The Kevin O'Connor Show KOC's 10 biggest takeaways from NBA media day + non-top 10 rookies to watch this season
Oct 1, 2026
Tom Haberstroh, an NBA analyst and statistical researcher, joins a lively tour of Media Day’s biggest storylines. They examine San Antonio’s three-guard experiment, Anthony Edwards pairing with LaMelo Ball, Evan Mobley’s offensive evolution, Cooper Flagg’s growth, Nikola Jokic’s future and Philadelphia’s star hierarchy. They also unpack Jalen Duren’s contract standoff, possible trades, GTA 6’s NBA impact and intriguing rookies outside the top 10.
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Episode notes
San Antonio’s Three Guard Experiment Needs Proof
- San Antonio’s Fox-Castle-Harper three-guard lineup produced disastrous results despite each smaller combination succeeding.
- Across 69 minutes, it posted a minus-26.6 net rating, including a 93.1 offensive rating and 119.7 defensive rating.
LaMelo Ball Could Unlock Anthony Edwards
- LaMelo Ball could free Anthony Edwards from constant on-ball creation and half-court traps.
- Edwards’ 48% catch-and-shoot accuracy last season makes his willingness to relocate and defend especially valuable.
Mobley Needs Strength More Than Fancy Moves
- Evan Mobley’s planned go-to moves could help, but his bigger need remains physicality and reliable perimeter shooting.
- Kevin O’Connor preferred seeing Mobley improve from roughly 30% on catch-and-shoot threes toward 40% rather than forcing guard-like isolation play.