No Dunks Podcast Summary

Episode: Warriors Fill Out Roster, AD Goggles, Lively’s Shocking Growth Spurt & More
Date: September 30, 2025
Hosts: Trey Kirby & Tas Melis

Episode Overview

This lively episode dives into the NBA's Media Day drama and headline news as the preseason begins. Trey Kirby and Tas Melis break down the latest with the Warriors' aging (yet bolstered) roster, Anthony Davis' goggle mandate, new heights in Dallas, injury concerns across several teams, the state of the Raptors, and free agency leftovers. The hosts pepper analysis with trademark wit, memorable lines, and deep-dive side discussions—for both diehards and casual fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Warriors Roster Moves & Kumingagate

• News Summary: Reports have the Warriors agreeing to deals with Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II, though only Payton is officially signed pending Jonathan Kuminga’s contract resolution. The Dubs' roster is the oldest in the NBA.
• Roster Impact:
  • Horford adds badly needed size and switchability: “Al Horford is that guy. Any switch needed, he will be there to help out. He will guard absolutely anyone.” — Tas (03:14)
  • Question marks linger about health and age: “Super old, 39 years old, Al Horford… Horford hasn’t been a full time starter in a couple years, so that will be a huge question.” — Trey (05:09)
• Starting Lineup Debates: Steph, Draymond, Jimmy Butler, and Horford are locks. Final starter likely comes down to Buddy Hield, Moses Moody, or Brandon Podziemski.
• Odds & Expectations: “FanDuel has the Warriors at +3000 odds to win the title… that seems about right to me.” — Trey (08:47)
• Kuminga Contract Drama: Warriors have offered several deals (ranging from two years, $45M to a three-year, $75M with options), but Kumingas's agent fuels trade rumors. Skepticism about his desire to stay: “They only really want him as an asset and he doesn’t want to be a Warrior.” — Trey (13:46)

2. Anthony Davis’ New Look: Goggles for Good

• Injury Update: After surgery for a detached retina, doctors now require AD to wear protective goggles.
• Player Reactions: Davis unhappy but resigned: “He’s finally doing it. This guy had three eye injuries in 13 months, so just over a year. Pop, pop, pop.” — Tas (16:36)
• Style Debate: Hosts riff on NBA goggle fashion from Horace Grant to Oakleys: “Anthony Davis actually looks pretty cool when he wears goggles.” — Trey (18:30)
• Health Takeaway: Consensus that this is positive for AD and the Lakers, plus a nod to how past players adjusted to protective eyewear.

3. Dallas Mavericks: Height Surges & Injury Watch

• Derek Lively’s Growth Spurt: Center claims to have grown to 7’3” at age 21, pending official measurement. Trey is skeptical, Tas buys in: “Sure, yeah, sure. It happens.” — Tas (24:51)
• Roster Outlook: Lively’s size could let AD play more at the four, improving defense. The host is bullish on Mavs’ young core and overall roster depth.
• Kyrie Irving Update: Recovery on schedule, but not rushed back; aiming for late-season/playoff return.
• Cooper Flagg Buzz: Mavs media day hype over having three No. 1 picks (Kyrie, AD, Flagg) on one team.
• Historical Note: The show playfully investigates other teams with three #1 picks (e.g., Timberwolves, Lakers of the '80s).

4. Philadelphia 76ers: Injury Woes for Embiid & PG

• Media Day Downer: Both Joel Embiid (knee) and Paul George (knee) lack clear return timelines. Embiid’s minutes to be managed.
• Wing Depth Issues: Paul George’s absence a bigger issue than Embiid’s. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford among the few fill-ins.
• Memorable PG Quote: “It can’t get worse than last year. That was a rock bottom kind of season.” — (31:30)
• Over/Under Debate: The hosts estimate Embiid and George will combine for more than last year’s paltry 60 games, but the tone is pessimistic about the Sixers’ start.

5. Portland Trail Blazers: Rebuild in Question

• Scoot Henderson Injury: Sidelined 1–2 months with a torn hamstring; critical year three development delayed.
• Veteran Fit: Jrue Holiday brings defense and steadiness as Scoot rehabs. Jeremy Grant’s future, role, and massive contract are questioned.
• Youth Movement or Not?: The Blazers are caught between playing vets (Grant, Holiday) and prioritizing youth (Abdija, Sharpe).
• Sharp Observations: “They need to pick a direction. The Blazers are caught in the middle right now.” — Trey (41:01)

6. Toronto Raptors: Media Day Optimism & Playoff Guarantees

• RJ Barrett’s Declaration: "In a couple months from now, it’s going to be us." — RJ Barrett on playoff hopes (44:02)
• Team Chemistry: Practice time and spirits are high; Ingram, Barnes, and Barrett all positive about fit.
• Depth Watch: The Raptors may not be a top-6 team, but have real play-in potential: “They could easily be a play-in team.” — Tas (50:37)
• Sidebars: Fun with ‘threesome’ vs. ‘trio’ terminology, comparisons to OKC’s depth-building approach.

7. Injury Updates Around the League

• Grizzlies: Brutal center shortage—Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, and Jaren Jackson Jr. all sidelined with only Jock Landale healthy. “This is a terribly small team... very bad news.” — Tas (57:54)
• Kings: De’Aaron Fox has a hamstring injury and finger surgery recovery; won’t start the season on time.
• Clippers: KCP replaces Desmond Bane, but the loss is felt. Kawai Leonard’s situation remains murky amid investigation questions.

8. Free Agency Leftovers

• Available Contributors: Malik Beasley (pending legal issues), Jonathan Kuminga (likely back to GSW), Quentin Grimes, and veteran flyers like Russell Westbrook, Ben Simmons, Delano Banton.
• Cam Reddish Watch: Signed overseas; hosts mock themselves for past ‘emergency pods’ hyping former lottery picks.

9. Lighter Moments & Notable Quotes

• On NBA aging rosters: “It's odd to see this team who’s really old get even older.” — Tas (04:46)
• On Raptors chemistry: “Darko Rajaković says our projected starting five has been practicing basically an entire month together in September for a month. And I think that in and of itself is a heck of an accomplishment.” — Tas (44:14)
• On Bulls direction: “What are you actually trying to do?” — Trey (52:13)
• On player transformations: “Jamal Murray has the twists of his hair going. I’ve never seen him do that before.” — Tas (62:15)
• Hat Talk: Tas on seeking a used Blue Jays cap—“Why do I want a used one?” (56:56)

Memorable Quotes & Segment Timestamps

• Warriors’ Old-New Roster: "It is odd to see this team who’s really old get even older.” — Tas (04:46)
• AD Goggles: “He’s finally doing it. This guy had three eye injuries in 13 months, so just over a year. Pop, pop, pop.” — Tas (16:36)
• Kuminga Situation: “They only really want him as an asset and he doesn’t want to be a Warrior.” — Trey (13:46)
• Raptors Optimism: “In a couple months from now, it’s going to be us.” — RJ Barrett (44:02)
• Sixers Outlook: “It can’t get worse than last year. That was a rock bottom kind of season.” — Paul George (31:30)
• On Blazers’ Direction: “They need to pick a direction. The Blazers are caught in the middle right now.” — Trey (41:01)
• Mavs Growth Spurt: “Can you grow at 21 years of age? Sure, yeah, sure.” — Tas (24:51)
• On Free Agent Market: “The bargain bin is getting pretty empty here.” — Trey (73:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:12] Warriors signings & roster analysis
• [10:54] Jonathan Kuminga contract drama
• [16:15] Anthony Davis' goggles and Lakers impact
• [24:51] Derek Lively's height increase and Mavs outlook
• [28:07] Historical #1 picks on one team
• [28:59] Sixers’ injury update
• [34:27] Scoot Henderson’s injury and Blazers debate
• [44:02] RJ Barrett’s playoff guarantee and Raptors optimism
• [57:54] Grizzlies’ injury updates and concerns at center
• [67:16] Free agency leftovers & notable unsigned vets
• [74:29] Kings, Clippers, Bucks: more news & Giannis’ commitment

Conclusion

Loaded with keen analysis, friendly banter, and skepticism about aging rosters, undefined team directions, and injury-plagued franchises, this episode sets the tone for an unpredictable NBA season. The No Dunks crew shine brightest riffing on media day drama, runway fashion, and the small joys (like hats and goggle style) that make NBA culture what it is. The NBA is back. Parity reigns. Anything can happen — and No Dunks will be there to break it down.