NBA Western Conference 2024 Predictions: Rookies, Trades, and Playoff Hopefuls

[00:00:12] It's Friday, you know what time it is. Front Runner Podcast Collective is back on the air. I am your Hungo Hose Vince and today we are going to continue on with our predictions but we're going to move to the West Coast.

[00:00:29] So the Western Conference teams will be in focus today. We will go from 15 to 1. We will tell you who we think will represent the Western Conference Finals or represent the West and the NBA Finals.

[00:00:45] So we'll get with that. We'll hit on some news items as we go through the teams that you might be aware of and we'll give you some rookies and things to look at.

[00:00:58] As we start to look at the chemistry situation between the new rosters and new names in different places and all that sort of thing.

[00:01:07] But before we get there, socials, x at Front Runner PC. Also the producers are at Raya underscore FUNCH FRPC. Follow. It's important now because two reasons.

[00:01:26] One, basketball season is only four short days away. Two, we're going to have you locked up here. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, you know what time it is.

[00:01:41] We are going to be here and we're going to be breaking down all the news, all the notes, what we saw in the games, bring it from the analytic community.

[00:01:50] We're also going to look at it from the front office point of view. And if there's some news items to drop, we're going to get them to you.

[00:01:58] But before we get to anything else, I want to talk about one thing that I did talk about on the podcast in the Eastern Conference prediction show.

[00:02:10] And the reason why I want to bring it up is because we celebrate our wins here.

[00:02:16] And there was a report out that Joel and B was talking about, I'm not playing back to backs anymore.

[00:02:26] Just not doing it.

[00:02:28] And I believe that when we talked about it on the podcast, I said, how could you're the star of the team?

[00:02:35] How could the rest of the team take this serious?

[00:02:39] You're not going to take this serious.

[00:02:43] In Philadelphia 76ers fan, this is why I have you fifth.

[00:02:48] I understand being upset.

[00:02:50] I understand why it is that you are upset.

[00:02:54] But as far as regular season is concerned, that's a tough gauntlet those first 17.

[00:03:02] And if now you're going to include a very motivated Jimmy Butler, that's eight.

[00:03:09] East got a little bit tougher.

[00:03:11] And your boy is already talking about he's missing back to backs.

[00:03:15] I know it's upsetting.

[00:03:17] But we had to bring it to you.

[00:03:21] Now, with that being said, we are revamping the YouTube page this weekend.

[00:03:28] I've been told by crack staff that our issues have been eliminated.

[00:03:38] So good news.

[00:03:40] Videos, clips are coming back.

[00:03:42] And I'm excited.

[00:03:43] And that means the community page can get going.

[00:03:46] I'm excited about that.

[00:03:48] This means a whole new world for all of us.

[00:03:53] And I'm excited about that.

[00:03:55] And then the last thing is be a friend.

[00:03:57] Tell a friend.

[00:03:58] Tell everybody about the podcast.

[00:03:59] Tell them that we do it Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

[00:04:02] Tell them that we have fun.

[00:04:05] There's a lot of news.

[00:04:06] He drops some jewels on us from time to time.

[00:04:09] And it's just a party.

[00:04:11] So, that is the recommendation by the host.

[00:04:17] And with that being said, we can go ahead and get to the podcast.

[00:04:20] Now, we're going to do it basically same format as we did the Eastern Conference.

[00:04:25] We're going to give you a little bit of Portland, Clippers, and Utah.

[00:04:31] And then we're going to put our primary focus on the other teams.

[00:04:35] Now, you'll say, Vince, why are you including the Clippers in this?

[00:04:41] I'll get to that momentarily.

[00:04:42] But these are the teams that are, I think, are less likely to make the playoffs.

[00:04:47] I think they are looking, well, the Clippers are giving their pick to OKC.

[00:04:53] And we'll get to that momentarily.

[00:04:54] But let's start off with Portland.

[00:04:56] Portland right now is in a absolute rebuild.

[00:05:00] And also, I have some questions about the rebuild too.

[00:05:03] Now, they're projected win total is like 21.1.

[00:05:09] And this is a cumulative number that we've come up with looking at all the odds throughout Vegas.

[00:05:18] Portland is focused on the future with young core featuring Scoot Henderson,

[00:05:22] Shaden Sharp, Chris Murray, and rookie Donovan Klingon.

[00:05:26] Now, they have holdovers like Jeremy Grant, DeAndre Ayton, Robert Williams III.

[00:05:34] Those are key veterans.

[00:05:35] But this year will be all about development of this young core.

[00:05:41] Now, I'm also leaving out Anthony Simons.

[00:05:45] I think Anthony Simons is pretty much set.

[00:05:48] We know what he is as far as that's concerned.

[00:05:50] Can he develop as far as ball handling and maybe floor generalship?

[00:05:56] Yeah, he could do better in that situation.

[00:05:59] But I think he needs a better cast of characters around him, I also think.

[00:06:04] Or this group has a maturation process that maybe towards the end of the year, they're a lot better.

[00:06:14] But I think this must be the year that Portland allows the young kids to play and play a lot.

[00:06:22] But I do have my doubts because DeAndre Ayton, Robert Williams III, and Jeremy Grant all are going to take up minutes.

[00:06:33] The reason for that is because of the fact that A, if you're trying to build up some sort of trade value, you can't hide them.

[00:06:39] And B, Jeremy Grant just believes that he deserves 35 minutes.

[00:06:45] Off rip.

[00:06:47] Like, I'm getting my 22 points and I'm getting my prerequisite 35 minutes.

[00:06:53] And my 33 points some odd million dollars as well.

[00:06:57] Thank you very much.

[00:06:59] I'm here all week.

[00:07:00] Try the veal.

[00:07:01] These things need to figure themselves out.

[00:07:04] And I am very interested in what GM Joe Cronin and head coach Chauncey Billups, what their actual plan is for this year of development of those young guys.

[00:07:18] I'm very interested in seeing the rotations.

[00:07:22] I'm very interested in seeing the minute allocations.

[00:07:25] These are all things I'm looking for early on in the season and as I continue to monitor the Portland Trailblazers throughout the season.

[00:07:35] We've got to see Scoot out there.

[00:07:36] Whether it's good, bad, or ugly, we've got to get through the turnovers.

[00:07:40] We've got to get through the poor shot selection.

[00:07:44] Lack of, basically, outside shooting right now.

[00:07:48] He needs to find that touch.

[00:07:49] And the only way for him to do that is to be on the court.

[00:07:53] You're not going anywhere, any way.

[00:07:59] And this is a great draft coming up, so it behooves you to go ahead and see what you have with Scoot Henderson, knowing the plethora of playmakers that are coming out in this year's draft.

[00:08:13] So that's the first thing.

[00:08:14] Also, Chaden Sharp also, to me, is a person that needs to go ahead and get his 30 minutes a game no matter what.

[00:08:21] He needs to wedge those guys in there.

[00:08:26] They need to get their time.

[00:08:27] Now, Donovan Clingon is a whole other different story.

[00:08:31] I am really just at a loss of what the plan is because you literally have three centers.

[00:08:38] I wouldn't say in front of him, but you have three centers that are veterans.

[00:08:43] Again, Robert Williams III.

[00:08:46] Now, he's often injured, so you do have that.

[00:08:50] Then you got DeAndre Ayton, who showed himself very well last year.

[00:08:54] Shot the three, provided some defense, some rim protection.

[00:08:59] He provided some just activity.

[00:09:02] And then you have DeAndre Ayton.

[00:09:05] Now, if you want to go with the late season surge that he had last year, you could.

[00:09:13] Or you could do everything to spotlight him early on in the season and then quickly jettison him off somewhere else.

[00:09:23] I don't know what the plan is, but before you can get Donovan Clingon like real clean 20 minutes a game.

[00:09:33] At least one or two of these guys are going to have to go.

[00:09:37] And when is it going to happen?

[00:09:40] And the only way to do it is to play them.

[00:09:43] So Donovan Clingon might be stuck to the bench early on in the season.

[00:09:46] Now, a couple questions that I have about the Portland Trailblazers are this.

[00:09:51] How fast can Henderson and Sharp grow into the future?

[00:09:56] What is their developmental path?

[00:09:58] Are they going to be allowed to make the mistakes and play through them and not be yanked for whatever it is?

[00:10:08] Just youth in general, whatever.

[00:10:12] Now, this is year three for Shaden Sharp, so we hope to see a lot of growth this year.

[00:10:18] He was stymied by injuries last year.

[00:10:21] So I'm hoping that we get to see pretty much a full season out of him this year.

[00:10:26] And Scoop, again, it's just reps.

[00:10:29] We just need to see it.

[00:10:31] You know, it's going to be ugly, but we need to see it.

[00:10:34] And then again, with the team, with Cronin and also Chauncey Villa, they are charged with basically balancing out this team.

[00:10:44] How do you feed the mouths that you have?

[00:10:47] Because you have a lot of them.

[00:10:49] Jeremy Grant is not taking less shots just because.

[00:10:53] He's not doing it.

[00:10:54] So either A, you got to get them out of there or B, there had to have been a preseason conversation between Chauncey Billups, Joe Cronin and Jeremy Grant.

[00:11:09] Like, listen, dog, my guy, you're going to go down to about 13 shots a game.

[00:11:14] And what happens if Jeremy Grant does the ultimate Hulk Hogan and says, that's not going to work for me, brother?

[00:11:23] What do you do then?

[00:11:26] It's going to be a tough year for Portland, but I hope that the development of the kids is the most important thing and we get to see it.

[00:11:34] I think that's the chief operating mode that the Portland Trailblazers need to adhere to.

[00:11:42] Now, the other team that seems to have finally decided that it is time to tank is the Utah Jazz.

[00:11:49] Now, the Utah Jazz are building for the future.

[00:11:54] Now, they do have Laurie Markkinen locked up.

[00:11:58] They signed him on August 7th.

[00:12:01] And the reason why I say August 7th like that is because it's a very important date.

[00:12:07] If Laurie Markkinen would have signed 24 hours earlier, he would have been eligible for trades this season.

[00:12:15] By him signing it on August 7th, he is no longer trade eligible for this season.

[00:12:22] So there are no speculations about where Laurie Markkinen might be going.

[00:12:27] Now, you go, well, okay, that's cool.

[00:12:31] We got something to look forward to because Laurie Markkinen is a bucket.

[00:12:35] This dude is like 25 points a game and he gets it off screens and he's not a ball stopper anyway.

[00:12:43] So it's a real nice watch.

[00:12:46] Him with the young guys sounds pretty good, but we got some other things to get to.

[00:12:50] But with Utah, there's a ton of young guys.

[00:12:55] Now, they drafted Cody Williams out of Colorado.

[00:12:57] That's Jalen Williams' younger brother.

[00:13:00] And I'm talking about the one from Santa Clara, the one that is, you know, about to be a star.

[00:13:06] And we'll talk about him later.

[00:13:08] They also got Isaiah Collier from USC.

[00:13:12] And then remember, they got Keontae George last year in the 2023 draft and Taylor Hendricks.

[00:13:18] So they have four real young players that all need time on the court.

[00:13:25] Will Hardy, who is a great coach.

[00:13:27] And this has always been my issue with Utah is Will Hardy is such a good coach.

[00:13:34] And you have just enough veteran-laden team where they're competent enough to win too many games

[00:13:42] to really embrace the full tank.

[00:13:45] How do they go about it?

[00:13:46] Where GM Justin Zanuck is focused on youth development, the Jazz goal is to build a long-term successful roster

[00:13:55] with hopes that this season will provide crucial experience for the young players.

[00:14:01] So if that's the way we're going, then some people need to be shown the door.

[00:14:08] And that would be like Jordan Clarkson, that would be Colin Sexton.

[00:14:13] I don't know if you can get anything for John Collins.

[00:14:18] Maybe you send him to a nice little vacation somewhere.

[00:14:22] I don't know.

[00:14:24] But I think you got to play the youth.

[00:14:26] You got to allow all that inexperience to play with one another.

[00:14:30] Yeah, it would be cool to have one veteran on the squad.

[00:14:34] And that's where Laurie Marketing comes in.

[00:14:37] And he can help.

[00:14:38] But the great thing about Laurie is that he's not this on-ball guy where he needs to have the wall in his hands.

[00:14:46] So these kids are going to get all the reps they need if we can clear out a couple of the veteran backcourt glut that we have.

[00:14:55] I talked to you about the key additions, and now the couple questions that I have is this.

[00:15:01] One, will Marketing continue to play at the level he's been playing at,

[00:15:08] or do the Utah Jazz organization do the Shea Gilgis Alexander shutdown with a couple months to go?

[00:15:20] And then my man gets a long extended vacation.

[00:15:23] And then the second thing is this, is Danny Age and Justin Zanuck,

[00:15:28] what are they going to do to kind of alleviate some of the logjam?

[00:15:32] Like I said, you don't have to get rid of every veteran player on the team.

[00:15:37] But I think either picking and choosing between Colin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson would behoove them.

[00:15:45] I also think that making sure that Walker Kessler is able to play also seems to be very important to just the development of what the team in totality looks like.

[00:16:00] Now we're going to move on to the Clippers.

[00:16:04] The Clippers.

[00:16:05] And the reason why the Clippers are in here is because of the fact that they're not a serious team anymore.

[00:16:11] The Clippers are in transition.

[00:16:13] After letting Paul George walk, Kawhi Leonard is nursing a knee injury.

[00:16:19] And James Harden, heliocentric James Harden is back, ladies and gentlemen.

[00:16:27] And it's going to be back in a big way because Kawhi Leonard is out indefinitely with a knee injury.

[00:16:34] Past performance predicts future achievements.

[00:16:37] I got that from somewhere.

[00:16:39] The late, great Jerry West.

[00:16:42] I'll say it again.

[00:16:43] Past performance predicts future achievements.

[00:16:46] That's what he bestowed upon me.

[00:16:48] So if we're already in knee injury look or watch for Kawhi.

[00:16:55] And we know how very secretive that's going to be and how annoying that's going to be.

[00:17:02] I might have to just put a moratorium on myself not to talk about that.

[00:17:07] Because I'm almost really sick and tired of talking about that.

[00:17:11] Because this is now year six of this.

[00:17:14] Year six.

[00:17:15] We've been doing this.

[00:17:17] Same song.

[00:17:19] And somebody had made a point that it's funny when you see Kawhi Leonard play.

[00:17:25] And you see how just extremely talented he is.

[00:17:29] How control, what kind of force he uses, the intentionality, whatever.

[00:17:33] You see him play.

[00:17:35] He plays the game.

[00:17:35] He scores 35 points.

[00:17:37] Graves like eight rebounds.

[00:17:38] Has five assists.

[00:17:40] Three steals.

[00:17:40] All this madness.

[00:17:41] And then he will walk off the court.

[00:17:45] And then you don't see him for two weeks.

[00:17:50] I have it on great authority that there was a game.

[00:17:54] I want to say a year and a half ago.

[00:17:56] That Kawhi Leonard played.

[00:17:58] He went off in the first half.

[00:18:00] I mean off.

[00:18:02] I think actually this was last year.

[00:18:05] He went completely off.

[00:18:06] I think he had 24 points.

[00:18:08] I think he had eight rebounds.

[00:18:10] I think he had five assists.

[00:18:12] I think he had three steals, two blocks.

[00:18:15] And he did not come out for the second half.

[00:18:18] Now, this is the protocol in the NBA.

[00:18:21] Now, some of you might be bored with this minutiae.

[00:18:25] But hold on and listen to what I'm about to say.

[00:18:30] So the protocol in the NBA, if there's an injury or some sort of reason why somebody's in the back or whatever,

[00:18:37] it is like on top of it, the PR person, the media person is going to draw up some sort of statement from the team and pass it out to all the media members.

[00:18:52] Now, there was a media member in there at the time that I knew.

[00:18:57] And he said, nobody came out with any sort of kind of statement or anything we didn't know.

[00:19:05] And the players didn't know when we went and interviewed them after the game.

[00:19:14] This is Kawhi Leonard.

[00:19:17] This is a guy you're paying $53 million to.

[00:19:21] You just opened up a brand new arena, the Intuit Dome, which is incredible.

[00:19:26] It looks incredible.

[00:19:28] And you lost Paul George because you haggled over a year.

[00:19:34] You didn't lose him because of his performance.

[00:19:39] Because he's actually more dependable than Kawhi Leonard is.

[00:19:46] You lost him surely because you decided that you didn't want to pay the money or pay the extra year or whatever.

[00:19:54] But you guaranteed Kawhi, you were hot to guarantee Kawhi, in the middle of the season, his money.

[00:20:04] You got them as a pair.

[00:20:07] And then you broke the pair up.

[00:20:09] And now your team is without Kawhi, without Paul George.

[00:20:15] What do you expect this team to do?

[00:20:18] What do you expect Ty Lue to do with this team?

[00:20:21] Create magic?

[00:20:24] In the West?

[00:20:26] Probably not going to happen.

[00:20:28] So, unserious team.

[00:20:31] GM Lawrence Frank is taking a pragmatic approach to the Clippers' transition to life without George.

[00:20:40] Harden's acquisition last year is now vitally important.

[00:20:45] Because that's where you're scoring and basically how your offensive creation is going to come from.

[00:20:51] So, heliocentric Harden is on the way.

[00:20:55] And the only thing that we can hope is this.

[00:20:58] One, he stays focused and motivated.

[00:21:03] Two, we hope that he doesn't have some sort of soft tissue injury a la groin or hamstring.

[00:21:09] Way to keep your cardio up, James.

[00:21:13] Way to keep it up.

[00:21:15] Way to lose weight as you age and keep yourself in phenomenal shape, James Harden.

[00:21:21] Way to do it.

[00:21:22] I'm sure the Jet Strip has seen James Harden a couple times in Los Angeles.

[00:21:30] And so, that's basically it for the Clippers.

[00:21:35] Now, let's get to the team that I really want to focus in on right here.

[00:21:39] The San Antonio Spurs.

[00:21:41] Now, the San Antonio Spurs.

[00:21:43] They have Victor Wenguayama, obviously.

[00:21:46] He's an elite two-way talent.

[00:21:50] We saw him flex his defensive prowess last year.

[00:21:57] We saw him block shots, jump shots from like seven feet away.

[00:22:03] It was amazing.

[00:22:05] He also scored over 20 points a game as well.

[00:22:08] Telling you, this kid is ridiculous.

[00:22:10] And we are just scratching the surface.

[00:22:12] But now, the San Antonio Spurs.

[00:22:16] GM Brian Wright is remaining patient.

[00:22:21] But I love the moves that he did get for a Victor Wenguayama.

[00:22:24] Bringing in a future Hall of Famer like Chris Paul.

[00:22:28] Whose attention to detail.

[00:22:31] And getting the ball to Victor in the right spots.

[00:22:34] This is only going to help his development.

[00:22:37] It's also going to help his opportunities.

[00:22:40] They're going to be easier.

[00:22:42] So, we're going to make it easier for the 7'5 guy to score.

[00:22:48] I love it.

[00:22:49] Also, they brought in Harrison Barnes.

[00:22:52] Now, Chris Paul is not here just for Victor Wenguayama.

[00:22:57] I think he also carries a big load.

[00:23:01] Because they also drafted Stephon Castle in last year's draft.

[00:23:07] Now, Castle was part of that UConn National Championship team.

[00:23:11] He was a one and done.

[00:23:12] He's 6'6.

[00:23:14] He thinks of himself as a point guard.

[00:23:18] That's what his people told the NBA franchises that he was.

[00:23:23] Is that he was a point guard.

[00:23:25] Now, I don't know if that is going to be the case.

[00:23:28] But, if you got Chris Paul there.

[00:23:32] And this kid is malleable to listening.

[00:23:36] Which, all accounts, he is very malleable to listening.

[00:23:41] Now, Chris Paul can grate on people.

[00:23:43] So, we'll figure out how that works.

[00:23:46] But, at the end of the day.

[00:23:48] If he can get this year under his belt.

[00:23:52] Now, remember, Chris Paul sprinkled some dust on Shea Gilgis' Alexander one year.

[00:24:00] Keep that in mind.

[00:24:02] And look at where Shea is now.

[00:24:05] Now, you're going to be battling for MVP this year.

[00:24:08] So, I love the moves that they did.

[00:24:09] I have them 12th right now.

[00:24:12] I think they're not going to make the playoffs.

[00:24:14] I think there are going to be stretches where it looks really good.

[00:24:18] But, Chris Paul is really old.

[00:24:21] So, he's going to miss games.

[00:24:23] Harrison Barnes lost like a step and a half last year.

[00:24:26] And he's not going to get that back.

[00:24:28] But, that's okay.

[00:24:29] Because, they are veterans.

[00:24:32] And these are good dudes.

[00:24:35] Who are going to punch the clock every single day.

[00:24:39] They are going to leave nothing on the court.

[00:24:43] And they are very willing to share their experiences.

[00:24:49] And their knowledge of the NBA to the young players that are on that team.

[00:24:54] And this is exactly why GM Brian Wright got it right with what he did this year.

[00:25:03] So, I've been really thrilled with the rebuild so far.

[00:25:07] I didn't have a problem with the Jeremy Sohan experiment last year.

[00:25:11] But, now we're getting serious about ramping up Victor.

[00:25:15] And I think Victor will be the defensive player of the year this year.

[00:25:19] I know this is not the prediction show as far as the individual awards.

[00:25:24] That's on Monday.

[00:25:25] We'll do a whole layout on that.

[00:25:28] But, San Antonio is going to be a must watch.

[00:25:31] And I can't wait to see what Victor does this year.

[00:25:33] We are going to move along to the team that I had the hardest time with.

[00:25:43] And that is the Houston Rockets.

[00:25:46] Now, the Houston Rockets come in at 11.

[00:25:49] Their projected win total is 42.8.

[00:25:52] Like, Jalen Green, last year, in the second part of the year when Alker and Shingun went down with that injury.

[00:26:00] He turned it on.

[00:26:02] But he averaged 22.1 points a game last year.

[00:26:05] And it looked like he turned a corner.

[00:26:08] And that team looked a little bit different without Amper and Shingun.

[00:26:12] Now, Alker and Shingun, to me, his offense and the way he runs it is more sustainable than what Jalen Green has shown so far.

[00:26:24] Even though he had a really tremendous end of the year last year.

[00:26:30] But the way Alker and Shingun sees the court, the way he's able to locate cutters and also shooters and find the Oakland man is pretty special.

[00:26:44] Now, where Alker and Shingun hurts you is that defensively he's not great.

[00:26:51] Now, could he get better?

[00:26:53] Yes.

[00:26:54] This is like year three or four for him.

[00:26:56] He could get better.

[00:26:59] He also got a little bit taller last year.

[00:27:02] He went from like 6'9.5 to like real legit 6'11.

[00:27:07] But I don't know if that now helps him and defensively he gets better.

[00:27:11] He wasn't a complete sieve.

[00:27:14] He's just not like a rim protector per se.

[00:27:18] But they do got Jabari Smith Jr.

[00:27:21] They do got Amin Thompson.

[00:27:24] They have Tari Eason Jr.

[00:27:26] They have enough that if you wanted to work Alker and Shingun at the center, it's not like a Sacramento situation.

[00:27:35] Where you're scared about DeMontis Salonis all the time.

[00:27:39] You have enough grim protection with the wings that you have to be able to get it done.

[00:27:45] And also you have good perimeter defense.

[00:27:47] It's going to be a fight.

[00:27:50] It's been a long-standing question going on in Houston for a while.

[00:27:54] Which whose team is it going to be?

[00:27:57] Which core are you building around?

[00:27:59] Who's part of the core?

[00:28:00] Because I think depending on which way you go, there's different people for the different cores.

[00:28:07] But it's a conversation to have.

[00:28:09] With all this being said, they still have Van Vliet and Dylan Brooks who they brought in last year.

[00:28:17] And they're going to provide that veteran leadership.

[00:28:20] The stabilization that Van Vliet brought to that offense.

[00:28:24] And just the level of professionalism that he showed.

[00:28:29] And also it just permeated through the team.

[00:28:33] You just saw how the team conducted itself.

[00:28:37] And what I'm talking about is not really off the court.

[00:28:40] It's on the court.

[00:28:41] And what I'm trying to say is that a couple years ago before Van Vliet and Dylan Brooks got there.

[00:28:47] It just looked like they were doing open run.

[00:28:50] It was like who got the ball?

[00:28:52] Okay, he's probably going to chuck it.

[00:28:54] Okay, you might see a pass here or there.

[00:28:57] But there's a lot of isolism.

[00:28:59] I so go.

[00:29:00] It was a lot of.

[00:29:01] Okay, let me see.

[00:29:02] Okay, give me a screen.

[00:29:04] Let me get in here and do my thing.

[00:29:08] But there wasn't a lot of passing going on.

[00:29:11] Now, Shangoon, two years ago, in the same situation as Jalen Green last year.

[00:29:20] That's when the emergence of the nail offense and him working at the nail and hitting cutters and finding okra shooters showed up.

[00:29:32] And then it continued on into the regular season last year.

[00:29:36] Then he ends up hurt.

[00:29:39] Then he ends up hurt.

[00:29:40] And then Jalen Green takes over.

[00:29:43] All the while, though, all the while through all this, Dylan Brooks, Fred Van Vliet, and head coach Emi Adoka finally got it into the head of Jalen Green that not every shot is a good shot.

[00:29:59] And if you pass up a good shot for a great shot, there is a chance that the ball ends up in your hands again.

[00:30:08] And there's a better than average chance that happens.

[00:30:13] Just off your energy and your movement.

[00:30:16] And it took Jalen to understand it a while.

[00:30:19] It took him a while to understand it, but he did.

[00:30:22] Now, I want to give kudos to Raphael Stone because this is a very talented, latent roster.

[00:30:29] We have even got to Reed Shepard, who I think is going to be Rookie of the Year.

[00:30:37] Another little, I'm giving you little jewels here for the prediction show.

[00:30:43] But you got Reed Shepard, you got Cam Whitmore, I didn't even talk about.

[00:30:49] You got a lot of talent on this team.

[00:30:52] You almost have way too many mouths to feed, especially as people are trying to jockey.

[00:30:58] And you have a lot of people who are on that first contract trying to get to that second contract.

[00:31:04] So I think it's going to take this year to figure out which direction Houston wants to go in.

[00:31:12] I think there will be spurts of the season where they will play impressively.

[00:31:17] There'll be times in the season where they will look disjointed.

[00:31:22] And it's just because who is the alpha?

[00:31:28] What's his crew?

[00:31:31] Under Raphael Stone and Emi Adoka, then when we go into next year and they have all this calf space and they still have all these picks and what have you.

[00:31:42] And mind you, if for some reason Houston stubs its toe this year, and I know people in Houston are probably going,

[00:31:51] he has no idea what he's talking about with Houston.

[00:31:54] Houston's going to be good this year.

[00:31:57] I'm not saying they couldn't be good.

[00:31:59] I do think they have, there's a window where they could win 45 games.

[00:32:06] But I just think the mouths trying to feed all the mouths and them not wanting to share the sugar could just rear his ugly head at some point.

[00:32:22] The next team that I want to get to is a team that has a little less stuff going on.

[00:32:29] But they got some stuff going on.

[00:32:31] And that is your Golden State Warriors.

[00:32:33] Now the Golden State Warriors have a projected win total of 42.9.

[00:32:38] Steph Curry continues to play at an MVP level.

[00:32:41] But the Warriors will rely on their unique 6'7 and under lineup this season.

[00:32:50] While it's daring, it leaves the team vulnerable on defense.

[00:32:54] The loss of Klay Thompson has shifted the focus to the supporting cast, including newcomers,

[00:33:01] D'Anthony Milton, Buddy Hill, and Kyle Anderson.

[00:33:06] Now the other thing is GM Mike Dunleavy Jr.

[00:33:10] has focused his attention on building a more well-rounded core around Curry and Draymond Green.

[00:33:19] He understands that they still have a short-term window around those two veterans.

[00:33:25] Steph Curry, I believe, is 35.

[00:33:29] So the time is running out.

[00:33:32] And when does his prime end?

[00:33:34] I think Steph is going to be able to shoot forever.

[00:33:37] But at the level he's shooting right now, when does that end?

[00:33:41] When does the superpower maybe diminish a little bit?

[00:33:45] That's the question.

[00:33:48] But they do got Buddy Hill who can shoot it.

[00:33:52] He's going to replace Klay's shooting.

[00:33:54] D'Anthony Milton is an absolute demon on defense if he's healthy.

[00:33:58] He had a back injury last year.

[00:34:00] And somehow, someway, Kyle Anderson is very effective at what he does.

[00:34:05] Now he's a ball mover.

[00:34:07] He will get you a key rebound here.

[00:34:10] He definitely hits the open man with the pass.

[00:34:13] He plays defense.

[00:34:14] He uses his length and his size to counteract his lack of quickness.

[00:34:22] Hence the nickname Slow Mo.

[00:34:25] But these are three guys that are definitely going to play and also fit into the system that Steve Kerr likes to play.

[00:34:32] So I really don't have a problem with that.

[00:34:34] Then you have Brandon Krasinski who played phenomenal basketball last year.

[00:34:40] Also, Trace Jackson Davis gave you something.

[00:34:44] And he gives you more of closer to a traditional big.

[00:34:49] And then they're bringing off Kevin Looney off the bench who dedicated himself to shooting 500 threes in the offseason.

[00:34:57] Are we going to see corner three Looney just chilling out there?

[00:35:02] I don't know.

[00:35:04] But I'm looking forward to it.

[00:35:07] Now, we do have them at 10th.

[00:35:11] Is there a way for them to be better than that?

[00:35:14] Yes.

[00:35:15] If all of this works, like every dude that you brought in in free agency clicks and it all just gels, yeah, you can be way better than 10th.

[00:35:28] You can be in the playoffs just without being in the playing.

[00:35:32] Because the margins are slim.

[00:35:35] There are tiers to the Western Conference, but in those tiers, there are like slim, minute, microscopic margins where an injury here or there or a groin pull that keeps you out for two or three weeks could change your fortune in a major way.

[00:35:52] I don't think it's shade telling the Golden State Warriors fans that we have them 10th.

[00:35:58] I see a lot of potential where it could be higher than that, but I also see some potential where if for some reason, and we'll knock on wood, we'll knock on wood for that.

[00:36:09] But if Steph Curry turns an ankle, God forbid Draymond Green goes crazy again and then gets suspended.

[00:36:20] Possibilities maybe?

[00:36:22] Maybe.

[00:36:23] The other thing that we need to talk about with the Golden State Warriors is they pursued Loring Marketing and did not receive him.

[00:36:35] What's the next name that comes up on the board and will they be aggressively going after that person?

[00:36:41] I think they will only go after somebody aggressive if it fits the system.

[00:36:46] So for Golden State fans who have been wanting Steve Kerr to go to more pick and roll offense and allow Steph to cook and things of that nature, you're going to see still the beautiful basketball, the ball movement, the cutting, the perpetual movement of the Golden State Warriors this year.

[00:37:06] And that's what it's going to be.

[00:37:09] Until Steve Kerr decides he doesn't want to do this anymore.

[00:37:12] So there you are.

[00:37:15] Number nine, the Los Angeles Lakers.

[00:37:18] They have a projected win total of 42.6.

[00:37:24] LeBron James still doing it, still getting it done.

[00:37:28] We don't even have any questions anymore.

[00:37:31] It's just what it is.

[00:37:32] He's a Terminator.

[00:37:33] I don't care.

[00:37:34] Anthony Davis played 76 games last year.

[00:37:37] 76.

[00:37:38] Keep that number in mind.

[00:37:40] While averaging close to 24 points a game and 11.5 rebounds a game and his quintessential 2.7 blocks.

[00:37:49] I'm saying just doing it big.

[00:37:52] Now, those guys are still the straws that stir the drink.

[00:37:56] What you did see in the preseason is you saw Anthony Davis seem to get more opportunities.

[00:38:02] I don't know if that's something that is going to be what is going to be going forward or is that just what it was in the preseason?

[00:38:13] What they did feature Anthony Davis.

[00:38:16] They got him a lot of looks.

[00:38:17] They got him a lot of different looks in different positions on the court.

[00:38:22] And that is due to new head coach J.J. Redick, who aims to bring an offensive innovation while maintaining the team's defensive identity.

[00:38:34] He wants them to shoot threes.

[00:38:37] He wants LeBron James to shoot threes.

[00:38:41] Hell, I saw Anthony Davis shoot seven threes in a game.

[00:38:47] It was nuts.

[00:38:50] I was like, where was that?

[00:38:53] I like that.

[00:38:54] Do more of that.

[00:38:56] I didn't know you could shoot it like that, my guy.

[00:39:00] Everybody falls back into who they are.

[00:39:02] And I don't know if.

[00:39:05] I would love to see.

[00:39:07] A more.

[00:39:09] Spaced out offense.

[00:39:11] For the Los Angeles Lakers.

[00:39:13] Spaced out.

[00:39:13] I want to do.

[00:39:14] I do want to say this.

[00:39:18] They do have a couple guys on their team that I do believe can help them space the floor.

[00:39:23] And we saw it in a major way last night.

[00:39:26] Dalton Connect put on an absolute show.

[00:39:31] Not just even a show.

[00:39:32] He was on fire.

[00:39:34] The building was on fire.

[00:39:35] People had fire extinguishers.

[00:39:39] The fire department was called.

[00:39:42] It was crazy.

[00:39:44] He scored 20 points in a row for the Lakers.

[00:39:49] 20 in a row.

[00:39:51] And it was a variety.

[00:39:55] A barrage of threes.

[00:39:57] And that dude looked really confident.

[00:40:00] And he looked like he was engaged.

[00:40:02] And if this is what it's going to be.

[00:40:05] The Lakers have a chance to be a little bit better than nine.

[00:40:09] I'm just saying.

[00:40:11] Now they have two first round picks that Rob Palenka has carefully manicured.

[00:40:20] He is carefully selected not to use these bullets in the chamber.

[00:40:27] We all know who LeBron James is.

[00:40:30] We all know that late December and early January is coming.

[00:40:36] If the Lakers are struggling or if the Lakers are good.

[00:40:40] Does pressure come from LeBron?

[00:40:44] And then what does Rob Palenka do with that pressure?

[00:40:48] Now lately what Rob has been doing is absolutely nothing.

[00:40:54] He I don't know if he has been verbalized to LeBron.

[00:40:59] But the indication to me is bro.

[00:41:02] You shot your shot with Russell Westbrook.

[00:41:05] And you see what kind of situation that put us in.

[00:41:08] You don't get another chance.

[00:41:11] Now we will keep you informed of what we're looking at.

[00:41:14] And we'll ask you questions about certain guys.

[00:41:17] But you out now telling us what to do anymore.

[00:41:22] Yeah those days are over.

[00:41:25] Especially since we saw how it worked out with Westbrook.

[00:41:30] So it will be Palenka's constitution.

[00:41:35] Can it hold up against LeBron's passive aggressive social media barrage that he will put on.

[00:41:42] Because that's what he does.

[00:41:45] And we will see.

[00:41:47] Or if something shakes loose.

[00:41:48] But to me they are still a piece of way.

[00:41:52] They want a big.

[00:41:53] There are rumors out there.

[00:41:56] That they're looking at Nick Richards of the Charlotte Hornets.

[00:42:00] That would be a good pickup.

[00:42:02] I don't care for Jackson Hayes.

[00:42:07] As just a rim protector.

[00:42:10] I think he's like a half step slow.

[00:42:14] To the play developing.

[00:42:16] So that's why he's out of position.

[00:42:18] He ends up picking up silly fouls.

[00:42:20] I just think the instincts aren't as sharp as they need to be.

[00:42:24] And I don't know if the microscope of Los Angeles is a place where he can gain that.

[00:42:30] I'm very proud that we didn't talk about Bronny.

[00:42:35] Alright number 8 is the New Orleans Pelicans.

[00:42:38] The New Orleans Pelicans.

[00:42:40] We have them up here.

[00:42:42] Now.

[00:42:44] Zion is in great shape.

[00:42:47] I love it.

[00:42:49] He looks phenomenal.

[00:42:51] He looks like he's on a mission.

[00:42:52] Here's my problem.

[00:42:54] Brandon Ingram remains.

[00:42:56] On trade watch.

[00:42:58] As the front office may look to.

[00:43:01] Consolidate.

[00:43:02] And make a consolidation trade.

[00:43:04] To improve their roster balance.

[00:43:06] CJ McCollum is still a key offensive piece.

[00:43:08] That's a question that I have right there.

[00:43:11] Not because I don't like CJ.

[00:43:14] But he's smaller.

[00:43:15] And you have DeJounte Murray.

[00:43:17] Which we haven't got to yet.

[00:43:19] If CJ McCollum is in the starting lineup with DeJounte Murray.

[00:43:23] What's the difference between DeJounte Murray and Trey Young.

[00:43:26] Trey Murray and CJ McCollum.

[00:43:28] Anybody got any answers for that?

[00:43:31] I don't.

[00:43:32] David Griffin.

[00:43:34] Lost Trajan Langdon.

[00:43:36] He went to Detroit.

[00:43:37] Detroit.

[00:43:38] Now.

[00:43:40] You are in a situation.

[00:43:42] Where.

[00:43:43] We need.

[00:43:43] Some sort of.

[00:43:44] Like path.

[00:43:46] You can't stay on this.

[00:43:48] This.

[00:43:48] The.

[00:43:48] The.

[00:43:49] Picks are run out from the Lakers.

[00:43:50] This is the last one.

[00:43:52] This year.

[00:43:52] You don't have a bunch of extra picks.

[00:43:54] Laying around.

[00:43:56] So.

[00:43:57] You need to.

[00:43:59] Strike while the iron's hot.

[00:44:01] You've got a couple pieces.

[00:44:03] I know that Brandon Ingram's trade value is not great.

[00:44:07] This lineup makes no sense by the way.

[00:44:11] Herb Jones is starting at center.

[00:44:13] You got Zion.

[00:44:14] Brandon Ingram.

[00:44:15] And it looks like it's going to be CJ McCollum.

[00:44:18] And DeJounte Murray.

[00:44:20] That.

[00:44:21] To me.

[00:44:23] Seems like.

[00:44:25] Really risky.

[00:44:26] Now I know.

[00:44:27] Yeah.

[00:44:28] You can bring in Daniel Tice.

[00:44:30] And you can bring in.

[00:44:31] Eves Mesey.

[00:44:32] Who is their first round draft pick this year.

[00:44:35] 21st pick overall.

[00:44:37] He's 19th.

[00:44:38] And raw.

[00:44:40] You need a big.

[00:44:42] Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum.

[00:44:45] Are your conduits.

[00:44:46] To that big.

[00:44:48] By the way.

[00:44:49] We still need Trey Murphy the third.

[00:44:51] To start.

[00:44:52] And also.

[00:44:53] Pay that man.

[00:44:54] Pay that man.

[00:44:55] But that's the reason why I have them eighth.

[00:44:57] They would be higher.

[00:44:58] If.

[00:44:59] That center situation was squared away.

[00:45:03] Coming in at number seven.

[00:45:05] Is the Sacramento Kings.

[00:45:08] Now.

[00:45:09] The Sacramento Kings.

[00:45:10] They.

[00:45:11] They.

[00:45:11] I fell back last year.

[00:45:13] I wouldn't say you fell back.

[00:45:15] They were.

[00:45:15] Pretty much what they were.

[00:45:17] It just.

[00:45:18] The West was better.

[00:45:20] And.

[00:45:21] They didn't get better.

[00:45:23] Now.

[00:45:25] They.

[00:45:26] Are still like the two-headed monster.

[00:45:28] But now they have added.

[00:45:30] DeMar DeRozan gives.

[00:45:31] The Sacramento Kings.

[00:45:33] Another scoring option.

[00:45:35] Especially.

[00:45:36] Crutch time.

[00:45:36] But also.

[00:45:37] It just diversifies the offense.

[00:45:39] Now.

[00:45:40] The question I do have.

[00:45:42] Is that.

[00:45:42] DeMontis Savonis.

[00:45:44] And DeMar DeRozan.

[00:45:45] They share the same.

[00:45:47] Space on the court.

[00:45:49] That they.

[00:45:49] I want to know how.

[00:45:51] Those two.

[00:45:53] Find cohesion.

[00:45:57] DeMar DeRozan.

[00:45:58] DeMar DeRozan.

[00:45:59] He's going to be amazing.

[00:46:00] And I think.

[00:46:00] Having another option.

[00:46:02] Where.

[00:46:02] You can't just.

[00:46:03] Key on DeMar DeRozan.

[00:46:05] DeMar DeRozan.

[00:46:05] Is critical.

[00:46:06] To what they're trying to do there.

[00:46:09] So I do like.

[00:46:10] The pick up.

[00:46:10] With DeMar DeRozan.

[00:46:11] But they do have some things.

[00:46:12] To work out.

[00:46:14] And here's the other thing.

[00:46:16] Devin Carter.

[00:46:17] The rookie.

[00:46:18] He's recovering.

[00:46:20] From a shoulder injury.

[00:46:21] He doesn't look like.

[00:46:23] He will be back until.

[00:46:24] After the first of the year.

[00:46:26] If.

[00:46:26] If at any point.

[00:46:28] Because once you.

[00:46:28] Don't see training camp.

[00:46:30] A lot of NBA teams.

[00:46:32] Don't practice.

[00:46:32] Throughout the year.

[00:46:34] That leaves Kevin Herter.

[00:46:36] And.

[00:46:37] Kevin Herter.

[00:46:38] Lost his job.

[00:46:39] To Keon Ellis.

[00:46:41] Keon Ellis is now.

[00:46:43] Basically the two guard.

[00:46:45] And.

[00:46:45] He's providing defense.

[00:46:47] And he's shooting the ball.

[00:46:48] At a consistent level.

[00:46:50] Now he's not shooting it.

[00:46:51] At the.

[00:46:53] At the rate.

[00:46:54] That Kevin Herter.

[00:46:55] Could.

[00:46:55] Or would.

[00:46:57] But.

[00:46:58] He is hitting them.

[00:46:59] They are going in.

[00:47:01] And they are respecting him.

[00:47:02] I don't know.

[00:47:04] What happened to Kevin Herter.

[00:47:06] But ever since he left.

[00:47:09] Atlanta.

[00:47:11] The.

[00:47:12] Three point.

[00:47:13] Production.

[00:47:14] The three point.

[00:47:15] Percentage.

[00:47:16] It all.

[00:47:16] Has dropped.

[00:47:18] Now he has some sort of.

[00:47:20] Shoulder.

[00:47:21] Surgery.

[00:47:22] Maybe to clean up something.

[00:47:24] And maybe that will help.

[00:47:26] But.

[00:47:26] If they can get Kevin Herter.

[00:47:28] Back to shoot.

[00:47:29] The way he was.

[00:47:31] It makes his team.

[00:47:32] A little more dangerous.

[00:47:33] And a little more diversified.

[00:47:35] Which they.

[00:47:35] Absolutely need.

[00:47:37] And hell.

[00:47:39] Here's the thing.

[00:47:40] You need all the offense.

[00:47:41] You can get Sacramento.

[00:47:43] Because.

[00:47:44] You are a sieve.

[00:47:45] On defense.

[00:47:47] Offense.

[00:47:47] Hopefully.

[00:47:48] Better health.

[00:47:49] And better luck.

[00:47:49] To our guy.

[00:47:50] Kevin Herter.

[00:47:51] We love the red rifle.

[00:47:53] That's our guy.

[00:47:54] But.

[00:47:55] They going to need his.

[00:47:56] Scoring punch.

[00:47:58] Or.

[00:47:58] The scoring punch.

[00:47:59] He left in Atlanta.

[00:48:01] He going to need to.

[00:48:01] Pack that bad boy up.

[00:48:03] Ship at UPS.

[00:48:04] And bring it out.

[00:48:05] To Sacramento.

[00:48:07] Because they going to need points.

[00:48:10] GM.

[00:48:11] Monte McNair.

[00:48:12] Has doubled down.

[00:48:13] On offense.

[00:48:14] But the team.

[00:48:14] Will need to improve.

[00:48:16] Need to improve.

[00:48:18] The defense.

[00:48:18] To reach their next level.

[00:48:21] McNair.

[00:48:21] Is banging on DeRozan.

[00:48:23] Fitting into.

[00:48:24] Their offensive flow.

[00:48:25] While hoping.

[00:48:26] For improved.

[00:48:28] On the defensive side.

[00:48:29] I don't think there's going to be.

[00:48:31] Any improved.

[00:48:31] Defensive chemistry.

[00:48:33] DeMontis Savonis.

[00:48:34] Is six foot.

[00:48:36] Eight and a half.

[00:48:37] Six foot nine.

[00:48:39] He is not a rim protector.

[00:48:41] Keegan Murray.

[00:48:42] Is not a rim protector.

[00:48:44] Obviously.

[00:48:45] DeMar DeRozan.

[00:48:46] Is not a rim protector.

[00:48:48] You just don't have one.

[00:48:50] And until you figure out.

[00:48:52] Which one of your pieces.

[00:48:54] You need to kind of.

[00:48:56] Turn into.

[00:48:57] That said rim protector.

[00:49:01] Expect a lot of 130.

[00:49:03] To a lot of 126 games.

[00:49:05] In Sacramento.

[00:49:08] So y'all can light the beam.

[00:49:09] To that.

[00:49:10] The next team.

[00:49:11] On our preview.

[00:49:14] Is the team.

[00:49:14] That I have been waiting.

[00:49:16] To get to.

[00:49:17] And that is.

[00:49:17] The Memphis Grizzlies.

[00:49:19] Now.

[00:49:20] The Memphis Grizzlies.

[00:49:22] Have a projected.

[00:49:23] Win total.

[00:49:24] Of 47.1.

[00:49:25] They might have a hard time.

[00:49:27] Getting to that.

[00:49:29] Now.

[00:49:29] John Morant.

[00:49:30] Is.

[00:49:31] Absolutely.

[00:49:32] Amazing.

[00:49:33] The only problem.

[00:49:34] The last couple years.

[00:49:36] He hasn't been on the court.

[00:49:37] First situation.

[00:49:38] Was his fault.

[00:49:40] Second situation.

[00:49:42] Was an injury.

[00:49:42] Yeah.

[00:49:43] Shoulder injury.

[00:49:44] Couldn't play.

[00:49:45] All busted up.

[00:49:46] And now he's back.

[00:49:48] And he's back.

[00:49:49] With a bunch of swag.

[00:49:50] And he seems like.

[00:49:52] He's on a mission.

[00:49:53] To kill people.

[00:49:55] And I don't mean that.

[00:49:56] In that way.

[00:49:56] And just go out.

[00:49:57] On the court.

[00:49:58] And annihilate people.

[00:50:00] The other thing is this.

[00:50:01] Hopefully you get.

[00:50:02] Renewed health.

[00:50:02] For everybody.

[00:50:04] On that team.

[00:50:05] Because.

[00:50:06] What has been their problem.

[00:50:07] The last two or three years.

[00:50:09] Injuries.

[00:50:11] Injuries to Jaron Jackson Jr.

[00:50:13] Again.

[00:50:14] He is dealing with something.

[00:50:16] He is.

[00:50:17] He's dealing with.

[00:50:18] A shoulder situation.

[00:50:19] And he's out.

[00:50:22] Gigi Jackson.

[00:50:24] Also.

[00:50:24] Dealing with something.

[00:50:26] He's out.

[00:50:29] So.

[00:50:30] GM.

[00:50:31] Zach Kleinman.

[00:50:32] Is confident.

[00:50:33] In the Grizzlies abilities.

[00:50:35] Because here's the other thing.

[00:50:36] Brandon Clark is back.

[00:50:37] We're okay.

[00:50:39] And Zach Eady.

[00:50:40] Who is 7 foot 4.

[00:50:42] 7 foot 5.

[00:50:43] 300 pounds.

[00:50:44] Is also.

[00:50:45] Manning the middle.

[00:50:46] So rebounds.

[00:50:48] Are taken care of.

[00:50:50] Don't worry Memphis.

[00:50:53] Your.

[00:50:54] Obligatory.

[00:50:56] Jonas Valanciunin.

[00:50:58] Steven Adams.

[00:51:00] Big.

[00:51:01] Ogre looking.

[00:51:02] White dude.

[00:51:03] Is back.

[00:51:05] You got him back.

[00:51:06] Zach Eady.

[00:51:08] Is.

[00:51:09] Exactly.

[00:51:10] What.

[00:51:10] Memphis.

[00:51:11] Has been looking for.

[00:51:13] Since they lost.

[00:51:14] Valanciunin.

[00:51:15] And Steven Adams.

[00:51:17] They didn't have it last year.

[00:51:18] Their rebounding.

[00:51:19] Wasn't as good.

[00:51:20] Here's a guy.

[00:51:21] Who will definitely.

[00:51:22] Bring physicality.

[00:51:23] His height.

[00:51:24] He's a deterrent.

[00:51:25] At the rim.

[00:51:26] And also.

[00:51:27] If you post him up.

[00:51:29] How is anybody.

[00:51:30] Going to stop him.

[00:51:31] The problem is.

[00:51:32] We play.

[00:51:34] In today's basketball.

[00:51:35] When nobody posts up.

[00:51:37] So.

[00:51:37] Good luck.

[00:51:38] To our guys.

[00:51:39] Zach Eady.

[00:51:39] On that.

[00:51:40] And also.

[00:51:41] I'm.

[00:51:41] Looking forward.

[00:51:43] To the.

[00:51:44] Marcus Smart.

[00:51:45] Designed.

[00:51:46] John Morant.

[00:51:48] Because we didn't get to see it last year.

[00:51:50] We don't know what it's going to look like.

[00:51:52] We have no idea.

[00:51:53] What kind of point.

[00:51:55] Of attack.

[00:51:55] Defender.

[00:51:56] Marcus Smart.

[00:51:57] Has left in the tank.

[00:51:58] And I think.

[00:52:00] That if we get.

[00:52:01] The Marcus Smart.

[00:52:02] That we've seen.

[00:52:03] Accustomed to.

[00:52:04] The last.

[00:52:06] Four years in Boston.

[00:52:07] This could be a real.

[00:52:09] Big benefit.

[00:52:10] To what Memphis.

[00:52:11] Is trying to do.

[00:52:13] But they got to stay away.

[00:52:15] From the injury bug.

[00:52:16] All this.

[00:52:17] Is a house of cards.

[00:52:19] Waiting to fall apart.

[00:52:21] And I'm sure the Lakers.

[00:52:23] And Golden State.

[00:52:24] And Sacramento.

[00:52:25] Are waiting.

[00:52:26] Because no team.

[00:52:28] In the league.

[00:52:29] Talk more trash.

[00:52:30] Than the Memphis Grizzlies.

[00:52:31] And I love it.

[00:52:32] Our next team.

[00:52:33] Here.

[00:52:35] And.

[00:52:36] I'm going to tell you.

[00:52:37] This top five.

[00:52:39] For me.

[00:52:40] Was.

[00:52:41] Absolutely.

[00:52:44] Tough.

[00:52:45] But at five.

[00:52:46] I have the Dallas Mavericks.

[00:52:49] Bents.

[00:52:50] That seems disrespectful.

[00:52:51] To the team.

[00:52:53] That got to the NBA finals.

[00:52:55] Bents.

[00:52:56] That seems.

[00:52:57] A little.

[00:52:58] Harsh.

[00:52:59] For.

[00:53:00] Your.

[00:53:01] Your.

[00:53:02] Pick.

[00:53:03] For.

[00:53:03] Reigning.

[00:53:04] Defending.

[00:53:05] MVP.

[00:53:06] Which.

[00:53:07] Wasn't the Leafs pick.

[00:53:08] The league pick.

[00:53:09] Nikola Jokic.

[00:53:11] Frontrunner.

[00:53:12] Podcast collective.

[00:53:13] Pick.

[00:53:13] Luka Doncic.

[00:53:14] This seems disrespectful.

[00:53:16] To Luka.

[00:53:17] But.

[00:53:18] We got him at five.

[00:53:21] And.

[00:53:21] Unfortunately.

[00:53:23] With that.

[00:53:24] Is.

[00:53:25] Here's the deal.

[00:53:26] You got Luka Doncic.

[00:53:27] Who is one of the best players in the league.

[00:53:29] No doubt.

[00:53:30] He averaged.

[00:53:30] What?

[00:53:31] 33.

[00:53:32] He almost averaged a triple double last year.

[00:53:34] He was that good.

[00:53:36] And he was.

[00:53:36] Just controlling.

[00:53:38] Everything on the offense.

[00:53:40] The Kyrie.

[00:53:41] Luka combo.

[00:53:43] Matched up.

[00:53:44] Better than I thought.

[00:53:45] But.

[00:53:45] Now he has some times where.

[00:53:48] You know.

[00:53:48] He disappeared.

[00:53:49] Now.

[00:53:50] Is that an age thing?

[00:53:52] Is.

[00:53:53] Kyrie starting to slow down?

[00:53:55] Could be.

[00:53:56] I don't know.

[00:53:58] But.

[00:53:59] He's still effective.

[00:54:00] He still gets to the rim.

[00:54:02] He's still.

[00:54:03] One of the creative.

[00:54:05] Creators.

[00:54:05] We have in this league.

[00:54:06] He can get to the paint.

[00:54:09] Whenever he decides to.

[00:54:10] If they're not packing it.

[00:54:12] And that gets to our next guy.

[00:54:13] That we're going to talk to in one second.

[00:54:15] But.

[00:54:15] The Kyrie.

[00:54:17] Luka combo.

[00:54:19] Having them together.

[00:54:20] It does work.

[00:54:21] It's weird.

[00:54:22] That it does.

[00:54:23] But.

[00:54:23] There's.

[00:54:24] The respect level.

[00:54:25] They respect.

[00:54:27] Each other's crafts.

[00:54:28] And they seem to be able to.

[00:54:30] Geniusly.

[00:54:31] Or Ted talk their way through.

[00:54:33] The NBA season.

[00:54:35] And allow each other.

[00:54:36] To get their stuff in.

[00:54:39] Now that brings us to Clay Thompson.

[00:54:42] Clay Thompson.

[00:54:44] The long time.

[00:54:45] Golden State Warriors.

[00:54:47] Really felt.

[00:54:48] Left out.

[00:54:49] When everybody was getting the contract.

[00:54:51] Except him.

[00:54:54] And.

[00:54:56] Quietly is kept.

[00:54:59] Clay's lost a couple steps.

[00:55:01] He should have lost a couple steps.

[00:55:03] Having an Achilles injury.

[00:55:05] And having an ACL.

[00:55:07] Back to back.

[00:55:08] Those things happen.

[00:55:10] Now.

[00:55:11] Can Clay still shoot?

[00:55:14] 41.8%.

[00:55:15] Hell yeah.

[00:55:16] He can.

[00:55:19] Can he score?

[00:55:20] 18 points a game.

[00:55:22] Hell yeah.

[00:55:22] He can.

[00:55:26] Who is he going to defend?

[00:55:28] I have no clue.

[00:55:31] And if you have.

[00:55:33] Clay Thompson.

[00:55:35] You have.

[00:55:37] Luka Doncic.

[00:55:38] And Kyrie Irving.

[00:55:40] On the court.

[00:55:40] At the same time.

[00:55:42] God bless.

[00:55:43] Derek Lively.

[00:55:44] PJ Washington.

[00:55:46] Or whoever.

[00:55:47] Has to guard.

[00:55:48] At the rim.

[00:55:49] Because it is just going to.

[00:55:51] We just going to take turns out here.

[00:55:54] We going to take turns.

[00:55:56] Out here.

[00:55:57] Now.

[00:55:58] On the offensive side.

[00:56:01] How do you.

[00:56:02] If.

[00:56:02] If Clay is spacing.

[00:56:04] How do you leave Clay?

[00:56:07] And.

[00:56:08] If.

[00:56:08] You're not leaving Clay.

[00:56:11] Does that allow.

[00:56:12] Luka Doncic.

[00:56:13] And Kyrie.

[00:56:14] Even more room.

[00:56:16] In the half court set.

[00:56:18] On the offensive end.

[00:56:19] So there's a yin and yang to this.

[00:56:22] Their offensive.

[00:56:24] A front.

[00:56:24] Their offensive half court offense.

[00:56:26] Could get.

[00:56:28] Exponentially better.

[00:56:31] Their defense.

[00:56:32] Might be so bad.

[00:56:34] With those three in the game.

[00:56:36] That it might not matter.

[00:56:37] Quentin Grimes.

[00:56:38] Is going to play a big role.

[00:56:39] I don't know how.

[00:56:40] They're going to.

[00:56:41] Tweak this rotation.

[00:56:42] To get the.

[00:56:44] The best version of it.

[00:56:46] Now.

[00:56:47] Jason Kidd.

[00:56:48] Has a defensive coordinator.

[00:56:50] Who.

[00:56:51] Everybody in the league wants.

[00:56:52] Defense.

[00:56:53] He has seemed to.

[00:56:55] Be able to create.

[00:56:56] Defenses.

[00:56:57] Out of thin air.

[00:56:58] And have Luka.

[00:57:00] Halfway.

[00:57:01] Like.

[00:57:02] On the verge of.

[00:57:04] Looking.

[00:57:06] Less.

[00:57:07] Disinterested.

[00:57:07] That he does.

[00:57:08] In defense.

[00:57:09] What this guy.

[00:57:10] Just screams at Luka.

[00:57:12] Like.

[00:57:13] All day.

[00:57:15] 450th.

[00:57:17] Like.

[00:57:17] You know.

[00:57:18] 450th.

[00:57:18] Ranked defensive player.

[00:57:19] In the league.

[00:57:21] And it seems to fire him up.

[00:57:23] Now.

[00:57:23] I do want to give.

[00:57:24] A shout out to.

[00:57:26] GM.

[00:57:27] Or president.

[00:57:27] Of player personnel.

[00:57:28] Let's not disrespect.

[00:57:29] This man's title.

[00:57:31] Nico Harrison.

[00:57:33] Nico Harrison.

[00:57:34] Has doubled down.

[00:57:34] Adding shooters.

[00:57:35] Around Donchich.

[00:57:36] And here's the thing.

[00:57:40] You know what you need.

[00:57:41] And you got it.

[00:57:42] You got Clay Thompson.

[00:57:43] Now.

[00:57:44] Unfortunately.

[00:57:45] It's not Clay.

[00:57:45] Like three or four years ago.

[00:57:47] Or this week.

[00:57:48] A whole hell of a lot better.

[00:57:49] But.

[00:57:50] As far as the firepower is concerned.

[00:57:53] The front office believes.

[00:57:55] That the offensive firepower.

[00:57:56] Will be enough.

[00:57:57] To outlast opponents.

[00:57:59] In high scoring.

[00:58:00] In the high scoring west.

[00:58:01] Hopefully you can get a couple stops.

[00:58:03] Here and there.

[00:58:04] A couple questions that I have.

[00:58:06] Is.

[00:58:06] We just asked it.

[00:58:08] Just the liabilities on defense.

[00:58:10] And also.

[00:58:11] Please get.

[00:58:14] Electrolytes.

[00:58:15] Get the IVs ready.

[00:58:17] For Derek Lively.

[00:58:19] And Daniel Gafford.

[00:58:21] And PJ Washington.

[00:58:22] Those three guys.

[00:58:24] Might need.

[00:58:25] Those things.

[00:58:27] To.

[00:58:28] Be alive.

[00:58:30] By playoff time.

[00:58:32] Because.

[00:58:33] It's going to be.

[00:58:34] Just a free run.

[00:58:35] To the rim.

[00:58:37] With Clay.

[00:58:38] Luca.

[00:58:39] And Kyrie.

[00:58:39] Our next team.

[00:58:47] Knows.

[00:58:47] Is the Minnesota Timberwolves.

[00:58:49] The Minnesota Timberwolves.

[00:58:51] Have a projected.

[00:58:52] Win total.

[00:58:52] Of 51.4.

[00:58:55] Anthony Edwards.

[00:58:56] Took a step.

[00:58:56] Last year.

[00:58:57] He looked amazing.

[00:58:58] He looked like.

[00:58:59] Everything that was promised.

[00:59:01] And even more.

[00:59:02] There were times.

[00:59:03] Where.

[00:59:03] There were certain.

[00:59:04] Podcasters.

[00:59:05] That used.

[00:59:06] The name.

[00:59:07] Jordan.

[00:59:08] When they.

[00:59:09] Looked.

[00:59:10] At Anthony Edwards.

[00:59:11] Now.

[00:59:12] Glimpses of Jordan.

[00:59:14] Yes.

[00:59:14] Nobody said he was.

[00:59:15] Jordan.

[00:59:16] Nobody said that.

[00:59:18] But people did say.

[00:59:20] Hey.

[00:59:21] We're seeing.

[00:59:23] Athleticism.

[00:59:24] That's similar.

[00:59:24] To a certain someone.

[00:59:26] We're seeing.

[00:59:27] A competitive.

[00:59:28] That is.

[00:59:29] Close to a certain.

[00:59:30] Someone.

[00:59:31] And obviously.

[00:59:32] He's so.

[00:59:33] Crazy.

[00:59:34] Athletic.

[00:59:35] That.

[00:59:35] I can understand.

[00:59:36] Why.

[00:59:37] People were.

[00:59:38] Gently.

[00:59:39] Whiskering.

[00:59:40] And invoking.

[00:59:41] The name.

[00:59:42] Of Michael Jordan.

[00:59:44] But.

[00:59:45] It came.

[00:59:46] Crashing down.

[00:59:47] To earth.

[00:59:48] A little bit.

[00:59:48] In the Western Conference.

[00:59:50] Finals.

[00:59:51] Against.

[00:59:52] The.

[00:59:53] Dallas Mavericks.

[00:59:54] Because.

[00:59:55] He simply ran out of the gas.

[00:59:56] And he said so.

[00:59:57] And he said.

[00:59:58] That I didn't know.

[00:59:59] I was not aware.

[01:00:01] I just thought.

[01:00:02] I would have cardio.

[01:00:03] Forever.

[01:00:05] And then.

[01:00:06] He also did.

[01:00:07] The Olympic.

[01:00:08] Pilgrimage.

[01:00:09] Which.

[01:00:10] Anytime.

[01:00:10] A young player.

[01:00:11] Does.

[01:00:11] Play on the Olympic team.

[01:00:14] They always come back better.

[01:00:17] And.

[01:00:19] There's.

[01:00:19] We're trying.

[01:00:20] To get a group.

[01:00:22] Of scientists.

[01:00:23] Together.

[01:00:25] To.

[01:00:26] See.

[01:00:27] What this phenomenon.

[01:00:28] Actually is.

[01:00:29] But I just think.

[01:00:30] It's just.

[01:00:31] The.

[01:00:32] Absorption.

[01:00:33] Of good habits.

[01:00:35] Looking.

[01:00:36] Listening.

[01:00:38] And maybe.

[01:00:40] Augmenting.

[01:00:40] What you do.

[01:00:42] To.

[01:00:42] Mirror.

[01:00:43] Maybe.

[01:00:43] Somebody.

[01:00:44] Who.

[01:00:44] Is better than you.

[01:00:45] That was playing on the Olympic team.

[01:00:48] So.

[01:00:49] Anthony Edwards.

[01:00:50] Coming back.

[01:00:51] I'm not feeling.

[01:00:52] For him.

[01:00:53] To.

[01:00:53] Oh.

[01:00:53] I'm.

[01:00:54] I'm.

[01:00:54] I'm.

[01:00:54] I'm.

[01:00:54] I'm.

[01:00:54] I'm.

[01:00:54] I'm.

[01:00:55] I'm.

[01:00:56] I'm.

[01:00:59] I'm.

[01:01:01] I'm.

[01:01:02] Obviously.

[01:01:02] There was a trade.

[01:01:03] Julius Randall.

[01:01:05] And Dante DiVincenzo.

[01:01:06] Has.

[01:01:07] Have.

[01:01:08] To Minnesota.

[01:01:09] And Carl Anthony Towns.

[01:01:10] Has.

[01:01:11] To New York.

[01:01:12] You can.

[01:01:13] We can debate this trade.

[01:01:14] We can talk about who won.

[01:01:16] Who lost.

[01:01:16] We won't know for a while.

[01:01:18] It will take some time.

[01:01:19] For all play out.

[01:01:20] But.

[01:01:21] Here's the thing.

[01:01:22] That.

[01:01:23] We talked about.

[01:01:25] When the trade happened.

[01:01:28] Glenn Taylor is still.

[01:01:29] The owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

[01:01:32] Now.

[01:01:32] In.

[01:01:32] November.

[01:01:34] There is a arbitration hearing.

[01:01:37] Between.

[01:01:37] Lori.

[01:01:38] A.

[01:01:39] Rod.

[01:01:40] Alex Rodriguez.

[01:01:41] Who also play baseball.

[01:01:43] That's on one side.

[01:01:45] They're.

[01:01:46] Minority owners right now.

[01:01:48] But could be the majority owner.

[01:01:50] After this.

[01:01:52] But then you have Glenn Taylor.

[01:01:54] On the other side.

[01:01:55] Now.

[01:01:56] To make a long story short.

[01:01:58] Basically.

[01:02:00] The.

[01:02:01] Lori group.

[01:02:02] Bought the team.

[01:02:03] In.

[01:02:03] Basically.

[01:02:04] They put them all away away.

[01:02:06] I know.

[01:02:07] For some of you young people.

[01:02:08] Have no idea.

[01:02:09] What that means.

[01:02:10] But basically.

[01:02:11] They.

[01:02:13] Paid for the team.

[01:02:14] In sections.

[01:02:14] They had certain dates.

[01:02:16] To hit.

[01:02:16] Whatever.

[01:02:18] And.

[01:02:20] From Glenn Taylor's side.

[01:02:21] He said.

[01:02:21] They didn't hit those dates.

[01:02:22] On the time.

[01:02:23] They didn't hit.

[01:02:24] Those payments.

[01:02:25] On the time.

[01:02:25] He was supposed to.

[01:02:27] And.

[01:02:27] I don't want to do this deal anymore.

[01:02:30] Now.

[01:02:31] A-Rod and Lori.

[01:02:32] Sing a different song.

[01:02:33] They say.

[01:02:34] Hey.

[01:02:34] We have these payments.

[01:02:35] We got these.

[01:02:36] Things to say that we do.

[01:02:38] And we have the backing.

[01:02:39] Of some people.

[01:02:40] Who are.

[01:02:41] Super high up.

[01:02:42] In Google.

[01:02:43] So we got enough cash.

[01:02:44] To do this deal.

[01:02:45] So.

[01:02:46] Let's start tripping.

[01:02:48] But.

[01:02:49] Carl Anthony Towns.

[01:02:50] Was a cost-cutting.

[01:02:51] Maneuver.

[01:02:53] No matter what.

[01:02:55] Say what you will.

[01:02:56] He has a extension.

[01:02:58] That is kicking in this year.

[01:02:59] That pays him.

[01:03:00] A boatload of money.

[01:03:02] And Julius Randall.

[01:03:04] Is on the last year.

[01:03:04] Of his contract.

[01:03:06] And you also.

[01:03:08] Picked up.

[01:03:09] Dante DiGincenzo.

[01:03:11] Who provides.

[01:03:12] Much needed.

[01:03:13] Perimeter defense.

[01:03:14] Playmaking.

[01:03:15] And serves as a.

[01:03:16] Buffer.

[01:03:17] For Mike Collin Jr.

[01:03:18] And with the team.

[01:03:20] Grooming.

[01:03:21] Kentucky.

[01:03:22] Rookie guard.

[01:03:23] Rob Dillingham.

[01:03:24] For the future.

[01:03:26] So now.

[01:03:26] You don't have to lean.

[01:03:27] On this.

[01:03:28] 160 pound.

[01:03:30] Guard.

[01:03:31] Rob Dillingham.

[01:03:31] Who is.

[01:03:32] Absolute blur.

[01:03:34] He is.

[01:03:34] Super fast.

[01:03:36] This dude.

[01:03:36] Has an array.

[01:03:37] Of floaters.

[01:03:39] He's not scared.

[01:03:40] I definitely think.

[01:03:41] He's going to get.

[01:03:42] Playing time.

[01:03:43] Minnesota.

[01:03:43] We will.

[01:03:44] Experience.

[01:03:45] The Dillingham.

[01:03:46] Effect.

[01:03:46] The Dillingham.

[01:03:47] Experience.

[01:03:48] This year.

[01:03:48] Is coming to a TV.

[01:03:50] Screen.

[01:03:50] Soon.

[01:03:51] Can't wait to see it.

[01:03:53] But.

[01:03:54] We know.

[01:03:55] Rookies.

[01:03:55] Sometimes.

[01:03:56] Struggle.

[01:03:57] Now.

[01:03:57] Kentucky.

[01:03:57] Guards.

[01:03:58] Are different.

[01:03:58] I know.

[01:03:59] We usually.

[01:04:00] They usually.

[01:04:00] Grown different.

[01:04:01] Down there.

[01:04:03] Shouts out.

[01:04:04] To our guy.

[01:04:04] Reed Shepard.

[01:04:05] We'll get to him.

[01:04:06] We got to him.

[01:04:07] But.

[01:04:08] Rob Dillingham.

[01:04:09] Was the other.

[01:04:10] Part of that.

[01:04:11] Group.

[01:04:13] And he can.

[01:04:14] He's just not.

[01:04:15] Faced.

[01:04:16] None of this.

[01:04:17] New world.

[01:04:18] Going to the NBA.

[01:04:20] Faces him.

[01:04:21] He seems.

[01:04:21] Locked in.

[01:04:22] And ready to go.

[01:04:23] But.

[01:04:24] Having the insurance.

[01:04:25] Policy.

[01:04:26] Of Dante DiVincenzo.

[01:04:28] Cannot be.

[01:04:29] Understated.

[01:04:29] It cannot be.

[01:04:31] Something that we.

[01:04:32] Just sweep.

[01:04:32] Under the rug.

[01:04:33] This guy.

[01:04:34] Can get you.

[01:04:34] Buckets.

[01:04:35] He can start.

[01:04:36] If you need him to.

[01:04:38] He can come off the bench.

[01:04:39] He doesn't have a problem.

[01:04:40] With that.

[01:04:41] And he is going to.

[01:04:43] Make right plays.

[01:04:44] He's going to.

[01:04:45] Bring energy.

[01:04:46] And he's going to.

[01:04:47] Be able to help you.

[01:04:48] With the floor spacing.

[01:04:49] That you need.

[01:04:50] Now.

[01:04:51] The Julius Randle part.

[01:04:53] Julius Randle.

[01:04:55] Is a.

[01:04:56] Bruising.

[01:04:57] Forward.

[01:04:57] Forward.

[01:04:58] That also.

[01:04:58] Is an offensive creator.

[01:05:00] He can create.

[01:05:01] For himself.

[01:05:02] And others.

[01:05:04] Why is that helpful?

[01:05:05] McDaniels.

[01:05:07] Can't.

[01:05:08] Right.

[01:05:10] Mike Conley Jr.

[01:05:11] Is.

[01:05:12] A hundred.

[01:05:13] And sixty.

[01:05:14] Two.

[01:05:14] Of age.

[01:05:16] To kill.

[01:05:17] Alexander Walker.

[01:05:19] Somewhat.

[01:05:20] A creator.

[01:05:21] Could use.

[01:05:22] Somebody.

[01:05:22] A little more.

[01:05:23] Adept.

[01:05:24] At it.

[01:05:26] Nas Reed.

[01:05:27] Need somebody.

[01:05:28] Get him the ball.

[01:05:29] And Rudy Goguerra.

[01:05:30] We know.

[01:05:31] That he is always.

[01:05:32] Basically.

[01:05:33] An anchor.

[01:05:34] When it comes to.

[01:05:35] You got to get him.

[01:05:37] His shot.

[01:05:37] He's not going to create.

[01:05:39] His own shot.

[01:05:40] So having.

[01:05:41] Dante DiVincenzo.

[01:05:43] And bringing in.

[01:05:43] Rob Dillingham.

[01:05:44] These were.

[01:05:45] These were.

[01:05:46] Masterful moves.

[01:05:47] By Tim Conley.

[01:05:49] Make no mistake.

[01:05:50] About it.

[01:05:50] Oh yeah.

[01:05:50] By the way.

[01:05:51] Tim Conley.

[01:05:52] Restructured his deal.

[01:05:54] And depending.

[01:05:54] On the outcome.

[01:05:56] Of this.

[01:05:56] Owner situation.

[01:05:58] In November.

[01:05:59] Tim Conley.

[01:06:00] Can be a free agent.

[01:06:01] As well.

[01:06:02] So.

[01:06:03] No.

[01:06:03] No panic.

[01:06:04] Minnesota fans.

[01:06:05] Just.

[01:06:05] Telling you all.

[01:06:06] Of what's going on.

[01:06:08] I ask this question.

[01:06:10] Oh.

[01:06:10] I give you all this.

[01:06:11] To ask this question.

[01:06:13] Carl Anthony Towns.

[01:06:14] Is out.

[01:06:15] He was a big part of that team.

[01:06:16] For a lot of years.

[01:06:18] Say what you want.

[01:06:18] About him.

[01:06:19] About his quirks.

[01:06:20] About the weird fouls.

[01:06:21] About just some.

[01:06:22] Of just the stuff.

[01:06:24] That goes on.

[01:06:24] With Carl Anthony Towns.

[01:06:26] Let's give him credit.

[01:06:27] Where credit is due.

[01:06:29] When Anthony Edwards.

[01:06:30] Started to ascend.

[01:06:31] To that number one spot.

[01:06:33] He could have.

[01:06:34] He could have.

[01:06:35] Really bitched.

[01:06:36] And moaned.

[01:06:37] About that.

[01:06:38] He could have.

[01:06:39] Been staunch.

[01:06:40] And like.

[01:06:41] Nope.

[01:06:41] I will not.

[01:06:42] I will not.

[01:06:43] Succeed.

[01:06:44] I will not.

[01:06:45] Succeed.

[01:06:46] I will not yield.

[01:06:47] To this kid.

[01:06:49] He did.

[01:06:50] It was the better thing.

[01:06:52] For the team.

[01:06:52] He did it.

[01:06:54] And he was clearly.

[01:06:55] The number two option.

[01:06:57] At that point.

[01:06:58] And he was fine with it.

[01:07:01] Then.

[01:07:02] This dude.

[01:07:03] Was a sinner.

[01:07:05] Yo.

[01:07:05] We gonna put you.

[01:07:06] At power forward.

[01:07:07] We gonna get Rudy over there.

[01:07:10] Now.

[01:07:10] He could have had.

[01:07:11] A real problem with that.

[01:07:12] Because he.

[01:07:13] Offensively.

[01:07:14] Way better than this dude.

[01:07:16] This dude.

[01:07:17] Can't touch me.

[01:07:18] Offensively.

[01:07:19] But.

[01:07:21] He was like.

[01:07:21] Hey.

[01:07:22] It's gonna help our defense.

[01:07:24] I'll go out here.

[01:07:25] And play power forward.

[01:07:27] So there were a lot of things.

[01:07:29] That Carl Anthony Towns.

[01:07:31] Did do.

[01:07:31] Or.

[01:07:33] Was amendable to.

[01:07:35] Are you gonna get the same thing.

[01:07:37] From.

[01:07:37] Our guy.

[01:07:39] Julius Randall.

[01:07:40] I've heard.

[01:07:41] People say.

[01:07:42] In one theory.

[01:07:43] Where.

[01:07:44] You're gonna get the best out of.

[01:07:45] Julius Randall.

[01:07:46] He's in a contract year.

[01:07:47] You're gonna get the best out of him.

[01:07:50] Are you gonna get the best out of him.

[01:07:52] If he's getting.

[01:07:53] The type of touches.

[01:07:55] Or the.

[01:07:56] Certain.

[01:07:57] Type.

[01:07:58] Opportunities.

[01:08:00] And if he doesn't get.

[01:08:01] That.

[01:08:02] Whatever.

[01:08:03] Amount.

[01:08:03] In his head.

[01:08:04] As.

[01:08:05] The risk.

[01:08:06] The proper level.

[01:08:07] Is he gonna pout.

[01:08:11] We gotta ask these questions.

[01:08:13] At least.

[01:08:13] And this is why.

[01:08:15] I have them fourth.

[01:08:16] It's not because.

[01:08:16] I don't think the talent.

[01:08:18] Is good.

[01:08:19] It's just.

[01:08:20] There's so many.

[01:08:21] Plates in the air.

[01:08:23] And it just seems.

[01:08:24] Like we.

[01:08:25] Let's look back.

[01:08:26] In the middle of the year.

[01:08:27] In the middle of this season.

[01:08:28] And let's see where we are.

[01:08:29] If everything is settled.

[01:08:30] This team is going to.

[01:08:31] Definitely be.

[01:08:32] A team.

[01:08:33] That will be.

[01:08:34] In the hunt.

[01:08:35] For.

[01:08:36] Going to the finals.

[01:08:37] No doubt.

[01:08:38] I don't think there is a super team.

[01:08:39] Out there.

[01:08:41] So.

[01:08:42] They have as good a chance.

[01:08:43] As anybody else.

[01:08:44] But they got some stuff.

[01:08:46] To get locked.

[01:08:47] In.

[01:08:49] So.

[01:08:49] That's why I have them fourth.

[01:08:51] Our next team.

[01:08:53] Is number three.

[01:08:54] And.

[01:08:56] Number three.

[01:08:57] On this list.

[01:08:58] Is it.

[01:08:59] Is the Denver Nuggets.

[01:09:00] Nuggets.

[01:09:01] Now.

[01:09:01] The Denver Nuggets.

[01:09:03] It's well documented.

[01:09:04] How I feel about.

[01:09:05] Nikola Jokic.

[01:09:07] He's the best player in the league.

[01:09:09] Bar none.

[01:09:10] Jokic.

[01:09:11] If he touches the ball.

[01:09:13] And he's allowed to.

[01:09:14] Basically run the offense.

[01:09:16] There is not a chance.

[01:09:18] That you don't get a good shot.

[01:09:20] In that possession.

[01:09:21] That is just how it is.

[01:09:24] He's that good.

[01:09:26] He's a walking triple double.

[01:09:28] He sees the floor.

[01:09:29] Like a ninja.

[01:09:31] Or a Jedi.

[01:09:32] Or whatever.

[01:09:34] Clairvoyant.

[01:09:34] Thing you want to talk about.

[01:09:36] That's how he sees the court.

[01:09:38] And he's a genius.

[01:09:40] And he seems to.

[01:09:44] Think basketball.

[01:09:46] Is a fun.

[01:09:48] Vocation.

[01:09:49] And.

[01:09:50] I'm really good at it.

[01:09:52] So.

[01:09:53] I may as well get paid for it.

[01:09:54] Passionate about basketball.

[01:09:56] Maybe not so much.

[01:09:59] But he's really good at it.

[01:10:01] And.

[01:10:02] When he's in the game.

[01:10:03] And whatever.

[01:10:05] That dude competes.

[01:10:07] His absolute.

[01:10:08] But all.

[01:10:10] Now.

[01:10:11] For all.

[01:10:12] That.

[01:10:14] Good stuff.

[01:10:16] Now.

[01:10:17] We have to talk about.

[01:10:18] Jamal Murray.

[01:10:19] Jamal Murray.

[01:10:20] Was.

[01:10:21] Not shooting well.

[01:10:22] In.

[01:10:23] The postseason.

[01:10:24] Now.

[01:10:25] He did hit the shot.

[01:10:26] Against the Lakers.

[01:10:27] To eliminate them.

[01:10:29] But.

[01:10:29] He struggled.

[01:10:30] Throughout the playoffs.

[01:10:31] He went to the Olympics.

[01:10:33] He struggled.

[01:10:34] At the Olympics.

[01:10:35] He didn't look right.

[01:10:38] When is it coming back?

[01:10:40] Because.

[01:10:40] Here's the thing.

[01:10:41] About.

[01:10:42] The.

[01:10:43] Denver Nuggets.

[01:10:43] That we really need.

[01:10:44] To get to.

[01:10:45] Is this.

[01:10:46] Is that.

[01:10:47] He just hasn't found his rhythm.

[01:10:49] He didn't find it in the Olympics.

[01:10:50] And what have you.

[01:10:52] It's going to be crucial.

[01:10:54] That.

[01:10:54] Jamal Murray.

[01:10:55] Gives them.

[01:10:56] Consistent scoring.

[01:10:58] Consistent production.

[01:10:59] All throughout the year.

[01:11:01] Usually.

[01:11:02] Jamal Murray.

[01:11:03] Traditionally.

[01:11:04] He gets off to slow starts.

[01:11:06] And then.

[01:11:07] December.

[01:11:08] Around the Christmas game.

[01:11:09] You start to see.

[01:11:10] Real.

[01:11:11] Jamal Murray.

[01:11:12] Play.

[01:11:13] He can't do that.

[01:11:14] This year.

[01:11:15] Because.

[01:11:16] Of.

[01:11:16] When you lose.

[01:11:17] Contavious Caldwell Pope.

[01:11:20] In this last.

[01:11:21] Offseason.

[01:11:21] And then.

[01:11:22] In the previous.

[01:11:23] Offseason.

[01:11:24] You lost.

[01:11:25] Bruce Brown.

[01:11:27] You lost.

[01:11:28] Two.

[01:11:29] Key contributors.

[01:11:31] To your championship team.

[01:11:32] One.

[01:11:33] You also.

[01:11:34] Lost.

[01:11:35] A lot of defense.

[01:11:36] Two.

[01:11:38] And you lost.

[01:11:40] Cohesiveness.

[01:11:41] In your team.

[01:11:43] Three.

[01:11:46] What's the fix to this?

[01:11:48] One.

[01:11:50] Michael Porter.

[01:11:50] Porter Jr.

[01:11:52] Is finally.

[01:11:52] Going to get.

[01:11:53] All the shots.

[01:11:55] And opportunities.

[01:11:56] He wants.

[01:11:57] Because guess what?

[01:11:59] With everybody.

[01:12:00] Walking out the door.

[01:12:01] And not knowing.

[01:12:01] If Jamal Murray.

[01:12:02] Is going to find his shot.

[01:12:04] Michael Porter Jr.

[01:12:05] Becomes one of the most.

[01:12:07] Important players.

[01:12:08] Not just on the Denver Nuggets.

[01:12:10] But.

[01:12:11] In the league.

[01:12:12] Because if he can.

[01:12:13] Elevate his game.

[01:12:15] And shoot the ball.

[01:12:16] The way he does.

[01:12:16] And with the volume.

[01:12:19] And the opportunities.

[01:12:20] That they're going to.

[01:12:21] Give to him.

[01:12:23] At this point in time.

[01:12:24] Because they have no choice.

[01:12:26] We're about to see.

[01:12:28] If he was really worth.

[01:12:31] More than where he was drafted.

[01:12:33] Because he was drafted.

[01:12:34] 14th overall.

[01:12:36] And people were like.

[01:12:36] Yo.

[01:12:37] This would have been like.

[01:12:38] The number one.

[01:12:39] Overall selection.

[01:12:40] If he hadn't heard his back.

[01:12:42] Now.

[01:12:43] The Nuggets.

[01:12:44] And we said it.

[01:12:45] Ad nauseum.

[01:12:46] Then Booth.

[01:12:47] Is now facing.

[01:12:49] Some heat.

[01:12:50] Because.

[01:12:51] It's.

[01:12:51] It's now on the young players.

[01:12:53] It's on the Julian Struthers.

[01:12:55] It's on the Christian Browns.

[01:12:57] It's on the Peyton Watsons.

[01:12:58] It's on the Jalen Pickett's.

[01:13:00] Of the world.

[01:13:00] It's all on those guys.

[01:13:02] They got to produce now.

[01:13:05] Because Calvin Booth said.

[01:13:07] Basically.

[01:13:07] He took a page.

[01:13:08] Right out of Moneyball.

[01:13:10] Whether it's the book.

[01:13:11] Or the movie.

[01:13:12] Which.

[01:13:12] Whichever one you saw.

[01:13:15] Where Billy Bean.

[01:13:17] Basically trades away.

[01:13:19] Just starters.

[01:13:20] And says.

[01:13:20] Look.

[01:13:21] Listen.

[01:13:21] You're going to play the guys.

[01:13:22] I want you to play.

[01:13:24] Because now.

[01:13:25] You don't have a choice.

[01:13:26] And that's what he did.

[01:13:28] So.

[01:13:28] Good luck to Julian Strother.

[01:13:29] Jalen.

[01:13:30] Jalen Pickett.

[01:13:32] And.

[01:13:32] Our guy.

[01:13:33] Christian Brown.

[01:13:34] And Peyton Watson.

[01:13:35] Because.

[01:13:36] You guys need to step up.

[01:13:37] This year.

[01:13:38] And that's why.

[01:13:39] I got y'all three.

[01:13:41] Because of that.

[01:13:43] Couple questions.

[01:13:45] We already talked about.

[01:13:47] Murray.

[01:13:48] It's not.

[01:13:49] If he's going to be able.

[01:13:50] To regain his form.

[01:13:51] It's how quickly.

[01:13:52] He regains his form.

[01:13:54] Because it's gravy.

[01:13:56] If you get it in January.

[01:13:58] That's fantastic.

[01:13:59] But.

[01:13:59] These two months.

[01:14:00] Or three months.

[01:14:02] Leading up to January.

[01:14:03] Or two months.

[01:14:04] Leading up to January.

[01:14:06] In the West.

[01:14:07] Don't dig yourself a hole.

[01:14:09] That you can't dig yourself out of.

[01:14:13] It's very important.

[01:14:14] For Jamal Murray.

[01:14:16] To find his stroke.

[01:14:19] Now.

[01:14:20] Number two.

[01:14:21] And it was surprising to me.

[01:14:24] But I have the Phoenix Suns.

[01:14:26] At number two.

[01:14:28] Yes I do.

[01:14:29] Yes I do.

[01:14:33] Here's the reason why.

[01:14:36] It's not because of.

[01:14:38] Oh.

[01:14:39] They got Durant.

[01:14:39] Booker.

[01:14:40] And Bill.

[01:14:40] No it's not.

[01:14:41] It isn't.

[01:14:42] And it is about.

[01:14:43] Some of the.

[01:14:46] Acquisitions they made.

[01:14:47] In the offseason.

[01:14:48] But that's not the most important thing.

[01:14:50] Key for a lot of people.

[01:14:52] That I think.

[01:14:54] Either.

[01:14:54] You could be aware of.

[01:14:56] Or you could not be aware of.

[01:14:57] With all the upheaval.

[01:14:59] That went on last year.

[01:15:01] Phoenix was in the playoff.

[01:15:02] Like they were in the playoff.

[01:15:04] They didn't need.

[01:15:05] Help.

[01:15:06] Or anything like that.

[01:15:07] I'm correcting that.

[01:15:08] I saw them in the playoffs.

[01:15:10] Okay.

[01:15:11] Mike Budenhoser.

[01:15:13] Is now the new head coach.

[01:15:16] No.

[01:15:17] Disrespect to Frank Vogel.

[01:15:19] I don't think.

[01:15:20] It was Frank Vogel's fault.

[01:15:24] It's just not the right fit.

[01:15:26] But Mike Budenhoser.

[01:15:27] Is going to.

[01:15:28] Change the offense.

[01:15:30] No doubt.

[01:15:32] You are going to shoot threes.

[01:15:34] In a Mike Budenhoser.

[01:15:36] System.

[01:15:38] Or you're not going to play.

[01:15:42] Ryan Dunn.

[01:15:43] Who was their first round pick.

[01:15:45] That they got.

[01:15:46] In a trade exchange.

[01:15:47] In Denver.

[01:15:48] And ended up with Ryan Dunn.

[01:15:50] Out of Virginia.

[01:15:51] This dude shot.

[01:15:52] Like 35.

[01:15:53] Three pointers.

[01:15:54] His entire.

[01:15:55] Career.

[01:15:57] This dude is shooting.

[01:15:59] Like over 40.

[01:16:00] Like 43%.

[01:16:02] And he's taking like.

[01:16:04] Six.

[01:16:05] Seven threes a game.

[01:16:07] That's coaching dog.

[01:16:09] That's what that is.

[01:16:11] Mike Budenhoser.

[01:16:13] But yes.

[01:16:14] They do have Devin Booker.

[01:16:15] They do have Kevin Durant.

[01:16:16] And if they can get Bradley Bill.

[01:16:19] To play.

[01:16:21] 65 games.

[01:16:23] It would be super helpful.

[01:16:25] Now.

[01:16:26] They also.

[01:16:27] Picked up.

[01:16:28] With.

[01:16:28] We still don't know how they.

[01:16:30] Got this done.

[01:16:32] Scholars.

[01:16:35] Scientists.

[01:16:36] Will be looking at this.

[01:16:37] In the future.

[01:16:38] But.

[01:16:38] How they picked up.

[01:16:40] Tyus Jones.

[01:16:41] And Monte Morris.

[01:16:42] Will always.

[01:16:44] Astonish me.

[01:16:46] And.

[01:16:47] I.

[01:16:47] It's the thing.

[01:16:48] They needed.

[01:16:49] Tyus Jones.

[01:16:50] Is a.

[01:16:51] When you say.

[01:16:52] Floor general.

[01:16:53] This is literally.

[01:16:54] The guy we're talking about.

[01:16:56] He never turns over the ball.

[01:16:58] He's like a four to one.

[01:17:00] Assisted turnover ratio.

[01:17:02] He shoots the ball.

[01:17:04] Now.

[01:17:04] From three.

[01:17:05] And then.

[01:17:06] Monte Morris.

[01:17:06] Is a.

[01:17:07] Another one.

[01:17:08] Who values the basketball.

[01:17:10] He's a backup.

[01:17:11] He shoots the ball.

[01:17:12] From three.

[01:17:15] Allen.

[01:17:15] If you've not seen him lately.

[01:17:18] Grayson Allen.

[01:17:20] Looks like he took the super serum.

[01:17:21] In the captain.

[01:17:23] Captain America movie.

[01:17:24] And you remember.

[01:17:25] Chris Evans comes out.

[01:17:26] All yoked out.

[01:17:27] And everything.

[01:17:28] You know what I'm saying.

[01:17:29] He's like scrawny kid.

[01:17:30] And he comes out.

[01:17:30] Yo.

[01:17:31] What up dog.

[01:17:31] I'm bad.

[01:17:33] But.

[01:17:34] Go look at a picture.

[01:17:35] Of Grayson Allen.

[01:17:37] It is.

[01:17:38] Remarkable.

[01:17:40] My guy.

[01:17:41] Is.

[01:17:41] Suns out.

[01:17:42] Guns out bro.

[01:17:42] That's how we doing it.

[01:17:44] This year.

[01:17:45] He ain't gonna never wear a shirt.

[01:17:47] Ever.

[01:17:49] He's definitely getting some sort of.

[01:17:51] Vogue.

[01:17:53] Magazine cover.

[01:17:55] Or.

[01:17:55] Gentle.

[01:17:56] Gentlemen's.

[01:17:57] What's.

[01:17:57] What's some of the good.

[01:17:58] Like men's magazines out there.

[01:18:00] I don't know.

[01:18:01] I don't read those.

[01:18:02] Too busy with basketball.

[01:18:05] But yeah.

[01:18:05] Grayson Allen looks dope.

[01:18:07] And he can shoot it.

[01:18:09] And they're deep.

[01:18:11] And I think they got the right guy.

[01:18:13] At the helm now.

[01:18:14] We talked about Dunn.

[01:18:16] Now here's the key questions.

[01:18:18] It's always going to be the health of Booker.

[01:18:20] Durant.

[01:18:21] And Beal.

[01:18:23] And that's the only way they're going to be able to reach these high expectations that I have for them.

[01:18:28] But I just think with Plumlee being there.

[01:18:31] The acquisitions of the two guards.

[01:18:33] And then just basically lucking out on Ryan Dunn.

[01:18:36] They got depth where you shouldn't have been able to get depth.

[01:18:41] And I think that Kevin Durant is still special.

[01:18:44] You know how I feel about Devin Booker.

[01:18:46] And it's basically what can you get out of Bradley Beal.

[01:18:51] And if he can get you 65 games.

[01:18:54] This team is going to push the next team on our list for supremacy in the West.

[01:19:02] And that team is Heartland's own.

[01:19:08] The Plains own.

[01:19:11] Oklahoma City Thunder.

[01:19:14] I told you I believed Oklahoma City.

[01:19:18] I told you I believed in you.

[01:19:20] I told you last year you had a big three.

[01:19:24] I said don't trip.

[01:19:26] It's all good.

[01:19:29] I did also tell you you were lighting the ass last year.

[01:19:33] And you didn't have enough big help.

[01:19:35] And then you went out and got Isaiah Hardenstein.

[01:19:40] Also said that Giddy's situation was a problem.

[01:19:44] And then Sam Presti who we're going to talk about in one second.

[01:19:48] Went out and traded Josh Giddy for Alex Caruso.

[01:19:51] The Thunder are a crime for dominance this season.

[01:19:57] After a 56 win campaign last season.

[01:20:01] Shea Gilgis Alexander with his 31.2 points per game.

[01:20:07] And his 6.3 assists.

[01:20:09] He is going to be at the top.

[01:20:12] On the list of MVP candidates all year.

[01:20:16] Do not worry.

[01:20:18] Then you're bringing back year two of Chet Holmgren.

[01:20:23] The skinny assassin.

[01:20:24] 16.7.3 rebounds.

[01:20:27] He played all 82.

[01:20:30] By the way.

[01:20:31] Chet.

[01:20:31] Our guy.

[01:20:33] Who we were worried whether he was going to stay on the court.

[01:20:36] We didn't have to worry about that.

[01:20:38] He played all 82 last year.

[01:20:41] And then.

[01:20:44] I'm going to tell Oklahoma City fans something that is going to excite them.

[01:20:50] Jalen Williams is about to take another step.

[01:20:54] He's going to take another leap this year.

[01:20:56] Ladies and gentlemen.

[01:20:57] If you are a Thunder fan.

[01:20:59] Enjoy.

[01:21:00] The.

[01:21:02] The.

[01:21:03] The.

[01:21:04] The jazz fusion.

[01:21:05] That is Jalen Williams.

[01:21:07] Because.

[01:21:09] We're going to see.

[01:21:10] Somebody jump up in points.

[01:21:13] We're going to see somebody.

[01:21:15] Hold.

[01:21:15] The confidence level.

[01:21:17] Everything.

[01:21:18] The work that he's put in the last two off seasons.

[01:21:21] To really hone in his game.

[01:21:23] I think it's all going to.

[01:21:26] Bubble to the surface.

[01:21:28] This season.

[01:21:29] And we are going to see.

[01:21:31] A monster.

[01:21:33] Jalen Williams season.

[01:21:34] J-Dub.

[01:21:35] Is about to go.

[01:21:37] Super crazy.

[01:21:43] Now.

[01:21:43] Let's talk about this lineup.

[01:21:45] First of all.

[01:21:46] We're going to talk about.

[01:21:47] Harden Stein being hurt.

[01:21:48] One.

[01:21:49] That sucks.

[01:21:50] Because I wanted to see this lineup.

[01:21:52] He has a.

[01:21:53] A hand fracture.

[01:21:55] He's going to be re-evaluated.

[01:21:57] Five to six weeks.

[01:21:58] Here's the one thing.

[01:22:00] This team is so deep.

[01:22:02] Because let's talk about it right now.

[01:22:04] Okay.

[01:22:05] You take Isaiah Hardenstein.

[01:22:07] I don't line up.

[01:22:07] Where do you go?

[01:22:08] There's so many other ways you can go.

[01:22:11] You can put.

[01:22:12] Chet Hongring back at center.

[01:22:14] That's probably what's going to happen.

[01:22:15] You can bring.

[01:22:16] Usman Jang.

[01:22:17] Off the bench.

[01:22:18] If you like.

[01:22:19] And put him at the power forward position.

[01:22:22] And then leave everybody else.

[01:22:23] Exactly the same way.

[01:22:25] With Caruso.

[01:22:27] Shea Gilgis Alexander.

[01:22:29] And J-Dub.

[01:22:30] Now.

[01:22:30] If you wanted to get real frisky.

[01:22:32] You wanted to go a little bit smaller.

[01:22:34] You wanted to.

[01:22:35] Put a lot of pressure.

[01:22:37] On the other teams.

[01:22:38] Or whatever.

[01:22:39] You could have a backcourt.

[01:22:41] Of Cason Wallace.

[01:22:42] Alex Caruso.

[01:22:43] You can move.

[01:22:45] Shea Gilgis Alexander.

[01:22:46] To the three spot.

[01:22:48] J-Dub.

[01:22:48] To the four.

[01:22:49] And then you have Chet.

[01:22:51] There are a myriad of ways.

[01:22:53] We can do this folks.

[01:22:55] But it's all going to look good.

[01:22:58] Because Sam Christie.

[01:22:59] Has built.

[01:23:00] A juggernaut.

[01:23:01] And this team.

[01:23:02] Is going to win.

[01:23:04] 60 plus games.

[01:23:05] This year.

[01:23:06] Mark it down.

[01:23:06] 60 plus.

[01:23:08] From the OKC Thunder.

[01:23:09] They are going to get it done.

[01:23:11] And I believe.

[01:23:12] That this is the.

[01:23:14] Number.

[01:23:15] One seed.

[01:23:17] Coming.

[01:23:18] Out.

[01:23:18] Of the west.

[01:23:19] And then we will see.

[01:23:21] How it gets done.

[01:23:22] And how it gets done.

[01:23:24] In the playoff.

[01:23:25] In a real way.

[01:23:27] Now.

[01:23:27] They are still young.

[01:23:30] They are still.

[01:23:31] Really young.

[01:23:32] In a lot of positions.

[01:23:34] But I do like.

[01:23:35] The acquisition.

[01:23:36] Of Alex Caruso.

[01:23:38] And Isaiah Hardenstein.

[01:23:40] And this is why.

[01:23:42] I picked.

[01:23:43] The Oklahoma City Thunder.

[01:23:45] To go to the NBA Finals.

[01:23:48] Yes.

[01:23:49] Number one seed.

[01:23:51] I think they should go to.

[01:23:53] The NBA Finals.

[01:23:54] They have a western gauntlet.

[01:23:57] That is going to be.

[01:23:59] Filled.

[01:23:59] With not just potholes.

[01:24:01] There will be.

[01:24:03] There will be mines.

[01:24:04] There will be.

[01:24:05] Uh.

[01:24:06] What's those.

[01:24:07] The bear traps.

[01:24:08] There will be.

[01:24:10] Those snare traps.

[01:24:11] Where you get.

[01:24:11] Caught up.

[01:24:12] And you get.

[01:24:12] Thrown open.

[01:24:13] To the trees.

[01:24:14] And stuff like that.

[01:24:15] There's going to be a ton of stuff.

[01:24:18] That they are going to have to get through.

[01:24:20] This west.

[01:24:20] Because.

[01:24:22] All these teams are loaded.

[01:24:23] All these teams.

[01:24:24] Have a lot of special.

[01:24:26] But you know what.

[01:24:27] OKC has.

[01:24:30] Not a lot of questions.

[01:24:32] And here's the best part.

[01:24:33] If.

[01:24:35] If.

[01:24:35] For some reason.

[01:24:37] If.

[01:24:38] For some reason.

[01:24:39] A question.

[01:24:42] Were to arise.

[01:24:44] Sam Presti has.

[01:24:46] 16.

[01:24:47] First round picks.

[01:24:50] A bucket of talent.

[01:24:52] That he's not even tapped into.

[01:24:55] Oh.

[01:24:55] And by the way.

[01:24:56] Not only 16.

[01:24:58] First round picks.

[01:24:59] He also has.

[01:25:02] 23 seconds.

[01:25:04] That's a total of.

[01:25:05] 39 picks.

[01:25:06] At his disposal.

[01:25:08] At any point in time.

[01:25:10] If a problem.

[01:25:12] Arises.

[01:25:14] So.

[01:25:15] That is it.

[01:25:18] I want to thank.

[01:25:19] My producers.

[01:25:20] Punch.

[01:25:21] I want to thank.

[01:25:22] Soraya.

[01:25:22] For helping me.

[01:25:24] Pull all this together.

[01:25:26] It has been.

[01:25:27] A absolute.

[01:25:28] Labor of love.

[01:25:29] If you are hearing.

[01:25:30] The Western Conference.

[01:25:32] Prediction show.

[01:25:33] There is a.

[01:25:34] Eastern.

[01:25:36] Prediction show.

[01:25:37] And that happened Wednesday.

[01:25:39] So if you're saying.

[01:25:40] Well.

[01:25:41] Where the hell is Miami?

[01:25:43] Where the hell is Boston?

[01:25:45] I came here to talk about the Dicks.

[01:25:47] What the.

[01:25:48] What is going on?

[01:25:49] That's on Wednesday's pod.

[01:25:52] Go check out the archive pods.

[01:25:54] For Wednesday.

[01:25:54] We got you covered baby.

[01:25:55] We took care of the whole league.

[01:25:57] All 30 of these.

[01:25:59] Teams.

[01:26:00] We took care of all of it.

[01:26:01] For you.

[01:26:03] So with that being said.

[01:26:04] I'm getting the hell up out of here.

[01:26:07] The best part of you.

[01:26:09] Is you.

[01:26:09] Make sure that the people.

[01:26:11] That are in your life.

[01:26:12] That are surrounding you.

[01:26:14] Are.

[01:26:15] Big upping you.

[01:26:17] Supporting you.

[01:26:18] Giving you.

[01:26:19] What you need.

[01:26:20] Need.

[01:26:21] And also.

[01:26:21] Please do that.

[01:26:22] In return for them.

[01:26:24] Please show them.

[01:26:25] Appreciation.

[01:26:26] Show them some love.

[01:26:27] Show them some tenderness.

[01:26:29] And not just.

[01:26:30] Say it.

[01:26:31] Show it to them.

[01:26:33] Allow the audio.

[01:26:35] To match the video.

[01:26:37] Go out and do some good.

[01:26:38] In this world.

[01:26:39] And we'll see you back.

[01:26:40] On this feed.

[01:26:40] On Monday.

[01:26:42] Deuce.

[01:26:42] Bye.

[01:26:42] Bye.

[01:26:42] Bye.