The Drop Step

The 2025 and 2026 NBA Draft classes look set to be special. Really special.

With premier prospects at the top of both classes, Nathan Grubel, AKA Draft Deeper, joins me to throw the best of the two drafts into one pool and redraft the top four from each in an eight-man bonanza.

How do you weigh proven production against pure potential? Would Cooper have gone No. 1 had he stayed in the 2026 draft class? Will Caleb Wilson ever stop shooting threes? And, when it’s all said and done, who comes out on top?

All that and plenty more in an excellent episode of The Drop Step.

Check out Nathan here:

Twitter: https://x.com/DraftDeeper

No Ceilings: https://substack.com/home/post/p-223058369

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Geoff and XJ of Hot Hand Theory join the podcast to discuss the most misevaulated teams ahead of the upcoming 26/27 season. Listen in to hear about the new look Luka Lakers, the potentially magnificent Minnesota Timberwolves and the quagmire that is the Portland Trailblazers.

Detailed analysis, shaped by film study, stats and a little gut feeling. This isn't a podcast to miss as you prepare for the season.

Check out the excellent Geoff and XJ here:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@hothandtheory⁩ 

Twitter: https://x.com/HotHandTheory

Subscribe to The Drop Step here: https://open.spotify.com/show/6y7i6Tgsp1vQYELsZzZ2NiFollow me on

Twitter here: https://x.com/TheDropStepNBA

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Raptors Republic and The Athletic’s NBA Daily analyst Esfandiar Baraheni joined the podcast this week to discuss the dynamic duos we can’t wait to watch in 2026-27.

We each picked a:

It was a brilliant conversation that took us through Utah, Memphis, Chicago, Portland and, perhaps most excitingly, Minnesota.

A huge thanks to Es for coming on the show.

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Check out Es here:

Twitter: https://x.com/JustEsBaraheni

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ChuckingDarts was kind enough to join the latest episode of the Drop Step as we broke down last night’s games and made our title picks for the 25/26 NBA Playoffs.

Listen in for Minnesota’s narrow path to victory, a case for the Cavaliers, plenty of agreement, one big disagreement around the Rockets, and a lot of Knicks optimism.

If you enjoy the episode, please rate the podcast above. It really helps the show grow and is much appreciated.

Check out Chuck here:

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/7LC9VGKrFdKeeOhYZ1bl6H⁠Twitter: ⁠https://x.com/ChuckingDarts⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@chuckingdartsnbapodcast2215

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Which teams are poised to take the biggest step from this season to next? DavidLee of FifthFactor fame joins the show to discuss the:

Listen in to hear about which teams sre set to make the leap next year if they haven't already. We focus on ways to improve in the offseason, potential draft fits and some of the excellent basketball that's taken place in "Mickey Mouse March" and almost arbitrary April.

Check out David here:

https://linktr.ee/dlee4three

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Mike Shearer (AKA BasketballPoetry) joins the show this week! Listen in as we discuss why San Antonio and Detroit demand to be taken seriosuly. What Jayson Tatum may look like for the C's. Who should win ROY and which teams we'd most like to see receive some lottery luck. Mike is a brilliant writer and a brilliant podcast guest. Enjoy today's episode and check out the BP Substack down below!

Mike's links:

Substack: https://www.basketballpoetry.com/

Twitter: https://x.com/bballispoetry

My Links:

Twitter: https://x.com/TheDropStepNBA

YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCq_-ACixpHXHuzpgMJaxH7Q

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Max and Drew of The Boris Dirk Podcast join the show as we create 8-man rosters comprised of 2025 draftees. Tune in to see who puts together the best squad, who's snubbed and who wanted to leave about 45 minutes into the show.

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For the second year in a row The Drop Step is playing god; matching the top ten prospects in the 2026 draft to their ideal destinations.

Listen in as FinnDraft joins the show to talk through who should join Tyrese Haliburton in Indiana, how the Thunder could take another step towards a dynasty come summer time and who has the misfortune of landing in Sacramento to start their career.

Finn was a great guest and is worth a follow and subscribe. Check out his links below:

Twitter:

https://x.com/FinnDraft

The Double Bonus: https://open.spotify.com/show/5R9ToCpWTqRETPYIYlzSYO

My Links: https://x.com/TheDropStepNBA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDropStep_NBA

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Harrison Faigen of SB Nation joins the show to talk all things Lakers as we leave 2025 behind. The Deandre Ayton experience, living with Luka, Austin Reaves future and the plus/minus god that is Marcus Smart are all discussed on a fun episode of The Drop Step.

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My Links:

Twitter: https://x.com/TheDropStepNBA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDropStep_NBA

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Celtics analyst and ball knower NikNBA joins the show to talk about the games we just need to see happen this year in the NBA.

Between us we discuss five matchups that in our humble opinions will help to answer some of the biggest questions that have emerged since the season has gotten under way. Whether it's top of the conference clashes, alien warfare or true hipster picks this pod has you covered. Check it out, rate and share!

My Links:

Twitter: https://x.com/TheDropStepNBA

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDropStep_NBA

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