Rockets Embarrassed Again, One Step Closer to Opening Day, NBA in Trouble?

Tuesday on The A-Team, Adam Clanton and Adam Wexler react to the Rockets' loss to the Bulls, look ahead to Opening Day for the Astros, wonder if the latest news means the NBA is in trouble, and more!

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Straight up two oh one on Sports Talk seven ninety
WEX and AC with you. I uh, I want to
be very careful how I phrased this, but I want
to also be very accurate. No one kills good vibes
like the twenty twenty five, twenty six Houston Rockets. That's

(00:20):
where I'm at with this team. You weren't there on
Saturday night, but you were watching. Everybody that saw it
on television and certainly everybody in the building at Toyota Center.
It was the That's the very definition of good vibes.
You had KD passing MJ, you had a game winner.

(00:41):
Every was all there. It was great. And then last
night in Chicago, I held back texting you. I almost
texted you on three different occasions before the final horn
because you were doing the game here, and I'm.

Speaker 2 (00:54):
Like, like, what why this is?

Speaker 1 (00:57):
This team had lost what ten to fifteen something stupid
like that, twenty of thirty.

Speaker 2 (01:02):
I don't know, the bull suck and yet.

Speaker 3 (01:04):
They offered February and they have wins, four wins.

Speaker 2 (01:08):
You're kidding me.

Speaker 3 (01:09):
No, they didn't win February, that is correct.

Speaker 2 (01:11):
I didn't know it was that bad. Well, they didn't
win a game. It's March.

Speaker 3 (01:14):
Now, they've won five times in March. How many games
are they playing in the shortest month on the calendar
plus the All Star break? Ooh, that's not as uh,
that's not as bad when you think about it, that
eleven times they didn't win any of them.

Speaker 1 (01:27):
I mean, look, I get it. The Rockets give up
open three point shots. Well you make them or not,
that's on you. And they made them.

Speaker 3 (01:33):
But yeah, good god, at some point that that's silliest
of phrases.

Speaker 2 (01:36):
Hey they get paid two. Hey, they're in the NBA too.

Speaker 3 (01:39):
It's burned this team countless times during this season, and
it definitely was the case last night. Everything May said
after the game was exactly correct, and they were able to,
as they have done in each of their last three losses,
have to lead in the fourth quarter. Yeah, you play
well enough to get them in position to win the
game despite all of the things that led up to it.

(02:00):
But no, this is very much who they are, and
that is very unfortunate. Whether the seeding stuff is obviously
the end result, and every single day that goes by
that they don't take advantage of a game to win
or a game against the team they need to beat.
They're just in a tougher and tougher situation, not only
potentially not being at home to open up a best
of seven, but a matchup issue for them depending on

(02:21):
the team that they might face. Seems likely that the
sixth seed would face the La Lakers, obviously without home
court advantage, but none of that is set in stone.
They have the Minnesota Timberwolves tomorrow night, so they would
flip spots with them if they were able to beat them.
They fall a half game behind them with the Wolves,
Idol and the Rockets coming up again eight points shy

(02:41):
of the Bulls three straight losses by eight points. Each
of their last three losses have all been by eight points.
They've all been games where, like I said, they've had
chances to win in the fourth quarter.

Speaker 2 (02:50):
It did enough of.

Speaker 3 (02:51):
The things you think they need to do to win,
but they don't do nearly enough of the things that
ensure that you win. You can't start a game like
that in the NBA against anybody.

Speaker 2 (02:58):
They did again.

Speaker 3 (03:00):
One game that stands out as Washington, the Sacramento game
is the same. Just too many bad teams feel good
about themselves after twelve minutes against Houston. It's because their
defense is embarrassing some nights, and for this month, where
they're an average basketball team, they are in the back
half of the NBA pretty much across the board, certainly defensively.
They're in the bottom five in the NBA in terms
of taking care of the basketball for the month, and

(03:22):
we're winding the months down, So it's not some tiny
little sample size. This shift in the starting lineup pays
dividends in some ways, but it absolutely kills this team
in other ways. I don't know if people have noticed
how the first quarters have gone lately with this new
lineup out there. It's not because they aren't scoring enough points.
It's because they're not keeping the other team from scoring

(03:43):
their season high. They gave up the most points in
a first quarter all season last night to a team
that has very very little to play for.

Speaker 2 (03:51):
Not really have.

Speaker 3 (03:52):
They don't have a bunch of players on their team
that are building. Buzaleas and Gidea essentially are it in
terms of players they would hope to see their careers advance.

Speaker 2 (04:01):
They don't have. It's not a good basketball team.

Speaker 3 (04:03):
It's evidenced by their record, and nothing's really changed on
their roster to make them crazy. Well, they don't have
this or that, or they made all these No, they're
just not a good basketball team. But they were the
better basketball team for forty eight minutes last night. And
the Rockets got forty from Durant, a triple double on
nineteen shots from Shngun he made sixteen of them, and
Men Thompson was eight of twelve. Those three gentlemen made

(04:26):
thirty nine field goals last night and they only took
fifty four shots. And you didn't win because you can't
keep the other team off the scoreboard. One hundred and
thirty two points is a surefire way to lose.

Speaker 1 (04:38):
I feel like with each passing game, win or loss,
you just realize how much and listen to his credit
because lately, Rafelstone did not want to give up Dylan Brooks.
It took till thee From what I've heard, it was
very much the eleventh hour.

Speaker 2 (04:57):
You got to put him in this deal.

Speaker 1 (04:58):
You're not getting Kevin Durant like Phoenix held firm, and
he didn't want to do it.

Speaker 3 (05:03):
And this is why I guess, Yes, I don't want
to disagree, but it's it's so you're seventy plus games
into the season. You aren't gonna been embarrassing all because
the players on the court aren't playing hard enough. They
aren't trying hard enough, they're not listening enough, they're not communicating.
Though it's not because they don't have Dylan Brooks. Clearly

(05:24):
he's a better defender than a lot of guys they
are using. But your whole team defense falls apart because
the guys you do have, not because of the guys
you don't have.

Speaker 1 (05:32):
In my opinion, well and you and in that vein
I with each passing game, the same thing alper inch
Chngoon's defense, whatever it was last year, it's not just
a regression, it's falling off a cliff.

Speaker 2 (05:45):
He is a cone.

Speaker 3 (05:46):
Yeah, more teams are just in tune with what to do,
and fewer players out there with him can't compensate for it.
And a lot of that is the double bigs. If
there's two bigs out there, there means there's probably one
of them in the lane waiting for you when you
blow by Alpie. But not anymore because I don't play
a double big lineup because I don't have that at
their disposal. You don't have a wing defenders certainly as
much as Jalen Green's not a good defensive player, he's

(06:09):
He's quicker player than anybody on this roster outside of
Amn Thompson, and that does matter. And obviously Dylan Brooks
is a plus defender. You know, all those things being said,
they probably get out of Chicago last night if their
offensive lineup doesn't play as offensively on offense. I mean,
read Shepherd. It's I know people want to talk about

(06:31):
how they can't win without him and then give him
every excuse in the book. It's gonna happen to young players.
They're gonna have bad nights. I can't believe people.

Speaker 1 (06:39):
Some part of the game was outbranching Gooon telling Reed Shepherd, hey,
you got to keep your hands straight up.

Speaker 3 (06:44):
Well, what he was telling him on I know the
player taught. He's saying, don't reach in right you got
your following.

Speaker 2 (06:51):
Is six'.

Speaker 3 (06:51):
Three i'm seven feet. Tall i'm standing right in front of.
Him he has he cannot score from this. Position why
are you reaching in and? Fouling that's what he was telling,
him doing the one thing you can't do in that.
Scenario and like the defense, aside Reach shepherd is not
there to play. Defense the other team knows, it and
they're going to take advantage of it every. Night and
you can still play him as long as he puts

(07:13):
the ball in the, basket.

Speaker 1 (07:14):
Which for the second half he, did but nobody did
in the first. Half i'm talking about from.

Speaker 3 (07:18):
Three he made three of fourteen, threes is the most
threes he's missed in a game in his entire.

Speaker 1 (07:22):
Career he was, awful. Yep but everybody was awful from
three in the first, half is What i'm. Saying those
numbers are inflated or deflated in this case by the
fact that nobody hit a three basically in the entire
first half while they were hitting.

Speaker 3 (07:34):
Right i'm really only concerned with the guys that should
be making, threes and there's three of, Us Jabari Smith,
Junior Kevin, durant And Reed. Shephard jabari obviously had a
terrible game, offensively even though the team was better when
he was on the court because he does all the
other things. Well Reed shepherd was a total disaster offensively and.
Defensively thus you have a hard time. Winning And katie
was spectacular. OFFENSIVELY i, mean three of eight from three is.

(07:56):
Okay thirty seven point five, percent and then he buried
two more threes late in the game to pretend you
still have a chance to. Win, yes very contested and
very quick because time was of the. Essence so he
finished five of. TEN i, mean it is incredible what
they did individually. Offensively those three players that you know
scored ninety six of their one hundred and twenty four.
Points it's almost as amazing how little their teammates added

(08:20):
to that offensive. Charge another poor offensive game For Tara.
Easton Aaron holliday's minutes were, awesome but he was just
playing his role without taking just not what he did Against.
Miami they needed shotmakers Against miami and he did, it
and they really needed shot makers last, night and he
just he took three shots and played half the. GAME
i don't remember him playing that many minutes in any

(08:41):
game in A rockets uniform and shooting that. Little but
they were a significantly better team when he was out.
There and then he may obviously recognize that and played
some of he And Reed shepherd. Together but they're getting
so little from so many and three guys play, well
you played nine. Players that's it's very hard to. Win
like The bulls got pretty much everybody that played last

(09:03):
night other Than Patrick, Williams so eight guys gave them
something last. Night for The, bulls eight bad players out
played three good. Players plus one of them is absolutely.
Despicable his Name's Josh.

Speaker 1 (09:15):
Giddy there's nothing about that guy THAT i can't can,
stand to be honest with, you on or off the.

Speaker 2 (09:21):
Floor just a just a third of a human.

Speaker 1 (09:24):
Being but, anyway there's actually one name you mentioned on
the rocket side of THINGS i want to get to
in the next. Segment but we do need to get
into the fact that we are one step closer To Opening.

Speaker 3 (09:35):
Day, yeah how about The astros offense at Dyke And park.

Speaker 2 (09:39):
Against The Sugarland Space.

Speaker 3 (09:41):
Kid, yeah in the bottom of the ninth of the
game they're already. Winning how about, that? People how about
that a sixth spot in the bottom of the ninth
at home in a game they were already. WINNING i,
mean if you think The astros offense is going to,
struggle where have you? Been wait Till Lucas spence starts
dropping baseball over the fence at Dyk And park during
the regular season like he did last.

Speaker 2 (10:03):
Night gotta be.

Speaker 3 (10:04):
Amazing fans did get to See Tatsuya emi last. Night
lance McCullers junior is getting the start for The astros.
Tonight he's lined up to get the first start of
their series against The Red sox next, week start number
game number. Five they'll roll through the other four Starters, Thursday, Friday,
saturday And.

Speaker 2 (10:19):
Sunday we're looking forward to.

Speaker 3 (10:21):
It we'll be out there at ten am on the
air live From Dykin park On thursday morning in advance
Of Hunter brown's. Start you, know you can always catch
the games right here On Sports talk seven ninety or
certainly through The iHeartRadio, app and that Includes friday night's
Exclusive Sports talk seven ninety. Game there's that's if you
want to know what The astros are doing On friday,
night well you might as well lock it up here

(10:42):
with The iHeartRadio app right here On spots seven. Ninety
you lock it up there you.

Speaker 1 (10:47):
Go, also a very very interesting tweet From. Shams there's
not a story about it because he works for the
entity that is The, Letters SO i think that's. INTERESTING
i have theories as to why that's the. Case it's
not good. NEWS i think some. PEOPLE i THINK wex

(11:09):
might be one of these. People is gonna maybe try
and deflect this as not being as big a deal
AS i think it's going to end up.

Speaker 2 (11:16):
Being it's a. Trend we'll just put it that.

Speaker 1 (11:20):
Way but SOME nba news coming out that if you're
a DIEHARD nba, fan it should absolutely have your. Attention
mentioned that The astros are about to open up the
twenty six. Campaign we'll hear from some principal key members
of the organization moving. Forward and, oh by the, way
speaking of hearing from, People Ema udoka had a very
plus seven Ninety tuesday edition of the PROGRAM wex over

(11:42):
The air ac right. Here Josh jordan is our Producer
rockets losing In chicago last, night one name you mentioned
in that opening. Segment at this, Point i'm gonna stop
short of saying he's borderline, unplayable BECAUSE i still think
there are times where his defense is a positive. Factor how,

(12:06):
much let me phrase it this, way how much money
Has Tarry easton cost himself this?

Speaker 2 (12:15):
YEAR i don't.

Speaker 3 (12:16):
Know it's better had a bad, year and there's no
question about. It it's nice that he showed something that
maybe people will believe him because he'd never done it.
Before but because he'd never done it, before And i'm
talking about shooting the three point shot extremely well for
a reasonable period of. Time maybe there's some belief that
this is a little bit mental and, once even though
it's taken forever, already once he pops out of, it

(12:37):
maybe there will be a sign of he can get
back to even better than he ever was in the
first couple of seasons of his. Career but just to the,
basketball the remaining eleven games of it all unplayable than who's.
Playing you want more, dfs you want More Jay. CHANTE

(12:58):
i don't want him. STARTING i don't want to start,
starting AND i don't think he's going to return to.
Starting If Reed sheppard has a handful of bad, GAMES
i don't think that's the. Answer the answer isn't putting
somebody who's also playing, very very poorly back in the starting.
LINEUP i do think The rockets are actually trying to
give it. Time on all. This they've had a starting
lineup that clearly was the most successful, one and it's

(13:18):
the one With joshakogi in. It but they have not
gone back To Josh kobe in the starting lineup FOR
i think obvious. Reasons they know what that looks like
they're trying to get a better handle on what everything
else looks like and use the data that comes from
a significant sample size Of east and. Starting and NOW
i would hope a significant size Of Reed shepherd, starting
not just a couple of games here and, there and you,

(13:39):
know thirteen games over the course of the, season but
how about ten straight games and, well OBVIOUSLY i still
think that's in front of, him AND i would hope
that that's what they continue doing to see if every single,
night it doesn't really matter who you're, playing you can't
stop anybody at the beginning of. Games it happened in,
there you, know The atlanta, game it happened in The miami.
Game it happened last, night The chicago. Game is it
going to happen in The minnesota. Game is going to
happen on the rest of the road. Trip it's something

(14:01):
they obviously have to consider now how quickly do they
recover from, it because they can be much more dynamic,
offensively and they could have been dynamic offensively last night
because they clearly could not be stopped as long as
they didn't shoot a. Three it's like the best game
they've ever had inside the three point Line Alprin. Shinghun
they didn't want to double, him and that's happened like
ten times this year against Random Eastern conference teams and

(14:23):
he crushes them because of. It and he was great
offensively last. Night And Kevin, DURANT i, MEAN i feel
like he played, great but it felt like he plays
like that all the. Time fifteen to twenty three is,
special and forty points is. Special Aman, thompson he plays
like that every. Night the problem was everybody else. Didn't
they got good. Looks they've had so many of these.
Games eventually they're going to realize we're just not very

(14:44):
good at shooting, threes and on a night where we're
exceptional shooting, twos, well if we could just defend a little,
bit you can catch. Up if you continue to score
every trip, down going zero for five from three gets
you zero. Points four for four from two gets you.
Eight might not be the fifteen that they, want but

(15:06):
it's better that's they're getting. Zero twenty minutes into last night's,
GAME i had made the same number of threes as they.
Had we were both working for The, rockets BUT i
wasn't shooting AND i was AND i wasn't In. Chicago,
yeah it took them forever even to get one to,
drop and every ALL i would say ninety nine percent of,
them if you could even reach that. Percentage on the first,
fourteen they all of them perfect shots except short.

Speaker 2 (15:28):
Front rim, front, rim, front, rim over and.

Speaker 3 (15:30):
OH i was, LIKE i hope this is a rim
thing and a depth perception thing and The bulls will. Cool,
well they were on one end of the. COURT i
was hoping it would flip at. Halftime it really. DIDN'T
i didn't think it should have been their, legs no
reason their legs wouldn't be underneath. THEM i think it
was a little bit about their. Attitudes they just were
a little bit. Lifeless and it is easy to become
really lifeless when you let the other team score so.

(15:52):
Often you come into the game without a lot of
juice and then they immediately jump on you because of
it just gets bigger and tougher and twenty points down
and they're making all their threes and you have no
answer For Colin. Sexton oh my, gosh then you always
torched the. Rockets he, honestly if if he was in
the right situation and maybe understood winning in THE nba

(16:13):
just a little bit. More this guy's got unbelieve He's
he was the fastest player with the basketball in the
court last. Night they can do something with. IT i
know a Men thompson seems, fast but he can't do the.
Things The rockets don't have any players that can do
the things That Colin sexton, does and they pretty much never,
had and they don't. Win fred comes back.

Speaker 2 (16:27):
Either it.

Speaker 3 (16:28):
Helps you can play at a certain, pace you can find,
openings you can blow by. People Even jones is blowing
by The. Rockets he had an unbelievable game the last
time they. Played oh, great they held him down from
thirty four points to a, fifteen six and five game
with one. Turnover he was the better point guard last,
night and without, question there are too many of those
happened in last night's. Game this is a bad. Spot

(16:49):
they're they're playing their worst. Basketball even with the exhilarating
win Over miami and the win over a somewhat Streaking
Atlanta hawks, Team they've been in six straight games that
they could. Win they've won half of. Them they should
win all of. Them with the group that they. Have
you got to play both. Ends they really don't do.

Speaker 1 (17:07):
That, YEAH i mean the, defense like we mentioned in
the first, segment has been.

Speaker 2 (17:14):
Lacking to put it.

Speaker 3 (17:15):
Mildly their twentieth in THE nba and defensive rating In,
march and we're almost done With.

Speaker 2 (17:20):
March what's the?

Speaker 3 (17:21):
Season they're slightly better than, that BUT i don't really
care what the season. Is that team isn't this team
because players won't be a part of this Is Steven,
adams even it makes them, Better he's not coming. Back
so who they? Are, remember every player is healthy right.
Now every player that's going to play for this team
is healthy right, Now Jayshon taita's, return and the only

(17:42):
two players on the injured list are the two guys
that are not playing this. Year so, offensively let's just
Do march same. THING i believe they're. Sixteenth, gosh that's
not as good AS i thought you were gonna, say
why do you think they're?

Speaker 1 (17:56):
Good, well BECAUSE i don't think they're, good BUT i
thought they'd be better than in middle of the.

Speaker 3 (18:00):
Pack they're eighteenth in offensive raiding in the. Month oh my,
gosh they're twentieth in defensive rating for the month while
sitting at the bottom of the, league only ahead Of
brooklyn in. Turnovers well that doesn't surprise. Me, well good
teams don't do. That NOW i, know here's who's at
the bottom of the league in turnovers this, Month, Brooklyn, Portland,
Milwaukee Golden, State. Washington who's over the month In. Houston,

(18:23):
well here's the.

Speaker 1 (18:24):
THING i was to the point WHERE i was, like,
yeah they might get out of the first, round and
it's just gonna they're The. ROCKETS i, mean are gonna
chalk it up as didn't Have, fred Lost stephen. Midseason
let's regroup and do it again next, year and we'll
figure out what we do with some of the other,
pieces Like Tari. EASTON i Don't i'm less and less

(18:46):
convinced he'll be a part of next year's roster for
a variety of.

Speaker 2 (18:49):
Reasons BUT.

Speaker 1 (18:52):
I JUST i don't even think they're gonna get out
of the first round now the.

Speaker 3 (18:55):
Way, yeah such we were talking a lot Of tarry this.
SEGMENT i would, say there's virtually no way he's a
part of the team next.

Speaker 1 (19:01):
Year, well if he didn't want to take a hundred
million from this team before he sucked all this, year
why would they?

Speaker 2 (19:06):
Would you can't, restricted you.

Speaker 3 (19:08):
Can't afford to have him on the roster at whatever
figure it's going to. Be he's he's worthy of being
paid by somebody at some, amount and that's what they're
gonna watch, happens.

Speaker 2 (19:16):
Especially if you're maxing him.

Speaker 3 (19:17):
In, well that's you have only so much room on
your you know your wage, scales and how you do
you know who's getting how much of. It you can't
really spend any of it on him anymore because you
have too many other, commitments some of which are, good
some of which are less. Good but the money's already been.
Spent the money's already on the twenty twenty six seven
and twenty twenty seven, eight you know cap, table AND

(19:39):
i don't know how you could add him on. It
it's more likely you need to keep him off of.
It and it's not personal to. Him it's just where
that the timing of things have gone and the commitments
they've already. MADE i don't think moving somebody else off
the roster so you can Have tari on the roster
is the way to. Go, now if there's a deal
that you think can make the roster better that you
include him, on that's more likely a way that you
could see him. Elsewhere and again we're talking, about you,

(20:01):
know a longer stretch than you'd like where he simply
cannot put the shot that they have to have from
him at.

Speaker 2 (20:07):
All it's probably the worst.

Speaker 3 (20:08):
Slump we've seen any player have over the, past, well
certainly During emay's time. Here and that's kind of the
only group Of rockets basketball players we're looking at. Here
So i'm not really sure what scenario plays out where
he and The rockets are in agreement on a, deal
even if he signed it with somebody, else that they
come in and, say all, right, well that's our opportunity

(20:29):
to match, it and we. WILL i DON'T i, MEAN
i don't know how they do. That, yeah why they
would want to, Well and but, again because he's, restricted
it's going to take another. Team AND i, mean you've
seen pretty confident somebody's gonna make him. Unoffer but what
other team is out?

Speaker 1 (20:46):
There it's gonna make him an offer that's gonna make
him happier than the one he got that wasn't good
enough for him by The rockets last.

Speaker 2 (20:53):
Summer that scenario isn't gonna.

Speaker 3 (20:55):
Happen he's not going to get an offer that's more
than what he got, here going to get an offer
that's less than what he was offered, here.

Speaker 2 (21:03):
And then The, rockets no matter what it, is aren't
going to match.

Speaker 3 (21:05):
It it would have to be pretty embarrassing for him
to sign it and them match. IT i think he'll
sign a deal that they won't want to. MATCH i,
MEAN i hope it's the. CASE i, mean we're looking
at two. Months it happens to be the two months
that lead into his restricted free. Agency that's unfortunate because
the first three years worth of, it other than the

(21:26):
extremely important aspect of the, injuries his basketball was good
enough that The rockets were willing to AND i, mean
maybe you don't agree with, them BUT i can see
why they would. Have he played really good. Basketball he
played winning. Basketball he played the type of basketball that
winning teams want to have on their. Team he just
hasn't done that for a pretty good long stretch of

(21:48):
the season before his restricted free.

Speaker 1 (21:50):
Agency, well it's hardly the only depressing or debilitating news
about The. Rockets we will get to here on A
tuesday version of the, show still hear From Hunter brown
before the end of the, segment but or the end
of the.

Speaker 2 (22:05):
Hour But best OF, x our signature segment that is
straight ahead.

Speaker 4 (22:11):
THE a On Sports talk. Seven all, Right i'm gonna
pull an audible.

Speaker 1 (22:20):
Here it's not necessarily the tradition of this segment per,
se but since it's, online and since it brings up
a good amount of, debate and since it will both
irritate my co host and simultaneously irritate most astros fans

(22:41):
that hear, IT i want to dive right in to ESPN's.

Speaker 2 (22:44):
Twenty twenty SIX mlb preview because it's. Tiered you know
they do this pretty much every.

Speaker 1 (22:49):
Year IF i were to tell you there's one team
in the top tier of how they think the upcoming
twenty twenty SIX mlb campaign is going to, go AND
i gave you one guess as to who it would.

Speaker 2 (23:01):
BE i, mean how fast would you Say?

Speaker 3 (23:04):
Dodgers not fast enough to even need to since you.

Speaker 1 (23:08):
Did but what IF i told you that In tier
two there's a handful of handful of, teams six to be,
exact and at the first one of those teams is
in THE Ao, west The. Mariners, yeah the biggest threats

(23:31):
To LA's throwne is this tier is called and that
right behind them would be also the most predictable team
for an entity such as The Four Letter network to
put out.

Speaker 3 (23:42):
There The Almighty. Yankees there you, go you're doing very.
Well you're three for. Three it's pretty obvious so. Far
now it gets a little bit not. Tricky the team after, That, Cubs, nope,
close they're in this, tier but they are three teams. Away,
Phillies Blue, Jays. Mets you Got Blue, Jays, Phillies, Tigers.

(24:06):
Mets then you get to The.

Speaker 1 (24:08):
Cubs, okay they have The tigers In tier three at the,
top which is should be, contenders.

Speaker 3 (24:17):
And you go.

Speaker 1 (24:17):
Through The Red sox are in that. Group The Atlanta
braves are somehow in that group. Exactly The Milwaukee brewers
also somehow in this. Group they play in The Central
Baltimore orioles are in this. Group then you get The tier.
Four The astros are at the top of this.

Speaker 2 (24:37):
Tier. Nice you know.

Speaker 3 (24:40):
What the tier is entitled windows closed if everything breaks their.

Speaker 1 (24:45):
Way i'm, Look i'm not asking them to put The
astros at the top and say they're gonna win the
next Five World series in a row and all that
kind of, stuff but, like what if nothing broke their
way a year ago and they barely still didn't win
the division over the team you have in squarely in

(25:06):
the number two spot in all of these teams.

Speaker 2 (25:08):
RANKS i mean barely not winning the division is kind of.

Speaker 3 (25:12):
FAIR i, Mean seattle came here and beat their brains
out and won the division without needing to go to
the final, weekend so with a little bit of a.
Cushion and then they played themselves right out of the
playoffs to begin, With, well they beat so essentially they
were like the thirteenth best team in.

Speaker 2 (25:25):
Baseball who did they beat the brains out? Of though
not a Healthy astros? Team, WELL i don't.

Speaker 3 (25:29):
Even care who they had, Offense Atlanto Jason alexander was
on the bump for one of those three games. Exactly,
WELL i mean that's great and, all but this is
who they were last.

Speaker 1 (25:37):
Year if everything breaks their, way their number, thirteen top
Of tier four like projective record eighty four and seventy.

Speaker 2 (25:46):
Eight let me try not to be too much of a.

Speaker 3 (25:53):
Man you hate this?

Speaker 2 (25:54):
Team they have how MANY i just ripped The braves pitching.

Speaker 3 (25:57):
Staff so how many proven starters do The astros have
in their starting? Rotation the five guys that are set
to go one through.

Speaker 2 (26:04):
Five probably. Two you could say.

Speaker 1 (26:08):
One, yeah But i'm gonna give the, Well i'm gonna
Give burrows more of credit than.

Speaker 3 (26:15):
That why he's a. Rookie he's barely pitched in the.
Majors well IF i, okay but so Is emi technically.
Exactly so that's WHY i could say you're still at.
One he at least has somewhat of a track record
in another.

Speaker 1 (26:31):
League, yeah but there's been additions to teams all the
time that are getting more of a benefit of the
doubt than you're giving him right now based on their
similar track.

Speaker 3 (26:41):
Record, comparable maybe comparable comes in here is right with
some outrageous contract because nobody doubted. Him EM i got
a nice. Contract it's twenty one million a. Year is
a really nice. Deal it's one of the higher paid.
Pitchers but it was also done in a way that
there's a little bit Of, heck the astros are out
of it in one year if they if things go
a certain. WAY i, mean, OKAY i MEAN i can

(27:04):
see it both. Ways i'm not necessarily right saying you
shouldn't include. Him he does profile as a front of
the rotation. Starter he was signed to be that he
got the same amount of money basically as from Ber
valdez got Roughly, okay so now you have two if
you're counting a guy wh's never thrown a major league pitch,
before WHICH i think is okay and. Fair But burrows

(27:26):
And javier and mccullor's junior and obviously include aarraghetty to
a certain extent if you did not hear that, News
The astros made it official that not intending to have
a sixth. Starter when they get To game, six the
second game of their series against The Red, sox they
will go back To Hunter brown for that. Game Spencer
araghedty will start the season with The Sugarland Space, cowboys

(27:48):
likely to join the team in Early april when they
do need a sixth. Starter but none of those guys are.
Proven they've all had their, moments for. Sure burrows had
a nice second part of last, year, Obviously lance mccullor's
has had some unbelievable strong, moments are a little bit further,
behind And spencerraghetti had some really really good moments two
seasons ago and his first crack at major league, pitching
but basically had an entirely lost season last, year he

(28:10):
was barely on the mound and there was nothing to
show for it of. Greatness And javier's trying to come
back from a major injury where, velocity which wasn't overwhelming
to begin, with could potentially still be an.

Speaker 2 (28:23):
ISSUE i, MEAN i think that's.

Speaker 1 (28:25):
Fair it's very very, fair which is why when you
read the glowing review of The, Mariners i'm, like come, on,
dude like they have do they have as me a
question marks as The? Astros, No but the way THEY'RE i,
mean these guys are thinking That Julio rodriguez is like
this side of. Show, hey the way they write about,

(28:46):
him not Cal, raley WHO i would at least be
able to buy into because he just did. It first of,
all they say Cal raley And Julio rodriguez are. Superstars
on no. Planet Is Julio rodriguez a super. Star he's
a star two home runs last, year but for every
home run he, hit he probably had a DEFENSIVE gaf
that was like, embarrassing and he's he's not a superstar

(29:09):
and he's not gonna be the AL mvp like they're.

Speaker 2 (29:12):
PREDICTING i, mean.

Speaker 3 (29:13):
Come, on, Dude outside Of, jordan who probably bounces back this,
year he'd be the next best everything goes, right he'd
be the next best considered player on this. Roster Julio.
Rodriguez Julio rodriguez AL. Mvp this is the most likely
twenty twenty six award. Winner they do one for each.

Speaker 1 (29:30):
Team rodriguez enjoyed his best season a year ago in
part because he got into one hundred and sixty, games
but it still feels like he hasn't quite put it all, together,
right that's What i'm.

Speaker 3 (29:40):
SAYING i, mean he's an eight hundred ops career, player
which is basically what he got last, year one hundred
and twenty eight ops, plus and he's averaging roughly twenty
set twenty eight home runs a.

Speaker 2 (29:51):
Year for four.

Speaker 3 (29:52):
Years, superstar, WELL i don't know what you think superstars,
post but these are the numbers that they.

Speaker 1 (29:57):
Post is what Cal rawley posted last. Year it's what
shoheo time he does on both sides of. It so
it's a very very small group for.

Speaker 2 (30:02):
You, Well superstar is different Than.

Speaker 5 (30:04):
Star it just.

Speaker 1 (30:05):
Is, okay that's, Fair but this guy's gonna win the
AL mvp because now he got into one hundred and
sixty games last.

Speaker 3 (30:11):
Year, YEAH i wouldn't really bank ON i don't know
why i'd go that. Route he had is his second
career seven hundred played appearance. Season he's not been injury.
Prone he's played a ton of baseball for the four
years that he's been a major. Leaguer he didn't even
start the year as a major leaguer in that first,
year a health and availability has not been any. Concern
SO i don't know why they would pinpoint, That, oh

(30:32):
he got into one hundred and sixty, Games, yeah five
more than his career, high big. DEAL i, mean he's
been out there a. Lot that's not HOW i would frame.
It the point of this is not necessarily to who's
picking The astros over The. Mariners.

Speaker 1 (30:44):
Nobody so why is this such a big, Deal because
picking The astros over The, mariners by the, way wins
six more. Wins it's not like they're predicting them to
win one hundred and two if they're so freaking, good
like you're saying they're gonna win way more than ninety.

Speaker 3 (30:59):
GAMES i, mean you can make the argument of the
best team in the, league couldn't.

Speaker 1 (31:02):
You, no they're not better than The Blue. JAYS i
don't even think they're better than The. Yankees AND i
hate The. YANKEES i think The yankees are full of.
Crap they Give garrett cole. Back that's the one. Thing all, Right,
well we'll.

Speaker 2 (31:14):
SEE i just it's a.

Speaker 1 (31:17):
Lot it's a lot to say That Julio rodriguez is
going to win THE mvp and The mariner's gonna go
The World.

Speaker 2 (31:26):
Series that is a. Lot and you got to pick.
SOMEBODY i, mean is that no more than what they?

Speaker 6 (31:30):
Did?

Speaker 1 (31:30):
WELL i mean you could pick the team that just
got there last year and did NOT i mean who they, Lose,
Bobashett but how.

Speaker 3 (31:38):
Did they get? There they inched past The, mariners, RIGHT.

Speaker 7 (31:44):
I.

Speaker 2 (31:44):
GUESS i mean it's a. Fact right when they weren't
throwing At George, SPRINGER.

Speaker 3 (31:48):
I GUESS i wish they weren't this, good AND i
wish they had a lot of things to pick a
part about their.

Speaker 2 (31:54):
ROSTER i happen to think they're very.

Speaker 1 (31:56):
Good the way they're going to do this is That
Julio rodriguez is going to avoid his usual slow.

Speaker 2 (32:02):
Start Uh.

Speaker 1 (32:05):
WHO i thought? Of it's pretty. Comical all, right we'll
leave it at. That we have lots of time On,
thursday especially to argue about. Baseball and by the, Way
i'd rather talk about The astros. Anyway so we'll hear
From Hunter brown when we come back.

Speaker 4 (32:20):
The eighteen On Sports talk. Seven fact what you here
on the.

Speaker 3 (32:24):
Eighteen it Is tuesday, Afternoon Adam, Wexler Adam clanton and
proud to have a big week Of houston. Sports here
we are on display this, week no question about. It
downtown At Toyota center And Dykin. Park thursday. Activity the
same day we're gonna have activity At Memorial park Golf
course for The Texas Children's Houston. Open quite, honestly there's

(32:44):
plenty of activity. TODAY i was over there earlier, today
over there last. WEEK i had a chance to see
a little bit of. It not nearly as much As Charles,
kibbi the president of The Astros Golf, foundation who's nice
enough to join us here in studio a couple of
days out from saying play some. Golf are you as
fired up as? Usual as the timing of these, events

(33:05):
opening day and the tournament all together, again this.

Speaker 2 (33:09):
Is so much. Fun you.

Speaker 8 (33:10):
Know we've talked about whether or not this is the
right time of. Year force we're opening day and first
round of The Houston open is a little, tough but
we love that and it gets us a lot to talk.

Speaker 2 (33:22):
About it gets our fans.

Speaker 8 (33:23):
Excited we get people moving around from a golf course
to the to the, ballpark and so it's.

Speaker 2 (33:29):
Fun this is the best week of the year for.

Speaker 3 (33:31):
Us it's. Fantastic LIKE i, said give me your impressions
of the impressions you've gotten early in the week from
the players who are here out on thee and putting
green and run walking the, course playing the. Course driving
ranger was also a little bit different look for them
that you've heard from them.

Speaker 2 (33:46):
Already.

Speaker 8 (33:46):
Yeah so the driving range is a great. Project we
broke ground on renovating the driving range Like january second or,
third just opened it this. Week a million five into
the driving range to get it really. Nice it was
the one part of The Memorial park golf course that
we didn't touch in twenty nineteen when we rebuilt, it
so it's good to finally get that. Right the players

(34:09):
are extremely complimentary about the condition of the. Course Brooks
kopka is playing this. Week he came out. Today it
was his first time to be on property since since
twenty twenty before we moved to the, spring and so
he hadn't seen it in this overseated condition and he
was blown. Away and all the players have been extremely

(34:29):
complimentary talking about its best conditioned golf. Course they play all.

Speaker 1 (34:33):
Year you've got the weather for it so often throughout
the course of the year, though so it's NOT i,
mean this event's obviously, great but you have that built
in as an advantage living here In.

Speaker 8 (34:43):
Houston, yeah you, know we've benefited from a little bit
of a Colder february And march and now it's, warm
and so it's great for it'll be great for the.
Tournament but that cold air that came through and stayed
around a little bit longer than the normal really helped
us grow in that winter grass that were play on right.

Speaker 2 (35:00):
Now so it is.

Speaker 1 (35:02):
Perfect and everybody that's listening that plays golfs in this
town knows exactly what you're talking about when it comes
to that.

Speaker 2 (35:07):
Grass.

Speaker 8 (35:08):
Yeah, yeah it's tight that golf, course especially the balls
when they miss a, green it'll bounce away from the
green and get into some really difficult areas where they
have to have they're short. Sided they have very difficult.

Speaker 2 (35:24):
Pitch.

Speaker 8 (35:24):
Shots and that grass makes it really good to play
off of when you're hitting that type of. Shot before
we overseed, it it was a real problem and now
it's just it's.

Speaker 3 (35:36):
Great, obviously the timing of everything is something that was
worked on from the moment To Jim cray and The
Astros Golf, foundation yourself procured and kept The houston open
here in. Town the scheduling of it and when it
falls on the, calendar and what it means to the
players to be here just a couple of weeks out
from The masters And augusta and their course and this
course are there even more ways where you think it

(35:58):
is a huge advantage for players to come Through houston
before getting To.

Speaker 2 (36:02):
Augusta you, KNOW i Think Tony final probably said it
best last.

Speaker 8 (36:05):
Year he, said it's a golf course that's in, condition
if not, better then exactly Like Augusta. National it's a
perfect place for them to, practice not to get tuned
up For. Augusta so we are very happy with the.
Date we're happy with where we are as a. Tournament
we've been getting bigger and better every. Year we get
bigger crowds every. Year we're doing a lot of great

(36:28):
things for, Charity so things couldn't be.

Speaker 3 (36:30):
Better, obviously there was news earlier today That Scottie scheffler
would be having to withdraw with the expectation that child
number two is about to, arrive and we were talking about.
THIS i was talking with somebody out at the course
today and then similarly with you as we walked in.
Here he likes playing HERE a lot of guys he
likes Playing texas courses for, one but he certainly likes

(36:51):
playing here AND i know was otherwise looking forward to
being a part of a very good.

Speaker 8 (36:55):
Field, yeah if we weren't expecting him to play this,
year we had talked to him and At thanksgiving and
he told us that the date wasn't gonna work because
of their due. Date and Then friday, afternoon totally, unexpectedly
he signed up and let us know that he was
hoping the timing worked, out but he'd have to withdraw

(37:16):
if it. Didn't AND i think the due date Was,
sunday and best of luck to he and his. Wife
we're very happy for. Him he loves playing In. Houston
he's going to be back here next. Year we're extremely
happy for, him and so we'll miss him this. Year
but it's worth.

Speaker 3 (37:33):
It Defending champs, Back Tony feenaur's, Back Wyndham clark is.
Here what are some of the other players you know
that the people here In houston want to see out
on the Course thursday Through.

Speaker 8 (37:42):
SUNDAY a couple of late entries Where Shane, Lowry Adam,
Scott Chris goddrup is. Playing he's ranked six in the
world right. Now we have a really good. Field Gary,
Woodland Jason, Day Ricky. Fowler it's going to be great out.
There make sure you get some rest this.

Speaker 3 (38:01):
Week by the, way you're talking about the scheduling of this,
thing but obviously you've got another season that's right around the.

Speaker 2 (38:05):
Corner, yeah it's gonna be a lot of. Fun i've
got a big Day.

Speaker 8 (38:09):
Thursday we'll be out at the golf course and then
head over to the ballpark watch that and it's gonna
be a great. WEEK a lot of the players are
going to be out. There brooks is gonna throw out
the first Pitch friday, night so we'll do a lot
of fun things part with both baseball and.

Speaker 3 (38:24):
Golf well as we prepare for our simulcast, here we
got to hit the top of the hour Break we
very much appreciate you coming by getting in studio here with,
us AND i hope to see you again out there
on what should be a Fantastic thursday for everybody here In,
houston then all throughout the weekend over At Memorial.

Speaker 9 (38:39):
Park.

Speaker 2 (38:39):
Great thank.

Speaker 3 (38:40):
You Giles, Kibbie President Houston Astros Golf, foundation The Texas
Children's Houston open is here on a.

Speaker 1 (38:46):
Pimal cast underway and touched on a whole lot of
stuff in that first. Hour we'll get to some of
that again here in our number two of. Four we
take you up until six o'clock. Tonight HE'S WEX i may.
See Josh jordan is our. Producer rockets taking one on
the chin last night In chicago better than forty points

(39:07):
allowed in the first, quarter and you were doing that
GAME wex watching as THE i can't. Remember did The
rockets actually finally hit a three pointer in the first?

Speaker 3 (39:17):
Half, yeah twenty minutes In, okay but it was they
were one for whatever it was at, halftime, Correct Uh,
no they had two out of three to close out
the first. Half they were two for, seventeen, okay two for,
seventeen and The bulls hit seven in the first. QUARTER
i believe seven in the first, quarter and they hit
fifty percent of their attempts by the end of the,
night including several late which won them the. Game The

(39:39):
rockets had a four point lead in the fourth quarter
despite trailing by twenty, two and then they watched The
bulls have another burst, offensively wide open looks every, time
a lot of scrambling defensive. Plays and, again you're this
deep into the, season we keep talking about what The
rockets are doing. POORLY i think SOME i don't know
which coaches you want to give credit, to because some

(40:00):
of them are coaching teams that aren't really playing very
hard or. Trying but obviously The bulls Are Billy donovan
and their. Staff, basically with The rockets doing what they
were doing, defensively they just were waiting for the matchups
that they. Wanted you, Know Josh, giddy Oh Alprin, shingoon
he's shifted over, here he's faced up against me. Defensively,
Well i'm gonna fake left and drive right to the,

(40:20):
basket And i'm gonna leave him in the. Dust and
WHEN i do, that then the defender in the corner
is gonna slide over to prevent the easy, layup and
when he does.

Speaker 2 (40:26):
That this not very good shooter is going to be
left wide.

Speaker 3 (40:29):
Open but he does play in THE, Nba he's gonna
make the, shot and that's same not very good player
is gonna grab an offensive rebound and Give Josh giddy
a chance to go one for two on three point
attempts on this one, possession and he made the second.
One you stepped back and didn't step up to Modest,
bezalius and he was the other of the three to
hit those late, threes which essentially put The rockets in

(40:50):
a very very bad spot that late in the. Game
to have those threes all hit in, succession that's essentially
how the game. Ended there was some activity later in
the game with The rockets down five inbounding it And
Kevin durant wanting to not be, held so he shoved
A Chicago bulls player in the chest and that, player
who's ROUGHLY kd in terms of weight and, build went.

(41:14):
Flying but two hands to the chest is pretty hard
for the officials to, overlook and they didn't called offensive,
foul which subsequently got to Emy udoka talking to the
officials for the second, time and he earned his second technical,
foul YOUR nba leader in technical, fouls Hemy udoka among,
coaches and he was told a year out of.

Speaker 1 (41:33):
Here, Pal, Well i'm glad you brought that up because
Emy udoka's comments after the game last.

Speaker 2 (41:38):
NIGHT i would run them fifty to.

Speaker 1 (41:40):
Fifty what you said and how you described that scenario
WITH kd is perfect Because i'm not gonna sit here
and act like that doesn't happen TO, kd like, OH
i don't.

Speaker 2 (41:51):
Know eighty possessions a game and.

Speaker 3 (41:53):
The exact same result we saw it LAST i don't
remember if it Was monday Or wednesday Against Austin reeves
and The. Laker reeves has been defending him the way
that players are allowed to defend. Him same thing With
curry and other players who they know they can't stay,
with so they hug them and until the officials call.
It it just creates more and more frustration for the offensive.
Player in this CASE, kd which boils. Over he did

(42:14):
the exact same thing To Austin, reeves which they actually
looked at for a, flagrant but they said there was no.
Wine he put two hands in his. Chest he wanted some.
Space he knows he's getting, fouled but they obviously didn't
see it that way that particular, night so he shoved him.

Speaker 2 (42:28):
And the weaker player fell.

Speaker 3 (42:31):
Over last, night it was definitely much more of a
theatrical fall From, bozaleas which that's when the officials need
to be a little bit. Better BUT i don't think
it wasn't a. Foul he just made sure of his
actions that they would see, it and it's a. Foul
they are also already down. Five they had the kind
of bed made it late in it kind of, situation.

Speaker 2 (42:49):
And it's a foul even if it happens at that
moment of the.

Speaker 1 (42:52):
Game as much AS i Love Ryan hollins because he
And craig were arguing about this on the, broadcast AND
i don't Think Ryan hollins was being home, horrific as
a colleague of mine, said BUT i, LIKE i get
where he's coming, from BUT i also Get, yeah you
got to call that in that situation because it is a.
FACT i, mean you would want that call going your.
Way but the problem is it was created by that.

(43:15):
Scenario as you've, mentioned that happens every, Game it's not
just last night In. CHICAGO i, Mean Kevin durant wears
multiple defenders on pretty much every possession because they know
they can't stop, him and that's their, problem but it's
Actually katie's problem because the officials don't call. It so
we'll get to those parts of Emy udoka's, thoughts but
he did address the, terrible, horrible no, good very bad

(43:39):
start to the game that put The rockets in that
hole to begin, with because when it comes down to,
it that didn't decide the, game but it shouldn't have
even had a spot in deciding the game because The
Chicago bulls are absolutely terrible and The rockets should have
taken care of business early on and they.

Speaker 2 (43:54):
DIDN'T i like my soft.

Speaker 10 (43:55):
Detail it is nothing as not the.

Speaker 3 (43:56):
Right on the rest that second thoughts on the start
of the, Game, uh they disrespected. It yeah you want?

Speaker 2 (44:06):
That yeah all, RIGHT i don't want it or.

Speaker 10 (44:16):
Start disrespect of the. Game not prepared from the get,
go just non, aggressive falling, around watch them. Shoot you,
know they have nothing to, lose they're gonna fire. Away
and obviously to give up forty one points in that
first quarters. Disappointing it was one quarter that killed us
and we weren't prepared to play at.

Speaker 3 (44:36):
ALL i love that you remember that exact, phrasing disrespecting the.
Game you come out of the locker room and you
watch the other team enjoy shoot, around but the the
clock's already.

Speaker 1 (44:46):
Started, yes that's exactly what they. Did and, AGAIN i, know,
like what do we say, when for, example The texans
started the season zero to three and they look abysmal
to start some of those. Games what Would Demiko ryans
come to the podium and, Say, well that's on. ME
i gotta have them better prepared to play this. Game

(45:09):
AND i know that that might be true in some,
ways AND i know That eme could have very much
said the same, Thing but like at some, POINT i
know everybody's on emy for, this that and the.

Speaker 2 (45:22):
Other, lately and that very much may have some.

Speaker 1 (45:25):
Merit you have critiques of some of his, rotations some
of his starting, lineups some of, whatever but, like it's
not his fault that The rockets come out and as
you put, it watch shoot around because they're not putting
any effort into the defensive end of the.

Speaker 3 (45:43):
Floor very good looks obviously. Dropped not a great offensive
team some, nights but they do play that way every.
Night they're they're in a certain, mode and The rockets
have a hard time with teams that play this. Way
they're saying, them we're not gonna play defense, either but
you're not gonna stop us because we're gonna play a higher.
Pace we're gonna shoot the. Ball we're to shoot the.
Ball where they try to score. Points that's the Bull
trust try. TO i know it sounds. Dumb they try

(46:05):
to outscore. You, again everybody does, that BUT i think
there's a meaning behind it, here And i'm with you on.
That not so much on the football. Side you're actually
trying to study what that team does for an entire,
week and then you come out there and you're, like,
well we went over all, this here's our game, plan
here are the plays we want to. Run here's the
scheme we're playing. Defensively where were you to sleep during the.
Meeting there's only so much of, That like you're supposed

(46:27):
to go over the screen on this, player and this
is the defense we want to play, here we want
to switch. Everything and maybe there's some miscommunication, there but you,
know being ready to play in THE, nba guys aren't
ready to play a, lot which is why we see
games like this a. LOT i don't mean exclusive To
houston at.

Speaker 2 (46:44):
All it happens all the.

Speaker 3 (46:45):
Time how did this? Happen how is this team that
clearly is talented and has had rest before this. Game
how are they down nineteen to? Four how are They Lake?
Minnesota the other night again Without Anthony. Edwards The celtics
ran them out of the gym in the first, quarter
and then they recovered and beat them over the last three.
Quarters and The rockets tried to unfortunately replicate that last.

(47:08):
Night the difference was The timberwolves were doing it on
the road In boston and came back and won without
their best. Player The rockets were doing it on the
road In chicago with all of their players healthy.

Speaker 2 (47:21):
And with their best players scoring a lot of.

Speaker 3 (47:23):
Points, yeah the The rockets threesome, OFFENSIVELY i. DON'T i, mean,
yeah it was one night and it was. Wasted but
that's what. Happened they're not gonna have another game like
that this. Year they're not gonna have another. Playoff they
might not ever have a game like that in the
history of their careers, together where all of them are
bearing every shot that leaves their. HANDS a sixteen of
nineteen and eight of twelve a fifteen of twenty three

(47:46):
and nearly one hundred points between.

Speaker 1 (47:48):
Them by the, way fifty. Shots by the, Way Kevin,
durant you can stop blaming. HIM i know he has turnover,
games and he has dumb. Turnovers he only had four last,
night which for, HIM i, know that's still way too
many for one. Player but Like Kevin, durant wasn't the
problem last. Night albren shingun, offensively certain certainly wasn't the

(48:08):
problem last.

Speaker 2 (48:09):
Night he missed three shots and he took nearly.

Speaker 1 (48:11):
Twenty but the defense has gone off a Cliff AND
i Just i'm talking about from last, season AND i
know you were talking about earlier in the first. Hour you,
Know Steven adams being lost for the season midway affects those,
numbers tilts the scales in a certain. Direction but like
even before he went, down the intensity on that end

(48:35):
of the floor has been lacking.

Speaker 3 (48:36):
Severely the number one attribute of the twenty twenty five
twenty twenty Six rockets was going to be very, clear
very very, clear what is the best thing that this team.
Does it's not, offense not three point, shooting it's not,
defense it's. Rebounding they were going to be the best
rebounding team in THE, nba and it wasn't going to
be a. Close they were going to be the best

(48:57):
offensive rebounding team in THE, nba and it wasn't going
to be. Close and that's exactly what was happening up
Until january. Twentieth and now they're just a good rebounding.
Team they're just like the other good rebounding. Teams they
don't do anything that sets them. Apart they don't have an,
identity they aren't strong in any one. Area they have
a nice, roster the, awful, terrible we think this team.

(49:18):
Stinks rockets are still sixth best in The west and
a half game out of being fourth best in The.
West there's still fifteen games over five. Hundred, now, granted
they finished last year twenty two games over five, hundred
and they're clearly trending to not repeat that with eleven games,
remaining needing to win nine of them just to match
last year's, record and even at that they. Won't they're
not going to finish, second they're not going to finish.

(49:39):
Third they might not even finish fourth even if they
did go nine and. Two so they're just a totally different,
outfit which is quite. CLEAR i mean probably all that
went without saying because they have a, very very different,
group especially from the fact you traded two out and
then you lost a, third and then you lost a
fourth only essentially adding.

Speaker 1 (49:59):
One, Kevin we'll hear What ima had to say about the.

Speaker 2 (50:03):
OFFICIALS i mean we basically already.

Speaker 1 (50:05):
Did but Also victor Wimbin Yama casey already didn't think
he was. Insufferable he gave you yet another reason last.
Night all of that coming up next THE Ag Sports
Talks nights.

Speaker 2 (50:20):
Will work this. Segment they, work by the, way shout
out To giles for stopping by. Again, yeah have you
missed that a little bit.

Speaker 3 (50:28):
Earlier The Astros Golf foundation obviously having The Texas Children.
Houston Texas Children's houston opened all week this. Week players
are out there right now and we'll be out there again,
tomorrow some pro am, activity some media availabilities for some
of the, players and then Obviously thursday morning they get teed.
Off i'm sure they'll be in a good mood even

(50:50):
when they get teed Off thursday And friday obviously rounds
one and, two and then what should be a fantastic weather,
weekend all while The astros organization is hosting The Los
Angeles Angels thursday Through, sunday then The Red sox come to.
Town but to Appreciate jiles stopping by here in studio
just before the two o'clock hour and, everything LIKE i told,

(51:14):
HIM i was out there earlier, today was out there last.

Speaker 2 (51:17):
Week it looks.

Speaker 3 (51:19):
Phenomenal and if they get the weather that was there
last week on the weather that was there again today
for the rest of the, WEEK i don't think.

Speaker 2 (51:25):
They could ask for a whole.

Speaker 3 (51:26):
Lot more, SO i know a lot of people love
going out there every, year no matter what else is
going on that particular, weekend and this particular, weekend there's
a lot of. It there are three college basketball games
of great importance to be played here IN us asking
me for, TICKETS i don't have. Them thursday night the
early game with the two teams from The, midwest and

(51:46):
Then thursday night the late game with one team from The,
midwest and then the other team that Says houston on
it playing here At Toyota.

Speaker 2 (51:53):
Center winters Meet.

Speaker 3 (51:54):
Saturday to you, nobody, seriously not a one. Person But
i'm not a hub for activity like you.

Speaker 2 (52:01):
Are i'm not a hub for.

Speaker 3 (52:02):
Activity my friend count is a little bit. Lower, stop
it's not about.

Speaker 1 (52:06):
That, oh you work in sports. Media there's AN ncaaa regional.
Here maybe you have.

Speaker 3 (52:11):
Tickets you probably do have. TICKETS i should ask, you
even IF i haven't spoken.

Speaker 6 (52:16):
To you in.

Speaker 3 (52:16):
Years that's my favorite one that people do. Well if
they get, them THEN i hopefully will see them. THERE
i intend on being There thursday night after Our astros
coverage and AFTER i hopefully get out to the golf
course first thing in the. MORNING i ignore those for
a fantastic. Day, YEAH i ignore those particular people for.

Speaker 2 (52:33):
Sport it's.

Speaker 3 (52:34):
Fun, well they probably unfortunately don't do it the right
way and ignore you throughout the year until oh MAYBE
i should reach out for tickets.

Speaker 1 (52:42):
Out to you one. Better there's one particular person that
ask me for these exact, tickets and if you had,
them you would have said, yes, right, no.

Speaker 7 (52:49):
No no no.

Speaker 1 (52:49):
No that's that's Why i'm getting to this PERSON i
found out was just saying some disparaging things about. Me,
oh And i'm, like that's not gonna get your? Tickets
how do?

Speaker 2 (53:00):
You how do you do?

Speaker 3 (53:02):
That then there's like all this time that you don't
ever talk to, me and then you do that like
two days before the, game three days before the.

Speaker 2 (53:09):
Game some people, man, well maybe they didn't.

Speaker 3 (53:12):
Know maybe they just have just totally taken aback That
Toyota center was hosting The South regional very recent, announcement
AND u OF h was in The South regional and
likely to arrive here very recent. Undertaking and they were
likely to be put in The South regional for pretty
much the entire.

Speaker 2 (53:29):
Season and here they, are.

Speaker 1 (53:31):
And that's after all the disparaging things you fig. Got
you said, that it's just. Crazy all, right.

Speaker 3 (53:37):
Try again maybe next time or. Not not not, Me
it's definitely gonna be a. No if you don't, try
try somebody.

Speaker 1 (53:43):
Else, okay real, quick E may talking about the officiating
last night was not a good look in my.

Speaker 2 (53:52):
Opinion real, quickly here's what he had to, say.

Speaker 10 (53:55):
Play going soft detail is nothing and then the text
was off too about to complain about a soft, Crew
so that is what it.

Speaker 1 (54:02):
Is first question for, you does he get fined for?
That it's kind of a that's very very in between
ish H.

Speaker 2 (54:11):
A i'm going to say, NO.

Speaker 3 (54:13):
B i'm going to say it matters only because he's,
already LIKE i told that was eleven technical. Fouls he
already gets a lot of, him and he's usually not
getting him, Went oh my, god this guy's getting ejected for.
Sure he just he yells at him a, lot he's
mad at them a, lot gets his mind in or
his thoughts in and, then but more so clearly now

(54:33):
than any other coach in the, league he hasn't had
one of Those oh my, god this is he's getting.
Fine he's he didn't leave the court in a timely.

Speaker 2 (54:39):
Manner he's.

Speaker 3 (54:40):
Irate he's Got they really need to hold him. Back
he was smiling when he left the.

Speaker 1 (54:44):
Court wanted to get he wanted to get an explanation
before he left in a timely manner.

Speaker 2 (54:50):
Because of what he just.

Speaker 3 (54:51):
Said he's, like You're i'm getting a second technical for. That,
HECK i think he thought that about the first technical.
Too but there's a little bit further down the road
as this can con. Tinues it was much different last.
Year's they're gonna be different crews for. Sure for you,
know the majority of your, games they're not gonna like
listening to. You they're gonna like listening to you even

(55:12):
less because of the constant be rating both during and
then after the. Game they don't want to hear that
after the game about The this wasn't about they missed a.
Call this WAS i don't like the way you go
about your business, well and which is very similar to
the Zach zarba led crew in The denver.

Speaker 1 (55:31):
Game, say that's not even the first crew as a,
group he. Insulted he called him soft last, night but
at least he didn't call them starstruck like he called
Zak zarba.

Speaker 3 (55:41):
Specifically, yep twenty FIVE k for that. One and in
light of the fact he's been fined once already this,
year even though he Said i'm not gonna comment on,
it he just did comment on. It so if there's another,
fine it's probably thirty five.

Speaker 2 (55:51):
Thousand, yeah that's an incremental.

Speaker 1 (55:54):
Increase, now that's not nearly as offensive as What victor
Wiman yama said last.

Speaker 2 (55:58):
Night oh you think?

Speaker 11 (55:59):
So?

Speaker 4 (55:59):
Yeah?

Speaker 2 (56:00):
Offensive, yeah it's offensive all.

Speaker 3 (56:02):
Right he got into a conversation after their victory last,
night very competitive game about the Most Valuable player race
in The National Basketball association and his involvement In.

Speaker 9 (56:12):
Italy That japus sixty reserved the game in His swinger.

Speaker 4 (56:19):
Nineties so far in the JURIS.

Speaker 7 (56:23):
I believe have the most effectful. Players second arguer in
the that's almost this. Season he recommendated him three, times
would they really see or teas.

Speaker 12 (56:38):
Sportation?

Speaker 9 (56:39):
Players AND i THINK i argue it would be that.

Speaker 7 (56:44):
Helpus. Inpact it's not just.

Speaker 3 (56:47):
Us so what he said that nobody could hear was
he gave three points of why he thinks he should
be the m V. P second point was about how
they've Dominated Oklahoma city when they had their real, team
and last point was obviously about how offensive. Impact first
point it was about his defensive.

Speaker 1 (57:02):
Impact the most egregious part of that is Now, again
to be fair to, him somebody asked. Him they asked
him if he thinks about THE mvp, race and he,
SAYS i do think about it a, lot and then
they asked him to state his. Case so it's not
like he just sat down and was, LIKE i should
be THE mvp and here's. Why but if you're going
to do, that nobody gives a crap that you almost

(57:25):
Swept Oklahoma, city especially if that's going to lend itself
to YOUR mvp.

Speaker 3 (57:30):
Candidacy why wouldn't it matter if these guys you're having
a hard time picking one over the, Other and why
wouldn't you look at the? Matchups, no having a hard
time picking one over the Other SGA's THE. Mvp, no why?
Not why they roughly have the same. Record his team
is beating them head, up and he's. Right he has
the biggest defensive impact of any of the, candidates and

(57:51):
it's not close and, offensively while he plays fewer minutes
for obvious, reasons he has as big of an impact
on the game as AS. SGA i, mean you don't
think that's a case to be. Made you don't think
people will actually debate that and he'll get first place.

Speaker 1 (58:06):
Votes, Oh i'm sure somebody In San antonio is gonna
give him a first place, vote but that's their.

Speaker 3 (58:10):
Problem, well i'd think he's gonna get a lot. MORE
i don't even LIKE sg support for it than maybe
other people. Think, yeah he's everything he said is exactly.
Right the voters might, yeah not be on board with.

Speaker 1 (58:24):
That by a matter of, fact they did almost Sweep
Oklahoma city in the regular.

Speaker 2 (58:29):
Season big freaking. Deal who cares the regular Season?

Speaker 3 (58:33):
Award who?

Speaker 13 (58:33):
Cares?

Speaker 2 (58:34):
Well that's what you're looking. AT i, mean, like.

Speaker 1 (58:37):
Just for, Example San antonio itself beat The rockets five
out of six, times so they Gave David robinson THE
mvp that, year and then A king torched him in the.

Speaker 2 (58:46):
Postseason, right that's what's gonna happen in the playoffs.

Speaker 1 (58:48):
Here SO i guess if that from the standpoint of
if you want, to if you are AN mvp voter
and you take into account how many times this guy's
team beat this guy's, team and that's what fact into
YOUR mvp, VOTE i would argue you should have your
vote taken.

Speaker 3 (59:03):
Away, yes if those are your top two candidates and
one guy get, you did it get you the top?
Seed are you better than that?

Speaker 1 (59:09):
Team, no you're still looking up at them in the
standings and they'll still probably beat, you you, know a
seven game.

Speaker 3 (59:14):
Series but he's playing next to zero ALL nba, players
While shay's playing next to, one maybe two If chet
makes it this.

Speaker 1 (59:22):
Year so now we shouldn't GIVE sga the thing And
wemby's team beat. THEM sga is being penalized for having
a better. Roster, no you just put TOGETHER i GOT
sga in this. COLUMN i Got wemby in that column
and down the list you go and you got a
sixty two win, team you got a fifty nine win. Team,
well can't a differentiating factor being the games they played

(59:43):
against one?

Speaker 2 (59:44):
Another what tell? Me explain this to? Me defense is
fifty percent of the, game and that is undervalued in
THE mvp.

Speaker 3 (59:52):
Race, YEAH i think he views it as people don't
really don't look at it that. Way he's, right that's
what the Defensive player of The year awards, for not THE.
Mvp you could win both if you were a. Hakeem
but that's there's a. Discussion that's they don't give an
offensive player of The year award, out they give AN mvp,
out and it factors in. EVERYTHING i. THINK i, WOULD
i would factor in everything undervalued in THE mvp, RACE i.

(01:00:13):
Think but there's a different there's a separate award for
that very thing he's talking, about, Right so why would
you eliminate it from your consideration just because there's another.
AWARD i, mean you're you're trying to win THE. Mvp
you're playing. Defense you can't act like these. Guys that's
a part of your. Game but why does it have
to be included as he he's just saying it's undervalue
and it's half of the, game and he's probably looking
at it LIKE i bet you the voters are, like

(01:00:34):
if you scoring thirty five points and suck on, defense
they don't care because there's such a good.

Speaker 1 (01:00:38):
Offense like player of The year award didn't. EXIST i
might be able to hear. THAT i, mean his best
point was the third. Point i'm a freaking alien out,
there so you have to account for me even WHEN
i don't have the.

Speaker 2 (01:00:49):
Ball that's the only salient point he made in my.

Speaker 3 (01:00:51):
Opinion it's not the first time in the last two
weeks we've talked about DIFFERENT mvp, candidates and none of
those times have we talked About Nikola. Jokic JOKIC, SGA
Donc wemby and The Players association put out a statement
today on behalf of a DIFFERENT mvp. Candidate it's, wild
WILD nba these. Days the eight half way Through Several

(01:01:13):
more To go will take up till six o'clock this,
evening and The astros will have their final exhibition game shortly.
Thereafter Jeremy paania At dyke And park and in the
lineup and playing shortstop this evening for Your. ASTROS i
would anticipate that likely means he's also doing that two
days from now at three ten. Pm but the glutt is.

(01:01:36):
Back we'll See march. Fourth the injury. Occurred twenty two
days from, then The astros have their, opener and that
is in two. Days Altuve, Correa Perettis Low, Perfido Christian,
Walker Bryce, Matthews Zach, cole And Christian vasquez Joining paanya
in the lineup in support of trying to Get lance

(01:01:57):
McCullers junior the victory tonight and their ex game against
his teammates Like Cavin bigio And Taylor tremmel and the
rest of the crew that will outfit Your Sugarland Space
cowboys throughout much of the upcoming. Season so obviously looking
forward to everybody going into the game and their current
state of health and coming back out of the game

(01:02:18):
in a similar state of. Health but the work the
pain just put in during the week here back In
houston and obviously being a part of things. Tonight hopefully
that is the. Case they can finalize what their opening
day roster will. Be they already know a handful of
players that won't be a part of. It recovering surgery
pitchers from last, Year Brandon, Walter Renel, Blanco hayden Wi,

(01:02:38):
nesky Obviously Josh, hater and we'll see what else is
necessary on that, Front but otherwise good to go for
their game against The, angels the first of four against,
them three more against The Red, sox and then their
first road trip of the. Season one other note on
Your Houston. Texans Wyatt telller did meet with the media
earlier today and confirmed what we had already thought would

(01:02:59):
be the. Case he's getting ready to play left guard
here In, houston right guard with The, browns although he
has some experience at left guard way. Back when he'll
make the, shift that is the. Expectation he had had
a previous conversation with C. J stroud about the hopes
of maybe him coming here to block.

Speaker 2 (01:03:16):
For him and the run.

Speaker 3 (01:03:17):
GAME i don't know how much they talked about. That
it's not often a quarterback recruits an offensive. Lineman it's
going to be handing it off a. LOT i really
hope you can block for our run. Game they usually
are thinking about, themselves and rightfully. So but we'll hear
a little bit From wyatt as he and his family Become.
Texans he'll put on the, uniform they'll wear the, gear

(01:03:39):
but they'll all Be. TEXANS i think his wife's already
become a textant if you've seen Her instagram account, lately.
Undoubtedly by the, way did you see my Girl Ella
langley knocking Off Taylor swift only because it was on
your ig? STORE i had not seen that. OTHERWISE i
was just informing you and everybody.

Speaker 2 (01:03:56):
Else good. Job, yeah. Thanks so what is it that she?

Speaker 3 (01:03:58):
Did she sold some records longest.

Speaker 2 (01:04:00):
RUNNING i think it's aid at the number one spot.

Speaker 7 (01:04:04):
On The.

Speaker 3 (01:04:07):
Taylor's vast catalog of hits and other lesser known. SONGS
i DON'T i could be. Wrong it's not a swiftye
to the anth. Degree not a single one of them
Has texas in the, title does?

Speaker 2 (01:04:19):
IT i don't think.

Speaker 3 (01:04:20):
So Does Does ella have any songs With texas in the?

Speaker 2 (01:04:23):
Title there's at least one THAT i know.

Speaker 3 (01:04:24):
Of boom record, setter very easy to figure.

Speaker 2 (01:04:27):
Out, well everything's bigger In texas. Too she knows.

Speaker 3 (01:04:30):
That both very well known country music, artists.

Speaker 2 (01:04:35):
Which is what was once.

Speaker 1 (01:04:37):
Wash by the, way speaking of listening to, things you're
gonna need to listen coming, up at the top of
the hour if you want to Win rockets tickets to
That bucks game coming up On april.

Speaker 2 (01:04:48):
FIRST i have a VERY i tied it all together.

Speaker 1 (01:04:52):
Today there's a very fantastic moment that a lot of
sports entertainment fans are selling brading, today AND i tied
it into a little antidote about A rockets. Legend and
you're gonna need to hear that coming up at the
top of the hour if you want to have a
chance at winning those. Tickets, so speaking of insufferable fan,

(01:05:15):
Bases so we just got done talking about The spurs
and their organization and their best player and how insufferable he.
IS i knew that the thunder were rubbing people the
wrong way because of THE sga free throw merchant thing
and all that kind of. Stuff Lou dort assaulting people
on a nightly, basis THEIR gm getting mad at other

(01:05:38):
teams for tanking when he did the exact same thing
all the, time in addition to somehow getting more draft
picks out of people who are just willing to hand
them over to him to build this. Team by the,
WAY sga never did anything until he got all of
those other great players around him do you know?

Speaker 7 (01:05:56):
That?

Speaker 1 (01:05:56):
Right so there is A i'm gonna just call him
a blog. Boy but it was so egregiously. Bad AND
i think that there Are thunder fans that agree with.
This in, FACT i know there. Are and yet this
could have been best OF. X now this isn't that.
Recent this is four days, ago so it's, recent but

(01:06:17):
it's not like it happened. Yesterday this, guy actually with
a straight, face wrote an article talking about The sonics
possibly coming back To, seattle and he, said AND i
won't even click on the. ARTICLE i won't give him
my click or anyone. Else if The sonics want their
history Back seattle owes The thunder on. Apology, now the

(01:06:40):
comments on. This it's been viewed by over four hundred
and ten thousand. People there's six hundred and fifty. Comments
there's only one hundred and twenty five likes and two
hundred and forty two. Retweets the first comment says one
of the most deserved ratios in the history of the.
App it's not one of the most. DESERVED i mean it's,
deserved BUT i mean the sheer numbers of this say.

(01:07:01):
Otherwise he did say in a follow up to, that
good Thing twitter doesn't. Matter i'm, like, well it matters
enough for you to post this on. It but, SERIOUSLY
i think there are Some thunders who Are thunder fans
who agree with, this AND i just don't get that,
because as you pointed out the other day when we
were talking about, this their.

Speaker 2 (01:07:19):
Ownership tell me the scenario. Again how did it?

Speaker 7 (01:07:22):
Go?

Speaker 3 (01:07:23):
Uh are you looking for a? Buyer, yep but we
don't want the team to be. Moved THE nba doesn't
want the team to be moved.

Speaker 2 (01:07:29):
Either has the team in told?

Speaker 3 (01:07:30):
Yet but have you found a? Buyer i'm not moving the.
Team oh you're. Not, well we'll keep, looking but we'll
keep you in.

Speaker 2 (01:07:36):
Mind. Thanks.

Speaker 3 (01:07:36):
Bye have you found a? Buyer not, yet but we
have your offer. Here we're looking, for you, know a competitive.
Situation oh you mean you want more? Money well, yes
but we also want the team not to move and
THE nba doesn't want the team to. Move, Okay i'll
call you. Back you have a buyer? Yet, no you
can have, it but you can't move the.

Speaker 10 (01:07:55):
Team.

Speaker 3 (01:07:55):
Okay is the deal? Done, yes it's been. Approved i'm moving.

Speaker 1 (01:08:00):
And in that that's exactly how it. Went by the,
way it's exactly how it. Went, well so what's the apology?

Speaker 2 (01:08:05):
For that's WHAT i want to. Know on what planet
do you think that it should not be the other way.

Speaker 3 (01:08:11):
Around seattle fans need to apologize to the franchise that
left them after they said they wouldn't. Leave that's like
Asking texans fans to apologize To Amy. Adams i'm a
thumb shrunk before we get the oiler's name and colors
back here In. Houston, well this gentleman did give an
answer to that. Question it's not. Rhetorical they can acknowledge

(01:08:31):
the history and get their history, back all those, things
but under one, caveat they need to offer an. Apology
for eighteen, years thunder fans have dealt With sonic fans bitter.
Behavior then he describes a bunch of stuff, like so
you've dealt with bitter behavior from the fans of the.

Speaker 2 (01:08:46):
City you should team. Front they should be.

Speaker 3 (01:08:49):
Better now you can be mad at your owner for. Selling,
clearly team can't move if you don't. SELL i assume
you wanted to keep them. There he's Got seattle Rootsh
Jordan schultz's, Dad so, yeah you can be mad at,
them WHICH i have zero doubt they are mad at.
Him they've always been mad at. Him they've been mad
at him and his. Family why did you do this to?

Speaker 2 (01:09:07):
Us why'd you?

Speaker 3 (01:09:08):
Sell, well they didn't have to, move but then they
did moves like apologizing for bitter behavior when the team
that you love is playing somewhere. Else that's what fans
are supposed to. DO i, thought apologize for what you.
Created howstonians have bitterness Towards amy's outfit there In, NASHVILLE
i don't think. Anymore it's also been more than eighteen,

(01:09:28):
years that's. True but, yeah you can ask for. It
you can ask for an. Apology you're not getting.

Speaker 2 (01:09:34):
One sorry seems to be the hardest, word not for
the same.

Speaker 1 (01:09:39):
Reasons all, right we will take a quick time out right,
Here Joe espada in anticipation of the twenty twenty six
campaign that's right around the. Corner as we continue along
here in our number two winding things, down by the,
way one other thing on THE okc. Situation who is
the oh my, Gosh i'm drawing a blank on his

(01:10:02):
name That Darryl morey traded from The, sixers the guy
that ran for office a few years, back, McCain jared. McCain,
yes that is the second trade with The. THUNDER i
Believe daryl would like to have back following his swindling
of them after the.

Speaker 3 (01:10:21):
Heart, HONESTLY i don't really think he would wants to
have it. BACK i don't think.

Speaker 11 (01:10:23):
HE i.

Speaker 3 (01:10:25):
Don't i'm not sure what the reasoning was for, it
BUT i don't think he's surprised That jared McCain is
awesome and they got basically nothing out of.

Speaker 2 (01:10:32):
It there was a reason for.

Speaker 3 (01:10:33):
It i'm not sure what the financial reasons, were the
navigating their way around their, assets BUT i don't think
he's baffled by it Or oh, MAN i can't believe
we gave up on him so, early but nobody could.
Either it made no, Sense like outside of the, ORGANIZATION
i couldn't believe he did it. EITHER i don't understand
what possible you can have.

Speaker 1 (01:10:52):
That guy right now and he can't play as much
as he would be playing In philly for The thunder
because they're so. Loaded philly's. Loaded, No i'm saying The
thunder are, loaded so he's probably. NOT i, mean he's
getting some minutes and he's obviously, contributing BUT i feel like.

Speaker 3 (01:11:06):
Makes he's part of their rotation and has made them
even more. Formidable, exactly, Thanks, TERYL i just.

Speaker 1 (01:11:11):
Exactly AND i just feel like if he was still In,
philadelphia wouldn't he be able to get even more?

Speaker 2 (01:11:16):
MINUTES i believe that would be the. Case, okay just
checking in on that.

Speaker 1 (01:11:20):
Situation cause, again After darryl fleeced them For James, harden
The Chris paul, Deal Russell westbrook with the first round
draft picks, plural and then this one as a member
of The sixers, ORGANIZATION i feel like he's, uh he's
three thirty three right.

Speaker 3 (01:11:40):
Now it deals with the. Thunder just try doing this moving.
Forward if there's a third FOURTH nba team that you,
run and he didn't really run The, celtics so maybe
third ASSISTANT, gm maybe seek out a team that isn't
likely to have massive injury. PROBLEMS i, Mean i'm, Well

(01:12:01):
i'm not going to tell him That Tyrese maxi was
gonna get, hurt which has now happened this. Year but
From yao And tracy To, joel, well you got to
Count Chris paul in. THERE i don't not like those
guys cost you a. Title, yeah but those guys were, perennially,
annually repeatedly unable to play the basketball.

Speaker 1 (01:12:22):
Games you might it might have cost you a title
in two thousand and, eight to be honest with, you
as good as that team was when they were.

Speaker 3 (01:12:27):
Healthy that's that's What i'm really getting.

Speaker 2 (01:12:29):
That, yeah like he.

Speaker 3 (01:12:30):
Didn't Chris paul's not Like Joel. Embiid nobody's asking do
you think he's injury? Prone because They what was.

Speaker 1 (01:12:38):
The GRAPHIC i saw the other? DAY i don't, know
Since joel has won THE. Mvp it was something Between
joel embiide and And Nicole yoe.

Speaker 2 (01:12:51):
Probably Something i'm just.

Speaker 3 (01:12:52):
GUESSING i think since he won THE, Mvp Nikolai jokic
has blank number of triple, doubles which is more, game
which is more than the number of games played That
joel has since, then including none against him because he
never makes the trip To denver and he hasn't faced
him in a game in all those.

Speaker 2 (01:13:10):
Years is, That Joel, Embiid let's see how you.

Speaker 1 (01:13:12):
Did Joel embiid has appeared in ninety one games since
he won THE. Mvp Nikola jokic has eighty seven triple
doubles Since Joel embiid won SAID.

Speaker 2 (01:13:22):
Mvp so, yeah you were basically.

Speaker 7 (01:13:24):
It you had it all.

Speaker 3 (01:13:26):
Right How's joe spotted doing heading into a opening? Week
how you feel like he? Is they, said we got
a lot of things done when he first got back
From West Palm, Beach SO i imagine he's feeling pretty.

Speaker 1 (01:13:36):
Good give me the number, One give me the number
one SoundBite For astros fans to be enthusiastic about the
twenty twenty six upcoming.

Speaker 2 (01:13:48):
Season if you had to pick it all, right.

Speaker 1 (01:13:51):
Like just, say for the sake of, ARGUMENT i didn't
have a list in front of me of what he said,
yesterday AND i needed to.

Speaker 14 (01:13:57):
KNOW i can't wait for you guys to see him even.
TODAY i would not be surprised if we see a hundred.
Today like he, is he's, excited he's ready to, Go
he's excited to put An ASTRO'S juni from. On he
can't wait for for the. Fans he's he's talked about the.
Environment you guys are gonna love what you gotta.

Speaker 3 (01:14:19):
See sorry about last night's starting. Pitcher he wasn't talking about.
Emay he was talking about Ord on Alva is playing
one hundred. Games wasn't He?

Speaker 2 (01:14:29):
No come, on man go with.

Speaker 6 (01:14:32):
It it's.

Speaker 3 (01:14:33):
Funny, hey the fans Know, jordaan they don't Know.

Speaker 1 (01:14:37):
EMI i, know but he's excited to put a you
astro's you, know from on and show you a hundred
which you didn't do last, year one hundred games or.

Speaker 2 (01:14:45):
More that is also.

Speaker 1 (01:14:46):
True Jord On alva is playing in a hundred games
greater than more important Than emi having success in his
maiden voyage is an astro true or, false it's more.

Speaker 3 (01:14:57):
IMPORTANT i think they you, know let's, say put injury
out there if he might is not able to answer the,
bell BECAUSE i don't think he's gonna make twenty five
twenty eight starts and be. Unsuccessful he's able to go out.
THERE i think he's gonna have a successful. Season so
if the injury is the reason that he just doesn't
give the team what they were hoping for out of
a guy who probably has the best or second best
stuff on the, team then they might either have enough

(01:15:20):
in reserve this year because of How Dana brown attacked
it this. Offseason doesn't mean all these guys are gonna pitch,
well but Both Spencer arraghetty And Ryan, weiss and honestly
due to, Injury Nate. Pearson that's three. Pitchers none of
them are in the Opening, Today opening week, rotation and
all of them entered the offseason, anticipating, well that's exactly

(01:15:41):
what is going to. Happen Spencer araghedy figured he'd been
one of the best five starters for The astros when
his season ended last, year And Ryan weiss was signed
to be a starter here from THE, kbo And Nate
pearson was brought here With the conversations are very well
known since he's talked about.

Speaker 2 (01:15:57):
Them this is why he's. Here they want to convert
him into a.

Speaker 3 (01:15:59):
Store they like his, profile and they anticipate that he
unfortunately was, hurt and so timing, Wise i'm not sure
when that. Changes you're gonna have a guy like the
other pitcher last, Night Colton gordon not saying he's a
great major league. Pitcher he was, honestly very very very
easy to hit last. Year maybe he's fixed a few
things and is a little less easy to, hit and
maybe you can navigate your way through with those. Group

(01:16:20):
maybe Aj blueball is a starting pitcher at some point
for you at the major league. Level this, year they
just have so many more, possibilities and that's just. INTERNALLY i,
mean eventually they might have to if they have that
many issues and nobody's.

Speaker 2 (01:16:31):
Successful they could go.

Speaker 3 (01:16:32):
Outside you probably at some point this year are seeing
pitches from Both Renelle blanco And Hayden. Wiznski there's no
backup plan for the best left handed hitter in The American.
League that's a much bigger loss in my, opinion especially
for as. BIG i, mean the offense to me is
just as much of a question mark as the starting
pitching and maybe the pitching. Overall because of your injury

(01:16:55):
issues in the, bullpen two guys that are pitching leverage
innings and your bullpen are. Unavailable but then as soon
is starting the year on THE, Il Josh haters starting
the year on THE, IO i Believe joey Low, perfido Cam,
smith And Jake myers will be your starting, outfield with
Jord On alvarez a designated. Hitter but With Jeremy penny
in the lineup, tonight and the likelihood then becomes he's

(01:17:17):
your opening day, shortstop you have to rethink things a little.
Bit otherwise your opening day lineup will not feature one
of your best hitters AND i think that is ill.
Advised good news For Caesar, salazar.

Speaker 2 (01:17:31):
He's made the. Team, no he's not made the.

Speaker 3 (01:17:34):
Team the good news is that he won't get crossed
up by An astros pitcher this. Year the bad news
is that he has not made the. Team so the
good news For Sazar salazar is that even though fromber is,
elsewhere he now knows that he won't be having to
catch him because he's going to be With Sugar lane
unless he lands With. Detroit, well it was a good
way to spend it here on this. Program you didn't, say, hey.
Everybody Christian vasquez is a twenty. Twenty it's A tuesday

(01:17:57):
edition of the. Program Josh jordan is our. Producer and as,
promised before we get to anything, else we told you
we would tell you how you could Win rockets. TICKETS
i do believe this is The Rockets bucks game coming
up On April Fool's.

Speaker 1 (01:18:14):
Day it's a pair of tickets to See Rockets Bucks
april First Toyota. Center tickets are on sale now At
Toyota center dot. Com but of course you will have
listened to this segment and later on in the show
you'll be able to win those tickets because you have
the knowledge that we're giving you right. NOW i know

(01:18:35):
you're a huge professional wrestling. FAN wex one of the
biggest ones in this. Room you have attended Multiple, WrestleManias
you have been watching since you were about ten years.

Speaker 3 (01:18:46):
Old, well that part might get you. Sideways i've watched
a lot of.

Speaker 1 (01:18:49):
Wrestling your First, WrestleMania, remember vividly Was WrestleMania seven in
nineteen ninety. One you were a big, Hulk, hogan macho,
man and old Ultimate warrior fan back in the.

Speaker 2 (01:19:01):
Day, again those things are.

Speaker 1 (01:19:03):
True you used to play wrestling with your friends on
your backyard. Trampoline oh, wait all those things are me
last part not? True all, Right SO i say all
that to, say during that time, span on that very,
Era i'm talking about a guy made his debut way
way back in the. Day his name Was Mark. Callaway he,

(01:19:26):
ACTUALLY i, believe went To Waltrip High school here in,
town lived over there right off A tc, jester and
he became a very iconic persona in The World Wrestling
federation LATER. Wwe his name you might know better as The.
Undertaker but before he was, famous and before he Left,

(01:19:49):
houston and before he became one of the most ICONIC
Wwe hall Of famers of all. Time he was a
basketball player For. Waltrip he's, tall, dude he is Leave
he's The they bill him at seven. FEET i believe
he's about six. Ten he's kind of Like kakeema athletes.

Speaker 3 (01:20:04):
Height he's probably more like six' nine or. Six, Ten
yeah AND since i Bring, up hakeem it's. Very convenient
you're well aware of the legendary pickup Games at fondi
back in.

Speaker 2 (01:20:14):
The, eighties, yeah absolutely you. WERE there i could have
been in.

Speaker 3 (01:20:18):
THE eighties i. WAS here i wasn't actually at some.
Of those i've Been to fondi. Many.

Speaker 1 (01:20:22):
Times famously that Is where hakeem kind of owned his skills.
And became he went from a boy to. A man if,
you will going Up Against moses malone every, single day
getting thrown down by THE reigning mvp OF, The nba
we'll do that. To you, so apparently somehow, or Another
the undertaker was at a Game at fondi and found

(01:20:45):
himself on the same Team As hakeem Elijuan and i'll
let him pick up the story.

Speaker 9 (01:20:50):
FROM there i got a chance To Play moses Malone
or Barkley Or clyde, Drexler's There. Larry MISHAW so i
get on. The SCENE finally i get. A run i'm
on the, team's, Team right i'm playing. The two, I'm
five i'm playing two.

Speaker 7 (01:21:07):
Shooting Guard so.

Speaker 2 (01:21:08):
I'm coming i'm bringing the ball up the left side and.

Speaker 10 (01:21:10):
He's.

Speaker 9 (01:21:10):
Running dude he. Was incredible his footwork and everything was just.
Next level and he's already on the end and he's
pointing for an.

Speaker 2 (01:21:18):
ALLEY and i.

Speaker 4 (01:21:19):
Threw it the ball was way above, the.

Speaker 9 (01:21:21):
Box and, I'M thinking i just threw, that away, You
know and he called the ball dunked, on, something dude
and he kind of give me a little nice past
Month and, i'm.

Speaker 4 (01:21:30):
Like did these guys? Go there you don't even know
if they KNOW who.

Speaker 9 (01:21:33):
I am i know who you ARE because I need i,
DON'T think, i mean they have, No clue LIKE because
i was just, a skinny.

Speaker 2 (01:21:41):
REDHEADED kid i never knew about that.

Speaker 3 (01:21:44):
Until, today yeah those that he was on the, podcast
with it's an, older podcast they were reveling in that very.
Same thought how do we everybody not know?

Speaker 1 (01:21:53):
This story it makes sense because of the, time PERIOD
but i would have thought as Big a rockets fan
and as big a wrestling FAN as i was growing
Up in houston where both of these guys where, this
HAPPENED that i would have heard that story.

Speaker 3 (01:22:08):
ABOUT now, i mean you Have An undertaker. Rockets, bobblehead
yes actually funny you.

Speaker 1 (01:22:13):
SHOULD ask i have a box, of them, All right
hunter gave that, to Me so i've got a bunch.
Left over they might be melted by now because they've
been in.

Speaker 2 (01:22:20):
My garage but what are you? Gonna do, BUT yeah.

Speaker 1 (01:22:25):
I just the thought of SEEING because i Know What
mark callaway looked like at. That age, he's right. SKINNY
redhead i would have given anything to. See, THAT actually
i would have given anything to see a lot more
footage of some of those funny. Pickup games is it
still like that or is it kind of like evolved
now THAT we're, i mean THERE'S still nba pickup games

(01:22:47):
going on there every now.

Speaker 3 (01:22:48):
And again are there not players who probably have been
AROUND the nba or maybe had some time IN? THE
nba a little bit less from players THERE more nba?
Caliber currently who was the guy? And tattoos he played For,
The Nuggets chris anderson and He, went no and It
wasn't birdman and he went ON to i think he
finished his career With the calves when they won the

(01:23:09):
Title With Lebron.

Speaker 2 (01:23:10):
Valante, west no that's a, good guess though it was the.
Other one he was a. Small, FORWARD gosh i cannot
think of.

Speaker 1 (01:23:17):
HIS name i interviewed him there once in the Lobby
At fondi high as a kite and It Wasn't.

Speaker 2 (01:23:24):
Dalante, west, AGAIN gosh I wish i could think.

Speaker 4 (01:23:28):
Of him why?

Speaker 3 (01:23:28):
Was here it was in the summer and they were
playing pickup. Games there but he never played For. The
rockets but a lot of guys it starts with a j, oh,
My gosh i'm gonna think. Of it see the see
the guy who doles out punishment IN The Nba.

Speaker 1 (01:23:46):
James, jones, no no he's he is of no league
authority now all, but yeah that's that is my fondest
fondie MEMORY that. I have, but, this yeah this Story
with hakeem getting an alloyub and by, the way that
doesn't surprise me. At, ALL yeah i threw this horrible
pass way. Too high now he went and. GOT it,

(01:24:07):
I mean Hakeem at u of h was like a. Pogo,
stick no he.

Speaker 3 (01:24:12):
Was incredible he was incredible Here in houston the, whole time,
both stops FIRST up u of h second stop With.
The rockets and why, he's legendary he had his some
of his records passed by some of THE current, nba
PLAYERS like kdi is doing with some of his former,
players too players that played Even.

Speaker 2 (01:24:31):
Before dreams so your legend's not.

Speaker 3 (01:24:33):
Going ANYWHERE and i don't know about the records made to,
be broken but people are TALKING, About mj Wilt and
DIRK this nba Season Because kevin durant passed them all
and that will happen for everybody when they're numbers whatever
those numbers might be.

Speaker 2 (01:24:48):
Get overtaken And he this is the THING about KD that.

Speaker 1 (01:24:53):
I appreciate as great as, he is as, you know
famous as, he, is obviously but as big as he's
become WITHIN, the nba he grasps his place not only,
you know with what we're, talking about but he also
RECOGNIZES that a big reason why he's been able to

(01:25:14):
do what he's done talking about climb the scoring ranks
is because of the style of basketball being played like
let's not act like.

Speaker 2 (01:25:23):
It was it was like what.

Speaker 1 (01:25:24):
Thirty forty however long it was Years that kareem's place,
had stood and it looked like it was, completely unbreakable
AND the nba, is like you, Know what we're gonna
take hands. Checking away we're basically gonna take. Defense away
and then everybody's gonna start shooting a ton. More threes
And then steph's gonna. Come in everybody's gonna want to,
copy him so they we're gonna shoot even. More threes

(01:25:46):
like all of these things have combined to, allow again
you still have to be a great player and be
able to score in bunches on a. Regular BASIS but
i just don't know that we would have seen some
of these play be passed if the way the game
is played and the rules themselves hadn't been changed along.

Speaker 3 (01:26:05):
THE way, I mean i think the rules are a
smaller part of it than the three point shot for
some of, these, Players, Obviously kobe Durant. And lebron it's
just easy additional points for players that can, do That
and durant's way ahead of all of them in terms
of his effectiveness in. Doing so so that's one thing
the game did change a. LITTLE bit, i mean you also.
HAVE to I think i would Look at kareem as

(01:26:25):
more of a we just played forever and scored at a.
Good clip the very very very very very beginning of,
his career he was a. Scoring machine through his first,
six years he was averaging about thirty points, per game
and then he played fourteen more seasons averaging twenty two points.
Per game HE'S an, mvp winner he's one of the
best players in, the league but he also wasn't leading

(01:26:47):
the league, in scoring although he was plenty high on,
the list and then it kind of, you know the
last six years of, his career he averaged less than
twenty points, per game but he was piling. Up points
and that's NOT really, i mean even with the bron
dipping to twenty one points, per game it's not like
he's gonna play six seasons at. That level he's gonna
play one season at that level. This Year And kevin
durant is clearly in decline in terms of how many

(01:27:09):
points he's scoring, per game but he's still at twenty
six points per game and just put up forty. Last night.

Speaker 2 (01:27:17):
Would play no matter what the, rules are right as what.
Ha keems by, the way.

Speaker 3 (01:27:22):
That's where we are with all of, these players it
should not, Be well kevin could do This and kobe
could do this. And drink they're stars for. A reason
pick them up and drop them in.

Speaker 2 (01:27:31):
Any era. They're stars they're gonna be stars no.

Speaker 3 (01:27:33):
Matter, what yeah and their skills are, too much, too high,
too heavy too much better than everybody else in that
vein talking about he knows his place and in. His
history katie knows.

Speaker 1 (01:27:43):
His history one of the first things, he said because
we're TALKING, about mj because that's who, he passed one
of the first things he, said was THIS guy mj
played this many.

Speaker 3 (01:27:54):
Seasons less, now again.

Speaker 1 (01:27:55):
He's the one that walked away for a year and.
A half but he scored more points than anybody in
his first. Fifteen seasons so say He decided i'm gonna
play for, TWENTY years, i mean who's to say he
wouldn't have put it out. OF reach i still think
with a three, point shot which as you mentioned the,
other day he.

Speaker 2 (01:28:11):
Is not he was not a huge.

Speaker 1 (01:28:14):
Partaker of early in. HIS career, I mean lebron's always.
Shot it he might not have been as good, at
IT but i just think it's more it's been more
prodigious IN today's Nba or lebron's ERA of, nba games.

Speaker 3 (01:28:28):
People don't reflect that as the record holder, the best
which is points, Per Game michael jordan's number one IN,
the nba More than wilt at thirty point One two
wilt at thirty point. Zero seven an active player is
third on that all time list in points. Per game kevin,
Is sixth lebron, Is eighth sga. Is TWELFTH current nba

(01:28:53):
leading scorer points per game is third, All time luca
all time in points, Per, game luca and it's going
up because he's averaging thirty two points. Per game he
keeps Playing the. Rockets too that helps. His cause he
scored sixty right after he Played. The rockets he scores
forty on his bad nights.

Speaker 2 (01:29:10):
Against them he's in year.

Speaker 3 (01:29:12):
Number, nine, yeah well and again it's going to help
his cause that he does not he doesn't expend.

Speaker 2 (01:29:19):
Any energy on the, other end.

Speaker 3 (01:29:21):
He spends a little bit more of it this year
than he has in, the past and it's reflected in
the fact that they're the third best team In.

Speaker 2 (01:29:26):
The West, all right hopefully you were.

Speaker 1 (01:29:28):
Listening closely you're going to need to know what we
were just talking about coming up to get those. Rockets TICKETS,
the nba by, the way they're not, doing great but
no one wants to admit it.

Speaker 2 (01:29:39):
Just yet we'll explain next concern it?

Speaker 1 (01:29:42):
All Whatsoever when shams tweeted what he did ABOUT the nba,
salary cap how much did they get?

Speaker 2 (01:29:47):
Your attention.

Speaker 3 (01:29:50):
He says that there is a projection for the salary
cap for twenty, twenty six, twenty seven and it comes
in at a million dollars lower than. Originally thought this
memo been sent, the team so they were originally sent.
This figure now they've got a new figure which is
a million. Dollars less how MUCH was? I, concerned, like
basically for the health of, the league growth is a,

(01:30:11):
good thing and not having growth. Is noteworthy i'm not
concerned about the health of the league because of, this, Information.

Speaker 1 (01:30:18):
Though like we talk about this every year basically in
BOTH the nfl AND, the nba but ESPECIALLY. The nfl
we just talked about. It recently solar CAP's. Going up there's,
more money more money. TO spend i don't remember the
last time we talked about it.

Speaker 3 (01:30:33):
Going down for it didn't, Go down it just went
down from their. Original, projection yeah, but okay then phrase it. That,
way well that's a. Big difference the salary cap is.
Going up they just gave them a figure that. Was
inaccurate when's the last TIME the nfl didn't. Project growth
that's the easiest way to. Put, it again if we

(01:30:54):
want to compare these, two leagues we can reach the
same conclusion we, always do as. Everybody does they are.
Not them they are not going to grow. Like them
they're not going to be as wealthy, as them they're
not going to be as successful. As them and at,
some point probably, long ago they accepted. That, fact yeah
but that's Not what i'm. Talking about i'm not Talking
about we're not the same AS.

Speaker 1 (01:31:10):
The nba, i'm saying pound, for pound one league, is,
saying yeah we are, definitely growing no matter what the,
number is and the other league is now saying we're
probably shrinking.

Speaker 2 (01:31:23):
If WHATEVER how i don't read it, that Way maybe
i'm missing.

Speaker 3 (01:31:27):
A detail so sometime during the, off season teams are
making plans for their twenty twenty six twenty seven cap
situation and, the league and then they work together on
here's where we're. Projecting it so if you want to
work off. A number it's, not concrete but you can
work off this number because this is what we anticipate
money coming in for REVENUE with, tv deals local, media

(01:31:48):
revenue all. That stuff and hear your, respective aprons. Et
cetera and let's say they gave them a one hundred
and sixty six million dollar number for this, upcoming season
and as we get a a little bit closer to the,
off season and this number becomes final right around the
finals and right before free. Agency opens now they're telling, the,
league well we gave you a one hundred and sixty

(01:32:09):
six million, dollar figure which is higher than, last year
but if you really want to get down, to it
it's probably more like one. Sixty FIVE so i don't
think it's going to change how, you've prepared but you
do have to account.

Speaker 2 (01:32:19):
For that the likelihood is the number we gave you
was a million dollars. TOO high.

Speaker 1 (01:32:25):
I just we've talked, about this and it's funny because
when this subject, came up, you're, like great the NBA's.
Making money the amount of streaming service as it takes
to watch ANY given nba team on any. Given NIGHT like,
i know each, market's different so some teams have a,

(01:32:47):
local situation whatever you want to, call it and then other.

Speaker 2 (01:32:51):
Teams DON'T but i, JUST like.

Speaker 1 (01:32:57):
I feel like it's too simplistic, to, say well they
got all this Money from amazon over HERE and nbc,
over here and so they're gonna.

Speaker 2 (01:33:05):
BE fine.

Speaker 1 (01:33:07):
I think if that were, the case you wouldn't be
having them say the projection is off by. Lesser money
so the cap was.

Speaker 3 (01:33:15):
At one twenty three six in twenty twenty two one,
thirty six so a twelve and a half million dollar
increase from twenty two to, twenty three a four million
dollar four point five million dollar increase from twenty three to,
twenty four and then a fourteen million dollar increase from
twenty four to. Twenty five and if they're telling us
it's one sixty five for, next year then it's going

(01:33:37):
up a ten and a. Half million so over the
course of those, five years this cap increase slots right in.
The middle they've had two years where it was much
higher of an increase year, to year and they've had
two years where it was a lower increase year. Over
year and again these years are much more significant increases
THAN had i gone back five years, before that when

(01:34:00):
the year to. YEAR increases, i mean over a five,
year period the cap went up only. Fifteen million, last
year it went up more than fourteen million in just.
One year they're still experiencing growth to a pretty. Good
degree but you could also if you're on the, you
know not as big of an increase as last year
is fair because it looks to.

Speaker 1 (01:34:19):
Be accurate, your buddy he's actually, my buddy but a
GUY that i think you disagree with.

Speaker 2 (01:34:26):
This point on was tweeting about.

Speaker 1 (01:34:28):
This Earlier clay travis was talking about CAUSE and i
know we mentioned this before. The Show clay travis was
tweeting ABOUT the ncaa tournament and it just set an
all time record for.

Speaker 2 (01:34:40):
Opening day people.

Speaker 1 (01:34:41):
Love basketball this Was, tweet MEANWHILE the nba continues to
set multi decad decade.

Speaker 3 (01:34:48):
Ratings lows if you had, to guess maybe family. Feud
style one hundred people surveyed that are active on social media.
And politics top five answers are on. The board what
are three things the top Things That klay travis hates?
The most what would you put on that list BESIDES
the NBA and espn and people that don't think like he, does,

(01:35:10):
politically well like they are. CERTAIN entities espn is probably
number one AND the nba maybe. Number two from a,
sports perspective if there is information that he thinks is
spun positively that is erroneous, to him he will point.
It out and he takes this information, to, say, hey
man people. Love BASKETBALL the ncaa tournament ratings. Suggest, that

(01:35:31):
yeah that's a fair thing. To say but then he's
comparing them to the, NBA's ratings which is not a.
Fair comparison. It's silly why because they're totally. Different things
why didn't you compare the ratings for college basketball Back
in february when they were playing meaningless regular. Season games
now he's comparing him TO what i called less than a,
week ago the best day on the.

Speaker 1 (01:35:51):
Entire calendar because the point he's making is that it's the. Same,
sport well it's.

Speaker 3 (01:35:56):
And in, my opinion it's not a comparison that. Breeds
intelligence it's not a. Smart comparison why because. It's not
it's the same they're bouncing the ball and putting into.
The basket i'm choosing the most important games of the
college basketball season on the only two days of the
year where they play all day every day and these
matchups are. Just unbelievable it's like everybody's favorite. Sporting event

(01:36:16):
i'm comparing them To, The, bulls Rockets The. Pistons, suns
no he's talking About NBA's finals ratings had been doing
this year over year for like.

Speaker 2 (01:36:26):
Twenty.

Speaker 3 (01:36:27):
Years now that's NOT how i.

Speaker 1 (01:36:28):
READ it i didn't realize well brought that into the
tweet that that, HE said i know the one you're,
Talking about but he's TALKING About nba. Finals ratings viewership
by year has been taking in a. Massive DIP and
i think you're both right in that every time we
bring this up about, The, streaming WELL the nba is

(01:36:51):
going to, be happy of course. They Are commissioner silver
is going to look good to the owners who think
it's good because there's all. This money but then at the,
same time it's making it harder to find. The Product
so i'll ask you this. Right there do you THINK
the nba is more or less visible? This year with
the significant changes in broadcast outlets and options.

Speaker 3 (01:37:12):
For viewers do you think it's less visible or? More
visible it depends on how you. Define visible that they
have so many more, games available, marquee games That There
I've maybe, i'm wrong but it seems like they have
changed more games on their television schedule this year than.
EVER before i get an email from the league almost
three times. A week this team they will no longer

(01:37:34):
be on. This network instead will broadcast, this game and
they're changing their start time to this because they're doing
everything they can to put the best matchups that are
still available. To them there's some restrictions they can't have
flex IN, the nfl but it's just because they have
so many. More GAMES like i think it's. More visible
now we'll. Find out are these streaming services getting massive

(01:37:57):
influx of subscribers because you're not watching THE on Nbc
slash Peacock on monday night two, nights ago one, night
ago because the games were NOT. On nbc they were Only.
On peacock so unless you actually pay for, that service
you're not. Seeing them you're not gonna TURN on nbc
and it's not gonna. Be there we TURNED on nbc,
last night it, wasn't. Basketball, right yeah THAT'S why i

(01:38:20):
think it's, More VISIBLE but i don't know that for,
a FACT and i can't. Deny that the facts of
what he does point out that, he's right the ratings have.
Gone down and sometimes if your ratings are here in
the toilet and the people on the outside of the
bathroom are banging on the, door saying we. Don't care
can we please buy? Your commode we don't care how
much these ratings are inside.

Speaker 6 (01:38:41):
Of it we.

Speaker 3 (01:38:42):
Want it we want, your product and we're gonna pay
top dollar, for it because that's.

Speaker 1 (01:38:46):
What's happening to address one other thing, you Said and
i'm not gonna speak for him, because ME but i
don't think he HATES.

Speaker 2 (01:38:52):
THE nba i think he hates what he perceives it.

Speaker 1 (01:38:56):
HAS become i think HE hates i know he doesn't
Like what, lebron has in, his opinion done to, the
LEAGUE because i think He thinks lebron has Taken The
superstar squad super team concept and just put it. On
steroids AND then i don't think He Likes adam silver
as a commissioner for catering to that kind, of thing among.

(01:39:16):
Other THINGS and i definitely know that he doesn't like
what they did with social justice slogans on the back of.
Their Jerseys and i'll be honest, WITH me i thought
that was.

Speaker 2 (01:39:26):
Stupid TOO it's, i mean, come.

Speaker 1 (01:39:28):
On you're alienating a significant part of your audience when
you paint that stuff on the floor and you put
it on your jerseys and all that kind, Of STUFF
and i just think that does contribute to these these.

Speaker 3 (01:39:37):
Numbers shrinking as far. As viewership everyone thinks what they want.
To think that's why. We're here you don't, THINK that
i do not. Think that you think it had no?
Contribution whatsoever.

Speaker 2 (01:39:51):
You were swimming?

Speaker 3 (01:39:52):
In money does the exact? Same, thing okay well, they do.
Don't they it's right there on. The field we've brought
it up and talked about on, the SHOW and i.
THINK they i think it hurt their viewership for a time.

Speaker 2 (01:40:03):
As well.

Speaker 3 (01:40:05):
That's why. We're here what do you guys think.

Speaker 4 (01:40:12):
The Eight On sports talk seven.

Speaker 10 (01:40:15):
Ninety, what.

Speaker 2 (01:40:23):
Well before we get to, say what we got to
give away some. Tickets here.

Speaker 1 (01:40:28):
Here's the telephone number seven one three two one two
five seven ninety seven one three two one two five
seven ninety don't call unless you know. The answer earlier,
this hour as, we promised we played you. Some audio
we were delighted to hear a story neither one of us.
Knew about it was A Certain wwe Hall of famer

(01:40:52):
who told a story about the time He Threw hakim
elijuan and Aliup At Fondie. Rec center and if you
want to go To The rockets bucks game coming Up on,
april first you can do one of. Two things you
can Go To toyota center dot com and buy tickets
or you can win them. Right now it's seven one
three two one two five seven ninety seven one three

(01:41:12):
two one two five. Seven ninety if you are the
first one To Call josh jordan and tell HIM Which
wwe Hall of Famer, Through hakim elijuan and alup one
Time At Fondi, rec center.

Speaker 2 (01:41:26):
Good luck if.

Speaker 3 (01:41:28):
You're listening to, the show you're aware, of this or
if you listen to a twenty twenty four podcast you
might also be aware.

Speaker 2 (01:41:34):
Of this you're saying it was an a, TIMELY story
i mean fits our. TIME mine i have to.

Speaker 1 (01:41:41):
Be fair that was sent to me today by our
good BUDDY and p, One Listener. Stugie nice He's a,
spurs fan but Not A victor. Wimbenyama fan make that?

Speaker 10 (01:41:52):
Make?

Speaker 2 (01:41:52):
Sense huh don't you like your team?

Speaker 11 (01:41:56):
To win.

Speaker 2 (01:41:58):
It's telling you the facts that don't make? No sense,
all right say what? You, Ready yes so last Night.

Speaker 3 (01:42:08):
The rockets unfortunately not only lost, a game they also
lost their hopes of Winning A southwest. Division title Rockets
lost spurs one. Division crown. It's theirs They Are southwest
division champions. Upcoming season so things like that here and

(01:42:28):
there being earned by teams AROUND the nba because of the.
Playing tournament you probably aren't really familiar with what all
these little. DASHES, mean ps, For instance i'm not trying
to tell you. Something additional i'm telling YOU that ps
is next to TWELVE current nba teams because they've qualified for,

(01:42:53):
the postseason but we're not exactly sure if they're going
to end up in the playing tournament over in the.
Actual postseason other teams have their divisions next to. Their
name THERE'S an Nw no way Next To Oklahoma. Oklaoma
city there is NOW an sw next To The San.
Antonio spurs and there's only one team In The eastern

(01:43:13):
conference that HAS an x next to their name because
they have clinched. A Playoff Berth detroit pistons at fifty
two to nineteen have clinched a spot in the top
six In The. Eastern conference they will be playing, additional
basketball they will not be relegated to play, in tournament
and they're excited. ABOUT it I think i know one

(01:43:36):
of their players was asked about it and he gave
a answer that he wasn't very, happy with so he.
Stopped himself you might be might recognize the voice because
it sounds a lot like A Current houston rockets player
that wears number one and has a twin that Plays.
In detroit here was his exchange about qualifying for. The
postseason way, To. Go pistons you guys were the first

(01:43:59):
team In The eastern conference to clinch a.

Speaker 2 (01:44:01):
Playoff spot what does that achievement mean to?

Speaker 3 (01:44:03):
You personally, YOU know i want the BIGGEST thing.

Speaker 2 (01:44:08):
I want i want woa whoa? LOVE it i want
to win. A championship that's THAT'S what. I want wa?

Speaker 10 (01:44:19):
Whoa?

Speaker 7 (01:44:21):
Whoa?

Speaker 2 (01:44:21):
Whoa whoa who? Is that that's? A?

Speaker 11 (01:44:23):
Star?

Speaker 2 (01:44:24):
Oh okay that? Does it you know it's like they,
sound alike but. They don't, YOU know i want the
BIGGEST thing. I want i want woa whoa? LOVE it
i want? Ho Whoa weve hollart?

Speaker 10 (01:44:42):
Ho whoa?

Speaker 1 (01:44:44):
That's okay how long after the Game. In chicago did
it take for a man to text his brother after?

Speaker 3 (01:44:49):
Seeing that i'm sure he at least caught wind of
it like most everybody. Else did it was plastered all over.
Social media.

Speaker 1 (01:44:57):
That's, funny, whoa whoa whoa If if rafell could snap
his fingers and GET a sar on this team with,
the men but they both shoot the same and they,
do like, you know like it would it would be,
crazy defensively, but man two black holes two fifths of

(01:45:22):
your lineup are just an absolute net negative.

Speaker 3 (01:45:26):
On, offense well he's even, more cognizant and his team
and his coaching staff is even more Cognizant in detroit
about how bad of an idea is to have the
Ball in thompson's hands to shoot. A three he's only
taken twenty three threes, this year and he's shooting a
career high because he's made six.

Speaker 2 (01:45:43):
Of them he's at twenty.

Speaker 3 (01:45:44):
Six percent so his twenty six percent shooting this year
from behind the three point line There in detroit has
allowed his career average to rise. Above twenty he's not twenty,
point five but he just doesn't. Shoot it he's the
rockets ALSO have i don't think it's debatable or even a.
Discussion point they have the, Better, player no, they do.

Speaker 1 (01:46:04):
They do but are you of, the, opinion because, LIKE
famous i always bring. This Up karl malone was a
horrific free throw shooter once upon a time when he
first started in. THE league i, mean, bad, bad Bad like.
Shack bad and he worked at it and it didn't.
Take long and because he went to the line as
much as, he did that's why for a while there

(01:46:25):
he was number two. ALL time a lot of that
came at the free throw line after, he flopped but
he made the. Free throws like how many times did
a mental or Altbring shing goon go to the line
last night and on the dunk the great guys played,
the game he missed the.

Speaker 3 (01:46:41):
Free throw one Of the bulls beat writers posted ON
the x during the, third quarter, he goes that's five
and one opportunities For the rockets in. This, QUARTER yeah
i noted that, myself thought and they've hit two of
the five. Free, throws mean when you lose a game
by what was it? Eight points they missed how many

(01:47:03):
free throws? Last night?

Speaker 2 (01:47:04):
Ten eleven he.

Speaker 3 (01:47:06):
Wasn't alone in missing three? Free, Throws Sure kevin durant
also missed three. FREE throws I just.

Speaker 1 (01:47:13):
I don't see how A men thompson as athletic as.
He is and this goes for his, brother too while
we're on because we're on the, you know talking about both,
Of them how could you do and by, the way
shoot so WELL from x amount of feet from the
basket in and not have the ability to improve that shot.

Speaker 2 (01:47:34):
Over time i'm not asking him to do. It overnight
you're saying how.

Speaker 3 (01:47:37):
You can't it's on him one, hundred percent completely. And
totally and it's not. Even mental it's. Purely PHYSICAL and
i don't know what it's gonna Take for alprin to figure,
it out but he hasn't. So far no excuse for
his his form and his ability to suggest this shouldn't
be who you are at the free, throw.

Speaker 2 (01:47:53):
Well but i'm also talking about a men.

Speaker 3 (01:47:54):
Shooting threes you're, so athletic and you a men has
proved his shooting percentage pretty much everywhere on, the court
including at the free, throw line right except at the three.

Speaker 2 (01:48:05):
Point line.

Speaker 1 (01:48:07):
How can he be as athletic as he is and
his brother too and not improve that? Aspect specifically you
got all. The, TOOLS well i WOULDN'T say i like.

Speaker 2 (01:48:15):
His form that's. That's fair i'm not too concerned.

Speaker 3 (01:48:19):
About that i'm waitin way more concerned About alprin shingoon.
Last night they'll put this in a nutshell for You about.
Alpi's offense. He missed he took nineteen shots from. The
floor he missed the same number of shots while being
guarded as he did while not, being guarded zero for
three at the free, throw line sixteen of nineteen from.
The field that's a. Rough look that's a. Rough look say,

(01:48:43):
it again that's a. Rough, look, whoa whoa it is
The Eighteen sports talk. Seven ninety why are you so?

Speaker 2 (01:48:52):
Grumpy? Today well this. Isn't, GOOD yeah.

Speaker 7 (01:48:54):
I know.

Speaker 3 (01:48:57):
That was our conversation heading Back in.

Speaker 2 (01:49:00):
You you, know what you might be the equivalent when
it comes to radio OF. A Tj.

Speaker 3 (01:49:07):
Hougeman zada you MEAN explain i would you would, love that?
Wouldn't You former bengals wide out ON, current.

Speaker 1 (01:49:14):
NFL current Nfl, in HOUSTON current nfl Offense, in houston
and Specifically the texans offense as it PERTAINS.

Speaker 6 (01:49:25):
TO.

Speaker 1 (01:49:25):
C j Stroud And, NICK. Keyley tj hugmanzada was on
a PODCAST shocker i know, HIS podcast I believe i
just say a podcast.

Speaker 2 (01:49:36):
And that just covers. Them all it's.

Speaker 3 (01:49:37):
Very generic and he had this to SAY. On cj
stroud And the. Texans offense oh they.

Speaker 4 (01:49:44):
Gotta do is not lose the game.

Speaker 2 (01:49:46):
On OFFENSE and cj knows that got guys that can really.

Speaker 12 (01:49:52):
Go offensively and so, for me it's can the COORDINATOR
and cj get on the same page because there's just
no way in the playoffs we had these type of
turnovers there this late in. The season and so For
the texas defense is going for number one, this year
they'll be number one. Next year but now the offen

(01:50:14):
is gonna have to do their part in the. Playoff
game you have the game won if you don't turn the.
Ball over we're turning the. Ball over are you calling
PLAYERS that i?

Speaker 4 (01:50:23):
Don't like OR am i just making bad decisions as a?

Speaker 12 (01:50:26):
Quarterback show we know if we don't turn the, ball
over we win.

Speaker 2 (01:50:33):
This game were running the ball?

Speaker 1 (01:50:34):
Fifty, Times okay i'm gonna ask you the same Question
That wyatt teller might be ASKING. C. J stroud, for
example now that we know he's playing, left Guard apparently
is it as simple AS. Just cj Stroud And nick
keyley getting on the. Same PAGE uh tj doesn't even

(01:50:55):
know if they're not on the. SAME page, i, mean
right very. REVEALING stuff, I mean i hate doing this almost,
every TIME but i can't.

Speaker 2 (01:51:03):
Help it no.

Speaker 3 (01:51:03):
You should it mean it's. The same everybody. Knows this
i'm glad somebody else has now. Said it. Months later
we all. Know it this is we don't know this
specific answer, to it and we probably won't know it
were they really calling plays they shouldn't. BE calling, i
mean he's throwing a five yard out to the defense for.
No reason they're running. A play maybe you shouldn't be
running Plays Where harrison bryant is your one of your.

(01:51:26):
TOP targets i might go, with that but it's a
pretty simple. Roll out all he does is just run
by the line and start going upfield and turn your
shoulder around and the ball will be there and we'll
gain six yards and we'll be in a. Good, situation
instead he gets tripped and then there's an unblocked rusher
and THEN. C j, stroud decides rather than eating the

(01:51:47):
however many, Yard loss i'll try to throw the football
without any time to throw the football and it's gonna
go straight up in.

Speaker 2 (01:51:53):
THE air i.

Speaker 3 (01:51:54):
Don't, think yeah they probably could have run the ball every,
single snap and let's see.

Speaker 2 (01:51:58):
What happens we're gonna running on.

Speaker 3 (01:52:00):
Every play we're gonna pun, a lot and the defense
is gonna figure it OUT by i don't know our
eighth snap that we're gonna run it all game because
we know we're not gonna lose with our defense if
we don't turn the.

Speaker 2 (01:52:12):
Ball over.

Speaker 3 (01:52:14):
Probably one other element of that game needs to be.
Brought up their number one defense, allowed, one two three
touchdown passes in. One game this game that they lost the.
Most important they didn't lose thirteen to ten with. Five
turnovers they needed to actually score points on offense because

(01:52:35):
they gave up points on defense and gave up points,
on offense which so in this particular game they actually
because of, other circumstances some of which were clearly, self
inflicted they needed to actually do much more on offense
because of how, things went and they kept giving the,
ball away, you know their defense preventing points from being scored,
after all but those, two turnovers well that's part of. The,

(01:52:56):
story yeah they stepped.

Speaker 2 (01:52:58):
Up, huge well. You can't it's just Like.

Speaker 3 (01:53:00):
The rockets and, you know if you turn the ball over,
seventeen times once, seventeen times you didn't take. A shot
it's not even that they're turning around and scoring thirty
points off of them or twelve points off. Of them
you're not scoring because you don't have the. Ball anymore
that's what's happening To the texans when the very few
times list, last year and that's kind of where, You
know TJ's very small viewpoint, Of it and how could

(01:53:22):
you Not be it's the last game they played and
it was. So crazy, you know he's saying like this
late in. The season how can they not be on the? Same,
page well they were on the same page for fourteen
games during the regular SEASON. When cj stroud And the
texans offense barely turned the ball over, at all barely
put the Ball in, harm's way had turnover.

Speaker 2 (01:53:41):
Worthy throws there just weren't that many.

Speaker 3 (01:53:43):
Of them and, they obviously like We Was woody marx
on a different Page Than nick kyley when he fumbled
for the first time IN his nfl career in this. Particular,
game well what's crazy about the? Number four woody marks, moving,
forward well a lot of people have changed. Their numbers
deshdale's going to be. Number One kamari lassiter is no longer,
four three what he marks is no longer, twenty seven.
He's Four And cad stover there shortyarded specialist is no longer,

(01:54:07):
eighty seven.

Speaker 2 (01:54:07):
He's.

Speaker 3 (01:54:07):
Eight whatever, just play just play better. On offense THAT'S
all i. Care about by, the way do You think
tankdlle's gonna be like a like a like a bonus
draft Pick or i'm not really phrasing. It right you
get a player back from injury or uncertain of what he,
will BE do i think he's gonna be a?

Speaker 2 (01:54:28):
MAJOR positive? I.

Speaker 3 (01:54:29):
DO yeah i do not think they should have zero
external additions to the wide, receiver room whether it be
a draft or some veteran free agent or two that.
Are available And Knowing, NICK cassio i don't need to.
Say this he always. Does it he doesn't care how
much money he's lighting on fire with the five hundred
thousand dollars guarantee or the one point two million dollar

(01:54:49):
signing bonus for a player who has zero chance of making.
The roster he does it. Every Offseason so i'm sure
that's just something they have. Not finalized he convinced him
to give me a five hundred thousand dollars Buck because
i'll be here after those.

Speaker 2 (01:55:01):
Players, aren't yeah that's.

Speaker 3 (01:55:02):
A bitch there's an opportunity. Half that like, last year,
for example, You Know Raxton Burrios justin watson were among
the external wide. Receiver signings injuries obviously ended up being
a factor for both. Of them but under what scenario
were they going to have a role on? This team
there really, wasn't one because they still had things to,
work around two, young players, injured Players No, tank dell

(01:55:26):
and they still played.

Speaker 2 (01:55:27):
No role but they made.

Speaker 3 (01:55:29):
Some money by, the way two segments, from now you're
gonna hear something THAT makes tj sound.

Speaker 2 (01:55:34):
Even, dumber no he's.

Speaker 3 (01:55:36):
Not dumb it's just the same stuff. We've said, i'm
sorry more uninformed than he.

Speaker 2 (01:55:40):
Already does how's? That again he's not.

Speaker 3 (01:55:44):
SO uninformed i just he's just REPEATING the a team
and everybody else that Watched. The texans you can't win
games playing. Like that, no kidding that's not what they intended.

Speaker 2 (01:55:54):
To do that's NOT. What cj YOU think cj, is,
like MAN but i.

Speaker 3 (01:55:57):
Already booked this vacation and it's, next WEEK and i
Know why will's not going. For it the deal's not going.
FOR it I know demiko's not going. For IT so
i better take this under my own advisement and say
we're going.

Speaker 2 (01:56:10):
On vacation.

Speaker 1 (01:56:13):
Being on the same Page With, nick cayley that just.
SOUNDS lazy i don't think that's what.

Speaker 3 (01:56:17):
IT was i think why it's not the case is
because they they if they're one, Year, together like watch.
Those plays did it look like they were plays that
were making that should have made this. Quarterback uncomfortable if
there's some injury or some reason with, his shoulder with,
his hand with, his grip which we've discussed as to
why you might not call some of those particular, PASS plays.
I guess, I mean i'm really not looking at these

(01:56:38):
five picks, and, saying yeah that's that's on the that's on.
The os you can't ask for your quarterback to drop
back and throw the football IN an nfl. Playoff game, come,
on man you can't. Do that can't. DO that, i
mean at some point he just. Made mistakes he had a.
Bad day he had a really really. Bad day worst
day on the most Inopportunity to this team had all
the makings of one. That could if they're, off complies they're,

(01:57:01):
moving on and then we know what could.

Speaker 2 (01:57:03):
Have happened it.

Speaker 3 (01:57:03):
Didn't happen it's why you have to play, the game
and hopefully you don't have one quite like that ever
again in.

Speaker 2 (01:57:08):
Your future a potential reunion In The.

Speaker 1 (01:57:12):
Steel city we'll discuss that and More in football At
five next the Ones Ninety's space city. Home network wex
and ac with you On a tuesday edition of.

Speaker 2 (01:57:24):
THE program.

Speaker 1 (01:57:27):
I think YOU and i differed On the mike McCarthy
hiring In. UH pittsburgh i think YOU were i don't
want to stay more impressed, by IT but i don't
think you were as uninspired by IT as.

Speaker 2 (01:57:39):
I was is that safe?

Speaker 3 (01:57:40):
To say take all the people that currently are walking
the earth that do not have a head, coaching, job
yes and then add in all of the new. Coaching
hires what's wrong With hiring. Mike McCarthy HE just i
don't know if it's because you. Hate winning it's. Okay
WINNING what, i mean how many right now? Think Hard

(01:58:02):
because i'll think with you. Right now IN the nfl it's.
Thirty two head coaches rattle off the lists that have
Won The, super bowl, as in you, said win what
how many?

Speaker 2 (01:58:13):
Are there it's a pretty. Short list he's one. Of
them tell that To The.

Speaker 3 (01:58:17):
Dallas cowboys that's why hiring, HIM was i guess equally
as uninspiring and littered with regular season wins and then
opportunities to do something about Adding A. Super bowl. They
floundered they fell on. THEIR faces i don't think it
was coaching or. Head coaching might have been. Defensive COACHING am?

Speaker 1 (01:58:36):
I crazy Or did mike McCarthy And aaron rodgers kind
of have a nasty Breakup In?

Speaker 2 (01:58:43):
Green bay there wasn't Smooth fair so.

Speaker 1 (01:58:48):
When he's Asked about rogers potentially coming back yes year,
next year and, he, says yes it'd be a.

Speaker 2 (01:58:54):
Great story And When aaron rodgers has been asked, about
it he.

Speaker 1 (01:58:59):
Hasn't been and man know they're saying things for face
in public and all that kind, of stuff but he.
Hasn't been he hasn't seemed like he's, opposed to specifically
Playing for.

Speaker 3 (01:59:08):
Mike, McCarthy, hey aaron what you want to play IN
the nfl? Next year you would say. It, too yes,
all right where do you want? To play so where where? I'd,
start okay end, of story. He'd starting he's Playing in pittsburgh.
Next year we've never put a money on it or
a wager or, you know walk backwards in the snow

(01:59:29):
from HERE To. Nrg stadium he's playing next year and
he's playing For, the steelers and everybody.

Speaker 2 (01:59:34):
Knows it it just has not. Been, finalized well why
are they dancing?

Speaker 3 (01:59:38):
Like? This, then well first, of all this question yesterday
was Asked By kevin Harland at lambeau where they were
doing a celebration of Life for, Kevin's Dad, bob harland
who's the everything Of The Green bay. Packers franchise is,
actually unbelievable, you know the event that they held for
him and what he means to the, whole community why
they have the team and why they are who, they

(01:59:59):
are key The way kevin is on the crew for
the three games here At the, Sweet Sixteen, Robbie hummel,
jeff's Brother And. Lauren shahati that's, not Nice Stand, ban
gundy friend of. The, show yeah they're they're the crew
that they have Here in houston for. Those, games, So
yeah kevin was working a game immediately flew for. This
event he was m seeing the event celebrating of the

(02:00:22):
Life Of, bob harlan And so mike McCarthy was obviously,
also there so he was. ON stage i, saw SOMEONE
the espn beat writer For, the Packers says kevin can't
help himself always, the reporter because he asked him about
the Possibility Of aaron Rodgers joining mike McCarthy There. In
pittsburgh if you look at, even before some of the
other spots maybe Were filled minnesota By Getting, KYLER murray

(02:00:46):
I guess atlanta By getting toua and some teams they
clearly are looking at the draft maybe for their, next Quarterback,
the raiders Probably, THE jets I. MEAN minnesota i would,
have said absolutely that seems like a reasonable will stop
Work with. Kevin O'Connell work with a team who already
won nine games with terrible. Quarterback play you might have

(02:01:07):
a real. Opportunity there but, to me it's the same
thing as going right back to a place he, Already.
Knows pittsburgh they're in the. Same permission they were right
there on the edge of DOING something i don't know.
How lofty their goals might be, this year all, things
considered new coach not a very good, postseason performance but
running it back With the steelers made its must senses,

(02:01:28):
anything else and, to me it. Still DOES and, I
mean i don't really think they have any alternative in
the way that they're operating, This offseason like they're not
doing things, that, say oh, for sure they're holding a Spot.
For aaron there's really nothing else. To do either he
comes back and he plays, for you or they have
to figure things out. At quarterback they're, not, saying well
we need to be the team that goes And Gets,

(02:01:48):
trevor simeon who just. Signed recently we need to be
the team that goes And Gets carson wentz who just.
Signed recently we need a Trade For. Andy dalton that
deal just went down. And finalized he's Now. An eagle
there really isn't anything out there for them to go
out and do that changes their quarterback situation to ensure
that they'll have one if It's, not aaron especially because it's.

(02:02:10):
Gonna be you sound very sure, ABOUT this, i Mean
but i'm first, Of all i'm very sure that he
wants to play more based on the way he played.
Last year all the way up until the game Against.
The texans why did they have the wake then for
him on air because of how he was being treated
by the deep still.

Speaker 1 (02:02:28):
Blue, men yeah but you didn't you also think that
part of that was how he had composed himself leading
up to.

Speaker 3 (02:02:35):
That GAME even i think there's ever it feels like
they've done it, each year like the two years he's
been on, the field and With, the jets is this
it is this the last time we're going to? See
him it just wasn't meaningful because they. Were awful they
were doing It in week eighteen for a four or five.
Win team this year they're doing it for a guy
he got his team to. The playoffs he had a pretty.
Okay year he didn't. Embarrass himself he clearly can. Still

(02:02:58):
play but this could be and, oh now this is
what a way to.

Speaker 2 (02:03:02):
Go out this. Is awful that's what happens when you
get your head.

Speaker 3 (02:03:05):
SMASHED in I mean cj would have looked, VERY similar
i think with How the texans Dominated the.

Speaker 1 (02:03:11):
Steelers offense about him being forty one, years, old right it, was,
about oh here they are again in the backfield.

Speaker 2 (02:03:17):
With me now just snap.

Speaker 3 (02:03:18):
THE ball i don't know if it was miracle worker
Stuff From mike tomlin that they would constantly be in
contention or miracle workers stuff FROM their gm because they
were in the playoff hunt every Year Since ben roethlisberger
left while starting. Terrible Quarterbacks russell wilson was bad As
a steeler and they went to the Playoffs justin fields

(02:03:38):
bad As a steeler and he was his. Co Quarterback,
Kenny Pickett, mason rudolph, bad Quarterbacks And. AARON rodgers i
wouldn't use the word bad, last year but ten, other
quarterbacks twelve other quarterbacks outplayed him last year at the very.
Very least and they're really left with no alternative because
they keep winning nine games or, ten games and then
when you make, the playoffs you're not even drafting in

(02:04:00):
the top eighteen. At best where they getting this quarterback of.
The future they're battling With The indianapolis colts to see
how many consecutive years after losing their superstar quarterback they
can go without addressing. That position steelers haven't addressed it.
AT all i don't Think Drafting kenny pickett at twenty

(02:04:21):
was really. ADDRESSING it i will Give the colts some
credit for addressing it in the same Fashion That nick
cassario addresses the offensive line in. The draft, he tried
he had four picks in the first two rounds four
consecutive years They Drafted. Anthony richardson they did attempt to
do that and just got it. DRASTICALLY wrong i love
that the.

Speaker 1 (02:04:42):
Last two articles written On this rogers, still undecided despite
McCarthy's higher that was obviously from, wild back and then
the first line of, this one which was. Written Today
The pittsburgh steelers don't have an answer Yet From aaron
rodgers on what his plans are for the twenty twenty,
sixth season but their new coach well aware of the
kind of story it.

Speaker 3 (02:05:01):
Would, Be, okay Yeah it's i'm not sure that there's
any real Benefit for AARON because I don't i would
think With today's march, twenty third they haven't played a
game in. THREE months i would think he knows. The
answer he knows whether he's, coming back or both sides
know the answer at this point in a. Few, DAYS

(02:05:21):
yeah i don't think that there's that's kind of the
offshoot OF what i was talking. About earlier they haven't
done anything that suggests that they need to go address.
The position but if they addressed the Position on april,
twenty third, twenty fourth or, twenty fifth then quite obviously
they have done something to address, the position and maybe
they do know, the answer even though maybe everybody. Else

(02:05:42):
DOESN'T if i have this, list CORRECT since I asked,
MIKE McDonald i don't know if you guys.

Speaker 2 (02:05:48):
Know this he has won A.

Speaker 3 (02:05:49):
Super bowl Coaches. The, seahawks wow and he played all
those hits For. The doobies, Uh sorry, I'm sorry, mike
McCarthy he won A. Super Bowl nick sirianni has won A.
Super bowl it's Head Coach. John harbaugh he's won A.
Super bowl not With, The giants not With. The Giants matt,
Stafford's coach, sean McVay he's won A. Super Bowl, Andy
Reid travis, kelsey's coach he's won A. Super Bowl And

(02:06:14):
jared stidham's Head Coach sean payton has won A. Super
bowl that is the list OF current nfl head.

Speaker 2 (02:06:20):
Coaches that have Won The. Super bowl so how many?
Is that sounded like seven? Or eight you.

Speaker 3 (02:06:29):
WEREN'T counting i was trying to come up with clever things,
to say. NOT counting, I mean i didn't expect it
to be an. Overwhelming, number otherwise.

Speaker 7 (02:06:39):
It's not all.

Speaker 2 (02:06:40):
That competitive seven.

Speaker 1 (02:06:43):
Best of luck trying to win One in pittsburgh with
forty one Year Old aaron rodgers forty two by.

Speaker 3 (02:06:48):
The, time again he's not going to be the reason.
They don't it's the fact that they just they don't have.
ANYBODY else, i mean That's why i'm so convinced they
don't have any, other option not a. Good one if
they want to find themselves at the top of the
twenty twenty, seven draft by, all means go. With it
we don't want anybody. At quarterback but then they're going
to be paying all these PLAYERS. Like tj watt and
THE Other, dk metcalfs, some, high high high end salary

(02:07:12):
players for. No reason if you, can't win why are you.
Paying them that's what. Gms do the opposite when you. Can't,
win oh we don't have a quarterback and we, Can't
win let's. Unload everybody let's eat all this dead, cap
space and we'll try to recover as fast. As possible
See The. Miami Dolphins See nick caseio four. Years ago,
last year by, the way according to, this ARTICLE which

(02:07:34):
i do. Remember this rogers did not decide to sign
With the steelers until Right before june's. Mini camp you
see that don't decide or didn't officially sign because with
him and there feels like there's. A, difference.

Speaker 1 (02:07:47):
Well the steelers haven't publicly set a deadline for, this
year but General Manager omar kahn said last month he
believes the FOUR TIME nfl mvp will make his latest
decision earlier than he did.

Speaker 3 (02:08:02):
Last year which, different position but not too dissimilar of.
A Situation travis kelsey With. The chiefs it's only your,
TIGHT end. I guess but we're planning for the. Off
season we're planning for. Our future if, you know would
you let us know and then we'll work on getting a.
Deal together and he's. Done that people call your people
and just.

Speaker 2 (02:08:21):
Having the team wait and wait. And wait it puts
them in a.

Speaker 3 (02:08:23):
Bad spot and some players have done that again if
maybe they don't feel like they're doing anything to.

Speaker 2 (02:08:28):
THE team i, don't know what do you want me?
To do lie to you And say.

Speaker 3 (02:08:31):
I'M playing i don't want to sign a CONTRACT if
i don't KNOW that i really want. To play my
belief is AND again. I don't i Don't know aaron.
TOO well i think he probably does know. The ANSWER
and i don't think a player, like that with skills
still at, his disposal wants to walk away from the game.
JUST yet i don't know What missus rogers has to say,
about it but Nobody but aaron does never.

Speaker 2 (02:08:50):
Met her nobody has publicly.

Speaker 3 (02:08:53):
Met her lots to get to here on, the, program
Still including texans Tight End. Dalton schultz we heard from
somebody who knows nothing about the inner workings Of. The
texans now how about somebody. Who does, That's next.

Speaker 2 (02:09:07):
I'm here do YOU.

Speaker 1 (02:09:08):
Think Tj houshman Zada Or dalton schultz would have a
better grip on the state Of the texans offense going into? Twenty,
twenty schultz. GOOD job i was hoping you'd cut. Me
off that's how you need to answer a question.

Speaker 7 (02:09:22):
Like That.

Speaker 2 (02:09:24):
Dalton schultz re, Upped right.

Speaker 3 (02:09:28):
See how you'd, Say, it yeah you signed.

Speaker 1 (02:09:30):
An EXTENSION well i can't like some of these guys
have had their, deals REWORKED but i think he.

Speaker 2 (02:09:35):
Was of, the yeah, more year more year. On, It yes.

Speaker 3 (02:09:41):
By, The Way, nico collins does that get reworked. THIS
offseason i was just talking to somebody about. THAT yesterday
i think it's sitting there. IF necessary i think they
have enough money to do whatever it is they still
plan on doing. This Offseason signing will to a bunch. Of,
money well it shouldn't really impact. This season much LIKE
the i don't think there's a mechanism to gain a

(02:10:01):
whole lot of cap room currently since it's really an
extension that starts taking shape well after. This, year yeah
but that's one of. The things the same thing With the.
AZ's deal i said. That yesterday the disease is not
playing under the same cap figure because he's not playing
under the. Same contract in, my opinion there's no way
he's going into the final year of. His deal so
they will sign him to an extension and it will
give them more cap space for this upcoming season if

(02:10:24):
that's something. They need if there's some still, need more,
then yes they can do That with nico. As well
it's probably the last thing they need to do if
they have to.

Speaker 7 (02:10:32):
Do, that.

Speaker 1 (02:10:35):
Well since you said that and your answer, was correct by,
the way good job you passed. The test this Is
What dalton schultz had.

Speaker 7 (02:10:42):
To.

Speaker 3 (02:10:42):
SAY via i think it Was the texans in, house,
Media right texans in. House media they have their own
arm most.

Speaker 2 (02:10:50):
Teams do it's okay to say the name. OF it
i think. That's, funny yeah you can say the name.

Speaker 3 (02:10:55):
Of it they give you mean as much insight into
the team as they can get that all. Of it
they have all Of the they're at, the facility they
have access. To everything the players are right down. The,
hallway hey could you come down here for, a second have.

Speaker 2 (02:11:07):
A seat we're. Already, here ready just.

Speaker 3 (02:11:09):
Sit down. Mike's here he just push the button before
you go To, DAY dalton i need to just stop by. The,
Office yeah I'm sure David or Angelique or lindsay or
maybe Maybe even omar, said hey.

Speaker 2 (02:11:21):
Don't forget he said you would.

Speaker 3 (02:11:23):
Do, this, well Now if omar, gets involved. It's important
he's Involved in he's involved.

Speaker 7 (02:11:28):
With.

Speaker 3 (02:11:28):
Everything yeah so he sat down with the in house
media and you guys know. Them well they love their
football and we love them. For it his thoughts on
the On the. Texans offense your tight end not. Changing
numbers he'll be eighty six again.

Speaker 6 (02:11:41):
Next, YEAR however i can help you know coming in
and playing at.

Speaker 9 (02:11:45):
THE best i.

Speaker 3 (02:11:45):
Can be he sounds a Lot Like. Wyatt teller there's a.

Speaker 5 (02:11:50):
Lot of good playmakers, coming Back and i'm excited just
to see you kind Of, like kale settle in and
bring some new wrinkles in and like see what see
how we can develop, This stuff you KNOW what. I
mean there's always a big jump from any offense from
the first year you do it to the, second Year
and I'm just i'm excited to see what kind of

(02:12:10):
what kind of comes out in the in these next
few months as we get.

Speaker 7 (02:12:12):
The otis.

Speaker 2 (02:12:14):
You can't.

Speaker 3 (02:12:15):
HELP myself i was aware of what he said before
we let our. Listeners, here well of course what. He said,
he said what do you say about year one to?
Year two there's always a big jump and you go
from your one to. Year two he's been, Through that he's,
been there. Done that this is year two with his
second coordinator Here. In houston year one to.

Speaker 2 (02:12:36):
Year two let's take a.

Speaker 3 (02:12:38):
Look back how do things go from year one to
year Two With robert slowak Running the, texans offense sending
in Plays for coleridge. To execute, Year One bob slowak's
offense three hundred and seventy seven points scored by, the
team not all by. The offense they had thirty seven
touchdowns as, an offense ten on, the ground twenty seven

(02:13:02):
off the rocket right arms of. Their quarterbacks but then
in year two the team scored five fewer points while
scoring two fewer touchdowns as, an offense and the second
half issues were. Pretty prominent we talked about him quite.
A bit in year Two Of, bobby slock they scored

(02:13:23):
thirty eight fewer points in the second half over their
seventeen game. Regular SEASON should i go into some of
the other minutia of year one to year Two With?
Bobby slok how about third? Down conversions? Pretty important year
one with slook robust thirty seven point nine to three percent,
conversion rate but in year two thirty seven point six.

(02:13:44):
To six by, the way last year thirty seven point two.
TO three i sense a THEME. With cj stroud running.
This offense it's hard to get more identical third down
conversion numbers over three consecutive seasons than What the texans.

Speaker 2 (02:14:00):
Have Produced but i'm gonna.

Speaker 3 (02:14:02):
Go ahead and stop there AND say i don't think
they improved in year Two Under? Bobby slok what do
YOU think i think. THEY regressed i think had, they
improved then he wouldn't have been able to say what,
he said because they'd be in year, four Yeah With
bobby slok, quite possibly or year three because they improved.
So much he would have gotten hired, somewhere else like

(02:14:23):
everybody thought was gonna happen after.

Speaker 1 (02:14:25):
Year one he did get hired somewhere else, this OFFSEASON
and i can't wait to see what he does with
the dog pile or pile of dog crap That is.

Speaker 2 (02:14:36):
Miami's roster it's going to be.

Speaker 3 (02:14:38):
A challenge, You Know malik willis. Is there there's a
Lot Of green bay blood in the. Front office he.
Has some their head coach, has some their general manager,
has some and, they're very very Familiar.

Speaker 2 (02:14:47):
With willis that's why. He's there but they have a
limited set of.

Speaker 3 (02:14:51):
Offensive weapons they Maintain that Devon h chan is a
h can't have them part of. Their future they'll need
to basically show him the money in order for that,
to happen and THAT'S what, i honestly it's a. Weird
situation like of, all positions he's special and he's had
less of an injury, issue recently more of an injury

(02:15:11):
issue earlier in, his career but he's been out there,
a lot and he plays, running back and they know.

Speaker 2 (02:15:16):
He's special they know he's a.

Speaker 3 (02:15:17):
Game changer he changes how teams attack you defensively because
he's on.

Speaker 2 (02:15:21):
The field is a? Running back is this what we
want to do with some of? Our money and they
will have tons, of.

Speaker 3 (02:15:27):
It massive biggest dead cap percentage of their cap in
the history OF. The nfl that's what they're gonna have
in twenty, twenty five twenty. Twenty six we're in twenty,
twenty six twenty, Twenty six but that also means in
the years that come, after that they, just said we're
not spreading.

Speaker 2 (02:15:42):
This out we want to eat. It, ALL now i
thought you were going to say he's a. Game changer
he changes the game if.

Speaker 3 (02:15:47):
YOU will, I mean i would like to explain MYSELF
when i say things that aren't easy.

Speaker 2 (02:15:51):
To understand that's easy. To understand he's a. Game changer,
so yeah it's gonna be Tough, for BOBBY and I hope.

Speaker 3 (02:15:56):
Dalton's right and the biggest Reason Why bobby sloak's offense
didn't improve probably had very little to Do With bobby
slok and had a lot to Do With nick Cassario And.
Chris strausser There's No chris stausser. Hare Anymore It's. Cole
popovich There's no we're not addressing the offensive line at
all in a. Positive way they didn't address it in a.

(02:16:18):
Positive way they have to go out there and prove
that it. Was worthwhile but we can't sit here and
rip apart what they've done, this offseason trying To Give
cole popovich a chance to put together a, good unit
trying TO. Give cj strout a chance to operate, behind
it trying to give them a, running game and obviously
all those things go Into What nick cayley's going.

Speaker 2 (02:16:33):
To call they have a very reasonable group.

Speaker 3 (02:16:38):
Of five could they outperform our expectations and somehow land
in the top, sixteen overall maybe be one of the
top twelve run blocking. Offensive lines that's probably as HIGH
as i would, Even Dream and i'm not sure that
they can. Do that but can you open up the
playbook a little bit because some of the areas where
you had a lack of success last Year with Montgomery

(02:16:58):
and marx running behind, this line can you put your
quarterback in a better situation because that's all they've tried
to do, this offseason make life easier, on him rather
than in, this way rather than signing a bunch of
wideouts and, you know super skilled. Position players skill positions
have only changed in. One area they've They've Added, david
montgomery but they added a blocking. Tight end they've obviously

(02:17:20):
added multiple. Offensive linemen they didn't Let ed ingram, get
away and all of it's designed to run the.

Speaker 2 (02:17:25):
Football better do we have time to hear from one of?

Speaker 6 (02:17:27):
Those?

Speaker 2 (02:17:28):
Five yeah?

Speaker 3 (02:17:29):
Which, one well the one that you mistakingly played That
Wasn't dalton schultz.

Speaker 2 (02:17:32):
Outing me here's Why, at teller there's.

Speaker 5 (02:17:34):
A lot of good playmakers, coming Back and i'm excited
just to.

Speaker 3 (02:17:37):
See you system is, just ideal a really.

Speaker 6 (02:17:42):
Good team but more, THAN that i mean it's a,
great city. GREAT state, i, Mean well I'm. FROM virginia
i have a couple of Friends, from TEXAS AND i
i mean you probably know this being Being from texas
or knowing People. From texas there's no better State than
texas to Someone. From TEXAS so i get takes sperience a.
Little bit, and uh, you know obviously we have this,

(02:18:02):
you know beautiful Home, in virginia but it's gonna be
cool to check out. Another state.

Speaker 3 (02:18:09):
He's Very ella langley with, His, answer well yes. He
is he's very aware of how we view ourselves around. The,
country now why tell her? On HIMSELF if i can get, it,
RIGHT however i, can.

Speaker 6 (02:18:25):
Help, you know coming in and playing at THE best i,
can be getting back To what i'm, good at being,
that nasty.

Speaker 2 (02:18:30):
Gritty player, YOU know i feel like a little bit of.

Speaker 6 (02:18:34):
MY play i mean there's, you know a couple of
players this past year where, you know there's there's, you
know shows of it and there's guinches, of it but
kind of being that consistent player again where, you know
all Pro pro bowl player that that can Help the.

Speaker 3 (02:18:48):
Texans win you don't think very highly of his season, Last,
year no nor.

Speaker 2 (02:18:53):
Should he but he.

Speaker 3 (02:18:54):
Wasn't bad you made it sound like he. Was terrible
well he. He has he played for a bad. Football
team is that all? It was he's not playing at
A pro. Bowl level i'm glad he thinks he can get.
BACK there i have, My doubts i'm sure many.

Speaker 1 (02:19:09):
OTHERS do i do like the way he's talking about
them as if he's still not a part of the
team even though, he is he just hasn't played it.

Speaker 2 (02:19:14):
Down, Yet no texas is a really, good team and He's.

Speaker 3 (02:19:18):
In texas texas is the. Greatest state how do, you,
KNOW man i.

Speaker 4 (02:19:22):
LOVE it i heard.

Speaker 3 (02:19:23):
About it you got your nice little House, in virginia
but now you're gonna get One.

Speaker 2 (02:19:26):
In, texas yeah that's what he.

Speaker 1 (02:19:27):
Sounded like somebody that is adopting the way we look
at ourselves here in our. Great, state hey we've got
some some tickets to tease for. You guys we'll tell you.
About that they're of the concert variety as opposed to the.
Rockets varieties we'll tell you. About, that plus in case you,
missed it some of the things we have not gotten
to we'll do.

Speaker 2 (02:19:46):
That next.

Speaker 3 (02:19:49):
The a Team On sports talk seven ninety miss a few,
of them so we can get him caught up with
you with those items here in in case you. Missed
it also a ourminder coming up in the, final segment
a pair of tickets To See psychedelic firs Live on
make Twenty third House. Of blues we give those away
in the final segments to keep listening to. The program
that way you'll know the answer to this QUESTION before

(02:20:09):
i turned things Over to Josh with in case you,
missed it a couple of items On the astros front,
game tonight the last of the. Exhibition season lance McCullers
junior last work before he is set to start the
astros fifth game of the season that will be the
opening game of their series Against The Boston red Sox.
Next Monday jeremy paania is the last thing remaining to shift.

(02:20:33):
Them into Here's Our major League opening day twenty six.

Speaker 2 (02:20:37):
Man roster he's.

Speaker 3 (02:20:38):
Starting tonight expect to play him for six innings, at
shortstop hope to get him three.

Speaker 2 (02:20:42):
At bats he is, leading off and as those that.

Speaker 3 (02:20:46):
Were out there today reporting From what joe spot, has
said they will likely look at him again tomorrow during their,
optional workouts see if they can get some more live
abs and if he continues to show them that he's playing.
Without restrictions there is no likelihood of any issues with
his finger or possibility for it to go badly and
get hurt again, or worse and he still stands the

(02:21:07):
chance of making the opening a roster without a stint
on the, Injured list so that's what they're looking at
from a, roster standpoint because the other very significant roster
decision that had to be made. Was made They Told,
seysar salazar you're not making. This Team, christian vasquez who
is a. Late addition he's been With the astros for
basically a week Since The World baseball classic ended for

(02:21:28):
he and, his country and he is their choice as
the Backup To. Jainer diaz the other part, of, that
though Is that salsar is out. Of options they can't
just send.

Speaker 2 (02:21:38):
Him Down TO.

Speaker 3 (02:21:39):
Triple a they have to expose him to every other major,
league team and there's in, MY opinion i don't know
how he could possibly not be claimed by somebody or
maybe believe that going elsewhere gives him a better opportunity
to get on, the field because oh, my god if
they don't choose him in, this opportunity they must not
feel very good. About HIM and i still have not

(02:22:00):
figured out why. That is, but nonetheless that's happening. With
him same things Happening With, peter lambert who pitched pretty
well in, spring training but his minor league deal he
had to basically accept that he did not so he's
getting out of his minor league deal when they told
him he did not make, the team so he will
be free to play elsewhere and be a part of somebody.

(02:22:21):
Else's Organization the payna injury situation ESSENTIALLY determines i guess
If Both bryce Matthews And zach cole make the opening
day roster or just one. OF them i Would Think
bryce matthews should make it regardless. He's, fine well we,
shall see, All right what else do we, Have? Today,
JOSH yeah i.

Speaker 13 (02:22:42):
Was listening to your Conversation About aaron rodgers a little bit. Early, goodness,
YEAH well i get paid.

Speaker 3 (02:22:47):
To do these things well, every more and welcome to
join us in during those conversations.

Speaker 2 (02:22:50):
As, well hey HOW about i jump in.

Speaker 13 (02:22:52):
RIGHT here i saw an article the other DAY when
i was Prepping for in case you, Missed It, michael pittman.
Former Receiver the colts were all very familiar with. His
work he's now gone To, the steelers kind of in
the same banner as all these people speaking on podcasts
that don't necessarily have. Any Information michael, PITTMAN saying I
Think aaron rodgers wants to, keep PLAYING but i haven't
talked to him at all since joining.

Speaker 4 (02:23:13):
THE team i.

Speaker 13 (02:23:14):
Didn't want to bombard him with a bunch of, techs after,
you know joining up With. The steelers but, he said
based on his Knowing of aaron over, the years he
thinks that since he's still playing at a pretty, high level.

Speaker 2 (02:23:24):
That he's going to keep. Doing it so what do you?

Speaker 3 (02:23:26):
Guys Think So michael pittman does, a podcast, let's say
and the very clever, host says who would you like
to catch? PASSES from i probably can't ask him like
that because these guys are on his team. For sure
how about do you think you'll catch passes from all
three of these players next year during? Training Camp, Mason
Rudolph will Howard And, Aaron rodgers and presumably based On what,

(02:23:50):
josh said the answer would. Be yes, right now that's
their quarterback depth chart if You eliminate rogers. From It
mason rudolph and last year's sixth Round Pick, will howard
that IS their qb.

Speaker 2 (02:24:01):
Depth chart is that the main reason why you think
he's going to be?

Speaker 7 (02:24:06):
Coming?

Speaker 3 (02:24:06):
Back Yeah If mason Rudolph And will howard are out
There And mike tomlin is cheering on gymnastics this, upcoming
year which he will Be, doing georgia then they are
not going to, the playoffs and they might, be, saying,
HEY man i know WE'RE Paying, Dk Metcalf, Michael Pittman, JUNIOR. Hayward,
tj watt and a host of other players really. Good

(02:24:27):
money and we just went out And Got jim aldan
and we Still Have. Jalen ramsey well let's go ahead
and try to play for. THE draft i mean they're not.
Doing that But If aaron rodgers SOMEHOW says i don't
want to play, next year they're in, a bad. Bad
spot if you're winning Games With mason Rudolph And, will
howard then you're probably Getting my coach Of the.

Speaker 1 (02:24:46):
Year, VOTE yeah i mean it Would take i'm trying
to think of another scenario involving another coach where it
would beat out.

Speaker 2 (02:24:57):
That scenario, IT'S just, i mean.

Speaker 3 (02:24:59):
They're bad they're their backup quarterback, caliber maybe And We
will howard obviously has not had an opportunity to prove
it one way. Or another he's not been on. The
field AND obviously I think rudolph has. Proved it he
is a backup, level player and right now he's your
top level player on your. Depth, chart anyway, What, else yeah.

Speaker 13 (02:25:17):
Another proposed rule change here FOR. The nfl when the
league implemented the new, kickoff rules they require teams to
declare whether they're doing the on. Side, Kick right so
now they're proposing that they're going to allow the onside
kicks at, any time whether the team, is, ahead behind. Or,
tie before if you, were ahead you weren't allowed to
do an. ONSIDE kick i think.

Speaker 3 (02:25:37):
THAT'S interesting i think it's interesting, in THEORY and i
just don't think it's interesting. In practice can you envision
a time in, the, first second third quarter where a
coach is gonna elect to put an extremely low success
rate play on the field and encourage the opposing team
to have insanely good.

Speaker 2 (02:25:58):
Field position when you do it because.

Speaker 3 (02:26:00):
You're desperate you do it at the end of the
game because you can't win unless you get, the ball
and that's the only way to get the ball without
going through timeouts and a set. Of downs the idea
of doing it previous to the rule change and the
dynamic kickoff rules being implemented is the element. Of surprise
no matter how they reword the rule that you can
now do it whenever, you'd like the element of surprise does. Not,

(02:26:22):
exist ALSO so i don't THINK any i think they
might change this rule and it, might PASS but i
don't think we're going to see it. Very, often like
what would you set the number at on side kicks
in a non desperate situation three times the?

Speaker 2 (02:26:35):
Whole year two times.

Speaker 13 (02:26:36):
One, time yeah it's not LIKE The Sat super Bowl
Where sean payton was able to surprise with the.

Speaker 3 (02:26:42):
On score take baskets not walking through. That door Just
ask kendra what else?

Speaker 2 (02:26:47):
Will? Have yeah the.

Speaker 13 (02:26:48):
FINAL one i just pulled this up From. The athletic
they have the power RANKINGS. FOR mlb i was a
little disappointed with where they Had. The astros here they.
Have them, it's sixteenth Behind the rangers.

Speaker 2 (02:26:59):
At fifth people. Are stupid that's the.

Speaker 1 (02:27:02):
MORAL there, I, mean, Sarah like i'm, NOT again i
go back to the original point we were talking about, MLB's,
Preview like i'm not sitting here Saying the astros are
gonna Win The. World, SERIES heck i don't even know
if they're gonna Win. THE division i might even we
have to give. OUR peaks i might Even put seattle,
in there but they're not gonna be worse Than. The,
RANGERS sorry i don't care how good A Year wyatt

(02:27:24):
langford has they absolutely Suck. The rangers you heard it? Here, first,
WELL yeah i Mean the mariners can do. No wrong,
after all they employ, two superstars one of Which Is.
Julio rodriguez you Know Superstar. Julio rodriguez you may have

(02:27:44):
heard of him from all The other superstar season numbers he's.

Speaker 3 (02:27:47):
Put up, don't worry your astros will keep it entertaining.

Speaker 10 (02:27:53):
All.

Speaker 3 (02:27:53):
YEAR now i want them to win the Division and
i'm gonna pick them ninth best team In The american
League Per chandler. Rome's, Outlet oh chandler KNOWS how i
feel about. His coworkers they all see he doesn't write
any of these pieces. Or blurbs that's what they, are pieces?
Know what necessarily in this case necessarily, all right final

(02:28:18):
segment of. The show you want to Hear From? Hunter brown.

Speaker 2 (02:28:22):
WHAT if i? SAY no, i mean you. Asked me
WHAT if i, Said no well then you're going? To
anyways how? About that? That's Next Where's josh getty From?

Speaker 6 (02:28:33):
Not?

Speaker 3 (02:28:33):
AMERICA seriously i used to get around that on a
previous show by just saying, that Everybody including canadians that Aren't,
from america they're. JUST heroes, I mean i clearly recognize that,
as INACCURATE but i JUST would i would treat A
non american player in, that WAY so i wouldn't.

Speaker 2 (02:28:52):
Be wrong the guests, Been, saying oh They're From.

Speaker 3 (02:28:54):
New zealand oh They're, From australia They're, From yugoslava they're
From The, czech republic them all outside of.

Speaker 1 (02:29:01):
THE mainland i was texting with several different people. Last
night is that abomination?

Speaker 3 (02:29:07):
Was unfolding the comeback whatever you want to, call it
which Comeback, THE bulls, i Mean the bulls had to
come back from. Down, four Well the rockets had to
come back from down.

Speaker 2 (02:29:18):
Twenty two but they didn't. Come back.

Speaker 3 (02:29:20):
They lost the comeback. Was complete IT just i thought
there was more time on. THE clock I mean i
was WATCHING the tv side, of things.

Speaker 1 (02:29:28):
No, OFFENSE uh i watched, my side no. AUDIO only
I thought craig was going to have a coronary as
they were making. That, comeback well the things they were
doing to make, it happen. IT was, i, mean honestly
there's no reason they should have been doing in the
whole rest of.

Speaker 2 (02:29:43):
The GAME but i was getting more than my.

Speaker 1 (02:29:45):
FAIR share i had probably about four different text threads
going about. That game one of them was, a group
another one was, an individual another one was like two
people And They josh giddy came up in all, of
them and not for bast. Gootball reasons and most of
that One person i'm paraphrasing, was like isn't? He a

(02:30:06):
and they had a name, for It and i'm NOT
because i was trying to. FIGURE out i DON'T think
i ever really can recall. What happened at, THE end
i know what he. Was a charges were, Not filed
THAT'S what.

Speaker 3 (02:30:20):
I thought two months brought up and investigated in twenty Twenty,
three november and at the beginning of twenty twenty four lack,
of evidence no.

Speaker 2 (02:30:27):
Charges filed The Next Newport.

Speaker 1 (02:30:30):
Beach police the allegations were that it were that he
had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl when he
was a member Of. The thunder but it was the
police department Involved Was, newport beach Yep, in California. Not,
oklahoma okay if you guys, know that like uh, but
yeah like, you said this is so Old That adrian

(02:30:54):
warznerowski was the one writing. About it the Allegations against
giddy surfaced on social media In late november in a sense.
Deleted post an anonymous social media user said a girl
who was Seen with giddy in videos and photographs was
a high school junior at. The time the social media
account was deactivated since making. The post let me ask,

(02:31:15):
you this was it closed for lack? Of evidence because
that account got closed and they couldn't find ANYTHING that i.

Speaker 3 (02:31:21):
DON'T know i think there's probably more.

Speaker 6 (02:31:23):
TO it.

Speaker 3 (02:31:28):
I wasn't thinking Much About josh giddy's past while HE
was i.

Speaker 2 (02:31:33):
CAN'T rockets i can't help IT because i just like.

Speaker 11 (02:31:38):
It.

Speaker 3 (02:31:39):
For better we clearly can always think what we want
to think about pretty much anybody who's been embroiled in
any kind, of situation and then however you want to
feel about the results of the case are up. To you.

Speaker 1 (02:31:51):
OJ included i was just about, to say it's been
at least a week or Two since i've brought. Him
up you always like to bring up that he. Was
acquitted so you can.

Speaker 3 (02:32:01):
Fire off for our listeners how they can make their
way To The psychedelic. First show we got a pair
of tickets to go. See them may, Twenty third House
of blues tickets can be purocured or you can buy
them over at ticketmaster. Dot com should you show desire
and if you don't win, them here if you want to,
see them that's one way to. Do it but if
you know the answer to the, simple question you can
win them from us. Right here seven, one three two

(02:32:22):
one two five. Seven nine he give us the answer to.
This question.

Speaker 1 (02:32:25):
Don't worry IT'S Not, oj simpson but it is a.
Football player there was two people we played audio from
in the last hour that had thoughts On the. Texans
offense one of them is a member Of the texans
and is the starting tight end in. That offense his
Name Is. Dalton schultz the other is A former nfl

(02:32:47):
player who does no. Longer play he no longer plays in,
the league but had Thoughts, on BASICALLY. C j stroud
needed to get on the same Page As. Nick kyley
that's kind of pair offer raising what he had.

Speaker 2 (02:33:00):
To say who? Was that and he Was. A bengal there,
you go there's my. Wex henton in, other.

Speaker 3 (02:33:05):
Words the answer Is Not dalton schultz and It's Not,
wyatt teller whom you've heard from.

Speaker 2 (02:33:10):
This, Afternoon correct who is THAT former?

Speaker 1 (02:33:15):
Nfl player seven one three two one two five seven
ninety seven one three two one two five Seven ninety.

Speaker 2 (02:33:20):
You said you wanted to Hear From. HUNTER brown i
do very.

Speaker 3 (02:33:22):
Badly Well hunter brown wants to deliver this year for.

Speaker 11 (02:33:27):
His fans the City of houston has, great fans, you
know it's it's it's an awesome city to be a.
Part of and, you know the support that we we
get throughout throughout the year and all the past Years
that i've, been here, YOU know i know that that
they're as excited as we are to get this. Season
going so, you know we want to we want to
perform well for him to get back to, the playoffs
and that's.

Speaker 3 (02:33:47):
Our Goal, Hunter Brown Jose sirian soriano Three ten, thursday
afternoon Followed By mike Burrows And You Say kakuchi friday
evening right here Exclusively On sports talk seven to ninety
and Via the iHeartRadio app, saturday evening. Six', Ten First

(02:34:09):
pitch christian aavier gets the ball for. The first time
he'll Go against redebt Merce, and tatsu emi who pitched
last Night At. Dyk in park he makes his first
Starts for the Astros And in. Major League baseball the
angels have not yet listed a starter for game number four.
Of the season they've already used up. ALL their guys
i guess. By game, four hunter indicated you guys are

(02:34:32):
probably going to be pretty fired up like he is
to see those two newcomers. To the team probably also Fire,
to see hobby but you've. Seen Him before But hunter On,
burrows and emi a.

Speaker 11 (02:34:43):
Couple of Studs really, a mirows Hard.

Speaker 4 (02:34:47):
So does burrows they both.

Speaker 7 (02:34:48):
Got good.

Speaker 11 (02:34:48):
STUFF is, HILARIOUS i SAY i love i love hearing
what he's got to say. THROUGH the TRANSLATOR i can't
i can't Pick. UP much japanese i DON'T know, if
I will but i'm gonna. Do my, best, And, THEN
yeah burrows i had a front Row seat in pittsburgh
when he pitched against, this last year and, now you
know watching them all spring training and going, Into the
season i'm really excited.

Speaker 3 (02:35:09):
About, Those, guys.

Speaker 2 (02:35:11):
Hey hunter what do you THINK about? THE a team a?

Speaker 11 (02:35:14):
Couple, OF studs really.

Speaker 3 (02:35:15):
I appreciate.

Speaker 11 (02:35:16):
That.

Speaker 3 (02:35:16):
Appreciate that stop we'll catch up with him over the course.

Speaker 1 (02:35:19):
OF the year i know everybody's going to be More,
excited About emi but burrows is like sliding.

Speaker 2 (02:35:25):
Under the, radar for me it's hard not to like,
what you saw y'all with a. Grain of salt this is.

Speaker 3 (02:35:30):
Spring training activity you're, Working on things you're facing varying
levels of talent each time you go out there.

Speaker 2 (02:35:37):
On the mound, later in spring you're normally.

Speaker 3 (02:35:39):
Facing more regulars but Even in, the astros case if
you kind of look at, who they play if you
go back to what we, talked about yesterday, the wind
totals the lowest win total in baseball for this upcoming Year,
Is The Proud. Proud washington nationals astros don't play anybody
More than the nationals, during spring training so he saw

(02:36:01):
a lot. Of their lineup it saw a little Bit
of the mets lineup and some, of THEIR regulars which
i think, is a good really good test for what
you'll see over the course.

Speaker 2 (02:36:09):
Of the Season and, like hunter said it's not all Brand.

Speaker 3 (02:36:12):
New to burroughs he is a did pitch, significantly last
year but it was his first year really pitching at the,
major league level so there's a long way to go
to kind of see what. He truly is he's done
nothing but impressed, from MOMENT one and i feel pretty
confident that he will be, that for them but he
has to go out. And prove it that's only a
feeling until. It actually happens only one more show here

(02:36:34):
in studio before we are on The Grounds At dyke And.

Speaker 2 (02:36:37):
Park, on thursday.

Speaker 3 (02:36:38):
Yeah ten, am thursday morning we get live coverage started
out At. Dyk and Park will join Ross For The
matt Thomas. Show with ross our show will not air
That Day because astros. Baseball will instead will also take
You through The astros on deck show all the way
up to handing Things off To. Robert and steve The
Weekend of awesome awesome activity will also take place. Throughout

(02:36:59):
the day first thing, in the morning you get Teed
off at round One For The Texas, children's houston open
And after the astros begin their season, One, to Zero
Well the houston cougars will take the court knowing which
One of the midwestern teams won the first game and
hoping they joined them by winning. The second Game they've

(02:37:19):
got illinois in, The second Game nebraska and iowa in.

Speaker 2 (02:37:22):
THE first game i.

Speaker 3 (02:37:23):
Hope to make appearances at all three of Those. Places
on thursday, You, got credentials yeah picked them up today
there's so.

Speaker 2 (02:37:30):
Much we're aty as You Heard from giles kibby earlier here.

Speaker 3 (02:37:33):
On, this program Hey thanks to giles for stopping in in,
person in studio even though you.

Speaker 2 (02:37:37):
Couldn't, see him well you missed it. By one segment
simulcast was.

Speaker 3 (02:37:41):
Not yet underway anything you missed on, the show, today
as always is Available Be a sports talk seven ninety
or right there. Via the app be a subscriber, to
our podcast right There be. The iHeartRadio app we'll, be
back tomorrow Though. It's only wednesday we got. Lots, to
discuss then joy Your evening. Of astros baseball

Speaker 4 (02:38:01):
The ag on sports talkshedit