Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: WVuafm Tuscaloosa.
[00:00:09] Speaker B: Welcome, one and all to Wv way 90.7, the capstone's NBA student section. I'm your host, Zachary Elrod, and here with me today is Drew Williamson, not Trey Simpson. Trey, unfortunately, is not with us today because transportation issues.
[00:00:26] Speaker A: It happens. It happens to the best of us.
[00:00:28] Speaker B: It does. He's been needing a car for a while now, the bus. It's kind of been inconsistent for them, so. But we understand we're holding down the fort. Drew's back from his what? Sinuses?
[00:00:40] Speaker A: Sinus.
My, you know, health. But I'm good.
[00:00:44] Speaker B: I'm back. Yep. That's all that matters. Drew's back, healthy, and we got a great show for y'all today. We're gonna be talking about Bronny James and declaring for the NBA draft. I don't know if y'all heard about this, but we're gonna be talking about that. Maybe some details you missed, expanding on some details you've heard. We're also going to be talking about Julius Randall and the Knicks. And we're going to be looking into how this injury for Julius Randall and him being out for the season is going to affect the Knicks, especially going into the playoffs. Then we're also going to be talking about the Lakers and their eight in one game streak in the nine games span they've had. And then we're going to be talking about how they're going to be successful and see how they can go into the playoffs. And then we're also going to be talking about the four teams that have clinched a playoff spot and the only two teams to be guaranteed a play in spot, nothing less, nothing more. And yeah, it's going to be a great show for us today. And let's jump right into it. Drew, this Bronny James thing, man, I mean, let's. Before we even talk about it, what were your initial thoughts when you saw the headline?
[00:01:55] Speaker A: I thought it was fake. I thought it was just some account that just posted that, hoping to get a lot of reactions, but then I saw multiple accounts post it, like bleacher report and, you know, some big name, big name places. And it just shocked me because I just, you know, I didn't think he is not nearly ready enough to where he needs to be to be even.
[00:02:20] Speaker B: NBA caliber player, even considering.
[00:02:22] Speaker A: Yes, considering the NBA, he wouldn't be so talked about if he wasn't LeBron James's son because, you know, this season was kind of an underwhelming one for. For him as far as what he did at USC, there's no doubt he has talent, but he has potential.
[00:02:38] Speaker B: We've seen flashes. He does.
[00:02:41] Speaker A: But the problem is he's just. He's just not ready yet. And, you know, it's a weird because he's.
He's declared for the NBA draft, but then if he does not get drafted, he's staying in college and entering the transfer portal. So a lot. A lot's going on there.
[00:02:58] Speaker B: A lot. There is a lot to unfold with that because, like you just mentioned with the transfer portal, so he's got something to fall back on. So if any teams are interested, I guess he's not staying in USC, then. That's because he's obviously transferred.
[00:03:10] Speaker A: He obviously wants to leave, find him a place that maybe he can, you know, play better.
[00:03:15] Speaker B: So even if he doesn't get drafted, will everybody still going to be like, you know, ears up for what decision he ends up making for transferring? And also with nil money, he gets to keep all his nil money. Cause we all know about that stuff and all, you know, the shenanigans with that. Cause everybody wants their money nowadays.
[00:03:34] Speaker A: Oh, yeah, that's.
[00:03:35] Speaker B: I mean, no, no problems with that. I mean, there's definitely two ways to go about that, but, yeah, I mean, this is definitely an interesting decision. Something that shocked me because, I don't know. Cause I thought LeBron was gonna kind of be a little off with it. Cause, like, he has been kind of hands off with this whole decision, saying.
[00:03:55] Speaker A: In interviews, yeah, I think he wants brawny to kind of follow his own path and not, you know, base it off of what. Which LeBron didn't even go to college, but, yeah, kind of wants him to follow his own path and journey and his basketball career. But at the same time, you know, one of the big things LeBron said he wants to do before he retires is play with his son in the NBA. So it's.
It's tough. Like, if Brawny was to magically get drafted, you know, does LeBron go to that team to team up with his son or, like, what happens there? It creates a weird dynamic, and that's.
[00:04:32] Speaker B: Why I was so surprised with it, because I thought brawny was just going to think, I mean, obviously didn't have the greatest season averaged, like, what, six a game maybe? Yeah, maybe something like that. And I'm not ready for the NBA yet, so I'm going to have another year. USC, Isaiah Collier, he's going to the draft, which is going to make Brownie's role incredibly you know, it's going to increase his role, definitely. That's why I thought I wasn't really worried about him not having the greatest season. He's a freshman, new to college. Isaiah Collier, a big time name in the NBA draft. Obviously a big guard that everybody's looking at, very ball dominant guard. So I wasn't really worried about, you know, him just staying another year.
[00:05:11] Speaker A: It.
[00:05:12] Speaker B: And just seeing how sophomore season goes.
[00:05:14] Speaker A: I think it would have been the smartest move for him is to stay another year. And I like, like I said earlier, I just don't think he's getting this type of recognition if he's not the son of Bronny or not.
[00:05:27] Speaker B: LeBron. Yes. Whatever their name.
Yeah. I mean, granted, I'd even know this was even possible. I'd even know you could declare for the NBA draft and still stay in the transfer.
[00:05:38] Speaker A: I was talking to my roommates about this exact same thing. I literally said I didn't think, like, he's doing like three things. You know, he's declaring for the NBA draft, but he's also has the eligibility to stay in college and enter the transfer portal. It's just so much going on right there.
[00:05:52] Speaker B: And he gets to keep his money. It's like, yeah, he's got, like, he's got his toe in three different things.
It's like he's not really making a decision entirely. So I don't know. But, like, if he. I mean, he is going about the NBA draft, so I think this decision, if he was forced to go to the NBA draft, I mean, it's the smartest way to do it. I mean, you know, he has something to fall back on. Obviously, the transfer portal we just talked about, he still gets to keep his money, which he is making a lot of.
[00:06:23] Speaker A: That's.
[00:06:24] Speaker B: He's one of like the top five college athletes ever, like, in the country right now. In a mile. Money is concerned. So, I mean, yeah, I mean, if he is, you know, if this is really the decision he really wants to make, he's. I mean, it's the smartest way he can make that decision.
[00:06:41] Speaker A: Absolutely.
[00:06:42] Speaker B: So I don't really know if there's anything else to talk about. You did mention, though, like, whatever team he does get drafted to, you know.
[00:06:50] Speaker A: Will LeBron force his way there?
[00:06:52] Speaker B: Forces way there's nothing happening.
[00:06:56] Speaker A: Legitim. He's, you know, he's known to, you know, make moves and try things out, but I just, I don't. I don't see him getting drafted. So, yeah, even with him being LeBron's son, he's just, he's not, talent wise, he's not there.
[00:07:10] Speaker B: And if an NBA team were to, if he goes undrafted, maybe slide something under the table, be like, hey, you want to hop on the team? I wonder what he says to that.
[00:07:19] Speaker A: Very possible. And that's a, that's another tough decision for him to have to make.
[00:07:24] Speaker B: I don't know. I just feel like he, I don't know if he's thrown away his career or not. I'm not going to flat out say that, but I just don't like the decision.
[00:07:33] Speaker A: I don't either. I don't either because I do think.
[00:07:35] Speaker B: He has the potential to be, you know, I think he could be great in college. I mean, I think he could definitely be a solid, maybe even like a backup point guard in the NBA. Who knows? I mean, we haven't seen really what his potential.
[00:07:48] Speaker A: We really haven't.
[00:07:49] Speaker B: That's so, it's hard to say. It is, you know, but anyways, moving on from that, Julius Randall has just, you know, he's going to undergo surgery and he's out for the season. Just straight up like that.
[00:08:01] Speaker A: I know they tried to, they tried to rush or they tried to get him back, you know, tried to try to get him healthy, you know, have him play for the rest of the season, but it clearly wasn't working. He was clearly in pain still. And this is just devastating for the Knicks, who have had a interesting season. I mean, they're sitting like fifth in the east right now.
It just puts more pressure on Jalen Brunson.
[00:08:28] Speaker B: It does.
[00:08:28] Speaker A: And which, it's nothing he can't handle. He's had an unbelievable season, 60 point.
[00:08:34] Speaker B: Game as of recently.
[00:08:34] Speaker A: Oh my gosh. Yeah, that was a insane, that was the game against the spurs where 40.
[00:08:40] Speaker B: That was the end, wendy. Still, they ended up winning still, which is crazy, crazy game. Yeah. I wanted to point out this stat about the Knicks and how they're eleven and one with Brunson and Randall and an Obi starting, which an Obi has been out. He's been, I remember he was out for a long period of time, played for like two or three games. Now he's out again for.
[00:09:00] Speaker A: That's the problem. And because the Knicks did really good at the deadline, I mean, getting an and Obi was a huge, huge move for them. But if you can't stay healthy, that's. What do you make of that? And it's unfortunate with Julius Randall, I'm not saying that they beat the Celtics in a seven game series or the Bucks. And although the Bucks have been struggling.
[00:09:21] Speaker B: The Bucks have been struggling. I have been seeing Doc Rivers interviews.
[00:09:25] Speaker A: Which, you know, but I.
This hurts, you know, this hurts them because it. Julius Randall is a guy that they could have relied on. Even though he does, at least in my opinion, kind of disappear during the playoffs or he has in the past, it still takes a lot of the pressure off of Jalen Brown and, you know, has a guy that can stretch the floor and create opportunities for other players. So it's extremely tough for the Knicks.
[00:09:52] Speaker B: Yeah, I like how you mentioned Ogno because he was great for them. But obviously with injuries, I mean, what more can you do? It's like the LA Clippers of old, you know, when Hawaii and Paul George were just in and out of the lineups. I mean, even this year with Westbrook out, certain times, it's just, it's just hard to, like, find wins if you don't even have your team. It is, you know, so, yeah, this is definitely a big deal for the Knicks. I do think it's better than just a Steven Adams situation with the Grizzlies and not going, undergoing surgery and stuff. Absolutely.
[00:10:24] Speaker A: I agree with that.
[00:10:26] Speaker B: Moving on from the Knicks, this isn't on the list, but, like, I want to talk to you about the jewel embiid situation because a lot of people are mentioning that. A lot of people are talking about is this too early or is this a right move for them? Because, you know, obviously they want to contend for the playoffs.
[00:10:43] Speaker A: The 76 ers are in a weird place and they kind of have been all season. You know, they finally got rid of James Harden.
You know, he went to the Clippers and I think he has fit in great with the Clippers. Yeah, the Sixers kind of, you know, put that weird. Tyrese Maxey has really stepped up this season and I think they were like fourth or fifth in the east and.
[00:11:05] Speaker B: Then Joel and beat point and then.
[00:11:06] Speaker A: You got down another 8th, so, and probably going to be in the play in. So it's, it's tough. I think if, if Joel Embiid was not ready, I don't think they would have brought him back. I think this was strictly his decision to make because obviously, I do think they want to push for, you know, a championship, although it's, there's so many.
[00:11:31] Speaker B: Especially in the west, to, there's, oh.
[00:11:34] Speaker A: My gosh, the west is a lot. The west is very, very, very competitive. I think in the east it is a large. It's like the Celtics at the very top. And then I think there's a, I think there's a pretty big drop, especially the way the bucks have been playing. But, yeah, it's going to be tough. I mean, maybe the Sixers can, you know, make noise in the play in, I don't know who they are in the Eastern Conference.
[00:11:55] Speaker B: So they do have a chance. Anything. Could those knicks, those Knicks look scary? Obviously. You mentioned the Celtics, the Cavaliers, when.
[00:12:02] Speaker A: They want to play.
[00:12:02] Speaker B: Yeah. And when they're healthy, too. They're healthy because they've struggled with injuries to Evan Mobley, Darius Garland. Sure. Even Donovan Mitchell, like you mentioned. Yeah.
[00:12:12] Speaker A: So it's, it's tough. I think. I think Joel Embiid coming back is huge for them, but at the same time, it's, it may be one of those situations where they're bounced in the first round because even if they make it out of the play in and they get the eight seed. Yeah, you play Boston in the first round, and that is just something brutal.
[00:12:36] Speaker B: I know people talk about Boston being the Dallas Cowboys a bit like, you know, how they sell. We mean, Trey have talked about it and sorry, Boston fans, but I mean, they're not getting first rounded. There's no way. They're not that type of team. You know what I'm saying? They're not like the Cowboys in that way. Like, they're not going to sell like that. Now, granted, they might go to the Eastern Conference finals and finals and things could happen there.
[00:12:59] Speaker A: I think this is. I've said this at the beginning of the season, I said, celtics are a great regular season team. And then come playoff, time to choke.
[00:13:07] Speaker B: They still go deep in the playoffs, though.
[00:13:09] Speaker A: But yes, yes, they do. I mean, they made the finals 2022, lost to Golden State. And then last year.
Where were they last year?
[00:13:22] Speaker B: Last year, conference finals, wasn't it? Cause the heat beat em in the conference finals, remember?
[00:13:27] Speaker A: And they.
That was a magical run by the Heat.
[00:13:30] Speaker B: It went to seven. I remember that. Cause Derek White had that magic temp in game six.
[00:13:34] Speaker A: I do remember that. And everyone thought Boston was taking game seven. The heat came in there and stole it. But yeah, this is, this Celtics team is different. This Celtics team's different than the one I've seen the past three years. By 30, they are just such a complete team. I mean, the best starting five easily, in my opinion. So it's going to be really tough for any eastern conference team to contend with them in seven.
[00:13:59] Speaker B: It'll be interesting to see if they do win the chip, hypothetically.
I mean, where does this roster rank all time? Cause, I mean, just to see how dominant they are in the regular season, if they bring that in the playoffs and it's just clear cut like that.
[00:14:13] Speaker A: I mean, definitely one of the all time, all time rosters. I mean, this team has everything you need for a championship team. They have the guys off the bench. They have a great starting lineup. They have a great coach.
They have a great fan base. I mean, they are so solid at home. They are so solid at home, and they just clinch home court throughout the playoffs. So that's huge for them.
[00:14:38] Speaker B: I mean, 60 wins is just like, even in the west, they're just clear over. All these teams are just clear cut.
[00:14:44] Speaker A: They are, they are.
[00:14:46] Speaker B: And it's scary, scary, scary to say, but going back to the Sixers, I mean, I thought it was kind of like, I don't know. I've heard some people say they want them to just sit out. They have no chance in the playoffs. But then I don't agree with that either, because, like, what's even the point in the first place of just, you know, if you're going to play basketball, you're going to play to contend, you know, you know, you're gonna lay it all on the floor, like, why just give up that season? You know, I'm saying, I thought they kind of brought him on a little early. I mean, maybe let them have a few more games off and then just bring them, like, right at the end.
[00:15:21] Speaker A: That's how fans are like that. Fans are so split down, like, the middle of what they want to do. I remember last year, all Miami Heat fans that I knew were like, they were like the 8th, 8th seed, and they played in the play in, and they were like, can we just please lose this game on purpose? I'm not trying to go to the playoffs. This team's not ready to compete for anything, and then they end up making the finals. So it's. I'm with you on this. I think, you know, if you have the guy and he's healthy, put him in there, why not compete? You know, what's, you know, what do they have to.
[00:15:52] Speaker B: I mean, they, they have stuff to lose.
[00:15:54] Speaker A: They do. But at the same time, why do.
[00:15:56] Speaker B: You put the shoes on in the first place? Why do you shoot the basketball?
[00:16:00] Speaker A: You know what I'm saying? I completely agree.
[00:16:01] Speaker B: Well, with that, we're going to be right back up to a short break. Don't go away, y'all.
[00:16:13] Speaker A: WVUA FM, Tuscaloosa.
[00:16:23] Speaker B: Welcome back, everyone, to WVUA 90.7 the Capstone NBA student section. We're back, and let's talk about the game last night with the Knicks. Speaking of them, I mean, they came back from a 21 point deficit against the Sacramento Kings, which Sacramento Kings have not been looking good this season. I've heard some people talk about how they've had the same record as last season when they were ranked like a three seed. But it's just the west is.
[00:16:52] Speaker A: So it goes to show you how good the west is.
[00:16:54] Speaker B: I mean, the west is so dang stacked. But Brunson led the way for the Knicks with 35 points. But the star of the show, Josh Hart, with 31 points, a season high. I looked back at all his stats, man. I mean, the closest he got was like 20 something. This dude. I don't know if it. I don't think it's a career high, but I believe it is a season high for him.
[00:17:14] Speaker A: I just love Josh Hart's energy, you know, the passion he plays with every team he's been at, he's just giving them an energy boost. And he's one of those locker room guys that I feel like you need to have. But really impressive, really impressive win by the Knicks. I think that they're just trying to prove to a lot of their fans, you know, when I saw the news about Julius Randall, you know, I looked, and a lot of Knicks fans are saying they can win without him. You know, it hurts them, hurts their team, obviously. But this hat, this team has the ability to win without Randall, and I think they proved that last night against a good Sacramento Kings team.
[00:17:54] Speaker B: Like you said, some talented players. I know Malik monk's out for a meniscus, I think.
[00:18:00] Speaker A: Yeah. Something in his knee, which is a tough, tough blow for Sacramento, but it was one that they needed, too, because that pushed Sacramento back to eight.
[00:18:12] Speaker B: Right behind the Pelicans, or a game behind the Pelicans. Yeah.
[00:18:16] Speaker A: And that, I mean, from west, from fifth place to 9th, is like a one and a half, two game difference. I mean, that is just insane. With, like six games left in the regular season, you really don't know what's going to happen.
[00:18:29] Speaker B: Yeah, no, our mavericks, or my mavericks have been taking advantage of that. Your sons are still in the playoff contention.
[00:18:35] Speaker A: We, the Suns, have had the hardest.
Like, our last ten games were the hardest schedule of anybody's in the NBA. You know, we've played teams where they're. All the teams we played have been, are gonna be in the playoffs, so. Which, I hate that, because, obviously, I want to win games late but I also kind of like that because I feel like it gives them a lot of preparation for, you know, the big games that are coming once playoff time hits. And it's pretty much that time for every team where unless you are comfortably have made it like the Celtics and the Nuggets and the Thunder and the Timberwolves, you're playing like it's the playoffs right now.
[00:19:13] Speaker B: I know KD is having a remarkable season, especially 28 points a game, a point over his, you know, before he tore his achilles where he was averaging like 27 for the warriors. So, I mean, it's just, it's remarkable what he's doing. Yeah. Coming off an injury like that, it's.
[00:19:31] Speaker A: Really not been done. I mean, it's so difficult to, you know, we saw Clay Thompson coming back from a lot, all those injuries and Clay Thompson has been playing pretty good recently, but he's not the same clay that he was before the injury. But Katie is, he's really impressed.
[00:19:47] Speaker B: He is really Ballin and of course, Devin Booker. I mean, you gotta love him. Bradley Bill has had his games.
[00:19:53] Speaker A: He's accepted, I think the most important part about Bradley Beal is he's accepted his role as. I'm not going to be the guy that scores all the points as he was in Washington. I'm not going to be the guy that, you know, does all that. I'm not going to be the guy that, you know, shoots the ball most times down the floor. He is accepted the role of, you know, point guard and I think that's super important that the Suns want to make a, you know, deep playoff from.
[00:20:17] Speaker B: I agree. Yeah. I mean, a lot of people forget about Bradley Bill when he averaged like 32 a game for the Wizards. A lot of people forget that. I mean, he was leading the league in points per game for a period of time, I think only a couple years ago, maybe like 2019, something like that. But anyways, I mean, yeah, a good, good win by the Knicks, but this Kings roster, I mean, they're only behind a game against the Pelicans and sons and two games around the Mavericks. So, I mean, it's like you said though, it's, this western conference is, it's.
[00:20:50] Speaker A: Heating up to be incredible, I think. And right now as we speak, the Kings there and I'm obviously, you know, Suns fans. So I'm, I'm rooting, you know, for the Kings to lose out.
[00:21:00] Speaker B: Yeah. Yeah.
[00:21:01] Speaker A: So the Suns are, you know, don't have to be in that play in, but right now the Kings are down 13 to the Celtics, so.
Which is. That's just Boston.
[00:21:11] Speaker B: A bad matchup. Yeah, but anyways, I mean. Yeah, I don't think we have much else to say about that set. Shout out to Josh Hart. I mean, he has been great for him. Like we just said, with OG and Inobian Randall out, they've been needing all the help.
[00:21:24] Speaker A: All the help they can get. Absolutely.
[00:21:26] Speaker B: And especially the rebounding. Like, you know, I remember for a point in time, Isaiah Hartenstein was doing a lot for him, and he still is. But, I mean, Josh Hart, he's been everywhere. He's getting triple doubles. He's.
He's doing all the dirty work. And you need a guy like that, honestly.
[00:21:42] Speaker A: Absolutely. You do.
[00:21:43] Speaker B: So, moving on, we're talking about the Lakers eight and one. We gave a little preview of that, and now let's talk about it. I mean, eight and one in their last nine games. And, I mean, we're looking to make it nine and one this weekend, Saturday versus the Cavaliers. So, I mean, let's just talk about this Lakers roster right now. I mean, they're looking. They're looking hot as of late, especially. Cause, I mean, like we said in the Western Conference, all these teams are so close together, like, within like, one or two games. I mean, they could really make it into the playoffs.
[00:22:14] Speaker A: Oh, absolutely, they can. I mean, LeBron has been turning back time a little bit, playing like his old self.
[00:22:20] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:22:21] Speaker A: And really just impressed with how, you know, they've kind of. They were, you know, they're still 9th, obviously, which, if things ended today, they would have to play two games and win two games to earn a playoff.
[00:22:34] Speaker B: Spot, go against the warriors, and that.
[00:22:36] Speaker A: Would be an interesting game because single game, how can you count out steph? But how can you count out LeBron?
[00:22:43] Speaker B: It's.
[00:22:44] Speaker A: That's a extremely tough. And I think the Lakers and Warriors have played in the play in before. I think they played, it was either last year or two years ago they played in the play in. So these teams know each other, and they're very familiar with each other. But the Lakers, it's just so hard to.
[00:23:01] Speaker B: They have a very talented roster.
[00:23:02] Speaker A: They do. And it's hard to count out a team with LeBron James on it and.
[00:23:06] Speaker B: Anthony Davis, a healthy Anthony Davis.
[00:23:09] Speaker A: I believe that the key for them is the others, the Austin Reeves. You know, it's tough because if they can show up and they can consistently score and do all the stuff that you do as role players, I think this Lakers team is a very dangerous team.
[00:23:28] Speaker B: I know when danger or D'Angelo Russell is heating up. I know me and Trey have talked about it countless times, tradeline, dlo. I mean, it's a real thing. He's been.
[00:23:38] Speaker A: Trey was here to talk about, talk about his Lakers. I'm sure he, too. That's why. I'm sure he would have a lot to say.
[00:23:43] Speaker B: That's why I put it on the list, honestly. I mean, it's a, it's a relevant topic to talk about, for those of you listening. Talking about us, just, you know, all we do is talk about the Lakers, which may or may not be true, but it's relevant to talk about. They're eight and one in their last nine. And I mean, coming into the playoffs where they're a game or two behind these guys, that, I mean, they could make a roll off.
[00:24:05] Speaker A: Heating up at the right. Yeah, heating up at the right time. And that's huge. Huge for LA.
[00:24:12] Speaker B: It definitely is. But yeah, like you were saying, the Austin Reeves, the D'Angelo, Russell's torrent, whoever it may be. I know Trey loves his Jared Vanderbilt. He loves Jared Vanderbilt.
[00:24:23] Speaker A: Jared Vanderbilt is a huge piece for them, especially on the defensive end. You know, he's such a long, athletic wing that can guard, you know, guys on the other team. You know, like really, any position, you know, you go that he's going to guard the other team's best player.
[00:24:40] Speaker B: He's like a Herb Jones, you know, just one of those types of guys that you need. And very true. Yeah, they, they want him to come back. They need him to come back if they really want to make a run. And I mean, even without him, though, they got, they really do have a talented roster. With that addition of Spencer Dimwoody. We've been talking about how people are saying he's shooting career lows, but he.
[00:25:00] Speaker A: Struggled at first, but it's hard to move to a team and immediately just.
[00:25:05] Speaker B: Yeah, it's Spencer Dimwoody, though. We know what he can do. So that's why I've never been worried about it. But yeah, I mean, this Lakers team can really make a run. I mean, we talk about it week in and week out. They really have a chance to even get a playoff seed and skip all that playing junk and not have to worry about it.
[00:25:22] Speaker A: It's so like, and this is what I love. I love that this is happening where it's so tight between the Western Conference that you really don't know how it's all going to unfold.
[00:25:33] Speaker B: And it's crazy because there's only, what? Like, there's five games left.
[00:25:37] Speaker A: Yeah, five, six games left. I mean, I know their last day of the regular season's the 14 April.
[00:25:42] Speaker B: So that's our last game. Or the Kings last game versus trailblazer.
[00:25:47] Speaker A: I believe everybody that April 14. I think literally every team in the NBA plays that day. I'm not wrong.
[00:25:53] Speaker B: Yeah, I'm pretty sure.
[00:25:55] Speaker A: And that's like the.
Probably a lot's going to be determined.
[00:25:58] Speaker B: That day too, so probably, yeah, but yeah, the Lakers, they have a real shot. Anyways, let's move on to four teams that have already clinched the playoffs. Say we've talked about a few. The Celtics and Tea Wolves, Nuggets and thunder. Funny thing enough, most or a lot of them are already in the west and obviously the Celtics have just been reigning supreme overall, so. But yeah, I mean let's, before we get into the guaranteed playing guys, let's talk about these guys. I mean we've talked about the Celtics enough. I really want to talk about the T Wolves because they've really been an interesting team. What are your, what are your thoughts on their roster and do you think they can really make it out of the home in the playoffs?
[00:26:42] Speaker A: I do, but maybe a hot take. I also think they're upsettable. I think they are a team that could, I don't want to say easily lose in the first round but they could definitely lose in the first round if, you know, things don't go that's.
[00:26:57] Speaker B: A little spicy to me. Talking to me. I know I've talked about it before in previous episodes. That doesn't seem that hot to me because like I'm not amazed by this roster. I'll be honest. I'm not amazed.
[00:27:09] Speaker A: I don't know the Carl Anthony Towns situation either. I think that also is a pretty healthy factor. And I don't know if he's planning on coming back. I haven't really heard much about him. But with him out that is, that hurts them a lot. You know, he's best, probably the best shooting big man in the league.
[00:27:27] Speaker B: Or maybe it helps them because I mean we have seen in playoffs that Carl Anthony Towns hasn't really shown up.
[00:27:33] Speaker A: Very true.
[00:27:34] Speaker B: Kind of like a Julius Randall type player. Like as far as playoffs are concerned.
[00:27:39] Speaker A: I agree with that. I think it's all not comparing them.
[00:27:42] Speaker B: Obviously towns with the Timberwolves.
[00:27:44] Speaker A: It's how far can, how far can Anthony Edwards take them? You know, every this, oh my gosh. He has performed incredibly well this season. Led his team similar to Shea Gilders Alexander for the Thunder.
You know, these two young guys, and I love to see that, you know, the league's in great hands in the future.
[00:28:05] Speaker B: I'm glad to see it, too.
[00:28:06] Speaker A: Two young guys that are leading, you know, their team and it's just, I don't know, the Timberwolves, they have the, they have the pieces and they have the team, but it's, it's tough because if they met, it's, it's all depending on who they match up with.
[00:28:23] Speaker B: Yeah. It's just there's so many other talented rosters and they, they are the one seed right now. I believe they are. Yeah, they are the one seed. Like Todd or just the Nuggets have one more loss than them. So.
[00:28:35] Speaker A: Yeah, so again, you never even know. They could end up third.
[00:28:39] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:28:40] Speaker A: So it all, it's just their matchup. That's the biggest thing is who they play. And if they, they face a team, you know, that has a lot of good guard play, I think they could be in a little bit of trouble.
[00:28:56] Speaker B: But I mean, I like, I like certain players on their team. Like we just talked about Ant, I love Nasreed.
[00:29:02] Speaker A: Who doesn't?
[00:29:02] Speaker B: Nas? Reid is just that guy. He really is that guy. I mean, to kill Alexander Walker, he's been pretty solid for him. I mean, Rudy Gobert this, as many people would hate him. I know he air balls, layups, I know he does all those.
[00:29:18] Speaker A: He defends.
You're not getting a, you're not getting an easy shot in the paint if Rudy Gobert is in the game.
[00:29:25] Speaker B: I know they're like top ten in defensive person, like defense or something in the league or top five something. They're high, they're high in the league in defense. And a part of that reason, to me, I think like 60, 70% of that reason is Rudy go bear. I mean, granted, they have some good defensive guys and like Anthony Edwards has stepped up on defense, showing how a star can even be good on both ends. But I don't know. Rudy Gobert has just been, he's been the anchor for their defense and he's been a key role. Mike Connelly, too, he's been not defensively.
[00:29:58] Speaker A: That veteran presence, though, I think that's extremely important.
[00:30:01] Speaker B: And he's consistent. I mean, literally every season he's the exact same person he is, which is good and bad technique, not even really bad. It's just, you know what you're going to get correct. Yes.
[00:30:13] Speaker A: And so, yeah, I think that, you know, it's these top teams, you know, obviously the Nuggets are the defending champs. And you know, you love, I love the Thunder and the Timberwolves roster. But, you know, I think the difference right now between the east and the west is that in the east, at least for me, there is a clear cut favorite. And the west, I don't. I mean, you could say one of those top three teams for me, if.
[00:30:40] Speaker B: I had to pick, would be the Nuggets.
[00:30:41] Speaker A: It would be the Nuggets for me, too, since.
[00:30:43] Speaker B: But I think a lot of people would pick that, which I'm kind of sad that I want to pick someone else, but it's hard to do that.
[00:30:50] Speaker A: It's tough. It's. It's super tough to, you know, pick out of this western conference.
[00:30:55] Speaker B: Cause, you know, guys, our two teams obviously are in the west. I mean, if y'all don't know where I'm a map, son. He's a sunshine, if you haven't picked that up yet. But I mean, we're trying to be unbiased here. I mean.
[00:31:06] Speaker A: Yeah, absolutely.
[00:31:07] Speaker B: It's just like this OKC.
OKC team, if we're getting on this topic, I just think they're struggling with injuries as of late. I know Shay's kind of. He's not. He's not going to be out for long. I know JDub, I'm not familiar with how long he's going to be out, but I mean, two key players and not really the greatest time to be out, especially with we see how tight this race is for seeding.
[00:31:34] Speaker A: I could speak all day about the job SgA has done this season.
Carrying his, you know, young, young Thunder team to a top three seed in the west is incredible. But I'm like, you just mentioned Jay Jalen Williams. He has played unbelievable this season and really, I did not expect it at all. Did not expect him to.
[00:32:00] Speaker B: Great rookie year. I think he's number three. Yeah, rookie.
[00:32:04] Speaker A: Did not expect him to take this jump. And, you know, I think he's averaging almost 20 points a game just being. Being that guy that Sga can, you know, depend on. And I, Chet Holmgrid, obviously, we know what he can do.
[00:32:17] Speaker B: Oh, yeah.
[00:32:18] Speaker A: Both ends of the court.
[00:32:19] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:32:19] Speaker A: You know, Josh Giddy, Lou Dort, Josh.
[00:32:22] Speaker B: Kitty has been balling.
[00:32:23] Speaker A: Josh Giddy had some up and down games, but.
[00:32:26] Speaker B: But as of late he's been having.
[00:32:27] Speaker A: I think he is a perfect fit for the Thunder because I think he plays his role perfectly.
[00:32:32] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:32:32] Speaker A: And then Lou Dort is, you know, they. Lou Dort, they say the Dortre chamber for a reason because he can, he can guard just about anybody on the.
[00:32:43] Speaker B: He's great for the roster, too.
[00:32:45] Speaker A: That's why I think this Thunder team plays so well together. There's young and they, they just play together. They have probably the best chemistry.
Yeah, they probably have the best chemistry in the league. I don't know. It's, it's tough, but they definitely.
[00:32:58] Speaker B: Nuggets team, though.
[00:32:59] Speaker A: Maybe that. Yeah, that's my only. Probably the Nuggets.
[00:33:02] Speaker B: Yeah, Nuggets are just like. But that's the problem with the Nuggets. If they lose a guy like Jamal Murray with it, which they're at a loss, or even a guy like KCP or just like, you know, MPJ, anybody.
[00:33:15] Speaker A: If there is a, if there's games, and I remember last season watching the playoffs, wherever there's a game that Nikola Jokic has to take more shots than he's, you know, usually accustomed to, it's not good at all because I remember Jokic had like 53 points in a game against the Suns last year, and the Suns won. So just recently.
[00:33:36] Speaker B: He had like 40 something last night, didn't they?
[00:33:39] Speaker A: And then they lost to the Clippers.
[00:33:41] Speaker B: And the Clippers, yeah, it was 102 to 100.
[00:33:44] Speaker A: That's a, clippers is another team that is in the west. That's just if they are all healthy. I don't, I mean, that is, again, that's probably, that's one of my favorite lineups.
[00:33:53] Speaker B: I know they've kind of had a little down cool off as of recently. I mean, just had a great win against the Nuggets, though.
[00:34:00] Speaker A: And how do you feel? Because right now things ended, your mavericks would be playing the Clippers in the first round. How do you feel about that?
[00:34:06] Speaker B: I don't know. I mean, I love our roster, though. I think our, we recently just talked about trade deadlines and, like, teams, like, what they've been doing. I think we've made some great decisions. Daniel Gafford, I mean, I know he wasn't getting that much of a role in Washington. I've, you know, but he's been amazing.
[00:34:23] Speaker A: He fits in so much better in Dallas than he did in Washington.
[00:34:26] Speaker B: And then PJ, I mean, yeah, he's just been that guy for us. I mean, Derek lively, I remember as a, the beginning of the season, he was starting. He had to play like so many minutes. And for a rookie, I mean, I was, we were asking a lot of them, basically. I mean, my only scare to me, I've been watching a lot of games, and Tim Hardaway junior has been struggling for us. He hasn't been getting over the hump. He's been getting like seven points. Maybe he'll have seven, five, maybe ten, and it'll just be really inconsistent. So it's just our starting lineup looks good. Like Derek Jones, junior. He's been forming, obviously, Luca and Kyrie.
[00:35:04] Speaker A: Best backcourt in the NBA.
[00:35:05] Speaker B: I know, so. I know, but, yeah, to be true, but it's just our bench, it's just, that's just been kind of lacking as of late. And I'm kind of scared for that because, I mean, the Clippers, they have Westbrook off the bench. They got Norman Powell off, not to.
[00:35:22] Speaker A: Mention Kawhi, PG and Harden and Zubot.
[00:35:26] Speaker B: Filthy starting lineup. I mean, yeah, I don't like that matchup. I mean, but what are you gonna do, man? I mean, you gotta, eventually, you're gonna have to play a team like that. I mean, we talk about it all the time. Like, you can have this matchup, you can have this matchup.
[00:35:41] Speaker A: You wanna, if you wanna be the best, you gotta be the best eventually.
[00:35:44] Speaker B: You gotta be like the heat and be like, we might have been in a playoffs playing spot, we might have been counted out, but we're gonna have to beat a bucks team. We're gonna have to beat a Celtics team.
[00:35:53] Speaker A: Absolutely.
[00:35:54] Speaker B: We're gonna have to get our hands dirty here. And I mean, the Mavericks are going to have to figure out if they can win a title or not, you know, if they can be that roster. Because, I mean, we have a great roster right now. It's just if our bench is able to step up and our starting lineup is able to keep rolling like we're doing.
Yeah, that's where I'm sitting at, though, with that situation.
But, yeah, I mean, want to take a short break and then we'll come back?
[00:36:20] Speaker A: I think so.
[00:36:21] Speaker B: All right, we'll be back after this short break. Y'all don't go away.
[00:36:35] Speaker A: Wvuafm Tuscaloosa.
[00:36:45] Speaker B: Welcome back, everyone, to the MBA student section. We're back and we're here to talk about some. We didn't really get into the playing teams that are guaranteed a play in spot. And by that, I mean they're not going to be because they're in the Eastern Conference. It's the Hawks and Bulls, obviously. We know the Pistons, the Wizards, the spurs, they're not catching up. Their season's done. They're done. But like, I mean, yeah, they're done. So that way, yeah, they, they're not able to get into the playoffs and basically they're not able to get out at the play in.
[00:37:17] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:37:17] Speaker B: So basically they're just playing teams, period.
[00:37:19] Speaker A: I believe every team in the east and west has already been decided. The top ten teams, I think they've all been decided. I think maybe the Rockets, but even the Rockets are after.
[00:37:28] Speaker B: The Rockets aren't decided yet.
[00:37:30] Speaker A: They aren't decided, but they'd have to make, literally win out and have the warriors lose out.
[00:37:35] Speaker B: I mean, they did. They went on a ten game win streak, but then their loss to the.
[00:37:39] Speaker A: Warriors last night was that East Easton shirt that he was wearing. Warriors better come out.
[00:37:46] Speaker B: Yes.
[00:37:46] Speaker A: Tari Eason, that was. That was hysterical.
[00:37:49] Speaker B: Oh, my gosh. And then Curry did that thing with the water bottles.
[00:37:52] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:37:53] Speaker B: You know what? Oh, my gosh. That was hilarious. I love it, though, because Tauru Easton was sitting by Dylan Brooks and stuff. I'm like, that's what you get.
[00:38:00] Speaker A: That's what I mean. I don't.
[00:38:02] Speaker B: That's what you get, bro.
[00:38:03] Speaker A: Agree with Draymond Green often, but the point he made on his podcast where he said, oh, how are you gonna tell us to come out to play when you're not playing yourself?
[00:38:12] Speaker B: I couldn't agree more with you. I love that you pointed that out because I saw that, too. And then as soon as I listed it, I was like, it's so true. I mean, Draymond, obviously, this season, he's kind of been. Not even kind of been. He has been all over the place. No one can even predict what he's going to do next.
But I mean, yeah, I agree with him. I mean, how can you say that when you're sitting on the sidelines wearing.
[00:38:37] Speaker A: A t shirt, wearing it? And the fact that he wore the t shirt to the game is crazy. He was really wanting to win.
[00:38:44] Speaker B: But I still love that he did that because it just made the game. It made it that much more interesting. Absolutely. Especially because the warriors have been struggling as of late and the Rockets are a 10th seed. So, like, you know, normally people wouldn't really care about this game, but because they did stuff like that, it just made it that much more interesting. But anyways, let's talk about the Hawks and the Bulls. I mean, guaranteed play in teams. I know looking at the standings.
Yeah, they're the 9th and 10th seed, so guaranteed to match up or. Yeah, guaranteed to match up against each other. Quite. Yeah. So, I mean, Hawks, Bulls match up.
[00:39:20] Speaker A: I think that, I may be wrong, but I feel like the Chicago Bulls have been in the play in every year that there has been a play in tournament. I feel like they're always in that. They might have been in that spot. Like, I feel like they're always, you know, in the play in, but I'm.
[00:39:35] Speaker B: Just mad they had, didn't do anything in the trade deadline, I think. Really nothing.
[00:39:38] Speaker A: No, they didn't. And it frustrated me, and I'm sure it frustrated the, all the fans of Chicago. But one thing I think they're definitely going to do is this upcoming offseason. I think they're going to make a lot of change. I think we're going to see a completely different Bulls team in the 2024 2025 season.
[00:39:54] Speaker B: But they needing it.
[00:39:56] Speaker A: This matchup. It's, and it's an interesting one because I feel like it's a, it's been a really frustrating season for the Hawks as well.
[00:40:04] Speaker B: You know, true up and downs. Very, I mean, they did have back to back wins against the Celtics, which we talked about.
[00:40:10] Speaker A: That was incredible.
[00:40:11] Speaker B: Yes, I know it was both home.
[00:40:12] Speaker A: Court advantage, but still, that was incredible.
[00:40:15] Speaker B: It's insane.
[00:40:16] Speaker A: That was especially the 30 point comeback was just unreal. But what frustrates me is this is the same Hawks team, you know, outside of John Collins not being there, that made the Eastern Conference finals in 2021.
[00:40:30] Speaker B: And then we haven't seen anything.
[00:40:31] Speaker A: And we just have not seen anything since. And it's been, it's just been, I think I saw, I saw something somewhere, and it was like their record the last, like a thousand or like some, like their record is literally like 505 hundred. Like they're the definition of just average mid. Yes.
[00:40:51] Speaker B: And it's just, I love that.
[00:40:52] Speaker A: It's just like, it's so sad because I feel like that team has a lot of talent, you know, Trey Young, Dejante Murray Bogdanovich, Capella Dejante Murray edition.
[00:41:00] Speaker B: Has been interesting, to say the least. It's been interesting.
[00:41:04] Speaker A: It definitely has.
[00:41:05] Speaker B: I mean, obviously at that 44 shot attempt game, and they won the game.
[00:41:10] Speaker A: I mean, that was crazy.
[00:41:11] Speaker B: It's just, I don't know, it's just. Dejante Murray as a player is just very egotistical. It seems like that's just how he comes across. I know. I've seen, I remember, I don't know if we talked about his summer highlights when he played Paulo Bankero before he got into the NBA. I threw the ball at him and stuff. I don't know if y'all seen those clips.
[00:41:29] Speaker A: He's very arrogant.
[00:41:31] Speaker B: Yeah. He's a very emotional player.
[00:41:33] Speaker A: Absolutely.
[00:41:34] Speaker B: I mean, yeah, he's just, he's just a roller coaster. He's all over the place, obviously, like, I wouldn't say Draymond level this season. I'm sure glad he isn't. But I mean, he has his spurts where like, he's just, you know, you can see flashes of it, basically what.
[00:41:48] Speaker A: I'm trying to say. And I think looking for both teams, I think they both have to kind of realize, obviously anything can happen, but whichever team wins is playing the winner of the seven eight, which could be the Sixers, could be the heat, and you're ultimately playing to get swept by the Celtics. At least that's what I think. I mean, I'm just, I'm just so sad. I'm just being honest. You're playing to get some swept by the Celtics. But it's, it's a, I think we're, I think we're looking at two teams with the Hawks and the Bulls that are going to make significant changes in the offseason.
[00:42:24] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:42:24] Speaker A: Because I feel like it's, it's definitely time for the Bulls to move on from, you know, DeRozan to move on from, you know, Zach Levine, Vusovich. I think it's time.
[00:42:34] Speaker B: And so I don't.
[00:42:36] Speaker A: So talented to. Yes, Lonzo balls.
They have a talented roster.
[00:42:42] Speaker B: Alexo, I think the Hawks have a very talented roster. I agree with you saying Jalen Johnson has been amazing. I mean, that guy, he can hoop. Trey young obviously. Dejante, even, even though we talked about that, he still has some great games. Bogdan's a great addition. Clint Capella, solid, big. But yeah, it's just between this matchup, I would probably have to go the Bulls, which I agree. I just, with DeRozan, when he's healthy, especially in a single game elimination, it just feels like the Bulls are a more mature team. If you get what I'm trying to say here.
[00:43:18] Speaker A: I agree with that.
[00:43:19] Speaker B: You get what I'm trying to say. Yeah. I just feel like they're, I just don't see them losing. You know, both of these teams are probably the definition of mid.
[00:43:28] Speaker A: Oh, they are.
[00:43:29] Speaker B: No offense. I'm sorry, guys. It's just true.
[00:43:32] Speaker A: Bulls or Hawks fans out there, I don't know how you couldn't agree with us, to be honest.
[00:43:36] Speaker B: I mean, they're just, but we get what, I know where you come from. I know last season the Mavericks were, you know what I'm saying, not so very special. So, and I know your sons have had their ups and downs. So I mean, yes, we get where you are coming from. Like, we get it. We get it. But sometimes you just gotta look in the mirror and just say, we're mid right now.
[00:43:58] Speaker A: Then, you know, it's one of those weird situations. If you're an NBA team and you're that average, you got to pick a side. You got to either try to get players and try to build something to.
[00:44:11] Speaker B: Go ok mode and just, or go complete rebuild and get remote, get draft picks.
[00:44:18] Speaker A: I think that's what the Bulls are going to do this offseason is go OKC mode because they don't have much.
[00:44:23] Speaker B: Value like an old DeRozan.
[00:44:25] Speaker A: Definitely not.
[00:44:26] Speaker B: Vusovich has just been up and down this season. I mean, we saw it where he was an all star in Orlando and then now he's just kind of been on the decline. Caruso, I mean, he's great, but he's, you know, there's only so much. Zach Levine's been injury prone.
[00:44:40] Speaker A: He has been very injury prone.
[00:44:41] Speaker B: Lonzo looked good, but obviously we know he's been injured.
[00:44:44] Speaker A: So it's just, you know, tough situation.
[00:44:46] Speaker B: Yeah, it's a really tough situation. And then with Atlanta, it's just like, I mean, you could just trade Trey Young, but then, I mean, he's meant a lot to the city of Atlanta and stuff, so it would be kind of a tough situation.
[00:44:59] Speaker A: I know that. I wish Trey was here, but I've seen a lot of.
[00:45:03] Speaker B: Not Trey Young, but, yeah, Trey Simpson.
[00:45:06] Speaker A: I didn't even realize that. I've seen a lot of things about Trey Young, possibly the Lakers, looking at him in the offseason.
[00:45:13] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, I saw that.
[00:45:15] Speaker A: But I don't. I don't know. I, you know, that's just rumors, though. I'll leave that for Trey Simpson to talk about more on the next.
[00:45:23] Speaker B: I know they even talked about Dejante Murray, ironically, too, even going to the Lakers. I remember that trade deadline.
[00:45:30] Speaker A: Yes. But I think I can't speak for Trey and his thoughts on the Lakers, but definitely a true point guard would, would help them tremendously.
[00:45:41] Speaker B: Well, it's been really good for him.
[00:45:42] Speaker A: He has. But all of this stuff, all the players that we've talked about, how will they perform in the playoffs? Because we talked about, remember Carl Anthony Towns and Julius Randall and people like that, that once it comes playoff time, they disappear. So it's gonna be interesting to see.
[00:45:58] Speaker B: You know, how it all unfolds.
[00:46:00] Speaker A: How it all unfolds.
[00:46:01] Speaker B: Yeah, I mean, that's pretty much all we got for this show. I mean, there's not really much else that happened. Rajon Rondo retired.
[00:46:09] Speaker A: That's sad to see. I loved. I loved Rondo.
[00:46:12] Speaker B: It was kind of like. Cause obviously he had a break from the season. Like, you know, he was. I forget the last season he played. Was it 2020 or 2020?
[00:46:21] Speaker A: Believe it was 22. I have not seen Rondo since he was on that championship Lakers team when they won in the bubble.
[00:46:30] Speaker B: Yeah. And it was just after that, it was just like he was out of the NBA, and then he's like, oh, I'm just going to finally announce my retirement.
[00:46:37] Speaker A: Yeah.
[00:46:38] Speaker B: And I think it's just sad to say how he went, but, like, I mean, the career he's had has just been outstanding.
[00:46:46] Speaker A: Tremendous.
[00:46:46] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:46:47] Speaker A: He is one of the best, you know, passers that I've ever seen play and finishers, like he was doing. He was never the best shooter, but, yeah, the way he got to the rim and. Yeah, no, Rondo is.
[00:46:58] Speaker B: He made plays for his team. I mean, he was just. He was that guy, especially in Boston.
[00:47:03] Speaker A: That Celtics team with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett and Rondo. That was a special.
That was a special team. Yeah.
[00:47:10] Speaker B: Yeah. That was a great team to watch. I mean, their series. Talking about the Lakers again, I mean, just the Kobe series with Kobe and Powell versus. That was that super team.
[00:47:21] Speaker A: That was crazy.
[00:47:22] Speaker B: It's definitely some crazy games to watch, but that's gonna pretty much do it for the episode. You got anything else to say, Drew?
[00:47:29] Speaker A: I hope my son's finished strong and that they face a easy playoff matchup. Not gonna lie. I want the Timberwolves in the first round. If that's. If we can get them. I want the Timberwolves.
[00:47:40] Speaker B: Oh, wow. But I mean, yeah, same with the Mavs. I mean, boys, if you are listening to this, it's never gonna come easy. So you gotta. Sometimes when life gives you a roadblock like the Denver nuggets or whoever, you just gotta face it head on. So with that, that's the episode. Thank y'all for tuning in. And we're out. Peace.
