No Dunks Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: Red-Hot Raptors & Pistons, Herro's Season Debut, The Slop Scale Returns

Date: November 25, 2025
Hosts: J.E. Skeets, Tas Melis, Trey Kirby, JD
Podcast: No Dunks by iHeartPodcasts

Overview

This episode of No Dunks delivers a lively breakdown of Monday night in the NBA, featuring the surging Toronto Raptors and Detroit Pistons, the return of Tyler Herro to the Miami Heat, and a generous dose of “slop”—the crew’s tongue-in-cheek deep-dive into juicy NBA trade rumors using the “Slop Scale.” The hosts mix detailed analysis with their trademark irreverence, zig-zagging from on-court tactics and young player development to All-Star oddities, unhinged Twitter comparisons, and spirited debates about stuffing versus dressing.

Major Discussion Points and Insights

1. Wedgie Watch & NBA Rarities

Timestamp: 03:00 – 04:58

• The episode opens with jubilation for Wedgie #15 of the season, courtesy of Duncan Robinson (“blink and you’ll miss it!”) — a rare instance where a shot gets stuck between rim and backboard.
  • Tas: "It's a pretty unique one because Duncan Robinson throws it from the left side of the rim and it lodges in the right side of the rim." (03:54)
• The hosts debate how highly to rate this wedgie on their tongue-in-cheek “wedgie scale.”

2. Toronto Raptors’ Hot Streak & Ingram’s Resurgence

Timestamp: 05:01 – 14:21

• The Raptors notch their 8th straight win with a commanding 110-99 victory over a depleted Cavs squad.
• Brandon Ingram is front and center after a “season-high 37” on 30 shots, earning widespread praise for both volume and efficiency.
  • Trey: “Couldn’t believe Ingram took 30 shots. It didn’t feel like it at all to me...in the flow of the offense.” (08:20)
  • Tas: “I love how Ingram’s playing...He’s matched his games played from last season at 18.” (05:33)
• Raptors’ new coach Darko lauded as the leader; the squad’s depth and improved late-game execution are spotlighted.
  • Tas: “It’s 100% true right now. They are super deep.” (13:25)
  • Skeets: “He’s got this team organized...he is just pushing all the right buttons.” (12:44)
• Scotty Barnes’ defensive prowess is highlighted ("probably first team All-Defense right now"), as is the play of Jamal Shead and the bench’s impact.

3. Miami Heat – Tyler Herro’s Return & Playoff Ambitions

Timestamp: 15:10 – 21:35

• Herro notches 24 points in his long-awaited season debut, providing a jolt in a 106-102 win over Dallas.
  • Trey: “Hero did hit the biggest shot of the night…he was playing fast…12 of 18 from the field…felt like all 12 of his shots were floaters!” (16:27)
• Heat’s ball movement and willingness to attack mismatches praised; big man Khalil Ware is on a tear with “28 points, 18 boards, three monster blocks.” (16:27)
• Discussion of Dallas’s late-game woes, including a crucial PJ Washington turnover and missed shots.
• Skeets: “Tyler Hero was playing D in this game…he was out there working…they win a game because of him.” (20:42)
• Analysis of Heat’s approach to integrating Herro back into the faster, pass-driven system.

4. Detroit Pistons: From Basement to Beasts

Timestamp: 26:10 – 32:01

• Pistons match a franchise record with their 13th straight win, improving to 15-2—a stunning rapid turnaround.
  • Skeets: “They’re 15 and 2. They won 14 total games two years ago... The Pistons could lose their next 65 games straight, and finish with a better record.” (26:49)
• Cade Cunningham’s evolution as a big guard, highlighted by a clutch late-game jump hook.
  • Trey: “...Four baskets in the restricted area for Cade on this one; also drew 10 free throw attempts.” (28:53)
• Spirited debate about Cade’s comps: Is he more like Brandon Roy (as ex-NBAer Michael Redd tweeted) or more Luka Doncic/James Harden?
  • Tas: “Big bodied, never go too fast, always play at their own speed.” (30:45)
  • Trey: “He’s a big guard… he wants to do his damage inside.” (31:41)

5. Houston Rock-eting Up—Amen Thompson’s Breakout

Timestamp: 32:13 – 37:30

• Houston rocks the Durant-less Suns 114-92. Amen Thompson explodes for 28, Alperen Sengun continues his passing wizardry, and the youthful Rockets “just get it all together.”
• Deep-dive on Aaron Holiday’s hot streak and Reed Sheppard’s old-school comparison (“the new Kyle Macy”), courtesy of Trey’s dad.
• Tas: “This team just gets it all together… showed the depth of this Rockets team, which is surprising considering all their injuries.” (33:50)

6. Around the League—Quick Hits

Timestamp: 37:45 – 44:00

• Brief recaps: Knicks’ dominance over the Nets, Nuggets’ Peyton Watson starring in a win, Blazers top struggling Bucks (who are hapless without Giannis).
• Minnesota’s alarming late-game collapses dissected. Trey: “No chemistry for this team and no trust from Chris Finch on any of the young guys... Something’s going to have to change.” (40:14)

7. THE SLOP SCALE – Trade Rumor Roundup

Timestamp: 46:54 – 65:16

The crew assigns “buckets of slop” (1 to 5) to current NBA trade rumors, debating which are realistic and which are pure, well, slop.

a. Clippers Interested in DeMar DeRozan

• Tas: “One bucket of slop. It ain’t happening. They need a three-point shooter. DeMar ain't that.” (47:35)
• Trey: “Four buckets of slop. This is a Clippers kind of move. Get older... get another guy from LA.” (49:04)

b. Kings Open for Business (Except Murray & Clifford)

• Sacramento ready to move everyone (but Keegan Murray and rookie Nick Clifford).
• Tas assigns “five buckets” (“Do anything for this fan base… It’s probably time.” 53:01)
• Trey: “Give me three buckets of slop. I think the Kings are going to make a move—disappointing season, high payroll…” (51:01)

c. Utah Jazz Demand Asar Thompson for Lauri Markkanen

• Tas and Trey both: Only “one bucket of slop”—no way Detroit parts with Asar, even for Markkanen.
  • Trey: “I think the Pistons should let it marinate…eventually they're going to have to pay guys, but… I don't think making a move for Markkanen makes a ton of sense.” (57:44)

d. Anthony Davis: Is There a Trade Market?

• Tim Bontemps says the market is lukewarm due to AD’s age/salary.
• Trey: “I think if the Mavs were to make him officially available… other people are lying too. Maybe they're not lining up, but the packages won't be what you're expecting.” (59:52)
• Both agree Mavs (theorized here as AD’s team) should get what they can, perhaps via a three-team deal given the massive salary involved.

e. Markkanen vs. Michael Porter Jr. – Mini-Debate

• The hosts bicker over which is more valuable, ending with Skeets: “I did not expect a Lowry Markkanen vs. Michael Porter Jr. debate here on No Dunks.” (67:33)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Toronto’s hierarchy:
  “He [Ingram]’s established the hierarchy in Toronto. He’s the number one guy… When it comes down to it in a late shot clock situation, he’s the guy to go and get a basket.” – Trey Kirby (08:20)

• On Coach Darko’s vibe:
  “He comes into the locker room going nuts. I was concerned early on… He’s turned it around and he’s obviously not going anywhere because he’s been an elite, elite coach here with this winning streak.” – J.E. Skeets (12:44)

• On Amen Thompson’s athleticism:
  “Guy is just next level athlete on a floor full of athletes.” – Skeets (36:43)

• On Pistons’ unprecedented rise:
  “The Pistons could lose their next 65 games straight and finish with a better record than they did two years ago.” – Skeets (26:49)

• On Anthony Davis’s future:
  “Mark, stop lying to us. Of course you would [trade AD].… the Mavs need to move these guys… their best chances to get any sort of future assets back.” – Trey (60:14)

Fun & Offbeat Segments

All-Star Old Guys

(22:43-23:37)

• Skeets discusses how Norman Powell, if he makes his first All-Star team at 32, would be among the oldest first-timers—cue fun NBA history riffs.

Trade Value Thought Experiments

(48:53-50:21)

• Trey, describing the Clippers’ hypothetical pursuit of DeRozan: “An opportunity to add eight years to your roster. Beautiful.” (50:21)

Stuffing vs. Dressing — Underrated Thanksgiving Sides

(73:13–75:47)

• The crew debates the most underappreciated Thanksgiving food, with strong takes on stuffing/dressing, rolls, and green olives (“This is stupid.” – Trey, 74:24).

Markkanen vs. MPJ

(66:04-67:39)

• Table-pounding, stat-citing debate: “Markkanen is the Western Conference Michael Porter Jr. Put him on the Jazz, he’ll score 25 a game!” – Trey (67:39)

Timestamps – Key Segments

• Wedgie #15 & Uniqueness: 03:00–05:00
• Raptors’ Big Win & Ingram: 05:01–14:21
• Tyler Herro Returns & Heat Over Mavs: 15:10–21:35
• Pistons' Franchise-Tying Win: 26:10–32:01
• Amen Thompson, Rockets' Depth: 32:13–37:30
• Around the League Quick Hits: 37:45–44:00
• Trade Rumor ‘Slop Scale’: 46:54–65:16
• Thanksgiving Food Riff: 72:55–75:47

Closing Thoughts

The episode exemplifies what makes No Dunks a fixture for NBA junkies—mixing astute analysis, recaps, historical context, inside jokes, and, crucially, ridiculous banter. If you want to know not just who won, but why these teams are catching fire, and how front offices might try to keep pace before the trade deadline, this episode is a comprehensive (and highly entertaining) snapshot of the NBA’s current storylines.

Listen for: Deep dives on the Raptors and Pistons’ transformations, a sneak preview of slop season, and which host is most likely to rant about green beans or the historical crime of putting shrimp cocktail on a Thanksgiving table.