No Dunks Podcast: Brent Barry Is Back, Jimmy Butler's Torn ACL, All-Star Starter Snubs

Date: January 20, 2026
Hosts: J. Skeets, Tas Melis, Trey Kirby, JD
Guest: Brent Barry (“Bones”)

Episode Overview

This episode of No Dunks brings back “Bone Zone” legend Brent Barry for a celebratory look at the show’s 20-year history and a deep dive into NBA news. Topics include Jimmy Butler’s season-ending ACL injury and its ramifications for the Warriors, tales from Brent’s NBA career and front office days, analysis of the struggling Knicks and resurgent teams, reflections on NBA All-Star starter selections—and, of course, a classic Michael Jordan story.

1. Celebrating 20 Years & Brent Barry’s Return

[02:10–08:05]

• The crew reminisces about their history with Brent Barry, crediting him as their “first champion” from the NBA world.
• Barry appears with his iconic “Bone Zone” bathrobe from the 2004 All-Star Game, prompting jokes about classic segments and show nostalgia.
• Brent gives a heartfelt message about No Dunks’ legacy:

  “You guys have never lost your authenticity. You’ve never lost your enthusiasm… You guys have made fans better because of it.”
  (Brent Barry, 04:29)

• They retell the story of Brent surprising No Dunks at a tiny San Antonio conference room show during the 2011 NBA lockout, bringing beers for the audience.
• NBA TV and Turner Sports are praised for supporting the show over the years.

2. Jimmy Butler’s Torn ACL: Impact on the Warriors

[08:05–16:32]

• Discussion shifts to Jimmy Butler’s season-ending injury with Brent’s initial reactions.
• Barry speculates on the Warriors’ next moves:

  “Would the Warriors consider at this point, Steph Curry being on the trade market?”
  (Brent Barry, 09:31)

• Skeets & the crew are shocked by the idea, but Brent frames it as a pivot the organization may need to discuss for the franchise’s long-term health.
• Jonathan Kuminga’s place is debated—can he take over Butler’s role, or is the relationship too fractured?
• Barry recalls a related incident where Kuminga, unhappy with his role, declined to play with “My back is hurting” on the injury report, indicating deep disconnect.
• Key takeaways:
  • Warriors’ future is suddenly uncertain.
  • Potential for major shakeups—including, in theory, a Steph trade.
  • Kuminga’s attitude/availability is a complex problem.
• Brent recalls locker-room rallying after injuries from his playing days but notes the uniqueness of Golden State’s situation.

Notable Quotes

• “I don’t care what the situation is… go out and play the game that you’re supposed to be playing with that kind of fire and don’t worry about the rest of it. But to decline the competition part, I think, is where this thing really got untied.”
  (Brent Barry, 13:02)

• “Steph’s such an adult, such a great leader, he might just say, no, I’m not leaving here because of that situation. I’ll continue to play, do the best that we can and accept the results.”
  (Brent Barry, 15:08)

3. Victor Wembanyama & Spurs Tales

[20:16–27:19]

• Brent discusses his time in the Spurs front office, the unlikely lottery win, and the Wemby era.
• He jokes:

  “Stevie Wonder would have drafted Victor Wembanyama also.”
  (Brent Barry, 20:44)

• Details Wemby’s discipline—his stretching and personal routines, and his unique one-hour nightly quiet time:

  “Between 8 and 9 o’clock, he finds a room and does not talk to, see, or communicate with anybody... Just to provide him some space.”
  (Brent Barry, 24:12)

• Practice anecdotes underline Wemby’s clutch gene and the excitement within the organization.

4. Phoenix Suns Coaching & Team Chemistry Insights

[27:19–33:57]

• Brent shares candid reflections from last season as an assistant Suns coach under Mike Budenholzer.
• Describes a talented roster (KD, Beal, Booker) with “cordial” but ultimately “invested” relationships:

  “It was a team that just didn’t know how to get along... There was this big gap between the top-end talent and the rest of the group.”
  (Brent Barry, 28:43)

• Lack of hierarchy and clarity led to confusion and disappointment.
• Brent praises new core/role players this year and the strong culture promoted by incoming personnel.

5. The Struggling Knicks and Locker Room Dynamics

[34:03–36:41]

• Trey and Brent analogize the 2026 Knicks to last year’s Suns: high expectations, top-heavy roster, and a sense of disunity.
• Brent offers candid coaching wisdom:

  “Don’t let your team rally around hating one thing—and do not let that one thing be the coach... As soon as that happens, the genuine effort you’re giving... is false because you’re not believing in the leader.”
  (Brent Barry, 35:13)

• Discusses rumors involving Karl-Anthony Towns and the coaching situation with Tom Thibodeau/Mike Brown.

6. Broadcasting, Michael Jordan, and NBA Nostalgia

[40:31–53:06]

• Brent shares his move to broadcasting with Amazon Prime after coaching, highlighting connections and the passion for the game among analysts.
• The crew discuss Michael Jordan’s role as a “contributor” on NBC and reflect on why MJ avoids contemporary game commentary:

  “The pedestal is a dangerous place—both for the one looking up and the one on it. The penalty for growing up is we learn that these people are just people.”
  (Brent Barry, 45:21)

• Brent tells a classic MJ story about recognizing each other at an Italian hotel, which led to a chance encounter and heartfelt conversation:

  “Michael Jordan got up from his table...to ask about my mom, my family, my brothers…”
  (Brent Barry, 52:02)

7. All-Star Starters & USA vs. World Format

[54:22–91:35]

• Announcement of 2026 NBA All-Star starters and review of voting breakdowns.
• Discussion about the new USA vs. World All-Star format and whether “snubs” matter as much with deeper rosters.
• All-Star Starter Highlights:
  • East: Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Jalen Brown
  • West: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Steph Curry, Victor Wembanyama
• Anthony Edwards narrowly missed a starting spot due to a weighted-score tiebreaker.
• Brent reminisces about the All-Star game spectacle and his experiences as a rookie and dunk contest champion, expressing a love for the “fun” and celebratory spirit of All-Star Weekend.

Notable Quotes

• “There is nothing on the line like Major League Baseball. It’s supposed to be fun and you’re supposed to have fun with it.”
  (Brent Barry, 56:50)
• “When you say that, Skeets, I immediately go back to Patrick Ewing in the gray...That’s my first vision of somebody wearing a T-shirt underneath [an NBA jersey].”
  (Brent Barry, 54:16)

8. Current NBA News & MLK Day Recap

[64:25–79:47]

• The hosts debate the Warriors’ future after Butler’s injury (trade Kaminga, what’s next for Steph/Draymond).
• Recap of MLK Day NBA games:
  • Knicks’ malaise and locker room problems continue (“zero effort,” “bad watch right now,” per Trey and Skeets).
  • Clippers riding a surge, Harden’s clutch performance, Kawhi’s injury management.
  • Pistons win a nail-biter over Celtics, praised for grit and team play.
• Discussion of Bucks-Hawks and other games, with sidebars on the NBA’s “Rivals Week” branding.

9. Assorted Segments:

[92:57–102:39]

• LeBron’s All-Star streak: Should Adam Silver guarantee him a spot even if not chosen by coaches? Spirited debate—Trey: Yes, Skeets: Only if it’s his final year.
• Jokes about “Rivals Week” being watered down (“Cavs vs. Hornets is not a rivalry”; suggestions for “Brothers Week”).
• Lighthearted Olympic flag football speculation.

10. Closing & Shout-Outs

[102:39–End]

• Thank-yous to Brent Barry for his loyalty, storytelling, and support of No Dunks.
• Plug for 20-year anniversary merch and the next day’s special “20 Years of Classics” squad draft show.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On authenticity:
  “You guys have made fans better because of it. So thank you guys. Congratulations on 20 years.”
  Brent Barry, 04:29
• On Warriors’ existential crisis:
  “What does this morning look like for the Warriors? Not anything like they expected in terms of what their future looks like.”
  Brent Barry, 10:50
• On Wemby’s routine:
  “He just will read or be on his own...to provide him some space...That's the kind of discipline and greatness that you hear about.”
  Brent Barry, 24:12
• On All-Star Game nostalgia:
  “I just love the spectacle of every guy coming out in their actual jersey…That’s the part that I miss, but that’s nostalgia.”
  Brent Barry, 55:29
• On meeting Michael Jordan at an Italian hotel:
  “Michael Jordan got up from his table...to ask about my mom, my family, my brothers, to spend some time…just a great memory for me.”
  Brent Barry, 52:02

Key Timestamps

• Brent’s intro & celebration: 02:10–08:05
• Jimmy Butler/Warriors: 08:05–16:32
• Spurs/Wembanyama: 20:16–27:19
• Suns coaching tales: 27:19–33:57
• Knicks team struggles: 34:03–36:41
• Amazon broadcasting & MJ: 40:31–53:06
• All-Star starters & format: 54:22–91:35
• MLK Day/league news: 64:25–79:47

Takeaway Summary

This episode is a masterclass in blending NBA current events with behind-the-scenes storytelling and rich basketball nostalgia. Brent Barry brings warmth, insight, and honesty about his playing, front office, and coaching experiences. The No Dunks crew delivers sharp analysis on pivotal NBA news—most notably Jimmy Butler’s injury crisis—while contrasting successful team cultures with talent gone awry. The All-Star Game’s evolving format, MJ’s mystique, and the value of fun in basketball round out a celebratory, engaging episode.

If you’re invested in NBA narratives, team-building psychology, or just want classic stories from a beloved player, this episode is essential listening/viewing.