Ep. 93 Learning Basketball with Jackson Frank @jackfrank_jjf
Jackson Frank is an NBA Writer and Editor with Sportscasting NBA
Today we learn about the best moments from opening week in the NBA season, highlighting some of our favorite players, teams, and plays.
Timeline:
00:00 NBA Opening Week Storylines – Aaron Gordon's 50-piece Nuggets
03:00 Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs
05:00 Giannis Antetokoumnpo’s Bucks
08:00 Tyrese Maxey's Sixers
11:00 Rookies Spotlight:
VJ Edgecombe’s Sixers
Cedric Coward’s Grizzlies
Cooper Flagg’s Mavs
55:00 Kon Knueppel’s Hornets + Austin Reaves’ Lakers
PODCAST LINKS
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 92 Learning Basketball with Sportscasting NBA - Jackson Frank, Ben Pfeifer, Mat Issa, Es Baraheni
Jackson Frank, Ben Pfeifer, Mat Issa, Es Baraheni are the team of NBA writers at Sportscasting NBA.
Today Swish Theory and Sportscasting NBA unite for a 2025-26 NBA Team Bet Draft of which teams we expect to best this season
Timeline:00:00 Introduction & Background1:00 NBA Opening Day Thoughts & Season Expectations: Will Diverging Team Styles Emerge?
04:00 2025-26 NBA Team Bet Draft: How to Play
07:00 First Round - The Top-5 Picks35:00 Second Round - The Top-10 49:00 Third Round - The Top-1558:00 Fourth Round - The Top-201:03:00 Fifth Round - The Top-251:14:00 Sixth Round - The Final Five Picks + NBA Team Bet Draft Recap + Season Storylines
NBA Team Bet Draft with Es Baraheni, Ben Pfeifer, Mat Issa & Jackson Frank – Picking The Best 2025-26 NBA Regular Season Teams – The Swish Theory and Sportscasting NBA Opening Day Crossover Episode
Learning Basketball Podcast LINKS
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 91 Learning Basketball with Austin Dobbins @AustinDobbins13
Austin Dobbins is a Lead Writer for @5ReasonsSports and Writer for the Miami Heat & Orlando Magic On SI
Today we learn about the state of the Miami Heat, Coach Spoelstra taking over Team USA Head Coaching duties, Heat players who could pop out between Kelel Ware, Norman Powell, Nikola Jovic, Spoelstra vs Mosley for 2025-26 Coach of the Year odds, and we examine the Orlando Magic’s strong preseason.
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background, Sports Media Advice
04:00 Covering the Heat and Magic on SI
07:00 Mosley vs Spoelstra 2025-26 Coach of the Year Odds
15:00 Miami Heat Season Outlook
33:00 Orlando Magic Preseason
52:00 Heat vs Magic Season Predictions
PODCAST LINKS
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 90 Learning Basketball with Charlie Cummings
@klaytheist11 Charlie Cummings is an NBA Analyst with Swish Theory and Writer for DraftKings Network, Celtics Blog, and Warriors Invite covering the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and NBA at large.
Today we learn about the state of the Boston Celtics and their season outlook until Tatum’s return, then we break down the Portland Trail Blazers' team building strategy going all in on their established defensive identity while taking measured dice rolls on talent. Finally, we examine Charlie’s NBA Farm System concept, where we rank the Top-5 “young cores” in the league only including players still on their rookie contracts (2023-2025 NBA Draft Classes)
Timeline: 00:00 Introduction & Background
03:00 Boston Celtics Franchise Outlook
16:00 Portland Trail Blazers Teambuilding Strategy
50:00 Warriors sign Al Horford (recorded before Kuminga extension)
01:00:00 Ranking NBA Farm Systems
Podcast LINKS:
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
Ep. 89 Learning Basketball with Michael Roth @_MikeRoth
Michael Roth runs Prep Hoops basketball scouting in Ohio and Kentucky.
Today we take a look at the Cleveland Cavaliers Franchise Outlook, and dig into Michael Roth's Basketball Scouting Philosophy & Player Evaluation Process, with a Spotlight on Ohio & Kentucky Standout Prospects, plus Scouting Notes on Shon Abaev & Cincinnati Hoops
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction & Background - what goes into Building a Basketball Scouting Service?
03:00 Scouting Process & Player Evaluation Philosophy
09:00 Valuing Player Development
15:00 Importance of Role & Fit in College Prospect Decisions
21:00 Spotlighting Rising Prospects in Ohio & Kentucky
50:00 Scouting Shon Abaev & Cincinnati Basketball Expectations
55:00 Cleveland Cavaliers Offseason + Franchise Outlook
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 88 Learning Basketball with Jake Paynting
Jake Paynting covers the Minnesota Timberwolves on the Howls and Growls YouTube channel.
Today we learn about his film breakdown process, appreciate FIBA Australia, celebrate the rumors of Kevin Garnett's jersey retirement, and dive into the state of the Minnesota Timberwolves between Anthony Edwards' shooting development, Julius Randle's playmaking, and Rudy Gobert's defensive impact.
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction & Background
2:00 Growing Howls and Growls YouTube Channel, Film Breakdown Process
9:00 State of Minnesota Timberwolves
15:00 Anthony Edwards Shooting Development, Julius Randle Playmaking Role, Rudy Gobert Defensive Impact
52:00 Celebrating Kevin Garnett's Legacy & Jersey Retirement Rumors + Minnesota Timberwolves "Black Trees" Jersey & Court Rebrand
Podcast LINKS
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 87 Learning Basketball with David Molins @DMolins
David coaches Youth Basketball with FC Barcelona, with experience coaching in Minicopa, scouting film, and focusing on player development.
Today we learn about the role of analytics in Euroleague, celebrate legends of Barcelona Basketball, and discuss player development, coaching, and scouting at the youth levels.
The podcast opens with my questions and answers from Orlando Magic Media Day with Coach Mosley and Magic Players.
Timeline:
00:00 Orlando Magic Media Day Q&A with Coach Mosley and Magic Players
12:00 Player Development, Scouting, Coaching Youth Basketball, Experience with FC Barcelona, Minicopa
30:00 Legendary Names of FC Barcelona Basketball - Juan Carlos Navarro
42:00 The Competitive Landscape and The Role of Analytics of Euroleague
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 86 Learning Basketball with Blake Murphy @BlakeMurphyODC
Blake Murphy is the Host of Jays Talk Plus and co-host of The Raptors Show covering the Toronto Raptors.
Today we learn about the Toronto Raptors Franchise Outlook, the gameplan behind Ingram Scottie and Murray-Boyles in the front court, salary cap implications, and the rumors emerging of Kawhi-Raptors free agency demands from 2019 being similar to the recent Clipper rumors.
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background, Sports Media Advice
09:00 Toronto Raptors Franchise Outlook – How does Toronto balance Scottie Barnes, Brandon Ingram, and Collin Murray-Boyles? Do any of the offensive minded backcourt guys pop in Gradey, Quickley, and Barrett?
21:00 Defensive Identity, bench mob of dawgs
45:00 Rumors leaking of Kawhi Leonard's 2019 Free Agency Demands for Toronto resembling these recent allegations with the Clippers
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 85 Learning Basketball with Leader Johnson @WriterLeader247
Leader Johnson is a Senior Writer and Analyst for NBA Draft Room, Villanova sports analyst for 247 Sports, Publisher and Podcaster for High Level Sports, Writer/Draft analyst for Draft Diamonds and Prep Hoops
Today we check in on hoops around Pennsylvania, from Dr. J to Villanova and the 76ers. How will next season look for Villanova’s new Head Coach Kevin Willard who recruited two NBA Draft Prospects in Acaden Lewis and Nico Onyekwere? Are the 76ers sleeper contenders when healthy and has Daryl Morey built the real Two Timelines Team? Who are some of the top young basketball prospects around the country to keep an eye on in future draft talks?
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background, Scouting Philosophy
02:00 Evolution of Villanova Basketball Culture from Jay Wright to Kyle Neptune and now Kevin Willard from Maryland
08:00 Villanova Season Expectations and NBA Draft Prospects to Watch: Acaden Lewis + Nico Onyekwere with Eric Dixon now on Luka LeBron Lakers
26:00 Philadelphia 76ers Franchise Outlook, 2025 Offseason, VJ Edgecombe, Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, Johni Broome
42:00 Philadelphia 76ers, The Real Two Timelines Team
48:00 Rookie VJ Edgecombe's Potential
56:00 Future Top NBA Draft Prospects to keep on the Radar - Ryan Hampton, Marcus Spears Jr., Mikel Brown Jr., Brandon McCoy1:10:00 Importance of Confidence and Comfortability in NBA Draft Prospects
Villanova Hoops, Philadelphia 76ers Two Timelines Franchise Outlook, Future NBA Draft Prospects with Leader Johnson – Acaden Lewis, Nico Onyekwere, Kevin Willard, Dr. J, VJ Edgecombe, Scouting Process
Podcast LINKS
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 84 Learning Basketball with Grant Afseth @GrantAfseth
Grant Afseth is a Dallas-based reporter covering the NBA & WNBA locally with Dallas Hoops Journal, Roundtable Network and nationally for Ballislife, Newsweek, RG Media
Today we talk about the Dallas Mavericks Franchise Outlook, Dallas Wings Rebuild, Cooper Flagg, Paige Bueckers, Anthony Davis, and the general mix of hope and vibes among basketball fans in Dallas going from The Luka Trade to both their NBA & WNBA teams winning potential #1 pick superstars.
00:00 Introduction & Background, Sports Media Advice
02:00 2025 Eurobasket Standouts - Franz, Luka, Giannis, Sengun, Mikka, Markkanen
05:00 How are Fan Vibes in Dallas Since The Luka Trade?
08:00 Future of the Mavericks: Cooper Flagg
11:00 Dirk Nowitzki's Insights on Team Owners restoring team image
14:00 Dallas Mavericks Franchise Outlook & Season Expectations
42:00 Anthony Davis Navigating Injuries, MVP/DPOY Award Races
01:00:00 Paige Bueckers, Basketball Phenom, Dallas Wings Franchise Cornerstone
01:15:00 Did the Basketball Gods gift Dallas Basketball Fans two #1 Pick potential superstars in the summer immediately following the Luka trade?
The State of Dallas Basketball After Luka with Grant Afseth – Mavs & Wings Win #1 Picks Cooper Flagg & Paige Bueckers, AD for MVP/DPOY?, Front Office Expectations, 2025 Eurobasket, Sports Media Advice
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 83 Learning Basketball with Kris Amundson
Kris Amundson is a lawyer and the co-founder of Swish Theory who covers the Chicago Bulls.
Today we learn what went into creating the Swish Theory platform, the legal perspective and potential ramifications for Kawhi and The Clippers possibly circumventing the cap, the Chicago Bulls Franchise Outlook with Buzelis and Essengue and a new Josh Giddey contract, and The Most Confusing NBA Teams
Timeline:00:00 Introduction & Background2:00 The legal perspective & NBA consequences if the Clippers circumvented the cap to sign Kawhi
11:00 Creating Swish Theory with Larry
17:00 Chicago Bulls Franchise Outlook with Buzelis & Essengue
20:00 Josh Giddey Contract
30:00 Pat Will Island
40:00 Ayo Dosunmu: The Underrated Defender
45:00 The Most Confusing NBA Teams: Toronto, New Orleans, Memphis, Chicago, Milwaukee
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 82 with @GiftedHoops_ !
Gifted Hoops covers the NBA on Twitter, YouTube, and Playback, a Twitch-like streaming service for Sports
Today we draft the first official 2025-26 NBA Playback League Pass Rankings! Whichever teams we draft are the only teams we'd theoretically be allowed to watch all season - can we both survive?
Ranking all 30 teams in order of who we are choosing first to watch and stream on Playback if they’re playing on league pass any given night
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background & Sports Media Advice
05:00 2025-26 NBA League Pass Rankings for Playback
Top-5 Picks:
18:00 Orlando Magic
21:00 Chicago Bulls!
24:00 Luka Lebron Lakers Star Power
27:00 Detroit Pistons - Cade Ivey Ausar Duren
30:00 Cleveland Cavaliers - Mobley Garland Mitchell
32:00 Minnesota Timberwolves - Ant Randle
33:00 Milwaukee Bucks - Giannis Turner
36:00 Los Angeles Clippers - Kawhi(?) Harden Zubac Beal CP3
48:00 Atlanta Hawks - Trae Kristaps
50:00 Memphis Grizzlies - Ja Jaren
53:00 New York Knicks - Brunson Kat Bridges Anunoby
55:00 Toronto Raptors
58:00 Indiana Pacers
01:01:00 Portland Trail Blazers
01:03:00 Philadelphia 76ers
01:05:00 New Orleans Pelicans
01:09:00 Dallas Mavericks
01:11:00 Washington Wizards:
01:15:00 Boston Celtics
01:16:00 Final 6 Picks:
Phoenix Suns
Charlotte Hornets
Brooklyn Nets
Sacramento Kings
Miami Heat
Utah Jazz
Whose lineup would you rather have?
RK -
SpursNuggetsMagicLakersCavaliersBucksHawksKnicksPacers76ersMavsCelticsHornetsKingsJazz
Gifted Hoops -
WarriorsThunder
Rockets
Bulls
Pistons
Timberwolves
Clippers
Grizzlies
Raptors
Blazers
Pelicans
Wizards
Suns
Nets
Heat
Ep. 81 Learning Basketball with Nathaniel Butler @natlyphoto
Nathaniel Butler is a photographer who has captured countless iconic moments in NBA History and just published a new book “Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography”, co-authored by Dave McMenamin.
Today we get a sneak peek into Nathaniel Butler's portfolio, diving into countless all-time classic moments in hoops history, unraveling the challenges of capturing these moment in a single click, and hear the stories behind these iconic photos that every basketball fan has seen before from magazine covers to posters on the wall.
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background - Journey into NBA Photography
3:00 Nathaniel Butler’s new book “Courtside: 40 Years of NBA Photography” coauthored by Dave McMenamin
5:00 Iconic NBA Photos & Moments Captured - Magic’s Hook Shot
17:00 Nate Over Dwight Dunk Contest - Camera Angles, The Perfect Shot
34:00 Kobe Bryant Passes Through Traffic
37:00 Jayson Tatum Championship Celebration Raises Deuce - Virality of Social Media Today
41:00 The Ray Allen 3 to help Heat beat Spurs in LeBron’s first title
44:00 Michael Jordan 6 fingers up after winning title, wrong jersey one game, and kissing trophy... Tim Duncan Champagne Shower, Celebrating with Popovich
50:00 Kobe Bryant Passes Through Traffic - Part 2 + NBA 2K Cover
55:00 Knicks John Starks Dunks On Bulls
56:30 1996 NBA Draft Class Slam Magazine Cover - Kobe, Ray, Nash, Starbury
58:30 Kobe Missing Dad After Title Holding Trophy
1:06:20 Michael Jordan Floating Backward Air Stepping Dunk Poster
1:11:30 Bill Russell Smiling Through 11 Rings
FULL PODCAST LINKS
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 80 Learning Basketball with Drew Munley! @Drew_Munley14
Drew Munley is an analytics basketball coach with the Syracuse Women's Basketball team and City Rocks EYBL team.
Today we learn about Syracuse Men's and Women's basketball, the role of analytics on the sideline, playcalling strategy, ball screen continuity offense, Carmelo and Kiyan Anthony, and the defensive versatility of Donnie Freeman & Sadiq White
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction & Background
2:00 Carmelo Anthony Syracuse Legacy
5:00 Kiyan Anthony Freshman Expectations
9:00 Syracuse Roster Depth & Dynamics - Donnie Freeman & Sadiq White Defensive Versatility
18:00 What the role of Syracuse WBB Analytics Coach looks like
22:00 Film Breakdown: City Rocks EYBL, Playcalling Strategy, Ball Screen Continuity Offense
33:00 Syracuse 2026 Recruitment - Jordan Smith Jr. & Deron Rippey Jr. on the radar
FULL PODCAST LINKS
Syracuse Basketball, Carmelo & Kiyan Anthony, Ball Screen Continuity Offense with Drew Munley – City Rocks EYBL, Playcalling Strategy, Donnie Freeman & Sadiq White Defensive Versatility, 2026 Recruits
Learning Basketball - Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Learning Basketball - Spotify Podcast
https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW...
Learning Basketball - YouTube Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 79 Learning Basketball with Steven Bagell! @TheNBAgell
Steven Bagell is the SBC 2024 Director of Brand & Operations for@thecenterhub_bb, a Certified NIL agent, and dual Podcast Host of the @birdrightspod & @one_and_donepod where he covers NBA Salary Cap rules and NCAA basketball.
Today we learn about the NIL Landscape, the opportunities for Certified NIL Agents, Top 2025-26 College Hoops Storylines, and break down the Orlando Magic Salary Cap 5-Year Outlook
Timeline:
0:00 Introduction & Background
2:00 Opportunities after becoming NIL certified + advice to those trying to break into basketball
13:00 Top 2025-26 NCAA Storylines
35:00 Orlando Magic 5-Year Salary Cap Outlook
Full Podcast LINKS:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW4I8wNgDFdsL6ZLf
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-basketball/id1775085550
YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 78 Learning Basketball with Joel Rush @JoelRushNBA
Joel Rush covers the Denver Nuggets and NBA for Forbes Sports.
Today we learn about the Denver Nuggets Reloaded Offseason shifting them back into clear contender status, the motivations behind trading Michael Porter Jr. and a future unprotected 1st for Cam Johnson, how the new free agent acquisitions Valanciunas Hardaway and Brown fit into the rotation, what to expect with David Adelman moving into the permanent Head Coaching title, and the Christmas Day matchup between the budding rivalry of Minnesota and Denver.
Timeline:
00:00 Denver Nuggets Reloaded - 2025 Offseason
05:00 Appreciating Michael Porter Jr.’s time with the Nuggets and Motivations behind Nuggets trade for Cam Johnson
09:00 Assessing New Roster and Team Depth
13:00 Malleability of Bruce Brown
19:00 Tim Hardaway Jr.’s ideal role
26:04 Coaching Changes from Michael Malone and Calvin Booth to new Head Coach David Adelman
39:00 Jonas Valanciunas declaring he will honor his contract and how his presence preserves team identity
44:00 Prospects Julian Strawther and Peyton Watson having opportunity to claim playing time while Denver adds experienced options just in case.
01:00:00 Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Christmas Day Matchup & Budding Rivalry
01:07:00 Projecting the Orlando Magic's success next season and beyond
01:25:00 Nuggets' Depth and Championship Aspirations
Full Podcast LINKS:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2WPNyHW4I8wNgDFdsL6ZLf
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/learning-basketball/id1775085550
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNBCJ87gXz671ru-1b9s3U672nRO3k3nc
Ep. 77 Learning Basketball with Zena Keita! @itszenakeita
Zena Keita covers all things Golden State Basketball between the Warriors for NBC and the Valkyries for CBS as a TV Analyst. She also hosts two basketball podcasts (NBA Daily, No Offseason) with The Athletic NBA & WNBA.
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction & Background to Zena Keita’s Journey in Basketball, Sports Media Advice, Breakthrough Career Moments
05:00 The Golden State Valkyries Expansion Draft
09:00 How to credit the Valkyries early success under the team building of GM Ohemaa Nyanin, team culture built by HC Natalie Nakase, leadership of Owner Joe Lacob, and second chance opportunity being taken on by the players
18:00 The Consistency of Golden State Warriors Head Coach Steve Kerr's Coaching Philosophy and Impact Heading into Year 12
25:00 Golden State Warriors' Franchise Outlook in the Jimmy Butler Era with another peak Steph season looming despite an uncertain future with Kuminga
35:00 Top-5 Most Interesting 2025-26 NBA Storylines
36:00 OKC Thunder's Dynasty Potential, how high of a ceiling does Bane give the Orlando Magic?
39:00 Warriors' Two-Timeline Strategy, Kevin Durant Rockets Offensive Identity, Cooper Flagg Living Up To Hype vs Mavs Sleeping Giants
43:00 How will the Luka LeBron Ayton Lakers surprise us this season? Are the Atlanta Hawks winning 50 games and a Top-4 seed? Can we finally trust the reloaded Clippers in the Playoffs? Is Giannis' Future in Milwaukee Secured?
Full video and clips on youtube/twitter/spotify: @beyondtherk
Ep. 76 Learning Basketball with Gerald Bourguet @GeraldBourguetGerald Bourguet covers the Phoenix Suns and the NBA as the Lead Suns Writer at @PHNX_Sports and the Co-Host of The @PHNX_Suns Podcast
Today we are learning about the state of the Phoenix Suns with Gerald Bourguet, the 2025 offseason overhaul, how the KD Suns Era will be remembered, what went wrong and why, the retooling efforts this summer to keep Booker happy through his prime years, the new-look offense with Jordan Ott and incoming players Jalen Green, Khaman Maluach, Mark Williams.
Timeline:
00:00 2025 Phoenix Suns Offseason Overhaul
03:00 Kevin Durant's Legacy with Suns Fans
06:00 The Real Impact of Acquiring Bradley Beal
08:00 Jordan Ott’s Offense as New PHX Head Coach
11:00 2025 NBA Draft Night - The Mark Williams Trade, Selecting Khaman Maluach, Declining Giant Pelicans Offer
15:00 Jalen Green's Expected Role & How Ott’s Scheme could look with this roster
35:00 2025-26 Season Outlook & Beyond
40:00 Patience, Aligned Vision, Vertical Alignment from Owner to GM to Coach to Player
45:00 Celebrating The Chris Paul 2021 NBA Finals Team
Ep. 75 Learning Basketball with Matt Alquiza @malquiza8
Matt Alquiza covers the Charlotte Hornets with Sports Illustrated @SI_Hornets and as co-host of the @BuzzBeatPod.
Today we learn about the Charlotte Hornets identity-shifting summer of 2025, the draft strategy and clean fit of all four rookies (#4 - Kon Knueppel , #29 - Liam McNeeley, #33 - Sion James, #34 - Ryan Kalkbrenner) around its two stars LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller, the opportunity and pathways for those draft prospects to develop together in well-fitting roles, Charlotte doubling down on playmaking and 3pt shooting to help establish a team identity no matter which player combinations are on the floor by adding these rookies along with bringing back Tre Mann and bringing in Collin Sexton and Spencer Dinwiddie, projecting next season and beyond.
Timeline:
00:00 Introduction + 2025 Offseason Winners - Charlotte Hornets
01:00 Young Core of the Hornets and clean fit of 2025 NBA Draft Haul - Knueppel, McNeeley, Sion James, Kalkbrenner
26:00 Complementary Guard Depth after adding Sexton, how will Charlotte’s 2025-26 rotation look?
32:00 Longterm Charlotte Hornets Franchise Outlook - Establish Fast-Pace Pass and Shoot Identity First
Ep. 74 Learning Basketball with David Lee @DLee4Three
David Lee covers the Atlanta Hawks on YouTube & Twitter @DLee4Three and creates Atlanta Hawks Film Breakdowns at @ATLHawksFilm
Today we learn about the Atlanta Hawks incredible 2025 offseason, 2025-2026 future franchise outlook, Drafting Asa Newell #23 while somehow adding a 2026 unprotected first from New Orleans, How a healthy Kristaps could be the key unlocking Trae Young, Atlanta’s front court two-way versatility and key additions of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard to the backcourt.
Timeline
00:00 Introduction & 2025 Offseason Winners: Atlanta Hawks
03:00 The Potential D&3 Secondary Scoring Gravity of Kristaps Porzingis
05:00 The Value of Trading Back for Asa Newell and his incredible development path trajectory clean fit next to Trae Young to maximize Asa’s skillset
32:00 How Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Luke Kennard complement a Trae - Dyson Daniels Backcourt
37:00 Teambuilding challenge of Lineup Versatility - Building around Trae’s strengths by flanking him with versatile defensive play-finishers while finding options to survive without him on the court
40:00 Expectations for Upcoming 2025-26 NBA Season and beyond - Can next year’s Atlanta Hawks win 50 games and a 4-seed?
