Podcast Summary: No Dunks — The Drop | Early NBA All-Star Predictions, LeBron's Streak Ends, Maxey's Motor

Date: December 5, 2025
Hosts: Je Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, JD (Super Producer)
Podcast: No Dunks – iHeartPodcasts

Main Theme

The episode dives deep into the NBA’s latest headlines, focusing on early All-Star roster predictions amidst injuries and shifting narratives. The crew analyzes Giannis Antetokounmpo’s outlook after a calf strain, LeBron James’ historic streak ending, Tyrese Maxey’s clutch defense, and then collaboratively drafts their own All-Star squads under the league’s new USA vs World format. They cap the show with their signature “Best of the Week” plus rapid-fire banter about life, pop culture, and embarrassing Spotify Wrapped reveals.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Giannis Injury & Bucks Dilemma

[03:29–12:52]

• Giannis sidelined 2–4 weeks with a right calf strain, after a non-contact injury. His absence leaves Milwaukee in a precarious spot—both on the floor and in the front office.

• This break is "an important time for the Bucks to play better together" (Tas, 04:08). They have five games in 14 days—ample practice time for the newly returned Kevin Porter Jr. and Ryan Rollins to build chemistry, especially as Porter becomes the main offensive option.

  • "His percentages are ridiculous… 56 from the floor, 59 from three. But he is the number one option." — Tas (04:51)
  • Milwaukee's record without Giannis is abysmal: “One and five without him, nine and eight with him. So, you know, an average record there.” — Skeets (06:06)

• Trade rumors intensify: Trey speculates, “it wouldn’t surprise me if we don’t see Giannis wearing 34 for the Bucks again.” (07:54). The All-NBA eligibility 65-game threshold is now a concern for Giannis if he misses a full four weeks (08:21).

• The hosts debate: Should the Bucks use future picks to chase a star (e.g., Zach LaVine) and attempt to persuade Giannis to stay—or ride out this “transition” year, given their lack of playoff success lately?

  • Skeets: “At a certain point it becomes malpractice...are we really going to compete for a title?” (11:35)

• Tas closes: “It’s up to Kevin Porter Jr., really...he’s the guy.” (09:01), highlighting the pressure on Milwaukee's supporting cast during Giannis’ absence.

2. LeBron James’ Historic Double-Digit Scoring Streak Ends

[12:52–23:18]

• LeBron’s 1,297-game streak of double-digit scoring ends in Toronto as he finishes with 8 points—but delivers the game-winning assist to Rui Hachimura.

  • Skeets notes: “He could have forced up a shot… but he said (to Rui), 'this is coming to you.'” (13:34).
  • Trey remarks on LeBron’s pass-first mind: “I'm sure Donyell Marshall was watching last night and tipping his cap.” (13:43)

• Austin Reaves steals the show: 44 points, 5 boards, 10 assists, 13-for-21 FG, repeatedly hitting deep shots and clutch free throws.

  • “He's just become a really, really good player… for the Lakers, he's a number one when they need him to be.” — Trey (17:13)

• Debate over the importance of LeBron's streak:

  • Skeets reads Spike Eskin’s spicy tweet, “At least 10 points in a game. Streak is not a real streak... made up to give LeBron another made-up credential. Nobody cares.” (18:19)
  • Tas defends: “Nobody appreciates his longevity... it is an accomplishment.” (20:03)
  • Trey: “He’s able to be a high-level player for the entirety of his career.” (19:26)

• LeBron’s aging curve is clear: more under-the-rim, lower shooting percentages, less lift. Trey: “LeBron needs to play like 2011 Jason Kidd at this point—move the ball and shoot threes.” (21:57)

3. Maxey’s Hustle Saves Sixers from Collapse

[26:47–34:12]

• Tyrese Maxey’s end-to-end sprint for a game-saving block preserves a Philly win after the Warriors erase a 24-point deficit.

  • Trey: “Maxey...one of the fastest guys in the league, but this was just defense, sprinting back, making a great play.” (27:32)
  • Tas praises Melton and the Warriors’ unlikely comeback with deep-bench players: “Pat Spencer...he was also like the best college lacrosse player in decades. Just like, ‘I'll go play basketball and be an NBA player.’” (30:25)

• The crew marveled at the Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe’s late-game heroics (offensive rebound, key steal, game-winning tip): "[Edgecombe] makes a lot of plays in other facets of the game for the Sixers." (27:32)

• Replay reviews and timeouts slowing the finish are a familiar frustration:

  • Skeets: “It’s the end of the game that should be the most exciting part and turns into the worst part." (36:05)

4. Early NBA All-Star Predictions (USA vs World Format)

[36:11–53:08]

Rules & Process

• The All-Star Game format is now USA vs. World, but picks are positionless; teams can be adjusted by Adam Silver to ensure the right USA/World split.

Eastern Conference All-Stars (as chosen by the hosts)

• Locks & Final Roster:

  • Jalen Brown, Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Johnson, Jalen Brunson, Scotty Barnes, Bam Adebayo, Jalen Duren, Franz Wagner, Karl-Anthony Towns

• Close Calls: Brandon Ingram, Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Evan Mobley, Siakam; consensus that Mobley and Giddey just missed out.

Western Conference All-Stars

• Locks & Final Roster:

  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Anthony Edwards, Alperen Sengun, Kevin Durant, Chet Holmgren, Steph Curry, Victor Wembanyama, Jamal Murray, Devin Booker

• Notable Snubs: Larry Markkanen, Deni Avdija, James Harden, Julius Randle, Jaren Jackson Jr., De’Aaron Fox.

• International count matches: 8 World, 16 USA picks—perfect split for the new format.

5. Best of the Week

[53:44–60:21]

Tas leads the “Best of the Week” segment, highlighting:

• OKC Thunder’s creative player intros—e.g., “AJ Mitchell, Belgian Waffle University” (55:17)
• Referee bounce pass accidentally hitting Tyler Herro where it counts: “Tyler’s, Tyler’s laughing. Jenna win apologized immediately” (57:11)
• Karan Butler making rookie Myron Gardner apologize to Klay Thompson after excessive trash talk—old school NBA etiquette.
• General praise for light-hearted moments and evolving player-media presentation.

6. Rapid Fire & Banter

[65:16–78:06]

• Delusionally optimistic beliefs:

  • Skeets: Every fire station still has a dalmatian. (65:41)
  • Tas: This will be the year he finishes a dozen books—“One a month, could do it. No problem. Didn't get there.” (66:36)
  • Trey: “Delusionally optimistic about Avatar: Fire and Ash… will be there opening weekend.” (68:11)

• Things they’re ready to see end:

  • Skeets: “AI slop”—the glut of silly AI images, even though they make him laugh (69:42)
  • JD/Tas: People not flushing—especially in their own homes!
  • Trey: "Stranger Things"—the Netflix show finally winding down after ridiculously long runs (72:01)

• Embarrassing Most-Played Songs (Spotify Wrapped):

  • Skeets: “The Bones Are Their Money” (from I Think You Should Leave).
  • Tas: Cat memes–turned-songs by The Kiffness: “I go meow, I go meow.”
  • Trey: “Steve’s Lava Chicken” from Minecraft, thanks to his kids.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Giannis’ future:

  • Trey, [07:54]: “It wouldn’t surprise me if we don’t see Giannis wearing 34 for the Bucks again.”

• On LeBron making the right play (passing to Rui):

  • “He could have forced up a shot for sure. But he said, according to Rui, he said during the timeout, ‘this is coming to you.’ So he knew what he was gonna do.” — Trey Kirby [13:43]

• On Austin Reaves’ emergence:

  • “He’s just become a really, really good player…for the Lakers, he’s a number one when they need him to be.” — Trey [17:13]

• On LeBron’s Streak Being Overrated:

  • Spike Eskin tweet read by Skeets [18:19]:
    “This is truly embarrassing… nobody’s ever heard of it. It’s made up to give LeBron another made-up credential nobody cares about.”

• On Maxey’s game-saving block:

  • “This was just defense, sprinting back and making a great play.” — Trey [27:32]

• On All-Star roster selection:

  • “At a certain point it becomes malpractice to your organization, like…are we really going to compete for a title?” — Skeets, on the Bucks trading picks to appease Giannis [11:35]

• On Thunder Player Intros:

  • “AJ Mitchell, Belgian Waffle University.” [55:17]

• On life, aging, and music quirks:

  • “It’s about what you’re doing.” — Tas, signoff [80:49]

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------|----------------| | Show Start / Banter | 02:10 | | Giannis Injury & Bucks | 03:29 – 12:52 | | LeBron’s Streak Ends | 12:52 – 23:18 | | Maxey’s Block / Warriors-Sixers | 26:47 – 34:12 | | Replay Reviews Drag | 33:33 – 36:05 | | All-Star Picks (East/West) | 36:11 – 53:08 | | Best of the Week | 53:44 – 60:21 | | Rapid Fire Banter | 65:16 – 78:06 |

Overall Tone & Style

The No Dunks crew is sharp, playful, and self-deprecating—mixing deep basketball analysis with plenty of jokes, pop culture references, and behind-the-scenes podcast banter. Quotes and debates flow fast, but the camaraderie and deep NBA knowledge are always front and center.

For New Listeners

• This episode is a quintessential No Dunks blend of NBA analysis (with unique angles), sharp group chemistry, and deeply entertaining sidetracking.
• You’ll get a strong sense of the league’s current storylines, the shifting All-Star landscape, and plenty of basketball “food for thought,” all while laughing along with the team’s signature wit.