Thanksgiving Mailbag + A Chat with Gary Payton II

For the first time this NBA season, Nekias Duncan and Steve Jones go to the Dunker Spot mailbag!

They answer questions about league-wide defensive trends, potential shifts to the Heat's offense, Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations and much more.

If you ever have NBA or WNBA questions, email us at [email protected].

If you’d like to join our Dunker Spot Playoff watch parties — they're free, and easy to sign up for — you can do so here: https://www.playback.tv/thedunkerspot

(1:27) — Common themes for teams that have made leaps this year

(8:41) — Will we see more zone and/or college-style press defenses?

(18:05) — Who are we most excited to see explore and develop during the Unrivaled season?

(24:20) — How do we judge (good) defense + potential Michael Porter Jr. trade destinations

(35:43) — Building defensive chemistry + potential tweaks to Miami's offense moving forward

(45:48) — How will young role players fill in for key rotation pieces across the league?

(49:46) — What makes the Cade Cunningham/Jalen Duren partnership effective + a Jaden Ivey trade idea

(56:52) — Who could use Trendon Watford?

(59:09) — Is it time for NBA realignment?

(01:02:22) — An All-Star game format suggestion

(01:06:23) — Does LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves make up the best passing trio EVER?

(01:12:52) — Gary Payton II conversation

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