Hardwood Knocks

Dan is joined by iHeart podcast producer extraordinaire Jabari Ali Davis (@jabariadavis) for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Los Angeles Lakers. SUBSCRIBE TO THE G.O.T.E. (GREATEST OF THEIR ERA) PODCAST HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:19 - The Lakers offseason6:46 - Future of LeBron James11:15 - Evaluating JJ Redick15:01 - Early impressions of the Luka Doncic fit 21:05 - The fit of Luka, LeBron and Austin Reaves25:26 - Deandre Ayton31:55 - Marcus Smart34:47 - Jake LaRavia37:46 - Secondary frontcourt rotation and the minutes without Ayton43:33 - Rui Hachimura’s role45:22 - Dalton Knecht 48:44 - Christian Koloko50:01 - Adou Thiero51:09 - Bronny James52:28 - Biggest needs, under-the-radar storylines 1:00:45 - Top-10 rotation1:03:09 - Go-to crunch-time lineup 1:04:32 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:05:52 - PREDICTIONSJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG

Dan is joined by Philip Rossman-Reich (@philiprr_OMD) from 'Locked On Magic" and Orlando Magic Daily for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Orlando Magic. SUBSCRIBE TO THE LOCKED ON MAGIC HERE. SUPPORT PHILIP'S WORK ON PATREON. CHAPTERS BELOW. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:14 - They went for it!6:56 - Fit of Desmond Bane14:36 - The transition offense17:52 - The Tyus Jones fit20:10 - Jamahl Mosley pressure index23:26 - Continued development of Paolo Banchero31:29 - Franz Wagner jump-shot watch39:32 - Jalen Suggs’ offensive importance 46:26 - Anthony Black and Tristan Da Silva51:46 - Early impressions of Kase Richardson and Noah Penda54:56 - Are the Magic deep enough?59:16 - Will Orlando duck the tax?1:05:56 - Biggest needs, under-the-radar storylines1:07:01 - Wendell Carter Jr. is still underrated1:10:02 - Top-10 rotation, secondary lineups1:13:42 - Go-to closing lineup1:15:23 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:18:00 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE

Dan is joined by Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) from The Dane Moore NBA Podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Minnesota Timberwolves. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DANE MOORE NBA PODCAST HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:00 - INTRO3:10 - Last season’s ending6:25 - The offseason9:20 - Naz Reid’s contract and defense16:20 - The Karl-Anthony Towns trade one year later 23:25 - Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle 27:36 - Continued development of Anthony Edwards36:46 - Importance of Rob Dillingham 44:38 - Jaden McDaniels’ offensive ceiling49:34 - Terrence Shannon Jr. breakout coming?53:05 - The transition offense55:45 - Jaylen Clark 57:26 - Early impressions of Joan Beringer1:02:06 - Leonard Miller1:03:37 - Biggest needs, under-the-radar storylines1:09:41 - Top-10 rotation1:13:42 - Go-to crunch-time unit1:15:29 - Weirdo lineups we want to see 1:18:42 - Ownership finally changing1:21:20 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwi

Dan is joined by Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) of The NBA Podcast to predict what happens with the Big Four restricted free agents who remain unsigned: Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes and Cameron Thomas. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO7:34 - Josh Giddey and the Chicago Bulls 18:26 - Quentin Grimes and the Philadelphia 76ers 28:39 - Cam Thomas and the Brooklyn Nets40:55 - Jonathan Kuminga and the Golden State WarriorsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan is joined by Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) from The Gyro Step podcast for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Milwaukee Bucks. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHASEDOWN HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:39 - Offseason impressions10:33 - Myles Turner’s fit15:59 - Point Giannis!19:53 - Secondary ball-handlers 26:23 - Giannis’ defense31:36 - AJ Green35:04 - Ryan Rollins35:49 - Chris Livingston36:55 - Andre Jackson Jr. 39:06 - Tyler Smith40:10 - Jericho Sims41:42 - The Kyle Kuzma fit 48:37 - The defensive ceiling 52:28 - Biggest concern53:37 - Are the guards underrated?54:27 - Top-10 rotation58:33 - Go-to closing lineup59:34 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:02:49 - Will they make a trade?1:05:27 - PREDICTIONS!SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail

"To make a mistake is human, but to blame it on someone else, make excuses or entirely pretend you didn't make a mistake is even more human." Dan and Grant are BACK to hold themselves accountable for their 2024 NBA offseason report cards with re-grades for EVERY team in the Western Conference. Check out the Eastern Conference edition HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO/CRITERIA8:08 - Dallas Mavericks13:49 - Houston Rockets18:25 - Memphis Grizzlies23:05 - New Orleans Pelicans27:33 - San Antonio Spurs 31:34 - Denver Nuggets45:11 - Oklahoma City Thunder47:28 - Portland Trail Blazers52:24 - Miami Heat trade Haywood Highsmith!53:56 - Utah Jazz59:48 - Golden State Warriors1:04:42 - Los Angeles Clippers1:09:56 - Los Angeles Lakers1:14:47 - Phoenix Suns1:18:40 - Sacramento KingsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan

Dan is joined by Justin Rowan (@Cavsanada) from THE CHASEDOWN PODCAST for a deep dive into the 2025-26 Cleveland Cavaliers. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHASEDOWN HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:42 - How last season ended 4:43 - Offseason impressions10:32 - Jaylon Tyson’s development 12:28 - Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland 16:55 - Integrating Lonzo Ball18:22 - Continued development of Evan Mobley29:55 - The starting small forward 35:10 - What’s the defensive ceiling?40:13 - Early impressions of Tyrese Proctor43:35 - The defense is underrated!44:39 - Top-10 rotation48:19 - Go-to closing lineup49:07 - Weirdo lineups we want to see51:03 - Craig Porter Jr. could play a role 52:57 - PREDICTIONSSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.

Dan is joined Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) from Basketball Poetry to discuss player flying under the (mainstream) radar who might have real impacts on their NBA Teams next season. SUBSCRIBE TO BASKETBALL POETRY HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:47 - Bennedict Mathurin8:23 - Mo Gueye13:21 - Neemias Queta18:03 - Sam Merrill23:41 - Ja’Kobe Walter 28:31 - Jonathan Mogbo32:33 - Brandon Williams38:03 - Pelle Larsson42:14 - Terrence Shannon Jr.45:59 - Jaylen Clark 51:57 - Saddiq Bey56:13 -  Justin Champagnie1:03:42 - Collin Gillespie1:10:44 - Ajay Mitchell

"How was I supposed to know there'd be consequences for my actions?" -Gina, Brooklyn Nine-Nine Dan and Grant are BACK to hold themselves accountable for their 2024 NBA offseason report cards with re-grades for EVERY team in the Eastern Conference. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:46 - Christmas Day schedule release6:01 - Atlanta Hawks 12:11 - Charlotte Hornets16:47 - Miami Heat 23:03 - Orlando Magic29:47 - Washington Wizards37:13 - Boston Celtics43:23 - Brooklyn Nets50:02 - New York Knicks59:41 - Philadelphia 76ers1:08:52 - Toronto Raptors1:17:13 - Chicago Bulls1:24:23 -  Cleveland Cavaliers1:27:30 - Detroit Pistons1:31:45 - Indiana Pacers1:38:15 - Milwaukee BucksSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan is joined by Salman Ali (@salmanalinba) from Red Nation Hoops to break down the outlook for the  2025-26 Houston Rockets. SUBSCRIBE TO RED NATION HOOPS HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:49 - Offseason impressions10:51 - Integrating Kevin Durant into the offense 16:51 - The development of Reed Sheppard 23:41 - The Kevin Durant extension27:32 - Double-center lineups34:07 - Amen Thompson’s development41:00 - Continued development of Alperen Sengun45:19 - Jabari Smith Jr.’s development 52:26 - What’s next for Tari Eason?1:00:37 - Will anyone get lost in the Rockets’ depth1:04:40 - The 10-man rotation1:06:23 - Best closing lineup1:07:31 - Weirdo lineups we want to see 1:10:48 - Predictions!SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@

Dan and Mort Jensen (@msjnba) from 'The NBA Podcast' are going to spend this week going through moves and decisions and every NBA team still needs to make this offseason. Next up: The Eastern Conference! Check out the Western Conference HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:02 - Atlanta Hawks12:26 - Boston Celtics24:12 - Brooklyn Nets33:19 - Charlotte Hornets38:34 - Chicago Bulls44:06 -Cleveland Cavaliers49:09 - Detroit Pistons 58:42 - Indiana Pacers1:06:16 - Miami Heat1:10:34 - Milwaukee Bucks1:17:52 - New York Knicks1:29:29 - Orlando Magic 1:36:34 - Philadelphia 76ers1:44:12 - Toronto Raptors1:52:02 - Washington WizardsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) of The NBA Podcast are going to spend this week going through moves and decisions and every NBA team still needs to make this offseason. First up: The Western Conference! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:53 - Dallas Mavericks12:17 - Denver Nuggets30:17 - Golden State Warriors41:37 - Houston Rockets48:27 - Los Angeles Clippers58:32 - Los Angeles Lakers 1:07:19 - Memphis Grizzlies1:13:19 - Minnesota Timberwolves 1:18:06 - New Orleans Pelicans 1:24:20 - Oklahoma City Thunder 1:28:24 - Phoenix Suns1:36:43 - Portland Trail Blazers1:42:50 - Sacramento Kings1:50:49 - San Antonio Spurs1:57:24 - Utah JazzSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant break down their initial impressions of the top rookie (or rookies) during NBA Summer League for every team in the Eastern Conference while playing 'Start, bench or G-League' with each of them. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:10 - Tre Johnson9:27 - Will Riley14:04 - Collin Murray-Boyles20:54 - V.J. Edgecombe29:48 - Jase Richardson 35:40 - Mohamed Diawara43:16 - Bogo45:32 - Kasparas Jakucionis51:05 - Kam Jones53:29 - Taelon Pete455:55 - Chaz Lanier58:42 - Tyrese Proctor1:01:19 - Noa Essengue1:05:30 - Kon Knueppel1:10:39 - Liam McNeeley1:14:19 - Egor Demin1:16:33 - Nolan Traore1:22:42 - Ben Saraf 1:24:30 - Danny Wolf1:30:45 - Hugo Gonzalez1:34:15 - Asa NewellSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant break down their initial impressions of the top rookie (or rookies) during NBA Summer League for every team in the Western Conference. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO5:02 - Ace Bailey9:57 - Walter Clayton Jr.12:23 - Dylan Harper18:10 - Carter Bryant24:14 -  Nique Clifford28:45 - Yang Hansen42:01 - Khaman Maluach48:21 - Nikola Topic53:33 - Brooks Barnhizer59:38 - Jeremiah Fear1:05:06 - Derik Queen1:11:34 - Joan Beringer1:16:34 - Javon Small1:18:51 - Juhmai Mashack1:21:45 - Arthur Kaluma1:23:13 - Yanic Konan Niederhauser1:27:56 - Adonis Arms1:30:21 - Reed Sheppard1:32:21 - Alex Toohey1:36:35 - Will Richard1:38:28 - DaRon Holmes II1:44:03 - Curtis Jones1:46:33 - Cooper FlaggSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant are doing something nobody has ever thought to do before: Put the Western Conference into tiers following the height of NBA free agency! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:58 - F Tier8:23 - D Tier30:03 - C Tier1:02:47 - B Tier1:13:48 - A Tier1:29:50 - S TierSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant link up to tier the Western Conference with NBA free agency and trade rumors grinding to a halt! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO/Our approach5:44 - F Tier14:58 - D Tier39:19 - C Tier51:38 - B Tier58:43 - A Tier1:13:48 - S Tier1:25:01 - RECAPSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan is joined by Yossi Gozlan (@yossigozlan) of the Third Apron to discuss the future of NBA free agency and trades, as well as some takeaways and emerging trends from this offseason. Subscribe to the Third Apron on YouTube and Substack. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:42 - Will free agency ever be cool again?11:18 - More buyouts coming? 16:44 - True impact of the second apron18:13 - The Thunder aren’t going anywhere22:47 - Future of the Thunder27:48 - The bar for max contracts is higher 30:18  - Will NBA players take more pay cuts?32:47 - Trade value of distant first-round picks36:37 - Teams with unfinished business this offseasonSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant are BACK to break down all the NBA offseason questions we still need answered, as well as the latest and greatest breaking news and transactions that we need to catch up on. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:48 - John Collins and the LA Clippers8:17 - Norman Powell and the Miami Heat12:28 - Are expiring contracts no longer valuable?16:02 - Kelly Olynyk to the Spurs!17:08 - What are the Lakers doing? 24:53 - LeBron James trade destinations 34:52 - Will NBA free agency ever be cool again?41:01 - Is the Denver Nuggets offseason overrated?50:39 - Are offseason buyouts going to be more common?57:28 - Will max contracts fall by the wayside?59:06 - How do we feel about the Knicks?1:07:43 - Jonathan Kuminga, Josh Giddey, Quentin Grimes, Cam Thomas 1:11:50 - Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic1:16:00 - Free agents in the backcourt galore!1:11:53 - Rookie extension game!1:51:06 - Blockbuster trade candidatesSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW

Dan and Morten Stig Jensen (@msjnba) of The NBA Podcast break down all of the action (pre-Tre Mann contract) from Day 2 of NBA free agency. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:28 - Milwaukee Bucks27:28 - Indiana Pacers 35:43 - Detroit Pistons (Duncan Robinson!)38:46 - Sacramento Kings 44:43 - New York Knicks (Yabu!)55:10 - Toronto Raptors 1:04:02 - Denver Nuggets & West Rankings1:32:43 - Charlotte Hornets1:35:34 - Oklahoma City Thunder & Shai Gilgeous-AlexanderSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TikTok: @hardwoodknocksTwitter @HardwoodKnocksInstagram: @hardwood_knocks Dan's Bluesky: @danfavaleDan's Twitter: @danfavaleDan's IG: @danfavaleGrant's Bluesky: @granthughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan and Grant break down Day 1 of 2025 NBA free-agency by going through EVERY team's transactions. TIMESTAMPS