Podcast Summary: The Ringer NBA Show – "The NBA Expansion Draft With J. Kyle Mann. Plus, the Spurs Shut Down Wemby. | Group Chat"

Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host/Authors: Justin Barrier, Rob Mahoney, J. Kyle Mann

Introduction

The episode kicks off with co-host Justin Barrier welcoming Rob Mahoney and J. Kyle Mann back to the "Group Chat" segment after a brief hiatus. The conversation swiftly moves into recent NBA events and upcoming topics.

Victor Wembanyama's Season in Jeopardy

Timestamp: [05:31] - [10:38]

The team addresses the alarming news that Victor Wembanyama is sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder. This development raises significant concerns given Wembanyama's status as a rising star in the NBA.

• Chris Ryan:
  "It’s a pretty terrifying revelation about a 21-year-old guy who is as big as Victor Wembanyama. These are the players you worry about, these sorts of health complications arising..." [05:31]

• Rob Mahoney:
  Reflects on Wembanyama’s impressive performance in Netflix's "Quarter Gold" documentary, emphasizing his potential and the fear of a career-ending condition akin to Chris Bosh's experience.
  "...it was just kind of a reminder for me like, damn, this kid is going to do a lot of amazing things." [06:11]

• Kyle Mann:
  Highlights Wembanyama's unique blend of skills and competitiveness, expressing hope for his recovery and future contributions.
  "...you just hope that he can just get healthy and be a healthy human being, period." [07:10]

The discussion underscores the severity of Wembanyama's condition and its potential impact on both his career and the team's dynamics.

Simulated NBA Expansion Draft

Timestamp: [10:38] - [74:16]

The main segment revolves around a simulated NBA expansion draft, featuring the creation of two new franchises: the Seattle Supersonics and the Las Vegas Blackjacks. The hosts delve into strategic picks, team building, and the implications of the draft process.

Draft Preparation

• Justin Barrier:
  Introduces the concept of expansion week, mentioning articles by Howard Beck and Michael Pina. He also brings up the unfortunate news about Wembanyama before segueing into the expansion draft discussion.
  "...leveraging Kyle's scouting background today because we're going to get into a little bit of an expansion draft..." [04:26]

Team Formation and Naming

• Rob Mahoney:
  Jokes about the naming process, suggesting "Blackjacks" for Las Vegas and playfully remarking on the potential naming conflicts.
  "...one of the names that were thrown about were the Black Jacks..." [11:44]

• Chris Ryan:
  Agrees with the name "Blackjacks," emphasizing its simplicity and appeal.
  "Blackjacks it is. I have no argument." [12:07]

Draft Picks: Seattle Supersonics

1. Santi Aldama from Memphis Grizzlies

   • Justin Barrier:
     "First pick of the expansion draft, the Seattle Supersonic select, Santi Aldama from Memphis Grizzlies." [16:25]
   • Chris Ryan:
     Highlights Aldama's versatility and potential as a franchise cornerstone.
     "I believe Santiago Dama is exactly the kind of player I was just talking about." [16:40]

2. Nicola Topich from Oklahoma City Thunder

   • Chris Ryan:
     Describes Topich as a versatile wing capable of contributing in multiple facets of the game.
     "He can be a versatile tool that could be a part of your franchise for a long time." [20:00]

3. AJ Mitchell from Oklahoma City Thunder

   • Justin Barrier:
     Emphasizes Mitchell's development as a classic Thunder rookie with growth potential.
     "He's a classic Thunder developmental guy. Cheap guy as we mentioned before, cost controlled." [35:07]

4. Jonathan Mogbo

   • Kyle Mann:
     Advocates for Mogbo's defensive prowess, describing him as a reliable switch defender.
     "Jonathan Mogbo is who I'm taking. He is a connector. He's, he's a switchable defender." [40:17]

5. Ben Shepard from Indiana Pacers

   • Chris Ryan:
     Views Shepard as a solid 3-and-D role player ready to contribute immediately.
     "Ben Shepard... a solid three and D wing that we cancel into our line." [41:21]

6. Trace Jackson Davis

   • Chris Ryan:
     Considers Davis a versatile big who fits the team's needs both offensively and defensively.
     "Trace Jackson Davis... big man, we don't have one of those yet." [42:07]

7. Wendell Carter Jr. from Orlando Magic

   • Justin Barrier:
     Notes Carter's defensive capabilities and versatility, despite concerns about his contract length.
     "He is a good player. He's kind of been lost in the shuffle there." [44:38]

8. Isaiah Joe from Oklahoma City Thunder

   • Justin Barrier:
     Praises Joe's shooting prowess and fit within the team's offensive strategy.
     "Isaiah Joe... his shooting speaks for itself." [46:34]

9. Deandre Ayton from Phoenix Suns

   • Justin Barrier:
     Selects Ayton to bolster the center position, anticipating potential resale value or trade opportunities.
     "We're taking DeAndre in number 17 overall in the expansion draft." [66:00]

Draft Picks: Las Vegas Blackjacks

1. Cam Whitmore from Houston Rockets

   • Chris Ryan:
     Compares Whitmore to Gerald Wallace, seeing him as a versatile wing with long-term potential.
     "Cam Whitmore has the profile of a big wing who can score, who can theoretically do lots of things." [20:00]

2. Gigi Jackson from Memphis Grizzlies

   • Rob Mahoney:
     Appreciates Jackson's development and his fit within the expansion team's framework.
     "Jordan, pool. Come on down. He's been a revelation..." [31:07]

3. Jordan Poole from Golden State Warriors

   • Justin Barrier:
     Highlights Poole's impact and value despite his current contract constraints.
     "He's been surprisingly good this year within the context of Jordan Poole's..." [38:35]

4. Ben Shepard

   • Same as Seattle's pickup, emphasizing the role-playing aspect.

5. Wendell Carter Jr.

   • Same as Seattle's pickup, noting his defensive versatility.

6. Mike Conley Jr.

   • Chris Ryan:
     Envisions Conley as a veteran presence and future assistant GM, fostering a strong organizational culture.
     "...Mike Conley, player slash future assistant GM of the Black Jacks." [72:18]

7. Ikoro Omax Prosper

   • Chris Ryan:
     Chooses Prosper for his defensive energy and potential growth.
     "He's going to be the guy who adds energy and... pressure." [56:23]

Team Strategy and Insights

Throughout the draft simulation, the hosts discuss the strategic balance between youth and experience, contract considerations, and the importance of building a cohesive team culture. They emphasize the need for versatile players who can develop within the organization and contribute immediately.

• Justin Barrier:
  Advocates for selecting players who fit the long-term vision while maintaining flexibility in contracts.
  "Flexibility, youth, upside." [18:11]

• Rob Mahoney:
  Stresses the value of veterans who can stabilize the team and mentor younger players.
  "He's a good player. Very versatile." [44:38]

• Kyle Mann:
  Focuses on defensive anchors and players who can fulfill specific team needs.
  "We need an adult defensive anchor for our basketball team." [61:15]

Conclusion and Reflections

As the simulated expansion draft concludes, the hosts reflect on the outcomes, expressing satisfaction with their team selections while humorously acknowledging the challenges of building a new franchise.

• Justin Barrier:
  Summarizes the draft results for both teams, expressing excitement for the new franchises.
  "It's a fun exercise... We love this exercise." [73:39]

• Chris Ryan:
  Comments on the depth and quality of players available, noting the limitations of expansion drafts in assembling a star-studded roster.
  "This is what you're looking forward to... second draft guys, distressed veterans..." [73:57]

• Kyle Mann:
  Teases continuing involvement in the NBA draft coverage and promotes upcoming content.
  "We're going to be bad and if we try to be good, we're not going to be very good." [75:50]

The episode concludes with a promotion for upcoming content and a light-hearted sign-off, highlighting the camaraderie among the hosts and their enthusiasm for future NBA developments.

Notable Quotes

• Justin Barrier:
  "Flexibility, youth, upside." [18:11]
  "We are going to have some wild cards clearly with the rest of our lineup." [38:14]

• Chris Ryan:
  "We do have some real heavy hitters coming up here in 2025." [00:51]
  "This is what you're looking forward to, guys of this caliber mostly?" [73:57]

• Rob Mahoney:
  "He gives us an energy that I think is really beneficial to this group." [56:23]
  "The Blackjacks better be black, too." [75:37]

Key Takeaways

1. Victor Wembanyama's Health Crisis:

   • A significant setback for one of the league's brightest stars, raising concerns about his career longevity and team performance.

2. Expansion Draft Strategies:

   • Emphasis on balancing young talent with experienced veterans to build competitive teams.
   • Focus on versatile players who can adapt and grow within the organization.

3. Team Dynamics:

   • Seattle Supersonics prioritize youth and potential with players like Santi Aldama and Nicola Topich.
   • Las Vegas Blackjacks blend energetic veterans with promising young talents such as Cam Whitmore and Mike Conley Jr.

4. Future Content:

   • Hosts promote ongoing draft coverage, scouting reports, and additional podcast content aimed at enhancing listener engagement and understanding of NBA dynamics.

This episode provides an insightful and entertaining exploration of the complexities involved in an NBA expansion draft, blending strategic analysis with light-hearted banter. Whether you're an NBA enthusiast or new to the league, the discussion offers valuable perspectives on team building and the factors influencing player selections.