The Athletic NBA Daily: Episode Summary Episode: Anthony Edwards’ Big Game + All NBA Defensive Perimeter Teams Release Date: April 11, 2025
Episode Overview In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, and guest Fred Katz delve into a pivotal Minnesota Timberwolves victory, analyze Anthony Edwards' standout performance, and explore Fred Katz's innovative All NBA Defensive Perimeter Team. The discussion navigates through key playoff implications, standout performances from other teams, and the evolving landscape of NBA defensive accolades.
Key Game Recaps
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Memphis Grizzlies The episode kicks off with a deep dive into the Minnesota Timberwolves' impressive win over the Memphis Grizzlies, a crucial victory that keeps them out of the play-in tournament. Anthony Edwards was the star of the night, pouring in 44 points and demonstrating his capacity to elevate his game during high-stakes moments.
Dave DuFour [05:00]:
"Anthony Edwards had 44 points. He just looked like he came out ready to deliver a knockout blow at any point."
Fred Katz highlights the Grizzlies' struggles, pointing out that despite a competitive game, Memphis couldn't maintain consistency in the third quarter, which ultimately cost them the game.
Fred Katz [05:20]:
"The Memphis bigs could not keep up with what the guards were trying to do. Their exhaustion led to silly fouls, slowing their momentum and derailing them."
Pacers vs. Cavaliers Shifting focus, the hosts discuss the Indiana Pacers' narrow victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Ty Jerome emerged as a key player for the Cavs, showcasing a remarkable stretch that significantly contributed to the team's performance.
Fred Katz [09:27]:
"Ty Jerome has had a ridiculous season. He's competitive, tenacious, capable of scoring, and getting to his spots."
Milwaukee Bucks’ Playoff Seeding The conversation then moves to the Milwaukee Bucks, who are navigating tight playoff seeding scenarios. Depending on their upcoming performances against the Detroit Pistons, the Bucks could face either the New York Knicks or the Indiana Pacers in the first round.
Dave DuFour [11:42]:
"Who would you rather face if you were the Bucks, the Knicks or the Pacers?"
Fred Katz [12:58]:
"I'm putting more trust in Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns to show up and pull games out. I think you don't want to face the Knicks."
Fred Katz on All NBA Defensive Perimeter Teams
Rationale Behind the Team Fred Katz introduces his concept of an All NBA Defensive Perimeter Team, advocating for a distinct recognition of perimeter defenders separate from traditional big men-heavy defensive accolades.
Fred Katz [17:25]:
"Defense is becoming more perimeter-oriented. Let's make awards that recognize perimeter defenders' contributions."
He references Jalen Williams' podcast suggestion of awarding separate defensive honors for bigs and perimeter players, likening it to baseball’s MVP and Cy Young awards.
Selection Criteria and Process Fred outlines his selection criteria, emphasizing the importance of size, versatility, strength, and a minimum of 65 games played to ensure authenticity. He underscores the challenge of balancing individual talent with team defensive schemes.
Fred Katz [19:05]:
"If you're somebody who's five feet and you're six feet, it's really hard to be on if you're five. If you're six feet and you're just kind of flimsy."
He also discusses the impact of team defense on individual performances, citing how defensive schemes can elevate a player's defensive stats beyond what traditional metrics might suggest.
Selected Players and Analysis Fred reveals key players on his All NBA Defensive Perimeter Team, highlighting their specific defensive strengths and the roles they play within their respective teams.
Lou Dort [20:48]:
"Lou Dort is freaking awesome. What the hell?"
Jaden McDaniels and Nikhil Alexander Walker [21:00]:
"Jaden McDaniels is contesting the second most shots in the NBA this year. Nikhil Alexander Walker has the most incredible defensive stance I have ever seen."
Fred emphasizes the defensive prowess of players like Dyson Daniels, Lou Dort, and OG Anunoby, noting their assignments against some of the league’s best offensive talents.
Fred Katz [22:11]:
"Lou Dort’s key. When he’s on the court, the Thunder's defense is insane. They are aggressive and force turnovers consistently."
He also touches on the influence of team strategies, explaining how the Thunder’s defensive schemes enhance individual performances, making players like Dort indispensable.
Fred Katz [23:00]:
"The Thunder's team defense is incredible. If their whole team were eligible for awards, you could legitimately justify putting like eight Thunder players on the real all-defense team."
Impact of Team Schemes Fred discusses how defensive schemes and team strategies can amplify or obscure individual defensive contributions. He highlights that while team defenses can bolster a player's stats, the true value lies in their ability to perform consistently against elite opponents.
Fred Katz [25:47]:
"Team schemes absolutely help. It's inherent to the sport and difficult to judge from the outside."
He uses examples from the Thunder and Pacers to illustrate how defensive roles and teamwork significantly impact individual recognition on defensive teams.
Conclusion The episode wraps up with Fred Katz reinforcing the importance of recognizing perimeter defenders in the modern NBA and inviting listeners to engage with his comprehensive All NBA Defensive Perimeter Team selections, which will be fully unveiled in the upcoming episodes on Friday and Saturday mornings.
Dave DuFour [30:09]:
"Go and check out Fred's all defensive team again coming out over the course of two days. Fred, thanks for hanging out for Zena Keita. I'm Dave DuFour and this has been the NBA Daily. Thanks for waking up with us SA."
Notable Quotes:
- Dave DuFour [05:00]: "Anthony Edwards had 44 points. He just looked like he came out ready to deliver a knockout blow at any point."
- Fred Katz [17:25]: "Defense is becoming more perimeter-oriented. Let's make awards that recognize perimeter defenders' contributions."
- Fred Katz [22:11]: "Lou Dort’s key. When he’s on the court, the Thunder's defense is insane. They are aggressive and force turnovers consistently."
Final Thoughts This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily offers an insightful analysis of critical games influencing the playoff landscape and introduces an innovative approach to recognizing defensive excellence in the NBA. Fred Katz's All NBA Defensive Perimeter Team proposal underscores the evolving dynamics of basketball defense, advocating for a more nuanced appreciation of perimeter defenders in an increasingly perimeter-focused league.