1 00:00:01,840 --> 00:00:05,120 Speaker 1: The twenty twenty three to twenty four NBA regular season 2 00:00:05,240 --> 00:00:08,639 Speaker 1: is down to its final six days, and we've got 3 00:00:08,760 --> 00:00:13,119 Speaker 1: updates on year end award ballots, a comprehensive look at 4 00:00:13,119 --> 00:00:16,280 Speaker 1: the Eastern Conference for a change rather than the West, 5 00:00:16,520 --> 00:00:20,480 Speaker 1: and more North American solar eclipse talk than this show 6 00:00:20,720 --> 00:00:24,239 Speaker 1: ever planned or imagined. All that's next. You're on a 7 00:00:24,440 --> 00:00:28,600 Speaker 1: brand new episode, a brand new edition of This League Uncut. 8 00:00:28,760 --> 00:00:32,920 Speaker 2: Welcome to This League Uncut in the rule of twenty 9 00:00:32,960 --> 00:00:38,240 Speaker 2: four hour NBA News. This's you love, Chris Haines. It's 10 00:00:38,280 --> 00:00:46,680 Speaker 2: go time, work's time, It's so time. This League Uncut 11 00:00:46,800 --> 00:00:48,400 Speaker 2: is underway and on fire. 12 00:00:50,040 --> 00:00:56,600 Speaker 1: This should be a good one. Hey everyone, welcome in 13 00:00:57,040 --> 00:01:02,440 Speaker 1: to the latest edition of This League Uncut. Mark Stein 14 00:01:02,600 --> 00:01:06,640 Speaker 1: here with Chris Haynes. It is late on Monday night 15 00:01:06,840 --> 00:01:10,240 Speaker 1: as we record this. There were no NBA games tonight 16 00:01:11,240 --> 00:01:16,800 Speaker 1: as the professionals let the collegians have the stage. Of course, 17 00:01:17,360 --> 00:01:21,440 Speaker 1: Yukon won the National Championship. Of course, Chris Haynes and 18 00:01:21,480 --> 00:01:25,160 Speaker 1: I combined to watch so little of it that any 19 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:29,280 Speaker 1: attempt at analysis from us would be an affront to 20 00:01:29,360 --> 00:01:31,520 Speaker 1: the game of round ball. So we are just going 21 00:01:31,560 --> 00:01:34,760 Speaker 1: to talk about the stuff that we know about, and 22 00:01:34,760 --> 00:01:39,280 Speaker 1: that of course is the NBA. But I have to say, guys, 23 00:01:39,319 --> 00:01:41,360 Speaker 1: and producer Ryan is here as well. I mean, this 24 00:01:41,560 --> 00:01:45,240 Speaker 1: was quite a day in Dallas. Here in the path 25 00:01:45,319 --> 00:01:50,600 Speaker 1: of totality, we had a full on solar eclipse. Obviously 26 00:01:50,640 --> 00:01:53,920 Speaker 1: it was a big deal all across the country, but 27 00:01:53,960 --> 00:01:56,480 Speaker 1: I don't know, I guess in California, where you guys are, 28 00:01:58,360 --> 00:01:59,880 Speaker 1: I mean, you tell me how big a deal it 29 00:01:59,920 --> 00:02:01,920 Speaker 1: was in your lives, because, like I said, for you know, 30 00:02:01,960 --> 00:02:04,960 Speaker 1: we had I had the glasses, my kids at school, 31 00:02:06,920 --> 00:02:10,960 Speaker 1: with all kinds of high tech photo equipment taking pictures 32 00:02:11,000 --> 00:02:14,200 Speaker 1: of this thing. And I'm you know, I didn't. I 33 00:02:14,280 --> 00:02:17,560 Speaker 1: wasn't expecting to, but I really did get swept up 34 00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:20,480 Speaker 1: in the moment here seeing a full blown eclipse. 35 00:02:21,200 --> 00:02:23,440 Speaker 3: I mean, I think there were people who were definitely 36 00:02:23,440 --> 00:02:28,160 Speaker 3: intrigued with it and set up their day and planned 37 00:02:28,200 --> 00:02:31,400 Speaker 3: around to plant around their schedule to make sure they 38 00:02:31,400 --> 00:02:34,120 Speaker 3: could make it. I wasn't one of them. I was 39 00:02:34,240 --> 00:02:36,840 Speaker 3: actually in the air, flying to LA. 40 00:02:36,919 --> 00:02:37,560 Speaker 1: You're in the air. 41 00:02:38,200 --> 00:02:40,720 Speaker 3: I was in the air, and no, I didn't look 42 00:02:40,720 --> 00:02:43,320 Speaker 3: out the window to see if I can see the clip. 43 00:02:43,560 --> 00:02:47,200 Speaker 3: I didn't care, you know, no, really, I have no 44 00:02:47,360 --> 00:02:49,839 Speaker 3: you know, listen, no ill will towards you people who do. 45 00:02:50,560 --> 00:02:54,160 Speaker 3: I just didn't didn't care, so missed it. 46 00:02:55,800 --> 00:02:58,520 Speaker 1: And Ryan was probably on the Herd. Of course, producer 47 00:02:58,600 --> 00:03:03,200 Speaker 1: Ryan is part of the army that produces and runs 48 00:03:03,200 --> 00:03:07,080 Speaker 1: Colin Cowherd's daily show. I'm guessing you guys couldn't just 49 00:03:07,680 --> 00:03:10,040 Speaker 1: hit the pause button on live TV so everybody could 50 00:03:10,080 --> 00:03:11,560 Speaker 1: go outside and check this thing out. 51 00:03:12,120 --> 00:03:15,200 Speaker 4: I had had to do it live. No, we were preoccupied, 52 00:03:15,200 --> 00:03:18,000 Speaker 4: Although I will say I'm a little surprised, Chris. Were 53 00:03:18,040 --> 00:03:22,840 Speaker 4: you a window seat and you just very much avoided 54 00:03:23,320 --> 00:03:25,560 Speaker 4: looking out the window or were you at least an 55 00:03:25,600 --> 00:03:26,119 Speaker 4: aisle guy. 56 00:03:26,760 --> 00:03:28,720 Speaker 3: No, I'm an aisle guy. I like to stretch my leg. 57 00:03:28,800 --> 00:03:30,639 Speaker 1: Yeah, yeah, a little bit, all right, So. 58 00:03:30,639 --> 00:03:32,640 Speaker 5: I get that maybe you didn't have a clear view. 59 00:03:32,440 --> 00:03:35,800 Speaker 3: Of it, Ryan, Ryan, that had absolutely nothing to do 60 00:03:35,880 --> 00:03:39,559 Speaker 3: with it. If I was sitting in a window seat, 61 00:03:39,800 --> 00:03:41,640 Speaker 3: my shades would have been down and I would have 62 00:03:41,640 --> 00:03:45,160 Speaker 3: been sleep just like I was on this On this flight, 63 00:03:45,200 --> 00:03:48,400 Speaker 3: I usually sleep. I knock out like I And I 64 00:03:48,440 --> 00:03:50,440 Speaker 3: love that about myself because it, you know, it makes 65 00:03:50,480 --> 00:03:54,160 Speaker 3: the makes the flight go by quicker. But uh, yeah, 66 00:03:54,200 --> 00:03:57,680 Speaker 3: I just had no desire to. I'm sorry, don't judge me, 67 00:03:57,800 --> 00:03:58,560 Speaker 3: just had no desire. 68 00:03:58,680 --> 00:04:00,200 Speaker 1: No, we're not judging you at all. No, I'm just 69 00:04:00,440 --> 00:04:02,400 Speaker 1: I just have to say, like I said, even from 70 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:06,280 Speaker 1: my perspective, I was not expecting to get swept up 71 00:04:06,320 --> 00:04:08,760 Speaker 1: in the moment. But you know, here in Dallas again 72 00:04:08,840 --> 00:04:12,760 Speaker 1: being in the quote path of totality. It last happened 73 00:04:12,920 --> 00:04:17,960 Speaker 1: in the Greater DFW area in eighteen seventy eight, and 74 00:04:18,000 --> 00:04:20,560 Speaker 1: it is not projected to happen again like it did 75 00:04:20,600 --> 00:04:25,400 Speaker 1: today with four minutes of darkness just intruding upon the 76 00:04:25,480 --> 00:04:31,160 Speaker 1: afternoon at one forty pm. It's not supposed to happen 77 00:04:31,200 --> 00:04:35,560 Speaker 1: here again until twenty three seventeen. So I don't think 78 00:04:35,720 --> 00:04:40,000 Speaker 1: this league uncut will still be in existence in twenty 79 00:04:40,040 --> 00:04:40,920 Speaker 1: three seventeen. 80 00:04:41,600 --> 00:04:44,479 Speaker 3: Hold on, man, you don't think we'll have a show 81 00:04:45,279 --> 00:04:47,839 Speaker 3: good enough that it will stand the test of time. 82 00:04:47,920 --> 00:04:50,880 Speaker 3: And that's somebody else like our family, as somebody our 83 00:04:51,000 --> 00:04:54,320 Speaker 3: kids will take over the program, on our grandkids and 84 00:04:54,360 --> 00:04:56,800 Speaker 3: their grand kids. You don't think it has survived of 85 00:04:56,920 --> 00:04:58,640 Speaker 3: survivings in staying power. 86 00:04:59,160 --> 00:05:01,919 Speaker 1: Maybe do you think AI is so advanced that it 87 00:05:01,960 --> 00:05:06,600 Speaker 1: could replicate your stories about the rec League and everything 88 00:05:06,600 --> 00:05:08,800 Speaker 1: else that happens in your life. Is that possible? 89 00:05:10,080 --> 00:05:13,240 Speaker 3: Hey, listen, I've been looking at some you know, I 90 00:05:13,360 --> 00:05:17,360 Speaker 3: spent quite too much time on social media, and I've 91 00:05:17,440 --> 00:05:21,040 Speaker 3: seen what AI can do already. It's tricking some folks 92 00:05:21,160 --> 00:05:27,000 Speaker 3: is writing stories for people. AIS was having their own conversation. 93 00:05:27,200 --> 00:05:29,520 Speaker 3: So I wouldn't be surprised what we could see, you know, 94 00:05:29,600 --> 00:05:30,440 Speaker 3: at that juncture. 95 00:05:30,480 --> 00:05:33,880 Speaker 1: But yeah, twenty three seventeen, Yeah, I'm gonna be I 96 00:05:33,960 --> 00:05:36,760 Speaker 1: will be able to tell the story just like Chris 97 00:05:36,800 --> 00:05:40,480 Speaker 1: Haynes about storming out of the car at Popeye's. 98 00:05:42,680 --> 00:05:45,640 Speaker 3: Twenty three seventeen. So that's why everybody was all up 99 00:05:45,680 --> 00:05:47,640 Speaker 3: in arms about this eclipse. 100 00:05:47,880 --> 00:05:50,280 Speaker 1: Oh yeah, man, last week in Dallas we had like 101 00:05:50,360 --> 00:05:53,800 Speaker 1: I saw reprint of how the papers covered it in 102 00:05:53,839 --> 00:05:55,839 Speaker 1: eighteen seventy eight. I mean, like I said, I just 103 00:05:56,320 --> 00:06:01,279 Speaker 1: I've never been you know, I've never really gotten wrapped 104 00:06:01,360 --> 00:06:06,279 Speaker 1: up in previous eclipse viewings. But this time, because it 105 00:06:06,360 --> 00:06:08,760 Speaker 1: was such a big story here for days and days 106 00:06:08,800 --> 00:06:14,200 Speaker 1: and days and so much, so much, I guess pessimism 107 00:06:14,240 --> 00:06:15,760 Speaker 1: that the weather was going to mess it up, and 108 00:06:15,760 --> 00:06:17,360 Speaker 1: then the weather really didn't mess it up. 109 00:06:19,279 --> 00:06:21,640 Speaker 3: I have a question, then, when was the last eclipse 110 00:06:21,800 --> 00:06:22,400 Speaker 3: before this. 111 00:06:22,320 --> 00:06:28,919 Speaker 1: One, well, I know there was a significant one in 112 00:06:29,000 --> 00:06:31,440 Speaker 1: twenty seventeen. But like I said, I am not the 113 00:06:31,480 --> 00:06:33,919 Speaker 1: authority on these things, So I mean to quote anything 114 00:06:33,960 --> 00:06:38,320 Speaker 1: I say on the matter is probably probably a mistake. 115 00:06:38,760 --> 00:06:39,960 Speaker 1: I can only speak to it. 116 00:06:40,760 --> 00:06:41,760 Speaker 3: You can only speak to what. 117 00:06:42,440 --> 00:06:45,360 Speaker 1: I can only speak to it. Like I said, from 118 00:06:45,400 --> 00:06:50,599 Speaker 1: this opportunity that Dallas had to have a total eclipse, which, 119 00:06:50,680 --> 00:06:52,680 Speaker 1: like I said, in this area, you know, I know 120 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:55,560 Speaker 1: the because it's been talked about so much here that 121 00:06:55,600 --> 00:06:58,000 Speaker 1: people were saying, yes, we have not been we have 122 00:06:58,080 --> 00:07:02,920 Speaker 1: not had this opportunity since eighteen seventy eight, and so in. 123 00:07:02,960 --> 00:07:05,120 Speaker 3: Dallas, got you Okay, I'm about to say, because this 124 00:07:05,160 --> 00:07:10,960 Speaker 3: is this is a really uh an erotic trend here. 125 00:07:11,040 --> 00:07:12,800 Speaker 3: So the last one was about seventy. 126 00:07:12,480 --> 00:07:13,800 Speaker 1: One kind of trend? 127 00:07:20,600 --> 00:07:26,080 Speaker 3: Can can I fish my point? Start? About? Allowed to 128 00:07:26,080 --> 00:07:26,840 Speaker 3: fish my point? 129 00:07:26,920 --> 00:07:29,680 Speaker 1: I guess yeah, I mean, sure, finish. 130 00:07:29,640 --> 00:07:32,920 Speaker 3: The last one was seven years ago, and now you 131 00:07:32,960 --> 00:07:36,520 Speaker 3: said the next one won't happen until twenty three seventeen. 132 00:07:36,760 --> 00:07:39,320 Speaker 1: Like what Like I said, like I said, I I 133 00:07:39,880 --> 00:07:41,840 Speaker 1: don't even know. Don't listen to me. I don't know 134 00:07:41,840 --> 00:07:45,240 Speaker 1: what I'm talking about. I know, my knowledge is very 135 00:07:45,560 --> 00:07:46,680 Speaker 1: very very surface. 136 00:07:46,880 --> 00:07:48,640 Speaker 5: I mean, if I don't know about I don't know 137 00:07:48,640 --> 00:07:50,840 Speaker 5: about erotic trends. 138 00:07:52,560 --> 00:07:55,360 Speaker 3: I'm sticking with that erotic I did. 139 00:07:55,520 --> 00:07:58,640 Speaker 5: I did listen to Uh they did a daily episode 140 00:07:58,640 --> 00:08:03,160 Speaker 5: on it today. So they do happen every several years 141 00:08:03,280 --> 00:08:06,040 Speaker 5: or so, right, because there's a guy who's an expert 142 00:08:06,120 --> 00:08:12,400 Speaker 5: and he goes to like every single full eclipse based 143 00:08:12,440 --> 00:08:15,320 Speaker 5: off of where they are on planet Earth. So he's 144 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:20,400 Speaker 5: been to like once on Antarctica, Australia, India, Canada. So 145 00:08:20,560 --> 00:08:25,680 Speaker 5: to Stein's point, specifically, the one that passes directly over 146 00:08:25,840 --> 00:08:30,560 Speaker 5: Dallas will only happen every few hundred years, but if 147 00:08:30,560 --> 00:08:32,800 Speaker 5: you're willing to go to a different part of the world, 148 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:36,320 Speaker 5: they do happen more or less like a munch a decade. 149 00:08:35,960 --> 00:08:39,400 Speaker 3: Is kind of I think the cadence of it gotcha. 150 00:08:40,360 --> 00:08:42,640 Speaker 1: Right, So yeah, I think I think the story that 151 00:08:42,720 --> 00:08:45,360 Speaker 1: Ryan is. You know, there's been talk about this Texas 152 00:08:45,400 --> 00:08:48,800 Speaker 1: gentleman who is one hundred and five years old and 153 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:55,160 Speaker 1: this was his thirteenth total solar eclipse. So they do happen, 154 00:08:55,200 --> 00:08:56,920 Speaker 1: and it just, yeah, like that thing. I think that 155 00:08:57,000 --> 00:08:58,760 Speaker 1: was the other reason why it became such a big 156 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:00,760 Speaker 1: deal here is that you know, there were stories of 157 00:09:00,800 --> 00:09:04,120 Speaker 1: people coming here from New Zealand and all over the 158 00:09:04,160 --> 00:09:08,160 Speaker 1: world to see this thing where you know, Dallas again 159 00:09:08,280 --> 00:09:10,880 Speaker 1: was in the that's you know that that much. I 160 00:09:10,920 --> 00:09:13,559 Speaker 1: have learned that they do call it the path of totality. 161 00:09:13,559 --> 00:09:15,480 Speaker 1: But you know what we've probably can. 162 00:09:17,280 --> 00:09:19,679 Speaker 3: We learned. We learned something new every day, and I've 163 00:09:19,760 --> 00:09:22,760 Speaker 3: learned like if I you know, it's bigger in Dallas, 164 00:09:22,800 --> 00:09:25,719 Speaker 3: because had I known that I'm only going to see 165 00:09:25,760 --> 00:09:29,240 Speaker 3: this once in my lifetime, I probably would have planned 166 00:09:29,240 --> 00:09:30,240 Speaker 3: my schedule around it. 167 00:09:30,320 --> 00:09:31,200 Speaker 1: So that's what I'm saying. 168 00:09:31,280 --> 00:09:34,400 Speaker 3: If mygift to you Dallas folks out there, but. 169 00:09:34,679 --> 00:09:38,160 Speaker 1: If Sacramento ever, if Sacramento ever ends up in the 170 00:09:38,200 --> 00:09:41,480 Speaker 1: path of totality, you it will it will, you will 171 00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:43,880 Speaker 1: hear tons about it, and I am sure you will 172 00:09:44,440 --> 00:09:47,280 Speaker 1: get yourself a special set of glasses like I did. 173 00:09:47,080 --> 00:09:52,920 Speaker 3: To Okay, now, let's define eratic, not even or regular 174 00:09:53,160 --> 00:09:56,280 Speaker 3: in pattern or movement, unpredictable. 175 00:09:57,440 --> 00:10:01,280 Speaker 1: So what Whatyes, I do know what the word erratic means, 176 00:10:01,320 --> 00:10:04,760 Speaker 1: but that's not what it sounded like you said. That's 177 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:12,680 Speaker 1: that was my that was my concern slash confusion. I'm 178 00:10:12,720 --> 00:10:17,240 Speaker 1: pretty sure Producer Ryan and our listeners and I know 179 00:10:17,320 --> 00:10:22,680 Speaker 1: the meaning of erratic E R R A T I C. Unfortunately, 180 00:10:23,400 --> 00:10:25,480 Speaker 1: that's not what it sounded like you said. 181 00:10:27,080 --> 00:10:29,880 Speaker 3: Sorry, I've been watching too much of social media clips. 182 00:10:29,920 --> 00:10:30,720 Speaker 3: By my pause. 183 00:10:32,840 --> 00:10:35,040 Speaker 1: Should we talk about should we try? Should we try 184 00:10:35,040 --> 00:10:38,439 Speaker 1: to salvage this show and move on to basketball? Let's go, 185 00:10:40,040 --> 00:10:42,120 Speaker 1: because there was even though this was a day that 186 00:10:42,160 --> 00:10:44,880 Speaker 1: belonged to the collegians, there was a little bit of 187 00:10:44,960 --> 00:10:50,040 Speaker 1: news earlier in the day. I checked with the league 188 00:10:50,080 --> 00:10:53,040 Speaker 1: office because I heard a rumble over the weekend. I've 189 00:10:53,400 --> 00:10:57,000 Speaker 1: said at least once or twice publicly being asked by 190 00:10:57,080 --> 00:11:00,760 Speaker 1: readers by listeners to kind of go over the award 191 00:11:00,840 --> 00:11:04,480 Speaker 1: ballot process and award ballots. I'm sure we've talked about 192 00:11:04,480 --> 00:11:09,520 Speaker 1: it here on this League uncut. When do ballots go out? 193 00:11:09,720 --> 00:11:15,920 Speaker 1: When are awards due? And the voting for year end awards. 194 00:11:15,920 --> 00:11:18,600 Speaker 1: For as long as I can remember, ballots were always 195 00:11:18,679 --> 00:11:23,960 Speaker 1: due the day after the season, and ballots typically would 196 00:11:24,000 --> 00:11:26,600 Speaker 1: go out, you know, today with like a week to go, 197 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:29,920 Speaker 1: and then again, you know, in this year, I even 198 00:11:29,920 --> 00:11:33,680 Speaker 1: wrote about it because tax Day is April fifteenth, and 199 00:11:33,720 --> 00:11:37,520 Speaker 1: that's the day after the regular season, so it was like, oh, wow, 200 00:11:37,600 --> 00:11:40,200 Speaker 1: April fifteenth this year is going to be tax Day 201 00:11:40,240 --> 00:11:42,840 Speaker 1: and the day that year end award ballots are due. 202 00:11:42,840 --> 00:11:46,400 Speaker 1: But no, the league is actually implementing a new system 203 00:11:46,480 --> 00:11:49,760 Speaker 1: this season for the first time in years and years, 204 00:11:49,800 --> 00:11:52,720 Speaker 1: and the reason is the sixty five game rule, and 205 00:11:52,760 --> 00:11:55,320 Speaker 1: it really does make sense when you kind of get 206 00:11:55,320 --> 00:12:02,120 Speaker 1: the explanation, but basically, in five different award caps that's 207 00:12:02,160 --> 00:12:06,080 Speaker 1: where the sixty five game rule applies. Only for five 208 00:12:06,160 --> 00:12:13,400 Speaker 1: different awards MVP, All NBA Most Improved, Defensive Player of 209 00:12:13,440 --> 00:12:17,479 Speaker 1: the Year, and the All Defensive Team. So for example, 210 00:12:18,000 --> 00:12:20,719 Speaker 1: the Rookie of the Year Award, the All Rookie Team, 211 00:12:20,800 --> 00:12:24,319 Speaker 1: the sixty five game rule does not apply in those categories. 212 00:12:24,920 --> 00:12:27,680 Speaker 1: But for the five categories that the sixty five game 213 00:12:27,760 --> 00:12:33,199 Speaker 1: rule does apply, we're not going to know the full, exact, 214 00:12:33,320 --> 00:12:42,320 Speaker 1: precise list of eligible winners until the season is completely finished. 215 00:12:42,880 --> 00:12:49,440 Speaker 1: So basically, the league office confirmed today that ballots won't 216 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:52,520 Speaker 1: be able to go out to voters until after the 217 00:12:52,559 --> 00:12:55,320 Speaker 1: regular season, and it sounds like the voting process is 218 00:12:55,360 --> 00:13:00,839 Speaker 1: going to be conducted and completed between April sixteenth and nineteenth, 219 00:13:01,400 --> 00:13:04,200 Speaker 1: when the play in tournament is going on. And that 220 00:13:04,240 --> 00:13:08,040 Speaker 1: means Chris Haynes, in addition to working the sideline for 221 00:13:08,120 --> 00:13:10,959 Speaker 1: a play in game or two for TNT, you are 222 00:13:10,960 --> 00:13:13,120 Speaker 1: gonna have to do your ballots then, because, as we 223 00:13:13,200 --> 00:13:16,600 Speaker 1: have previously discussed here on this league uncut, you are 224 00:13:16,720 --> 00:13:20,000 Speaker 1: again an official voter. I am not an official voter. 225 00:13:20,120 --> 00:13:24,960 Speaker 1: But that's the newsy slight change to the award situation 226 00:13:25,120 --> 00:13:30,880 Speaker 1: that ballots will go out and be completed between April 227 00:13:30,920 --> 00:13:34,400 Speaker 1: sixteenth and nineteenth, now the week. This will all take 228 00:13:34,440 --> 00:13:38,040 Speaker 1: place during the week after the season, as opposed to 229 00:13:38,120 --> 00:13:41,400 Speaker 1: in the past where it had to be wrapped up 230 00:13:41,440 --> 00:13:44,200 Speaker 1: immediately the day after. It really is not that big 231 00:13:44,240 --> 00:13:47,160 Speaker 1: a deal. I don't think it's going to change things dramatically. 232 00:13:47,240 --> 00:13:50,080 Speaker 1: What it does is, though people who like to vote early, 233 00:13:50,400 --> 00:13:53,439 Speaker 1: you can't. You can't even get started until the league 234 00:13:54,240 --> 00:13:56,480 Speaker 1: sends out the ballot, which again is not going to 235 00:13:56,520 --> 00:13:59,280 Speaker 1: happen till next week. So you got a little You've 236 00:13:59,280 --> 00:14:01,360 Speaker 1: got a little X for time to get ready with 237 00:14:01,920 --> 00:14:04,560 Speaker 1: your various awards elections. 238 00:14:04,960 --> 00:14:07,400 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's true. I mean they give you three days 239 00:14:07,480 --> 00:14:09,760 Speaker 3: from what you reporter, You got three days from when 240 00:14:09,800 --> 00:14:13,360 Speaker 3: they give you your ballot. You got three days to 241 00:14:13,559 --> 00:14:17,480 Speaker 3: submit it. That's different. But yeah, I mean you don't 242 00:14:17,520 --> 00:14:21,480 Speaker 3: need your ballot to to you know, have you know 243 00:14:21,600 --> 00:14:24,840 Speaker 3: to already have your picks in mind or have them 244 00:14:24,880 --> 00:14:27,760 Speaker 3: written down. So yeah, that's not going to change anything. 245 00:14:28,360 --> 00:14:30,840 Speaker 1: Have you begun that process to any serious degree? 246 00:14:30,960 --> 00:14:31,680 Speaker 3: No? I have not. 247 00:14:31,920 --> 00:14:37,480 Speaker 1: No, I have not, right, and I'm not going to 248 00:14:37,560 --> 00:14:39,200 Speaker 1: press you. But I'm sure if we said, hey, you 249 00:14:39,240 --> 00:14:41,320 Speaker 1: need to tell us your MVP right now, you could 250 00:14:41,320 --> 00:14:43,520 Speaker 1: at least give us two three names that you're looking at. 251 00:14:43,760 --> 00:14:50,840 Speaker 3: Yeah, I mean Joker, Shaye. Those the top two. 252 00:14:51,760 --> 00:14:53,600 Speaker 1: Man, you are still you don't even have Luca in 253 00:14:53,640 --> 00:14:56,840 Speaker 1: your top two yet. Man, top two over say and 254 00:14:57,000 --> 00:15:02,440 Speaker 1: Joker you are tough. Hey, it's your ballot. It is 255 00:15:02,480 --> 00:15:03,760 Speaker 1: your ballot again. 256 00:15:03,800 --> 00:15:08,000 Speaker 3: And again I have it dissected, the numbers and crunched everything. 257 00:15:08,280 --> 00:15:11,040 Speaker 3: So you know that can change once I do a 258 00:15:11,080 --> 00:15:13,840 Speaker 3: deep dive. But as of right now, just looking at 259 00:15:13,880 --> 00:15:17,360 Speaker 3: things from a glass, Yeah, those are my top two 260 00:15:17,440 --> 00:15:19,120 Speaker 3: Shayan Joker right now. 261 00:15:19,560 --> 00:15:23,280 Speaker 1: So Harrison Fagan, he's the NBA manager at ESP Nation, 262 00:15:23,640 --> 00:15:29,920 Speaker 1: works with all kinds of NBA team sites under that 263 00:15:30,240 --> 00:15:33,640 Speaker 1: ESP Nation umbrella. And I know he is a he's 264 00:15:33,680 --> 00:15:37,160 Speaker 1: a very loyal listener to this podcast and he tweets. 265 00:15:37,320 --> 00:15:40,960 Speaker 1: He tweeted after the last episode. This pod is great 266 00:15:41,120 --> 00:15:45,040 Speaker 1: because every episode is basically like dot dot dot Stein, 267 00:15:45,680 --> 00:15:49,600 Speaker 1: who is your MVP? Haines? I got mad. My wife 268 00:15:49,640 --> 00:15:51,880 Speaker 1: picked Popeyes for dinner, so I got out of the 269 00:15:51,920 --> 00:15:55,000 Speaker 1: car and walked three and a half miles home. That's 270 00:15:55,040 --> 00:15:57,359 Speaker 1: the way he summed up this league, uncut. 271 00:15:58,600 --> 00:16:04,280 Speaker 3: That sounds like a natural. That's a natural progressive on 272 00:16:04,320 --> 00:16:07,240 Speaker 3: a conversation. That's how totally normal to me. 273 00:16:08,200 --> 00:16:11,040 Speaker 1: All right, today I'm gonna rant about something, and we'll 274 00:16:11,040 --> 00:16:12,200 Speaker 1: see what kind of reaction I go. 275 00:16:12,360 --> 00:16:15,160 Speaker 3: Oh, hold on, hold on, stop, hold on, hold on, 276 00:16:15,760 --> 00:16:19,200 Speaker 3: hold on, ladies and gentlemen, hold on, ladieship, before he 277 00:16:19,280 --> 00:16:21,920 Speaker 3: goes here, before he goes there. I want y'all to 278 00:16:22,120 --> 00:16:26,960 Speaker 3: understand and appreciate how big of a pull this is 279 00:16:27,000 --> 00:16:30,160 Speaker 3: to get this out of Stein. Stein doesn't tell you 280 00:16:30,280 --> 00:16:33,360 Speaker 3: much about I've just I've just found out about his 281 00:16:33,440 --> 00:16:35,320 Speaker 3: family about a year ago, and I've been knowing a 282 00:16:35,360 --> 00:16:36,520 Speaker 3: guy for ten years now. 283 00:16:36,560 --> 00:16:38,880 Speaker 1: So this is how this is. I didn't want to 284 00:16:38,880 --> 00:16:40,440 Speaker 1: get your hopes up too much. This is not a 285 00:16:40,480 --> 00:16:43,880 Speaker 1: personal rant. This is this is NBA related. 286 00:16:43,960 --> 00:16:47,040 Speaker 3: You fooled us all even producer Ryan was ready go ahead. 287 00:16:47,880 --> 00:16:49,920 Speaker 1: If you wanted a personal rant, you should have seen 288 00:16:49,960 --> 00:16:53,360 Speaker 1: me about ten minutes before we started, because I wanted 289 00:16:53,360 --> 00:16:56,400 Speaker 1: to throw every piece of equipment I own into the 290 00:16:57,000 --> 00:17:00,600 Speaker 1: into the garbage because nothing was working, so that that 291 00:17:00,680 --> 00:17:02,640 Speaker 1: actually would have been a good You guys would have 292 00:17:02,680 --> 00:17:05,399 Speaker 1: been quite amused had you seen that. It was not 293 00:17:05,520 --> 00:17:09,320 Speaker 1: pretty okay. If Missus Stein ever comes on here, like 294 00:17:09,359 --> 00:17:12,360 Speaker 1: Missus Haynes did last week, she'll probably tell you how 295 00:17:12,920 --> 00:17:16,199 Speaker 1: dismayed and disgusted she was by my behavior because it 296 00:17:16,240 --> 00:17:22,600 Speaker 1: was a John McEnroe esque throwing tantrum, my horrendous equipment. 297 00:17:22,640 --> 00:17:25,080 Speaker 1: But that is not what I came here to rant today. 298 00:17:25,119 --> 00:17:38,359 Speaker 1: I came here to rant about the Eastern Conference. Your 299 00:17:38,440 --> 00:17:43,480 Speaker 1: Eastern Conference, Chris Haynes. Seriously, I've been debating. I did 300 00:17:43,480 --> 00:17:45,760 Speaker 1: this in print as well. Do I need to bring 301 00:17:45,880 --> 00:17:49,960 Speaker 1: back my Leastern Conference tag that I used for years 302 00:17:49,960 --> 00:17:54,600 Speaker 1: and years and years in the power rankings? This is ridiculous, ridiculous, 303 00:17:54,920 --> 00:17:58,040 Speaker 1: and your Milwaukee Bucks are a big part of this. 304 00:17:58,240 --> 00:18:02,280 Speaker 1: I mean, do you realize on Tuesday morning, when this 305 00:18:02,400 --> 00:18:07,679 Speaker 1: pod drops and when the season resumes, the Celtics of 306 00:18:07,800 --> 00:18:13,080 Speaker 1: Boston will enter the Final six days of the regular 307 00:18:13,200 --> 00:18:19,640 Speaker 1: season with a fifteen game lead over the number two 308 00:18:19,720 --> 00:18:28,400 Speaker 1: seeded Bucks of Milwaukee. Fifteen games. That is outrageous. That 309 00:18:28,560 --> 00:18:31,880 Speaker 1: is unbelievable. And I'm gonna put this to you both. 310 00:18:31,920 --> 00:18:37,520 Speaker 1: Producer Ryan can also participate trivia time. When was the 311 00:18:37,640 --> 00:18:43,480 Speaker 1: last time we saw a conference race that was this 312 00:18:43,680 --> 00:18:47,000 Speaker 1: out of hand, this lopsided? And listen, do not be 313 00:18:47,040 --> 00:18:49,240 Speaker 1: ashamed if neither one of you can get this answer. 314 00:18:49,520 --> 00:18:52,679 Speaker 1: Because I didn't know either. I had to turn to 315 00:18:53,720 --> 00:18:56,560 Speaker 1: Justin Kubatko, a good friend of mine who keeps he 316 00:18:56,600 --> 00:19:00,320 Speaker 1: does incredible NBA research. I needed his help to look up. 317 00:19:00,800 --> 00:19:03,200 Speaker 1: I give you, guys, pretty much a zero percent chance 318 00:19:03,200 --> 00:19:06,000 Speaker 1: of getting it unless you read my piece tonight, and 319 00:19:06,040 --> 00:19:08,359 Speaker 1: I'm guessing neither one of you did. So tell me, 320 00:19:08,440 --> 00:19:13,439 Speaker 1: do you have any clue when the last time we 321 00:19:13,520 --> 00:19:16,359 Speaker 1: saw such a gap between one and two in any 322 00:19:16,440 --> 00:19:19,800 Speaker 1: conference in NBA history, any season. 323 00:19:21,200 --> 00:19:23,440 Speaker 3: I have I do not have a clue. 324 00:19:24,080 --> 00:19:28,080 Speaker 1: None whatsoever. That is totally understandable, because you guys know, 325 00:19:28,400 --> 00:19:32,359 Speaker 1: I fancy myself to be a pretty decent NBA historian, 326 00:19:32,400 --> 00:19:35,439 Speaker 1: and I had no idea. No, guests, you have to 327 00:19:35,480 --> 00:19:38,920 Speaker 1: go all the way back to the nineteen seventy five 328 00:19:39,200 --> 00:19:43,159 Speaker 1: seventy six season when there were only eighteen teams in 329 00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:47,080 Speaker 1: the NBA as opposed to thirty in nineteen seventy five 330 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:55,199 Speaker 1: seventy six Golden State defending the first championship in franchise history. 331 00:19:55,800 --> 00:19:59,560 Speaker 1: Those Warriors, led by Rick Berry fifty nine and twenty three. 332 00:20:00,840 --> 00:20:05,480 Speaker 1: In nineteen seventy five seventy six, Seattle sixteen games back 333 00:20:06,040 --> 00:20:09,680 Speaker 1: at number two in the West at forty three and 334 00:20:09,760 --> 00:20:12,920 Speaker 1: thirty nine, and Phoenix ended up going to the finals 335 00:20:12,920 --> 00:20:16,200 Speaker 1: that year and losing to Boston. Of course, that series 336 00:20:16,240 --> 00:20:21,960 Speaker 1: feature the game with Garherd forcing overtime with one of 337 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:26,240 Speaker 1: the most memorable shots in NBA history. Celtics, though, did 338 00:20:26,240 --> 00:20:30,000 Speaker 1: win that series over Phoenix in seventy six. So I mean, 339 00:20:30,640 --> 00:20:33,480 Speaker 1: the point is Boston has been so good this season 340 00:20:33,600 --> 00:20:36,400 Speaker 1: and the dominant team of the regular season that the 341 00:20:36,440 --> 00:20:41,199 Speaker 1: Celtics presence that does give me some pause in throwing 342 00:20:41,240 --> 00:20:47,520 Speaker 1: out Leastern Conference rampantly on this podcast. And obviously injuries 343 00:20:47,520 --> 00:20:51,240 Speaker 1: have been a factor up and down the East, with 344 00:20:51,440 --> 00:20:55,400 Speaker 1: more teams than not in the East top ten. There 345 00:20:55,480 --> 00:21:00,719 Speaker 1: is an injury situation with note, but still none Chris, Please, 346 00:21:00,920 --> 00:21:03,080 Speaker 1: I've ranted long enough. Please tell me what's going on 347 00:21:03,119 --> 00:21:05,479 Speaker 1: with the Milwaukee Bucks. I mean they are, I mean 348 00:21:05,520 --> 00:21:09,440 Speaker 1: to be fifteen games behind Boston. And what we witnessed 349 00:21:09,520 --> 00:21:14,840 Speaker 1: last week from the Bucks consecutive losses in Washington then 350 00:21:14,880 --> 00:21:19,480 Speaker 1: at home to Memphis at Toronto, those teams are combined 351 00:21:19,720 --> 00:21:23,600 Speaker 1: sixty seven and one sixty eight. What in the world 352 00:21:23,720 --> 00:21:25,639 Speaker 1: is going on with the Milwaukee Bucks. 353 00:21:26,280 --> 00:21:32,440 Speaker 3: Before I touch on the Bucks, Stein, Stein and Ryan producer, Ryan, 354 00:21:34,359 --> 00:21:37,440 Speaker 3: I want to stay on the Eastern Conference because you 355 00:21:37,440 --> 00:21:40,640 Speaker 3: you're calling it the Leastern Conference, and you're pointing out 356 00:21:40,720 --> 00:21:44,240 Speaker 3: the travesty that is at the top of the Eastern 357 00:21:44,240 --> 00:21:48,040 Speaker 3: Conference standings in which the Celtics hold a fifteen game 358 00:21:48,160 --> 00:21:51,720 Speaker 3: lead over the number two Bucks, which is a valid 359 00:21:51,760 --> 00:21:55,680 Speaker 3: point to bring out. But I would like to take 360 00:21:55,720 --> 00:22:01,640 Speaker 3: your attention downward. Let's go down, Let's go Let's get 361 00:22:01,680 --> 00:22:05,359 Speaker 3: to the eighth seed, nine seed, tim seed. This is 362 00:22:05,400 --> 00:22:08,879 Speaker 3: where it's a travesty in my opinion, Ryan, Ryan, and Stein, 363 00:22:09,520 --> 00:22:12,159 Speaker 3: you're talking about the play in situation. This is the 364 00:22:12,200 --> 00:22:15,879 Speaker 3: problem I have with the play in under this circumstance 365 00:22:15,880 --> 00:22:18,560 Speaker 3: and when this scenario happens, and I think you know 366 00:22:18,600 --> 00:22:22,880 Speaker 3: where I'm going with the stun You have the Miami 367 00:22:22,920 --> 00:22:26,080 Speaker 3: who excuse me, you have the Miami Heat, who sit 368 00:22:26,119 --> 00:22:29,280 Speaker 3: at number eight right now. They will be in the 369 00:22:29,320 --> 00:22:35,480 Speaker 3: play in situation most likely. But behind them or below them, 370 00:22:35,520 --> 00:22:41,040 Speaker 3: I should say, are the Chicago Bulls. And they are 371 00:22:41,400 --> 00:22:46,679 Speaker 3: six games above the Chicago Bulls. So what you're telling 372 00:22:46,720 --> 00:22:50,280 Speaker 3: me is this a team that is six games above 373 00:22:50,840 --> 00:22:54,679 Speaker 3: the next team. You're telling me all it takes is 374 00:22:54,680 --> 00:22:59,680 Speaker 3: for that team below to win two games, just two 375 00:22:59,760 --> 00:23:03,480 Speaker 3: games in the play is scenario to make it to 376 00:23:03,520 --> 00:23:08,640 Speaker 3: the playoffs. I think that is totally unfair. I love 377 00:23:08,720 --> 00:23:11,600 Speaker 3: the play and I think has been great, But I 378 00:23:11,680 --> 00:23:16,080 Speaker 3: think if you're a seventh seed or sixth seed or 379 00:23:16,119 --> 00:23:19,080 Speaker 3: whatever I mean seventh seed or a seed and you 380 00:23:19,280 --> 00:23:22,240 Speaker 3: have I think there needs to be a number like 381 00:23:22,440 --> 00:23:27,320 Speaker 3: if you're six games are more above the next team, 382 00:23:28,440 --> 00:23:32,640 Speaker 3: you should get an automatic birth to the playoffs because 383 00:23:32,680 --> 00:23:33,840 Speaker 3: it doesn't make sense that. 384 00:23:34,160 --> 00:23:36,440 Speaker 1: I think some people would back you up on that 385 00:23:36,440 --> 00:23:42,080 Speaker 1: that you know, should there be a games behind limit 386 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:47,400 Speaker 1: or minimum requirement? Should teams nine to ten do they 387 00:23:47,400 --> 00:23:50,640 Speaker 1: have to be within three games of number eight or 388 00:23:50,680 --> 00:23:53,639 Speaker 1: four games of number eight? But I hear what you're saying, 389 00:23:53,720 --> 00:23:58,000 Speaker 1: the Bulls will enter Tuesday's play six games behind number 390 00:23:58,000 --> 00:24:02,600 Speaker 1: eight Miami. The Hawks will enter Tuesday's play seven games 391 00:24:02,680 --> 00:24:08,399 Speaker 1: behind number eight Miami, and if playing matters go in 392 00:24:08,600 --> 00:24:12,800 Speaker 1: a haywire fashion, a team like Philly or Miami could 393 00:24:12,840 --> 00:24:16,800 Speaker 1: be knocked out by a team that's well under five hundred. However, 394 00:24:17,720 --> 00:24:19,879 Speaker 1: I don't know that it was appropriate for you to 395 00:24:20,160 --> 00:24:24,360 Speaker 1: distract from my initial rant when I suspect that your 396 00:24:24,400 --> 00:24:28,440 Speaker 1: real complaint here is you want to be in Miami 397 00:24:28,920 --> 00:24:31,520 Speaker 1: and that's really all you care about selfishly, which you've 398 00:24:31,520 --> 00:24:35,919 Speaker 1: admitted on this podcast numerous times, and you're just upset 399 00:24:36,359 --> 00:24:39,239 Speaker 1: that because of the play in the Heat could get 400 00:24:39,320 --> 00:24:42,159 Speaker 1: knocked out early and you might not get any games 401 00:24:42,160 --> 00:24:45,920 Speaker 1: in Miami this playoffs, and that's really all your concern 402 00:24:46,040 --> 00:24:46,359 Speaker 1: is here. 403 00:24:46,720 --> 00:24:49,760 Speaker 3: You brought that up, not me, but what I'm saying, 404 00:24:50,040 --> 00:24:52,600 Speaker 3: let's stick to the broader point. The broader point is, yes, 405 00:24:52,920 --> 00:24:57,400 Speaker 3: I think that is a complete travesty when a team 406 00:24:57,760 --> 00:25:01,520 Speaker 3: can win two games, just two games, because basically now 407 00:25:01,520 --> 00:25:04,879 Speaker 3: you're telling me that five or six games of the 408 00:25:04,920 --> 00:25:10,000 Speaker 3: regular season really didn't matter because the Hawks or Chicago 409 00:25:10,400 --> 00:25:12,280 Speaker 3: could just get a heat. 410 00:25:12,320 --> 00:25:15,200 Speaker 1: Are really six or seven games better than the Bulls 411 00:25:15,240 --> 00:25:17,920 Speaker 1: and or Hawks. I mean, shouldn't they win a one 412 00:25:17,960 --> 00:25:18,400 Speaker 1: off game. 413 00:25:18,680 --> 00:25:21,840 Speaker 3: It doesn't match Stine. We understand the injuries take you know, 414 00:25:22,320 --> 00:25:24,720 Speaker 3: players can be hurt, you know what I mean, Like 415 00:25:25,560 --> 00:25:28,280 Speaker 3: the Atlanta's finding a stride right now, like they're gonna 416 00:25:28,320 --> 00:25:31,840 Speaker 3: get Trey Young back pretty soon. They're a different team now. 417 00:25:32,560 --> 00:25:35,640 Speaker 3: So no, you can't just look at it like because anybody, 418 00:25:35,880 --> 00:25:38,800 Speaker 3: anybody can be That's why I have a story. Anybody 419 00:25:38,840 --> 00:25:42,280 Speaker 3: can beat anybody. And this brings me to my story, Stine. 420 00:25:42,320 --> 00:25:46,280 Speaker 3: I'll tell at the end of our pod. Anybody can 421 00:25:46,320 --> 00:25:50,080 Speaker 3: beat anybody at any given time. So if you're gonna 422 00:25:50,080 --> 00:25:53,960 Speaker 3: say Star, well they just they're better. They should be 423 00:25:53,960 --> 00:25:56,600 Speaker 3: able to beat them in a two game scenario. No, 424 00:25:57,040 --> 00:25:59,600 Speaker 3: these are professional players. It doesn't matter. And you just 425 00:26:00,080 --> 00:26:04,200 Speaker 3: taking away all the importance of having a six game lead. 426 00:26:04,400 --> 00:26:08,480 Speaker 3: You might as well just eradicate those five or six 427 00:26:08,560 --> 00:26:11,280 Speaker 3: wins that the Miami had. That's all. 428 00:26:13,200 --> 00:26:18,160 Speaker 1: Well, Look, you were there last season when after Atlanta 429 00:26:18,280 --> 00:26:21,879 Speaker 1: stunned Miami in the first playing game, you had Heat Chicago. 430 00:26:22,000 --> 00:26:25,119 Speaker 1: You were there for the start of the Heat's fairy 431 00:26:25,160 --> 00:26:31,520 Speaker 1: tale run from playing tournament almost play in tournament failure 432 00:26:31,720 --> 00:26:35,080 Speaker 1: all the way to a trip to the NBA Finals. 433 00:26:35,080 --> 00:26:37,720 Speaker 1: But you know what, again, let's I think we still 434 00:26:37,720 --> 00:26:41,040 Speaker 1: need to rewind, go back where this ranting all started. 435 00:26:41,400 --> 00:26:43,800 Speaker 1: What in the world is going on with the Milwaukee Bucks? 436 00:26:44,160 --> 00:26:47,720 Speaker 1: Please enlighten us. I know that's a team you know 437 00:26:47,840 --> 00:26:51,959 Speaker 1: well cover closely. You're constantly dialed in there. What happened 438 00:26:52,000 --> 00:26:56,919 Speaker 1: last week? Seriously, those losses were ridiculous. 439 00:26:57,520 --> 00:27:00,399 Speaker 3: They're losing to horrible teams. The team is just not 440 00:27:01,000 --> 00:27:04,280 Speaker 3: very good right now. Period. Can they turn it on? 441 00:27:04,520 --> 00:27:10,320 Speaker 3: Can they find something? I don't know, possibly, but this 442 00:27:10,400 --> 00:27:15,960 Speaker 3: team is just showing that they're not that good, period, 443 00:27:16,640 --> 00:27:20,480 Speaker 3: And it would be hard to pick them in any 444 00:27:20,600 --> 00:27:24,880 Speaker 3: series right now. That's just how terrible they've been over 445 00:27:24,920 --> 00:27:27,800 Speaker 3: the past few weeks. After the All Star break, it 446 00:27:27,840 --> 00:27:30,080 Speaker 3: seemed like they turned the corner. They were doing good. 447 00:27:30,680 --> 00:27:33,880 Speaker 1: Yeah, I thought I thought they started to figure things out. 448 00:27:33,960 --> 00:27:39,760 Speaker 3: Yeah, I mean yeah, Stein, I can't, I can't put 449 00:27:39,800 --> 00:27:40,439 Speaker 3: a finger on it. 450 00:27:41,080 --> 00:27:45,560 Speaker 1: But how worried do you think they are? Because now 451 00:27:46,720 --> 00:27:49,040 Speaker 1: I'm not even sure they're going to hang on to 452 00:27:49,160 --> 00:27:51,600 Speaker 1: number two again. You know, it looked and as I 453 00:27:51,680 --> 00:27:55,880 Speaker 1: you know, all kind of joking aside. Injuries have been 454 00:27:55,920 --> 00:27:58,399 Speaker 1: a major factor in the East all season. There's no 455 00:27:58,520 --> 00:28:02,959 Speaker 1: question Miami has dealt with numerous absences. Philly only just 456 00:28:03,000 --> 00:28:08,600 Speaker 1: got Joel Embiid back, Indiana lost Benedict Maturin, and Halliburton 457 00:28:08,640 --> 00:28:12,280 Speaker 1: has not been the same player since the hollatious groin strain, 458 00:28:12,359 --> 00:28:17,000 Speaker 1: and Cleveland has had multiple, multiple significant injuries. The Knicks, 459 00:28:17,480 --> 00:28:19,040 Speaker 1: you know, we're going to get into that your report 460 00:28:19,040 --> 00:28:21,840 Speaker 1: about Julius Randall last week, and now Julius Randall is 461 00:28:21,880 --> 00:28:24,520 Speaker 1: not coming back this season, and they've had to play 462 00:28:24,520 --> 00:28:27,560 Speaker 1: so many games without Randall, without og An Andobi. Pretty 463 00:28:27,640 --> 00:28:30,439 Speaker 1: much everyone in the East top ten has had to 464 00:28:30,440 --> 00:28:35,159 Speaker 1: deal with a variety of injury issues. Maybe Orlando's have 465 00:28:35,280 --> 00:28:39,480 Speaker 1: been slightly less impactful than many of the teams around them, 466 00:28:39,480 --> 00:28:43,880 Speaker 1: and that's among the reasons why the Magic, in conjunction 467 00:28:44,040 --> 00:28:48,479 Speaker 1: with their surprisingly great top five defense, why the Magic 468 00:28:48,520 --> 00:28:51,680 Speaker 1: are in the hunt now for number two, as no 469 00:28:51,720 --> 00:28:54,640 Speaker 1: one predicted coming into the season. Again, you know, if 470 00:28:54,680 --> 00:28:57,080 Speaker 1: we want to talk about awards, another really tough one 471 00:28:57,120 --> 00:28:59,680 Speaker 1: is going to be Coach of the Year. Trying to 472 00:28:59,680 --> 00:29:03,240 Speaker 1: set rate Chris Finch in Minnesota, Mark dagnaalton O Ca 473 00:29:03,400 --> 00:29:07,040 Speaker 1: se Jamal Mosley in Orlando. Like to me, all three 474 00:29:07,120 --> 00:29:07,920 Speaker 1: of those coaches. 475 00:29:08,280 --> 00:29:15,719 Speaker 3: Oh you're not mentioning udokah, now huh. 476 00:29:14,600 --> 00:29:15,760 Speaker 1: Now they're out of the play. 477 00:29:16,000 --> 00:29:17,240 Speaker 3: Oh okay, all right. 478 00:29:17,320 --> 00:29:21,360 Speaker 1: But see, Actually, you know, after that pod, when you 479 00:29:21,480 --> 00:29:23,480 Speaker 1: mocked me for that suggestion. 480 00:29:23,320 --> 00:29:26,760 Speaker 3: And I mocked people who only give Culture the Year 481 00:29:26,760 --> 00:29:32,160 Speaker 3: awards to teams that you didn't expect much of, that's 482 00:29:32,160 --> 00:29:32,720 Speaker 3: all right. 483 00:29:32,600 --> 00:29:35,360 Speaker 1: But you what you said there was you likened what 484 00:29:35,440 --> 00:29:39,160 Speaker 1: the Rockets were doing to a participation trophy, And when 485 00:29:39,200 --> 00:29:42,200 Speaker 1: I thought about that after the pod, I feel like 486 00:29:42,280 --> 00:29:45,280 Speaker 1: that was a little bit much. Because the Rockets were 487 00:29:45,440 --> 00:29:50,400 Speaker 1: nine games under five hundred, they lost Shengon, their best player, 488 00:29:51,240 --> 00:29:55,920 Speaker 1: ended up reeling off an eleven game winning streak to 489 00:29:56,160 --> 00:29:59,680 Speaker 1: put themselves over five hundred from being way under five 490 00:29:59,720 --> 00:30:03,920 Speaker 1: hundred and putting some real pressure on Golden State. I 491 00:30:03,960 --> 00:30:07,240 Speaker 1: don't think that's just a participation trophy. I think that 492 00:30:07,440 --> 00:30:10,280 Speaker 1: was a pretty impressive run. But hey, they followed up 493 00:30:10,520 --> 00:30:11,520 Speaker 1: eleven do. 494 00:30:11,520 --> 00:30:13,960 Speaker 3: We Award style? You just said it was an impressive run? 495 00:30:14,040 --> 00:30:15,880 Speaker 3: Do we Award runs? Or do we. 496 00:30:17,960 --> 00:30:21,160 Speaker 1: Had? Had they sustained it to the finish line and 497 00:30:21,320 --> 00:30:24,880 Speaker 1: finished over five hundred, and I think would have been 498 00:30:24,880 --> 00:30:28,840 Speaker 1: in the conversation they lost five game and that thing, 499 00:30:28,960 --> 00:30:32,520 Speaker 1: and that's why Udoka's out. They lost, They followed up, 500 00:30:32,840 --> 00:30:35,880 Speaker 1: they followed up eleven straight wins with five straight losses. 501 00:30:36,120 --> 00:30:38,920 Speaker 1: They're back under five hundred, they're out of the play 502 00:30:38,960 --> 00:30:42,160 Speaker 1: and they've been officially eliminated. So now I'm in agreement 503 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:45,040 Speaker 1: with you will not be in the Coach of the 504 00:30:45,120 --> 00:30:48,720 Speaker 1: Year race. But when we talked about it, they were 505 00:30:48,800 --> 00:30:52,280 Speaker 1: still in the midst of that run and still alive 506 00:30:52,360 --> 00:30:55,160 Speaker 1: for maybe knocking Golden State out of the play in 507 00:30:55,680 --> 00:30:58,080 Speaker 1: I don't think that would have been a participation trophy, 508 00:30:58,120 --> 00:31:00,000 Speaker 1: but they couldn't pull it off in the end. 509 00:31:00,240 --> 00:31:02,560 Speaker 3: Stop it, we gotta stop it. Are we giving? Is 510 00:31:02,600 --> 00:31:04,600 Speaker 3: this a Coach of the Year award or Coach of 511 00:31:04,600 --> 00:31:08,720 Speaker 3: the Month or Coach of the post All Star Break Award. 512 00:31:09,640 --> 00:31:12,400 Speaker 1: We did a pod recently. We did a pod recently 513 00:31:12,680 --> 00:31:16,840 Speaker 1: where you put two trophies on the desk and then 514 00:31:17,040 --> 00:31:20,640 Speaker 1: told us how another season is coming up in like 515 00:31:20,720 --> 00:31:23,640 Speaker 1: a month. So what you get to be MVP again 516 00:31:23,680 --> 00:31:25,440 Speaker 1: in a month? I mean, how many you get to 517 00:31:25,440 --> 00:31:28,080 Speaker 1: be MVP five times a year because they just keep 518 00:31:28,120 --> 00:31:31,440 Speaker 1: starting a new season. Or the Houston but now the 519 00:31:31,520 --> 00:31:34,960 Speaker 1: Houston Rockets who went on this amazing run without their 520 00:31:34,960 --> 00:31:38,400 Speaker 1: best player to almost get over five hundred. Like, that's 521 00:31:38,440 --> 00:31:39,920 Speaker 1: not a participation trophy. 522 00:31:40,480 --> 00:31:46,400 Speaker 3: Okay, run of the run of the period, Run of 523 00:31:46,400 --> 00:31:51,600 Speaker 3: the year. I gave you that run. See in twenty 524 00:31:51,640 --> 00:31:54,160 Speaker 3: twenty four. We always making up new awards because we 525 00:31:54,160 --> 00:31:57,360 Speaker 3: won award. Everybody, there you go, run of the Year award. 526 00:31:57,400 --> 00:31:59,800 Speaker 3: I'll give you that. Who had the best run? 527 00:32:00,440 --> 00:32:01,400 Speaker 1: It is run of the year? 528 00:32:01,520 --> 00:32:03,280 Speaker 3: Yeah the year. 529 00:32:03,560 --> 00:32:07,360 Speaker 1: Congratulations Houston Rockets. Only, by the way, the Houston Rockets 530 00:32:07,360 --> 00:32:10,880 Speaker 1: will go down as only the fifth team in league history. 531 00:32:11,560 --> 00:32:15,560 Speaker 1: There are only five and only two others in the 532 00:32:15,560 --> 00:32:18,360 Speaker 1: modern NBA era where sixteen teams have gone to the 533 00:32:18,400 --> 00:32:21,920 Speaker 1: playoffs for the last forty years to post a double 534 00:32:21,960 --> 00:32:24,840 Speaker 1: digit win streak and not make the playoffs. So typically, 535 00:32:25,280 --> 00:32:28,440 Speaker 1: if teams can win a double digit amount of games 536 00:32:28,480 --> 00:32:30,800 Speaker 1: in a row, they almost always go to the playoffs. 537 00:32:30,840 --> 00:32:33,479 Speaker 1: So all I'm saying is, I think, I think what 538 00:32:33,520 --> 00:32:38,480 Speaker 1: Houston did is more impressive than participation trophy territory. But again, 539 00:32:38,600 --> 00:32:41,240 Speaker 1: yet again, this is like the seventh time we've diverted 540 00:32:41,280 --> 00:32:45,360 Speaker 1: from the Bucks and everything going on in the East. 541 00:32:45,480 --> 00:32:49,800 Speaker 3: I mean, what's up with the Bucks? Nobody cares about 542 00:32:49,800 --> 00:32:51,440 Speaker 3: the Bucks. Nobody want to hear about the Bucks. 543 00:32:51,880 --> 00:32:53,440 Speaker 1: You know what nobody cares about the Bucks. 544 00:32:53,480 --> 00:32:58,600 Speaker 3: The Bucks got the Celtics tomorrow or when it's tonight, 545 00:32:58,800 --> 00:33:01,360 Speaker 3: I should say, because this is when this podcast is 546 00:33:01,360 --> 00:33:04,600 Speaker 3: going to drop. Let's let's talk about him after that game. 547 00:33:04,680 --> 00:33:06,760 Speaker 3: Let's see what happens. 548 00:33:06,960 --> 00:33:09,920 Speaker 1: Let's talk about it. Let's talk about another team in 549 00:33:09,960 --> 00:33:21,200 Speaker 1: the East that you reported on extensively last week, the 550 00:33:21,240 --> 00:33:27,320 Speaker 1: New York Knicks. You got everybody talking Thursday night, You're 551 00:33:27,360 --> 00:33:32,440 Speaker 1: in New York to cover Kings at Knicks. By this point, 552 00:33:32,480 --> 00:33:35,920 Speaker 1: we know that Julius Randall has been ruled out for 553 00:33:35,960 --> 00:33:40,080 Speaker 1: the rest of the season, but TNT's Chris Haynes before 554 00:33:40,200 --> 00:33:46,000 Speaker 1: Thursday's game, reports that he had spoken to Julius Randall 555 00:33:46,520 --> 00:33:50,960 Speaker 1: and Julius Randall previously a guest here on this League Uncut. 556 00:33:51,200 --> 00:33:56,600 Speaker 1: Julius Randall told you that he had suffered a setback 557 00:33:57,480 --> 00:34:01,080 Speaker 1: in his rehabitempts to try to get back on the floor, 558 00:34:01,160 --> 00:34:05,040 Speaker 1: and that's what led him to decide that he did 559 00:34:05,160 --> 00:34:07,480 Speaker 1: need season ending shoulder surgery. 560 00:34:07,560 --> 00:34:08,000 Speaker 3: So just. 561 00:34:09,480 --> 00:34:12,000 Speaker 1: Let's go back to your day in New York and 562 00:34:12,080 --> 00:34:14,680 Speaker 1: just tell us kind of how that all played out. 563 00:34:15,480 --> 00:34:18,279 Speaker 3: Yeah, so I had obviously, I had the game for 564 00:34:18,360 --> 00:34:21,680 Speaker 3: T and T that night. It was the Kings and 565 00:34:21,760 --> 00:34:26,040 Speaker 3: the Knicks. And that morning news broke that Julius Randall 566 00:34:26,280 --> 00:34:29,080 Speaker 3: would have season in the surgery. So obviously, you know, 567 00:34:29,160 --> 00:34:35,759 Speaker 3: I'm all on the Julius Randall situation. And so I 568 00:34:35,800 --> 00:34:40,440 Speaker 3: had to go on to on inside the NBA before 569 00:34:40,560 --> 00:34:43,200 Speaker 3: and you know, you know, they wanted some you know what, 570 00:34:43,400 --> 00:34:45,560 Speaker 3: what did I know about Julius Randall. So I'm like, 571 00:34:45,600 --> 00:34:48,120 Speaker 3: you know what, let's give it a try. Let me 572 00:34:49,160 --> 00:34:53,239 Speaker 3: call Julius himself, let me figure it out. And I 573 00:34:53,400 --> 00:34:55,440 Speaker 3: texted him and he said, I'm gonna hit you back 574 00:34:55,440 --> 00:34:58,200 Speaker 3: in a couple hours. You hear that from players a 575 00:34:58,200 --> 00:35:02,920 Speaker 3: lot sometimes in my forget or whatever whatever happens. He 576 00:35:03,000 --> 00:35:05,799 Speaker 3: called me back, and he called me probably about an 577 00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:08,759 Speaker 3: hour before I was to go to the arena, and 578 00:35:09,440 --> 00:35:11,359 Speaker 3: he was just ready to talk. And one thing that 579 00:35:11,840 --> 00:35:14,839 Speaker 3: stood out to me is that he really wanted it 580 00:35:14,920 --> 00:35:20,560 Speaker 3: out there publicly, that he suffered a setback about five 581 00:35:20,600 --> 00:35:26,920 Speaker 3: weeks about five weeks ago during a contact session, and 582 00:35:28,080 --> 00:35:30,520 Speaker 3: you know, it was back to square one with a shoulder, 583 00:35:30,920 --> 00:35:33,240 Speaker 3: and he still, he said, he still tried to fight 584 00:35:33,360 --> 00:35:37,000 Speaker 3: and still try to go through rehab, but the shoulder 585 00:35:37,160 --> 00:35:43,160 Speaker 3: just wasn't cooperating and wasn't responding until recently until he realized, 586 00:35:43,239 --> 00:35:45,279 Speaker 3: you know, that there was nothing else he could do. 587 00:35:45,360 --> 00:35:47,319 Speaker 3: He was not going to be able to return this 588 00:35:47,400 --> 00:35:51,640 Speaker 3: season and surgery was the only option. So that was 589 00:35:51,719 --> 00:35:55,840 Speaker 3: never revealed before the fact that he had suffered a 590 00:35:55,880 --> 00:36:02,040 Speaker 3: setback during a contact session with Pat. So you know, 591 00:36:02,120 --> 00:36:04,279 Speaker 3: he really wanted that. He want he wanted he wanted 592 00:36:04,320 --> 00:36:07,719 Speaker 3: his story told. So I appreciate him and trusted in 593 00:36:07,800 --> 00:36:13,560 Speaker 3: me two to reveal that on his behalf. But uh, 594 00:36:13,760 --> 00:36:17,000 Speaker 3: you know, remember when he had this, when he first 595 00:36:17,200 --> 00:36:21,000 Speaker 3: suffered the injury, he could have opted for surgery then, 596 00:36:21,040 --> 00:36:22,719 Speaker 3: but he really wanted to stick it out and we 597 00:36:22,800 --> 00:36:26,200 Speaker 3: wanted to try to play and get back this season. 598 00:36:26,600 --> 00:36:29,239 Speaker 3: And so this really doesn't hurt him at all for 599 00:36:29,680 --> 00:36:32,040 Speaker 3: next season because I know there's some peoples like, well, 600 00:36:32,080 --> 00:36:33,800 Speaker 3: he probably should have had the surgery then, Well, it 601 00:36:33,800 --> 00:36:36,759 Speaker 3: wouldn't have changed any change anything. He hasn't surgery stilled 602 00:36:36,760 --> 00:36:38,799 Speaker 3: out for five months. He has a surgery. Now it's 603 00:36:38,800 --> 00:36:40,440 Speaker 3: gonna be out for five months, but he'll be ready 604 00:36:40,440 --> 00:36:43,160 Speaker 3: for the start of training camp. So and you know 605 00:36:43,440 --> 00:36:46,120 Speaker 3: it's brief. I'm being brief, but you know that's and 606 00:36:46,480 --> 00:36:49,680 Speaker 3: that's the consensus of what he shared with me, and 607 00:36:49,719 --> 00:36:52,960 Speaker 3: he really wanted wanted it known that he really tried 608 00:36:53,080 --> 00:36:55,040 Speaker 3: everything he could to get back on the court, but 609 00:36:55,080 --> 00:36:59,600 Speaker 3: his shoulder just did not cooperate, especially after suffering that setback. 610 00:36:59,840 --> 00:37:02,360 Speaker 1: And you can understand why he would want to try 611 00:37:03,080 --> 00:37:05,640 Speaker 1: to leave open every chance to come back this season, 612 00:37:05,680 --> 00:37:10,960 Speaker 1: because again, look, Boston has been tremendous. They're sixty two 613 00:37:10,960 --> 00:37:15,560 Speaker 1: and sixteen. You know, they have done pretty much everything 614 00:37:15,640 --> 00:37:19,360 Speaker 1: you could possibly ask of a team in the regular season. 615 00:37:20,120 --> 00:37:24,200 Speaker 1: But outside of Boston, I mean, number two in the 616 00:37:24,280 --> 00:37:30,440 Speaker 1: East is up for grabs still, the Knicks. Despite all 617 00:37:30,560 --> 00:37:34,239 Speaker 1: the games that Randall and og Annobi have missed, the 618 00:37:34,320 --> 00:37:38,680 Speaker 1: Knicks enter Tuesday's play only a game behind the Bucks 619 00:37:39,360 --> 00:37:42,479 Speaker 1: in a tie with Orlando. Orlando does have the edge 620 00:37:42,480 --> 00:37:45,600 Speaker 1: and is technically the number three seed. The Knicks are 621 00:37:45,600 --> 00:37:48,560 Speaker 1: at number four. But there's this, there's there's a tremendous 622 00:37:48,600 --> 00:37:53,399 Speaker 1: opportunity to at least go to the conference finals this 623 00:37:53,480 --> 00:37:57,840 Speaker 1: season and presumably play the Boston Celtics. It's there for 624 00:37:57,880 --> 00:38:01,920 Speaker 1: the taking. So it makes sense why Randall would have 625 00:38:02,000 --> 00:38:06,120 Speaker 1: wanted to come back, because I mean, the East does 626 00:38:06,160 --> 00:38:12,200 Speaker 1: seem so wide open underneath Boston. But now that was 627 00:38:12,400 --> 00:38:15,560 Speaker 1: that was interesting and pretty cool to see how candid 628 00:38:15,600 --> 00:38:18,319 Speaker 1: he was with you and how much he told you 629 00:38:18,880 --> 00:38:19,880 Speaker 1: about that situation. 630 00:38:20,200 --> 00:38:22,680 Speaker 3: Yeah, I said, I appreciate Julius for doing that, but yeah, 631 00:38:22,920 --> 00:38:27,000 Speaker 3: that's how that came about. Called me by surprise. 632 00:38:28,640 --> 00:38:30,880 Speaker 1: And then now, you know, having heard having heard what 633 00:38:30,920 --> 00:38:34,520 Speaker 1: you just said about Chicago and Atlanta, I'm almost hesitant 634 00:38:34,600 --> 00:38:39,680 Speaker 1: to segue to this other injury topic. But Trey Young 635 00:38:40,360 --> 00:38:44,480 Speaker 1: on Monday, he was officially cleared to return to contact 636 00:38:45,120 --> 00:38:48,319 Speaker 1: and practice. I know on your Bleacher Report stream on 637 00:38:48,440 --> 00:38:53,640 Speaker 1: Friday you had some Trey Young intel on there as well. 638 00:38:53,680 --> 00:38:56,800 Speaker 1: It sounds like it sounds like Trey Young really wants 639 00:38:56,840 --> 00:39:02,680 Speaker 1: to come back before the season ends. This Sunday night. 640 00:39:03,680 --> 00:39:05,480 Speaker 1: It sounds like Trey wants to get back on the 641 00:39:05,520 --> 00:39:09,920 Speaker 1: court so he can make a contribution in the play 642 00:39:09,960 --> 00:39:12,680 Speaker 1: and round. And you know, I think there was a 643 00:39:12,760 --> 00:39:18,160 Speaker 1: sense that when he sustained this ligament injury in a 644 00:39:18,200 --> 00:39:20,680 Speaker 1: finger on his left hand in late February, that that 645 00:39:20,800 --> 00:39:23,759 Speaker 1: might be the rest of the season. But Trey Young 646 00:39:23,840 --> 00:39:26,080 Speaker 1: clearly isn't looking at it like that, and it sounds 647 00:39:26,120 --> 00:39:28,840 Speaker 1: like he sounds like we have a decent chance of 648 00:39:28,920 --> 00:39:32,080 Speaker 1: seeing him play this week, which to me, is again 649 00:39:32,160 --> 00:39:35,879 Speaker 1: not super interesting for the standings because the Hawks can 650 00:39:35,960 --> 00:39:39,400 Speaker 1: only finish as high as ninth. Atlanta's gonna play Chicago 651 00:39:39,840 --> 00:39:41,759 Speaker 1: in a nine to ten playing game. Really, the only 652 00:39:41,840 --> 00:39:44,799 Speaker 1: mystery is where that game is gonna be. But Trey 653 00:39:44,920 --> 00:39:48,400 Speaker 1: Young coming back for the end of the season and 654 00:39:48,440 --> 00:39:50,759 Speaker 1: a play in game or two, and maybe even some 655 00:39:50,880 --> 00:39:54,600 Speaker 1: playoff games, if the Hawks can get through the playing round, 656 00:39:54,960 --> 00:39:58,799 Speaker 1: as they've done multiple times in the past, all that 657 00:39:58,920 --> 00:40:01,359 Speaker 1: is pretty intriguing to me. I'm really curious to see 658 00:40:01,360 --> 00:40:04,400 Speaker 1: what it looks like for Trey Young to come back 659 00:40:04,840 --> 00:40:08,280 Speaker 1: and rejoin the Hawks here at such a late stage. 660 00:40:08,800 --> 00:40:14,920 Speaker 3: Yeah, he's adamant on returning. That was always his focus 661 00:40:15,000 --> 00:40:18,080 Speaker 3: right now, and they're a different team. If he comes 662 00:40:18,120 --> 00:40:21,200 Speaker 3: back and he can get back to the form he 663 00:40:21,360 --> 00:40:25,200 Speaker 3: was before that injury, they're a completely different team. And 664 00:40:25,400 --> 00:40:30,440 Speaker 3: that would put the Miami Heat in a tough situation 665 00:40:30,640 --> 00:40:35,480 Speaker 3: if they were to see the Atlanta Hawks at some point. Basically, 666 00:40:35,560 --> 00:40:39,040 Speaker 3: what I'm saying is Miami Heat deserved to be in 667 00:40:39,080 --> 00:40:42,120 Speaker 3: the playoffs. They deserve to be in the playoffs, and 668 00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:42,719 Speaker 3: I'll leave it. 669 00:40:42,680 --> 00:40:47,160 Speaker 1: At that translation. As we've already established, you are concerned 670 00:40:47,239 --> 00:40:50,200 Speaker 1: about your ability to return to South Beach this season. 671 00:40:50,320 --> 00:40:52,520 Speaker 1: I know I get it, But I'm going to take 672 00:40:52,520 --> 00:40:57,080 Speaker 1: this thing back to Trey Young because, like I said, 673 00:40:57,239 --> 00:41:00,000 Speaker 1: I will be watching the Hawks this week with great 674 00:41:00,120 --> 00:41:02,920 Speaker 1: interest if he makes it back onto the floor. Because 675 00:41:03,200 --> 00:41:06,840 Speaker 1: I included this in my Monday musing's column on my 676 00:41:06,880 --> 00:41:10,239 Speaker 1: sub stack one league source. The way it was described 677 00:41:10,239 --> 00:41:16,280 Speaker 1: to me, the most likely scenario remains that before next season, 678 00:41:17,320 --> 00:41:22,600 Speaker 1: Atlanta would more likely than not trade one of its 679 00:41:22,600 --> 00:41:31,560 Speaker 1: star guards. The expectation remains at this juncture that Tray 680 00:41:31,680 --> 00:41:37,200 Speaker 1: Young or de Jonte Murray the best forecast at this 681 00:41:37,320 --> 00:41:40,640 Speaker 1: point is that one of the two would likely be 682 00:41:40,760 --> 00:41:44,759 Speaker 1: moved before next season. I'm not sure you agree, but 683 00:41:44,880 --> 00:41:46,759 Speaker 1: I think there are a lot of people around the 684 00:41:46,800 --> 00:41:50,520 Speaker 1: league who see it that way, and so that's why 685 00:41:50,600 --> 00:41:53,640 Speaker 1: I'm saying I think there's it's gonna be really interesting 686 00:41:53,680 --> 00:41:55,640 Speaker 1: to see them reunited on the court and what that 687 00:41:55,680 --> 00:41:59,000 Speaker 1: looks like. Because they've now gone twenty two games where 688 00:41:59,040 --> 00:42:02,240 Speaker 1: this team has been to Jontay Maurice centric. The Hawks 689 00:42:02,640 --> 00:42:05,080 Speaker 1: are twelve and ten in those games, which is still 690 00:42:05,120 --> 00:42:08,920 Speaker 1: a pretty middling record, but the defense has been much better. 691 00:42:09,239 --> 00:42:11,560 Speaker 1: So it's good that we looked at the other side 692 00:42:11,560 --> 00:42:14,359 Speaker 1: of the conference. Coin here and again shout out one 693 00:42:14,400 --> 00:42:20,040 Speaker 1: more time to the Orlando Magic. Top three defensively this season. 694 00:42:20,920 --> 00:42:24,000 Speaker 1: Jamal Mosley has gotten such a good response out of 695 00:42:24,000 --> 00:42:28,480 Speaker 1: that young team to see Orlando when the NBA resumes 696 00:42:28,520 --> 00:42:32,320 Speaker 1: play on Tuesday, Orlando with the league's number three defense, 697 00:42:32,400 --> 00:42:38,279 Speaker 1: behind only Minnesota and Boston, one spot ahead of the 698 00:42:38,280 --> 00:42:42,719 Speaker 1: Miami Heat. And it is it is somewhat amusing to 699 00:42:42,760 --> 00:42:46,279 Speaker 1: me that you had all those things to say about 700 00:42:46,320 --> 00:42:48,680 Speaker 1: the East playing and all joking aside. I know why 701 00:42:48,680 --> 00:42:51,799 Speaker 1: you're saying it, and you make it is it is 702 00:42:51,840 --> 00:42:54,839 Speaker 1: a valid point. I'm sure Philly and Miami are looking 703 00:42:54,880 --> 00:42:57,600 Speaker 1: at the standings right there with Chris Haynes. They're looking 704 00:42:57,600 --> 00:42:59,520 Speaker 1: at the stands and saying, why are we in a 705 00:42:59,560 --> 00:43:04,040 Speaker 1: plan with Chicago and Atlanta that are so far behind us? 706 00:43:04,080 --> 00:43:08,560 Speaker 1: But this week, Chris Haynes, you will be thrust into 707 00:43:08,640 --> 00:43:12,480 Speaker 1: the heart of the West play and race. The records 708 00:43:12,880 --> 00:43:17,839 Speaker 1: in the West playin zone are much more impressive from 709 00:43:17,880 --> 00:43:19,960 Speaker 1: seven to ten, But man, you are in the heart 710 00:43:20,120 --> 00:43:24,080 Speaker 1: of the play in battle. This week, Tuesday night, you're 711 00:43:24,080 --> 00:43:28,719 Speaker 1: on the TNT sideline for Warriors at Lakers. The Lakers 712 00:43:28,760 --> 00:43:35,319 Speaker 1: are still ninth. The Warriors Okay, Houston and their run 713 00:43:35,360 --> 00:43:38,640 Speaker 1: of the year is no longer a concern for the Warriors, 714 00:43:39,120 --> 00:43:43,279 Speaker 1: But Golden State has won fifteen of its last nineteen 715 00:43:43,480 --> 00:43:47,760 Speaker 1: road games. Ridiculous to have a fifteen and four stretch 716 00:43:47,800 --> 00:43:50,839 Speaker 1: on the road. Remember, the Warriors only won eleven road 717 00:43:50,880 --> 00:43:54,400 Speaker 1: games all of last season, and they haven't moved up. 718 00:43:54,440 --> 00:43:57,920 Speaker 1: They're stuck in tenth. The Lakers were briefly up to 719 00:43:58,000 --> 00:44:00,880 Speaker 1: number eight, but they're back to number nine. Got Warriors 720 00:44:00,920 --> 00:44:04,160 Speaker 1: at Lakers on Tuesday night, and then on Thursday night, 721 00:44:04,520 --> 00:44:07,040 Speaker 1: You've got the teams currently in the seventh and eighth 722 00:44:07,040 --> 00:44:12,279 Speaker 1: spots number seven, New Orleans at number eight Sacramento. So, 723 00:44:12,360 --> 00:44:16,120 Speaker 1: Chris Haynes, producer, Ryan Chris Haynes, this week is going 724 00:44:16,200 --> 00:44:22,240 Speaker 1: to experience and be exposed to nothing but absolute NBA 725 00:44:22,400 --> 00:44:27,240 Speaker 1: desperation here in the last three, four, five days. 726 00:44:27,480 --> 00:44:29,560 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm looking forward to it. I mean it, it 727 00:44:29,560 --> 00:44:33,000 Speaker 3: can be very well be these two teams, I mean, 728 00:44:33,040 --> 00:44:38,080 Speaker 3: these four teams in the same pairing Lakers, Warriors, Pelicans, Kings. 729 00:44:38,120 --> 00:44:41,719 Speaker 3: So it can start up some type of short term 730 00:44:41,840 --> 00:44:45,319 Speaker 3: rivalry as I should say, I will say, particularly from 731 00:44:45,360 --> 00:44:49,800 Speaker 3: the Kings and Pelicans, just to playing so close so soon. 732 00:44:49,920 --> 00:44:52,759 Speaker 3: But no, I'm looking forward to it because this has 733 00:44:53,320 --> 00:44:57,200 Speaker 3: you know, both teams should be playing their guys that 734 00:44:57,280 --> 00:45:01,040 Speaker 3: are healthy, and we should you should have some good basketball. 735 00:45:01,080 --> 00:45:05,640 Speaker 3: So I'm excited about this play in matchup potential preview. 736 00:45:06,120 --> 00:45:08,000 Speaker 1: All Right, I think that's going to do it for 737 00:45:08,080 --> 00:45:13,239 Speaker 1: what can only be described as a pretty erratic episode 738 00:45:13,760 --> 00:45:18,560 Speaker 1: of This League Uncut. To underline that was erratic, err 739 00:45:19,080 --> 00:45:26,400 Speaker 1: at ic. That's gonna do it for Mark Stein and 740 00:45:26,480 --> 00:45:29,720 Speaker 1: Chris Haynes on the latest edition of This League Uncut. 741 00:45:29,760 --> 00:45:35,200 Speaker 1: As always, friends, please follow us, rate the show, review 742 00:45:35,239 --> 00:45:38,600 Speaker 1: the show. We would love to get a five star 743 00:45:38,719 --> 00:45:42,560 Speaker 1: rating from you if possible. With all these games coming up, 744 00:45:42,640 --> 00:45:46,080 Speaker 1: with two sideline appearances for Chris in short order Tuesday 745 00:45:46,080 --> 00:45:50,040 Speaker 1: and Thursday, we will still have to figure out exactly 746 00:45:50,080 --> 00:45:53,920 Speaker 1: when we get together for our next edition of This 747 00:45:54,000 --> 00:45:57,040 Speaker 1: League Uncut, but I can promise you it will happen soon. 748 00:45:57,120 --> 00:46:01,200 Speaker 1: We're also working on a special guest to that we 749 00:46:01,320 --> 00:46:05,320 Speaker 1: hope to secure before the playing round starts next Tuesday. 750 00:46:05,640 --> 00:46:09,640 Speaker 1: So lots of stuff going on Thanks as always for listening. 751 00:46:10,560 --> 00:46:18,160 Speaker 1: We'll be back together with you again gras and that'll 752 00:46:18,160 --> 00:46:21,959 Speaker 1: do it for us, See you next time. This League 753 00:46:22,000 --> 00:46:30,320 Speaker 1: Uncut is an iHeartRadio production Chris Haines and Mark Stein