The Athletic NBA Daily

Tracy McGrady, Hall of Famer and NBA studio analyst, shares his insights on the preseason and the upcoming NBA season. He highlights rising stars like Cooper and Ace Bailey, and discusses the Cleveland Cavaliers’ strengths, particularly Evan Mobley's growth. McGrady reflects on the New York Knicks' challenges and assesses the Houston Rockets' playoff potential. He advocates for a return to one-on-one contests at All-Star Weekend and critiques current training styles, emphasizing originality in player development. His rapid-fire predictions reveal his picks for the toughest defenders and contenders.

Joined by Sam Amick, a senior national NBA writer at The Athletic, the hosts delve into the exhilarating atmosphere of Nuggets training camp. Sam shares insider observations on Denver’s front office overhaul and their roster upgrades, including new talents that could elevate the team. The discussion dives into Jamal Murray's health impacts, Kawhi Leonard’s management strategy with the Clippers, and Sacramento's roster challenges. Get ready for insights into the season ahead, packed with excitement and strategic outlooks!

Andrew Schlecht and Alex Speers are joined by Bryce Simon of the Game Theory Podcast to discuss the incoming rookie class and if Cooper Flagg is ready to handle the point guard position, what rookies have stood out in preseason, Dylan Harper's ability to mesh with Wemby, how Topic and Holmes will help their contending teams, and more. Then they discuss the 2026 NBA Draft and discuss the top 3 players in the incoming class. Finally the boys finish with a fun edition of Andrew vs. the Beat.Host: Andrew Schlecht and Alex SpeersWith: Bryce SimonExecutive Producer: Andrew SchlechtAudio/Video Producer: Monica Compton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Edwards, an insightful NBA reporter for The Athletic, and Es Baraheni, a skilled NBA writer for the same outlet, dive into the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference. They discuss the top five players in the East, debating the merits of stars like Giannis, Jalen Brunson, and Donovan Mitchell. The duo also predicts breakout candidates, evaluates teams likely to miss the Play-In, and ranks the top contenders. With candid assessments, they tackle roster challenges, player potential, and who might emerge victorious in the playoffs.

A lively debate unfolds as hosts rank the top five players in the Western Conference, weighing veterans against rising stars. Shai's potential to outshine Jokic is analyzed, while breakout candidates like Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are highlighted. Concerns arise about Dallas and Sacramento missing the Play-In, alongside Memphis's roster vulnerabilities. The discussion culminates with predictions on the top contenders, showcasing the Clippers, Nuggets, Warriors, and Timberwolves, each with compelling strengths and playoff potential.

The discussion heats up as the hosts analyze which NBA teams and players face the most pressure this season. From the Atlanta Hawks needing to capitalize on Trae Young's talent to the Cleveland Cavaliers aiming for the conference finals, the stakes are high. They also point out key players like Deandre Ayton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, exploring their critical roles. Bold predictions emerge, with the Spurs aiming for 50 wins led by Victor Wembanyama, and unexpected Rookie of the Year contenders like Scoot Henson. Tune in for all the insights!

Hosts dive into exciting NBA award predictions! The MVP race heats up with discussions on Jokic and Shai's narrative challenges, and Luka Doncic's potential after his move to the Lakers. Anthony Edwards and Jalen Brunson are highlighted as dark-horse candidates, while Trae Young's chances soar if Atlanta excels. For Defensive Player of the Year, Wembanyama is a favorite, with MIP contenders like Nembhard and Mathurin under the spotlight. They explore Coach of the Year predictions and fresh Sixth Man prospects too, offering a thrilling look at the upcoming season!

Will Guillory, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, lends his insights on how Kevin Durant's arrival could transform the Houston Rockets into contenders. He highlights the need for young talents like Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to step up. Discussion includes the implications of Fred VanVleet's injury on team strategy, Alperen Şengün's potential breakout season, and how Houston plans to utilize their size defensively. Guillory also ranks the Rockets in the competitive Western Conference and evaluates their playoff chances.

Andy Larsen, a seasoned Salt Lake Tribune reporter and Utah Jazz beat writer, dives into the future of the Jazz. He highlights Ace Bailey as the team's first true cornerstone in years and discusses his impressive preseason debut. The duo also evaluates young prospects like Keyonte George and the potential breakout of other players. With trade discussions, particularly around Lauri Markkanen, and the team's cap flexibility, Larsen paints a comprehensive picture of what lies ahead for the Jazz's rebuilding journey.

Jon Krawczynski, a veteran NBA reporter for The Athletic, joins to dissect the Minnesota Timberwolves' upcoming season. He emphasizes the importance of roster continuity and chemistry in driving team growth. Krawczynski highlights Anthony Edwards' potential MVP candidacy, discussing the areas he needs to improve. They touch on the challenges Edwards may face from opposing defenses and the impact of veteran players like Mike Conley and Rudy Gobert on team performance. With a realistic win forecast of mid-50s, the conversation builds excitement for the Wolves' season.