Fred Katz

Fred Katz, an NBA reporter for The Athletic and host of the Cats and Shoot podcast, dives into the Eastern Conference power rankings. He discusses the surprising rise of the Bulls and the concerning slide of the Magic. The conversation shifts to the Western Conference, highlighting the Clippers' defensive struggles and the Spurs' stellar play, led by Wembanyama and D'aron Fox. Katz's insights on team dynamics and player performances make for a lively analysis, topped off with a personal story that brings some humor to the basketball talk!

Fred Katz, an NBA writer for The Athletic, shares insights on under-the-radar moves of the offseason, focusing on the Wizards' strategic signings. Joanna Robinson, a television expert, provides tailored TV recommendations perfect for a vacation binge, emphasizing humorous and quirkier gems. Sean Fennessey discusses the ongoing challenges and trade strategies for the Mets, illustrating the urgency for team improvements. The conversation also highlights Luka Doncic's transformation and the Lakers' championship ambitions amidst a competitive landscape.

Fred Katz, a National Writer at The Athletic, shares insights on the mounting pressure in the NBA as the 2025-2026 season approaches. The dialogue includes analysis on star players like Trae Young and Donovan Mitchell facing pivotal moments. Katz discusses the contrasting challenges for teams like the Knicks and Cavaliers while highlighting rising talents such as Jaden Ivey. The conversation also features fun trivia and celebrity interactions, delivering both informative and entertaining perspectives on the league.

Bleacher Report's Mo Dakhil analyzes the Lakers vs. Pacers matchup for the In-Season Tournament Final. Fred Katz from The Athletic joins to discuss the Knicks and early awards predictions including MVP, Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, Most Improved Player, and Defensive Player of the Year.

Fred Katz, NBA staff writer at The Athletic, joins Andrew Schlecht to discuss early rankings for the Eastern Conference. They tackle off-season moves and potential team strategies, highlighting the Washington Wizards’ tanking plans and the Chicago Bulls’ dynamic gameplay. The duo also humorously predicts player performances, evaluates emerging talents like Kolo Ware, and reflects on the implications of the recent NBA draft. With anecdotes and lighthearted banter, they create an engaging discussion around team dynamics and the unpredictable nature of the season ahead.

James Edwards, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, discusses the shocking firing of Tom Thibodeau as head coach of the Knicks, exploring its implications for the team's future and potential coaching replacements. Fred Katz, well-versed in Knicks and Thunder affairs, analyzes the intriguing matchup between the Pacers’ offense and the Thunder’s chaotic defense, revealing key strategies that lead to unexpected upsets. Together, they shed light on the fast-paced dynamics of the NBA and the ongoing evolution within teams.

Fred Katz from The Athletic joins to dive deep into Knicks-Sixers matchup, discussing Game 5 adjustments, Brunson's stellar performance, injury updates, Bucks' dominance, and Knicks' future plans. Also covered: reflecting on Durant trade impact, Clippers-Mavericks showdown, and the pressure on Cavs and Magic in the playoffs.

Fred Katz, an NBA writer for The Athletic, joins to dissect the Celtics' recent win against the Knicks and their chances of overcoming a 3-1 series deficit. Katz highlights the Knicks' lineup issues and critiques their defensive performance. He also emphasizes Jalen Brown’s pivotal role in the Celtics' resilience. The conversation shifts to the impressive playoff performances of Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, shedding light on their development and contributions to their teams. Tune in for passionate basketball insights!

Fred Katz, a longtime NBA writer, and Es Baraheni, an engaging NBA reporter, dive into the heated debate over the top NBA players of the 21st century. They tackle whether Steph Curry ranks higher than LeBron James, scrutinizing the balance between peak performance and longevity. The duo also dissects the placements of legends like Tim Duncan and Kobe Bryant, while exploring the underrated status of Nikola Jokic. Topics like point guard rankings and the importance of championships shed light on competitive legacies, igniting passionate discussions and challenging conventional wisdom.

Fred Katz, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins the discussion to explore early-season NBA trends. He highlights Erik Spoelstra's innovative coaching style and the Miami Heat's unique offensive approach. The conversation shifts to Tyrese Maxey's impressive start and the Sixers’ youthful guard depth. Katz also marks the standout performances of rookies like Cooper Flagg and dives into the Wizards' surprising competitiveness. They touch on MVP narratives surrounding Luka, Giannis, and Wembanyama, emphasizing how team success will influence the race.