Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily
Episode: Mitchell Robinson Injury + What Now for the Knicks? | Offensive Predictions
Release Date: September 25, 2024
Host: Dave DeFore and Mo Decil
Introduction
In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Dave DeFore and Mo Decil delve into pressing issues surrounding the New York Knicks, particularly focusing on the significant injury to Mitchell Robinson and its implications for the team's upcoming season. Additionally, they provide comprehensive offensive predictions, analyzing which NBA teams are poised to dominate offensively in the forthcoming year.
Mitchell Robinson's Injury and the Knicks' Future
Mitchell Robinson’s Status: The episode opens with unsettling news for Knicks fans. Mitchell Robinson, a cornerstone of the Knicks' roster, will miss the start of the season due to ankle surgery. Dave DeFore announces, “Mitchell Robinson is going to start the season without him. He will be unavailable until sometime in December or January” (05:24). This injury stems from an incident during the playoffs against the Sixers, where Robinson tangled with Joel Embiid.
Impact on the Knicks: Mo Decil emphasizes the severity of the situation, stating, “They don't have a center on the roster” (06:26). Without Isaiah Hartenstein to back him up, the Knicks find themselves without a traditional center, forcing them to adjust their game plan. DeFore and Decil discuss the Knicks' reliance on a smaller lineup, suggesting that general rebounding must become a team effort to compensate for Robinson's absence.
Possible Solutions: The hosts debate potential avenues the Knicks might explore to address the center position. Decil proposes, “I have two names for you, Dave… Goga Bataze with the Orlando Magic” (10:02), and suggests Clint Capela in Atlanta as another viable option. However, both hosts agree that any trade should be approached cautiously, without rushing into decisions based on pre-season uncertainties.
Strategic Adjustments: Despite the setback, the Knicks retain depth with players like Josh Hart and Dante DiVincenzo capable of contributing to offensive rebounds. DeFore remarks, “It's the one nice thing about them is that everyone there does rebound” (07:51), highlighting the team’s inherent strengths that can mitigate the loss of Robinson.
Offensive Predictions for the Upcoming Season
The bulk of the episode focuses on predicting the top offensive teams in the NBA for the upcoming season, analyzing changes from the previous year and assessing team adjustments.
1. Boston Celtics
Expectations: The Celtics are projected to maintain a high offensive ranking despite losing key players like Porzingis. Mo Decil asserts, “Jason Tatum, Jalen Brown, pretty freaking good. They’re going to be the reasons why they stay in the top five in terms of offensive rating” (15:35). The presence of Jrue Holiday and Derrick White further solidifies their offensive prowess.
Key Insights: Decil notes that the Celtics’ offensive strength lies in their star players, which will continue to drive their high rankings. However, their defensive capabilities may see a dip, placing more emphasis on outscoring opponents to secure victories.
2. Indiana Pacers
Leadership in Offense: DeFore and Decil consider the Pacers as likely candidates for the top offensive rankings. Decil confidently states, “They’re in the mix and I think it’s Boston” (18:23), yet he leans slightly towards Indiana’s offensive consistency.
Team Dynamics: With Pascal Siakam back and Benedict Mathurin’s return, the Pacers are expected to enhance both their offensive speed and efficiency. Decil highlights their balanced approach, “There's no reason for them to be different offensively” (18:23), reinforcing their position as a formidable offensive force.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Dual Threat: The Thunder are highlighted as a potential powerhouse, combining both offensive and defensive strengths. Decil comments, “I honestly it wouldn’t shock me if they led the league in both offense and defense” (24:26), citing the addition of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein as key factors.
Offensive and Defensive Balance: With emerging talents like Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, coupled with strategic acquisitions, the Thunder are poised to excel on both ends of the court. Their ability to play a fast-paced transition game further augments their offensive capabilities.
4. Los Angeles Lakers
Challenges Ahead: Despite finishing last season with the fourth-best offense, the Lakers face uncertainties. Decil expresses skepticism, stating, “Too many variables” (26:01), citing the team’s age, new coaching strategies, and reliance on star players like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Offensive Outlook: The Lakers’ offensive potential is fragmented, with concerns over integrating new systems under coach Mike Budenholzer and the health of key players. Decil concludes that the Lakers may struggle to consistently rank in the top five offensively due to these complexities.
5. Phoenix Suns
Incremental Improvement: Phoenix is expected to see gradual offensive enhancements with the second-year under coach Budenholzer. Decil acknowledges, “They’ll see a bump in their offense” (27:30), primarily through improved playmaking around Devin Booker.
Future Prospects: Though Phoenix has the tools to improve, Decil remains cautious, noting that while they may not break into the top five offense immediately, their strategic additions could set the stage for future success.
6. Golden State Warriors
Potential for Excellence: Mo Decil highlights the Warriors as a wild card with the potential to ascend to the top five in both offense and defense. He remarks, “If I'm scouting against them two guys to Steph, let's see what the rest of the guys can do” (28:40), underscoring the depth and versatility of their roster.
Balanced Strength: With stellar performances expected from players like Stephen Curry and the strategic integration of key role players, the Warriors could emerge as a dominant force, leveraging both their offensive firepower and defensive strategies.
Conclusion
Dave DeFore and Mo Decil provide a thorough analysis of the upcoming NBA season's offensive landscape, identifying key teams expected to excel and discussing the strategic adjustments necessary for the Knicks in the absence of Mitchell Robinson. The episode underscores the dynamic nature of the NBA, where injuries, trades, and strategic shifts can significantly influence team performance. Listeners are left with a nuanced understanding of the potential top offensive teams and the challenges facing the New York Knicks as they navigate the new season without a pivotal player.
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
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Mitchell Robinson Injury:
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Potential Trade Targets:
- Mo Decil: “I have two names for you, Dave… Goga Bataze with the Orlando Magic.” (10:02)
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Offensive Predictions:
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Lakers Outlook:
- Mo Decil: “Too many variables.” (26:01)
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Warriors Potential:
- Mo Decil: “If I'm scouting against them two guys to Steph, let's see what the rest of the guys can do.” (28:40)
Timestamps
- 05:24: Mitchell Robinson Injury Announcement
- 06:26: Lack of a Center on the Knicks' Roster
- 07:51: Knicks' Rebounding Strategy
- 08:19: Discussing Trade Options
- 10:02: Suggested Trade Targets for the Knicks
- 15:35: Boston Celtics' Offensive Strength
- 17:55: Indiana Pacers' Offensive Consistency
- 18:23: Oklahoma City Thunder's Dual Strength
- 24:26: Warriors' Balanced Potential
- 26:01: Los Angeles Lakers' Offensive Challenges
- 27:30: Phoenix Suns' Incremental Improvement
- 28:40: Golden State Warriors' Potential Dominance
For more insights and detailed analyses, listen to the full episode of The Athletic NBA Daily on your preferred podcast platform.