Atlantic Division NBA Over/Under Predictions & Top 25, Age 25 & Under – #6 Chet Holmgren

[00:00:13] [SPEAKER_00]: Happy Friday and welcome to the pod you know what we're doing today. We are giving you all the NBA news that you can hold onto. I am your humble host Vince. This is Front Runner Podcast Collective and we are happy that you're here.

[00:00:31] [SPEAKER_00]: Buckle up for a great show what we have on store today is we have the Atlantic Division, the wind totals overunders. We also have a series continues and we're getting close and we're getting close to our top five.

[00:00:48] [SPEAKER_00]: This is number six on our list of top 25, 25 and under players and I can't wait to talk about them. And then that will pretty much end the show. We have a lot to get to but before we get to all of that, let's get to the socials.

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[00:01:27] [SPEAKER_00]: You're going to start hearing words like that. You, the audience should contribute to the conversation. So you can do that by following us on X and asking these questions or saying hey, can we get a, is there any way we can get a Washington Wizards feature something like that or can we talk about our new toy, importantly, in Denny Obdiat, you know those.

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[00:02:46] [SPEAKER_00]: We are going to start with today and be a new. What the, what the, being said, we can go forward with this podcast our first segment today is we're going to hit the Atlantic division for the 20 24 or 20 25 season focusing on player impact key injuries, rebuilding efforts, major offseason developments.

[00:03:07] [SPEAKER_00]: And we're going to go ahead and we're going to start with the Boston Celtics. The Boston Celtics has have a projected win total of 57 and a half despite entering the season with a high projected win total, the Celtics face the challenge due to the injury that Christophe for Zingus of his ankle that will probably sideline him until early next year.

[00:03:31] [SPEAKER_00]: The teams still relies on Jason Tatum, Jellin Brown, Drew Holliday, Derek White. This is a loaded team.

[00:03:41] [SPEAKER_00]: Okay. Now key factors is how pissed off our Tatum and Brown going to be with the offseason because the basic thing what has gone on in the offseason is that you had Jason Tatum who made the team, the Olympic team and really didn't play a lot.

[00:04:01] [SPEAKER_00]: And then you had Jellin Brown just not make the team whatsoever. So is this a revenge tour for the Boston Celtics and those two guys do they have something to prove about who they are in the league and what have you. I don't know to tell you the truth, and I think I said this no, I don't think I actually said it. I think a might and I hinted at it.

[00:04:27] [SPEAKER_00]: There's nothing wrong with being like how both yo dudes beat up 25 and it just happens that they're like 13 and 18 or whatever but those guys are over competitive and then also now that you have the championship you wonder how that ignition will turn over.

[00:04:53] [SPEAKER_00]: Not saying that their desire will be less and I actually think it'll be more. I think the pressure now is off the Celtics. Now the division is tough. 57 and a half is a huge number.

[00:05:08] [SPEAKER_00]: I think you have teams like the New York Nix who tips plays all his guys and a resume to the ground. I wonder if 57 and a half, especially knowing that Philadelphia is going to be coming after you.

[00:05:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, you're going to have the Nix coming after you know when you play Toronto and you play the bottom in Brooklyn and in teams of that nature. You're there super well for lack of a better turn.

[00:05:39] [SPEAKER_00]: And so they have to be ready for that. But if you're talking about Jason Tatum and you're talking about Jayling Brown and what the indoor this off season, which to tell you true listen.

[00:05:51] [SPEAKER_00]: Jayling Brown got paid last off season, not this past one the previous and then Jason Tatum got paid this off season. These are two of the highest pay players in the league. They just are coming off a championship there shouldn't be a lot to be really upset about but if they want to go ahead and build the narrative and put the chip on their shoulder.

[00:06:13] [SPEAKER_00]: You can talk about the blatant disrespect that they received during their Olympic journey. So you can go ahead and throw that out there.

[00:06:25] [SPEAKER_00]: Now Tatum's coming off a season where he was really efficient in certain areas as far as the three point shooting has just gotten worse and worse though.

[00:06:35] [SPEAKER_00]: And that's something that needs to start to turn around this year. That's something that I'm going to look for early on in the regular season is Tatum just relying on that step back or is he actually just stepping into his shot like normal.

[00:06:52] [SPEAKER_00]: These are things to look forward to. The other person that I want shot out is a Drew holiday and Drew holiday gets talked about a lot and he gets taught a lot about like he's a glue guy and these type of things but the one thing that holidays truly is, is that he's a defensive maven.

[00:07:13] [SPEAKER_00]: He's very elite. He's a three point three defensive win shares type of guy. His playmaking will be essential to what goes on before poor Zingas gets back.

[00:07:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Now also you got Derek Lowe. You got a pretty stack roster and I think with our hoarford and I think they're going to cut down his minutes. I think with your till mid.

[00:07:40] [SPEAKER_00]: You got enough bigs on the whole you off and the winged up that you have I think they're going to be fine. This is what Zach Lowe said Boston's early season success depends on Tatum and Brown carrying the offense low while maintaining strong defense holidays versatility helps but poor Zingas absent leaves a noticeable gap.

[00:08:10] [SPEAKER_00]: They were 11 and 2 without him in the playoffs. So I'm not saying it's not a big deal but you want that guy because when he did play he was so impactful in that finals. That first game that he came out and played was absolutely amazing and it just it was the guy that was promised in New York and it was really nice to see.

[00:08:40] [SPEAKER_00]: So I hope to see him healthy towards the afternoon New year and then we'll see if we can get him ramped up and get him ready for the playoffs. Boston finished with one of the best net ratings historically we've ever seen.

[00:08:58] [SPEAKER_00]: And that was with a long period of poor Zingas being out. No one like poor Zingas just out for the playoffs he's out for a long period of time.

[00:09:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Any came back got hurt again. So Boston the 57 and a half it's interesting because it just has a tremendous confidence level in the Celtics.

[00:09:20] [SPEAKER_00]: If you're looking at what Vegas thinks of what the Celtics are their pro-hyivotive title favorites and things that nature but I do wonder will they continue to put their foot on the gas pedal throughout the regular season will it be important for

[00:09:39] [SPEAKER_00]: Jason Tatum and Jalen Brown who do play a lot of games for that team. Is it essential to get them maybe a couple less games just because of coming off the finals and things of that nature.

[00:09:54] [SPEAKER_00]: These are all things that Joe Mozilla and brass Stevens need to come up with as we start to get into training camp and get on into preseason and then into the regular season.

[00:10:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Now we're going to move on to probably the team that everybody wants to talk about is the New York next. The New York next project at wind totals is 51 and a half.

[00:10:20] [SPEAKER_00]: The next of May major roster moves adding McElg Bridges O'Gie and a novy who they ever they got him in the December 20 23 that was the quickly and RJ Barrett trait.

[00:10:35] [SPEAKER_00]: They did lose Isaiah Hartnstein to Oklahoma City, Jalen Brunson signed a massively undervalued contract to help the next and their payroll.

[00:10:49] [SPEAKER_00]: That was also big news and with the absence of Isaiah Hartnstein and some of the injury roles that plague Mitchell Robinson precious a chew of becomes a main character in this situation unless you decide to go small ball and have OGN and a novy or Randall play the five.

[00:11:17] [SPEAKER_00]: Now you could do that as well, but then you're really given up a lot of size as far as that's concerned. But who knows, but precious is true a is a name that we need to keep our eye on because that's the backup center for the next.

[00:11:34] [SPEAKER_00]: I know that this is not permanent. I know this is something that they can readily fix. But for right now as big as the NBA is starting to get in as unfortunate as we would like to admit, but Mitchell Robinson is not the most durable guy on the face of the planet.

[00:12:03] [SPEAKER_00]: This is why we talk about precious as a chew on this podcast. You're not going to get a lot of precious on a lot of other podcasts, so you're welcome New York next fans when you when people talk about going deep I'm not even bringing up Tyler Colick.

[00:12:20] [SPEAKER_00]: The kid from France dotty that you got because you know and I know that tives will not play those kids. They're going to be nice hood ornaments.

[00:12:32] [SPEAKER_00]: They might be able to go to a couple of vents in the city and be, you know, showing off for stolen whatever the kids may be. But those kids as far as playing basketball for the next.

[00:12:47] [SPEAKER_00]: We'll see even preseason a lot. We're probably not going to see them in the regular season at all.

[00:12:53] [SPEAKER_00]: One because the nicks are super super deep. Obviously when you bring in now if the team is fully formed in healthy, you have Mitchell Robinson, you have Julius Randall, you have O. Gianna Novy, you have McHell gridges and you got Jalen Brunson.

[00:13:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Now the playoff he rose from last year. Josh Hart still on this team. He's obviously not going to be playing 40 minutes like he was last year, but tives like to play his starters a lot.

[00:13:24] [SPEAKER_00]: So it's Josh going to be happy with his role. Or it is tives able to now trust Josh Hart because of the fact that he was able to play him in a playoff and we can have a more balanced rotation where tives is not overextending the starters.

[00:13:43] [SPEAKER_00]: Okay, that's a key point. Now tives has been in his league on long time. So the a leopard changing the spots.

[00:13:53] [SPEAKER_00]: Doesn't happen a lot, but if there was any point in time that it was going to happen, this seems to be the most optimal time.

[00:14:05] [SPEAKER_00]: Brunson was amazing in the playoff's last year and there's really nothing to talk about it. His heroics were just amazing. He put that team on his back as far as he could possibly take him. And then his body just gave out.

[00:14:18] [SPEAKER_00]: Really, I think having the steadiness of McKell bridges in O.G. and Anelby and the one to the wild, dynamicism of Julius Randall back in fully healthy.

[00:14:33] [SPEAKER_00]: This team is stacked. It is full. It has a lot of options. Their depth is really good. Obviously, I'm subtracting the backup center situation, but in all other phases of their team they are 100% stacked.

[00:14:53] [SPEAKER_00]: So 51 and a half, I think they can definitely go over that. I think this is a clear 55 win team if not more. So I look forward to the next really doing really well.

[00:15:06] [SPEAKER_00]: Now, the bridges in Anelby, defensive presence, bridges in Anelby give the next an elite wing defenders with bridges critiqued over the 20.2 points of game and perimeter defense. This duo enhances the New York's versatility and the ability to guard multiple positions and also lengthen the bench.

[00:15:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Because now you remember, do some McBride kind of stepped on to the scene last year and fulfill the Emmanuel quickly role.

[00:15:39] [SPEAKER_00]: And tips seem to even enjoy him even more because he actually plays some defense. The other thing that popped off obviously is we've just talked about it. The Dante, even genitals of the world in Josh Hart.

[00:15:54] [SPEAKER_00]: So now you have two guys who are in their mid 20s who can provide real solid minutes if for some reason you have an injury that comes up in the middle of the year.

[00:16:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Or also you can confidently put those guys in for 20 minutes again. They're not going to hurt you. Oh, they're going to provide steadying offense. They're going to get good shots. They're savvy. So I really like what the nicks actually have.

[00:16:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Our guy, Fred Katz, Bronson's influence on the nicks is undeniable. But the interior defense could take a hit with Hartnstein gone. A two of will need to step up significantly to keep them competitive.

[00:16:40] [SPEAKER_00]: I don't know how much we're going to see a pork precious to you. I wonder personally, I think we're going to see Randall and a chew a Randall and an Anonomi probably man that back up center role until they get a backup center. That's my thoughts on that.

[00:17:03] [SPEAKER_00]: I think you'll see questions that you are. Obviously, if somebody gets a foul trouble or if Mitchell Robertson ends up hurt. Obviously he will be that depth piece that you will break glass in case of emergency.

[00:17:17] [SPEAKER_00]: But I think what you will see is they will try to take 18 minutes from Mitchell Robertson and they will try to use those minutes as Julius Randall and OG and Anonomi.

[00:17:33] [SPEAKER_00]: And then moving McKell bridges up to the big wing position and then bringing in Josh Hart and Dota D even Chinsa. I think that's a way to go ahead and be able to keep your off and very, very potent and also keep your interior defense. So at least you're rebounding on very stout.

[00:17:53] [SPEAKER_00]: The next we're finished fifth in defense of rating 112.4 last season without Hart and Stein. They may struggle to maintain that. I don't think so. What I want to talk about is this is that obviously we didn't get to see OG and Anonomi fully right we it's the same old OG and Anonomi. Now, you the next detail.

[00:18:23] [SPEAKER_00]: Now, with McKell bridges being there. It helps lighten the load as far as if for some reason OG and Anonomi is going to be out and we can expect OG and Anonomi to miss somewhere in the realm of 18 to 25 games.

[00:18:48] [SPEAKER_00]: Because that's what he's done every year of his career. Unless this changes because he gets some sort of new file, vigor in New York City and he wants to play more.

[00:19:03] [SPEAKER_00]: We will see we will see but when he is on the court, their defense and their point of the tag defense, the half-delta their defense, the ability to be able to switch onto smaller players.

[00:19:18] [SPEAKER_00]: Multiple guys being able to do that, they're going to have a really good defense.

[00:19:26] [SPEAKER_00]: We're going to move on to the Philadelphia 76ers who also had a pretty exciting offseason if I do say so myself.

[00:19:34] [SPEAKER_00]: Of Philadelphia's outlook revolves around Joel in V in B and his MVP caliber performance and the integration of Paul George and the steady development of one Tyre's maxi will be pivotal to the success of the Philadelphia 76ers.

[00:19:58] [SPEAKER_00]: Nick Nell, Nick Ners went through last year. Obviously he knew that he didn't have the compliment of weapons that he would actually need to really contend in the east but they did young men's work what they had.

[00:20:19] [SPEAKER_00]: Now he has a just array talent. Missing you just mixing matching, you just my figure it all out. He is going to be just a complete mass scientist. Remember what he used to do up in Toronto and his A dad.

[00:20:35] [SPEAKER_00]: And B is going to be one of those guys who are just going to what he does in a regular season. Now all of the very enjoyable.

[00:20:45] [SPEAKER_00]: And I am not a great proponent of low management. This is what I'm going to say about Joel and B has been injury prone since the day he walked into the NBA.

[00:20:57] [SPEAKER_00]: And there are good whispers rumors and what have you now this podcast has been very strong on Zion Lugumson.

[00:21:05] [SPEAKER_00]: We have not been so strong on Joel and B. There are whispers out there that the continuance to beg Joel and B to finally get into peak shape has hit a fever pitch now.

[00:21:30] [SPEAKER_00]: And this would be the most optimal time to do it because let's talk about their acquisition. Paul George comes over from the Clippers obviously he is a 38% point 38 point 1% shooter from 3. He's in a lead wing. He provides defense. He also provides playmaking.

[00:21:54] [SPEAKER_00]: He provides second side initiation or he can just bring the ball up himself. Paul George is one of those guys where if the pressure is not completely on him, which is going to lead us to our next guy in a second put the one thing that I like about Paul George is that if you have somebody dominant ahead of him and maybe somebody really solid behind him.

[00:22:22] [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, this is going to be real nice. Now we're asking Paul George to slide into the number three role.

[00:22:31] [SPEAKER_00]: There's getting some consternation whether he was going to be the two or the three.

[00:22:35] [SPEAKER_00]: I think that Maxi has proven to Philadelphia fans to the management of the Philadelphia 76ers that he is that future piece that you should start going ahead and build it around.

[00:22:50] [SPEAKER_00]: And I don't think that you should take him and put him down in a tertiary role. I think he should stay in his secondary role.

[00:22:59] [SPEAKER_00]: Speaking of Maxi, his growth has been an essential part of this offense. His true shooting percentage last year was 60% under the nurse assistant.

[00:23:09] [SPEAKER_00]: He's expected to take on even more responsibility this year. Now, I don't know if he's going to be taking on more responsibility.

[00:23:18] [SPEAKER_00]: I think he's going to be taking on more responsibility. How the offense goes in the sense of he will be running it. Yes, I understand that the usage rate for Paul George is pretty high and beat has a pretty high usage rate as well.

[00:23:35] [SPEAKER_00]: I think that the nurse will try to limit their usage a little bit. Not saying we're trying to take points away from them.

[00:23:44] [SPEAKER_00]: I'm just saying allowing Maxi to be the overall point guard and then get them into their actions.

[00:23:51] [SPEAKER_00]: And we'll have you just to take some of the load off of those two guys, one, thirty-four and the other super injury prone. Keep that in mind.

[00:24:04] [SPEAKER_00]: This is what John Hollinger had to say. The six has the pieces to continue integrating George into the lineup and maximizing Maxi's growth will be crucial under the nurse.

[00:24:17] [SPEAKER_00]: Key stat for you, Philadelphia ranked fourth in that rating plus four point four last season. But the defense of rating was 112.7. That was only 13.

[00:24:29] [SPEAKER_00]: Now with George coming over and nurses defensive skin, they should improve in that area. You're going to be going who can move. So yeah, that works out. Also, Kelly Ubra Jr. played like an absolute stud last year and you kept him.

[00:24:47] [SPEAKER_00]: Caleb Martin is also over with the 76 as well. And then they drafted a dim boner and Jared McCain. And now I know that these guys are not expected to do anything this year.

[00:25:03] [SPEAKER_00]: But I wanted to give them some shy because this is the future of the 76. It's what if those guys are playing, we got some injury issue and something has arose in Philadelphia.

[00:25:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Next team on this list is the Toronto Raptors. The Toronto Raptors, projected win total, is 32 and a half. The Raptors are rebuilding after trading OGN and Novie.

[00:25:37] [SPEAKER_00]: And to the next four, Emmanuel quickly, RJ Barrett. Now Scotty Barnes will lead this young core and they will have a new head coach in Georgia, you're from Andes.

[00:25:51] [SPEAKER_00]: Keith factors to this team, obviously is the continuing development of Scotty Barnes as their point forward or what have you. He rebounded the ball better last year. He shot the ball, let it last year. He scored the ball better last year.

[00:26:09] [SPEAKER_00]: So we saw all what we wanted to see with Scotty Barnes. Now if you're expecting RJ Barrett to make this like hugely, the New York fans probably want to have a word with you.

[00:26:24] [SPEAKER_00]: There are going to be games where he looks incredible. There are going to be games where he looks at. What we're doing, Emmanuel quickly on the other hand is the guy that would need to continue to monitor.

[00:26:36] [SPEAKER_00]: That's the guy who needs to step up. He holds the key to where the Toronto Raptors are going to be this year. Are they going to be that team that kind of pushes Chicago or Atlanta in the plant?

[00:26:53] [SPEAKER_00]: Or is this team going to be really very close to that 32 and a half, maybe even lower. But it will be Emmanuel quickly his development.

[00:27:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Now they got a lot of other young players on this roster. They have a greatie dick. They have our guide Jacobi Walter as far as that's concerned.

[00:27:17] [SPEAKER_00]: Go guys who basically made their living as shooters at the collegiate level. We will see if this manifests itself at the pro level.

[00:27:32] [SPEAKER_00]: Greatie dick had an awful year last year. This could be two things. One, the physicality way different in the NBA than it is in college. Two, he didn't look strong enough.

[00:27:45] [SPEAKER_00]: I don't know if he got enough lift with his legs into his shot. Also keeping mine. The three point shot is a little bit longer than the college game.

[00:27:56] [SPEAKER_00]: But I expect that greatie dick will at least give us a real indication of who he actually is this year.

[00:28:08] [SPEAKER_00]: Now if you want to believe in the fresh start deal for RJ Barrett, you can. I'm somebody as a commentator who I look at RJ Barrett.

[00:28:21] [SPEAKER_00]: I see he's pretty good at dribbling. He's decent at shooting. He's a pretty easy okay rebounder.

[00:28:34] [SPEAKER_00]: I'll see that's what I'm saying. There's a lot of okay and pretty good. There's not anything that you are hanging your hat on as excellent.

[00:28:46] [SPEAKER_00]: I think that's the problem. I think that RJ Barrett's role will probably end up getting like a six-manic do it all type of dude on the bench.

[00:28:56] [SPEAKER_00]: And which is extremely valuable and he can end up still playing like 24 minutes and still be probably in a closing lineup. If it all works out and he really takes in to consideration what he is and what he's able to really do and maximize his abilities in the NBA will see.

[00:29:15] [SPEAKER_00]: This is what Jonathan Washington washington had to say. Toronto's rebuild hinges on the development of Barnes and Quickly and Barrett I would leave Barrett out. It's a young town to grew but it will take time for them to gel and find their consistency.

[00:29:32] [SPEAKER_00]: I don't think they don't find their consistency this year. So just not just saying personally that's my thoughts on that.

[00:29:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Again what you're looking for is you're looking for Scotty Gwans to take another leap. You're looking for the kids to play better.

[00:29:55] [SPEAKER_00]: Greatie date. Jakobi Walker is coming into the league so we'll see what he can do. We're hoping that Jay a greatie date takes a jump and what is a manual quick now being in a Jordi Fernandez system is he going to still be as aggressive looking for his shot or is he going to be a little less is he going to be able to get to that balance of distributor and shooter.

[00:30:24] [SPEAKER_00]: If really hard but we'll see a lot of grown pains there. We'll move along to the Brooklyn nets. Now their win projection is 19 and a half so if you are a Brooklyn net fan god bless you. You have some tough ones.

[00:30:44] [SPEAKER_00]: This year basically for the nets if you are a net fan you are looking at the development of no accounting to reach why you had a couple veterans on your team. I don't know how long they'll be on there but cam Johnson cam Thomas to me our guys to watch out for on this team get to know no account clown.

[00:31:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Clowny was drafted in the 23 draft he growing shot blocking potential defensive upside he's raw offensively but he has length and a motor he will be important as he grows into a larger role.

[00:31:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Now he got injured too. Why had also had an injury but for his scoring ability his ability to create offense and develop as a two way player will be he to the next future well we'll see how that all goes he's six sevens like 220 pounds. He flashed at Duke he wasn't like the main guy when he was there but he did have some gains where he was special.

[00:31:51] [SPEAKER_00]: I look forward to seeing what he can actually do this year and we'll see which they have during a finish Smith and they have cam Johnson on this team.

[00:32:02] [SPEAKER_00]: I do not expect both of those guys to be on this team but by February 7th just a thought but 19 and a half man that's a tough one. You almost hope that they can get to 19 and get to 19 get to 20 another task this year is to lose as many games as possible.

[00:32:27] [SPEAKER_00]: I think they will do a really excellent job at that. I think they got enough tank commanders to get this done. 19 and a half there are some terrible teams out here you might luck up in win some how bad are you taking.

[00:32:42] [SPEAKER_00]: What kind of roster is that you want running out mid February. You really want that number one overall pit or whatever because it's a lottery basis to many ways I don't know why we're trying to be absolute complete garbage but if cam Johnson stays a whole year and cam Thomas stays a whole year this team can win 25 games easily.

[00:33:04] [SPEAKER_00]: If for some reason that does not happen I would see this team falling apart fairly quickly and they'll challenge that 19 and half so we'll see we'll see how it all goes. It depends on when they decide to push the button on or get the best deal possible for cam Johnson.

[00:33:28] [SPEAKER_00]: They really will. And cam Johnson and cam Thomas are the two people that I'm mostly scared of being able to help them win a couple more games now all be it that like I said the lottery odds are flat now.

[00:33:46] [SPEAKER_00]: So you win 25 games if you really just say I really want to be able to say I have the best odds of four the number one overall quick if you're really about that.

[00:33:58] [SPEAKER_00]: Because it just helps you with your positioning. Then yeah I can understand that but we'll see this is what Chris Vernon had to say of the mismatch Brooklyn is all in on development clowning and white side.

[00:34:16] [SPEAKER_00]: We'll lead in the short time but the focus is clearly on the future not the immediate results 100% agree this is a tank tastic team I can't wait 19 and a half is is industrious but if the nets are able to off load a cam Johnson let's say kind of allah Toronto did with OG and the movie around Christmas.

[00:34:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Then they have a real shot at 19 and half. Couple key analytics for you the next rank 16 overall and often's rating 1313.6 last season with the focus of developing young talent their one total will likely dip as they rebuild like I said it to me it will depend on Mr.

[00:35:12] [SPEAKER_00]: Cantomans and mr. Johnson. But let me know if you think we now just so you know these are the wind totals we have not said oh this is what we did we have decided as.

[00:35:25] [SPEAKER_00]: month through eight the playoff teams are one through ten the playoff teams the plant teams and playoff teams or whatever case for me be. We will do that as we get closer and closer to the season so all this is primer up until we start seeing some.

[00:35:42] [SPEAKER_00]: Games and maybe some footage of from some media days that will stoke somewhere our fires and interest in things of that nature though what we're doing is just kind of land the groundwork for you.

[00:35:55] [SPEAKER_00]: You get you like a real a good look at some of your teams we've been doing it all through the summer we did like a pre camp series we had a bunch of teams that way we did a after free agency and trade season.

[00:36:12] [SPEAKER_00]: You know what the teams look like what should we expect other other moves we may we did all of that go back and check out the archive pause there's a reason why they're there.

[00:36:53] [SPEAKER_00]: And I think that you will find your team there and.

[00:36:54] [SPEAKER_00]: five age 25 and under.

[00:37:01] [SPEAKER_00]: Siri so this is the last guy before the top five and I'm really excited to talk about them personal.

[00:37:11] [SPEAKER_00]: I think this is going to be excellent of the other thing is this is that we're giving him.

[00:37:19] [SPEAKER_00]: Start treatment today because.

[00:37:23] [SPEAKER_00]: He really impressed us last year so without further ado number six on our list is none other than chat home green of the Oklahoma City Thunder Thunder.

[00:37:35] [SPEAKER_00]: Oh baby oh I got love for the thunder y'all know I got love for you so what up.

[00:37:43] [SPEAKER_00]: So in this segment we're going to do a D diving to chat home.

[00:37:47] [SPEAKER_00]: We're going to go back to his pre grab his pre draft scouting report and then we're going to start looking at the valuations now what people expect.

[00:37:58] [SPEAKER_00]: To see from.

[00:38:01] [SPEAKER_00]: Hungrons game this upcoming year.

[00:38:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Because remember we saw a lot last year there was a lot of sauce with our guy home green I love them.

[00:38:12] [SPEAKER_00]: He's a love this guy a lot of tenacity wasn't scared of anybody really show this last his work you see is basically.

[00:38:20] [SPEAKER_00]: So these are the pre draft profile and expectations of chat home green you selected second overall on the 2022 NBA draft after a standout season at Gonzaga University.

[00:38:33] [SPEAKER_00]: He came into league as one of the most unique prospects and recent memory due to his rare combination of height link shooting and shot blocking abilities.

[00:38:45] [SPEAKER_00]: Some of the strings that were identified pre draft elite rank protection.

[00:38:51] [SPEAKER_00]: Hungron being 76 winged swim made him and a lead shot blocker with scouts predicting he could immediately impact the NBA with his defensive prowess.

[00:39:02] [SPEAKER_00]: He averaged 3.7 blocks a game at Gonzaga clear indicator of his shot altering instincts.

[00:39:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Program under shooting.

[00:39:13] [SPEAKER_00]: Hungron shot 39% beyond the 3.8 range in college remember as a shorter 3.9.

[00:39:22] [SPEAKER_00]: He showed unique unique ability to stretch the floor his shooting touch for player his size was one of the most loaded aspects of his game.

[00:39:32] [SPEAKER_00]: Ball handling and playmaking despite the size.

[00:39:36] [SPEAKER_00]: Hungron can could handle the ball.

[00:39:38] [SPEAKER_00]: He'll end mate plays give him a point for like capabilities that set him apart from traditional gigglement.

[00:39:46] [SPEAKER_00]: What I would consider him will see it probably in the post or yeah his post draft evaluation is that he's more of a second side initiator.

[00:40:00] [SPEAKER_00]: He is a really excellent passer.

[00:40:03] [SPEAKER_00]: His vision is very good not just because he's tall but also because the fact that he does look for his cutters.

[00:40:10] [SPEAKER_00]: So I'm really like to kid with that.

[00:40:13] [SPEAKER_00]: His basketball IQ is high on both ends of the court.

[00:40:17] [SPEAKER_00]: That showed itself too last year which allows him to excel in picker role situations and defend multiple positions and make the right reads.

[00:40:28] [SPEAKER_00]: But the concern is obviously he's slender frame listed at 208 since scouts worry about his durability and ability to handle physicality.

[00:40:40] [SPEAKER_00]: We saw that last year.

[00:40:41] [SPEAKER_00]: We're going to have no worries there.

[00:40:43] [SPEAKER_00]: In the NBA especially in my step against the stronger centers like Joel and B and Nicole and Yoke.

[00:40:48] [SPEAKER_00]: Let's talk about what our guy did.

[00:40:50] [SPEAKER_00]: Especially coming off that last little piece talking about his frailty and maybe his inability to play with the big boys.

[00:41:02] [SPEAKER_00]: So he missed his obviously missed the entire work season right obviously at a foot injury that killed him out the entire work season.

[00:41:11] [SPEAKER_00]: He did it in a program.

[00:41:12] [SPEAKER_00]: So it was a tough look for our guy.

[00:41:16] [SPEAKER_00]: But 2023, 2024 season our guy came back with absolute vengeance in his heart.

[00:41:26] [SPEAKER_00]: His statistical breakdown for a chat home last year 82 games started 82.

[00:41:33] [SPEAKER_00]: He played 29.4 minutes game and the only reason he only played that was not because of the fact that he was frail.

[00:41:43] [SPEAKER_00]: Oklahoma City was really good and they were blowing out people.

[00:41:49] [SPEAKER_00]: He had a 16.5 points again.

[00:41:52] [SPEAKER_00]: He had a 7.9 rebounds again.

[00:41:55] [SPEAKER_00]: He blocked 2.3 shots again.

[00:42:00] [SPEAKER_00]: He shot the ball 53% from the field total and he shot 37% from 3.

[00:42:07] [SPEAKER_00]: He was in advance.

[00:42:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Hongren's defense arena was 108.1.

[00:42:13] [SPEAKER_00]: Ranks him among top tier shot blockers and Ramp protectors in the NBA put him in line for a all defensive team consideration.

[00:42:24] [SPEAKER_00]: Very soon.

[00:42:25] [SPEAKER_00]: There you go.

[00:42:27] [SPEAKER_00]: His effective field goal percentage was 59.2.

[00:42:30] [SPEAKER_00]: The shell cases his efficient shooting largely due to his ability to score from both.

[00:42:35] [SPEAKER_00]: Inside the paint and beyond the art.

[00:42:39] [SPEAKER_00]: We did discuss his 3.1 shooting obviously he's a good spacer.

[00:42:43] [SPEAKER_00]: Hongren's impact on LKC's system.

[00:42:46] [SPEAKER_00]: Hongren's return to line up was a game-changing situation for the thunder.

[00:42:52] [SPEAKER_00]: His ability to protect the rim has allowed shade gilges out the zander, the other and the other players to get more on defense.

[00:43:02] [SPEAKER_00]: Knowing that Hongren can clean up mistakes at the rim.

[00:43:06] [SPEAKER_00]: Offensively his 3.1 shooting stretches the defense giving KC more of more space to operate in a modern, paced,

[00:43:15] [SPEAKER_00]: paced system.

[00:43:17] [SPEAKER_00]: His development pathway and projections now.

[00:43:20] [SPEAKER_00]: Again remember the limitations they kept on talking about.

[00:43:25] [SPEAKER_00]: How small he was.

[00:43:27] [SPEAKER_00]: How frail he was.

[00:43:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Was this going to be a problem?

[00:43:33] [SPEAKER_00]: Hongren's is Hongren is on trajectory to meet and exceed his pre-draft expectations.

[00:43:40] [SPEAKER_00]: His defensive presence combined with his unique offensive skills give him a chance to become one of the least versatile big men.

[00:43:50] [SPEAKER_00]: A calm city's player development coach led by coach Mark Degnol has been instrumental in helping Hongren grow into his role as a D.

[00:44:00] [SPEAKER_00]: He's a defensive anchor and a stretch big.

[00:44:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Skitsome La Media and Scout perspectives on our guy, Chet Hongren.

[00:44:10] [SPEAKER_00]: John Thinkobony of ESPN.

[00:44:13] [SPEAKER_00]: Hongren's return has made Oklahoma City a defensive force.

[00:44:17] [SPEAKER_00]: His ability to block shots and stretch the floor make him a rare valuable commodity in today's NBA.

[00:44:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Kevin O'Connor, formerly other wringer and congratulations to Kevin O'Connor.

[00:44:33] [SPEAKER_00]: He is now what Yahoo sports.

[00:44:35] [SPEAKER_00]: He will handle there in the draft.

[00:44:38] [SPEAKER_00]: I just want to wish Kevin O'Connor just continue to success in all yellow future endeavors in my guy.

[00:44:46] [SPEAKER_00]: And I can't wait to see what you do over at Yahoo.

[00:44:49] [SPEAKER_00]: But Chet, he says this while Chet Hongren.

[00:44:53] [SPEAKER_00]: He's already exceeding expectations.

[00:44:55] [SPEAKER_00]: His shooting and his defense are better than many thought they'd be at this stage and he's only going to improve.

[00:45:05] [SPEAKER_00]: Now, his skill set is highly manicured and it's loaded.

[00:45:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Now, obviously, his advancement will still take place in the physicality and strength part of his game.

[00:45:19] [SPEAKER_00]: He's still slender.

[00:45:20] [SPEAKER_00]: Still has a slender frame.

[00:45:21] [SPEAKER_00]: He's never going to be huge.

[00:45:24] [SPEAKER_00]: Think of Kevin Durant, no Kevin Durant got stronger but he never really never looked huge or whatever.

[00:45:31] [SPEAKER_00]: But he was able to hold his own in the post and things that nature and I think that's something that maybe we will see some growth in his legs and what have people look out for like the calves and the die area and see if there's anything different about Hongren.

[00:45:47] [SPEAKER_00]: In the preseason. Okay, so this is what they're saying but he still struggles against the NBA's most physical centers developing more strength will be a key to his long term success.

[00:46:00] [SPEAKER_00]: What he has to think we got Isaiah Hardenstein now.

[00:46:04] [SPEAKER_00]: So we can play the four.

[00:46:07] [SPEAKER_00]: Yes sir.

[00:46:07] [SPEAKER_00]: So what happens now is that he can just naturally grow in. He doesn't have to. Oh, I got to get 15 20 pounds today or this year because the rigors of the playoff so whatever.

[00:46:24] [SPEAKER_00]: He can just continue to grow naturally also playing the four not as physical. He's going to play the five.

[00:46:32] [SPEAKER_00]: Obviously when Hartinstein is off the court. Usually dealing with the big of the back of big which will then put him in a better situation and it will not tax him physically as much.

[00:46:47] [SPEAKER_00]: So, but he still needs to get stronger.

[00:46:50] [SPEAKER_00]: We got some dudes at the power four because he has his exact power four position.

[00:46:56] [SPEAKER_00]: You want him running in in Janice all the time? No, it's terrible.

[00:46:59] [SPEAKER_00]: Oh, yeah. I do believe that he still needs to get bigger.

[00:47:04] [SPEAKER_00]: A post-corning.

[00:47:05] [SPEAKER_00]: Hongering it excels as a perimeter player but his post game remains underdeveloped adding more reliable post moves will give him another offensive dimension particularly against smaller defenders.

[00:47:21] [SPEAKER_00]: This is something that will come with time.

[00:47:23] [SPEAKER_00]: I think this will come with time. He'll start to use his length and his physicality as he feels more comfortable with it as well.

[00:47:33] [SPEAKER_00]: Stamina, Hongering will need to continue to adjust into the grind of a 82 game season.

[00:47:39] [SPEAKER_00]: His ability to sustain high levels of energy and production over lost stress will be critical to his future durability.

[00:47:49] [SPEAKER_00]: I don't think we really can call in the question the man's durability play 82 games.

[00:47:56] [SPEAKER_00]: I don't know how any issue and he play like his hair was on fire mostly.

[00:48:02] [SPEAKER_00]: So for me, I love what Chet Hongering did last year.

[00:48:06] [SPEAKER_00]: I think it was a right amount of physicality.

[00:48:10] [SPEAKER_00]: It was a right amount of just his confidence in his ability.

[00:48:16] [SPEAKER_00]: And I think it's just going to get better and better.

[00:48:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Chet is a worker. Chet is one of those guys who believes in himself a lot.

[00:48:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Not an overconfident or cocky way but he truly believes like I'm a put in the word and it will show.

[00:48:36] [SPEAKER_00]: He has no problem with getting some information and immediately trying to apply it on the court.

[00:48:44] [SPEAKER_00]: We talked about that type of coachability with Cooper Flag as well.

[00:48:49] [SPEAKER_00]: Mark few who was Chet Hongering's coach at Gonzaga says this about Chet.

[00:48:56] [SPEAKER_00]: He says he was one of the best players that he ever coached.

[00:49:01] [SPEAKER_00]: He said that he brought a not just a humility but he brought a just like, hey man, I'm just like you.

[00:49:10] [SPEAKER_00]: I'm a dive on the floor for this ball.

[00:49:12] [SPEAKER_00]: So if I'm diving on this floor for this ball, damn sure you're going to dive on the floor for this ball.

[00:49:20] [SPEAKER_00]: So he led by example and he expected the others to do what he was doing as well.

[00:49:29] [SPEAKER_00]: So these are things we saw all through his NBA first season last year.

[00:49:35] [SPEAKER_00]: So I can't wait to see how it all goes.

[00:49:39] [SPEAKER_00]: In conclusion, Chet Hongering has quickly silenced the critics who questioned his durability and his readiness for the NBA.

[00:49:48] [SPEAKER_00]: His rim protection is 3.0 shooting and his high basketball IQ have made him an essential part of okay-sease bright future.

[00:49:58] [SPEAKER_00]: Remember I dove the okay-sease 3 as they already had a big 3.

[00:50:04] [SPEAKER_00]: She, SGA, J-D-H-Hongering.

[00:50:09] [SPEAKER_00]: With further development particularly in his strength and post game,

[00:50:13] [SPEAKER_00]: Hongering has the potential to be not just an off-star but a transformative player for the Thunder.

[00:50:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Hongering is already exceeding the expectations of the scouts, had for him and he's proving to be a unique talent who can redefine the modern big role in the NBA.

[00:50:37] [SPEAKER_00]: His continued growth and development will be key.

[00:50:41] [SPEAKER_00]: A key storyline to watch as the Oklahoma City Thunder build towards championship contention.

[00:50:48] [SPEAKER_00]: You know, Sam Cressy has done it again.

[00:50:55] [SPEAKER_00]: Sam Cressy has a guy who he knocked it out of the park and that was the same draft as Shale Williams as well.

[00:51:07] [SPEAKER_00]: So keep that in mind.

[00:51:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Usually if you're getting like 1 out of every 3 draft picks and they turn in the subtly really good,

[00:51:17] [SPEAKER_00]: you're amazing.

[00:51:20] [SPEAKER_00]: He got 2 in 1 draft.

[00:51:26] [SPEAKER_00]: Can Sam Cressy be stopped?

[00:51:28] [SPEAKER_00]: I don't know.

[00:51:30] [SPEAKER_00]: I don't know.

[00:51:32] [SPEAKER_00]: But we are looking forward to seeing the continued development of Chet Hongering.

[00:51:38] [SPEAKER_00]: I would look to see if he put any weight on the shoulders that we the first thing I look at

[00:51:45] [SPEAKER_00]: and then I will look at the calves and see if the calves put how more weight on them.

[00:51:51] [SPEAKER_00]: And we'll see I think it doesn't matter.

[00:51:54] [SPEAKER_00]: I think the guy is so talented or whatever, but I know that that guy is a worker.

[00:51:58] [SPEAKER_00]: I know he was in the gym.

[00:51:59] [SPEAKER_00]: I know he was getting in.

[00:52:01] [SPEAKER_00]: I know he probably knows better than us what his weaknesses are and he's trying to eliminate them one by one.

[00:52:10] [SPEAKER_00]: But that being said, our podcast is over.

[00:52:15] [SPEAKER_00]: I want to thank Sirea, my producer.

[00:52:18] [SPEAKER_00]: I want to thank Bunch of Funge as well.

[00:52:21] [SPEAKER_00]: These guys are doing great work.

[00:52:22] [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much.

[00:52:24] [SPEAKER_00]: I also want to tell you that it is the weekend we have made it.

[00:52:28] [SPEAKER_00]: With that being said, cool.

[00:52:32] [SPEAKER_00]: Which group of people are we helping out today?

[00:52:34] [SPEAKER_00]: Because we always do this segment at the end and also on a feel good Friday.

[00:52:39] [SPEAKER_00]: If you exhausted your friend group, if you exhausted your family, who can you tell about front part of the little?

[00:52:49] [SPEAKER_00]: Who can you tell about front runner podcast collect?

[00:52:52] [SPEAKER_00]: So we're going to help you.

[00:52:54] [SPEAKER_00]: We are going to absolutely help you with this matter right now.

[00:53:00] [SPEAKER_00]: Let's talk about it.

[00:53:01] [SPEAKER_00]: Who can we help?

[00:53:03] [SPEAKER_00]: I know there's a big trend online.

[00:53:05] [SPEAKER_00]: We got a lot of people in discourse now.

[00:53:08] [SPEAKER_00]: We got a lot of people on the social, audio apps front runner podcast collective.

[00:53:15] [SPEAKER_00]: Sounds like a good suggestion to me.

[00:53:18] [SPEAKER_00]: Tell a friend or tell a digital friend or tell a friend over the internet.

[00:53:24] [SPEAKER_00]: We used to have aim.

[00:53:27] [SPEAKER_00]: I'm showing my age now.

[00:53:29] [SPEAKER_00]: We used to have aim.

[00:53:31] [SPEAKER_00]: But now and we used to have my space.

[00:53:33] [SPEAKER_00]: I didn't get into my space saying I didn't like that as whatever.

[00:53:37] [SPEAKER_00]: I skipped that whole deal and I went right on in.

[00:53:41] [SPEAKER_00]: It was after that like face plus whatever and that's the old people thing too.

[00:53:45] [SPEAKER_00]: Which I don't have a face book now.

[00:53:46] [SPEAKER_00]: So what else?

[00:53:48] [SPEAKER_00]: Anyway, it's yeah.

[00:53:49] [SPEAKER_00]: Tell your people on the disc court.

[00:53:52] [SPEAKER_00]: Tell your people in your Twitter spaces.

[00:53:55] [SPEAKER_00]: If you have been like some downtime in the Twitter spaces or whatever.

[00:53:59] [SPEAKER_00]: If you're having audio, little convenience in the discord.

[00:54:05] [SPEAKER_00]: Be a friend and tell the friend about front runner podcast collective.

[00:54:10] [SPEAKER_00]: So that's going to do it for the week.

[00:54:12] [SPEAKER_00]: I want to thank each and let every last one of you for tuning in and being a part of the audience.

[00:54:19] [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much.

[00:54:21] [SPEAKER_00]: Now the best part of you is you make sure that the people surrounding you are just illuminating your light.

[00:54:29] [SPEAKER_00]: Anybody who is in your hemisphere and they're detracting for your light might need to have a conversation with those people.

[00:54:38] [SPEAKER_00]: Go out there and relax this weekend.

[00:54:41] [SPEAKER_00]: Maybe do some good for somebody.

[00:54:44] [SPEAKER_00]: And then we'll see you back on this podcast on Monday.

[00:54:47] [SPEAKER_00]: Peace.