The Athletic NBA Daily

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.

Joining the discussion are Tony Jones, a seasoned NBA writer for The Athletic, and Mike Vorkunov, another talented writer and contributor. They dive into the rankings of NBA legends from 100 to 80, sparking lively debates over Kyrie Irving's legacy and whether he ranks as the best number two player ever. The pair also reflect on the careers of greats like Vince Carter and omit players seen as underrated. With humor and passion, they explore the emotional toll of rankings and the historical significance of past and present stars.

Get ready for a thrilling countdown of the top 100 NBA players as talented writers share their insights. Expect fierce debates on rankings and heartfelt memories of legends like Bill Russell and George Gervin. Discover who should be celebrated more or ranked lower in the pantheon of basketball greatness. Listeners will be treated to deeper analyses and personal stories behind the stats. Tune in for dynamic discussions twice a week that promise a slam dunk of entertainment!

The hosts dive into NBA over/under predictions as the new season approaches, analyzing teams like the Hawks, Lakers, and Pistons. They discuss the Hawks’ potential to outperform their 47.5 win total fueled by new additions and offseason dynamics. Excitement brews over the synergy between Luka and DeAndre Ayton, while Marcus Smart's impact on the Lakers is scrutinized. The Pistons' young stars, like Cade Cunningham, are highlighted for their optimistic outlook, as predictions roll in for various teams amid injury concerns and depth discussions.

Sam Amick, an NBA writer for The Athletic, dives into the recent contract extensions of De'Aaron Fox with the Spurs and Luka Dončić with the Lakers, exploring their implications for team dynamics. He discusses the uncertain future of Jonathan Kuminga with the Warriors and raises questions about Giannis's commitment to the Bucks. The conversation offers insider insights on player negotiations and the evolving landscape of team loyalty, making for a thought-provoking listen.

Join the lively discussion as experts delve into the upcoming seasons for the 76ers and Celtics, focusing on player health and strategies for success. Predictions for first-time NBA All-Stars flood in, featuring talents like Franz Wagner and Desmond Bain. Speculation surrounds rising stars like Jalen Johnson and Cooper Flagg, while debates shake up the potential impact of performance on All-Star selections. The episode wraps up with an entertaining trivia showdown about iconic players and moments from NBA history.