No Dunks Podcast Summary
Episode Title: Summer League Standouts, Furphy's Poster, Amazon's Stacked NBA Broadcast Roster
Release Date: July 15, 2025
Hosts: Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey, and JD
Description: No Dunks is a daily NBA podcast by The Athletic, delving into the league's biggest games and headlines, answering listener questions, and featuring interviews with guests.
1. Introduction and Live Show Highlights [02:17 β 04:35]
The episode kicks off with J. Skeets and Tas Melas welcoming listeners to the No Dunks podcast, highlighting their recent live show at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas. Tas extends a shout-out to fans who attended and mentions a special "squad episode" now available on YouTube and the podcast feed. Additionally, they discuss a creative "walk and talk" video filmed at the Thomas and Mack Center, involving fans and featuring interactive elements like random jerseys and arcade games.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "We did a squad episode that's up on YouTube and obviously in the podcast feed."
2. Backstreet Boys at the Sphere [05:34 β 07:45]
The hosts pivot to discuss the Backstreet Boys' inaugural show at the Sphere. J. Skeets expresses regret over their initial critique of the performance, acknowledging Tas's perspective on the impressive visual aspects despite earlier reservations.
Quote:
J. Skeets: "I think it's cool... you get right into space, you get on a rocket, you Go directly into space, baby."
3. Summer League Standouts [08:17 β 16:04]
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing standout performances in the NBA Summer League.
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Johnny Furfy (Indiana Pacers): Tas highlights Furfy's sensational dunk against Bulls rookie Noah Essingly, describing it as "ridiculously beautiful" and noting its potential to become iconic.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "He grabbed the board, he put it behind his back around the three-point line... and threw it down over Bulls rookie Noah Essingly."
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Cooper Flag (Dallas Mavericks): Discussed for shutting down early Summer League action after two games. J. Skeets praises Flag's resilience, comparing his early performance favorably to historical benchmarks like John Wall.
Quote:
J. Skeets: "He's a good player, period."
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Johan Beringer (Minnesota Timberwolves): J. Skeets commends Beringer's defensive prowess, likening him to Rudy Gobert and emphasizing his shot-blocking abilities despite limited experience.
Quote:
J. Skeets: "He's a monster center who's only played basketball for four years."
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Kobe Bufkin (Atlanta Hawks): Tas shares admiration for Bufkin's improved shooting and free-throw efficiency, highlighting his potential to contribute significantly despite limited minutes.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "He's a guy that we've like. He's shown promise."
4. Additional Summer League Highlights [16:04 β 35:50]
The discussion broadens to include performances from other teams and players:
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Kyle Filipowski (Utah Jazz): Recognized as a potential Summer League MVP, Tas details Filipowski's impressive scoring and rebounding stats, despite his team's 0-3 record.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "He hit like a game-winning turnaround jumper... he's been really, really good."
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Elijah Martin (Toronto Raptors): J. Skeets lauds Martin's versatile playmaking and dunking skills, drawing comparisons to legendary players for his basketball IQ.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "The basketball IQ like does jump off the screen."
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Nick Clifford (Sacramento Kings): Praised for his efficient scoring and defensive contributions, J. Skeets and Tas discuss Clifford's immediate impact and potential role in the Kings' rotation.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "He's pretty crafty, I think around the rim."
5. Offseason News: Grizzlies and Cole Anthony [52:55 β 56:44]
The hosts shift focus to offseason movements, specifically the Memphis Grizzlies' decision to buy out point guard Cole Anthony's contract. They speculate on Anthony's potential signing with the Milwaukee Bucks, emphasizing his role as a valuable backup guard capable of lighting up the scoreboard when needed.
Quote:
J. Skeets: "He's insurance. We've got Kevin Porter Jr. There that could be a starter, but could also implode."
6. Contract Extensions and Team Strategies [57:09 β 61:22]
Tas and J. Skeets delve into recent contract extensions within the NBA:
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Jalen Williams (Thunder): Discussed for his impressive rookie season performance, warranting a max extension despite some skepticism. J. Skeets defends the decision, highlighting Williams' potential and grounded nature.
Quote:
J. Skeets: "I think Jalen Williams is a rock. He's only getting better."
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Devin Booker (Suns): Acknowledged for securing a lucrative two-year, $145 million max extension, reinforcing his status as a cornerstone for the franchise.
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Herb Jones (Pelicans) and Isaiah Jackson (Pacers): Mentioned for their respective three-year extensions, with Tas expressing excitement about their developmental trajectories.
7. NBA Cup and Broadcast Innovations [61:22 β 75:39]
The conversation transitions to the upcoming NBA Cup, detailing the group stages and innovative court designs. Tas shares the groups arranged for the event, identifying the West Group C as particularly competitive, featuring teams like the Nuggets, Warriors, and Rockets.
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Amazon Prime's Broadcast Partnership: Significant emphasis is placed on Amazon Primeβs new comprehensive broadcast team, including legends like Kevin Harlan, Blake Griffin, and Steve Nash. The hosts express excitement over the βstackedβ roster, anticipating dynamic and flexible coverage.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "Amazon Prime... play by play announcers, Harlan, Ian Eagle, Michael Grady. Three bangers for play by play announcers."
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Court Design: The hosts humorously discuss potential court designs, referencing Matt Austin and creative director Victor Solomon to speculate on innovative layouts incorporating shapes like triangles and incorporating Halloween themes due to the Cup's October launch.
8. Player Health Update: Paul George [75:14 β 80:11]
In a brief segment, Tas informs listeners about Paul George undergoing successful knee surgery to address an injury sustained during a workout. The hosts express concern over his rehabilitation timeline and the implications for his season start.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "Paul George underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his left knee... heβs gone to rehab and will be re-evaluated before training camp."
9. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Attractions [78:25 β 80:11]
The episode winds down with the hosts sharing personal anecdotes about recent movie outings, teasing discussions about Superman, and encouraging listener engagement through questions submitted via email, YouTube comments, and social media.
Quote:
Tas Melas: "Have a great time. Turn up. Love you guys."
Key Takeaways:
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Summer League Excitement: Numerous young talents like Johnny Furfy, Cooper Flag, and Johan Beringer are making significant impacts, suggesting promising NBA futures.
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Strategic Offseason Moves: Teams like the Grizzlies and Kings are active in shaping their rosters through buyouts and draft picks to enhance competitiveness.
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Innovative Broadcasting: Amazon Prime's entry into NBA broadcasting with a star-studded team promises fresh and dynamic coverage of the league.
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Player Health Concerns: Injuries remain a critical factor, with star players like Paul George facing rehabilitation challenges that could affect their seasons.
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Engaged Community: The hosts emphasize the importance of listener interaction and feedback, maintaining a strong connection with their audience through multiple platforms.
This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essential discussions and highlights from the No Dunks podcast episode, providing both context and specific insights for listeners and fans alike.