? Do you buy Onyeka Okongwu’s three-point shooting, and if you do, is he a top-15 center in the league? Celtics — 13:20 If you’re the Celtics, how should you play out the rest of the season—go all out because...
Dec 08, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 1205
With the East so open, should the Pistons push their chips in now for a star forward like Jaren Jackson Jr. (or Markkanen/AD), and what would that kind of trade cost? Is an Austin Reaves–Luka Dončić backcourt too weak defensively for the Lakers to be a true championship contender? Full Daily Duncs with links Lawrence Frank Chris Paul-Clippers Chris Paul L.A. Clippers Cleveland Cavaliers Giannis Antetokounmpo Spurs-Magic Pistons-Bucks Dunc'd On Live Pat Spencer Denver Nuggets Denver Nuggets ...
Dec 05, 2025•18 min•Ep. 1204
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential trade request leads off the show, as Nate and Danny retrace how Milwaukee got here and debate where he could go next. They then break down Bucks/Pistons, highlighted by Giannis’ calf injury, Doc Rivers’ clever 2–3 zone, and Jericho Sims’ decisive and-one. San Antonio/Orlando follows, with Dylan Harper’s electric playmaking, De’Aaron Fox’s tough shotmaking, and Luke Kornet’s game-saving block on Franz Wagner. Jamal Murray’s 52-point explosion against Indiana rank...
Dec 04, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 1203
Nate and Danny take their first crack at the NBA awards. Jokic, Shai, Luka, or Giannis for MVP? 00:01:38 We break down a ridiculously deep field for the All-NBA teams, with over 25 legitimate candidates. 00:28:59 Then, Defensive Player of the Year, with some surprising and some familiar candidates. 00:57:59 Coach of the Year is another great one with coaches who have totally overhauled their systems, and others who have continued consistent excellence. 01:05:42 Sixth Man of the Year also has som...
Dec 02, 2025•1 hr 38 min•Ep. 1202
Nate and Danny break down all the action on point differential night! Orlando and Detroit was a fascinating matchup of two hungry, athletic, physical teams. Cleveland had a chance to advance as the wild card, but the Hawks defense stifled them late. 29:00 Jalen Brunson out-dueled Giannis down the stretch in a win or go home game to reach the quarterfinals. 42:53 Denver disappointingly blew an 18 point lead to San Antonio at home to again bow out of the NBA Cup, as the Spurs make the quarterfinal...
Nov 29, 2025•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 1201
Our bi-weekly look at the Western Conference! LAL @ UTA: The Lakers hold on against the Jazz in LeBron James’ second game of the season. NOP @ DAL: Two young teams go at each other in a fun matchup over the weekend. POR: What makes Deni Avdija so hard to stop? MIN: Rob Dillingham just isn’t a rotation player right now for a team with the Wolves’ aspirations DEN: How could they use Cam Johnson more? HOU: How real is their 3-point shooting? PHX: Collin Gillespie has been a big part of the Suns’ re...
Nov 24, 2025•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 1200
Denver and Houston was a fascinating tactical matchup between two of the three-best teams in the league with a lot of different pitches to throw. Phoenix’s new identity helped them steal a game they had no business winning against the Wolves. 33:43 Portland took control of their own destiny in the West Group of Death with an upset over Golden State. 46:24 We look at the rest of the NBA Cup standings and scenarios, then discuss the latest news including LaMelo Ball and Anthony Davis potentially b...
Nov 22, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 1199
CHA: Kon Knueppel has truly impressed early on Join Dunc’d On Prime for 35% off using the code mockoffseason2026 ! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well! Subscribe on YouTube to get Dunc'd On Clutch Calls, Real Video Scouts, and more. Or, sign up for our FREE mailing list to get Dan Feldman's Daily Duncs with all the major topics around the league twice a week. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswiz...
Nov 21, 2025•16 min•Ep. 1198
We take our biweekly look at the teams in the Eastern Conference, featuring scouts on two young breakout players in the Central Division. Plus, we discuss the firing of Willie Green in New Orleans. Willie Green Firing DET: Daniss Jenkins has come out of nowhere to feature in Detroit 6:04 ORL: Tristan da Silva is looking like a rotation stalwart 16:47 CHI: What are we seeing from Matas Buzelis, who SOME ARE SAYING should have been the #1 pick in the 2024 draft? 26:48 ATL: How is Dyson Daniels evo...
Nov 17, 2025•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 1197
It was a fantastic night of NBA Cup action as Stephen Curry somehow topped himself from Wednesday with 49 points including the game-winning free throws against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs. We go deep on that game, plus catch up on all the other action around the league. Plus a great companion is Nate’s live call of crunchtime with video. Warriors–Spurs — 0:00 Rockets–Blazers — 30:25 Hornets–Bucks — 36:00 Clippers–Mavericks — 42:00 76ers–Pistons — 48:15 Heat–Knicks — 57:03 Nets–Magic — 58:47 ...
Nov 15, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 1196
A breaking 15 & 60 opens with Dallas moving on from Nico Harrison and what that means for the franchise’s direction. We examine the logic of acting now versus waiting, and the implications for Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg. Then it’s a detailed look at Pelicans–Spurs from the weekend, including Trey Murphy’s big night and encouraging rookie flashes. San Antonio’s guard mix with De’Aaron Fox returning and Stephon Castle blossoming at point guard. We close by taking stock of Denver’s scorchin...
Nov 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 1195
Author Yaron Weitzman joins to unpack his new book, A Hollywood Ending: The Dreams and Drama of the LeBron Lakers—and all the palace intrigue that shaped this era. We dig into why the LeBron–Lakers “marriage” delivered a title yet still feels unresolved, from Buss family succession politics to who actually pulls the levers in L.A. You’ll hear how decisions really got made—Ty Lue negotiations, Linda/Rob’s influence, the AD trade mechanics, and the inside story of the Westbrook pivot. We look at t...
Nov 06, 2025•48 min•Ep. 1194
Part 2 of our look at the Eastern Conference 2 weeks in. Orlando Magic — Can Jamahl Mosley unlock Desmond Bane? Full Daily Duncs with links Miami Heat 15 in 60 Ja Morant Myles Turner New Orleans Pelicans Egor Demin Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Santi Aldama Costumes Full Daily Duncs with links Join Dunc’d On Prime for 35% off using the code mockoffseason2026 ! It's the only place to get every episode with Nate & Danny, plus every pod with John Hollinger & Nate as well! Subscribe on YouT...
Nov 05, 2025•15 min•Ep. 1193
We begin our look at the 15 teams in the Eastern Conference with a survey of where 8 teams stand with some of the most interesting storylines for the first 2 weeks of the season. Miami Heat —How the Heat reinvented their offense Chicago Bulls — 13:24 — What is sustainable and what isn’t about Chicago’s start? Detroit Pistons — 23:21 — Jalen Duren is keeping the Pistons offense afloat Atlanta Hawks — 33:56 — Post Trae path is defense and transition Cleveland Cavaliers — 43:58 — Donovan Mitchell’s...
Nov 03, 2025•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 1192
Portland and Denver play a fascinating game in a contrast of styles, with Jerami Grant getting revenge against his old team. Ja Morant pouts his way through a winnable game against the Lakers, then voices displeasure in the media afterward. Kawhi Leonard sends the Pelicans home with another loss. The Knicks’ defense proved the perfect matchup for how the Bulls want to play offense. Plus a bit more on every other game of the night. Blazers vs. Nuggets — 0:00 Lakers vs. Grizzlies — 25:32 Clippers ...
Nov 01, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 1191
