MJGMB #134: Northwest Division Breakdown and Bodega KAT with Tony Jones
Oct 9, 2024
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Tony Jones, a writer for The Athletic covering the Sixers, Nuggets, and Jazz, joins the show to break down the Northwest Division. He shares insights on the KAT trade and discusses the potential of the New York Knicks this season. Expect plenty of banter about the Thunder's rising prospects and their key additions, along with reflections on player expectations and personal anecdotes about the pressures young athletes face. The conversation mixes humor with hardwood analysis, making it a must-listen for basketball fans.
The New York Knicks, bolstered by Karl-Anthony Towns' addition, face depth concerns despite having a strong starting lineup competing for the title.
The Oklahoma City Thunder's cohesion and playoff experience, strengthened by new signings, position them as a formidable contender this season.
Deep dives
Performance Expectations for the New York Knicks
The New York Knicks are poised for an exciting season, particularly with the addition of Karl-Anthony Towns (Cat) to their roster. The Knicks' starting five has garnered praise, with some suggesting they compete closely with the Boston Celtics for the title of best starting lineup in the league. However, questions remain about the team's depth, as current options like Deuce McBride and others must step up to support a star-heavy lineup. While the first five players are solid, concerns about injury risks and overall bench strength are critical as the season unfolds.
Oklahoma City's Title Aspirations
Oklahoma City Thunder is generating buzz as a potential title contender in the upcoming NBA season, having established a strong core from last year. The team added Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein, which could enhance their overall performance and defensive capabilities. Experts debate the necessity of more shooting depth but agree that last season's playoff experience will benefit the Thunder significantly this time around. With Chet Holmgren returning, the team is expected to play more cohesively, creating a formidable challenge for opponents.
Concerns and Optimism for the Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves have made recent changes, acquiring Julius Randle to bolster their attack alongside Anthony Edwards. While Randle could create additional scoring opportunities, there are concerns regarding his fit, particularly in spacing on the floor, as he may disrupt the dynamic that the team had with Karl-Anthony Towns. Skepticism surrounds whether this new lineup can sustain success, especially considering their drop in projected wins from the previous season. Thus, the impending season will serve as a litmus test for the Timberwolves to determine if they can make significant strides or face continued challenges.
The Future of the Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers are entering a pivotal season with high hopes for rookie Scoot Henderson, who showed promise but faced scrutiny in his debut year. The fan base is filled with optimism, focusing on Henderson's development and potential impact for the team while managing expectations regarding wins and losses. Additionally, with the franchise seemingly in line for a top draft pick next year, many fans are looking at this season as a crucial evaluation period. The goal is to see significant growth from the young core, as they aim to turn around their fortunes in the coming seasons.
The guys were happy to be joined by The Athletic’s Tony Jones for today’s Northwest Division breakdown. They also discussed the KAT trade and expectations for Tony’s Knicks!