No Dunks Podcast – "NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | This Rookie Class Is Legit"

Date: October 27, 2025
Hosts: J. Skeets, Tass Melas, Trey Kirby, JD
Podcast: No Dunks (iHeartPodcasts)

EPISODE OVERVIEW

The No Dunks crew gathers for their first Monday show of the 2025-26 NBA season, diving into the first weekend’s biggest winners and losers. With the rookie class already living up to the hype, the guys focus on instant impacts from new stars like Cooper Flagg, Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, and Cedric Coward. They debate which teams look legit, which should be worried, and highlight moments from an action-packed weekend on and off the court—including the much-hyped NBA on Prime studio debut, early coaching storylines, Adam Silver’s gambling scandal Q&A, and more.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Rookie Class Steals the Show

Cooper Flagg's Arrival (04:21 – 09:42)
- Tass hails Cooper Flagg’s breakout performance (22pts/4reb/4ast/1blk):
  
  “It was punctuated by that dunk. He cocked back, you could tell after the dunk celebrated with Anthony Davis, and then he broke out a smile.” —Tass Melas [04:36]
- Mavs' experiment with supersized lineups, Flagg as primary ball-handler.
- Jason Kidd “handing him the keys”—echoes of Giannis running point.
- Trey: “It’s going to be a growing experience for sure... but long term, it’s going to be better.” [07:36]
- Skeets: “He just feels way more comfortable running the pick and roll... I think you can expect those kinds of numbers (22/4/4) all year.” [09:01]
Victor Wembanyama & Spurs Undefeated Start (09:46 – 16:10)
- Spurs are undefeated; Wemby’s stat lines: 29-11-9 (blocks!) vs Pelicans, 31-14-4-3-6 vs. Nets.
- Wemby’s two-block-then-logo-three highlight, dominance, and showmanship.
- Trey: “If you did a vote for MVP, he would probably win it right now.” [11:36]
- Dylan Harper and Stefan Castle also praised—Harper compared to Manu Ginóbili.
Cedric Coward’s Torrid Start (16:53 – 20:08)
- Grizzlies rookie shoots 6-6 from three in a big win; overall shooting 70% through three games.
- Skeets: “He looks like the definition of a 3-and-D guy. Built like Kawhi, to be honest.” [19:26]
- Trey: “That’s what Memphis needs. They’ve been linked to every single wing who’s become available since Ja got there... maybe they finally have it.” [18:01]

2. NBA Weekend Winners (22:21 – 46:05)

Detroit Pistons (22:21 – 27:44)
- Two strong wins—outlast HOU and BOS despite injuries and depth challenges.
- Asar Thompson and Jalen Duren breakout, Isaiah Stewart thriving in new bench role.
- Trey: “The bench and athleticism that Stewart and Holland bring is really big... they’ve helped flip a couple games so far.” [25:09]
LA Lakers & Luka Doncic/Austin Reaves (27:49 – 36:45)
- Lakers have had a 40+ point scorer every game so far: Luka Doncic (43, then 49), then Austin Reaves (career-high 51).
- Reaves' masterful scoring & drawing fouls: “The Lakers took 46 free throws last night... but also, the Kings were not guarding anybody at all.” —Trey Kirby [30:25]
- Discussion on lineup synergy and LeBron’s potential off-ball role as Luka and Reaves handle offense.
- “LeBron is smart enough, he can figure out anything like that—can he buy into the role?” —Trey Kirby [34:17]
NBA on Prime Debut (36:45 – 43:33)
- Studio’s size and LED court wowed the crew; Nash, Dirk, Blake Griffin, and Haslem praised for technical breakdowns.
- Skeets: “Them actually talking about basketball and the X’s and O’s... awesome. They did a great job.” [37:11]
- Some caveats: On-court graphics and “too many pop-ups” felt distracting.
- “It was fun to watch... the biggest thing I took from it—enthusiasm and knowledge.” —Tass Melas [38:18]
Other Quick Winners (43:33 – 46:05)
- SGA & Thunder (3–0 start), Miami Heat’s explosive offense, Kawhi’s strong play, Mavericks’ retro uniforms.

3. NBA Weekend Losers (49:35 – 77:32)

Adam Silver/NBA Response to Gambling Scandal (49:35 – 54:56)
- Tass not convinced by Silver’s tunnel interview addressing Terry Rozier investigation:
  
  “I wasn’t sold that Adam Silver did enough to sell it... He needs a PR person to help him sell it better. There was just more to it.” [51:37]
- Trey notes the optics: “It feels like the NBA tried to sweep it under the rug… the investigation left a lot to be desired.” [53:22]
- Discussion of gambling's intersection with tanking, referencing Co-Conspirator #8 (widely believed to be Chauncey Billups) and future PR headaches.
Orlando Magic Offense (55:37 – 60:14)
- Shooting woes: 3-for-24 from three vs Bulls.
- Trey: “Paolo is really, really struggling… he’s playing in a crowd, all the time.” [56:23]
- “Nothing has changed... 30th in offense, 30th in threes made… exactly the same team as last year.” —Trey Kirby [57:39]
Winless Boston Celtics (60:14 – 64:50)
- 0–3 for first time since ‘13–’14; overrun on the offensive glass, injuries exposing thin frontline.
- “Their margin for error is so slim... worst defensive rebounding team in the league.” —Skeets [61:54]
- “They can’t board. That was a worry coming in.” —Tass [64:35]
Toronto Raptors (66:46 – 75:14)
- Defensive identity breaking down, blown out by Mavs, issues with guard play/Qiuckley struggling, size/rebounding.
- “We were sold all training camp: ‘We got a defensive identity.’ They said it, not us... I’m not really convinced (Immanuel Quickley’s) a starting caliber point guard. Sorry.” —Skeets [69:31]
Phoenix Suns (75:14 – 77:32)
- Blown out twice, playing slow and unathletic, heavy load on Devin Booker.
- “They look brutal... no athletes on this team, foul all the time... I don’t think the Suns are going to be having a lot of successes this season, but the losses are going to rack up.” —Trey Kirby [76:24]

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

On Cooper Flagg’s emergence:
“Turns out he’s worth the number one pick.” —J. Skeets [05:27]
On Wemby’s highlight package:
“It feels like he only wants to shoot a three after an awesome defensive play because he knows that’s going to play highlight-wise.” —Trey Kirby [11:53]
On the Spurs rookies:
“Dylan Harper: I compared him to Manu Ginóbili after Game 1. I don’t think it’s ridiculous anymore.” —Trey Kirby [12:56]
On the NBA on Prime’s new studio:
“That thing is like a goddamn airplane hangar…” —J. Skeets [37:07]
On Adam Silver’s gambling comments:
“He just could have addressed it better. There was just more things to be said, I thought—a little more clearly.” —Tass Melas [51:55]
On Magic’s offensive woes:
“The big rig needs a tune up.” —Skeets [57:36]
On the Celtics’ rebounding:
“They can’t board. That was a worry coming in.” —Tass Melas [64:35]

TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS

Cooper Flagg’s Dunk & Breakout Game: 04:21 – 09:42
Wemby/Spurs Undefeated + Harper/Castle Praise: 09:46 – 16:10
Cedric Coward’s Hot Shooting: 16:53 – 20:08
Detroit Pistons Depth & Surprising Wins: 22:21 – 27:44
Luka Dončić/Austin Reaves Scoring Barrage: 27:49 – 36:45
NBA on Prime Debut Review: 36:45 – 43:33
Adam Silver Gambling Scandal Response: 49:35 – 54:56
Orlando Magic’s Shooting Struggles: 55:37 – 60:14
Boston Celtics’ 0–3 Start: 60:14 – 64:50
Raptors' Defensive Troubles & Quickley Critique: 66:46 – 75:14
Phoenix Suns Falling Flat: 75:14 – 77:32

EPISODE SUMMARY

The No Dunks crew celebrates a wild opening NBA weekend:

Rookies are dominating right away—from Cooper Flagg’s dazzling, versatile game to Wembanyama’s nightly highlights and all-around impact, plus top performances from fellow rookies Dylan Harper, Stefan Castle, and Cedric Coward.
Teams off to hot starts: The Spurs’ chemistry, Pistons’ depth and resilience (even amid injuries), and the Lakers’ early season firepower (highlighted by Doncic and Reaves’ historic scoring).
Studio & media evolution: The NBA on Prime debut is lauded for its energy and technical teaching, though on-screen graphics could use fine-tuning.
Major storylines off the court: Adam Silver faces tough questions over the league’s gambling investigation, with the hosts expressing skepticism about the NBA’s transparency and messaging.
Early losers: Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics look alarmingly similar to last year’s flawed versions, struggling with shooting and rebounding. The Raptors’ defensive breakdowns are exposed, while the Phoenix Suns already look slow and unathletic.

Ultimately, the hosts agree: This rookie class is for real, several powerhouses (like the Lakers and Spurs) are already showing their teeth, but plenty of Eastern teams may be in a world of hurt if their early flaws persist.

For further details, subscribe to No Dunks on iHeartPodcasts or catch them on YouTube for daily NBA talk!

No Dunks Podcast – "NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | This Rookie Class Is Legit"

Date: October 27, 2025
Hosts: J. Skeets, Tass Melas, Trey Kirby, JD
Podcast: No Dunks (iHeartPodcasts)

EPISODE OVERVIEW

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Rookie Class Steals the Show

Cooper Flagg's Arrival (04:21 – 09:42)
- Tass hails Cooper Flagg’s breakout performance (22pts/4reb/4ast/1blk):
  
  “It was punctuated by that dunk. He cocked back, you could tell after the dunk celebrated with Anthony Davis, and then he broke out a smile.” —Tass Melas [04:36]
- Mavs' experiment with supersized lineups, Flagg as primary ball-handler.
- Jason Kidd “handing him the keys”—echoes of Giannis running point.
- Trey: “It’s going to be a growing experience for sure... but long term, it’s going to be better.” [07:36]
- Skeets: “He just feels way more comfortable running the pick and roll... I think you can expect those kinds of numbers (22/4/4) all year.” [09:01]
Victor Wembanyama & Spurs Undefeated Start (09:46 – 16:10)
- Spurs are undefeated; Wemby’s stat lines: 29-11-9 (blocks!) vs Pelicans, 31-14-4-3-6 vs. Nets.
- Wemby’s two-block-then-logo-three highlight, dominance, and showmanship.
- Trey: “If you did a vote for MVP, he would probably win it right now.” [11:36]
- Dylan Harper and Stefan Castle also praised—Harper compared to Manu Ginóbili.
Cedric Coward’s Torrid Start (16:53 – 20:08)
- Grizzlies rookie shoots 6-6 from three in a big win; overall shooting 70% through three games.
- Skeets: “He looks like the definition of a 3-and-D guy. Built like Kawhi, to be honest.” [19:26]
- Trey: “That’s what Memphis needs. They’ve been linked to every single wing who’s become available since Ja got there... maybe they finally have it.” [18:01]

2. NBA Weekend Winners (22:21 – 46:05)

Detroit Pistons (22:21 – 27:44)
- Two strong wins—outlast HOU and BOS despite injuries and depth challenges.
- Asar Thompson and Jalen Duren breakout, Isaiah Stewart thriving in new bench role.
- Trey: “The bench and athleticism that Stewart and Holland bring is really big... they’ve helped flip a couple games so far.” [25:09]
LA Lakers & Luka Doncic/Austin Reaves (27:49 – 36:45)
- Lakers have had a 40+ point scorer every game so far: Luka Doncic (43, then 49), then Austin Reaves (career-high 51).
- Reaves' masterful scoring & drawing fouls: “The Lakers took 46 free throws last night... but also, the Kings were not guarding anybody at all.” —Trey Kirby [30:25]
- Discussion on lineup synergy and LeBron’s potential off-ball role as Luka and Reaves handle offense.
- “LeBron is smart enough, he can figure out anything like that—can he buy into the role?” —Trey Kirby [34:17]
NBA on Prime Debut (36:45 – 43:33)
- Studio’s size and LED court wowed the crew; Nash, Dirk, Blake Griffin, and Haslem praised for technical breakdowns.
- Skeets: “Them actually talking about basketball and the X’s and O’s... awesome. They did a great job.” [37:11]
- Some caveats: On-court graphics and “too many pop-ups” felt distracting.
- “It was fun to watch... the biggest thing I took from it—enthusiasm and knowledge.” —Tass Melas [38:18]
Other Quick Winners (43:33 – 46:05)
- SGA & Thunder (3–0 start), Miami Heat’s explosive offense, Kawhi’s strong play, Mavericks’ retro uniforms.

3. NBA Weekend Losers (49:35 – 77:32)

Adam Silver/NBA Response to Gambling Scandal (49:35 – 54:56)
- Tass not convinced by Silver’s tunnel interview addressing Terry Rozier investigation:
  
  “I wasn’t sold that Adam Silver did enough to sell it... He needs a PR person to help him sell it better. There was just more to it.” [51:37]
- Trey notes the optics: “It feels like the NBA tried to sweep it under the rug… the investigation left a lot to be desired.” [53:22]
- Discussion of gambling's intersection with tanking, referencing Co-Conspirator #8 (widely believed to be Chauncey Billups) and future PR headaches.
Orlando Magic Offense (55:37 – 60:14)
- Shooting woes: 3-for-24 from three vs Bulls.
- Trey: “Paolo is really, really struggling… he’s playing in a crowd, all the time.” [56:23]
- “Nothing has changed... 30th in offense, 30th in threes made… exactly the same team as last year.” —Trey Kirby [57:39]
Winless Boston Celtics (60:14 – 64:50)
- 0–3 for first time since ‘13–’14; overrun on the offensive glass, injuries exposing thin frontline.
- “Their margin for error is so slim... worst defensive rebounding team in the league.” —Skeets [61:54]
- “They can’t board. That was a worry coming in.” —Tass [64:35]
Toronto Raptors (66:46 – 75:14)
- Defensive identity breaking down, blown out by Mavs, issues with guard play/Qiuckley struggling, size/rebounding.
- “We were sold all training camp: ‘We got a defensive identity.’ They said it, not us... I’m not really convinced (Immanuel Quickley’s) a starting caliber point guard. Sorry.” —Skeets [69:31]
Phoenix Suns (75:14 – 77:32)
- Blown out twice, playing slow and unathletic, heavy load on Devin Booker.
- “They look brutal... no athletes on this team, foul all the time... I don’t think the Suns are going to be having a lot of successes this season, but the losses are going to rack up.” —Trey Kirby [76:24]

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

On Cooper Flagg’s emergence:
“Turns out he’s worth the number one pick.” —J. Skeets [05:27]
On Wemby’s highlight package:
“It feels like he only wants to shoot a three after an awesome defensive play because he knows that’s going to play highlight-wise.” —Trey Kirby [11:53]
On the Spurs rookies:
“Dylan Harper: I compared him to Manu Ginóbili after Game 1. I don’t think it’s ridiculous anymore.” —Trey Kirby [12:56]
On the NBA on Prime’s new studio:
“That thing is like a goddamn airplane hangar…” —J. Skeets [37:07]
On Adam Silver’s gambling comments:
“He just could have addressed it better. There was just more things to be said, I thought—a little more clearly.” —Tass Melas [51:55]
On Magic’s offensive woes:
“The big rig needs a tune up.” —Skeets [57:36]
On the Celtics’ rebounding:
“They can’t board. That was a worry coming in.” —Tass Melas [64:35]

TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS

Cooper Flagg’s Dunk & Breakout Game: 04:21 – 09:42
Wemby/Spurs Undefeated + Harper/Castle Praise: 09:46 – 16:10
Cedric Coward’s Hot Shooting: 16:53 – 20:08
Detroit Pistons Depth & Surprising Wins: 22:21 – 27:44
Luka Dončić/Austin Reaves Scoring Barrage: 27:49 – 36:45
NBA on Prime Debut Review: 36:45 – 43:33
Adam Silver Gambling Scandal Response: 49:35 – 54:56
Orlando Magic’s Shooting Struggles: 55:37 – 60:14
Boston Celtics’ 0–3 Start: 60:14 – 64:50
Raptors' Defensive Troubles & Quickley Critique: 66:46 – 75:14
Phoenix Suns Falling Flat: 75:14 – 77:32

EPISODE SUMMARY

The No Dunks crew celebrates a wild opening NBA weekend:

Rookies are dominating right away—from Cooper Flagg’s dazzling, versatile game to Wembanyama’s nightly highlights and all-around impact, plus top performances from fellow rookies Dylan Harper, Stefan Castle, and Cedric Coward.
Teams off to hot starts: The Spurs’ chemistry, Pistons’ depth and resilience (even amid injuries), and the Lakers’ early season firepower (highlighted by Doncic and Reaves’ historic scoring).
Studio & media evolution: The NBA on Prime debut is lauded for its energy and technical teaching, though on-screen graphics could use fine-tuning.
Major storylines off the court: Adam Silver faces tough questions over the league’s gambling investigation, with the hosts expressing skepticism about the NBA’s transparency and messaging.
Early losers: Orlando Magic and Boston Celtics look alarmingly similar to last year’s flawed versions, struggling with shooting and rebounding. The Raptors’ defensive breakdowns are exposed, while the Phoenix Suns already look slow and unathletic.

For further details, subscribe to No Dunks on iHeartPodcasts or catch them on YouTube for daily NBA talk!

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NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | This Rookie Class Is Legit

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Summary

No Dunks Podcast – "NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | This Rookie Class Is Legit"

EPISODE OVERVIEW

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Rookie Class Steals the Show

2. NBA Weekend Winners (22:21 – 46:05)

3. NBA Weekend Losers (49:35 – 77:32)

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS

EPISODE SUMMARY

Summary

No Dunks Podcast – "NBA Weekend Winners & Losers | This Rookie Class Is Legit"

EPISODE OVERVIEW

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Rookie Class Steals the Show

2. NBA Weekend Winners (22:21 – 46:05)

3. NBA Weekend Losers (49:35 – 77:32)

NOTABLE QUOTES & MEMORABLE MOMENTS

TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS

EPISODE SUMMARY