The Athletic NBA Daily: "All Star Reserves Vibes Draft"

Date: January 26, 2026
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar (S.) Baraheni

Episode Overview

This episode brings sharp, lively recaps of the NBA’s most pressing stories, focusing especially on the emotional weight of recent off-court events, key game breakdowns, and a first-of-its-kind “All Star Reserves Vibes Draft.” Hosts dive into the mood and momentum around the league, approaching player selection for the All Star reserves with an emphasis on “vibe” rather than stats or rigid roles.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Addressing the Tragedy in Minneapolis

[01:55–04:23]

• The Timberwolves–Warriors game was postponed after federal agents killed Alex Preddy, a local community protector.
• The hosts took a somber moment to acknowledge the gravity:
  • “If you haven't had a chance to talk to your kids about it, feel free to skip ahead a couple minutes. … The Timberwolves and the NBA decided to postpone the game a day.” (Dave, 01:57)
• Players and coaches spoke post-game about struggling to focus.
  • Steve Kerr described the game as two teams with “no interest in playing a basketball game.” (S., 03:40)
  • “It just didn't feel like any of them really had any intention of playing… And I can't blame them.” (S., 03:57)

"Both teams felt really dilapidated... It's one of those wins where it's good for the record, maybe morale long term, but in the moment it's not one of those rah-rah type of wins." (Zena, 04:23)

2. Warriors vs. Timberwolves: Aftermath and Impact

[04:23–06:26]

• Warriors got their first win since Jimmy Butler’s injury.
• “But how much does this win tell you about your team? Not much... Both teams felt really dilapidated.” (Zena, 04:24)
• Chris Finch called it a “ghost performance”: “They had no energy out there.” (Dave, 05:24)
• Team routines and mental focus have been badly disrupted.
• The panel emphasized the inadequacy of criticizing players under such circumstances:

  “The majority of the questions being about your neighbors... that would kind of ruin the mood for me as an athlete if I had to go and try to perform.” (Dave, 06:26)

3. Raptors Upset Thunder – “Moment of Truth”

[06:26–11:21]

• Despite Thunder injuries to Jalen Williams, Kasey Wallace, A.J. Mitchell, and Isaiah Hartenstein, panelists applauded the Raptors:

  “I think this was the best win of the season for the Raptors... Massive moment for Scottie Barnes: clutch block on Chet Holmgren, back-to-back threes by Immanuel Quickley.” (S., 07:05)

• Raptors finished a tough West coast road trip 4–1, showing grit with a thin roster.

  “Despite not having their starting center, Jakob Poeltl, wildly impressive win.” (S., 07:47)

• OKC’s offensive woes highlighted:

  "They shot 26% from three. ... Until those shots start to fall, I'm not worried, but that's the crux of the issue." (Dave, 09:39)

• Thunder lose back-to-back at home for the first time since 2023.

  “They don't have that same punch ... when they went 24 and 1.” (S., 10:47)

4. Knicks Edge Sixers – New Lineup Dynamics

[11:24–16:15]

• Knicks defeat Sixers 112–109 in a crucial confidence win.
• Jalen Brunson was key, not just scoring (31 pts) but sealing victory with a defensive play:

  "Jalen Brunson seals the deal with a steal, which you never would have imagined..." (Dave, 12:07)

• Carl Anthony Towns (Cat) fouled out in 16 minutes, highlighting the Knicks’ successful small-ball lineup with OG Anunoby at center:

  “That small ball lineup really made it so Joel Embiid, who likes to camp out in the paint – they don't want to put Joel in space...” (S., 12:25)

• Embiid still shined with 38-11-5, but faded in the second half due to fatigue and targeted defense.
• Knicks dominated the glass:

  “They out rebounded them 53–37. ... 26 second chance points compared to four for the Sixers.” (Zena, 15:08)

• Hosts discuss Knicks’ famed offensive rebounding under Tom Thibodeau and the hope that Embiid regains glass dominance come playoffs.

5. The Vibes Draft: 2026 NBA All-Star Reserves

[18:07–31:53]

Format and Philosophy

• Draft prioritized “vibe” and fun: nationality, position, or traditional constraints thrown out the window.
• Dave acted as MC; Zena and S. alternated picks.

Draft Selections

Selected order may not reflect actual All-Star teams; emphasis is on vibe, impact, and fun.

• Zena’s picks:

  • Anthony Edwards (“Players you do not want to face” – Zena, 18:44)
  • Chet Holmgren
  • Amen Thompson (“I want a first-timer... get acclimated well” – Zena, 21:16)
  • Scottie Barnes (“Scotty Barnes, come on down!” – Zena, 23:06)
  • Deni Avdija
  • Bam Adebayo
  • OG Anunoby (“Especially if the right audience member is courtside” – Zena, 28:52)

• S.’s picks:

  • Donovan Mitchell (“He’s basically the one massive bright spot for the Cavs” – S., 19:06)
  • Jamal Murray
  • Jalen Johnson (“Jalen Johnson is going to be an All Star this year, and he rightfully will be” – S., 21:58)
  • Devin Booker
  • Jalen Duren
  • Alperen Sengun
  • Norm Powell (“Get the lifetime achievement All-Star” – S., 30:09)

Notable Quotes & Vibe Highlights

• “For the messiness, I’m going to make Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama teammates.” (Zena, 19:36)
• “[Jalen Johnson] allowed the Hawks to make the Trae Young trade. He is now their franchise player.” (S., 22:26)
• On snubs: “Literally legendary LeBron James… Kawhi Leonard, Lauri Markkanen, Pascal Siakam – not even mentioned!” (Dave, 31:32)

Segment Timestamps

• Draft segment start: [18:07]
• Debate over last All Star spots: [29:46–31:03]
• Final recap & reactions: [31:03–31:53]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Timberwolves game aftermath:

  “Chris Finch called it a ghost performance.” (Dave, 05:24)

• On the Raptors’ signature win:

  “Best win of the season for the Raptors… moment of truth.” (S., 07:05–07:47)

• All-Star Vibes Draft innovation:

  “We don’t care if you’re from Antarctica. You’re just eligible to be drafted here.” (Dave, 18:07) “This is a vibes draft, by the way. Just throw it out there!” (Dave, 21:24)

• On OG Anunoby:

  “I’m getting OG because I feel like the interviews would be great on press row.” (Zena, 28:52)

• Norm Powell’s All-Star nod:

  “Let’s do it – Norm, get the lifetime achievement All-Star. Why not?” (S., 30:09)

Additional Context & Vibe

The show kept things lighthearted despite heavy real-world context – balancing critical basketball discussion with empathy and irreverent humor. By infusing “vibes” into the All-Star reserves draft, the panel invited listeners to get excited about the personalities and joy underlying the NBA, not just the stats.

Listener Invitation

The crew encouraged feedback on the All-Star Vibes Draft results, asking listeners to weigh in on who picked better and which deserving stars were left out.

This episode exemplifies The Athletic NBA Daily’s blend of quick-hit recaps, nuanced basketball analysis, community awareness, and podcasting fun – providing hoop-heads with both context and entertainment to start their day.