What's Going on with the Raptors and Hornets, Banchero vs. Barnes, Bucks Update, and Westbrook to Denver
Digest
The Low Post podcast dives into the off-season moves of the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets, with guest Seth Partnow, author of the Mid-Range Theory, providing insightful analysis. The Raptors, known for their stable management, have made a series of moves that have left some confused about their direction. They've traded away key players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, but haven't fully committed to a rebuild. The podcast explores whether their strategy is to build around Scotty Barnes, a young player with potential but not yet a proven superstar. The Hornets, on the other hand, are in a more uncertain position with a new owner, front office, and coaching staff. The podcast discusses whether they should build around LaMelo Ball, a talented but inconsistent player, or focus on developing their young core, including Brandon Miller. The episode also touches on the Milwaukee Bucks, highlighting the impact of Chris Middleton's surgery and the signing of Gary Trent Jr. The podcast concludes with a discussion of the biggest winners and losers of the off-season, with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers emerging as winners, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are considered losers. The podcast then dives into the Bucks' offseason moves, particularly the signing of Gary Trent Jr. and the potential of the Dame-Giannis pick-and-roll. The hosts discuss the Bucks' roster construction, the potential for a championship run, and the pressure on Doc Rivers to deliver results. The podcast also touches on the Russell Westbrook trade to the Denver Nuggets, analyzing the potential impact of the move and the Nuggets' chances of success.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the Low Post podcast and its focus on the off-season, specifically the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets.
Raptors Analysis
This Chapter delves into the Raptors' recent moves, questioning their strategy and whether they are rebuilding or retooling. The discussion centers around Scotty Barnes' potential and the team's decision to let go of key players like Fred VanVleet and Pascal Siakam.
Hornets Analysis
This Chapter shifts to the Charlotte Hornets, exploring their over-under and potential for success. The discussion focuses on LaMelo Ball's inconsistency and whether the team should build around him or focus on developing their young core.
Off-Season Winners and Losers
This Chapter concludes the podcast with a discussion of the biggest winners and losers of the off-season. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers are highlighted as winners, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are considered losers.
Bucks Analysis: Gary Trent Jr. Signing
This Chapter focuses on the Milwaukee Bucks' offseason moves, particularly the signing of Gary Trent Jr. The hosts discuss Trent Jr.'s strengths and weaknesses, his potential impact on the Bucks' roster, and how he fits into the team's overall strategy.
Bucks Analysis: Dame-Giannis Pick-and-Roll
This Chapter delves into the potential of the Damian Lillard-Giannis Antetokounmpo pick-and-roll, discussing its effectiveness, the challenges it faces, and the importance of its development for the Bucks' success.
Bucks Analysis: Roster Construction and Expectations
This Chapter examines the Bucks' roster construction, highlighting the key players, the potential of the bench, and the team's overall outlook for the upcoming season. The hosts discuss the pressure on Doc Rivers to deliver results and the importance of health for the Bucks' championship aspirations.
Bucks Analysis: The Pressure to Win
This Chapter explores the pressure on the Bucks to win, given their aging roster, the competitive Eastern Conference, and the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future. The hosts discuss the Bucks' need for continuity and the importance of maximizing their championship window.
Bucks Analysis: The Importance of Dame and Middleton
This Chapter emphasizes the importance of Damian Lillard and Chris Middleton to the Bucks' success, highlighting their need to play at a high level for the team to contend for a championship. The hosts discuss the Bucks' lack of a clear roadmap for the future and the need for Dame and Middleton to remain healthy and productive.
Bucks Analysis: Giannis's Commitment and the Future
This Chapter examines Giannis Antetokounmpo's commitment to the Bucks, discussing his recent contract extension, the pressure on the organization to win, and the potential for a future without him. The hosts discuss the Bucks' need to continue to build a competitive roster and the importance of maximizing their championship window.
Bucks Analysis: Dame's Bounce Back and Chris Dunn Signing
This Chapter discusses Damian Lillard's potential for a bounce-back season, the impact of the Chris Dunn signing on the Clippers, and the overall outlook for both teams. The hosts discuss the Clippers' over-under line and the potential for Dunn to contribute defensively.
Conclusion
This Chapter concludes the podcast with a summary of the key takeaways and a final discussion of the Bucks' and Clippers' prospects for the upcoming season.
Keywords
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors are a Canadian professional basketball team based in Toronto, Ontario. They are a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Raptors were founded in 1995 as an expansion team and have won one NBA championship, in 2019. They are known for their unique style of play, which emphasizes ball movement, defense, and athleticism. The Raptors have a strong fan base in Canada and are considered one of the most popular teams in the NBA.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are an American professional basketball team based in Charlotte, North Carolina. They are a member of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Hornets were founded in 1988 as an expansion team and have won one NBA championship, in 1997. They are known for their high-flying offense and their colorful uniforms. The Hornets have a strong fan base in Charlotte and are considered one of the most popular teams in the NBA.
LaMelo Ball
LaMelo Ball is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is known for his exceptional passing skills, his ability to score from all three levels, and his unique style of play. Ball was drafted by the Hornets with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft. He is the youngest of three brothers who have all played professional basketball. Ball's father, LaVar Ball, is a controversial figure who has been known for his outspoken comments about his sons' abilities. LaMelo Ball is considered one of the most exciting young players in the NBA and has the potential to be a future superstar.
Scotty Barnes
Scotty Barnes is an American professional basketball player for the Toronto Raptors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was drafted by the Raptors with the fourth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Barnes is a versatile player who can play multiple positions on the court. He is known for his athleticism, his defensive prowess, and his ability to make plays for his teammates. Barnes is considered one of the most promising young players in the NBA and has the potential to be a future star.
Mid-Range Theory
The Mid-Range Theory is a book written by Seth Partnow, a basketball analyst and writer. The book explores the history and evolution of shot selection in the NBA, arguing that the mid-range shot is not as inefficient as many people believe. Partnow uses data and analysis to support his argument, challenging the conventional wisdom that the three-pointer is the only way to win in the modern NBA. The Mid-Range Theory has been praised for its insightful analysis and its ability to challenge conventional thinking about basketball strategy.
Gary Trent Jr.
Gary Trent Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is known for his exceptional three-point shooting ability and his ability to score in a variety of ways. Trent Jr. was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the 37th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He has played for the Trail Blazers, Toronto Raptors, and now the Bucks. Trent Jr. is considered one of the best shooters in the NBA and is a valuable asset to any team.
Chris Middleton
Chris Middleton is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is known for his versatility, his ability to score from all three levels, and his clutch play. Middleton was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the 39th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. He has played for the Pistons, the Milwaukee Bucks, and the Phoenix Suns. Middleton is considered one of the best players in the NBA and is a key part of the Bucks' championship aspirations.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as "The Greek Freak", is a Greek-Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is widely considered one of the best players in the NBA and has won two NBA MVP awards, one NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, and one NBA championship. Antetokounmpo is known for his exceptional athleticism, his versatility, and his dominant play on both ends of the court. He is a unique player who has revolutionized the way the game is played.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is known for his exceptional scoring ability, his clutch play, and his leadership. Lillard was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft. He has played for the Trail Blazers for his entire career and is considered one of the best point guards in the NBA. Lillard is a seven-time NBA All-Star and has won the NBA Most Improved Player Award.
Doc Rivers
Doc Rivers is an American professional basketball coach who is currently the head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers. He has a long and successful coaching career, having won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008. Rivers is known for his coaching style, which emphasizes defense and team play. He is also known for his ability to manage high-profile players and create a winning culture.
Q&A
What is the Toronto Raptors' strategy for the upcoming season?
The Raptors' strategy is unclear, as they have made a series of moves that have left some confused about their direction. They've traded away key players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby, but haven't fully committed to a rebuild. The podcast explores whether their strategy is to build around Scotty Barnes, a young player with potential but not yet a proven superstar.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Charlotte Hornets?
The Hornets face challenges with LaMelo Ball's inconsistency and the need to develop their young core. The podcast discusses whether they should build around Ball or focus on developing other players like Brandon Miller.
What are the biggest winners and losers of the off-season?
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Philadelphia 76ers are considered the biggest winners of the off-season, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat are considered losers.
What is the impact of Chris Middleton's surgery on the Milwaukee Bucks?
Middleton's surgery adds to the Bucks' concerns about his health, which has been a major wild card for the team in recent seasons. The podcast discusses the pressure on the Bucks to perform well this season, given Middleton's player option for the 2025-26 season and the potential departure of other key players.
What is the significance of the Bucks signing Gary Trent Jr.?
The signing of Trent Jr. is considered a sneaky important move for the Bucks, as he provides much-needed shooting and depth. The podcast discusses how Trent Jr. can fill the role previously held by Malik Beasley and how his presence strengthens the Bucks' starting lineup.
What is the potential of the Dame-Giannis pick-and-roll?
The Dame-Giannis pick-and-roll has the potential to be a dominant offensive weapon for the Bucks, but it has yet to consistently click. The podcast discusses the challenges of developing this two-man game and the importance of its success for the Bucks' championship aspirations.
What are the Bucks' chances of winning a championship this season?
The Bucks are still considered a championship contender, but they face challenges with their aging roster, the competitive Eastern Conference, and the uncertainty surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future. The podcast discusses the importance of health, continuity, and maximizing their championship window.
What is the impact of the Russell Westbrook trade to the Denver Nuggets?
The Westbrook trade is a risky move for the Nuggets, but it could pay off if he can provide a spark off the bench. The podcast discusses the potential for Westbrook to play well with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets' need for a reliable backup point guard.
What is the future of the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Bucks' future is uncertain, as they are a veteran team with a limited window to win. The podcast discusses the importance of Giannis Antetokounmpo's commitment to the team, the need for Dame and Middleton to remain healthy and productive, and the lack of a clear roadmap for the future.
What is the significance of the Chris Dunn signing for the Clippers?
The Dunn signing is a low-risk, high-reward move for the Clippers, as he is a talented defensive guard who could provide a boost to their backcourt. The podcast discusses the Clippers' over-under line and the potential for Dunn to contribute defensively.
Show Notes
Zach and Seth Partnow discuss what the Raptors and Hornets are up to before weighing in on some offseason winners and losers. Then ESPN's Jamal Collier joins for the latest on the Bucks. Plus, Russell Westbrook is reportedly headed to Denver.
Raptors (3:01 )
Banchero vs. Barnes (24:58 )
Hornets (32:21 )
Offseason winners and losers (49:45 )
Collier (1:01:49 )
Middleton's ankles (1:02:57 )
The Dame-Giannis pick and roll (1:13:09 )
Russell Westbrook headed for Denver (1:22:47 )
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