April 1, 2024 • 45 mins
Another episode of BULLY BALL, another week of Rajon Rondo's basketball brains. The NBA champ is officially a part of the ATSP family and joins Rachel and Boogie for an instant reaction to the new Joel Embiid is on the cusp of returning. Plus, should Jalen Brunson be talked about for MVP? Also, how does Jamaal Murray's injury impact the Nuggets, can Minnesota avoid upset, two truths and a lie, and can Orlando be a free agent destination?
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
The college basketball Tournament is down to the final four
and all roads lead to that final NCAA Championship game
at State Farm Stadium on Monday in Glendale, Arizona.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Look, there's been.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
Upsets, comebacks, rivalries, and huge moments so far.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
There's been the thrill in it all.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
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Speaker 2 (00:53):
What's that? Bullyball?
Speaker 3 (00:54):
Fan?
Speaker 1 (00:54):
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to Bullyball, presented by DraftKings. I am Rachel Nichols, as always,
(02:20):
mister DeMarcus Cousins across the way from me and joining
us once again. I love this is becoming regular thing.
Mister Rajon Rondo, Welcome. What fabulous locale Are you joining
us from dough.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
My home?
Speaker 1 (02:37):
That's a James Bond answer, because people are watching on
YouTube knowe that that is not your normal background.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
So I just we're gonna let you keep it a mystery.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
I'm just saying, if you hear some big spy mission
that comes off this week, just everyone out there be
aware Dough might be involved.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
I don't know, Boogie, you have no plan. This is
this disturbs plan today.
Speaker 4 (02:57):
No plan today, man, And it's actually it's all like
coming to you know my mind, that is messing up
my energy this morning. Dog coming along with it. With
his negative energy. My plan is missing. So I'm a
little off this morning. So y'all just working.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
We'll have to have to raise that level during the show. Yeah,
dope came on and the minute he got on here
today he was busting himself.
Speaker 4 (03:21):
Yeah, he on one this morning checks things you said
last week that were not so great.
Speaker 5 (03:29):
New week.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
It's a new week, though. You gotta let this next
next play mindset.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Hey man, you made a statement about a player in
the league that was supposed to have picked up the
assist slack for a player that is injured. So right there, Oh,
come on, go ahead, raise my fuck.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Let's talk a little bit of college ball.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
My friends Alabama, YU Kind, NC State and Purdue in
the final four.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
It was quite the weekend.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
North Carolina State Duke was leaning halftime, That's all I
got to say. And yet nc stage is now America's sweetheart.
What do you make of the big man matchup between
Burns and EATI.
Speaker 4 (04:13):
I mean, I think this is coming down to just
being an old school type matchup where you got two
dominant biggs in the college basketball scene that have been
leading the teams all year, two different type playing styles.
You know, DJ Burns is a guy that's you know,
with his play lately, he's getting a lot of comparisons
(04:33):
to Zach Randolph. And you know he's him being a
left handed, you know, not as athletic big man, but
with a wide base and just the ability to move
the opposing defenses with his with his strength and size,
that's a matchup nightmare for anybody.
Speaker 5 (04:50):
And then you got the big man EATI and Purdue
seven foot plus plus plus.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
That's a lot of plus. That's a lot of plus.
Speaker 4 (05:07):
Yeah, that's that's a big matchup. So I think this
matchup is going to be one for the ages. I'm
I'm really excited for because we're getting back to the
foundation of basketball, which is you know, going through the
big man.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
I think this is much watch TV.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
I think this tournaments has exceeded expectations, and I'm excited
for so looking forward to this matchup.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
I don't know, I feel like Yukon has been so
good and so dominant, the whole thing feels a little,
you know, like it's lack and suspense for me. Everyone
can go do their thing in these games, but we
all know Yukon. I mean, man, they are a giant
to me, it's almost like the women's matchups have been
a little bit more interesting at this stage, at this round,
especially with this Elite eight. We've got Monday night Yukon
(05:54):
versus USC LSU versus Iowa. Of course that's the rematch
Caitlin Clark Angel Reese from last year. But what do
you feel like though, when you look at this and
this happening this early. Is that a disappointment that they're
meeting this early or is it just juiced up a
little bit for you?
Speaker 3 (06:11):
I think it keeps it spicy.
Speaker 5 (06:13):
You know.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Obviously we won't have to send the rematches last year,
but to have it this early on in the in
the games, I'm excited for it, especially with injuries, the
way she's been talking shit the whole season, She's continued
to be a standout. You know, She's handled all the
criticisms throughout a whole a couple of years at LSU.
So I'm looking forward to the matchup again and I'm
excited to watch those ladies play tonight.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Who you got, bug.
Speaker 5 (06:37):
Man?
Speaker 4 (06:38):
I'm actually hoping this LSU team can pull it out.
You know, I think they've been great for women's sports.
I think they've been a great representation regardless of people
you know, agree with their playing style or not. You know,
I have a lot of similarities when it comes to
Angel Rees. You know, the trash talk, the energy she brings,
(07:00):
the grit she plays with every night, and.
Speaker 5 (07:03):
Just her being able to accept criticism.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
And play through all this, you know, adversity while being
you know, one of the biggest stars in college. I
think that's remarkable and I don't think she gets enough
credit for it. When they when they entered this stage
a couple of years ago, nobody expected it to you know,
turn into this and you know, like I said, I
think they've been a great representation for women's sports. They've
(07:26):
definitely elevated the sport. And I think these young ladies
are are you know, a newfound a new age pioneer
when it comes to you know, just putting women's sports
on this new pedestal. And uh, you know, as of recently,
the women's game has been better than the men's game.
And that's okay. So you know, credit to these ladies
(07:47):
for what they're doing.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
Yeah, I mean, look, for me, it's just them being
allowed to be as competitive as they should be. I
thought all of the crap that Angel Reese took after
the National Championship game last year. It's just such bullshit.
It's just all about like, oh, women need to be
more polite, girls, you know, need to be sportsmanlike that
kind of crap.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I mean, these women are athletes.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
They are doing the exact same thing out there that
their male counterparts are doing. You think Angel Reese invented
that this is my ring championship sort of thing.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
I mean, come on, no, it's.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Because men have been doing that for years and years.
So to pretend like when she does it, it's some violation
of an unwritten rule. Where where do you think she
got it from? It just it is blood boiling that
these women aren't sort of allowed in the public spirit
to be as competitive as they should be allowed to
because they are playing a sport. So my hope is
(08:40):
that things have evolved enough this past year that whoever
wins IOWA LSU can trash talk the hell out of
the other person and it's fine with the players. Caitlin
Clark said at the time, she goes, please, that's great,
we should be competitive.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Angel's great.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
I have no issue like we're off court friendly, but
I just want them to be able to play the
way basketball players should get to play. So that is
my hope for tonight, for these coming up women's tournament games,
is that everyone gets to see them as the standout
athletes that they are. All right, guys, big news, Joel
Embiid appears to be making a return, may even be
(09:14):
coming back as quick as Tuesday night versus okay, see,
we'll see. He missed twenty eight straight games. Now, I
have to look at where the Sixers are. They're number
eight in the East starting out the week seven games
left to play, they're two back of the sixth spot,
which is of course where they want to be. They
want to be out of the plan in what do
you guys think, Buggie, where are you on this? Do
(09:35):
you think that seven games is enough when you look
at the standings here for Joel Embiid to help the
Sixers get to number six?
Speaker 4 (09:44):
Well, you know, seventy eighty percent join Embiid is still
better than ninety eight percent of the bigs in the league.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
So with that being.
Speaker 4 (09:54):
Said, true, that being said, obviously I think the Sixers
are going to get better. They are missing their foundation
in the Big Fella. But you know, thinking about it
from a realistic standpoint, like, this is a tough task
to do. You have seven games regular season. History has
(10:17):
shown us that you don't have the greatest conditioning coming
back from these type situations. Hey, maybe this situation he
approached it a lot differently. He was on a strict
diet through this whole time. Maybe maybe you know, maybe
he's figured it out, and I hope he has. But
from what history has shown us, there will be some
type of conditioning issues, and that's expected. You miss that
(10:38):
many games, you're sitting for that long. The knee injury
isn't something where you can just, you know, go jog
down the street the next day and keep your wind up.
Those things just aren't aren't realistic things. So I think
conditioning will play a part in it. I don't think
seven games is enough to prepare you for a playoff atmosphere,
especially when you know you're the folk a point of
(11:00):
every defense. So that's another challenge in itself. But I
do think the sixers will improve. I can't I can't
go out on the limit say I think they'll get
to the six spot just because he returns. I think
there will be some russ like I said, conditioning will
be a factor, but the sixers will get better. So
(11:21):
I know they're happy about that.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Dell, what you got.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Making into the sixth I'm not sure about that making
to the six spot, But to me, I don't know
if that's the concern. I think they're very confident that
they possibly could end up facing Miami in the first
round in the playing game. So with them be back,
having these seven games to kind of get his feet
back underneath them. Obviously he'll be in a minute restriction
(11:50):
coming back, so that's going to play a factor. Like again,
he's not going to probably finish games. We'll see how
they manage his minutes as far as kind of a
hockey sub letting them get you know, getting them a
little stiff on the sideline. But for the most part,
his health is the main concern. I feel like they
can get in the playoffs. They're fine with that versus
trying to get to the sixth seed by trying to
extend his minutes. The guys that's been playing, you know
(12:13):
throughout the season without them, it's going to continue to
have to step up. And obviously having your best player
backs and gives you confidence. Like I said last week.
You know, those guys having that experience with him out,
you know, guys getting more shots to buy some stepping up.
Tyresis shooting the head out.
Speaker 5 (12:25):
Of the ball.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
So it's like those guys still have their confidence, but
what they biggerman back, they will be better. But I
don't think it's solely a focus gon'n get to the
six spot versus having him healthy to go in the
first round to possibly play Miami and then end up
probably getting Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
I mean, that's the thing. I think you guys are
right that it is going to be hard to do.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
I mean, making up two games and only seven to
play is I mean, it's very, very difficult.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Right, But there is such a huge difference.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
Between being in the eighth seed and maybe facing the
Celtics in the first round, definitely facing the Celtics in
the first round, or being even in the seventh seed
and facing Giannis in the Bucks in the first round.
Versus is, if you can make it up to that
six you're facing some version of either the Knicks or
the Cavs with the Magic no matter who of those
three teams is. That's a huge step difference from either
(13:11):
the Bucks or the Celtics. So I think you guys
are right, it's going to be very hard. But I
think that is why they are so eager to have
him back. And I was just with the Sixers last
week talking to Nick Nurse, talking to some of the players,
and you know.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
They've been waiting and waiting and waiting for this.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
I just hope that Joel was able to do what
they all think he is able to do. Honestly, the
reason he was out a lot of this time was
because of pressure put on him to play when he
was more hurt than he should have been out on
the court for. And that is how he agreed, you know,
that is how he ended up with a much worse injury.
So I'm hoping this isn't the same kind of pressure.
I fear a little bit it could end up being
(13:47):
that way inadvertently. I am curious from you guys. And
we'll talk about a little bit of this with Karl
Anthony Towns a little later in the show as well.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
When a guy is quote working his way back, is.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
It for the other guys in floridough like say, say
for the other guys there, is it just hey, Joel
being out there as such? A presence and he makes
the defense change and it's a huge advantage even if
he is maybe eighty percent the way book said, or
is it that gosh, he's not quite himself and you've
been doing this running this other thing. Like from a
point guard perspective, what is it like when someone like
(14:18):
that comes back.
Speaker 5 (14:22):
To me?
Speaker 3 (14:22):
It's night and day to have you a big fellow
back being able to anchor the defense, ankor offense.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
If he's even if he's seventy, he's.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Still gonna draw double triple teams. You know, he's still
you know, continue to be a willing passer, creating the
mismatches and then creating close outs. You know, your shooters
are getting better shots now Tyres doesn't particularly have to
make every particular play down the court, so it takes
a lot of pressure off the offense completely. And again
with him being seventy percent, like Culs said, it's better
than ninety nine percent of the big men in the game. Besides,
(14:52):
you know, one or two guys possibly, so you know
they're not going to play on one on one. And
with that being said, like I said, Earl, he's going
to He's going to make these guys have easier shots.
So yeah, absolutely, having him back on a different a
different flow of the game again, he's going to give
his teammates confidence. He's going to give Nick Nurse confidence.
So uh, they don't even to be a hundred percent
right now. They wanted obviously to see high, high flows
(15:15):
and gradually slow to get back to where you were.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
He was playing so well right before he got knocked out,
and it's such a shame he had to lose a
chunk of this season. We hope good health for everyone
in the league and him in particular coming back.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
We'll see how he does.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
I do want to talk about some of those other
teams in the East though, because the Knicks, man, I mean,
they've got key starters out and yet here they are,
they're still challenging for the number three spot. We don't
know when Julius Randalla is going to return. He has
a dislocated shoulder. Og Anobi was out and then back
in and then out again. He was on the floor
at practice, but he's not even clear for contact yet
(15:51):
with that elbow injury. So we had Josh Hart say
postgame on Sunday, we have to approach every game and
the end of this season, that these guys aren't coming back,
and if they do, we have to be pleasantly surprised.
So that cause that quote caused a lot of panic
that the Knicks players who are hurt just aren't coming back.
If you listen to Josh Hurt, he's a little bit
(16:12):
more when he explained, just saying, Hey, that's how I
approach every game. But but what do you think of
that if they can't get these guys back. I mean,
even is it worth having the discussion about what they're
doing in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
They're still playing pretty well without especially OG.
Speaker 4 (16:26):
I think this next team is built strictly off toughness.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
One.
Speaker 4 (16:31):
I think Jalen Bronson should be one of the top
names when it comes to MVP this season, the way
he's been carrying this next team through the ups and downs,
Like he just came off of sixty point performance, even
though it came with a loss. But this guy has
been performing and exceeding all expectations coming into this year.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
You put him in that top five MVP conversation.
Speaker 5 (16:54):
I do? I do? I think he's done?
Speaker 3 (16:59):
Can we get a top five real quick?
Speaker 5 (17:03):
Right now? Let me let me finish my statement.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
In jo but it can't take someone out. That's the problem.
Everyone's in the top five.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
Everybody's in the top five until it's time to name
the top five. Let me give this guy's flowers? Can
I give him his flowers?
Speaker 4 (17:21):
He's been playing incredible, man, he's been leading, Yes, even
through injury, missing you know, key pieces to the team
and O. G.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
Julius Randall.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
I think he's done a great job leading his team
when it comes to Josh Hart's comings.
Speaker 5 (17:35):
So I'm not mad at that mindset.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
If that helps you, you know, meet the criteria every
night and come out ready to play like every game matters.
I'm cool with that and that being my role player's
mindset while our foundational pieces are out. I think that's
a great mindset to have because it could carry over
and keep things to floating to your stars are able
to get back and join the team.
Speaker 1 (18:01):
Well said, Well, answer me this with the Jalen Brunson factor.
When you break down how he plays, how successful he's
been sixty one points the other night, and yet he's
about six feet tall. I mean, what, what do you
see the translation into the player?
Speaker 3 (18:16):
They got him listen to this, They got him listen
to six two, but I think he's I played at
six and to be able to average twenty eight, five
and eight in this game. I know the game has changed,
its faster faced, but still the way he's able to
get into the pain attack shoot a high percentage over
forty eight percent from the field. He's definitely been impressive,
and I think he's been underrated his whole career and
(18:37):
he's okay with that and seeded all expectations, his work ethic,
his mindset, and shout out to coach Tibeau. You know,
coach said earlier their their defensive mind to hard nosed
team and it starts with your coach. So for them
to be in a position they are now without their
you know, their main guys, Julius randall Og a couple
of the guys's been out throughout the season. He's been
(18:58):
their rock. They're missed consistent and uh, you know, shout
out to Jalen. He's he's a hell of player to watch.
I even have my son watch as much as possible.
You know, he's the best guard and that I would
say he's playing off the two feet and it goes
back to when he was telling about how he trained
and billing over how he was able to get in
the paint and uh, you know, learn how to learn
how to pivot. So at that position, maybe behind Kyrie,
(19:19):
he's the best post up guard in our game, you know,
six feet six two and under. Uh, he doesn't get
enough credit for that. Like I said, he's one of
the best mit ranger mid range players in the game.
So for him to be able to do this at
the point guard position, night in night out. I know
they've lost the last two, but before that, they've been
they've been rolling, they've been hot. So it's gonna be
interesting to see how they do the last five six
(19:39):
games of the regular season without those guys. But he's
a tough load now in the playoffs again, he's been
turned up last year. I think he played eleven games
last year. He's average twenty eight, five and five. I
don't see him slowing down. You know, defenses will uh
you know, predicate try to stop there in your entire
defense is slow him down. But the sets they run,
(20:02):
whether he's able to manipulate the game, I don't see
that he's going to. You know, he's going to tail
off anytime soon. With his averages in the playoffs. So
it's just a matter of his teammates around him being
able to step up consistently, you know, night in and
night out. And that's why I think that they might
you know, tail off and not get the w's because
of that. But him his performance, he'll he'll be where
he's going to be.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
Does the high thing come into play differently in the
postseason with the way No, No.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
No, it's it's just amount of thing. It's a mindset.
And again he's done it all season. He's faced every
scouting port that he's played against this year is the
defense has been predicated to stop him, and he's still
putting up sixty you know, forties, thirty. I think he's
had twenty nine thirty point games this year. So he's
he has a defense figured out. As a matter off,
his teammate stepped up and making a big shots when
(20:48):
need because.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
That was very emphatic head.
Speaker 5 (20:50):
Not child man, that was great child.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (20:58):
Look, you guys got Orlando in there too. I mean,
NEROK has to worry about them. They're they're five in
the East as we sit here right now, but they've
played so well. They're number two overall in defensive break rating.
And I'm just curious if they can get that number
three spot or even if they end up in number four,
sort of do you see the Magic as a legit
dark horse in the East. Do you think they can
get out of the first round to do They've got
(21:21):
the East standings up here to do what I want
to win the title?
Speaker 5 (21:27):
Yeah, yeah, that's there, not to.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
Win the title.
Speaker 1 (21:31):
I just mean, so look at the standings here there
right in front of you. You know, they would play
the Knicks in the first round if things ended today,
and even if those guys switched four or five or
even you know, or maybe they end up in the
three spot like I just and they play the Pacers.
I'm just sort of curious where you guys see this
Orlando team. Is it sort of you be they got
in the playoffs and good for them, or do you
(21:52):
think that they are someone they could win a first
round matchup?
Speaker 4 (21:54):
I definitely think first off. When this season is, I
think exactly shout out to coach Mo. He's done an
incredible job. I think he I think he just got
extended right the season is the first thing that you
do is extend coach like without a doubt. But I
(22:16):
think this is a season for them where it is
you know, you know, being excited about their progress this season,
but as far as you know, championships, I don't think
this team is there yet. I think they are now
on the right path as to you know, where their franchise.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
First round, not championships, first round, first round.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
I can see them getting in the first round. But
I think they're on the right path. I think they're
They've set their foundation, they have their guys moving forward.
One of the guys that I've been super impressed with
this year who's been through a lot since coming in
the league is Jonathan Isaac. He's dealt with a lot
(22:56):
of injuries coming in, but man, this dude's playing lights out. Marco,
everybody they've played, they've played way over expectations. But uh,
I feel like this is just them growing as a
young team, and next year and the years to come,
that's when we'll start seeing them put things together and
(23:17):
players in place to start competing for a championship.
Speaker 1 (23:20):
Well do you think though, that that Orlando's a free
agent destination with the way this young team has been playing.
I mean, you've got some guys there who they could
be interested in DeRozan, Play, Tobias s Buddy heild Lo,
they all, they're all kind of going to be floating.
Speaker 5 (23:33):
Out there, especially for those guys.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
Taxes in Florida.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
Yes, if I'm definitely I'm definitely considering Orlando.
Speaker 5 (23:42):
One is it is a tax free state. Two, I
mean it's hot.
Speaker 3 (23:46):
Tax rasee every day you wake up.
Speaker 5 (23:49):
For the old bones.
Speaker 3 (23:50):
And again the expectations low media coverage, you won't face
a lot of criticism. Expectations aren't you know, the biggest.
So again you go into a situation like that where
again you got a young coach. The energy is going
flowing great through the season, throughout the organization, I mean
the culture. He's changed the culture, and I think, you know,
you definitely want to be a part of a as
a veteran coming in as a OG, coming in a
(24:12):
lot of young guys. Everybody's hungry and expectations. You don't
have many. You know that there's not much. So when
you come in and pass those expectations, it's a winn
win situation and getting paid and because they attax read
so definitely definitely destiny give me.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
It's gonna be interesting.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
The free agency class this summer is not like you know,
it's not like crazy superstars. But I think there will
be some move the needle guys, and I think Orlando
could be in that derby, so we'll see what happens there.
Let's get over to the Western Conference though, guys, because
Denver just beat Cleveland by twenty nine points. That was
without Jamal Murray, which makes it very impressive. Except also,
Jamal has missed five straight is the second injury he's
(24:50):
had in his right leg. He's actually missed twenty one
games total with some sort of you know, being beat
up in one place or another this season, and that
is a concern because Denver won last night.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
But guys, they are twelve and nine.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
When Jamal Murray doesn't play, they obviously are not going
to be able to win another title without him. And
right now you've got okay, see Denver in Minneapolis, all
within a game of each other, within a game of
each other for the top seed in the standings. I'm curious,
there's seven left to play with Denver, we can put
the West standings up Heeer as well. What is your
(25:21):
level of concern and is it better in some ways
if Jamal isn't quite right for them to try to
not be in first maybe facing the Lakers, let's say,
or the Warriors or one of those other teams in
the first round.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Do they want to drop down to say third?
Speaker 1 (25:36):
And I'm not saying that the Pelicans are slouch or
anything like that, but do they I don't know, what
do you see for these next seven games?
Speaker 4 (25:43):
Book If they are to be in a position of
facing the Lakers or Warriors team with Jamal Murray being out,
that's definitely a concern for the Nuggets. Obviously when it
comes to those who's teams at the nine and ten
spot with the Lakers and Warriors.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
They are their sons and Kevin Durant and Booker, you know.
Speaker 4 (26:05):
I mean there's but it's also where. But even with
that being saying, those are three teams that I don't
think anybody wants to see in a one game type
situation when it comes to, you know, an elimination game.
Speaker 5 (26:18):
But then when it comes.
Speaker 4 (26:19):
To a first round series, these are guys that have
seen this time and time again.
Speaker 5 (26:25):
They've been in this position time and time again.
Speaker 4 (26:28):
I'm a I'm a big believer in experience, wins, wins
basketball game and championships.
Speaker 5 (26:33):
So Uh, those three teams are full of experience.
Speaker 4 (26:36):
Those teams have champions, those teams have guys that have
been there multiple occasions. So uh, if I'm the Nuggets,
I'm definitely nervous, especially with my second start being out.
That's a lot of pressure on Yolkish to try to
carry a team through the first round with matchups like that.
If I'm the Nuggets, I wouldn't be mad at seeing
(26:56):
the Pelicans team, and I'm to piggyback off of you.
It's not that the Pelicans are a pushover. I just
rather meet a team with you know, less experience in
the playoffs. Like I said, compared to the Suns, Lakers,
and Warriors, I think my chances are better a more
a younger, more inexperienced team. I think the chances are better,
and I think the Nuggets will be able to more
(27:17):
sol cruise through that situation compared to facing one of
those dominant teams, well not dominant, but more experienced teams,
you know, in the first round.
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Absolutely, if I'm Nuggets, I'm looking at the seating. I
might try to get to three and kind of what
you all said, face the Pelicans, especially if Jamal is
where he needs to be and kind of being able
to get through the first round with him maybe you know,
playing fifty percent of the games and not necessarily using
him over thirty minutes a game obviously kind of minute
managing them. So but again, if I was to face
(27:47):
the Lakers or Warriors, I'm having a little bit of concerns.
Even though yolkas playing aways, planning all year, you still
I don't think one guy could be those teams, particularly
four times before they beat you four times.
Speaker 1 (27:59):
Well that's what's herd though, because there's definitely two schools
of thought on this, right is, some people in management
or coaching have said, hey, you do want to try
to hunt a match up a little bit, especially if
you have an injured player or a player coming back
from injury. We all know that facing a Lebron James
team early in the playoffs when you don't have one
of your best players or a limited use of one
(28:19):
of your best players is.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
Not the ideal situation.
Speaker 1 (28:21):
However, there are also coaches management out there who will
tell you that hunting matchups is a dangerous game and
that you might end up, you know, with who you
think you're getting in one round, but then you know,
something happens at a later round that you don't expect.
Your path is different than you thought. You know, I
it's bad karma. The basketball guys don't like it. I mean,
I could list off all the things. Where are you
guys with your head at on whether that would be
(28:42):
smart or you just don't mess with fire and you
try to win every game and you play what you
should play.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
I think you try to win every game. You know,
you don't want to have a losing metality or trying
to jockey because again the race is too tight, like
Phoenix and Sack could both slide den I mean with
the ranging schedules from the leak out Phoenix to lose
five out of the next eight games and go to nine,
you know what I mean. So it's like you can't say,
all right, we're going to face we don't want to avoid,
(29:10):
we want to avoid the Lakers, but then Lakers mess
around to get to the seventh spot, and then it's
a different type of seasons. So I would say went out,
especially if you don't have the experienced veteran team. Denver
has guys that have one, obviously, but there's still be
some pieces that they helped win them championship last year,
So I wouldn't just say they can just say all right,
let's just take a couple of games and we'll figure
out where we're going to be. You know, you want
(29:31):
to win out. You want to go into the playoffs
with the win a mentality. You never want to take
any games except me, I mean, except if you're trying
to tank for the draft. Is not what we're talking about.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
You agree both because you guys both just said they
should try to get to number three, So which is it.
Speaker 3 (29:45):
I don't think they have options like necessarily and that
I think Minnesota's will be will fare out, Okay, I
think their strengthen schedule. Isn't it the best? Or isn't
it's hard because of you know, the remaining schedule. Yeah,
and then along with Okac, so I think by default
they'll end up even probably getting a third spot anyway,
But again, you just never know. Seven games left and
(30:08):
everybody's a half game behind each other, and it would
be interesting.
Speaker 2 (30:10):
I'm a certainly a good point. They could end up
there anyway.
Speaker 1 (30:13):
And as I said, they're twelve to nine without Jamal,
so if he keeps missing games, they're going to not
win a chunk of their games.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
That's just the way things have been.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
I mean, Minnesota is in an interesting spot too, because
they would like to get the number one seed in
the West. They have an eight and four record without Cat. Now,
they did lose to Chicago yesterday, but these things happen.
Do you think that they if they go without Cat
in the first round and I have a hard time
thinking he's he's certainly not going to be Cat even
if he's back, and he might not come back until
(30:41):
midway or even toward the end of the first round,
do you think that without him they can still make
a run?
Speaker 5 (30:49):
Bog?
Speaker 1 (30:50):
I mean, what if they face the Lakers in the
first round, how do you see that matchup going?
Speaker 2 (30:55):
See what I did there? You think this job is easy?
It's I think this.
Speaker 4 (31:04):
I think this team he will seem has the pieces
to still get through the first round. Obviously, the matchup matters.
I'm a I'm a big fan of nas Read. I
think he comes in Obviously, he's not going to produce
at the same rate as Cat right now. I think,
you know, later on in his career we'll see a
guy putting up big numbers.
Speaker 5 (31:26):
But as of right now.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
He's not quite there yet, but he's not a bad,
uh you know, replacement for Cat. I think he can
step up and feel that voyd for this team in
his absence. So I think it comes down to the matchup.
If it is a Lakers team, it could possibly get
a little shaky for him. I think AD they go down,
I think Ad becomes real relaxing knowing that Cat isn't
(31:49):
on the other end of the floor.
Speaker 5 (31:50):
So I will I will give though his credit. He
said that.
Speaker 1 (31:58):
I don't know before court buttonless push, but it was
like absolutely they would still win without Cat.
Speaker 2 (32:05):
Anthony Wards.
Speaker 4 (32:11):
On the Lakers to guard Anthony Edwards. But that's that's
another topic. But man, I like the pieces that are
around Anthony Edwards and Cat. I think it's some young,
undiscovered talent on this team. We'll see how this plays out.
(32:32):
But I mean, for me, it comes down to what
team they end up matching up with if they have
to worry about coming out of the first round.
Speaker 3 (32:40):
That Laker matchup though, yeah, I mean without Cat. The
Laker matchup without Cat, I don't I don't see them
getting it done, not only offensively, you know, you missing
twenty three and nine. But the defensive president as well,
you know what I mean, Like I said, they are
the number one. He was the rating team the league.
Speaker 5 (32:56):
Who's defense was.
Speaker 3 (32:59):
I mean, he's so I just everything doesn't stand out
talking about having having him two big boys, and I mean,
I know how many years is not.
Speaker 5 (33:11):
Been the league.
Speaker 3 (33:13):
That sounds right, okay, but again Cat's president can't go
over fifty any given and with that, with that off
the floor, true, that's who with that off the floor,
I just don't see that ratings, you know, off of
the scoring power with Anthony Edwards. Again, he's gonna be
tough to stop. And you can double triple team all
(33:34):
you want, but getting the legas first round be a problem.
Now they get they get a different look. Possibly they
could face someone else and they might have a chance.
Speaker 1 (33:43):
But I just feel like you're right, that matchup is
problematic specifically just because of all the length on the Lakers.
You know, if they are faced off against the Warriors
or the Suns or some of these other teams early,
I just think the matchup is different. And I do
believe in Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. I know he's
not your favorite person, but Cousins, but he is going
to win his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award
(34:07):
this year.
Speaker 3 (34:16):
I mean, they are on depensirating team in the league,
and I think because he's not in any of the
top categories. He's got in block steels, but.
Speaker 1 (34:23):
I mean, he's like the runaway favorite. If you look
at the betting odds, it's ridiculous. It's great, and you
know that's going to be his fourth and I think
Ben Wallace and.
Speaker 2 (34:33):
Hakeem are the only players who've ever done it that before.
Speaker 1 (34:35):
I just think that to book your larger point, I
think that I think that that this team, even without
Karl Anthony Towns, should get credit for still being extremely dangerous.
It's just they might not be dangerous when they face
a matchup like LA. So yes, we'll see what happens there.
I don't know which of these teams do you think
needs home court advantage the most? If you think about
(34:56):
all the playoff teams in either conference, who will be
helped the most by home court advantage?
Speaker 5 (35:04):
I think the Clippers. For me, yeah, I think the Clips.
Speaker 3 (35:09):
Clippers.
Speaker 5 (35:10):
Yes, in that four or five spot, I think that matters.
Speaker 3 (35:15):
Okay, seem.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Okay, see he's good just because they're young and that building's.
Speaker 3 (35:22):
Crazy, Yeah, just because of young experience like that. The
role players play that at home versus a role I mean,
everybody's us.
Speaker 2 (35:36):
Except the Warriors.
Speaker 1 (35:37):
Last year, the Warriors couldn't win a game on the road, right,
and then today or sorry, this year there are road.
Speaker 2 (35:42):
Records much better than their home records. So who knows.
Speaker 1 (35:45):
I like I like the okay, see pick, that's good.
I like the Clippers pick too, though, because they need help.
All right, let's go to three stats. You know what
time that is to truth in a lietime, my friends?
Oh yes, Nate. Nate keeps putting these in so late
that I haven't seen them yet. So let me read
these a lot to you and we'll go through this
journey together. And he's doing that on purpose, by the way,
(36:07):
because he does not want me to know what it's going.
Speaker 2 (36:08):
To be said.
Speaker 1 (36:10):
Okay, see top five and defensive rating that is one stat.
Stat number two the Spurs lead the league and blocks
per game. Number three Luca leads the leads in turn
leads the league in turnovers per game. I don't know
what do you guys think of those three stats?
Speaker 2 (36:27):
Do you start us out. What are the two truths
and what's the lie?
Speaker 3 (36:35):
Uh? I think Luca does lead the league of turnovers.
Speaker 5 (36:44):
I know.
Speaker 3 (36:46):
Winby leads league in blocks, but is that Does that
mean that Spurs lead the league in blocks? I'm stunned
on this one. And okay see, top five defensive rating teams.
Speaker 2 (36:56):
But you got anything.
Speaker 5 (36:59):
I feel like they're all the truth and at the
same time, they're all alive.
Speaker 3 (37:07):
I want to say, okay, I'm gonna go with okay see.
Speaker 4 (37:11):
I want to say, okay see's the truth, and I'm
gonna say Luca leading the league in turnovers, it's also true,
Spurs lead the league in blocks is false?
Speaker 2 (37:22):
What do you got, Doe? What do you think?
Speaker 3 (37:28):
I'm gonna go with the last two are true? Okay see,
it's not top five. You know you're the best team
in the league. Yeah, I'm gonna say that. I'm gonna say,
okay see's not top five.
Speaker 1 (37:40):
My tiebreaker is I think the Spurs one is the
live for producer Nate, you get in here, what do
you think?
Speaker 2 (37:45):
What do you got for us?
Speaker 1 (37:49):
Yes, there we go. Producer Nate has spoken, bok. How
do you feel about your victory? This is like you
those courts sight interviews like you worked hard, cousins, you
worked hard. How did it feel to achieve this win
(38:09):
over vershon Rondo?
Speaker 4 (38:11):
Man, I hit this long stretch towards the end of
My teammates just really picked me up and helped me
get over that hump, and you know I was just
able to, you know, pull this game out for us, and.
Speaker 5 (38:22):
You know, it really really feels good to be right.
Speaker 1 (38:26):
Let's go on to I'll take that bet presented by DraftKings.
MVP adds they're getting a little bit interesting, guys. DraftKings
still has Jokic far and away the favorite minus seven hundred.
The next we see is Luke up there. He's plus
five hundred. But man, the internet does not agree. Luca
played in that game last night. I think he dropped
what thirty two in the first half, and people went nuts.
(38:50):
If this doesn't win.
Speaker 2 (38:51):
An MVP, I don't know what the voters are thinking.
Speaker 1 (38:54):
That was definitely the feel across the fan base last night.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
Where are you guys on this?
Speaker 1 (39:00):
When you look at what Yokich has done this year, Luca,
the Mavericks are now in fifth in the Western Conference.
We've had m vps as low as six Russell Westbrook
I voted for him that year, even though Oklahoma City
was a sixth place team. To me, what Russ did
that year, the year after Katie left, the way he
won all those clutch shots that he hit. I think
he was top in the league and clutch shots that year,
(39:21):
he was the MVP to me. So I understand the
people who feel like g they might be in fifth place,
but Luca is their MVP.
Speaker 2 (39:28):
Where Jo Kich? What he has done this year, you know,
he makes it look so easy. Where are you, guys?
Speaker 3 (39:35):
I think people are getting bored with Yokich numbers. He's
putting up like it's normal and disrespectful at the same time,
again because he still has to go out and performing tonight.
Like I said earlier, every defense is predicated on how
to slow him down. They still haven't figured out the
answer to that. And give hims credit, He's had historical numbers.
I've seen the cult that came out of the about
(39:55):
Tony KUKUKX, comparing them to with a Sabonus and somebody
else that was I mean, like I said, that's just
more the disrespect of what he's done in this game,
and it was able to manipulate and down the game
you're blocked. So it's just until you can top those numbers.
Along with his team being you know, jocking in one,
two three spot in the West, it's just tough to put,
(40:19):
you know, these numbers over over Lucas and credit to Lucas.
Have been a lot of MVP snubs throughout our game,
our history of the game, and that's part of it.
But nevertheless, I got to.
Speaker 5 (40:30):
Go with Joker.
Speaker 3 (40:31):
He's still he's still running the show. He's still the
best player in the game, and he's he's been showing it.
He's been dominating for years and it's come off a championships.
So until you take it from him, I don't think
he's done enough to take it. And Jokers might VP.
Speaker 5 (40:44):
I'm not mad at that.
Speaker 4 (40:46):
I actually agree with everything you know Doe said speaking
on Jokic, But uh, you know, for me, I think
I think it's two guys that have you know, played
at a higher level than the Jokic, which is kind
of crazy to even here or say, but uh, that's
Luca and Sga. For me, when it comes to Luca,
(41:08):
I think we all know what Luca does. You know,
since he stepped foot in this league, he continues to dominate.
He continues to put up big members, He continues the league,
you know, his team on a yearly basis, So I
feel like that can't go unnoticed. And uh, I think
with the way SGA has performed, nobody expected Okay See
to be this type of.
Speaker 5 (41:27):
Team this year.
Speaker 4 (41:29):
Not only are they, you know, a real contender, but
they're doing it in the West. In the West, this
is probably the best the West has been in a
few years. Like from top to bottom, it's every team
is you can lose on a night basis. So, but
SGA to be dominating the way he is in the West,
leading his team the way he is, I just I
(41:50):
don't feel like that can go unnoticed.
Speaker 5 (41:52):
On top of that, he's playing on the other side
of the ball as well.
Speaker 4 (41:55):
I don't think when it comes to, you know, the
MVP conversation, I don't think that gets brought up enough.
Speaker 5 (42:00):
A guy that plays on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 4 (42:02):
And it's no knock to Jokic, but we know he's
going to dominate on the offensive end on a nightly basis.
Speaker 5 (42:07):
The same thing goes to Luca. We know he's going
to dominate offensively when.
Speaker 4 (42:11):
It comes to those guys playing on the other side
of the floor, it's not quite the same conversation. So
I feel like SGA has to get a little more
credit for not only dominating offensively and leading his team
in the West, but also being dominant on the defensive
side of the ball with leading the league and still
so I think that has to be considered. So I
think I'm rolling more so with Luca and Sga compared
(42:34):
to Jokic. And it's no knock to Jokic, Like, like,
I agree with everything you know Doe said, but for me,
those two guys have performed at a higher level.
Speaker 2 (42:43):
M Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 1 (42:46):
Part of it comes down to what I've been talking
about for years, if it really depends on what you
think MVP is. And to me, we need more of
a standard for our most important award. You know, I've
always said we should have something like the NFL has,
like the NHL has for goal scoring. We should have
some sort of best stats, best season award that kind
of says, wow, these guys stats are otherworldly. That is
(43:07):
not always necessarily the most valuable player, right, and again
this goes back to say, I mean the Russell Westbrook,
you know, MVP from years ago. I voted for him
because he was definitely the most valuable to his team
that year. Kevin Durant leaving left that organization, that fan base,
that franchise just sort of reeling the idea that Russ
(43:28):
picked everybody up, he got them to where they got them.
He was the centerpiece during games, he was hitting all
these clutch shots. He had a couple just sort of
signature outings. To me, felt like the most valuable player
as opposed to the best stats that year. And some
years those are the same people, right, whoever's putting up
the best stats is definitely the most valuable player. Some
(43:49):
years it's not, though, And I don't I don't know.
I couldn't say yet if this is one of those
years or not. But you look at what Luca has
been doing, seven game winning streak that they're on, you know,
it's so impressive. To your point about SGA, they just
wouldn't be there. They would not be maybe even in
the playoff picture if it wasn't for them much less
fighting for the number one overall seed. And then you
(44:10):
go back to Yokic, it's not like Denver would be
where they are without Yokich either, And I don't know
if that's just we're so used to it, right, So
like every argument that you give, like oh, Luca pushed
them to a great streak and he's put up numbers
or SGA, they wouldn't be there without him.
Speaker 2 (44:25):
Well that's all true about Nicola also, So it's just
I don't know.
Speaker 1 (44:29):
I think this is this is actually a little bit
of a tougher MVP race than people have given it
credit for. I think once Joelle went down, people were like, eh,
Jokic the runaway winner. I think there is momentum building
for some of the other candidates and it's going to
be interesting.
Speaker 2 (44:43):
Friends, you can.
Speaker 1 (44:44):
Catch all episodes of Bullyball in the DraftKings Network. You
can catch us on the All the Smoke Productions YouTube channel.
You can get these guys recommendations for smoking products privately,
and you can listen to us wherever you get your podcast.
Speaker 2 (44:57):
We will catch you next week. Please rate us, please
rep you us. Always great to have you with us.
We'll see I'll say.
Speaker 5 (45:05):
H m hm, m
Speaker 3 (45:12):
Mm hmm.
The college basketball Tournament is down to the final four
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(02:20):
mister DeMarcus Cousins across the way from me and joining
us once again. I love this is becoming regular thing.
Mister Rajon Rondo, Welcome. What fabulous locale Are you joining
us from dough.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
My home?
Speaker 1 (02:37):
That's a James Bond answer, because people are watching on
YouTube knowe that that is not your normal background.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
So I just we're gonna let you keep it a mystery.
Speaker 1 (02:45):
I'm just saying, if you hear some big spy mission
that comes off this week, just everyone out there be
aware Dough might be involved.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
I don't know, Boogie, you have no plan. This is
this disturbs plan today.
Speaker 4 (02:57):
No plan today, man, And it's actually it's all like
coming to you know my mind, that is messing up
my energy this morning. Dog coming along with it. With
his negative energy. My plan is missing. So I'm a
little off this morning. So y'all just working.
Speaker 1 (03:13):
We'll have to have to raise that level during the show. Yeah,
dope came on and the minute he got on here
today he was busting himself.
Speaker 4 (03:21):
Yeah, he on one this morning checks things you said
last week that were not so great.
Speaker 5 (03:29):
New week.
Speaker 4 (03:29):
It's a new week, though. You gotta let this next
next play mindset.
Speaker 3 (03:35):
Hey man, you made a statement about a player in
the league that was supposed to have picked up the
assist slack for a player that is injured. So right there, Oh,
come on, go ahead, raise my fuck.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Let's talk a little bit of college ball.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
My friends Alabama, YU Kind, NC State and Purdue in
the final four.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
It was quite the weekend.
Speaker 1 (04:01):
North Carolina State Duke was leaning halftime, That's all I
got to say. And yet nc stage is now America's sweetheart.
What do you make of the big man matchup between
Burns and EATI.
Speaker 4 (04:13):
I mean, I think this is coming down to just
being an old school type matchup where you got two
dominant biggs in the college basketball scene that have been
leading the teams all year, two different type playing styles.
You know, DJ Burns is a guy that's you know,
with his play lately, he's getting a lot of comparisons
(04:33):
to Zach Randolph. And you know he's him being a
left handed, you know, not as athletic big man, but
with a wide base and just the ability to move
the opposing defenses with his with his strength and size,
that's a matchup nightmare for anybody.
Speaker 5 (04:50):
And then you got the big man EATI and Purdue
seven foot plus plus plus.
Speaker 2 (05:04):
That's a lot of plus. That's a lot of plus.
Speaker 4 (05:07):
Yeah, that's that's a big matchup. So I think this
matchup is going to be one for the ages. I'm
I'm really excited for because we're getting back to the
foundation of basketball, which is you know, going through the
big man.
Speaker 5 (05:20):
I think this is much watch TV.
Speaker 4 (05:22):
I think this tournaments has exceeded expectations, and I'm excited
for so looking forward to this matchup.
Speaker 1 (05:30):
I don't know, I feel like Yukon has been so
good and so dominant, the whole thing feels a little,
you know, like it's lack and suspense for me. Everyone
can go do their thing in these games, but we
all know Yukon. I mean, man, they are a giant
to me, it's almost like the women's matchups have been
a little bit more interesting at this stage, at this round,
especially with this Elite eight. We've got Monday night Yukon
(05:54):
versus USC LSU versus Iowa. Of course that's the rematch
Caitlin Clark Angel Reese from last year. But what do
you feel like though, when you look at this and
this happening this early. Is that a disappointment that they're
meeting this early or is it just juiced up a
little bit for you?
Speaker 3 (06:11):
I think it keeps it spicy.
Speaker 5 (06:13):
You know.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
Obviously we won't have to send the rematches last year,
but to have it this early on in the in
the games, I'm excited for it, especially with injuries, the
way she's been talking shit the whole season, She's continued
to be a standout. You know, She's handled all the
criticisms throughout a whole a couple of years at LSU.
So I'm looking forward to the matchup again and I'm
excited to watch those ladies play tonight.
Speaker 2 (06:35):
Who you got, bug.
Speaker 5 (06:37):
Man?
Speaker 4 (06:38):
I'm actually hoping this LSU team can pull it out.
You know, I think they've been great for women's sports.
I think they've been a great representation regardless of people
you know, agree with their playing style or not. You know,
I have a lot of similarities when it comes to
Angel Rees. You know, the trash talk, the energy she brings,
(07:00):
the grit she plays with every night, and.
Speaker 5 (07:03):
Just her being able to accept criticism.
Speaker 4 (07:05):
And play through all this, you know, adversity while being
you know, one of the biggest stars in college. I
think that's remarkable and I don't think she gets enough
credit for it. When they when they entered this stage
a couple of years ago, nobody expected it to you know,
turn into this and you know, like I said, I
think they've been a great representation for women's sports. They've
(07:26):
definitely elevated the sport. And I think these young ladies
are are you know, a newfound a new age pioneer
when it comes to you know, just putting women's sports
on this new pedestal. And uh, you know, as of recently,
the women's game has been better than the men's game.
And that's okay. So you know, credit to these ladies
(07:47):
for what they're doing.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
Yeah, I mean, look, for me, it's just them being
allowed to be as competitive as they should be. I
thought all of the crap that Angel Reese took after
the National Championship game last year. It's just such bullshit.
It's just all about like, oh, women need to be
more polite, girls, you know, need to be sportsmanlike that
kind of crap.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I mean, these women are athletes.
Speaker 1 (08:09):
They are doing the exact same thing out there that
their male counterparts are doing. You think Angel Reese invented
that this is my ring championship sort of thing.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
I mean, come on, no, it's.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
Because men have been doing that for years and years.
So to pretend like when she does it, it's some violation
of an unwritten rule. Where where do you think she
got it from? It just it is blood boiling that
these women aren't sort of allowed in the public spirit
to be as competitive as they should be allowed to
because they are playing a sport. So my hope is
(08:40):
that things have evolved enough this past year that whoever
wins IOWA LSU can trash talk the hell out of
the other person and it's fine with the players. Caitlin
Clark said at the time, she goes, please, that's great,
we should be competitive.
Speaker 2 (08:52):
Angel's great.
Speaker 1 (08:53):
I have no issue like we're off court friendly, but
I just want them to be able to play the
way basketball players should get to play. So that is
my hope for tonight, for these coming up women's tournament games,
is that everyone gets to see them as the standout
athletes that they are. All right, guys, big news, Joel
Embiid appears to be making a return, may even be
(09:14):
coming back as quick as Tuesday night versus okay, see,
we'll see. He missed twenty eight straight games. Now, I
have to look at where the Sixers are. They're number
eight in the East starting out the week seven games
left to play, they're two back of the sixth spot,
which is of course where they want to be. They
want to be out of the plan in what do
you guys think, Buggie, where are you on this? Do
(09:35):
you think that seven games is enough when you look
at the standings here for Joel Embiid to help the
Sixers get to number six?
Speaker 4 (09:44):
Well, you know, seventy eighty percent join Embiid is still
better than ninety eight percent of the bigs in the league.
Speaker 5 (09:53):
So with that being.
Speaker 4 (09:54):
Said, true, that being said, obviously I think the Sixers
are going to get better. They are missing their foundation
in the Big Fella. But you know, thinking about it
from a realistic standpoint, like, this is a tough task
to do. You have seven games regular season. History has
(10:17):
shown us that you don't have the greatest conditioning coming
back from these type situations. Hey, maybe this situation he
approached it a lot differently. He was on a strict
diet through this whole time. Maybe maybe you know, maybe
he's figured it out, and I hope he has. But
from what history has shown us, there will be some
type of conditioning issues, and that's expected. You miss that
(10:38):
many games, you're sitting for that long. The knee injury
isn't something where you can just, you know, go jog
down the street the next day and keep your wind up.
Those things just aren't aren't realistic things. So I think
conditioning will play a part in it. I don't think
seven games is enough to prepare you for a playoff atmosphere,
especially when you know you're the folk a point of
(11:00):
every defense. So that's another challenge in itself. But I
do think the sixers will improve. I can't I can't
go out on the limit say I think they'll get
to the six spot just because he returns. I think
there will be some russ like I said, conditioning will
be a factor, but the sixers will get better. So
(11:21):
I know they're happy about that.
Speaker 2 (11:23):
Dell, what you got.
Speaker 3 (11:29):
Making into the sixth I'm not sure about that making
to the six spot, But to me, I don't know
if that's the concern. I think they're very confident that
they possibly could end up facing Miami in the first
round in the playing game. So with them be back,
having these seven games to kind of get his feet
back underneath them. Obviously he'll be in a minute restriction
(11:50):
coming back, so that's going to play a factor. Like again,
he's not going to probably finish games. We'll see how
they manage his minutes as far as kind of a
hockey sub letting them get you know, getting them a
little stiff on the sideline. But for the most part,
his health is the main concern. I feel like they
can get in the playoffs. They're fine with that versus
trying to get to the sixth seed by trying to
extend his minutes. The guys that's been playing, you know
(12:13):
throughout the season without them, it's going to continue to
have to step up. And obviously having your best player
backs and gives you confidence. Like I said last week.
You know, those guys having that experience with him out,
you know, guys getting more shots to buy some stepping up.
Tyresis shooting the head out.
Speaker 5 (12:25):
Of the ball.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
So it's like those guys still have their confidence, but
what they biggerman back, they will be better. But I
don't think it's solely a focus gon'n get to the
six spot versus having him healthy to go in the
first round to possibly play Miami and then end up
probably getting Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
I mean, that's the thing. I think you guys are
right that it is going to be hard to do.
Speaker 1 (12:41):
I mean, making up two games and only seven to
play is I mean, it's very, very difficult.
Speaker 2 (12:46):
Right, But there is such a huge difference.
Speaker 1 (12:49):
Between being in the eighth seed and maybe facing the
Celtics in the first round, definitely facing the Celtics in
the first round, or being even in the seventh seed
and facing Giannis in the Bucks in the first round.
Versus is, if you can make it up to that
six you're facing some version of either the Knicks or
the Cavs with the Magic no matter who of those
three teams is. That's a huge step difference from either
(13:11):
the Bucks or the Celtics. So I think you guys
are right, it's going to be very hard. But I
think that is why they are so eager to have
him back. And I was just with the Sixers last
week talking to Nick Nurse, talking to some of the players,
and you know.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
They've been waiting and waiting and waiting for this.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
I just hope that Joel was able to do what
they all think he is able to do. Honestly, the
reason he was out a lot of this time was
because of pressure put on him to play when he
was more hurt than he should have been out on
the court for. And that is how he agreed, you know,
that is how he ended up with a much worse injury.
So I'm hoping this isn't the same kind of pressure.
I fear a little bit it could end up being
(13:47):
that way inadvertently. I am curious from you guys. And
we'll talk about a little bit of this with Karl
Anthony Towns a little later in the show as well.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
When a guy is quote working his way back, is.
Speaker 1 (13:58):
It for the other guys in floridough like say, say
for the other guys there, is it just hey, Joel
being out there as such? A presence and he makes
the defense change and it's a huge advantage even if
he is maybe eighty percent the way book said, or
is it that gosh, he's not quite himself and you've
been doing this running this other thing. Like from a
point guard perspective, what is it like when someone like
(14:18):
that comes back.
Speaker 5 (14:22):
To me?
Speaker 3 (14:22):
It's night and day to have you a big fellow
back being able to anchor the defense, ankor offense.
Speaker 2 (14:27):
If he's even if he's seventy, he's.
Speaker 3 (14:31):
Still gonna draw double triple teams. You know, he's still
you know, continue to be a willing passer, creating the
mismatches and then creating close outs. You know, your shooters
are getting better shots now Tyres doesn't particularly have to
make every particular play down the court, so it takes
a lot of pressure off the offense completely. And again
with him being seventy percent, like Culs said, it's better
than ninety nine percent of the big men in the game. Besides,
(14:52):
you know, one or two guys possibly, so you know
they're not going to play on one on one. And
with that being said, like I said, Earl, he's going
to He's going to make these guys have easier shots.
So yeah, absolutely, having him back on a different a
different flow of the game again, he's going to give
his teammates confidence. He's going to give Nick Nurse confidence.
So uh, they don't even to be a hundred percent
right now. They wanted obviously to see high, high flows
(15:15):
and gradually slow to get back to where you were.
Speaker 1 (15:18):
He was playing so well right before he got knocked out,
and it's such a shame he had to lose a
chunk of this season. We hope good health for everyone
in the league and him in particular coming back.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
We'll see how he does.
Speaker 1 (15:29):
I do want to talk about some of those other
teams in the East though, because the Knicks, man, I mean,
they've got key starters out and yet here they are,
they're still challenging for the number three spot. We don't
know when Julius Randalla is going to return. He has
a dislocated shoulder. Og Anobi was out and then back
in and then out again. He was on the floor
at practice, but he's not even clear for contact yet
(15:51):
with that elbow injury. So we had Josh Hart say
postgame on Sunday, we have to approach every game and
the end of this season, that these guys aren't coming back,
and if they do, we have to be pleasantly surprised.
So that cause that quote caused a lot of panic
that the Knicks players who are hurt just aren't coming back.
If you listen to Josh Hurt, he's a little bit
(16:12):
more when he explained, just saying, Hey, that's how I
approach every game. But but what do you think of
that if they can't get these guys back. I mean,
even is it worth having the discussion about what they're
doing in the playoffs.
Speaker 2 (16:22):
They're still playing pretty well without especially OG.
Speaker 4 (16:26):
I think this next team is built strictly off toughness.
Speaker 5 (16:31):
One.
Speaker 4 (16:31):
I think Jalen Bronson should be one of the top
names when it comes to MVP this season, the way
he's been carrying this next team through the ups and downs,
Like he just came off of sixty point performance, even
though it came with a loss. But this guy has
been performing and exceeding all expectations coming into this year.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
You put him in that top five MVP conversation.
Speaker 5 (16:54):
I do? I do? I think he's done?
Speaker 3 (16:59):
Can we get a top five real quick?
Speaker 5 (17:03):
Right now? Let me let me finish my statement.
Speaker 2 (17:07):
In jo but it can't take someone out. That's the problem.
Everyone's in the top five.
Speaker 5 (17:10):
Everybody's in the top five until it's time to name
the top five. Let me give this guy's flowers? Can
I give him his flowers?
Speaker 4 (17:21):
He's been playing incredible, man, he's been leading, Yes, even
through injury, missing you know, key pieces to the team
and O. G.
Speaker 5 (17:29):
Julius Randall.
Speaker 4 (17:31):
I think he's done a great job leading his team
when it comes to Josh Hart's comings.
Speaker 5 (17:35):
So I'm not mad at that mindset.
Speaker 4 (17:39):
If that helps you, you know, meet the criteria every
night and come out ready to play like every game matters.
I'm cool with that and that being my role player's
mindset while our foundational pieces are out. I think that's
a great mindset to have because it could carry over
and keep things to floating to your stars are able
to get back and join the team.
Speaker 1 (18:01):
Well said, Well, answer me this with the Jalen Brunson factor.
When you break down how he plays, how successful he's
been sixty one points the other night, and yet he's
about six feet tall. I mean, what, what do you
see the translation into the player?
Speaker 3 (18:16):
They got him listen to this, They got him listen
to six two, but I think he's I played at
six and to be able to average twenty eight, five
and eight in this game. I know the game has changed,
its faster faced, but still the way he's able to
get into the pain attack shoot a high percentage over
forty eight percent from the field. He's definitely been impressive,
and I think he's been underrated his whole career and
(18:37):
he's okay with that and seeded all expectations, his work ethic,
his mindset, and shout out to coach Tibeau. You know,
coach said earlier their their defensive mind to hard nosed
team and it starts with your coach. So for them
to be in a position they are now without their
you know, their main guys, Julius randall Og a couple
of the guys's been out throughout the season. He's been
(18:58):
their rock. They're missed consistent and uh, you know, shout
out to Jalen. He's he's a hell of player to watch.
I even have my son watch as much as possible.
You know, he's the best guard and that I would
say he's playing off the two feet and it goes
back to when he was telling about how he trained
and billing over how he was able to get in
the paint and uh, you know, learn how to learn
how to pivot. So at that position, maybe behind Kyrie,
(19:19):
he's the best post up guard in our game, you know,
six feet six two and under. Uh, he doesn't get
enough credit for that. Like I said, he's one of
the best mit ranger mid range players in the game.
So for him to be able to do this at
the point guard position, night in night out. I know
they've lost the last two, but before that, they've been
they've been rolling, they've been hot. So it's gonna be
interesting to see how they do the last five six
(19:39):
games of the regular season without those guys. But he's
a tough load now in the playoffs again, he's been
turned up last year. I think he played eleven games
last year. He's average twenty eight, five and five. I
don't see him slowing down. You know, defenses will uh
you know, predicate try to stop there in your entire
defense is slow him down. But the sets they run,
(20:02):
whether he's able to manipulate the game, I don't see
that he's going to. You know, he's going to tail
off anytime soon. With his averages in the playoffs. So
it's just a matter of his teammates around him being
able to step up consistently, you know, night in and
night out. And that's why I think that they might
you know, tail off and not get the w's because
of that. But him his performance, he'll he'll be where
he's going to be.
Speaker 1 (20:21):
Does the high thing come into play differently in the
postseason with the way No, No.
Speaker 3 (20:27):
No, it's it's just amount of thing. It's a mindset.
And again he's done it all season. He's faced every
scouting port that he's played against this year is the
defense has been predicated to stop him, and he's still
putting up sixty you know, forties, thirty. I think he's
had twenty nine thirty point games this year. So he's
he has a defense figured out. As a matter off,
his teammate stepped up and making a big shots when
(20:48):
need because.
Speaker 2 (20:49):
That was very emphatic head.
Speaker 5 (20:50):
Not child man, that was great child.
Speaker 3 (20:57):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (20:58):
Look, you guys got Orlando in there too. I mean,
NEROK has to worry about them. They're they're five in
the East as we sit here right now, but they've
played so well. They're number two overall in defensive break rating.
And I'm just curious if they can get that number
three spot or even if they end up in number four,
sort of do you see the Magic as a legit
dark horse in the East. Do you think they can
get out of the first round to do They've got
(21:21):
the East standings up here to do what I want
to win the title?
Speaker 5 (21:27):
Yeah, yeah, that's there, not to.
Speaker 2 (21:30):
Win the title.
Speaker 1 (21:31):
I just mean, so look at the standings here there
right in front of you. You know, they would play
the Knicks in the first round if things ended today,
and even if those guys switched four or five or
even you know, or maybe they end up in the
three spot like I just and they play the Pacers.
I'm just sort of curious where you guys see this
Orlando team. Is it sort of you be they got
in the playoffs and good for them, or do you
(21:52):
think that they are someone they could win a first
round matchup?
Speaker 4 (21:54):
I definitely think first off. When this season is, I
think exactly shout out to coach Mo. He's done an
incredible job. I think he I think he just got
extended right the season is the first thing that you
do is extend coach like without a doubt. But I
(22:16):
think this is a season for them where it is
you know, you know, being excited about their progress this season,
but as far as you know, championships, I don't think
this team is there yet. I think they are now
on the right path as to you know, where their franchise.
Speaker 1 (22:32):
First round, not championships, first round, first round.
Speaker 4 (22:36):
I can see them getting in the first round. But
I think they're on the right path. I think they're
They've set their foundation, they have their guys moving forward.
One of the guys that I've been super impressed with
this year who's been through a lot since coming in
the league is Jonathan Isaac. He's dealt with a lot
(22:56):
of injuries coming in, but man, this dude's playing lights out. Marco,
everybody they've played, they've played way over expectations. But uh,
I feel like this is just them growing as a
young team, and next year and the years to come,
that's when we'll start seeing them put things together and
(23:17):
players in place to start competing for a championship.
Speaker 1 (23:20):
Well do you think though, that that Orlando's a free
agent destination with the way this young team has been playing.
I mean, you've got some guys there who they could
be interested in DeRozan, Play, Tobias s Buddy heild Lo,
they all, they're all kind of going to be floating.
Speaker 5 (23:33):
Out there, especially for those guys.
Speaker 2 (23:37):
Taxes in Florida.
Speaker 4 (23:38):
Yes, if I'm definitely I'm definitely considering Orlando.
Speaker 5 (23:42):
One is it is a tax free state. Two, I
mean it's hot.
Speaker 3 (23:46):
Tax rasee every day you wake up.
Speaker 5 (23:49):
For the old bones.
Speaker 3 (23:50):
And again the expectations low media coverage, you won't face
a lot of criticism. Expectations aren't you know, the biggest.
So again you go into a situation like that where
again you got a young coach. The energy is going
flowing great through the season, throughout the organization, I mean
the culture. He's changed the culture, and I think, you know,
you definitely want to be a part of a as
a veteran coming in as a OG, coming in a
(24:12):
lot of young guys. Everybody's hungry and expectations. You don't
have many. You know that there's not much. So when
you come in and pass those expectations, it's a winn
win situation and getting paid and because they attax read
so definitely definitely destiny give me.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
It's gonna be interesting.
Speaker 1 (24:27):
The free agency class this summer is not like you know,
it's not like crazy superstars. But I think there will
be some move the needle guys, and I think Orlando
could be in that derby, so we'll see what happens there.
Let's get over to the Western Conference though, guys, because
Denver just beat Cleveland by twenty nine points. That was
without Jamal Murray, which makes it very impressive. Except also,
Jamal has missed five straight is the second injury he's
(24:50):
had in his right leg. He's actually missed twenty one
games total with some sort of you know, being beat
up in one place or another this season, and that
is a concern because Denver won last night.
Speaker 2 (24:58):
But guys, they are twelve and nine.
Speaker 1 (25:00):
When Jamal Murray doesn't play, they obviously are not going
to be able to win another title without him. And
right now you've got okay, see Denver in Minneapolis, all
within a game of each other, within a game of
each other for the top seed in the standings. I'm curious,
there's seven left to play with Denver, we can put
the West standings up Heeer as well. What is your
(25:21):
level of concern and is it better in some ways
if Jamal isn't quite right for them to try to
not be in first maybe facing the Lakers, let's say,
or the Warriors or one of those other teams in
the first round.
Speaker 2 (25:34):
Do they want to drop down to say third?
Speaker 1 (25:36):
And I'm not saying that the Pelicans are slouch or
anything like that, but do they I don't know, what
do you see for these next seven games?
Speaker 4 (25:43):
Book If they are to be in a position of
facing the Lakers or Warriors team with Jamal Murray being out,
that's definitely a concern for the Nuggets. Obviously when it
comes to those who's teams at the nine and ten
spot with the Lakers and Warriors.
Speaker 2 (26:02):
They are their sons and Kevin Durant and Booker, you know.
Speaker 4 (26:05):
I mean there's but it's also where. But even with
that being saying, those are three teams that I don't
think anybody wants to see in a one game type
situation when it comes to, you know, an elimination game.
Speaker 5 (26:18):
But then when it comes.
Speaker 4 (26:19):
To a first round series, these are guys that have
seen this time and time again.
Speaker 5 (26:25):
They've been in this position time and time again.
Speaker 4 (26:28):
I'm a I'm a big believer in experience, wins, wins
basketball game and championships.
Speaker 5 (26:33):
So Uh, those three teams are full of experience.
Speaker 4 (26:36):
Those teams have champions, those teams have guys that have
been there multiple occasions. So uh, if I'm the Nuggets,
I'm definitely nervous, especially with my second start being out.
That's a lot of pressure on Yolkish to try to
carry a team through the first round with matchups like that.
If I'm the Nuggets, I wouldn't be mad at seeing
(26:56):
the Pelicans team, and I'm to piggyback off of you.
It's not that the Pelicans are a pushover. I just
rather meet a team with you know, less experience in
the playoffs. Like I said, compared to the Suns, Lakers,
and Warriors, I think my chances are better a more
a younger, more inexperienced team. I think the chances are better,
and I think the Nuggets will be able to more
(27:17):
sol cruise through that situation compared to facing one of
those dominant teams, well not dominant, but more experienced teams,
you know, in the first round.
Speaker 3 (27:26):
Absolutely, if I'm Nuggets, I'm looking at the seating. I
might try to get to three and kind of what
you all said, face the Pelicans, especially if Jamal is
where he needs to be and kind of being able
to get through the first round with him maybe you know,
playing fifty percent of the games and not necessarily using
him over thirty minutes a game obviously kind of minute
managing them. So but again, if I was to face
(27:47):
the Lakers or Warriors, I'm having a little bit of concerns.
Even though yolkas playing aways, planning all year, you still
I don't think one guy could be those teams, particularly
four times before they beat you four times.
Speaker 1 (27:59):
Well that's what's herd though, because there's definitely two schools
of thought on this, right is, some people in management
or coaching have said, hey, you do want to try
to hunt a match up a little bit, especially if
you have an injured player or a player coming back
from injury. We all know that facing a Lebron James
team early in the playoffs when you don't have one
of your best players or a limited use of one
(28:19):
of your best players is.
Speaker 2 (28:20):
Not the ideal situation.
Speaker 1 (28:21):
However, there are also coaches management out there who will
tell you that hunting matchups is a dangerous game and
that you might end up, you know, with who you
think you're getting in one round, but then you know,
something happens at a later round that you don't expect.
Your path is different than you thought. You know, I
it's bad karma. The basketball guys don't like it. I mean,
I could list off all the things. Where are you
guys with your head at on whether that would be
(28:42):
smart or you just don't mess with fire and you
try to win every game and you play what you
should play.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
I think you try to win every game. You know,
you don't want to have a losing metality or trying
to jockey because again the race is too tight, like
Phoenix and Sack could both slide den I mean with
the ranging schedules from the leak out Phoenix to lose
five out of the next eight games and go to nine,
you know what I mean. So it's like you can't say,
all right, we're going to face we don't want to avoid,
(29:10):
we want to avoid the Lakers, but then Lakers mess
around to get to the seventh spot, and then it's
a different type of seasons. So I would say went out,
especially if you don't have the experienced veteran team. Denver
has guys that have one, obviously, but there's still be
some pieces that they helped win them championship last year,
So I wouldn't just say they can just say all right,
let's just take a couple of games and we'll figure
out where we're going to be. You know, you want
(29:31):
to win out. You want to go into the playoffs
with the win a mentality. You never want to take
any games except me, I mean, except if you're trying
to tank for the draft. Is not what we're talking about.
Speaker 1 (29:41):
You agree both because you guys both just said they
should try to get to number three, So which is it.
Speaker 3 (29:45):
I don't think they have options like necessarily and that
I think Minnesota's will be will fare out, Okay, I
think their strengthen schedule. Isn't it the best? Or isn't
it's hard because of you know, the remaining schedule. Yeah,
and then along with Okac, so I think by default
they'll end up even probably getting a third spot anyway,
But again, you just never know. Seven games left and
(30:08):
everybody's a half game behind each other, and it would
be interesting.
Speaker 2 (30:10):
I'm a certainly a good point. They could end up
there anyway.
Speaker 1 (30:13):
And as I said, they're twelve to nine without Jamal,
so if he keeps missing games, they're going to not
win a chunk of their games.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
That's just the way things have been.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
I mean, Minnesota is in an interesting spot too, because
they would like to get the number one seed in
the West. They have an eight and four record without Cat. Now,
they did lose to Chicago yesterday, but these things happen.
Do you think that they if they go without Cat
in the first round and I have a hard time
thinking he's he's certainly not going to be Cat even
if he's back, and he might not come back until
(30:41):
midway or even toward the end of the first round,
do you think that without him they can still make
a run?
Speaker 5 (30:49):
Bog?
Speaker 1 (30:50):
I mean, what if they face the Lakers in the
first round, how do you see that matchup going?
Speaker 2 (30:55):
See what I did there? You think this job is easy?
It's I think this.
Speaker 4 (31:04):
I think this team he will seem has the pieces
to still get through the first round. Obviously, the matchup matters.
I'm a I'm a big fan of nas Read. I
think he comes in Obviously, he's not going to produce
at the same rate as Cat right now. I think,
you know, later on in his career we'll see a
guy putting up big numbers.
Speaker 5 (31:26):
But as of right now.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
He's not quite there yet, but he's not a bad,
uh you know, replacement for Cat. I think he can
step up and feel that voyd for this team in
his absence. So I think it comes down to the matchup.
If it is a Lakers team, it could possibly get
a little shaky for him. I think AD they go down,
I think Ad becomes real relaxing knowing that Cat isn't
(31:49):
on the other end of the floor.
Speaker 5 (31:50):
So I will I will give though his credit. He
said that.
Speaker 1 (31:58):
I don't know before court buttonless push, but it was
like absolutely they would still win without Cat.
Speaker 2 (32:05):
Anthony Wards.
Speaker 4 (32:11):
On the Lakers to guard Anthony Edwards. But that's that's
another topic. But man, I like the pieces that are
around Anthony Edwards and Cat. I think it's some young,
undiscovered talent on this team. We'll see how this plays out.
(32:32):
But I mean, for me, it comes down to what
team they end up matching up with if they have
to worry about coming out of the first round.
Speaker 3 (32:40):
That Laker matchup though, yeah, I mean without Cat. The
Laker matchup without Cat, I don't I don't see them
getting it done, not only offensively, you know, you missing
twenty three and nine. But the defensive president as well,
you know what I mean, Like I said, they are
the number one. He was the rating team the league.
Speaker 5 (32:56):
Who's defense was.
Speaker 3 (32:59):
I mean, he's so I just everything doesn't stand out
talking about having having him two big boys, and I mean,
I know how many years is not.
Speaker 5 (33:11):
Been the league.
Speaker 3 (33:13):
That sounds right, okay, but again Cat's president can't go
over fifty any given and with that, with that off
the floor, true, that's who with that off the floor,
I just don't see that ratings, you know, off of
the scoring power with Anthony Edwards. Again, he's gonna be
tough to stop. And you can double triple team all
(33:34):
you want, but getting the legas first round be a problem.
Now they get they get a different look. Possibly they
could face someone else and they might have a chance.
Speaker 1 (33:43):
But I just feel like you're right, that matchup is
problematic specifically just because of all the length on the Lakers.
You know, if they are faced off against the Warriors
or the Suns or some of these other teams early,
I just think the matchup is different. And I do
believe in Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert. I know he's
not your favorite person, but Cousins, but he is going
to win his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award
(34:07):
this year.
Speaker 3 (34:16):
I mean, they are on depensirating team in the league,
and I think because he's not in any of the
top categories. He's got in block steels, but.
Speaker 1 (34:23):
I mean, he's like the runaway favorite. If you look
at the betting odds, it's ridiculous. It's great, and you
know that's going to be his fourth and I think
Ben Wallace and.
Speaker 2 (34:33):
Hakeem are the only players who've ever done it that before.
Speaker 1 (34:35):
I just think that to book your larger point, I
think that I think that that this team, even without
Karl Anthony Towns, should get credit for still being extremely dangerous.
It's just they might not be dangerous when they face
a matchup like LA. So yes, we'll see what happens there.
I don't know which of these teams do you think
needs home court advantage the most? If you think about
(34:56):
all the playoff teams in either conference, who will be
helped the most by home court advantage?
Speaker 5 (35:04):
I think the Clippers. For me, yeah, I think the Clips.
Speaker 3 (35:09):
Clippers.
Speaker 5 (35:10):
Yes, in that four or five spot, I think that matters.
Speaker 3 (35:15):
Okay, seem.
Speaker 2 (35:19):
Okay, see he's good just because they're young and that building's.
Speaker 3 (35:22):
Crazy, Yeah, just because of young experience like that. The
role players play that at home versus a role I mean,
everybody's us.
Speaker 2 (35:36):
Except the Warriors.
Speaker 1 (35:37):
Last year, the Warriors couldn't win a game on the road, right,
and then today or sorry, this year there are road.
Speaker 2 (35:42):
Records much better than their home records. So who knows.
Speaker 1 (35:45):
I like I like the okay, see pick, that's good.
I like the Clippers pick too, though, because they need help.
All right, let's go to three stats. You know what
time that is to truth in a lietime, my friends?
Oh yes, Nate. Nate keeps putting these in so late
that I haven't seen them yet. So let me read
these a lot to you and we'll go through this
journey together. And he's doing that on purpose, by the way,
(36:07):
because he does not want me to know what it's going.
Speaker 2 (36:08):
To be said.
Speaker 1 (36:10):
Okay, see top five and defensive rating that is one stat.
Stat number two the Spurs lead the league and blocks
per game. Number three Luca leads the leads in turn
leads the league in turnovers per game. I don't know
what do you guys think of those three stats?
Speaker 2 (36:27):
Do you start us out. What are the two truths
and what's the lie?
Speaker 3 (36:35):
Uh? I think Luca does lead the league of turnovers.
Speaker 5 (36:44):
I know.
Speaker 3 (36:46):
Winby leads league in blocks, but is that Does that
mean that Spurs lead the league in blocks? I'm stunned
on this one. And okay see, top five defensive rating teams.
Speaker 2 (36:56):
But you got anything.
Speaker 5 (36:59):
I feel like they're all the truth and at the
same time, they're all alive.
Speaker 3 (37:07):
I want to say, okay, I'm gonna go with okay see.
Speaker 4 (37:11):
I want to say, okay see's the truth, and I'm
gonna say Luca leading the league in turnovers, it's also true,
Spurs lead the league in blocks is false?
Speaker 2 (37:22):
What do you got, Doe? What do you think?
Speaker 3 (37:28):
I'm gonna go with the last two are true? Okay see,
it's not top five. You know you're the best team
in the league. Yeah, I'm gonna say that. I'm gonna say,
okay see's not top five.
Speaker 1 (37:40):
My tiebreaker is I think the Spurs one is the
live for producer Nate, you get in here, what do
you think?
Speaker 2 (37:45):
What do you got for us?
Speaker 1 (37:49):
Yes, there we go. Producer Nate has spoken, bok. How
do you feel about your victory? This is like you
those courts sight interviews like you worked hard, cousins, you
worked hard. How did it feel to achieve this win
(38:09):
over vershon Rondo?
Speaker 4 (38:11):
Man, I hit this long stretch towards the end of
My teammates just really picked me up and helped me
get over that hump, and you know I was just
able to, you know, pull this game out for us, and.
Speaker 5 (38:22):
You know, it really really feels good to be right.
Speaker 1 (38:26):
Let's go on to I'll take that bet presented by DraftKings.
MVP adds they're getting a little bit interesting, guys. DraftKings
still has Jokic far and away the favorite minus seven hundred.
The next we see is Luke up there. He's plus
five hundred. But man, the internet does not agree. Luca
played in that game last night. I think he dropped
what thirty two in the first half, and people went nuts.
(38:50):
If this doesn't win.
Speaker 2 (38:51):
An MVP, I don't know what the voters are thinking.
Speaker 1 (38:54):
That was definitely the feel across the fan base last night.
Speaker 2 (38:58):
Where are you guys on this?
Speaker 1 (39:00):
When you look at what Yokich has done this year, Luca,
the Mavericks are now in fifth in the Western Conference.
We've had m vps as low as six Russell Westbrook
I voted for him that year, even though Oklahoma City
was a sixth place team. To me, what Russ did
that year, the year after Katie left, the way he
won all those clutch shots that he hit. I think
he was top in the league and clutch shots that year,
(39:21):
he was the MVP to me. So I understand the
people who feel like g they might be in fifth place,
but Luca is their MVP.
Speaker 2 (39:28):
Where Jo Kich? What he has done this year, you know,
he makes it look so easy. Where are you, guys?
Speaker 3 (39:35):
I think people are getting bored with Yokich numbers. He's
putting up like it's normal and disrespectful at the same time,
again because he still has to go out and performing tonight.
Like I said earlier, every defense is predicated on how
to slow him down. They still haven't figured out the
answer to that. And give hims credit, He's had historical numbers.
I've seen the cult that came out of the about
(39:55):
Tony KUKUKX, comparing them to with a Sabonus and somebody
else that was I mean, like I said, that's just
more the disrespect of what he's done in this game,
and it was able to manipulate and down the game
you're blocked. So it's just until you can top those numbers.
Along with his team being you know, jocking in one,
two three spot in the West, it's just tough to put,
(40:19):
you know, these numbers over over Lucas and credit to Lucas.
Have been a lot of MVP snubs throughout our game,
our history of the game, and that's part of it.
But nevertheless, I got to.
Speaker 5 (40:30):
Go with Joker.
Speaker 3 (40:31):
He's still he's still running the show. He's still the
best player in the game, and he's he's been showing it.
He's been dominating for years and it's come off a championships.
So until you take it from him, I don't think
he's done enough to take it. And Jokers might VP.
Speaker 5 (40:44):
I'm not mad at that.
Speaker 4 (40:46):
I actually agree with everything you know Doe said speaking
on Jokic, But uh, you know, for me, I think
I think it's two guys that have you know, played
at a higher level than the Jokic, which is kind
of crazy to even here or say, but uh, that's
Luca and Sga. For me, when it comes to Luca,
(41:08):
I think we all know what Luca does. You know,
since he stepped foot in this league, he continues to dominate.
He continues to put up big members, He continues the league,
you know, his team on a yearly basis, So I
feel like that can't go unnoticed. And uh, I think
with the way SGA has performed, nobody expected Okay See
to be this type of.
Speaker 5 (41:27):
Team this year.
Speaker 4 (41:29):
Not only are they, you know, a real contender, but
they're doing it in the West. In the West, this
is probably the best the West has been in a
few years. Like from top to bottom, it's every team
is you can lose on a night basis. So, but
SGA to be dominating the way he is in the West,
leading his team the way he is, I just I
(41:50):
don't feel like that can go unnoticed.
Speaker 5 (41:52):
On top of that, he's playing on the other side
of the ball as well.
Speaker 4 (41:55):
I don't think when it comes to, you know, the
MVP conversation, I don't think that gets brought up enough.
Speaker 5 (42:00):
A guy that plays on both sides of the ball.
Speaker 4 (42:02):
And it's no knock to Jokic, but we know he's
going to dominate on the offensive end on a nightly basis.
Speaker 5 (42:07):
The same thing goes to Luca. We know he's going
to dominate offensively when.
Speaker 4 (42:11):
It comes to those guys playing on the other side
of the floor, it's not quite the same conversation. So
I feel like SGA has to get a little more
credit for not only dominating offensively and leading his team
in the West, but also being dominant on the defensive
side of the ball with leading the league and still
so I think that has to be considered. So I
think I'm rolling more so with Luca and Sga compared
(42:34):
to Jokic. And it's no knock to Jokic, Like, like,
I agree with everything you know Doe said, but for me,
those two guys have performed at a higher level.
Speaker 2 (42:43):
M Yeah, I don't know.
Speaker 1 (42:46):
Part of it comes down to what I've been talking
about for years, if it really depends on what you
think MVP is. And to me, we need more of
a standard for our most important award. You know, I've
always said we should have something like the NFL has,
like the NHL has for goal scoring. We should have
some sort of best stats, best season award that kind
of says, wow, these guys stats are otherworldly. That is
(43:07):
not always necessarily the most valuable player, right, and again
this goes back to say, I mean the Russell Westbrook,
you know, MVP from years ago. I voted for him
because he was definitely the most valuable to his team
that year. Kevin Durant leaving left that organization, that fan base,
that franchise just sort of reeling the idea that Russ
(43:28):
picked everybody up, he got them to where they got them.
He was the centerpiece during games, he was hitting all
these clutch shots. He had a couple just sort of
signature outings. To me, felt like the most valuable player
as opposed to the best stats that year. And some
years those are the same people, right, whoever's putting up
the best stats is definitely the most valuable player. Some
(43:49):
years it's not, though, And I don't I don't know.
I couldn't say yet if this is one of those
years or not. But you look at what Luca has
been doing, seven game winning streak that they're on, you know,
it's so impressive. To your point about SGA, they just
wouldn't be there. They would not be maybe even in
the playoff picture if it wasn't for them much less
fighting for the number one overall seed. And then you
(44:10):
go back to Yokic, it's not like Denver would be
where they are without Yokich either, And I don't know
if that's just we're so used to it, right, So
like every argument that you give, like oh, Luca pushed
them to a great streak and he's put up numbers
or SGA, they wouldn't be there without him.
Speaker 2 (44:25):
Well that's all true about Nicola also, So it's just
I don't know.
Speaker 1 (44:29):
I think this is this is actually a little bit
of a tougher MVP race than people have given it
credit for. I think once Joelle went down, people were like, eh,
Jokic the runaway winner. I think there is momentum building
for some of the other candidates and it's going to
be interesting.
Speaker 2 (44:43):
Friends, you can.
Speaker 1 (44:44):
Catch all episodes of Bullyball in the DraftKings Network. You
can catch us on the All the Smoke Productions YouTube channel.
You can get these guys recommendations for smoking products privately,
and you can listen to us wherever you get your podcast.
Speaker 2 (44:57):
We will catch you next week. Please rate us, please
rep you us. Always great to have you with us.
We'll see I'll say.
Speaker 5 (45:05):
H m hm, m
Speaker 3 (45:12):
Mm hmm.
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