The Athletic NBA Daily

Caitlin Cooper, creator of Basketball She Wrote, delves into the Indiana Pacers' season, discussing the impact of Tyrese Haliburton's injury and how players like Andrew Nembhard may need to step up. She highlights expected changes in team strategy and key player roles. Hunter Patterson, a writer for The Athletic, shares insights on the Detroit Pistons, focusing on new acquisitions like Karis LeVert and Duncan Robinson, and the development of young talents like Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham as they aim for a promising future.

Pablo Torre, host of 'Pablo Torre Finds Out,' and Sam Amick, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, delve into the intriguing dynamics of Kawhi Leonard's situation with the Clippers. They dissect the controversial acquisition and explore a unique endorsement deal tied to climate initiatives. The conversation touches on contract intricacies, the tension between Kawhi and owner Steve Ballmer, and the implications for team integrity. They also discuss youth mental health concerns, highlighting the impact of modern technology on rising athletes.

Law Murray, who covers the Clippers for The Athletic, delves into the team's offseason changes and expectations for superstar Kawhi Leonard, as well as the impact of new additions like Bradley Beal. Meanwhile, James Edwards III discusses the Knicks' significant offseason moves and the coaching shift aimed at playoff success. Both guests analyze the competitive landscape of their respective conferences, offering insights on how the Clippers and Knicks might navigate their paths toward potential championships.

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.

The discussion heats up as the hosts dive into the ultimate showdown: Michael Jordan versus LeBron James. They break down the top five players in the Basketball 100 rankings, highlighting the joy and legacy these icons have brought to the game. The shifting dynamics of player greatness are examined, especially as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar transitions out and Magic Johnson rises. Personal anecdotes reveal the emotional connections fans have with basketball legends, making for a captivating exploration of the sport's rich history.

Join Jay King, who covers the Boston Celtics, and Kelly Iko, the Houston Rockets correspondent, as they dive deep into the debate on Steph Curry's legacy. The duo explores the ranking of basketball legends, including Shaquille O'Neal and Larry Bird, while emphasizing the impact of both iconic and unsung players. They dissect the criteria for greatness, weighing peak performances against historical context, and discuss whether recent trends in performance affect legacy. It's a spirited conversation that challenges listeners' perceptions of NBA history!

Hunter Patterson and Law Murray, both writers for The Athletic covering the NBA, dive deep into the rankings of legendary players from 20 to 39. They reflect on the joy iconic athletes like Dwyane Wade and Elgin Baylor have brought to fans. The duo engages in debates about Scottie Pippen's placement, contrasting his legacy with those of contemporaries like Isiah Thomas and modern greats like James Harden. They explore how the evolution of player roles influences these rankings and which athletes are overlooked in the basketball pantheon.

The hosts dive deep into the rankings of NBA legends, featuring players from 59 to 40, including the colorful Dwight Howard and the fierce Gary Payton. They debate the joy these players brought to fans and analyze their unique contributions to the sport. The discussion gets lively as they assess the legacies of icons like Reggie Miller and Allen Iverson, while also pondering the future of stars like Luka Doncic. Complexities in rankings, injuries, and player perceptions are all on the table, making for an engaging exploration of NBA history.

Dave DuFour, a knowledgeable sports analyst, joins the hosts to tackle ten burning questions about the upcoming NBA season. They dissect the scheduling quirks that affect team success, spotlighting the Blazers and Sixers. The conversation dives into the potential of breakout stars, discussing the impressive growth expected from emerging talents. DuFour also weighs in on the intrigue surrounding Zion Williamson's future with the Pelicans and potential trade scenarios, keeping fans on the edge of their seats for the season ahead.

Join Law Murray, an insightful writer covering the L.A. Clippers, and Fred Katz, known for his keen analysis of the New York Knicks, as they dive into the legacy of NBA icons ranked 60 to 79. They passionately debate whether Tracy McGrady is overrated, explore the unique journeys of players like Alonzo Mourning, and highlight underrated legends such as Earl Monroe. Their discussions blend personal anecdotes with in-depth analysis, revealing the intricate human stories behind the stats and the impact these athletes have on the game.