The Thunder’s Road to the Finals, Looking at the Wolves' Future, and Ranking the Entire Eastern Conference With Wosny Lambre

Podcast: The Zach Lowe Show
Host: Zach Lowe
Guest: Big Waz
Release Date: May 29, 2025

1. Oklahoma City Thunder’s Journey Back to the Finals

Zach Lowe (02:07):
“The Oklahoma City Thunder blew the doors off the Minnesota Timberwolves last night in Game 5. And it's been a long time coming...”

Big Waz (03:58):
“Nobody did not.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Historical Context: Zach reflects on the Thunder's 13-year journey from the era of James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant to their current resurgence.
• Key Trades and Injuries: The trade for Paul George is analyzed, emphasizing its long-term benefits despite initial skepticism. Injuries to Russell Westbrook and other key players previously hindered the Thunder's progress.
• Shay Gilgeous-Alexander’s Evolution: Both hosts commend Shay's rise from a sixth-place rookie vote finisher to an MVP contender leading the Thunder to the Finals.
• Defensive Prowess: The Thunder's defense, particularly with players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, has been pivotal, showcasing a net rating of +11 per 100 possessions in the playoffs.

Notable Quote: Zach Lowe (05:00):
“These guys are sure things for the holes they fill on our team. Mystery out, sure things in.”

2. Anthony Edwards: Expectations vs. Performance

Zach Lowe (26:00):
“Anthony Edwards, by the way, not yet 23 years old journey here in the NBA.”

Big Waz (26:24):
“I think that is what's jarring about this. It's like how they acquired Shay Gilgeous Alexander and his journey...”

Discussion Highlights:

• Aggression and Playmaking: Edwards' level of aggression and decision-making in the playoffs is scrutinized. Despite averaging 25 points per game, concerns about his shot selection and turnovers are raised.
• Development Needs: Both hosts agree that while Edwards has shown significant potential, areas like passing and mid-range shooting require improvement to elevate him to elite status.
• Contextual Performance: The Thunder's strong defensive setup sometimes limits Edwards' opportunities, as opposing defenses intensify their efforts against him when he's on the floor.

Notable Quote: Big Waz (34:02):
“There are just too many possessions where he doesn't have the ball and Dort's face guarding him. And he just does nothing.”

3. Minnesota Timberwolves’ Future Outlook

Zach Lowe (40:27):
“I disagreed heartily with this coach. We, we texted back and forth about it. I picked Minnesota to beat Golden State before the series...”

Big Waz (40:30):
“Like, are, are once again the grand proclamations. I can't quite go there...”

Discussion Highlights:

• Performance Review: The Timberwolves' ability to compete against top-tier teams like the Denver Nuggets is discussed, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
• Roster Considerations: Concerns about contracts and the feasibility of retaining key players like Julius Randle and Nas Reed are addressed. The likely departure of Alexander Walker is anticipated to impact the team's competitiveness.
• Future Moves: Potential strategies for managing the roster and salary cap are debated, with a consensus that significant changes are imminent.

Notable Quote: Zach Lowe (43:00):
“What's your take on the Minnesota Timberwolves after this? Were they not as good as we thought they were or...”

4. Ranking the Eastern Conference with Wosny Lambre

Zach Lowe (57:35):
“Raised some eyebrows on his pod with Rosillo when he said that if he had to pick an east team just to like run or to bet on for their outlook...”

Big Waz (58:50):
“I ended up having Cleveland too.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Ranking Methodology: Zach and Big Waz evaluate Eastern Conference teams based on cap sheets, draft picks, and talent over the next three to five years.
• Top Teams:
  • Cleveland Cavaliers: Rated as the top team due to their young core, including Donovan Mitchell and Jaren Jackson Jr., and strong management.
  • Boston Celtics: Positioned high thanks to Jayson Tatum's development and the potential return of key players post-injuries.
• Bottom Teams:
  • Philadelphia 76ers: Critiqued for overpaid veterans and limited future prospects, making them the lowest-ranked team.
  • Wisconsin 76ers and Milwaukee Bucks: Discussions around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s potential departure and the teams' ability to sustain competitiveness.
• Middle of the Pack:
  • Brooklyn Nets and Washington Wizards: Evaluated based on their current rosters, aging players, and uncertain futures.
  • Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks: Highlighted for their young talents but questioned on their ability to become perennial contenders.

Notable Quotes: Big Waz (60:30):
“I don't think all three of them are on the team next year. I just don't think that's feasible.”

Zach Lowe (72:03):
“I had Cleveland one. I don't all the reasons you just said, I don't really even care that like it's possible Sam Merrill... I had Boston three.”

5. Final Thoughts and Future Projections

Zach Lowe (90:13):
“Now that. That's one where you gotta, like, you gotta have the meeting and you gotta be like, hey, Rick, we need you to go.”

Big Waz (93:03):
“Let's go Mets, man. Appreciate you, bro.”

Discussion Highlights:

• Denver Nuggets Assessment: The Nuggets’ performance is reassessed, acknowledging their resilience and Nikola Jokić’s continued dominance.
• Team Dynamics: The importance of team chemistry and strategic roster moves in maintaining competitiveness is emphasized.
• Looking Ahead: Both hosts express optimism for the Thunder and Cleveland while remaining cautious about other Eastern Conference teams' trajectories.

Notable Quote: Zach Lowe (92:44):
“Gut, gut, gut feel. Knicks win or lose tonight, they're toast.”

Conclusion

In this episode, Zach Lowe and Big Waz provide an in-depth analysis of the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive return to the NBA Finals, highlighting the strategic moves and player developments that fueled their success. They critically assess Anthony Edwards' performance, debating his potential and areas for improvement. The future of the Minnesota Timberwolves is examined with a focus on roster sustainability and financial decisions. Finally, they collaboratively rank the Eastern Conference teams, offering insights into their future prospects based on current assets and management strategies. The conversation is enriched with notable quotes and timestamped highlights, making it an engaging and informative listen for NBA enthusiasts.