1 00:00:01,280 --> 00:00:02,000 Speaker 1: The Volume. 2 00:00:15,200 --> 00:00:17,160 Speaker 2: All right, welcome to Oops Tonight here at the Volume. 3 00:00:17,200 --> 00:00:19,599 Speaker 2: Happy Sunday, everybody. We are live on an so if 4 00:00:19,640 --> 00:00:21,840 Speaker 2: you're watching on YouTube or listening on the podcast feeds, 5 00:00:21,840 --> 00:00:23,959 Speaker 2: don't forget it is the very first place that you 6 00:00:23,960 --> 00:00:26,200 Speaker 2: guys can get these shows. Also coverage of the NBA 7 00:00:26,320 --> 00:00:28,320 Speaker 2: Finals Here Groups Tonight is brought to you by Chase 8 00:00:28,360 --> 00:00:31,400 Speaker 2: Freedom Unlimited. How do you cash back? All right, So 9 00:00:31,400 --> 00:00:34,560 Speaker 2: we have a very special guest today, senior NBA writer 10 00:00:34,640 --> 00:00:36,760 Speaker 2: at Sports Illustrated, one of my colleagues, someone that I 11 00:00:36,800 --> 00:00:38,760 Speaker 2: respect a great deal, mister Chris Mannix is going to 12 00:00:38,760 --> 00:00:40,519 Speaker 2: be joining us. We're going to talk a lot about 13 00:00:41,440 --> 00:00:43,520 Speaker 2: some off season stuff having to do with Chris Paul 14 00:00:43,560 --> 00:00:46,879 Speaker 2: and Kyrie Irving in particular. But the NBA Finals are 15 00:00:47,120 --> 00:00:51,199 Speaker 2: technically not over, but we're going to dive into the 16 00:00:51,240 --> 00:00:54,280 Speaker 2: basketball a little bit. Chris, First of all, how you doing? Man? 17 00:00:54,880 --> 00:00:57,600 Speaker 2: Are you? Are you of the opinion that the series 18 00:00:57,680 --> 00:00:59,640 Speaker 2: is over? You know, I. 19 00:01:00,160 --> 00:01:04,400 Speaker 1: Watched all of the Conference finals games, most of them 20 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:09,400 Speaker 1: in person, and I can't count Miami out of anything 21 00:01:09,560 --> 00:01:11,520 Speaker 1: after what they did in the Eastern Conference playoffs. But 22 00:01:12,040 --> 00:01:14,800 Speaker 1: you know, throughout this series, you've really just gotten the 23 00:01:14,840 --> 00:01:16,880 Speaker 1: sense and I know Miami hates to hear stuff like this, 24 00:01:17,040 --> 00:01:19,400 Speaker 1: but that there is a talent gap, you know between 25 00:01:19,400 --> 00:01:22,960 Speaker 1: these two teams. Credit to them for getting game two, 26 00:01:23,000 --> 00:01:26,240 Speaker 1: but part of them getting Game two was I think 27 00:01:26,280 --> 00:01:28,880 Speaker 1: Denver spent the weekend between games one and game two 28 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:31,720 Speaker 1: kind of raiding their press clippings a little bit, feeling 29 00:01:31,760 --> 00:01:34,480 Speaker 1: themselves a little bit. Play with a complete lack of 30 00:01:34,560 --> 00:01:38,520 Speaker 1: effort in the second half of that game, and you know, 31 00:01:38,560 --> 00:01:40,520 Speaker 1: you don't want to say gave it away, but certainly 32 00:01:41,040 --> 00:01:44,200 Speaker 1: allowed Miami, especially in that fourth quarter where they you know, 33 00:01:44,240 --> 00:01:48,360 Speaker 1: built a twelve point lead to climb back into it. 34 00:01:48,640 --> 00:01:50,960 Speaker 1: You've seen all these last couple of games in Miami 35 00:01:51,480 --> 00:01:54,080 Speaker 1: a different level of intensity, and you've seen Denver be 36 00:01:54,120 --> 00:01:57,800 Speaker 1: able to win, you know, not to speaking cliche, but 37 00:01:57,840 --> 00:02:00,840 Speaker 1: without clicking on all cylinders like you haven't had, you know, 38 00:02:01,240 --> 00:02:04,360 Speaker 1: the perfect games from Jamal Murray and NIKOLEA. 39 00:02:04,400 --> 00:02:04,760 Speaker 2: Jokic. 40 00:02:05,000 --> 00:02:08,000 Speaker 1: Game four, you know, Aaron Gordon in the middle part 41 00:02:08,000 --> 00:02:10,760 Speaker 1: of that game just goes bonkers and makes up for 42 00:02:11,080 --> 00:02:14,560 Speaker 1: you know, foul trouble in the second half with Jokic. 43 00:02:14,680 --> 00:02:18,280 Speaker 1: So it just feels like Denver's better, and it feels 44 00:02:18,280 --> 00:02:21,800 Speaker 1: like if Denver it comes out with the requisite intensity 45 00:02:21,880 --> 00:02:25,280 Speaker 1: in game five, this should be a series that ends 46 00:02:25,320 --> 00:02:26,000 Speaker 1: on Monday Night. 47 00:02:26,800 --> 00:02:28,679 Speaker 2: Hi, one hundred percent agree. You know, it's funny. I 48 00:02:29,200 --> 00:02:31,800 Speaker 2: always learned so much more on rewatches than I do 49 00:02:31,880 --> 00:02:33,600 Speaker 2: on my first watch. I'm always like a Paul, how 50 00:02:33,680 --> 00:02:35,880 Speaker 2: much more I'll pick up? When I got really slow 51 00:02:35,960 --> 00:02:38,440 Speaker 2: down and look at the game and Game two in 52 00:02:38,720 --> 00:02:41,000 Speaker 2: the moment, you're like, man, Miami's making all these shots. 53 00:02:41,040 --> 00:02:42,840 Speaker 2: But when I went back and watched the film, it 54 00:02:42,960 --> 00:02:46,440 Speaker 2: was by far Denver's worst defensive performance of the entire postseason. 55 00:02:46,919 --> 00:02:48,160 Speaker 2: And I want to cut them a little bit of 56 00:02:48,200 --> 00:02:51,480 Speaker 2: slack because they were so good for weeks before that. 57 00:02:51,520 --> 00:02:55,240 Speaker 2: They'd won seven consecutive games. They had brought consistent defensive 58 00:02:55,280 --> 00:02:58,720 Speaker 2: effort throughout that entire Western Conference Final series in the 59 00:02:58,800 --> 00:03:02,360 Speaker 2: end of the Phoenix Sun series. And you know, it's 60 00:03:02,400 --> 00:03:04,960 Speaker 2: funny because when they got to Miami and Denver brought 61 00:03:05,000 --> 00:03:08,200 Speaker 2: that intensity, it kind of felt like a classic case 62 00:03:08,240 --> 00:03:10,720 Speaker 2: of like every time Miami would try to plug two holes, 63 00:03:10,760 --> 00:03:12,880 Speaker 2: they'd open up two more holes, and so they get 64 00:03:12,919 --> 00:03:16,120 Speaker 2: absolutely shredded by the two man game in Game three, 65 00:03:16,400 --> 00:03:17,960 Speaker 2: and then in Game four they kind of slow the 66 00:03:17,960 --> 00:03:21,359 Speaker 2: two man game down and then the bigger, stronger athletes 67 00:03:21,400 --> 00:03:23,520 Speaker 2: and Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon get going and they 68 00:03:23,560 --> 00:03:26,680 Speaker 2: kind of closed the deal. Coming into the series, the 69 00:03:26,760 --> 00:03:29,000 Speaker 2: more and more I stared at it, I struggled to 70 00:03:29,040 --> 00:03:33,320 Speaker 2: find basketball reasons for why Miami could win. And you know, 71 00:03:33,360 --> 00:03:35,800 Speaker 2: that's gonna be the interesting thing for Denver looking forward, 72 00:03:36,640 --> 00:03:39,080 Speaker 2: because I always felt like the Lakers didn't quite have 73 00:03:39,120 --> 00:03:41,240 Speaker 2: the amount of shooting they needed to punish the way 74 00:03:41,240 --> 00:03:44,440 Speaker 2: that Denver guarded. And Miami has the shooting, but they 75 00:03:44,440 --> 00:03:47,400 Speaker 2: don't have the shot creation needed to really generate the 76 00:03:47,440 --> 00:03:49,480 Speaker 2: types of shots that they need. And so I do 77 00:03:49,600 --> 00:03:53,240 Speaker 2: wonder if in the future Denver could be exposed defensively 78 00:03:53,240 --> 00:03:55,040 Speaker 2: by a particular type of team. But I just don't 79 00:03:55,080 --> 00:03:58,160 Speaker 2: think Miami's got the horses. And as as far as 80 00:03:58,400 --> 00:04:00,400 Speaker 2: a home court chance to win and front of your 81 00:04:00,520 --> 00:04:03,280 Speaker 2: in front of your home crowd and to hoist the 82 00:04:03,320 --> 00:04:05,600 Speaker 2: trophy for the first time in franchise history, it almost 83 00:04:05,600 --> 00:04:08,400 Speaker 2: feels inevitable. And this is not a this is not 84 00:04:08,480 --> 00:04:11,480 Speaker 2: a situation like Game seven in Boston, or they can 85 00:04:11,520 --> 00:04:13,800 Speaker 2: go in there with a mental advantage. It's gonna be 86 00:04:13,800 --> 00:04:17,080 Speaker 2: the opposite there that Jimmy and dam are not playing 87 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:20,159 Speaker 2: particularly well. I don't necessarily feel like they have the 88 00:04:20,240 --> 00:04:22,760 Speaker 2: horses to go in there and get it done. But 89 00:04:22,920 --> 00:04:25,640 Speaker 2: on that note, let's just assume that they close out 90 00:04:25,640 --> 00:04:28,839 Speaker 2: in five. For the sake of this specific topic. Everyone's 91 00:04:28,920 --> 00:04:32,599 Speaker 2: under contract next year in the starting five, Bruce Brown 92 00:04:32,640 --> 00:04:35,839 Speaker 2: as a player option, if I'm not mistaken, although he 93 00:04:35,960 --> 00:04:38,520 Speaker 2: almost certainly will opt out of that and test the market. 94 00:04:39,240 --> 00:04:41,599 Speaker 2: Do you do you see this as a start of 95 00:04:41,640 --> 00:04:44,760 Speaker 2: a long run of contention for Denver. So it's an 96 00:04:44,760 --> 00:04:45,360 Speaker 2: interesting question. 97 00:04:45,360 --> 00:04:48,720 Speaker 1: It's actually one I'm writing about this week is sort 98 00:04:48,760 --> 00:04:50,799 Speaker 1: of the idea that Denver is the next in line 99 00:04:50,880 --> 00:04:53,720 Speaker 1: of this group of many dynasties, and that's what's kind 100 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:56,440 Speaker 1: of defined the NBA. You know over the last twenty 101 00:04:56,480 --> 00:04:59,320 Speaker 1: some odd years. You know, before the turn of the century, 102 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:03,080 Speaker 1: there were like actual dynasties, you know, the Celtics from 103 00:05:03,120 --> 00:05:05,960 Speaker 1: the fifties. You could certainly argue in the eighties you 104 00:05:05,960 --> 00:05:08,960 Speaker 1: had two with the Celtics and Lakers kind of interchanging 105 00:05:09,040 --> 00:05:11,920 Speaker 1: for most of that decade. The nineties were defined by 106 00:05:11,920 --> 00:05:16,159 Speaker 1: the Bulls whenever Michael Jordan was active, and you know, 107 00:05:16,200 --> 00:05:18,640 Speaker 1: even the early two thousands, when the Lakers won three straight. 108 00:05:18,680 --> 00:05:20,800 Speaker 1: They had a three or four year window where they 109 00:05:20,839 --> 00:05:23,480 Speaker 1: were clearly the dominant team. But then you're talking about 110 00:05:23,800 --> 00:05:28,560 Speaker 1: San Antonio four and eight, Miami two and four, Golden 111 00:05:28,600 --> 00:05:31,919 Speaker 1: State four and counting. They'd certainly tell you in Warriors 112 00:05:32,040 --> 00:05:34,320 Speaker 1: Land that they're not done, you know, with their version 113 00:05:34,360 --> 00:05:38,320 Speaker 1: of it. And I think it's a reasonable question because 114 00:05:39,040 --> 00:05:43,640 Speaker 1: you know the players on that roster, did they fit 115 00:05:43,800 --> 00:05:46,719 Speaker 1: that that kind of mold that you're looking for when 116 00:05:46,720 --> 00:05:49,120 Speaker 1: trying to decide if a a team is a dynasty. 117 00:05:49,160 --> 00:05:52,680 Speaker 1: But Yoki just twenty eight, Jamal Murray's twenty six, Michael 118 00:05:52,680 --> 00:05:54,920 Speaker 1: Porter Junior is twenty four. All these guys are under 119 00:05:54,960 --> 00:05:58,640 Speaker 1: contract through at least twenty twenty five, and that's when 120 00:05:58,720 --> 00:06:00,560 Speaker 1: Murray's going to get a new deal that's probably going 121 00:06:00,600 --> 00:06:02,919 Speaker 1: to take him through the turn of the decade. So 122 00:06:03,920 --> 00:06:07,680 Speaker 1: the pieces are certainly in place for that. The question 123 00:06:07,800 --> 00:06:11,400 Speaker 1: you ask is will they be able to plug those 124 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:15,160 Speaker 1: gaps with support players? Bruce Brown, I don't anticipate being 125 00:06:15,240 --> 00:06:16,920 Speaker 1: back next year because I think he's going to get 126 00:06:16,920 --> 00:06:20,880 Speaker 1: an offer significantly higher than one Denver can match. I 127 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:23,599 Speaker 1: think they're limited by what they can offer him in 128 00:06:23,640 --> 00:06:25,880 Speaker 1: a new deal if he opts out. That's why Denver, 129 00:06:25,960 --> 00:06:28,720 Speaker 1: when I talk to people out there, are pretty optimistic 130 00:06:28,720 --> 00:06:32,640 Speaker 1: about Christian Brawn stepping in and being that next version 131 00:06:32,839 --> 00:06:35,400 Speaker 1: of Bruce Brown. Christal Brown is already a contributor to 132 00:06:35,400 --> 00:06:37,560 Speaker 1: this team. I mean, you know, what he's done in 133 00:06:37,600 --> 00:06:39,760 Speaker 1: this series kind of gives you plenty of reasons to 134 00:06:39,760 --> 00:06:44,159 Speaker 1: be optimistic that he can be that guy. But can 135 00:06:44,200 --> 00:06:48,039 Speaker 1: they continue to do what they've done so well over 136 00:06:48,080 --> 00:06:51,240 Speaker 1: the last five or six years, which is draft in 137 00:06:51,279 --> 00:06:55,040 Speaker 1: the later stages of the draft really well with guys 138 00:06:55,520 --> 00:06:58,960 Speaker 1: that are plug and play, And can they nibble on 139 00:06:59,040 --> 00:07:01,880 Speaker 1: the margins in the way they have the last couple 140 00:07:01,880 --> 00:07:04,799 Speaker 1: of years and find guys that can you can plug 141 00:07:04,839 --> 00:07:08,880 Speaker 1: and play. The evidence says yes, right. You know, Calvin 142 00:07:08,880 --> 00:07:11,920 Speaker 1: Booth has picked up right where Tim Conley has left 143 00:07:11,920 --> 00:07:14,720 Speaker 1: off in that front office. You know, Calvin Booth was 144 00:07:14,800 --> 00:07:18,760 Speaker 1: the mastermind behind shifting this team, specifically the role players 145 00:07:19,200 --> 00:07:23,800 Speaker 1: from maybe more offensive oriented to defensive oriented, and specifically 146 00:07:23,800 --> 00:07:26,480 Speaker 1: we're talking about Kntati's Callwell, Pope, we're talking about Bruce Brown. 147 00:07:27,200 --> 00:07:29,080 Speaker 1: I know they made a ronic Gary Payton the second 148 00:07:29,200 --> 00:07:31,880 Speaker 1: you know last year they're interested in him, So you know, 149 00:07:31,920 --> 00:07:36,400 Speaker 1: they understand the value of defensive minded guys as part 150 00:07:36,440 --> 00:07:38,800 Speaker 1: of that rotation. Can they keep finding those guys, you know, 151 00:07:38,800 --> 00:07:40,920 Speaker 1: Can they keep finding the next version of Jeff Green 152 00:07:41,440 --> 00:07:44,000 Speaker 1: that you can put into that rotation. That's probably what's 153 00:07:44,000 --> 00:07:46,320 Speaker 1: going to do it. I don't think they can just 154 00:07:46,760 --> 00:07:50,000 Speaker 1: hang their hat on Jokic, Murray and Porter Junior just 155 00:07:50,120 --> 00:07:54,760 Speaker 1: overwhelming everybody. But if they can find those guys when 156 00:07:54,800 --> 00:07:58,920 Speaker 1: they lose players inevitably via free agency, this is a 157 00:07:58,960 --> 00:08:02,920 Speaker 1: team that you would make a favorite, you know, for two, three, four, 158 00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:06,200 Speaker 1: maybe five more years in the NBA because Jokic. I 159 00:08:06,200 --> 00:08:09,400 Speaker 1: heard Jamal Murray speaking on Sunday talking about he thinks 160 00:08:09,400 --> 00:08:11,840 Speaker 1: it's another level to Di Nicola. Jokicch that there's still 161 00:08:11,840 --> 00:08:14,160 Speaker 1: another place he can go to. Porter Junior, I think 162 00:08:14,160 --> 00:08:17,400 Speaker 1: there's another place he can go to. I mean Murray, yeah, yeah, 163 00:08:17,560 --> 00:08:19,320 Speaker 1: he has never been an All Star, so there's obviously 164 00:08:19,360 --> 00:08:21,640 Speaker 1: a place he can go to. So I think there's 165 00:08:21,680 --> 00:08:24,440 Speaker 1: other level those guys can get to that will make 166 00:08:24,480 --> 00:08:27,239 Speaker 1: them a front runner. Their ability to win championships, though, 167 00:08:27,480 --> 00:08:30,040 Speaker 1: is going to be contingent on finding those Browns, those 168 00:08:30,040 --> 00:08:33,199 Speaker 1: Calwell Popes, Christian Brawn in the draft those types and 169 00:08:33,480 --> 00:08:34,640 Speaker 1: their ability to keep doing it. 170 00:08:35,600 --> 00:08:38,560 Speaker 2: Yeah. I when I look at their core five, they're 171 00:08:38,640 --> 00:08:41,600 Speaker 2: certainly going to be in the top tier of contenders 172 00:08:42,120 --> 00:08:44,840 Speaker 2: for the foreseeable future. What I don't see from this 173 00:08:44,880 --> 00:08:47,079 Speaker 2: group is a jugger not I don't think this is 174 00:08:47,120 --> 00:08:49,320 Speaker 2: a team that the other good teams in the league 175 00:08:49,360 --> 00:08:51,920 Speaker 2: see as unbeatable. I think they see them as gettable. 176 00:08:51,960 --> 00:08:53,439 Speaker 2: I think I do think that you're gonna see a 177 00:08:53,440 --> 00:08:56,400 Speaker 2: lot of teams like I'll be stunned to see, or 178 00:08:56,640 --> 00:08:58,800 Speaker 2: I will be stunned if there isn't a couple of 179 00:08:58,880 --> 00:09:01,680 Speaker 2: centers that just get a noxious paychecks this summer from 180 00:09:01,679 --> 00:09:04,440 Speaker 2: teams that are trying to move mountains to find bodies 181 00:09:04,440 --> 00:09:07,480 Speaker 2: to throw Nicola Jokic. But in terms of that core five, 182 00:09:07,559 --> 00:09:09,880 Speaker 2: I do think, especially when you look at the way 183 00:09:09,920 --> 00:09:12,640 Speaker 2: that they guard, which depends so heavily on defending pick 184 00:09:12,679 --> 00:09:15,640 Speaker 2: and roll three on two and helping Jokic from behind 185 00:09:15,720 --> 00:09:18,040 Speaker 2: with Aaron Gordon, there is going to be a team 186 00:09:18,080 --> 00:09:21,600 Speaker 2: out there that has really good shot creation and really 187 00:09:21,640 --> 00:09:24,560 Speaker 2: good spot up shooting that can cause them some problems. 188 00:09:24,559 --> 00:09:26,480 Speaker 2: I don't think this is going to be the type 189 00:09:26,480 --> 00:09:29,880 Speaker 2: of team that rips off three four championships in a row. 190 00:09:30,040 --> 00:09:31,760 Speaker 2: I do see them very similar to like the San 191 00:09:31,760 --> 00:09:35,800 Speaker 2: Antonio Spurs. A foundational star that doesn't have much of 192 00:09:35,840 --> 00:09:39,600 Speaker 2: an ego that is going to throughout the entire era 193 00:09:40,160 --> 00:09:43,160 Speaker 2: of his time in Denver be a consistent force in 194 00:09:43,200 --> 00:09:46,160 Speaker 2: that locker room. I actually do think Jamal Murray is 195 00:09:46,200 --> 00:09:48,960 Speaker 2: for real. I know is the regular season numbers don't 196 00:09:48,960 --> 00:09:51,160 Speaker 2: really add up, But the way I look at it, 197 00:09:52,040 --> 00:09:54,160 Speaker 2: he was awesome in the bubble. When he came back 198 00:09:54,160 --> 00:09:56,440 Speaker 2: in twenty twenty one, he was one of many guys 199 00:09:56,440 --> 00:09:59,120 Speaker 2: that didn't quite look the same that regular season, probably 200 00:09:59,160 --> 00:10:01,400 Speaker 2: because he took two more off from the game. It 201 00:10:01,400 --> 00:10:03,520 Speaker 2: didn't even touch a basketball to try to recover from 202 00:10:03,559 --> 00:10:07,360 Speaker 2: a very stressful stretch in the bubble. Then he messes 203 00:10:07,440 --> 00:10:10,240 Speaker 2: up his knee and then you're out for a while 204 00:10:10,640 --> 00:10:13,120 Speaker 2: and it always takes a season or two to get 205 00:10:13,160 --> 00:10:15,679 Speaker 2: your legs back underneath you. It didn't really look like himself. 206 00:10:15,840 --> 00:10:17,880 Speaker 2: I think next year is going to be the textbook 207 00:10:18,040 --> 00:10:21,360 Speaker 2: like first truly great regular season for Jamal Murray where 208 00:10:21,360 --> 00:10:23,520 Speaker 2: he gets an All Star selection, potentially makes an All 209 00:10:23,600 --> 00:10:24,880 Speaker 2: NBA team, like that kind of thing. 210 00:10:25,440 --> 00:10:27,880 Speaker 1: Yeah, and look, I think the older obstacle Denver will 211 00:10:27,920 --> 00:10:31,160 Speaker 1: run up against is that, you know, in the new CBA, 212 00:10:31,440 --> 00:10:35,160 Speaker 1: it's no secret that the NBA was gunning for the Clippers. 213 00:10:35,160 --> 00:10:37,960 Speaker 1: They're gunning for the Warriors, these teams that are free spenders. 214 00:10:38,480 --> 00:10:41,200 Speaker 1: But you know, Denver's got three guys on max or 215 00:10:41,200 --> 00:10:44,400 Speaker 1: near max contracts. Aaron Gordon makes a ballload of money 216 00:10:44,880 --> 00:10:47,760 Speaker 1: the NBA in this upcoming CBA that's going to be 217 00:10:47,760 --> 00:10:50,960 Speaker 1: phased in over the next couple of years. You know, 218 00:10:51,000 --> 00:10:54,959 Speaker 1: there are like leaver levers in place to block teams 219 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:57,719 Speaker 1: like that from just adding talent upon talent. I mean, 220 00:10:57,720 --> 00:11:00,680 Speaker 1: this was a collective bargaining agreement that was I mean, 221 00:11:02,200 --> 00:11:04,160 Speaker 1: I don't want to say written by Sam Presty, but 222 00:11:04,240 --> 00:11:06,240 Speaker 1: it was like this as a this this is a 223 00:11:07,080 --> 00:11:11,120 Speaker 1: small market written collective bargaining agreement. Like they they are 224 00:11:11,520 --> 00:11:15,240 Speaker 1: trying to block these teams that have all this top 225 00:11:15,280 --> 00:11:18,760 Speaker 1: tier talent from just accumulating it. Now, Denver's not the 226 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:21,640 Speaker 1: example the NBA is looking for, because the NBA wants 227 00:11:21,679 --> 00:11:24,800 Speaker 1: to prevent, you know, teams like the Clippers from going 228 00:11:24,800 --> 00:11:27,920 Speaker 1: out and just buying championships. You know, not that a 229 00:11:27,960 --> 00:11:31,079 Speaker 1: team like Denver's done so well in homegrown, growing talent. 230 00:11:32,679 --> 00:11:35,160 Speaker 1: But they're going to have some problems, you know, with 231 00:11:35,160 --> 00:11:38,200 Speaker 1: with their salaries and their payroll reaching where it is, 232 00:11:38,240 --> 00:11:42,280 Speaker 1: whether it's losing certain exceptions that they can use to 233 00:11:42,520 --> 00:11:45,320 Speaker 1: acquire these mid level type of talents, or you know, 234 00:11:45,400 --> 00:11:48,160 Speaker 1: just not being able to do trades over a certain 235 00:11:48,600 --> 00:11:51,520 Speaker 1: level of spending. So I think, you know, that's going 236 00:11:51,600 --> 00:11:53,920 Speaker 1: to be something that Denver's front office is going to face. 237 00:11:53,920 --> 00:11:57,320 Speaker 1: They're going to get creative in trying to you know, 238 00:11:57,400 --> 00:11:59,520 Speaker 1: add to this roster in the in the years to 239 00:11:59,520 --> 00:12:00,720 Speaker 1: come exactly. 240 00:12:00,800 --> 00:12:03,720 Speaker 2: And that's where I look at it, like there's going 241 00:12:03,800 --> 00:12:06,120 Speaker 2: to be a different version of that starting lineup in 242 00:12:06,160 --> 00:12:08,600 Speaker 2: all likelihood three to four years from now. Somebody's gonna 243 00:12:08,600 --> 00:12:10,760 Speaker 2: get squeezed. Who knows who it is, but somebody's gonna 244 00:12:10,760 --> 00:12:12,560 Speaker 2: get squeezed. And we talked about that a little bit 245 00:12:12,559 --> 00:12:15,400 Speaker 2: on my show. Like fundamentally, what makes Denver unguardable is 246 00:12:15,440 --> 00:12:18,640 Speaker 2: it's this two man game that's perfectly that that works 247 00:12:18,640 --> 00:12:22,640 Speaker 2: perfectly together. The games are so complimentary. Aaron Gordon is 248 00:12:22,679 --> 00:12:25,520 Speaker 2: kind of the ultimate non shooting threat because of how 249 00:12:25,640 --> 00:12:28,440 Speaker 2: gifted he is at finishing behind his head around the 250 00:12:28,480 --> 00:12:30,360 Speaker 2: rim and operating out of that dunker spy so good 251 00:12:30,360 --> 00:12:33,400 Speaker 2: at offensive rebounding, punishing mismatches, and then it's not just 252 00:12:33,520 --> 00:12:36,520 Speaker 2: spot up shooting, it's like deadly spot up shooting in 253 00:12:36,520 --> 00:12:38,839 Speaker 2: the form of Michael Porter Junior and Contavi's Cable Pope. 254 00:12:38,840 --> 00:12:42,000 Speaker 2: So there will be versions of this that that look 255 00:12:42,080 --> 00:12:44,280 Speaker 2: more beatable. But that's why I like the Spurs as 256 00:12:44,320 --> 00:12:46,720 Speaker 2: an example. To me, Denver seems like one of those 257 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:49,800 Speaker 2: teams where in the season, in the seasons where a 258 00:12:49,880 --> 00:12:52,720 Speaker 2: truly great team isn't there, they're just gonna float to 259 00:12:52,760 --> 00:12:54,720 Speaker 2: the top, you know what I mean. But anytime they 260 00:12:54,840 --> 00:12:57,560 Speaker 2: run into the combination of a truly great defense that's 261 00:12:57,600 --> 00:12:59,640 Speaker 2: also a truly great offense, which I don't think they 262 00:12:59,640 --> 00:13:02,600 Speaker 2: saw playoff run, I think that's where they're gonna potentially 263 00:13:02,679 --> 00:13:06,040 Speaker 2: run into some issues like Phoenix if they bolster their 264 00:13:06,800 --> 00:13:09,120 Speaker 2: athleticism on the wing and in the front court. Right, 265 00:13:09,160 --> 00:13:11,720 Speaker 2: you know, if Boston finally figures out some things with 266 00:13:11,760 --> 00:13:14,160 Speaker 2: their shot creation, there are gonna be teams like for ins, Boston. 267 00:13:14,480 --> 00:13:17,199 Speaker 2: I wanted them to beat Miami so bad, even though 268 00:13:17,320 --> 00:13:20,599 Speaker 2: I find that particular Boston team a little unlikable. The 269 00:13:20,640 --> 00:13:23,160 Speaker 2: reason why I wanted them to win was just simply 270 00:13:23,200 --> 00:13:26,720 Speaker 2: because I thought them playing five out without Horford was 271 00:13:26,760 --> 00:13:30,920 Speaker 2: the perfect type of team to really test Denver's ability 272 00:13:30,960 --> 00:13:34,160 Speaker 2: to contain the basketball and if we just never really 273 00:13:34,160 --> 00:13:36,440 Speaker 2: got to see that. But for Denver fans, I want 274 00:13:36,440 --> 00:13:39,079 Speaker 2: to say this from a standpoint of optimism, like, you 275 00:13:39,120 --> 00:13:40,719 Speaker 2: guys are gonna be in the mix every year. I 276 00:13:40,760 --> 00:13:43,160 Speaker 2: would say, like I wouldn't be surprised if they made 277 00:13:43,200 --> 00:13:45,600 Speaker 2: four consecutive Western Conference finals. You know what I mean. 278 00:13:45,800 --> 00:13:48,199 Speaker 2: But I just don't see them as like an unbeatable 279 00:13:48,240 --> 00:13:50,720 Speaker 2: juggernaut the way that I saw the Kevin Durant Warriors. 280 00:13:51,000 --> 00:13:54,440 Speaker 2: Angie's List is now Angie your Home for everything. Home. 281 00:13:54,520 --> 00:13:57,320 Speaker 2: Angie doesn't just get your home projects done, Angie gets 282 00:13:57,360 --> 00:14:00,600 Speaker 2: them done well. With twenty plus years of experience combined 283 00:14:00,600 --> 00:14:03,800 Speaker 2: with new tools to simplify the process, Angie makes completing 284 00:14:03,800 --> 00:14:07,640 Speaker 2: home projects easy. With over two hundred and twenty thousand 285 00:14:07,679 --> 00:14:11,079 Speaker 2: pros in their network, Angie makes it easy to research, compare, 286 00:14:11,120 --> 00:14:14,120 Speaker 2: and hire pros to get the job done well. The 287 00:14:14,120 --> 00:14:16,640 Speaker 2: pros and the network are locally based, and they've been 288 00:14:16,720 --> 00:14:19,200 Speaker 2: rated and reviewed by others in your area who have 289 00:14:19,400 --> 00:14:22,200 Speaker 2: actually used their services. You all know what it's like 290 00:14:22,240 --> 00:14:24,280 Speaker 2: to own a home. You walk around. I walk into 291 00:14:24,320 --> 00:14:26,320 Speaker 2: the kitchen the other day and my refrigerator is just 292 00:14:26,360 --> 00:14:29,480 Speaker 2: making this horrible grinding noise. Or on Saturday, we were 293 00:14:29,480 --> 00:14:31,000 Speaker 2: having a pool party, I had to use a couple 294 00:14:31,040 --> 00:14:32,840 Speaker 2: outlets that I hadn't used in a while, and I 295 00:14:32,880 --> 00:14:35,040 Speaker 2: found three or four outlets around the house that just 296 00:14:35,160 --> 00:14:38,080 Speaker 2: didn't work. And that's super annoying. But the best part 297 00:14:38,080 --> 00:14:40,640 Speaker 2: about Angie is it's a great tool to help you 298 00:14:40,680 --> 00:14:43,960 Speaker 2: find the best available deal to get that work done 299 00:14:44,000 --> 00:14:45,960 Speaker 2: and to get it done right. And just a few 300 00:14:45,960 --> 00:14:48,720 Speaker 2: taps and the Angie app or clicks on the site, 301 00:14:48,800 --> 00:14:51,280 Speaker 2: you can have Angie tackle your home service project from 302 00:14:51,280 --> 00:14:54,320 Speaker 2: start to finish. Download the free Angi mobile app today 303 00:14:54,920 --> 00:15:00,000 Speaker 2: or visit Angie dot com. That's a Ngi dot com. 304 00:15:00,120 --> 00:15:05,120 Speaker 2: On that note, let's say that tomorrow night Denver hoist 305 00:15:05,120 --> 00:15:10,560 Speaker 2: the trophy, Nikola Jokic gets Finals MVP. I I'll just 306 00:15:10,640 --> 00:15:12,520 Speaker 2: let you go first, because I'm curious to hear your opinion. 307 00:15:13,160 --> 00:15:18,760 Speaker 2: Do you view Jokic's playoff run as all time great 308 00:15:19,040 --> 00:15:20,960 Speaker 2: or do you view it more as just like something 309 00:15:21,040 --> 00:15:22,800 Speaker 2: more along the lines of like what Kawhi Leonard did 310 00:15:22,800 --> 00:15:26,160 Speaker 2: in twenty nineteen where it's like like a legit finals 311 00:15:26,240 --> 00:15:28,440 Speaker 2: MVP run, but no one's looking at him as like, 312 00:15:28,520 --> 00:15:31,240 Speaker 2: you know, the all time greats. If that makes sense. Yeah, 313 00:15:31,240 --> 00:15:32,080 Speaker 2: it's a good question. 314 00:15:34,080 --> 00:15:37,800 Speaker 1: I don't look at it as an all time great 315 00:15:37,880 --> 00:15:41,640 Speaker 1: playoff run because I kind of what you alluded to. 316 00:15:41,800 --> 00:15:46,000 Speaker 1: They they didn't have a peer really that they went 317 00:15:46,080 --> 00:15:51,360 Speaker 1: up against an equal. You know, Phoenix, As talented as 318 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:54,120 Speaker 1: they were, we all knew the flaws with that team, 319 00:15:54,200 --> 00:15:56,480 Speaker 1: not the least of which was chemistry of having only 320 00:15:56,480 --> 00:16:00,560 Speaker 1: played a handful of games together before the playoffs started. 321 00:16:00,800 --> 00:16:02,920 Speaker 1: You know, I was as on board with the Lakers 322 00:16:03,040 --> 00:16:06,120 Speaker 1: as as anyone that give the Nuggets credit for rolling 323 00:16:06,160 --> 00:16:10,040 Speaker 1: through them in four straight. But they were certainly a 324 00:16:10,040 --> 00:16:12,200 Speaker 1: flawed team. And now it's Miami. And I'm not going 325 00:16:12,280 --> 00:16:14,120 Speaker 1: to dismiss Miami as just an eight seed. You know, 326 00:16:14,120 --> 00:16:17,000 Speaker 1: Miami's better than that. But you know, it's not the 327 00:16:17,560 --> 00:16:21,560 Speaker 1: You know, I'd probably feel differently about Jokic if he 328 00:16:21,600 --> 00:16:25,240 Speaker 1: had gone through Boston or Milwaukee or in a matchup 329 00:16:25,280 --> 00:16:28,960 Speaker 1: with Joel Embiid in Philadelphia. So I think it's a 330 00:16:28,960 --> 00:16:32,520 Speaker 1: a playoff run that elevates him. I don't know if 331 00:16:32,520 --> 00:16:37,360 Speaker 1: it elevates him to that top tier stratosphere. I mean, 332 00:16:37,440 --> 00:16:39,800 Speaker 1: you have to look at at the numbers that the 333 00:16:39,840 --> 00:16:43,000 Speaker 1: triple doubles, which could be you know what, eleven twelve 334 00:16:43,040 --> 00:16:46,160 Speaker 1: by the time this postseason is over an all time 335 00:16:46,240 --> 00:16:49,120 Speaker 1: record for a playoff. So you know, he answers every 336 00:16:49,200 --> 00:16:51,680 Speaker 1: question that was ever out there about his ability to 337 00:16:51,720 --> 00:16:56,440 Speaker 1: succeed in the playoffs. But to get to that next 338 00:16:56,560 --> 00:16:59,920 Speaker 1: level of superstar, that all time great level of superstar, 339 00:17:00,080 --> 00:17:03,320 Speaker 1: are I want to see him go up against a 340 00:17:03,440 --> 00:17:07,439 Speaker 1: team that is just you consider their equal, or even 341 00:17:07,480 --> 00:17:11,400 Speaker 1: consider they're better to beat someone that you're you're you're 342 00:17:11,440 --> 00:17:13,919 Speaker 1: staring down and you're the underdog in that in that 343 00:17:13,960 --> 00:17:16,040 Speaker 1: particular series by a sizable amount. So some mean, as 344 00:17:16,040 --> 00:17:18,800 Speaker 1: a critique of Jokic or the Nuggets in the NBA, 345 00:17:18,880 --> 00:17:20,119 Speaker 1: you play the team it's in front of you, and 346 00:17:20,119 --> 00:17:22,080 Speaker 1: they have beaten every team that's been in front of them, 347 00:17:22,240 --> 00:17:25,560 Speaker 1: most of them pretty badly. But if we're talking about 348 00:17:25,880 --> 00:17:29,640 Speaker 1: where that this plays, the playoffs pushes Nicole Jokic, it's 349 00:17:29,720 --> 00:17:32,720 Speaker 1: a level up, but it's not that all time great 350 00:17:32,800 --> 00:17:33,640 Speaker 1: level up just yet. 351 00:17:34,320 --> 00:17:36,399 Speaker 2: I one hundred percent agree and like it's me, you know, 352 00:17:36,440 --> 00:17:38,600 Speaker 2: it's ironic that the team that it reminds me the 353 00:17:38,600 --> 00:17:40,960 Speaker 2: most of is the twenty twenty Lakers, where it's like 354 00:17:41,359 --> 00:17:45,160 Speaker 2: they're a bona fide champion, great team, great playoff run 355 00:17:45,240 --> 00:17:48,440 Speaker 2: from from Lebron James, but like they were just better 356 00:17:48,480 --> 00:17:50,720 Speaker 2: than everybody. Like there wasn't like ever a moment where 357 00:17:50,760 --> 00:17:52,880 Speaker 2: you felt like they were truly threatened. And and that's 358 00:17:52,880 --> 00:17:56,200 Speaker 2: the thing, Like that's this is not a a a 359 00:17:56,240 --> 00:17:58,800 Speaker 2: some sort of shot at Jokic. He's gonna get his 360 00:17:58,840 --> 00:18:02,040 Speaker 2: opportunities to like Lebron James, for instance, in twenty twenty finals, 361 00:18:02,119 --> 00:18:05,000 Speaker 2: MVP No. One's looking at that as his most dominant 362 00:18:05,000 --> 00:18:07,520 Speaker 2: playoff run. They're going to go back to twenty sixteen 363 00:18:07,520 --> 00:18:08,920 Speaker 2: when they were down three to one, or they're gonna 364 00:18:08,920 --> 00:18:10,960 Speaker 2: go back to two like twenty twelve for instance, where 365 00:18:10,960 --> 00:18:13,200 Speaker 2: he's trailing two to one against the Pacers, trailing three 366 00:18:13,200 --> 00:18:15,320 Speaker 2: to two against the Celtics, trailing one zero against the 367 00:18:15,320 --> 00:18:18,159 Speaker 2: Thunder like there. I've always said that, like one of 368 00:18:18,200 --> 00:18:22,439 Speaker 2: my favorite things about sports is when adversity forces an 369 00:18:22,440 --> 00:18:25,280 Speaker 2: athlete to dig down to a level of greatness that 370 00:18:25,320 --> 00:18:28,159 Speaker 2: even he didn't know was there. And as dominant as 371 00:18:28,240 --> 00:18:30,040 Speaker 2: Joki has been in this run, it has not been 372 00:18:30,040 --> 00:18:33,160 Speaker 2: a run that's been full of adversity, so legitimate championship 373 00:18:33,480 --> 00:18:36,560 Speaker 2: probably one of the most unstoppable offensive playoff runs I've 374 00:18:36,600 --> 00:18:39,080 Speaker 2: ever seen, and just in sheer like watching the TV, 375 00:18:39,119 --> 00:18:40,800 Speaker 2: you're like, oh, there's literally nothing you could do with 376 00:18:40,840 --> 00:18:43,000 Speaker 2: this guy, you know, like that kind of thing. It's 377 00:18:43,119 --> 00:18:45,679 Speaker 2: it's an all time great playoff run on the offensive end, 378 00:18:45,680 --> 00:18:49,320 Speaker 2: but when you really start to look at the greatest 379 00:18:49,359 --> 00:18:54,400 Speaker 2: playoff runs of all time, there's significant opposition two way dominance, 380 00:18:54,640 --> 00:18:58,320 Speaker 2: like usually like a handful of clutch games that they've 381 00:18:58,640 --> 00:19:00,720 Speaker 2: pulled out of thin air, you know, that kind of thing, 382 00:19:01,000 --> 00:19:03,639 Speaker 2: and it just this run lacks some of that. And 383 00:19:03,720 --> 00:19:05,800 Speaker 2: but that's the thing is like, if this this Denver team, 384 00:19:05,880 --> 00:19:08,720 Speaker 2: like we talked about earlier, they're gonna be they're gonna 385 00:19:08,760 --> 00:19:11,320 Speaker 2: be consistently on this stage, and they're gonna have plenty 386 00:19:11,320 --> 00:19:14,120 Speaker 2: of opportunities to go up against better teams. And that's 387 00:19:14,520 --> 00:19:15,840 Speaker 2: that's why you play out your whole career, and you 388 00:19:15,840 --> 00:19:17,879 Speaker 2: don't make up someone's entire legacy when they're twenty eight 389 00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:21,160 Speaker 2: years old. So let's let's move on from the NBA 390 00:19:21,200 --> 00:19:23,280 Speaker 2: Finals and let's talk a little bit about this offseason. 391 00:19:23,320 --> 00:19:25,120 Speaker 2: So I spent a little bit of time digging into 392 00:19:26,359 --> 00:19:32,080 Speaker 2: Chris Paul, and it's not all bad. He was underneath 393 00:19:32,080 --> 00:19:34,040 Speaker 2: the point per possession and pick and roll in this postseason, 394 00:19:34,080 --> 00:19:38,160 Speaker 2: which is below average, not great. Did take did take 395 00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:40,600 Speaker 2: a good care of the basketball shot forty seven percent 396 00:19:40,600 --> 00:19:42,800 Speaker 2: effective field goal percentage on pull up jumpers not awful, 397 00:19:42,920 --> 00:19:45,800 Speaker 2: forty eight percent on pull up twos not awful. I 398 00:19:45,840 --> 00:19:48,800 Speaker 2: did not think he was even an even an average 399 00:19:48,840 --> 00:19:50,800 Speaker 2: defensive player in this playoff run. I think his foot 400 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:54,320 Speaker 2: speed is really tailed off. That said, I do think 401 00:19:54,359 --> 00:19:57,400 Speaker 2: he brings some positive things to the table that NBA 402 00:19:57,480 --> 00:20:00,720 Speaker 2: teams can use and certainly belongs on a ross. So 403 00:20:00,880 --> 00:20:04,280 Speaker 2: what have you been hearing about Chris Paul? And if 404 00:20:04,400 --> 00:20:07,960 Speaker 2: you if you could pick a specific basketball situation that 405 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:09,800 Speaker 2: you think makes the most sense for him, where would 406 00:20:09,800 --> 00:20:10,000 Speaker 2: it be. 407 00:20:11,400 --> 00:20:15,560 Speaker 1: Well, Phoenix wants to find a way to make it work. 408 00:20:16,040 --> 00:20:19,120 Speaker 1: And I talked to Frank Vogel about this on my show, 409 00:20:19,160 --> 00:20:21,399 Speaker 1: and he went on the record about saying he's, you know, 410 00:20:21,840 --> 00:20:25,320 Speaker 1: bullish on the idea of coaching Chris Paul. He thinks 411 00:20:25,320 --> 00:20:27,840 Speaker 1: this team will be a significantly worse team. You know, 412 00:20:27,920 --> 00:20:30,760 Speaker 1: if he's not on the roster, kind of paraphrasing a 413 00:20:30,760 --> 00:20:36,160 Speaker 1: little bit what he was getting at there. I think Phoenix, though, 414 00:20:36,560 --> 00:20:40,280 Speaker 1: is going to explore the trade market, which I don't 415 00:20:40,280 --> 00:20:43,360 Speaker 1: think will be all that robust because of Chris Paul's salary. 416 00:20:43,920 --> 00:20:47,240 Speaker 1: And then I think when we get to the days 417 00:20:47,240 --> 00:20:50,040 Speaker 1: after the draft, they're going to have to make a decision. 418 00:20:50,400 --> 00:20:54,080 Speaker 1: Do they value Chris Paul on the roster because they 419 00:20:54,119 --> 00:20:56,439 Speaker 1: could just cut him and then resign him at a 420 00:20:56,440 --> 00:21:01,200 Speaker 1: smaller number, or do they value the salary slot, which 421 00:21:01,240 --> 00:21:03,960 Speaker 1: I believe is that eleven twelve million dollar exception which 422 00:21:03,960 --> 00:21:07,080 Speaker 1: is venis can create if they wave and stretch Chris Paul, 423 00:21:07,080 --> 00:21:09,560 Speaker 1: which would eliminate them from signing. I think it's going 424 00:21:09,600 --> 00:21:12,280 Speaker 1: to come down to that, you know, because yeah, I 425 00:21:12,320 --> 00:21:14,960 Speaker 1: think there'll be teams that talk to Phoenix about a 426 00:21:15,000 --> 00:21:18,720 Speaker 1: Chris Paul deal, but the contract makes it just challenging 427 00:21:18,920 --> 00:21:21,000 Speaker 1: to put something like that together that makes sense for 428 00:21:21,040 --> 00:21:22,760 Speaker 1: the Suns, that brings back the kind of value they're 429 00:21:22,760 --> 00:21:27,080 Speaker 1: looking for in return. The market for him is going 430 00:21:27,160 --> 00:21:30,760 Speaker 1: to be robust because even though he is a diminished player, 431 00:21:30,800 --> 00:21:34,200 Speaker 1: as you pointed out with some of those numbers, he's 432 00:21:34,240 --> 00:21:37,080 Speaker 1: not looking for the max contract. He's going to be 433 00:21:37,080 --> 00:21:39,480 Speaker 1: looking for kind of a mid level, exception y type 434 00:21:39,520 --> 00:21:41,960 Speaker 1: of deal, maybe even less if it puts him in 435 00:21:41,960 --> 00:21:46,479 Speaker 1: a situation that he wants to be in. You know, 436 00:21:46,520 --> 00:21:48,800 Speaker 1: the two LA teams are the teams that come up 437 00:21:49,000 --> 00:21:51,000 Speaker 1: all the time when I talk to player agents and 438 00:21:51,080 --> 00:21:54,760 Speaker 1: executives about where he might land. You know, the relationship 439 00:21:54,760 --> 00:21:58,000 Speaker 1: with Lebron obviously long standing. I think there'd be a 440 00:21:58,000 --> 00:22:00,240 Speaker 1: recruitment there from Lebron James. 441 00:22:00,520 --> 00:22:01,439 Speaker 2: The Clippers, you. 442 00:22:01,480 --> 00:22:03,800 Speaker 1: Know, they've been searching for a point guard for years now, 443 00:22:03,920 --> 00:22:07,320 Speaker 1: like somebody to plug and play alongside Kawhi Leonard and Paul. 444 00:22:07,359 --> 00:22:09,800 Speaker 1: George Nick can offer an opportunity where you know, Chris 445 00:22:09,800 --> 00:22:12,440 Speaker 1: Paul doesn't have to be Chris Paul with the Clippers. 446 00:22:12,440 --> 00:22:14,600 Speaker 1: And I've asked around too about the you know, the 447 00:22:14,640 --> 00:22:18,200 Speaker 1: acrimonious way that Chris Paul exited LA a few years ago. 448 00:22:18,560 --> 00:22:22,120 Speaker 1: That really isn't a variable anymore. Doc Rivers is not there, 449 00:22:22,200 --> 00:22:25,119 Speaker 1: Blake Griffin is not there. Steve Balmer doesn't care like 450 00:22:25,160 --> 00:22:28,560 Speaker 1: that's he's just not wired that way. So I do 451 00:22:28,680 --> 00:22:34,520 Speaker 1: think you'll see those two teams compete the hardest for 452 00:22:34,720 --> 00:22:37,320 Speaker 1: Chris Paul's services if there's a wave and stretch situation 453 00:22:37,880 --> 00:22:40,600 Speaker 1: where he can't go back to Phoenix. But everything I've 454 00:22:40,640 --> 00:22:42,960 Speaker 1: been hearing from people around Chris Paul is that he 455 00:22:42,960 --> 00:22:45,240 Speaker 1: wants to play there, like he likes it there. He's 456 00:22:45,240 --> 00:22:49,040 Speaker 1: happy in the city, in the in the market, and 457 00:22:49,240 --> 00:22:51,399 Speaker 1: he sees an opportunity like he wants to play with 458 00:22:51,480 --> 00:22:54,400 Speaker 1: Kevin Durant. He wants to play with Devin Booker. He's 459 00:22:54,400 --> 00:22:57,320 Speaker 1: helped take this team to a certain level that if 460 00:22:57,359 --> 00:23:00,800 Speaker 1: you're Chris Paul and you're looking at your best chance 461 00:23:00,840 --> 00:23:03,560 Speaker 1: to win a championship in the twilight of your career, 462 00:23:04,160 --> 00:23:07,520 Speaker 1: I don't know that they're any better than the Phoenix Suns. 463 00:23:07,600 --> 00:23:09,679 Speaker 1: You go to LA and yeah, you could help, but 464 00:23:10,560 --> 00:23:14,000 Speaker 1: are they a championship front runner with a soon to 465 00:23:14,000 --> 00:23:16,800 Speaker 1: be thirty nine year old Lebron James and Anthony Davis 466 00:23:16,800 --> 00:23:20,360 Speaker 1: who is unpredictable with his health. The Clippers same questions, 467 00:23:20,520 --> 00:23:23,840 Speaker 1: Like on paper, great, but are they better than Phoenix 468 00:23:23,880 --> 00:23:26,119 Speaker 1: because I don't know how you can count on Kawhi 469 00:23:26,119 --> 00:23:27,960 Speaker 1: and Paul George to play a full season after the 470 00:23:28,040 --> 00:23:30,680 Speaker 1: last couple of years. The Suns, in addition to being 471 00:23:30,680 --> 00:23:34,359 Speaker 1: the place he wants to be are represent the situation 472 00:23:34,680 --> 00:23:37,520 Speaker 1: that makes the most sense for him. So I'm very 473 00:23:37,520 --> 00:23:40,080 Speaker 1: interested to see what happens between the couple of days 474 00:23:40,320 --> 00:23:44,359 Speaker 1: between the draft and that June twenty eighth period where 475 00:23:44,400 --> 00:23:46,840 Speaker 1: they have to make a decision on the guaranteed portion 476 00:23:47,160 --> 00:23:50,359 Speaker 1: of that contract. I think that's what it's going to 477 00:23:50,400 --> 00:23:52,520 Speaker 1: come down to in Phoenix, whether they value Chris Paul 478 00:23:53,160 --> 00:23:55,760 Speaker 1: or that salary cap slot that can be created by 479 00:23:55,840 --> 00:23:57,080 Speaker 1: waving and stretching Chris Paul. 480 00:23:57,840 --> 00:23:59,960 Speaker 2: I hate the idea of Chris Paul staying on the Sun. 481 00:24:00,320 --> 00:24:03,439 Speaker 2: It just doesn't make any basketball sense to me. And like, 482 00:24:03,520 --> 00:24:06,320 Speaker 2: I get it from his perspective, like it's home and 483 00:24:06,359 --> 00:24:07,879 Speaker 2: I agree with you. Like, even though I think the 484 00:24:07,920 --> 00:24:10,119 Speaker 2: Lakers could be better than the Suns next year, the 485 00:24:10,160 --> 00:24:12,520 Speaker 2: Suns are probably a safer bet just simply from the 486 00:24:12,520 --> 00:24:16,320 Speaker 2: standpoint of health and youth of their superstars. Right. But 487 00:24:16,359 --> 00:24:17,880 Speaker 2: you know, when I look at that team, it's kind 488 00:24:17,880 --> 00:24:20,600 Speaker 2: of a redundancy. It's another high pick and roll point 489 00:24:20,600 --> 00:24:23,080 Speaker 2: guard that relies heavily on pull up jump shooting that 490 00:24:23,119 --> 00:24:26,439 Speaker 2: does not generate rim pressure. And they've already got two 491 00:24:26,440 --> 00:24:28,720 Speaker 2: of those guys who are better than him and You know, 492 00:24:28,760 --> 00:24:30,680 Speaker 2: it's funny when I if you ask me, like, hey, 493 00:24:30,800 --> 00:24:33,040 Speaker 2: like Jason, what kind of point guard would you want 494 00:24:33,119 --> 00:24:35,520 Speaker 2: playing alongside Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Be a guy 495 00:24:35,560 --> 00:24:38,520 Speaker 2: like Bruce Brown, Like a big athlete that can take 496 00:24:38,560 --> 00:24:41,480 Speaker 2: point of attack defense assignments that generates rim pressure like 497 00:24:41,480 --> 00:24:43,680 Speaker 2: Bruce Like, especially in semi transition, just can hit the 498 00:24:43,720 --> 00:24:46,359 Speaker 2: jets and put real pressure on the rim, which is 499 00:24:46,400 --> 00:24:48,560 Speaker 2: something Kevin Durant Devin Booker can get a little bit 500 00:24:48,600 --> 00:24:52,320 Speaker 2: lax with sometimes. Now that's an example of a player 501 00:24:52,320 --> 00:24:54,080 Speaker 2: that would be very difficult for them to pull off. 502 00:24:54,080 --> 00:24:56,720 Speaker 2: But when I talk about archetype of player, that's kind 503 00:24:56,720 --> 00:25:00,040 Speaker 2: of what I look at what I look at with 504 00:25:00,040 --> 00:25:02,560 Speaker 2: with Chris Paul, especially when I think about his point 505 00:25:02,560 --> 00:25:05,160 Speaker 2: of attack defense deficiencies right now, I think he's got 506 00:25:05,200 --> 00:25:08,080 Speaker 2: to play with a real rim protector. And that's why 507 00:25:08,119 --> 00:25:11,359 Speaker 2: I like the idea of both the Los Angeles Lakers 508 00:25:11,359 --> 00:25:13,840 Speaker 2: and then another team that I'd be considering. And I 509 00:25:13,840 --> 00:25:15,600 Speaker 2: know it's probably the last thing on their mind because 510 00:25:15,600 --> 00:25:17,479 Speaker 2: they're in the middle of the NBA Finals right now, 511 00:25:17,520 --> 00:25:20,800 Speaker 2: but the Miami Heat because a legitimate screen and roll 512 00:25:20,840 --> 00:25:23,400 Speaker 2: big man that would have excellent chemistry with Chris Paul, 513 00:25:23,440 --> 00:25:26,720 Speaker 2: but most importantly would buy him the ability the leeway 514 00:25:27,040 --> 00:25:29,520 Speaker 2: to be very physically aggressive on defense at the point 515 00:25:29,520 --> 00:25:31,880 Speaker 2: of attack. So like, hey, don't worry so much about 516 00:25:31,880 --> 00:25:35,080 Speaker 2: getting beat off the dribble, disrupt the guy, Funnel him 517 00:25:35,119 --> 00:25:36,960 Speaker 2: to me, and I'll help you on the back line 518 00:25:37,000 --> 00:25:38,239 Speaker 2: like that kind of thing. That's why I don't love 519 00:25:38,240 --> 00:25:40,160 Speaker 2: the Clippers fit because they're not a team that has 520 00:25:40,560 --> 00:25:43,560 Speaker 2: great rim protection. But you know, I'm with you, like, 521 00:25:43,600 --> 00:25:46,679 Speaker 2: I think he absolutely can help a team. I just 522 00:25:46,760 --> 00:25:50,119 Speaker 2: when I look at this specific Sun situation, I just 523 00:25:50,160 --> 00:25:52,359 Speaker 2: feel like, if you're playing if you're the Phoenix Suns 524 00:25:52,359 --> 00:25:54,360 Speaker 2: and you're playing Chris Paul big minutes in a playoff series, 525 00:25:54,400 --> 00:25:56,119 Speaker 2: I feel like that's leaving meat on the bone, so 526 00:25:56,160 --> 00:25:59,560 Speaker 2: to speak. I just think, yeah, there's better options there. Yeah, look, I. 527 00:25:59,520 --> 00:26:03,520 Speaker 1: Mean he could fit into probably that salary slot there. 528 00:26:03,520 --> 00:26:06,160 Speaker 1: I mean, it's hard to predict what the market's gonna 529 00:26:06,160 --> 00:26:09,280 Speaker 1: be for Bruce because there there are teams out there 530 00:26:09,359 --> 00:26:12,280 Speaker 1: that could really overpay him. Oh yeah, you know, you know, 531 00:26:12,320 --> 00:26:14,679 Speaker 1: Houston could go out there and say we need a 532 00:26:14,760 --> 00:26:17,520 Speaker 1: defensive minded guy at point guard and also a guy 533 00:26:17,560 --> 00:26:21,400 Speaker 1: that you know knows how to win, and is someone 534 00:26:21,440 --> 00:26:24,840 Speaker 1: that is a stable veteran that you're trying to to 535 00:26:24,920 --> 00:26:26,360 Speaker 1: bring in. They could pay a bunch of money. Tray 536 00:26:26,400 --> 00:26:28,040 Speaker 1: could pay a bunch of money. San Antonio could pay 537 00:26:28,080 --> 00:26:29,520 Speaker 1: a bunch of money. Like there's a there's a lot 538 00:26:29,520 --> 00:26:32,040 Speaker 1: of teams out there that could offer Bruce Brown and 539 00:26:32,080 --> 00:26:36,080 Speaker 1: probably will offer Bruce Brown more than more than Phoenix could. 540 00:26:36,080 --> 00:26:38,520 Speaker 1: But I do agree he makes some sense there. I 541 00:26:39,119 --> 00:26:42,200 Speaker 1: think the problem is, like there are guys that make sense, 542 00:26:43,240 --> 00:26:46,199 Speaker 1: But what happens if you're left with nothing right and 543 00:26:46,200 --> 00:26:48,840 Speaker 1: that like you're counting on you know, campaign or whoever 544 00:26:48,880 --> 00:26:51,879 Speaker 1: it is at that point guard slot, that's that's not 545 00:26:52,080 --> 00:26:53,840 Speaker 1: better than Chris Paul and all of a sudden you 546 00:26:53,880 --> 00:26:55,760 Speaker 1: let Chris Paul go and got nothing in try. I 547 00:26:55,760 --> 00:26:59,000 Speaker 1: think that's the biggest fear in Phoenix right now, that 548 00:26:59,000 --> 00:27:01,520 Speaker 1: they could want to shut out of a player that 549 00:27:01,520 --> 00:27:04,239 Speaker 1: they believe is better. From Christ's perspective, I mean, I 550 00:27:04,280 --> 00:27:06,800 Speaker 1: like the the the Miami idea. I think two teams 551 00:27:06,800 --> 00:27:11,240 Speaker 1: to watch as dark horses. One one is Memphis because 552 00:27:11,280 --> 00:27:13,000 Speaker 1: and they were to offer kind of what you're talking about, 553 00:27:13,000 --> 00:27:15,600 Speaker 1: the REMP protection on that back line with Jaron Jackson, 554 00:27:15,600 --> 00:27:19,040 Speaker 1: Steven Adams when he's healthy, and you know, if you're 555 00:27:19,080 --> 00:27:22,640 Speaker 1: Memphis and there's the anticipation around the league that it's 556 00:27:22,680 --> 00:27:25,160 Speaker 1: going to be thirty somewhat games that that John Moran 557 00:27:25,240 --> 00:27:28,680 Speaker 1: gets when when out of Silver ultimately announced the suspension, 558 00:27:28,680 --> 00:27:30,239 Speaker 1: which could happen as early as this week, I mean 559 00:27:30,240 --> 00:27:33,240 Speaker 1: at the finals end on Monday. I don't think the 560 00:27:33,320 --> 00:27:37,440 Speaker 1: NBA is gonna waste much time in announcing that that decision. 561 00:27:39,080 --> 00:27:41,560 Speaker 1: You not only get somebody that could play right away, 562 00:27:41,600 --> 00:27:43,920 Speaker 1: but you know, restless season, you can get a professional 563 00:27:43,960 --> 00:27:47,320 Speaker 1: in that locker room, which clearly that team needs with 564 00:27:47,359 --> 00:27:49,160 Speaker 1: what's gone on this year in Boston's the other team 565 00:27:49,200 --> 00:27:52,000 Speaker 1: I thought about as well, I mean the Celtics among 566 00:27:52,000 --> 00:27:54,600 Speaker 1: their issues going into next year, which include finding another 567 00:27:54,600 --> 00:27:58,439 Speaker 1: big in that rotation. They need playmaking that was that 568 00:27:58,560 --> 00:28:01,760 Speaker 1: was badly missing in the playoffs last year. And Marcus 569 00:28:01,760 --> 00:28:04,520 Speaker 1: Smart has been above and beyond where I thought he'd 570 00:28:04,520 --> 00:28:07,200 Speaker 1: be as a point guard, but you know, these last 571 00:28:07,200 --> 00:28:10,159 Speaker 1: couple of playoffs, there's just been that little missing piece 572 00:28:10,200 --> 00:28:13,879 Speaker 1: of a playmaker in that that rotation. Now that kills 573 00:28:13,920 --> 00:28:16,800 Speaker 1: them defensively because they can't be that switch happy team 574 00:28:16,840 --> 00:28:20,600 Speaker 1: that that you know Imodoka and now Joe Mizzoula has 575 00:28:20,640 --> 00:28:24,080 Speaker 1: has adopted, but that could be someplace that could a 576 00:28:24,119 --> 00:28:27,320 Speaker 1: team that could pursue him at the right price as well. 577 00:28:28,240 --> 00:28:31,080 Speaker 2: I absolutely love the Memphis idea. That makes so much sense. 578 00:28:31,400 --> 00:28:33,560 Speaker 2: You're gonna be without your point guard likely almost half 579 00:28:33,560 --> 00:28:36,560 Speaker 2: the season. He steps in and helps maintain your position 580 00:28:36,600 --> 00:28:41,360 Speaker 2: in the standings. Specifically, that team forget about even the 581 00:28:41,720 --> 00:28:45,720 Speaker 2: locker room presence. Even just from a basketball standpoint, without 582 00:28:45,800 --> 00:28:48,040 Speaker 2: John Ray, they don't have any half court shot creation. 583 00:28:48,520 --> 00:28:51,760 Speaker 2: Desmond Baine is more of like a curling, you know, 584 00:28:51,840 --> 00:28:54,680 Speaker 2: shooter type of guy that he I will say I 585 00:28:54,720 --> 00:28:57,440 Speaker 2: was impressed. I was really impressed by Desmond Baine in 586 00:28:57,480 --> 00:29:00,000 Speaker 2: that Lakers series and some of the high level shot creations, 587 00:29:00,040 --> 00:29:02,400 Speaker 2: and he demonstrated in like Game four, Game five area 588 00:29:03,240 --> 00:29:05,480 Speaker 2: but that that that makes so much sense. And then 589 00:29:05,480 --> 00:29:07,960 Speaker 2: the idea would be kind of like the way they 590 00:29:08,080 --> 00:29:10,400 Speaker 2: use Tias Jones in like a two guard lineup with 591 00:29:10,480 --> 00:29:13,040 Speaker 2: John Marian you end up playing Jaw and Chris if 592 00:29:13,080 --> 00:29:15,680 Speaker 2: you have to at a certain point later on the series. 593 00:29:15,880 --> 00:29:17,320 Speaker 2: I think you get shop Tias Jones. 594 00:29:17,440 --> 00:29:19,600 Speaker 1: I think get shop Tias Jones too, and He's great 595 00:29:19,640 --> 00:29:22,040 Speaker 1: because if you're really gonna part ways with Dylan Brooks, 596 00:29:22,600 --> 00:29:26,480 Speaker 1: and that is obviously the direction they're going, you've got 597 00:29:26,520 --> 00:29:27,440 Speaker 1: to get somebody replace it. 598 00:29:27,640 --> 00:29:28,800 Speaker 2: Like I hated the idea. 599 00:29:28,840 --> 00:29:30,479 Speaker 1: I hated that when the news came out, they wouldn't 600 00:29:30,480 --> 00:29:34,040 Speaker 1: resign Dylan Brooks under any circumstances. All right, well, then 601 00:29:34,160 --> 00:29:36,479 Speaker 1: you better have a six to six wing defender, you know, 602 00:29:36,560 --> 00:29:39,240 Speaker 1: ready to go, because you know the guys you have 603 00:29:39,640 --> 00:29:42,920 Speaker 1: Zia Williams, they're not it, Like, that's not those aren't 604 00:29:42,960 --> 00:29:46,400 Speaker 1: the guys. And look, you've got a wealth of draft 605 00:29:46,400 --> 00:29:47,920 Speaker 1: picks you can use to make a deal. But Tias 606 00:29:48,000 --> 00:29:50,400 Speaker 1: Jones could be someone that really interests NBA teams both 607 00:29:50,440 --> 00:29:52,520 Speaker 1: as a starter and you know, as he's built the 608 00:29:52,520 --> 00:29:54,280 Speaker 1: best backup point guard in the NBA. 609 00:29:54,400 --> 00:29:58,200 Speaker 2: So it creates some flexibility for you in in in making. 610 00:29:57,880 --> 00:29:59,760 Speaker 1: A deal which I think Memphis also needs to make 611 00:29:59,800 --> 00:30:01,120 Speaker 1: to get to that championship level. 612 00:30:01,520 --> 00:30:03,800 Speaker 2: Yeah, and if you could get Chris Paul, that buys 613 00:30:03,840 --> 00:30:05,800 Speaker 2: you the Lee way to be able to get rid 614 00:30:05,800 --> 00:30:08,040 Speaker 2: of Tias Jones and use that asset to bring back 615 00:30:08,040 --> 00:30:09,800 Speaker 2: the wing. That that makes a ton of sense to me. 616 00:30:10,400 --> 00:30:12,760 Speaker 2: All Right, So before we get out of here. Where 617 00:30:12,760 --> 00:30:15,960 Speaker 2: are we at with the Kyrie Irving pending free agency? 618 00:30:16,600 --> 00:30:18,800 Speaker 2: I my gut just says he's going back to Dallas. 619 00:30:18,840 --> 00:30:20,520 Speaker 2: But I'm really curious to hear what you've heard in 620 00:30:20,560 --> 00:30:21,720 Speaker 2: the research that you've done. 621 00:30:21,920 --> 00:30:27,680 Speaker 1: Yeah, I mean nothing, but that the recruitment of Lebron 622 00:30:28,080 --> 00:30:32,040 Speaker 1: was kind of eye rolling. At least among the people 623 00:30:32,080 --> 00:30:35,120 Speaker 1: I talked to in the NBA, I have not heard 624 00:30:36,040 --> 00:30:39,600 Speaker 1: anything close to a suggestion that Lebron would be into it, 625 00:30:39,800 --> 00:30:42,680 Speaker 1: not the least of which is he can't just go 626 00:30:43,120 --> 00:30:45,160 Speaker 1: right like they had. They have to do a deal 627 00:30:45,760 --> 00:30:49,160 Speaker 1: and you know, Dwight Powell and. 628 00:30:50,560 --> 00:30:53,800 Speaker 2: Whatever whatever deal give up the rest of the athletes, 629 00:30:53,840 --> 00:30:55,080 Speaker 2: so they have absolutely nothing. 630 00:30:55,360 --> 00:30:57,200 Speaker 1: And yeah, and I know, yeah, I mean not to 631 00:30:57,200 --> 00:30:59,600 Speaker 1: mention it doesn't make any basketball sense really either, having 632 00:30:59,600 --> 00:31:02,440 Speaker 1: three balls dominant guys and no defenders on that team. 633 00:31:02,480 --> 00:31:05,560 Speaker 2: But like that, how that. 634 00:31:06,080 --> 00:31:08,920 Speaker 1: Reporting, in that information leak that was out there was 635 00:31:08,920 --> 00:31:12,080 Speaker 1: interpreted was kind of Kyrie is sending a message to 636 00:31:12,160 --> 00:31:13,880 Speaker 1: Dallas that he can be a guy that helps the 637 00:31:13,880 --> 00:31:16,360 Speaker 1: Mavericks bring guys in right, because that's been a Dallas 638 00:31:16,360 --> 00:31:18,760 Speaker 1: problem over the last like two decades. Really under the 639 00:31:18,800 --> 00:31:22,320 Speaker 1: Mark Cuban regime. They have not been able to lure 640 00:31:22,400 --> 00:31:25,560 Speaker 1: free agents. Guys just don't go there. It's not a 641 00:31:25,600 --> 00:31:28,760 Speaker 1: criticism Cuban, who does a lot for players and is 642 00:31:29,040 --> 00:31:32,760 Speaker 1: as you know, player friendly as any owner in the NBA. 643 00:31:32,840 --> 00:31:35,200 Speaker 1: And they've got Luka Dancic, which you would assume guys 644 00:31:35,240 --> 00:31:37,160 Speaker 1: want to play with. But this haven't had any success. 645 00:31:37,480 --> 00:31:40,320 Speaker 1: This was interpreted by many people I talked to is 646 00:31:40,360 --> 00:31:42,680 Speaker 1: Kyrie saying, you know, I can be that guy that 647 00:31:42,680 --> 00:31:44,480 Speaker 1: brings guys in. You bring me back at the right 648 00:31:44,480 --> 00:31:47,959 Speaker 1: dollar figure, and you know I'll help you, you know, 649 00:31:48,040 --> 00:31:51,120 Speaker 1: build the pieces around that we need to win a championship. 650 00:31:51,440 --> 00:31:55,320 Speaker 1: I just think the marriage between Kyrie and and Dallas 651 00:31:55,400 --> 00:31:56,480 Speaker 1: is just one of necessity. 652 00:31:56,680 --> 00:31:57,240 Speaker 2: At this point. 653 00:31:57,280 --> 00:31:59,680 Speaker 1: The Mavericks can't afford to just let him walk away, 654 00:32:00,040 --> 00:32:01,560 Speaker 1: and there will not be an offer out there for 655 00:32:01,640 --> 00:32:05,840 Speaker 1: Kyrie Irving that matches his his financial need, his financial ask. 656 00:32:06,000 --> 00:32:10,280 Speaker 1: Like everything everything about Kyrie Irving needs to be viewed 657 00:32:10,320 --> 00:32:13,120 Speaker 1: through the prism of him looking for a big contract. 658 00:32:13,160 --> 00:32:15,960 Speaker 1: That's what he's been about. That's why he pushed his 659 00:32:16,000 --> 00:32:18,280 Speaker 1: way out of Brooklyn because they weren't willing to give 660 00:32:18,360 --> 00:32:20,200 Speaker 1: him the type of deal he's looking for, and that's 661 00:32:20,240 --> 00:32:22,720 Speaker 1: why all this stuff is playing out in the media 662 00:32:22,840 --> 00:32:27,280 Speaker 1: in real time right now. So I just expect Dallas 663 00:32:27,320 --> 00:32:31,800 Speaker 1: to make him a competitive offer, a compelling offer, and. 664 00:32:31,760 --> 00:32:34,000 Speaker 2: Kyrie will, you know not. I don't think he'll sign. 665 00:32:33,880 --> 00:32:36,400 Speaker 1: It right away, but I think he'll quickly realize that, 666 00:32:36,800 --> 00:32:38,320 Speaker 1: you know, as much as he might want to play 667 00:32:38,400 --> 00:32:41,440 Speaker 1: in Los Angeles with Lebron James, you know, the Lakers 668 00:32:41,480 --> 00:32:43,320 Speaker 1: have made it pretty clear they're not gutting the roster 669 00:32:43,560 --> 00:32:46,160 Speaker 1: to bring Kyrie Irving in, which is really what they'd 670 00:32:46,240 --> 00:32:48,840 Speaker 1: have to do to clear that requis a cap space. 671 00:32:49,600 --> 00:32:52,160 Speaker 1: There will not be a Phoenix reunion with Kevin Durant 672 00:32:52,320 --> 00:32:54,800 Speaker 1: in his future. And you know, I don't anticipate one 673 00:32:54,840 --> 00:32:58,040 Speaker 1: of these rebuilding teams like Detroit or San Antonio or 674 00:32:58,080 --> 00:33:01,600 Speaker 1: Houston going out there and split urging on Kyrie Irving. 675 00:33:01,760 --> 00:33:04,320 Speaker 1: I think the Mavericks need Kyrie because they're what they 676 00:33:04,360 --> 00:33:06,520 Speaker 1: gave up, and Kyrie needs the Mavericks to make the 677 00:33:06,520 --> 00:33:09,480 Speaker 1: most money. Will probably be the last big contract of 678 00:33:09,480 --> 00:33:14,120 Speaker 1: his career. So my belief, it's fueled by what most 679 00:33:14,120 --> 00:33:16,040 Speaker 1: other people around the league I talk to, believe, is 680 00:33:16,080 --> 00:33:18,640 Speaker 1: that eventually Kyrie will be back in Dallas. 681 00:33:19,160 --> 00:33:22,280 Speaker 2: Okay, So before I respond, a gun to your head, 682 00:33:23,680 --> 00:33:25,760 Speaker 2: Kyrie signs with Dallas, what does the deal look like. 683 00:33:26,280 --> 00:33:30,200 Speaker 1: I think it's a three year, close to max level 684 00:33:30,240 --> 00:33:35,480 Speaker 1: contract with incentives to get to a guaranteed mark on 685 00:33:35,520 --> 00:33:38,680 Speaker 1: the fourth year, whether it's number of games played or 686 00:33:38,680 --> 00:33:41,680 Speaker 1: whatever Dallas compute to incentivize to get him there. I look, 687 00:33:41,800 --> 00:33:45,080 Speaker 1: I don't have a problem paying Kyrie max level dollars 688 00:33:45,120 --> 00:33:46,880 Speaker 1: on a short term detal. Like I think he's when 689 00:33:46,880 --> 00:33:48,680 Speaker 1: he's healthy out there on the floor, he's still worthy 690 00:33:48,680 --> 00:33:52,000 Speaker 1: of a max level contract, especially in today's NBA. It's 691 00:33:52,040 --> 00:33:54,680 Speaker 1: just the number of years, Like, you can't commit four 692 00:33:54,760 --> 00:33:57,280 Speaker 1: years guaranteed to this guy. You can't do it because 693 00:33:58,280 --> 00:34:01,160 Speaker 1: I mean, you know, yeah, I actually kind of like this. 694 00:34:01,200 --> 00:34:03,680 Speaker 1: Part ofment likes Kyrie because I do think that he's 695 00:34:03,720 --> 00:34:05,800 Speaker 1: got some fans across the league, and you know, in 696 00:34:05,880 --> 00:34:08,319 Speaker 1: terms of guys inside locker rooms, and I think he's 697 00:34:08,320 --> 00:34:10,520 Speaker 1: a special talent, you know, when he's at his best. 698 00:34:10,960 --> 00:34:13,400 Speaker 1: But the facts were refutable. He forced his way out 699 00:34:13,440 --> 00:34:15,439 Speaker 1: of Cleveland, didn't want to be there. He was part 700 00:34:15,440 --> 00:34:19,160 Speaker 1: of the reason of the toxicity in Boston's locker room 701 00:34:19,160 --> 00:34:21,840 Speaker 1: that ended their chances of doing anything. He muscled his 702 00:34:21,880 --> 00:34:24,280 Speaker 1: way out of Brooklyn when they were something like twenty 703 00:34:24,280 --> 00:34:27,480 Speaker 1: to one in the previous like twenty one games before 704 00:34:27,880 --> 00:34:30,360 Speaker 1: Kevin Durant went out with that injury. He blew up 705 00:34:30,400 --> 00:34:32,600 Speaker 1: their chances of winning things. So how can you commit, 706 00:34:33,160 --> 00:34:36,040 Speaker 1: you know, four years guaranteed to this guy. So I 707 00:34:36,080 --> 00:34:38,640 Speaker 1: get the feeling that there will be a settling on 708 00:34:39,239 --> 00:34:42,080 Speaker 1: a three year type of deal with the kind of 709 00:34:42,080 --> 00:34:45,080 Speaker 1: incentives in place that if Kyrie is healthy and available, 710 00:34:46,080 --> 00:34:47,280 Speaker 1: he is going to be able to play. 711 00:34:47,920 --> 00:34:52,279 Speaker 2: And the specific like catastrophic mix of ingredients here is 712 00:34:52,480 --> 00:34:56,000 Speaker 2: Kyrie's personality and the fact that it's a marriage of necessity, 713 00:34:56,120 --> 00:34:59,760 Speaker 2: like you said, because I agree like like there's no doubt. 714 00:35:00,000 --> 00:35:02,480 Speaker 2: But if Kyrie want, like could pick anywhere, he picked 715 00:35:02,480 --> 00:35:05,720 Speaker 2: the Lakers, they specifically need what he brings to the table, 716 00:35:05,800 --> 00:35:08,799 Speaker 2: like they absolutely need high level shot creation from the 717 00:35:08,800 --> 00:35:10,880 Speaker 2: guard from the guard position. Especially with the way that 718 00:35:10,960 --> 00:35:14,479 Speaker 2: Lebron's aging, it's a bigger, you know, stage for him. 719 00:35:14,960 --> 00:35:16,719 Speaker 2: It makes a ton of sense for him to play 720 00:35:16,760 --> 00:35:20,000 Speaker 2: alongside Anthony Davis in the coming years after Lebron James retires. 721 00:35:20,400 --> 00:35:23,200 Speaker 2: But obviously just by virtue of what you were talking 722 00:35:23,239 --> 00:35:25,600 Speaker 2: about in his pursuit of this long term contract. He 723 00:35:25,680 --> 00:35:27,000 Speaker 2: just was never going to be able to get that 724 00:35:27,120 --> 00:35:29,520 Speaker 2: with the Lakers unless they were fortunate enough to get 725 00:35:29,520 --> 00:35:32,080 Speaker 2: to make the trade at the deadline, which Dallas scooped 726 00:35:32,160 --> 00:35:37,080 Speaker 2: him underneath. But you know, the thing that specifically concerns 727 00:35:37,120 --> 00:35:40,280 Speaker 2: me is the middle of the season next year with Dallas, 728 00:35:40,800 --> 00:35:44,320 Speaker 2: because I'm glad you pointed out the fact that Kyrie's 729 00:35:44,800 --> 00:35:47,480 Speaker 2: talent is worth the MAX, because too often when we 730 00:35:47,520 --> 00:35:49,600 Speaker 2: have these discussions, people are like, oh, it's Kyrie being 731 00:35:49,680 --> 00:35:52,080 Speaker 2: Kyrie again, and it's like, yeah, well, Kyrie being Kyrie 732 00:35:52,120 --> 00:35:55,680 Speaker 2: also equals being awesome at basketball, Like he's still incredible 733 00:35:55,719 --> 00:35:58,400 Speaker 2: at what he does. But what I think about is like, Okay, 734 00:35:58,440 --> 00:36:03,480 Speaker 2: we've got a we've got a three game losing streak 735 00:36:04,400 --> 00:36:07,919 Speaker 2: culminating in an ugly Christmas Day loss, and it's they're 736 00:36:08,040 --> 00:36:10,640 Speaker 2: like twelve and seventeen, and they still don't have the 737 00:36:10,680 --> 00:36:14,240 Speaker 2: horses on the wing, Like, because we know Kyrie doesn't 738 00:36:14,320 --> 00:36:17,120 Speaker 2: really want to be there, it just seems to make 739 00:36:17,160 --> 00:36:19,680 Speaker 2: it that much more likely that he would try to 740 00:36:19,680 --> 00:36:22,840 Speaker 2: implode the situation. And to me, this is headed towards 741 00:36:22,880 --> 00:36:25,000 Speaker 2: a textbook I'm gonna get my long term deal and 742 00:36:25,000 --> 00:36:27,680 Speaker 2: then eventually work my way towards a trade unless things 743 00:36:27,719 --> 00:36:31,120 Speaker 2: go perfectly, which it's just again and I don't understand. 744 00:36:31,120 --> 00:36:33,280 Speaker 2: I'm sure Dallas has some sort of plane in mind, 745 00:36:33,360 --> 00:36:36,480 Speaker 2: but they need so much in terms of size and 746 00:36:36,520 --> 00:36:39,920 Speaker 2: athleticism that, like, I'm not sure even if in one 747 00:36:39,960 --> 00:36:43,520 Speaker 2: off season they're capable of obtaining that, And so I'm 748 00:36:43,560 --> 00:36:45,880 Speaker 2: a little concerned with them, especially in an off season 749 00:36:45,920 --> 00:36:48,520 Speaker 2: where you and I both know, especially after Denver just 750 00:36:48,880 --> 00:36:51,399 Speaker 2: bullied everybody on their way to the trophy, most likely 751 00:36:51,760 --> 00:36:53,560 Speaker 2: that teams are gonna be on the hunt for size 752 00:36:53,600 --> 00:36:56,040 Speaker 2: and athleticism. That's gonna be the every guard that looks 753 00:36:56,080 --> 00:36:57,959 Speaker 2: like Bruce Brown is gonna be the guy that they want. 754 00:36:58,000 --> 00:37:00,520 Speaker 2: Every forward that can give you twenty or like, you know, 755 00:37:01,120 --> 00:37:04,480 Speaker 2: eighty percent of the Aaron Gordon experience experience, that guy's 756 00:37:04,560 --> 00:37:07,320 Speaker 2: gonna be, you know, a hot commodity in this particular offseason. 757 00:37:07,360 --> 00:37:10,000 Speaker 2: So I don't really necessarily see a version of that 758 00:37:10,080 --> 00:37:11,000 Speaker 2: working out super well. 759 00:37:11,080 --> 00:37:14,480 Speaker 1: Yeah, And what are like, let's say everything goes perfectly 760 00:37:14,520 --> 00:37:18,120 Speaker 1: next year, where Kyrie plays seventy games, Luca plays seventy five. 761 00:37:19,640 --> 00:37:24,080 Speaker 1: You know, Timatowait Junior is healthy. Everybody's healthy in that rotation. 762 00:37:25,920 --> 00:37:28,480 Speaker 1: Is that like a four seed a five seed? I mean, 763 00:37:28,520 --> 00:37:31,520 Speaker 1: the depth of the Western Conference is not changing in 764 00:37:31,560 --> 00:37:33,279 Speaker 1: the next year. In fact, it's probably going to get 765 00:37:33,280 --> 00:37:36,560 Speaker 1: better as you know, the Pelicans reandl the mix. When 766 00:37:36,719 --> 00:37:38,680 Speaker 1: when Zion's healthy and you see and you know, you 767 00:37:38,680 --> 00:37:40,360 Speaker 1: see some of these younger teams that are coming up. 768 00:37:40,480 --> 00:37:43,120 Speaker 1: Thunder Yeah, the thunder Or are probably gonna be a 769 00:37:43,120 --> 00:37:45,560 Speaker 1: playoff team next year. If chet Holmgren is anything close 770 00:37:45,560 --> 00:37:48,280 Speaker 1: to what people think he is and the organic growth 771 00:37:48,320 --> 00:37:53,200 Speaker 1: within that organization. I just like it's a best case scenario. 772 00:37:53,239 --> 00:37:56,040 Speaker 1: It's a shorter ceiling, which doesn't change the necessity of it. 773 00:37:56,120 --> 00:37:59,040 Speaker 1: Dallastill has to do it because they can't run the 774 00:37:59,120 --> 00:38:01,600 Speaker 1: risk of Luca don just looking around in a year 775 00:38:02,200 --> 00:38:05,600 Speaker 1: going what's the plan here? Like I'm in the prime 776 00:38:05,640 --> 00:38:08,920 Speaker 1: of my career, I'm an MVP candidate and I'm competing 777 00:38:08,960 --> 00:38:11,719 Speaker 1: for play in slots or I'm getting beat in the 778 00:38:11,760 --> 00:38:15,360 Speaker 1: first round like in today's NBA. That's the nightmare scenario. 779 00:38:15,680 --> 00:38:17,960 Speaker 1: So I get why they have to do it. I 780 00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:23,160 Speaker 1: just think I just don't see the pathway for this team. 781 00:38:23,200 --> 00:38:26,279 Speaker 1: To evolve into a championship contender over the next two 782 00:38:26,320 --> 00:38:28,480 Speaker 1: or three years. And that's a big time problem for Dallas. 783 00:38:29,080 --> 00:38:30,640 Speaker 1: And the point is is it might take two or 784 00:38:30,719 --> 00:38:33,200 Speaker 1: three years and how long before one of those two 785 00:38:33,200 --> 00:38:36,399 Speaker 1: guys goes off the rails in the process. All right, guys, 786 00:38:36,440 --> 00:38:38,880 Speaker 1: that's all we have for today. Chris, I sincerely appreciate 787 00:38:38,920 --> 00:38:40,439 Speaker 1: you taking the time. I always have so much fun 788 00:38:40,560 --> 00:38:42,160 Speaker 1: talking basketball with you, and I hope we get to 789 00:38:42,200 --> 00:38:43,640 Speaker 1: do it a lot more over the course of the 790 00:38:43,640 --> 00:39:06,880 Speaker 1: next year. The volume