Be sure to pay attention and add the 13 Guidelines: NBA Random Ideas podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your checklist! This week Steve shares his ideas after week 10 of the 2025-26 NBA season. Hawks Face Trae Younger Determination, Wembanyama Rises, and Lakers Battle Defensively
Trae Younger Determination
In case you are a fan of the Atlanta Hawks, you’re watching a giant change of their group dynamics. After Trae Younger‘s harm, Jalen Johnson has emerged as their finest participant. Johnson on the season is averaging 23.8 factors, 10.5 rebounds, and eight.3 assists. These are All-Star numbers. He’s additionally capturing 37.8% from three. This places Trae Younger in an fascinating spot. How does he deal with this?
Be mindful the Hawks had a a lot better report when he was out. They had been 13-9 with out him and 2-8 with him.The sensible factor for the Hawks to do is commerce him. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who took over for Younger throughout his absence as the purpose guard, is averaging 20.3 factors. I feel it’s sensible if the Hawks traded Trae and acquired no matter they will for him.
Jordi Fernandez Rising because the NBA’s Most Underrated Coach
In case you are taking a look at underrated and unknown coaches, look no additional than Jordi Fernandez. Final 12 months he took a tanking group and received 26 video games. This 12 months they’re 9-19 with one other tanking group. With the expertise the Nets have, that is outstanding. He has additionally helped rework Michael Porter Jr. into a real star. Porter is averaging over 25 factors. Denver couldn’t wait to eliminate him, and now he’s actually carrying a younger group. Fernandez excels at getting most effort and buy-in from his group. When he will get the chance to teach a proficient group he’ll flourish.
Knicks Edge Cavaliers in Assertion Christmas Victory
The Knicks-Cavs recreation on Christmas was an fascinating recreation for each groups. The Knicks had been coming off a loss to Minnesota and didn’t wish to lose two straight, particularly when one in every of them was on Christmas Day at residence. For the Cavaliers, they thought they had been starting to show it round. The Cavs had Evan Mobley getting back from harm and had received two straight video games coming in. A win in New York would have been huge as they transfer ahead and since they led for many of this recreation. It might have been their probability to inform the league we’re again.
Has Victor Wembanyama Uncovered the Thunder’s Championship Vulnerability?
I’m a type of people who assume the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder would win all of it this 12 months. I nonetheless consider it will be arduous for any group to beat them 4 occasions in a sequence. After the Spurs have overwhelmed them thrice within the final 4 weeks and as soon as soundly in Oklahoma Metropolis, I’m questioning if Victor Wembanyama has arrived. In that case, look out, league.
How Thunder Vulnerability Shifts the NBA Commerce Market to Sellers
Oklahoma Metropolis exhibiting they’re susceptible modifications the commerce market significantly. Groups just like the Knicks, Pistons, Warmth, Celtics, Lakers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and others could also be on the lookout for the participant or gamers that would put them excessive. This modified the market to a vendor’s market.
Is It Time for the Warmth to Think about Buying and selling Bam Adebayo?
Bam Adebayo has had a tough time capturing of late. Over the past seven video games, he’s averaging 13.6 factors. With Kel’el Ware starting to emerge, he’s averaging 19.8 factors and 13.5 rebounds during the last 4 video games. I do know Bam is meant to be a Warmth participant for all times, however you surprise if it’s time to deal him.
Lakers Defensive Collapse Raises Critical Playoff Considerations
Has anyone seen the Lakers’ protection? They’re giving up 121.4 factors per recreation during the last ten video games. They’ve gone 4-6 in that stretch. The Lakers have a great offensive group, however it’s troublesome when you’re enjoying three guys that aren’t good defenders on the identical time.
