No Dunks: Michael Redd Talks NBA Cup, Cooper Flagg Making History, Surprise Teams & More

Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, JD
Special Guest: Michael Redd (former Milwaukee Bucks All-Star, Olympic gold medalist, and content creator)

Episode Overview

This episode features a wide-ranging, insightful conversation with former NBA All-Star Michael Redd. The squad discusses the evolution and future of the NBA Cup, the remarkable debut season of phenom Cooper Flagg, surprise teams in the league, the importance of veteran leadership, changes in basketball style, and Michael Redd’s personal journey — from his playing days to his vibrant new life as a basketball content creator. The second half of the episode delivers a fast-paced recap and analysis of major NBA games from the previous night, peppered with playful banter and memorable quotes.

Key Segments & Discussion Points

1. Welcoming Michael Redd (03:15)

• The hosts reminisce about Michael's last appearance nearly a decade ago and celebrate his new content ventures.
• Quote:
  “Thank you so much for having me. It’s been a while since we’ve been together, but it’s always a pleasure.” — Michael Redd (03:53)

2. NBA Cup: Format, Incentives & Future (04:22–07:50)

• Hosts dive into tonight's NBA Cup final (Spurs vs Knicks) and ask Michael for a veteran’s take.
• Michael praises the in-season competition for energizing players and fans, but believes the format can still be “optimized.”
• He foresees a global iteration:
  “I think it will go globally at one point. Not saying it should, but it can.” — Michael Redd (05:34)
• Not feeling envy over bigger prize money:
  “We fought for this in our collective bargaining agreements… and the players deserve everything.” — Michael Redd (06:01)
• Prediction: Backs the “heater” Spurs, while praising Knicks’ Jalen Brunson’s endgame moxie (biased for being left-handed).

3. Cooper Flagg’s Historic Rookie Season & The New Draft Class (07:50–10:10)

• Cooper Flagg becomes the first 18-year-old in NBA history to score 40+ points (42 vs Mavs).
• Michael discusses Flagg’s rapid development under Jason Kidd and the growing pains for young players: “Any rookie is going to go through an adjustment period… but scoring 40 at 18 is pretty remarkable.” — Michael Redd (08:27)
• On rookie-year comfort: Michael didn’t play much his first season, reiterates that “it takes time” to find a rhythm.

4. Surprise Teams & The Value of Veterans (10:10–13:48)

• The Raptors’ strong start and the Spurs’ accelerated growth catch Michael by surprise.
• Importance of veteran role models:
  “It’s important to have mentorship… to help equip you to accelerate your growth.” — Michael Redd (11:41)
• Favorite “League Pass” teams:
  • Bucks (close to heart)
  • Sixers (“Tyrese Maxey is a special talent”)
  • The Thompson Twins in Detroit/Houston
  • Detroit Pistons, especially “MVP candidate” Cade Cunningham

5. How Michael Watches Basketball Today (14:06–16:52)

• Michael admits he can’t “switch off” player-level analysis, always sees “the game within the game.”
• Laments the disappearance of off-ball action and guard post-ups, but praises modern spacing and expanded three-point shooting.
• “Probably shooting between 10 to 13 threes a game would be my calling card now… It would be a different dynamic for sure.” — Michael Redd (16:04)

6. Michael Redd as Content Creator, Kobe Game Stories, and Hoops Insights (19:09–24:54)

• Discussion about Michael’s YouTube breakdown series, e.g. the “Why this Game Meant More than my 57-point Night” episode versus Kobe’s Lakers. “To be able to have a performance like that in his house was, you know, for me, special… meant the world to me.” — Michael Redd (19:41)
• On technical free throws: “I was trying to justify why I missed it…” — Michael Redd (20:49)
• The “cheat code” of large hands for basketball: “You could manipulate the defense by palming the ball and then finishing at the rim.” — Michael Redd (21:38)
• On player podcasts: Michael would’ve enjoyed it, but social media just wasn’t part of his era.

7. Self-Comparison & Left-Handed Idiosyncrasies (24:03–26:59)

• Players who remind Michael of himself: Khris Middleton, Desmond Bane.
• Lefties in the NBA:
  “Chris Mullen was smooth, Lamar Odom was smooth, Manu Ginobili was smooth... James Harden comes to mind. There’s not too many of us.” — Michael Redd (25:06)
• Michael’s unorthodox shooting form was occasionally questioned, but results spoke for themselves.

8. Olympic Memories, Steve Nash & Giannis Thoughts (27:44–32:53)

• Fond memories of the Olympic Village and legendary “Pop-a-Shot” battle with Kobe Bryant (28:02–29:42).
• Steve Nash story:
  “Steve is one of the best teammates I’ve ever had… playing with him was like a dream come true.” — Michael Redd (30:31)
• Giannis in Milwaukee:
  “I’m a lifer… There’s something to be said about staying with your team your whole career… I’m a big fan of him sticking to Milwaukee.” — Michael Redd (31:36)

9. NBA Game Recaps & Analysis

All times approximate, as segments flow into each other.

Nuggets vs Rockets (37:57–45:07)

• Jokic hits 12th triple-double of season (39/15/10), game ends 128–125 in OT.
• Ime Udoka blasts officiating:
  “The most poorly officiated game I've seen in a long time.” — Ime Udoka (38:10)
• Thrilling back-and-forth, deep Nuggets bench contributions, and Jamal Murray’s growth as a scorer.
• Cam Spencer: “Get him off me. He can’t guard me.” — Cam Spencer (65:23)

Pistons vs Celtics (46:32–51:07)

• Cade Cunningham leads Detroit to a clutch 32/10 double-double in a 112–105 win.
• Praise for Detroit’s depth, Javonte Green’s highlight plays, and Cade’s halfcourt management.
• “Cade Cunningham is so good at getting off the ball and like timing a fast break.” — J.E. Skeets (52:44)

Raptors vs Heat (55:28–60:10)

• Brandon Ingram's 28 points help Raptors end a four-game skid.
• Heat’s declining offense and need for a playmaking boost; speculation they may need to seek a trade.

Grizzlies vs Clippers (62:58–67:32)

• Jaren Jackson Jr.’s best offensive outing, Cam Spencer erupts from deep and ignites playful trash talk.
• Clippers in crisis — winless at home since Halloween.
• “Your new arena being known for toilets, that's classic. We're the toilet team, man.” — Ziggy, via Trey Kirby (66:15)

Jazz vs Mavericks / Cooper Flagg’s Record Night (68:21–75:35)

• Jazz outlast Mavs 140–133 in OT; Flagg scores 42 to become youngest 40-point scorer in league history.
• Jazz's potent offense and Mavs precarious balance discussed.
• NBA trivia about teenage 40-point games — Flagg now in rare company with LeBron, Gigi Jackson, Cliff Robinson.

10. Unboxing: Spurs City Edition Gift Box (81:39–85:37)

• The team gleefully unboxes Spurs City Edition merch and a piece of game-used court.
• Banter about whether it’s okay to wear an opposing team jersey in a home arena ensues.

Notable Quotes & Fun Moments

• “I try to watch as a fan… and I can’t watch casually as a fan. I’m always watching the game within the game.” — Michael Redd (14:06)
• On missed technical free throws: “I was trying to justify my misses.” — Michael Redd (20:49)
• “He’s the modern-day M.L. Carr… But his passion and energy every game, every game. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it before.” — Michael Redd on Thanasis Antetokounmpo (34:29–34:40)
• “LeBron’s one of the funniest… Nonstop comedy.” — Michael Redd (35:09)
• “We’re called No Dunks, Ledger might as well be called No Hacks.” — Jay Skeets, on sponsor’s swag (84:02)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 03:15 – Welcome, introductions, and Michael Redd joins
• 04:22–07:50 – NBA Cup: Format, future, predictions
• 07:50–10:10 – Cooper Flagg’s record, rookie class
• 10:10–13:48 – Standout teams, importance of vets
• 14:06–16:52 – How Michael watches hoops, game evolution
• 19:09–24:54 – YouTube content, Kobe story, shooting insight
• 27:44–32:53 – Olympic stories, Steve Nash, Giannis loyalty
• 37:57–45:07 – Nuggets vs Rockets
• 46:32–51:07 – Pistons vs Celtics
• 55:28–60:10 – Raptors vs Heat
• 62:58–67:32 – Grizzlies vs Clippers
• 68:21–75:35 – Jazz vs Mavericks, Cooper Flagg
• 81:39–85:37 – Spurs swag box unboxing

Final Thoughts

This episode strikes the perfect balance between nostalgia, smart analysis, and inside-the-game storytelling thanks to Michael Redd’s thoughtful perspective. Whether reflecting on what’s changed in the NBA, assessing star rookies, or just sharing locker room laughs, every segment is generous with memorable moments and sharp basketball insight.

For more of Michael Redd’s content, check his YouTube channel (linked in the episode notes), and follow him on social media for hoops analysis and storytelling.