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00:00:01
NBA Q1 Check IN + Madrid's Vini Dilenma
21 Plays3 months ago
Vini - time up at Madrid?
NBA Update
- Biggest surprises
- {re-Season Prediction check in
- OKC - will they win 74 games?
Game of the Week
Crystal Palace v City
Recommended
Transcript
00:00:01
Emeka
Yeah, well, sorry about that.
Vinicius Jr.'s Future at Real Madrid
00:00:03
Emeka
You know, the Madrid snipers, not only in UEFA and La Liga, they exist. Also, the podcast space. They liked that we were coming close to the truth. But as I was saying, like, stars like Vinny don't get available like that. And I have to imagine, as smart as Flo is, there's no way he's letting this asset go for free. So, if it's inside a contract, and by all accounts, that's not happening,
00:00:28
Emeka
Where would he go to? He's not going to go to Saudi, thank God, because he's too good for Saudi. the other you know The classic example, people will go instantly PSG, but they have wingers. Of all the positions they have, good Lord, they have wingers.
00:00:43
Emeka
Where does that leave? I guess I'll throw it out to you guys. like Where do you think, I guess, do you think Vinny's going to stay in Madrid long term? Or and if he does leave, where would he go to? Because I can't find a club for him, personally.
00:00:54
Chuku
I think Vinny stays long-term. I still think that's the case. But I think the obvious answer for me, at least, as far as destinations, if he does end up leaving, in has to be Man City. I don't i don't i don't get it. To me, that's the easiest decision because...
00:01:13
Chuku
Vinny and Haaland, that's a combination there that's that can work. that It makes sense to me and can work off each other. Because look, at the end of the day, Doku's been having a you know pretty good no season season so far. But if Pep has opportunity to bring in a player like Vinny's caliber to his Man City team squad, definitely think he takes that. So I just think, yeah, Man City makes the most sense, in my opinion.
00:01:42
Emeka
Vinny that's beefing with Jabi Alonso is gonna go deal with the OG grandfather of this whole tactical thing in Pep. That's gonna be a good fit?
00:01:52
Emeka
Because that's what I'm concerned about. Like, set aside money whatever. Clearly we've seen now Vinny doesn't like structure. like End of the day, what it is. And Pep is the most structured manager in world football.
00:02:06
Emeka
So, I mean, on paper, yeah, looks like a good fit, but I don't know if it's feasible, honestly.
00:02:14
Emeka
Chino, what are your thoughts of Vinny the Man City fit?
00:02:18
Chino Onwuka
Honestly, I was going to say City, for because here's the thing, like Vinny is known as a hard worker, maybe it's just ego, but I feel like he would, if he's going to City, he would understand that Pep is the Vinicius of that team, I would say. Pep is the, he's the star of that team and everyone else comes after him. So I feel like Vinny's not a guy who who shies from working. I just think he needs to respect where the message is coming from. Certainly, and for some reason, he's clashing with Xabi. And so, Chuka, I know you'd say he'll stay long-term, but even if it was a player over coach thing, part of the whole issue, why it's even gone to the stage where he has 18 months left is...
00:03:09
Chino Onwuka
He's asking for money that they don't want to pay. He's asking for, you know, certain image rights that Real Madrid doesn't want to get let go.
Contract Issues and Speculations
00:03:16
Chino Onwuka
So I think even apart from whoever the coach is there, that's an issue that he either has to, you know, reconcile himself with taking less or it is what it is. He has to try and find his money elsewhere.
00:03:31
Chino Onwuka
And then even if,
00:03:31
Chuku
no doubt but like the only people oh sorry not to interrupt you that you know but i'm just gonna just quickly quickly only people that's gonna pay him the kind of money he's looking at with the image rights and all that is playing in saudi i don't think there's other club like any club competitive club in europe that's gonna be gonna be willing to pay the kind of wages that uh you know that he's looking for you know that that madrid wants to offer
00:03:52
Chino Onwuka
Not if he leaves on a free. If he leaves on a free, he could get that money.
00:03:58
Chuku
You think so? From where? In Europe?
00:04:02
Chino Onwuka
I think that's part of the thing with why players who sign on a free get more money because they get a signing bonus. they get a Because a club isn't having to fork over nine figures and pay that salary, right?
00:04:15
Chino Onwuka
If all you're having to do is pay that salary, you don't have to spend 150 million and pay that to Madrid, then the money might make sense, which is why they're able to pay Mbappe that much and waited for him to come on a free.
00:04:30
Emeka
The thing, like I said, no is Flo going to let this go on?
00:04:31
Chuku
Right?
00:04:34
Emeka
for I just can't see it. I just...
00:04:37
Chino Onwuka
sort So to have
00:04:37
Emeka
PSG did it because, you know, they i just pried.
00:04:41
Chino Onwuka
Someone's going to have blink. Is it going to be, well, if no one's willing to come in and put up the money that they're asking for, is it going to be Vinicius?
00:04:42
Emeka
Exactly.
00:04:50
Chino Onwuka
But back to the question on where he could go. Even if it is City, here's actually what I'm thinking about that's almost more interesting.
Potential Replacements for Vinicius
00:04:58
Chino Onwuka
What does Real Madrid then do? Because one, it's like, okay, they need left winger to come and replace Vinny.
00:05:04
Chino Onwuka
And it's not Rodrigo. And so let's say it's Mbappe who's the left winger and who's the striker. It's Haaland. Then boom. Vinny goes to City.
00:05:18
Chino Onwuka
Haaland goes to Madrid because even with him signing this 10 year death row contract, I'm still seeing a lot of articles being reported about Haaland saying Real Madrid is his next destination before he went to City. It seems like Madrid were trying to do a Haaland Mbappe.
00:05:33
Chino Onwuka
You know, i'm not even going use the word I was thinking of. A two man. And so that could be back on, and and that would actually work well for Madrid. And then, you know, City, think Pep will do what he always does. If you don't want to be here, I'll just replace you.
00:05:48
Chino Onwuka
So, yeah, because it's like, okay, even if you talk about Vinny going, Real Madrid has to replace him. Okay, you say, okay, we have Mbappe. You can feel that spot. Okay, you have Mbappe. Who's the striker? Maybe Hendrik is something by that point. That was probably the plan. But, yeah, a lot of dominoes.
00:06:05
Chino Onwuka
You know, you got the same PSG. You know, PSG, if it's out there, you know, who would be the odd man out? Maybe Barcala would be the odd man out. And then it's like, where does Barcala go? Arsenal, let's go.
00:06:16
Emeka
No, hey, there's going to be a dog dominoes falling. And like I said, it's maybe because I don't live in Spain. I'm not seeing the, the you know, the El Chacarungo, whatever that that thing is called. But if this was in England, I know it dominating the headlines every week. Like, this is a huge story.
00:06:32
Emeka
And I don't get how it's not of a big thing.
00:06:33
Chino Onwuka
I don't, I'm really just because of, you know, the the spaces I'm in. I'm seeing that story every week, honestly. Maybe you don't, I'm seeing that.
00:06:39
Emeka
I'm God it is.
00:06:41
Chino Onwuka
Yeah.
00:06:42
Emeka
it's like, I love Vinny. I said at the beginning I'm going to end it at this because I make this point clear. I love Vinny. I think he's amazing. And that's why I think it's crazy a guy, his talent, is approaching the last year of his contract.
00:06:55
Emeka
That never happens. Never, ever, ever happens. apple It happened with Mbappe, again, because of pride. It happened with Sala because he was 30 years old. Vinny is in the prime of his career. And i know you know what? You made a really good point, you know.
00:07:09
Emeka
There's now so much money in these guys are making that I think this going happen more and more often with these free transfers. Just because, like, I didn't recall that actually like a decade ago. Like, when a guy like Vinny is worth $200 million, who's paying that?
00:07:25
Emeka
You know? Like, this just it is just economically not feasible to pay it. So what's easier is just roll out his contract and give him the money to him personally. And it's lot easier to pay a guy, a $60 million dollars signing bonus than to pay a club $200 million to transfer and give him a signing bonus.
00:07:41
Emeka
So maybe he goes, hey, I have a contract. I'm staying till the end. I just, with Flo, I just can't imagine he's going to sit there and let this, you know, that kind of tomfoolery occur when I have an asset worth all this money and I'm not cashing on it.
Real Madrid's Player Management History
00:07:58
Emeka
Like I just, you
00:07:58
Chino Onwuka
He can't force someone to sign him, though, again, unless it's Saudi.
00:08:02
Emeka
Hey, Madrid have their ways, man. I don't know. They have their YOYO ways. don't know what they'll do, but yeah I'm just fascinated by
00:08:09
Chino Onwuka
Only time they've done it was when Juventus came in for Cristiano, and I think in the and the long run, Juventus regretted it.
00:08:14
Emeka
Exactly.
00:08:19
Emeka
And they spent big money on a 30-year-old Ronaldo. So who knows, man? and Some team, maybe it's City. Hey, maybe it's... Nah, it's not going to Arsenal. But maybe it's Liverpool. Who knows? Some team will have, like... If Vinny's on the market, like, someone has to sign up And I'm so curious how it plays out. But to, you know, put this all in a bow, I'd give Alonso some time, man. Like, I just... It's not his fault. Like, I blame Flo more than Alonso. I think this team has not been assembled well...
00:08:48
Emeka
And, you know, it is what it is now.
00:08:52
Chuku
So, y'all taking Vinny over, would y'all take Vinny at Arsenal?
00:08:57
Emeka
would love him in Arsenal. I thought that would kill him.
00:09:00
Chino Onwuka
It's not even about Arteta. We don't have any funds for that. Like...
00:09:05
Chuku
No, but world you know in a world where they in the world where we did have the funds, wo would take we take Vinny?
00:09:05
Emeka
If we could afford him at the time.
00:09:10
Chino Onwuka
Of course I think Vinny. What are you want talking about, man?
00:09:13
Emeka
Of course not, he's amazing!
00:09:15
Chino Onwuka
Yeah.
00:09:15
Chuku
Okay. yeah
00:09:15
Emeka
He's amazing! I thought I would kill him, I'm so sure of this. He's the least Arteta player that exists right now.
00:09:22
Chino Onwuka
i don't I don't think so.
00:09:25
Emeka
Huh, alright.
00:09:26
Chino Onwuka
Like, okay, I think it's more his attitude on the field rather than he wouldn't run. Like, Vinny vinny runs.
00:09:33
Emeka
It's not work ethic!
00:09:33
Chino Onwuka
I don't
00:09:35
Emeka
It's the flair, it's the drilling, it's the theatrics. I thought don't play that stuff, man.
00:09:39
Chino Onwuka
yeah i don't think that's a flirt. The theatrics, Arteta would not like. i So I agree with you Just question.
00:09:44
Emeka
that's the the and I would say some of the flair too. Like, how many guys in our store would be doing unnecessary tricks losing the ball like that?
00:09:53
Chuku
Thank
00:09:54
Emeka
That don't fly with Mikel.
00:09:56
Chino Onwuka
No, I don't think Mikel cares about that, honestly. it I don't think cares, honestly.
00:09:58
Emeka
Oh.
00:10:01
Chino Onwuka
i don't think he cares
00:10:03
Emeka
If it works, there you go.
00:10:03
Chino Onwuka
honestly
00:10:03
Emeka
If doesn't work, now you're complaining to the ref and you're yelling and you know not tracking back. Yeah.
00:10:09
Chino Onwuka
He's like, that's why i love the Eze signing, because you can say that Eze is not a Mikel type of player, but you see, you know, the way he plays is seemed like it appears like a days ago. Some of the touches, you know, he'll wait till the last moment and Arteta is playing him.
00:10:23
Chino Onwuka
So it's a different style to the way Vinny does it. But, you know, Eze showing that same flair and Arteta doesn't care.
00:10:30
Emeka
Look, I love Eze, but or now we're not talking about this match. But he let this man run behind him one time and pulled at halftime. 10,000 to play that stuff, man.
00:10:41
Emeka
10,000 to play that stuff.
00:10:41
Chino Onwuka
So that's for running, and that's for running not for showing flair in the field. as's I'm just trying to emphasize that.
00:10:45
Emeka
True, true. But I just, like, i love Arteta,
Vinicius to Arsenal?
00:10:48
Emeka
but I think, again, I would love Vinny Arsenal. I just think if he did go there, either he'd have to shape up and cut out all the diving, theatrics, all that kind of stuff, and track back all the time.
00:11:00
Chino Onwuka
yes yeah Yes, yes, yes.
00:11:02
Emeka
And I'd ask the recipe for disaster. But I love Vinny, and I would i do nasty things for him in Arsenal. But, yeah. Inshallah. I'm just so curious where he's going to go. And maybe it's Madrid. Maybe all this is moot and he signs the contract and everyone moves on.
00:11:16
Emeka
I just think it's so fascinating. You track it. Again, excellent points, you know. You track it from the Ballon d'Or fiasco. And since then, the vibes have just shifted. And it coincides with Mbappe really taking over.
00:11:29
Emeka
And now it's now it's his team. It's Mbappe's team now. Because even we haven't mentioned his name I low-key sometimes I look at Jude and I think, is he is he happy like this?
00:11:40
Emeka
Like, that first year he had in Madrid, he was the guy. He was the had his own custom celebration. Jude, Jude the man, like scoring all the goals. You don't really hear about Jude Bellingham that much anymore.
00:11:52
Emeka
And I love Jude. He's got a big ego on him. Is he satisfied with this? Like, i that's the thing about the Galacticos, you know? Like, these are all the guys who, in their mind, are the protagonists, the main men.
00:12:05
Emeka
And it was one thing when it was all last season, it was a whole, like, yeah, listen, we're three-headed monster. All of us kind of exist on the same plane. Now it's Mbappe & Co. Get it where you fit in.
00:12:16
Emeka
So I'm really curious how that plays out.
00:12:20
Chino Onwuka
Yeah, I don't know if you guys saw it, but, you know, I think they asked Benzema on some of his thoughts and he had a great, great quote. And he said, look, I know you guys there are all stars. You guys all have egos.
00:12:32
Chino Onwuka
But you got to realize first, the number one thing is winning. got realize that Mbappe is the biggest star. This is someone who you know has had to fight with Mbappe for a position, especially when he comes to the France squad.
00:12:44
Chino Onwuka
You have to understand that Mbappe is the biggest star and then see where your skills can fit in to the benefit of the whole team. And I love that he came in said that because he has the right to talk like that. Because for a long time, this is someone who was a Ballon d'Or winner.
00:13:00
Chino Onwuka
But he had to wait for his moment. He had to do what was best for the team because who was in front of him? Cristiano Ronaldo. He did what he had to do. And then when it was his time to shine, he was now the one that everything revolved under. So I think these guys at Real Madrid should listen, pay heed to what Benzema said because he was so, so right. It's not saying that you have to not be who you are, but be who you are in a way that that feeds the whole team and un respectfully feeds the best player and biggest star on the team.
00:13:33
Chino Onwuka
Because then when everyone eats, when you guys do that, and you guys are back to winning La Liga's and Champions League, then you're all going to be stars, right?
00:13:44
Chino Onwuka
In a way, that first season sort of was maybe the worst thing that could happen before they integrated Mbappe. Because, yeah, Jude, like... Yeah, Angelotti let you do whatever it is you wanted to do back then and it was good for you. But now, like you're a really, really talented player. You can do everything.
00:14:03
Chino Onwuka
now find that specific thing since you can do everything that works well within the function of this team because you're box to box. you You've got the technique. You've got the lungs. You've got the running power. You can score.
00:14:16
Chino Onwuka
You can be effective in that team. Yeah, you like drifting to the left. You don't have to do that. You can be effective elsewhere. You're young enough that you can adapt your game.
00:14:26
Emeka
I cannot have said it better. I saw that quote from Benzema. I fully, fully agree. And if all the people in football to give that quote, I'm glad it was him. Because when he was, forget about Ronaldo, he was bailed to happily beat a third wheel, false knight, connected tissue, and then as soon as all those guys left, he was banging in 30 goals a season.
00:14:47
Emeka
In his mind, probably he's thinking, I could have always been doing this. But it wasn't what right for the team. Issue is, he was a little older, little bit mature. And he had the hype.
00:14:59
Emeka
He didn't have the level of hype as a as a youth that Jude, Jude especially. Vinny was...
00:15:04
Chino Onwuka
Stop that.
00:15:05
Emeka
hit t subscribe He had He had hype, bro.
00:15:05
Chino Onwuka
na na na na No, no, no, no. Kareem, yes. but this was the right you Remember at 19 against Manchester United and he destroyed.
00:15:17
Emeka
broad juice
00:15:18
Chino Onwuka
People were calling Benzema the next R9. That's what he was looking like. at He had that hype. Like, yeah, we didn't have Twitter. We didn't have Instagram back then. So it didn't seem the same way. But I was in those spaces and Kareem had that hype.
00:15:31
Emeka
Yeah, I put a hype in the video.
00:15:32
Chino Onwuka
That's why. that's why he won That's why he went to Madrid for 30 million back then, 20 years ago, from Lyon.
00:15:33
Emeka
Yeah, I...
00:15:39
Chino Onwuka
He was top scorer in France, won't throw at 19. Kareem was that dude. He just had to bide his time just because of all the other players that were at Real Madrid.
00:15:49
Emeka
I agree all that. I just think Jude Hype is something different. Maybe social media, but Jude is getting his jersey retired as 16-year-old.
00:15:56
Chino Onwuka
it's it's it's it's full It's social media.
00:15:57
Emeka
Jude is something different.
00:15:59
Chino Onwuka
Kareem was that dude. Trust me.
00:16:02
Emeka
Fair enough.
00:16:04
Chuku
Bro, you got to look up Kareem Benzema numbers on Leon, bro.
00:16:04
Emeka
Very Hype.
00:16:07
Chuku
Come on, man. Kareem, Benzema definitely had some hype, bro.
00:16:09
Emeka
Hype. Hype. Hype
00:16:12
Chuku
yeah He had heavy hype. Hmm?
00:16:13
Emeka
would say That's why I didn't give him – I said – didn't put Vinny ahead of him. said, no, Vinny, I double back. Only guy I've seen now is Jude because Jude is – Jude to me hyping. I haven't seen from a footballer in a minute. This is Odegaard probably. But, hey, fair enough.
00:16:29
Emeka
All them are all hyped. And if he can swallow his ego, well then, Vinny and Jude, you have no excuse. Feed the main man. So, you know, it is what it is on that point.
00:16:38
Chino Onwuka
Kareem had 20 goals in La Liga at 18, right? Scored four in Champions League in seven. At 19, had 17 goals, five goals in Champions League. Like, this was, he was that dude.
00:16:54
Chino Onwuka
This is and this is black one iss back when Lyon was winning league.
00:16:54
Emeka
No one's arguing he's not that No one's
00:16:58
Chino Onwuka
This is when they were the biggest team in France. At 18, Kareem was that dude.
00:17:02
Emeka
arguing he's not that dude. don't want to say not dude. I'm just saying, bro, Belliam is a different case for everybody. That's all I'm saying. Belliam is... I don't know.
00:17:11
Chuku
I think Balan was one of the UK media hype, bro. That's what I think he was, man.
00:17:15
Emeka
I don't know, but I just... I put Belliam as a hype above, honestly, every other person and in the last, like, 10 years for me. Like, he's... god Jersey retired at 16. I mean, what the kind of life is that?
00:17:27
Emeka
Either way, we're splitting hairs because these all fantastic players. And I'm just saying, if Benzema can swallow his pride, these guys can too. Before move on, there's Madrista. Chukwu, any any random final thoughts?
00:17:42
Chuku
No, I think we covered it all. We can move on, man. We can move on.
00:17:46
Emeka
Yeah, you know, it's a... Normally we do the, you know, week-up random review, but I figured this... this does These two stories deserve the attention because I... And they're kind of intertwined because, you know, if... Also does get fired.
00:18:01
Emeka
I'm really curious if Liverpool are still back the manager of Slotto.
Shift to NBA Discussion
00:18:05
Emeka
Would they... Would they think, you know what? We kind of wanted him before in the past. Now he's free. Slot, I love you. He won the league, blah, blah, blah. I'm curious. I am curious. But we'll we'll see how it goes on moving forward. Like I said, of Liverpool, Madrid are still just four points back in the league. Like, they're they're doing fine. So it's all much ado about nothing. But this how it goes in the world of football.
00:18:29
Emeka
We don't want to about football here in this podcast. There's a little league called the NBA happening. And we are now roughly about... Month or so, i mean, a month and a half in. So, like, I i think we're around 25% to 30% through the season. So enough where some trends have now established. Some teams have started hot at the Bulls and my beloved Toronto Raptors. Have started to so cool off.
00:18:54
Emeka
So now we can make some, we can make some you know, some prognostications now. We can actually have some data, some sample size.
Surprise NBA Performances
00:19:01
Emeka
So I'll start you, you know. We're now... This part of the season, entering Christmas time, people usually start paying attention to the NBA around Christmas.
00:19:10
Emeka
For you know all our new listeners who haven't really been following the league so far and just kind of cashing up here and there, what are some of your biggest surprises that you weren't expecting that's happened so far this season?
00:19:22
Chino Onwuka
Apologies if you hear this on this pod and episode 41, but yeah, my surprises were, the teams that have surprised me so far are the Detroit Pistons. I expected them to be good, but not as good as they've been, even with some of the injuries that they've had.
00:19:44
Chino Onwuka
Toronto Raptors. are are a surprise in that I i did call on the predictions episode that they were a team that would, you know, be better than people expected. I didn't think that they would be as good as they as they've been so far.
00:20:01
Chino Onwuka
You know, they're in a little slide right now, but I think, i think you know, this is this is, you know, you, Emeka, you're the biggest Raps fan here.
00:20:01
Emeka
and it came with been good so far.
00:20:09
Chino Onwuka
This has been a really, really pleasing season for them. And, you know, honestly, I didn't expect... the Spurs to be at this level yet.
00:20:21
Chino Onwuka
I knew they'd be good. I figured we'd get into the playoffs, but the way they performed when Wemby was there without De'Aaron Fox and then how they performed with De'Aaron Fox there,
00:20:32
Chino Onwuka
And without Wemby, Castle has made a leap. Harper's looking good. Cornette was a shrewd signing. Harrison Barnes has found a little fountain of youth. You know, the squad's just coming together. That's been a surprise. Honestly, there's just been a lot of... This has been a topsy-turvy NBA season.
00:20:48
Chino Onwuka
Teams have risen, and you know, maybe that's just due to... the development and growth they've made in their own right, or maybe because teams have just fallen off the map. The Clippers, I mean, there's a lot of stuff going on around them in the off season and planting trees and secret payments, but
00:21:10
Chino Onwuka
I look when, and and I've, again, um'm I'm going to, you know, call these out because i don't think I've been this right on as many things in a predictions pod before, but, you know, spoke about the Raptors and, you know, we, Emeka, you asked a question about the California teams. And I think I was the only one that, you know, said the Lakers would be the best team amongst them. And you asked why. And I was like, you know, the Warriors are old and the Clippers are old. And I didn't expect the Clippers to be this bad. So that's been a bit of a surprise for me as well.
00:21:45
Emeka
You were being humble about it, so I'm just going to echo down on one point there. the The San Antonio Spurs, I thought they'd be good this year. If you told me the Spurs would miss Wembe for 12 consecutive games,
00:21:59
Emeka
And you say or under six and a half wins in those 12 games. I'm probably picking the the under on that. The Spurs are nine and three without Wemby during this stretch.
00:22:11
Emeka
I can't believe it. Like lot of things that happened this is year and, you know, surprises. The maturation of the Spurs, others, I hate to borrow a term from Shaq, but the non-Wemby guys,
00:22:23
Emeka
They look legit. They're a serious, serious team. I thought this is what they look like a year from now. I thought the Spurs would be good solely because Wambi's going to take a leap and carry them.
00:22:35
Emeka
That's not the case. This team is great. Like, great. I'm not saying good. Great. Maybe because I just saw them handle the Lakers last night and it's still pressing my mind, but...
00:22:45
Emeka
This is a real legit team. And I think this stretch without Wemby is good for them because now these players believe. Now it's not it's not just, oh, was this the Wemby team? No, no, no. we We're good. We believe in ours. Like, we have talent now. We can put up against anybody not in OKC in the league, and we're going make something happen. So big, big shout out to the the non-Wemby Spurs, you know, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper,
00:23:15
Emeka
Cornette, my goodness, Cornette. All these guys, yeah even Harrison Barnes, the OG, all these guys just far. I can go on. They just look like confident, great basketball players that are 8'9 deep.
00:23:30
Emeka
And adding a freak of nature to this team, yeah, that's that's that's that's spooky stuff right there. And you know last part, or maybe who knows if it just never comes out, I mentioned Austin Reeves just – It doesn't make sense, the numbers he's putting up.
00:23:47
Emeka
Sadly, he's hurting now, but i just want give him a quick shout-out again. like Look up Austin Reeves' numbers this year. Listeners, look up Austin Reeves' numbers this year, and remember he's undrafted.
00:23:58
Emeka
and Undrafted player, and he's averaging 29, 6, and 7. Shout-out Austin Reeves, man. So, yeah, Shuku, what are your surprises this year? And I think I can guess one of them.
00:24:10
Chuku
Well, I don't think you can guess, but I think I just got to touch on the clipper Clippers being as bad as they are. Like, i I honestly didn't think that was on the bingo board for the NBA season this year, Clippers being, like, this bad. Like, it's – yeah, it's that's a huge surprise for me. You know, teams in the East – a lot the teams in the East don't really surprise me. I mean, I guess – you know I'll give credit where credit is due.
00:24:40
Chuku
Y'all called the Raptors being a good team just you know this year, or so a team like a dark horse. And, I mean, they they've shown to be more than just a dark horse.
00:24:50
Chuku
They they they seem they look legit. They look legit. So, I mean, I'll give y'all...
00:24:54
Emeka
The timing of this part is hilarious to me. Raptors are terrible right now. We're losing a lot of games.
00:24:59
Chuku
I mean, well, the way they started the season.
00:25:00
Emeka
God damn, it's hurting me. to see all car bell but My goodness.
00:25:02
Chuku
way they started the season.
00:25:04
Emeka
and i sorry i
00:25:04
Chuku
Yeah, yeah, yeah. The way it's our season. worries. But, I mean, obviously, and i I can't talk about surprises and not talk about my team. You know, Orlando, I think, for me, one of the biggest surprises is coming to a realization that, man, we might have to look at trading one of Paolo or France, man. I don't know what it is, but, i mean, anyone that's been paying attention to Orlando, it's crazy to me how well one of our top-wing players go down.
00:25:34
Chuku
All a sudden, the rest of the team is going and clicking together. don't know what it is, but whatever it is, Desmond Bay needs to be one of the guys taking the most shots for us at this current stage that we're at. But Orlando has been... mean...
00:25:51
Chuku
i know guys were i was little bit worried start of the year but you know it took it took a little minute but these guys are starting to find their groove and you know we're putting things together so yeah know they've been a pleasant surprise you know for i imagine a lot of folks and Yeah, the Lakers, you know, I honestly thought the Lakers were going to be shit.
00:26:10
Chuku
I really did. no major acquisition per se. I mean, DeAndre Eaton, don't really read him. But the Lakers have been, you know, they found the way Austin Reeves' player has been ridiculous.
00:26:18
Chino Onwuka
When I said, leave me on that episode, y'all laughed at me look where we are now.
00:26:24
Chuku
Yeah, I hear it. I hear it, man. Like, yo, Austin Reeves, like, this brother is, I mean, have to start having conversations, man. this Is Austin Reeves a top 25 player in the league? I don't know.
00:26:34
Chuku
But, I mean, the stats, they scream.
00:26:37
Emeka
25.
00:26:38
Chuku
They scream like this.
00:26:39
Emeka
This year, asking, is he
00:26:42
Emeka
egg
00:26:49
Chuku
But yeah, i know, and also the Mavs, oh my goodness. The Mavs, I mean, to be fair, a lot of that is injuries play a big part and all that, but I still thought the Mavs had a chance to be a decent squad, a decent team this year, but...
00:27:02
Chuku
Yeah, I don't know. Not really being able to put it together. So, but yeah, no, definitely biggest surprises, you know, would definitely have to go to towards more of the, you know, the negative side of things with the Clippers and, you know, being as bad as they are, Mavs being as, you know, as bad as they are.
00:27:19
Chuku
But then i guess on positive notes, man, yeah, like, you know, Chinner has been saying, his Spurs just taking taking a a crazy step, you know, with the... with the how they're planning i i knew they were going to be I had they would be decent, but I just didn't think they would be ready at this stage to be as good as they've shown. But no, it's been a pleasant surprise. Dylan Harper has quickly turned into one of my favorite players to watch.
00:27:46
Chuku
Stephens Castle's improvement has been no very, very... well I guess surprising to see because I didn't think he would take past. I mean, know he's rookie of the year, but just didn't see his game taking a next step as you know as quickly as he's done in a year two. And man, Darren Fox, man, Darren Fox is Darren Fox. you know So it's going to be interesting seeing one. you know I believe he's scheduled to come back over the weekend, I believe.
00:28:12
Chuku
So, it's going to be very, very, no, referring to the Spurs, it's going to be a very fun team to watch over the next, you know, a couple of months here for the season. So, yeah, those are just some of the, I guess, surprises for me.
00:28:27
Emeka
I guess, you know, we've touched lot of surprises. Chinon has already graciously reminded everybody what he's been correct about in his predictions. I guess, do you have any predictions you made you want to flex about that you are either right or even but eat some humble pie?
00:28:41
Emeka
What things are you wrong about entering the year?
00:28:44
Chuku
For me?
00:28:45
Emeka
Yeah.
00:28:46
Chuku
oh Well, let's see. I'm trying to think. I mean, maybe you could help me out here with some of the takes I was making. But I mean, I remember talking, you know, a lot positive about Orlando.
00:28:57
Chuku
That's for sure. And I definitely think, you know, like I said, you know, early in the season, I wanted to say was eating humble.
00:29:05
Chino Onwuka
I think the only team you've been you've been right on is probably Houston and the Detroit Pistons. I'm
00:29:14
Chuku
I don't believe magic is mean right on magic.
00:29:17
Chino Onwuka
not going to focus on the, you said Orlando Magic, we're going to I'm pretty sure you almost said they were going to win the title. You said they were definitely going to be the ones in to come out of the East.
00:29:29
Chino Onwuka
i They've been good. They haven't been that good. And I think you almost said some. I think we have to you know pull you down from saying some something that they can take on the Thunder. That hasn't been the case. I'm glad that you've sort of admitted that you know the Paolo-France thing might be iffy fit. Somebody might have to adjust their game because I think any time...
00:29:51
Chino Onwuka
I think I'll just be, I think Emeka and I might have had those thoughts, but never even bothered bringing that up with you because we knew how you'd react. But, you know, it's it's been a year and a half of, you know, certain things going on and someone has to adapt their game and probably we'd look to you to tell us who that has to be. But I'm to help you out. The things that you did call right, definitely the Pistons and and Houston Rockets.
00:30:17
Chino Onwuka
Do you a favor there.
00:30:19
Chuku
Sure. I will add the Magical 4th in the and the and the Eastern Conference. But hey, man, look, more i mean no i mean I definitely was a believer in the Pistons, that's for sure. And Houston, I mean, you know, that Kevin Durant addition has just felt like a glove, in my opinion. Like, you know, they've been really well they've been doing really well. But what I know, Detroit, man. Detroit are legit.
00:30:42
Chuku
Like, Cade, one of my favorite players coming out. Man, this guy is a complete... When we talk about a complete point guard, Cade is that... Cade comes to my mind. You know, I want to... At least one his name... It comes to my mind. know the names I would like to say as far as, a you know, modern-day complete point guard. Six, what? I believe it was like, what? Six, seven, six, eight? Something like that. Broke him, pass the ball, shoot the ball.
00:31:09
Chuku
Direct traffic. he does He does it all, man. He does it all. So he's definitely taking his game to another level. And they've really been building a solid team around him this last couple of years. So is's not to me, he's not surprised that the they're taking off the way they have been. But yeah, the Rockets...
00:31:27
Chuku
Rock is playing a tough East, I'm sorry, tough Western Conference. And yeah, no, i mean, I just think Kevin Durant has definitely unlocked some things there with St. Grun and, you know, Almond Thompson and and those boys. So I definitely think Houston are maybe...
00:31:44
Chuku
no Because I looked to some teams making some some additions towards the second half. Rokas looked like one of those teams that could make a very interesting deal you know later on and to improve. And you know it's going to be fascinating to watch. But yeah, those are those are definitely some of the early calls i'm I guess I'm most proud of as far as early shots in the season or early calls in the season.
00:32:07
Emeka
you know, everyone's big enough to positives. I'll throw up something, Mio Copa that I got definitely wrong. I was a lot higher on the Milwaukee Bucks this year. I thought all the honest talk was noise. They've been trying to trade this guy for for three years now. Bucks are going to win in the week east.
00:32:25
Emeka
close to 50 games, and they are 11-15 now, and Giannis can come out and say he doesn't want to he's not making a trade request. When your agent is talking about your fit with other teams, you made a trade request. So, yeah, I definitely eat some humble pie on that. And a prediction I think we all had. but i remember I think I made him. I think we all had he made this.
00:32:46
Emeka
First-time All-Star Jalen Johnson from the Atlanta Hawks. I love Trey Young. i think Trey might have to put his house on Kijiji, I guess, or whatever, red faster.
00:32:59
Emeka
I think i think there's changing of the guard happening in in the Hawks. And I love Trey, man, but it might be marby Jill and Johnson's team we moving forward because that brother, if he
00:33:10
Chuku
It just might be, bro.
00:33:14
Emeka
can if vi kiss the healthy, he's taking a leap this year. And I'm happy for him a lot. He's fantastic. Hope he stays healthy and definitely should be an all-star.
00:33:21
Chuku
But guys who have been plugged in, and been knowing about Jalen Johnson.
00:33:26
Emeka
I think we all have to pick him first on All-Star. Or him in front. like I can't remember. But either way. Jalen Johnson. Star. Before wrap this podcast up, it's now become talking point in the NBA. It's early. It's so early, so who knows.
00:33:43
Emeka
But I saw a clip today, and I probably brought up with Shea. The Oklahoma City Thunder have now had the best start in a team's first 25 games in NBA history. They are 24-1.
00:33:57
Emeka
As we all know, the record for most wins in the season is 73. Sitting here today, do you think the Thunder break this record set by the Golden State
00:34:06
Chuku
right.
Oklahoma City Thunder's Impressive Start
00:34:08
Emeka
Warriors?
00:34:08
Emeka
They win 74 games this season. I'll start with you, Chino.
00:34:13
Chino Onwuka
I mean, if I had to put money on it, I would say they don't because that is such a tough feat to achieve. I mean, only what two teams have ever won 70 games. You got the the Bulls and the Warriors.
00:34:31
Emeka
Bulls did it twice. Warriors did it once.
00:34:33
Chino Onwuka
Thank you.
00:34:35
Chino Onwuka
But man, if there's any team that could do it and not just hit 70 games but break the record, it's these Thunder. They have the largest, I'm pretty sure, Micah, you probably have the stats point differential in NBA history. They've been doing this without Jalen Williams playing most of their games. you know you talked about what the Spurs have been doing. Injured Thunder have been doing.
00:34:58
Chino Onwuka
This without Jalen Williams, you know, Caruso coming, comes and goes as he please. Lou Dort, he's been injured, but you're not even, you know, its seeing the issue. Hartenstein, he's been injured, but they can take their time with him.
00:35:13
Chino Onwuka
They are just a machine. They are so good defensively.
00:35:18
Chino Onwuka
As of now, they are, they're playing the best defensive basketball in history of the NBA. They're young. They can score.
00:35:29
Chino Onwuka
If they want to do it, I think they can. Like, this team is scarily good. So, just because so many things can happen, there can be injuries, they can take their foot off the gas, you know, there can be some attrition.
00:35:43
Chino Onwuka
You know, they've had an easy schedule so far, based on the statistics, but part of the reason why they have the easiest strength of schedule is because they don't have to play themselves. So, that's it's always funny how that works, but Just, you know, because it's such a long season and anything can happen, I bet the under, but if there's any team that could do it, it's them.
00:36:04
Chino Onwuka
And I think, I know I'm contradicting myself, I think they can do it. They can break the record because they they are unreal.
00:36:15
Emeka
Triggle.
00:36:17
Chuku
Man, I'm just going straight for man. I don't know about this. Can't do that. Bro, they will, bro that's what They will break the record, man. Yo, you seen they lost one game and they didn't have their second best player for pretty much half of the season so far that has been played or a little bit more than half of the season has been played.
00:36:36
Chuku
I mean, I don't know what to tell y'all, but this OKC team is the best team we've ever seen. And they're only about to get better, bro. i just I just think they are that good at this moment in time. SGA, Shet, and goddamn J-Dubs.
00:36:51
Chuku
It's ridiculous quarter they have. And then the the role players around them... is' It's just... it's is Bro, Adam Silver, do something because this is absolutely ridiculous what OKC are doing and what they're about to pull off. And 100% believe without a shadow of a doubt, unless two of their top players get absolutely hurt,
00:37:16
Chuku
and referring to two out of three, referring to SGA, J-Dub, and Shutt, out for long-term, or long stretches. I just don't know that, I just don't think, know, a lot of teams in the league have anything for these guys because, quite frankly, OKC are just so stacked. They're just so stacked as they are. And, yeah, no, I'm definitely a believer that they're going to break that record. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
00:37:45
Chuku
Simplice.
00:37:45
Emeka
i I'm surprised someone else is joining me on this. I thought I wanted to say I'm i'm dreaming because I agree with you, Chukwu. I think they do it. Three reasons. One, has the best player in basketball. Yes, I said it, Jokic fans.
00:37:59
Emeka
Shea's the best player in basketball. i don't want to hear it otherwise. this The things he's doing as a guard don't make sense. Two, they win on defense. Defense is always going to be there.
00:38:09
Emeka
If they were blowing teams up by offense, then it's like, okay, they have a stretch where shots don't fall like that. If anything, they're actually leaving points on the table. Like, if their three-point shooting ever gets normalized, it's a wrap for the rest league.
00:38:22
Emeka
Because that's the only way you can beat them is by they miss the open shots they get. If those fall down, you're not winning them. And three... Okay, that's three and five. Three or four. Three, they have great depth. Like, if a guy goes out, anyone besides Shea, if they get hurt, they have someone off the bench who can easily replace his minutes and produce.
00:38:42
Emeka
But for me, the biggest one is that Chet has taken a leap this year. I was not high on Chet in this draft. However, I remember saying like like he has two strands of his career.
00:38:54
Emeka
Either he bums out the league in like three years because he's not healthy. But if he's healthy, I don't see a scenario where he's not a most-time all-star. And he had health concerns to start, and I hope he stays consistently healthy. But if he carries this on,
00:39:11
Emeka
he is He is the second best player on the Thunder, not J-Dub. He's his defense. He's now mature a little bit offensively. He can make some decisions. He's tossing lobs, and now he's he's punishing these smaller teams. When they put a smaller guy on him, he's punishing them.
00:39:27
Emeka
I think... The leap Chet has made, if J-Dub can come back and be J-Dub again, they have three top 25 guys with the best bench in basketball. That's a recipe to win a lot of games when you have the best defense in basketball as well.
00:39:42
Emeka
So I'm with you, bro. She's great. Also, they want to do it. Like, that's why love the Shea interview today because they asked him about it, and it's so easy for to be like, we just trying to win a championship, man. We don't care about that. He was like, but i wanted winning I want records that have to do with winning.
00:39:57
Emeka
I love that. I love that. They're young. They're hungry. Chase history. I don't get why.
00:40:02
Chuku
that's your best player saying that, bro.
00:40:02
Emeka
your birthday. you know that
00:40:07
Chuku
Your best player is saying they want to change. Like, that's the whole reason why I'm just like, yo, if this is going to be a theme all year and your best player is going for that record and they want to do it, I don't see how they don't do it, I really don't see because, like, the way you just put it so eloquently, like, feel like it's going
Chet Holmgren's Impact
00:40:29
Chuku
under the radar.
00:40:29
Chuku
Like, Chad really has made a... a next step bro this brother is bro and there's reason this was a dude i was you know talked about as possibly the number one of the world pick at that draft uh with paulo and uh jabari uh know in that in that draft i i still know like again i mean looking back and see i still believe i still take paulo i still take paulo but If it wasn't Powell, I was a believer in Chet, man. Chet is you know as one of those dudes, I guess he doesn't get talked about because enough at least because he has other federal superstar players on his team and he's playing in a stacked Western Conference that has a bunch of you know big names in the and in in the no big man position. But Chet needs to be talked about more as as a top all-around player in the league, man. He finds a way with a skinny frame to...
00:41:20
Chuku
know, be a problem in the paint. Like, as far as, you know, challenging shots, blocking shots on the other end, you know, hit you with a one-two dribble, you know, pull up, step back. Like, he's got a bag on him. Like, people need to respect Chet. Chet is definitely, I believe, yeah, I'm with you. I believe he's a top 25 player in the league, man. This guy is, he does it all. And,
00:41:42
Chuku
Yeah, no, OKC are just a scary proposition to think that they're going to possibly be able to add two, not one, but two lottery, potentially lottery picks in in a stacked draft to this already ridiculous rotation of players that they have.
00:41:58
Chuku
Man, Adam Silver, step in, do something. I don't know what to do, but this is just, this is insane, man. And all these top players we're talking about are all potential. younger than 26. It's incredible. I don't know what, the league doesn't understand or knows what's going on, but OKC about to be a problem for the next handful of years and more, the way it's going. So, yeah, I definitely, I'm with you, bro.
00:42:24
Chuku
OKC, they're going to be breaking records.
00:42:28
Emeka
Yeah, man. If you're an NBA fan who's not a fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder, root for the Clippers. I cannot stress this point enough. Root for the Clippers because when a guy said they'd get two lottery picks, they could get a top... They could get the first overall pick. They could get something scary. So, yeah. Clippers, win some games.
00:42:47
Emeka
How about that? It's a two-part episode. You know, we're but trying to wrap this up as we always do. We like to pick the game of the week. This week... We didn't talk about Man City. They had a pretty good week. You know, beating Madrid, not too bad.
00:43:02
Emeka
Man City go to London to play Crystal Palace, a rematch of the FA Cup final. Big game when it's in in the title run. I hope Crystal Palace players are well-rested from their little trip to Scotland or wherever they went to, and hope to get these guys a game.
00:43:20
Emeka
Predictions, I'll start. I am feeling... I'm feeling confident. I don't know why. Maybe I'm i'm trying of speak into existence. Give me a two two draw.
00:43:31
Emeka
I think Crystal Palace are going to make something happen. Glasnow rotated a little bit in midweek, which I i like to see. His guys a little well-rested. Palace away is always a tough game for City. Give me 2-2. I think it's going to be a good game.
00:43:45
Emeka
Chukwu, what do you have?
00:43:47
Chuku
Yo, I'm feeling the same energy, my bro. Maybe not 2-2, but I'm i'm feeling 1-1. 1-1 draw.
00:43:54
Emeka
Chino?
00:43:56
Chino Onwuka
3-1-7. one
00:43:57
Emeka
3-1-7. Hey. a Let's see that. Motivation. You know, gay, all you boys, look at look at what, man, don't believe in you. Show out. Show out. short Show out for these people, man.
00:44:10
Emeka
You probably might be right, but hey. again i just For some reason, I just believe in Crystal Palace, man. I think they're a good, solid side. We haven't really talked about them in this pod this year that much. But for all the, you know, I was concerned. They lost a lot of, they lost SA. I mean, obviously we know this.
00:44:25
Emeka
they they Their captain was throwing his toys out the pram and trying to go to Liverpool. have But last second, it got pulled out. They're fourth place right now. 26 points. Like, they're doing good for themselves, honestly. Like, just on Glasner.
00:44:39
Emeka
Like, he really is doing a good good job this year. Hey, man, just do do your boy a little solid, bro. because Do your boys a solid, man. City coming in. Handle business. That's all I'm going to say. Handle business.
00:44:51
Emeka
Anyhow, we'll be... We'll be back next week, question mark. I'm going to leave a little tease out there because it is the holiday season. Who knows? Maybe record, maybe we don't.
00:45:02
Emeka
We'll try to, though. Either way, we'll be joining you. It might be Christmas. might be New Year's, but it's going next episode. So please stay tuned to your podcast feeds. Leave a like and review and continue riding with someone's journey on the Love of the Game podcast. See you next time.