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Championship Paths, Defending Luka, the Impact of Porzingis, and Draft Chatter

Championship Paths, Defending Luka, the Impact of Porzingis, and Draft Chatter

Update: 2024-06-04
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The Low Post podcast kicks off with a discussion about the upcoming NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. The hosts highlight the pressure on the Celtics to win after their recent playoff success without a championship. They delve into the Mavericks' offensive strategy, focusing on Luka Doncic's unique skillset and the challenges he presents for the Celtics' defense. The podcast also explores the upcoming NBA draft, with a particular focus on the Atlanta Hawks' decision at the number one pick and the potential for teams to trade up for Donovan Mitchell. The hosts discuss the uncertainty surrounding the top prospects and the potential for a chaotic draft. The conversation then shifts to the San Antonio Spurs' draft strategy, with the team holding the fourth and eighth picks. The hosts discuss the Spurs' options, including drafting a player to pair with Victor Wembanyama, trading up for a higher-ranked prospect, or trading down for a veteran. The possibility of a Darius Garland trade to the Spurs is also explored, with the hosts discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a move. The podcast concludes with a discussion about the upcoming NBA draft, with the hosts highlighting the potential for a number of teams to make significant moves. They discuss the Lakers' decision to defer their pick to next season, the Kings' potential interest in trading their pick, and the Oklahoma City Thunder's options at the 12th pick. The hosts also discuss the potential for a number of free agents to move teams, including the possibility of Jaren Jackson Jr. joining the New York Knicks.

Outlines

00:00:00
NBA Finals Preview

This Chapter discusses the upcoming NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and Dallas Mavericks. The hosts analyze the pressure on the Celtics to win after their recent playoff success without a championship. They also discuss the Mavericks' offensive strategy, focusing on Luka Doncic's unique skillset and the challenges he presents for the Celtics' defense.

01:11:16
NBA Draft Preview

This Chapter delves into the upcoming NBA draft, with a particular focus on the Atlanta Hawks' decision at the number one pick and the potential for teams to trade up for Donovan Mitchell. The hosts discuss the uncertainty surrounding the top prospects and the potential for a chaotic draft.

01:20:49
San Antonio Spurs Draft Strategy

This Chapter focuses on the San Antonio Spurs' draft strategy, with the team holding the fourth and eighth picks. The hosts discuss the Spurs' options, including drafting a player to pair with Victor Wembanyama, trading up for a higher-ranked prospect, or trading down for a veteran. The possibility of a Darius Garland trade to the Spurs is also explored, with the hosts discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of such a move.

01:35:32
NBA Draft and Free Agency Rumors

This Chapter discusses the latest rumors surrounding the NBA draft and free agency. The hosts discuss the Lakers' decision to defer their pick to next season, the Kings' potential interest in trading their pick, and the Oklahoma City Thunder's options at the 12th pick. The hosts also discuss the potential for a number of free agents to move teams, including the possibility of Jaren Jackson Jr. joining the New York Knicks.

Keywords

NBA Finals


The championship series of the National Basketball Association (NBA), played between the Eastern Conference champion and the Western Conference champion. It is the culmination of the NBA season and determines the league's champion.

Boston Celtics


A professional basketball team based in Boston, Massachusetts. They are one of the most successful teams in NBA history, with 17 championships. The Celtics are known for their rich history, passionate fan base, and iconic green uniforms.

Dallas Mavericks


A professional basketball team based in Dallas, Texas. They are known for their high-flying offense and their star player, Luka Doncic. The Mavericks won their first NBA championship in 2011, led by Dirk Nowitzki.

Luka Doncic


A Slovenian professional basketball player for the Dallas Mavericks. He is widely considered one of the best players in the NBA, known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, scoring ability, and playmaking. Doncic has won numerous awards, including the NBA Rookie of the Year Award and the NBA All-Star Game MVP Award.

Donovan Mitchell


An American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is known for his explosive scoring ability and his athleticism. Mitchell was drafted by the Utah Jazz in 2017 and quickly became a star player. He has been selected to the NBA All-Star Game multiple times and has won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

NBA Draft


An annual event where the 30 teams of the NBA select amateur basketball players to join their rosters. The draft order is determined by the previous season's standings, with the teams with the worst records having the best chance to select the top prospects.

San Antonio Spurs


A professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas. They are known for their strong defense and their development of young players. The Spurs have won five NBA championships, most recently in 2014.

Victor Wembanyama


A French professional basketball player who is widely considered to be the top prospect in the 2023 NBA draft. He is known for his exceptional size, athleticism, and shooting ability. Wembanyama is expected to be selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the first overall pick in the draft.

Darius Garland


An American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is known for his scoring ability and his playmaking. Garland was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019 and has quickly become a key player for the team.

Jaren Jackson Jr.


An American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies. He is known for his shooting ability and his defensive prowess. Jackson Jr. was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018 and has become a key player for the team.

Q&A

  • What is the main pressure facing the Boston Celtics in the NBA Finals?

    The Celtics are under immense pressure to win the championship after their recent playoff success without a title. They have reached the Eastern Conference Finals six times in the last eight years and the NBA Finals twice in the last three years, but have yet to win it all. This creates a sense of urgency and expectation for the team to finally break through.

  • What is the key to the Dallas Mavericks' offensive strategy?

    The Mavericks' offense revolves around Luka Doncic's unique skillset. He is a dominant ball-handler, scorer, and playmaker, and the team's success hinges on how effectively they can utilize his abilities. The Celtics will need to find a way to contain Doncic, which is a daunting task given his exceptional talent.

  • What is the biggest uncertainty surrounding the upcoming NBA draft?

    The top prospects in this year's draft are not as clearly defined as in previous years. There is no consensus on who the best player is, and teams are still evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the top contenders. This uncertainty could lead to a chaotic draft night, with teams potentially making unexpected selections or trading up to secure their desired players.

  • What are the San Antonio Spurs' options with the fourth and eighth picks in the NBA draft?

    The Spurs have a number of options with their two top-10 picks. They could draft a player to pair with Victor Wembanyama, trade up for a higher-ranked prospect, or trade down for a veteran. The possibility of a Darius Garland trade to the Spurs is also being discussed.

  • What is the latest on the potential for a Darius Garland trade?

    There have been reports that Darius Garland's camp would prefer a trade if Donovan Mitchell signs an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, the Cavaliers have publicly stated that they are not looking to trade Garland. The Spurs are one team that has been mentioned as a potential trade partner, but it would likely take a significant package to acquire Garland.

  • What are the Lakers' plans with their 17th pick in the NBA draft?

    The Lakers have deferred their pick to next season, which gives them more flexibility to make a trade in the offseason. They are in need of a third star to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and the 17th pick could be a valuable asset in a trade.

  • What are the Oklahoma City Thunder's plans with the 12th pick in the NBA draft?

    The Thunder have a number of options with their 12th pick. They could draft a player to add to their already talented roster, or they could trade the pick for a veteran to accelerate their path to contention. They have also been linked to Jaren Jackson Jr. in free agency.

  • What is the latest on the potential for Jaren Jackson Jr. to join the New York Knicks?

    There have been reports that the Knicks are interested in Jackson Jr., but he is likely to command a significant salary. The Knicks have a lot of cap space, but they may be hesitant to spend it on a player who is not a sure thing.

  • What is the potential for a trade involving the Charlotte Hornets' Lamello Ball?

    Some front office executives have suggested that the Hornets should explore the trade value of Lamello Ball. However, the Hornets are likely to want a significant return for Ball, who is a talented young player. It remains to be seen whether a team will be willing to offer a godfather offer for Ball.

  • What is the latest on the potential for a trade involving the Brooklyn Nets' Mikal Bridges?

    There have been reports that the Nets are open to trading Bridges, and a number of teams have expressed interest in him. The Houston Rockets, who own the third pick in the draft and all of the Nets' future picks, could be a potential trade partner.

Show Notes

Zach and ESPN's Tim MacMahon look ahead to the chess match on both sides of the ball in the NBA Finals, the differing paths the Celtics and Mavericks took to get here, and how they see the series playing out. Then ESPN's Draft Analyst Jonathan Givony joins for the latest on the top of the draft, how the Spurs plan to build around Victor Wembanyama, and the future of LaMelo Ball.


Pressure is squarely on the Celtics (5:51 )


Boston's recent past and path to the Finals (11:41 )


Dallas' roller coaster ride from 2011 Finals to now (18:27 )


Matchups when Dallas has the ball (29:51 )


Matchups when Boston has the ball (49:25 )


Predictions (1:02:27 )


Givony (1:11:16 )


Spurs' plans to build around Wemby (1:21:23 )


Future of LaMelo Ball (1:32:27 )

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Championship Paths, Defending Luka, the Impact of Porzingis, and Draft Chatter

Championship Paths, Defending Luka, the Impact of Porzingis, and Draft Chatter

ESPN, Zach Lowe