Episode Transcript
[00:00:00] Speaker A: WVUA FM, Tuscaloosa.
[00:00:11] Speaker B: Welcome one and all to WVUA 90.7, the Capstone's MBA student section. I'm your host, Zachary Elrod, and here with me is Trey Simpson and Drew Williamson. Today we're going to be talking about some NBA news. Jalen McDaniels going over to the Kings. We're also going to be talking about Joel Embiid not planning to play back to back games. Kawhi is going to be out indefinitely with the knee inflammation Alonso Ball making his comeback in NBA preseason. And we're also going to be talking about our best and worst preseason performances and predictions of the year so far. So great show upcoming. Y'all don't want to miss it. So let's get straight into it, boys. Jalen McDaniels and the second round pick was traded to the spurs. And the Kings receive a 2025 2nd round pick, top 55 protected.
And the spurs plan to wave Jalen McDaniels actually, which frees up some space for the Kings to make a move. So the whole thing surrounding the Kings basically with this trade is they can make a big move and they could get a really, really top end player considering to be Zach Levine and Brandon Ingram. I mean, that's the big rumors going around. What do y'all think? Just initial thoughts on that alone.
[00:01:31] Speaker C: I think Zach Levine has been talked about in trade rumors for the last like two or three seasons. It feels like true statement. And the Kings, I feel like are a really, really good fit. You have the newest edition, DeMar DeRozan in there. You have dear and Fox. You have Damontes Sabonis. I feel like Zach Levine adds perfectly in that, in that mix right there. I feel like he won't have to, you know, battle with learning a new system. He can just hoop. I feel like that's what Zach Levine at this point in his career, I feel like that's what he needs is a place where he can just go and hoop and not have to worry so much about the team and the weight being on his shoulders. So I think it's a, I think it's a perfect fit.
[00:02:10] Speaker A: Yeah, I completely agree with that 100%.
Yeah, I agree with you, Drew. If the Kings add Zach Levine, I think they're a championship team or like they have the potential to be a championship team because they'll definitely be scary in the west with the threat of, like you said, dear and Fox Sabonis has been on the tear for the last, you know, he's been making his run.
Zach Levine, man, the way he just balled out, you know, 25, 26 points the other night, he's been hooping in the preseason.
[00:02:39] Speaker B: He looks good.
[00:02:40] Speaker A: Mandy. That's a player that I think everybody wants. I know the Lakers, you know, as a Laker fan, delusional Laker fan. I've wanted him on my team for.
[00:02:48] Speaker B: The last two seasons and there's still reports, there's still reports that a possible Zach Levine deal could happen with LA.
So.
[00:02:57] Speaker A: But yeah, I think that would be a great fit for him. Brandon Ingram, I think the same way. Not really. I think they already found what they're looking for with that. With Demar DeRozan, I totally agree. His main shot is he wants to get a, you know, around the screen, take a pull up midi. They got that. With Demar Derozan. I was just definitely proven.
[00:03:15] Speaker B: I was just going to mention that for me, I don't really know Zach Levine. I don't know if they necessarily make the team that much better because I don't know how the fit's going to be, honestly. And with Brandon Ingram, I think Zack Levine's a better fit, obviously. What you missing, Trey? With DeMar DeRozan and Brandon Ingram, they have very, very similar games, gets that mid range pull up, can shoot in anyone's face. Both kind of, you know, not really dominant or not at all dominant three point shooters, I'm about to say.
[00:03:46] Speaker A: Well, okay, question. Do you think that Brandon Ingram would want to. I think he would be a more like worse fit because he wants the ball more. He's more ball dominant as a player. I think Demar kind of like can kind of play into his role for the night. Like he's kind of like put the team first before.
[00:04:02] Speaker B: So you're comparing, like, you're saying who's a better fit, DeMar DeRozan or Brendan Ingram for this team?
[00:04:06] Speaker A: For the Kings?
[00:04:07] Speaker B: Yeah, theoretically, I think Demar.
[00:04:09] Speaker A: Yeah, yeah, I just think they already have what they're looking for.
[00:04:12] Speaker B: And obviously you got to think Damar's just, he's a veteran. He's been on a lot of high caliber teams and I don't know, I just like to mar better overall as a teammate. I mean, nothing against, I don't know, nothing against Brendan Ingram, but. And also DeMar DeRozan is, you know, stays more considerably healthy as far, you know, Brandon Ingram as of, as of late has had some, you know, injuries. So I think that could come into play. But I mean, Zach Levine, I think he'd be a pretty, it'd be interesting to see him in a Sacramento uniform. Him dear into bonus. I mean, you are talking about DeRozan. Then you still got Malik monk on off the bench.
[00:04:52] Speaker C: That is a really solid starting starting lineup. And then having Malik coming off the bench puts a lot of teams in the west, you know, puts that in their minds.
[00:05:02] Speaker A: You know, Keegan Murray would be, like a good fit for the. For Zach Levine. And this is going to be a wild card. Like, y'all not even expecting this. The bucks.
[00:05:09] Speaker B: The bucks.
[00:05:10] Speaker A: Yeah. Think about it.
[00:05:11] Speaker C: It's not a wild card at all. I actually perfectly agree with that Dame Chris Middleton. With Chris, I mean, that's pretty much the position they rotate the most. I feel like the lineup of Giannis, Chris Middleton, Brooke Lopez have been in there for years, and then you have Drew. You had Drew holiday, then you made the train trade with Drew Holiday to get Damien Lillard. So I feel like that shooting guard spot is something they've needed for, especially.
[00:05:35] Speaker B: Since they got rid of Malik Beasley.
[00:05:36] Speaker C: Yeah, that was about to have Malik Beasley. They got rid of him. I think that'd be a perfect fit.
[00:05:40] Speaker B: That's interesting that you say that, Trey, but, I mean, I don't know. I don't know how much they would be willing to give up for Zack Ovain because I know the bulls are going to want to pretty penny for him. I mean, they've invested so much into them.
[00:05:52] Speaker A: The nasus.
[00:05:55] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:05:55] Speaker C: We'll see what trade value the NASA.
[00:05:57] Speaker B: Says thanes is for Zack ovain. Straight up. I mean, I see, I see. I mean, this is 100% good for both sides, honestly. The nasus for Zach Levine, I love it.
[00:06:09] Speaker C: He. I don't think the NASA's would ever leave Giannis.
[00:06:12] Speaker B: I mean, there's just no way Giannis would have gone.
And that even brings up a point. I know Giannis had a quote as of, you know, just a couple days ago, if not yesterday, about possibly being traded if they don't make it all the way for the chip, because that's the standard at this point for Milwaukee. And he was saying, yeah, I mean, it's a business and it's a. It's a large. It's a big possibility, and he doesn't.
[00:06:38] Speaker A: Owe them anything more. He already gave him the ring, remember back in 2019?
[00:06:41] Speaker C: That was an unbelievable championship. It was an unbelievable piece in the, in game six against Phoenix.
[00:06:48] Speaker B: Mm hmm. It was tough for Phoenix fans. But, I mean, what Milwaukee, I had to add that one in there. But for Milwaukee, I mean, I. What drew holiday provided for that team. What Giannis did, even after hyperextending his knee, was not 100%. He was not.
[00:07:06] Speaker C: That's another thing he said. He quoted recently. He was talking about how he's got to stay healthy in the playoffs, and a lot of people forget that, you know, he didn't play a single second of that Bucks Pacer series, so.
[00:07:20] Speaker B: But Chris Mendelton did.
[00:07:21] Speaker C: Things could have been. Could have been different maybe, if he played, but we'll never know.
[00:07:25] Speaker B: Dame wasn't healthy either as of late in that series.
[00:07:27] Speaker A: I will say, like, just watching the bucks on the court when Giannis is healthy, bruh, and he's in dog mode, nobody who's gonna stop that. There's like, literally, you can't stop it. I don't even, you know, like, his.
[00:07:38] Speaker B: Only weakness is, you know, getting to that free throw line, which he's susceptible for drawing a lot of fouls. And that's, you know, hackashack at that point. But he's improved. He's improving the shot. But, I mean, like you said, drew, he's got to stay healthy. So it's going to be interesting to see what the Bucks do this coming season, especially considering, you know, the championship is still the standard in Milwaukee, no matter who the head coach is. Doc Rivers.
[00:08:05] Speaker A: But assistant coach Darvin Ham.
[00:08:07] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, Darvin Ham's and that coaching staff, too.
[00:08:10] Speaker C: What a coaching duo that is.
[00:08:11] Speaker B: What a combination.
We'll see how. We'll see how that works. But anyway, I really wanted to talk to you all about this. Joel Embiid is not planning, as far as we know, this is what the dude says. He's not planning to play back to back games. Now, instantly, I went over to the schedule, and your boy counted every single back to back game, and it is 14. They have 14 back to back games, which means he can only play up to 68 games the next season. I like that.
[00:08:40] Speaker C: I like that stat, Zach.
That was good.
[00:08:43] Speaker B: I didn't see anybody point it out, and I'm like, dude, I mean, that's 14 games.
[00:08:47] Speaker C: Well, that's so. That's 14 games, and that's like, that's on top of. Or that's not even including how many games he might miss because of a.
[00:08:56] Speaker B: Quote unquote, sick days, whatever it needs.
[00:08:58] Speaker C: Or weeks or months.
We know how Joel Embiid is.
[00:09:03] Speaker A: You know, he's gonna duck the Denver Nuggets. He's scared of yokage, at least, is what he's proven.
You know, I'm just saying, he does.
[00:09:10] Speaker C: Tend to do that when he plays, when he plays Denver, I'm not gonna lie.
[00:09:13] Speaker A: But when he does play, though, they go at it. So I know he's not truly scared, but a Joelle, I know you listening? Played the Nuggets.
[00:09:21] Speaker B: Yeah, he'd be awesome.
[00:09:23] Speaker C: If Jordan missing 14 games already with the no back to backs and then probably going to add more. We know how his injury history is.
[00:09:30] Speaker B: True.
[00:09:30] Speaker C: Puts them, puts them in a tough position because, you know, obviously Philly's in a, Philly's in a mode where they want to win now. You know, they acquired Paul George, Tyrese.
[00:09:39] Speaker B: Maxey, who just had an injury. Paul George, but he's, he's going to come back. They say it's just a bruised knee. You know, he did hyperextended a little bit. It was a little scary.
[00:09:48] Speaker C: But this is ultimately still Joel Embiid's team, and there's no doubt about that. And they don't have, you know, their, their team captain for nearly half the season, then that's a problem.
[00:10:00] Speaker B: I don't think I can call it Joel Embiid's team then if that's the case.
I mean, Tyrese Maxey, you step up, my boy, it's your.
[00:10:07] Speaker A: Somebody else doing in my world is.
[00:10:09] Speaker B: Tyrese Maxis team at that point.
[00:10:11] Speaker C: True.
[00:10:12] Speaker B: And I have no problem saying that.
[00:10:13] Speaker A: But I don't know, Maxi, what is Maxi done, though? Like, I mean, he hasn't done enough to make it his team. Like, yeah, he's had a run last.
[00:10:20] Speaker B: Well, indeed, doing Jack squat now.
[00:10:22] Speaker C: I think he will this year. I think Maxi will this year.
[00:10:26] Speaker A: No, I think Joel, I think he's.
[00:10:27] Speaker C: Gonna support James Harden.
[00:10:28] Speaker A: He might not be playing, you know, the back to back games like we want him to, which is. Yeah, it's not good for, like, I guess, the star power effect of it because, you know, you wouldn't imagine hearing, you know, Jordan sitting out of, like, games just because they're like Kobe, you know, even LeBron back. Like, he has to do it now because of his a, you know, that was his coaching staff and which he.
[00:10:47] Speaker B: Doesn'T even like that either. He doesn't like minutes restrictions. That's what apparently in the new Netflix series, he was like, he had minutes restrictions are awful.
It sucks. But anyways, I did want to put this up in the air. 65 games is the limit to qualify for any, all NBA teams and awards, which Joel Embiid hasn't been able to do, you know, in his career right now. So because of last season being hurt, so I mean, when you have, when you're only playing 68 games based off this, I mean, it doesn't look like he's going to make any, all NBA teams or get any awards for anything he does this season. So be. That's pretty interesting thing.
[00:11:29] Speaker C: Yeah. I think in his mind now, he already has won his MVP. He, he worked for that MVP. Like, he, there was so many years where he was there. He was quoted talking about how, how have I not won MVP yet? Like, what have I got to do? And then he finally wins MVP.
[00:11:47] Speaker B: Well, then Jokic, a controversial MVP, too.
[00:11:50] Speaker C: And Jokic then, that year one, upped him and won the championship. So he's definitely got a lot to prove. I think Embiid does. And staying healthy, the best of it, the best ability is availability.
[00:12:03] Speaker B: That's a good quote. That is a great quote.
But, I mean, y'all got anything else on Joel Embaid?
[00:12:09] Speaker A: Um, no, other than, like we already said, like, just honestly, it just sounds like he wants to do the bare minimum if he can, but if the people who signs his checks allow that, then, I mean, you know, that's them. Cause they're the ones who signs the checks.
[00:12:23] Speaker B: If Daryl Morey and Nick Nurse are, like, thumbs up in it, I mean, that's, there's not much you can do.
[00:12:29] Speaker A: But as fans, as spectators, though, I feel like that's disrespecting the game. We don't mess with that. We don't want you doing the bare minimum. If you can play, we want you to play. Like, I mean, it's a bunch of good people out there that, you know, spend a bunch of time trying to just take their, what, kid to one game? To one game of the season they could take them to.
[00:12:46] Speaker B: I remember a lot of Kobe would talk about that, Michael, like, you know, that'd be a lot of their motivation and be like, there are people out there spending their hard, earned it hard to earn money taking out their kids. Like you were saying, Trey. And it's like, we're about to see this guy and brought that up, too.
[00:13:02] Speaker A: Yeah, that's why he plays most of the games he can. Like, he'll play through injury. So, like, yeah, that's just what we want to see more of, you know, stars play through injury if you can. Now, if you're actually, you know, truly hurt, you know, it's a difference between being hurt and being injured. So I ask you, are you hurt or are you injured? That's all I got to say to him.
[00:13:18] Speaker B: Classic question.
But, I mean, we're gonna talk about another guy, Kawhi being out due to his right knee inflammation. I mean, what's new? I mean, this just came out today as we are recording this. I mean, I don't really know what much else to say. I still believe that the Clippers are capable of getting a playoff seed. Now, whether that's, I do not believe it's gonna be a high playoff seed. I think they'll be just outside of the play in. I think this team still has enough talent for that. I think James Harden's going to surprise a lot of people.
This is given. I remember, you know, the last podcast we were talking about this. I was like, this is giving me classic James Harden flashbacks, you know, back in 2018, 2017. So I'm not saying we're going to see that to that degree, but I'm just saying, watch out. I think James Harden's going to, he's going to turn some heads.
[00:14:14] Speaker C: Yeah, I think I saw a quote recently where James Harden said he was in one of like, physically the best shape he's been in in probably four to five years.
[00:14:21] Speaker B: And I love that.
[00:14:22] Speaker C: And that's the thing. If we can, I don't think you're ever going to see that 2017 2018 Rockets James Harden ever again. But if he, James Harden, people forget that he's still a very good player and he's still, you know, very talented, can help his team win basketball games and provide a, just a great impact. But as far as Kawhi, I'm so sick and tired of this guy, man. I really am. He's just, he's just so unreliable. It's to the point where I don't trust he'll play a single game this season.
[00:14:57] Speaker B: I mean, a lot of people are talking about, you know, should he consider retirement?
But I mean, if that were the case, if he were to end his career now, what do y'all think about his NBA career as far as ranking it? Because me personally, I think he's a Hall of Famer easily.
[00:15:15] Speaker C: Absolutely.
[00:15:16] Speaker A: Yeah, you could say that because what he did in the short time he was in, because he only did it in one season with Toronto, you know, he was a one and done, but he brought them a championship, their first.
[00:15:24] Speaker B: Three rings in total.
[00:15:26] Speaker A: Three rings, man, the impact he's had just as a player is massive. But like you said, just on the way out, we don't want to be left with a bad taste in our mouth like we want you to, you know, true, go out on the limb, but if we can give Lonzo ball to pass, and we're about to get to him in a second. You know, I've been talking about him for a long time, so I'm excited. But, man, like y'all said, I kind of agree with y'all, too. I'm kind of tired of, like the, is he gonna play? Is he not gonna play? Cause he definitely hasn't shown up for his team for playoffs. I mean, he comes back for what, one game, maybe two, and he's still even injured then. So I'm not blaming him. Cause, you know, in circumstances, but, like, you know, it's tough. It's just a tough situation. Man.
[00:16:05] Speaker C: This guy was, this guy was considered the greatest player in the league in 2019 after winning with Toronto. And.
[00:16:11] Speaker B: And I was one of those guys that's like, yes, forget LeBron James at this right now. Absolutely. This guy's the guy.
[00:16:17] Speaker C: And at that point in his career, you know, three NBA championships, I believe, two finals MVP's.
[00:16:23] Speaker B: Two finals MVP's. Yeah.
[00:16:24] Speaker C: You know, he one of the. To that point in his career, one of the best two way players we've ever seen can go get a bucket on one end and can go lockhouse up your team's best player on the other end.
[00:16:35] Speaker B: So, I mean, he made LeBron, like, absolutely despise coming in.
[00:16:40] Speaker C: Absolutely.
[00:16:40] Speaker B: I mean, we all know the game.
[00:16:42] Speaker A: Oh, he shook his head. He was like, dang.
[00:16:44] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:16:45] Speaker C: It's tough seeing a guy like Kawhi, who is for a long time a top two, top three player in the league, going, going out like this. It's just, it doesn't feel right because.
[00:16:57] Speaker A: We know he still has more in the tank.
[00:16:58] Speaker C: Absolutely. 33.
[00:17:02] Speaker A: I know he's not done, man. He's going to have to hop in the hyperbolic time chamber for all you dragon Ball fans out there. I know y'all been on sparking zero. I have.
Hey, man, he's going to have to hop in that and he's going to have to get right, man, because he's going to have to get right back. You know, he's an elite player, man. Like you said, top three in the league when he's healthy.
[00:17:20] Speaker B: I know when he came back last year, he said they were, you know, they were talking about how he gained size as far as muscle mass, you know, really just trying to protect the ligaments, the tendons in his legs, you know, given, you know, just gaining muscle mass to be able to protect all that. But, like, I don't know, it's just, I don't, I don't know what to do at this point because it's, it's just protruding. It's not really, it's not going away. This injury just keeps on, keeps lurking.
[00:17:47] Speaker A: So it's like the Lonzo situation, man. But like, we were patient with him, so, I mean, you know, but Kawhi's a star, though. We demand Kawhi more than I. Lonzo ball, just from the fact of, you know, quality, you know, that doesn't discredit Lonzo ball, though. So like I said, but Kawhi and.
[00:18:01] Speaker B: Lonzo Ball, they're just on different, different levels.
[00:18:03] Speaker A: Yeah, they're all different playing field.
[00:18:05] Speaker B: Yeah. Speaking of Lonzo, though, ten points, I believe he was four for six from the field. I mean, shot a great percentage. I mean, he looked good. He was hitting threes, backdoor cuts.
[00:18:17] Speaker A: He looked better than Clay Thompson in that elimination game.
I mean, he came back after not playing after years, bro. Came back sparking them.
[00:18:27] Speaker B: He was sparking them. I mean, yeah, Chicago crowd was loving it.
[00:18:30] Speaker C: Well, it's so good because this was at a time a lot of people thought that he might never come back. And this injury was, I mean, because missing two full seasons, I actually think it was two and a half because I think he went out in like January of the season before and I may be wrong, but missing that much time is.
[00:18:51] Speaker A: Oh, no, he's missed about two seasons, bro. Yeah, it's been like two or three. Really.
[00:18:55] Speaker C: Yeah, I think it was two and a half, but he just missing that much time is. It takes a lot. It takes a lot of, you know, will to come back and keep, keep grinding, you know, year after year.
[00:19:07] Speaker B: But kudos to him.
[00:19:08] Speaker C: He looked really good in that preseason game. I'm happy, was happy to see him.
[00:19:10] Speaker B: Back out there and he looks like he's going to be good for their offense. I mean, he's, he's obviously able to space out the four and he's a, you know, he's reading the defense while he doesn't have the ball in his hands and it's succeeding for him and he's shooting at a very high percentage obviously, in that one game. And I mean, you mentioned Clay Thompson, Trey. Obviously he's not doing good in the preseason so far. So as a maverick fan, I'm very distraught, if you will.
[00:19:37] Speaker A: Yeah. Well, back to Lonzo, wrapping him up. I mean, he's always been a high IQ player. Like, remember watching him at UCLA, all his backdoor cuts, reading, you know, reading. If the point guard is gonna hedge over the screen, go under over like, he's always been pretty good at making that play. So when his scoring wasn't like, his main factor, like it was in college, as well as his playmaking and athleticism, then he focused more on what being a two way guy, you know, defending, doing the dirty work. So, like I said, shout out Alonzo ball. I'm glad he's back. I've been talking about you, my man, for like the last two seasons. I've been, you know what I'm saying? Praying for your recovery. Shout out.
[00:20:13] Speaker B: You alright? We're gonna be back, y'all. We're gonna head into a quick break. Don't go away.
[00:20:28] Speaker A: WVUAFm Tuscaloosa.
[00:20:39] Speaker B: Welcome back to WVUA 90.7, the capstone's MBA students section. We're back, and we're going to get into our preseason best and worst performances. So what y'all want to start with? Y'all want to start with the best or the worst?
What are we feeling right now? Negative or positive vibes?
[00:20:57] Speaker C: Positive vibes.
[00:20:58] Speaker B: Positive vibes. All right, I'm going to go first with my first honorable mention, and that's Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons. He's played four games so far with the Pistons, averaging 18 three and three on 60% from the field, 52.9% from three. That is the big number right there because Jaden Ivey, so far in his NBA career, has struggled from the three, from behind the three point line. So to be able to shoot that at a high clip, I mean, that's just revolutionary for this guy's game and especially with his speed and athleticism, I mean, he's just going to be lethal for the Pistons if he continues to play at this high level. He is also averaging one steal. I mean, he's just showing, he's showing a lot of confidence right now. And I really had to highlight him because this Pistons team, I mean, yes, they can be inconsistent, but when I've watched their games, they look, they look like they're not going to be a bottom team in the league. Now, granted, are they going to be a play in team? No, but I think they're. They're going to improve. They're going to improve. Now, is that saying a lot? No. Pistons fans, if you're listening, should you be that hopeful? Maybe not, but it's something.
And that is what I have for you today, ladies and gentlemen. It's something.
Now, I think. I think the Pistons will be. I think the Pistons will be pretty solid. Cade Cunningham also has been good for them and they got pieces. They got pieces now. So. And we can see what Jenna JB bickers staff. We'll see what he does. I know he's preventing them from wearing hoodies that practice. So whatever the heck that is.
If it works, though.
So that's what I have to say about that.
[00:22:52] Speaker C: Yeah, I'll go with my, my best and just, I feel like this is gonna be because, you know, I'm a bias Suns fan, but watching the preseason so far, rookie Ryan Dunn has been incredible so far for the Suns, adding defense. I think he's averaging like twelve points a game, four rebounds, couple of assists.
[00:23:15] Speaker B: Isn't it the guy to Virginia, right?
[00:23:17] Speaker C: Correct. His impact on the defensive end, getting steals, creating opportunities for guys like booker, Beal and Katie. And I think he is going to be the perfect asset for our team this year because we lack defense last year. That's one of the many things that we lacked last year was defense. This guy adds defense to a whole other level.
[00:23:40] Speaker B: And he's another big for y'all to, you know, another big for y'all to add to the rotation, especially behind Yusuf Nurkic. So, I mean.
[00:23:47] Speaker C: So I'm going to say that. I'm going to say Ryan Dunn for my best try, um.
[00:23:57] Speaker A: For the bet you talk about for preseason.
[00:23:59] Speaker B: Yeah, for the best, if you got one.
[00:24:05] Speaker A: No, but I got a worse for you.
[00:24:06] Speaker B: A worst. Okay.
[00:24:09] Speaker A: Yeah.
Not gonna lie. Now, I know I was pulling for him. I'm not gonna jump on the hate train. And this is constructive criticism. Ronnie James, you're listening. I know you're listening. Matter of fact, I don't even gotta ask what's going on. And that's not saying that to be funny, like real. What's going on? Is it a mental thing? Is it a confidence thing? Like. Because we know you have the potential to at least get a bucket. So, yeah, I don't know what's going on with that. So, yeah, I guess, yeah.
[00:24:40] Speaker B: Bronny James has not been doing too hot for you. Those of y'all that don't know him, four games and 44 minutes total of four points, one rebound, and then, I believe, zero assists. I'm not sure on that step, but I mean, this dude, he hasn't been doing Jack squat.
[00:24:57] Speaker A: But if we're being realistic, though, thinking about it, he's the second round, the 55th pick. We don't expect anybody in that situation to do good. Just because his name is Bronny James is why the pressure is on him, because he's LeBron James. Son, and history is being made. Every time he's on the court, him and his dad's on the court. But that's just what comes with it, man. If you're going to be, you know, if you're going to get extra opportunities, not saying that you got to the league based up, but let's be honest, averaging what, not even five points in college and, you know, just having all this stuff he had to go through, you know, with his health, he definitely is not NBA ready. They're definitely going to demote him to the G league if he wants solid reps. And even then, those guys are hungry.
[00:25:38] Speaker C: Should have honestly started, should have stayed in college. I think another year. I think a lot of people think that. But yeah, he's, he's really, he really hasn't looked good. He's had some good moments, but there's so much pressure on him right now to perform at a level every. He's hearing from everybody around him that he only got drafted because of his dad and all this stuff like that puts a tremendous amount of pressure on someone like that who did not really have that good of a college career at all.
[00:26:11] Speaker B: Oh, no, he didn't. Awful college career.
[00:26:15] Speaker C: Honestly, Bronny, being with the Lakers, this makes me feel like this is LeBron's last year because I feel like he.
[00:26:26] Speaker B: Has at least one more.
[00:26:27] Speaker C: I think LeBron said that the last thing he wants to do is play with his son, and he's getting to do that right now. I would not be surprised at all if LeBron retires after this season.
[00:26:40] Speaker B: It'd be interesting.
I have a bright spot for Bronny James. It's hard to find, but I found one. His defensive rating is 109. Now, the way defensive rating works is the lower the number, the better. There's a way to calculate it. I'm not sure the exact formula, but guys like Marcus Smart in his dp o y season as defensive player of the year season, guess what his defensive rating was. Now think the lower the number, the better.
[00:27:13] Speaker C: What was Bronnie's 109?
[00:27:19] Speaker B: Think about it.
[00:27:19] Speaker C: 195.
[00:27:19] Speaker B: 105.2105.2 is Marcus Smart's dpoi season. Now looking at Bronnie 109. That doesn't look too shabby.
[00:27:34] Speaker C: Not at all.
[00:27:35] Speaker B: The dude is able to defend at a not now. Granted, this is four games, not 82 game, an 82 regular game season.
But this guy's able to hold his own. He's able to hold his own and he's able to show that. So for those of you that, you know, see all the tweets and post on Twitter or on Instagram, whatever it may be on. Bernie James just absolutely doing awful. There's a bright spot for you. He is a solid defender.
There you go.
[00:28:08] Speaker A: But remembering just one more point right quick, since we were talking about the pressure that you brought up, Drew, man, we got to remember, he's our age, bro. He's 20. Like, I'm talking about, we're. I know I'm older than him by a couple months.
[00:28:21] Speaker B: He's young. He is young.
[00:28:22] Speaker A: I just couldn't imagine being in, like, that position right now. I'm talking about, you got the whole world just hating on you just because. And most of them don't even watch basketball. They just following the trend.
[00:28:32] Speaker B: True. That is true. Yeah. There's a lot of hate out there for brawny, but, I mean, I felt like he should have stayed at college. I know a lot of people do. I know you mentioned that, Drew, but, I mean, this is what he's. This is what he's chose to do, and he's not going, and he's not going back. It's not like he can go back. So, I mean, I just wish the best for him. I really do. But, yeah, for those of you that didn't think there was any bright spot for him.
There you go, 109. It's only 44 minutes of play, though. But, I mean, he's making those 44 minutes count, at least on the defensive end, so. Yeah. But anyways, going into another best for me, I got to give a shout out to this guy, Evan Mobley. Now, granted, he has only played, I believe, one game for the Cavs, but, I mean, in that one game, he looks scary. 19 and 19. Six and one on, 64% from the field and three blocks to top it off. I mean, this guy, he only attempted two threes. I know I was really talking. Talking them up a little bit in the past episodes about being able to really step back from behind the arc and be able to knock down those threes, which, who knows? I mean, give him more games. We could possibly see that happen. But, I mean, this guy looks so dominant, especially in that painted area, that restricted area. You just dump it off to him. No one's blocking that because I don't know if y'all have noticed this, but, like, the dude's long.
[00:29:58] Speaker C: Oh, my God, Yanis.
[00:30:00] Speaker B: Like, I mean, his wingspan. I mean, his build. It's just like, when the guy's coming through the lane, I mean, he can just skyscraper that, like, statue of liberty and just palm the ball and just put that thing in the basket. I mean, Evan Mobley is. I think if he uses his abilities right incorrectly and just. He could really be a dominant guy for the Cavs.
[00:30:23] Speaker C: He's improved year by year. He's gotten. He's gotten better. The Cavs front court is one of the best front courts in basketball than him with him and Jared Allen. So it's going to be interesting to see how he performs this season. But he's. He's one of those guys that can protect the paint, you know, block. Block shots, grab rebounds and score score buckets in the paint.
[00:30:48] Speaker B: So, yeah, I honestly think this guy could. The only guy, the only man I have to compare this guy to is Yanis onto Tacompo. I mean, cuz that's just how he's playing right now.
[00:31:00] Speaker A: Jared Allen, Evan Mosley. No, I know for a comparison like Jared, oh, he somewhat. I don't know.
[00:31:08] Speaker B: I just don't. Jared Allen just doesn't have this offensively. I mean, just the way this guy. And even the way this guy is able to post up and whether it's spinning, whether it's, you know, fading away, touch around the basket.
[00:31:23] Speaker A: I mean, I would say Kamingo, but he doesn't really have as much defensive power as Evan Mobley has.
[00:31:29] Speaker B: But, I mean, you got to consider, at this guy's size, Evan Mobley's like, what, 7172? I don't know what his wingspan is, but I'm sure it's like, gosh, yeah, this guy is just long, athletic, and he's able to finish. So, I mean, I don't really know who else to compare him to besides the greek freak himself, but yeah. Evan Mobley, shout out to you, man. I hope this carries over into next season because if so, I'm eagerly watching. But, yeah, that's got to be my best. Anyone else with another best or worst?
[00:32:06] Speaker C: I have a worst, and you're not gonna want to hear it, but it's Clay Thompson.
[00:32:10] Speaker B: Oh, well, there we go. I was wondering when it was gonna come up.
[00:32:14] Speaker C: You know, like, I want to cheer for Clay. Cause I do like Clay. I always have. And I want him to be successful. Obviously, he's not on a new team this year. First time in his career he's been on a new team. Was thinking it was gonna be a new leaf for him, a new chapter of his life and his NBA career.
Preseason hasn't looked good. I know. He went zero of nine in preseason game, I believe, a few nights ago, and all he's hearing from everybody is how, you know, he went 00:10 in an elimination game and all this kind of, all this kind of stuff going on. So hopefully he picks it up come season time. Hopefully he gets good minutes and a good role with the Mavericks and we'll see, we'll see how he plays.
[00:33:00] Speaker B: A to your point, Drew, this guy's played two games so far and are currently playing right now. But in those first two games in 39 minutes, averaging only five, 1.5 and two on 16.7% from the field and 27% from three. That's awful. That is terrible. That's horrible.
[00:33:20] Speaker C: Especially for a guy that he's known for his shooting.
[00:33:24] Speaker B: But I'm not finished at halftime currently right now. Clay Thompson, four for eleven, three for seven from three. It's not the best, but he has eleven points, six rebounds. There you go, 18 minutes.
[00:33:37] Speaker C: He must have heard me.
[00:33:39] Speaker B: He is turning it around. And that's at half. Double figures that half.
So there you go, ladies and gentlemen. I don't know what he's going to have at the end of the game because currently, right now, when we're recording this, I mean, it's halftime right now, Dallas versus Milwaukee. So we'll see what Clay does later on in the game. Hopefully it's something good because, you know, I'm, I'm, I'm praying for the man. So we'll, we'll see if he does, if he's successful this game, hopefully. But anyways, I mean, Clay, yeah, he has done awful. I cannot deny that. I don't think anyone can deny that. But after seeing the stats so far, I think he's a. He can turn it around. I mean, it's just preseason, so. Yeah. Clay Thompson, to your point, Drew, he's not doing good. So, Trey, you got anybody else?
[00:34:29] Speaker A: No.
Okay. I want to have an honorable mention for the other ball. Brother Lamello. Ball. He's came back, you know, after being hit dealing with his ankle injury and he's came back firing. I know if you watched the game the other night, you know, he came out just firing and then really from all over, too.
[00:34:47] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, I heard about that. Yeah.
[00:34:49] Speaker A: So, yeah, I just wanted to give a special shout out to the ball brothers.
[00:34:54] Speaker B: Yeah, well, no, it's good.
But I mean, anyway, we'll come back with some more best and worst. I know I got some more best and worst that we can talk about. AK Ron Holland. I know I got to shout him out. And then the Sixers. So with that being said, we're going to go to a short break. Don't go away.
[00:35:23] Speaker A: WVUaFM, Tuscaloosa.
[00:35:34] Speaker B: Welcome back to the WVWA 90.7, the capstone's MBA students section. We're back. Let's get straight into it. Ron Holland I really got to talk about this guy.
I got to talk about him. Four games for the Pistons, averaging seven and a half, three, 2.75 assists, and it's all in 35% from the field. So obviously this isn't the impressive stat. So looking at what he's doing, if you're watching any Detroit Pistons game, and especially if you're keeping an eye on Ron Holland, to see how, you know, the Piston strife picks have been doing, you know, this guy flies around on defense, and I mean flies. And I love to see this out of a lottery pick because the Pistons need guys like this. They need selfless guys. They need somebody to not want the system to be developed around them, but someone to fit into their system, if you know what I mean. So looking at this, I'm bringing up defensive ratings again. But Rollin Ron Holland's defensive rating right now is 102.7 in four games, which is really, really good. Now, granted, it's only four games, but 102.7 is really, really good in preseason. Now, I wanted to bring up this Gary Payton, the man himself, the glove in his defensive player of the year season in 1996. What do you all think his defensive rating was? Well, another pop quiz.
Random guess, 165.
Oh, it's like way lower.
[00:37:09] Speaker A: Yeah, 100 and 2120. I'm cabo.
[00:37:15] Speaker B: What do you think, Drew?
[00:37:18] Speaker C: I'll go 115.
[00:37:20] Speaker B: 101.6. Wow. Which is amazing. But this guy's basically 1.1 off that.
So this speaks very, very highly of Ron Holland and how he's been able to defend at a very, extremely high level. So I had to shout the dude out because, granted, he is a lottery pick, you. You expect him to be averaging right now at least double figures, shooting at extremely high clip, because that's what you want to see normally. But there's just, there's other things that are outside of the stat sheet that really, really matter, and that has to go with, you know, defensive writing and being able to fly around and being there for your team and, you know, being willing to do the dirty work. At the end of the day, we talk about it a lot on the show, and Ron Holland is really being. He's a great example of that, I think. So I really had to shout out him. But anyways, if y'all have anyone else y'all want to shout out or someone, you know.
[00:38:21] Speaker A: I mean, I was just gonna shout out ant man, cuz, like you just said, you brought up the dirty work. You know, if you've been paying decisions to the Timberwolves this preseason or just ant man in general, he's been bringing back, you know, the competitiveness that we missed, you know, seeing back, you know, the early two thousands, you know, like, just the grit to like, go want to go stop somebody. Like, he's gonna pick you up at half court versus waiting and trying to let you sag off and just like, oh, it's all about offense. Like, he wants to do everything. So I appreciate that about antennae, you know, that's it.
[00:38:52] Speaker C: I'm gonna shout out the big fellow from Purdue, Zack Edie. I feel like he's been making a huge impact so far on the grizzlies and finding, kind of trying to find his role, obviously, the NBA, from what he's 7475. So him coming from college to the NBA was probably like one of the biggest jumps because it's just. It's different when he was in college. You know, you could pretty much just throw the ball up there and he's gonna find a way to catch and score. You can't do that in the NBA, so.
[00:39:22] Speaker B: And that's awesome in college because all they run through is, like, out of the post from, you know, the paint out. That's how they run it in college.
[00:39:30] Speaker C: But I like that. I like how the Grizzlies are getting him open looks. Marcus smarts playing really well with him. John Morant, when he's out there, is playing really well with him. So I have high hopes for him this season. I think he's going to fit in. Fit in really well with him.
[00:39:44] Speaker B: I think he had, what, 15 the other night.
[00:39:46] Speaker C: I think he's averaging like. I think he's averaging around 13 points a game right now.
[00:39:49] Speaker B: I remember there's that viral video of him, like, with Marcus Smart and him showing him how to spin off, you know, the post. My only thing with Zach Edie is it's always on his right side, dude. He always finishes with his right hand, so he's always going to his left shoulder, which is, I mean, again, he's seven foot four, but when you're playing a real big, like, I'm talking, like, talent wise, you know what I'm saying? Obviously, they're going to key into that by watching film or just playing with a guy for like two minutes. I mean, if the dude's obviously going to his left shoulder every time and finishing with the right hand or right hook. I mean, you're going to know how to guard that. But especially though, he's physical, he's skinny.
[00:40:32] Speaker A: Like women Yama. Like women Yama get pushed around on the block.
[00:40:34] Speaker B: But he's playing with grown men, though, you know what I'm saying?
[00:40:37] Speaker A: Grown man himself. I mean, he might not be, like, fully into his NBA, like, you know, prime body, but as of right now, he has a very good foundation.
[00:40:44] Speaker B: If so, I mean, wouldn't guys like Taco fall still be in the league?
[00:40:48] Speaker A: Taco fall was taller than lanky, though. Like Zach. He's big and tall like he has size.
[00:40:53] Speaker C: I do think Edie was a. Was more burly than Taco fall.
Taco Fall is one of those people that I loved. I loved watching him play and he was one of those guys.
[00:41:04] Speaker B: UCF. He was pretty entertaining.
[00:41:05] Speaker C: Oh, my gosh, he was very. That, that whole game with Duke against. Oh, yeah, the viral gun, that was amazing. But I like, like Trey said, I think Edie has more muscle to him than taco. He's not going to be able to get pushed around as easy. And also think Edie's a little bit. A little bit quicker than taco fall was a little bit better reaction time.
[00:41:27] Speaker B: To, and he's shorter, so, you know, that probably plays into it a little bit.
[00:41:31] Speaker A: But yeah, man, guys like bull ball and taco fall, man, they're tripping over their own 2ft. You know, they're a little uncoordinated, but.
[00:41:39] Speaker B: Yeah, but I mean, I know. I noticed that Marcus smartwatch really teaching him to go off that right shoulder, to spin off that way because I think in college you could really see it. He was coming off that left shoulder a lot because he wants to finish with the right hand, of course. So maybe as far from a spectator's point of view, I'd really like to see him go more to that left, that left side, so, you know, use his left hand a little more, come off that right shoulder. You know, just a little stuff like that would make his game, I mean, just a whole lot better. So, yeah, that's pretty much it for Zack Edie, but, yeah, I think that pretty much covers all the bases. Y'all. Y'all got anything else? Any final words to say?
[00:42:21] Speaker A: Nope.
Zach shall know. Zach.
[00:42:26] Speaker B: Yeah. Appreciate it.
[00:42:28] Speaker C: Season. Season starts next Tuesday, I believe.
[00:42:32] Speaker B: Is it next Tuesday?
[00:42:33] Speaker C: Next Tuesday, I think.
[00:42:34] Speaker A: Lakers versus Timberwolves.
[00:42:36] Speaker C: Nate. Celtics, doubleheader. Nick. Celtics, Lakers, Timberwolves. Gosh, this is gonna be such good fun. That's when tip off is. So I think the Suns play.
[00:42:45] Speaker A: Let's go, Dalton. Connect first.
[00:42:48] Speaker B: Dalton cadet. Oh, my gosh. Will he get. I wonder if he'll get minutes.
[00:42:52] Speaker A: Maybe he'll get some minutes. Bronnie can get some plans on connecting. Get some plans.
[00:42:56] Speaker B: Oh, yeah, sure.
[00:42:58] Speaker A: I want to put Kinect in.
Maybe I want to put connect in with Vando comes out.
[00:43:04] Speaker B: Yeah.
Anyways, I mean, that's going to do it for the NBA student section. Thank you all for watching or not watching, but listening, and that's going to do it. Thank you all so much. And we're out. Peace.
