Podcast Summary: The Athletic NBA Daily – "Who is Taking a Leap Next Season?"

Release Date: July 7, 2025

Hosts:

• Dave DeFore
• Esper Henny
• Xena Keita

1. Major Trades and Team Dynamics

Utah Jazz Three-Team Trade

The episode kicks off with a significant discussion about a recent three-team trade involving the Utah Jazz, LA Clippers, and Miami Heat. The trade sends Power Forward John Collins to the Clippers, Shooting Guard Norman Powell to Miami, and Power Forwards Kyle Anderson and Kevin Love to Utah. Additionally, the Jazz receive a Clippers' 2027 second-round pick.

Clippers' Strategic Shift

Xena Keita raises concerns about the Clippers' decision to trade away their best player, Norman Powell, who was contributing 25 points per game. She questions whether the Clippers are prioritizing financial flexibility over on-court performance:

"This is about Norm. I think Norm is a really good scorer... Losing a guy like that is huge. And you know, it's all about money."
[05:35] – Xena Keita

Esper Henny adds that while Powell was a strong scorer, his defensive shortcomings are now more evident, especially in Miami's lineup alongside Tyler Herro:

"Norm is a really good scorer. He’s got some defensive issues that are now going to be very apparent in Miami."
[06:15] – Esper Henny

Clippers' Future Prospects

The hosts debate whether the Clippers can still contend in the Western Conference after the trade. Dave DeFore suggests that without Powell's scoring depth, the Clippers might struggle to maintain their standings:

"I personally think the Clippers take a step back here. I think they get worse in the trade."
[06:30] – Dave DeFore

Esper counters by emphasizing the potential benefits of acquiring John Collins, such as added size, rebounding, and rim protection:

"All the elite teams have two bigs at any time. John Collins can play with both Zubac and Brook Lopez if he becomes their fifth starter."
[07:00] – Esper Henny

2. Utah Jazz's Tanking Strategy

Signs of Continued Tanking

The discussion shifts to the Utah Jazz, with the hosts analyzing whether the team is genuinely avoiding tanking or if recent moves signal an ongoing strategy to rebuild:

"Since Austin Age said we are no longer tanking... The moves they've made suggest they are still tanking."
[13:35] – Esper Henny

Xena Keita points out several actions by the Jazz that contradict their claim of not tanking, including trading Colin Sexton for Yusuf Nurkic and buying out Jordan Clarkson:

"They traded Colin Sexton for Yusuf Nurkic... It's code for we're not going to tank. It's code for we are going to suck."
[13:10] – Xena Keita

Esper Henny concurs, stating that the Jazz are likely in a "bad development season," which ultimately translates to continued tanking:

"This is about being a bad development season."
[13:44] – Esper Henny

3. Summer League Insights

Pre-Summer League Tournaments

Moving into the summer league segment, the hosts discuss the emergence of pre-summer league tournaments like the California Classic and Salt Lake City Classic. Xena Keita advocates for more localized summer leagues, highlighting their benefits in providing playing opportunities and exposure for undrafted and undermanaged players:

"This gives an opportunity for different roster guys that are trying to make teams... It makes sense to me. I like it."
[26:54] – Xena Keita

Player Performances and Potential

The hosts analyze standout performances from summer league participants, notably Vijay Edem and Amen Thompson. Dave DeFore praises Edem's dynamic offensive play:

"He was able to come from a bunch of different spaces. I like that."
[36:31] – Xena Keita

Esper Henny discusses the importance of physical readiness and skill adaptability, emphasizing how summer league serves as a testing ground for both rookies and second-year players:

"For first-year players, it's about physical shape and how they handle themselves around coaches and the media."
[32:43] – Esper Henny

4. Players Poised to Make Significant Leaps

Amen Thompson – Houston Rockets

Esper Henny identifies Amen Thompson as a top candidate poised for a breakout season with the Rockets, especially with the addition of Kevin Durant enhancing the team's offensive capabilities:

"Amen Thompson is the number one guy on my list for next season to take a jump."
[41:12] – Esper Henny

Andrew Nemhard – Indiana Pacers

Andrew Nemhard is highlighted for his potential to elevate his game in the absence of Tyrese Halliburton, assuming increased playmaking responsibilities:

"Andrew Nemhard can be a great lead ball handler and has the opportunity to take on a larger offensive role."
[43:45] – Xena Keita

Deandre Ayton – LA Clippers

Deandre Ayton is discussed as another player who could significantly improve, contingent on adapting to the Clippers' system and maintaining focus amidst the team's star-studded environment:

"Deandre Ayton has the opportunity to show he can excel if placed in the right structure."
[46:27] – Dave DeFore

5. Teams Likely to Experience Significant Improvements

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks are forecasted to make a considerable leap, bolstered by strong performances in the summer and the return of key players like Jalen Johnson:

"The Atlanta Hawks feel like they might have an Eastern Conference Finals run next year if everything breaks right."
[49:02] – Esper Henny

Xena Keita emphasizes the importance of Cristaps Porzingis's health for the Hawks' success:

"Porzingis's health is crucial as he completes the Hawks' puzzle with his rim protection and shooting."
[49:33] – Xena Keita

Orlando Magic

Dave DeFore predicts a leap for the Orlando Magic, citing their improved chemistry and strategic acquisitions under coach Jamal Mosley:

"I think the Orlando Magic are going to make a leap this year... with Jamal Mosley at the helm, anything is possible."
[55:05] – Dave DeFore

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs are also mentioned as a team on the rise, thanks to the development of players like Devin Bissell and the integration of new talent such as Connor Bryant and Dylan Harper:

"San Antonio is my true leap team; players are gelling well, and the new additions promise a strong season."
[52:29] – Dave DeFore

6. Closing Remarks and Team Rankings

In the concluding segments, the hosts engage in a playful ranking of Eastern Conference teams against the Toronto Raptors, debating the potential of teams like the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, and Brooklyn Nets. They emphasize the unpredictability of team performances and the impact of upcoming seasons:

"Boston, Indiana... The Sixers are not going to be a 24-win team. They have to be."
[59:25] – Esper Henny

"The Miami Heat are about similar to the Raptors. We just started this whole show with Norm Powell being phenom."
[58:50] – Dave DeFore

Dave DeFore wraps up by reiterating the excitement around potential team improvements and the dynamic nature of the NBA season.

Notable Quotes:

• Xena Keita [05:35]: "This is about Norm. I think Norm is a really good scorer... Losing a guy like that is huge. And you know, it's all about money."

• Esper Henny [13:35]: "This is about being a bad development season."

• Esper Henny [41:12]: "Amen Thompson is the number one guy on my list for next season to take a jump."

• Dave DeFore [46:27]: "Deandre Ayton has the opportunity to show he can excel if placed in the right structure."

Conclusion:

In this episode of The Athletic NBA Daily, the hosts delve deep into the ramifications of major trades, evaluate promising player performances in the summer leagues, and speculate on which players and teams are poised for significant improvements in the upcoming NBA season. Through insightful analysis and engaging discussions, Dave DeFore, Esper Henny, and Xena Keita provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current NBA landscape, highlighting the dynamic shifts and potential breakout stars that could shape the future of professional basketball.