Hardwood Knocks

Dan is joined by Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) from The Athletic to discuss everything and anything about the 2024-25 Utah Jazz. SUPPORT TONY'S WORK BY SUBSCRIBING TO THE ATHLETIC HERE: https://theathletic.com/author/tony-jones/. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:11 - Takeaways from the past two seasons7:14 - Will Hardy's coaching 11:19 - Are the Jazz determined to be bad for Cooper Flagg?18:07 - Walker Kessler's place on the Jazz, continued development22:44 - Year 2 expectations for Keyonte George28:06 - Early impressions of Cody Williams and his NBA ceiling35:35 - The long-term importance of Taylor Hendricks41:55 - Lauri Markkanen's future in Utah, Will he initiate more offense?47:57 - Impressions of Isaiah Collier, Kyle Filipowski, Johnny Juzang, Brice Sensabaugh55:52 - The plan with Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson and John Collins57:46 - Where can the Jazz improve the most?1:01:12 - Top-10 rotation1:02:59 - Best crunch-time unit, Funky lineups we want to see1:06:32 - How many games will the Jazz win? Are they commi

Dan is joined by a very special guest to break down what to expect from the 2024-25 Golden State Warriors! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:11 - Grant's biggest storylines5:31 - Continued development of Jonathan Kuminga15:44 - Kuminga's future17:34 - Moses Moody's role20:10 - The next frontier(s) for Brandin Podziemski24:20 - Figuring out the starting five27:16 - How good is Trayce Jackson-Davis?32:16 - Kyle Anderson's fit and role35:20 - Buddy Hield's fit and role37:06 - De'Anthony Melton's fit and role40:14 - Will the Warriors keep shooting tons of threes?42:44 - Can this team create defensive chaos?44:21 - Realistic expectations for Andrew Wiggins49:22 - Does Kevon Looney still have a place on this team?50:15 - Impressions of Quinten Post51:42 - Are the Warriors actually willing to make a blockbuster trade?1:02:14 - Is Steve Kerr's seat getting warmer?!?1:04:34 - Top 10 rotation1:07:02 - Best crunch-time unit, Funky lineups we want to see1:11:12 - How many games with the Warriors win? Where do they stack up in th

Dan and Grant offer their predictions for every major 2024-25 NBA season award. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO4:26 - MVP37:54 - Defensive Player of the Year57:56 - Rookie of the Year1:08:59 - Most Improved Player1:25:55 - Sixth Man of the Year1:40:38 - Coach of the Year1:54:24 - Executive of the Year2:05:15 - Clutch Player of the YearSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan is joined by Kyle Neubeck (@KyleNeubeck) from PHLY Sports (@PHLY_Sports)/PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) to discuss everything and anything about the 2024-25 Philadelphia 76ers. Support Kyle's work HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@PHLY_Sports. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:31 - The Paul George injury3:59 - Joel Embiid's new reality8:11 - Kyle's biggest storylines11:45 - Embiid making adjustments for Tyrese Maxey14:34 - Next steps for Maxey18:49 - Breaking down Philly's defensive identity27:43 - Figuring out the starting lineup31:26 - Early impressions of Jared McCain, Adem Bona, Justin Edwards36:18 - Kelly Oubre's fit next to the Big Three40:22 - The Sixers aren't done wheeling and dealing45:44 - Biggest roster needs49:47 - Is Philly too small?51:59 - The Boban Marjanovic anecdote you NEED53:10 - Top-10 rotation56:00 - Closing lineup, Funky lineups we want to see1:01:53 - How many games will the Sixers win?1:04:10 - Will the plan for Embiid change? 1:07:50 - It's a make or break year for EmbiidSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PU

Dan reacts to Andy Bailey's Bleacher Report list on one ambitious trade target for every NBA team entering the 2024-25 season. TIMESTAMPS⬇️ 0:00 - INTRO1:45 - Atlanta Hawks3:08 - Boston Celtics4:24 - Brooklyn Nets5:56 - Charlotte Hornets7:18 - Chicago Bulls8:10 - Cleveland Cavaliers10:40 - Dallas Mavericks11:29 - Denver Nuggets13:08 - Detroit Pistons14:46 - Golden State Warriors17:06 - Houston Rockets19:04 - Indiana Pacers19:54 - Los Angeles Clippers20:55 - Los Angeles Lakers22:44 - Memphis Grizzlies23:43 - Miami Heat24:54 - Milwaukee Bucks26:33 - Minnesota Timberwolves27:39 - New Orleans Pelicans28:38 - New York Knicks30:36 - Oklahoma City Thunder32:23 - Orlando Magic33:31 - Philadelphia 76ers34:39 - Phoenix Suns35:55 - Portland Trail Blazers37:26 - Sacramento Kings38:34 - San Antonio Spurs41:46 - Toronto Raptors43:40 - Utah Jazz46:41 - Washington WizardsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @Har

Dan is joined by Andrew Claudio (@AndrewJClaudio_) from Knicks Film School (@KnickFilmSkool) to discuss the outlook for the 2024-25 New York Knicks and their quest to become a legitimate NBA title contender. SUBSCRIBE TO KNICKS FILM SCHOOL. SUPPORT THEIR PATREON. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO6:02 - Was the Karl-Anthony Towns trade a surprise?15:58 - Mitchell Robinson’s fit post-KAT (and injury)18:54 - GMAC’s biggest storylines22:21 - Jalen Brunson is more important than ever30:55 - Karl-Anthony Towns’ offensive fit38:09 - Can the Knicks be a top-10 defense?47:13 - Will Mitch and KAT play together?49:15 - Do the Knicks have enough ball-handling and playmaking?, Roles for Tyler Kolek and Cam Payne53:52 - Continued development for Deuce McBride57:34 - Do the Knicks need another move?1:00:49 - New York’s biggest need1:02:00 - Top-10 rotation1:04:55 - Best crunch-time lineup, funky lineups we want to see1:12:02 - Win projections, biggest rivals in the East1:15:23 - Is Tom Thibodeau on the hot seat?, Closing thoughtsSUP

Dan is joined by Samson Folk (@samfolkk) from Raptors Republic (@raptorsrepublic) to talk about the 2024-25 Toronto Raptors season—as well as their long-term endgame. SUPPORT SAMSON'S WORK HERE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️1:56 - Offseason impressions3:29 - Toronto’s overall direction5:56 - Samson’s biggest storylines11:19 - RJ’s continued development15:40 - What is IQ’s ceiling?27:53 - Are NBA teams changing how they defend?30:49 - How will the Raptors defend?33:06 - Jakob Poeltl’s importance to Toronto40:04 - Toronto’s big man rotation43:28 - The next evolution for Scottie Barnes47:32 - Bigs who operate from the elbows49:38 - Continued development of Gradey Dick56:39 - The future of Ochai Agbaji1:00:43 -  Thoughts on Ulrich Chomche, Davion Mitchell, Jamal Shead, Ja’Kobe Walters1:15:15 - The strength of the starting five1:17:29 - Top-10 rotation1:19:48 - Best crunch-time unit, funky lineups we want to see1:24:01 - How many games will Toronto win?1:28:52 - Chris Boucher foreverSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS M

Dan and Grant predict the 2024-25 NBA regular season records and over/unders for ALL 30 teams. Be sure to join our Discord to sign up for this year's over/under competition! TIMESTAMPS

Dan and Grant offer 2024-25 NBA Season Hot Takes for EVERY team. And then, after that, they go through some subscribe hot takes! TIMESTAMPS

Dan is joined by freelance NBA and Miami Heat podcaster fan Allana Tachauer (@AllanaTachauer) to talk about...the 2024-25 Miami Heat! TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:31 - Takeaways from last season5:28 - Impressions of the offseason7:49 - The future of Jimmy Butler13:32 - Bam Adebayo keeps improving…Will it continue?16:52 - Can Tyler Herro still develop?19:27 - Terry Rozier’s fit 20:55 - What is the next step for Jaime Jaquez Jr.?25:19 - Is Duncan Robinson still important to Miami?26:32 - Haywood Highsmith taking on more responsibility28:32 - Expectations for Nikola Jovic in Year 330:52 - Early impressions of Kel’el Ware33:38 - Early impressions of Pelle Larsson34:55 - Can the Heat improve enough on offense?37:34 - Miami wants to be counted out / Brace for trades?40:28 - Biggest roster needs, The Top 10 rotation44:46 - Best crunch-time lineup, Funky lineups we want to see47:09 - Win total predictions48:19 - Where do the Heat stack up in the Eastern Conference?52:50 - Closing thoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING H

Dan is joined by Lauren Williams (@WilliamsLaurenL) from The Atlanta Journal Constitution to break down the 2024-25 Atlanta Hawks. Find her work at the AJC here. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO5:04 - The Dejounte Murray trade9:11 - How the draft impacted the offseason12:58 - Is Trae Young more adaptable than advertised?19:56 - Lauren’s biggest storylines23:46 - The development plan for Zaccharie Risacher31:45 - What will Dyson Daniels’ role be?35:20 - Thoughts on Vit Krecji, Kobe Bufkin and Garrison Mathews42:48 - Continued development of Jalen Johnson50:29 - How will the big-man rotation shake out?57:40 - How much better can Atlanta be defensively?1:00:25 - Biggest roster needs1:04:30 - Are we sleeping on the ceiling of Risacher?1:09:18 - The top-10 rotation1:11:07 - Go-to crunch-time lineup, Funky lineups we want to see1:16:25 - Win totals, Where do the Hawks stand in the East1:23:26 - Be on the lookout for Mouhamed Gueye?, Closing ThoughtsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRI

Dan is joined by Tara Bowen-Biggs (@tcbbiggs) from the We Have a Take podcast to talk about the 2024-25 Portland Trail Blazers. SUBSCRIBE TO WE HAVE A TAKE. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - Intro4:22 - Reflecting on last season6:38 - The Deni Avdija trade12:52 - Biggest storylines for this season, The future of Chauncey Billups20:21 - What’s next for Scoot Henderson23:46 - Continued development of Shaedon Sharpe34:16 - Early impressions of Donovan Clingan41:58 - The Deandre Ayton experience45:32 - Will Portland play two bigs?48:04 - Thoughts on Duop Reath, Jabari Walker, Toumani Camara, Dalano Banton, Rayan Rupert, Kris Murray1:00:25 - Are the Blazers built to be good defensively? Will they get out in transition?1:08:16 - Will Portland make trades this season?1:14:41 - Biggest roster needs, The Top-10 Rotation1:22:05 - Go-to crunch-time lineup, Funky lineups we want to see1:26:46 - Win totals and THE ENDGAMESUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCI

Dan and Grant react to the Minnesota Timberwolves Trading Karl-Anthony Towns to the New York Knicks. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - Trade details4:35 - Karl-Anthony Towns' fit on the Knicks, Concerns and Strengths, Impact on the future22:48 - Julius Randle's and Donte DiVincenzo's fit in Minnesota, Impact on the future36:26 - Who else could be in this trade?37:59 - Answering YOUR questionsSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Dan is joined by Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite), who covers the LA Clippers and NBA at large on Substack to discuss the 2024-25 Clippers. SUBSCRIBE TO JUSTIN'S SUBSTACK HERE: https://justinrusso.substack.com/. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO3:30  - Paul George’s exit9:04 - The Kawhi Leonard injury13:38 - Is James Harden still a superstar?23:32 - Did the Clippers add enough athleticism and defensive disruption?26:08 - The impact of Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn30:55 - What does the secondary backcourt rotation look like?, Roles for Kevin Porter Jr. and Bones Hyland37:55 -The importance of Norman Powell40:07 - Is Ivica Zubac STILL underrated? How will the defense change?48:28 - Is there a next frontier for Terance Mann?54:38 - Biggest keys to the Clippers offense56:15 - Secondary frontcourt rotation, Will Amir Coffey have a bigger role?1:06:03 - How the Rockets factor into the Clippers’ season1:08:21 - Are the Clippers more likely to trade for an upgrade or burn it down?1:15:26 - The top-10 rotation, Who starts?1:17:46

Dan is joined by Sam Cooper (@scooperhoops) and Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) from The Timeline Podcast(@TheTimelinePod) to break down the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns. SUPPORT THE TIMELINE PODCAST ON PATREON: https://t.co/0OCB8hH1Bx. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:27 - Frank Vogel’s exit4:53 - Expected stylistic changes under Mike Budenholzer7:18 - Breaking down the impact of Tyus Jones 10:29 - How does Jones affect the core lineups?15:38 - The evolution of Grayson Allen17:22 - The fit and future of Bradley Beal21:35 - How important is Jusuf Nurkic to the Suns?28:35 - What makes Devin Booker so polarizing?37:30 - Kevin Durant’s defensive impact38:37 - Can the Suns replicate their defensive success?39:52 - Early impressions of Ryan Dunn42:37 - Early impressions of Oso Ighodaro44:45 - Ranking the importance of role players/Sam picks Bol Bol to win MVP51:06 - Are the Suns flying under the radar? 51:56 - Biggest roster needs / trade targets53:54 - Top 10 rotation54:57 - Go-to crunch-time lineup56:11 - Funky lineups we want to

Dan is joined by Kyle Theige (@KyleTheige) from The Dane Moore NBA Podcast and the Flagrant Howls Podcast to discuss the 2024-25 Minnesota Timberwolves and the high-stakes NBA regular season they're about to embark upon. SUBSCRIBE TO THE DANE MORE NBA PODCAST HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dane-moore-nba-podcast/id1399177286. And SUBSCRIBE TO THE FLAGRANT HOWLS PODCAST HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flagrant-howls-a-minnesota-timberwolves-podcast/id1065651304. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO4:00 - Biggest takeaways from last season6:26 - Are we surprised the Wolves stayed together?14:14 - Kyle’s biggest storyline (Expectations!)16:42 - Breaking down the Rob Dillingham acquisition21:15 - Juggling the development of Rob Dillingham with title contention31:35 Continued development of Anthony Edwards43:52 - The success of having three bigs46:54 - How good is Naz Reid, really?53:42 - Karl-Anthony Towns continues to grow59:43 - Why is Rudy Gobert so polarizing?1:06:19 - Can Jaden McDaniels mak

Dan is joined by Kirk Henderson (@KirkSeriousFace) from Mavs Moneyball and Pod Maverick to discuss the 2024-25 Dallas Mavericks outlook. SUBSCRIBE TO POD MAVERICK. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:00 - Last season’s Finals run4:04 - Impressions of Dallas’ offseason7:25 - Klay Thompson’s fit12:32 - More Luka Doncic off the ball???14:13 - Quentin Grimes’ role15:42 - Development of Dereck Lively II19:03 - The big man rotation22:12 - P.J. Washington’s role25:24 - Future of Jaden Hardy29:25 - Dallas plays fast!32:02 - Outlook on Olivier Maxence Prosper34:55 - Coverage of the Mavs39:11 - Biggest roster concerns40:41 - Top-10 rotation43:42 - Best crunch-time lineups45:56 - Funky lineups we want to see47:48 - Win totals, Most intriguing matchups in the WestSUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TWITTER: @gt_hughesBUSINESS INQUIRE

Dan is joined by Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) from CLNS Media and The Garden Report podcast for a deep dive into the REIGNING CHAMPION Boston Celtics. Support Bobby's GREAT work by following his written stuff for CLNS here. And also subscribe to The Garden Report podcast here. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO2:16 - The Celtics parade (Bobby was in it!)8:09 - What stood out about the 2023-24 Celtics10:30 - Why are people conditioned to doubt this Boston team?16:32 - The Celtics are SPENDING18:44 - Impact of Kristaps Porzingis injury21:09 - Backup big rotation23:53 - Why is Jayson Tatum so polarizing?31:25 - Jaylen Brown continues to develop36:43 - Defense, defense, defense + Title path43:17 - Early impressions of Baylor Scheierman45:26 - Biggest threats to Boston in the East55:00 - Losing Charles Lee57:13 - Biggest roster concerns58:30 - Top-10 rotation59:11 - Best crunch-time lineup59:28 - Funky lineups we want to see1:00:37 - Win totals, Are the Celtics still in a tier all their own?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING

Dan challenges Grant to guess the All-Time Starting Fives of NBA superstars, both past and present. Three strikes will be allowed for each player. Can you beat Grant's score???? TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - INTRO1:03 - Anthony Edwards All-Time Starting 52:39 - Devin Booker All-Time Starting 53:31 - Dwyane Wade All-time Starting 54:58 - Giannis Antetokounmpo All-Time Starting 5   5:59 - Jayson Tatum All-Time Starting 57:04 - Kevin Durant All-Time Starting 58:10 - Kobe Bryant All-Time Starting 59:19 - Kyrie Irving All-Time Starting 510:30 - LeBron James All-Time Starting 511:33 - Michael Jordan All-Time Starting 512:35 - Shai Gilgeous-Alexander All-Time Starting 513:47 - Stephen Curry All-Time Starting 514:40 - LaMelo Ball All-Time Starting 515:39 - Victor Wembanyama All-Time Starting 5SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCHJOIN OUR DISCORDSUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELFOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️TIKTOK: @hardwoodknocksTWITTER @HardwoodKnocksIG: @hardwood_knocks DAN'S TWITTER/IG: @danfavale / @danfavaleGRANT'S TW

Dan is joined by two of the co-hosts from The Uncontested Podcast (@The_Uncontested): Jacob Kniffen (@JacobKniffen) and Tayler Petersen (Tayler_P15) to talk about the 2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder. SUBSCRIBE TO THE UNCONTESTED PODCAST HERE: https://t.co/qBiNELJolG. TIMESTAMPS⬇️0:00 - Intro3:50 - Biggest takeaways from last season8:20 - What’s the next step(s) for Chet Holmgren?15:19 - How much will the Big Three progress? 21:06 - The continued development of Jalen Williams27:52 - Impact of adding Isaiah Hartenstein35:49 - Is Alex Caruso a perfect fit?44:37 - Does Oklahoma City have enough shot creation/playmaking?47:53 - Factors behind the offense’s half-court improvement50:24 - So, um, does Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have another level?52:45 - Long-term outlook of Cason Wallace55:04 - How will the backcourt rotation shake out?57:58 - Early impressions of Nikola Topic1:01:44 - Early impressions of Dillon Jones1:04:31 - Early impressions of Ajay Mitchell1:06:31 - Time to sell our Ousmane Dieng stock?1:08:57 - “Aa