Transcript
Speaker: You can't pretend. Now get ready for the show.
Speaker: Yo, yo, yo, what up friends? Welcome back to Ball and Buds. We at it again. With what? oh it's been a few months It's been a few months, but you know when you see me and Game Face Lee from 19 Media Group, you already know. We're about to take this NBA basketball and put it right through the hoop. Because I am the sports professor, the one with the rhymes and teaching the lessons. And I'm here with my brother, as always, representing that 19 Media Group life.
Speaker: Game face Lee. How you doing, my brother? my man it's been a minute And I hope that off -season, did you some... Some justice. I know that the NBA storylines.
Speaker: You know what I'm saying? clapped back with a clap back with a vengeance. so
Speaker: Oh, yeah. ah ah Well, they they already know that we are both Celtics fans. We have to be fully transparent here. So that's the first thing we're going to talk about. Because we're waiting on our brother Desmond Powell from your 19 Media Group as well to come through here in about 10 minutes. So we're going to talk Celtics first, but let them know where they can find you, what is 19 Media Group, all that good stuff. Yeah, man. So, you know, the Baseline NBA podcast, we've been going at it for quite some time. Those who know us, you know.
Speaker: they probably call us ogs for a reason because we've been sure you know kind of been on this platform for quite some time. so You know, weekly show covering the and NBA, covering the culture. um you know, have been fortunate enough to have you know, individuals like yourself and being able to also get other people, athletes, authors, you know, you name it.
Speaker: you know the show's been doing it now for a little over 14 years and um it's been ah It's been a blessing. to be able to continue to do it Um... As you mentioned before, we're part of the 19 Media Group family, 19 Media Group running these content streets. So we always encourage everybody who's catching.
Speaker: us on the YouTube channel. um If you see a blue and white logo with the 19 Media Group signal or logo, that's you know that's us. Go to 19 Media Group. dot com Or you can just put 19 Media Group on the search.
Speaker: um and not only will you find a baseline but you also find ah The great family of... content creators that are a part of the 19 media group family so yeah man Okay. We've been grinding. We've been doing it, man. and You know, we're trying to cover everything Everything.
Speaker: all at once. So you know it's... A lot of moving parts, man, but it's all good, man. Like, you know, if if we're in that space, it means we're we're doing something. itself. that Yes, sir. You're right about that. And look, y 'all.
Speaker: Y 'all make sure you tap in. but my brothers at 19 Media Group, including and most especially here. my friends from the m NBA Baseline podcast and also coming on Desmond Powell from the Midpost podcast.
Speaker: Please tap in with him. Very knowledgeable. knowledgeable gentlemen about the game of basketball, you will learn things, okay? Just like you come to the professor to learn certain things, they know more basketball than I do, which is why I bring them on here.
Speaker: Because I like to make sure that I have the experts coming to bring you the most expert knowledge. So I'm happy to have my brother here today with me. and i know i beg that I beg to differ on that, bro. but i i i I appreciate.
Speaker: I appreciate the plug. You know what I'm saying? Hey, bring a tear to my eye. Don't tell him me not. I ain't got to tell me twice. By all means, you might be the Franklin Saint of this whole thing, right? like oh i might I might just be Lil' Leon, you know?
Speaker: might have to Might have to take me some time to to to to come up and learn this game a little bit. You know what I'm saying? That it is crazy, sir. Actually, let's let's start let's start right there real quick. I need to ask you, have you seen the new show? I haven't seen it yet.
Speaker: i've seen um bits and pieces of it thankfully instagram does a wonderful job of like You know... just straight just blasting you with every so once you take one look at a clip the next thing you know you got 10 different other people now posting clips and now you know you pretty much have got the the you know the the drop you know on instagram that's what what should just be called the drop on instagram because like once you get once once you use you know you watch a clip Then you getting everybody who's been watching it.
Speaker: dropping their clips and then the next thing you know you know, Everyone's now got to put spoiler alert. because they can't help themselves. Good job. But dropping clips and stuff. But, no, man, phenomenal scripting.
Speaker: And probably one of the things I appreciate so much about the drop is. It strives to the authenticity. of capturing you know, an era. That I think sometimes gets missed.
Speaker: I don't wanna say misrepresented, but I think misinterpreted. yeah And so if you don't do things in a way that really you know, puts things in his proper perspective about what life was like in the 90s.
Speaker: during that, not just the culture of hip hop, but also with the communities and the inner city and things of that nature. You get a lot of these very cliched, like, Kyle. you know, movie -esque.
Speaker: Eeyore you don't get the authenticity of it. And I appreciate the fact that when they... They did this show. They really are. Showing the younger generation what that time was like.
Speaker: what it took to make music be successful in the game. While also coming up. in the streets, especially out in you know, ah you know, Compton and and and everything like that.
Speaker: but i appreciate as well too that it's paying homage to our generation that grew up watching it and being a part of that era as well too. So... you know They really have done a ah great job.
Speaker: curating it and giving that authenticity so that people really have a more accurate interpretation. about what that time is like, man. and and it It couldn't have come at a better time. You know, it couldn't have come at a better time, I think.
Speaker: It all aligns itself for a reason. So I appreciate the fact that the drop is doing their thing, man. i ah I absolutely love what you said there. I don't have anything else to add except I just want to. I just want to emphasize.
Speaker: what you said about the misinterpretation. of those points in time. Now, I'm not going to sit here and fake like I ever lived in Compton, but I've lived in some pretty bad neighborhoods and I grew up with a hip hop fan myself. So I know how these worlds converge upon themselves.
Speaker: um and so i do right when you said that i was like yeah because a lot of times Most people will just... Think what they will, let's say, about certain areas, especially inner city areas.
Speaker: um and not actually have the correct determination or even the Correct. knowledge to make such determinations i can be different if you walk those streets before or if you've lived in those streets before or what have you so i really appreciate what you said there although i will say a snowfall one of my favorite shows ever i have not watched the drop i have been one that has been I have stayed away so far from all the spoilers. And the reason that was is because I've been traveling. I just got back to my crib.
Speaker: a couple days ago and i've pretty much been sleeping since i got back because i was traveling for two months um so i haven't been even been in my own house for two and a half months pretty much aside from a few days so I have not got to it, but now that I'm back home in my own pad.
Speaker: It is one of my top priorities. to get on that show and i'm not going to mention anything anything more i've but I've abstained from all spoilers, but I really appreciate what you said there.
Speaker: um so yeah shout out to that we're also gonna have our hip -hop show here soon i still want to do it i just like i said i've been traveling so much uh but i do want to have that here we'll have it closer probably Christmas time. um But anyways...
Speaker: uh we do have a comment in the chat smiley fs shout out says what's your thoughts on gobert right now i'm a wolves fan but he's killing me right now so go ahead and Uh... Tell us what you think about that there, Game Piece.
Speaker: Yeah, I mean, Rudy Gobert. is... you know essentially uh a quality defender. Right. And this dynamic that the Minnesota Timberwolves has.
Speaker: He is going to struggle to find his way. into what he can be. to help contribute. you know, to this ball club. Um... I think...
Speaker: I want people to probably take ah take a look at it from this perspective. I think... at times we get too caught up in this idea of If Gobert isn't playing like Jokic. then he should be playing like Wenbin Yama.
Speaker: Mm. Rudy Gobert's game never translated to either of those guys, right? He was never at the offensive. juggernaut. Right? He used his size. He used his length.
Speaker: And ultimately, his defensive capabilities and, you know, as an athlete of his stature and size. allowed him At that time, During that,
Speaker: stage of where the NBA was. where he became a viable person. He became a viable being. But one of the things that we've often said about this regarding Rudy Gobert is that his game doesn't necessarily translate to any...
Speaker: iteration thereafter. So what we're looking at now with the offensive. you know, capabilities and unleashing you know, the offense more in the and NBA.
Speaker: makes Rudy Gobert look like a dinosaur. And if you think about the way that the Minnesota Timberwolves we're looking at what are we going to do to one You know. Maintain what we're trying to do, which is continue to achieve or overachieve, right?
Speaker: And two, How do we keep our man happy? Well, what obviously kept Anthony Edwards happy is getting a guy like LaMelo Ball. Another person... who likes to handle a rock.
Speaker: Likes to do a lot of dancing. likes to jack up shots. And you would think that in that type of style. Rudy Gobert could probably thrive, but... Mmm. The last few years of the Minnesota Timberwolves' success has been predicated on what? their defense.
Speaker: Right? And what has killed them when they've met when they've needed it the most is their inability to score the basketball at times. Now you know me. I'm a believer of defense.
Speaker: Defense wins championships. It does. but Your defense means nothing. if you're giving yourself these these opportunities and you're not putting the ball in the basket Hmm. You get what I mean? so Big facts. So my thing is, is that. Rudy Gobert. And now Edwards hurt, too. yeah that's going to be ever so much more prevalent.
Speaker: Exactly. So now if you're going to go back to saying we need to profile Rudy Gobert, he needs to be the force. He needs to be, you know. that that that it that important cog or whatever. Now that comes down to how does LaMelo Ball.
Speaker: put him in that position to do so Or... Dosamunu. puts him in that position to do so, right? They don't have Nas Reed. You know, Finch doesn't have the ability to just Flip. You know what I'm saying? Flip the roster and say, you know what? Take a spell, Rudy Gobert. I want to throw up threes. Let me put in Nas Reed in it. You don't have the luxury of that now.
Speaker: You still don't have. Dante DiVincenzo. Right. So again, Rudy Gobert. is who he is and if he doesn't have the right players around him You're not going to get...
Speaker: The Rudy Gobert. that I think we've been accustomed to seeing where what he does matters. Right now, it's not gonna matter. Because the style and offense and the way that the Minnesota Timberwolves are currently playing. makes him an outlier.
Speaker: you know what i mean so he's got to ingratiate himself into this space to become relevant again Or I'm going to tell you this right now. If the Minnesota Timberwolves are going to struggle. if they're going to find themselves somewhere in the halfway point Nah. being among one of the top tier teams.
Speaker: you know this could be an opportunity to self. by the trade deadline to to see if there's any takers for a guy like Rudy Gobert because clearly the direction that the wolves want to go to. is being a little bit more versatile and a little bit more lengthy. And it could be at the expense of no longer having Rudy Gobert at the center of that position.
Speaker: Boom! That last part summed it all up and said exactly. I mean, you said everything and encapsulated it very well. and that's a synopsis but that end part was the It was the mic drop.
Speaker: Because that's exactly what it is. And and this has been an unpopular opinion. of mine for a while that people don't like but i believe when they traded From... uh for gobert from the utah jazz that that was their best chance at that time of having won a winning of winning a title.
Speaker: But then they went on to deconstructing that team. making the trades, trading away cat. which in my opinion, if you're going to have a Gobert, you need to have.
Speaker: a cat who can shoot from threes from the outside. Wap Gobert gobbles up the paws the rebounds and gets them back into the net. So... um It is now way past that time. Right? We are. We are far past that now. and And one other quick thing I wanted to, you brought up an excellent point ah of what's triggering this other thought of mine.
Speaker: Anthony Edwards has been shooting the three a lot more. over the last couple of years. and very And because of that, He is really shrinking the space. Rudy Gobert. Rudy Gobert does not have the same space to operate. Now, when Anthony Edwards first came into the game,
Speaker: He's a north and south kind of guy. And I'm not saying he's not that still. He's just not doing it at the same frequency that he was doing it yeah at the early part of his career. So if he's going to be out there. camping out, jacking up threes.
Speaker: Mellow is jacking threes. That means that Rudy Gobert has to be a force in the paint. meaning rebounding the basketball. Meaning, you know, creating havoc and movement in space. on the outer perimeter rather than down low.
Speaker: It's just the way it is right now. And so he's going to have to find his way. But I completely understand where Smiley's coming from. It's only frustrating. If we're looking at it to say we expected Rudy Gobert to go out there and dominate like he's a seven foot center. that we expect other centers who are doing this right now doing. But Rudy Gobert's game was never groomed in that kind of fashion.
Speaker: He's found his way. He's found his itch. his his niche, so to speak. But the Timberwolves have kind of gone away from that a little bit. And so either they're going to have to figure out a way to bring him back to the fold.
Speaker: or they really have to start thinking about what the future is going to be like without rudy gobert meaning you're going to have to move him sell him on the high You know what I'm saying? Because he he... he can bring value to another team. He can certainly bring value to another team that what they need is somebody who can defend. Somebody who can.
Speaker: And, you know, I'm saying set solid picks that still has athleticism. moving towards the The paint, he's never gonna get a jump shot. he's never gonna you know i'm saying like there are things that i think people are miss right thinking that he's supposed to provide. He's not going to provide those things at this stage of his career.
Speaker: But if you're the Minnesota Timberwolves, you understand that you don't get to these western conference finals without a Rudy Gobert. and so i think that's one of the reasons why they stick with him and anthony edwards has stuck with them he's been that guy you know he's he's defended his players he's he's acted quote unquote thuggish at times at the you know at the expense of you know and whatever. But the point is...
Speaker: The Timberwolves are moving in a different direction, and whether or not Rudy Gobert's style of play, it fits it. is i think going to be the bigger question now with anthony edwards You know what I'm saying? On the IR.
Speaker: And you're dealing with the combination of him and Lomelo Ball. I would say maybe be patient. Give it a couple weeks and see where Rudy is on it. but i can certainly understand people's frustration because He's just an outlier right now with that style of offense.
Speaker: Yeah, I mean, again, you you encapsulated it perfectly and said what that. Two things I want to point out that you said there. One, with these three now three more three -point shooters and just with the way the league is has moved over the past you know, 10 years since You know, three -point shot was, since Steph Curry came along, pretty much it made it.
Speaker: Vogue to shoot the three. um This not only puts the pressure on him being more of a post player, but now his rebounds have stretched out. Now he's got to go, like you said, all the way to the perimeter to be able to drag down some of these rebounds. And that's not the type of player he is either. He doesn't have that agility.
Speaker: or that speed. So around the basket, yes, big body player, great player. And look, another unpopular opinion, I like Colbert. i think I think his style of play... is actually needed. I do realize that the league has moved away from that style of play and that he is going extinct the way of the dinosaur, but I do still believe there is a way to win.
Speaker: in this league. with a player that does. what he does. without a jump shot. defense and rebounding. I still believe you can win with the Dennis Rodman. in this league.
Speaker: So, you know, that's just my opinion. We'll see what happens. But thank you, SmileyFS, for tuning in. And look, hey. Another thing, thank you to everybody tuning in on Millions and YouTube. millions, as Gameface said earlier. is a place where you want to be if you want to interview. There are content creators, athletes, and I have done interviews with both, just as Game Face and NBA Baseline.
Speaker: um and 19 Media and everybody else who's on there. uh is able to do so if you want to do anything like that make sure you join millions .co. Shout out to them for. ah letting us on the platform for this beautiful stream. And then on YouTube, make sure you subscribe to Ball and Buds, B -A -L -L -A -N -D -B -U -D -S, handy QR code up there at the top. That'll take you to our link tree.
Speaker: Get to all our social media and as well. Tap in with 19 Media Group, NBA Baseline. And mid -post pod, Desmond Powell coming on in just a few. Now, one other thing before we leave the Wolves and move to our Celtics. How about that Lamel ball?
Speaker: Ameen. 18 steps from the three -point line to the other side of the three -point line. A travel the likes. of which may be called the spaceship travel he went back to the future like he was in a delorean I don't understand what happened.
Speaker: But my man took 18 million steps in front of the referee, and the ref still didn't call it, which, by the way. is more of an indictment on our officiating in professional sports. But that's neither here nor there. The fact is he still tried it. with the with the veracity and the responsibility of being a real play.
Speaker: What did you think about that? Hey man, push the envelope. Push the envelope. first the euro step now this is that what you're saying exactly look i mean What are you going to do, man?
Speaker: i can't fall i can't fall you know you remember uh uh like some years ago when Russell Westbrook like literally traveled like half court. And then gave, like, that look of, of like, Steph Curry was out there saying, yo, what is this? And then and and and he's looking at it. He's like, what what? What are we doing? What? What's going on? Like.
Speaker: Eh! You know how sometimes like you subconsciously sleepwalk? through your mannerisms, through your habits. I mean, that's the LaMelo ball. does this probably with him and his brothers when they you know messing around Just shooting. You know what I'm saying? And then he's just like, you know what?
Speaker: I'm sleepwalking through a game. and i'm gonna do the same thing that i probably got caught doing you know which they're never gonna call travel on that nonsense No, you know, the rest decide not to call travel on this nonsense either. Oh, wow. It's in more of an indictment that this was not.
Speaker: Like how do you not see that? How do you not see that? and that role He's right in front of you. He's right in front of you. i mean literally when my i was with my pops at the time because like i said i was traveling i was back home And my pops was like, did you see this? And I was like, nah, what? And he showed me, and I was like.
Speaker: The ref is literally staring, right? Adam, what is happening? How did that not get called? oh man nice shout out 19 media group again y 'all tap in says squad up The other part of the squad will be here soon, Des Pal. We'll see him in a second. Shout out AP.
Speaker: Trainer AP, IG, my brother AP will be with me tonight. We're going to have our football show tonight, any given sacrifice. 9 .30 Eastern, the best football game show.
Speaker: And... Check it out. It is pretty fun. All right, cool. So let's move it on. Let's talk about Celtics. So as you said... The offseason. Brought some... News for us Celtics fans, which maybe wasn't as...
Speaker: uh uh let's see Uh... palatable. as we would have liked for lack of a better word right there that's actually a pretty good word but Um... i don't even know i don't need to describe this everybody knows what happened But...
Speaker: From 8. Celtics. insider expert point of view. I need you to tell everybody. What happened here? Uh... Is there, is there?
Speaker: You know, uh, beef. Such as... A beef that may have led to this sort of deconstruction of a roster which at least had one, two more years in it in exchange for a so similar like. contract or Is it just a little bit of lamb chops?
Speaker: Just a little lamb chops. It isn't really anything, and Brad Stevens did what he had to do, and we're making too much of it. Move the hell on. What say you, my friend? Yeah, the beef wasn't between Jalen Brown and Jason Tatum.
Speaker: Right. Those are two professional people who have aspirations of being great. They swallowed their pride for a good nine years. And...
Speaker: They handled their relationship about as good as a person can handle the relationship where when when both are starving to be the man. right, to to to be the icon.
Speaker: you know, to to be the, you know what I'm saying, the the head honcho, so to speak, of the of the franchise. Um... And eventually... You know. The, uh... you know, the relationship.
Speaker: ran his course. you know the The quality of what kept them together was no longer there. And... You know, this is more about ja Jalen Brown and the and and the Celtics organization.
Speaker: um and the way that the Celtics organization handled the situation. You know, we can sit here and watch these guys and playfully go back and forth. I expect them to do that because I think.
Speaker: They have kept them their mouths shut for quite some time. But it doesn't mean that neither one of them would have been capable of playing together for another two more years. if it warranted, especially if what we're talking about is going out there with an opportunity to win championships.
Speaker: Yes. But I will say this, though. just as equally as we can as a If you're a Celtic fan, Hey, we got a championship. It's the same old adage.
Speaker: Why is it there was just one championship? Why was there not multiple championships in this tenure that you guys had together? Right. And you can call it whatever you want to call it.
Speaker: I'm not gonna blame anybody for it. I'm just saying... That in and of itself can also play ah a role or a factor in determining if you want to continue to keep going down this path. If you're Jalen Brown and you're Jason Tatum, Do you want to roll the dice again? and continue to keep pushing this idea that you can get along and you want to play together and you want to continue to win.
Speaker: when The last few years, You have... miserably fallen short. Last few years, You have actually been on. the brunt side of of the embarrassing Exiting. Exited losses. That makes people question.
Speaker: whether or not you guys can or should still be playing together. it actually kind of heightened up the fervor of it. And look. I'm someone who's a believer of. You can only continue to do this.
Speaker: until it starts impacting your better well -being of what it is that you're doing it for And I just think both of them felt like. Hey, man, this run ran its this it's ran its course.
Speaker: I said that for years. I've said, It only makes me wonder how much longer They want to continue to play for each other and with each other. I think the moment they won that championship,
Speaker: The idea of playing. for each other. no longer became that much of a priority And they chose to play with each other. and they chose to tolerate each other's style and game and all of the politics that come with being a celtic for as long as they possibly can And listen. The Celtics itself. did not help this situation.
Speaker: anymore than what it allowed itself to do. so even if we want to look i you know me i came hard i came down hard you remember when we were on the show talking about this whole thing with brad stevens My biggest pet peeve with Stevens?
Speaker: He's not appreciating. that even in this era where so the thing called rivalries seems to be this made -up word You never trade. A top tier player.
Speaker: to one of your divisional teams. You never trade a top tier player. to a team that it arguably is your rival. And lo and behold, what reared its ugly head? is us getting exited stage left.
Speaker: Once again, By the team that... a lot that you decided to move Jalen Brown to. Like, I don't even understand how you think that that makes any sense. That's where I'm down on Brad Stevens. And that's why I'm down on the Boston Celtics, because as an organization.
Speaker: Something was amiss, like that level of tradition. is missed. So all of that being said, This combination has ran its course. They can you know do all their little jibs and everything like that. They they care about each other.
Speaker: You know what I'm saying? It's like Kevin Durant. and freaking Draymond Green. They care about each other. They want chips together. they they they were they They respect each other enough to tolerate each other.
Speaker: But don't talk about these guys going, you know... Hang out. in thanksgiving they're gonna bring their families together and stuff like that catch them catch you know catch them you know They're not doing all of that.
Speaker: You know what I'm saying? They don't have to do all of that. It's a business. And as a business decision, They chose to play together for as long as they could, They got what they could out of it. and i think they got exhausted with each other they got exhausted with all of this and they say hey man i want to move on to the next chapter of my life and that means doing it without playing next to this dude. and and look it's okay you know we don't have to manufacture This hatred. for one another. in order to determine whether or not
Speaker: They were better off without each other. You clearly saw that the last three years. They probably were better off without each other. because the Celtics really did nothing. to ingratiate the idea that they should continue to play together.
Speaker: Hmm. man yeah no you you again yeah you you got it right you hit it on the head ingratiated themselves you said a few things and so before i comment on him i do want to bring our brother in because he's been waiting so patiently in the uh back room my brother desmond pal From 19 Media Group, we don't got to do all the introductions. uh because uh we've already done all the media group introductions so you're good there today my friend You get to just jump straight into the talk.
Speaker: um here And so we've been talking about. ah The NBA, Jalen Brown, Jason Tatum. Game Face. obviously being an insider expert in the Celtics.
Speaker: uh has an insider knowledge on this than uh more than most and so He went through with us and you heard most of it, so I don't need to repeat what he said. But what are the things that I will talk about?
Speaker: is one I agree with you. As a Celtics fan, I'm very disillusioned No. into where we stand with Brad Stevens, who I have propped up as the best GM in the league for a long time, and now I don't. run maybe don't feel that way as well number two by the way when you said kevin durant I as a Celtics fan, heard Kevin Garnett, and I said Ray Allen, but you said Kevin Garnett, so that's why I said that. It's why I cleared that up. ah Part...
Speaker: Part three, which you said. It was an indication. that they were not playing as well together since the championship. And I like what you said. They didn't feel like they had to play for each other.
Speaker: as much as with each other. and that it caused the consternation, which leads to a decline in performance. and then it kind of team performance.
Speaker: That being said, And ah my my my pops is chiming in. What's up, pops? Love you. um he's He's a Celtics fan as well. And so we were talking about this all summer long.
Speaker: Um, and... The fact of the matter is... Even if it was a disintegration of the talent, even if there was the consternation, even if it needed to... be needed to be broken up i put needed to be in quotations ah air quotations there, because I don't believe it did. I believe, like like you mentioned in your in in your in your thoughts there,
Speaker: that There was at least one. maybe two more years that you could get out of this duo as the best team in the league. with all the surrounding pieces that you have. instead of trading for a Paul George contract that is almost the same. in money. and length.
Speaker: then or not length but in money at least it wasn't like it was too short two years shorter to me but in money only $8 million dollars less, still over the the luxury tax, still in the same place when it comes to that. So why not try it out?
Speaker: So that's where I come from. That's what we were talking about all summer long. Why not just continue? And then... Another part that you mentioned, which I almost forgot, and I'm passing it to you in a second, Des.
Speaker: Why the hell? On God's green earth, are we trading them to our rivals? What, we want to see our rivals win a championship? One of the Knicks? And the Sixers. And the Lakers. Those are the Celtics' top three. Rivals.
Speaker: I don't, did there should never be a trade. And if it is. It better be. Mo Bamba, and I don't know why he's taking shots right now. I apologize, Mo. You were just the first name that came to mind.
Speaker: But... there should never be a trade of that caliber between because now you just in my eyes and i've said this plenty of times since the trade happened you have now given the 76ers a championship. I don't think they'll win this year. I think they need a year to integrate, but I think next year they win the championship.
Speaker: I think I'll give my prediction on this year later. But anyways, let's jump in here. Deuces, dogs. uh yeah uh well good to see you guys once again uh cal you you nailed that i mean i was sitting in the back like yeah that that's what it is i couldn't have said it better than myself like You hit on a couple points there. It's like...
Speaker: on the one hand, You think about the organization and it's like, well... Maybe. I always say that Fans have a way of speaking things into existence, especially when it comes to trades. And I think when you hear all that chatter.
Speaker: You're just it's bound to plant a seed and the organization is like just naturally going to respond to that and say. Well, maybe the fans are right. maybe we should lean into this a little bit more maybe we should just play around and think about potential trades for Jalen Brown. And then you also have that seed of like,
Speaker: oh there's friction in in between the relationship and things of that nature so all of that is being thrown in it uh you made a great point i think about the championship like once you because because they were on some a lot of
Speaker: contending celtics teams i mean whether it was when more so for jaylen brown when it was still there i mean when they had so many iterations of that team when they finally did it it was like okay we did it It's cool. Now we can chillax. And I think. to your point that that is what they did a little bit and then to what you said professor like It's interesting i was ah I was one of those people that was like, why would they trade him to the Sixers? But then...
Speaker: you also think is that maybe to kind of sweeten it a little bit and just say, oh, well, we did care about Jalen Brown. We cared about him enough to send him to a contender, but no we're going to send him to our rival in a team that's about to be stacked. So, like, they they they just went overboard with that, right? but
Speaker: Yeah, that's just my thoughts on it. i think it's It's sad because it was one of those duos that I really wanted to see stick together for a long time. like I actually believe that they could. But yeah, I think the writing was on the wall, like both of you guys said.
Speaker: And there's a couple of things I wanted to to to try to quickly chime in on that you were saying, Professor. Um, So first, I want to make sure that I parse this out.
Speaker: I... Am not. happy. with Brad Stevens. okay But that does not mean that i that that does does not mean that I don't think that he is a... A a solid.
Speaker: executive. And the reason why I say that is... is Even with what. He did. look at where we're talking Look at what we're talking about right now with the Boston Celtics. Right? they're They're currently like five and two or so or for like... you know,
Speaker: Six and two. Right. And they're going to be a competitive basketball team. Right? I'm not saying... that they're going to win a championship but i'm saying they're going to be competitive Right.
Speaker: and i think there's an expectation especially with a paul george Who? if you think about it this trade may have lit a fire in his ass. because The speculation is. Playoff P doesn't appear.
Speaker: You know what I'm saying? unless he used to play with the Indiana Pacers, unless you put him in that DeLorean. and send his ass back to the future. and he's playing at the Indiana Pacers, you don't you'll you'll never get that version of playoff Pete.
Speaker: Maybe he begins to understand. that. There's a window of opportunity here for him. and maybe doing it next to Jason Tatum is about as good as it's going to get.
Speaker: for the remainder of his career. So for the Celtics, this could be a good thing. Right? But... Again. This team is not going to be better than the Philadelphia 76ers. This team is not going to be better than the New York Knicks. This team... Maybe the third... and they I don't even think they're better than the Detroit Pistons. We saw that in the f freaking... you know, game one of the NBA season, right?
Speaker: Because part of the problem... is not just about what... Stephens did. Part of the problem is about the way that they play to the teams that they are.
Speaker: they're set up against. Right? If. Missoula does not - figure out a way to properly counter The matchups. that continually you know, rear its ugly head and seeing the ugly losses and ugly, you know, playoff exits that the Celtics have experienced the last couple of years. Again. This now comes down to...
Speaker: Are we questioning? The moves are we questioning the people who are putting the team together that are making the better decisions to best those other teams. Like what is it that they're lacking?
Speaker: that they're not doing enough of. So again, I'm not going out on a limb and saying, oh, you know, Brad Stevens is the worst because he traded Jalen Brown. Hey. It's a savvy move if the Celtics are still going to be an above 500 team, still be a top three team in the Eastern, con top four team in the Eastern Conference.
Speaker: But when we get to the playoffs... This is where I begin to ask with what you're putting. For Missoula, is Missoula doing the right things to make sure that these guys don't have the kind of losses that they've had the last couple of years Right?
Speaker: so that was my first part i just wanted to make sure because i know you are so disillusioned with stevens you know what i'm saying his ass is in the doghouse i get that No questions. Yes, she was. ah ah ah But my other greater point was just the fact that Guys like Stevens, while I don't...
Speaker: I don't care for how he, I believe that he is a good at executive. I believe that he's of that era generation. Be damned. if there is such a thing that rivalry should have an impact about who you're moving guys for and who you're moving them to.
Speaker: And. that's just my biggest pet peeve because i'm old school like Yo, if I don't like that team. You will never get any one of my players. You're not even getting you're not even getting my man who washes, you know what I'm saying, the funky socks. after every game you're not even getting my my my my my equipment managers You know what I'm saying? You're not getting none of them people. I find out, I'm cock blocking.
Speaker: You know what I'm saying? i'm black I'm blackballing any person who decides to jump ship and go go to the Los Angeles Lakers, even if they think they're going to give you more money. right you know what i'm saying like that's my mentality when i think of rivalry And I think now with the way that the NBA is structured, It just gave a pass. as an excuse to Oh, we'll just do it because in the greater scheme of things, because of the, you know, the apron and everything like that.
Speaker: That justifies the excuse of... Well, we gotta do it. We have to do it. Nah, you ain't really got to do it. You don't really have to do it, but they feel like they should. And this is just giving them justification to do so.
Speaker: Yeah, they really didn't have to. They really could have wrote it out another year and seen if they could have won one more championship. Because as we see what the Knicks are doing now, as we see... Um... You know, some other teams that the Thunder being injured. We'll talk about that in a second. Yes, the Pistons and the the Sixers are are great. and they will be uh but with Tatum and Brown, in my opinion, especially Tatum coming back from an injury and Brown coming off an MVP. caliber season. Now you have two players at their you know,
Speaker: uh top top in their primes that you know hopefully will be able to win you a championship but you know what I can't. I mean, I'm still upset. Don't get me wrong. i i was like i'm not gonna watch this out and then i mean i got the league pass i still watch him every night but i was i was disillusioned i was like this You suck the fu - I want Jalen back. What are we doing? uh but look man it is what it is the nba it's not like i'm not uh i'm not aware that this happens it is a business
Speaker: as you said, Game Face 17. All right, well, let's talk about what we just talked about. I know Game Face got to get out of here in a little bit. ah Philly 76ers rolling. OKC Thunder injured.
Speaker: New York Knicks are down. These are pretty much the... when You can throw, the obviously, the Pistons and the Rockets. in there as well as they are both uh you know one lost teams as well so i don't want to disregard them But the 76ers, we just talked about them, and they were the big story the offseason.
Speaker: and only have a finite amount of space. That being said. uh cal i know you got to get out of your suit so let's start with you on this but What are your thoughts on these teams? You can go anywhere else you like to. Early season storylines is what I was trying to get at.
Speaker: Yeah, man, look. Those storylines, yes, I'm surprised that the Sixers are rolling. um Damn it, man. If the injuries did not hit the Oklahoma City Thunder, who knows what kind of record we're talking about with that team because...
Speaker: They looked. and and and And again, that's even still not even... Chet Holmgren still doesn't even look like the person that he's going to need to be when when they get deep into the playoffs. Right. So just just imagine if you know what. what how that's gonna impact You know what I'm saying? that that That team, but... Listen, I ain't sleeping on Sam Presti.
Speaker: he knows what needs he knows what buttons needs to be meat needs to be pushed um and And look, right now. Dagon out. he's He's got the guys that he's working with. I think they're going to be able to hold ship.
Speaker: you know, and they'll they'll they'll compete. They'll be competitive. But if that team looks like how they looked the first five games of this season, man. I you know. I had i had something about you know the san the San Antonio Spurs and the Thunder seeing each other again.
Speaker: And... I don't even know if whether or not the Spurs are going to be able to hold their hold their water. if they played that the kind of offense and defense that they were showing us at the beginning of this year. And I'm not even talking about that first game.
Speaker: I'm just saying. Their offensive efficiency is so lethal. Um... But they got to be healthy. to be able to do that. I just want to quickly talk about one Surprised. I did not see coming. the memphis freaking grizzlies bro who like what is going on with that team man ti Freaky Ty Jerome. You know what I'm saying? Oh, he's got 40. Freaky Ty Jerome is, like, on ah on another level, bro. like I was just watching the game the other night against the Pelicans.
Speaker: And homie dropped, I think, like 28. in the in the for in in the second half in overtime and stuff. I think he wound up with like 37 or whatever. now albeit i really didn't like his shot selection the final seconds of the game I think he was feeling himself a little bit and just, you know, just dribbling the life out of the damn basketball and then just... you know, threw up a bad shot. I think the ball needs movement.
Speaker: But... you know props to the memphis grizzlies man and i and i've been telling people man Cam Boozer is one of them dudes that you know I don't know if he's going to win. Rookie of the Year.
Speaker: But I think that he is going to seriously have an impact on the future of the Memphis Grizzlies for years to come. And... you know, it's going to be a very interesting Run.
Speaker: if whether or not this Grizzlies team can hold on to what they're doing right now. Coming out the gate already like this though is really, really impressive. And I think we'll see over the next couple of weeks if this is sustainable for them.
Speaker: But if you're getting surprise contributions like that, and you couple that along with the phenom that is cam boozer and his winning like mentality the things that he brings to the table i think that puts them in that position to win i think that puts ty jerome in a position to to be a budding star in the league. You know what I'm saying?
Speaker: This team can overachieve, man. And ain't nothing wrong with overachieving because the word achieving is a part of that. that thought process right so if they achieving they you Then you believe it. So yeah. buy But we also don't want to bury the lead, right?
Speaker: There's also the the... the big fish that has left the pond, so to say. um You know, there is no more John. John Moran. He is now in ah important. And doing his thing in Portland, too.
Speaker: Right, right. Not to say... Yeah, exactly. No, you're you got yourre you're right. i said hides yeah i had said that uh whatchamacallit that the Minnesota Timberwolves would probably be the most dangerous team in the Western Conference because you don't know what the combination of LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards could bring to the table, right? And you can clearly see.
Speaker: that That combination in and of itself is is is pretty deadly. I don't think they'll be able to compete with the likes of the Spurs. and the Oklahoma City Thunder just yet. But that was a pretty that's a pretty deadly combination. So the fact that Edwards went down.
Speaker: But now with Damian Lillard and John Morant entering the conversation as well, too. It's this resurgence of the backcourt combination. Yes. and And what you're putting together that's speaking volumes about what kind of team you're going to have moving forward, bro. Like, it's it's it's wild.
Speaker: Wow. Yeah, no, you hit it. But yeah, just to pass it off to Des here in a second, but 76ers 7 -1. Pistons 6 -1, Celtics 5 -2, your top three there in the Eastern Conference. The champs, Knicks, we talked about it. Down three and four. We'll see if they can start to come back there in the West.
Speaker: Houston 7 -1, the aforementioned Grizzlies 6 -1, the aforementioned Trailblazers 5 -1. So, you know, the big fish might have left. uh the pond in that place but became a big fish in another place. Maybe the change of scenery was needed for both.
Speaker: parties I think we may be able to say they're Lakers. A surprising 6 -2 in my eyes, but Doncic has been balling out. this year, except when he got crossed up by Curry. Which, by the way, gentlemen.
Speaker: I rewatched that. Like, 20 times I watched that. that was my lot Ah! Every time, I was like, I hadn't seen it before. Oklahoma City 5 -2 again.
Speaker: Injured Oklahoma City, but they are tied there 5 -2 with San Antonio Spurs. That was my preseason. uh western championship prediction as well Cal, Golden State 5 -3, Minnesota 5 -3. uh are your top six there in the or your top eight there in the west excuse me it's a deep to deeper west this year y 'all Deeper West, the West resurgence. So go ahead, Des, what is your storyline of the early season?
Speaker: uh yeah uh just to go back off what cal said about the timberwolves too is like It sucks that Ant went down because LaMelo wasn't even balling yet. They were doing what they were doing, and this brother's averaging less. than what he averaged in his rookie year. Like, 16 -6. I'm like, he didn't even he wasn't even in stride yet, so...
Speaker: it It sucks that Ant had to go down, but hopefully if they can... get back when when he comes back later. That'll be interesting because hopefully by that time, LaMelo's in like real regular season mode.
Speaker: uh it's funny that this is the headline right here that you have professor because these are the three situations that i've really been talking about a lot on my show the last couple weeks very nice and and i think If I just kind of... do each one here is like with the Sixers, yeah I think...
Speaker: ah A lot of people... I was a little disappointed. I think a lot of people just... weren't paying attention to them as much last year. I feel like there's a lot of surprise, and I think... The overall foundation was there last year.
Speaker: and And I know. which I was putting them up there with the right there with the Knicks. starters. Like, I thought they had everything in their starting lineup. Glue guys, ah high volume scoring defense. Like,
Speaker: and And to look at somebody like Tyrese Maxey, who's even better defensively. if If there was a most improved defender award last year, it would have been Tyrese Maxey. And to think that he's even more locked in specifically on ball.
Speaker: is insane for that team. and And the fact that you have a fifth option in a third overall draft pick who has star potential in B .J. Edgecombe is... there There are going to be so many teams that play against the Sixers, and they're going to forget he's standing in the corner, and it's just going to blow up their whole game plan. Like, I think...
Speaker: For them to not have a big man, a lot of big man depth. And... Struggle shooting the three. And to be this good already, having faced a lot of Eastern Conference contenders so far this season.
Speaker: absolutely insane what they're doing um so i'm actually not that surprised by what they're doing now as for the okc thunder um something that i'm thinking about is This is the kind of adversity that really shows...
Speaker: what they've built as as a franchise right because this team is known for their strength in numbers this team is known for their next man up mentality and now they have to put the red button on that because so many of their key guys and defenders are now gone and i think this is ushering in a lot of opportunity for these young guys aday mara bennett sturtz aj mitchell can you know if he can stay healthy and and jared mccain like those are two guys that are really gonna have to show that like okay
Speaker: Our roles as scorers have... increased even more this year. So can we do what we need to do? and show a little bit of like hey We're still a good, really good team, even with these... with these guys going down. So I'm really excited to see how they do. And then the unfortunate thing about the New York Knicks.
Speaker: They have one of the toughest schedules. so far. And they faced a lot of teams on there. Caliber. And so for them to have that slower start. you know I don't think any of us would have predicted what they were like. two and four or something like that. the first few games. Yes.
Speaker: I don't think we saw that coming but... It is a testament to the Eastern Conference. We knew it was going to be crazy. We knew it was going to be competitive. And with them having the championship. a target on their back, these teams were coming for them. Teams like the Sixers and and the Pistons and the Celtics and all these teams. so
Speaker: I'm interested to see what it looks like when they kind of get past this phase because right now they're in a stretch, you guys, where they're about to face some lower caliber East teams and they can get their rhythm back. so Hopefully they can they can lock in on these next four to six games and and get these wins that they know they need to get.
Speaker: Yeah, there you go. And Cal, I know you need to get out of here, so I just want to... ah get your thoughts and your predictions real quick as with yeah you know Through the season, we go through this, y 'all. We're always going to update our MVP and champion picks. We'll come back to Dez in just a second, and me and him will you know finish the show. but Real quick. ah Game Face, what are your MVP finals and champion early, early predictions? Obviously, you'll have more shots at this.
Speaker: um I mean... So MVP. You know, I think I threw the prediction and was I said, Wemby is going to probably take it. um And, you know, he's... he's he He hasn't disappointed. He's already out the gate.
Speaker: you know, trying to trying to you know stake his claim. um to win in that. Um, You know, I personally say you as a dark horse candidate. I would certainly give it to either Tyrese Maxey or I'd give it to Cade Cunningham.
Speaker: um And I think... I think those two are gonna have a long say and in what's taking place. Because to your point, Des, I think the reason why we're talking about the success of this Philadelphia 76, and I said this, I said,
Speaker: the The way to a championship for this is not through Joel Embiid. It's not through Jalen Brown. It's now through LeBron James. is through Tyrese Maxey. And if Tyrese Maxey is doing what he's doing right now.
Speaker: And he has basically got this team. playing at a level where those guys, guys that already have rings, guys that already have MVPs, guys that already have... you know teeth in the game have stature,
Speaker: respect him enough. that We're going to ride. with you. Joel Embiid is saying, I'm okay with not being the main guy. You know, I understand that you know I don't want to be a liability to the chemistry of this team.
Speaker: I'm telling you. It - It may be the queer craziest notion to say, Tyrese Maxey could wind up winning an MVP because you wouldn't expect that given the fact that you already have a former MVP in Nubid, a former MVP in LeBron, and then a finals MVP in Jalen Brown. but even they know.
Speaker: the success of that team. is within where Tyrese Maxey takes himself. He's a dark horse to watch for. Um... As far as I'm concerned.
Speaker: NBA Finals matchup. I... Through my prediction, I think it said... um i think i so I think I said something to the effect of... um The Sixers versus the Thunder.
Speaker: Uh... Okay. Now that i was early, obviously. uh yeah like so for the injuries What? Did I say that? I can't even remember. it This is so similar.
Speaker: Anyway. Um... I don't. listen i i'm actually i think i said the pistons I don't know why people are sleeping on this piston scene. I just... genuinely believe the pisses are going to be a problem. They they just really are going to be a problem.
Speaker: they have room for them to get better and to improve. If. Kate Cunningham plays in the MVP level. This team is going to be a problem in the playoffs. And games like what happened when they played against the Celtics.
Speaker: In game one. um like when you know they only had a stinker up against you know the new york knicks Bye. They're the only team that's beating the Sixers. And even though as we're talking right now, they're playing again tonight.
Speaker: If the Pistons go out there and do it again to them. What are we what are we trying to say here? This is not a fluke. This team comes with physicality. They come to beat you down. They come to to put your put their foot on your head.
Speaker: That's what I like about this Pistons team. I don't think people should be sleeping on the Pistons. you know when it comes to their possible run Um... they're going to be a dangerous team. So that that that's it. At the end of the day, though,
Speaker: The Oklahoma City Thunder. is a semblance of what we saw the first six games of this season. Ain't nobody beating them. Ain't nobody beating that team. Actually, the Detroit Pistons. our carbon copy of what the oklahoma city thought of what they would like to be like with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Speaker: If the Oklahoma City Thunder can show you their offensive and defensive proficiency, because it's always inconsistent. Right? But if they give it they give it give you that version of them, That won that chip a couple years ago. where they had it going on both sides of the ball.
Speaker: Nobody's stopping them. that Nobody is stopping that team. i Not even the San Antonio Spurs. They're just way too much offensive firepower. that can come from that side of the ball. if everybody comes back healthy and everybody is is is is doing what they're doing. But if not...
Speaker: Then I might have to go with the Spurs. Okay. Yeah, because I was i was i was trying to i was try to see where you're going there. Because I was going to say, well, you know if jaylen williams because jaylen williams and cason wallace are not coming back They're both out pretty much for the season, I believe.
Speaker: Um... I mean, unless they can come back in the playoffs maybe, but a dislocated knee. Well, remember, Jalen Williams had a significant injury last year. And that was a lower leg injury. And then he tried rushing himself back into it.
Speaker: And that... Did that... So... This is an upper body injury. and i agree with you he's going to be gone for an extended period of time Bye. bye I think with the upper body injury.
Speaker: Done right. I think he can come back and still be relevant. you know, for this for the season. if treated correctly. Lower body injuries, though, Rarely ever... Does it make sense trying to bring a guy back earlier than necessary? I don't think I think we've seen a long list of those. who have tried doing that nonsense. Klay Thompson. freaking Kevin Durant.
Speaker: All right. And then the next thing you know, they rupture your Achilles or they do something even far worse than what the original injury intended. but I think with an upper body ah upper body injury. he may actually have an opportunity to come back.
Speaker: ah a little bit earlier if you know the healing process works in his favor and can still contribute Oh, okay, because I thought it was a dislocated fibula and leg. I thought it was the leg again. Oh, was it the leg? Okay. Yeah, I think Kaysan Wallace is the shoulder. On the shoulder, okay. let me check my bad sorry for the confusion there then no no you're good enough Dude, we talk about... so People don't understand. We talk about...
Speaker: Uh... Uh oh.
Speaker: Can you hear me? yeah yeah There I am. okay yeah but We talk about so many people on these shows. You just get people mixed up when you're talking. But yeah, I think it's a case on Wallace. Is the one with the shoulder injury? Yes, it is. Yeah. J -Dub had the the ankle in the fifth inning. Oh, he had the ankle. Okay. Then my bad, guys.
Speaker: No, you're good. But you're right about that. You're right if they come back healthy. then yes. Now I don't. Did I just check? on Jalen Williams just now. It says they're not closing the door on him coming back or so maybe him and Wallace can both come back.
Speaker: So like you said, if they are healthy, they can come back fine. But Chet Holdengrin has now joined them with a right knee injury as well. If you start to lose all these pieces, we've seen that. over the because they have these injuries every year. And we've seen it affect them to where they... you know, have it. issues during the regular season but it doesn't affect them in the postseason so you're right about that all right well who who would be your champion before you get uh leave us today Um...
Speaker: I mean, look, if the Spurs make it I think the the Spurs will will will will host the trophy. If it's that they're playing the Pistons. If it's the Sixers, then it's the Sixers that are going to wind up winning that that that that that that title.
Speaker: Um... Oh, so Sixers first -year champions. you ok Okay. Alright. I mean, listen. to what we said earlier. if they're If they're giving you what they're giving you...
Speaker: defensively and they haven't even gotten into their offensive rhythm. That's a problem. He has a serious problem. But a lot of it again is driven off of Who is that ball going through? And they got it right. That ball needs to go through Tyrese Maxey. And he's proven that he is capable of.
Speaker: you know, running that caliber of type team. And I think it's it's apropos. that it should be that way. You know what I'm saying? Because of LeBron James saying, you know I didn't move all the way over here so I can get knocked out in the second round. You don't want to get knocked out in the second round.
Speaker: And don't be, you know what I'm saying? Don't be chirping about wanting a basketball. you know, and and taking 15, 20, because that's one of the things that that that that hurts the Sixers is that. You've got a lot of guys that need that are that are volume shooters.
Speaker: right they're not the most proficient Lisa, and and not even Maxie. But yet Maxie's young. And he's going to learn the SGA effect. You know what I'm saying? Where you can get 30 without having to take 30 shots.
Speaker: But that's never been the case with Jalen Brown. That's never been the case with LeBron James. That's never been the case with Joel Embiid because those guys. were the guys for the teams that they played for. So they...
Speaker: are used to taking 15 to 20 shots. Now, it doesn't mean that the ball can't be around them. Did it take that many shots? That means they got to rebound the basketball. You know what I'm saying? That means I got to stop the other team.
Speaker: you know but Somebody. is gonna have to be the one that you're looking towards to say, that's my go -to guy. and you go from there. yeah that's my That dude. And I think.
Speaker: They got it right already from jump. I thought it was going to be a process for them to get to that. could come to that level of understanding but they but You know, maybe Nick Nurse already read that right. He's like, no, no, no, no, we ain't playing all that.
Speaker: That ball goes to that kid right there. you know and i like and i like the fact that they're doing that because he is really that quality of a player So. No, yeah, definitely. He he is. he Not only is he a deadly shooter, but he yeah has to he has the playmaking ability, the speed, the agility, everything that you want in in that playmaker. The one thing I have to say before we get Desmond's thoughts is... ah You and me need to be the one!
Speaker: F***ing rebounding. Get your ass. Off the three -point line, shooting 18 million threes a game, okay? We don't need that no more, okay? We didn't need it before.
Speaker: We even need it even less! now okay there's enough people that want to shoot threes between not that can't shoot threes by the way I'm on that team. or at least not as efficiently as they should, looking at at all their starting core aside from Maxi. Joy on the beat, get your ass on it, just like we tell Kat.
Speaker: Get your ass in the paint. Become the rebounder. Put some shots up. But if I see you, Shoop. 10 shots. And this was opening day against the Celtics. I was like, why is he shooting so many threes?
Speaker: why he just he just shoot and they were all bad as this as a selfish fan i'm like keep doing that sure but i mean i love that i love that keep doing that i thought that was You will not hear me complain one bit about that. Keep doing that, Joe.
Speaker: Bro, if you don't get your big ass off the three -point perimeter. ah Anyways, um Game Face, I know you got ah another show. You want to let them know where they can find you at, my friend.
Speaker: Yeah, man. Once again, man, the Baseline NBA podcast. Be sure to get my man Shaw the war at TheWarrenShaw or me at GameFaceLee. The show's Twitter handle at NBABaseline. www .TheBaselineNBA .com is where you can find us.
Speaker: 19 media group family you can also catch us with the 19 media group family so on youtube Just put 19 Media Group in your search and then you'll catch. Us, you catch my man Dez. In the mid post.
Speaker: and all of the great family content creators that are part of the 19 media group family man so My man O, at the first the professor. You know what I'm saying? As always, man, it's been a pleasure to to chop it up with you. I know my man Des got you on the... On the flip side, man, um' I'm passing the baton to Usain, so...
Speaker: He's good. he's He's getting ready he's going ready you get ready to take off, man, and and and and do the rest of the show some justice, man. Hopefully I lived up to the bar, ah to the billing. But I can't wait to get back on here again with you guys, man, and and and definitely chop it up once more.
Speaker: Yes, sir. Oh, by the way, i meant to I'm glad you said that. I want to try to do a show either Monday, Tuesday. I know it's Thanksgiving week, but I want to try to do it early that week. If y 'all are free, I know people are traveling. So if you're not. Just let me know and we'll go later. But I was thinking. either monday tuesday wednesday that week but again just let me know
Speaker: All right, man. Absolutely. Absolutely. hi my brother now I really appreciate you. You're always a blessing to the show. We missed our brother Warren Shaw. Tell him. We said what's up. We hope to see him next time. And yeah, um me and Des will take it from here. We appreciate you, brother. all right appreciate you too man welcome back to the fold professor Yeah! I'm back! Let's go!
Speaker: All right, fellas. All right, fam. All right, Desmond. So we'll keep it moving here and go back to our NBA MVP. finals and champion. picks Now, I know before when we were talking about it, you were talking about the ah the obviously the Philadelphia 76ers rolling.
Speaker: the thunder. being injured and then you have the new york knicks uh you know obviously the champions not starting off well um Obviously, all these things will play into a season that is a long season, as we know. 82 games. It's not like, you know, this is going to be over in the blink of an eye, but...
Speaker: Yeah, even though they're talking about making the season shorter. um You gave us your early season storyline, so now... Early, early predictions on what you think will happen at the end of the season. ah Go ahead and never tell everybody what your beginning of the season and MVP, final, and champion.
Speaker: Yeah, so ah MVP is an interesting one because, again, how can you not? pick Tyrese Maxey at least right now, right? Uh... But then my mind started drifting and I'm watching these Celtics games and I'm like...
Speaker: It's right there for Jason Tatum. You know, a lot of things have to go right. But it's right there. It is there. you know there's a lot of things with the Celtics that I, you know, I, I've, I was talking a lot about them because obviously people who know me know Paul George is my guy, you know? So.
Speaker: obviously that means I'm watching more Celtics games this year than ever before. um But... I'm looking at their team and I'm like, okay the the pritchard tatum george thing is is really cool and especially for the regular season But they are spurts.
Speaker: Where I'm like, I just don't know. And we've seen it. And I think, correct me if I'm wrong, Professor, but I think these third quarters haven't been great. because Tatum plays a lot, and then when he's out...
Speaker: It goes like... The pressure's on by the start of the fourth quarter. And... I think that's why his value is going to be so high and his chances are going to be really high to probably get an MVP this year. I know he's resting tonight. So again, some of those things will. creep up and yeah It depends how many games he plays by the season's end. But I would love it for to be Jason Tatum. And and even when the Jason or excuse me, the Jalen Brown trade happened.
Speaker: I was like... i This is his best chance. So, you know, if it's not him, I'm thinking Luka Doncic. Like, those are my three right now. Tyrese Maxey, Luka Doncic, Jason Tatum, and...
Speaker: I want to. I want to pick Jason Tatum. I want to pick Jason Taylor. No, I really like that. and And just to back you up on that, look, I... Again, me and my pops are Celtics fans. We talk about the team all the time. And I was telling him when I saw the first game, and yeah, PG, and this is with.
Speaker: Mind you. PG going off for 38 points in game one. even though he even had that during the game. I'm looking at this and Game Face. uh mentioned it a little earlier when he mentioned the fact that Missoula is going to have to make
Speaker: uh, adjustments not just in -game, which you're mentioning now, are not being done as well, but also due to the fatigue of Tatum. But also, they're going to have to make adjustments from the regular season. to the postseason.
Speaker: Because as we know, yeah in the and NBA... the postseason. turns into a half court game more than the full court game of the regular season. And so when things slow down a little bit.
Speaker: You're going to need less. of that three -point shooting. Not more of it. You already had... too much last year. I swear every game last year, I complained about the amount of threes that we were shooting. And then you take our...
Speaker: Best. or second best playmaker, whoever you however you want to look at it, away. and trade him away i'm telling my dad We don't have any other playmakers other than... Tatum.
Speaker: paul george is a great three -point shooter great ah great uh you know he has a good jumper Good from mid -range. He's not A playmaker, and my pops was like, well, what about Derek White and Pritchard? I said, look, they can pass the ball. They're good point guards, but they're not playmakers.
Speaker: Jalen Brown, and Jason Tatum. We're playmakers. They can make, they can dribble, they can pass, they can juke, they can dunk, they can do everything within the arsenal that is needed, as we call it in baseball, five to a player.
Speaker: So if you are able to do... all of those things, and you take one of those people away, well, now you only have one player, as you mentioned, Tatum, who can be that playmaker. And then when it comes to crunch time, he's so tired from making plays all game that he can't make any more damn plays.
Speaker: Absolutely. That's what I've been saying all summer, Omar. I'm telling you, like, you said everything that I've been saying on my pod. And I'm just like, I know that the Celtics are going to get by the regular season. But if anything, that Pistons game was literally a foreshadow of the playoffs.
Speaker: Great first half. But as soon as the Pistons started making their threes and Peyton Pritchard has been struggling, not just that game, but he's been struggling to get loose with a lot of these defenses, mind you.
Speaker: the The two games that he went off, he went off against my Chicago Bulls, who are not ah playing anywhere. to where they we we want them to be so i'm like that i don't think that's a coincidence ah You know, same thing which you said about Paul George, like very um utility player at this point of his career. Occasionally, you know, he might drop 30 again. I don't know about as high as 38, but he he'll probably drop 30 again at some point down the line. But is that an everyday thing that, again, somebody like Jalen Brown was. Set to do. No.
Speaker: And that's what scares me. And I'll say this. I know we're talking MVP and and champion picks. But... All. afternoon, I was thinking. What if the Celtics could get somebody? I don't know what the money's like, but what if they added somebody like a Malik Monk where you could still have some of the Missoula ball, but he can. play opposite of pritchard and now you at least have two guys coming off the bench that can handle the rock a little bit and do more of a playmaker yes yeah Yeah.
Speaker: i don't I like that. I like that very much. You know what? You always have the best trade proposals. I like i like that a lot. I do like that. I think you need you have to bring in another... uh veteran like you said that can make plays it can be another playmaker for that second unit again I like Paul George. And I think he should be a flex.
Speaker: between the first and second unit. uh you know a little bit time with tatum a little bit time with the second unit but Again, he's not somebody you're going to be able to consistently rely on to make plays all the time. He's most likely. going to pull up and shoot the ball no matter where he's at.
Speaker: Yeah. yeah and and even Which, look, after his injury in the Olympics... I don't blame him! I wouldn't have wanted to drive either. shit Yeah, straight up, straight up. And the Celtics are doing a good job using flare screens and slip screens to get and touches in the in the paint and not have him drive. So they they know what they're doing. Joe Mazzulla's smart. They got a great analytics staff over there. But again, we saw the downfall of analytics, as you pointed out. So um as far as my champion pick, though.
Speaker: i' I've went back and forth like... All summer. I don't even remember. who I think I did pick the Thunder, but then I might have picked the Spurs. I know I was on somebody's Google form telling them the Spurs, and then I was on a Twitter space, and I'm like, oh, it's going to be the Thunder. So I've been going back and forth all summer.
Speaker: Um... I will say. we We mentioned them in the in a little while ago. I like the rockets. I like the Rockets. I think wow with... All right. The Thunder's injuries.
Speaker: And the Spurs, if there if the Spurs are going to keep playing, um I would say stubborn basketball, and they're not. improving on the things that we thought that they would improve on.
Speaker: I think there is definitely a window. for the Houston Rockets to do something special this year. And I think they showed that. in that ah prime game versus the the Spurs where Amin Thompson got that block at the end. I think they showed that, hey, when healthy, we match up well against you guys. Everybody forgot last year. because we didn't have our point guard and we didn't have a lot of bench scoring. But now that we really have some pieces here. We... Showed you guys that we can...
Speaker: Hang throughout 48 minutes and... contain Victor Web and Yama, like... You got Sengun scoring on him in the post like it's nothing. I mean... They got a squad. So I would love to see. I'm going to speak it out there. I would love to see the Houston Rockets come out the West this year. They're returning to the ketchup and mustard. It's only right they get back like Hakeem did and and all those guys. So I would love to see that. I would love to see that. Out East.
Speaker: i think I think I'm with Cal. I know he was going with the Pistons, but I think just in the sense of... I think the Sixers can do it in year one. I think they can. So I'm a root for Houston and Sixers. That's my new answer.
Speaker: and it'll probably be new. When you were ask me in like... April. yes No, it will be. It'll be. Hey, this is a, this is a. This is a, what does Stephen A. like to call it? It's a...
Speaker: Flexible or whatever he says. Anyway, whatever. It is is fluid. Fluid, as he says. It's going to change throughout the season. um And look. ah I started with San Antonio.
Speaker: as the champion this year, so I'm not going to move off that. uh even with some early season you know not playing as well as they may like um you know, when be not maybe not You know.
Speaker: And granted, he's dope. It's still amazing. I don't want to say that he's not playing well. He is. But there's been a couple games, as you mentioned, where he's been able to be controlled a little more. I still got them.
Speaker: out of the west and then you know i i just i said before the 76 i thought they would need a year to get integrated. I said that before the season. but they they they they've changed my mind they look like like you said that they could possibly win now i don't want to go off of what i said because you know i mean Things may come down in the playoffs where they're not able to mesh as well. you know, maybe they lose early in the playoffs. So I'm going to stick with what I said that they need a year. I'm going to go with
Speaker: And I hate to pick against... my team but i don't want to be a homer but i don't think that I don't think that the Pistons would necessarily beat us in a seven -game series. Do I think that they got the better of us game one? Yeah, but I thought we really blew that that game and we should have won that game.
Speaker: pretty easily. I agree. I think so. And yeah I just don't want to sound like a homer. So I'm going to stick with my original season pick. and go with the Spurs. And um and now change.
Speaker: Or sorry, Sikkim. Damn it! Not change to the Sixers, but change. No, I can't. Well, I could. how What are your chances you think the Knicks make make the make the championship again?
Speaker: I feel... A little bit. lower about it just off what we're seeing. from the Sixers this year. like Yeah.
Speaker: they they They have the same team, and and if anything, they're going to win it off of second chance points and three -point shooting. Like, to you to what you just said. that That could very well be the thing that happens to the Sixers. They yeah they extend all this energy for a great regular season, but come playoff time, the rebounding comes back to bite them, and the three -point shooting comes back to bite them. In that case, I think the Knicks have a chance. But, like, I don't know, if I'm saying, like, on a scale of 1 to 10,
Speaker: I - At first, I felt probably like an 8, and now I feel like like a 5. I just... I don't know. Well, I asked because that was my original pick before the season was the Spurs and Knicks.
Speaker: I was like, I think the Knicks would go back, but I think the Spurs beat them. But now you're looking and you're like, well, shit, just like you said. They're not playing as well, and the Sixers are playing much better, and the Celtics are playing better than I thought they would. I didn't think we'd beat 5 -2 with this team. And then, you as you mentioned, the Pistons.
Speaker: really good as well. So it's hard in the East to choose. It's kind of like a bunch of teams. uh are defying the expectations that we thought they would or not living up to the expectations that we thought they would so yeah Even though I just said I i think that they they need a year or two, I don't want to be a homer.
Speaker: So I don't want to go with the Celtics. I'm going with 76ers. I'm going with you. 76ers Spurs. I'm saying they can't use... You changed my mind. They look like they can win in year one.
Speaker: Do I truly believe that? no No, but it may be more because I'm biased and I really hope not. uh because i just hate the 76ers so much and i would it was like you remember last year when i was uh throwing up Every time I talked about the Knicks winning a championship, it would be similar. It would be similar this year if but I had to start talking about it seriously. So we'll see what happens there. For my MVP, I agree with you. i think
Speaker: Maxi's a great pick, but I've seen what Luka has been doing early. Averaging 38 points a game. is Crazy. Um... and now i know he always has the ball but he's shooting 50 from the field So, you know...
Speaker: Mwah. Yeah, he's a so he's a plus 16, too. He's ah he's shooting 40. 42 .7 from 388. uh 0 .7 uh from the free throw line and 49 .7 a regular field goal percentage.
Speaker: So, I mean, he's a little bit short of 50 -40 -90. so Now, if he were to do that. if he would do That's what I was just about to say. His numbers don't be like that. Wow. Yeah.
Speaker: yeah i i think but the thing with luca his mvp campaigns kind of fizzle out so i'm like if they do if he has more of these games where they like lose against the warriors or they lose against the blazers i don't think they're gonna pick them because it's like dude you can't even beat the the teams that are like a little bit below you or around you like yeah so that'll be interesting because what i was just having a conversation about this Like...
Speaker: Luke, there are basketball players. There are hoopers. But Luka Doncic be out there BSing.
Speaker: And I mean that in the most complimentary way. I mean, I get what you're saying. I get exactly what you're saying. That dude is a trip, man. Yeah, no, I mean, he really is. On defense and on offense, as shown by the Steph Curry cross -up. where he just didn't seem like he even cared that it happened to him. I'd have ran my ass back to the locker room crying in shame if that had happened to me. My preseason pick was Wemby, and I don't want to move away from that because he's still having a really good season. He's averaging 26.
Speaker: uh and 11. uh boards So I'm going to stick with Wemby because that's who I had been before the season started. Okay. Yeah, I can see that. Yeah, good No, i was just i and I think he's going to play the games to do it too. I don't know I just have a feeling. Oh, it's right!
Speaker: i forgot about that stupid games thing oh i forgot about that rule even though we talk i think I think you'll do it, though. Okay. Yeah, I'm going to stick with it. Until further notice, if he starts missing games like Kawhi Leonard, who, by the way, still nursing a knee injury, he hasn't even played yet. Yo, this guy is the most.
Speaker: most missing is games guy I've seen in history and it's because it's knowledge like It's not like you, you know what? Desmond, take us out of here. Tell us your thoughts on that and then let them know where they can find you.
Speaker: Well, I hurt because the Raptors were like my Eastern Conference. Cinderella team. I want to see them do well so bad. Uh, so when I heard that news, I'm like, dang it. Now they're going to be like in the play in or whatever. And I, but I had them a third. I had them third. wow thirty Okay. So,
Speaker: I was like, yeah, so that that's yeah that's unfortunate. um and And you should have known because he opened the season wearing the knee pads. So, i yeah, it's crazy. but Appreciate you as always. If you can't play, stop stealing people's money. Stop stealing people's money if you can't play. Take your ass home. You already made enough money. You already won a championship. Stop stealing people's money.
Speaker: like you did with with where what was it Like you did in L .A. For that ah that note that no -show pay contract you have from whatever the hell the guy was. Oh, I forgot about that. yeah How quickly we all forget. He had a lot of stuff on that in those negotiations, man. Him and Uncle Dennis.
Speaker: Yeah, let them know, my brother. Where can they find you? ah You can find me at midpostpod on Instagram. on Twitter. ah You can find me at DesmondPyle underscore on the same platforms as well as TikTok.
Speaker: to get all your information in regards to the podcast or anything that I post. Like I always say, I'm usually tweeting for the most part during games, whatever I'm watching at the time. So anything that doesn't make the podcast will definitely be on my Twitter. And as always, it's great to join you again, Professor. Love doing this and being a part of it.
Speaker: Hey, I appreciate you, my brother. Thank you so much. And yeah, I'm thinking Thanksgiving week, maybe that. And it again, if it doesn't work, if people are traveling, probably fine. We can do it ah in December. But I was just thinking since we got a later start in the season this time that maybe we'd turn it around in a couple weeks. But I'll email everybody. And if it's not cool, y 'all let me know. Because, again, I realize that's a busy week for everybody. So I don't want to impose anything. You know me. I'm very fluid, very flexible. I'm good with whatever happens. It doesn't really matter. But I appreciate you blessing the program. As always, your knowledge. that you bring is tremendous and it is a value add.
Speaker: to our network and to the the fans that we have here. As I know, 19 Media Group is appreciative as of you as well, of Game Face Lee, our brother, of our brother Warren Shaw, both from the NBA Baseline podcast. Y 'all make sure you tap in with them, baseline underscore NBA, or I think I have that backwards, NBA base underscore. Either way.
Speaker: Baseline NBA on Instagram. You can find them along with the Midpost pod, along with 19 Media Group. Make sure you tap in with our our partners there at 19 Media Group on YouTube and on Instagram as well. And make sure, everybody else, that you subscribe to Ball and Buds.
Speaker: B -A -L -L. A -N -D -B -U -D -S on YouTube. Hand you QR code up there at the top. It'll take you to our link tree. You can find our social media. You can subscribe to YouTube, follow on Instagram. You can find our audio podcast on Zencaster, all the good stuff. And by the way.
Speaker: always make sure you hit that like button helps out everybody here in these videos if you need to find any of the guests that i have including jasmine powell the descriptions are always in the youtube videos you'll be able to find all their information there and as well As the kids say, smash that notification bell because you'll never know when we go live. Like, for instance, today, y 'all know I do the football game show now.
Speaker: It's an awesome game show, Des. You should check it out if you like football. NFL College Football Game Show. And look, I have to align with people's times every week, and it's very hard because I do it on the fly weekly with three different people every week. So like right now, I had a couple people. One person had to drop out from work. One person had another show they had to do. So now I had to try to scramble to find two people. I may not be able to. We may need to cancel it, but I'm still on for now for 9 .30 tonight Eastern. So you might see me smash that notification bell. We might have the football show tonight. That's what I meant. ah for Desmond Powell, for Game Face Lee, for Warren Shaw, for Bobby G, for Jay from Unfair Sports, for everybody that has been on this program and joined us talking NBA over the years. We will see you here in a few weeks.
Speaker: uh desmond be blessed everybody else y 'all be kind go out there be successful and we'll see you next time Holla!
