Hardwood Knocks: An NBA Podcast

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The 2026-27 Most Interesting NBA Players Draft (AD FREE!) Oct 10, 2026

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Dan and Grant hold a draft "lottery" in which they alternate picking NBA players they're most intrigued by for the 2026-27 season. There's just one catch: Once a player is selected, nobody else from his team can be chosen! As you test-drive this AD-FREE content, consider supporting us on Patreon or our YouTube membership section.
ALSO: DON'T FORGET TO JOIN OUR OVER/UNDER COMPETITION. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
1:50 - Draft criteria
4:27 - Pick No. 1
8:41 - Pick No. 2
13:41 - Pick No. 3
18:39 - Pick No. 4
22:25 - Pick No. 5
26:17 - Pick No. 6
32:07 - Pick No. 7
38:20 - Pick No. 8
42:59 - Pick No. 9
46:47 - Pick No. 10
51:25 - Pick No. 11
56:10 - Pick No. 12
1:02:32 - Pick No. 13
1:07:50 - Pick No. 14 + Honorable Mentions
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Detroit Pistons 2026-27 NBA Season Lookahead Oct 09, 2026

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Dan is joined by Lazarus Jackson (@lazchance) who covers the Detroit Pistons and NBA at large on Substack to break down the—YOU GUESSED IT—2026-27 Detroit Pistons. Keep up with all of Laz’s work here: https://lazjackson.substack.com/subscribe. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
2:36 - Takeaways from last season
5:43 - The offseason approach
8:26 - Jalen Duren’s return and continued development
23:36 - The Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson fit
26:41 - Ausar Thompson’s on-ball usage
31:27 - Ausar-plus-shooting lineups
32:48 - Daniss Jenkins’ development
38:29 - Early impressions of Eubuka Okorie
44:07 - Cade Cunningham’s turnovers
48:41 - Ron Holland’s continued development
53:04 - Isaiah Joe’s role
56:03 - Kevin Hurter’s role
57:18 - Javonte Green’s role
58:09 - Ugonna Onyenso, Tolu Smith and shifting big-man depth
1:00:41 - Isaiah Stewart’s exit
1:04:53 - Biggest needs + John Collins’ fit
1:09:12 - The Pistons’ high floor
1:14:12 - Top-10 rotation
1:14:39 - Go-to crunch-time lineup
1:15:03 - Weirdo lineups we want to see
1:16:37 - PREDICTIONS
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Golden State Warriors 2026-27 NBA Season Lookahead Oct 08, 2026

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Dan is joined by Grant Hughes (@granthughes) from Bleacher Report and the world-famous Hardwood Knocks podcast to break down the 2026-27 Golden State Warriors. JOIN OUR ANNUAL OVER/UNDER COMPETITION: https://forms.gle/xC3p9vhGyEumrq8H7. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
2:53 - Biggest takeaways from last season
7:03 - Offseason impressions
11:23 - The Stephen Curry extension
22:20 - Impact of Kristaps Porzingis injury
27:25 - Jimmy Butler’s timeline and future
28:41 - New offensive identity and Draymond Green’s role
34:07 - Early impressions of Yaxel Lendeborg
40:15 - Brandin Podziemski’s role and future
48:57 - Which starting lineup spots are up for grabs?
50:41 - Size, defense, secondary lineups, forcing turnovers
57:19 - The importance of Brandon Williams, Gui Santos and Charles Bassey
1:02:00 - Will the Warriors have a better offense or defense?
1:04:08 - Biggest needs
1:04:51 - Golden State’s unique franchise arc
1:06:27 - Top-10 rotation
1:08:41 - Go-to crunch-time lineup
1:10:14 - Weirdo lineups we want to see
1:12:07 - Steve Kerr’s return
1:14:49 - PREDICTIONS
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BUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️
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Denver Nuggets 2026-27 NBA Season Lookahead Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

Dan is joined by Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) of DNVR and the All NBA Show with Tim Legler to break down the 2026-27 Denver Nuggets. Subscribe to the DNVR Nuggets Podcast AND the All NBA Show on YouTube. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
2:07 - Takeaways from last season
5:57 - The Peyton Watson trade return
13:02 - Nikola Jokic’s commitment
14:54 - Christian Braun’s importance
20:17 - More players bringing up the ball
24:30 - Cam Johnson’s role
25:39 - DeMar DeRozan’s fit
30:00 - Denver’s ball pressure and offensive rebounding
34:13 - Alpha Diallo and Trevon Brazille
36:00 - Cam Whitmore, Bryce Hopkins and Ryan Nembhard
41:13 - Do the Nuggets have enough depth?
43:22 - Wrinkles in Denver’s rotation
46:34 - Biggest needs
47:55 - Aaron Gordon flying under the radar?
49:09 - Top-10 rotation and weirdo lineups we want to see
52:49 - Nikola Jokic’s MVP case
55:07 - The Dave Joerger arrival
56:08 - PREDICTIONS
JOIN OUR ANNUAL OVER/UNDER COMPETITION
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Grant's Bluesky: @granthughes
BUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️
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Indiana Pacers 2026-27 NBA Season Lookahead Oct 06, 2026

Show notes

Dan is joined by Caitlin Cooper (@C2_Cooper) of the world-famous “Basketball, She Wrote” blog to break down the 2026-27 Indiana Pacers. Sign up for “Basketball, She Wrote” here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/basketballshewrote. And Subscribe to Caitlin’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@CaitlinCooperBSW. JOIN OUR ANNUAL OVER/UNDER COMPETITION: https://forms.gle/xC3p9vhGyEumrq8H7. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
1:17 - Lessons from last season
4:25 - Tyrese Haliburton’s return
11:32 - The Ivica Zubac fit
37:54 - Pascal Siakam’s continued adjustments
42:53 - Impact of Andrew Nembhard’s shot quality
45:56 - Can Aaron Nesmith scale up?
50:38 - Kelly Oubre Jr.’s fit
55:15 - Obi Toppin’s passing
57:41 - The secondary big man rotation
1:03:01 - Jarace Walker’s role and future
1:10:05 - Johnny Furphy’s return
1:13:11 - Confidence level in the bench
1:16:37 - Most intriguing two-way contract
1:19:34 - Biggest needs
1:20:49 - How will the Pacers approach the possession battle?
1:17:48 - Top-10 rotation
1:23:54 - Go-to crunch-time lineup(s)
1:25:06 - Weirdo lineups we want to see
1:28:35 - PREDICTIONS
JOIN OUR ANNUAL OVER/UNDER COMPETITION
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SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH
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FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️
TikTok: @hardwoodknocks
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Grant's Bluesky: @granthughes
BUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️
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Portland Trail Blazers 2026-27 NBA Season Lookahead Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

Dan is joined by Mike Richman (@mikegrich) from Locked On Blazers to break down the 2026-27 Portland Trail Blazers! Subscribe to Locked On Blazers on YouTube. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
1:24 - Biggest 2025-26 takeaways
2:22 - The Micah Nori hire
5:27 - The Ja Morant trade and fit
10:53 - Ja and Dame
12:01 - Deni Avdija’s role with Ja and Dame
13:26 - Damian Lillard’s return and usage
18:01 - Scoot Henderson’s role and future
20:09 - Portland’s dynamic ball-handling
23:07 - Donovan Clingan’s continued development
26:32 - The secondary big man rotation
29:48 - Yang Hansen’s role and breakdown
31:38 - Toumani Camara, Jrue Holiday and the defense
37:04 - Impact of Shaedon Sharpe injury
38:46 - What is the Blazers’ identity?
40:25 - The Moda Center battle
45:45 - Deni Avdija’s future
48:02 - Biggest needs
51:59 - Scoot Henderson’s future
49:42 - Top-10 rotation
50:15 - Go-to crunch-time lineup
51:05 - Vit Krejci appreciation
51:45 - PREDICTIONS
JOIN OUR ANNUAL OVER/UNDER COMPETITION
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SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH
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Dan's IG: @danfavale
Grant's Bluesky: @granthughes
BUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️
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Sacramento Kings 2026-27 NBA Season Lookahead Oct 04, 2026

Show notes

Dan is joined by Will Griffith (@WillofThaPeople) and Tony Xypteras (@TonyXypteras) from The Kings Herald to break down the 2026-27 Sacramento Kings. Subscribe to their podcast, The Kings Herald Show, that also features Jerry Reynolds on both Apple and Spotify. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
2:12 - The Kings’ offseason approach
5:26 - Scott Perry’s vision for the roster
9:01 - How will the Kings handle the vets?
12:35 - Early impressions of Darius Acuff Jr.
21:55 - What’s next for Keegan Murray?
28:00 - Will Ben Simmons make an impact?
29:44 - Maxime Raynaud breakdown
32:38 - Emmanuel Sharpe breakdown
34:32 - Dylan Cardwell breakdown
37:40 - Nique Clifford breakdown
39:19 - Alex Karaban breakdown
41:43 - Daqwon Plowden breakdown
42:29 - Sacramento’s offensive identity under Doug Christie
49:21 - The Kings’ season is a success if…
52:00 - Biggest needs
55:16 - Defensive strengths
56:09 - Top-10 rotation
59:52 - Go-to crunch-time lineup
1:01:58 - Weirdo lineups we want to see
1:03:10 - PREDICTIONS
JOIN OUR ANNUAL OVER/UNDER COMPETITION
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SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH
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TikTok: @hardwoodknocks
Twitter @HardwoodKnocks
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Dan's Twitter: @danfavale
Dan's IG: @danfavale
Grant's Bluesky: @granthughes
BUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️
hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

New York Knicks 2026-27 NBA Season Lookahead Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

Dan is joined by Andrew Claudio (@AndrewJClaudio_) from Knicks Film School to break down the 2026-27 New York Knicks! SUBSCRIBE TO KNICKS FILM SCHOOL ON YOUTUBE. SUPPORT KFS ON SUBSTACK, TOO: https://knicksfilmschool.substack.com/.
0:00 - INTRO
1:24 - Covering the Knicks’ title run
17:01 - Impact of Mike Brown
20:45 - Appreciating the Knicks’ run
23:10 - Mitchell Robinson’s exit
26:20 - Andre Drummond’s fit
29:21 - The final big-man spots + playing small
34:30 - Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart and Deuce McBride extensions
44:53 - KAT as the offensive hub
49:36 - Josh Hart’s shooting
51:35 - Mikal Bridges’ half-court rim pressure + Jalen Brunson’s shot distribution
55:21 - Will the Knicks manage workloads?
59:22 - Development of Tyler Kolek, Mohamed Diawara, Tyler Nickel, Pacome Dadiet
1:05:43 - Biggest needs and the Knicks’ place in history
1:06:46 - Top-10 rotation, crunch-time lineups and the INFAMOUS MEETING
1:10:20 - Weirdo lineups we want to see
1:15:04 - PREDICTIONS
JOIN OUR ANNUAL OVER/UNDER COMPETITION
SUPPORT US ON PATREON 🫶
SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH
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TikTok: @hardwoodknocks
Twitter @HardwoodKnocks
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Dan's Twitter: @danfavale
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Grant's Bluesky: @granthughes
BUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️
hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

2026-27 NBA Season Win Totals | Western Conference Over/Under Predictions | Full 30-Team Standings Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

Dan and Grant drop their 2026-27 NBA season over/under picks for EVERY team in the Western Conference. After that, they drop their EXACT win-loss projections for all 30 teams, as well as their final standings for both conferences. JOIN OUR OVER/UNDER COMPETITION HERE: https://forms.gle/ehLDByEWtmoBSZgQ9. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
5:51 - SPIN THE WHEEL
7:46 - Dallas Mavericks
12:40 - Denver Nuggets
18:24 - Golden State Warriors
24:10 - Houston Rockets
28:44 - Los Angeles Clippers
33:29 - Los Angeles Lakers
37:33 - Memphis Grizzlies
42:14 - Minnesota Timberwolves
49:55 - New Orleans Pelicans
53:46 - Oklahoma City Thunder
57:36 - Phoenix Suns
1:05:20 - Portland Trail Blazers
1:11:51 - Sacramento Kings
1:16:22 - San Antonio Spurs
1:21:06 - Utah Jazz
1:28:28 - BEST PICKS
1:30:54 - Western Conference standings
1:37:00 - Eastern Conference standings
SUPPORT US ON PATREON 🫶
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TikTok: @hardwoodknocks
Twitter @HardwoodKnocks
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Dan's Bluesky: @danfavale
Dan's Twitter: @danfavale
Dan's IG: @danfavale
Grant's Bluesky: @granthughes
BUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️
hardwoodknocks@gmail.com

Brooklyn Nets 2026-27 NBA Season Lookahead Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Dan is joined by Lucas Kaplan (@lucaskaplan) from Nets Daily to break down the 2026-27 Brooklyn Nets. Make sure to follow Lucas’ work on Nets Daily. And follow his WNBA and general basketball coverage on his Substack. TIMESTAMPS⤵️
0:00 - INTRO
2:02 - Biggest takeaways from last season
3:31 - The offseason approach and franchise direction
6:21 - Julius Randle’s fit
10:04 - Egor Demin’s continued development
14:45 - Sean Marks’ job security
21:01 - Early impressions of Mikel Brown Jr.
27:01 - Michael Porter Jr.’s role and future
34:16 - Expectations for Day’Ron Sharpe
40:27 - Mo Wagner + the secondary center rotation
42:42 - Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf
46:17 - Noah Clowney or Josh Minott?
49:49 - The Nets’ transition offense
52:15 - Jordi Fernandez’s approach
57:45 - Biggest needs
58:29 - Brooklyn’s roster management
1:00:02 - Top-10 rotation
1:01:43 - Go-to crunch-time lineup
1:02:15 - Weirdo lineups we want to see
:03:36 - Size and rebounding have arrived
1:04:43 - PREDICTIONS
SUPPORT US ON PATREON 🫶
SUPPORT THE SHOW BY PURCHASING HARDWOOD KNOCKS MERCH
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL⬇️
TikTok: @hardwoodknocks
Twitter @HardwoodKnocks
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Dan's Bluesky: @danfavale
Dan's Twitter: @danfavale
Dan's IG: @danfavale
Grant's Bluesky: @granthughes
BUSINESS INQUIRES⬇️
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