The Mismatch Can the Warriors Still Contend Without Jimmy? Plus: Eight Things We Care About.
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Jan 20, 2026 Verno and Jacoby dive into the fallout from Jimmy Butler's season-ending injury, debating the Warriors' playoff chances and Jonathan Kuminga's future. The duo discusses the Knicks' struggles and the impressive performances of young stars like Anthony Edwards and Victor Wembanyama. They also analyze the All-Star starter selections and hype up the surging teams in the West. Finally, they contemplate the legacies of LeBron and Curry while exploring NBA Europe's potential growth amidst international investments.
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Knicks Swoon Is An Effort Problem
- The Knicks' recent 2–9 stretch stems mainly from effort and defensive lapses, not just bad luck.
- Fans boo because they perceive a lack of honest effort from the team.
Avoid Panic Trades During Midseason Swoons
- Don’t rush to panic or make blockbuster trades after a hot streak collapses; consider injuries and timing.
- Re-evaluate once key effort players (like Josh Hart) and starters (like Brunson) return.
Morant's Bounce-Back Complicates Trade Talks
- Ja Morant's strong London performance makes trading him less likely and reassures fans and the front office.
- Availability plus elite play gives the franchise reasons to keep him or demand better offers.
