The Zach Lowe Show: Eastern Conference Power Rankings and Big Issues Out West With Fred Katz

Host: Zach Lowe
Guest: Fred Katz (The Athletic, The Katz & Shoot Podcast)
Release Date: November 10, 2025

Episode Overview

Zach Lowe welcomes Fred Katz to dive deep into the current state of the NBA, focusing on their collaborative Eastern Conference power rankings from 15 to 1. They debate each team's trajectory, surprises, and disappointments, and highlight shifting trends around the league. Afterward, they tackle five big Western Conference storylines, covering underachieving teams, emerging threats, and critical roster questions. The discussion is filled with energy, data-driven insights, humor, and memorable quotes—perfect for listeners craving sharp, conversational NBA analysis.

Eastern Conference Power Rankings: Key Points & Quotes

Rankings Overview

Lowe & Katz combine their lists, with only minimal differences between rankings—“The biggest gap in any team ranking ... was a measly two spots.” (Zach, 03:00)
Criteria include preseason expectations, early season results, future trajectory, playoff threat, trade assets, and current health.

15. Brooklyn Nets

Why so low: Awful offense/defense, no paint presence, Cam Thomas (primary creator) is hurt.
Notable stat: 24th in offense, 30th in defense; worst opponent three-point percentage allowed (42%).
Quote: “There’s just so little resistance for them defensively. Anybody puts the ball on the floor ends up getting into the paint … and on the other side, they just don’t have creators.” (Fred, 04:33)

14. Washington Wizards

Vibes bump: Slightly more watchable and “fun” than Brooklyn.
Young core: Keyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Bob Carrington all showing flashes.
Quote: “Alex Sarr ... this is everything the Wizards could have hoped for on both ends of the floor… has to get tougher on the boards. But the all-court skills, bringing the ball up, the passing, there’s just a lot to like.” (Zach, 05:35)

13/12. Indiana Pacers & Charlotte Hornets

Pacers: Decimated by injuries—effectively a gap year; will add a high pick to returning talent.
Hornets: Fun, play fast, drafted well (Knipple, K. Brenner); surprising defensive rebounding.
Quote: “What was the talk of the Charlotte Hornets? ... What is this center rotation? Who's number one in the NBA in defensive rebounding rate?” (Fred, 10:54)

11/10. Toronto Raptors & Boston Celtics

Raptors: Overlapping skills, rapid pace, uneven start for Quickley, Barrett exceeding expectations.
Celtics: Middle-of-the-road offense; not creating corner threes, relying on above-the-break threes; struggling with fouling.
Quote: "I’m a little concerned about the Celtics’ offense. I know they’re somewhere in the middle of the league, and I'm a little concerned... They're just not getting corner threes at all anymore." (Fred, 17:16)

9. Chicago Bulls

Surprising 6–3 record not enough to leapfrog teams with better pre-season profiles, still skeptical about defense.
Bouzelis and Giddy are “for real”; Giddy’s physicality, improved shooting, aggressiveness are keys.
Quote: “They are the new team of extremes… giving up the highest ratio of shots at the rim… the fewest wide open threes. It’s because of their defensive style. They just hug shooters.” (Fred, 22:35)

8. Orlando Magic

Considered a massive disappointment (4–6 start). Slipped defensively; rebounding, transition defense, and general intensity are issues.
Offense: Still clunky, chemistry is lacking between Banchero and Wagner, bench struggles.
Quote: “They need to be a top five defense. They have not been ... Something is a miss, Fred.” (Zach, 28:49)
Notable moment: Debate on Orlando missing their defensive “verve,” slipping from their identity. (30:19–32:12)

7. Miami Heat

Offense completely overhauled—almost no pick and roll, creative, fast-paced, beautiful cutting, and high IQ play.
System intrigue: How will Tyler Herro fit on return? Are the Heat playoff-ready with this new approach?
Quote: “They’re running 18 pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions… less than half the previous record. … Not setting screens. Not running DHO. It’s just concepts and read and react.” (Fred, 38:09)

6. Atlanta Hawks

Up-and-down without Trae Young. Talent suggests high ceiling; major rebounding woes are limiting.
Quote: “They’re losing the possession game by so much. … 24th in offensive rebounding, 28th in defensive rebounding.” (Fred, 45:32)

5. Philadelphia 76ers

Tyrese Maxey ascendant: “borderline MVP candidate”; Edgecombe and Grimes thriving; Embiid rounding into form but questions on his health remain.
Quote: “It starts with the guards… Maxey has just been on another freakin level.” (Fred, 50:51)

4/3. Milwaukee Bucks & Detroit Pistons

Bucks: 6–4, defense disappointing (22nd), offense showing promise (8th); “deference to Giannis” keeps them high, ongoing rotation experiments.
Pistons: League-best record, elite defense, Duren and Stewart physicality and rim protection standout, but lineups lack shooting—playoff viability questioned.
Quote: “Jalen Duren is like some sort of fictional ... Marvel superhero level build. It’s almost scary what he can do physically." (Zach, 59:53–60:18)

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Garland just back, unlocking their pace and creators; trust in organizational infrastructure.
Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson have delivered as fill-ins; intrigue around Atkinson’s “trusted five.”
Quote: "…Garland is so incredibly important. He looked good against Washington... I think they're going to be really, really good." (Fred, 79:09)

1. New York Knicks

Second in offense, 10th in defense; “bought-in,” moving more, more diverse and frequent actions.
Brunson-Cat combo “lights out”; O.G. Anunoby in All-Star form; Mitchell Robinson’s defense is crucial.
Quote: "They have the look of a team that's like, okay, we're all in our primes. We're actually ready to try to do this the right way." (Zach, 69:55)
Memorable moment: Zach admits the surreal nature of picking the Knicks for the Finals: “I legitimately never thought as long as I had this career that I would ever pick the New York Knicks to make the Finals.” (Zach, 71:04)

Western Conference: Five Big Storylines

1. Clippers' Crisis (83:24–86:19)

Awful defense (26th), grossly slow pace, Kawhi’s injury, aging roster, Harden-Beal backcourt can’t defend.
Quote: “They are gross to watch right now. They're gross.” (Zach, 85:34)

2. Dallas Mavericks Doldrums (86:20–89:41)

Offense is 29th; missing Kyrie, Lively, Davis. Cooper Flag faces unfair pressure.
Quote: “There was really no winning with Cooper Flag. … Had to be the next Luka … and he's been fine.” (Fred, 88:56)

3. Memphis Grizzlies & Ja Morant’s Struggles (89:41–90:14)

Ja’s efficiency abysmal (36% FG, 15% 3P); team piling up losses.

4. Jalen Williams (OKC) and the All-NBA Eligibility Controversy (90:15–92:17)

Williams will likely miss too many games to qualify for the supermax.
Quote: “He is looking like a lock now to just not ever be eligible for this particular supermax that he's so carefully negotiated…” (Zach, 91:23)

5. Spurs Emerging as a Threat (De’Aaron Fox & Stephon Castle) (92:17–99:25)

Spurs at 7–2; Fox unlocks more for Wemby, Stefan Castle’s rise as a playmaker—averaging 18–7–5 and showing All-Rookie potential.
“This is getting scary… this team is coming for one [of the top six spots].” (Zach, 95:18)
Fred raves about the fast-developing chemistry and the positive “problem” of so much young talent.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Heat’s offensive overhaul:

“They're running 18 pick and rolls per 100 possessions. … Not only 30th in handoffs since 2013, they're averaging the fewest handoffs per 100 possessions of any team.” — Fred (38:09)
On the Bulls:

“They are the new team of extremes ... they hug shooters. ... Indiana did this two years ago.” — Fred (22:35)
On the Knicks:

“They have the look of a team that's like, okay, we're all in our primes. We're actually ready to try to do this the right way.” — Zach (69:55) "Mitchell Robinson has the history of annihilating Cleveland in a playoff series ... what he does for them defensively is really heady." — Fred (72:24)
Zach’s Self-Awareness:

"I legitimately never thought as long as I had this career that I would ever pick the New York Knicks to make the Finals." — Zach (71:04)
Fred on Detroit’s Duren/Stewart:

"Jalen Duren is like some sort of fictional ... Marvel superhero level build ... Isaiah Stewart will beat the crap out of you. ... I think we have to talk about him as just one of the best rim protectors in the NBA now." — Fred (60:18–60:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

03:00 — Methodology for Power Rankings
04:33 — Nets’ struggles on both ends
05:35 — Wizards: Why they're more watchable
10:54 — Charlotte: Surprising rebounding and youth
17:16 — Celtics’ offensive identity crisis
22:35 — Bulls’ extreme defensive scheme
28:49 — Orlando’s lack of defensive energy
38:09 — Heat’s new offense, historic lack of pick-and-roll
45:32 — Hawks’ rebounding and depth issues
50:51 — Maxey’s breakout, Sixers’ guard trio synergy
59:53 — Pistons’ physicality and rim protection
69:55 — Knicks’ buy-in, offensive upgrades, and identity
83:24 — Clippers’ defensive collapse and slow play
88:56 — Dallas’ struggles post-Luka, pressures on Cooper Flag
92:17 — Spurs: Fox/Wemby/Castle trio and team outlook

Conclusion

This episode offers a thorough, energetic, and data-rich breakdown of the Eastern Conference hierarchy, with plenty of side notes, tactical critiques, and light-hearted asides. The Western Conference “rapid fire” spotlights team-specific headaches and reasons for worry or optimism, particularly highlighting the Spurs' rise and the Clippers' malaise. For NBA fans seeking both big-picture trends and nuanced observations, this is a must-listen.

Where to find Fred Katz:

The Athletic
Katz & Shoot Podcast (Patreon, available Wednesdays and Fridays)

For more NBA insight, analysis, and lively debate, subscribe to "The Zach Lowe Show" each week!

The Zach Lowe Show: Eastern Conference Power Rankings and Big Issues Out West With Fred Katz

Host: Zach Lowe
Guest: Fred Katz (The Athletic, The Katz & Shoot Podcast)
Release Date: November 10, 2025

Episode Overview

Eastern Conference Power Rankings: Key Points & Quotes

Rankings Overview

Lowe & Katz combine their lists, with only minimal differences between rankings—“The biggest gap in any team ranking ... was a measly two spots.” (Zach, 03:00)
Criteria include preseason expectations, early season results, future trajectory, playoff threat, trade assets, and current health.

15. Brooklyn Nets

Why so low: Awful offense/defense, no paint presence, Cam Thomas (primary creator) is hurt.
Notable stat: 24th in offense, 30th in defense; worst opponent three-point percentage allowed (42%).
Quote: “There’s just so little resistance for them defensively. Anybody puts the ball on the floor ends up getting into the paint … and on the other side, they just don’t have creators.” (Fred, 04:33)

14. Washington Wizards

Vibes bump: Slightly more watchable and “fun” than Brooklyn.
Young core: Keyshawn George, Alex Sarr, Bob Carrington all showing flashes.
Quote: “Alex Sarr ... this is everything the Wizards could have hoped for on both ends of the floor… has to get tougher on the boards. But the all-court skills, bringing the ball up, the passing, there’s just a lot to like.” (Zach, 05:35)

13/12. Indiana Pacers & Charlotte Hornets

Pacers: Decimated by injuries—effectively a gap year; will add a high pick to returning talent.
Hornets: Fun, play fast, drafted well (Knipple, K. Brenner); surprising defensive rebounding.
Quote: “What was the talk of the Charlotte Hornets? ... What is this center rotation? Who's number one in the NBA in defensive rebounding rate?” (Fred, 10:54)

11/10. Toronto Raptors & Boston Celtics

Raptors: Overlapping skills, rapid pace, uneven start for Quickley, Barrett exceeding expectations.
Celtics: Middle-of-the-road offense; not creating corner threes, relying on above-the-break threes; struggling with fouling.
Quote: "I’m a little concerned about the Celtics’ offense. I know they’re somewhere in the middle of the league, and I'm a little concerned... They're just not getting corner threes at all anymore." (Fred, 17:16)

9. Chicago Bulls

Surprising 6–3 record not enough to leapfrog teams with better pre-season profiles, still skeptical about defense.
Bouzelis and Giddy are “for real”; Giddy’s physicality, improved shooting, aggressiveness are keys.
Quote: “They are the new team of extremes… giving up the highest ratio of shots at the rim… the fewest wide open threes. It’s because of their defensive style. They just hug shooters.” (Fred, 22:35)

8. Orlando Magic

Considered a massive disappointment (4–6 start). Slipped defensively; rebounding, transition defense, and general intensity are issues.
Offense: Still clunky, chemistry is lacking between Banchero and Wagner, bench struggles.
Quote: “They need to be a top five defense. They have not been ... Something is a miss, Fred.” (Zach, 28:49)
Notable moment: Debate on Orlando missing their defensive “verve,” slipping from their identity. (30:19–32:12)

7. Miami Heat

Offense completely overhauled—almost no pick and roll, creative, fast-paced, beautiful cutting, and high IQ play.
System intrigue: How will Tyler Herro fit on return? Are the Heat playoff-ready with this new approach?
Quote: “They’re running 18 pick-and-rolls per 100 possessions… less than half the previous record. … Not setting screens. Not running DHO. It’s just concepts and read and react.” (Fred, 38:09)

6. Atlanta Hawks

Up-and-down without Trae Young. Talent suggests high ceiling; major rebounding woes are limiting.
Quote: “They’re losing the possession game by so much. … 24th in offensive rebounding, 28th in defensive rebounding.” (Fred, 45:32)

5. Philadelphia 76ers

Tyrese Maxey ascendant: “borderline MVP candidate”; Edgecombe and Grimes thriving; Embiid rounding into form but questions on his health remain.
Quote: “It starts with the guards… Maxey has just been on another freakin level.” (Fred, 50:51)

4/3. Milwaukee Bucks & Detroit Pistons

Bucks: 6–4, defense disappointing (22nd), offense showing promise (8th); “deference to Giannis” keeps them high, ongoing rotation experiments.
Pistons: League-best record, elite defense, Duren and Stewart physicality and rim protection standout, but lineups lack shooting—playoff viability questioned.
Quote: “Jalen Duren is like some sort of fictional ... Marvel superhero level build. It’s almost scary what he can do physically." (Zach, 59:53–60:18)

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

Garland just back, unlocking their pace and creators; trust in organizational infrastructure.
Sam Merrill, Jaylon Tyson have delivered as fill-ins; intrigue around Atkinson’s “trusted five.”
Quote: "…Garland is so incredibly important. He looked good against Washington... I think they're going to be really, really good." (Fred, 79:09)

1. New York Knicks

Second in offense, 10th in defense; “bought-in,” moving more, more diverse and frequent actions.
Brunson-Cat combo “lights out”; O.G. Anunoby in All-Star form; Mitchell Robinson’s defense is crucial.
Quote: "They have the look of a team that's like, okay, we're all in our primes. We're actually ready to try to do this the right way." (Zach, 69:55)
Memorable moment: Zach admits the surreal nature of picking the Knicks for the Finals: “I legitimately never thought as long as I had this career that I would ever pick the New York Knicks to make the Finals.” (Zach, 71:04)

Western Conference: Five Big Storylines

1. Clippers' Crisis (83:24–86:19)

Awful defense (26th), grossly slow pace, Kawhi’s injury, aging roster, Harden-Beal backcourt can’t defend.
Quote: “They are gross to watch right now. They're gross.” (Zach, 85:34)

2. Dallas Mavericks Doldrums (86:20–89:41)

Offense is 29th; missing Kyrie, Lively, Davis. Cooper Flag faces unfair pressure.
Quote: “There was really no winning with Cooper Flag. … Had to be the next Luka … and he's been fine.” (Fred, 88:56)

3. Memphis Grizzlies & Ja Morant’s Struggles (89:41–90:14)

Ja’s efficiency abysmal (36% FG, 15% 3P); team piling up losses.

4. Jalen Williams (OKC) and the All-NBA Eligibility Controversy (90:15–92:17)

Williams will likely miss too many games to qualify for the supermax.
Quote: “He is looking like a lock now to just not ever be eligible for this particular supermax that he's so carefully negotiated…” (Zach, 91:23)

5. Spurs Emerging as a Threat (De’Aaron Fox & Stephon Castle) (92:17–99:25)

Spurs at 7–2; Fox unlocks more for Wemby, Stefan Castle’s rise as a playmaker—averaging 18–7–5 and showing All-Rookie potential.
“This is getting scary… this team is coming for one [of the top six spots].” (Zach, 95:18)
Fred raves about the fast-developing chemistry and the positive “problem” of so much young talent.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On the Heat’s offensive overhaul:

“They're running 18 pick and rolls per 100 possessions. … Not only 30th in handoffs since 2013, they're averaging the fewest handoffs per 100 possessions of any team.” — Fred (38:09)
On the Bulls:

“They are the new team of extremes ... they hug shooters. ... Indiana did this two years ago.” — Fred (22:35)
On the Knicks:

“They have the look of a team that's like, okay, we're all in our primes. We're actually ready to try to do this the right way.” — Zach (69:55) "Mitchell Robinson has the history of annihilating Cleveland in a playoff series ... what he does for them defensively is really heady." — Fred (72:24)
Zach’s Self-Awareness:

"I legitimately never thought as long as I had this career that I would ever pick the New York Knicks to make the Finals." — Zach (71:04)
Fred on Detroit’s Duren/Stewart:

"Jalen Duren is like some sort of fictional ... Marvel superhero level build ... Isaiah Stewart will beat the crap out of you. ... I think we have to talk about him as just one of the best rim protectors in the NBA now." — Fred (60:18–60:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

03:00 — Methodology for Power Rankings
04:33 — Nets’ struggles on both ends
05:35 — Wizards: Why they're more watchable
10:54 — Charlotte: Surprising rebounding and youth
17:16 — Celtics’ offensive identity crisis
22:35 — Bulls’ extreme defensive scheme
28:49 — Orlando’s lack of defensive energy
38:09 — Heat’s new offense, historic lack of pick-and-roll
45:32 — Hawks’ rebounding and depth issues
50:51 — Maxey’s breakout, Sixers’ guard trio synergy
59:53 — Pistons’ physicality and rim protection
69:55 — Knicks’ buy-in, offensive upgrades, and identity
83:24 — Clippers’ defensive collapse and slow play
88:56 — Dallas’ struggles post-Luka, pressures on Cooper Flag
92:17 — Spurs: Fox/Wemby/Castle trio and team outlook

Conclusion

Where to find Fred Katz:

The Athletic
Katz & Shoot Podcast (Patreon, available Wednesdays and Fridays)

For more NBA insight, analysis, and lively debate, subscribe to "The Zach Lowe Show" each week!

Eastern Conference Power Rankings and Big Issues Out West With Fred Katz

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Summary

The Zach Lowe Show: Eastern Conference Power Rankings and Big Issues Out West With Fred Katz

Episode Overview

Eastern Conference Power Rankings: Key Points & Quotes

Rankings Overview

15. Brooklyn Nets

14. Washington Wizards

13/12. Indiana Pacers & Charlotte Hornets

11/10. Toronto Raptors & Boston Celtics

9. Chicago Bulls

8. Orlando Magic

7. Miami Heat

6. Atlanta Hawks

5. Philadelphia 76ers

4/3. Milwaukee Bucks & Detroit Pistons

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

1. New York Knicks

Western Conference: Five Big Storylines

1. Clippers' Crisis (83:24–86:19)

2. Dallas Mavericks Doldrums (86:20–89:41)

3. Memphis Grizzlies & Ja Morant’s Struggles (89:41–90:14)

4. Jalen Williams (OKC) and the All-NBA Eligibility Controversy (90:15–92:17)

5. Spurs Emerging as a Threat (De’Aaron Fox & Stephon Castle) (92:17–99:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion

Summary

The Zach Lowe Show: Eastern Conference Power Rankings and Big Issues Out West With Fred Katz

Episode Overview

Eastern Conference Power Rankings: Key Points & Quotes

Rankings Overview

15. Brooklyn Nets

14. Washington Wizards

13/12. Indiana Pacers & Charlotte Hornets

11/10. Toronto Raptors & Boston Celtics

9. Chicago Bulls

8. Orlando Magic

7. Miami Heat

6. Atlanta Hawks

5. Philadelphia 76ers

4/3. Milwaukee Bucks & Detroit Pistons

2. Cleveland Cavaliers

1. New York Knicks

Western Conference: Five Big Storylines

1. Clippers' Crisis (83:24–86:19)

2. Dallas Mavericks Doldrums (86:20–89:41)

3. Memphis Grizzlies & Ja Morant’s Struggles (89:41–90:14)

4. Jalen Williams (OKC) and the All-NBA Eligibility Controversy (90:15–92:17)

5. Spurs Emerging as a Threat (De’Aaron Fox & Stephon Castle) (92:17–99:25)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Timestamps for Key Segments

Conclusion