Hoops Tonight – Trades Lakers, Warriors, Celtics Can Make to Level Up + Nuggets & Thunder Weak Spots | NBA Mailbag

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts and The Volume)
Episode Date: January 10, 2026
Host: Jason Timpf

Episode Overview

Jason Timpf hosts a packed NBA-focused “mailbag” episode covering crucial trade scenarios for the Lakers, Warriors, and Celtics, explores the Denver Nuggets’ impressive resilience without Jokic, breaks down systemic weak points for contenders like the Nuggets and Thunder, and answers thoughtful listener questions on basketball philosophy, defense, and team-building. Throughout, Jason backs up opinions with sharp tactical and analytical observations, blending in select trade targets, in-depth player and team evaluations, and macro-level NBA philosophies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nuggets vs. Celtics and Warriors vs. Bucks Recap

(00:35 – 09:45)

• Nuggets’ Formula Without Jokic:
  • Nuggets leaned into athleticism, defense, and switching to compensate for Jokic's absence.
  • Jamal Murray assumed “take us home” scoring role in the clutch.
  • Key performances from Zeke Nnaji and Peyton Watson, with Nnaji maintaining size and versatility in small-ball looks.
• Defensive Execution vs. Boston:
  • The Nuggets effectively switched through Boston’s actions and stymied their usually unbeatable catch-and-shoot looks.
  • Boston’s potent offense (125+ rating over recent weeks) was largely kept in check—especially late.
  • Quote: “The Nuggets did a wonderful job of communicating and switching through Boston's actions, which prevented the easy catch and shoot threes.” (04:55)
• Murray’s Playmaking and Shot Creation:
  • Nuggets’ late-game offense featured surgical use of Murray—double pin-downs, drives, and decisive kickouts.
  • Notable sequences: Jalen Pickett’s big pullup (08:05), Peyton Watson’s three after a skip pass (08:20).
• Warriors vs. Bucks:
  • Warriors’ halfcourt offense showed major growth (117 offensive rating).
  • Steph Curry excelled using the midrange, exploiting Milwaukee’s defend-over-the-top scheme.
  • Second-chance points (22–4 edge for GS) and hot shooting from Moody/Melton provided a lift.
  • Draymond Green showed renewed defensive focus following his much-publicized blowup with Steve Kerr.
  • Quote: “Confrontation can be good because it's how you hold people accountable... That blow up with Steve Kerr actually helped get him back on track.” (09:00)
• Outlook for Warriors and Celtics:
  • Both building momentum; if Boston cleans up late-game execution, they’re legit threats.

2. NBA Mailbag: Deep-Dive Questions & Answers

A. Atlanta Hawks as a Basketball Philosophy Case Study

(11:00 – 17:30)

• Jason stands by his “athletes who can dribble, shoot, pass, and switch” philosophy but notes injuries and lackluster defense from certain wings (Jalen Johnson, Zachary Risache) as major hindrances.
• Hawks’ plus-.500 record without Young/Porzingis is “something,” but not wholly validating or invalidating of his philosophy.
• Quote: “If Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis had played in most of the games and the team was still below .500… then I’d have to take a bigger look at it.” (16:00)

B. Two-Way Versatility vs. Surgical Execution: Value in Building Elite Teams

(17:45 – 24:30)

• Jason maintains halfcourt creation against elite defenses remains the hardest box to check, though two-way versatility is valuable.
• Uses Anthony Davis as an example: vital defense but cannot “break down an elite defense.”
• Cites Jokic and Luka Doncic as “halfcourt surgeons” who outweigh certain defensive gaps with their singular offensive value.
• Quote: “Fundamentally the hardest trait to find in the NBA is: can you break down elite defense? That's why I look at that as such a valuable trait.” (23:30)

C. Oklahoma City's Defensive Scheme: Giving Up Corner Threes

(24:35 – 29:30)

• Explains OKC’s aggressive defense: heavy ball pressure, traps, and willing to give up corner threes/fouls in exchange for transition opportunities and turnovers.
• Thunder lead NBA with 25 points per game off turnovers.
• Defensive system is justifiable given Thunder’s sometimes-limited halfcourt offense.
• Playoff adjustments are expected if a team (like Denver) exploits the system over a series.
• Quote: “In the aggregate, it unlocks this transition part of our offense.” (27:57)

D. Celtics’ Center Trade Targets

(29:35 – 32:45)

• Boston’s cap situation limits viable targets.
• Realistic center targets: Vucevic (most intriguing for a discounted multi-year option), Daniel Gafford, Robert Williams (health issues), Walker Kessler, Nick Claxton (expense), Sabonis (unlikely to be moved).
• Vucevic’s skillset (shooting, post presence) and financial fit make him Jason’s preferred realistic option.
• Suggests a “two-look” rotation with Nimi Kata (vertical/rim protection) and Vucevic (shooting/post).
• Quote: “What if you stick around with us for, you know, two years on this like really heavily discounted deal, and it's like Kada-Vucevic—the two different looks that the Celtics go with at center.” (32:00)

E. Defense: Physical Tools, Effort, or Intelligence?

(34:48 – 36:48)

• Jason sees execution (anticipation, positioning) as the biggest factor for most defenders, but says you can’t be atrocious at any of the three—athleticism, effort, intelligence.
• Uses Lakers’ Jake LaRavia as an example: “not exceptionally big or fast” but effective due to skill, effort, anticipation.
• Quote: “Physical... You kind of have to have all three. If you have great physical gifts and anticipation but a shit motor, that’s a problem.” (36:00)

F. Warriors’ Potential Mega Trade: Claxton/MPJ for Draymond

(36:55 – 38:15)

• MPJ’s large salary is why Draymond needs to be in trade talks.
• Warriors could benefit from Nick Claxton’s rim protection in matchups where Draymond’s versatility is less impactful.
• Quote: “Even though Draymond’s a very good defensive player, what he doesn’t necessarily provide is that vertical rim protection.” (37:45)

G. Lakers’ Offense: LeBron-Centric vs. Luka-Centric

(38:18 – 40:22)

• Rejects idea that one ball-handling style is superior on principle; both LeBron and Luka should play to their strengths, especially when Austin Reaves is healthy to share playmaking load.
• “Heliocentric” play isn’t inherently problematic; it’s about execution and support.
• Quote: “I just thought Luka wasn’t playing well… Luka needs to play like the best version of Luka, and LeBron needs to keep playing like the best version of LeBron.” (39:00)

H. Jokic’s Impact vs. Nuggets’ Supporting Cast

(40:26 – 41:50)

• Nuggets’ recent wins without Jokic reflect the team’s unified mission, not evidence that Jokic is overrated.
• MPJ’s play in Brooklyn is more about fit and opportunity; supports the philosophy that basketball is a team sport, “superstars never win alone.”
• Quote: “This idea that superstars go and win titles by their own is just flat out stupid.” (41:15)

I. Timberwolves, Julius Randle’s Style, and Playoff Ceiling

(41:54 – 43:59)

• Randle’s size and diverse scoring is a plus in playoffs, but mental lapses/disengagement remain a concern.
• The Timberwolves are trending up as a contender, led by Anthony Edwards and positive developments from the supporting cast.
• Quote: “My issues with Randle are not necessarily his style, it’s just his mentality... I’d prefer to see those nights end in him doing everything in his power to win the damn game.” (43:00)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “[The Nuggets] did a wonderful job of communicating and switching through Boston’s actions, which prevented the easy catch and shoot threes.” – Jason (04:55)
• “[Jamal Murray] deserves consideration for All-NBA with the level he’s been playing at this season.” – Jason (08:15)
• “If Trae Young and Kristaps Porzingis had played in most of the games and the team was still below .500… then I’d have to take a bigger look at it.” – Jason (16:00)
• “Fundamentally the hardest trait to find in the NBA is: can you break down elite defense? That's why I look at that as such a valuable trait.” – Jason (23:30)
• “In the aggregate, it unlocks this transition part of our offense.” – Jason on OKC’s defense (27:57)
• “Physical... You kind of have to have all three. If you have great physical gifts and anticipation but a shit motor, that’s a problem.” – Jason (36:00)
• “Even though Draymond’s a very good defensive player, what he doesn’t necessarily provide is that vertical rim protection.” – Jason (37:45)
• “This idea that superstars go and win titles by their own is just flat out stupid.” – Jason (41:15)
• “My issues with Randle are not necessarily his style, it’s just his mentality.” – Jason (43:00)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Nuggets/Celtics & Warriors/Bucks recap: 00:35 – 09:45
• Mailbag: Hawks as philosophy case study: 11:00 – 17:30
• Mailbag: Two-way versatility vs. halfcourt execution: 17:45 – 24:30
• Mailbag: Thunder leaving corner shooters open: 24:35 – 29:30
• Mailbag: Celtics center trade targets: 29:35 – 32:45
• Mailbag: Defense – gifts, effort, intelligence: 34:48 – 36:48
• Mailbag: Warriors mega trade and rim protection: 36:55 – 38:15
• Mailbag: Lakers offense structure debate: 38:18 – 40:22
• Mailbag: Nuggets’ success without Jokic: 40:26 – 41:50
• Mailbag: Timberwolves, Randle & playoff viability: 41:54 – 43:59

Episode Tone & Takeaways

Jason’s voice remains thoughtful, direct, and curious—never shying from pushing against mainstream takes while supporting every analysis with clear logic and tactical insight. The episode provides a rich resource not just for trade speculation, but as a masterclass in how great NBA teams solve problems, adapt strategies, and seek out every competitive edge. The mailbag format brings in real listener perspectives, making for a conversational, immersive, and compelling listen for serious basketball fans.