Podcast Summary: No Dunks Episode: The Suns' Punchable Faces, Summer League Hype, Paolo & Chet Get The Max | Beach Steppin' Release Date: July 9, 2025
1. Introduction and Live Show Announcement
The episode kicks off with the hosts—Skeets, Tass Melis, Trey, and JD—reintroducing the podcast after a hiatus. Skeets announces their upcoming live show in Las Vegas at the Sports Book at Mandalay Bay on July 11, emphasizing the excitement surrounding their return to live broadcasting.
Notable Quote:
- Skeets [02:45]: "Great to have the cold open back in our lives."
2. Major NBA Trades and Team Dynamics
a. Clippers, Jazz, and Heat Three-Team Trade
The hosts delve into a significant three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Clippers, Utah Jazz, and Miami Heat. The trade sends Norman Powell to Miami, John Collins to the Clippers, and Kevin Love, Kyle Anderson, along with a Clippers' second-round pick to the Jazz.
-
Impact on Miami Heat:
- Tass [05:06]: "Norman Powell can be that secondary guy, catch and shoot."
- Skeets highlights Powell's excellent catch-and-shoot percentage from the previous season (45%), suggesting he will add valuable depth to Miami's offense alongside Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo.
-
Impact on Los Angeles Clippers:
- Trey [07:09]: "Getting John Collins is awesome for them. He is going to thrive with James Harden as the point guard."
- Collins is expected to complement James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, potentially enhancing the Clippers' small-ball strategy.
-
Impact on Utah Jazz:
- Trey [07:09]: "The Jazz are just giving away their veterans, clearing the way for their young roster."
Notable Quote:
- Trey [07:09]: "That's what this trade achieved for all three teams."
b. Spurs Acquire Kelly Olenek
The Spurs acquire Kelly Olenek from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Malachi Branham, Blake Wesley, and a second-round pick. The move strengthens the Spurs' frontcourt alongside Luke Kornet and Victor Wembanyama.
-
Impact on Spurs:
- Tass [12:49]: "Kelly Olenek can't wait to see the passing with Victor Wembanyama."
- Olenek is viewed as a veteran presence who can provide additional depth and defense.
-
Impact on Wizards:
- Tass [13:52]: "The Wizards are saving money with Olenek's contract, strengthening their roster."
Notable Quote:
- Tass [12:49]: "Kelly Olenek is a little, Kelly Olenick. He's not a great defensive player anymore, but he's a veteran and a tough guy."
3. Max Contract Extensions and Team Outlook
a. Orlando Magic Signs Paolo Banchero
Orlando Magic agrees to a five-year maximum salary contract extension with Paolo Banchero, worth approximately $239 million, starting from the 2026-27 season. The deal includes a player option for the final year.
- Discussion Points:
- Trey [18:27]: "Paolo Banchero's combination of size and skill is exceptional, comparable to LeBron and Giannis."
- Concerns revolve around Paolo's efficiency—improving his shooting and shot selection while limiting turnovers.
Notable Quote:
- Trey [18:44]: "Orlando will still be in the driver's seat to sign him when he becomes an unrestricted free agent at 27."
b. Oklahoma City Thunder Signs Chet Holmgren
Chet Holmgren also secures a fully guaranteed five-year maximum rookie contract extension with the Thunder, valued at $239 million with potential to reach $250 million through incentives.
- Discussion Points:
- Tass [23:09]: "Chet Holmgren has shown resilience and versatility, making him a valuable asset for the Thunder."
- Concerns focus on long-term health and the cumulative contracts of key players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and JD McDaniels.
Notable Quote:
- Tass [23:09]: "He showed resilience in the playoffs, playing through tough situations defensively and offensively."
4. Injury Updates and Team Strategies
a. Kyrie Irving's ACL Injury and Mavericks' Season
Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks is recovering from a torn ACL sustained on March 3. During a recent livestream, Irving expressed caution about predicting his return by the playoffs.
- Discussion Points:
- Tass [27:54]: "Irving emphasized wanting to stay healthy rather than rushing back."
- Skeets and Trey discuss the Mavericks' reliance on D'Angelo Russell in Irving's absence and the critical role of Anthony Davis.
Notable Quote:
- Irving [27:24]: "I just want to be back 150,000% better."
5. NBA Summer League Rule Changes
The NBA is introducing a new rule for the Summer League, where shot attempts from behind half-court in the last three seconds of the first three quarters will not count towards a player's shot attempt total unless made. Missed heaves will be recorded as team misses to protect individual shooting percentages.
- Discussion Points:
- Skeets [34:27]: "They had a heave in the Grizzlies vs. Timberwolves game that went uncredited in box scores."
- Hosts speculate on the potential adoption of this rule in the regular NBA season, citing increased shot attempts in the G League.
Notable Quote:
- Trey [34:53]: "Nikola Jokic is the guy that is going to lead the league in heaves."
6. Listener Mail and Questions
a. Are the Suns the Most Punchable Faces in the League?
A listener named Joe suggests that with the addition of Dylan Brooks to Grayson Allen, the Phoenix Suns have the most "punchable faces" in the NBA.
- Hosts' Take:
- Trey [40:31]: "Dylan Brooks and Grayson Allen are certainly irritators, adding to the Suns' notorious reputation."
- Tass [42:19]: "The Houston Rockets, especially under Udoka, also fit into this category with their aggressive playstyle."
Notable Quote:
- Skeets [41:55]: "Dylan Brooks has the most punchable face, but Grayson Allen is right there."
b. Jersey Retirement Discussions
Paul Yee proposes combining Rajon Rondo and Derrick White's contributions to consider retiring the number 9 jersey for the Boston Celtics. The hosts discuss the challenges and merits of retiring jerseys for multiple players.
- Hosts' Take:
- Trey [52:06]: "Jaylen Brown is a current star who deserves number retirement in the future."
- Tass [53:01]: "The Pacers should retire number 24 for Paul George and Rick Smith, despite George having switched numbers."
Notable Quote:
- Trey [54:26]: "Kyle Lowry is going to have his number 7 jersey retired by the Toronto Raptors."
c. Must-Watch Games for Wizards Fan
Jack M. from the UK inquires about must-watch NBA games from the past five years, especially pertinent to Wizards fans.
- Hosts' Recommendations:
- Skeets [76:12]: "Pacers playoff comebacks, particularly Game One in Madison Square Garden."
- Trey [77:43]: "Steph Curry's 43-point game in the 2022 Finals and Giannis's 50-point performance in the 2021 Finals."
Notable Quote:
- Tass [81:07]: "Steph Curry's Game Four in the 2022 Finals was the culmination of his entire career."
7. Upcoming Live Show in Las Vegas
The episode concludes with the hosts reiterating their excitement for the live show in Las Vegas, highlighting plans to cover Summer League action and engage with attendees.
Notable Quote:
- Skeets [88:51]: "We're off to Vegas tomorrow. Hope to see you out there."
Conclusion
This episode of No Dunks offers a comprehensive analysis of significant NBA trades, contract extensions, injury updates, and upcoming rule changes. The hosts engage actively with listener questions, providing insights into team dynamics and memorable moments from recent seasons. The upcoming live show in Las Vegas promises to bring additional excitement and firsthand coverage of Summer League events.
Note: The timestamps mentioned correspond to the transcript provided and highlight key moments in the discussion.
