Podcast Summary: No Dunks – "CP3 Returns To Clippers, Marcus Smart Joins Lakers & Fresh NBA Trivia"

Release Date: July 22, 2025 | Host: The Athletic's Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD

I. Introduction

The episode opens with the usual camaraderie among the hosts, Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD, setting a relaxed and engaging tone before diving into the day's NBA discussions and trivia.

II. Team Movements and Major Signings

A. Damian Lillard Rejoins the Portland Trail Blazers

The hosts delve into the significant news of Damian Lillard's return to the Portland Trail Blazers. Skeets highlights the discrepancy in reported contract details, noting, “ESPN and a majority of places say three years, $42 million. The Athletic going with three years, $45 million” (06:01). Tas expresses his support for Lillard's decision, emphasizing the personal aspect: “I think it's very cool for Damian Lillard to get to go back home. Home. You know, his adult home, his family, his kids” (06:38).

Trey raises strategic concerns about the Trail Blazers' roster, questioning the team-building logic: “they got two veteran leaders in Dame, Lillard and Drew Holiday making $46 million. That's 30% of their cap. And the guy they drafted at number three a couple of years also was a point guard. So I don't see any way that this makes sense from a team building standpoint” (07:38). The discussion underscores the tension between personal loyalty and competitive strategy within the team.

B. Chris Paul Signs with the LA Clippers

The episode covers Chris Paul's move to the LA Clippers, marking what is expected to be his final NBA season. Skeets introduces the topic: “Free agent point guard Chris Paul has agreed to a deal with the LA Clippers for his expected final 21st NBA season” (26:08). Tas remarks on the Clippers' roster depth, albeit with age concerns: “they have way better” (14:48).

The hosts analyze the implications of CP3 joining a team with established veterans, considering both the potential on-court contributions and the challenges posed by the team's aging roster.

C. Marcus Smart Joins the Los Angeles Lakers

The signing of Marcus Smart by the Lakers is another focal point. Skeets poses the question to his co-hosts: “...this is a guy who has not played over the last two years much, right? 54 games total over the past two seasons due to injury” (25:46). Trey evaluates Smart's fit within the team, highlighting the uncertainties surrounding his health and performance: “his contract slot essentially. I mean, who knows what they're going to get from Marcus Smart” (27:49).

Tas adds perspective on Smart's potential role, noting his defensive prowess but also expressing doubts about his availability: “...if they get the Marcus Smart from Boston where he's able to guard one through three, get hot from three sometimes and you can at least have them on the court with some of your bigger names” (27:34).

D. Pelicans Summer League and Rookie Injury

The hosts discuss the unfortunate news of Pelicans rookie Derek Queen's injury during the Summer League, which is likely to delay his debut: “Derek Queen is likely to miss at least the start of training camp after having surgery Friday to repair a torn ligament in his left wrist” (31:12). This development casts a shadow over the Pelicans' new era, with Tas lamenting, “It's hard to be excited for the new Pelicans era, which seems to be going exactly like the previous Pelicans era” (32:37).

III. NBA Summer League Highlights

A. Charlotte Hornets Win First-Ever Summer League Title

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the Charlotte Hornets' historic victory in the Summer League. Skeets celebrates the milestone achievement: “the Hornets have ever won as a franchise” (33:21). The team’s standout performances, particularly from Conquer Nipple and Liam McNeely, are highlighted. Skeets praises McNeely's tenacity and Nipple’s impactful play, stating, “...Conquer Nipple gets after it” (36:18).

B. Rookie Performances and Injuries

The Pelicans' struggles continue to be a topic, especially concerning rookie performances and injuries. Tas provides a critical view on rookie Jeremiah Fears’ statistics: “jeremiah Fears, 13 assists, 25 turnovers in summer league” (32:37), emphasizing the challenges the team faces in building a promising future.

IV. NBA Trivia Segment

The hosts engage in an interactive NBA trivia segment, aiming to test each other's knowledge about the previous NBA season. Key highlights include:

1. Worst Record in the League
   Question: Which team finished with the worst record last year?
   Answer: Utah Jazz, acknowledged by Tass: “Utah Jazz 17 and...” (39:23).

2. Western Conference Coach of the Month
   Question: Who are the only two coaches to win Western Conference Coach of the Month honors?
   Answer: Mark and Udoka, confirmed by Tass and Jay: “Udoka and Mark Dangall” (41:16).

3. League Leader in Total Rebounds
   Question: Who led the league in total rebounds last year?
   Answer: Boban Marjanović (41:40), with Skeets clarifying the distinction between total and per-game rebounds.

4. Indiana Pacers' Record on January 1, 2025
   Answer: 16-18, as detailed by Skeets (42:19).

5. All-NBA and All-Defensive Selections
   Question: Who were the only two players to make All-NBA and All-Defense last year?
   Answer: Jalen Williams and Evan Mobley (45:33).

6. Dunk of the Season
   Question: Who had the best dunk of the season according to NBA Dunk Score?
   Answer: Quentin Grimes, posthumously discussed by the hosts (51:19).

7. Sixth Man of the Year at Six Foot One
   Question: Name the three players to win Sixth Man of the Year listed at six foot one.
   Answer: Peyton Pritchard, Bobby Jackson, and Darrell Armstrong (49:20).

8. Most Miles Covered in the NBA Season
   Question: Who covered the most total miles last season in the NBA?
   Answer: Mikhail Bridges, as revealed by the hosts (54:19).

9. Players Scoring 55 Points or More in a Game
   Question: Name the seven players who scored 55 points or more in a game last season.
   Answer: Nikola Jokić, De'Aaron Fox, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, Jamal Murray, and Jalen Brunson (55:46).

The trivia segment not only showcased the hosts' knowledge but also added a fun and competitive element to the episode.

V. Additional Discussions and Anecdotes

Beyond the primary topics, the hosts share personal anecdotes and lighter moments, such as discussing golf outings, the longevity of NBA careers, and humorous takes on advertisements. Notably, Tas reflects on the evolving nature of basketball careers, mentioning, “20 year careers, when you're coming in at 19, ... we're going to see it pretty regularly” (20:25).

VI. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listener engagement, mentioning upcoming shows, and teasing future segments like ranking NBA players' golf shots. The upbeat and inclusive sign-off fosters a sense of community among listeners.

Notable Quotes

• Tas Melas on Damian Lillard’s Return:
  “Damian Lillard to get to go back home. Home. You know, his adult home, his family, his kids.” (06:38)

• Trey Kirby on Trail Blazers' Team-Building:
  “they got two veteran leaders in Dame, Lillard and Drew Holiday making $46 million. That's 30% of their cap.” (07:38)

• Tas Melas on Pelicans' Rookie Injury:
  “It's hard to be excited for the new Pelicans era, which seems to be going exactly like the previous Pelicans era.” (32:37)

• Jay Skeets on NBA Career Longevity:
  “We're not even going to look back on 20 year seasons as a big deal.” (21:00)

• Skeets on Summer League MVP Notification Delay:
  “They usually announce it right away. ... That's so weird.” (34:16)

This episode of No Dunks offers a comprehensive analysis of recent NBA developments, insightful discussions on team strategies and player movements, and an engaging trivia segment that highlights the hosts' deep knowledge of the game. Whether you're a die-hard NBA fan or a casual follower, this episode provides valuable insights and entertaining content to keep you informed during the offseason.