The Ringer NBA Show Preseason Power Rankings, Part 4 | Group Chat
25 snips
Oct 9, 2025 The hosts dive into preseason power rankings, revealing their picks from 15 to 11. They ponder crystal ball questions about the future of the league. Key topics include the potential impact of Cooper Flagg on the Mavericks and the strategic moves by the Grizzlies post-Desmond Bane trade. The conversation shifts to Victor Wembanyama's expected dominance with the Spurs and Detroit's hopes for their young core to develop. They also analyze Atlanta's rebuild and Trae Young's role in elevating the team.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Pod Opener Uses A '36 Questions' Icebreaker
- Rob Mahoney jokes they'd begun the podcast by using the New York Times '36 questions' prompt to bond.
- The hosts riff on crystal-ball hypotheticals to set a light, conversational tone.
Flagg Shifts Dallas' Playmaking Profile
- Cooper Flagg gives the Mavericks a new primary playmaking dimension that changes roster value and expectations immediately.
- His physicality and mentality create a high rookie floor even if his long-term ceiling remains uncertain.
Mavericks Face A Frontcourt Congestion Problem
- Dallas now has a frontcourt glut that forces roster churn and trade speculation, especially around P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford.
- The team must decide whether to prioritize immediate fit with Anthony Davis or preserve tradable assets for a post-Kyrie future.