Hardwood Knocks

MAIL TIME. Dan offers his answers to listener questions that run the gamut of the NBA. We're talking Donovan Mitchell, Kevin Durant's trade request, RJ Barrett and his ceiling, teams ready to make the leap in 2022-23 and SO. MUCH. MORE. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:43 - How Kevin Durant's trade request will impact next CBA negotiations 13:27 - Ranking NBA title contenders for 2022-23 season 23:01 - Eye Test vs. Analytics 26:14 - Michael Jordan's worst NBA Finals Game 28:24 - Moneyball in the NBA 30:38 - How to build an NBA contender around Donovan Mitchell 35:29 - Could RJ Barrett be the next Bradley Beal or Jimmy Butler? 41:03 - Regression candidates for 2022-23 season  44:33 - Is the NBA more stylistically diverse than ever? 47:06 - Finding Next Year's Version of the Cleveland Cavaliers 53:12 - Denver Nuggets lineups we NEED to see next season JOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwk SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hugh

The Boston Celtics have entered the Kevin Durant sweepstakes, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Should they trade Jaylen Brown (plus salary) and multiple picks for KD? Is this report just an attempt to drive up bids to the Brooklyn Nets from other NBA teams? If the Celtics are engaged for KD, can they offer the league's best package? Dan gets into all the implications of this report, insofar as there are any. JOIN OUR DISCORD: t.co/nhOSSpduPT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

Dan debuts 'ONE QUESTION.' This will hopefully be a keeper installment in which all of us, as a family, ruminate on a subject he is thinking about/discussing with someone else or has been posed by one of you loyal listeners. First up on the agenda: Can the New Orleans Pelicans complete a Kevin Durant Trade AND KEEP Brandon Ingram? TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:04 - Should the New Orleans Pelicans try to trade for Kevin Durant? 4:48 - How the Pelicans can Trade for Kevin Durant and KEEP Brandon Ingram 16:46 - Does New Orleans have the best Kevin Durant trade package even WITHOUT Brandon Ingram included? 25:06 - Are the Pelicans NBA Finals favorites with Kevin Durant? JOIN OUR DISCORD: t.co/nhOSSpduPT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesT

Dan remains the quintessential, downloads-chasing narcissist and gives his thoughts on the New York Knicks restricting NBA media access to Jalen Brunson's introductory presser, as well as the reaction from fans to this decision. In other words: KnIcKs FoR cLiCkS, baby! JOIN OUR DISCORD: t.co/nhOSSpduPT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

MAIL TIME. Dan plows through a thought-provoking batch of questions that covers the Houston Rockets; outrageous NBA comparisons for Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray and Jaden Ivey; the Portland Trail Blazers' defense; the top 10 defenders of all time; dark horse picks to win 2022-23 awards; three-team trade scenarios between the Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers and Los Angeles Lakers; and so much more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 1:56 - Miles Bridges 3:06 - JaMychal Green to Dubs 4:35 - How good will the Portland Trail Blazers be on defense? 9:23 - Will the Indiana Pacers be a third-team facilitator in any Russell Westbrook and Kyrie Irving trade? 20:14 - Who aged in the NBA less gracefully: Allen Iverson or Russell Westbrook? 24:32 - Do we (read: Dan) owe the Sacramento Kings an apology? 26:16 - OUTRAGEOUS ceiling and floor comparisons for Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray, Jaden Ivey 35:34 - Do the Houston Rockets need to move on for Stephen Silas?   42:

Hardwood Knocks reacts to the latest NBA trade rumors, including rumblings on Donovan Mitchell to the Miami Heat, Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving staying in Brooklyn, Russell Westbrook and the New York Knicks, Julius Randle to the Los Angeles Lakers, Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors and more! TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:22 - Russell Westbrook/Donovan Mitchell 14:23 - The Lakers 19:27 - Donovan Mitchell trade market 21:19 - Miami Heat's superstar pursuit 28:46 - Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving trade markets 33:08 - Toronto Raptors/Scottie Barnes/KD 41:08 - Keldon Johnson extension 43:28 - Kenrich Williams extension 45:54 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 57:16 - OUTRO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

Dan gives his thoughts on why the Russell Westbrook discourse and the Los Angeles Lakers blame game have become ultra-cringey. After that, it's on to some NBA teams that should consider facilitating a Westbrook trade. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:30 - Intro 1:53 - The Russell Westbrook Discourse/Lakers Blame Game 24:23 - NBA Teams that Should Consider Trading for Russ JOIN OUR DISCORD: t.co/nhOSSpduPT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

Dan discusses Deandre Ayton returning to Phoenix, the Suns' chances of a Kevin Durant trade, the future of the Indiana Pacers and whether the New York Knicks should go all in on a Donovan Mitchell trade. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:30 - INTRO 2:17 - Deandre Ayton Restricted Free Agency Fallout 9:36 - Kevin Durant/Suns/Raptors/Heat/Dark Horse KD Suitors 28:28 - Non-KD Trade Targets for Suns 36:48 - What's next for the Pacers? 52:05 - Knicks, Donovan Mitchell, RJ Barrett JOIN OUR DISCORD: t.co/nhOSSpduPT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

Dan is joined by Adam Spinella from The Box and One (@BoxAndOne_) to discuss their biggest summer league takeways, includING the play of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren, Keegan Murray, Jaden Ivey and Jabari Smith Jr., as well as some other standouts and team futures AND OHO SO MUCH MORE. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️ 0:00 - INTRO 4:18 - Paolo Banchero 9:23 - Chet Holmgren 16:35 - Jabari Smith Jr. 19:47 - Keegan Murray 21:36 - Jaden Ivey 27:36 - Bennedict Mathurin/Detroit Pistons 31:02 - Shaedon Sharpe/Portland Trail Blazers 33:00 - Most impressive non-lottery picks 37:22 - Best second- and third-year players 39:25 - Baby Dubs! James Wiseman! Jonathan Kuminga! 43:16 - R.P.O. (Reckless Pelicans Optimism) 48:49 - Most intriguing young cores 53:52 - Summer League disappointments 55:58 - MarJon Beauchamp/Rayjon Tucker 58:21 - Cam Thomas/Steve Nash 1:00:00 - Caleb Homesley 1:00:25 - Keegan game-tying three or Paolo's game-winning assist? 1:01:31 - Keegan Murray for Rookie of the Year? 1:03:38 - Jabari Walker 1:04:23 - Biggest d

Dan reacts to the news that the Utah Jazz are exploring Donovan Mitchell trades. After riffing on the direction of the Jazz franchise under Danny Ainge, he goes through the best landing spots and packages for Mitchell. From there, we dive into some Kyrie Irving talk and discuss the impact of Pat Connaughton signing an extension and the Khris Middelton injury on the Milwaukee Bucks. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️

MAIL TIME. Dan answers listener questions that cover Deandre Ayton potentially going to the Indiana Pacers, the direction of the Dallas Mavericks, NBA team-building philosophies, Jabari Smith Jr. looking like Evan Mobley, Patrick Williams, De'Andre Hunter, sneaky breakout candidates for 2023-24 and MUCH more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

Dan ranks his top eight contracts given out in 2022 NBA free agency so far. Please note these rankings are from a bang-for-their-buck perspective and are not meant to be anti-labor. It's instead a look at which teams managed to get the best bargains, in Dan's humble opinion. If you haven't checked out our latest pod prior to this one, please do so here! TIMESTAMPS⬇️

Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) from Pounding The Rock and the 'Alamo City Limits' podcast joins Dan to discuss the future of the San Antonio Spurs following their franchise-altering decision to trade Dejounte Murray to the Atlanta Hawks. TIMESTAMPS BELOW⬇️

MAIL TIME. You asked. Dan answered. This trip down Listeners Rock Forever Lane covers Kevin Durant trades, the Phoenix Suns' best KD package without Mikal Bridges, the Denver Nuggets' 2022 NBA title odds, how the Utah Jazz can build around Donovan Mitchell, whether the Association will mirror the Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert partnership on the Minnesota Timberwolves, and oh-so-much more. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

Dan reacts to the news that the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz hashing out a Rudy Gobert trade. Does Rudy fit with Karl-Anthony Towns? Did the Wolves give up too much? Will Danny Ainge trade Donovan Mitchell off the Jazz Next? How about Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson? Let's get into it all! TIMESTAMPS⬇️

Dan reacts to (almost) every signing and rumor from Day 1 of 2022 NBA Free Agency. If you're looking for our emergency podcast and overarching thoughts on the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and trades galore, we put that out just before free agency. You can find it here. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

Dan reacts to Kevin Durant requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets and comes up with a bunch of fake deals and landing spots, an exercise that includes the Toronto Raptors, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies and more. After that, he talks about the future of the Nets, as well as some fake trades for Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons. JOIN OUR DISCORD: t.co/nhOSSpduPT SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyI FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️ TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavale TWITTER: @gt_hughes TWITTER: @fromal09 TWITTER/IG: @HardwoodKnocks / @hardwood_knocks TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocks TWITTER: @SportsMathNet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/2916956/advertisement

Dan unpacks the blockbuster Dejounte Murray trade between the Atlanta Hawks and San Antonio Spurs and what it means for each team. From there, he also spruces up the Hawks' free-agency lookahead! After that, both Dan and Grant get into NBA free-agency needs and targets for the Charlotte Hornets, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic. Finally, Dan unpacks the trade between the Denver Nuggets and Washington Wizards while also getting into the larger Bradley Beal and free-agent outlook for the Wiz. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

Dan and Grant dive into a 2022 NBA free-agency and overall offseason lookahead for the Central Division. We’re talking biggest needs and questions as well as trade targets and potential signings for the Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks. TIMESTAMPS⬇️

Dan reacts to the New York Knicks trading Alec Burks and Nerlens Noel to the Detroit Piston to clear the way for a Jalen Brunson signing in free agency. After that, he covers listener questions about the NBA free-agency market and dives into an impromptu lookahead for the Pistons. TIMESTAMPS