The Kevin O'Connor Show Contender power rankings, Cade’s MVP case, Celtics/Lakers lessons, Team USA & Boozer vs. Dybantsa with John Fanta
Feb 23, 2026
John Fanta, NBC Sports broadcaster and NBA analyst, drops in with sharp takes. He ranks Eastern contenders and debates Cade Cunningham’s MVP case. They break down Celtics vs Pistons matchups, Knicks and Cavs outlooks, Team USA hockey, Phoenix/Houston struggles, and spotlight top draft prospects like Cam Boozer and AJ Dybantsa.
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Cleveland's Offense Is Strong But Defense Worries Persist
- Fanta is cautious on the Cleveland Cavaliers' defense despite offensive firepower; defensive inconsistency harms trust in playoff settings.
- Cavs sit around 12th in defensive rating and have fluctuated, raising questions about postseason reliability.
Let Harden Play With Lower Usage To Maximize Impact
- Kevin suggests Harden's reduced usage in Cleveland can be a benefit: pick spots and play with less burden.
- Harden now averages 18.7 PPG with lower shots and pick-and-rolls than with the Clippers, which can preserve him for playoffs.
Toronto Is The Dangerous Underrated Matchup
- Fanta places Toronto as a lurking threat because of matchup versatility despite being below the top four in plain ranking.
- He compares Toronto to a 'waiter' who could disrupt the front four with multiple matchup nightmares like Ingram and Barnes.