The Athletic NBA Daily Who are the REAL Contenders? | Morning Shoot Around
Dec 18, 2025
Heat up your NBA knowledge with discussions about the recent Cup and its impact on teams. Revel in the debate over the Knicks' lack of a banner and the Cup's atmosphere. Explore early season rankings, dive into the Eastern and Western Conference contenders, and unpack the inconsistency plaguing teams like the Cavaliers and Clippers. Hear why two-way depth is crucial for success and get insights into the playoff ceilings of the Lakers. Plus, a peek into potential trades and shifting team identities keeps the dialogue lively!
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Episode notes
Gratitude Email To NBA Staff
- Zena Keita described juggling holiday travel and the Cup, then emailed NBA staff to thank them.
- She emphasized how the NBA's organization reduced stress during a busy period.
Using Early Rankings To Reassess Contenders
- Early-season "way too early" rankings revealed the hosts' initial bets and where they were off.
- They used that list to evaluate who truly counts as a contender now.
Cavs' Talent vs. Inconsistency
- The Cavs' inconsistent play and poor recent results moved them from contender to shaky status.
- Hosts noted their core is intact but vibes, inconsistency, and bad losses undermine contender claims.