No Dunks | Beach Steppin' | The Marcus Smart Rollercoaster, All-Star Avdija, Ja Morant's Next Chapter

Date: November 6, 2025
Hosts: J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, JD
Podcast Theme: NBA talk with listener questions, inside looks at current trends, big headlines, and memorable moments from around the league.

Episode Overview

This episode of No Dunks features the crew diving through the NBA's hottest headlines and oddities. After briefly reacting to a fresh "wedgie" and a legendary Kevin Durant moment, Skeets and crew hit the figurative "beach"—their beloved mailbag segment. Along the way, they tackle the Marcus Smart experience, Denny Avdija’s All-Star level, Ja Morant’s uncertain Memphis future, NBA Cup debates, and the evolving landscape of national TV broadcasts. Engaging banter, insight, and rapid-fire questions make this a lively episode for NBA diehards and casual listeners alike.

Key Discussion Points

1. NBA Game Roundup and Takeaways

Wedgie Alert: Kevin Durant gets his second-ever tracked “wedgie,” making it a “Wedgendary” moment.
- (02:47) "Wedgie from a legend equals Wedgendary." — Schuman (via B)
Lakers’ Grit and Deandre Ayton Renaissance (05:36–07:25)
- Highlight: Lakers grind out a win without LeBron and Austin Reaves. Deandre Ayton’s form is praised.
- Memorable Ayton Quote (05:55):
  "That's our main point turning defense and offense ... I give my hats off to JJ [Redick] ... He's been the same guy since I got here. Drilling that championship mentality ... it's contagious."
The Marcus Smart Rollercoaster (06:58–07:38)
- Smart almost hands the game away, but his hustle clinches the win.
- Skeets (06:58): "Smart was the pros and cons of Marcus Smart."
Fun Lakers Details (07:38–09:23)
- Bronny James getting minutes, Rui Hachimura’s major improvement, and the uplifted team energy. Luka Doncic’s entertainment factor also praised.
- Trey (08:58): "He's having a great time. Tass might be right. He might be the MVP this season."
Other Game Notes
- Timberwolves’ shaky defense, Knicks dominance on the glass, and lineup puzzles in Minny.
- Blazers’ comeback versus OKC; Deni Avdija's All-Star leap (14:04–16:55).
  - "He is playing on an All-Star level right now ..." — Skeets (14:04)
- Nuggets & Jokic's mastery over Miami continues.
  - Quote (17:07): Spoelstra: "Jokic manages every aspect of the game. He's playing the scoreboard. He knows intuitively when those swing moments are ... He dominates those aspects of the game."
- Donovan Mitchell’s video game clapback:
  - (19:49) "A kid on 2K told him he was washed up ... so he said okay, I'll make sure to give you a shout out in the post game. Then he went and had 46."

2. Injury Update

Walker Kessler Out for Season (23:55–27:39)
- Shoulder surgery, contract implications, and the personal connection ("met his dad on a plane!").
- "Shoulder surgery is like a massive rehab ... it takes a long time." — E (24:31)

3. Beach Steppin’ – Listener Mailbag

a) Love & Hate: NBA Players This Season (28:10–36:06)

Players Skeets “Hates” (Struggling):
- Derrick White ("What’s going on with Derrick White? ... just struggling here to start the year." — Skeets 28:38)
Players They “Love”:
- Aaron Gordon ("20 and 6 ... makes plays on both ends.") & Norman Powell ("... turned into this type of player late in career ... averaging 23.5, 52% from deep.")
- Trey on Amen Thompson: "He's frickin awesome ... just so fun."
- Bobby Portis gets criticized as a slow starter.
Other Notables: Tyrese Maxey, Deni Avdija as big bright spots; Mavericks inefficiency lamented.

b) NBA Cup: Division-based Groups? (36:06–41:56)

Debate on whether Cup groupings should align with divisions for relevance/tradition.
- "Literally, why else do we have divisions?" — E (38:05)
- General consensus: No one really cares about divisions currently; little impact on fan engagement.

c) Ranking National TV Broadcasts (42:00–47:20)

Preferred Order of TV Experiences:
- Amazon Prime > NBC > ESPN/ABC > NBA TV
  - "Amazon is far better. They've done a great job. ... The production is just so fun." — B (44:35)
  - NBA TV graphics notably panned. "Their graphics have been garbage for 20 years." — D (45:18)

d) Ja Morant and the Vince Carter "Malcontent" Trajectory (49:44–57:37)

Listener asks: Is Ja’s Memphis exit paralleling Vince Carter’s in Toronto?
In-depth comparison: Both early stars, spectacular dunkers, soured franchises, questionable effort at the end.
- "It was this idea ... Vince sort of gave up, started pouting, started pointing the finger at everybody else ... those are sort of similar to how it's going right now with Ja Morant in the last couple weeks." — D (53:52)
Derrick Rose-Chicago comp introduced too: team moved on as another star blossomed.
Skeets predicts Ja will bounce back wherever he lands.

e) Australian NBA Players & Olympic Prognostication (60:03–65:45)

Identifying current Aussies in the NBA, excitement for 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Shout-outs to Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and developing prospects.
- "Do you have a favorite young Australian player?" — "Josh G, of course." — E (64:03)

f) Magic Bros: The New Clipper Bros? (65:45–69:35)

The “Magic Bro” viral moment is played; will it replace “Clipper Bros” as the show’s outro vibe?

g) Show Format Meta (70:17–71:06)

Is No Dunks more YouTube TV or podcast first? Conclusion: Both—the lines are intentionally blurred.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Marcus Smart’s End-of-Game Drama:
"He was making plays left and right. Probably the only reason they win the game. But then he nearly gave it away..." — D (06:58)
On Jokic’s Brilliance:
"It’s just like that complete control of, like, my team needs this at this moment. Always one or two steps ahead. And that’s Jokic in a nutshell." — D (17:27)
On NBA TV Graphics:
"Their graphics have been garbage for 20 years. I don’t understand it. ... It looks like a mess. I hate it so much." — D (45:18)
On Ja Morant’s Uncertain Memphis Future:
"He’s not playing like himself ... The Grizzlies are going to build around Jaren Jackson Jr. Ja doesn’t look like he wants to repair the relationship." — E (55:47)
On Amazon’s NBA Broadcasts:
"Amazon is—fun. ... The production is just so fun. It just looks awesome as far as the studio goes." — B (44:35)
On Podcast/YouTube Blending:
“Podcasting is a TV show. The lines are blurred. And we did that. That’s our fault.” — B (71:06)

Timestamps to Important Segments

(02:47) - Wedgie watch w/ Kevin Durant’s “Wedgendary” moment
(05:36–07:38) - Lakers win recap; Marcus Smart’s end-game antics
(10:04–12:33) - Wolves’ defensive struggles breakdown
(14:04) - Blazers come back; Avdija’s All-Star leap
(17:07) - Spoelstra’s Jokic praise
(23:55–27:39) - Walker Kessler injury update
(28:10–36:06) - Mailbag: NBA player love/hate & notable standouts
(36:06–41:56) - Should NBA Cup groups be division-based?
(42:00–47:20) - National TV broadcast power rankings
(49:44–57:37) - Ja Morant parallels to Vince Carter’s Raptors exit
(60:03–65:45) - Australian NBA player rundown & Olympic fever
(65:45–69:35) - “Magic Bro” possible new outro clip
(70:17–71:06) - Is No Dunks a TV show or a podcast?

Episode Tone & Style

No Dunks continues its signature mixture of passionate, well-informed NBA analysis and chatty, irreverent, inside-joke-laden banter. The hosts blend nostalgia, granular statistical observations, and listener-focused engagement (especially during Beach Steppin’). Their style is loose and relatable, balancing silly with sharp, and always returning to their core love: basketball.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a quintessential No Dunks ride—equal parts hoops intel, pop-culture references, and community-building. It’s packed with timely NBA takes (Marcus Smart, Avdija, Jokic), deeper historical perspective (Ja–Vince comparison), and a celebratory spirit for basketball fandom in all forms.

If you missed the episode, this summary will catch you up on hijinks, highlights, and hot takes—almost as if you were right there on the beach with the guys yourself.

No Dunks | Beach Steppin' | The Marcus Smart Rollercoaster, All-Star Avdija, Ja Morant's Next Chapter

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points

1. NBA Game Roundup and Takeaways

Wedgie Alert: Kevin Durant gets his second-ever tracked “wedgie,” making it a “Wedgendary” moment.
- (02:47) "Wedgie from a legend equals Wedgendary." — Schuman (via B)
Lakers’ Grit and Deandre Ayton Renaissance (05:36–07:25)
- Highlight: Lakers grind out a win without LeBron and Austin Reaves. Deandre Ayton’s form is praised.
- Memorable Ayton Quote (05:55):
  "That's our main point turning defense and offense ... I give my hats off to JJ [Redick] ... He's been the same guy since I got here. Drilling that championship mentality ... it's contagious."
The Marcus Smart Rollercoaster (06:58–07:38)
- Smart almost hands the game away, but his hustle clinches the win.
- Skeets (06:58): "Smart was the pros and cons of Marcus Smart."
Fun Lakers Details (07:38–09:23)
- Bronny James getting minutes, Rui Hachimura’s major improvement, and the uplifted team energy. Luka Doncic’s entertainment factor also praised.
- Trey (08:58): "He's having a great time. Tass might be right. He might be the MVP this season."
Other Game Notes
- Timberwolves’ shaky defense, Knicks dominance on the glass, and lineup puzzles in Minny.
- Blazers’ comeback versus OKC; Deni Avdija's All-Star leap (14:04–16:55).
  - "He is playing on an All-Star level right now ..." — Skeets (14:04)
- Nuggets & Jokic's mastery over Miami continues.
  - Quote (17:07): Spoelstra: "Jokic manages every aspect of the game. He's playing the scoreboard. He knows intuitively when those swing moments are ... He dominates those aspects of the game."
- Donovan Mitchell’s video game clapback:
  - (19:49) "A kid on 2K told him he was washed up ... so he said okay, I'll make sure to give you a shout out in the post game. Then he went and had 46."

2. Injury Update

Walker Kessler Out for Season (23:55–27:39)
- Shoulder surgery, contract implications, and the personal connection ("met his dad on a plane!").
- "Shoulder surgery is like a massive rehab ... it takes a long time." — E (24:31)

3. Beach Steppin’ – Listener Mailbag

a) Love & Hate: NBA Players This Season (28:10–36:06)

Players Skeets “Hates” (Struggling):
- Derrick White ("What’s going on with Derrick White? ... just struggling here to start the year." — Skeets 28:38)
Players They “Love”:
- Aaron Gordon ("20 and 6 ... makes plays on both ends.") & Norman Powell ("... turned into this type of player late in career ... averaging 23.5, 52% from deep.")
- Trey on Amen Thompson: "He's frickin awesome ... just so fun."
- Bobby Portis gets criticized as a slow starter.
Other Notables: Tyrese Maxey, Deni Avdija as big bright spots; Mavericks inefficiency lamented.

b) NBA Cup: Division-based Groups? (36:06–41:56)

Debate on whether Cup groupings should align with divisions for relevance/tradition.
- "Literally, why else do we have divisions?" — E (38:05)
- General consensus: No one really cares about divisions currently; little impact on fan engagement.

c) Ranking National TV Broadcasts (42:00–47:20)

Preferred Order of TV Experiences:
- Amazon Prime > NBC > ESPN/ABC > NBA TV
  - "Amazon is far better. They've done a great job. ... The production is just so fun." — B (44:35)
  - NBA TV graphics notably panned. "Their graphics have been garbage for 20 years." — D (45:18)

d) Ja Morant and the Vince Carter "Malcontent" Trajectory (49:44–57:37)

Listener asks: Is Ja’s Memphis exit paralleling Vince Carter’s in Toronto?
In-depth comparison: Both early stars, spectacular dunkers, soured franchises, questionable effort at the end.
- "It was this idea ... Vince sort of gave up, started pouting, started pointing the finger at everybody else ... those are sort of similar to how it's going right now with Ja Morant in the last couple weeks." — D (53:52)
Derrick Rose-Chicago comp introduced too: team moved on as another star blossomed.
Skeets predicts Ja will bounce back wherever he lands.

e) Australian NBA Players & Olympic Prognostication (60:03–65:45)

Identifying current Aussies in the NBA, excitement for 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Shout-outs to Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels, and developing prospects.
- "Do you have a favorite young Australian player?" — "Josh G, of course." — E (64:03)

f) Magic Bros: The New Clipper Bros? (65:45–69:35)

The “Magic Bro” viral moment is played; will it replace “Clipper Bros” as the show’s outro vibe?

g) Show Format Meta (70:17–71:06)

Is No Dunks more YouTube TV or podcast first? Conclusion: Both—the lines are intentionally blurred.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

On Marcus Smart’s End-of-Game Drama:
"He was making plays left and right. Probably the only reason they win the game. But then he nearly gave it away..." — D (06:58)
On Jokic’s Brilliance:
"It’s just like that complete control of, like, my team needs this at this moment. Always one or two steps ahead. And that’s Jokic in a nutshell." — D (17:27)
On NBA TV Graphics:
"Their graphics have been garbage for 20 years. I don’t understand it. ... It looks like a mess. I hate it so much." — D (45:18)
On Ja Morant’s Uncertain Memphis Future:
"He’s not playing like himself ... The Grizzlies are going to build around Jaren Jackson Jr. Ja doesn’t look like he wants to repair the relationship." — E (55:47)
On Amazon’s NBA Broadcasts:
"Amazon is—fun. ... The production is just so fun. It just looks awesome as far as the studio goes." — B (44:35)
On Podcast/YouTube Blending:
“Podcasting is a TV show. The lines are blurred. And we did that. That’s our fault.” — B (71:06)

Timestamps to Important Segments

(02:47) - Wedgie watch w/ Kevin Durant’s “Wedgendary” moment
(05:36–07:38) - Lakers win recap; Marcus Smart’s end-game antics
(10:04–12:33) - Wolves’ defensive struggles breakdown
(14:04) - Blazers come back; Avdija’s All-Star leap
(17:07) - Spoelstra’s Jokic praise
(23:55–27:39) - Walker Kessler injury update
(28:10–36:06) - Mailbag: NBA player love/hate & notable standouts
(36:06–41:56) - Should NBA Cup groups be division-based?
(42:00–47:20) - National TV broadcast power rankings
(49:44–57:37) - Ja Morant parallels to Vince Carter’s Raptors exit
(60:03–65:45) - Australian NBA player rundown & Olympic fever
(65:45–69:35) - “Magic Bro” possible new outro clip
(70:17–71:06) - Is No Dunks a TV show or a podcast?

Episode Tone & Style

Final Thoughts

If you missed the episode, this summary will catch you up on hijinks, highlights, and hot takes—almost as if you were right there on the beach with the guys yourself.

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Beach Steppin' | The Marcus Smart Rollercoaster, All-Star Avdija, Ja Morant's Next Chapter

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Summary

No Dunks | Beach Steppin' | The Marcus Smart Rollercoaster, All-Star Avdija, Ja Morant's Next Chapter

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points

1. NBA Game Roundup and Takeaways

2. Injury Update

3. Beach Steppin’ – Listener Mailbag

a) Love & Hate: NBA Players This Season (28:10–36:06)

b) NBA Cup: Division-based Groups? (36:06–41:56)

c) Ranking National TV Broadcasts (42:00–47:20)

d) Ja Morant and the Vince Carter "Malcontent" Trajectory (49:44–57:37)

e) Australian NBA Players & Olympic Prognostication (60:03–65:45)

f) Magic Bros: The New Clipper Bros? (65:45–69:35)

g) Show Format Meta (70:17–71:06)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Timestamps to Important Segments

Episode Tone & Style

Final Thoughts

Summary

No Dunks | Beach Steppin' | The Marcus Smart Rollercoaster, All-Star Avdija, Ja Morant's Next Chapter

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points

1. NBA Game Roundup and Takeaways

2. Injury Update

3. Beach Steppin’ – Listener Mailbag

a) Love & Hate: NBA Players This Season (28:10–36:06)

b) NBA Cup: Division-based Groups? (36:06–41:56)

c) Ranking National TV Broadcasts (42:00–47:20)

d) Ja Morant and the Vince Carter "Malcontent" Trajectory (49:44–57:37)

e) Australian NBA Players & Olympic Prognostication (60:03–65:45)

f) Magic Bros: The New Clipper Bros? (65:45–69:35)

g) Show Format Meta (70:17–71:06)

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

Timestamps to Important Segments

Episode Tone & Style

Final Thoughts