Kevin Pelton and Mo Dakhil join the podcast to discuss the skirmish between Minnesota and Golden State, the title chances for the Timberwolves, fake Zach LaVine trades, and the upside for the Thunder. Mo Dakhil reviews some rookies including Brandon Miller and Marcus Sasser. Optimism in OKC and the Clippers fall to 0-5 with Harden are also discussed.
Brandon Miller shows promise as a multi-positional wing player for the Charlotte Hornets.
Josh Giddey's playmaking abilities make him a valuable asset for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Cade Cunningham's versatility makes him a key player in the Detroit Pistons' rebuild.
Franz Wagner's two-way skills and potential make him an exciting prospect for the Orlando Magic.
Deep dives
Brandon Miller showcases potential as a multi-dimensional wing for the Charlotte Hornets
Brandon Miller, the number two pick of the Charlotte Hornets, has shown promise as a multi-positional wing player. Despite a low three-point shooting percentage, Miller's shooting is expected to improve over time. He has demonstrated his defensive skills and has the potential to become a solid NBA role player. Miller's smooth movement and ability to glide on the court make him a promising prospect for the Hornets.
Josh Giddey impresses as a playmaker for the Oklahoma City Thunder
Josh Giddey has made an impact as a playmaker for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Although his shooting percentage needs improvement, Giddey has shown great potential with his passing abilities. While it's still early in the season, Giddey's ability to make plays and facilitate the offense is evident. As the Thunder continue to develop their young talent, Giddey's role in helping the team win games will likely increase.
Cade Cunningham displays versatility for the Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham has showcased his versatility for the Detroit Pistons. While his shooting efficiency needs improvement, Cunningham has demonstrated his ability to contribute in various areas of the game. As the Pistons continue to rebuild, Cunningham's role and impact within the team are expected to grow. With his potential and versatility, Cunningham is a promising prospect for the future of the Pistons franchise.
Franz Wagner shows promise as a two-way player for the Orlando Magic
Franz Wagner has shown promise as a two-way player for the Orlando Magic. While still early in his rookie season, Wagner's contributions have been notable on both ends of the court. He has displayed defensive prowess and the ability to make an impact on offense. As the Magic focus on development, Wagner's skills and potential make him an exciting prospect for the team's future.
Scottie Barnes stands out as a versatile player for the Toronto Raptors
Scottie Barnes has made an impression as a versatile player for the Toronto Raptors. While he needs to improve his shooting, Barnes' ability to impact the game in multiple ways has been evident. His defensive skills, ball-handling, and playmaking have been noteworthy. As the Raptors continue to develop their young talent, Barnes has the potential to become a key player for the team.
Anthony Black's impactful plays and solid defense for the Orlando Magic
Anthony Black has started to make an impact for the Orlando Magic. While his shooting may not be impressive, he provides winning basketball plays, strong defense, smart passing, and cutting. The Magic lack shooting, but Black's ability to make the right rotations and passes brings flow to their offense. He is a great connector for the team and complements their playmakers well. Despite his limited role, he has shown promise and elevated the Magic's performance.
The surprising defensive prowess of the Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic currently rank second in defense in the NBA. While their defensive success can be attributed to their effort and intensity, it is also a testament to the coaching of Coach Jamal Moseley. Jonathan Isaac brings an additional level of intensity and his defensive abilities are exceptional. The team's overall buy-in and strong defensive effort, coupled with Isaac's presence, contribute to their impressive defensive performance.
The promising young assets on the Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have several promising young players on their roster. Jalen Suggs has shown improvement and looks more comfortable offensively. Franz Wagner and Ignas Brazdeikis have demonstrated defensive skills and potential, although their shooting needs improvement. The Magic have a firm foundation and intriguing pieces, and their development will be key to their future success. They may also be a team to watch in potential trade scenarios, as they have multiple young assets and picks to potentially acquire more talent.
Zach and ESPN's Kevin Pelton discuss the skirmish between Minnesota and Golden State, the title chances for the Timberwolves, fake Zach LaVine trades, and the upside for the Thunder. Then Bleacher Report's Mo Dakhil joins to review some rookies.
The fracas between the Twolves and Warriors (1:13)
