No Dunks Podcast Summary

Episode Overview

Title: The Drop | A Rookie Duel & Drafting The Most Interesting Teams At NBA Trade Deadline
Date: January 30, 2026
Hosts: JD Skeets, Tas Melis, Trey Kirby, JD
Theme:
A packed Drop episode diving into the sensational rookie duel between Cooper Flagg and Con Knipple, the latest NBA trade deadline intrigue, witty debates about worst of the week, and some classic No Dunks rapid-fire fun.

Rookie Duel: Cooper Flagg vs. Con Knipple

The Main Event: Legendary Rookie Showdown

• Game Recap:
  Charlotte Hornets 123, Dallas Mavericks 121.
  Con Knipple hits two clutch free throws for a career-high 34 points, while Cooper Flagg, just 19, breaks the NBA record for most points in a game by a teenager with a 49-point masterpiece, including a game-tying three in the final moments.

  • Knipple sets a Hornets record with eight three-pointers.
  • Flagg’s ascension and Knipple’s well-rounded game were praised—we may be witnessing one of the greatest rookie duels ever.

  "This could have been the biggest duel of two rookies ever. I mean, it sure feels that way."
  — Tas Melis (03:55)

• Historical Context:
  The 83 points combined were the most by two rookies since Tiny Archibald and Pete Maravich in 1971 (05:10).

• Wedgie Watch:
  The battle featured a dramatic block-wedgie—a leading contender for “Wedgie of the Year”.

Signature Moments & Insight

• Cooper Flagg’s skill evolution:

  "The game has slowed down so much for him. He’s ready to slow it down in the mid range or take it to the hoop."
  — Tas Melis (04:32)

• Knipple’s unheralded versatility:

  "He can put it on the floor so much more...He’s so, so good at getting in the mid-range. He’s shooting 70% at the rim, 60% from short mid-range, 10 to 16 feet."
  — Tas Melis (04:46)

• Eric Collins’ (Hornets broadcaster) excited reaction to Flagg’s game-tying three was a broadcast highlight (07:30).

Charlotte Hornets On a Roll

• Current Status:
  Hornets have won 11 of their last 12 with a Lamelo Ball, Knipple, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Moussa Diabate starting five. Their offense has been "lights out" (08:33).

• Team Chemistry:
  Ball’s passing and Miller’s consistency have made Charlotte a must-watch League Pass team.

  "If you’re not watching the Hornets, add them to your league pass teams!"
  — JD Skeets (10:59)

Other NBA Storylines (12:22–22:21)

• Tyrese Maxey hits a game-winning layup for Philly in a 40-point night; “big win for the Sixers.”
• Dylan Brooks drops 40 on T-shirt Night, carries the Booker-less Suns past the Pistons.
• Wolves torch the Thunder with 22 made threes.
• Heat & Bulls: The Heat continue their dominance in head-to-head matchups.
• Notes on injuries (Aaron Gordon, Jalen Johnson), trends (aged players thriving—“30 is the new 20”), and underappreciated role players (Grayson Allen, Bruce Brown).

Draft: Most Interesting Teams at the NBA Trade Deadline (22:21–46:43)

1. Philadelphia 76ers

• Why Interesting:
  Fringe contender status with MVP-level Embiid and a surging Tyrese Maxey, but lack depth. Daryl Morey always tinkers.
• Needs:
  A big wing, shooting big, more reliable bench. Trade chips include Quentin Grimes, Jared McCain, Clippers picks.

  "They need to have a solid top five and then a bunch of dice rolls off the bench, which is kind of what they have now."
  — Trey Kirby (25:14)

2. Miami Heat

• Why Interesting:
  Always in search of stars (Giannis, Ja Morant, Jonathan Kuminga floated). Managed cap to keep Terry Rozier’s deal for trade flexibility.

  "The Miami Heat are a franchise that… believe if you come inside our locker room and organization, we can change you."
  — Tas Melis (28:31)

3. Detroit Pistons

• Why Interesting:
  Best team in the East but need shooting/scoring wing and might finally cash in on assets. MPJ or Trey Murphy III as potential targets.

  "They should see the opening right now and cash in some of these future draft picks and go for it a little bit."
  — JD Skeets (35:24)

4. Denver Nuggets

• Why Interesting:
  Jokic out, still thriving; Aaron Gordon’s timeline means continued minutes for Peyton Watson. Maybe add a backup big or guard, but mostly standing pat as favorites.

  "They’ve used this time period to just bring them closer together. They’re just more of a squad that’s ready to play in the playoffs."
  — Tas Melis (39:18)

5. New Orleans Pelicans

• Why Interesting:
  Deepest team, unclear if selling (draft picks for Trey Murphy? Overpay for Herb Jones?). Could do anything—stay conservative, sell, or buy.

  "They could go a billion different ways… They’re fun to look at because who will opposing teams pay for?"
  — Tas Melis (40:47)

6. Sacramento Kings

• Why Interesting:
  Most hopeless bad team, old/expensive core (Sabonis, DeRozan, Lavine, Monk, Schroder) that should be up for sale, but limited interest. Can they get anything of value?

  "Can Scotty convince anyone else to take anybody? That's really what it comes down to."
  — Tas Melis (47:31)

Worst of the Week (52:19–59:14)

A strong batch of “worst” nominees delivered with classic No Dunks humor:

1. Contact Lens Debacle:
   Referee catches Christian Coloco’s dropped contact lens, player pops it right in.

   "Would you rather take it off the floor and put it in your eye? Well, I'd rather do that." — Brian Scalabrine (53:11)

2. Knocked-Out Teeth:
   Onyeka Okongwu loses two teeth to a Jalen Brown elbow, shoots free throws before getting dental surgery.

   "I don’t know how he handled it. He was just comfortable." — TAS (56:04)

3. Cavs Halftime Show:
   An Adele “Hello” halftime dance went viral; debate on choreography and originality.

4. Raised Floor in Cleveland:
   Luka Doncic rolls ankle on dangerous court, raising more safety concerns.

Rapid Fire & Fun Segments (66:34–83:12)

Favorite Room in the House? (66:56)

• JD Skeets: Loves his giant main room and lately, his spooky attic.
• Tas Melis: Loves the quiet front room, good for watching the neighborhood.
• JD: Prefers his outdoor wicker chair for people-watching, technically not a room.

Things That Should Go Back To How They Were (72:27)

• Survivor’s 39-day format (JD Skeets)
• Less tipping prompts everywhere (Tas Melis)
• Buying software outright instead of monthly subscriptions (JD)

Notable Thank-Yous (77:00)

• John Pollock of Post Wrestling for epic Royal Rumble historical pods (JD Skeets)
• Brad Hartzell for music festival tip (Tas Melis)
• Whoever invented "skip intro" and auto-caption rewind features on streaming platforms (JD)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "If you’re not watching the Hornets, like add them to your League Pass teams!" (10:59)
• On Detroit’s possible upgrades: "I think they should trade Tobias Harris…You can do better as your second option." — Trey Kirby (32:52)
• On the Kings’ woes: "They’re trying to win this year. They came in trying to win. They’re 15th in league payroll and they’ve got the worst record in the league—and it’s all vets." — Trey Kirby (46:43)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Rookie Duel Breakdown: 02:30–12:04
• Other Big NBA Stories: 12:04–22:21
• Draft: Most Interesting Trade Deadline Teams: 22:21–46:43
• Worst of the Week: 52:19–59:14
• Rapid Fire & Fun: 66:34–83:12

Tone & Vibe

High-energy, witty, nerdy, playful banter and deep hoops analysis. The crew brings together diehard stat-tracking with pop culture (wrestling facts, Survivor complaints), self-deprecating humor (attic/laundry sensors; JD’s lack of kitchen), and relentless wedgie tracking. The show is peppered with memorable quotes, inside jokes, and seamless riffing.

Summary Takeaway

A classic No Dunks Drop episode, best experienced for its blend of basketball joy and group chemistry: a generational rookie duel, all the context and playoff speculation you need for the trade deadline, plus a heaping of laughs and everyday relatability—whether you care most about the Charlotte Hornets’ pick-and-roll, Dylan Brooks’ villain arc, or which home room to people-watch from.