Season 4
Episode 90
"Late Summer 2026 Update"
August 29, 2026
- The episode of Bay Area Sports Truth is recorded outdoors at Joff’s backyard with Jordan, Geof, and Davey. The hosts briefly deal with background noise from airplanes and uncertainty about whether the recording equipment has enough battery power.
- The Warriors’ offseason roster is discussed at length. The team added Brandon Williams as a point guard and George Niang as a high-IQ three-point shooter who can create space but is not known for his defense.
- The Warriors now have a full 15-player roster. The projected early-season lineup may include Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, De’Anthony Melton or Brandin Podziemski, Kristaps Porziņģis or Al Horford, and rookie Yaxel, with the exact combinations depending on size and positional preferences.
- Jimmy Butler is expected to miss the beginning of the season while recovering from a torn ACL, and Moses Moody could be out even longer after suffering a serious patellar tendon injury. The hosts believe these absences will create opportunities for Podziemski, Melton, and other young players.
- The hosts expect Niang to begin as a bench player because he has been away from basketball for an extended period and may need time to regain his form. They also discuss the team’s flexible contracts, which could allow Golden State to make trades if the roster does not work out.
- Klay Thompson’s move to the Miami Heat is covered. The hosts think his shooting could complement Giannis Antetokounmpo because opposing defenses will need to focus heavily on Giannis, and they speculate that Thompson could eventually return to the Bay Area.
- The discussion turns to Jonathan Kuminga’s move to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The hosts note that Anthony Edwards reportedly wanted Kuminga on the team and believe his athleticism could fit well alongside Edwards, LaMelo Ball, and Rudy Gobert.
- The hosts briefly remember Don Nelson after learning of his death. They express respect for him and joke about trying to find a cannabis strain associated with him.
- The 49ers’ preseason record was 2–1, with wins over the Chargers and Raiders and a loss to Tennessee. Kalen Black, a rookie running back from Indiana, stands out for his downhill running style and speed.
- Jordan James is also viewed as a promising running back who could provide depth. The hosts believe the 49ers should reduce Christian McCaffrey’s workload after his extremely heavy usage last season and rely more on younger backs between the red zone and scoring situations.
- Rookie quarterback Dylan Martinez receives praise for being mobile and competitive despite coming from a traditionally run-oriented Nebraska offense. The hosts see him as a potentially useful third-string quarterback.
- The 49ers’ defense shows encouraging signs through linebacker additions and defensive linemen such as Odighizuwa, C.J. West, and Alfred Collins. The hosts believe the run defense should improve, while Fred Warner is expected to be ready for Week 1.
- Nick Bosa’s recovery remains uncertain after another ACL injury. The hosts would rather see him return later and fully healthy than rush him back for the opening game.
- Several young 49ers receivers, including rookie Stribling and Jordan Watkins, are praised for getting open and making plays against strong competition. The hosts also expect Deebo Samuel and possibly George Kittle to contribute early in the season.
- The hosts discuss the unusual upcoming NFL schedule, including a Wednesday game between New England and Seattle, and confirm that the 49ers’ opening game in Australia will be available on Netflix.
- The cancellation of the traditional Pro Bowl is discussed. The hosts understand that players may not want to risk injury in a meaningless game, even though they think the league should replace it with a more entertaining event such as a talent show.
- Fantasy football is a major topic. The hosts expect Christian McCaffrey to remain a first-round pick because of his receiving value, especially in point-per-reception leagues, but they acknowledge the risk created by his age and previous workload.
- George Kittle, Brock Purdy, Eddie Piñeiro, and several 49ers receivers are identified as potential fantasy options. The hosts consider the 49ers’ defense more suitable for matchup-based streaming than for drafting early.
- The fantasy league’s draft is set, and the hosts compare mock-draft results from different draft positions. They note that real league drafts may differ significantly from expert projections because participants will select players based on personal loyalties, especially toward the 49ers.
- Different fantasy strategies are debated, including drafting running backs early because the position has a smaller pool of reliable players, waiting on wide receivers, targeting sleepers, and monitoring backup players who could become starters after injuries.
- The hosts warn against drafting players based solely on sentimental attachment. They also discuss using roster spots strategically, including temporarily collecting quarterbacks or other scarce positions to force trades or prevent opponents from improving.
- College football has begun, with Notre Dame viewed as a consensus top team and Oregon also considered a contender. The hosts recall Indiana’s recent success and discuss college football’s expanded playoff format and overtime rules.
- Memories of Alabama’s dominance are used to compare the program to the Patriots and early-2000s Miami Hurricanes. The hosts list numerous prominent NFL players who came through Alabama and Miami.
- In the closing “truth or not truth” segment, the hosts predict that the Warriors will finish sixth or higher if they stay healthy, with some believing they could reach the fourth seed.
- The hosts also predict that rookie Yaxel could win Rookie of the Year. They praise his confidence, shooting, size, and ability to play like a veteran, and compare his projected style to Bam Adebayo with a better outside shot.
- The episode ends with anticipation for the Warriors’ preseason, the team’s opening games against the Lakers and Grizzlies, the upcoming football season, and the fantasy football draft.