Show Notes
Noa Dalzell of CLNS and Nate look back at Boston’s surprising 2025-26 season and debate whether the Celtics’ success justified—or complicated—the decision to dramatically reshape the roster. They examine how the departures and additions change the roles of Jayson Tatum, Payton Pritchard, Paul George, Mitchell Robinson, and Boston’s group of young wings. They also dig into the biggest questions for the Celtics on both ends of the floor, including shot creation, defensive matchups, rotation decisions, and Joe Mazzulla’s approach in the playoffs. Finally, they give their predictions for the Celtics’ season and discuss how Boston matches up with the other top teams in the East. 1:28 — Reassessing last season and the decision to break up the roster 7:28 — How much will Boston miss Jaylen Brown? 11:25 — Can Payton Pritchard take on a larger creation role? 19:14 — Mitchell Robinson’s fit in Boston 24:36 — Paul George’s role and durability 27:49 — Projected starting lineup and rotation 31:49 — Boston’s defensive approach and who guards the ball 34:33 — Hugo González, Jordan Walsh, Ron Harper Jr. and Baylor Scheierman 37:47 — Jayson Tatum’s recovery and outlook 43:22 — Closing lineup possibilities 45:52 — The Celtics’ biggest strengths and weaknesses 48:42 — Joe Mazzulla and Boston’s playoff questions 52:01 — Center versatility and frontcourt options 54:36 — Offensive and defensive outlook, plus season predictions 59:19 — How Boston matches up with the East 1:05:30 — Pick-and-roll defense and Boston’s reaction to the Jaylen Brown trade
More from Dunc'd On Basketball NBA Podcast
Nate and Danny Leroux discuss every game from tonight’s 11-game NBA slate, including Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball’s partnership, Anthony Davis in Washington, Tyrese Haliburton’s return, and Warriors–Lakers. They break down new-look lineups, key rotation decisions, and early-season questions around the league, plus Kristaps Porziņģis’ uncertain future with Golden State.
Nate and Danny Leroux break down extensions for Cason Wallace and Jaden McDaniels.
Nate and Danny Leroux make their 2026–27 NBA predictions, working through all 30 teams’ regular-season outlooks before picking conference finalists, a champion, and the teams most at risk of relegation. They also debate Victor Wembanyama’s next step, the MVP race, coaching honors and the hot seat, defensive breakout candidates, Sixth Man of the Year, and the top rookies and sophomores. 1:15 — Eastern Conference standings and tiers. 10:13 — Charlotte, Washington, and the bottom of the East. 14:10 — Western Conference standings: Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and the next tier. 22:07 — Western Conference depth concerns, the play-in race, and the lower tiers. 33:50 — Relegation predictions and leaguewide win totals. 35:55 — Which teams qualify as championship contenders? 40:25 — Conference finals predictions and a potential Thunder–Spurs showdown. 46:04 — Eastern Conference playoff matchups and the biggest threats to the Knicks. 49:02 — NBA Finals and championship picks. 49:40 — Victor Wembanyama’s next step and the MVP race. 58:54 — Coach of the Year. 1:02:28 — Who will be the first coach fired? 1:07:37 — Defensive Player of the Year. 1:09:52 — Defensive breakout candidates. 1:12:57 — Sixth Man of the Year. 1:15:57 — Rookie of the Year. 1:18:56 — Sophomore of the Year.
Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com joins to preview the Cleveland Cavaliers, from the lessons of last season’s playoff run to the fit of Donovan Mitchell and James Harden. They examine Evan Mobley’s next steps, Peyton Watson’s arrival, and the shooting, depth and defensive questions that will shape Cleveland’s championship hopes.
Jared Weiss of The Athletic joins to preview the San Antonio Spurs, including the three-guard lineup, Dylan Harper’s development, and Victor Wembanyama’s next steps after the Finals. They examine the shooting and rotation tradeoffs, how Tobias Harris and Carter Bryant fit, and the matchup with Oklahoma City in the race for the West.