No Dunks Podcast Summary: "Luka's MVP Case, Confident Cavs & Drafting Rising Stars Teams"

Date: January 27, 2026
Hosts: J. Skeets, Tas Melis, Trey Kirby, JD (Producer)
Podcast: No Dunks (iHeartPodcasts)

Episode Overview

The No Dunks crew returns with another lively, detail-rich NBA conversation. On this episode, they debate Luka Doncic’s MVP case after a monster performance, examine whether the Cavaliers are a true contender following their hot streak, break down the Magic’s struggles, recap all the wildness from around the league the previous night, and cap things off with a fun Rising Stars Draft—No Dunks style. The crew’s trademark mix of stat nerdiness, personal anecdotes, and comedy abounds throughout.

Key Discussions & Insights

Certified Classics & Opening Banter

(03:52–04:50)

• Hosts discuss a recently resurfaced 2009 music video they made, "Showin’ Love," which still resonates with fans.
• Baby Bird Eagle (Noah Eagle) calling "block wedgies" bledgies (block + wedgie), to much delight.
• Jokey debate: Should Grant Hill, who claimed never to have heard of a "block wedgie," relinquish part of his NBA credibility?

Luka Doncic’s MVP Case

(07:09–13:03)

• Luka’s Recent Performance:
  46 points (8-14 from deep), 11 assists, 7 rebounds in a dominant Lakers win over the Bulls.
• Odds & Context:
  Luka now sits +1000 for MVP on FanDuel, second only to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA).
• Tass (Down on Luka for MVP at 07:54):

  "Are they going to give it to Luka? I highly, highly doubt it."

  • SGA’s Thunder have won more games, he’s played more minutes, scored the most total points, and outpaces Luka in almost all advanced stats.
• Trey (Tentatively Up at 09:02):

  "I think this will be the highest finish of Luka's career in MVP voting ... He’s got the Lakers apparatus—that matters."

  • Notes Luka’s efficiency, being supported by the Lakers media market, and the clutch record.
• J. Skeets:
  Praises the variety in Luka’s game and highlights multiple spectacular passes and mismatches he exploited.
• Discussion Point:
  OKC’s Jalen Williams injury might impact their seeding and potentially MVP voting.

Cavs’ Confidence Level & Magic Struggles

(13:03–20:53)

• Donovan Mitchell Drops 45:
  The Cavaliers win four straight, now eight games over .500.
• Trey (Up on Cavs, But Doubtful for Playoffs at 13:33):

  "I don't actually believe that the Cavs are going to be a threat in the playoffs, but we shall see."

  • Cites regular season improvement but notes big questions about depth, health (Darius Garland), and having a true #2 scoring option.
• Tass:
  Points out both Garland’s ongoing injury issues and Mobley’s improvement (especially his left spin move).
• Magic Falling:
  Trey demotes Orlando in weekly power rankings—"Changes are needed. ... Their halfcourt offense is tough to watch. ... They just don’t have the right mix." (17:45)
• J. Skeets/Tass:
  Compare the Magic to the Raptors—a team needing “a little bit from everybody,” lacking in offensive cohesion and shooting. Speculate about possible trade deadline moves.

Noteworthy NBA Game Recaps

(24:49–33:30)

• Shengun Torches Grizzlies:
  33 points on 15-of-17 shooting, repeatedly spinning Santi Aldama. Scoffs at Memphis’ defensive effort. (25:17)
• Hornets Beat Sixers:
  Charlotte’s new, healthy starting lineup is “9-1.” LaMelo Ball praised for his improved, team-first approach.
  Trey:

  "This is kind of like idealized version of LaMelo Ball right here ... he's playing winning basketball right now, and I don't think that's something people ever say about LaMelo." (29:01)

• Halftime Entertainment:
  Hosts riff on arena halfcourt shot contests, including a Spurs fan whose banked-in, shot-clock-aided halfcourt shot stunned everyone.

Up/Down Report: NBA Headlines & Viral Moments

Mac McClung Skips the Dunk Contest

(34:17–37:44)

• Trey: "He’s done his part. ... Thank you for your service."
• Tass: “I am a little surprised… a little disappointed because I know he would participate and he would be good. ... Why not go out there and do it?” (35:02)
• Speculation: Is the league wanting new blood, or is McClung seeking to move beyond “dunker” status?

Rich Homie Flom Eats His Clippers Tweet

(38:42–42:38)

• Context: Clippers blogger Flom pledged to eat his tweet if LA went 15–3. They did—and he did! Paper consumption is discussed in unnecessarily great detail.
  Trey:

  "That's what Twitter is supposed to be about... making hilarious jokes that somehow make their way to the actual NBA." (40:46)

Benny the Bull Changes Jersey Number After Derrick Rose’s Retirement

(45:01–47:11)

• Hosts are both “down” on mascot Benny switching from #1 to #99, finding it illogical and lacking in fun.
• Trey:

  "He wore it first. ... 99 is a really weird choice." (45:25)

• Quick tangent celebrating Benny’s longevity and legacy as a mascot.

Rising Stars Draft (No Dunks Style!)

(54:45–73:23, plus recap at end)

With the official Rising Stars teams set to be drafted later in the day, the guys run their own draft of the NBA’s top rookies & sophomores, plus a handful of G-Leaguers.

• Method: Each host drafts players for a three-team tournament, celebrating the format and poking fun at its quirks (short games, lots of highlights but little defense).
• Draft banter includes:
  • Is there really “no such thing as a Rising Stars snub”? (Trey says no.)
  • Should the league revert to the old Rookies vs. Sophomores event and reduce/eliminate G League spots?
  • Extended, hilarious struggle to remember last year’s Rising Stars MVP.
  • Assessments of each rookie and sophomore’s season so far, especially those with “highlight potential.”
• Notable selections: Cooper Flagg, Matas Buzelis, Con Knueppel, and others.
• Quips:
  • "I'm going all sophomores here. ... Only want highlights." – Trey (65:50)
  • “Let us know who drafted the best squad… and who you think goes 1, 2, 3!” – J. Skeets

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Luka MVP Race:
  Tass (08:30):

  "Are they going to give it to Luka? I highly, highly doubt it."
  Trey (09:02):
  "He’s got the Lakers apparatus—that matters."

• Cavs Real Talk:
  Trey (13:33):

  "I don't actually believe that the Cavs are going to be a threat in the playoffs, but we shall see."

• Magic Reality Check:
  Trey (17:45):

  "Changes are needed... Their halfcourt offense is tough to watch. ... They just don’t have the right mix."

• Hornets Resurgence:
  (29:01)

  "This is kind of like idealized version of LaMelo Ball right here ... he's playing winning basketball right now, and I don't think that's something people ever say about LaMelo."

• On Mac McClung:
  Trey (34:17):

  "He’s done his part. ... Thank you for your service." Tass (35:02):
  "A little disappointed because I know he would participate and he would be good."

• On Twitter Stunts:
  Trey (40:46):

  "That's what Twitter is supposed to be about... hilarious jokes that somehow make their way to the actual NBA."

• On Benny the Bull’s Number:
  Trey (45:25):

  "He wore it first. ... 99 is a really weird choice."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Block Wedgie/Certified Classic banter – 03:52–04:50
• Luka MVP deep dive – 07:09–13:03
• Cavs, Magic, and power rankings – 13:03–20:53
• NBA Recap (Shengun, Hornets, etc.) – 24:49–33:30
• Up/Down (Mac McClung, eating tweets, Benny the Bull) – 34:17–47:11
• Rising Stars Draft (No Dunks) – 54:45–73:23

Tone & Style Notes

• Loosely structured, lively, and self-aware.
• Genuine fandom mixed with sharp, often playful, analytic takes.
• Recurrent theme: “Classic” No Dunks attitude—debate, jokes, and deep knowledge without self-seriousness.
• Numerous call-outs to stream-teamers and listeners, making the episode feel like a community roundtable.

Conclusion & Takeaways

A rich, fast-paced episode packed with NBA analysis, trivia, banter, and signature No Dunks fun. Standout takeaways include SGA’s stronghold on the MVP race despite Luka’s heroics, ongoing skepticism about Cleveland’s playoff legitimacy, a thorough Magic roast, embarrassment of riches among new NBA talent, and the importance of Twitter stunts and team mascots in the culture of modern basketball.

Next Episode Teaser: Listener questions galore and a deep dive into Tracy McGrady’s Rising Stars draft strategy!

For more, stream the episode or check out No Dunks on YouTube and your favorite podcast app.