The Athletic NBA Daily

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Law Murray of the Athletic to discuss which teams will be the Surprise Teams in the NBA this season. The discussion centered on the Jazz, Nets, Blazers, Wizards, Suns, Bulls, Hornets, and Kings. Then the guys select the team they think will defy the odds and win 10 more games than their over under total. Then the guys play a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat.Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersWith: Law MurrayExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Monica Compton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eric Koreen, a Toronto Raptors reporter for The Athletic, shares insights on the team's upcoming season. He digs into the recent changes in the front office, particularly how Masai Ujiri's departure may impact the roster. The discussion highlights Scottie Barnes as the focal player and explores his potential both defensively and offensively. Koreen evaluates contract issues and identifies potential trade candidates, while setting realistic expectations for a team likely to struggle for playoff contention this year.

Richie Randall, host of the BuzzBeat podcast and dedicated Hornets analyst, dives into the future of the Charlotte Hornets. He discusses the intriguing young talent on the roster and ranks their prospects, including Brandon Miller and T.J. Salón. A central question emerges: should the Hornets trade LaMelo Ball amidst concerns over his health and contributions? Richie also shares insights on Miles Bridges’ evolving role and the potential impact of roster strategies as the team builds for the long term.

Join Lauren Williams, a seasoned reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, as she dives into the Atlanta Hawks' promising outlook for the season. She discusses the crucial year ahead for Trae Young, whose performance will heavily influence his future with the team. The talk reveals how Kristaps Porzingis' addition shifts the team's dynamic and roster expectations. Lauren also explores the depth of the frontcourt and assesses how the bench needs to maintain scoring when Young is off the court. Could a playoff run be in the cards for Atlanta?

This discussion features Joel Lorenzi, a Chicago Bulls beat writer for The Athletic, who offers keen insights into the team's outlook for the season. He dives into Josh Giddey's crucial extension and the expectations surrounding his performance. Joel also unpacks the roster dynamics, particularly focusing on Coby White's future. The conversation poses tough questions about the Bulls' direction, emphasizing the need to prioritize draft positioning over short-term wins while forecasting a similar or slightly worse 37–39 win season.

Josh Robbins, NBA reporter for The Athletic, dives into the Orlando Magic's playoff prospects. He discusses the impact of Desmond Bane's arrival on the offense and the crucial role of Jalen Suggs in staying healthy. Robbins also explores rising stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, examining their potential to bolster the team's performance. With insights on roster construction and the potential for a second-round playoff appearance, listeners get an exciting look at what could be a breakthrough season for the Magic.

In this segment, Josh Robbins, a seasoned Washington Wizards reporter for The Athletic, shares insights on the team's offseason trades and their implications for the future. He highlights the importance of young players like Bilal Koulibaly and Alex Sarr, discussing their developmental needs. Additionally, Robbins delves into the potential of rookie Tre Johnson, emphasizing his promise. The conversation also touches on the front office's strategy and their focus on accumulation of picks for a successful rebuild.

Mike Smeltz, the former host of The Glue Guys and ex-producer at The Athletic, joins to preview the Brooklyn Nets season. He dives into the impact of acquiring Michael Porter Jr., highlighting his potential to elevate the team's competitiveness. Smeltz also discusses the optimism surrounding Cam Thomas and the promising rookie Yegor/Igor. The conversation shifts to potential trades, including Terrence Mann and Nick Claxton, delving into the complexities of the Nets' rebuilding strategy and future draft capital.

Will Guillory, the Pelicans beat writer for The Athletic, shares his insights on the New Orleans Pelicans' upcoming season. He discusses Zion Williamson's recovery and potential, emphasizing the mental strength required post-injury. The conversation dives into the promising capabilities of rookies Queen and Fears, along with the leaps we can expect from Trey Murphy. Will highlights the impact of recent organizational changes and challenges the team faces, all while sparking hope for a successful turnaround.

Mike Vorkunov, who covers sports and business for The Athletic, dives into the ongoing drama surrounding the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard. He discusses the controversial sponsorship relationship with Aspiration, raising ethical concerns. The challenges of the NBA's investigation into the Clippers come to light, especially in gathering testimonies. Vorkunov also highlights the broader implications of salary cap regulations and how rising costs for fans impact their viewing experiences in an evolving NBA landscape.