The Kevin O'Connor Show
Contenders vs. Pretenders, Ring Culture, and Growing NBA Superstars with Drew Hanlen
Feb 19, 2025
Drew Hanlen is a prominent NBA skills trainer who has worked with stars like Joel Embiid and Jayson Tatum. He shares why critics who label Joel as 'washed' are misguided. The podcast dives into Tatum's mental leap to success and Haliburton’s exceptional passing skills. Drew discusses the evolving NBA landscape, the impact of Giannis's improved shooting, and his thoughts on potential contenders like the Cavaliers and Nuggets. He also reveals insights from his new book and thoughts on changing end-of-year awards, keeping the conversation lively and insightful.
01:04:49
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Quick takeaways
- Drew Hanlen highlights that having an elite player in the MVP voting is crucial for any NBA championship contender.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo's evolution in mid-range shooting showcases his commitment to improving versatility, making the Bucks formidable.
Deep dives
Analyzing NBA Championship Trends
Over the past 33 years, historical data reveals that nearly all NBA champions have featured a player who finished in the top seven of the MVP voting. This statistic highlights the importance of having a standout player to secure championships. Additionally, out of the last 41 champions, a staggering 37 of them achieved at least 40 wins prior to their 20th loss. These trends indicate that teams like the Cavaliers, Thunder, Celtics, Knicks, and Nuggets are likely contenders this season, while teams with injuries or lacking a key player may struggle to join this elite group.
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