No Dunks Podcast: The Drop | Players & Teams We're Thankful For, The Biggest Turkey, NBA Cup Favorites

Date: November 26, 2025
Hosts: J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas, Trey Kirby, JD

Episode Overview

This "Drop" episode from the No Dunks crew delivers a Thanksgiving-inspired look at the current NBA season. Skeets, Tas, Trey, and JD put a festive spin on the league's headlines, breaking down which players and teams they're thankful for, debating who’s the "biggest turkey," spotlighting underappreciated contributors, discussing NBA Cup favorites, and more. The show is packed with playful banter, spirited analysis, and signature No Dunks humor, making it an ideal listen for basketball fans who appreciate both stats and jokes.

Key Discussion Points

1. NBA Cup Updates & Standings (03:00–09:15)

• Lakers clinched their NBA Cup group with LeBron and Luka impressive.
• Magic’s Anthony Black sets a career high (31 pts); Wizards snap a 14-game skid behind CJ McCollum's 46.
• Noted a rash of technical fouls, ejections, and a chippy mood across the league.
• Discussion of slippery NBA Cup courts, with Luka Doncic and Jalen Brown among those who’ve complained.
  • “He's basically saying they're slippery. So I noted that in 2023 he said it. Jaylen Brown actually said it as well.” —Tas (03:54)
• Cup group scenarios, favorite matchups coming up, and strategies for teams seeking wild card spots.

2. Which Player is the Biggest Turkey? (11:20–19:00)

Main Pick: Ja Morant

• Trey calls Ja the “easiest answer” for biggest turkey, citing poor efficiency, drama, and lack of games played.
  • "It's Ja Morant. He's a big old tom turkey out there. Lowest effective field goal percentage in the league ... He’s only played in 12 games, so he’s not on the court.” —Trey (11:22)
• Cites off-court and on-court concerns, negative net rating, and mounting doubts about his future as a franchise cornerstone.
  • “I’m just completely out on Ja Morant, and I don’t think a change of scenery via a trade is going to fix him. He’s just not built to be the type of player you hitch your franchise to ... now this dude is on an OJ Mayo trajectory.” —Skeets (quoting Dragonfly Jones, 14:05)

Minor Turkeys:

• Ivica Zubac: Good at his role but only as effective as team context allows, likened to unspectacular turkey that needs strong side dishes.
  • “Turkey is fine. Unless everything's good around him, turkey’s just fine.” —Tas (18:00)
• Victor Solomon (Cup Court Designer): Critiqued for “slippery” and less appealing Cup courts.
  • “City Edition courts are way better than NBA Cup courts ... and now I’m finding out that they’re slippery.” —Trey (18:17)
• (Honorable Mention): Nico Harrison (recently let go by the Dallas Mavericks).

3. Which Player Is the Green Beans? (Underrated) (21:56–28:28)

• Theme: A dish that's overlooked but essential, just like certain NBA players.
  • “When they’re done well and they’re pretty simple, they’re a nice accompaniment ... underrated.” —Skeets (21:58)

Picks:

• Quentin Grimes (Sixers): Tas highlights his efficiency in a high-pressure role and clutch performances.
• Jaylen Brown (Celtics): Trey notes Brown is having a career-best season and is under-discussed despite all-star numbers.
  • “He’s averaging 28 a game ... Playing super well, fringe all-star candidate right now.” —Trey (23:32)
• Jalen Johnson (Hawks): Skeets puts a spotlight on his rare stats and growing impact.
  • “Jalen Johnson, man. Guy is unreal ... only 23. He’s a terror in the open floor.” —Skeets (25:37)
• Josh Hart (Knicks) & Jamal Shead (Raptors): Both commended for high-impact, team-first play.

4. Which Player is Cranberry Sauce? (Reliable, Still Around) (28:58–35:20)

• Definition: Consistent, always there—underappreciated but key.

Picks:

• Jrue Holiday (Blazers): TK praises his bounce-back year, helping stabilize a young squad.
  • “He’s a artisanal cranberry sauce ... back to Milwaukee Jrue for the Trailblazers.” —Trey (29:00)
• Harrison Barnes (Kings): Tas’s perennial pick for reliability.
  • "This is the third time Harrison Barnes gets included [as cranberry sauce] ... super efficient season." —Tas (30:19)
• James Harden (Clippers): Skeets notes high minutes and usage for a 36-year-old, still producing.
  • “It’s not James Harden’s fault ... He’s still reliable in that he plays all the freaking time.” —Skeets (32:53)

5. Which Player is Brussels Sprouts? (Polarizing: Stinky or Tasty) (35:26–39:21)

• Kyle Kuzma (Bucks): Tas argues for improved shot selection and defense in a reduced offensive role.
  • “He looks more like the Los Angeles Kuzma ... smarter about it.” —Tas (36:58)
• Myles Turner (Bucks): Skeets finds him hard to judge—sometimes looks washed, sometimes impactful.
• Zach Lavine (Kings): Trey notes efficient offensive stats, but his teams always lose; brings little else to the table.

6. Teams We're Thankful For (39:32–45:38)

Picks:

• Houston Rockets: Trey loves their relentless rebounding, defensive attitude, and unique path to success.
  • “For me, as a longtime rebound appreciator, it’s nice to see somebody else who’s completely invested and just hitting the glass.” —Trey (39:32)
• Phoenix Suns: Tas is surprised by their turnaround, energy, and culture change.
  • “They got some capable bigs ... just play hard. They’ve got an attitude change.” —Tas (41:47)
• Oklahoma City Thunder: Skeets cheers the rise of a possible new NBA dynasty.
  • “We need a dynasty, baby. ... They're looking like a juggernaut. Thankful for them.” —Skeets (42:50)
  • “Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 30+ points in 15 of 18 games, only played in 7 fourth quarters.” —(43:54)

7. NBA Cup Favorites and Odds (45:49–47:20)

• Thunder's odds to win 70+ games discussed; speculation they could threaten win records.
• Main challenge to Thunder’s supremacy: the Denver Nuggets.

8. Worst of the Week (50:49–60:25)

Nominees:

1. Ja Morant vs. Klay Thompson Beef: Ongoing war of words, with Ja’s off-court issues and Klay’s “disappointed dad” trash talk.
   • “He’s sticking up for his teammate defense. He’s 100 percent needling Klay Thompson.” —Trey (52:26)
2. Kenyon Martin vs. Draymond Green: Kenyon claims he was better, lists 44 (claimed 200) power forwards “better than Draymond,” dismisses titles as part of player value.
   • “Not going to go into every single detail about the point fest ... But what do you guys think after a few days?” —Tas (51:50)
3. Delta Center Banning Fan Signs: Utah Jazz home arena bans all fan-made signs, ostensibly for sightline issues.

9. Rapid Fire (65:49–77:40)

• Pickleball Partners: Which NBA/WNBA coach would you team with? Picks included Thiago Splitter (height advantage), Mike Brown (strategy), Becky Hammon (actual pickleball experience).
• 10th Birthday Wish (2025 Edition): Sky Zone (trampoline park), indoor skydiving, ninja/parkour gym highlighted as modern kids’ party dreams.
• What Are You Not Thankful For?: Skeets vents about a tough 2025; Tas wants more player “where I’m from” personality on broadcasts; JD gripes about studio lighting quality.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Ja Morant’s declining trajectory:
  • "I went from thinking he was possible future mvp, and now this dude is on an OJ Mayo trajectory." —Dragonfly Jones (14:12, via Skeets)
• Cup Courts Slander:
  • "City Edition courts are way better than NBA cup courts ... and now I'm finding out that they're slippery." —Trey (18:17)
• Thanksgiving Sides as Player Archetypes:
  • "Turkey is fine. Unless everything's good around him, turkey’s just fine." —Tas (18:00)
• On Thunder Dynasty Potential:
  • "We need a dynasty, baby. ... They're looking like a juggernaut. Thankful for them." —Skeets (42:50)
• On Sky Zone & 10th Birthday Modern Options:
  • "Sky Zone, Trampoline park, baby. Because that did not exist when we were kids ... looks like the best time in the world." —Skeets (72:10)
• Studio Light Woes:
  • "These fucking studio lights. Look at all the glare. You guys look terrible." —JD (80:35)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• NBA Cup Standings, Game Reactions: 01:28 – 09:15
• Biggest Turkey (Ja Morant & More): 11:20 – 19:00
• Green Beans (Underrated Players): 21:56 – 28:28
• Cranberry Sauce (Reliable Vets): 28:58 – 35:20
• Brussels Sprouts (Polarizing): 35:26 – 39:21
• Teams We’re Thankful For: 39:32 – 45:38
• Thunder’s Dynasty Odds: 45:49 – 47:20
• Worst of the Week: 50:49 – 60:25
• Rapid Fire / Fun & Games: 65:49 – 77:40

Episode Tone & Style

• Fast-paced, humorous, and irreverent but still loaded with deep NBA analysis.
• Hosts riff on holiday themes, weave in subtle stats, and don’t shy from gentle roasting (of each other and NBA figures alike).
• Family-friendly with a couple of swears, tons of chemistry, and plenty of audience engagement ("Let us know your picks!").
• Strong community vibe: regular shout-outs to listeners and Substack subscribers.

In Summary:
This Drop episode is a must-listen for NBA fans who love seasonal banter, creative awards, and original group chemistry. You’ll walk away knowing which players are “turkey,” who deserves green bean status, who really brings the cranberry, and which teams might wreck the buffet table through June.