Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list! This week Steve shares his thoughts after week 10 of the 2025-26 NBA season. Hawks Face Trae Young Decision, Wembanyama Rises, and Lakers Struggle Defensively
Trae Young Decision
If you are a fan of the Atlanta Hawks, you’re watching a big change in their team dynamics. After Trae Young‘s injury, Jalen Johnson has emerged as their best player. Johnson on the season is averaging 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.3 assists. These are All-Star numbers. He’s also shooting 37.8% from three. This puts Trae Young in an interesting spot. How does he handle this?
Keep in mind the Hawks had a much better record when he was out. They were 13-9 without him and 2-8 with him.The smart thing for the Hawks to do is trade him. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who took over for Young during his absence as the point guard, is averaging 20.3 points. I think it’s smart if the Hawks traded Trae and got whatever they can for him.
Jordi Fernandez Emerging as the NBA’s Most Underrated Coach
If you are looking at underrated and unknown coaches, look no further than Jordi Fernandez. Last year he took a tanking team and won 26 games. This year they are 9-19 with another tanking team. With the talent the Nets have, this is remarkable. He has also helped transform Michael Porter Jr. into a true star. Porter is averaging over 25 points. Denver couldn’t wait to get rid of him, and now he’s literally carrying a young team. Fernandez excels at getting maximum effort and buy-in from his team. When he gets the opportunity to coach a talented team he’ll flourish.
Knicks Edge Cavaliers in Statement Christmas Victory
The Knicks-Cavs game on Christmas was an interesting game for both teams. The Knicks were coming off a loss to Minnesota and didn’t want to lose two straight, especially when one of them was on Christmas Day at home. For the Cavaliers, they thought they were beginning to turn it around. The Cavs had Evan Mobley returning from injury and had won two straight games coming in. A win in New York would have been big as they move forward and because they led for most of this game. It would have been their chance to tell the league we’re back.
Has Victor Wembanyama Exposed the Thunder’s Championship Vulnerability?
I am one of those people that think the Oklahoma City Thunder would win it all this year. I still believe it would be hard for any team to beat them four times in a series. After the Spurs have beaten them three times in the last four weeks and once soundly in Oklahoma City, I’m wondering if Victor Wembanyama has arrived. If so, look out, league.
How Thunder Vulnerability Shifts the NBA Trade Market to Sellers
Oklahoma City showing they are vulnerable changes the trade market considerably. Teams like the Knicks, Pistons, Heat, Celtics, Lakers, Nuggets, Timberwolves, and others may be looking for the player or players that could put them over the top. This changed the market to a seller’s market.
Is It Time for the Heat to Consider Trading Bam Adebayo?
Bam Adebayo has had a rough time shooting of late. Over the last seven games, he’s averaging 13.6 points. With Kel’el Ware beginning to emerge, he’s averaging 19.8 points and 13.5 rebounds over the last four games. I know Bam is supposed to be a Heat player for life, but you wonder if it’s time to deal him.
Lakers Defensive Collapse Raises Serious Playoff Concerns
Has anybody seen the Lakers’ defense? They are giving up 121.4 points per game over the last ten games. They have gone 4-6 in that stretch. The Lakers have a good offensive team, but it is difficult when you are playing three guys that are not good defenders at the same time.