Hardwood Knocks

Dan is joined by Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite), who covers the LA Clippers and NBA at large on Substack to discuss—YOU GUESSED IT—the trajectory of the 2023-24 Clippers. And yes, out of obligation, they do delve into the James Harden trade rumors and his potential fit on this roster. SUBSCRIBE TO JUSTIN'S SUBSTACK HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:08 - What went wrong last season?6:04 - Do Kawhi Leonard and Paul George deserve criticism for their availability?9:48 - Will Kawhi play back-to-backs? How have he and PG looked so far?13:42 - Will Kawhi or PG sign an extension?16:07 - The Russell Westbrook fit19:48 - The importance of Terance Mann26:01 - Robert Covington is critical to the rotation28:09 - K.J. Martin's role31:18 - Diagnosing the Clippers' defensive problems, Tactical adjustments from Ivica Zubac37:06 - How much faster will the Clippers offense play?41:03 - Brandon Boston Jr.42:56 - Kobe Brown44:02 - Bones Hyland46:01 - Prospective fit of James Harden53:32 - Are the Clippers prepared to make another trad

Dan and Grant drop their picks for every major 2023-24 NBA season award. Buckle up! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO5:43 - Awards Criteria8:48 - MVP24:43 - Defensive Player of the Year33:59 - Rookie of the Year45:54 - Sixth Man of the Year 50:32 - Most Improved Player1:03:54 - Coach of the Year1:08:53 - All-NBA Teams1:14:37 - All-Defense Teams1:19:09 - All-Rookie Teams1:24:50 - Executive of the Year1:29:33 - STAT PADDINGSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.comThis 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 Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) from The Athletic to discuss everything and anything about the 2023-24 Utah Jazz. SUPPORT TONY'S WORK BY SUBSCRIBING TO THE ATHLETIC HERE: https://theathletic.com/author/tony-jones/. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:40 - How did last season impact the rebuild?6:54 - What does the offseason say about their future? Interest in Jrue Holiday???10:55 - John Collins' fit, How does he impact the rotation?16:18 - Will Hardy's coaching style and principles19:23 - The backcourt rotation, Rookie year expectations for Keyonte George26:24 - Jordan Clarkson, the playmaker28:16 - Can Collin Sexton improve his stock in Utah?31:01 - Talen Horton-Tucker, Kris Dunn, the "creator" rotation38:03 - Will Lauri Markkanen's role change?45:42 - Sophomore expectations for Walker Kessler49:08 - How good is Ochai Agbaji?53:02 - Roles for Brice Sensabaugh and Taylor Hendricks56:58 - Defining strengths, weaknesses58:16 - The 10-man rotation59:07 - Best crunch-time unit(s)1:01:03 - Win total prediction

Dan is joined by Sam Esfandiari (@samesfandiari) from the Light Years Pod to discuss all things 2023-24 Golden State Warriors—including, and most notably, the addition and fit of Chris Paul to the core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins. Be sure to check out the Light Years Pod as they host LIVE shows ON MONDAY NIGHTS all year long on PLAYBACK. Follow all of their content HERE. And be sure to check out their YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:50 - What went wrong last year?7:38 - The Chris Paul experience so, potential fit, concerns13:47 - Jonathan Kuminga's development17:01 The Klay Thompson aging curve, Will he sign an extension?23:48 - Andrew Wiggins25:51 - Development of Moses Moody28:43 - Brandon Podziemski30:03 - How will Draymond Green and CP3 fit together?32:01 - The Bob Myers exit, Faith in Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Kirk Lacob, Are the Dubs prepared to make a big midseason trade?36:41 - How much better will the bench be with CP3?38:56 - The 10-man rotation40:0

Dan is joined by Tara Bowen-Biggs (@tcbbiggs) from the We Have a Take podcast to talk about the 2023-24 Portland Trail Blazers as they embark on transitioning from the Damian Lillard era to the Scoot Henderson- and Shaedon Sharpe-centric rebuild. SUBSCRIBE TO WE HAVE A TAKE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:49 - The end of the Damian Lillard era17:24 - What is Chauncey Billups' coaching identity?21:17 - Blazers stylistic leanings this season27:56 - The importance of Malcolm Brogdon, Deandre Ayton, Robert Williams III29:53 - Is Deandre Ayton headed for a bounce-back year?36:17 - Do the Blazers view Robert Williams III as a long-term piece, Will he play with Ayton?39:38 - How long will Malcolm Brogdon be in town?39:47 - Expectations for Scoot Henderson45:16 - The continued development of Shaedon Sharpe49:43 - Is Anfernee Simons a core member of this team?, Will Simons, Sharpe and Scoot play a lot of minutes together?53:25 - Matisse Thybulle's fit54:33 - When will Jerami Grant be traded57:20 - Moses Brown59:57 - Touman

Dan is joined by Lucas Kaplan (@LucasKaplan_) from Nets Daily and Swish Theory to discuss the 2023-24 Brooklyn Nets. FOLLOW LUCAS' COVERAGE OF BOTH THE BROOKLYN NETS AND NY LIBERTY HERE: TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:31 - Moving on from Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving2:52 - Impressions of the offseason4:53 - The rise (and continued ascent) of Mikal Bridges9:41 - Will the Nets play faster this year?11:52 - Are the Nets too small? How will they change defensively? 13:19 - Expectations for Ben Simmons20:42 - Cam Johnson's health, contract and continued development26:01 - Development of Nic Claxton30:46 - The future of Cam Thomas32:51 - Dennis Smith Jr., Lonnie Walker IV, Darius Bazley, Harry Giles, Trendon Watford35:55 - Day'Ron Sharpe's role38:06 - Noah Clowney, Dariq Whitehead42:03 - Will this team make a big midseason trade?44:13 - Nic Claxton's impending free agency48:59 - Underrated strengths, concerns52:01 - The 10-man rotation, starting five54:45 - Best crunch-time lineup56:51 - Weirdo lineups we want to see59:

Dan is joined by Noah Magaro-George (@N_Magaro) from AirAlamo and the Alamo City Limits (@AlamoCityLimits) podcasts to discuss the 2023-24 San Antonio Spurs and, of course, superstar cornerstone Sandro Mamukelashvili. Oh, and Victor Wembanyama, too. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO7:17 - Offseason impressions14:16 - The Devin Vassell extension, What's the next frontier for him?23:52 - Victor Wembanyama's offensive role, defensive impact, fit with the rest of the roster, strengths, concerns, etc.39:28 - Who will start?43:29 - The future of Keldon Johnson45:24 - The development of Jeremy Sochan50:17 - Julian Champagnie51:36 - Malaki Branham54:10 - Blake Wesley55:57 - Charles Bassey56:38 - Sandro Mamukelashvili58:17 - Dominick Barlowe59:41 - Cedi Osman, Doug McDermott, Devonte' Graham, Khem Birch1:02:21 - Will the Spurs keep playing fast?, The new shooting coach1:05:58 - The 10-man rotation1:09:02 - Best crunch-time unit1:09:59 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:12:28 - Win total predictions, Where do the Spurs stack up i

Dan and Grant tackle their win-loss projections and over/under predictions for every NBA team in the Eastern Conference! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO4:09 - Atlanta Hawks8:21 - Boston Celtics14:47 - Brooklyn Nets18:51 - Charlotte Hornets25:21 - Chicago Bulls28:51 - Cleveland Cavaliers32:19 - Detroit Pistons37:56 - Indiana Pacers41:54 - Miami Heat46:05 - Milwaukee Bucks50:57 - New York Knicks56:16 - Orlando Magic1:02:11 - Philadelphia 76ers1:07:26 - Toronto Raptors1:13:16 - Washington Wizards1:17:58 - 'STAT PADDING'SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesThis 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 and Grant tackle their win-loss projections and over/under predictions for every NBA team in the Western Conference! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:55 - Dallas Mavericks7:56 - Denver Nuggets12:49 - Golden State Warriors17:45 - Houston Rockets22:01 - LA Clippers28:12 - Los Angeles Lakers33:42 - Memphis Grizzlies 39:54 - Minnesota Timberwolves44:08 - New Orleans Pelicans49:20 - Oklahoma City Thunder55:03 - Phoenix Suns1:02:54 - Portland Trail Blazers1:08:29 - Sacramento Kings1:13:49 - San Antonio Spurs1:16:59 - Utah JazzSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesThis 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 went on The NBA Podcast with Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) and Morten Jensen (@msjnba) to rank all 30 NBA teamsby their watchability for the 2023-24 season. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NBA PODCAST HERE: https://www.spreaker.com/show/3240433. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO/CRITERIA9:16 - No. 3011:02 - No. 2915:00 - No. 2818:10 - No. 26 (tie)22:49 - No. 2524:56 - No. 2427:22 - No. 2332:03 - No. 2235:41 - No. 2139:52 - No. 2042:18 - No. 1946:07 - No. 17 (tie)51:16 - No. 1656:32 - No. 1559:28 - No. 13 (tie)1:07:23 - No. 121:10:55 - No. 111:14:28 - No. 101:20:56 - No. 91:22:26 - No. 81:27:05 - No. 71:31:40 - No. 5 (tie)1:42:06 - No. 41:45:19 - No. 31:51:58 - No. 21:52:51 - No. 1SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Net

Dan is joined by Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) from DNVR Sports and Locked On Nuggets to discuss everything and anything about the REIGNING CHAMPION DENVER NUGGETS ahead of the 2023-24 NBA season. SUPPORT THE GREAT WORK DNVR DOES HERE: https://thednvr.com/diehard/. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DNVR NUGGETS PODCAST HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dnvr-denver-nuggets-podcast/id1070099369. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:17 - Last year's championship run7:31 - Bruce Brown's departure8:51 - Impressions of taking so many fliers on young guys10:39 - Peyton Watson12:23 - Zeke Nnaji15:31 - Jalen Pickett17:53 - Hunter Tyson19:23 - Julian Strawther21:22 - The development of Christian Braun24:29 - Reggie Jackson26:31 - The backup point guard and center spots28:26 - Next frontier for Jamal Murray30:58 - Will Michael Malone change up his lineup/substitution patterns?33:51 - What's the next step for Michael Porter Jr.?37:03 - Will Nikola Jokic wear down?, Denver's size42:01 - How will the rotation shake out?44:21 - Best crunch-time l

Dan and Grant are joined by Bryan Toporek (@btoporek) from The NBA Podcast, Liberty Ballers, Forbes and Bleacher Report to discuss the outlook on the 2023-24 Philadelphia 76ers amid James Harden trade rumors and general uncertainty. SUBSCRIBE TO THE NBA PODCAST HERE: https://www.spreaker.com/show/3240433. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:01 - Are the Philadelphia 76ers to blame for the James Harden situation?6:05 - What is Harden's actual trade value?8:21 - Are the Sixers smart to prioritize 2024 cap space?12:03 - Can Philly feasibly avoid a gap year this season?14:06 - Did the Harden situation cost the Sixers other opportunities?18:08 - How will Harden handle things if he's still on the roster at the start of the regular season?21:06 - Figuring out the right backcourt fit for Tyrese Maxey24:31 - The timeline for Joel Embiid's happiness26:21 - Final thoughts on James Harden29:02 - Impressions of how the Sixers will change under Nick Nurse34:16 - Evaluating the Sixers need additions36:38 - The next step for Tyrese Ma

Dan and Grant convene to discuss some of their biggest takeaways, storylines and questions from 2023 NBA training camp so far. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:07 - James Harden and the Philadelphia 76ers, Potential Harden trade destinations other than the LA Clippers21:56 - Chris Paul and the Golden State Warriors33:08 - Are we overlooking the Cleveland Cavaliers?42:58 - Devin Vassell extension, San Antonio Spurs outlook49:57 - The vibes and future of the Toronto Raptors1:00:12 - Talk me down from the Minnesota Timberwolves1:03:37 - Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans1:07:38 - Detroit Pistons1:08:49 - LA Clippers1:09:32 - New York Knicks1:11:28 - Oklahoma City Thunder1:13:43 - GARBAGE TIMESUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH!⬇️https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN THE HARDWOOD KNOCKS DISCORD!⬇️https://discord.com/invite/vFF4kKPMdbBUSINESS INQUIRIES⬇️HardwoodKnocks@gmail.com FOLLOW HARDWOOD KNOCKS ON SOCIAL MEDIA ⬇️Twitter: https://twitter.com/HardwoodKnocks​​​​​Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardwood_

Dan is joined by the GOAT of NBA coverage and the mind behind 'Basketball, She Wrote: A Blog About the Basketball Played by the Indiana Pacers," Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper). In this episode, we get into her background, basketball icks, how she goes about covering games, her ideation process and MUCH MORE. SUPPORT 'BASKETBALL, SHE WROTE' HERE: https://www.patreon.com/basketballshewrote/posts. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO/GIVEAWAY!7:34 - Basketball, She Wrote: The origin story11:44 - How Caitlin fell in love with basketball13:46 - Watching games with CC!, Tips for watching games17:00 - How Caitlin comes up with story ideas22:47 - What's harder: diagnosing and prognosticating, or evaluating theoretical player fits?26:01 - How Caitlin developed her writing style29:07 - Caitlin's biggest basketball influences31:58 - Would Caitlin ever branch out to cover other teams?36:16 - What was Player Caitlin like?38:18 - What is Caitlin's biggest basketball ick? Biggest basketball beloved?41:04 - Ranking Outshine Popsicle flavor

Dan breaks down every angle of the Portland Trail Blazers sending Jrue Holiday to the Boston Celtics. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:48 - Trade details, Jrue Holiday's fit on the Celtics17:34 - Direction of the Blazers, Will they trade Robert Williams III?, Malcolm Brogdon33:01 - LOL @ THE MIAMI HEAT AND PHILADELPHIA 76ERS, What's the landscape in the Eastern Conference look like now?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesThis 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

IT’S FINALLY ACCOUNTABILITY SEASON. Dan and Grant revisit their 2022 NBA offseason grades and re-evaluate their takes for every team in the Western Conference over one year later. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:54 - Golden State Warriors10:05 - LA Clippers13:19 - Los Angeles Lakers21:22 - Phoenix Suns29:25 - Sacramento Kings34:16 - Denver Nuggets40:03 - Minnesota Timberwolves45:50 - Oklahoma City Thunder49:52 - Portland Trail Blazers57:59 - Utah Jazz1:03:53 - Dallas Mavericks1:08:32 - Houston Rockets???1:15:52 - Memphis Grizzlies1:22:17 - New Orleans Pelicans1:29: 22 - San Antonio Spurs1:29:09 - San Antonio Spurs1:36:45 - 'GARBAGE TIME'SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are intereste

Dan and Grant dive into all angles of the Damian Lillard trade to the Milwaukee Bucks, including what it means for Dame, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Portland Trail Blazers, the Phoenix Suns, the Toronto Raptors, the Miami Heat and MUCH MORE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO/TRADE DETAILS4:19 - Damian Lillard's impact on the Bucks15:19 - Are the Miami Heat screwed?21:38 - Were the Toronto Raptors a real threat?25:49 - What are the Phoenix Suns doing?33:52 - Did the Portland Trail Blazers get enough for Damian Lillard, Jrue Holiday trades, Eastern Conference pecking orderJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesThis 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 Jabari Ali Davis (@JabariDavisNBA) from the Mad Boosties podcast to discuss everything and anything related to the 2023-24 Los Angeles Lakers. SUBSCRIBE TO MAD BOOSTIES HERE: https://t.co/k0fdAI2AMD. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:37 - How did the Lakers turn it around last season?4:58 - General impressions of the Lakers offseason6:39 - The most intriguing new addition9:29 - Will Max Christie play a role?12:28 - Gabe Vincent's fit15:29 - The continued development of Austin Reaves28:05 - What's the future of D'Angelo Russell hold?30:55 - The utility of Rui Hachimura34:25 - Can Christian Wood make an impact? / Anthony Davis' disdain for playing center39:02 - Is Anthony Davis too reliant on jumpers? / His fit with Christian Wood44:59 - Will the starting five change?46:51 - The secondary frontcourt rotation47:32 - Did LeBron James have foot surgery? Will he regress? Is LeBron as the roll man about to be more of a staple?55:50 - How important is the Lakers' continuity?57:51 - Can Jalen Hood-Schifino pl

Dan is joined by Shamit (@FearTheBrown) from the In The N.O. podcast and the In The N.O. Substack to discuss the 2023-24 New Orleans Pelicans and the stakes they're facing heading into this NBA regular season. SUBSCRIBE TO THE IN THE N.O. SUBSTACK HERE: https://intheno.substack.com/. AND SUPPORT THE IN THE N.O. PODCAST HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-n-o-a-new-orleans-pelicans-pod/id415571358. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:01 - Last season's performance3:16 - General impressions of the offseason9:02 - When will the Pelicans make a swing on the trade market?11:51 - The Trey Murphy injury, and his development18:01 - The future of Brandon Ingram20:02 - What to make of Zion Williamson's injury history, Does he have another level to hit?25:13 - Driving factors of the Pelicans defensive success27:34 - Expectations for Herb Jones on offense, How do we feel about his contract extension/33:14 - Development of Dyson Daniels34:57 - Will Jordan Hawkins play?35:52 - Under-the-radar strengths and weaknesses3

Dan is joined by Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) from Mavs Moneyball and Pod Maverick to discuss the 2023-24 Dallas Mavericks outlook, a discussion that includes lots of focus on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as well as a surprise name! SUBSCRIBE TO POD MAVERICK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pod-maverick-a-dallas-mavericks-podcast/id1365537266. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:39 - The Kyrie Irving contract and fit09:14 - How will Grant Williams fit in?13:03 - The continued development of Josh Green16:17 - Will Olivier Maxence-Prosper play a role?29:07 - Overall impressions of the Mavericks other offseason moves, The Richaun Holmes fit,23:48 - Minutes for Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy AND Seth Curry?, The continued to development of Jaden Hardy26:44 - Will Derrick Lively play?, The secondary big man rotation, Is there a dearth of talented American big men?31:46 - Can the defense meaningfully improve?33:17 - Is Jason Kidd on the hot seat?, Should we expect a trade?35:56 - Under-the-radar strengths and concerns36: