The Athletic NBA Daily Surprise Teams | Slam N Jam
Sep 27, 2025
This episode features Law Murray, an insightful writer for The Athletic covering the Clippers and the broader NBA landscape. He joins hosts to dissect which teams might surprise this season, focusing on the Jazz, Nets, Wizards, and more. Discussions reveal the Jazz's rebuilding approach, the Nets' potential despite roster issues, and the Wizards' temptation to stealth tank. The hosts ultimately agree on the Bulls as the breakout team. The light-hearted trivia segment adds a fun twist, testing knowledge on Clippers lore!
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How Surprise Teams Are Defined
- Alex Speers' Surprise Teams metric targets teams with preseason over-unders below 36 as likely longshots that can exceed expectations.
- Historically, 46 teams since 1999 beat that mark by 10+ wins, averaging 1.8 surprise teams per season.
Jazz' Low Bar And Upside
- The Utah Jazz's 18.5-win total is historically low but includes Larry Markkanen and Walker Kessler.
- If Jazz play Markkanen more or avoid widespread tanking pressures, a 29-win season is plausible.
Jazz Will ‘Bubble Wrap’ Young Players
- Andrew and Law argue Utah will prioritize development and protect young players to preserve future picks and assets.
- Law compares the Jazz approach to bubble-wrapping prospects until they secure a blue-chip player.