Podcast Summary: NBA Awards "The Slammies" + The Blazers Future | Slam N Jam

Podcast Information

• Title: The Athletic NBA Daily
• Host/Authors: Andrew Schlecht, Alex Spears
• Guest: Mike Richmond (Locked on Blazers Podcast)
• Episode: NBA Awards "The Slammies" + The Blazers Future | Slam N Jam
• Release Date: April 12, 2025

Introduction

In the April 12, 2025 episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, hosts Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears dive deep into the latest NBA happenings, present their annual "Slammies" awards, and explore the future of the Portland Trail Blazers with special guest Mike Richmond of the Locked on Blazers podcast. The discussion covers significant team moves, standout performances, and strategic decisions shaping the league as the playoffs approach.

Top NBA Stories of the Week

Denver Nuggets Fire Coach and GM

• Timestamp: [03:03]

  Andrew Schlecht opens the episode by highlighting the Denver Nuggets' surprising decision to part ways with head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth with only three games remaining in the season. Malone, who led the team to a championship in 2023, and Booth, responsible for key trades and drafts, had growing tensions over team-building strategies. The Nuggets, currently fourth in the Western Conference, have seen Russell Westbrook's reduced playing time as a point of contention. David Adelman steps in as the interim coach, securing a win against Sacramento.

  "Discover believe it or not, Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide." [00:48]

Los Angeles Lakers' Remarkable Three-Point Spree

• Timestamp: [03:03]

  The Lakers made headlines by hitting 15 three-pointers in the first half of consecutive games against the Oklahoma City Thunder, tying a franchise record. However, the festivities were marred when Luka Dončić was ejected for an altercation with referee J.T. Orr after a basket.

  "The Lakers next game was one of the more anticipated games of the season... he dropped 45 in his return, leading the Lakers to the 11297 win." [03:03]

Dallas Mavericks' Luka Dončić Trade Fallout

• Timestamp: [03:03]

  Andrew discusses the backlash from the Mavericks' decision to trade Luka Dončić, projecting significant financial losses due to decreased fan engagement and sponsorships.

  "In an article this week on ESPN, Tim McMahon reported that Team sources told him the decision to trade Luka will probably cost the franchise nine figures over the next several years..." [03:03]

Milwaukee Bucks' Comeback Victory

• Timestamp: [06:10]

  The Bucks showcased their resilience by overcoming a 24-point deficit in a game against the Wolves, finishing with a remarkable 39-point run.

  "Milwaukee finished that game on a 398 run." [06:10]

Hall of Fame Induction for Dwight Howard

• Timestamp: [06:10]

  The episode celebrates Dwight Howard's induction into the Hall of Fame, honoring his illustrious career, including eight All-Star selections and multiple defensive accolades.

  "So congrats to Dwight and those were the top stories this week." [06:10]

The Slammies: Season-Ending Awards

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Spears present their annual Slammies, celebrating standout performances and memorable moments from the NBA season.

Stat of the Season Award

• Winner: Houston Rockets
• Presenter: Alex Spears
• Timestamp: [09:20]

Alex highlights the Rockets' impressive offensive efficiency against top-tier teams, noting their fifth-place ranking in offensive performance when facing the league's best.

"Against teams with a top 10 point differential... The Rockets are fifth overall in offensive efficiency." [09:20]

Andrew adds to the discussion by praising the Oklahoma City Thunder's resilience, particularly their 18-10 record in games where they trailed by 10 points or more.

"The Thunder are 18 and 10 in games that they trail by 10 points or more... show the resiliency of this Thunder squad." [10:51]

Quote of the Year Award

• Winner: Jason Kidd's Statement on Mavs Trade
• Presenter: Alex Spears
• Timestamp: [12:39]

Alex awards Jason Kidd for his stoic remark post-Luka Dončić trade, emphasizing the business aspect of the NBA.

"When Jason Kidd was asked to address Mavs fans who feel hopeless post Luka trade, he said, 'This is a business. It happens.'" [12:39]

Andrew criticizes the Mavericks' front office for their lack of empathy and strategic vision, underscoring the negative impact of their decisions.

"The Mavericks' obliviousness has been the defining feature of that organization post trade." [15:02]

Best Take of the Year Award

• Winner: Skepticism Towards Memphis Grizzlies' Contention
• Presenter: Alex Spears
• Timestamp: [41:33]

Alex commends his early skepticism about the Grizzlies' potential as serious contenders, highlighting their inconsistent schedule performance.

"I did not buy into this Grizzlies team... I just think going into this offseason, like, there has to be something else added to this team." [41:33]

Andrew counters with his optimistic view of the Atlanta Hawks, believing in their growth and potential to surprise in the Eastern Conference.

"I like the Hawks. I think they can have some growth and have a bounce back year... could surprise next year in the Eastern Conference." [43:06]

Additional Awards

• Future is Now Old Man Award

  • Winner: Franz Wagner
  • Presenter: Alex Spears
  • Timestamp: [22:12]

  Recognizing Franz Wagner's significant improvement and potential to be a top 20 player in the next season.

  "Franz Wagner is my pick... usage skyrocketed... he's going to be a top 20 player by the end of next season." [22:12]

• At Least You're Not Nico Harrison Award

  • Winner: DeAndre Ayton and Zach Kleiman Trade
  • Presenter: Alex Spears
  • Timestamp: [38:37]

  Awarded for the worst in-season decision not involving Nico Harrison, critiquing the Grizzlies' trade strategy.

  "They made themselves worse, which is inevitable... they also limited their future flexibility by trading for the Levine contract." [38:37]

• Pleasant Surprise Award

  • Winner: Houston Rockets
  • Presenter: Alex Spears
  • Timestamp: [33:33]

  Celebrating the Rockets' unexpected competitiveness and balanced team performance.

  "I'm just pleasantly surprised by how good they've been... they've beaten a lot of good teams." [33:33]

• Worst Take of the Year Award

  • Winner: Alex Spears took the Cleveland Cavaliers under in their performance.
  • Presenter: Alex Spears
  • Timestamp: [45:40]

  Alex expresses embarrassment over underestimating the Cavaliers, acknowledging the misjudgment in their potential.

  "I am embarrassed by that. And it was so wrong." [45:40]

• Bold Prediction for the NBA Playoffs Award

  • Winner: Andrew Schlecht - Detroit Pistons advancing to Round Two
  • Presenter: Alex Spears
  • Timestamp: [50:24]

  Andrew makes a daring prediction for the playoffs, selecting the Detroit Pistons to advance, highlighting the boldness of the claim.

  "There’s my bold and spicy take right there." [50:24]

Guest Segment: Mike Richmond on the Portland Trail Blazers

Special guest Mike Richmond joins Andrew and Alex to dissect the Portland Trail Blazers' current state and future trajectory.

Evaluation of GM Joe Cronin's Performance

• Timestamp: [56:42]

Mike discusses GM Joe Cronin's mixed performance, acknowledging his efforts in rebuilding the team post-Damian Lillard while expressing uncertainty about the merit of his contract extension.

"It's so mixed his overall performance... His vision remains a bit mystifying." [57:10]

Shaden Sharp's Development

• Timestamp: [59:59]

Mike praises Shaden Sharp's improvement, particularly his defensive skills and enhanced offensive contributions, providing insights into his evolving role on the team.

"Shaden Sharp has been fantastic defensively and has shown significant offensive improvement." [63:40]

Draft Prospects and Team Needs

• Timestamp: [66:04]

Analyzing potential draft picks, Mike emphasizes the Blazers' need for shooting and discusses prospects like Con Canipple and Rasheed Fleming, evaluating their fit with the current roster.

"They need someone with shooting capabilities... prospects like Con Canipple could be a fit." [66:04]

Future Moves and Team Strategy

• Timestamp: [68:06]

Mike advocates for structural changes within the Blazers, suggesting the possibility of trading veterans to make room for young talent, while recognizing the challenges in executing such moves.

"They need to decide whether to pivot for the long term by trading veterans or continue building as they have." [68:06]

Portland Trail Blazers Trivia Competition

• Timestamp: [71:35]

Andrew and Mike engage in a trivia showdown focused on the Blazers' history, three-point records, and player statistics. Mike's in-depth knowledge helps him excel, particularly in questions about franchise records and historical player achievements.

"Terry Porter was number five on the list." [73:08]

Conclusion

The episode concludes with the hosts encouraging listeners to leave five-star reviews and share their thoughts on the discussions. They hint at upcoming playoff previews and express excitement for the ongoing Western Conference race.

"Let us know what you agree with, disagree with. Leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts, and we'll read it on the show." [51:12]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Alex Spears on Houston Rockets' Performance:

  "Against teams with a top 10 point differential... The Rockets are fifth overall in offensive efficiency." [09:20]

• Jason Kidd's Quote on Mavs Trade:

  "This is a business. It happens." [12:39]

• Andrew Schlecht on Thunder's Resilience:

  "The Thunder are 18 and 10 in games that they trail by 10 points or more... show the resiliency of this Thunder squad." [10:51]

• Mike Richmond on Joe Cronin's Vision:

  "His vision remains a bit mystifying." [57:10]

• Andrew Schlecht's Bold Playoff Prediction:

  "There’s my bold and spicy take right there." [50:24]

Key Takeaways

• The Denver Nuggets are undergoing significant leadership changes amidst a turbulent season.
• The Los Angeles Lakers have displayed exceptional three-point shooting but faced disciplinary actions.
• The Dallas Mavericks' trade of Luka Dončić is poised to have long-term negative repercussions.
• The Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder have demonstrated impressive performances against top-tier teams.
• Dwight Howard's induction into the Hall of Fame is a highlight of the week.
• The Slammies awarded the Houston Rockets, Jason Kidd's notable quote, skepticism towards the Grizzlies, and the Atlanta Hawks' potential as key recognitions.
• Mike Richmond provided an in-depth analysis of the Portland Trail Blazers, focusing on management decisions, player development, and future strategy.
• The trivia segment showcased Mike Richmond's extensive knowledge of the Blazers, reinforcing his expertise as a guest.

This episode offers a comprehensive overview of the current NBA landscape, insightful award recognitions, and an expert perspective on the Portland Trail Blazers' future, making it a valuable listen for basketball enthusiasts.