No Dunks – NBA Media Day Report
Episode: Skinny Zion, Jared McCain Suffers Another Setback, Throwback Jerseys
Date: September 26, 2025
Hosts: Trey Kirby and Tas Melis
Episode Overview
This episode of No Dunks dives into the buzziest headlines and stories emerging from NBA Media Day, including Zion Williamson’s stunning physical transformation, injury updates around the league, throwback jersey reveals, and playful debates over locker room culture. Trey and Tas break down how player movement, offseason training, and even facial hair are shaping the narrative as the new NBA season approaches. Lively banter, keen observations, and memorable moments abound.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Zion Williamson's "Transformation" & Pelicans Outlook
-
Zion’s Physical Turnaround
- Both hosts up on Zion’s new look—described as “skinny” and “cut,” echoing viral Media Day photos ([01:02–05:40]).
- Tas: “I am up. I’m buying it. This isn’t just about him losing weight in the offseason… It felt good to feel good, as he said.” ([01:37])
- Trey shares skepticism, noting that media and fans have been burned by off-season Zion hype before, but—reluctantly—he’s optimistic too.
- Memorable quote: “People are always falling for the Zion stuff and then follows it up by saying, I am people. Guess what? We're people, too.” – Trey ([04:10])
- New workouts (boxing, football field drills) started last season, not just this summer. Tas credits new Pelicans front office leadership, especially Joe Dumars, for holding Zion accountable ([02:57]).
- Zion’s shifting mindset and clear accountability within the Pelicans’ organization are seen as positive changes.
-
Future Outlook
- Uncertainty still clouds the Pelicans’ postseason hopes, but the hosts predict Zion plays 60+ games; would be the third time in his career ([04:27]).
- Noted “weird mix” of roster changes, including the Derrick Queen trade and Jordan Poole acquisition.
-
Goatee Debate
- Zion’s Media Day look includes a new goatee—hosts playfully rib the facial hair trend among young NBA players ([08:08]).
2. Jason Tatum’s Injury & Celtics’ Uncertain Season
-
Tatum's Return Timeline
- Tatum’s comments on First Take spark speculation: insists he’s not ruling himself out for the season ([09:23]).
- Tas urges caution: “It’s an Achilles. It’s super duper serious… The smartest thing to do? Sit out as much of the season as you can.” ([09:51])
-
Comparison to Past Achilles Injuries
- Cites Kobe Bryant’s and Kevin Durant’s recoveries; returns don’t always mean full form ([13:24]).
- Trey discusses how team performance may influence if and when Tatum rushes back; references Paul George’s similar midseason return post-injury ([11:31]).
-
Celtics’ Roster Stability & Outlook
- Team missing several key starters; trade rumors swirl around Derrick White and Jalen Brown.
- Conclusion: Even with Tatum’s return, Boston isn’t “a favorite in the Eastern Conference” ([11:07]).
3. Evan Mobley’s Next Step & Cavaliers Rotation
-
Mobley’s Projected Leap
- Kenny Atkinson hypes Mobley’s offseason progress: “I think he’s ready to take the next step.” ([15:21])
- Tas: Usage rate for Mobley far too low in clutch; needs more ball-handling and closing role ([15:21–18:57]).
- Trey: “The self-creation is kind of the next step... He needs a go-to thing on the offensive end.” ([17:27])
- Praise for Mobley’s development: defensive anchor, budding offensive skillset.
-
Supporting Cast & Atkinson’s Adaptations
- De’Andre Hunter seen as a potential X-factor after being underutilized last year ([21:36]).
4. Mitchell Robinson, Knicks Starting Lineup, and Roster Jokes
- Quick mention of starting lineup debates, with playful jabs about the idea of starting Gershon Yabusele over Mitchell Robinson and Josh Hart ([20:39–21:38]).
- Tas highlights how team depth and rotation might affect minutes early in the season.
5. Michael Porter Jr., Uber, & Big Contracts in NYC
- MPJ’s Urban Commute
- Hosts highly amused by Michael Porter Jr. spending $200–$250 a day on Ubers in Brooklyn despite owning a car ([23:51]).
- Trey’s calculation: For MPJ’s $38M salary, it’s only 0.2%—a drop in the bucket.
- Tas: “It ain’t Manhattan… It’s Brooklyn. It’s not that bad. He had one bad experience and now he’s forever an Uber guy.” ([25:54], [27:00])
- Stream team hilarity: “MPJ being a franchise best player is pure comedy.” ([27:00])
- MPJ’s press conference: Answered with focus on injuries, contract pressure, and desire for a fresh start ([28:03]).
6. Throwback Jersey Drops
-
Sixers—2001 Iverson Era Throwbacks
- Black “swoosh” jerseys for 25th anniversary of Finals run ([29:51]).
- Tas: “I can’t do it. These give me nightmares. These? Yeah, this is personal here. They were wearing them 2001 when it looked like Vince Carter was just ascending… I just haven’t recovered.” ([29:51])
- Trey notes the painful nostalgia for Raptors fans, but a win for Sixers faithful: “For everyone else, they look awesome.” ([31:18])
- Discussion of fit changes—modern jerseys more tailored, no baggy Iverson look.
-
Timberwolves—KG Era Black Trees Uniforms
- Hosts up on the classic early-2000s design; Count Chocula font gets a shout-out ([41:47–43:03]).
- Stream team votes them best Wolves jersey; suggestion KG’s number should be retired this year ([44:55]).
-
Grizzlies—Pau Gasol Era Black Uniforms
- A more muted reaction to Memphis’ less-remembered early 2000s look ([46:52]).
- Hubie Brown returns for the jersey reveal video—an appreciated touch for deep-cut fans.
7. Sixers’ Jared McCain Injury & Philly’s Ongoing Injury Struggles
- Rookie Setback
- McCain suffers a torn thumb ligament; out for start of season ([33:29]).
- Trey: “If you’re a Sixers fan, you’re like, there’s no way we have another great player getting injured before the start of the season.”
- Jokes about social media roasting McCain for lifting tiny weights in promo shots ([33:35–34:38]).
- Both hosts underscore the constant cloud of preseason injury woes for the Sixers.
8. Kyle Lowry’s New Role & NBA Players in Media
- Lowry joins Amazon as an analyst while still active—a rarity ([36:06]).
- Discussion of other recent player-media overlaps, like Draymond Green with Turner and CJ McCollum with ESPN ([39:30]).
- Trey teases his questions for Lowry, including legendary locker room stories from his Raptors days ([41:00]).
9. NBA Locker Room Culture: Who’s an “Unk”?
- Pelicans’ Kevon Looney says “Unk” starts at 34–35 years old in an NBA locker room ([49:07]).
- Trey: “He’s 29 years old. That is incredible. Biggest gap between how old you think he is and how old he actually is.” ([49:28])
- Playful conversation about “Unk” status and hosts’ own old-head credentials in both basketball and podcasting ([52:01–54:12]).
- Tas: “We are the NBA Unk podcasters… We can embrace the NBA Unks.” ([54:45])
Notable Quotes & Moments
- On Zion:
“It feels good to feel good. That's so right. So hopefully Ion is a real thing. He is easy to talk yourself into, this guy.” – Trey ([05:40]) - On Tatum’s Achilles:
“It’s an Achilles. It’s super duper serious… I think he should sit out the entire year.” – Tas ([09:51]) - On MPJ and Ubers:
“He had one bad experience and now he's forever an Uber guy.” – Tas ([27:00]) - Sixers throwbacks:
“These give me nightmares… That was the only playoff series that Vince Carter won with the Toronto Raptors going into that second round against Allen Iverson. And I just haven't recovered.” – Tas ([29:57]) - On “Unk” status:
“He looks old. He just looks old. He doesn’t look like a young 29.” – Tas on K. Looney ([50:05]) “We are the NBA Unk podcasters… We can embrace the NBA Unks.” – Tas ([54:45])
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Zion’s Transformation & Pelicans Talk: 01:02–08:59
- Jason Tatum/Celtics Injury Outlook: 09:23–14:22
- Evan Mobley Next Leap (Cavs): 15:21–21:38
- Knicks Starting Lineup, Cavs Depth: 20:39–22:47
- Michael Porter Jr., Uber & Nets: 23:51–28:59
- Sixers Iverson Throwbacks: 29:51–32:38
- Jared McCain/Philly Injuries: 33:29–36:06
- Kyle Lowry to Amazon / Player Media: 36:06–41:21
- Timberwolves & Grizzlies Throwbacks: 41:47–47:19
- Looney, “Unk” & Locker Room Ages: 49:07–54:45
Tone & Host Chemistry
The conversation is lighthearted and self-aware, peppered with inside jokes and fan interactions from the stream chat. Tas radiates old-school perspective and gentle skepticism; Trey brings punchy, meme-ready commentary and playful humility. Both champion optimism for breakout young players alongside self-deprecating “Unk” banter about their own place in the basketball world.
For New Listeners
- Rich with context and personality, this episode is a great entry point for NBA fans who enjoy both serious basketball takes and comedic detours.
- Ad-free main summary; skips all intros, outros, and non-content filler.
Final Thought:
This episode captures the weird mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and nostalgia that defines NBA Media Day: every roster is a “what-if,” every jersey a callback, every young star a possibility—until the games begin.