Hardwood Knocks

Dan is joined by Jabari Ali Davis (@JabariDavisNBA) from the Mad Boosties podcast to discuss everything and anything related to the 2023-24 Los Angeles Lakers. SUBSCRIBE TO MAD BOOSTIES HERE: https://t.co/k0fdAI2AMD. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:37 - How did the Lakers turn it around last season?4:58 - General impressions of the Lakers offseason6:39 - The most intriguing new addition9:29 - Will Max Christie play a role?12:28 - Gabe Vincent's fit15:29 - The continued development of Austin Reaves28:05 - What's the future of D'Angelo Russell hold?30:55 - The utility of Rui Hachimura34:25 - Can Christian Wood make an impact? / Anthony Davis' disdain for playing center39:02 - Is Anthony Davis too reliant on jumpers? / His fit with Christian Wood44:59 - Will the starting five change?46:51 - The secondary frontcourt rotation47:32 - Did LeBron James have foot surgery? Will he regress? Is LeBron as the roll man about to be more of a staple?55:50 - How important is the Lakers' continuity?57:51 - Can Jalen Hood-Schifino pl

Dan is joined by Shamit (@FearTheBrown) from the In The N.O. podcast and the In The N.O. Substack to discuss the 2023-24 New Orleans Pelicans and the stakes they're facing heading into this NBA regular season. SUBSCRIBE TO THE IN THE N.O. SUBSTACK HERE: https://intheno.substack.com/. AND SUPPORT THE IN THE N.O. PODCAST HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-n-o-a-new-orleans-pelicans-pod/id415571358. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:01 - Last season's performance3:16 - General impressions of the offseason9:02 - When will the Pelicans make a swing on the trade market?11:51 - The Trey Murphy injury, and his development18:01 - The future of Brandon Ingram20:02 - What to make of Zion Williamson's injury history, Does he have another level to hit?25:13 - Driving factors of the Pelicans defensive success27:34 - Expectations for Herb Jones on offense, How do we feel about his contract extension/33:14 - Development of Dyson Daniels34:57 - Will Jordan Hawkins play?35:52 - Under-the-radar strengths and weaknesses3

Dan is joined by Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) from Mavs Moneyball and Pod Maverick to discuss the 2023-24 Dallas Mavericks outlook, a discussion that includes lots of focus on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving as well as a surprise name! SUBSCRIBE TO POD MAVERICK: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pod-maverick-a-dallas-mavericks-podcast/id1365537266. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:39 - The Kyrie Irving contract and fit09:14 - How will Grant Williams fit in?13:03 - The continued development of Josh Green16:17 - Will Olivier Maxence-Prosper play a role?29:07 - Overall impressions of the Mavericks other offseason moves, The Richaun Holmes fit,23:48 - Minutes for Dante Exum, Jaden Hardy AND Seth Curry?, The continued to development of Jaden Hardy26:44 - Will Derrick Lively play?, The secondary big man rotation, Is there a dearth of talented American big men?31:46 - Can the defense meaningfully improve?33:17 - Is Jason Kidd on the hot seat?, Should we expect a trade?35:56 - Under-the-radar strengths and concerns36:

Dan is joined by Sam Cooper (@scooperhoops) and Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) from The Timeline Podcast(@TheTimelinePod) to break down the 2023-24 Phoenix Suns as well as the latest Deandre Ayton trade rumors. Dan is joined by Sam Cooper (@scooperhoops) and Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) from The Timeline Podcast(@TheTimelinePod) to break down the 2023-24 Phoenix Suns as well as the latest Deandre Ayton trade rumors. SUPPORT THE TIMELINE PODCAST ON PATREON: https://t.co/0OCB8hH1Bx.TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:18 - Jusuf Nurkic/OG Anunoby Rumors10:03 - How much Deandre Ayton regressed?13:08 - Ayton's role this season15:21 - The reaction to the Bradley Beal trade17:22 - Impressions of the Matt Ishbia era23:31 - The fifth most important player in the rotation26:01 - The sixth most important player in the rotation31:51 - Lack of non-star playmaking38:39 - Changes under Frank Vogel40:38 - Bradley Beal's fit, How will the stars adjust to one another?53:56 - How does Devin Booker's role change on this57:01 - Will Jordan Goo

IT'S FINALLY ACCOUNTABILITY SEASON. Dan and Grant revisit their 2022 NBA offseason grades and re-evaluate their takes for every team in the Eastern Conference over one year later. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO4:34 - Atlanta Hawks9:15 - Charlotte Hornets13:38 - Miami Heat17:01 - Orlando Magic19:48 - Washington Wizards23:43 - Boston Celtics28:29 - Brooklyn Nets33:55 - New York Knicks41:20 - Philadelphia 76ers47:15 - Toronto Raptors51:17 - Chicago Bulls55:18 - Cleveland Cavaliers1:00:36 - Detroit Pistons1:06:45 - Indiana Pacers1:11:42 - Milwaukee Bucks1:19:34 - 'GARBAGE TIME'SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.sprea

Dan is joined by Andrew Claudio (@AndrewJClaudio_) from Knicks Film School (@KnickFilmSkool) to discuss the outlook for the 2023-24 New York Knicks and their quest to become a legitimate NBA title contender. SUBSCRIBE TO KNICKS FILM SCHOOL: https://www.youtube.com/@KnickFilmSkool. SUPPORT THEIR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/KnicksFilmSchool. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:09 - Julius Randle leaves CAA5:15 - Revisiting the Knicks 2022-23 season10:16 - Impressions of the Knicks offseason14:03 - Donte DiVincenzo's fit20:41 - Will Josh Hart increase his three-point volume?26:27 - Continued development of Immanuel Quickley35:02 - Evaluating the future of Julius Randle41:07 - The RJ Barrett and Julius Randle conundrum50:56 - Continued development of Quentin Grimes, Are the Knicks to built to expand the roles of their youngsters?56:07 - How does the emergence of Jalen Brunson change New York's approach to the trade market?, Potential Knicks trade targets1:15:08 - Do the Knicks have enough assets to acquire a megastar?

Dan is joined by three of the co-hosts from The Uncontested Podcast (@The_Uncontested): Nick Crain (@Crain_NBA), Jacob Kniffen (@JacobKniffen) and Tayler Petersen (Tayler_P15) to talk about the 2023-24 Oklahoma City Thunder. SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNCONTESTED PODCAST HERE: https://t.co/qBiNELJolG. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:01 - Last season's success8:02 - Offseason impressions11:29 - How Chet Holmgren's injury changed OKC's approach13:03 - The Cason Wallace trade17:34 - Cason Wallace vs. Vasilije Micic20:51 - Chet Holmgren's role28:57 - The next frontier for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander35:03 - The continued development of Josh Giddey45:58 - What to expect from Jalen Williams?55:53 - Is Ousmane Dieng primed for a big season?1:01:03 - Does Aleksej Pokusevski have a future in OKC?1:03:56 - Who makes the final roster?1:08:01 - Will Mark Daigneault shorten the rotation?1:10:37 - The 10-man rotation1:15:53 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:17:51 - Under the radar strengths and concerns1:19:50 - Win total prediction, Where do t

Dan is joined by Imman Adan (@Imman_Adan) from the Pros & Claws blog and Yahoo Sports Canada to discuss everything and anything about the 2023-24 Toronto Raptors. SUBSCRIBE TO PROS & CLAWS HERE: https://proseandclaws.substack.com/. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:18 - What happened to the Raptors last season?5:53 - How will the Raptors defend under Darko Rajokovic?7:52 - The significance of Fred VanVleet leaving15:23 - What is the Raptors' direction?19:02 - The continued development of Scottie Barnes25:21 - The value of Pascal Siakam33:49 - Jakob Poeltl's fit without Fred VanVleet, theimpact of Dennis Schroder37:03 - Does OG Anunoby have another level?40:54 - Will there be a Gary Trent Jr. extension?43:58 - Should Gary Trent Jr. start?46:34 - Gradey Dick's role49:03 - The continued development of Precious Achiuwa52:01 - Otto Porter Jr., Chris Boucher, Jalen McDaniels56:10 - Will the half-court offense be better?59:00 - This roster has depth1:00:22 - The 10-man rotation1:03:44 - Best crunch-time lineup1:04:4

Dan and Grant are joined by Keith Parish from the Fastbreak Breakfast (@fastbreakbreak)and Grits and Grinds(@grizzliespod) podcasts to discuss—YOU GUESSED IT—the 2023-24 Memphis Grizzlies. SUBSCRIBE TO FASTBREAK BREAKFAST here: https://t.co/XXQ1MjPNlx. SUBSCRIBE TO GRITS AND GRINDS here: https://t.co/eJcwfQwZE0. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO5:36 - The Ja Morant suspension17:13 - The Marcus Smart trade, Are the Grizzlies better builtto navigate life without Ja Morant?28:51 - Continued development of Desmond Bane/The Desmond Bane extension32:53 - Can Jaren Jackson Jr. level up again?37:56 - Where can the Grizzlies improve them most? 45:10 - The future of Ziaire Williams 49:46 - The 10-man rotation52:51 - Best crunch-time unit54:32 - Weirdo lineups we want to see, Win total predictions, Where do the Grizzlies stack up in the West?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @

Dan and Grant are joined by Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper), THE GOAT HERSELF, from 'BASKETBALL, SHE WROTE' to discuss the incredibly fun, frenetic and fascinating 2023-24 Indiana Pacers. SUBSCRIBE TO 'BASKETBALL, SHE WROTE' ON PATREON RIGHT THE HELL NOW: https://www.patreon.com/basketballshewrote/posts. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:36 - How good were last year's Pacers?5:44 - How will this year's Pacers team defend?8:11 - The defensive impact of Bruce Brown10:08 - Development of Bennedict Mathurin, his impact onthe rest of the rotation and the roles of Andrew Nembhard and Buddy Hield20:01 - Obi Toppin's fit, his impact on the role of Myles Turner23:59 - How will Indiana use Jarace Walker on offense27:02 - Can Jarace Walker have an immediate impact on defense?29:07 - How will the frontline rotation shake out? What does it mean for Myles Turner?32:01 - Tyrese Haliburton's defense38:03 - Will Indy's half-court offense be better?40:04 - What do we make of the Pacers interest in Pascal Siakam?45:05 - Initial impressions

Dan is joined by Jason Patt (@Bulls_Jay) from the Cash Considerations podcast to discuss everything and anything about the 2023-24 Chicago Bulls. SUBSCRIBE TO CASH CONSIDERATIONS: https://www.bluewirepods.com/podcast/cash-considerations-a-chicago-bulls-pod. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO11:18 - General impressions of the Bulls offseason21:56 - Is Chicago's defense really this good?27:10 - Will the Bulls be better on offense?32:56 - Will DeMar DeRozan sign an extension?35:33 - The continued development of Patrick Williams44:44 - Who has a bigger role: Ayo Dosunmu or Coby White?47:49 - Breaking down the Julian Phillips pick50:41 - Do the Bulls need more wings?52:38 - Shout-out Alex Caruso, Can Nikola Vucevic evolve?, Should Zach LaVine take more threes?59:14 - The 10-man rotation1:01:33 - Best closing lineup1:03:21 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:05:10 - Win total prediction, Where do the Bulls stack up in the East?1:11:41 - Final thoughts, The Zach LaVine discourseSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERC

Dan is joined by Kyle from Court Cousins: An Orlando Magic NBA Podcast (@Court_Cousins) to discuss—YOU GUESSED IT—everything and anything about the 2023-24 Orlando Magic. SUBSCRIBE TO COURT COUSINS on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS24xb3LSYbzzTBtE3ASLvg. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO4:16 - General impressions of the Magic offseason7:17 - Breaking down the role of Joe Ingles10:23 - Anthony Black's fit and role15:11 - Is Markelle Fultz the point guard of the future?20:37 - Jett Howard's fit and role23:59 - The development of Paolo Banchero39:01 - The next frontier for Franz Wagner44:33 - Is Jalen Suggs on the ascent?50:47 - The Suggs, Cole Anthony and Gary Harris conundrum54:01 - Extensions for Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony?59:14 - The importance of Wendell Carter Jr.1:06:38 - Are Jonathan Isaac and Chuma Okeke on their way out?1:10:01 - Will Kevon Harris or Caleb Houston play?1:12:31 - Biggest concern aside from shooting1:15:44 - What makes the defense special?1:18:10 - The 10-man rotation1:21:51 - B

Dan is joined by Konata Edwards (@NataTheScribe) from CBS Sports to discuss everything and anything about the 2023-24 Charlotte Hornets. FOLLOW KONATA ON BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/natathescribe.bsky.social. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:56 - The sale of the team and its implications4:13 - The Kai Jones video5:58 - What is this team's direction?8:40 - Why did the Hornets draft Brandon Miller instead of Scoot Henderson?13:24 - What type of role will Brandon Miller have as a rookie?17:16 - Why did it take so long to re-sign P.J. Washington?19:47 - The future of Miles Bridges22:23 - Will Miles Bridges ever start over P.J. Washington or Gordon Hayward?24:37 - Why didn't the Hornets sign a veteran point guard or center?28:45 - The development of Mark Williams34:18 - The LaMelo Ball extension37:34 - What's the next frontier for LaMelo?40:14 - How will Nick Smith Jr. be used?43:34 - Players who will play a bigger role than expected/The return of Cody Martin46:21 - How good can Charlotte's defense be?49:56 - Hidde

Dan is joined by Matt Modderno (@MattModderno) from the Bleav in Wizards podcast (@BleavinWizards) to discuss the 2023-24 Washington Wizards and the beginning stages of their rebuild. SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLEAV IN WIZARDS pod here: https://bleav.com/shows/bleav-in-wizards/. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:01 - The Teardown!4:21 - Did the Wizards get enough when they blew it up?9:37 - Preparing Bilal Coulibaly experience15:07 - Is Wes Unseld Jr. on the hot seat?18:04 - The continued development of Deni Avdija27:53 - Jordan Poole's role32:37 - Is Kyle Kuzma here to stay?40:41 - Most intriguing long-term players on the roster45:01 - Figuring out the back end of the roster: Anthony Gill, Xavier Cook, Patrick Baldwin Jr., Ryan Rollins, Danilo Gallinari, Johnny Davis48:20 - How will the Wizards play on offense? On defense?52:34 - The 10-man rotation55:23 - Best crunch-time unit56:34 - Weirdo lineups we want to see59:06 - Win total prediction, Where do the Wizards stack up in the East?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD K

Dan is joined by Justin Rowan (@Cavsanda) from The Chase Down Podcast (@ChaseDownPod) to discuss everything you need to know about the 2023-24 Cleveland Cavaliers. SUBSCRIBE TO THE CHASEDOWN PODCAST HERE: https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/podcasts. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:51 - Reflecting on the Cavs' 2022-23 season8:11 - Impressions of Cleveland's offseason11:42 - Biggest concern for the roster18:16 - The role of Caris LeVert without Ricky Rubio21:58 - The development of Evan Mobley34:02 - Does Isaac Okoro have a future in Cleveland?39:57 - The next frontier for Darius Garland46:54 - Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland's dynamic53:41 - Dual Bigs vs. Dual-Small Guards57:54 - Will Dean Wade be healthy/better?1:00:14 - Developing Emoni Bates1:03:21 - The 10-man rotation1:04:19 - Best crunch-time lineup1:05:36 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:07:15 - Win total prediction, Where do the Cavs stack up in the East?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/disc

Dan and Grant are joined by Greg Wissinger (@gwiss) from The Kings Herald (@thekingsherald) to discuss everything about the 2023-24 Sacramento Kings. Support The Kings Herald here: https://kingsherald.com/ TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:01 - General impressions of the Kings offseason3:58 - The Domantas Sabonis renegotiate-and-extend15:27 - Does Sabonis have another level to hit?20:26 - The defense22:41 - Impact of Sasha Vezenkov25:02 - The development of Keegan Murray28:06 - Does Davion Mitchell have a future in Sacramento?30:02 - De'Aaron Fox's defense/The next frontier for De'Aaron Fox35:16 - Can this core improve substantially on defense?38:55 - Roles for Chris Duarte and Kessler Edwards41:58 - How will the secondary big man rotation shake out?45:12 - Predicting the 10-man rotation47:23 - What's one thing with this team that flies under the national radar?49:33 - The best crunch-time lineup50:46 - Weirdo lineups we want to see51:52 - Over/under predictions, Where do the Kings stack up in the West?58:21 - Colby

Dan is joined by Lauren Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) from the Atlanta Journal Constitution to break down the 2023-24 Atlanta Hawks. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:23 - Offseason impressions6:54 - The Quin Snyder hire10:31 - Functional changes to expect under Snyder15:09 - The Dejounte Murray fit entering Year 219:38 - Is Trae Young underrated?24:29 - The development of AJ Griffin28:51 - Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu31:24 - Extensions for Okongwu and Saddiq Bey?33:01 - A bigger role for Jalen Johnson34:59 - The fifth starter's spot37:28 - Can this Hawks core noticeably improve on the defensive end?40:02 - Pascal Siakam trade rumors43:20 - The 10-man rotation45:42 - Atlanta's biggest weakness/most surprising strength47:44 - Best crunch-time lineup48:27 - Weirdo lineups we want to see51:05 - Over/under prediction56:20 - Final thoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL: bit.ly/31z7eyIFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKT

Dan is joined by Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) from Red Nation Hoops to break down everything about the 2023-24 Houston Rockets. SUBSCRIBE TO HIS INDEPENDENT NEWS LETTER FOR MORE AWESOME ROCKETS COVERAGE HERE: https://t.co/R2FBmIxTMg. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - Intro2:49 - General impressions of the Rockets offseason6:49 - Can the Rockets rein in Dillon Brooks on offense?13:04 - Who benefits the most from the arrival of Fred VanVleet?14:47 - How will the Rockets change under Ime Udoka?20:49 - Rookie year expectations for Amen Thompson26:20 - Rookie year expectations for Cam Whitmore & The Value of Jae'Sean Tate29:52 - The next step for Jalen Green34:49 - The development of Jabari Smith Jr. 36:47 - Is Houston committed to Alperen Sengun? (cut out pause)49:48 - Does Kevin Porter Jr. have a long-term future in Houston?52:33 - Year 2 exceptions for Tari Eason54:11 - The 10-man rotation59:50 - Biggest concern about the Rockets this season1:02:22 - Best crunch-time lineup1:03:10 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:07:39 - Ov

Dan is joined by Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) of the Gyro Step Podcast ( @WatchGSPN ) to break down everything about the 2023-24 Milwaukee Bucks. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:36 - Why are the Bucks so nerve-wracking on a national level?8:38 - General impressions of the Bucks offseason12:36 - Impact of Malik Beasley and Jae Crowder17:01 - Mike Budenholzer's exit/Adrian Grffin's arrival23:46 - The fifth starter27:03 - Any concern about Giannis Antetokounmpo's left knee29:16 - How will Giannis Antetokounmpo change as he ages?31:27 - Any reason to worry about the absence of a Giannis extension?33:41 - The importance of a healthy Khris Middleton 37:25 - Will Andre Jackson Jr., Chris Livingston or A.J. Green have a role?43:10 - How will MarJon Beauchamp fare in Year 2?48:29 - What will the offense look like? How many minutes will the stars play?52:16 - What is Milwaukee's title window with this core?59:21 - Will the Bucks look to add another shot creator?1:09:27 - The 10-man rotation1:13:19 - Best crunch-time lineup1:14:

Dan is joined by Lazarus Jackson (@lazchance) from Detroit Bad Boys to break down the 2023-24 Detroit Pistons. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:17 - General impressions of the Pistons offseason7:06 - The Monty Williams hire12:37 - Rookie year role for Ausar Thompson17:16 - The development of Cade Cunningham20:44 - Is a Jaden Ivey leap coming?24:46 - Let's talk about 28:48 - WE ARE SMITTEN WITH JALEN DUREN34:02 - Early impressions of James Wiseman36:42 - The fit of Marcus Sasser38:25 - Does Killian Hayes have a future in Detroit? 42:18 - Isaiah Stewart's extension48:37 - Who plays a bigger role?53:04 - Will the Pistons be sellers this year if their record doesn't drastically improve?56:19 - The 10-man rotation59:01 - Best crunch-time unit1:00:06 - Weirdo lineups we want to see1:01:45 - Over/under prediction, Where does Detroit stack up in the East?1:06:21 - Believe in Isaiah LiversSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH: https://bit.ly/hwkmerchJOIN OUR DISCORD: bit.ly/discordhwkSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE C