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NBA Podcast: Breaking down the Mitchell trade, and modern tactical trends

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Welcome to the latest edition of "Pound the Rock," an NBA podcast hosted by Joseph Casciaro and Joe Wolfond.

Find the show on iTunes, Soundcloud, Stitcher, and Spotify.

In this episode, Samson Folk joins the show to discuss the trade that sent Donovan Mitchell to Cleveland, as well as the NBA's current state from a tactical and stylistic perspective.

Topics include:

  • How Mitchell fits with the Cavs
  • The strengths and weaknesses of a Mitchell-Garland backcourt
  • The defensive insulation provided by Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley
  • The spotlight on Isaac Okoro
  • Can Cleveland win without wings?
  • Why this trade was a no-brainer for the Cavs, and why the Knicks should've pushed harder
  • A look at some of the NBA's emerging tactical trends, including: the era of "grindball," the post as a playmaking hub, fake dribble-handoffs, ghost screens, interior-oriented defensive schemes, and declining rim frequency
  • Assessing the Raptors' frenetic, innovative defense and where it can go from here
  • A case for the Pelicans as 2023 champions

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