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Is OKC really the favorite of the West? Also Bronny’s problems, the little Pelicans and the sad Clippers

Is OKC really the favorite of the West? Also Bronny’s problems, the little Pelicans and the sad Clippers

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In this episode of The Kevin O’Connor ShowKevin is joined by Yahoo Sports’ senior NBA writer Dan Devine to bounce around the league as the NBA preseason progresses.

The boys start in New Orleans, where the Pelicans announce that they will play Herb Jones at center in a small-ball lineup. How far can they take this in the congested Western Conference? And how long will Bronny James stay in the NBA before the Lakers have to send him to the G League?

The Knicks are without Mitchell Robinson through 2025, leaving Karl Anthony-Towns as the team’s only option at starting center. Will their offense be good enough to mitigate any defensive issues?

The Oklahoma City Thunder have more tradeable draft picks than any other team and seemingly no holes on their roster. Can anyone in the Western Conference keep them out of the No. 1 spot?

Kawhi Leonard is once again dealing with knee problems that are preventing him from practicing with the Los Angeles Clippers. Can James Harden restore his Houston Rockets magic and carry them to the playoffs?

The guys talk about how DeMar DeRozan fits with the Sacramento Kings before moving on to the 76ers, who may need more from Tyrese Maxey if Joel Embiid’s knee isn’t ready for the season.

Before concluding with a conversation about the Bulls being stuck between good and evil, Kevin and Dan offer their thoughts after seeing some preseason action from the Hawks’ No. 1 overall rookie, Zaccharie Risacher.

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images

(01:05) – Can the Pelicans play Herb Jones at center?

(10:00) – Is Bronny James ready for the NBA?

(15:15) – How long can the Knicks survive with KAT under center?

(25:30) – Are the Thunder the best team in the West?

(36:45) – Can James Harden get the Clippers out with Kawhi?

(43:15) – How will DeMar DeRozan fit with the Kings?

(48:30) – Embiid’s knee is examined

(54:40) – Early impressions of Zaccharie Risacher

(60:15) – What is the Bulls’ identity?

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