Bold NBA predictions + under pressure teams

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily – Episode Summary

Episode: Bold NBA Predictions + Under Pressure Teams
Date: October 15, 2025
Hosts: Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, Esfandiar “Ash” Baraheni
Focus: Preseason “pressure meter” for NBA teams, bold predictions for the 2025–26 season, and players/coaches to watch

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Episode Overview

This fast-paced episode sets the stage for the upcoming NBA season with lively discussion about which teams, players, and coaches face the most pressure, and concludes with each host revealing bold predictions for the year. Highlights include spirited debates, candid assessments of stars and franchises, and playful banter around breakout performances and surprise storylines.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Teams Under the Most Pressure (02:15–11:58)

• Coaching Carousel & Organizational Stress
  Dave introduces the “pressure meter” concept, referencing last year’s coach firings and team shake-ups, including the Nuggets’ bold move parting ways with Michael Malone pre-playoffs.

  • “Teams are feeling pressure more and more to perform.” (02:42, Dave)

• Eastern Conference Contenders

  • Atlanta Hawks (03:27)

    • Chosen by Zena: Hawks need to capitalize on a weakened East and prove the Trae Young build is viable.
    • “This is a market that needs them to win…” (03:55, Zena)
    • The roster features shooting, length, and athleticism around Trae Young.

  • Cleveland Cavaliers (06:14)

    • Chosen by Ash: Pressure on the Cavs to finally break through; if not, core likely to be broken up.
    • “If they fall short… they’re cooked. They’re going to have to make some trades.” (06:44, Ash)
    • Debate over Mobley vs. Allen fit and Mobley’s “next step.”

  • Philadelphia 76ers (09:02)

    • Chosen by Dave: Pressure up and down the organization, notably Daryl Morey and Joel Embiid, especially with recurring injuries and no easy path to tanking.
    • “Can they afford to start the season out the way it looks like they’re going to…?” (09:07, Dave)
    • Embiid’s new approach: “gotta listen to my body this year,” raising questions about availability (11:08, Zena).

• Honorable Mentions

  • New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, and Indiana Pacers referenced as East teams “in the mix” but not under the highest pressure.

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Players with the Most Pressure (12:01–22:12)

Injury-Prone Stars: Time to Step Up

• LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets (12:17)

  • Ash points out Ball being almost as injury-prone as Zion but without similar scrutiny:
    • “231 games through five seasons. Why do we not keep the same energy for LaMelo Ball?” (12:50, Ash)
  • Dave counters: the Hornets have never really tried to build a winner, possibly affecting LaMelo’s play and health.

• Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans (17:25)

  • Zena calls for “not being scammed again” by Zion preseason hype but acknowledges he looks the best since Duke:
    • “Only two of your six seasons have you played more than 60 games. That’s not great… but he looks better than Duke years.” (17:46–18:11, Zena)
  • Lighthearted “body butter” discussion over social-media hype and his physique.

• DeAndre Ayton – Los Angeles Lakers (20:20)

  • Dave: It’s a “make or break” season for Ayton, now in an ideal role with Luka and LeBron, but burdened by a poor reputation.
    • “If he doesn’t show… it’s done… It’s the easiest job he’s maybe ever going to have in the NBA and he has to perform.” (20:37, Dave)
  • Ash notes the financial incentive: “Big incentive… to be paid like a former number one overall pick.” (21:43, Ash)

Other Names & Open Pressure Points

• Giannis Antetokounmpo & Milwaukee Bucks (22:12)
  • Zena and Dave agree the Bucks are “painted into a corner”—it’s now or never.

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Coaches Under the Microscope (22:58–29:55)

• Doc Rivers – Milwaukee Bucks (22:58)

  • Dave’s pick for highest-pressure coach. Rivers has not outperformed his predecessor and faces an odd roster.
    • “Doc Rivers is not going to be the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks next season, period.” (23:32, Dave)

• Willie Green – New Orleans Pelicans (24:54)

  • Zena: Excuses for injuries are running out, and if the Pelicans don’t “make some sort of a change… tough to make the argument for Willie Green to stay.”

• Mike Brown – New York Knicks (27:55)

  • Ash: Huge shoes replacing Tom Thibodeau; must take Knicks from “good to championship caliber” in New York’s spotlight.
    • “You’re asking Mike Brown to be a better coach than Tom Thibodeau. Can he do that? That’s pressure.” (28:20, Ash)
  • Dave notes Brown’s better offensive philosophy but worries about the team’s fire and identity.

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“Where Did He Come From?” Award / Breakout Candidates (30:01–37:10)

• Bryce Sensabaugh – Utah Jazz (Ash’s pick) (30:27–32:57)

  • “I think in a year, we might look at the Jazz and say he is the franchise player for this team… he is a lights out shooter… has the star charisma.” (31:09, Ash)
  • Dave: “He can get a bucket. That’s the most valuable skill, period.” (32:01, Dave)
  • Comparison: DeMar DeRozan but shoots better as a rookie.

• Ty Jerome – Memphis Grizzlies (Zena’s pick) (33:17–34:54)

  • Cites opportunity due to Ja Morant’s injuries and increased trust from coaches.

• Khalil Ware – Miami Heat (Dave’s pick) (35:00)

  • “If we’re making Wemby comps, this would be the guy… he can shoot, the length, switchability…” (35:30, Dave)
  • Standout preseason duel vs. Wemby (29 pts, 12 rebounds).

• Other Honorable Mentions by Ash (36:21)

  • Jalen Clark (Minnesota)
  • Moussa Diabate (Charlotte)
  • Sandro Mamukelashvili (Toronto)

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BOLD PREDICTIONS for 2025–26 Season (39:37–52:44)

• San Antonio Spurs – 50 Wins, Top 6 Seed (Ash) (40:32–41:44)

  • Wembanyama for MVP and DPOY consideration, Fox partnership, strong young roster.
  • Zena: “I don’t know if that’s that bold…” (42:42); expects Spurs to be serious.

• Young Hansen (Portland) – Top 3 in Rookie of the Year (Zena) (45:18)

  • Cites Jokic comparisons, skill, and rapid learning curve.
  • Dave: “He’s going to lead the league in foul rate.” (46:14)

• Oklahoma City Thunder – 70 Wins, Out in Second Round (Dave) (47:15–48:45)

  • Thunder dominate regular season, but “there are teams that can beat the Thunder… They are a machine for winning regular season games”; predicting playoff flameout.

• Cooper Flagg (Dallas) – First Rookie All Star Since Blake Griffin (Ash) (49:35–52:18)

  • New USA vs. World format could open doors.
  • “If he’s 20 and 10, he’s in.” (52:04, Dave)

• Wild Card Picks at the End

  • Zena calls Atlanta vs. Orlando for the Eastern Conference Finals (52:50)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

Pressure & Potential

• “If you are who you say you are, you have to go and do it now.” (05:54, Ash on Trae Young)
• “231 games in five seasons for LaMelo Ball… We need to keep the same energy…” (12:50, Ash)
• “This year, it’s different packaging… but every year, it just malfunctions. I don’t want to get scammed but I think I’m gonna fall for it again.” (18:09, Zena on Zion)
• “Doc Rivers is not going to be the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks next season, period.” (23:32, Dave)
• “You’re asking Mike Brown to be a better coach than Tom Thibodeau. Can he do that? That’s pressure.” (28:20, Ash)

Boldness & Breakout

• “I think in a year, we might look at the Utah Jazz and say [Bryce Sensabaugh] is the franchise player.” (31:09, Ash)
• “The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win 70 games… but they will not reach the Western Conference finals.” (47:15, Dave)
• “Cooper Flagg will be the first rookie All Star since Blake Griffin.” (49:35, Ash)

Playful Banter

• Body butter lore around Zion’s transformation photos (19:30–20:14)
• Hosts joking about their “award voting” criteria mix-ups (33:03–34:54)
• Ongoing ice cream flavor bits with Wemby’s “French Vanilla,” Fox’s “Butter Pecan,” etc. (41:44–41:57)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Intro/Table-Setting: 01:13–02:14
• Pressure Meter – Teams Under Pressure: 02:15–11:58
• Players Under Pressure: 12:01–22:12
• Coaches Under Pressure: 22:58–29:55
• Breakout Award (“Where Did He Come From?”): 30:01–37:10
• Bold Predictions: 39:37–52:44
• Final Lightning Round & Offbeat Picks: 52:44–53:35

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Final Thoughts

This episode offers a quick-hitting but thorough look at NBA preseason storylines, with an emphasis on who needs to win—and why. The panel blends sharp analysis, stats, and personality-driven commentary to set the table for a dramatic season. Expect a blend of reasoned takes (on the Cavs and Hawks), sharp skepticism (about Zion/LaMelo), and fearless forecasting (Thunder, Spurs, Cooper Flagg), with a strong eye for emerging talent and shifting league hierarchies.

Must-listen for:

• Fans seeking context on team and player stakes entering the season
• Listeners hunting for breakout/under-the-radar names
• Those wanting water-cooler bold predictions to track all year

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“Give us your bold predictions in the comments… Orlando, Atlanta, Eastern Conference Finals. You heard it here first!” (52:20, Dave)

Transcript

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[Ash Barahenny]

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[Dave Dufour]

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[Zena Keda]

Yep.

[Dave Dufour]

And it's, it's, you know, again, guys, we got our fresh delivery of podcast gear for the season. We got a brand new pressure meter. I'm hoping it's up on the screen right now. I don't know that somebody else does that, but I, I think, you know, this is a, this is a season where, you know, we've had, I don't know how many coaches got fired last year in, in the season. 2.

[Ash Barahenny]

A lot.

[Dave Dufour]

Coaches. Yeah, it just, it tells me that teams are feeling pressure more and more to perform. I mean, you know, they made these changes last year, the Nuggets especially, you know, they made the change, got rid of longtime coach Michael Malone before the playoffs because they felt as if they had Gone as far as they could with him. And so the pressure was on them to perform in the playoffs. Obviously, they make it to the conference finals. But it. It got me thinking, you know, this is a good time to check the pulse and see who's going into the season with a bunch of pressure, like, which teams are on the hot seat, not just people. So I want to start there with the team that you guys feel has the most pressure to perform this upcoming season. Xena, I'm going to kick it off to you first.

[Zena Keda]

Ooh. Okay. Well, it's so funny that you said, I'm not. This is not who I'm choosing. But the way that you describe the Michael Malone, like, we've gone as far as. It was very similar to, like, the Tom Thibodeau mindset in New York. So maybe that's how these teams are kind of looking at it. We've. We've gone as far as we could with you now. Team with the most pressure. I'm going to choose the Atlanta Hawks.

[Dave Dufour]

Wow.

[Ash Barahenny]

Okay.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah. I'm going to choose the Atlanta Hawks mainly because this is a team the east should be open for them, for them to take it. In my opinion, the east, you know, outside of New York, we'll see what Boston puts up, especially with Jason Tatum fighting to come back from injury. And I'm looking around, like, Orlando, sure, okay. You know, but I'm really thinking that Atlanta should take this. We're looking at Trae Young and his future with the franchise, what his next steps are going to be. He wants to win. He's tired of losing, whether it's in the play in or early in the first rounds. Like, this is a market that needs them to win as well. So I'm looking at Atlanta, Quinn, Snyder, all the tools. Kristaps Porzingis, Nikhil Alexander, Walker. You got Jason or Dyson Daniels coming back. You got Jalen Johnson coming back. You got all these tools available to you. You should do really, really well. And so I think. And I don't know how big that window is. Right, right. For them to be able to capitalize on the fact that Boston isn't exactly what they should be or could be. Indiana also. Right. This is a small window, so I'm going to put some pressure on the Atlanta Hawks, and I think it's the most pressure in the East. You got to win.

[Dave Dufour]

I think that's a great point about Trey Young. I mean, he's. He could be a free agent next summer. And this is a team, though, that they did just Build around him as, I mean, look, if they don't perform, I mean, there's just as much pressure on Trey Young as there is on the Hawks.

[Ash Barahenny]

Absolutely. I. I had him as one of my players with most pressure just because.

[Zena Keda]

Like, I feel like all of this is interchangeable.

[Ash Barahenny]

100% is. It is different tools.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah.

[Ash Barahenny]

And like, to your point, Xena, they have built the perfect roster around Trey. There's length, there's athleticism. There's a stretch five. There's a lob threat. They have built the team.

[Dave Dufour]

Backup.

[Ash Barahenny]

Defensive backup. Absolutely. And Nikhil Alexander Walker. And like, they've built a team that's like, hey, if. If you are who you say you are, you have to go and do it now. And it's an extension season. He's looking to get paid. So, yeah, huge pressure on Trey. And then, by proxy, the Atlanta Hawks. It makes sense. Yeah.

[Dave Dufour]

What team do you choose? Us.

[Ash Barahenny]

I actually chose the Cleveland Cavaliers because this is a team that's been knocking on the door for the last couple of seasons. Donovan Mitchell has a. Is a guy, basically his entire career has been knocking on the door when it comes to the Utah Jazz. And then the Cleveland Cavaliers, they have gone as far as they can with this roster as it's constructed. And so if they fall short of their expectations again this season, which I think their expectations should be, at the very least, the conference finals, if not the NBA Finals. And so if they fall short of that, they're cooked. They're going to have to make some trades. I don't know how big of a trades, but they're probably going to break up their core four of Jared Allen, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and Donovan Mitchell. In what way they do that, I don't know. But that's why there's so much pressure on this season, because you don't have any other way to improve this roster, especially with the financial implications on here. So there's tons of pressure for Cleveland.

[Zena Keda]

Isn't it terrible that as I'm thinking about the East, I completely left them out?

[Dave Dufour]

You know, it's funny, because they had.

[Zena Keda]

They.

[Dave Dufour]

Well, they had such a great year last year, but we watched them in the playoffs now two years in a row, get out big. As a team that has played double big all year long, they've gotten exposed. Right. Is that time, Zena? Is it time that Evan Mobley is more of the five? And maybe it's like you move on from Jared Allen and see if you can't get a more dynamic player next to Mobley?

[Zena Keda]

No, I think it's time for. I was. I thought you were going to say that. It's time for Evan Mobley to become more dynamic. Like, we know he's capable of handling the ball. We've seen him take the ball off the rim and go in transition. We know he's capable of stepping out and hitting that corner or three. He. I feel like there's still room in his game to keep growing. He is still so young, too. I like Jared Allen. As you know, they're five. I think Evan Mobley can get some more Wemby in them and show that dynamism.

[Ash Barahenny]

Honestly, like, there's. There's pressure on Mobley and Donovan. If we're talking about players with pressure, those two need to kind of prove that they are who they are, you know?

[Dave Dufour]

Do you guys see those Evan Mobley beach workout pictures?

[Zena Keda]

No.

[Dave Dufour]

He's looking.

[Ash Barahenny]

Jacks.

[Dave Dufour]

He looks. Oh, yeah.

[Zena Keda]

Okay.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. Definitely put him in the testing pool.

[Ash Barahenny]

In this day and age, I had to question whether it was AI. You know, it was like the first thing I did.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah.

[Ash Barahenny]

I was like, well, that's how.

[Dave Dufour]

Hey, that's how I felt about Zion, too, because, you know, he was looking so slim. Yeah, I like Cleveland. I mean, I had that. That was my first choice, but my second choice. Yeah, I'm gonna say Philadelphia 76ers are under quite a bit of pressure. And I mean, from top to bottom at that organization, from Daryl Mori, they are the pressure.

[Ash Barahenny]

NBA champs.

[Dave Dufour]

To Joel Embiid. Yeah, I mean, it is.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour]

Like, can they afford to start the season out the way it looks like they're going to start the season? I just don't think they can. They already have a myriad of mysterious injuries. Jared McCain obviously just had another little surgery. He's going to be out for the first few weeks of the season. The Embiid questions are just lingering. Paul George is 35 years old. I mean, what are the expectations there? Yeah, I think that the. The Sixers, I mean, it could be another disaster season. And I don't know how you spin that from a PR standpoint, even with the injuries. That's the thing is, like, at a certain point, do. Don't you have to find a way to put a team on the. On the court that can perform?

[Ash Barahenny]

And what's funny is they also still don't have their full first round pick this year, so they can't tank in peace either. They have to. Which is the tough part about this. Like, they. They have a roster that could win a lot of games. Fully healthy. But that is such a big could. You know, the what if factor for the Sixers team is massive.

[Zena Keda]

Dave, that last sentence that you just said, like, you have to figure out how to put a team on the floor, is why I had Nick Nurse in my.

[Dave Dufour]

Oh, yeah. Well, we'll get. We'll get to coaches. Yeah, we'll get to the coaches.

[Zena Keda]

He's not my choice, but he was my backup.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah, I mean, it's tricky. I will say, of all the people in. In Philly, like, the one as far as, like, decision making or whatever that has the most cover is Nick Nurse. Look at. I mean, look at the roster that he starts with on paper, and what he winds up having to coach on the court. I mean, that is. That is a difficult job when you don't who you're going to have night to night, you know? And again, like, we. We all did this last year in the preseason, we were like, on paper, wow, this team looks great. And we didn't know Jared McCain was going to be this good. And it just is all falling apart. So I may. I need to see it before I believe anything. And that includes, like, will Joel Embiid play 40 games this year?

[Ash Barahenny]

No.

[Zena Keda]

What's scary is Joel Embiid said in media on media day that this year he's not going to push. Right. Like, what we've seen before of Joel Embiid, that was him pushing through pain and injury and trying to be out there on the floor for his fans, for his team, for everyone. And he was just like, I gotta listen to my body this year. So we don't know what is gonna be happening with Joel Embiid, especially if he's listening to his body better, which I'm all for. I think that you do need to listen to your body more. I hate that he was pushing through injury, but that means Nick Nurse, God bless. You don't know what's going to happen.

[Dave Dufour]

The man wants to be able to walk when he's done playing basketball. And I. I'm fine with that, but it is. It's tough if you're the Sixers and, you know, it's just feels like. I don't know, it feels like some kind of a scam at this point. It's like, all right, every year. All right, Sixers. No, it's not happening.

[Zena Keda]

Let's keep the thought of scam coming up for this next topic.

[Dave Dufour]

Oh, we got a. We got a player scammer who's a player under the most pressure. I want to go to Xena first. Just because of that.

[Zena Keda]

I'm curious. You got it. You got it.

[Ash Barahenny]

You guys, just my first hint like that.

[Dave Dufour]

Let's go. We'll get to her. She's going to save it.

[Ash Barahenny]

We already talked about Trey Young a little bit. I'm going to go with LaMelo Ball as a player with a ton of pressure because, like, it. Look, this is. This is a team at a bit of a inflection point. The Charlotte Hornets, they have a choice in the sense that they can decide whether they want to build around Brandon Miller moving forward, who we didn't get to see a ton of last year because he got hurt. But I want to pull out this stat for you guys. Everybody talks about how Zion Williamson is injured, right? Injury prone player, etc. Etc. Why do we not keep the Same energy for LaMelo Ball?

[Zena Keda]

Great question.

[Ash Barahenny]

231 games through five seasons. That's how many games LaMelo Ball has played in the regular season. How much. How many games do you think Zion Williamson has played through five seasons?

[Zena Keda]

The only reason I know this is. Oh, you know, I looked it up.

[Ash Barahenny]

Okay.

[Zena Keda]

Recently. 214.

[Ash Barahenny]

214. You're correct.

[Zena Keda]

His five seasons, though, includes.

[Ash Barahenny]

He went where he missed.

[Zena Keda]

Yes, right, Exactly. He missed the whole season.

[Dave Dufour]

Yes.

[Ash Barahenny]

So he's technically in six seasons. 214. And Lamelo is 231 in five seasons. I'm just saying we need to keep the same energy for a guy who, for all intents and purposes, when he's healthy, all star level player, great creator, good shooter, really has the talent, has the star charisma, all the things you want in a lead point guard. But can you stay healthy? Can you stay on the floor? Can the Hornets decide whether they should continue to build around LaMelo Ball? I think that's the big question. They got to answer this.

[Dave Dufour]

My one little bit of pushback on that is just that this Hornets, like, when have the Hornets really tried to win basketball games with Lamelo? Like, they have not had good teams around him. And I wonder if some of this injury stuff is okay. Yes, you're hurt and you probably could play, but.

[Ash Barahenny]

But we're pulling the plug.

[Dave Dufour]

Yes. And I don't love that for him because I do think, like, this is a person that needs to just be at practice and play every day. Like, yeah, it's. I think that you are correct in that it's a make or break season. I think it's a make or break season for him, like between the ears as far as like getting it together. It's turning the ball over less. It's. And being on the court and. But now they actually seem like they got a team that can play. You know, they're not going to be good by, by any stretch of the imagination, but I, I would guess he plays more this year. And the re. You know, the reason though, that you hear more about Zion than, Than Lamelo is because Lamelo's fit.

[Ash Barahenny]

At least Ryan has the weight thing.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. And with Zion, it looks like it's like, well, when you're, when you're like at home, what are you doing to yourself? Right. Whereas with Lamelo, he's getting hurt on the court. So I, I would think that that's why. But I like that. I like that Lamello call Lamelo.

[Zena Keda]

I like this too.

[Dave Dufour]

I mean, this is a guy.

[Ash Barahenny]

It's just he has all the talents. Like, he's capable very similarly to Zion. It's like you obviously have the talent to be a very, very good all star, all NBA, all the accolades type of player. It's just you got, you got to go out and do it. I agree with your point about thinking, though.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. He's gonna put it. He feels like a guy who either never puts it together, never. Or he puts it together in the next spot. Right. Like, it just doesn't. It doesn't feel to me like it's true.

[Ash Barahenny]

It could be like he needs a new scenery. That's fair.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. Yeah. All right. Xena, I. You got a scammer for us?

[Zena Keda]

Well, hold on one second on the, on the Lamello aspect and this is like not a basketball conversation, more so like the narrative conversation, the vibes conversation. Because I do think that with everything that's going on in Charlotte and they're rebuilding, etc. It does help. I think no one puts too much pressure on him because he is a highlight reel player.

[Dave Dufour]

Right.

[Zena Keda]

Like we that have been watching the NBA for a long time, but also are probably more connected to like the LeBron, the Kawhis, the, you know, James Harden's like the Unks of the league. If you ask anyone that's like Gen Alpha, their favorite NBA player is the Mel Ball.

[Ash Barahenny]

Oh, yeah. Like that man sells one of the top selling shoes.

[Zena Keda]

Right? Like, he is incredibly.

[Dave Dufour]

He pops on social media. Like this clip of us talking about Lamelo is going to do well.

[Zena Keda]

He's. He's incredibly relevant. And so I think, you know, Charlotte's going to do whatever they can and just like kind of keep him happy, I think, in general. But I think there is pressure for him. As you mentioned, Dave, I'm sure he doesn't want to just be on the sidelines selling shoes. Like, I'm sure he wants to play and be competitive. So I do think there's a factor there.

[Ash Barahenny]

And by the way, like, just one sec on that. Like, the Hornets are building a pretty decent team around him with Brandon Miller. I like Con Canopel. They don't necessarily have, like, a big man of the future, but they. They hopefully will. Like, the infrastructure is starting to be there for them to be competitive eventually.

[Dave Dufour]

Right?

[Zena Keda]

It's just one s. Yeah. Spencer Dinwiddie just joined the team, guys. Oh, Just saying. Could be a game changer. Okay. So I'm not going to call this player a scammer.

[Dave Dufour]

Okay.

[Zena Keda]

Okay, good.

[Dave Dufour]

Okay, good.

[Zena Keda]

But I do feel like we be getting scammed every. Every preseason. We get a little. We get a little too hype over this person, and then we're like, oh, come on, this is not what I put my money for. And we've been talking about him. Zion.

[Dave Dufour]

Zion.

[Zena Keda]

Right. And as you kind of laid it out, I was. I was mentioning that statin six seasons, 214 games is crazy. Only two of your six seasons have you played more than 60 games. Like, that's not great, however. And I just. I don't want to get scammed again. But he looks good.

[Dave Dufour]

He does.

[Zena Keda]

He looks better than Duke years.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

Okay. And he went into his media day talking about he feels better than he ever has. And I don't want to fall for it again, but I think I'm gonna fall for it again.

[Dave Dufour]

It's never been like this. He's never. Right.

[Ash Barahenny]

How many packages say that?

[Zena Keda]

Right? But, like, this is like when you buy a product and you're. Everyone's like, raving about it, and you're like, oh, this is gonna work. It's got great reviews. And every year, it just. Something malfunctions. This year, it's different packaging. Right. They changed the color. It came in a different box. It's looking good, and there were some upgrades.

[Ash Barahenny]

So I was talking about the new Ninja coffee machine.

[Zena Keda]

I'm just saying. And, and, and, and there's something to be said about, you know, the tools around him potentially, you know, getting better. We're still waiting on Dejounte Murray. Yep. Right. Like that. That's gonna be a factor. But Jordan Poole being in the mix. Kavon Looney, a person that has gone through some significant injuries, hip injuries and surgeries. Being able to be with him and keep. Keep on him in terms of a veteran in the locker room. I just, I, I'm not going to get scammed, but I do think there's a lot of pressure because people have felt scammed about Zion Williams.

[Ash Barahenny]

Sure.

[Dave Dufour]

I think the body thing is way different this time. I mean, he looks leaner than, than ever before. And you guys know what body butter is? You ever watch a movie with the Rock in it? You know how his arms are all shiny all the time? Yes. Yeah. Body butter.

[Zena Keda]

Black people are. Black people are very familiar. Body butter.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. Okay.

[Ash Barahenny]

So.

[Dave Dufour]

Yes. You understand. I mean, it's also, it's good for highlighting your muscles. Well, this was one of the tricks they were using, I'm convinced, with Zion previously, because he would come out, his arms would be all shiny and it makes you look cleaner because you can kind of see, oh, oh, look, he's got a little triceps. And no body butter this time, guys. None. No body butter on him at all. Okay, for me, guys, we use lotion.

[Zena Keda]

Daily, so maybe that's what you're seeing.

[Dave Dufour]

No, no, there's a difference between lotion and body butter.

[Ash Barahenny]

I honestly thought that body butter conversation was going a completely different way. That was, that was wonderful.

[Dave Dufour]

And not shea butter. That's not. That's not shea butter. That's right. All right, for me, guys, the guy with the most pressure, dominating DeAndre Ayton. If he doesn't do it this season.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour]

Under these conditions, if he doesn't show, I mean, this guy was a number one pick. He was starting center in the NBA finals not that long ago. He's a good player. If he can't bring himself back to being like a top 10 NBA center with this team, with Luka Doncic and LeBron, then it's done. I, I just. This is the, the perfect setup for him. All he's got to do is catch lobs, shoot that 15 footer that he likes as a little release, and if he stretches the floor offensively, wow, it's gold. And then he needs to snag rebounds and protect the rim at the other end. He doesn't. It's the easiest job he's maybe ever going to have in the NBA. And he has to perform because the narrative on him is low motor, not motivated at all, and no force whatsoever. I think he's going to have to play with force this year, but he's playing with the right guys. And I think that. I actually believe that deandre Ayden is going to have a good year, but he's Also, I think he's under as much pressure as anybody in the league.

[Ash Barahenny]

Financial pressure. Also signed a one year deal, and I think that's a big incentive for him to be like, hey, if I want to stay in this league long term and be paid like a former number one overall pick, I got to perform this year. To your point, it's simple. The. The path for him is set out to have a good season. I agree with you that I think he will. Can he have a good enough season for the Lakers to, like, eventually become contenders? I don't know. We'll see. That's a different conversation. But I think he will have a good season.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

I got a question for y'.

[Ash Barahenny]

All.

[Zena Keda]

I like all these picks. I think they're really good. Do we think there's any pressure on Giannis?

[Dave Dufour]

H. It's interesting. I think there's pressure on the Bucks.

[Ash Barahenny]

Yeah. I was going to say the same thing. Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

To perform the fact that they have not put the team around them.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Zena Keda]

Okay.

[Dave Dufour]

I do think they're in a tough spot.

[Ash Barahenny]

Yeah, I agree. I was just going to say, I think they've done that thing where they've constantly painted themselves in a corner and there is no more room to paint. Like, this is. This is it for Giannis and the Bucks. And so either he has to decide he wants to end this relationship or they have to decide we got to pull the plug on this, we got to start over. But that probably happens within the next couple of months.

[Dave Dufour]

Should I. Let me just go ahead and jump to the coach that's under the most pressure, because to me, it's Doc Rivers. The Bucks are 65 and 53 with two first round exits in the playoffs since he got there, since they fired a coach and replaced him with Doc Rivers. Right. Like he has not outperformed that previous coach. I mean, he has been worse in just about every single way. They have an odder team than the one that he walked into, obviously, because you don't have Damian Lillard, so there's less clarity. They don't seem to have anybody who can dribble the basketball. Doc Rivers is not going to be the coach of the Milwaukee Bucks next season, period. That. That is what I'm saying right now. Not only is he under pressure, he's just not going to be there next year. Whether it's they. They're not going to win, they just don't have the team for it or they're going to lose Giannis, in which case, why would you keep Doc it just doesn't make any sense. So I would say Doc's under the most pressure. If they don't win the title, it's all done.

[Zena Keda]

I mean, that's. I don't disagree with you. It's interesting. Like, when you think about Doc Rivers and the Giannis relationship, we know that that's the main reason that he's staying in Milwaukee. Right. Because Giannis has trust in him. And when you look at what they've put in terms of the product on the floor, how many times have we been questioning, what did they run a play? Why didn't he call a timeout? Like, we're questioning the decisions that Doc Rivers is making, apart from how he's handling a Giannis or apart from the roles that, you know, Damian Lillard and Giannis were playing out on the floor. It just felt as if he wasn't really having an impact on their identity as a team. And so I agree with you. If Giannis leaves, there's absolutely no reason to keep a Doc Rivers. Like, I'm not sure who you would be appeasing by doing that.

[Ash Barahenny]

He is going to enjoy golfing next summer. That's what I think.

[Dave Dufour]

Well, I mean, he's going to do that during the season.

[Zena Keda]

In the same vein, my choice, and it's only because we've been saying this for a long time, but I'm rooting. Just like I'm rooting for Zion, I'm rooting for Willie Green, but I feel like if they don't make some sort of a change or jump some significant something.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

It's incredibly tough to make the argument for Willie Green to stay there. We've been kind of excusing it because a lot of these things have been out of his control. Right. The injuries that have befallen his team, like, there's not. He could not have predicted that. And he has tried his best with the roster that he was given, but something's got to shake. Yeah, something's got to shake for in New Orleans. And I feel like Willie Green is on the chopping block. They don't need to win a title. They don't need to win a title, but they just gotta, I don't know, win 40 games.

[Dave Dufour]

Let me ask you guys, what would you say is the offensive philosophy of the New Orleans Pelicans?

[Ash Barahenny]

It's changed so much. It's changed a lot because how injury prone they are.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah, right. Who's going to want to pull.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

And you've got Zion back. Who's in a role where Maybe he. He can be a little bit more free flowing. Yeah, I think. And he'll be more athletic this season. And we've probably.

[Dave Dufour]

He's far and away their best player when he's on the court and he just needs to have the ball in his hands, as many possessions as possible. And so like, I like the idea of Jordan pool with. With Zion. Like they could actually run some very interesting pick and roll.

[Zena Keda]

Interesting.

[Dave Dufour]

There are things that they can do, but I just don't. I have never seen anything from this team offensively that shows me they're creative. It's Zion. Go get us a bucket, Brandon Ingram. Go get us a bucket. Dejante. Go get us. You know what I mean? It's never been a situation.

[Zena Keda]

Get up. You know, put back.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah, yeah. There's nothing easy.

[Ash Barahenny]

By the way, they are probably going to be one of, if not the worst defensive team in the NBA. Absolutely. They were rough in their first couple of preseason games. And I know it's preseason, but like you, the proof of concept is there for them to be a pretty rough defensive team. Also a lot of pressure on New Orleans, the Pelicans in general, because of the whole pick situation. They traded away their pick. Now they have no room to tank. And so if Zion gets hurt or if this season is out the window, how do you rationalize trying to tank without having your pick? It's just. There's a lot of pressure on that team, for sure. I have a coach in mind for pressure and I think this is. This is a pretty obvious one. Mike Brown of the New York Knicks replacing the massive shoes of Tom Thibodeau. I mean, everybody here will credit Tibbs for building out the infrastructure of the Knicks for the last few seasons, building out the culture of what they had. And to swap that guy for Brown, who, by the way, I think Mike Brown is a really good coach, but how much will he be able to match that and exceed those expectations? Because you can't just be as good as you were last year and the Knicks were a really good basketball team. You have to be better. You have to be championship caliber. You have to be a contender. You have to maximize this team both offensively and defensively. You're asking Mike Brown to be a better coach than Tom Thibodeau. Can he do that? That's pressure.

[Dave Dufour]

I think that is a lot of pressure. My thing is this. Mike Brown's offensive philosophy is better than Tom Thibodeau. I mean, period. He just. He's a more organized offensive mind. We know he can coach defense.

[Zena Keda]

Defense, right.

[Ash Barahenny]

Exactly.

[Dave Dufour]

And this is. I'm actually kind of high on this move as an upgrade on Tom Thibodeau from that standpoint. But where I worry is the personality stuff, because I do think that Tom Thibodeau had these guys set up to run through the brick walls that they were running through every single night. And I don't know, like, we've just never seen other NBA coaches tap into it in the same way that Tom Thibodeau has. He gets the most out of every single player. I mean, you know, Jalen Brunson is a guy who you would not think of as an MVP candidate, and Tom Thibodeau got him there, you know. Yeah. For whatever that's worth, you know? And again, uncreative as his offense is basic. It's so basic and it always has been. But I. I do think he. Tom Thibodeau's effectiveness is just. It is underrated. So, yeah, that's a good.

[Ash Barahenny]

There's sort of a baseline you can expect with the Thibodeau team. And I. I actually, I agree with you that offense and defense wise, this could be an upgrade. And, like, they just have to go out and play the way that Mike Brown wants them to play. The preseason, they've looked good so far, but it's just. Those are expectations he has to meet, you know, and if there's a world in which, under that New York media pressure, things do fall to the wayside. So I don't know. That's just one of those things where it's like, there's pressure. He probably meets that pressure and exceeds it, but has to do it regardless.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. Okay. So what, we're going to give out an award here.

[Zena Keda]

All right.

[Dave Dufour]

It's kind of like a breakout award, but we're going to call it the I'm so Excited where did he come From Award. And who is a guy that we're gonna be just shocked to learn about this season? Like, who's a new name we're gonna hear? Ash, you look very happy right now.

[Ash Barahenny]

I'm so. This is. This is my.

[Dave Dufour]

With himself.

[Ash Barahenny]

Yeah, this is.

[Dave Dufour]

This is.

[Zena Keda]

Really.

[Ash Barahenny]

Truthfully, this is my award. You know, I wrote this down.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah, Yeah.

[Ash Barahenny]

I was like, I wanted to talk about this. I have a few names which I will give out as honorable mentions, but this is the guy. I think in the year he's about.

[Dave Dufour]

To read the Toronto Raptors roster, by the way, because no one knows any of their natives. That's where we're at. It won't be.

[Ash Barahenny]

There will not be, you know, maybe Sandra Mamu Kailashvili, but that's a different story. Mamu will get some where did he come from vibes. But this is a guy who I think in a year we might look at the Utah Jazz and say he is the franchise player for this team. Bryce Sensibao.

[Dave Dufour]

Are you, are you, are you messing with me now?

[Ash Barahenny]

I'm not kidding.

[Dave Dufour]

Wow.

[Ash Barahenny]

I'm not kidding.

[Dave Dufour]

Okay. I'm not.

[Zena Keda]

Okay.

[Ash Barahenny]

So this is my thing. This is here.

[Dave Dufour]

Hear me out so much. I told you guys. So much.

[Ash Barahenny]

I told you guys. It's surprising. I, I think Larry Markin will eventually get traded. I think there will be a desire to trade for a guy like that. The Jazz will go in a different direction. That's part one to this equation. Part two. Ace Bailey looks really good. I think Ace will have a good rookie season. Maybe he is the franchise. But I do also think we will consider Bryce Sensiba the same way. He is a lights out shooter. Shot 47% from three last year. Really crafty as a scorer. Gets into that area. He has good size, great finisher. I think he has basically the entire package to be a three level scorer in the NBA. And this is a guy again, you haven't heard of, maybe some people don't know about, but Bryce Sensibel, Utah love Bryce sensibly.

[Dave Dufour]

He can get a bucket. Do you know that's the most valuable skill period. And he can hit, he can, he can score everywhere. You mentioned he's 6, 6, 2, 3. I mean he's just a big guard, big dude and can actually really shoot it. You said 47 from three last year.

[Zena Keda]

He was, I thought it was like so he's.

[Ash Barahenny]

So here I. Let me, let me get the exact numbers. He shot 42% for the year, but in after, after all star break in the 21 games, he shot 47% from three. So he had a really good.

[Dave Dufour]

One of my favorite players in that draft because of the fact that he can just get a bucket. Came into the league. He's got some, had some injury issues to start last year and that's a good pull. I like that.

[Ash Barahenny]

What I would, what I would compare like the comp player comps for him is like he kind of reminds me of a DeMar DeRozan. You know, he has a little bit of that to him, but he can shoot a little bit better at his age. So that's sort of the, the vibe I'm looking for for Bryce.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. All right. Zena Who. Who's your pick?

[Ash Barahenny]

Hey, I can give you more options, Zena. I can give you my.

[Zena Keda]

I'm not even a lot of you. I don't think I did this award vote. Voting right. That is such a. I hope you.

[Dave Dufour]

Did it the opposite. Where it's like, where did he come from?

[Zena Keda]

I.

[Dave Dufour]

No, no, no, no, no.

[Zena Keda]

Like, I. I think I did you wrong. S. Because Bryce Sensible is quite literally a. Huh. Okay, cool.

[Ash Barahenny]

I tried.

[Zena Keda]

Not that he's like bad or anything, it's just like. Yeah, you're right. Bryce Sensible. Like, where'd he come from? I was more thinking like, almost like a. Who's a runner up to sixth man of the year? That's kind of just like bust through. And for me, it was Ty Jerome that's now in a more, you know, dominant position in Memphis, is going to really be able to showcase everything that we kind of saw in spurts in Cleveland.

[Dave Dufour]

Ja's going to miss a bunch of games.

[Zena Keda]

Ja's going to miss a bunch of games. Like, we. We can expect Ty Jerome to kind of take over and run that offense, be the explosive scorer that, you know, we've seen him to be. Be capable of. He doesn't just have to be like a fourth quarter hero or a clutch guy or a, you know, Donovan's out, Darius is out. Let's put Ty Drom in and see if he can cook. And yes, he can. Like, this is going to be his role now. And I think that with more space and more opportunity, he'll get that at the Warriors. It was crazy that he was a two way player that quite literally played like two games in the G League. Like he was. Steve Kerr had so much trust in him in that time. So I just feel like now that he's going to have the trust, he's going to have the opportunity, he's going to have the touches. He's going to just like bust through and be like on our radar as one of the better players in the NBA. I mean, I am. I feel like I am completely disrespecting Bryce Sensible. Like, you can't even be in the same category. Like, this is crazy. So I think I did that wrong and we're just going to take that off running.

[Ash Barahenny]

No, I love that.

[Zena Keda]

I want to hear the rest of what you had to say about other players because I want to keep. I want my mouth agape of like.

[Dave Dufour]

Here, you know what, Zena, I got one for you. And you know this guy. Okay. But I don't think that the, the the league at large is caught up on Khalil Ware. All right, now, okay, this is the guy. If we're making Wimy comp. Yes, that's the comp. Okay, now, look, it's preseason. Wow. Wow. It's preseason.

[Ash Barahenny]

I'm gonna go ahead and call that crazy. I'm gonna go ahead and call that.

[Dave Dufour]

But if we were gonna make wimy comps, this would be the guy, right? Like, I mean, you think about the way he moves around the court, the way he can shoot, the way he can score, the length, the shot.

[Zena Keda]

Switchability.

[Dave Dufour]

Switchability. I mean, he and player, but kind of a crazy big man duo. And, you know, look, the other night against the spurs, head to head with Victor Wimanyama. He puts up 29 and 12. Again, it's preseason true, but I think Khalil Ware, what we saw out of him last year when he moved in the starting lineup, I think that that was a glimpse of what to come. We know the Miami Heat are very good at developing players. He looks like his body is better even from last year. I think Khalil Ware might experience a breakout season.

[Ash Barahenny]

I like that. I like that pick. I can I just list my honorable mentions because these guys need some love.

[Dave Dufour]

I mean, you hit me with Bryce Sensibaugh, one of my favorite players. Yes, you can say all you want.

[Ash Barahenny]

I think franchise play. Just think about that. Jazz fans be excited. Jalen Clark, Minnesota Timberwolves. Again, more opportunity. Moussa Diabate for the Charlotte Hornets. Starting center spot is wide open. And then I. I already kind of mentioned this, but Sandra. Sandra. Mamo Kalishvili for the Toronto Raptors. I think he. He. He'll get some opportunity.

[Zena Keda]

But.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah, yeah, I mean, look, if. If. If Mamu's Georgian national team run in Euro basket took him to top eight is any indication, I think he's set up for a great season. Had a really good preseason game the other night. I mean, again, yep, not too much weight in preseason, but you kind of start to see where the roles are, and he's fitting in pretty nicely there. And I said it when they signed him, having a guy on that team who can.

[Ash Barahenny]

Who.

[Dave Dufour]

Who is big, that can dribble more than three times is going to unlock a lot of stuff for guys like Scotty Barnes. Yeah, yeah. Guys stick around after the break. We got a long show. Bold predictions coming up after the break, and I'm going to blow everyone's mind.

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Hi, I'm Madupak Enola from TED Business and I'm here to talk about the Financial Times. Every day the world bombards you with endless headlines and noise. What matters most? Facts and context. That's where the Financial Times comes in. With clarity, depth and truly independent reporting, the FT helps you cut through the noise and see what's real and why it matters. Stay informed with the trusted source leaders around the world rely on. Visit FT.comSourceFT to read more and save 40% on a digital FT subscription. If you love to travel, Capital One has a rewards credit card that's perfect for you. With the Capital One Venture X card, you earn unlimited double miles on everything you buy. Plus you get premium benefits at a collection of luxury hotels when you book on Capital One Travel. And with Venture X you get access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide. Open up a world of travel possibilities with a Capital One Venture X card. What's in your wallet?

[Dave Dufour]

Terms apply. Lounge access is subject to change. See capitalone.com for details. For those of you who were with us last year, you might remember that we kicked off the season with some bold predictions. I said that the warriors were going to have the best defense in the league and make it to the conference finals. And I was like, I don't know. I wasn't way off. I mean, I was off on the playoffs thing, but the plays was there. Yeah, it's a fun way to sort of predict the season is to give us your just boldest projection s. I'm gonna let you start because you said Bryce Sensibaugh in the in the thank you. Before the I Mean, again, as Barahenny.

[Ash Barahenny]

Thank you very much.

[Dave Dufour]

What's your bold prediction?

[Ash Barahenny]

Okay, so last year, if you guys remember, I said the Pistons will make the playoffs through the play in. And I was, I guess I was too low on the Detroit Pistons. They made the playoffs and, you know, battled against the Knicks in round one. Very entertaining series. I'm making a similar prediction here in the Western Conference. No, Dave, I'm not picking the Toronto Raptors.

[Dave Dufour]

Toronto Raptors to the Western Conference finals is kind of a bold pick.

[Ash Barahenny]

That doesn't even feel bold anymore. You know, to pick the Raptors. I'm going to go with the San Antonio Spurs. We've talked a lot about Wemby in the last couple pods. I think the spurs will win 50 games. I think Wemby will be right there in the MVP and defensive player of the year conversation. I think de' Aaron Fox is going to have an all star level season next to Wemby. Those two will work excellently. I think they have a decent amount of shooting. I'm very excited for Luke Cornett. Wemby picking rules, that seems like it's something that's going to be real.

[Dave Dufour]

I love the nickname of French Vanilla. French.

[Ash Barahenny]

That's awesome. I didn't even know that was a thing.

[Zena Keda]

I even know that either. That's amazing.

[Ash Barahenny]

So I think The spurs win 50 games. I think they don't even get into a playing spot. I think they are locked into a top six spot in the West.

[Dave Dufour]

Wow. Yeah. Wow. I mean, if Darren Fox and Dylan Harper can be like butter pecan to that French vanilla.

[Ash Barahenny]

Sure.

[Zena Keda]

Nice.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. Do you know what I mean? Like, then you got yourself.

[Ash Barahenny]

I'm hungry. What do you know?

[Zena Keda]

I need to eat.

[Dave Dufour]

Listen, I, I'm on. I'm on that. I mean, look, Wimby, when he's healthy is just. He's a question that you can't answer. Right. You know, there was this thing where they were guarding him with smaller players. Well, he got bigger over the summer and I'm sure if you can do that, like he's actually in some of these early preseason games. I, I have appreciated watching him drop his shoulder and move guys out of the way for the first time. This looks like year three or four Giannis at this point from a body standpoint, you know, like, he's really starting to get some shoulders and, you know, like, his back is a little bit bigger. I, I think that that is huge. I, I think this is doable. Xen, are you, you. How do you feel about that? Prediction.

[Zena Keda]

I mean no disrespect to us. I'm actually like, I don't know if that's that bold.

[Ash Barahenny]

That's my number.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah. I feel really high on the potential of the Spurs. They. There's just something about that organization. I don't know. You know, you just saw the video recently of Pop. Greg Popovich in the gym watching Wemby put up shots, and there's just good energy around that or Victor coming back. You've got Darren Fox, like, excited to work with him and finally get the chance to really get in the lab with him and get going. You've got all this young talent. I. I like the spurs, even their. Their young talent in summer league. There's a lot of good things happening and also some semblance of consistency and normalcy because they had a lot of the injuries and then the head coach situation. I don't know. I feel really good about the spurs coming in this year, and they're focused on them, and I like that.

[Ash Barahenny]

So maybe not a bullfinch.

[Dave Dufour]

There's one thing that could throw a wrench in that dear. And Fox, after he got there, it was a weird fit. He spent a lot of time just like in the corner, catch and shoot. Well, it's. It's multiple reasons, but I actually am a believer in Wemby touching the ball every single possession. And I don't know if this is a team that needs a guy like de' Aaron Fox. So I could see a scenario where it's a weird fit and maybe they move de' Aaron Fox, which makes them worse in the short term, but better long term, potentially. And like we talked about, they do have a glut of young guards at this point, you know, so that. That could be something to watch. But, yeah, there's also.

[Ash Barahenny]

There's also a world where they're the team that trades for Giannis because they have the picks and everything and all that.

[Dave Dufour]

Right.

[Ash Barahenny]

So there's that version of this scenario too, where they just become a contender, you know?

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

So.

[Dave Dufour]

Well, that would be pretty crazy. Xena, what's your bold prediction? It was it Luca 80 last year. Was that. Was that.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah, yeah, it was 80 point game.

[Ash Barahenny]

I feel like you should double down on that.

[Dave Dufour]

I feel like Luca might really be 80 pointer.

[Zena Keda]

I'm not gonna lie to you guys. Coming into this, like, when we were prepping, I was like, I should just repeat, right? Like, why not? I think he's in a better situation to be able to do that physically. Of course. Right. I might like, put that as my asterisk. Let's put that to the side. But this one's going to be fun, and it's just because I'm excited for this player. Just watched him last night at the time that we're recording this. I think Young Hansen is going to be top three in the Rookie of the Year votes.

[Ash Barahenny]

I love it.

[Dave Dufour]

That is bold now. That is bold.

[Ash Barahenny]

That's bold.

[Zena Keda]

Young Hansen out of Portland that, you know, people have already compared his game to Jokic in the way that he commands attention, he likes to pass. He's got, you know, fundamentals and such. I think that he is just going to be a sponge. And the course of his learn, like, his learning curve is just going to be so fast. The game is going to slow down for him really quickly. And, you know, I think he's going to have opportunity to prove himself behind Donovan, Cleveland and DeAndre. Ayden's gone. Right. So have at it. Why not?

[Dave Dufour]

I, I have a prediction on him and I, I actually, I, I do. I like the flashes of stuff that I've seen from him. Yeah, I believe he's gonna lead the league in foul rate. I think he's, I think if he was, if he was playing 30 minutes a game, he would foul out in.

[Ash Barahenny]

20 every single game.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah, that's real. Because the speed of the game for a slow guy. Right. Like, I mean, it's not, it's not just slow mental like most of the players coming to the NBA. He's a slow guy. He's gonna have to figure it out. I mean, think about Alper and Shingoon and how he just kind of figured out how to play defense.

[Zena Keda]

Zach, he had this problem last year.

[Dave Dufour]

That's right. Yep. Jokic had this problem. Right. And I do think that, yeah, his, his foul rate and that maybe isn't even a bold one, but I think he's going to lead the league in foul. Right. It's going to be. That's going to be epic. I mean, he's. But he's going to make some plays this year. Like, he already has done stuff, the stuff that we saw in summer league where he was like, pointing to guys, hey, set this.

[Zena Keda]

He was set a pin down.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah, set me a pin down. I'm seven foot two. Just, just. It's a whole nother world. Okay. My, my bold prediction. This is like, I, I don't really. I'm not like a hot take, bold prediction guy. So being in this position.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour]

Okay. The Oklahoma City Thunder are going to win 70 games this season.

[Ash Barahenny]

That's not.

[Dave Dufour]

That's my bold prediction.

[Zena Keda]

That's like not that crazy, but. Oh, there's more. Okay.

[Dave Dufour]

But.

[Zena Keda]

Okay. All right.

[Dave Dufour]

They will not reach the Western Conference finals. They're out in the second round.

[Zena Keda]

What?

[Ash Barahenny]

Okay, yeah, that's, that's.

[Dave Dufour]

Now, Xena, you mentioned this. There's a ton of tape on them now. Yeah, they get their points the hard way. The hard way. We saw the Pacers mitigate all those turnovers.

[Ash Barahenny]

Who are they losing to in the Western Conference semifinals?

[Dave Dufour]

Well, listen, I think that if they run it somehow, let's say the Nuggets are, you know, same thing or something.

[Zena Keda]

Right?

[Dave Dufour]

Like I. I think that the, that the top four in the west is going to be about the matchups that you get. And there are teams that can beat the Thunder. The Thunder are not a perfect team. They are a machine for winning regular season games and clearly just had a great playoff run. Right. They got pushed in the conference finals. In the finals though. Like that was an honest title that they had to win. And I don't expect them to go back to back just because it doesn't feel like that's possible in the league. And it's always makes more sense to take the field. But I just, I think that back to back seasons where you, you know, you play like this, I just. At some point you're going to run out of some steam. And that's where I got them. I think they win 70 games. I think they're the number one seed. And I think that they're a second round out.

[Ash Barahenny]

Repeating is really hard in the NBA now. I mean, we, we know that. We've seen it over the last seven years. It's really hard to repeat as NBA champions. And so I, I wouldn' be shocked if they don't win again. But to. To have a 70 win season and lose in the semifinals, that, that seemed. That's bold. That is.

[Dave Dufour]

It would.

[Zena Keda]

I will give that to you. I mean, I mean, not the semifinals. The semifinals is crazy. But like Golden State had what, 73 win season, didn't win it.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah, yeah. Yes.

[Zena Keda]

It was in the finals, but still. Yeah. The semifinals is. That's what makes this spicy. Yeah. That's what makes me say. Let me get some milk. Yeah.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah. Because if I say they don't make the finals, it's not as spicy because.

[Ash Barahenny]

I throw out another one at you guys just because I feel like mine. You know, clearly everybody seems like they're on board with the spurs here.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah.

[Ash Barahenny]

Cooper flag will be the first rookie All Star since Blake Griffin.

[Dave Dufour]

Oh.

[Zena Keda]

Oh, that's a good one.

[Ash Barahenny]

How do we feel about that? You know, that feels bold enough. You know, I'm leaving. Look, if the Mavs are, like, if the Mavs win, like, if they're. I don't know, by All Star break, they're like a top three or four seeds somehow, and AD Is healthy and Cooper's. I don't know. I could see Cooper getting.

[Dave Dufour]

He's gonna have the buzz for it, right? He should have the stats. I mean, this is totally doable, but I do think it's tough in the West. Just. It is tough with the number of guys. I mean, like, Luca and LeBron are both in. Wemby's in. Anthony Davis probably going to make it.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah.

[Dave Dufour]

Steph's going to. I mean, you just spot so fast. Right. Like, it's just. Although there is. We're saying, hey, could. Could Andrew Nemhardt make the All Star Game?

[Ash Barahenny]

But no, Dave, this is the thing. There's a new wrinkle to the All Star Game. It's the US Versus World.

[Dave Dufour]

Oh, that's. I forgot.

[Ash Barahenny]

Oh, that's. Might be.

[Dave Dufour]

They're. Are they taking more American players? Is that going to affect the voting? We're going to have to.

[Ash Barahenny]

I have no idea how that works, but.

[Dave Dufour]

I don't know. But we don't actually have to learn the format. They'll just change it before next season. Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

Let's look at some of the names that I think could be debatable for All Star that. That Cooper flag could take. Right. Pascal Siakam.

[Dave Dufour]

No, that's in the East.

[Ash Barahenny]

East, but also is the east versus West. Are we doing that?

[Dave Dufour]

That's right, because I don't.

[Ash Barahenny]

USA versus World. So if anything. If anything, Pascal has an advantage because he's world. And Cooper.

[Zena Keda]

He's world. He's world. Okay. Okay.

[Dave Dufour]

Let's let.

[Zena Keda]

Let's think about them. Okay. So let's look at the American. Damian Lillard's probably not going to do it. Obviously, that's open.

[Dave Dufour]

Yeah.

[Ash Barahenny]

Kyrie Irving won't make it. Yeah, probably.

[Zena Keda]

That's the spot. That's open.

[Ash Barahenny]

Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

Jason Tatum spot. That's open.

[Ash Barahenny]

Halliburton. Did Halliburton make it? No, he didn't.

[Zena Keda]

Right? Yeah. Halle doesn't look like he made it.

[Ash Barahenny]

Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

Last year.

[Ash Barahenny]

He didn't make it. Yeah.

[Zena Keda]

Yeah. I don't.

[Ash Barahenny]

Funny.

[Zena Keda]

In hindsight, I think that there's.

[Dave Dufour]

There's room maybe.

[Zena Keda]

Do you think Donovan Mitchell is going to be an All Star?

[Dave Dufour]

I'VE got to figure out what the voting is going to be like before I could could really make a determination but I listen, I think just from a is he an All Star or not an All Star. That's a gut feel, right?

[Ash Barahenny]

Yes.

[Dave Dufour]

And I think that he is set up to have what we would think about as a if a rookie is going to be an All Star, this is what they do. Like if he's, if he's 20 and 10, he's in.

[Zena Keda]

Paige Beckers did it. He can follow suit.

[Dave Dufour]

There you go for Dallas.

[Zena Keda]

I'm just saying.

[Dave Dufour]

All right. That was our bold predictions and our pressure meter preseason, guys. We're kicking it all off. Give us your bold predictions in the comments like and subscribe over on YouTube. Give us a five star review wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you guys for listening. We're really excited to do year two of this. You guys got any more hot takes before we go or is that enough bold predictions for the day?

[Ash Barahenny]

I mean I can do the Raptors one if you I'm gonna say.

[Zena Keda]

Atlanta, Orlando, Eastern Conference Finals.

[Dave Dufour]

That's crazy. We're older than the original and Esperahenny, I'm Dave Dufour and you heard it here first. Orlando, Atlanta, Eastern Conference Finals. Thank you guys for listening. We'll be back with more of the NBA Daily.

[Ash Barahenny]

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[Dave Dufour]

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[Ash Barahenny]

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[Zena Keda]

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[Ash Barahenny]

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[Dave Dufour]

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[Madupa Akinola]

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[Zena Keda]

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