Cade Cunningham: MVP Candidate or Overhyped? A Full-Blown NBA Debate
Plus, East vs. West, Luka Won't Shoot, and Hoops in the Olympics
Is Cade Cunningham ascending into MVP territory — or are we manufacturing a superstar leap that hasn’t fully arrived?
That’s where this week’s Alley Oop episode begins, and it only gets more unhinged from there.
Juju and Trysta welcome Zach Harper of The Athletic for a wide-ranging (and occasionally besmirching) NBA debate that starts in Detroit and spirals outward into the Spurs’ rise, Olympic basketball supremacy, conference power rankings, Luka Doncic’s puzzling shot decisions, and a Kelsey Plum impression that deserves its own scouting report.
But first: Cade.
Cade Cunningham: Praise or Shade?
Cunningham’s numbers suggest a star. His usage screams franchise cornerstone. His skill set — size, pace control, shot creation — checks the modern NBA primary initiator boxes.
So why does the discourse feel split?
Is Cade Cunningham an MVP dark horse in the making? Or are we confusing “high volume” with “high impact”?
Zach Harper brings context. Juju brings heat. Trysta brings skepticism. The result is a layered debate about efficiency, team success, narrative bias, and how we define “valuable.”
Because here’s the uncomfortable truth: MVP conversations aren’t just about stats. They’re about winning, optics, and timing.
And Cade’s case? Complicated.
Are the Spurs the Second-Best Team in the West?
Yes, this was said out loud.
With Victor Wembanyama accelerating timelines and San Antonio stacking smart pieces, the Spurs conversation is shifting from “fun future team” to “wait… right now?”
Is it too early? Probably.
Is it reckless? Maybe.
Did it make for great content? Absolutely.
Olympic Basketball: Can Anyone Beat Team USA?
When it comes to international basketball, the question isn’t whether Team USA is talented. It’s whether cohesion and global depth can finally close the gap.
Is this another inevitable gold medal run? Or are we underrating the rise of international programs?
The group breaks down roster construction, chemistry questions, and why assuming dominance can be dangerous.
East vs. West Power Rankings
Who actually runs the league right now?
The Western Conference feels deeper. The Eastern Conference has top-heavy strength. But which teams are legitimate championship threats — and which ones are living off reputation?
This part gets spicy.
Luka Won’t Shoot. Why?
There’s a clip circulating: Luka Doncic, wide open, declining to shoot.
It’s baffling. It’s fascinating. It sparks a broader conversation about confidence, rhythm, and decision-making from elite scorers.
Because when a generational shot-maker hesitates, something’s worth examining.
Kelsey Plum’s Aliyah Boston Impression (Yes, Really)
At some point, the show detours into WNBA chaos — specifically, Kelsey Plum doing an Aliyah Boston elbow impression that has to be seen to be appreciated.
Physical comedy. Basketball analysis. No notes.
Watch the Full Episode
From Cade Cunningham’s MVP case to Spurs hype, Olympic debates, Luka psychology, and WNBA antics — this episode covers the modern basketball landscape with sharp analysis and zero fear of disagreement.
If you care about NBA discourse beyond surface-level takes, this is the one to watch.