The Athletic NBA Daily NBA Opening Week | Morning Shootaround
Oct 22, 2025
The hosts dive into the excitement of NBA opening week, pondering the standards for jersey retirements. They discuss Kevin Durant's legacy and the changing landscape of teams. Early takes on the Houston Rockets highlight their offensive struggles, while nostalgic chatter surrounds NBC’s revamped Finals presentation. Anticipation builds for matchups like Portland vs. Minnesota and the Sixers vs. Celtics, with insights on young talents like Jonathan Kuminga. The conversation wraps with potential surprises in the Eastern Conference.
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Raising The Bar On Honors
- The hosts argue NBA jersey and statue honors have lowered standards, making retirements feel less meaningful.
- They suggest true honors should demand long-term service or championship-level impact to retain prestige.
KD's Complicated Legacy
- Kevin Durant's status post-departure creates divided fan reactions despite public kindness in person.
- The panel predicts KD will eventually get a jersey retirement, likely in Oklahoma City or Golden State due to titles and legacy.
Diversify Your Offense
- Experiment offensively to add variety instead of relying on one primary scorer or style.
- Use Chet, dribble handoffs, lobs and bench hubs to create more diverse scoring options for the Rockets.