Is Jalen Duren really worth a max contract? We break down Duren’s value to the Detroit Pistons, whether he’s a top-10 center in the NBA, and what he needs to prove before Detroit commits big money. We also debate his fit with Cade Cunningham, whether Ausar Thompson is more valuable to the Pistons’ future, and the big question: should Detroit pay Duren or trade him?

Plus, One Gotta Go is back — wings, big men, and passers are all on the chopping block. Shoutout to Santa Barbara Brewhouse for supporting the show! If you’re running the Pistons, are you paying Jalen Duren or moving him?

0:00 Intro + Brewhouse

2:19 What Is Jalen Duren Really Worth?

7:22 Duren Worth the Max?!

9:53 How Duren Can Raise His Value

10:41 Should We Worry About Duren’s Work Ethic?

11:28 Is It About Money… or Disrespect?

14:31 This Is Cade & Ausar’s Team

15:37 Duren Is Betting on Himself

19:26 Duren a Top-10 Center?!

23:07 Does Duren Need Cade?

24:25 We Got a Message for Cade…

27:20 Who’s More Valuable: Ausar or Duren?

28:34 Pay Duren or Trade Him?

33:08 One Gotta Go + Brewhouse

33:38 One Gotta Go: WINGS

35:55 One Gotta Go: BIG MEN

40:03 One Gotta Go: PASSERS

46:36 Final Thoughts

#NBA #JalenDuren #DetroitPistons #CadeCunningham #AusarThompson

The Denver Nuggets won an NBA championship in 2023. So how did we get from THAT team… to questioning Nikola Jokic’s future in Denver?

In this episode of Dummiez on da Hardwood, we put Denver’s front office under the microscope.

Did the Nuggets waste their chance to build a dynasty around Jokic? Did cheap ownership and bad roster decisions hurt the championship core? Is Jamal Murray still the right No. 2?

And the biggest question: What happens if Jokic eventually decides he’s had enough?

We debate whether Denver should ever consider trading Jokic before it’s too late — and whether there could actually be a future where Jokic teams up with Luka Dončić in Los Angeles.

Denver Nuggets: CONTENDER OR COOKED?

Then ONE GOTTA GO returns:
Most annoying basketball guy
What makes an NBA superstar?
Playoff basketball edition

STAND ON BUSINESS:
Did Denver waste a potential dynasty around Jokic? And if the Nuggets can’t get back into championship contention, should Jokic eventually consider leaving?

Drop your take below.

Special thanks to Santa Barbara Brewhouse for sponsoring Dummiez on da Hardwood!

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#NikolaJokic #DenverNuggets #NBA #JamalMurray #LukaDoncic #Lakers #NBATrades #NBAPodcast #OneGottaGo #DummiezOnDaHardwood

The Portland Trail Blazers quietly built one of the most interesting teams in the West. We break down Portland’s biggest offseason additions and subtractions, who should handle the ball in a crowded backcourt, potential starting lineups, Deni Avdija’s role, the Blazers’ underrated defense, and whether this roster actually took a meaningful step forward.
We also debate how high Portland can climb in a loaded Western Conference, Bobby’s Top-6 prediction, the Thomas Dundon ownership situation, whether Tiago Splitter’s staff has been dealt a tough hand, and if the Blazers are building something real or just fool’s gold. Plus: Ja Morant breakout talk, SGA vs. Luka, and three rounds of One Gotta Go.
Shoutout to our sponsor, Santa Barbara Brewhouse! Tell them the Dummiez sent you.
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Intro & Sponsor Shoutout
2:38 Blazers Offseason Additions & Subtractions
3:15 Did Portland Get Better or Just Cheaper?
5:25 Did Portland Take a Step Forward?
6:49 Who Should Be Portland’s Primary Ball Handler?
8:22 Blazers Starting Lineup Options
12:00 The Deni Avdija Situation
15:09 Portland’s Sneaky-Good Defense
16:14 Who Is Portland’s Best Player?
17:53 Ja Morant Career-Year Prediction
19:40 How Good Can Portland Be in the West?
23:00 Bobby: Portland Is a Top-6 Team
27:28 Is Portland’s Ownership Too Cheap?
29:35 Did Portland’s Coaching Staff Get a Bad Hand?
30:14 Will Thomas Dundon’s Penny-Pinching Backfire?
31:17 Your First Move as Portland’s GM
33:17 Is Portland Building Something Real?
34:10 Blazers: Real Threat or Fool’s Gold?
35:10 Sponsor Shoutout: Santa Barbara Brewhouse
35:45 One Gotta Go: Most Satisfying NBA Fan Moment
37:54 One Gotta Go: Pickup Basketball Crimes
39:57 One Gotta Go: Superstar Requirements
43:38 Cast Debate: SGA Over Luka?!
45:29 Outro
#PortlandTrailBlazers #TrailBlazers #NBA #NBATalk #WesternConference #DeniAvdija #JaMorant #SGA #LukaDoncic #Basketball