Summary of "How can Porzingis help the Hawks?" | The Athletic NBA Daily Release Date: June 25, 2025

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Brian Windhorst and Andrew Schleck delve into significant NBA developments, focusing on recent trades, team dynamics, and upcoming prospects. The discussion centers around the Boston Celtics' strategic moves, the New Orleans Pelicans' surprising acquisition of Jordan Poole, the Dallas Mavericks' contract extensions, and anticipates the excitement leading up to the NBA Draft.

1. NBA Trade Frenzy: Celtics and Pelicans Shake-Up

[02:32] Brian Windhorst opens the discussion by highlighting the flurry of trades affecting major teams:

"We have Andrew Schleck here. And ladies and gentlemen, we also have a bunch of trades. The Celtics are shredding their championship core. The Pelicans are doing stuff. And the NBA draft is today."

[02:37] Andrew Schleck expresses concern over the rapid changes:

"Sheesh. I think everybody heard Aaron Wiggins speech and just got scared. We just gotta like, we gotta do something. We gotta do something today."

The conversation swiftly moves past the Oklahoma City Thunder's championship parade to dissect the Celtics' recent moves.

2. Celtics' Bold Moves: Trading Away Drew Holiday

[05:16] Brian Windhorst discusses the recent trade involving Drew Holiday:

"Two nights ago, Drew Holiday gets sent to the Portland Trailblazers. Back to the Portland Trailblazers. If you remember, he got traded in the Damien Lillard trade to Portland, then got rerouted to Boston. Won a championship there, but he's back in Portland."

[06:18] Andrew Schleck assesses the impact:

"I think it helps them, you know, clear out their cap sheet and kind of sort out their backcourt a little bit. It brings in a guy who has such great experience across the NBA that can help you with, you know, shore up your defense on the perimeter and you can teach Scoot Henderson."

They evaluate the trade as beneficial for both Boston and Portland, with Boston gaining financial flexibility and New Orleans bolstering their roster with experienced veterans.

3. Kristaps Porzingis: A New Asset for the Atlanta Hawks

[10:42] Brian Windhorst introduces the major headline:

"The other Celtics trade that went down and that's Kristaps Porzingis. Porzingis. It's a three-team trade. Porzingis gets sent to the Atlanta Hawks."

[10:57] Andrew Schleck shares his perspective:

"I kind of like this for Atlanta. I think that they needed to add some shooting and Porzingis provides that from a spot that's really valuable."

The hosts discuss the potential benefits Porzingis brings to the Hawks, notably his shooting ability and complementariness with players like Trey Young and the existing frontcourt. However, concerns about his health persist:

"That's really, that's the biggest question though, if he's healthy." [11:00] Andrew Schleck

[11:08] Brian Windhorst elaborates on the strategic fit:

"The pick and pop stuff with Trey Young and Kristoff Porzingis could be very, very fun and lethal."

They conclude that while the trade strengthens the Hawks' offensive options, Porzingis' health remains a pivotal factor in his potential success with the team.

4. New Orleans Pelicans Acquire Jordan Poole: A Risky Gamble

[14:16] Brian Windhorst shifts focus to the Pelicans' latest move:

"The New Orleans Pelicans have received Jordan Pool, Sadiq Bay, the 40th pick in the draft. And the Wizards take on CJ McCollum. Kelly Olenek in a future second round pick for the Wizards."

[15:22] Andrew Schleck voices skepticism:

"I'd be a little bit more worried if I'm dealing for Jordan Poole, thinking that something's going to happen there to help turn my franchise around."

The acquisition is critiqued for its ambiguity and potential financial burdens:

"Jordan Poole's owed 31.8 this next year, 34 million this, the year after that, fully guaranteed."

The hosts express uncertainty about Poole's fit and the overall direction of the Pelicans' roster, questioning the long-term viability of this strategy.

5. Dallas Mavericks' Strategic Contract Extensions

[20:09] Brian Windhorst transitions to the Dallas Mavericks' recent decisions:

"Kyrie Irving got extended. He declined his player option. Extended for three years. I believe it was 119 million dollars. And then Daniel Gafford also extended. That was a 20 million dollar per year deal."

[20:39] Andrew Schleck approves of the moves:

"I like the Kyrie deal. I think it's good to get him locked in. When he was healthy, he was sincerely one of the best guards in the NBA."

Discussion centers on the impact of these extensions on the Mavericks' core stability and future flexibility. While Kyrie Irving's tenure is seen as a positive, questions arise about Daniel Gafford's role and the team's depth:

"Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, maybe three. Yeah, I guess so."

Both hosts agree that while these extensions solidify key players, the Mavericks still face challenges in balancing their roster and ensuring optimal player utilization.

6. Anticipation for the NBA Draft: Prospects and Predictions

[24:02] Brian Windhorst builds excitement for the upcoming draft:

"It's happening tonight. I'm so excited. We're gonna do a live show as well, so come and hop on with us."

[25:06] Andrew Schleck makes his first pick:

"I'll go first. At number nine. I've really, I've fallen in love with this guy as a draft prospect. Okay, give me Cedric Coward."

[27:10] Andrew Schleck shares his top choice for the Oklahoma City Thunder:

"The guy that I'm looking at for you, you could go a bunch of different directions. I feel like Oklahoma City loves to find a guy with character, but I think a dude that I would you guys would just fall in love with is Thomas Sorber. Georgetown guy, big man, long arms."

The duo engages in friendly banter about draft strategies, with Brian suggesting potential picks like Thomas Sorber for the Thunder and Andrew advocating for shooters like Cedric Coward for the Raptors. The conversation underscores the importance of strategic drafting in shaping team futures:

"I just really like Cedric Coward. I think he could be a really fun, fun player there, and I think that he can play right away." [25:22] Andrew Schleck

They also touch upon the excitement of introducing new talent and the potential impact of these fresh faces in the league.

7. Concluding Thoughts and Live Draft Show Tease

As the episode wraps up, Brian Windhorst invites listeners to join the live draft show:

"We'll be back in a sec. We'll talk about the Mavericks contract extensions and more. The NBA Draft."

Both hosts express enthusiasm for the draft night activities, promising listeners an engaging and interactive experience:

"Folks, again tap into our live stream. Talking about the NBA drafts. Going to be myself, Andrew. It'll be a lot of fun. We'll talk about the draft. We'll react if anything crazy happens."

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to support their YouTube channel and tune into the live draft coverage.

Notable Quotes:

• Andrew Schleck on Jordan Poole's fit with the Pelicans:

  "This roster is kind of a mess, in my opinion. Yeah, I don't get. I don't honestly don't get where they're going."

• Brian Windhorst on Celtics' strategic flexibility:

  "The main goal for Boston here was to get rid of Jrue Holiday's contract and the fact that they didn't have to attach picks. Actually got two second round picks in return."

• Andrew Schleck on the Mavericks' Kyrie Irving extension:

  "He's a guy that has made it through injuries before. Kind of knows what it takes to get to the other side."

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of pivotal NBA moves, providing listeners with insightful commentary on how these changes might shape the future of the teams involved. From strategic trades to contract extensions and draft anticipations, Brian Windhorst and Andrew Schleck deliver a nuanced exploration of the league's evolving landscape.