Mind the Game - The Big NBA Season Preview (2025-26)

Episode Date: October 21, 2025

The NBA Season has arrived and LeBron James and Steve Nash are ready to break it all down in the latest episode of Mind the Game. In this episode we discuss what we learned last year from the... Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, we talk about true contenders like the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic. And finally the guys talk about their favorite League Pass teams to watch like the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs.This is going to be a season for the ages so buckle up and enjoy Mind the Game’s Big Season Preview!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Transcript
Discussion (0)
Starting point is 00:00:00 Coming up on this episode of Mind the Game. Who are some of the teams that lead past? We were sitting on our couch and we're like, oh, let's watch this team. We'll watch this guy. Denver. This is a team that went seven games. Yeah, with the champions. With the champs.
Starting point is 00:00:13 Per 36 when it comes to Stephen Adams. I don't know the exact number, but he's going to be up there. A lot. That one's under a little pressure this year, I think. Oh, that holds. At the end, they're going to be great. They're going to be great. I think they're under the most pressure of any team.
Starting point is 00:00:25 Orlando. Orlando. Let's talk about Desmond Bay. Desmond Bank. Yeah. the one Achilles Hill last year in the post season for Orlando. Throughout the course of the regular season, was their shot making? I was actually kind of posing the question more on an X's and it knows,
Starting point is 00:00:37 like one are the action scenarios that are here. Not that Alex doesn't bring that too, but I think what Alex brought was just enough you. He was guarding Joker in the playoff. Starting the season off, you know, I think it's always a little bit important to look back. What did we learn last year in the league? What's top of mind to you? What did we learn?
Starting point is 00:01:12 Obviously, you know, like, it's funny this time of year you remember the last two teams more than anyone else. No, yeah, no question. They make a big influence on where the game netted out. What's your takeaways in general and also with those two teams? Well, I mean, like you just mentioned, you think OKC, you think Indiana, you think their style of play, you know, Both teams, you know, and obviously you think of the victor, obviously, and OKC, you know, congratulations to them once again. Just think about the speed, you know, and the defensive, you know, cohesiveness of OKC.
Starting point is 00:01:42 You think about the randomness, but we talk, it's not random, but it looks random, and the pace and the depth of Indiana and those teams. So, you know, it was, that was great basketball, you know, and obviously, you know, seeing Tyrese go down, none of us wanted to see that. that put a little depth on it, but for the full landscape and the full, you know, of the whole finals, I thought it was just great basketball. And if you're a basketball fan, you really enjoyed the way both teams and both style to play. And some great series.
Starting point is 00:02:13 I mean, starting with Denver Clippers could have gone either way. Then Denver, you know, as a team we're going to have to talk about at some point here, taking OKC's seven games, amazing series. And they added so much depth. Added depth. And then you got, you know, OKC and Indy taking them to seven games. and having their best player go down in game seven after he's probably made two three four threes in the first quarter you know um it's crazy how things like that happen right you look back you're like and well deserved okay see phenomenal team but how close it was from Denver AG got hurt played hurt in game seven right you know they scrape by they scrape by with Tyrese getting hurt I mean phenomenal team they also Jalen Williams was hurt for four months apparently they you know hid that from us so phenomenal But when we talk about styles of play, I think you mentioned it's like, you know,
Starting point is 00:03:03 OKC is special because we talk about this new era is getting more into teams with depth. You see it with Indy. OKC has the depth and they kind of have three stars or three burgeoning stars. Let's talk about a few things. Depth, one, I'd love to hear your thoughts on like, again, getting back to more guys that can make plays and more guys that can guard. And then size, some people are thinking about going big. We talk about Houston, going with the double big and how that work. and how that works, why that works.
Starting point is 00:03:30 You know, OKC did some of that. Let's start there. Like, what are your takeaways on, like, big trends you saw last year that you think will continue? Well, like you said, we saw Houston go with the double big in the postseason, with Sen Gould and Stephen Adams. And we may see them go to that again. I mean, when you have...
Starting point is 00:03:48 They added Capella. And they added Capella as well. And they added a seven-foot Cameron Durant as well, who continues to say he's not seven-foot. But so I think... they have the ability to do that one it starts with obviously here you know having IQ and those guys are smart enough to know how to play off one another because it's such a it's such a dying breed in our in our game of having two
Starting point is 00:04:13 bigs out on the floor but those guys compliment one another so I think we will see that with certain teams you know if they have the right personnel to be able to do that I think that's the key yeah right personnel like it's just not having two big guys to take up space like when you think think about OKC, you know, Chek can space the floor, he can play and make, he also protects the rims. Hartnstein's so good at his motor, the floaters, the passing. Right, you think you think about like, you know, Milwaukee now where they can play with
Starting point is 00:04:43 Janice and Miles. That's right. You know, they just add a Miles Turner. You think about Cleveland, you know, with Allen and Mowgli, you know, they have to be able to, you know, compliment one another. So that one's, that one's under a little pressure this year, I think. Oh, that hole is at the end. They're going to be great.
Starting point is 00:04:59 They're going to be great. I think they're under the most pressure of any team coming into the season. And I think they can find a way. But that is one that I think has been a little bit clunky here when it gets down to the end of games. But another example of, and that's skill, right? You got J.A. is a great, you know, rim protector, rim roller. And then you got Motelie who can make plays. It can be a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor.
Starting point is 00:05:22 Houston, you know, I think you think of it as these two bigs, but you've got one who's one who's one of the most skilled bigs in the game maybe ever. in Shangoon, and Stephen Adams has a skill. He has an offensive rebounding machine. Yeah, and that was the Houston. They understood that last year their problem was shot making, you know, and shooting the three and whatever the case may be. So, you know, them being able to create extra possessions was something that they knew they
Starting point is 00:05:47 benefited from. So, and you look at per 36 when it comes to Stephen Adams, I don't know the exact number, but he's going to be up there a lot as far as offensive rebounds. And that works for them. So I think that, you know, they've kind of shored that up a little bit, obviously, with Katie's ability to shoot the ball. Dorian Finney Smith can shoot the ball, you know. So they've added some space as far as the shooting.
Starting point is 00:06:12 But that is something, that is a tactic that they know they can go to, you know, if they need be. Sure. The Freddie situation makes it really interesting with the shooting. You know, they need shooting. They lose a shooter, the leader, the organizer, the opportunity for reach. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:06:27 Also an opportunity, E-May has already mentioned, them to go extremely big. You know, with, you know, Thompson is the point. And the hand on the ball. KD and all that length on the perimeter and then you've got the two bigs inside. Fascinating to see how they make that work. I get it, you know? Now it's a matter of them being practical. How can we create offense for ourselves?
Starting point is 00:06:45 I think defensively they'll be able to figure it out with all that length. But it's interesting because, you know, there's two things. Some teams are going big. I think that's trickier. Harder said than done. done but still a facet but this depth thing is I don't think is going away one like we spoke about in previous episodes the ability to play blender more guys they can make a play the space the floor and can make a play on a closeout but also just people are starting to pick up full core right
Starting point is 00:07:11 right we're not going to see as much of it in the regular season but it's becoming a facet of teams in the regular season at least in patches but in the playoffs yeah so you need that depth you have to you have to have that depth to be able to if there's something that we want to do for 48 minutes we have to have that depth so when we bring guys in, boom, we keep it going. You know, Detroit, the same way. Detroit to do the same thing. So you have to have those players that it doesn't tell off, you know, when you make a substitution or whatever the case may be, because this is how we want to play.
Starting point is 00:07:38 So if this is our team, this is how we want to play. When you guys come into the game, you check into the game, keep the pressure up. Yeah, I'm fascinated to see what tweaks we have this year, but there's a lot of teams that have made slight changes. You know, you go on the league. It'd be good to talk about some of these teams. I mean, you know, I mean, some teams not by design, you know, when you talk about Tyrese going down,
Starting point is 00:08:02 you're talking about certain players in the game, you know, but they're going to have to play slightly different enough. Then there's other teams that have made moves. You know, let's talk about Denver. This is a team that went seven games. Yeah, with the champions. With the champs. Even had AG, I think, with a hammy in the game seven.
Starting point is 00:08:19 You know, they add some pieces. They had a shooter in Tim Hardaway. They add, I think, a two-way player in Camper. Johnson. They had, you know, one of my favorite players to coach Bruce Brown, great competitor, Swiss Army Knife, really improved three-point shooter, and just a great, great competitor. How do you see them as far as revamping this season? I think they had a hell of a summer, you know, they've added a lot of complimentary players and a lot of guys that's battle tested. I think Bruce Brown was actually on that championship team. Yeah, he was. You know,
Starting point is 00:08:49 the last time they won it. They also added some more, you know, you know, they lost You know, obviously, Russ and Michael Porter Jr. And DeAndreanjoim, they added Valchunis, who's a big body, who's been battle-tested as well. Because they've been reluctant to play a backup center. They have. They have. They have been reluctant to play a backup center.
Starting point is 00:09:07 I don't think they will have that problem now with Valchunis. So is that a double big opportunity, you know, with Yokin's ability to stretch the floor, be the folk room, play five out? That is an opportunity. That is an opportunity. We kind of miss that one. Because if he's got that ball in that kind of elbow extended elbow area, you know, Valanchunus, he can find him.
Starting point is 00:09:28 So the ability to roam as the second big is tough. And if you leave his body, he's a great offensive room. Yeah, for sure. That's a fascinating double-being. They've had a great summer. Obviously, Houston, they had a great summer just adding KD. But as far as the amount of players, I think that Denver has added, the complimentary guys, they add.
Starting point is 00:09:48 I think they had a great summer. Right. Minnesota? You guys played them in the playoffs. Like, gee, this is two years in a row they went to the conference finals. They're kind of going under the radar a little bit right now. Yeah, they are. They are, and they shouldn't.
Starting point is 00:09:58 Yeah. But they are. But I think they will still be there. I feel still be there. They're going to need young guys to step up, I think, to improve, to develop. They will. I mean, I think, you know, losing the kill is a big piece of their team. You know, but they have another year, and has another year under his belt.
Starting point is 00:10:15 I think what Juju did last year, surprised a lot of people in our league, you know, just how well he competed, especially defensively, you know, but he was great throughout the, obviously he was great throughout the whole season. You know, and they're going to just have guys have to step up. You know, Nause is going to, I think, just take
Starting point is 00:10:33 another step. Devin Chenzo another year under his belt with those guys. But like you said, you know, will Rob Dillenham, the kid that they drafted last year in the first round, will he make a step forward to help out, take some pressure maybe off if Mike, you know, Conley doesn't play
Starting point is 00:10:50 a lot of games, you know, at his, you know, later stage in our career. So, like you said, a lot of young guys are going to have to step up for him. I think Dillam's got to be a rotation guy for them. One, I think, to give them another look in the playoffs, but also just to get through the regular season. Yeah, and get through that depth. You know, some fascinating teams in the East. Detroit, you know, they've lost Beasley,
Starting point is 00:11:11 he lost him Hardaway. They brought in Duncan Robinson. You know, but I think Detroit's one of those teams where they're looking to improve within. Yeah. You know, will Dern take another step? Yeah, they kind of kept their nuclear. Thompson, taking another step. And another year for, yeah.
Starting point is 00:11:26 Ivy's coming back off the injury, yeah, yeah, you know, and how good and effective can he be? So although they lost two key pieces, two shooters, two spacers from last year that were important to them, you know, can they improve them within? Yeah. You know, that's important. I think, you know, a little bit like, okay, see, you know, they don't make any moves, right? They don't need to make any moves, but where's check going? You know, where's Jaylon Williams going? Where are some of these role players off the best?
Starting point is 00:11:48 I think Detroit's a fascinating. Yeah, yeah, me too. And they have the ability to make some moves. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. The American Express Platinum card is now better than ever, with updated benefits to help you unlock unforgettable experiences.
Starting point is 00:12:12 You can access the largest global airport lounge network and global hotel program with the suite of benefits. as compared to other credit card programs. Plus, with dining benefits at over 10,000 U.S. resi restaurants and exclusive access to unique experiences worldwide, Platinum membership means you can turn ordinary into the extraordinary. There's nothing like having an escape from the airport crowds, and with MX Platinum, you're able to gain access to their network of global airport lounges.
Starting point is 00:12:40 For me, it's just great to get a quiet corner, to do some work, to maybe chill out a little bit before I get home to the craziness, but obviously getting to a lounge in an airport just kind of makes the trip a little bit more seamless. With an array of premium travel, dining, and entertainment benefits, all backed by American Express's award-winning service, platinum membership brings experiences to a whole new level.
Starting point is 00:13:02 It's true what they say. There's nothing like platinum. Terms apply. Learn more at Americanexpress.com slash with platinum. Orlando? Orlando. Let's talk about Desmond Dane. The one Achilles Hill last year in the postseason for Orlando
Starting point is 00:13:27 throughout the course of the regular season was their shot making. They just could not make shots outside the three-point line for, you know, consistently all year. You know, and, you know, obviously we know how dynamic Paolo is. We know how dynamic France is and those guys. But three-point shooting is. It's very, you know, it means a lot in our league today, you know, and adding Desmond Bain, who, you know, throughout his career is a knockdown shooter. Also, can also get into the lane as well and make plays.
Starting point is 00:13:59 I think that adds a dynamic. We'll see how it all comes together. But they're another sleeper as well. I think they can make another step forward. We'll see how far, but. No, no, I think it's a great call. I mean, they're a great defensive, very good defensive team, physical, defend. You know, I do think, though, Desmond Bain is going to be a huge asset.
Starting point is 00:14:21 Not just the shooting. I like him in ball screens. You know, he maybe not raid as a high defender, but I think he's capable, physical. I think the key for Orlando in many ways is going to be how can they incorporate those three guys together. You know, I like you guys, you know, Apollo and Franz are going to draw the toughest assignments, bringing Desmond in like AR, who is a terrific offensive player, maybe bringing him to the third defender. how can they get really effective and efficient using all three of those guys in action. And then beyond that, I think Wendell Carter
Starting point is 00:14:53 is having a great season. Being on stretch the floor, being able to rebound, being able to orchestrate that back line. I'd be excited if I was Orlando fan. But a lot to work on, a lot to figure out. Yeah, a lot of work on. And I love Moles too. Coach Moll's is great.
Starting point is 00:15:08 He's done a great job. Yeah, he's done a great job since he got there, and I love him. So I think they'll figure it out. One thing about, like, when you ride for your head coach, I think you were able to make things happen. And the biggest thing for coach is health. Yeah, for sure.
Starting point is 00:15:23 They had a stop-star year in every way last year. So giving him a full season with as many guys as healthy as possible, as with everyone in this league. Suggs will be back. Yeah, Suggs. Actually shot the ball really well, I think, two years ago. Yeah, he did. You know, without the injuries, if he can be that dog on defense,
Starting point is 00:15:39 space the floor, still make some plays with his athleticism, competitiveness. I agree. They got a lot of guys. I want to get your take on Atlanta. It's kind of sleepy over there. I spoke about them a little bit. In the first half of this, it's very sneaky, man.
Starting point is 00:15:54 Like, you know, Adam, like you said, Alexander Walker from Minnesota, Jalen Johnson got hurt last year. So now he's coming back. Brazingis had a great summer. You know, if you watch any year old basket, he had a great summer, a lot of the, you know, and obviously another year for Trey, you know, Dyson Daniels was. was up there, defensive player in the year last year. And I thought, you know, Richard Shea started off the season, like, oh, you know, but then he picked it up. He came on.
Starting point is 00:16:25 Akongwu, Luke Canard, they added a shooter, so that definitely helps. Yeah, that helps. So, yeah, man, I mean, you have Cleveland, you have Orlando, you have Detroit. The Knicks. You have the Knicks. and you have Janice in Milwaukee, obviously, you know. We don't know what's happening in Philly. But we don't know what's going to happen in Philly.
Starting point is 00:16:48 Obviously, that's health. You know, if they're all healthy, then, okay, we got something. You know, obviously Boston might be a little down year for them, you know, losing JT and, you know, losing Drew, losing Prasangis, you know. So they still have championship DNA, but we'll see what happens with them. Atlanta has an opportunity is what I'm basically saying. Atlanta has an opportunity to not being a plane. I think that's their main goal.
Starting point is 00:17:13 How can we get out of the playing and give ourselves a chance to be in that top six? And I think it's starting to give the right elements around Trey. You know, you got, like you said, Rodan Carnard, you've got guys that are improving their shoes. I think there's a lot of upside to Daniels offensively still. You know, obviously a world-class defender, which helps Trey. Resaché, length.
Starting point is 00:17:35 Jalen Johnson, length, athleticism, playmaking. A lot of less. Porzingis, length, shooting. creating more space for Trey. You go to Nicky Alexander Walker, gets you defense, a little bit of length of the guard position, depth. So you're taking a lot of the boxes here, right?
Starting point is 00:17:49 Taking a lot of boxes. One, needs, two, improving from within. And three, just where's the game going with having multiple guys to be able to play physical defense, switch, to be able to make that play in blender is going to help Trey as well. Yeah, and they should be able to play with a lot of pace and space too.
Starting point is 00:18:06 Anytime you got a guy like Prazinegas who, his defender is, One is afraid to load as much on the ball and trade because Prazinga shoots it from 30 plus. So how much loading are you going to, if you're not there early, then don't be there at all. And then if you're not there at all, now you're allowing trade and now work his magic.
Starting point is 00:18:25 So, you know, I think it adds another dynamic, man, for them. And I think trade is going to, obviously, the number one thing in our league is health. Obviously, we know that. But I think trade is going to realize how much of a complimentary and a dynamic piece of it is for his game. haven't presented it's out there on the floor. Cleveland, you know, I think they're,
Starting point is 00:18:46 they had a phenomenal season last year, and I think it's really easy to sweep away their success with their playoff loss, but there was circumstances. You know, they had injuries in that series. Now, Indy was phenomenal and deserved everything they got, but that series could have gone either way if maybe they were healthy. Yeah.
Starting point is 00:19:02 How much pressure do you think on them to kind of figure this out? Like, I'm not saying pressure on any one individual, but like to figure out the chemistry, the fit of their roster, versus trying to make a move. Yeah, I think it's pressure from within. You know, I think they saw the success they had last year and how well they play a great style of basketball, man. They play a great style of basketball, you know.
Starting point is 00:19:24 That ball is popping, it's moving, they get in dribble drives. Like you say, working the blender. They shoot it well. They pass well. That baseline cut is drift. Yeah, man. Yeah, so. But I feel like if I was someone from the outside looking in,
Starting point is 00:19:38 I feel like they're putting pressure on themselves to make the next year. jump. They're probably looking at, you know, it could have been us versus O'KC in the finals. So we are to see if guys have made the next step. You know, you know, Evan had a great year last year. Does he make another step forward? You know, obviously, DG, you know, was hurt a lot last year. So, you know, does he come back, you know, playing well? How much are they going to get out Alonzo ball? You know, and I thought that was a great pickup, you know, great point guard, great mind, big, long, you know, you know, and defends in a high level space. So, I thought he played well.
Starting point is 00:20:12 I thought he played well. He played well. He was happy for him. Absolutely. So that was a hell of a pickup for them. So, you know, and then, you know, obviously Donovan. We know we're going to get out of Donovan. He's battle tests.
Starting point is 00:20:24 He's been in postseason, either with Cleveland, when he was in Utah, he kind of knows the rim of things. So how is it going to come together again? At this point, it's not about the regular season for them. The regular season is about building habits, playing championship basketball. playing the right way but we want to gear up towards the playoffs not saying that we shortcut the regular season never want to do that but it's not about
Starting point is 00:20:49 if we can win 60 games that is not their goal anymore it's not if we can win 70 games that doesn't matter anymore you know it's about making the next term it's an interesting thing maybe for like the you know the average fan out there you know a team like that right they they can go
Starting point is 00:21:05 and win a ton of games in the regular season but for them it's really about like you said like what is What is it going to be that's going to determine our success in the playoffs? And how much time, effort, energy, focused, we need to put on that. So once we get to the playoffs, like, we can win 60. We can win 60 games. But when we get to the playoffs, we're going to face this scenario.
Starting point is 00:21:23 They're going to put us in these positions. How much time, effort, energy, it takes in commitment to accomplish that. And maybe win 55 games in the regular season, but be ready for the playoffs. That's going to be the most challenging thing, because who on the roster has actually been there? you know they've been to the postseason I'm trying to think of the roster has any one of those guys made a finals appearance besides what Larry Nance Jr.
Starting point is 00:21:50 Did they sign? He was on the team with me in 18 back in Cleveland he knows how he was a part of that team and saw how we was able to get there. So like you know you have guys who's been to the postseason and won the first round one in the second round it's like okay but what what
Starting point is 00:22:04 who is that guy that's going to keep them like okay this is the mission this is the mission it's the goal You know, and you can have the coaches who have been there. You can have the GMs and then you can look at the trophies around or the trophy, you know, and the names are, but who is that one, who is going to be that person that's going to get them there? So, and that's not saying that I thought, you know, last year, you know, with OKC, Alex Caruso. Yeah. You know, we can look at how great Shay was, obviously, J. Dub, obviously, Chet, obviously.
Starting point is 00:22:39 I think Alex Caruso, he was that guy. About an element. He knew how to get there. He knew what it took to get there. He knew how to stay even killed if there was any adversity. You got to kind of have that one guy, you know, that just makes it, that makes it all work. You know, it's interesting at that point because, you know, I was actually kind of posing the question more on an X as it knows, like, what are the action scenarios that are getting his problem? Not that Alex doesn't bring that to, but I think what Alex is.
Starting point is 00:23:09 was just enough fuck you he was guarding Joker in the playoffs it's not working I'm crashing I'm running the floor I'm setting a screen I'm slipping I'm making the next play I will we're not we're not we're not gonna you know we're not gonna have a little mini slump he literally was guarding Joker on the elbow like getting elbowed in the head like he that's who's gonna be that guy for Cleveland we we have to I think that's the number one thing it's gonna be that guy I think Lonzo help in that capacity and that you know he's at a in his career now where I think he's still a very, very good player.
Starting point is 00:23:42 Yeah, for sure. But he also is willing to do the dirty work. That's a big pickup for that. And now over to our producer, Jason, for a word from one of our partners. Thanks to Draft Kings for sponsoring the show. Basketball season is back, and our partners at Draft Kings are celebrating with their best offer yet. Draft Kings brings the intensity of every possession right to your phone. Watch every crossover, every buzzer beater, every clutch moment with three months of NBA
Starting point is 00:24:17 league pass included with your first bet. And here's the deal for new customers. Bet just $5 and get three months of NBA league pass on us. Plus, if your bet wins, you'll get $300 in bonus bets instantly. The excitement continues with Draft King's same-day parlays, giving you a shot at even bigger payouts. Plus, their live betting lets you wager on star player props and in-progress games as the action unfolds. Get in on the action now. Download the Draft King Sportsbook app and use code mind to turn five bucks into $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins.
Starting point is 00:24:54 Plus, three months of league pass on us. The crown is yours. Dallas. Interesting in that obviously, you know, that's the whole context. Like they lose a generational player like Luca, they bring an AD and a pick that ends up somehow in the lottery getting Cooper Flagg to everyone's astonishment. Yeah. Yeah, yeah. And that, so there's a lot of, a lot going on here. One, Kyrie. Yes, I think the help the Kyrie is most important. I don't know.
Starting point is 00:25:37 I think they got a really interesting team even without Kyrie, but Kyrie's Kyrie. And, you know, at the end of the day, you need players of talent. They can go get buckets in tricky situations. So, one, I think it depends on Kyrie's health. Yeah, I agree. It goes back.
Starting point is 00:25:50 But, too, it's interesting because usually the number one pick doesn't go to a good team. Yeah, I can't remember what was the last one? The last number one pick going to a... Yeah, it's... Timmy? Yeah, I mean, I was going to say Timmy, but that would have made me feel really old
Starting point is 00:26:04 because they'd be like, What about A, B, and C? Timmy. I would say Timmy, right? Yeah, probably Timmy. So it's interesting because, you know, I think when we think a number one picks, and it doesn't always work this way,
Starting point is 00:26:14 we think of a guy that is a primary creator. What's interesting is I don't think Cooper is necessarily that yet. I think he's a Swiss Army knife. I think he brings a lot to the table. I think he's a NBA player at 18. But he doesn't have to go out there on a bad team and become that in front of our eyes, making mistakes, shooting bad shots.
Starting point is 00:26:33 And he doesn't have to have bad habits. That's the great thing. for him. He can almost take the Kauai route. Right. Great, great analogy. He could take the Kauai route where, you know, we never saw Kauai in any bad positions out of his first couple years where he looked like, oh, why did they pick him? Like, he was like, he learned at his own pace. He's there with multiple Hall of Famers, you know.
Starting point is 00:26:57 It's the same with Cooper, A.D. Hall of Famer, Kyrie Hall of Famer, Clay Hall of Famer. Jay Kid Hall of Famer. He can, he can learn. at his own pace and when the mistakes happen it won't be so microscopic because he have so many buffers around yes so when that when he when he finally blossoms we're going to blow out wow like that's what it's and that's that's the beauty of that's the beauty for him you know and Dallas is super intriguing in that sense obviously we know one a one B one C is the healthy carrie because he's he's that dynamic and if when we get to the postseason having those
Starting point is 00:27:34 guys that can make dynamic plays. 80 is going to be 80. You know, Clay's going to shoot the piss out the ball. You know, and the rest of those complimenting guys, Max Christie, love Max Christie's. Najee Marshall's, tough as nails, you know, PJ Washington, Derek Lively, Gafford, all those guys. Deep, there's some depth there. There's some depth there.
Starting point is 00:27:54 There's some, you know, their coach staff has a lot to work with. It's a size. And a lot of size, a lot of length. So it's going to be very intriguing. I think that's a very intriguing team. The nice thing for Cooper is that I think, like, his special gift right now is his versatility. So he can affect the game in a lot of ways without having to put the ball on the floor. He plays hard too, man.
Starting point is 00:28:15 He plays hard. He plays hard. He plays with pace. His speed, his length, defending multiple positions, being able to finish on the break, being able to make the extra pass. He's not going to have to say, I got to get into a three-drubble room and take a turnaround because our team needs it. He can do that. And he'll grow at that. Right now, like you said, the microscope won't be on him every time he takes one of those
Starting point is 00:28:38 because he just got three offensive rebounds in a corner. He just locked somebody up. He was able to switch onto the best player. He's rebounding. So I'm very interesting to see him be able to go at his own pace, like you said, and affect the game in a number of ways. So they're fascinating. Yeah. And then we just go down to the line like, okay, who are some of the teams that lead past?
Starting point is 00:28:58 We were sitting on our couch and we're like, oh, let's go watch this team. We'll watch this guy. I mean, obviously, Wimby is one of those guys. I mean, I mean, obviously, you know, you look at Wimby, you want to see what he's going to do every night. You know, he's just a special talent and see if they can kind of make a little jump, you know, in their franchise. Obviously, Yonis, you want to see what Yonis can do, you know, you love watching Yonis, love watching Joker. You know, you just, is there certain guys, I love watching Book as well. I'm a big Devin Booker fan, obviously.
Starting point is 00:29:31 We want a gold medal together. He's one of my favorite people in the league. So I want to watch him as well. So it's going to be some opportunities for us to sit back and just watch and see how this whole thing plays out. Yeah, I'm definitely going to be a Phoenix Sun's league pass. Do you even need league pass? It's not like a local channel down there. You can just watch it.
Starting point is 00:29:53 You know, they have free. It's free for everyone, like 3 million people in the Valley to watch the games. Unfortunately, I don't have linear TV. So I need league pass. Yeah, you need to be unblocked because there's a blackout. Oh, you blocked. Oh, my goodness. Which will get dialed.
Starting point is 00:30:08 But definitely Phoenix. I think interesting, you know, obviously lost some top-end talent, but a bunch of competitive guys. I think some guys that will surprise you. A bunch of competitive guys. But to your point, Wembe, man, I think he could take another leap. Yeah, for sure. And the way, with his set, profile, dimensions, that could be scary.
Starting point is 00:30:25 I'm very interested in this Atlanta team. Me too. You know, what Quinn does with them. Yeah, me too. You know, we talked about Bain's edition and a lot of, that's fascinating. Yeah, me too. There's a lot of teams. There's a lot of teams.
Starting point is 00:30:37 We have, like, even, like, we even mentioned Portland, they ended the year at a high last year. You know, when people were saying they should be tanking a little bit, to get a better draft pick. You know, Chauncy had those guys playing at a high level, so, and they added Drew Holiday as well. So, like, what does that look like? You know, what does Utah look like? I remember they started off the year last year at so high, and then they obviously tailed off, but Lori had an unbelievable summer, you know? So, what is Utah? look like you know what is I don't know it's gonna be just another intriguing year I'm like up here
Starting point is 00:31:05 sitting here like I'm not gonna be playing yeah you're just gonna be watching league pass every day I'm just gonna be watching league pass on one channel and then like the golf channel the golf channel or the golf channel or the other one the golf station make no mistakes makers will be a league pass team makers will be a league pass team yeah the makers will definitely be uh for short Thanks for watching Mind the Game. New episodes drop every other Tuesday. Remember to like, subscribe, or follow, or every you're watching.

There aren't comments yet for this episode. Click on any sentence in the transcript to leave a comment.