No Dunks - Episode Summary: "Kuminga Rumors, Jokic Wins A Horse Race, Dunk of the Year & More!"
Release Date: July 29, 2025
Hosted by Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD
1. Introduction (02:17)
The episode of "No Dunks" kicks off with a light-hearted and humorous exchange among the hosts, establishing the casual and engaging tone of the podcast. Skeets welcomes listeners to the show, followed by introductions of his co-hosts: Tas Melis, Trey Kirby, and producer JD.
2. Chicago Bulls: Billy Donovan’s Contract Extension (04:11 - 09:52)
Discussion Points:
- Contract Extension: NBA.com reports that Billy Donovan has agreed to a contract extension with the Chicago Bulls.
- Performance Evaluation: The hosts analyze Donovan's performance, citing his sub-.500 coaching record and limited playoff success.
- Ownership’s Strategy: Discussion revolves around the Bulls' ownership desire to avoid being the worst team and maintain high attendance figures.
- Comparative Analysis: Comparison with other franchises like the Knicks and Suns regarding coaching decisions and team performance.
- Future Outlook: Speculation on the Bulls' long-term strategy, including player acquisitions and draft picks.
Notable Quotes:
- Tas Melis (05:58): "Billy Donovan is a fine coach. He's not the problem in Chicago."
- Trey Kirby (08:57): "It's very mid."
- JD (11:03): "Donovan is the third longest tenured coach in the NBA."
Key Takeaways: The hosts express skepticism about the effectiveness of Donovan’s extension, questioning whether retaining him aligns with the Bulls' competitive aspirations. They highlight the paradox of maintaining high attendance despite mediocre team performance and discuss potential future scenarios if the Bulls continue their current trajectory.
3. Jonathan Kuminga’s Restricted Free Agency (14:20 - 21:55)
Discussion Points:
- Current Status: Jonathan Kuminga is in restricted free agency with the Golden State Warriors offering a one-year, $7.9 million qualifying offer.
- Warriors’ Offer: Breakdown of the Warriors' offer—two years for $40 million—and the gap between Kuminga’s expectations and the Warriors' proposal.
- Potential Destinations: Speculation on possible destinations such as the Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Chicago Bulls.
- Agent’s Perspective: Insights into Kuminga’s preferences for more playing time versus staying with the Warriors as a role player.
- Team Strategies: Analysis of the Warriors' salary cap considerations and roster management in relation to Kuminga’s contract.
Notable Quotes:
- Tas Melis (14:20): "This is a news for Jonathan Kaminga."
- JD (16:43): "Kaminga isn't going to get a lot."
- Trey Kirby (19:43): "Maybe he takes that little tiny deal, makes it awkward in Golden State, balls out and gets overpaid next summer."
Key Takeaways: The discussion highlights the challenging landscape for restricted free agents like Kuminga, where limited offers and team cap constraints hinder reaching desired contracts. The hosts contemplate the Warriors' motivations and the broader implications for Kuminga's career trajectory, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding his next move.
4. Nikola Jokic’s Horse Racing Victory (24:28 - 29:50)
Discussion Points:
- Event Overview: Nikola Jokic celebrates emotionally after his horse wins a race, a surprising headline for NBA fans.
- Personal Interests: Exploration of Jokic’s deep love for horses, tracing back to his upbringing in Serbia.
- Community and Lifestyle: The hosts discuss Jokic’s unique relationship with horses, contrasting it with his basketball career.
- Humorous Takes: Light-hearted banter about Jokic’s size and his affinity for horses, including playful remarks about his inability to become a jockey.
Notable Quotes:
- JD (24:46): "Look how happy he is."
- Trey Kirby (25:04): "He's one of the greatest basketball players currently in the world, and it's like he could care less because he likes this way more."
- Tas Melis (26:24): "This guy just loves them. They are his friends."
Key Takeaways: Jokic’s victory in horse racing serves as a testament to his multifaceted personality and interests outside basketball. The hosts admire his dedication to his passion for horses, providing listeners with a glimpse into the personal side of one of the NBA’s premier players.
5. Dunk of the Year Nominations and Fan Vote (63:07 - 68:20)
Discussion Points:
- Nominees Overview: The hosts present six nominees for Dunk of the Year, including Jaden Sharp, Jalen Green, Pascal Siakam, Jalen Johnson, LeBron James, and Ja Morant.
- Fan Vote Analysis: Ja Morant’s dunk wins the fan vote, attributed to its uniqueness and the timing of its presentation.
- Individual Highlights: Detailed breakdowns of each dunk, including game contexts and player performances.
- Audience Engagement: Encouragement for listeners to participate in future voting and share their favorite dunks.
Notable Quotes:
- Tas Melis (63:46): "So many to be left out as well."
- JD (66:18): "That looks like he jumped even higher since rather than just his feet hitting the ground, his whole body hits the ground."
- Trey Kirby (67:04): "John Morant’s dunk wins the fan vote."
Key Takeaways: The Dunk of the Year segment showcases some of the most spectacular and memorable dunks from the current NBA season. Ja Morant’s victory reflects his flair and the dramatic nature of his performance, highlighting his status as a fan favorite. The segment emphasizes the entertainment value and athleticism inherent in NBA highlights.
6. Additional Headlines and Discussions (29:50 - 76:11)
Notable Topics:
- LeBron James’ Future with the Lakers (30:05 - 38:30): Speculation on LeBron’s potential departure from the Lakers after the 2025-2026 season, considering his interactions with Jokic’s agent and the evolving dynamics within the team.
- Knicks’ Mikhail Bridges Situation (39:42 - 44:58): Analysis of the New York Knicks’ decision not to extend Mikhail Bridges' contract, linking it to Giannis Antetokounmpo's uncertain future with the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Broadcasting Changes (47:55 - 54:25): Updates on Richard Jefferson’s return to ESPN and Doris Burke’s uncertain role, alongside discussions about potential changes in NBA broadcasting teams.
- Entertainment Segments (55:09 - 62:57): Light-hearted discussion about the return of the "Air Bud" franchise to theaters, blending nostalgia with humor about the plausibility of a dog playing basketball.
Notable Quotes:
- Tas Melis (30:25): "LeBron is definitely keeping everything open after this season."
- JD (40:21): "Nobody in the NBA is convinced that the Giannis thing is over in Milwaukee."
- Trey Kirby (54:01): "I'm most excited to hear Wade and Iron Eagle."
- Tas Melis (59:46): "But you can't teach a dog to play basketball. I'm sorry."
Key Takeaways: These segments cover a range of NBA-related topics, from player movements and team strategies to broadcasting updates and entertainment news. The hosts provide insightful analysis on LeBron’s potential free agency, the Knicks’ roster decisions, and the evolving landscape of NBA media coverage. Additionally, they infuse humor with discussions about the nostalgic return of the "Air Bud" movies.
7. Conclusion and Upcoming Segments (74:28 - 76:11)
The hosts wrap up the episode by teasing upcoming content, including a new series reviewing the "Jurassic Park" franchise titled "Jurassic Pals." They encourage listeners to engage by leaving ratings and reviews and share their excitement for future discussions on movies and more NBA content.
Notable Quotes:
- Trey Kirby (73:58): "Nodunksincmail.com is the best way to get them to us."
- JD (74:20): "Have a great time. Turn up. Love you guys."
Key Takeaways: The episode concludes on an enthusiastic note, with hosts promoting future content and inviting continued listener participation. The anticipation for the "Jurassic Pals" series highlights the podcast’s commitment to diversifying their content offerings.
Overall Summary:
This episode of "No Dunks" offers a comprehensive dive into current NBA happenings, blending serious analysis with lighthearted banter. Key topics include the Chicago Bulls’ strategic decisions regarding their coach, the complexities surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s free agency, and the personal interests of star player Nikola Jokic. Additionally, the hosts engage listeners with interactive segments like Dunk of the Year, while also touching on broader NBA narratives and entertaining segments like the return of the "Air Bud" franchise. The episode exemplifies the podcast's ability to balance in-depth sports analysis with engaging and humorous content, making it informative and enjoyable for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.