Atlantic Division Power Struggles: Celtics' Dominance & 76ers' Crisis Mode

[00:00:14] It's Monday, you know what time it is. Front Runner Podcast Collective is back on the air. I am your humble host, Vince. And today, we are going to be hitting the Atlantic Division in our Around the Arc segment.

[00:00:32] So we're going to be attacking the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Brooklyn Nets, the New York Knicks and also the Toronto Raptors. Then we'll take a tour around the league with our Baseline Buds segment. That's where we get our news and notes and what have you. And then we have a little taste of the draft for you as well.

[00:00:59] Now, with all that being said, what's on the podcast or what's on the rundown? Let's get to the socials. We told you that we are on Blue Sky. That little situation has effectively put itself into our hemisphere.

[00:01:24] We're also on X. At Front Runner PC. Also, at Raya underscore punch. FRPC. Hit us both up there. The other thing is this, is that the YouTube page, the community page is jumping off. Continue to pound the YouTube page. Pause the video.

[00:01:47] Pause on the pound. I heard it. Go ahead and attach the YouTube page and get on the community page and let your voice be heard. Also, we will be putting up videos this week as far as it's concerned.

[00:02:01] So, that's all good there. The other thing is this. We are going to have multiple shows this week where everybody else will be taking off on maybe Wednesday and Friday.

[00:02:21] We will not. You will get your pod on Wednesday and you will get your pod on Friday.

[00:02:29] So, there will be a Black Friday pod for you.

[00:02:33] And that will probably have the Southeast Division in it.

[00:02:38] And then whatever news and notes that come along with it in our baseline buzz segment.

[00:02:43] Regular schedule. Holidays are here.

[00:02:46] Yes, there will be family situations taken care of.

[00:02:50] Me and my wife, we've already got the menu set for Thanksgiving.

[00:02:56] I am the cook here, so I'll be in the kitchen throwing it down.

[00:03:01] I might put some pictures up on Blue Sky and also on Twitter.

[00:03:07] We need to get the Instagram situation going.

[00:03:10] We're going to do that. We're going to have a full array of podcasts for you throughout this week.

[00:03:18] So, do not fear. You're going to have the podcast.

[00:03:21] So, when everybody else is taking breaks, we will be here for you.

[00:03:26] Now, with that being said, let's get into some of the division overall.

[00:03:31] Let's go ahead and get into the division overview stats and advanced analytics.

[00:03:38] Remember, we're doing the Atlantic Division today.

[00:03:40] The Atlantic Division, one of the league's most competitive,

[00:03:44] has the Celtics on top of it at 14-3.

[00:03:49] Obviously, you have that juggernaut of a team.

[00:03:53] They are impressive in a lot of ways.

[00:03:57] Now, with them being 14-3, there's so much to get to with Boston.

[00:04:02] And we'll get into a lot of their stats.

[00:04:05] But the big thing is that for a team who just won a championship,

[00:04:09] you don't see a lot of championship hangover.

[00:04:13] However, these guys seem as hungry and as ready as they were last season.

[00:04:20] And also, they were the first team to beat Cleveland.

[00:04:23] They're right there.

[00:04:24] They're locked in.

[00:04:25] And Joe Mazzula is really the big part of that situation.

[00:04:29] He should be getting a lot of credit for what he does.

[00:04:33] And we will bestow some of that on him.

[00:04:36] But we have some things, Jalen Brown,

[00:04:39] that we need to talk about in a few minutes.

[00:04:42] And then, let's get to the rest of the standings for the Atlantic Division.

[00:04:50] Now, the Knicks, who have played up and down as far as maybe what was expected from them.

[00:04:58] I personally thought that this was going to be a situation where it was going to be like this.

[00:05:03] They're 9-7 right now.

[00:05:05] They won 4 out of 5.

[00:05:07] I know that was an ugly game against Utah.

[00:05:10] But we'll talk about some of the things that's going on with them.

[00:05:13] But they're going to play better.

[00:05:16] This team is up against it defensively.

[00:05:21] We will talk about that.

[00:05:23] There has been some movement on Mitchell Robinson.

[00:05:26] He might come back sooner rather than later.

[00:05:30] But I'm always on the more cautious side with that.

[00:05:35] Go ahead and get yourself fully healthy.

[00:05:38] So when you are ready to come back, you are ready to play productive in big minutes.

[00:05:44] Because they're going to need you defensively.

[00:05:47] Then we get to the Nets, who are really surprising at 7-10.

[00:05:51] Now, not surprising because of the fact that they're under .500.

[00:05:56] But they are playing really competitive ball.

[00:05:59] Jordy Fernandez really has them playing well.

[00:06:02] And then we get the Raptors, who are 4-13.

[00:06:06] And then the Sixers, who are 3-13.

[00:06:08] Now, all that being said, effective field goal percentage.

[00:06:14] Boston sits in the top 5 effective field goal percentage at 55.8.

[00:06:21] While the Raptors and the Sixers lag behind in 19th and 25th, respectively, in shooting efficiency.

[00:06:32] It shows you where these teams are heading.

[00:06:34] So, without further ado, let's get to some of the advanced stats highlights.

[00:06:45] The Boston Celtics' offensive rating is 121.1, which is 3rd in the league.

[00:06:51] While the Knicks rank 2nd at 121.9.

[00:06:55] But their defense diverged dramatically.

[00:07:00] Now, Philly's defensive rating plummets without their big guy.

[00:07:05] It is in the bottom tier at 115.4.

[00:07:10] Compared to the Celtics, 111.6.

[00:07:13] So, you can see the difference there.

[00:07:15] Now, let's highlight pace when it comes to the Nets.

[00:07:20] Now, we have some really good stats for you on Brooklyn Nets.

[00:07:24] We have a Cam Thomas update.

[00:07:26] I told you we will be monitoring Cam Thomas' shot attempts.

[00:07:32] We will be continuing to do that on this podcast today.

[00:07:37] Now, the Nets, their pace ranks last at 95.9.

[00:07:44] While the Raptors are mid-tier at 99.1.

[00:07:48] This also tells you exactly where these teams are in what they're trying to be.

[00:07:54] Now, Soraya has a really cool stat about the Knicks.

[00:08:01] Soraya, what's that stat?

[00:08:04] Bridges is the mid-range king shooting an insane 72% from mid-range.

[00:08:09] But here's the catch.

[00:08:11] He's only drawn five free throw attempts all season.

[00:08:14] But Vince, the more concerning aspect of Bridges, is his underwhelming defense so far.

[00:08:19] Without Robinson manning the back line of defense, Bridges needs to assume his Phoenix Suns form on the defensive end of the court.

[00:08:28] Too many jump shots.

[00:08:30] We'll get to them in a second.

[00:08:32] So, this is going into our Around the Arc segment where we get to talk about some of the teams in the different divisions.

[00:08:41] We told you that we will be doing this every week.

[00:08:45] And every week will be different.

[00:08:48] So, this week we are in the Eastern Conference.

[00:08:50] So, it will be the Atlantic, the Central, and the Southeast.

[00:08:55] And then next week it will be the Western Conference, where it will be the Southwest, North, and also the Pacific Division.

[00:09:06] So, every team gets touched in that situation.

[00:09:09] Let's start off with the big news of the day.

[00:09:12] The Celtics, who are rolling as well as a championship team could, got some really good news.

[00:09:23] Because a team that needs some rim protection, it looks like they're getting Christoph Porzingis back tonight.

[00:09:32] So, Christoph Porzingis looks like he will be making his debut against the Clippers tonight.

[00:09:37] And it's really a lot earlier than I thought it would be.

[00:09:44] I thought that we would not see Christoph Porzingis.

[00:09:48] I thought they were very cautious with him.

[00:09:50] What they said, the rehab has gone tremendously.

[00:09:53] This is attributed to as soon as he was injured.

[00:09:59] He did not play in any kind of Olympic qualifiers or anything like that.

[00:10:06] And he just took care of his business and just stayed basically in Boston in rehab.

[00:10:13] So, kudos to Porzingis.

[00:10:14] He's back.

[00:10:15] It makes the Celtics, who are cooking right now, just that more formidable with what they can put out on the court.

[00:10:25] Now, obviously, with him coming back, you would think that he would be on some sort of minutes restriction.

[00:10:36] Probably something close to what he mirrored in the NBA Finals, right?

[00:10:42] Where it was like they started at like 20 minutes.

[00:10:46] And then I think it increased a little bit until he got hurt.

[00:10:50] And then...

[00:10:52] Oh, I'm talking about...

[00:10:53] Yeah, yeah.

[00:10:54] He came back in the Finals and then kind of got hurt again.

[00:10:57] But if he's at 20 minutes, that's now less minutes for Al Horford.

[00:11:04] You can minimize the minutes of the other bigs that they use,

[00:11:08] Xavier Tillman and things of that nature.

[00:11:11] And also less pounding for Jason Tatum.

[00:11:15] So I like all of these things.

[00:11:17] So welcome back, Christoph Porzingis.

[00:11:21] And let's not overlook Jalen Brown's electrifying first quarter performance

[00:11:26] against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where he hit five threes in two minutes and 22 seconds.

[00:11:33] That's the kind of heat check that you dream about.

[00:11:38] Now, his shooting currently, even with that high streak,

[00:11:43] he's currently shooting 32.7% from three,

[00:11:47] which you would think would disrupt the rhythm of the Celtics.

[00:11:53] Not to Joe Mazzulla.

[00:11:55] He is putting up a lot of threes.

[00:12:01] That team is putting up a lot of threes.

[00:12:04] And that's the whole point.

[00:12:06] They want to shoot 45 plus.

[00:12:08] It's something that they tried to do last year.

[00:12:10] They fell a little bit short last year.

[00:12:13] I think now with the way it's even more ramped up this year,

[00:12:18] the continuity is there.

[00:12:19] People know where everybody wants the ball.

[00:12:23] I think you're going to see them continue to just throw threes up.

[00:12:30] Like a barrage of just enemy air fire just coming at you.

[00:12:36] I love it.

[00:12:37] I love what they're doing.

[00:12:39] I think it's an interesting coaching philosophy that Joe Mazzulla has really embraced.

[00:12:47] Because I think what Joe Mazzulla has done,

[00:12:49] he's taken the whole strategic situation of threes, right?

[00:12:56] Obviously threes more than two.

[00:12:58] But what we saw with teams that were maybe a little more less talented than maybe like a contender would be,

[00:13:10] they would take volume threes to kind of level the playing field.

[00:13:15] But if you look at what Joe Mazzulla and Boston have created,

[00:13:20] not only are you getting the volume threes,

[00:13:23] but you have everybody at a position that can handle the ball and get into the paint

[00:13:30] and then make wise decisions once they do.

[00:13:35] If you have that, it just makes your team hard to guard.

[00:13:40] And now you add Christoph Porzingis back into it.

[00:13:44] We're going to have a long season ahead of us talking about Boston's brilliance.

[00:13:51] So much fun for this Laker fan.

[00:13:53] So excited.

[00:13:54] You can tell.

[00:13:57] Let's go ahead and move on to the Brooklyn Nets.

[00:14:00] Now the Brooklyn Nets, their rebuild rests heavily on Cam Thomas.

[00:14:05] And what I mean by that, Cam Thomas taking a lot of shots.

[00:14:10] We have been monitoring this situation very closely throughout the season so far.

[00:14:16] Cam Thomas is still far ahead of everyone else on his team.

[00:14:23] He takes 17.9 shots a game.

[00:14:27] It's seven more than anybody else averaging on the team.

[00:14:33] Now here's the thing that I was not expecting.

[00:14:37] Cam Thomas' true shooting percentage is, at this point, 0.598, which is basically about 60%.

[00:14:46] His volume scoring mirrors last year's Tyrese Maxey's leap.

[00:14:52] Just comparing stats.

[00:14:55] Just doing some research.

[00:14:58] Early.

[00:14:59] But.

[00:15:02] Very similar.

[00:15:03] If you look at the analytics.

[00:15:06] Now.

[00:15:08] Brooklyn.

[00:15:09] Is having some issues because Nick Claxton is hurt.

[00:15:13] But.

[00:15:14] Know that.

[00:15:16] Any type of injury or.

[00:15:19] Any type.

[00:15:19] Somebody.

[00:15:20] Missing games and things of that nature for them.

[00:15:23] Is only just helping their cause to go ahead and tank.

[00:15:26] They're really not about this season.

[00:15:28] Now.

[00:15:29] Jordy Fernandez.

[00:15:31] Is coaching his ass off.

[00:15:33] So.

[00:15:34] They're going to have to almost.

[00:15:36] Utah Jazz this situation.

[00:15:38] He's a little too good.

[00:15:40] To have this team.

[00:15:42] So we're going to have to take a little of the talent away from him.

[00:15:45] So you're going to probably see that in the next couple months.

[00:15:48] But.

[00:15:50] But.

[00:15:50] It's good to know.

[00:15:51] That Jordy Fernandez.

[00:15:54] When the team is ready to kind of start to.

[00:15:57] Level up and contend and compete.

[00:16:00] That his coaching and his strategies.

[00:16:03] And his out of timeout.

[00:16:04] Possessions and things of that nature.

[00:16:07] Are something that.

[00:16:09] Is well.

[00:16:11] Worth.

[00:16:12] The wait.

[00:16:14] The time is coming very shortly.

[00:16:16] That Nets executive Sean Marks.

[00:16:18] Receives real offers for Finney Smith.

[00:16:20] And Cam Johnson.

[00:16:21] Seven wins before Thanksgiving.

[00:16:24] The Brooklyn Nets need to take this opportunity.

[00:16:27] To enhance the Nets chances.

[00:16:28] Of getting a talent.

[00:16:29] Such as Cooper Flagg.

[00:16:31] Or Ace Bailey.

[00:16:32] More seriously.

[00:16:33] Now the Brooklyn Nets are.

[00:16:37] Feeling the absence.

[00:16:39] Of Nick Claxton.

[00:16:41] He's out with an injury.

[00:16:42] That leaves their defense in shambles.

[00:16:45] Right now they're ranked 24th.

[00:16:47] In defensive rating.

[00:16:49] I will just say this.

[00:16:51] That again.

[00:16:53] When you're talking about.

[00:16:55] A year like this for Brooklyn.

[00:16:57] You're looking at a situation where.

[00:17:01] If he has any sort of entry.

[00:17:04] Go ahead sit out.

[00:17:05] It's not a big deal.

[00:17:07] Because.

[00:17:09] They're not really trying to win.

[00:17:10] They're not trying to be competitive.

[00:17:13] This season.

[00:17:14] Is like the inflection point.

[00:17:16] For what the.

[00:17:18] Next iteration.

[00:17:19] Of the Brooklyn.

[00:17:21] Nets is going to be.

[00:17:23] So I am.

[00:17:25] Which we have harked on before.

[00:17:27] But.

[00:17:27] I am here to say.

[00:17:29] That.

[00:17:30] I don't foresee.

[00:17:32] Cam Johnson.

[00:17:33] Being on the Nets.

[00:17:35] Through.

[00:17:36] February.

[00:17:37] Dorian Finning Smith.

[00:17:39] Is all but gone.

[00:17:41] So I think you can definitely.

[00:17:43] See those two guys gone.

[00:17:44] Now I don't know about.

[00:17:45] Really anybody else.

[00:17:47] Not to say that they don't have.

[00:17:49] Other pieces that are.

[00:17:50] Are talented.

[00:17:52] Like Dennis Schroeder.

[00:17:53] Is another.

[00:17:54] Likely candidate.

[00:17:55] Date to.

[00:17:56] Be on the trade block.

[00:17:57] As well.

[00:17:58] So.

[00:17:59] There's some pieces.

[00:18:00] That they're going to be able to move.

[00:18:01] So if you're a Brooklyn Net fan.

[00:18:04] You're just basically.

[00:18:05] Kind of.

[00:18:06] Seeing what Sean Marks.

[00:18:08] Can do.

[00:18:11] With this new.

[00:18:12] Ray.

[00:18:12] So we'll go on.

[00:18:14] And move to the Knicks.

[00:18:16] Now the Knicks.

[00:18:18] Have something.

[00:18:20] That is truly surprising.

[00:18:23] Now.

[00:18:24] We've talked about.

[00:18:24] Mikael Bridges.

[00:18:26] Mikael Bridges.

[00:18:27] And his shortcomings.

[00:18:29] With his three-point shooting.

[00:18:30] And just his struggles overall.

[00:18:33] But Soraya has a very.

[00:18:35] Interesting stat.

[00:18:36] For you.

[00:18:37] And.

[00:18:38] Soraya.

[00:18:38] Go ahead and give them.

[00:18:40] What Mikael Bridges.

[00:18:42] Stat.

[00:18:42] From the mid-range.

[00:18:43] Is.

[00:18:44] My man.

[00:18:46] Out here.

[00:18:48] Like.

[00:18:49] KD.

[00:18:50] My man out here.

[00:18:53] Giving that mid-range swag.

[00:18:55] Just full.

[00:18:56] In full effect.

[00:18:58] He doing his best.

[00:19:00] Demar DeRozan.

[00:19:01] Kobe Bryant.

[00:19:02] Impersonation.

[00:19:04] Right now.

[00:19:05] 72% is outrageous.

[00:19:08] It's absolutely outrageous.

[00:19:12] Now.

[00:19:13] The other thing.

[00:19:14] With Bridges.

[00:19:15] Is this.

[00:19:15] Is that.

[00:19:15] It looks like.

[00:19:17] Mitchell Robinson.

[00:19:18] Is closer.

[00:19:21] Closer to being back.

[00:19:22] Now.

[00:19:23] This doesn't mean.

[00:19:24] That he is.

[00:19:25] Going to be back.

[00:19:27] In the next week or so.

[00:19:28] But.

[00:19:28] I think he's closer.

[00:19:29] To being back.

[00:19:30] Than.

[00:19:31] Maybe what we had thought of.

[00:19:33] Which was January.

[00:19:35] So.

[00:19:35] There.

[00:19:36] He might be back.

[00:19:37] In sometime.

[00:19:38] In December.

[00:19:39] Which is great.

[00:19:40] Because they definitely.

[00:19:41] Could need his defense.

[00:19:43] We've talked about.

[00:19:44] The Carl Anthony Towns.

[00:19:46] As a rim protector.

[00:19:48] As a.

[00:19:50] Primary.

[00:19:50] Rim protector.

[00:19:52] And.

[00:19:52] How inefficient.

[00:19:53] He is at that.

[00:19:55] So getting Mitchell Robinson.

[00:19:56] Back will help them.

[00:19:58] The key.

[00:19:58] Is keeping.

[00:20:00] Mitchell Robinson.

[00:20:01] Healthy.

[00:20:03] Because once he comes back.

[00:20:05] Can't lose him.

[00:20:07] Because then you're in the same situation.

[00:20:09] That you've been in.

[00:20:10] So.

[00:20:11] It will be imperative.

[00:20:13] To get.

[00:20:14] Precious Achua.

[00:20:15] And also.

[00:20:16] Mitchell Robinson.

[00:20:18] Back.

[00:20:18] Now.

[00:20:19] Precious is probably closer.

[00:20:22] Than Mitchell Robinson.

[00:20:24] But.

[00:20:24] Mitchell Robinson.

[00:20:26] Is the one.

[00:20:27] That could.

[00:20:28] Really.

[00:20:29] Be added.

[00:20:30] When it comes to the defensive.

[00:20:32] Side of the ball.

[00:20:33] Precious Achua.

[00:20:34] Will give them another body.

[00:20:36] For sure.

[00:20:36] He will give them a lot of energy.

[00:20:38] He can rebound.

[00:20:40] As far as a real.

[00:20:42] Prime.

[00:20:44] Realm protector.

[00:20:46] That's not Achua's bag.

[00:20:49] Now.

[00:20:49] In the absence.

[00:20:50] Of.

[00:20:51] Mitchell Robinson.

[00:20:52] This is why the next.

[00:20:54] Defense ranks.

[00:20:55] Mitchell Robinson's absence.

[00:20:56] This is why the next rank.

[00:20:58] 28th.

[00:20:58] And free throw attempt.

[00:21:00] Rate.

[00:21:00] If.

[00:21:01] It's the return.

[00:21:03] To.

[00:21:03] Normal.

[00:21:04] For Mikel Bridges.

[00:21:05] Which we've been talking about.

[00:21:06] About his defense.

[00:21:08] Probably.

[00:21:09] That it needs to.

[00:21:11] Show.

[00:21:11] It needs to emulate.

[00:21:13] A lot more.

[00:21:13] What he looked like in Phoenix.

[00:21:15] Than what he did.

[00:21:16] In Brooklyn.

[00:21:17] He needs to get back.

[00:21:18] To that guy.

[00:21:20] But.

[00:21:21] Also.

[00:21:21] What we've told you.

[00:21:22] On this podcast.

[00:21:23] Is that.

[00:21:24] Usually guys who.

[00:21:26] Cross that.

[00:21:27] Rubicon.

[00:21:28] And move over to.

[00:21:31] Either primary scorer.

[00:21:33] Or secondary scorer.

[00:21:36] On the team.

[00:21:37] It's hard for them.

[00:21:38] To transition back to.

[00:21:41] I'm a defensive guy.

[00:21:42] First.

[00:21:43] And then.

[00:21:44] My offense.

[00:21:45] Is something that.

[00:21:46] Is additive.

[00:21:47] To the team.

[00:21:49] Usually.

[00:21:50] Once they've tasted.

[00:21:51] The.

[00:21:52] Multitudes.

[00:21:53] Of opportunities.

[00:21:54] That you usually get.

[00:21:55] When you're.

[00:21:55] When you're.

[00:21:56] First option.

[00:21:57] Or second option.

[00:21:58] Is really hard.

[00:21:59] To go back.

[00:22:00] And say.

[00:22:01] Okay.

[00:22:02] I'm gonna go to a tertiary role.

[00:22:03] Because my defense.

[00:22:05] Is so important.

[00:22:07] To this team.

[00:22:08] But that's the thing.

[00:22:09] That the Knicks.

[00:22:10] And.

[00:22:11] Tom Thibodeau.

[00:22:12] Have to convey.

[00:22:14] To.

[00:22:15] Mikkel Bridges.

[00:22:16] For this team.

[00:22:17] To get to where.

[00:22:18] They really.

[00:22:18] Ultimately.

[00:22:19] Want to go.

[00:22:21] Now.

[00:22:23] We're gonna move on.

[00:22:24] To the Toronto Raptors.

[00:22:26] Now the Raptors.

[00:22:27] Got Scotty Barnes back.

[00:22:28] Which is a bright spot.

[00:22:30] They.

[00:22:30] They need him.

[00:22:32] Obviously.

[00:22:33] You need the bodies.

[00:22:34] They've had a lot of dudes out.

[00:22:35] Like a man.

[00:22:36] Emmanuel quickly.

[00:22:37] Was out for a while.

[00:22:38] Or.

[00:22:39] Yeah.

[00:22:39] For a while.

[00:22:40] And also.

[00:22:41] RJ Barrett.

[00:22:42] Had been out for a second.

[00:22:44] So.

[00:22:44] They.

[00:22:45] Getting.

[00:22:45] Reinforcement back.

[00:22:46] Are great.

[00:22:47] Now.

[00:22:48] In their.

[00:22:50] Time away.

[00:22:51] From the court.

[00:22:52] Grady Dick.

[00:22:53] Is improving.

[00:22:55] But as.

[00:22:56] Eric Corrine.

[00:22:57] From the Athletic.

[00:22:57] Noted.

[00:22:59] His ball handling.

[00:23:00] Needs work.

[00:23:01] The Raptors.

[00:23:02] Are still.

[00:23:02] Experimenting.

[00:23:03] And while.

[00:23:03] Barnes helps.

[00:23:04] They're far.

[00:23:05] From cohesive.

[00:23:07] That's what this year.

[00:23:09] Is all about.

[00:23:10] Toronto.

[00:23:11] Is also.

[00:23:11] In that same.

[00:23:12] Situation.

[00:23:13] As Brooklyn.

[00:23:14] They're in the.

[00:23:15] Situation of.

[00:23:16] We don't care.

[00:23:17] And.

[00:23:18] Let's get.

[00:23:19] To the draft.

[00:23:21] Yes.

[00:23:22] Grady Dick.

[00:23:23] Definitely.

[00:23:24] Needs.

[00:23:25] To.

[00:23:27] Develop.

[00:23:28] His handle.

[00:23:30] Obviously.

[00:23:31] Having.

[00:23:31] Scotty Barnes.

[00:23:32] Back.

[00:23:32] Helps.

[00:23:33] That situation.

[00:23:34] Emmanuel.

[00:23:34] Quickly.

[00:23:35] Helps.

[00:23:35] That situation.

[00:23:36] As well.

[00:23:38] But.

[00:23:39] If Grady Dick.

[00:23:39] Wants to be.

[00:23:40] A.

[00:23:41] A guy.

[00:23:41] Who is.

[00:23:43] Maybe.

[00:23:44] Asked.

[00:23:44] To take.

[00:23:45] 16 to 20.

[00:23:46] Shots.

[00:23:46] A game.

[00:23:47] That ball handling.

[00:23:48] Will have to get better.

[00:23:51] Now.

[00:23:51] For the last team.

[00:23:52] And also.

[00:23:53] The last team.

[00:23:54] In the division.

[00:23:55] Which is surprising.

[00:23:56] The Philadelphia.

[00:23:57] 76ers.

[00:23:59] The 76ers.

[00:24:00] Are spiraling.

[00:24:01] They're 3 and 13.

[00:24:03] Embiid's knee issues.

[00:24:05] And team chemistry.

[00:24:07] Woes.

[00:24:08] Are glaring.

[00:24:09] Now.

[00:24:09] Embiid.

[00:24:10] Has a swollen knee.

[00:24:12] He missed the last game.

[00:24:13] We are very.

[00:24:15] Unaware.

[00:24:16] If they're going to shut him down.

[00:24:18] As.

[00:24:19] This.

[00:24:20] Recording.

[00:24:21] Is going on.

[00:24:22] We have no reports of that.

[00:24:25] As of right now.

[00:24:26] It looks like it's still day to day.

[00:24:29] I think.

[00:24:30] That.

[00:24:31] The powers that be.

[00:24:33] For the Philadelphia 76ers.

[00:24:35] Should.

[00:24:35] Maybe look into.

[00:24:37] Shutting him down.

[00:24:38] For four to six weeks.

[00:24:40] Getting him completely healthy.

[00:24:42] Hopefully.

[00:24:43] In that situation.

[00:24:44] They can.

[00:24:45] Allow him to.

[00:24:46] Work on his conditioning.

[00:24:48] So he has.

[00:24:50] The lung capacity.

[00:24:51] When he gets back.

[00:24:52] Because when he gets back.

[00:24:54] They have a.

[00:24:55] Deep hole.

[00:24:56] To dig.

[00:24:58] Now.

[00:24:59] What I want to do.

[00:25:00] Is.

[00:25:01] Throw something else out.

[00:25:03] Joel Embiid's.

[00:25:04] And Paul George's.

[00:25:05] Struggles with injuries.

[00:25:07] Would it be prudent.

[00:25:08] To think somewhat.

[00:25:09] Outside the box.

[00:25:10] If this is the season.

[00:25:12] From hell.

[00:25:14] We don't need to talk about.

[00:25:15] The team meeting.

[00:25:16] We don't need to talk about.

[00:25:17] What has gone on.

[00:25:19] We don't need to talk about.

[00:25:20] What Maxie's.

[00:25:21] Input was into it.

[00:25:23] But the one thing.

[00:25:24] I do want to say.

[00:25:25] Is this.

[00:25:25] Is that.

[00:25:26] We are.

[00:25:28] Getting very close.

[00:25:29] To Thanksgiving.

[00:25:31] And.

[00:25:32] First of all.

[00:25:33] Happy holidays.

[00:25:34] To you.

[00:25:34] And to your family.

[00:25:35] And I hope you guys.

[00:25:36] Enjoy.

[00:25:37] Thanksgiving.

[00:25:38] And enjoy the time.

[00:25:39] With your family.

[00:25:41] It's very important.

[00:25:43] But.

[00:25:44] This has me thinking.

[00:25:45] About the 76ers.

[00:25:47] You're 3 and 13.

[00:25:50] Your.

[00:25:51] Franchise center.

[00:25:53] Who.

[00:25:54] When healthy.

[00:25:55] Can score like.

[00:25:56] 35 points a game.

[00:25:58] And you bungled.

[00:26:00] This situation.

[00:26:00] From the beginning.

[00:26:02] From what.

[00:26:02] I can see.

[00:26:03] Now.

[00:26:04] There are probably.

[00:26:05] Other reports.

[00:26:06] There's other things.

[00:26:07] That are out there.

[00:26:07] That might.

[00:26:08] Be able to contradict.

[00:26:09] What I'm about to say.

[00:26:10] But this is something.

[00:26:11] That if you have.

[00:26:12] Followed this podcast.

[00:26:14] This is something.

[00:26:15] That you've heard me say.

[00:26:17] Before.

[00:26:18] I don't believe.

[00:26:20] That Joel Embiid.

[00:26:21] Should have came back.

[00:26:22] For five games.

[00:26:24] Into.

[00:26:24] Last.

[00:26:25] Or five games.

[00:26:26] Left.

[00:26:26] In the regular season.

[00:26:28] Last year.

[00:26:29] Then he.

[00:26:30] Immediately.

[00:26:31] Two games.

[00:26:32] Into that situation.

[00:26:34] His knee.

[00:26:35] Got ran.

[00:26:36] Into.

[00:26:36] By a player.

[00:26:37] There.

[00:26:37] So he went.

[00:26:38] Into the NBA.

[00:26:40] Playing.

[00:26:40] He went.

[00:26:41] Into the NBA.

[00:26:42] Playoffs.

[00:26:43] Compromised.

[00:26:45] And then he.

[00:26:46] Ended up.

[00:26:46] Playing for the.

[00:26:47] Olympic team.

[00:26:48] Whether he was.

[00:26:49] Fully healthy.

[00:26:50] At that point.

[00:26:50] Or not.

[00:26:52] I'm gonna go ahead.

[00:26:53] And say not.

[00:26:55] Just.

[00:26:56] Going off.

[00:26:57] Embiid's.

[00:26:58] Multiple.

[00:26:59] Surgeries.

[00:27:00] To the lower.

[00:27:01] To the lower.

[00:27:02] Level parts.

[00:27:03] Of his body.

[00:27:04] And then.

[00:27:05] You.

[00:27:06] We talk about.

[00:27:07] The conditioning part.

[00:27:08] We go through.

[00:27:10] All the other issues.

[00:27:11] That are going on.

[00:27:13] And this is the year.

[00:27:14] From hell.

[00:27:14] For Philadelphia.

[00:27:16] Now.

[00:27:16] I don't know when.

[00:27:19] You might want to.

[00:27:20] But I will say this.

[00:27:22] December 15th.

[00:27:23] Is coming up.

[00:27:24] And this is when the.

[00:27:26] Offseason acquisitions.

[00:27:27] Become trade eligible.

[00:27:29] At this rate.

[00:27:30] It seems.

[00:27:31] It is inevitable.

[00:27:32] With their.

[00:27:33] Offense.

[00:27:33] Rating.

[00:27:34] At 106.8.

[00:27:35] Which is.

[00:27:37] 28th.

[00:27:38] In the league.

[00:27:39] It's a clear.

[00:27:41] Signal.

[00:27:42] To me.

[00:27:43] That.

[00:27:44] If the Sixers.

[00:27:46] Wanted to.

[00:27:47] You could use this.

[00:27:49] As a gap year.

[00:27:51] And.

[00:27:52] Find yourself.

[00:27:53] In a.

[00:27:53] Really.

[00:27:55] Advantageous.

[00:27:55] Position.

[00:27:57] A la.

[00:27:58] David.

[00:27:58] Robinson.

[00:28:00] When.

[00:28:01] Tim Duncan.

[00:28:02] Was coming in.

[00:28:02] Now.

[00:28:03] I'm not saying.

[00:28:04] Necessarily.

[00:28:04] That they're taking.

[00:28:05] For.

[00:28:06] The top spot.

[00:28:08] In.

[00:28:09] The lottery.

[00:28:11] But.

[00:28:12] You're.

[00:28:13] Thank God.

[00:28:13] You're in the east.

[00:28:14] Where.

[00:28:15] There's a lot of.

[00:28:17] Woeful teams.

[00:28:18] Just a real.

[00:28:20] A bunch of suck.

[00:28:21] In this.

[00:28:22] Conference.

[00:28:24] But.

[00:28:26] The amount of wear and tear.

[00:28:28] You're going to have to put on your body.

[00:28:29] To dig yourself.

[00:28:31] To dig yourself out of this hole.

[00:28:33] And.

[00:28:34] Again.

[00:28:35] I will say this.

[00:28:36] One more time.

[00:28:38] Embiid did not play.

[00:28:40] In the last game.

[00:28:42] Due to.

[00:28:43] Knee.

[00:28:44] Swelling.

[00:28:46] Not knee soreness.

[00:28:47] But actual swelling.

[00:28:49] In the knee.

[00:28:50] If he's going to have.

[00:28:52] Swelling.

[00:28:54] You've already had two injuries.

[00:28:56] To Paul George.

[00:28:59] You're 10 games under 500.

[00:29:03] Could you think about pivoting.

[00:29:06] Because again.

[00:29:07] You can get off the Paul George money.

[00:29:10] December 15th.

[00:29:12] You get yourself.

[00:29:13] A real high draft pick.

[00:29:16] Let's say you end up in the top six.

[00:29:19] There's a lot of good pieces.

[00:29:20] In the top six.

[00:29:21] That could help you.

[00:29:22] In the long term.

[00:29:24] The other thing is this.

[00:29:27] Not only are you talking about.

[00:29:28] How many years you have left.

[00:29:30] With Embiid.

[00:29:31] At.

[00:29:32] His.

[00:29:34] Absolute peak level.

[00:29:36] You're starting to see.

[00:29:37] Diminishing returns.

[00:29:39] In the sense of.

[00:29:40] How many games is he.

[00:29:42] Actually going to be able to play.

[00:29:44] He's already stated.

[00:29:46] Now.

[00:29:46] I don't know if it was an overstatement.

[00:29:49] Or if it was something.

[00:29:50] That.

[00:29:51] It just popped in his head.

[00:29:53] And he just.

[00:29:54] Decided to say it.

[00:29:55] But.

[00:29:56] He's already said that.

[00:29:57] I'm not playing back to back games.

[00:30:00] And then he said.

[00:30:01] For the rest of my career.

[00:30:03] So if that's the case.

[00:30:06] I am also very interested.

[00:30:08] In the sorts of responses.

[00:30:10] We will get.

[00:30:11] Philadelphia Sixers fans.

[00:30:13] I really would like to know.

[00:30:15] Hit me up on Twitter.

[00:30:16] Or hit me up on Blue Sky.

[00:30:18] At Frontrunner PC.

[00:30:20] See.

[00:30:20] You can put.

[00:30:21] Both of those in the search.

[00:30:23] And you should be able to find me there.

[00:30:25] I want to know your thoughts on.

[00:30:28] Hey.

[00:30:29] Let's use this as a gap year.

[00:30:31] Let's get Jared McCain going.

[00:30:33] Let's see what we have with Yavu Selly.

[00:30:35] We'll allow Kelly Oogre Jr.

[00:30:38] To continue to work in this.

[00:30:39] This structure.

[00:30:41] And what have you.

[00:30:42] Let's see what we can get for Paul George back.

[00:30:45] You know what I'm saying?

[00:30:46] Because.

[00:30:47] Paul George.

[00:30:49] As a wing.

[00:30:50] He would get you a hefty.

[00:30:53] Bounty.

[00:30:54] Of either young players.

[00:30:56] Or picks.

[00:30:56] That then you could turn around.

[00:30:58] And use in the offseason.

[00:30:59] To restructure the team.

[00:31:00] Because.

[00:31:02] If you can somehow replace.

[00:31:04] A 34 year old Paul George.

[00:31:07] With let's say.

[00:31:08] A 28 year old.

[00:31:11] Wing.

[00:31:11] Who may be.

[00:31:12] A little less talented.

[00:31:14] But.

[00:31:15] Healthy.

[00:31:16] Plays a lot of games.

[00:31:19] Something to think about.

[00:31:21] And the one thing that I do.

[00:31:24] Respect.

[00:31:25] In Philadelphia.

[00:31:27] Is I do respect the.

[00:31:31] The prowess of Daryl Morey.

[00:31:33] Daryl Morey knows.

[00:31:35] The art of the deal.

[00:31:37] And he would be able to.

[00:31:39] Maneuver this piece.

[00:31:40] And I would.

[00:31:42] Be very comfortable.

[00:31:44] With Daryl Morey.

[00:31:45] If he decided to.

[00:31:47] Pivot.

[00:31:48] In December.

[00:31:50] Or January.

[00:31:51] And trade.

[00:31:53] Paul George.

[00:31:53] Get picks back.

[00:31:54] And then reshuffle the deck.

[00:31:56] Next year.

[00:31:56] And then try to have a.

[00:31:58] Completely healthy.

[00:31:59] Joel Embiid.

[00:32:02] And again.

[00:32:03] I understand that.

[00:32:03] What I'm talking about.

[00:32:04] Is very controversial.

[00:32:06] I'm sure there's a lot of Philadelphia.

[00:32:08] 76ers fans are going.

[00:32:10] We've gone through a process.

[00:32:12] We've gone through trying to lose.

[00:32:13] To get better draft picks.

[00:32:15] And stuff like that.

[00:32:16] Why would we want to go back.

[00:32:18] There is one distinct reason.

[00:32:20] You already know.

[00:32:22] You have a budding superstar.

[00:32:24] Or on the prefaces.

[00:32:26] Of being a superstar.

[00:32:28] Of Tyrese Maxey.

[00:32:30] You do have.

[00:32:32] Joel Embiid.

[00:32:33] If you can get him.

[00:32:34] Completely right.

[00:32:36] Throughout this year.

[00:32:37] With low managing.

[00:32:39] And really.

[00:32:40] Massaging.

[00:32:41] Extending the time off.

[00:32:42] Since you're already in this hole.

[00:32:46] As far as the 3 and 13 record.

[00:32:48] You end up with the top.

[00:32:50] 6 or 7 draft pick.

[00:32:52] In this year's draft.

[00:32:54] You could go a long way.

[00:32:56] To talking about.

[00:32:59] Extending your.

[00:33:02] Contendership window.

[00:33:04] With a.

[00:33:05] A really good.

[00:33:07] Young asset.

[00:33:08] In this particular draft.

[00:33:10] This year.

[00:33:12] It's not something that is.

[00:33:15] Conventional.

[00:33:16] It's not something that I would think.

[00:33:17] That a lot of people.

[00:33:18] Would have the stomach to do.

[00:33:20] But it is something.

[00:33:22] That I wanted to go ahead.

[00:33:23] And bring.

[00:33:24] As a.

[00:33:25] Discussion point.

[00:33:27] Philadelphia 76ers fans.

[00:33:29] Hit me up on Twitter.

[00:33:30] At Frontrunner PC.

[00:33:32] Let me know what you think.

[00:33:34] Of possibly.

[00:33:35] Taking a step back this year.

[00:33:37] Getting the big fella.

[00:33:39] Healthy.

[00:33:40] You are going down.

[00:33:42] In a blaze of misery.

[00:33:43] My friend.

[00:33:44] Be careful for what you ask for.

[00:33:46] Asking 76ers fans.

[00:33:47] To be patient.

[00:33:48] And wait another year.

[00:33:49] You brave soul.

[00:33:52] Going on a.

[00:33:53] Two year ride.

[00:33:55] Incredible.

[00:33:55] After this year.

[00:33:58] Maybe.

[00:33:58] Trading Paul George.

[00:34:00] Getting younger there.

[00:34:02] Getting younger.

[00:34:03] And then getting this draft pick.

[00:34:05] For next year.

[00:34:07] And then seeing what you have.

[00:34:08] Going forward.

[00:34:11] Again.

[00:34:12] These are just.

[00:34:14] Thoughts.

[00:34:14] This is not what I think you should do.

[00:34:17] I'm just saying.

[00:34:18] You're closer.

[00:34:19] You're getting closer and closer.

[00:34:21] To that reality.

[00:34:23] Than you are to contending right now.

[00:34:28] So we're going to move on.

[00:34:30] And we're going to move on to.

[00:34:33] The draft a little bit.

[00:34:35] And what I want to do is.

[00:34:36] I want to talk about Ace Bailey.

[00:34:38] Because he had a game where he struggled a little bit.

[00:34:41] And John Hollander had some notes.

[00:34:43] And I want to get to those.

[00:34:44] So John Hollander calls Ace Bailey.

[00:34:47] A potential.

[00:34:48] Second pick in the.

[00:34:49] Upcoming draft.

[00:34:51] His shooting mechanics.

[00:34:53] He's for.

[00:34:54] He was 4 or 10 from the field.

[00:34:56] In the game that John Hollander watched.

[00:34:58] And his defensive mobility.

[00:35:00] Is a standout feature.

[00:35:02] But his lack of aggressiveness.

[00:35:05] Near the rim.

[00:35:06] Just two free throw attempts.

[00:35:08] In 17 shots.

[00:35:10] Raises concerns.

[00:35:12] So we have a guy.

[00:35:14] Who was 6'10", 6'11".

[00:35:16] Slender build.

[00:35:18] Has a really pretty jump shot.

[00:35:20] He can create for himself.

[00:35:22] And others.

[00:35:24] But doesn't like to attack the rim.

[00:35:29] A lot of people are trying to compare him.

[00:35:32] To.

[00:35:33] What was my guy's name?

[00:35:36] Rashad Lewis.

[00:35:39] I think with.

[00:35:41] Ace.

[00:35:42] He has a little more.

[00:35:44] On ball.

[00:35:46] Juice.

[00:35:47] Than what.

[00:35:50] Rashad Lewis had.

[00:35:52] I would think that.

[00:35:54] This is a closer.

[00:35:57] Trying to think.

[00:35:58] Like a closer.

[00:35:59] Like Pascal Siakam type.

[00:36:01] More outside.

[00:36:03] Shooting ability.

[00:36:04] Basically.

[00:36:06] But.

[00:36:07] Here's the thing.

[00:36:08] The kid is.

[00:36:09] 18 years of age.

[00:36:11] He's going to have.

[00:36:12] Ups and downs.

[00:36:13] He said.

[00:36:13] He has to get used to the physicality.

[00:36:15] Of college.

[00:36:17] No.

[00:36:18] We're not even talking about pro right now.

[00:36:20] We're just talking about college.

[00:36:21] But.

[00:36:23] The talent is there.

[00:36:25] I am.

[00:36:26] Really intrigued by him.

[00:36:28] He really is the closest thing.

[00:36:30] To Cougar flag.

[00:36:31] As far as.

[00:36:32] Could this guy take over.

[00:36:34] As the number one.

[00:36:36] Overall pick.

[00:36:37] In the 2025.

[00:36:38] NBA draft.

[00:36:39] He's really the closest thing.

[00:36:40] I think.

[00:36:41] I love Dylan Harbour.

[00:36:42] I love his.

[00:36:44] Intelligence.

[00:36:45] His basketball.

[00:36:46] Just.

[00:36:46] Computing skills.

[00:36:48] And the way he's.

[00:36:49] A way.

[00:36:49] The way.

[00:36:51] That he assesses.

[00:36:52] The way the defense.

[00:36:54] Is trying to play him.

[00:36:55] In his team.

[00:36:56] I love.

[00:36:57] The way he does that.

[00:36:58] Because he really.

[00:37:01] Optimizes.

[00:37:02] The possession.

[00:37:05] At a.

[00:37:06] Really high level.

[00:37:07] For somebody so young.

[00:37:09] But I don't think he's.

[00:37:11] Necessarily.

[00:37:12] The physical freak.

[00:37:14] That Ace Bailey is.

[00:37:15] So that would make the difference there.

[00:37:18] But right now.

[00:37:20] Cougar flag.

[00:37:20] Is the odds are.

[00:37:21] Favorite.

[00:37:22] To be the number one.

[00:37:22] Overall pick.

[00:37:23] And there's nothing.

[00:37:24] I have seen.

[00:37:25] That would.

[00:37:26] Lead me.

[00:37:27] A straight.

[00:37:29] For right now.

[00:37:29] To say that.

[00:37:30] Cougar flag.

[00:37:31] Is still.

[00:37:32] The number one.

[00:37:33] Overall.

[00:37:34] Pick.

[00:37:34] Of the 2025.

[00:37:35] NBA draft.

[00:37:38] Now.

[00:37:39] We get to some.

[00:37:41] Some terrible news.

[00:37:42] Grant Williams.

[00:37:43] Of the Charlotte Hornets.

[00:37:44] According to Shams.

[00:37:46] He's going to have.

[00:37:47] Season ending.

[00:37:48] Knee surgery.

[00:37:49] He tore.

[00:37:50] Multiple ligaments.

[00:37:51] In his knee.

[00:37:52] Devastating blow.

[00:37:54] For Charlotte.

[00:37:55] Also.

[00:37:55] Devastating blow.

[00:37:56] For Grant Williams.

[00:37:58] He came over.

[00:38:00] That was the deal.

[00:38:01] Last.

[00:38:02] Trade deadline.

[00:38:04] Where.

[00:38:04] P.J.

[00:38:04] Washington.

[00:38:05] Basically.

[00:38:06] They swapped over.

[00:38:08] And P.J.

[00:38:10] Washington goes.

[00:38:10] To.

[00:38:11] The Dallas Mavericks.

[00:38:12] I think that Grant Williams.

[00:38:14] Was doing a pretty good job.

[00:38:15] In Charlotte.

[00:38:17] Helping out the young guys.

[00:38:18] Being that veteran leader.

[00:38:20] And.

[00:38:21] He was playing pretty well.

[00:38:22] For that team.

[00:38:24] Giving them good production.

[00:38:26] Off the bench.

[00:38:27] So.

[00:38:27] It's a big loss.

[00:38:28] For Charlotte.

[00:38:30] It's a big loss.

[00:38:31] To.

[00:38:32] Being able to.

[00:38:33] Show the young players.

[00:38:35] Hey.

[00:38:36] You're not seeing this right now.

[00:38:37] Let me show this to you real quick.

[00:38:40] That type of situation.

[00:38:41] I don't know who's going to be able to.

[00:38:43] Fill that role for them.

[00:38:45] But.

[00:38:46] Here's another team.

[00:38:47] That was struggling.

[00:38:49] And.

[00:38:50] This is just going to.

[00:38:51] Enable.

[00:38:52] Them.

[00:38:53] To just.

[00:38:54] Tank.

[00:38:55] And when you have a situation like this.

[00:38:57] With your team was.

[00:38:59] They weren't going to be a team.

[00:39:01] That were going to contend.

[00:39:02] Anyway.

[00:39:02] Anyway.

[00:39:02] So.

[00:39:03] When you have a.

[00:39:04] A real big loss like this.

[00:39:06] Where you needed.

[00:39:07] Everything to go right.

[00:39:09] To just get into the plan.

[00:39:12] Now.

[00:39:12] This just gives you.

[00:39:13] Every opportunity.

[00:39:14] To go ahead and say.

[00:39:15] Are there maybe some pieces.

[00:39:17] That we're not necessarily.

[00:39:19] In love with.

[00:39:22] To help this situation.

[00:39:24] Even be a little bit worse than.

[00:39:26] What it could be.

[00:39:28] You're not trading.

[00:39:29] LaMelo Ball.

[00:39:30] You're not trading.

[00:39:31] Brandon Miller.

[00:39:33] But there might be a couple pieces.

[00:39:35] That you're willing to.

[00:39:37] Move on from.

[00:39:38] Because you see.

[00:39:39] The.

[00:39:40] The talent.

[00:39:41] The array of talent.

[00:39:42] That's coming out in this draft.

[00:39:44] It's a.

[00:39:45] Big loss for Charlotte.

[00:39:46] But.

[00:39:47] If you look at the.

[00:39:49] The silver lining.

[00:39:51] Is that.

[00:39:52] If you're going to have a cure.

[00:39:53] Where you're going to.

[00:39:55] Lose somebody.

[00:39:56] That was critical.

[00:39:57] To your team.

[00:39:59] And now.

[00:40:00] Dusty is going to affect your record.

[00:40:02] This is the year to do it.

[00:40:04] Better this year than last year.

[00:40:06] Right?

[00:40:07] There is that.

[00:40:11] Now.

[00:40:12] Soraya.

[00:40:12] Has some.

[00:40:14] Other.

[00:40:15] Stats.

[00:40:15] That we need to get into.

[00:40:17] About.

[00:40:18] Giannis.

[00:40:18] Before we get into.

[00:40:20] The Milwaukee Bucks.

[00:40:22] So Soraya.

[00:40:23] Hit them with.

[00:40:24] The.

[00:40:24] The numbers that Giannis.

[00:40:26] Is putting up.

[00:40:27] Giannis has been unstoppable.

[00:40:29] Averaging 33.4 points.

[00:40:31] 10.9 rebounds.

[00:40:32] And 7.9 assists.

[00:40:34] While shooting.

[00:40:35] 60.8 percent.

[00:40:36] The Bucks have climbed to 7th.

[00:40:38] In defensive rating.

[00:40:39] During their four game win streak.

[00:40:41] For Milwaukee Bucks faithful.

[00:40:42] A sigh of relief.

[00:40:43] To see their superstar.

[00:40:45] Be this dominant.

[00:40:46] Vibes are impeccable.

[00:40:49] Those.

[00:40:50] Are.

[00:40:51] MVP.

[00:40:52] Numbers.

[00:40:54] So Soraya.

[00:40:55] Right there.

[00:40:56] Okay.

[00:40:57] And then.

[00:40:58] Here's the other thing.

[00:40:59] The Bucks have climbed to 7th.

[00:41:01] In defensive rating.

[00:41:02] During their four game winning streak.

[00:41:04] You also see that.

[00:41:07] Damian Lillard.

[00:41:09] Is playing better.

[00:41:10] They're getting something.

[00:41:11] Out of Trent Jr.

[00:41:13] Torian Prince.

[00:41:14] I will tell you.

[00:41:15] He was a.

[00:41:16] He was a ray of sunshine.

[00:41:18] For us.

[00:41:18] Now.

[00:41:18] I know that there was.

[00:41:20] Controversies.

[00:41:21] Of whether he should be in the starting lineup.

[00:41:23] With the Lakers.

[00:41:24] Last year or not.

[00:41:24] But.

[00:41:24] His contributions.

[00:41:26] To the Lakers.

[00:41:27] Whether it was in the starting lineup.

[00:41:29] Or it was off the bench.

[00:41:30] I thought he was a solid.

[00:41:32] Contributor.

[00:41:33] And.

[00:41:34] Man.

[00:41:34] Kudos.

[00:41:35] To the Bucks.

[00:41:36] Front office.

[00:41:37] Getting.

[00:41:38] A Torian Prince.

[00:41:39] You got him for relatively nothing.

[00:41:42] And.

[00:41:43] What.

[00:41:44] A good.

[00:41:45] Solid.

[00:41:47] Productive.

[00:41:47] Player.

[00:41:48] Don't have to worry about him.

[00:41:50] Bringing up Prince.

[00:41:51] Is sore subject.

[00:41:52] For Laker fans.

[00:41:53] People here in Hermosa Beach.

[00:41:55] Are muttering under their voice.

[00:41:57] About Darvin Ham's crappy rotations.

[00:41:59] And his stubbornness.

[00:42:01] Keeping Prince.

[00:42:02] In the starting lineup.

[00:42:03] For as long as Ham did.

[00:42:05] Last season.

[00:42:06] He's not going to complain.

[00:42:08] He's going to.

[00:42:10] You're going to knock down his open shot.

[00:42:12] And play defense.

[00:42:14] This is all you want.

[00:42:16] All you can ask for.

[00:42:17] And they're getting it from him.

[00:42:19] So.

[00:42:19] He definitely understands the assignment.

[00:42:21] He definitely understands.

[00:42:23] What.

[00:42:24] He needs to be doing.

[00:42:26] And collectively.

[00:42:28] Doc Rivers is.

[00:42:29] You know.

[00:42:30] We said early.

[00:42:32] That we.

[00:42:33] Were not worried about.

[00:42:36] Them.

[00:42:37] We were not worried about.

[00:42:38] What was going to happen.

[00:42:40] Giannis is too good.

[00:42:41] Dame is too good.

[00:42:42] We still would like to see.

[00:42:44] More pick and roll.

[00:42:46] With Dame.

[00:42:47] And Giannis.

[00:42:48] Which we still aren't seeing.

[00:42:49] What.

[00:42:50] The talent is there.

[00:42:52] And they're starting to play up to it.

[00:42:54] And they're getting closer and closer.

[00:42:55] To the 500.

[00:42:56] Good on Giannis.

[00:42:57] Being an MVP candidate.

[00:42:59] Good on Giannis.

[00:43:00] Basically dragging his team.

[00:43:02] To mediocrity.

[00:43:04] At this point.

[00:43:05] But.

[00:43:07] It's only looking up.

[00:43:08] For the Milwaukee Bucks.

[00:43:09] But.

[00:43:10] His.

[00:43:11] Will.

[00:43:12] Will.

[00:43:13] And here's the.

[00:43:14] The best part.

[00:43:15] About Giannis.

[00:43:16] Right now.

[00:43:17] He's not selling.

[00:43:18] For.

[00:43:19] Any jump shots.

[00:43:21] He is.

[00:43:22] In the paint.

[00:43:23] All the time.

[00:43:25] He's getting fouled.

[00:43:27] He's going to the free throw line.

[00:43:29] He is putting pressure.

[00:43:31] On the defense.

[00:43:33] Constantly.

[00:43:35] Just constant.

[00:43:37] Pressure.

[00:43:38] To the rim.

[00:43:39] I'm attacking the rim.

[00:43:40] If I get the ball in my hands.

[00:43:42] And I got.

[00:43:43] And I get.

[00:43:44] A head of steam.

[00:43:46] I'm going to the rim.

[00:43:48] My team needs this for me.

[00:43:51] And I will be relentless.

[00:43:53] In attacking the rim.

[00:43:55] So good on Giannis.

[00:43:57] Good on.

[00:43:58] His whole situation.

[00:44:00] So we're going to hit a couple other things.

[00:44:03] Before we get up out of here.

[00:44:04] We had a.

[00:44:05] Question.

[00:44:06] On our email.

[00:44:07] So we want to go ahead.

[00:44:08] And shout that out.

[00:44:10] Real quick.

[00:44:11] If you want to drop us a line.

[00:44:13] And you don't want to hit us up on Twitter.

[00:44:15] You can.

[00:44:17] Hit my email up.

[00:44:19] It's a.

[00:44:19] At frontrunnerpc.

[00:44:21] At gmail.com.

[00:44:23] And you can go ahead.

[00:44:24] And ask a question like this.

[00:44:26] So this comes from.

[00:44:27] Percival 42.

[00:44:28] He says.

[00:44:30] Do you think Bridges.

[00:44:31] Do you think Bridges struggles this year.

[00:44:33] Were worth.

[00:44:34] The picks.

[00:44:36] That.

[00:44:37] The Knicks gave up.

[00:44:40] Wow.

[00:44:41] They gave up a lot of picks.

[00:44:43] I understood.

[00:44:45] What they were trying to do.

[00:44:48] I'm always.

[00:44:50] Going to.

[00:44:51] Try.

[00:44:51] Especially when you.

[00:44:53] Give up that many picks.

[00:44:54] And we can talk about.

[00:44:56] Whether.

[00:44:56] Those picks.

[00:44:57] Are going to end up in the mid to late 20s.

[00:44:59] Or whatever the case may be.

[00:45:01] They're most likely are going to do that.

[00:45:03] But.

[00:45:04] When I give up.

[00:45:05] Those amount of picks.

[00:45:06] I think I want something a little more.

[00:45:09] Than what I got.

[00:45:10] Not.

[00:45:11] But here's the thing.

[00:45:13] If you look at Kat.

[00:45:15] And look at what you gave up.

[00:45:17] To get him.

[00:45:18] It's kind of like.

[00:45:19] In the NFL draft.

[00:45:20] Sometimes.

[00:45:21] You'll see teams.

[00:45:22] They'll draft.

[00:45:23] Like a running back.

[00:45:24] In the first round.

[00:45:25] And then they'll draft.

[00:45:26] A left tackle.

[00:45:27] In the second round.

[00:45:29] The.

[00:45:30] Positional value.

[00:45:31] Will tell you.

[00:45:31] That you should have draft.

[00:45:33] The.

[00:45:33] Left tackle.

[00:45:34] In the first round.

[00:45:35] And then the running back.

[00:45:37] In the second round.

[00:45:38] But.

[00:45:39] Doesn't matter.

[00:45:40] How you get it.

[00:45:41] Is that you get it.

[00:45:43] It is always someone.

[00:45:45] Complaining about the dreaded draft value.

[00:45:47] You are right.

[00:45:49] It really should not matter.

[00:45:50] In the least.

[00:45:51] If a player is drafted.

[00:45:52] Higher or lower.

[00:45:53] If the team I am rooting for.

[00:45:55] Gets the desired result.

[00:45:56] I am in.

[00:45:57] Period.

[00:45:59] I would.

[00:46:01] Rather them.

[00:46:02] Have gotten somebody.

[00:46:03] A little bit better.

[00:46:04] With the picks.

[00:46:05] That they gave up.

[00:46:06] From Mikel Gridges.

[00:46:07] But.

[00:46:07] In a sense.

[00:46:08] What you gave up.

[00:46:09] For.

[00:46:10] Cat.

[00:46:11] Who is a big.

[00:46:13] Who can shoot.

[00:46:15] Threes at 40%.

[00:46:17] At a high volume.

[00:46:19] Technically.

[00:46:20] Splitting the baby there.

[00:46:21] Right.

[00:46:22] So.

[00:46:23] I think honestly.

[00:46:24] If it worked out.

[00:46:25] In the end.

[00:46:25] If you can just.

[00:46:27] Get a big.

[00:46:28] That can stay healthy.

[00:46:29] So cat.

[00:46:30] Is not your primary.

[00:46:32] Rim protector.

[00:46:33] I think the next.

[00:46:34] Will be so much.

[00:46:35] Better off.

[00:46:36] But.

[00:46:36] We'll see how it all works.

[00:46:38] Thank you for the question.

[00:46:39] We really appreciate it.

[00:46:40] So much.

[00:46:42] Soraya.

[00:46:42] Thank you.

[00:46:43] For getting the question.

[00:46:44] For us.

[00:46:45] So.

[00:46:46] That wraps up.

[00:46:47] What we're doing today.

[00:46:48] I want to thank.

[00:46:49] Soraya.

[00:46:50] For helping us out.

[00:46:51] Thanks Vince.

[00:46:52] And happy Thanksgiving.

[00:46:54] To our cool hoops audience.

[00:46:56] Remember.

[00:46:57] We are still giving you.

[00:46:58] Three podcasts this week.

[00:46:59] So take us with you.

[00:47:00] When you are.

[00:47:01] Black Friday.

[00:47:02] Slash holiday shopping.

[00:47:04] I also want to.

[00:47:05] Thank.

[00:47:07] Some.

[00:47:08] Of.

[00:47:08] The guys.

[00:47:09] On the athletic.

[00:47:10] I want to thank.

[00:47:12] Jay King.

[00:47:13] I want to thank.

[00:47:14] Johan.

[00:47:15] Buha.

[00:47:16] I want to thank.

[00:47:17] John Hollinger.

[00:47:19] For.

[00:47:19] Writing.

[00:47:20] Interesting pieces.

[00:47:21] That then we can go ahead.

[00:47:22] And talk about.

[00:47:23] Now remember this.

[00:47:25] Remember our Twitter.

[00:47:27] At front runner PC.

[00:47:29] Also hit our producer up.

[00:47:31] At reya.

[00:47:32] Underscore.

[00:47:33] Funch.

[00:47:34] FRPC.

[00:47:35] Make sure that you are.

[00:47:37] Putting in questions.

[00:47:39] Suggestions.

[00:47:40] To make the show better.

[00:47:42] Maybe your question.

[00:47:43] Will end up.

[00:47:44] On the podcast.

[00:47:45] That's how it works.

[00:47:47] You contact me.

[00:47:48] I look at the question.

[00:47:50] I go damn.

[00:47:51] That's a good question.

[00:47:52] We're going to put that on the pod.

[00:47:55] Pretty damn simple.

[00:47:56] Again.

[00:47:57] I want to reiterate.

[00:47:59] Wednesday.

[00:48:00] We will have a pod.

[00:48:02] Friday.

[00:48:03] We will have a pod.

[00:48:06] So you will not be.

[00:48:09] Screwed.

[00:48:09] Because of the holiday weekend.

[00:48:11] We are making adjustments.

[00:48:13] And we are making sure.

[00:48:14] That you will get your three pods.

[00:48:16] This week.

[00:48:17] On time.

[00:48:18] On target.

[00:48:19] So.

[00:48:20] With that being said.

[00:48:21] I like to thank.

[00:48:22] Soraya.

[00:48:23] For all.

[00:48:23] What she does.

[00:48:25] Behind the scenes.

[00:48:25] And what she does.

[00:48:26] On the mic.

[00:48:27] Thank you.

[00:48:28] Soraya.

[00:48:28] Soraya.

[00:48:29] And then.

[00:48:30] The last thing is this.

[00:48:33] The best part of you.

[00:48:34] Is you.

[00:48:36] Remember.

[00:48:37] To have the people.

[00:48:38] In your life.

[00:48:39] Brighten your light.

[00:48:41] So then.

[00:48:42] Your light.

[00:48:43] Can then.

[00:48:43] Go ahead.

[00:48:44] Do some good in the world.

[00:48:46] And we'll see you back.

[00:48:47] On this feed.

[00:48:48] On Wednesday.

[00:48:49] Deuce.

[00:48:49] To have the people.