Is Rob Pelinka the Savior or Saboteur of the Lakers’ Future?

[00:00:19] It's Friday, you know what time it is. Front Runner Podcast Collective is back on the air. I am your humble host, Vince.

[00:00:27] And today we have a really big show. We're going to break down some of the Southeastern teams, what they're doing, how it's all working out.

[00:00:39] We have a spectacular dunk by DeAndre Hunter that we want to talk about. We also are going to get into some of the things that are just going on around the league.

[00:00:51] Because there seems to be a lot of them. But before that, we do have something that we are going to break down first.

[00:01:00] But before we get there, let's get to the socials real quick. You are going to go on X or you are going to go on Blue Sky.

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[00:01:21] You know, it's beautiful pink, blue, little logo that I created in my mind.

[00:01:29] And then somebody else who has real talent created it tangibly.

[00:01:37] Then you go to Blue Sky. Do the same exact thing.

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[00:02:14] The next thing and the last thing.

[00:02:18] But probably the most important thing.

[00:02:22] Be a friend and tell a friend.

[00:02:24] The movement is still here.

[00:02:28] It is still continuing.

[00:02:32] It is gaining momentum again, which is great.

[00:02:37] We're getting all new listeners from like crazy places like Molly.

[00:02:45] Of all places.

[00:02:47] But join the revolution.

[00:02:49] Be a part of the conversation and jump on those socials because we want to hear from you.

[00:02:56] And it also gives you almost like creative license to give some indications of what you want to hear on the show as well.

[00:03:05] Please go ahead and do.

[00:03:07] Now, usually we start off with we're going to go around the art or baseline buzz.

[00:03:16] But today we're going to do something a little bit different.

[00:03:20] Something that I've been sitting on for about two weeks now.

[00:03:26] And I wanted to make sure that I gave it enough time.

[00:03:31] I also wanted to make sure that it got a chance to breathe and I wanted to collect my thoughts on it.

[00:03:40] And what drove me to this actual, if you want to call it a monologue, was the fact that Dennis Schroeder got traded to the Golden State Warriors.

[00:03:52] I will cut in here and give our listeners a peek behind the scenes here.

[00:03:56] This thought, these WPR deeds have been two weeks in the making.

[00:04:00] As a proud 40 plus year Laker fan.

[00:04:07] I think I had just seen about enough.

[00:04:11] And what I'm talking about is that we're going to go ahead and we're going to dissect Rob Palenka in his tenure.

[00:04:19] With the Los Angeles Lakers today.

[00:04:23] And the reason for this is because of the fact that we are on the prefaces of moves being made.

[00:04:32] December 15th was the signal that the free agents that signed in the offseason can start moving around.

[00:04:41] So moves are likely to be made.

[00:04:45] Especially in Brooklyn.

[00:04:47] Where they are hot to get off some people.

[00:04:51] They just did it with Dennis Schroeder.

[00:04:53] They're looking to offload Dorian Finney-Smith.

[00:04:57] And also Cam Johnson.

[00:05:00] Because they need to start tanking in a real way.

[00:05:04] Their coach is way too good.

[00:05:06] But we digress back into this.

[00:05:11] Now.

[00:05:12] The reason why I want to do this now.

[00:05:15] Is because.

[00:05:17] I have a fundamental question.

[00:05:19] For all Laker fans out there.

[00:05:22] And that fundamental question is this.

[00:05:24] Are you sure you want Rob Palenka doing this bidding?

[00:05:30] Now I understand that we don't really have a choice.

[00:05:35] But.

[00:05:36] If we had a connection into Jeannie Buss.

[00:05:40] It's like a direct line.

[00:05:45] Would you.

[00:05:46] Want.

[00:05:47] Rob Palenka.

[00:05:49] And we're going to.

[00:05:50] Dissect his career a little bit.

[00:05:53] In a second.

[00:05:54] But.

[00:05:55] The fundamental question is.

[00:05:56] Do you want him to.

[00:05:57] Basically craft the next iteration of the Lakers.

[00:06:00] Or a.

[00:06:01] Or a pseudo contender.

[00:06:03] For.

[00:06:04] This iteration of the Lakers.

[00:06:06] Or whatever it is that he is trying to craft.

[00:06:09] But.

[00:06:10] First and foremost.

[00:06:11] Let's.

[00:06:11] We're going to start.

[00:06:12] With the Westbrook trade.

[00:06:15] Now.

[00:06:16] There's a lot of conversation.

[00:06:17] Who pulled that trigger.

[00:06:19] There's a lot of conversation.

[00:06:20] Did players.

[00:06:23] Have.

[00:06:24] Direct involvement.

[00:06:25] With that recruitment.

[00:06:27] There are.

[00:06:29] Speculations.

[00:06:30] On.

[00:06:31] Guarantees.

[00:06:31] That it was going to work.

[00:06:33] From.

[00:06:33] Some players.

[00:06:34] And things of that nature.

[00:06:36] But.

[00:06:36] At the end of the day.

[00:06:37] Rob Palenka's job.

[00:06:39] As the.

[00:06:40] Executive.

[00:06:41] Of the Los Angeles Lakers.

[00:06:43] And basically.

[00:06:44] If you want to think about it this way.

[00:06:46] I have always thought.

[00:06:48] Of a.

[00:06:50] Of a.

[00:06:51] Franchise.

[00:06:52] As a caretaker.

[00:06:53] As somebody.

[00:06:54] Who is going to.

[00:06:56] Meticulously.

[00:06:58] Craft.

[00:06:59] This.

[00:07:00] Organism.

[00:07:01] That is.

[00:07:02] Always changing now.

[00:07:04] In the National Basketball Association.

[00:07:07] But.

[00:07:08] You're building a standard.

[00:07:10] Of play.

[00:07:11] You're building a culture.

[00:07:12] Culture.

[00:07:13] Of play.

[00:07:15] How.

[00:07:16] You see it in different.

[00:07:18] Walks of sports.

[00:07:19] The Patriots way.

[00:07:21] There seems to be.

[00:07:23] Obviously.

[00:07:23] We talk about it in the NBA.

[00:07:25] Heat culture.

[00:07:26] Rob Palenka.

[00:07:28] Has been in charge of the Lakers.

[00:07:30] And we're going to go through.

[00:07:31] Some of his moves.

[00:07:33] And we'll start with the Westbrook move.

[00:07:35] Now.

[00:07:35] The one thing that I want to say about that.

[00:07:38] Is that.

[00:07:39] What you'll start to see.

[00:07:40] And.

[00:07:41] As we start going down the list.

[00:07:42] Is here.

[00:07:43] Is you're going to start to see a lot of moves.

[00:07:45] Driven by urgency.

[00:07:47] Instead of strategy.

[00:07:49] And I think the Westbrook trade was.

[00:07:51] Really the first one.

[00:07:53] It wasn't the first one.

[00:07:54] But it was.

[00:07:55] The first.

[00:07:56] Salvo.

[00:07:57] Where we were going.

[00:07:59] With Rob Palenka.

[00:08:00] So.

[00:08:01] I want to also.

[00:08:03] Harken you back to a time.

[00:08:04] When this went down.

[00:08:06] Remember.

[00:08:07] Remember.

[00:08:08] The tenor of the NBA.

[00:08:10] We still had.

[00:08:11] What we thought was Golden State.

[00:08:14] We had other teams on the rise.

[00:08:16] But Brooklyn popped up.

[00:08:19] Remember.

[00:08:20] This is not Brooklyn now.

[00:08:22] This is Brooklyn with KD.

[00:08:24] And Kyrie.

[00:08:26] And James Harden.

[00:08:28] As Palenka is starting to look at the terrain.

[00:08:31] In the NBA.

[00:08:33] Now he's coming off a title.

[00:08:35] Right.

[00:08:35] He's won a title.

[00:08:37] He is looking at it.

[00:08:39] And going.

[00:08:40] We got to create.

[00:08:41] Our own big three.

[00:08:42] We need to have somebody.

[00:08:45] With juice.

[00:08:46] When our.

[00:08:47] Aging superstar.

[00:08:48] Which is LeBron James.

[00:08:50] And our often injured superstar.

[00:08:52] Which is Anthony Davis.

[00:08:54] Who has.

[00:08:55] Absolutely.

[00:08:56] Turned that around.

[00:08:57] So.

[00:08:57] There will be no.

[00:08:58] A.D. slander.

[00:09:00] On this podcast.

[00:09:01] We love you A.D.

[00:09:03] Thank you for.

[00:09:04] Grabbing all those rebounds.

[00:09:05] Last night.

[00:09:06] Thank you for.

[00:09:07] Going up.

[00:09:10] Really.

[00:09:11] Playing.

[00:09:12] Tough.

[00:09:12] Basketball.

[00:09:13] Last night.

[00:09:14] Against Demantis Sabanis.

[00:09:15] I appreciated that.

[00:09:17] Now.

[00:09:18] Back to Palenka.

[00:09:20] So he creates.

[00:09:21] He wants to create this big three.

[00:09:23] Because he is.

[00:09:25] Just scared.

[00:09:26] Of this arms race.

[00:09:28] Even after he has won a title.

[00:09:30] So.

[00:09:30] You're not seeing.

[00:09:32] Somebody very comfortable.

[00:09:34] In.

[00:09:35] What he had already.

[00:09:36] Built.

[00:09:37] And.

[00:09:38] He was.

[00:09:39] Not really.

[00:09:40] Thinking that.

[00:09:42] This team.

[00:09:43] Had legs.

[00:09:45] Now.

[00:09:46] With time.

[00:09:47] Obviously.

[00:09:48] We have.

[00:09:50] Grown to know.

[00:09:51] That.

[00:09:51] The archetype.

[00:09:52] That he built then.

[00:09:53] Was probably.

[00:09:55] The archetype.

[00:09:56] That we see.

[00:09:56] Nowadays.

[00:09:57] In the NBA.

[00:09:58] A lot of.

[00:09:59] A lot of depth.

[00:10:00] A lot of.

[00:10:00] A lot of.

[00:10:01] A lot of.

[00:10:01] A lot of.

[00:10:03] A lot of.

[00:10:03] A lot of.

[00:10:04] People who.

[00:10:05] Had.

[00:10:06] Attentionality.

[00:10:06] On defense.

[00:10:07] And also.

[00:10:08] Can move the ball.

[00:10:09] On offense.

[00:10:10] A lot of.

[00:10:12] With that.

[00:10:13] Being the backdrop.

[00:10:14] He does.

[00:10:15] The Westbrook trade.

[00:10:17] Now.

[00:10:18] Westbrook style.

[00:10:19] Never complimented.

[00:10:20] LeBron.

[00:10:21] And or.

[00:10:22] AD.

[00:10:23] Now.

[00:10:23] For context.

[00:10:25] Their pace.

[00:10:25] Slowed to.

[00:10:27] 97.6.

[00:10:28] In.

[00:10:29] 2022.

[00:10:31] Which was.

[00:10:31] The.

[00:10:32] In the bottom.

[00:10:32] 10.

[00:10:33] Of the league.

[00:10:34] Because Westbrook.

[00:10:35] Couldn't thrive.

[00:10:36] Without the ball.

[00:10:37] In his hands.

[00:10:39] You knew that.

[00:10:40] When you were getting them.

[00:10:41] Westbrook has always.

[00:10:42] Been a mercurial guy.

[00:10:44] And how it ended.

[00:10:44] Was foreseen.

[00:10:46] Westbrook fit as a Laker.

[00:10:47] Was bad from the jump.

[00:10:49] And you have one of the.

[00:10:50] Smartest players in the world.

[00:10:52] Thoughts V.

[00:10:52] Okay.

[00:10:53] Here's the other thing.

[00:10:54] With that.

[00:10:56] LeBron.

[00:10:57] Is.

[00:10:58] Basically.

[00:10:59] A supercomputer.

[00:11:00] He can dissect.

[00:11:02] An offense.

[00:11:02] Or defense.

[00:11:04] And.

[00:11:05] He can move.

[00:11:06] The chess pieces around.

[00:11:08] He.

[00:11:09] Unfortunately.

[00:11:10] At this age.

[00:11:12] It's going to be hard.

[00:11:13] For him.

[00:11:14] To do it.

[00:11:14] Every single night.

[00:11:16] Or.

[00:11:17] Even.

[00:11:18] If you said.

[00:11:19] You were playing.

[00:11:20] Three games.

[00:11:20] In a week.

[00:11:21] Week.

[00:11:21] He's probably.

[00:11:22] Not going to be.

[00:11:23] Give you that effort.

[00:11:25] He'll probably.

[00:11:26] Be able to pump it up.

[00:11:27] Once a week.

[00:11:28] At this point.

[00:11:30] Now.

[00:11:31] Will there be.

[00:11:31] Spurts of defense.

[00:11:33] Will.

[00:11:34] There be spurts.

[00:11:35] Of brilliance.

[00:11:36] 100%.

[00:11:37] LeBron.

[00:11:38] Knows how to pace himself.

[00:11:39] He's one of the.

[00:11:40] Smartest players.

[00:11:41] In the league.

[00:11:43] And.

[00:11:44] Given.

[00:11:45] The right.

[00:11:47] Cast of characters.

[00:11:48] Around him.

[00:11:49] I do believe.

[00:11:50] That LeBron.

[00:11:51] Could be very successful.

[00:11:53] And he would also be.

[00:11:54] Very formidable.

[00:11:56] In a playoff setting.

[00:11:58] Now.

[00:11:58] Getting back to.

[00:11:58] 2022.

[00:12:00] They're in the bottom.

[00:12:01] They're in the bottom.

[00:12:02] Ten of the league.

[00:12:03] Because Westbrook.

[00:12:04] Needs the ball.

[00:12:05] You got LeBron James.

[00:12:07] On your team.

[00:12:09] You should have known.

[00:12:10] Right.

[00:12:10] Before you.

[00:12:11] This.

[00:12:12] Right.

[00:12:13] Here.

[00:12:13] Should have told you.

[00:12:14] This trade.

[00:12:16] Should not have gone down.

[00:12:18] Somebody.

[00:12:19] In.

[00:12:20] Palenka's brain.

[00:12:21] There should have been like a NASA center.

[00:12:23] And it should have been like.

[00:12:24] We need to abort this mission.

[00:12:26] Right now.

[00:12:27] We need to hit the red button.

[00:12:29] And not allow this to go down.

[00:12:31] But.

[00:12:32] It went down.

[00:12:33] Now.

[00:12:34] As.

[00:12:35] We go on.

[00:12:37] Westbrook.

[00:12:37] Assist to turnover ratio.

[00:12:39] Dropped to 1.6.

[00:12:40] Which was.

[00:12:41] Was the lowest in a decade.

[00:12:42] While the Lakers bench.

[00:12:44] Efficiency plummeted.

[00:12:48] It was.

[00:12:49] Just.

[00:12:49] A shit show.

[00:12:51] And.

[00:12:53] There wasn't.

[00:12:54] Any way.

[00:12:55] To get around it.

[00:12:57] Everybody.

[00:12:58] Was miserable.

[00:12:59] You had.

[00:13:00] Westbrook.

[00:13:01] Coming into the building.

[00:13:02] Every day.

[00:13:03] Threatening people.

[00:13:04] Whether he was.

[00:13:05] Going to get traded or not.

[00:13:07] And.

[00:13:08] Challenging people.

[00:13:09] And stuff like that.

[00:13:10] You just had people.

[00:13:12] Just.

[00:13:12] The vibe was.

[00:13:14] Terrible.

[00:13:16] It's on.

[00:13:17] Palenka's watch.

[00:13:18] Now.

[00:13:20] He goes out.

[00:13:21] Makes the trade.

[00:13:23] That you have to make.

[00:13:24] He ripped the bandaid off.

[00:13:25] Got.

[00:13:26] D'Angelo Russell.

[00:13:27] Got.

[00:13:28] Jared Vanderbilt.

[00:13:29] A couple other pieces.

[00:13:31] To go along.

[00:13:33] Had.

[00:13:33] Dennis Schroeder.

[00:13:34] Had.

[00:13:35] Dennis Schroeder.

[00:13:35] Twice.

[00:13:36] Let him go.

[00:13:39] Okay.

[00:13:40] Now.

[00:13:41] Alex Caruso.

[00:13:42] Which has been a bone of contention.

[00:13:44] In Los Angeles.

[00:13:45] For many a year.

[00:13:47] Oh.

[00:13:48] You know what the Lakers need?

[00:13:49] They need a guard.

[00:13:50] Who can.

[00:13:52] Put.

[00:13:52] Defensive ball pressure on.

[00:13:54] They need a guard.

[00:13:55] That has some.

[00:13:57] Connectivity.

[00:13:58] That can just.

[00:13:58] Move the ball around.

[00:13:59] And.

[00:14:00] Be able to hit an open shot.

[00:14:01] From time to time.

[00:14:03] Who does that sound like?

[00:14:06] Sound like.

[00:14:07] Alex Caruso.

[00:14:08] He was also in the building.

[00:14:09] He got let go.

[00:14:12] Budgetary.

[00:14:13] Constraints.

[00:14:14] Now.

[00:14:15] For my podcast listeners.

[00:14:17] I'm doing the air quotes.

[00:14:19] But I think this is going to end up on YouTube.

[00:14:21] Pay close attention.

[00:14:23] Now.

[00:14:24] I want a couple.

[00:14:25] I want to talk about a couple other misses too.

[00:14:29] And the one missing.

[00:14:30] I'm really upset about.

[00:14:32] Right now.

[00:14:33] Because the Lakers are out here.

[00:14:35] And.

[00:14:35] The word on the street is.

[00:14:37] Is that the Lakers are looking for.

[00:14:39] Three things.

[00:14:40] Now.

[00:14:41] They have a.

[00:14:42] Priority list of these things.

[00:14:43] But basically.

[00:14:44] In no certain order.

[00:14:46] They want.

[00:14:48] Ball pressure.

[00:14:49] Now.

[00:14:50] I want you to remember.

[00:14:51] What.

[00:14:52] That.

[00:14:52] I just said that.

[00:14:53] They also want.

[00:14:54] A center.

[00:14:58] A little rugged.

[00:14:59] And rebound.

[00:15:00] For his position.

[00:15:02] Okay.

[00:15:02] I think that would be a.

[00:15:04] Adequate situation.

[00:15:05] To go ahead.

[00:15:06] And a fruitful.

[00:15:08] Venture.

[00:15:09] To go after.

[00:15:10] Now.

[00:15:11] The other thing.

[00:15:12] That they are looking for.

[00:15:13] Is they're looking for.

[00:15:15] Athletic wing.

[00:15:17] Primarily.

[00:15:18] Because of the fact.

[00:15:18] That LeBron.

[00:15:19] Is.

[00:15:20] Almost 40 years old.

[00:15:22] So.

[00:15:22] December 29th.

[00:15:23] He turns 40.

[00:15:25] You need somebody.

[00:15:26] Who is going to chase.

[00:15:27] Some of these.

[00:15:28] Athletic wings.

[00:15:29] Around the court.

[00:15:31] You currently.

[00:15:32] Don't have it.

[00:15:33] For my money.

[00:15:35] A lot of young talent.

[00:15:36] Was let go.

[00:15:37] Due to not navigating.

[00:15:38] The salary cap.

[00:15:39] As well as other.

[00:15:39] Franchises have.

[00:15:41] Or just not considering.

[00:15:42] Them because of Rob's.

[00:15:44] Thirst for stars.

[00:15:45] Now Russell and Rui.

[00:15:46] Get the brunt of the blame.

[00:15:48] When things are going wrong.

[00:15:50] Remember.

[00:15:50] Until traded.

[00:15:51] Their production.

[00:15:52] Is critical to the success.

[00:15:53] Of the Lakers.

[00:15:54] Any more thoughts on Rui?

[00:15:56] Rui.

[00:15:57] Now.

[00:15:58] Rui Hachimura.

[00:15:59] Is playing that.

[00:16:00] Which he is.

[00:16:01] Out of position.

[00:16:02] Because he is a power forward.

[00:16:05] The problems.

[00:16:06] Is that LeBron.

[00:16:07] Has aged himself.

[00:16:09] Into a power forward.

[00:16:11] Situation.

[00:16:11] And I think.

[00:16:13] We're three years.

[00:16:14] Too late.

[00:16:15] Understanding.

[00:16:16] What he is.

[00:16:18] Is that the job.

[00:16:19] Of Rob Palenka.

[00:16:20] We'll get back.

[00:16:21] To that momentarily.

[00:16:23] Remember.

[00:16:24] Remember what I talked about.

[00:16:25] With ball pressure.

[00:16:28] I want you to go look.

[00:16:30] On basketball reference.

[00:16:32] Right now.

[00:16:33] I want you to go to team.

[00:16:35] When you go to team.

[00:16:37] I want you to go.

[00:16:38] To the Memphis Grizzlies.

[00:16:39] And when you get.

[00:16:40] To the Memphis Grizzlies.

[00:16:42] You're going to see.

[00:16:43] That the record.

[00:16:43] It's going to be awesome.

[00:16:45] And you're going to be.

[00:16:46] Sour.

[00:16:46] As a Laker fan.

[00:16:48] Then what I want you to do.

[00:16:49] Is.

[00:16:50] As you scroll down.

[00:16:51] There's a part.

[00:16:52] Where it says.

[00:16:53] Roster.

[00:16:54] And in that roster.

[00:16:56] There's a gentleman.

[00:16:58] By the name of.

[00:16:59] Scotty Pippen Jr.

[00:17:00] Now I bring his name up.

[00:17:02] Because.

[00:17:03] He's having an outstanding year.

[00:17:05] For the Memphis Grizzlies.

[00:17:06] Kudos to Scotty Pippen Jr.

[00:17:08] For having.

[00:17:09] A most excellent year.

[00:17:11] And also.

[00:17:12] I commend you.

[00:17:14] On valuing.

[00:17:15] The basketball.

[00:17:16] His assist to turnover ratio.

[00:17:18] Is outstanding.

[00:17:20] Now.

[00:17:20] The reason why I bring up.

[00:17:22] Scotty Pippen Jr.

[00:17:23] Is because.

[00:17:25] He is a former Laker.

[00:17:27] He was.

[00:17:28] In South Bay.

[00:17:30] Just playing on the G League.

[00:17:32] Just doing his thing.

[00:17:34] Every once in a while.

[00:17:35] He get a cup of coffee.

[00:17:37] With the big team.

[00:17:38] Play.

[00:17:39] Then.

[00:17:40] Be jettisoning back off.

[00:17:41] To the G League.

[00:17:43] Now.

[00:17:44] Ball pressure you say.

[00:17:46] Who gives good ball pressure.

[00:17:49] Scottie Pippen Jr.

[00:17:51] Gives good ball pressure.

[00:17:54] You said that you wanted a big.

[00:17:57] Now.

[00:17:57] What a valuable big is.

[00:17:59] Now.

[00:17:59] In this league.

[00:18:01] A big that can space the floor.

[00:18:04] Guess what.

[00:18:06] Let's go to that same roster.

[00:18:08] That I was just talking about.

[00:18:11] In the Memphis Grizzlies.

[00:18:13] Because.

[00:18:13] It's astonishing.

[00:18:15] They also have.

[00:18:18] Jay Huff.

[00:18:19] Now.

[00:18:20] If you're a Laker fan.

[00:18:22] You're probably going.

[00:18:24] Man.

[00:18:24] That name sounds very familiar.

[00:18:27] Well it is.

[00:18:28] Because he was also.

[00:18:30] On the Lakers G League team.

[00:18:32] What is Jay Huff doing.

[00:18:34] This year.

[00:18:35] Go ahead and click his.

[00:18:37] His little bio.

[00:18:38] Go ahead and click that link.

[00:18:40] And look up what he's shooting from three.

[00:18:44] Above 40%.

[00:18:46] Floor spacer.

[00:18:47] Six foot ten.

[00:18:49] Rebounds decently.

[00:18:51] Do you think he would be better than.

[00:18:54] Christian Coloco.

[00:18:55] No shade.

[00:18:56] Christian.

[00:18:57] I know you coming back from injury.

[00:18:59] And stuff like that.

[00:19:00] Don't worry.

[00:19:01] I think you're a good.

[00:19:03] Rim protector.

[00:19:04] And all of that.

[00:19:06] But.

[00:19:06] Here's the other thing.

[00:19:08] You've gone through Jackson Hayes.

[00:19:10] And.

[00:19:11] Christian Wood.

[00:19:13] And what have you.

[00:19:14] And you had.

[00:19:14] Jay Huff.

[00:19:15] In the building.

[00:19:17] He was there.

[00:19:19] So you can add.

[00:19:20] Jay Huff.

[00:19:21] And Scotty Picken Jr.

[00:19:23] To.

[00:19:24] Alex Caruso.

[00:19:26] Kyle Kuzma.

[00:19:28] Because remember.

[00:19:29] Kyle Kuzma.

[00:19:30] Was part of what.

[00:19:31] The Russell Westbrook trade.

[00:19:34] Yes kids.

[00:19:36] Yes.

[00:19:36] Yes.

[00:19:38] Now.

[00:19:39] As we go on.

[00:19:40] And as we.

[00:19:41] Clear up that.

[00:19:43] And we start to move on.

[00:19:44] What is going on this year.

[00:19:46] What are we doing.

[00:19:48] Now.

[00:19:48] Let's go back to the offseason.

[00:19:51] Actually.

[00:19:52] Let's go back.

[00:19:53] Before the offseason.

[00:19:55] Around draft time.

[00:19:57] And Rob Palenka stated.

[00:19:59] At that.

[00:19:59] Specific time.

[00:20:01] He said.

[00:20:01] We are going to be very aggressive.

[00:20:04] With our picks.

[00:20:04] To.

[00:20:05] To.

[00:20:06] To.

[00:20:06] Farm up this team.

[00:20:07] And make it a contender.

[00:20:09] In the Western Conference.

[00:20:12] We saw what happened.

[00:20:14] With Denver.

[00:20:15] And we cannot let that stand.

[00:20:18] Okay.

[00:20:20] Now.

[00:20:21] Free agency hits.

[00:20:23] Of tampering.

[00:20:24] Can happen.

[00:20:26] And you start to see names.

[00:20:28] Come off the board.

[00:20:30] Names that can help the Lakers.

[00:20:33] Names.

[00:20:34] That are going for like.

[00:20:36] Really cheap prices.

[00:20:37] At this point.

[00:20:39] Go look what Torian Prince signed for.

[00:20:41] In Milwaukee.

[00:20:42] Go look what.

[00:20:44] Gary Trent Jr.

[00:20:46] Signed for.

[00:20:46] In Milwaukee.

[00:20:48] What did Chris Dunn sign for.

[00:20:51] For the Clippers.

[00:20:53] That's got to hurt.

[00:20:55] That one's got to hurt.

[00:20:57] Now.

[00:20:58] All of this.

[00:21:00] On Rob Palenka's watch.

[00:21:02] All of this.

[00:21:04] No activity.

[00:21:06] During the offseason.

[00:21:08] Now we roll into the season.

[00:21:10] The Lakers are 14 and 12.

[00:21:12] Okay.

[00:21:13] The West is deep.

[00:21:15] The West is strong.

[00:21:16] And the West is competitive.

[00:21:18] Teams that were hurt last year.

[00:21:20] Are now ascending.

[00:21:22] Oh.

[00:21:22] The Memphis Grizzlies.

[00:21:24] With the two Laker.

[00:21:25] South Bay Lakers on their team.

[00:21:27] Then you also have the OKC Thunder.

[00:21:31] Who are just basically dominating the West.

[00:21:34] They have Alex Caruso.

[00:21:36] On their team.

[00:21:38] Then you also have.

[00:21:40] Teams that are also ascending.

[00:21:43] Like the Houston Rockets.

[00:21:45] Who are playing their ass off right now.

[00:21:47] And playing inspired ball.

[00:21:49] And guess what.

[00:21:50] They have an identity.

[00:21:52] They have a culture.

[00:21:53] And they have a mandate.

[00:21:55] To play defense.

[00:21:57] Now.

[00:21:57] Do they have the young bodies to do that?

[00:22:00] You're 100% correct.

[00:22:02] They do have those young bodies.

[00:22:05] But.

[00:22:06] Rob Kalinka.

[00:22:07] Has told us.

[00:22:09] That he's going to be very.

[00:22:11] Aggressive.

[00:22:12] With.

[00:22:13] The picks.

[00:22:14] Now.

[00:22:14] I want to give you something.

[00:22:16] Because Soraya dug this up for me.

[00:22:18] And I want to thank her.

[00:22:19] Because she.

[00:22:20] She did Yeoman's work on this.

[00:22:22] Now.

[00:22:24] Teams drafting.

[00:22:25] Drafting for fit.

[00:22:26] Over hype.

[00:22:27] Outperform.

[00:22:28] They.

[00:22:29] Their projections.

[00:22:30] By 9.8%.

[00:22:32] In playoff win shares.

[00:22:35] Over.

[00:22:36] The.

[00:22:37] The last five years.

[00:22:39] So.

[00:22:40] When you sign.

[00:22:41] The big flashy.

[00:22:41] Free agent.

[00:22:42] And you put him out there.

[00:22:44] In front of the media.

[00:22:45] And he's holding up the jersey.

[00:22:47] And everybody's taking pictures.

[00:22:49] And.

[00:22:50] Oh.

[00:22:50] Your executive wins.

[00:22:51] You know.

[00:22:52] Executive of the year.

[00:22:53] And whatever.

[00:22:54] Mind you.

[00:22:55] I will tell you again.

[00:22:57] Last year.

[00:22:58] What swung.

[00:23:00] The pendulum.

[00:23:02] Of power.

[00:23:03] In the west.

[00:23:04] P.J.

[00:23:05] Washington.

[00:23:07] And.

[00:23:08] Daniel Gafford.

[00:23:09] I've never seen.

[00:23:11] P.J.

[00:23:11] Washington.

[00:23:12] Make an all-star team.

[00:23:14] And.

[00:23:14] I am.

[00:23:15] Damn sure.

[00:23:17] That.

[00:23:18] Daniel Gafford.

[00:23:19] Has not made.

[00:23:21] Anything.

[00:23:22] Close to an all-star team.

[00:23:25] You tell me.

[00:23:26] That stars are important.

[00:23:29] You tell me.

[00:23:30] That we gotta go get.

[00:23:32] Firepower.

[00:23:35] I tell you this.

[00:23:36] The role players.

[00:23:38] You let go.

[00:23:39] And the role players.

[00:23:41] That you keep on turning.

[00:23:42] Your nose up at.

[00:23:44] LeBron is 39 years old.

[00:23:46] He's about to turn 40.

[00:23:49] You can't ask that man.

[00:23:51] To chase guys.

[00:23:52] Who are.

[00:23:53] Literally.

[00:23:55] 16 years.

[00:23:57] His junior.

[00:23:58] Sometimes.

[00:24:00] Sometimes.

[00:24:01] Taller.

[00:24:03] Sometimes.

[00:24:04] Sometimes.

[00:24:04] Or most of the time now.

[00:24:06] More athletic.

[00:24:07] And have.

[00:24:08] Boundless energy.

[00:24:10] Why?

[00:24:11] Because they're 23.

[00:24:13] And that man.

[00:24:15] Is 39.

[00:24:17] And also.

[00:24:18] By the way.

[00:24:19] It's.

[00:24:20] Bring your son.

[00:24:21] To work day.

[00:24:22] In Los Angeles.

[00:24:23] As well.

[00:24:24] Because.

[00:24:25] Bronny's out here.

[00:24:26] Putting up.

[00:24:27] Mad numbers.

[00:24:28] In the G League.

[00:24:30] You know what I'm saying.

[00:24:31] But.

[00:24:31] I'm sure he.

[00:24:32] I know he can.

[00:24:35] De compartmentalize.

[00:24:36] LeBron is a lot of things.

[00:24:37] And he is a superstar dad.

[00:24:40] No doubt.

[00:24:41] But I will say this.

[00:24:45] At the end of the day.

[00:24:47] When we.

[00:24:48] Are.

[00:24:50] At this.

[00:24:51] Prefaces.

[00:24:51] Of.

[00:24:52] Trades being made.

[00:24:54] Are you sure.

[00:24:56] You want Rob.

[00:24:58] Pulling the trigger.

[00:25:00] Hit me up on X.

[00:25:02] Hit me up on Blue Sky.

[00:25:03] No the deal.

[00:25:04] Let's move on.

[00:25:06] To a little something.

[00:25:07] A little more positive.

[00:25:09] So we're going to talk about.

[00:25:11] Carl Anthony Towns.

[00:25:12] Going back.

[00:25:13] To Minnesota.

[00:25:15] Carl Anthony Towns.

[00:25:16] Went out there.

[00:25:17] And had an incredible game.

[00:25:18] And we'll get to.

[00:25:20] What he did.

[00:25:21] And.

[00:25:22] How.

[00:25:23] It went.

[00:25:24] But.

[00:25:25] I think.

[00:25:26] The other thing.

[00:25:27] That I want to talk about.

[00:25:28] With this.

[00:25:30] Is.

[00:25:30] The trade.

[00:25:32] There's a lot.

[00:25:33] Going on with it.

[00:25:35] There's a lot of speculation.

[00:25:36] About who won the trade.

[00:25:38] There were.

[00:25:39] Thoughts initially.

[00:25:41] That.

[00:25:42] Minnesota had won this trade.

[00:25:45] Because of.

[00:25:46] Getting two players.

[00:25:48] Instead of one.

[00:25:48] One.

[00:25:49] And.

[00:25:50] Being able to have some.

[00:25:52] Cap flexibility.

[00:25:53] Where.

[00:25:54] If you kept.

[00:25:55] Carl Anthony Towns.

[00:25:56] You're looking at a situation.

[00:25:58] Where.

[00:25:58] You have him for four years.

[00:26:01] Now.

[00:26:03] It swung back the other way.

[00:26:06] And.

[00:26:07] Carl Anthony Towns.

[00:26:08] Is the.

[00:26:08] Is the toast in New York.

[00:26:10] Putting up crazy numbers.

[00:26:12] Shooting threes.

[00:26:13] And.

[00:26:14] Putting up.

[00:26:15] Incredible.

[00:26:16] Rebounding numbers.

[00:26:17] But.

[00:26:17] He goes back to New York.

[00:26:19] And.

[00:26:21] It's not just.

[00:26:22] Well.

[00:26:22] Numbers.

[00:26:23] This guy's confidence.

[00:26:24] Is skyrocketed.

[00:26:26] And.

[00:26:26] Since.

[00:26:27] Moving to New York.

[00:26:28] It is just been.

[00:26:31] Box office.

[00:26:33] Because.

[00:26:33] Here's the thing.

[00:26:34] That people.

[00:26:35] Need to understand.

[00:26:37] Cat.

[00:26:38] Now.

[00:26:39] I've been a.

[00:26:40] Huge.

[00:26:42] Detractor.

[00:26:43] For cat.

[00:26:44] Over the years.

[00:26:46] But the one thing.

[00:26:47] That I did say.

[00:26:48] Last year.

[00:26:49] Is that.

[00:26:50] His.

[00:26:52] Openness.

[00:26:53] To move.

[00:26:54] To power forward.

[00:26:56] And.

[00:26:56] Give them what.

[00:26:58] He could.

[00:27:00] As a defender.

[00:27:01] Which.

[00:27:02] Yeah.

[00:27:03] The fouls.

[00:27:03] Are super crazy.

[00:27:05] Sometimes.

[00:27:05] And you just.

[00:27:07] You got to understand.

[00:27:08] Who he is.

[00:27:09] Right.

[00:27:10] You just got to understand.

[00:27:12] But.

[00:27:13] Towns.

[00:27:15] Is thriving.

[00:27:16] Now.

[00:27:17] In New York.

[00:27:17] In Minnesota.

[00:27:19] He was off.

[00:27:19] He was often.

[00:27:20] Overshadowed.

[00:27:21] By questions.

[00:27:21] About his leadership.

[00:27:23] And his defense.

[00:27:23] Now.

[00:27:24] He's anchoring.

[00:27:26] This next team.

[00:27:27] Now.

[00:27:28] Is it.

[00:27:29] Beautiful.

[00:27:31] Defense.

[00:27:31] Why him?

[00:27:32] No.

[00:27:32] He's a sieve.

[00:27:33] At the rim.

[00:27:34] But there are some.

[00:27:35] Positives.

[00:27:36] To Carl Anthony Towns.

[00:27:37] And one of the.

[00:27:39] Stats.

[00:27:40] That I want to get to.

[00:27:41] Is this.

[00:27:41] Is that.

[00:27:42] His defensive.

[00:27:42] Rebounding.

[00:27:43] Percentage.

[00:27:44] Right now.

[00:27:44] Is.

[00:27:45] 34.

[00:27:46] 2%.

[00:27:46] And that's the highest.

[00:27:48] Since 2019.

[00:27:52] And that's allowed.

[00:27:54] The Knicks.

[00:27:54] To limit opponents.

[00:27:55] To second chance points.

[00:27:57] Which is a critical.

[00:27:58] Part of.

[00:27:59] Them winning.

[00:27:59] Close games.

[00:28:00] I've been on an uptick.

[00:28:02] Lately.

[00:28:02] And he's been having.

[00:28:03] Really huge.

[00:28:04] Really huge.

[00:28:04] Rebounding numbers.

[00:28:06] And then.

[00:28:07] Here's the other thing.

[00:28:08] Is that.

[00:28:09] They didn't get him.

[00:28:11] For his defense.

[00:28:12] They got him.

[00:28:13] For this stat.

[00:28:15] He's a center.

[00:28:17] Hitting.

[00:28:18] 46%.

[00:28:19] From.

[00:28:20] Three point.

[00:28:21] Line.

[00:28:23] That's what he's hitting.

[00:28:25] He's damn near.

[00:28:26] At 50%.

[00:28:28] At seven feet tall.

[00:28:33] Having a big.

[00:28:33] Who can knock down shots.

[00:28:35] From deep.

[00:28:35] Is essential.

[00:28:36] Is today's brand.

[00:28:37] Of basketball.

[00:28:38] Having towns.

[00:28:39] Is a big luxury.

[00:28:40] A volume shooting.

[00:28:41] Spacer.

[00:28:42] Is a big.

[00:28:43] So nuts.

[00:28:43] To wrap your head around.

[00:28:45] Knicks fans.

[00:28:45] Must be pumped.

[00:28:46] And jacked.

[00:28:47] Do I think.

[00:28:48] It's a success.

[00:28:50] Maybe.

[00:28:52] Do I think.

[00:28:54] It's.

[00:28:56] Working.

[00:28:57] You got to think about it this way.

[00:28:58] Mikkel Bridges.

[00:28:59] Is starting around.

[00:29:00] In the shape.

[00:29:02] OG Ananovi.

[00:29:03] Has been a demon.

[00:29:04] This year.

[00:29:05] And he's been.

[00:29:06] Very healthy.

[00:29:07] Which is.

[00:29:08] Great.

[00:29:09] For him.

[00:29:10] Because I didn't know.

[00:29:11] How that was going to go.

[00:29:14] Then you have.

[00:29:16] The.

[00:29:17] Combination.

[00:29:18] Of Jalen Brunson.

[00:29:19] And Carl Anthony Towne.

[00:29:20] And we had.

[00:29:21] Their numbers.

[00:29:23] On pick and roll.

[00:29:24] In our last pod.

[00:29:25] Oh no.

[00:29:26] In our Monday's pod.

[00:29:27] So go back to Monday's pod.

[00:29:29] There's a real cool.

[00:29:31] Pick and roll.

[00:29:31] Stat in there.

[00:29:32] That Soraya dropped on us.

[00:29:34] But.

[00:29:35] Their pick and roll.

[00:29:37] Is.

[00:29:39] Incredibly.

[00:29:40] Effective.

[00:29:42] And yeah.

[00:29:43] The defense has suffered.

[00:29:44] But their offense.

[00:29:45] They can put up 125.

[00:29:47] Easy.

[00:29:47] Easy.

[00:29:49] Because.

[00:29:50] Cat can drop.

[00:29:51] 35.

[00:29:52] In his sleep.

[00:29:54] And Jalen Brunson.

[00:29:56] Can get 30.

[00:29:57] When he need to.

[00:30:00] And then you have enough depth.

[00:30:02] Around.

[00:30:03] That team.

[00:30:04] As far as the starting lineup.

[00:30:05] You don't have a lot of depth.

[00:30:06] When it comes to the bench.

[00:30:07] And we'll get to that in a second.

[00:30:09] But.

[00:30:10] At the end of the day.

[00:30:12] There are pieces coming back.

[00:30:13] And also.

[00:30:14] They still have some.

[00:30:16] Things in the cover.

[00:30:18] To trade.

[00:30:19] If they need.

[00:30:20] Some.

[00:30:20] Some reserves.

[00:30:22] Some cavalry.

[00:30:23] When it comes.

[00:30:23] To the postseason.

[00:30:25] I like.

[00:30:26] The dynamic of this team.

[00:30:28] I like it better.

[00:30:29] When Mitchell Robinson gets back.

[00:30:31] Now.

[00:30:32] I'm very.

[00:30:33] Concerned.

[00:30:34] About the health issues.

[00:30:36] Of Mitchell Robinson.

[00:30:38] In a Knick uniform.

[00:30:40] I don't know.

[00:30:42] If that's something.

[00:30:43] The Knicks.

[00:30:44] Do.

[00:30:44] Decide.

[00:30:45] To go.

[00:30:45] Go ahead.

[00:30:46] And sure up.

[00:30:47] And I don't know.

[00:30:48] It doesn't have to be.

[00:30:49] Anything huge though.

[00:30:50] That's the best part.

[00:30:51] It's not like.

[00:30:52] They have to give up.

[00:30:53] Significant.

[00:30:54] Draft compensation.

[00:30:56] To get this.

[00:30:58] This.

[00:30:58] This great.

[00:30:59] Backup center.

[00:31:00] We just need.

[00:31:01] A dude.

[00:31:02] That can come in.

[00:31:03] And give us 12.

[00:31:05] Maybe.

[00:31:05] Maybe we can split up.

[00:31:07] The minutes.

[00:31:07] That Carl Anthony Towns.

[00:31:10] Mitchell Robinson.

[00:31:11] And with a third center.

[00:31:13] You can split up.

[00:31:14] Those minutes.

[00:31:15] And then you can get.

[00:31:16] Carl down to the four.

[00:31:17] Which I know.

[00:31:18] That's something that.

[00:31:19] The Knicks fans.

[00:31:20] Want to see.

[00:31:21] With.

[00:31:22] Defensive minded center.

[00:31:25] Carl at the four.

[00:31:26] And then these.

[00:31:28] Crazed wings.

[00:31:29] OG Ananovi.

[00:31:32] Mikkel Bridges.

[00:31:34] Just flying around.

[00:31:36] We're getting.

[00:31:36] We're getting closer and closer.

[00:31:37] To seeing that.

[00:31:39] And I can't wait to see it.

[00:31:41] Here's a.

[00:31:42] Here's a stat.

[00:31:43] Their pick and roll.

[00:31:44] Efficiency.

[00:31:45] Ranks them in the 95th.

[00:31:46] Percentile.

[00:31:47] League wide.

[00:31:48] Towns.

[00:31:49] Is converting.

[00:31:50] 68%.

[00:31:51] Of his shots.

[00:31:52] Off pick and roll.

[00:31:53] Actions.

[00:31:54] It's one of the reasons.

[00:31:55] Why the Knicks.

[00:31:56] Offensive rating.

[00:31:57] Is now second.

[00:31:58] In the league.

[00:31:58] League.

[00:31:59] So the Knicks.

[00:32:01] Are.

[00:32:02] Killing it.

[00:32:03] Cat.

[00:32:04] Went crazy.

[00:32:05] In Minnesota.

[00:32:07] He had a quarter.

[00:32:08] To remember.

[00:32:09] That second quarter.

[00:32:10] Where he just went off.

[00:32:12] He was like.

[00:32:13] Four for four.

[00:32:13] From three point land.

[00:32:15] He couldn't miss.

[00:32:16] He had 22 points.

[00:32:18] It was nuts.

[00:32:20] Great game.

[00:32:21] Black cat.

[00:32:22] Minnesota.

[00:32:23] Lot of work to do.

[00:32:26] Lot of work to do.

[00:32:28] And guess who's upset.

[00:32:30] Anthony Edwards.

[00:32:33] Can't wait till.

[00:32:34] That dude.

[00:32:34] Has a press conference.

[00:32:35] And say.

[00:32:36] Cause bullshit.

[00:32:37] On what's going on.

[00:32:38] Above him.

[00:32:40] Can't wait.

[00:32:42] It's gonna be.

[00:32:43] Must see TV.

[00:32:45] Alright.

[00:32:46] So we're gonna move on now.

[00:32:47] To our.

[00:32:49] Around the arc segment.

[00:32:51] We're gonna go ahead.

[00:32:52] And we're gonna break.

[00:32:53] Some of these teams.

[00:32:55] Down.

[00:32:55] That we need to go ahead.

[00:32:57] And get into.

[00:32:58] And we're gonna get into.

[00:32:59] This southeastern.

[00:33:01] Division.

[00:33:02] And we're gonna talk about.

[00:33:03] The Orlando Magic.

[00:33:04] Real quick.

[00:33:05] Now.

[00:33:05] The Orlando Magic.

[00:33:07] They had a tough one.

[00:33:08] The other night.

[00:33:09] Orlando's defense.

[00:33:10] Is still.

[00:33:12] Still playing at high.

[00:33:15] They've lost pieces.

[00:33:17] Paulo Gancaro.

[00:33:18] Is not there.

[00:33:19] Franz Wagner.

[00:33:20] Has a.

[00:33:20] Oblique injury.

[00:33:21] As well.

[00:33:22] And now.

[00:33:23] Jalen Suggs.

[00:33:24] Got hurt too.

[00:33:25] When he missed.

[00:33:26] The entire second half.

[00:33:27] There's a lot going on.

[00:33:28] With Orlando.

[00:33:29] But.

[00:33:30] They continue.

[00:33:32] To play.

[00:33:33] And give good effort.

[00:33:35] On the defensive side.

[00:33:36] Of the ball.

[00:33:37] So.

[00:33:38] Now.

[00:33:38] Their defense.

[00:33:40] Right now.

[00:33:40] Is so crazy.

[00:33:42] Jonathan Isaacs.

[00:33:43] Defense of bucks.

[00:33:44] Plus minus.

[00:33:45] Is a positive.

[00:33:46] 3.1.

[00:33:49] And Gogo Batase.

[00:33:50] Who has been a.

[00:33:51] Underrated.

[00:33:52] Rim protector.

[00:33:53] The team.

[00:33:54] Also ranks.

[00:33:55] Sixth.

[00:33:56] In opponent shooting.

[00:33:57] Percentage.

[00:33:58] Within five feet.

[00:33:59] So.

[00:34:00] Here's the thing.

[00:34:01] They have.

[00:34:02] Two.

[00:34:03] Guys.

[00:34:04] Who are.

[00:34:05] Mad.

[00:34:05] Productive.

[00:34:06] Which is.

[00:34:07] Franz.

[00:34:07] And Paulo.

[00:34:09] The rim.

[00:34:10] Production.

[00:34:11] Or.

[00:34:11] The lack.

[00:34:12] Of rim.

[00:34:13] Production.

[00:34:13] By other teams.

[00:34:14] Because.

[00:34:15] It's a no fly zone.

[00:34:17] In Orlando.

[00:34:20] No dunks.

[00:34:22] Allowed.

[00:34:22] In here.

[00:34:23] Okay.

[00:34:24] No crazy layups.

[00:34:25] None of that.

[00:34:26] Don't be.

[00:34:27] Don't be.

[00:34:27] Getting all cheeky.

[00:34:29] Coming into the paint.

[00:34:31] Come in.

[00:34:32] State your business.

[00:34:33] And get out.

[00:34:36] Orlando.

[00:34:36] Is making it happen.

[00:34:38] And.

[00:34:39] Jamal Mosley.

[00:34:40] Again.

[00:34:41] I just sing this dude.

[00:34:42] Praises every year.

[00:34:44] And.

[00:34:44] I hope.

[00:34:45] That he gets some real consideration.

[00:34:47] For.

[00:34:48] NBA coach of the year.

[00:34:49] Especially.

[00:34:50] If for some reason.

[00:34:52] They end up.

[00:34:53] With.

[00:34:54] Like a four seed.

[00:34:56] I would.

[00:34:58] It would be really interesting.

[00:35:01] To see.

[00:35:02] Them with some.

[00:35:03] Home field advantage.

[00:35:04] Home court advantage.

[00:35:06] In the playoffs.

[00:35:08] With.

[00:35:09] Maybe a healthy.

[00:35:10] Paulo Vincaro.

[00:35:11] Franz Wagner.

[00:35:13] And.

[00:35:14] A continuity.

[00:35:15] Of a team.

[00:35:16] That just added.

[00:35:17] Contavious.

[00:35:18] Caldwell.

[00:35:19] Poe.

[00:35:19] Sounds great to me.

[00:35:21] Personally.

[00:35:22] So.

[00:35:22] I don't know.

[00:35:25] I don't know.

[00:35:26] Their turnover problem.

[00:35:28] Is.

[00:35:31] Outlandish.

[00:35:31] But.

[00:35:32] This is because.

[00:35:33] Of the fact that.

[00:35:34] Now you have.

[00:35:35] Anthony Block.

[00:35:36] Who is a second year player.

[00:35:38] He has a turnover.

[00:35:40] Percentage of.

[00:35:41] 16.8.

[00:35:42] Which is.

[00:35:42] Very high.

[00:35:44] But.

[00:35:45] Here's a guy who.

[00:35:47] Is.

[00:35:48] Being thrown to the fire.

[00:35:50] And given.

[00:35:51] Way more.

[00:35:52] Opportunities.

[00:35:52] Than.

[00:35:53] He was ready for.

[00:35:55] So I think.

[00:35:56] This is.

[00:35:57] Only going to help.

[00:35:58] Their team.

[00:35:59] Even though.

[00:36:00] That you're.

[00:36:01] You're going to see some.

[00:36:02] Ugly basketball.

[00:36:04] Until.

[00:36:05] Jalen Suggs.

[00:36:06] And some of the.

[00:36:06] Some of the.

[00:36:07] Guys get back.

[00:36:08] Or if there's a trade.

[00:36:09] I help.

[00:36:09] A little bit.

[00:36:10] Who knows.

[00:36:12] Especially in the backcourt.

[00:36:14] Who knows.

[00:36:15] But.

[00:36:17] The coaching staff.

[00:36:18] Needs to design.

[00:36:19] More quick hitting plays.

[00:36:20] To reduce the decision making.

[00:36:22] And take the pressure off him.

[00:36:24] That's something.

[00:36:25] That you could do.

[00:36:26] So basically.

[00:36:26] Just quick hitting action.

[00:36:28] D.

[00:36:29] H.

[00:36:29] O's.

[00:36:29] Get him off the ball.

[00:36:31] Then.

[00:36:31] Have him.

[00:36:32] Pick up the ball.

[00:36:33] And.

[00:36:34] It'll quicken up his mind.

[00:36:36] And it'll get people moving.

[00:36:38] And.

[00:36:38] When he was in college.

[00:36:41] That's what we saw a lot of.

[00:36:42] With him.

[00:36:43] And that was.

[00:36:44] His special super power.

[00:36:46] And I hope.

[00:36:47] That they're able to kind of.

[00:36:49] Kind of.

[00:36:50] Ping into that.

[00:36:51] And start utilizing that.

[00:36:53] On a more.

[00:36:54] Consistent basis.

[00:36:55] But what.

[00:36:56] It's all.

[00:36:58] It's all development right now.

[00:37:00] It's all like.

[00:37:01] All.

[00:37:02] Hands on deck.

[00:37:04] It is.

[00:37:05] Let's just get through this.

[00:37:06] And see if we can get our guys back.

[00:37:08] Orlando.

[00:37:09] Is.

[00:37:09] Doing.

[00:37:10] Very well.

[00:37:11] For.

[00:37:12] What they have.

[00:37:14] Now.

[00:37:14] We're going to move on to Atlanta Hawks.

[00:37:17] And we're going to talk about the offensive shift.

[00:37:19] That is going on in Atlanta.

[00:37:21] This is.

[00:37:24] What I think is very interesting.

[00:37:27] And.

[00:37:27] It's something that we talked about in the offseason.

[00:37:30] And.

[00:37:31] Atlanta this season.

[00:37:32] Is.

[00:37:34] Finding.

[00:37:36] Their balance.

[00:37:37] And Trey Young.

[00:37:39] Is still.

[00:37:40] Being the star.

[00:37:41] That he is.

[00:37:42] And taking the bulk of the shots.

[00:37:43] But it feels like guys like DeAndre Hunter.

[00:37:47] Are fighting.

[00:37:48] Getting their shine.

[00:37:50] So what changed.

[00:37:51] First.

[00:37:53] It's all about ball movement.

[00:37:55] Atlanta's.

[00:37:56] 27.8.

[00:37:58] Assists.

[00:37:59] Per game.

[00:38:00] Is the highest.

[00:38:01] Is 2016.

[00:38:02] They shifted away from.

[00:38:04] Trey dominating.

[00:38:05] Every possession.

[00:38:06] Which has allowed.

[00:38:07] Hunter.

[00:38:08] Bogdanovich.

[00:38:09] And others.

[00:38:11] Like Dyson Daniels.

[00:38:12] And Jalen Johnson.

[00:38:15] To.

[00:38:16] Handle the ball more.

[00:38:18] Get Trey off of it.

[00:38:19] Is something that we've been screaming for.

[00:38:21] On this podcast.

[00:38:23] For two straight years.

[00:38:25] Quinn Snyder.

[00:38:27] Has finally broken Trey.

[00:38:28] Quinn Snyder.

[00:38:30] The Trey Young whisperer.

[00:38:32] Now.

[00:38:33] How has Trey adjusted.

[00:38:35] To embracing this change.

[00:38:37] Surprisingly.

[00:38:38] His usage rate.

[00:38:38] Has dropped from 31.

[00:38:40] Dropped to.

[00:38:41] 31.2%.

[00:38:43] But his efficiency.

[00:38:45] Is up.

[00:38:45] His shooting.

[00:38:46] On catch and shoot.

[00:38:47] Threes.

[00:38:48] Is up to 40%.

[00:38:49] Which is a career high.

[00:38:51] Now.

[00:38:52] By playing more off ball.

[00:38:54] It's.

[00:38:55] Actually harder.

[00:38:56] To guard Trey.

[00:38:57] This is something.

[00:38:58] That we've been talking about.

[00:39:00] Get off the ball.

[00:39:01] Be more like.

[00:39:02] Steph Curry.

[00:39:02] It makes you hard to guard.

[00:39:04] You're small.

[00:39:06] Quick.

[00:39:06] Shifty.

[00:39:07] Deep.

[00:39:08] You still look like.

[00:39:09] Alvy.

[00:39:10] Shores.

[00:39:10] Love child.

[00:39:12] But at the end of the day.

[00:39:14] Know what's going down?

[00:39:17] Success.

[00:39:18] Atlanta's playing.

[00:39:19] They're over 500.

[00:39:20] They look like a legitimate.

[00:39:21] Playoff team.

[00:39:23] I'm not saying they're gonna.

[00:39:24] Make all this crazy noise.

[00:39:26] But.

[00:39:27] Damn.

[00:39:28] Some excitement.

[00:39:30] In the ATL.

[00:39:31] Sweet.

[00:39:32] Sign me up.

[00:39:34] I'm ready for that.

[00:39:35] Now.

[00:39:36] Here's the one thing.

[00:39:36] That I do want to talk about.

[00:39:38] Before we get off.

[00:39:40] DeAndre's.

[00:39:41] Hunter's.

[00:39:43] Dunk.

[00:39:44] On Victor.

[00:39:45] Went by Yama.

[00:39:46] Last night.

[00:39:47] Was.

[00:39:48] Nasty.

[00:39:50] That was.

[00:39:51] Nasty.

[00:39:52] Nasty.

[00:39:53] Now.

[00:39:54] Do we think.

[00:39:55] That Victor.

[00:39:56] Was.

[00:39:57] Deterred by that.

[00:39:58] No.

[00:39:58] He was not.

[00:39:59] Deterred by that at all.

[00:40:00] But.

[00:40:01] Getting back on.

[00:40:03] DeAndre Hunter.

[00:40:04] Over his last 10 games.

[00:40:05] He's averaging.

[00:40:06] 17.2.

[00:40:07] Points a game.

[00:40:08] On 49%.

[00:40:10] Shooting.

[00:40:11] And.

[00:40:11] When he scores.

[00:40:13] Plus 20.

[00:40:14] The Hawks.

[00:40:15] Offense rating.

[00:40:16] Jump.

[00:40:17] From.

[00:40:22] Compared to.

[00:40:22] 109.

[00:40:24] Point two.

[00:40:24] When he scores.

[00:40:25] Under.

[00:40:26] 15 points.

[00:40:27] A game.

[00:40:29] His confidence.

[00:40:30] Is making a huge difference.

[00:40:32] Listen.

[00:40:34] This is what we kind of.

[00:40:36] Expected.

[00:40:36] From DeAndre Hunter.

[00:40:37] When he came into the league.

[00:40:39] Now.

[00:40:40] Injuries have.

[00:40:41] Really just.

[00:40:43] Taken seasons.

[00:40:45] Away from him.

[00:40:45] Just real crazy.

[00:40:47] Like.

[00:40:48] Groin.

[00:40:49] Knee injuries.

[00:40:51] All lower body.

[00:40:52] Type stuff.

[00:40:54] And now.

[00:40:54] You're.

[00:40:55] We're getting to see him.

[00:40:56] Healthy.

[00:40:56] We're getting to see him.

[00:40:58] Ready to go.

[00:40:59] And.

[00:41:00] I think.

[00:41:01] With Dyson Daniels.

[00:41:02] And Jalen Johnson.

[00:41:04] Specifically.

[00:41:05] What those guys.

[00:41:06] Give specifically.

[00:41:08] Is.

[00:41:08] Energy.

[00:41:09] Juice.

[00:41:10] They get up on people.

[00:41:12] They are in people's.

[00:41:14] Jerseys.

[00:41:16] And they like to have fun.

[00:41:17] And get up and down the court.

[00:41:19] And that.

[00:41:19] Just.

[00:41:21] It.

[00:41:21] It just.

[00:41:23] Fits.

[00:41:24] Trey.

[00:41:24] To a T.

[00:41:25] So.

[00:41:26] I can't be mad.

[00:41:27] At what's going on.

[00:41:30] But now.

[00:41:31] In Miami.

[00:41:32] We got some things to talk.

[00:41:33] And.

[00:41:34] Obviously.

[00:41:35] All.

[00:41:35] The rage.

[00:41:36] To talk about right now.

[00:41:37] Is what's going on.

[00:41:38] With Jimmy Butler.

[00:41:40] What's.

[00:41:41] What is.

[00:41:41] Pirate Riley.

[00:41:42] Going to do.

[00:41:44] Is he going to keep him.

[00:41:45] Is he going to extend him.

[00:41:48] Is he going to let.

[00:41:48] He's going to let him hit.

[00:41:49] Free agency.

[00:41:50] And then.

[00:41:51] Get him.

[00:41:52] What is going.

[00:41:53] To happen.

[00:41:55] Now.

[00:41:55] If I'm Pat Riley.

[00:41:56] I have to think a long time.

[00:41:58] About Butler.

[00:41:59] He's having an incredible season.

[00:42:01] Right now.

[00:42:02] His true shooting percentage.

[00:42:04] Is 63.4%.

[00:42:06] Which is elite.

[00:42:07] Heat.

[00:42:08] But the Heat.

[00:42:09] Are stuck in mediocrity.

[00:42:10] They're sitting 6th.

[00:42:12] Trading him for young assets.

[00:42:14] Could set them up.

[00:42:15] For a better future.

[00:42:16] But.

[00:42:17] Here's the one thing.

[00:42:19] The Heat.

[00:42:19] Don't care.

[00:42:20] Playoff position.

[00:42:22] Because they.

[00:42:22] They know.

[00:42:24] If.

[00:42:24] They get to the playoffs.

[00:42:26] Who shows up.

[00:42:27] For the playoffs.

[00:42:28] Playoff Jimmy.

[00:42:30] Playoff Jimmy.

[00:42:31] Is a thing.

[00:42:32] And let me tell you why.

[00:42:35] Butler.

[00:42:36] In the playoffs.

[00:42:37] His box plus minus.

[00:42:39] Was.

[00:42:41] 6.3.

[00:42:42] Positive 6.3.

[00:42:45] Now.

[00:42:46] There is the age concern.

[00:42:48] He's 35 years old.

[00:42:50] Making 48.8 million.

[00:42:53] This year.

[00:42:53] And 52.4.

[00:42:55] Next year.

[00:42:55] But he has said that.

[00:42:57] He is going to hit.

[00:42:58] Free agency.

[00:43:00] He is not.

[00:43:01] I don't know.

[00:43:03] This too.

[00:43:03] Everybody can change their mind.

[00:43:05] Because 52.4 million.

[00:43:08] 52.4 million dollars.

[00:43:10] Is a lot of coin Jimmy.

[00:43:11] I don't know.

[00:43:12] If you're going to see that number.

[00:43:13] In the open market.

[00:43:14] Now.

[00:43:15] If you're saying.

[00:43:16] Hey.

[00:43:17] If I get 3 years.

[00:43:18] 90 million.

[00:43:19] 3 years.

[00:43:20] 100 million.

[00:43:21] I'm still making.

[00:43:23] 100 million.

[00:43:25] It really depends.

[00:43:26] On.

[00:43:27] What you think.

[00:43:29] Now.

[00:43:30] Let's go over some scenarios.

[00:43:32] What if the Heat can get.

[00:43:34] Multiple first round picks.

[00:43:35] And a young player.

[00:43:36] Is that worth considering?

[00:43:38] You got Denver.

[00:43:40] Out there.

[00:43:40] You got Golden State.

[00:43:41] You hear.

[00:43:42] The rumblings.

[00:43:43] And things of that nature.

[00:43:45] Now.

[00:43:46] Both teams.

[00:43:48] You just wonder.

[00:43:49] Who they'd have to give up.

[00:43:50] To get them.

[00:43:51] One.

[00:43:51] That would be the first question.

[00:43:54] Now.

[00:43:54] The second question is.

[00:43:56] Is.

[00:43:59] Can Jimmy play.

[00:44:01] Play a.

[00:44:02] A tertiary role.

[00:44:03] Or even a secondary role.

[00:44:04] You play a tertiary role.

[00:44:06] In either place.

[00:44:07] Now.

[00:44:08] Both those teams.

[00:44:09] Would have to give up.

[00:44:10] Assets.

[00:44:10] And picks.

[00:44:11] Now.

[00:44:11] Golden State.

[00:44:12] Is a little more set up.

[00:44:13] For that.

[00:44:13] Than Denver is.

[00:44:14] Now.

[00:44:15] The other team.

[00:44:15] To.

[00:44:16] Contemplate.

[00:44:17] Is also.

[00:44:18] Maybe the Houston Rockets.

[00:44:20] Now.

[00:44:21] Houston.

[00:44:22] And.

[00:44:22] Ime.

[00:44:23] Adoka's.

[00:44:24] Mentality.

[00:44:25] Junkyard Dog.

[00:44:26] Style.

[00:44:26] If he's the guy.

[00:44:28] To get Jimmy.

[00:44:29] Now.

[00:44:30] We've heard.

[00:44:31] The rhetoric.

[00:44:31] From Raphael Stone.

[00:44:33] That.

[00:44:33] He doesn't necessarily.

[00:44:35] See a trade.

[00:44:36] Because of the fact.

[00:44:37] That.

[00:44:37] He'd like to see this season.

[00:44:38] Play out.

[00:44:39] And see what he has.

[00:44:41] Very.

[00:44:42] Okay.

[00:44:42] See.

[00:44:43] Of you.

[00:44:44] Raphael Stone.

[00:44:45] Here's the problem.

[00:44:47] There's a Fertitta.

[00:44:48] In charge.

[00:44:50] That's the owner.

[00:44:52] And.

[00:44:52] Of what I know.

[00:44:54] Of the Fertittas.

[00:44:55] They're not very.

[00:44:56] Patient people.

[00:44:57] So.

[00:44:58] We wonder.

[00:45:00] Will Houston.

[00:45:01] Dip their toe.

[00:45:03] Into the Jimmy Butler.

[00:45:04] Waters.

[00:45:05] We shall see.

[00:45:06] Now.

[00:45:07] Let's get.

[00:45:09] To.

[00:45:10] Some baseline buzz.

[00:45:13] Actually.

[00:45:13] No.

[00:45:14] Let's get.

[00:45:14] To.

[00:45:15] The.

[00:45:16] Charlotte.

[00:45:18] Hornets.

[00:45:18] First.

[00:45:20] And then.

[00:45:20] We need to.

[00:45:21] We actually did.

[00:45:22] The baseline buzz.

[00:45:23] Because it was Carl.

[00:45:24] And it was.

[00:45:25] The Lakers situation.

[00:45:27] So.

[00:45:27] I'm sorry.

[00:45:28] I was thrown off.

[00:45:29] The monologue threw me off.

[00:45:30] I was heated.

[00:45:31] My apologies.

[00:45:32] Now.

[00:45:33] Getting back to the Charlotte Hornets.

[00:45:35] Let's break down a little bit.

[00:45:37] They.

[00:45:37] They got a lot of stuff going on.

[00:45:39] Charlotte.

[00:45:39] I don't know.

[00:45:40] If you're aware.

[00:45:41] Of what's going on.

[00:45:43] But.

[00:45:44] Their offense ranked.

[00:45:46] 26th in league.

[00:45:47] At 109.

[00:45:48] Straight up.

[00:45:49] Lomelo.

[00:45:51] Can't find.

[00:45:52] His identity.

[00:45:54] He's.

[00:45:54] He.

[00:45:55] Shooting.

[00:45:56] 51.6.

[00:45:57] True shooting percentage.

[00:45:58] Which is.

[00:45:59] Well below.

[00:46:00] League average.

[00:46:02] Now.

[00:46:02] In their recent game.

[00:46:04] Against.

[00:46:05] Washington.

[00:46:07] They showcase.

[00:46:08] Everything that.

[00:46:09] That is going on.

[00:46:10] With this team.

[00:46:11] They missed.

[00:46:12] 43.

[00:46:12] Three.

[00:46:14] Three point.

[00:46:15] Attempt.

[00:46:16] And their.

[00:46:17] Execution.

[00:46:18] Late game.

[00:46:19] Was.

[00:46:21] Dismal.

[00:46:23] Lot going on.

[00:46:24] In Charlotte.

[00:46:26] And now.

[00:46:26] Here's the other thing.

[00:46:29] I don't know.

[00:46:30] If you guys saw this.

[00:46:31] But.

[00:46:32] I guess.

[00:46:33] They do promotions.

[00:46:34] They do promotions.

[00:46:36] During the games.

[00:46:37] When commercials.

[00:46:38] Are on.

[00:46:38] Time out.

[00:46:39] Whatever case may be.

[00:46:40] In Charlotte.

[00:46:41] They had a.

[00:46:41] They had a PR disaster.

[00:46:43] They had a PS5.

[00:46:45] Giveaway.

[00:46:46] Incident.

[00:46:47] Now.

[00:46:48] For our listeners.

[00:46:49] Who missed it.

[00:46:49] There was a 13 year old fan.

[00:46:51] Who thought.

[00:46:52] They won.

[00:46:53] A PlayStation 5.

[00:46:54] During a holiday skit.

[00:46:56] Only for it.

[00:46:57] To be taken back.

[00:46:59] Backlash.

[00:46:59] Forced the Hornets.

[00:47:00] To apologize.

[00:47:01] And offer conversation.

[00:47:03] But.

[00:47:04] That.

[00:47:05] Moment.

[00:47:06] Just encapsulates.

[00:47:07] Just some of.

[00:47:08] The stuff.

[00:47:09] That's going on right now.

[00:47:10] They got a lot of.

[00:47:11] Can't get right.

[00:47:13] And here's the thing.

[00:47:14] I like Charles Lee.

[00:47:15] I think he's going to be a good coach.

[00:47:18] They got to figure out.

[00:47:20] Who wants to be serious.

[00:47:21] On that basketball team.

[00:47:23] And who doesn't.

[00:47:24] They also have a ton of injuries.

[00:47:27] With their bigs.

[00:47:28] And Brandon Miller's going to hurt too.

[00:47:30] So there's been a lot of.

[00:47:33] Inconsistency with.

[00:47:34] Lineup construction.

[00:47:37] And it hasn't been.

[00:47:38] Charles Lee's fault.

[00:47:40] It's been.

[00:47:40] Injuries.

[00:47:41] It's been a mash unit.

[00:47:43] And.

[00:47:44] When you sit there.

[00:47:47] And you are.

[00:47:49] A 48.3.

[00:47:52] Effective field goal.

[00:47:53] Crescentage shooting team.

[00:47:55] It just highlights their.

[00:47:57] Inability to.

[00:47:58] Generate good shots.

[00:48:00] Lamello is taking.

[00:48:01] Too many contested threes.

[00:48:02] He went three of 18.

[00:48:04] From beyond the arc.

[00:48:05] Against Washington.

[00:48:07] They got to make sure.

[00:48:09] To get their guys back.

[00:48:10] Get them healthy.

[00:48:12] They also might want to look at.

[00:48:15] Who wants.

[00:48:17] To really be there.

[00:48:18] And build something special.

[00:48:20] I don't know.

[00:48:21] What they're going to do.

[00:48:22] How they look upon this year.

[00:48:24] This is just a year.

[00:48:25] Where we're just tanking.

[00:48:26] And getting.

[00:48:27] Getting the draft pick.

[00:48:29] And then.

[00:48:29] We can start making moves.

[00:48:31] To.

[00:48:32] Maybe.

[00:48:33] Rid ourselves of some.

[00:48:34] Players that we weren't.

[00:48:36] Too fond of.

[00:48:36] I don't know.

[00:48:37] We'll see.

[00:48:39] Now.

[00:48:40] Let's talk about their rookie.

[00:48:42] To John Salon.

[00:48:44] Or to John Saloon.

[00:48:46] However you.

[00:48:46] Need to pronounce that.

[00:48:47] I do not want to mess up.

[00:48:49] That man's name.

[00:48:50] So.

[00:48:51] He's being modest.

[00:48:52] Right now.

[00:48:52] He's.

[00:48:53] 7.2 points a game.

[00:48:54] 3.8 rebounds.

[00:48:56] He's shooting.

[00:48:58] 38%.

[00:49:00] From the corner.

[00:49:01] Three.

[00:49:01] Which is good.

[00:49:02] Because that's what he did.

[00:49:04] In France.

[00:49:05] Now.

[00:49:06] He's showing flashes.

[00:49:08] Of being.

[00:49:08] A stretch big.

[00:49:11] Defensively.

[00:49:11] He's averaging.

[00:49:12] 1.1 blocks.

[00:49:14] Per 36 minutes.

[00:49:15] Makes him.

[00:49:16] Presence.

[00:49:17] In the paint.

[00:49:18] I love that.

[00:49:20] Now.

[00:49:20] Here's the thing.

[00:49:21] He has some toughness.

[00:49:22] To him.

[00:49:23] He's got a little.

[00:49:24] Like dog.

[00:49:25] He's.

[00:49:25] Pretty aggressive.

[00:49:26] When he gets out there.

[00:49:27] In place.

[00:49:28] He loves defense.

[00:49:29] Loves the rebound.

[00:49:31] I like this kid.

[00:49:32] I like this kid's energy.

[00:49:34] I don't know what he's.

[00:49:35] Actually going to end up being.

[00:49:36] I hope he ends up being.

[00:49:38] Like a really effective.

[00:49:39] 3 and D guy.

[00:49:40] But he might be a supercharged.

[00:49:43] 3 and D guy.

[00:49:44] I don't think it's going to.

[00:49:45] Take long for him to.

[00:49:47] Understand the game.

[00:49:48] Understand what he can.

[00:49:50] And cannot get away with.

[00:49:51] And.

[00:49:52] Look at somebody like that.

[00:49:54] And I wonder.

[00:49:55] If it could be like.

[00:49:56] Tari Eason-esque.

[00:49:59] You know what I'm saying.

[00:50:00] Tari Eason good player.

[00:50:01] Like Tari Eason lot.

[00:50:03] And if.

[00:50:04] Tijon Saloon.

[00:50:05] Can end up being him.

[00:50:07] Charlotte Gasson.

[00:50:08] To go along with.

[00:50:10] Brandon Miller.

[00:50:11] And.

[00:50:11] Lomelo Ball.

[00:50:13] I'm not counting.

[00:50:14] Lomelo out.

[00:50:14] I love him.

[00:50:15] I think he's going.

[00:50:16] I think he's a really good player.

[00:50:18] I just think sometimes.

[00:50:20] He.

[00:50:21] Is there.

[00:50:22] For the show.

[00:50:23] And sometimes.

[00:50:24] I need you to be there.

[00:50:25] For.

[00:50:26] The grit.

[00:50:27] The grit.

[00:50:29] Lomelo.

[00:50:30] Lefty talky.

[00:50:32] But you're more like.

[00:50:32] Your brother Lonzo.

[00:50:34] All right.

[00:50:35] Let's turn our attention.

[00:50:36] To the Washington Wizards.

[00:50:37] And people go.

[00:50:38] Vince.

[00:50:39] You're really turning your attention.

[00:50:40] To the Washington Wizards.

[00:50:42] And I say yeah.

[00:50:43] Why?

[00:50:44] Because there are Wizards fans out there.

[00:50:46] Who are looking towards.

[00:50:48] Me.

[00:50:48] To give them.

[00:50:50] Proper.

[00:50:51] Wizards.

[00:50:52] Content.

[00:50:54] So I will.

[00:50:55] All right.

[00:50:56] They're firmly planted.

[00:50:58] At the bottom of the league.

[00:50:59] With a 4.

[00:51:00] And 21 record.

[00:51:01] But their recent win.

[00:51:03] Against Charlotte.

[00:51:04] Shows some signs.

[00:51:05] Of life.

[00:51:05] I don't know.

[00:51:07] You know.

[00:51:07] I'm saying.

[00:51:08] Listen.

[00:51:09] A blind squirrel.

[00:51:10] Gets a nut.

[00:51:11] Every once in a while.

[00:51:12] Hope would be a strong word.

[00:51:14] Their offensive rating.

[00:51:15] Is 30th in the league.

[00:51:16] That would be last.

[00:51:17] Because we only have 30 teams.

[00:51:19] In the league.

[00:51:20] As of right now.

[00:51:22] Might have two more soon.

[00:51:23] But.

[00:51:24] 30th in the league.

[00:51:26] At 105.1.

[00:51:29] Their defense.

[00:51:30] Isn't much better.

[00:51:31] It's 29th.

[00:51:33] Which is.

[00:51:34] One.

[00:51:35] Spot.

[00:51:36] Out of the last spot.

[00:51:38] It's not great.

[00:51:40] In Washington.

[00:51:41] But.

[00:51:41] We knew this year.

[00:51:43] Was going to be this way.

[00:51:45] We knew it.

[00:51:46] So their defensive rating.

[00:51:48] Is 119.6.

[00:51:49] But I'll say this.

[00:51:51] About their young core.

[00:51:52] Bilal.

[00:51:53] Kalabu.

[00:51:53] Kulibale.

[00:51:55] Alex Sar.

[00:51:56] And Bub Carrington.

[00:51:58] Offer.

[00:51:58] Promise.

[00:51:59] Let's start with Bilal.

[00:52:01] Kulibale.

[00:52:02] His defense.

[00:52:04] Has been solid.

[00:52:06] Kulibale.

[00:52:06] Has a.

[00:52:07] Positive.

[00:52:08] 1.3.

[00:52:10] Defense.

[00:52:11] Box.

[00:52:11] Plus.

[00:52:11] Minus.

[00:52:12] And it ranks him.

[00:52:14] Set in 78th percentile.

[00:52:16] And still percentage.

[00:52:17] With showing his ability.

[00:52:18] To disrupt.

[00:52:20] Passing lanes.

[00:52:21] Now his offense.

[00:52:22] Is a work in progress.

[00:52:23] He's shooting.

[00:52:25] 34.8%.

[00:52:27] From three.

[00:52:29] Which is.

[00:52:30] Respectable.

[00:52:32] Given what we saw.

[00:52:33] Last year.

[00:52:35] And what have you.

[00:52:36] So I am.

[00:52:39] Bilal.

[00:52:39] Kulibale.

[00:52:40] Is doing exactly.

[00:52:42] What he needs to do.

[00:52:43] Goes in there.

[00:52:45] Plays hard.

[00:52:45] Plays with a lot of energy.

[00:52:47] We're seeing improvement.

[00:52:49] On the three point shot.

[00:52:50] We're seeing.

[00:52:52] Improvement.

[00:52:52] On decision making.

[00:52:54] When he's on ball.

[00:52:55] We're seeing.

[00:52:56] The ability.

[00:52:57] To.

[00:52:58] Attack.

[00:52:59] Aggressive closeout.

[00:53:00] With.

[00:53:01] Thunderous dunks.

[00:53:02] From the corner.

[00:53:03] We're seeing him.

[00:53:04] Not be afraid.

[00:53:05] To take it to the rack.

[00:53:07] When he gets the chance to.

[00:53:08] So there's a lot of things.

[00:53:10] To like about what.

[00:53:11] Bilal.

[00:53:11] Kulibale.

[00:53:12] Is doing.

[00:53:13] This is one of the.

[00:53:14] Bright spots.

[00:53:15] On the team.

[00:53:16] That has only four wins.

[00:53:19] Now.

[00:53:20] Alexar.

[00:53:21] This.

[00:53:22] Is more of a work.

[00:53:23] In progress.

[00:53:24] Now.

[00:53:24] His 2.1.

[00:53:26] Blocks per game.

[00:53:28] Ranks him.

[00:53:28] In the 90th percentile.

[00:53:30] Of rim protection.

[00:53:32] Now.

[00:53:33] His mobility.

[00:53:34] Has drawn comparisons.

[00:53:35] To Jaron Jackson.

[00:53:36] Junior.

[00:53:36] His offensive game.

[00:53:38] Needs.

[00:53:39] A ton of work.

[00:53:41] His three-point shooting.

[00:53:43] Is.

[00:53:43] Really.

[00:53:44] Hot and cold.

[00:53:45] It.

[00:53:46] It.

[00:53:47] Comes and goes.

[00:53:48] It reminds me.

[00:53:49] Of the movie.

[00:53:50] When.

[00:53:51] I think it's.

[00:53:52] Wolf of Wall Street.

[00:53:54] Where.

[00:53:56] Matthew McConaughey.

[00:53:57] Is talking.

[00:53:58] To Leo DiCaprio.

[00:53:59] And he's talking about.

[00:54:01] It's all.

[00:54:02] Fugazi.

[00:54:03] And he goes.

[00:54:04] And.

[00:54:05] That's.

[00:54:06] What happens.

[00:54:07] With.

[00:54:08] Alexar's.

[00:54:08] Jump shot.

[00:54:09] From time to time.

[00:54:11] It looks pretty.

[00:54:12] Sometimes.

[00:54:13] And then.

[00:54:14] All of a sudden.

[00:54:15] He gets rushed.

[00:54:16] Or.

[00:54:17] He sees a man.

[00:54:18] Coming at him.

[00:54:19] And all the mechanics.

[00:54:20] Go out the window.

[00:54:22] Hits.

[00:54:22] While he's shooting.

[00:54:23] 31.6 percent.

[00:54:25] From three.

[00:54:26] Now.

[00:54:27] Carrington.

[00:54:27] For.

[00:54:28] His age.

[00:54:30] And what he's been.

[00:54:31] Able to do.

[00:54:33] He seems very polished.

[00:54:34] For somebody.

[00:54:35] His age.

[00:54:36] He.

[00:54:36] I really like this kid.

[00:54:38] I liked him.

[00:54:39] Coming out of school.

[00:54:40] He's averaging.

[00:54:41] 12.6 points a game.

[00:54:42] He's averaging.

[00:54:43] 5.8.

[00:54:45] Assists.

[00:54:45] A game.

[00:54:47] Now.

[00:54:47] His potential.

[00:54:49] Is this.

[00:54:50] Is that.

[00:54:50] He could end up being.

[00:54:51] A really good.

[00:54:53] Point guard.

[00:54:53] His assist.

[00:54:55] To turnover ratio.

[00:54:56] Is 3.1.

[00:54:58] To the positive side.

[00:54:59] That's elite.

[00:55:01] Especially for a rookie.

[00:55:02] Because you know what rookies do.

[00:55:04] Turn the ball over.

[00:55:05] All the time.

[00:55:06] That's why.

[00:55:07] Sometimes.

[00:55:08] Dalton Connect.

[00:55:09] Can't get no burn.

[00:55:10] In Los Angeles.

[00:55:11] Because he turned the ball over.

[00:55:12] A lot.

[00:55:14] Now.

[00:55:14] He's getting comparisons.

[00:55:16] To Tyrese Halliburton.

[00:55:18] I will pump the brakes.

[00:55:19] On that a little bit.

[00:55:20] If he can develop.

[00:55:21] A mid-range game.

[00:55:22] To complement.

[00:55:23] His three-point shooting.

[00:55:24] I think this kid.

[00:55:25] Has a chance.

[00:55:26] To make an all-star team.

[00:55:28] Or two.

[00:55:29] Oak Harrington.

[00:55:29] Is doing his thing.

[00:55:31] Now.

[00:55:31] I will say this.

[00:55:32] What do you think.

[00:55:33] Is next up.

[00:55:34] For.

[00:55:35] The Wizards to do.

[00:55:36] Do they really need.

[00:55:38] To trade anybody.

[00:55:39] Not really.

[00:55:40] But.

[00:55:40] If you wanted.

[00:55:42] To get off a contract.

[00:55:43] If you wanted.

[00:55:43] To get off somebody.

[00:55:44] And get real assets.

[00:55:46] And.

[00:55:46] Really catch one of these.

[00:55:48] Desperate teams.

[00:55:49] Or one of these.

[00:55:50] Desperate contenders.

[00:55:52] Trading Kyle Kuzma.

[00:55:53] Might be a way.

[00:55:54] Of doing that.

[00:55:55] Right now.

[00:55:56] He's averaging.

[00:55:57] 15.8 points a game.

[00:55:59] He's shooting.

[00:55:59] 42 percent.

[00:56:01] From the field.

[00:56:02] He would be the piece.

[00:56:03] That will be able to.

[00:56:05] Get you.

[00:56:07] Valuable picks back.

[00:56:08] Because.

[00:56:09] He's played on the championship.

[00:56:10] 15.

[00:56:12] He's.

[00:56:12] Played.

[00:56:14] Very diverse.

[00:56:15] Roles.

[00:56:16] In his career.

[00:56:17] So far.

[00:56:18] And.

[00:56:19] The other thing.

[00:56:20] Is that.

[00:56:21] He can shoot it.

[00:56:22] He can stretch out.

[00:56:24] To the three point line.

[00:56:25] He can take you off the dribble.

[00:56:27] And.

[00:56:28] When.

[00:56:29] He's in the context.

[00:56:30] Of good players.

[00:56:32] His second side initiation.

[00:56:35] Is very good.

[00:56:37] He's just not going to show that.

[00:56:39] In Washington.

[00:56:40] Jim.

[00:56:41] Every shot to him.

[00:56:42] Is a good shot.

[00:56:43] Right now.

[00:56:44] For sure.

[00:56:45] Now.

[00:56:46] I guess.

[00:56:47] On a brighter note.

[00:56:48] For the Washington Wizards.

[00:56:50] It looks like.

[00:56:52] There is.

[00:56:54] A.

[00:56:54] 800.

[00:56:55] Million.

[00:56:56] Dollar.

[00:56:57] Renovation.

[00:56:58] Of the Capital One Arena.

[00:56:59] That signals.

[00:57:01] That signals.

[00:57:01] A long-term commitment.

[00:57:03] But without.

[00:57:04] On court.

[00:57:05] Success.

[00:57:06] This could be a.

[00:57:07] Risky business investment.

[00:57:09] Guess what.

[00:57:10] Staying.

[00:57:11] In the district.

[00:57:12] Is always good.

[00:57:14] Because you know what.

[00:57:15] The Wizards fans.

[00:57:16] Want their team.

[00:57:17] Inside.

[00:57:18] Inside the district.

[00:57:20] No.

[00:57:20] Landover.

[00:57:21] Maryland.

[00:57:22] No disrespect.

[00:57:23] To Landover.

[00:57:24] But still.

[00:57:25] They want to be.

[00:57:26] Inside the city.

[00:57:28] And we want the Washington Wizards.

[00:57:30] To be good.

[00:57:31] But.

[00:57:31] Washington fans.

[00:57:33] Wizards fans.

[00:57:34] Be patient.

[00:57:35] Help is on the way.

[00:57:37] You're doing a good job.

[00:57:39] Tanking.

[00:57:40] I believe.

[00:57:41] In Michael Winger.

[00:57:43] I believe.

[00:57:44] In your brain trust.

[00:57:45] There.

[00:57:46] Keep.

[00:57:47] Just.

[00:57:48] Listen.

[00:57:49] Listen to some journey.

[00:57:51] Don't stop believing.

[00:57:54] Listen to some.

[00:57:55] Listen to some Fleetwood Mac.

[00:57:58] Don't stop thinking about tomorrow.

[00:58:00] I'm trying to think of somebody else.

[00:58:02] Who else we got?

[00:58:03] Who else we got?

[00:58:04] I don't know.

[00:58:05] Some expose.

[00:58:06] Seasons change.

[00:58:06] Whatever.

[00:58:08] Here's the deal.

[00:58:08] Wizards fans.

[00:58:09] It's going to be okay.

[00:58:11] It's.

[00:58:11] Listen.

[00:58:12] It's a long winter.

[00:58:14] The football team.

[00:58:15] Is doing pretty good.

[00:58:17] You got a really good quarterback over there.

[00:58:20] Daniels is doing his damn thing.

[00:58:22] You're in a playoff hunt.

[00:58:24] There's something to be excited.

[00:58:25] In the district.

[00:58:27] It's just not necessarily the Washington Wizards at this time.

[00:58:31] Alright.

[00:58:32] Now.

[00:58:32] What I want to do.

[00:58:35] Is.

[00:58:37] I want to.

[00:58:38] Thanks.

[00:58:39] I want to.

[00:58:39] I want to.

[00:58:39] For everything that she did.

[00:58:41] And getting all these stats.

[00:58:43] And everything like that.

[00:58:44] I also want to thank the audience.

[00:58:47] I want to thank you for allowing me to be able to do this three times a week.

[00:58:52] Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

[00:58:54] Make sure to tell your friends who like hoops.

[00:58:58] This is where you get the real dookie frog.

[00:59:02] This is where we give it to you real rugged and raw.

[00:59:06] This is where you get the.

[00:59:09] You get the analysis.

[00:59:11] You get the stats.

[00:59:13] But you get the eyeball test.

[00:59:15] But the other thing that I hope that we give you is some entertainment.

[00:59:20] Hopefully we filled your heart with joy going into this pre-holiday weekend.

[00:59:25] And also on a personal note.

[00:59:28] This is how the schedule works for next week.

[00:59:32] You will have a podcast on Monday.

[00:59:35] You will have a podcast on Wednesday.

[00:59:38] And you will have a podcast on Friday.

[00:59:41] Now how that is going to work.

[00:59:43] Is that.

[00:59:45] We're going to talk about the games on Sunday.

[00:59:48] We're going to give a break to around the arc.

[00:59:51] Until after the new years.

[00:59:53] If there's obviously trades or news or rumors.

[00:59:57] You'll hear that.

[00:59:58] Now we're going to have a special podcast on Wednesday.

[01:00:02] Now that podcast will be our.

[01:00:04] Second annual.

[01:00:06] Three wishes for the NBA.

[01:00:08] We did it last year.

[01:00:09] And if you want to get a little taste of what is to come this year.

[01:00:15] Go back into the archive pods.

[01:00:17] Go to December 24th.

[01:00:20] And it's there.

[01:00:22] So you'll have that pop.

[01:00:24] And then on Friday.

[01:00:26] We are going to do a big draft pod.

[01:00:30] It should be about an hour.

[01:00:32] So it'll be like this one.

[01:00:34] And it'll have a lot of information.

[01:00:36] About the people you want to know about.

[01:00:39] It'll be Ace Bailey.

[01:00:40] It'll be Cooper Flack.

[01:00:42] It'll be Dylan Harper.

[01:00:44] It'll be Edgar Denham.

[01:00:46] For BYU.

[01:00:47] That's our guy.

[01:00:48] We like him a lot.

[01:00:49] Okay.

[01:00:49] So keep it locked here.

[01:00:52] With Front Runner Podcast Collective.

[01:00:55] On the holidays.

[01:00:56] Take us with you.

[01:00:58] You know what I'm saying?

[01:00:59] When your family is tripping.

[01:01:01] You got Front Runner Podcast Collective.

[01:01:04] When somebody takes the last piece of cornbread.

[01:01:07] And you need to go out and get some fresh air.

[01:01:10] Take Front Runner Podcast Collective with you.

[01:01:13] Now.

[01:01:14] When your uncle gets out of pocket.

[01:01:17] Because he's had maybe one too many scotches.

[01:01:21] You know what I'm saying?

[01:01:22] And you need to drown him out.

[01:01:24] Front Runner Podcast Collective.

[01:01:28] Now.

[01:01:29] If.

[01:01:29] You are sitting on the couch.

[01:01:31] And you got the itis.

[01:01:32] And you feel like you've fallen asleep.

[01:01:35] Put Front Runner Podcast Collective on.

[01:01:38] Relax.

[01:01:39] If you drift off to sleep.

[01:01:41] That's cool.

[01:01:42] If not.

[01:01:43] You're going to be downloaded.

[01:01:44] With some cool information about the NBA.

[01:01:46] And what's going on in it.

[01:01:47] So with that being said.

[01:01:50] I hope everybody enjoys their time.

[01:01:52] I hope that you make it back.

[01:01:54] To your families.

[01:01:56] I know this is a busy time of year.

[01:01:58] For people to get out there and travel.

[01:02:00] Be safe out there.

[01:02:01] If you're traveling by car or whatever.

[01:02:04] And if you're traveling by plane.

[01:02:06] Be patient.

[01:02:08] It's going to be tough out there.

[01:02:09] But.

[01:02:10] We wish everybody safe journeys.

[01:02:13] And take Front Runner Podcast Collective with you.

[01:02:16] On.

[01:02:17] On your pursuit.

[01:02:19] To get back home.

[01:02:20] Or.

[01:02:20] Go to the grocery store.

[01:02:23] And get the food.

[01:02:24] Or whatever the case may be.

[01:02:25] I'm going to be in the trenches with you.

[01:02:27] And we'll see you back on this podcast.

[01:02:31] On Monday.

[01:02:32] So the best part of you.

[01:02:34] Is you.

[01:02:35] Make sure.

[01:02:37] That you will have people.

[01:02:38] In your life.

[01:02:40] That are additive.

[01:02:41] To your life.

[01:02:43] Go out and do some good.

[01:02:45] Into this world.

[01:02:47] And then.

[01:02:47] Then we'll see you back on this podcast.

[01:02:49] On Monday.

[01:02:50] Deuce.

[01:02:51] Go out and do some good news.

[01:03:05] Go out and do some good news.

[01:03:06] Get out and do some good news.

[01:03:08] Move out and