The Athletic NBA Daily – “Mid Season Slammies + Will the Bucks Finally Trade Giannis?” | Slam N Jam

Date: January 17, 2026
Hosts: Andrew Schlecht (“Al”), Alex Spears (“Andrew”), Eric Nehm (special guest)

Episode Overview

This lively episode of Saturday Slam n’ Jam delivers The Athletic’s signature blend of insightful NBA analysis with a healthy dose of humor. The show marks the halfway point of the NBA season, prompting the crew to hand out their annual “Mid-Season Slammies”—tongue-in-cheek awards celebrating top performers, disappointments, and oddities from the first half of the 2025-26 campaign. The second half features a deep-dive with Bucks beat writer Eric Nehm, exploring Milwaukee’s woes, the persistent Giannis trade chatter, Doc Rivers' job security, and the franchise’s strategy at the looming trade deadline. The episode wraps as always with listeners’ favorite, “Andrew versus the Beat” NBA trivia.

THE MID-SEASON SLAMMIES AWARDS (07:34–41:48)

A much-loved, irreverent set of NBA awards from Andrew and Al:

“I Wasn’t Familiar With Your Game” Award (08:17–09:27)

Andrew’s pick: Keonte George, Jazz
“He’s had just crazy improvement... I just didn’t think that Keonte was even like a part of their core moving forward and I think he’s got a good chance of being that now.” (08:17)
Al’s pick: The entire Suns team
On their strong performance vs. expectations:
“Overnight they became the gritty, hard-nosed team... Their floor is so much higher than I thought.” (09:27)

“I Thought I Was Familiar With Your Game” (Disappointment of the Year) (09:47–14:58)

Al’s pick: Jared McCain (Sixers) “He had ... a 10-game stretch [as a rookie] ... I was genuinely excited ... it’s just been a bummer so far.”
Andrew’s pick: Evan Mobley (Cavs) “He’s regressed in almost every way this year... I just expected a lot more from Evan Mobley.” (13:12)
- Eric Nehm chimes in: “No.” (Will he get an award this year?)

“There Are No Small Roles” Award (15:14–16:46)

Andrew: Jalen Williams (“J. Will”), Thunder
“He’s just one of their ultimate vibes guys for the team.”
Al: Dennis Jenkins, Detroit
“When anyone is out in their backcourt, he is ready to go... just a break glass in case of emergency guard.”

Favorite Stat Award (18:08–21:36)

Al: Charlotte young core’s net rating (+10.8), optimism despite record.
Andrew: SGA’s mind-blowing 112-game streak of 20+ points, approaching Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time mark.
“He’s one of the most special scorers in the game... you can put yourself in the conversation with anything Wilt did statistically.”

“Say Something Nice” Award (22:42–25:36)

Andrew: Julius Randle, Wolves
“He’s really thriving as this hub... and the dude has, I was looking him up, so many nicknames... Goosebumps?”
Al: Rudy Gobert, Wolves
“Not the biggest Gobert fan, but he’s been so good this season... their D with him on the court is just dominant.”

Anti-League Pass Team of the Year (Least Enjoyable) (25:36–28:40)

Al: Dallas Mavericks
“Part of it is that they’re usually bricking a ton of threes... I need more youth, OK, to get excited.”
Andrew: Milwaukee Bucks
“Watching them this past week... they have Giannis, that’s about it.”

“I Never Stop Believing In You” Award (Still Have Faith) (28:40–31:53)

Andrew: Paolo Banchero, Magic
“He has taken a step back... I think this guy is a superstar still.”
Al: Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
“People are overreacting just a little bit... If Zach Edie was healthy... we wouldn’t be talking about Triple J the same way.”

“Why Can’t You Just Be Normal” Award (Most Confusing Team) (31:53–35:14)

Al: Cleveland Cavaliers
“I could see them stumbling... I could also see things turning around.”
Andrew: Orlando Magic
“Just begging for someone to be awesome... why can’t we just have an awesome defense and an okay offense?”

“Time Traveler From June 2026” Award (Which Team’s Future Outcome Would You Want Spoiled?) (35:14–37:38)

Andrew: Boston Celtics
“There’s something special about this Boston team... would it surprise you if they made the Finals? No.”
Al: Atlanta Hawks
“Franchise-changing pick coming... what if they tank?”

Bold Prediction for Second Half (37:38–41:48)

Al: Cavs will finish 3rd in the East—favorable schedule gives them a strong late run.
Andrew: Houston Rockets will upset a top-3 West team in the first round. “Still believe in them as a playoff team... they can grind it out.”

Milwaukee Bucks Deep Dive w/ Eric Nehm (44:21–71:22)

Mood in Milwaukee (45:38–49:31)

Worst vibes in years: “So often ... the idea that ... the Bucks can still be a title contender. This year ... you were down your second-best player ... a gaping hole they’re still trying to fill.”
Giannis trade rumors “in the air”:
“Every day, every hour...it hovers, even if the team isn’t interested or Giannis says he isn’t.”

Recent On-Court Struggles (49:31–54:44)

Young guard “growing pains”:
“They tried to put it all together for the last 10 games since Giannis has been back...it just doesn’t look good."
Rotation logjam:
“How do I get the Bucks’ three best players (Giannis, Rollins, Porter Jr.) on the floor when two are point guards who need the ball?”
Bench fall-off:
“As soon as you go to the bench, they fall off the face of the earth ... Giannis complains: ‘Why is it every time that I come back in the game, the lead is gone or we’re down 15?’” (51:20)

Doc Rivers’ Job Security (54:44–58:36)

No signs of firing:
“There’s been ... games I’d call a ‘fireable offense’...we’ve seen no suggestions of that thus far.”
Questionable tactics:
“They have punted on offensive rebounding ... in a league where everyone wants to o-rebound now.”
Strategic apathy:
“What is the identity supposed to be other than, ‘big fella, you’re pretty good at basketball—can you win us the game?’”

Approaching the Trade Deadline (58:36–65:03)

Less likely to trade major future picks:
“When they moved for Kyle Kuzma and Miles Turner, they held on to that future first. They’re protective of their pick equity...and there’s little evidence they’ll give it up for a non-blue-chip.”
Looking for help, but limited now:
“They need wings, desperately ... but their biggest ‘asset’ is $12M below the tax line, which only really comes into play right before the deadline.”

Will Giannis Sign an Extension? (65:03–71:06)

Eric Nehm estimates: “Every time he has been presented with one, he’s signed it...still, I can’t say for sure. But if the Bucks have an opportunity to do so, and Giannis is still on the roster, they’ll offer him that supermax and see if he’ll turn it down.”
Team will likely wait for big moves May/June:
“If you get to draft night, you could have three first-round picks you can move ... you’ll have more options.”

Memorable Quote:

“If you think John Horst is all in, there’s a couple poker chips in his pocket, a couple have fallen on the ground...he is going to keep finding them until the end of time.” – Eric Nehm (68:13)

Andrew Versus the Beat: Bucks Edition (72:30–85:08)

A competitive Bucks-themed trivia contest with Eric Nehm generally trouncing Andrew (Final score: 11–3).

Sample Q:
- “Who led the 15–16 Bucks in total points scored?”
- A: Chris Middleton (73:30)
Q: Who was the last Buck before Giannis to have such a high FT rate?
- A: Corey Maggette (81:49)

Closing & Next Week’s Wheel of Fandom Team (85:46–87:31)

Next week: Chicago Bulls (with speculation: “Are they about to blow it up?”)
Listener reviews read out:
- "This is the best basketball podcast there ever was and ever will be…"

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

SGA’s scoring streak in context

"If you can put yourself in the conversation with anything Wilt did statistically, that's unthinkable..." – Andrew (19:40)
Bucks' predicament

"Giannis has complained, ‘Why is it that when I come back, we’re down 15 and I need to make a comeback?’" – Eric Nehm (53:22)
On Doc Rivers' stubborn tactics

"They have punted on offensive rebounding... in a league where everyone wants to o-rebound now." – Eric Nehm (57:08)
Future of Giannis and the Bucks

"If you think [the GM] is all in, there’s a couple poker chips in his pocket, a couple more have fallen on the ground..." – Eric Nehm (68:13)
On Julius Randle nicknames

“Goosebumps? Is anybody calling him Goosebumps out there?” – Andrew (24:06)

Key Timestamps

Week in Review: 02:37–07:26
Mid-Season Slammies begin: 07:34
SGA scoring streak discussion: 19:40
Bucks segment w/ Eric Nehm starts: 44:21
Bucks trade/extension speculation: 58:36–71:06
Trivia: Andrew vs. The Beat: 72:30–85:08

Takeaway

This episode celebrates the fun and unpredictability of a wild NBA midseason, highlighting the emergence of new stars, the disappointment of former ones, and the confusion that characterizes so many teams’ trajectories. The Bucks’ segment lays bare the dysfunction and fan anxiety around Giannis, the existential uncertainty hanging over the franchise, and the inescapable Doc Rivers drama. As always, Saturday Slam n’ Jam makes the week in the NBA accessible and enjoyable—even for those who missed the games.

For full context, check out the episode or consult The Athletic’s NBA coverage.

The Athletic NBA Daily – “Mid Season Slammies + Will the Bucks Finally Trade Giannis?” | Slam N Jam

Date: January 17, 2026
Hosts: Andrew Schlecht (“Al”), Alex Spears (“Andrew”), Eric Nehm (special guest)

Episode Overview

THE MID-SEASON SLAMMIES AWARDS (07:34–41:48)

A much-loved, irreverent set of NBA awards from Andrew and Al:

“I Wasn’t Familiar With Your Game” Award (08:17–09:27)

Andrew’s pick: Keonte George, Jazz
“He’s had just crazy improvement... I just didn’t think that Keonte was even like a part of their core moving forward and I think he’s got a good chance of being that now.” (08:17)
Al’s pick: The entire Suns team
On their strong performance vs. expectations:
“Overnight they became the gritty, hard-nosed team... Their floor is so much higher than I thought.” (09:27)

“I Thought I Was Familiar With Your Game” (Disappointment of the Year) (09:47–14:58)

Al’s pick: Jared McCain (Sixers) “He had ... a 10-game stretch [as a rookie] ... I was genuinely excited ... it’s just been a bummer so far.”
Andrew’s pick: Evan Mobley (Cavs) “He’s regressed in almost every way this year... I just expected a lot more from Evan Mobley.” (13:12)
- Eric Nehm chimes in: “No.” (Will he get an award this year?)

“There Are No Small Roles” Award (15:14–16:46)

Andrew: Jalen Williams (“J. Will”), Thunder
“He’s just one of their ultimate vibes guys for the team.”
Al: Dennis Jenkins, Detroit
“When anyone is out in their backcourt, he is ready to go... just a break glass in case of emergency guard.”

Favorite Stat Award (18:08–21:36)

Al: Charlotte young core’s net rating (+10.8), optimism despite record.
Andrew: SGA’s mind-blowing 112-game streak of 20+ points, approaching Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time mark.
“He’s one of the most special scorers in the game... you can put yourself in the conversation with anything Wilt did statistically.”

“Say Something Nice” Award (22:42–25:36)

Andrew: Julius Randle, Wolves
“He’s really thriving as this hub... and the dude has, I was looking him up, so many nicknames... Goosebumps?”
Al: Rudy Gobert, Wolves
“Not the biggest Gobert fan, but he’s been so good this season... their D with him on the court is just dominant.”

Anti-League Pass Team of the Year (Least Enjoyable) (25:36–28:40)

Al: Dallas Mavericks
“Part of it is that they’re usually bricking a ton of threes... I need more youth, OK, to get excited.”
Andrew: Milwaukee Bucks
“Watching them this past week... they have Giannis, that’s about it.”

“I Never Stop Believing In You” Award (Still Have Faith) (28:40–31:53)

Andrew: Paolo Banchero, Magic
“He has taken a step back... I think this guy is a superstar still.”
Al: Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies
“People are overreacting just a little bit... If Zach Edie was healthy... we wouldn’t be talking about Triple J the same way.”

“Why Can’t You Just Be Normal” Award (Most Confusing Team) (31:53–35:14)

Al: Cleveland Cavaliers
“I could see them stumbling... I could also see things turning around.”
Andrew: Orlando Magic
“Just begging for someone to be awesome... why can’t we just have an awesome defense and an okay offense?”

“Time Traveler From June 2026” Award (Which Team’s Future Outcome Would You Want Spoiled?) (35:14–37:38)

Andrew: Boston Celtics
“There’s something special about this Boston team... would it surprise you if they made the Finals? No.”
Al: Atlanta Hawks
“Franchise-changing pick coming... what if they tank?”

Bold Prediction for Second Half (37:38–41:48)

Al: Cavs will finish 3rd in the East—favorable schedule gives them a strong late run.
Andrew: Houston Rockets will upset a top-3 West team in the first round. “Still believe in them as a playoff team... they can grind it out.”

Milwaukee Bucks Deep Dive w/ Eric Nehm (44:21–71:22)

Mood in Milwaukee (45:38–49:31)

Worst vibes in years: “So often ... the idea that ... the Bucks can still be a title contender. This year ... you were down your second-best player ... a gaping hole they’re still trying to fill.”
Giannis trade rumors “in the air”:
“Every day, every hour...it hovers, even if the team isn’t interested or Giannis says he isn’t.”

Recent On-Court Struggles (49:31–54:44)

Young guard “growing pains”:
“They tried to put it all together for the last 10 games since Giannis has been back...it just doesn’t look good."
Rotation logjam:
“How do I get the Bucks’ three best players (Giannis, Rollins, Porter Jr.) on the floor when two are point guards who need the ball?”
Bench fall-off:
“As soon as you go to the bench, they fall off the face of the earth ... Giannis complains: ‘Why is it every time that I come back in the game, the lead is gone or we’re down 15?’” (51:20)

Doc Rivers’ Job Security (54:44–58:36)

No signs of firing:
“There’s been ... games I’d call a ‘fireable offense’...we’ve seen no suggestions of that thus far.”
Questionable tactics:
“They have punted on offensive rebounding ... in a league where everyone wants to o-rebound now.”
Strategic apathy:
“What is the identity supposed to be other than, ‘big fella, you’re pretty good at basketball—can you win us the game?’”

Approaching the Trade Deadline (58:36–65:03)

Less likely to trade major future picks:
“When they moved for Kyle Kuzma and Miles Turner, they held on to that future first. They’re protective of their pick equity...and there’s little evidence they’ll give it up for a non-blue-chip.”
Looking for help, but limited now:
“They need wings, desperately ... but their biggest ‘asset’ is $12M below the tax line, which only really comes into play right before the deadline.”

Will Giannis Sign an Extension? (65:03–71:06)

Eric Nehm estimates: “Every time he has been presented with one, he’s signed it...still, I can’t say for sure. But if the Bucks have an opportunity to do so, and Giannis is still on the roster, they’ll offer him that supermax and see if he’ll turn it down.”
Team will likely wait for big moves May/June:
“If you get to draft night, you could have three first-round picks you can move ... you’ll have more options.”

Memorable Quote:

“If you think John Horst is all in, there’s a couple poker chips in his pocket, a couple have fallen on the ground...he is going to keep finding them until the end of time.” – Eric Nehm (68:13)

Andrew Versus the Beat: Bucks Edition (72:30–85:08)

A competitive Bucks-themed trivia contest with Eric Nehm generally trouncing Andrew (Final score: 11–3).

Sample Q:
- “Who led the 15–16 Bucks in total points scored?”
- A: Chris Middleton (73:30)
Q: Who was the last Buck before Giannis to have such a high FT rate?
- A: Corey Maggette (81:49)

Closing & Next Week’s Wheel of Fandom Team (85:46–87:31)

Next week: Chicago Bulls (with speculation: “Are they about to blow it up?”)
Listener reviews read out:
- "This is the best basketball podcast there ever was and ever will be…"

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

SGA’s scoring streak in context

"If you can put yourself in the conversation with anything Wilt did statistically, that's unthinkable..." – Andrew (19:40)
Bucks' predicament

"Giannis has complained, ‘Why is it that when I come back, we’re down 15 and I need to make a comeback?’" – Eric Nehm (53:22)
On Doc Rivers' stubborn tactics

"They have punted on offensive rebounding... in a league where everyone wants to o-rebound now." – Eric Nehm (57:08)
Future of Giannis and the Bucks

"If you think [the GM] is all in, there’s a couple poker chips in his pocket, a couple more have fallen on the ground..." – Eric Nehm (68:13)
On Julius Randle nicknames

“Goosebumps? Is anybody calling him Goosebumps out there?” – Andrew (24:06)

Key Timestamps

Week in Review: 02:37–07:26
Mid-Season Slammies begin: 07:34
SGA scoring streak discussion: 19:40
Bucks segment w/ Eric Nehm starts: 44:21
Bucks trade/extension speculation: 58:36–71:06
Trivia: Andrew vs. The Beat: 72:30–85:08

Takeaway

For full context, check out the episode or consult The Athletic’s NBA coverage.

Mid Season Slammies + Will the Bucks Finally Trade Giannis? | Slam N Jam

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Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily – “Mid Season Slammies + Will the Bucks Finally Trade Giannis?” | Slam N Jam

Episode Overview

Top NBA Stories This Week (02:37–07:26)

THE MID-SEASON SLAMMIES AWARDS (07:34–41:48)

“I Wasn’t Familiar With Your Game” Award (08:17–09:27)

“I Thought I Was Familiar With Your Game” (Disappointment of the Year) (09:47–14:58)

“There Are No Small Roles” Award (15:14–16:46)

Favorite Stat Award (18:08–21:36)

“Say Something Nice” Award (22:42–25:36)

Anti-League Pass Team of the Year (Least Enjoyable) (25:36–28:40)

“I Never Stop Believing In You” Award (Still Have Faith) (28:40–31:53)

“Why Can’t You Just Be Normal” Award (Most Confusing Team) (31:53–35:14)

“Time Traveler From June 2026” Award (Which Team’s Future Outcome Would You Want Spoiled?) (35:14–37:38)

Bold Prediction for Second Half (37:38–41:48)

Milwaukee Bucks Deep Dive w/ Eric Nehm (44:21–71:22)

Mood in Milwaukee (45:38–49:31)

Recent On-Court Struggles (49:31–54:44)

Doc Rivers’ Job Security (54:44–58:36)

Approaching the Trade Deadline (58:36–65:03)

Will Giannis Sign an Extension? (65:03–71:06)

Andrew Versus the Beat: Bucks Edition (72:30–85:08)

Closing & Next Week’s Wheel of Fandom Team (85:46–87:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Takeaway

Summary

The Athletic NBA Daily – “Mid Season Slammies + Will the Bucks Finally Trade Giannis?” | Slam N Jam

Episode Overview

Top NBA Stories This Week (02:37–07:26)

THE MID-SEASON SLAMMIES AWARDS (07:34–41:48)

“I Wasn’t Familiar With Your Game” Award (08:17–09:27)

“I Thought I Was Familiar With Your Game” (Disappointment of the Year) (09:47–14:58)

“There Are No Small Roles” Award (15:14–16:46)

Favorite Stat Award (18:08–21:36)

“Say Something Nice” Award (22:42–25:36)

Anti-League Pass Team of the Year (Least Enjoyable) (25:36–28:40)

“I Never Stop Believing In You” Award (Still Have Faith) (28:40–31:53)

“Why Can’t You Just Be Normal” Award (Most Confusing Team) (31:53–35:14)

“Time Traveler From June 2026” Award (Which Team’s Future Outcome Would You Want Spoiled?) (35:14–37:38)

Bold Prediction for Second Half (37:38–41:48)

Milwaukee Bucks Deep Dive w/ Eric Nehm (44:21–71:22)

Mood in Milwaukee (45:38–49:31)

Recent On-Court Struggles (49:31–54:44)

Doc Rivers’ Job Security (54:44–58:36)

Approaching the Trade Deadline (58:36–65:03)

Will Giannis Sign an Extension? (65:03–71:06)

Andrew Versus the Beat: Bucks Edition (72:30–85:08)

Closing & Next Week’s Wheel of Fandom Team (85:46–87:31)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Key Timestamps

Takeaway