No Dunks Podcast: Beach Steppin' | Under-30 Team USA, Role Players to Watch, Next Season's Overachievers

Date: September 16, 2025
Hosts: Trey Kirby (A), Tas Melas (B)

Episode Overview

The No Dunks crew hits the “beach” for classic rapid-fire listener Q&A. Trey and Tas tackle everything from intriguing NBA role players for the 2025-26 season to overachieving teams, dino-to-NBA player comps, all-under-30 Team USA lineups, and even which NBA teams would make the best wedding groomsmen. There’s also discussion about the Toronto Blue Jays’ playoff hopes and creative ideas for recruiting NBA superstars. As always, it’s lively, insightful, and full of trademark No Dunks banter.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. NBA Role Players to Watch in 2025-26

(Starts at 00:55)

The hosts alternate picks, providing thoughtful analysis on each player's new situation, expectations, and fit.

• DeAndre Ayton (Lakers):

  • Tas: “This is it. If [Ayton] is going to become what he kind of was earlier in his career... it feels like the year is now, mainly because of the team that he's around.” (02:00)
  • Lakers need Ayton as a rim-rolling big, not a shooter. Key season for his role, contract, and legacy.

• Lonzo Ball (Cavaliers):

  • Trey: “Super interesting! He'll only be 28... It was cool to see him back on the court last season. I’m optimistic for Lonzo on the Cavs.” (03:55)
  • Trey views him as a “ball mover” and defensive presence in Cleveland’s guard rotation.

• Gershon Yabusele (Knicks):

  • Tas: “He can play defense... This guy played 70 games last year for the Sixers, 27 minutes per game.” (07:02)
  • A versatile frontcourt presence, likely to play next to Karl-Anthony Towns.

• D’Angelo Russell (Mavericks):

  • Trey: “Pretty bad year last year for the Lakers and the Knicks... He’s basically the number one guard for the Dallas Mavericks.” (09:35)
  • With Kyrie injured, Russell’s play will dictate Dallas’ offensive ceiling this year.

• Amir Coffey (Bucks):

  • Tas: “That guy is there in Milwaukee on a non-guaranteed deal. Will he even be on this roster? ...They need somebody who can drive.” (11:36)
  • Coffey could emerge as a wing/ball handler due to Milwaukee's lack of options.

• Kobe Bufkin (Nets):

  • Briefly discussed as a “watch list” prospect after his trade to Brooklyn.
  • Trey: “He was completely cooking. Basically he is too good for the G League and hasn’t really been able to make an impact for the Hawks.” (15:54)

2. NBA Overachievers for the 2025-26 Season

(Starts at 17:30)

• Indiana Pacers:

  • Trey: “I think it’s actually going to be a three-peat for this team as the biggest overachievers – the Indiana Pacers.” (18:13)
    • Despite losing Tyrese Haliburton (injury) and Myles Turner (to Milwaukee), Trey’s confident in Pascal Siakam, emerging talent, and Rick Carlisle’s coaching.
  • Tas agrees, citing team camaraderie and depth.

• Alternative Picks:

  • Atlanta Hawks: High expectations, best roster around Trae Young, but high win totals mean risk for underachieving if injuries strike.
    • Trey: “If we’re expecting them to win 47 games... injuries and suddenly they're in 40-44 win range.” (22:37)
  • Toronto Raptors & Orlando Magic: Mentioned as possible east overachievers.
  • Tas, on the Pacers: “They can't disappoint. They're just too good.” (21:55)

3. NBA Dino Comparisons (Jurassic Park Tie-In)

(Starts at 26:37)

For fun, listeners ask for Jurassic Park dinosaur comparisons for current NBA players, leading to a series of creative and humorous responses:

• Jaden McDaniels = Indoraptor
  • Tas: “Sometimes he just looks like there's not a lot of emotion coming out of him... then bam, he'll eat you.” (27:45)
• Jalen Suggs = Dilophosaurus
  • Tas: “He can be mean. He’s a great defender... looks a little chilled out until they frill, then they're really mad.” (28:10)
• Al Horford = T. Rex
  • Tas: “Old, capable... He can be unsigned as he is right now, then oh, he’s needed. That T. Rex will freaking eat you.” (28:13)
• Desmond Bane = D-Rex (tiny arms)
  • Trey: “There's that one picture... you can’t believe that a guy with his arms that short and that muscular would be a good shooter. But he is.” (30:11)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo (or Zion) = Pachycephalosaurus
  • Trey: “Since he’s kind of like the most battering ram of an NBA player.” (31:21)

4. NBA Team as Groomsmen

(Starts at 31:52)

• Heatles (LeBron–Wade–Bosh Era Miami Heat):
  • Trey: “LeBron is always dancing... Chris Bosh will bring weirdo energy... Mario Chalmers is like the friend that you're always ragging on.” (33:04)
• 2010-11 Washington Wizards:
  • Tas: Cites John Wall for dance moves, Nick Young as a goof, and international flavor (Nene, Turiaf, Seraphin) for party diversity and dance styles.
  • Trey: “This is an insane roster. Gilbert Arenas... Yi Jianlian... Kirk Hinrich somehow...” (35:36)

5. Recruiting a Superstar: How Far Would You Go?

(Starts at 36:55)

• Tas: “I am getting a Greek island for my player. Literally. It’s your island.” (36:56)
  • Or at least a street or a house “on that Greek Island. Everybody wants to go to Greek islands.”
• Trey: “I'm just going from the heart. I’m gonna cook my free agent a beautiful home cooked meal... a gigantic thing of spaghetti and meatballs.” (39:09)
  • Targets Giannis’ love for food with a family-style meal.

6. Team USA Under-30 Starting 5 for 2027

(Starts at 40:16)

A thoughtful construction of a hypothetical “next generation” Team USA, considering future FIBA competitions and the Olympics, with big emphasis on development and two-way play.

• Guards:
  • Trey: “Tyrese Halliburton... at point guard, assuming he resumes basketball the way he was before his Achilles injury.” (41:00)
  • Anthony Edwards at the two, “the next guy up for starting.”
• Wings:
  • Jalen Williams (Thunder) at 3 (now), with rising Cooper Flagg as a possible future starter (43:08)
• Forwards/Bigs:
  • Paolo Banchero (Magic) at the 4: “Really good in the 2025 Olympics... seems like a really good international player.” (43:38)
  • Evan Mobley (Cavs) at the 5: “I’d want Evan Mobley out there... skill sets really complement each other well.” (43:55)
  • Possible alternatives: Jayson Tatum (if healthy) and Chet Holmgren.
• Tas notes: “Mobley starting at center, or is it Holmgren to shut down guys...that was a tough one for me.” (45:00)
• Big Picture:
  • Should LeBron/Steph/KD step aside?
    • Trey: “If [they] want to play, they're probably on the team... but they should go into the three on three tournament.” (47:36)
  • Tas: “It’s seemingly like that’s how the NBA and American basketball is trending. They're seeing some importance in just putting USA on the chest.” (47:00)
  • Weak spot: Point guard depth if Halliburton isn’t healthy.
  • “It comes down a lot to Halliburton and how he looks coming back, but he's an awesome FIBA player.” (51:25)

7. Toronto Blue Jays Playoff Watch

(Starts at 53:20)

• Tas: “This could be the best team in baseball... They have so many freaking pitchers.” (53:20)
  • Lists strengths: Max Scherzer, Chris Bassett, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Erik Lauer, plus classic Jays batters.
• Jays era with Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. may be wrapping up, making this a “last dance” of sorts.
• Trey’s baseball interest is low due to Braves' struggles, but he's on board for Jays fandom, reflects on how pitching is unexpectedly their strength.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Not only an R-O-L-E role player, but an R-O-L-L role player because he's got to do some pick and rolling.” – Trey (03:43)
• “If he [Ayton] is like 15 points, 10 rebounds, a block and a half a game, that's really good for a Lakers team who needs their role players to show up.” – Trey (04:57)
• “I'll root for a fake home team for sure. I am surprised to hear you say though that, like, pitching is the strength for this team. I thought it was just going to be Vladdy and the boys bopping.” – Trey (55:50)
• “If Steph or KD wants to play, they're probably on the team. ...But I really think those three should go into the three on three tournament together and play at for team USA in 2028.” – Trey (47:36)
• “Straight to the heart. Straight to the gut.” – Tas (40:12)
• “John Wall obviously can do the dancing. Nick Young, I think, will be the goofy guy.” – Tas (34:05)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:14 – First Role Player: DeAndre Ayton (Lakers)
• 03:55 – Lonzo Ball (Cavaliers)
• 07:02 – Gershon Yabusele (Knicks)
• 09:35 – D’Angelo Russell (Mavs)
• 11:36 – Amir Coffey (Bucks)
• 15:54 – Kobe Bufkin (Nets)
• 18:13 – Overachiever Pick: Indiana Pacers
• 26:37 – Dino-to-NBA Comparisons
• 31:52 – Groomsman NBA Teams
• 36:55 – Recruiting Superstars: How Far Would You Go?
• 40:16 – Under-30 Team USA for 2027 World Cup/Olympics
• 53:20 – Toronto Blue Jays Playoff Hopefuls

Closing Notes

The episode wraps with trademark camaraderie, shouts to the Blue Jays as the “official team of No Dunks for this baseball season,” and plugs for upcoming No Dunks content – especially the “Jurassic Pals” movie series wrap-up.

The full spectrum of NBA fandom is covered here: insightfully, humorously, and with a little bit of dino-powered imagination.