The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode: Anthony Edwards says the Wolves are soft | Who is Tyrese Martin?

Release Date: November 28, 2024
Hosts: Dave DeFore, Zena Keita, and Esfandiar Baraheni
Guests: James Edwards, The Athletic’s New York Knicks Beat Writer

1. Introduction

The episode opens with hosts Dave DeFore and Andrew Schlecht delving into recent NBA developments, kicking off with the Minnesota Timberwolves' struggles and the Sacramento Kings' recent victory. As Thanksgiving approaches, the conversation naturally transitions into team performances and internal dynamics within the league's teams.

2. Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Sacramento Kings: A Tough Loss for the Wolves

Dave DeFore (02:27):
"The Kings managed to eat because the Wolves were their opponent last night, and the Wolves are down really bad."

The hosts discuss the Sacramento Kings' crucial win over the Timberwolves, highlighting the Wolves' consistent underperformance. Minnesota's inability to capitalize on Devonis Anunoby's five fouls and their general lack of cohesion are scrutinized.

Andrew Schlecht (04:00):
"This game is about the return of Malik Monk. He had 11 points and five assists in the fourth quarter, which really made the difference."

Malik Monk's impactful return and Jay Crowder's unexpected contribution from the Kings are emphasized as key factors in securing the win against the Wolves.

3. Anthony Edwards Criticizes the Timberwolves’ Internal Cohesion

Anthony Edwards (06:11):
"We soft as hell like a team internally. We can't talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids."

Edwards openly criticizes the Timberwolves' internal dynamics, suggesting a lack of maturity and communication within the team. This candid admission raises concerns about the team's leadership and long-term viability.

Dave DeFore (06:09):
"They're elite at nothing. That's a huge issue for them."

DeFore expands on Edwards' comments, comparing the Wolves unfavorably even to a struggling team like the Philadelphia 76ers, emphasizing the Wolves' lack of internal strength and unity.

4. Houston Rockets: Talent vs. Organization

Dave DeFore (08:04):
"The Rockets are fantastic to watch with amazing athletes like Amen Thompson, but their offense disappears when it matters most."

The Houston Rockets receive attention for their athleticism and individual talents, particularly Jalen Green's impressive 41-point game. However, inconsistencies in their offensive organization, especially during critical moments, are highlighted as areas needing improvement.

Andrew Schlecht (09:54):
"It's confusing who they're supposed to go to because it's somebody's night. Jalen Green last night was not good for them."

The lack of a clear offensive leader and reliance on sporadic performances from players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are discussed as hindrances to the Rockets' progress.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers’ Struggles and Atlanta Hawks’ Dominance

Dave DeFore (11:03):
"For the second week in a row, the Cavs lost a game. They are no longer any good."

The Cavaliers' disappointing back-to-back losses are dissected, with particular focus on their inability to contend against high-performing teams like the Atlanta Hawks. Trey Young's stellar performance against the Cavs underscores the Hawks' potential as a play-in spoiler.

Andrew Schlecht (11:42):
"The bench production from the Hawks was key. Double digits from almost everyone made it difficult to lose."

The depth of the Hawks' roster and their cohesive team effort are credited with their recent success against the Cavaliers.

6. Introducing Tyrese Martin: The Breakout Star

Andrew Schlecht (12:33):
"Tyrese Martin, in 28 minutes tonight, was 8 of 10 from three, scoring 30 points. He didn't score 30 points once in college."

Tyrese Martin emerges as a surprising breakout star, leading his team to victory against the Phoenix Suns with an exceptional shooting performance. His ability to seamlessly integrate into the Brooklyn Nets' offensive framework despite his limited prior recognition is praised.

Dave DeFore (13:06):
"Great coaching, but Cam Thomas is out for a month. We'll see if they can keep it up."

The discussion acknowledges the coaching staff's role in Martin's development while also noting potential challenges, such as Cam Thomas's absence, that may impact the team's momentum.

7. New York Knicks: Offensive Prowess Meets Defensive Fragility

James Edwards (13:58):
"The Knicks have been crushing offensively, but they struggle against teams that switch defensively."

James Edwards analyzes the Knicks' offensive strengths juxtaposed with their defensive weaknesses, particularly against teams employing switching defenses. The team's overreliance on mid-range shots and lack of effective perimeter defense are identified as critical issues.

Andrew Schlecht (16:28):
"Mikhail Bridges is shooting well in the mid-range but struggles with three-pointers and getting to the rim."

The performance of key Knicks players like Mikhail Bridges is scrutinized, highlighting inconsistencies in their shooting and defensive assignments under Tom Thibodeau's system.

Dave DeFore (19:41):
"They need to figure out how to utilize Mikhail Bridges more effectively, possibly as a playmaker."

DeFore suggests strategic adjustments to maximize Bridges' potential, advocating for a more versatile role that complements the team's defensive schemes.

8. Draft Trends: The Shift Towards Multi-Skilled Players

Dave DeFore (27:03):
"Outside of Tyrese Martin, what trends do you see in the last five draft classes that NBA teams have been chasing?"

Responding to a listener's question, the hosts explore the evolving preferences in NBA drafts, emphasizing the increasing demand for versatile players with multiple skills beyond just height or athleticism.

Andrew Schlecht (28:08):
"Teams are looking for players with rhythm, feel, and multiple skills. It's not enough to have one singular skill anymore."

The conversation highlights the necessity for players to possess a blend of playmaking, shooting, and defensive abilities to thrive in the modern NBA landscape.

Dave DeFore (30:00):
"Players who know how to play basketball, whether they're tall or not, are becoming more valuable."

DeFore underscores the importance of basketball IQ and the ability to adapt to various roles within a team, transcending traditional positional constraints.

9. Closing Remarks and Holiday Wishes

As the episode nears its end, the hosts share personal anecdotes about holiday traditions and extend Thanksgiving wishes to listeners, wrapping up with a nod to upcoming discussions on drafting trends and team strategies.

Dave DeFore (31:06):
"Have a happy and safe Thanksgiving out there. I'm thankful for Andrew Schlecht. Good to have you, buddy."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Anthony Edwards on Timberwolves' Team Dynamics (06:11):
  "We soft as hell like a team internally. We can't talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids."

• Andrew Schlecht on Tyrese Martin's Performance (12:33):
  "Tyrese Martin, in 28 minutes tonight, was 8 of 10 from three, scoring 30 points. He didn't score 30 points once in college."

• Dave DeFore on Rockets' Offensive Challenges (08:04):
  "The Rockets are fantastic to watch with amazing athletes like Amen Thompson, but their offense disappears when it matters most."

• James Edwards on Knicks' Defensive Issues (13:58):
  "The Knicks have been crushing offensively, but they struggle against teams that switch defensively."

Conclusions and Insights

This episode of The Athletic NBA Daily provides an in-depth analysis of several NBA teams' performances, internal dynamics, and strategic challenges. Anthony Edwards' blunt critique of the Timberwolves highlights significant internal issues that could hinder the team's future prospects. Meanwhile, the emergence of Tyrese Martin as a standout player introduces a new narrative of under-the-radar talent making impactful debuts.

The discussion on the New York Knicks sheds light on the complexities of balancing offensive prowess with defensive responsibilities, particularly against adaptive defensive strategies employed by rival teams. Additionally, the exploration of draft trends emphasizes a shift towards valuing multi-skilled players who can adapt to the evolving demands of modern basketball.

Overall, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of current NBA landscapes, player performances, and strategic considerations shaping the season's trajectory.