In this episode, Vince discusses various NBA topics, including injuries, standout players, and playoff races. He provides updates on Alperen Sengun's injury and the impact it has on the Houston Rockets. Vince also praises Luka Doncic's performance with the Dallas Mavericks and highlights the defensive focus of the Orlando Magic. He analyzes the playoff races in both the Eastern and Western Conferences, emphasizing the competitiveness and congestion among teams. Additionally, Vince shares his thoughts on Point Zion's performance and the return of Tyrese Maxey for the Philadelphia 76ers. In this episode, Vince discusses the Western Conference playoff race and the tight competition between teams. He also talks about the top teams in the West and their chances of securing the number one position. Vince then shifts his focus to the Toronto Raptors and their apparent tanking strategy. He highlights the return of OG Anunoby and the impact it will have on the team. The conversation then moves to Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets, with Vince drawing comparisons between Jokic and Larry Bird. He emphasizes Jokic's unique skills and impact on the game. Finally, Vince shares his thoughts on LeBron James' future with the Lakers and the importance of prioritizing championship aspirations over financial gain.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Social Media
02:34 Injury Update: Alperen Sengun
04:01 Dallas Mavericks and Luka Doncic
05:38 Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets
08:07 Orlando Magic's Alperen Sengun
08:57 Point Zion and the New Orleans Pelicans
11:19 Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers
13:01 Philadelphia 76ers and Maxey's Return
13:58 Offensive Struggles: Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
16:11 Orlando Magic's Defensive Focus
31:05 Playoff Races in the West
32:31 Western Conference Playoff Race
34:28 Top Teams in the West
39:09 Toronto Raptors Tanking
43:33 Return of OG Anunoby
47:52 Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets
54:06 Nikola Jokic's Similarities to Larry Bird
59:02 Nikola Jokic's Impact on the Game
01:01:01 LeBron James' Future with the Lakers
[00:00:00] Hey, it's Monday. You know what time it is. It is time to talk some hoops and I am your
[00:00:15] guy. Vince Carter, rejoice. Hoop, brethren. We are back on the air. I'm happy to join you
[00:00:24] today. So the first piece of news that we need to get out the way is that the YouTube channel
[00:00:31] is doing fantastic. I am so pleased with the outcomes and what's going on there. We've been able
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[00:00:51] I'm literally going to comment. So please continue to do that. The YouTube page is Front Runner Podcast
[00:01:00] Collective. Go see it that out. Hit us up on X or Twitter at Front Runner PC. That will be great.
[00:01:10] Chocolate up. Tell me the guys that I'm missing. Tell me what I'm missing. We're going to get into a lot of
[00:01:18] teams and a lot of players today, but if there's a guy that I'm overlooking that I'm not giving
[00:01:23] enough love to, you know, call me out. I'll be more than happy to take that. And that is at Front Runner PC on Twitter.
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[00:02:05] And then also hit us with someone on Fushed Our Ratings. Also hit us with some comments how we can do better,
[00:02:12] what teams we're missing, things that nature. We cater to our fan base. So that's what we are looking to do.
[00:02:21] So those are our little social media things that we need to get out the way. And now we can talk a little bit about basketball.
[00:02:28] And there's a lot going on yesterday. We had a really scary moment and I saw this live. It was one minute to go late in
[00:02:41] the Sacramento Kings game. Ackerson grew and went up to block a Dermottis subonus shot. And when he came down, he came down
[00:02:50] awkwardly. It looked like a hyper extension. It looked really bad. The reports are that it's a severe spring of the ankle.
[00:03:05] Okay. There's a neat contusion and he is possible to be back on the court before season ends.
[00:03:19] And I think that's just an absolute blessing because this guy has, I mean, up until now,
[00:03:27] I thought he was pretty much the most improved player in the league by far.
[00:03:32] Shots out to Shandgun, our prayers are with him. Speedy recovery, my man because let me tell you something.
[00:03:40] The Houston Rockets offense really took off when Algarin's Shandgun was basically given the chance to facilitate the basketball.
[00:03:52] I have enjoyed his game. I've been enjoying his development over the last three seasons and this year was no different.
[00:04:02] Shandgun's Parat 36 at this point in time is that he was shooting 53.7% from the field on 17.3% field goal attempts.
[00:04:13] So with more volume, the Shandgun command of the offense now provided when Jalen Green hasn't gone in brief periods, pure takeover mode.
[00:04:27] You know, Jalen Green gets like that sometimes.
[00:04:33] When I think of Jalen Green and when he gets the ball, you remember when you call the movie theater or when you go to see a movie today and the trailer comes on and the guy comes on, he goes in a world where it's desolate.
[00:04:57] And the ball never gets passed.
[00:05:03] The anti-hero, Jalen Green will appear coming to theaters near you. I chuck up shots.
[00:05:17] Now I know that Jalen Green has definitely been a lot better this year. Obviously, Eman Doka, the influence that he has had on that team providing also the veteran leadership.
[00:05:32] When you pass in the Fred Van Vley and Dylan Brooks acquisitions, the team is just more balanced.
[00:05:41] It doesn't allow for Jalen Green to go crazy and just start jacking up shots. But Alper and Shandgun for the Houston Rockets will be absolutely missed.
[00:05:54] He was starting to remind me a little bit of a kind of like a Barton basement, Nicola Yogi.
[00:06:01] The past saying maybe not as fancy or whatever case any B or at the high level of angle.
[00:06:09] But he was making quick decisions, getting the ball to cutters, getting the ball to open three point shooters.
[00:06:16] He was doing that and he was doing it out of high clip. So I know there's a couple things with this, the thing that I like to focus on is the opportunity.
[00:06:27] Houston is a completely young team. You can take out Van Vley, you can take out Dylan Brooks. If you look at the rest of the team, it's very young.
[00:06:37] So I'm hoping for more opportunities for Jabari Smith Jr.
[00:06:42] And I'm also hoping for more opportunities for our guy, Cam Whitmore who you know I absolutely love.
[00:06:51] There's two guys in the 2023 draft that I'm like absolutely in love with.
[00:06:58] Now, Van Vley is his own different deal. Van Vley is his own, I don't even look at him as a rookie.
[00:07:07] Look at him as a rookie or star in training.
[00:07:12] You may go star in training. That's a different guy.
[00:07:15] But for the rest of the motor, motor rookies, Cam Whitmore are my two favorite guys that I absolutely love.
[00:07:27] So Cam looks like he'll probably get a couple more opportunities. And also maybe this is a little more of a wiggle room opportunity for all Maintops and as well.
[00:07:40] The first round pick, the first round pick that they had this year. Maybe they'll go to a little more small ball.
[00:07:48] Maybe we might see Jabari Smith Jr. at the center. I'm not saying that that's the fix.
[00:07:55] I'm just saying that there's a lot of athletes on this team and maybe it's time to go ahead and utilize them without Al Quarens and Goon.
[00:08:05] You're definitely not going to be able to run the offense that you normally would be able to run without this guy.
[00:08:14] Because Jacolandale, I'm sorry to say that guy is not going to be able to run the offense like our guys, Shan Goon.
[00:08:23] So West up, Hill Up, Al Quarens and Goon will crayon for you, man. And it's good news that it wasn't as bad as it looked because I thought he tore every ligament in his leg.
[00:08:38] When I first saw it, I was like, ooh, that is ugly. So it's good news that it wasn't like that.
[00:08:45] We're going to move along now to the Dallas Mavericks. Look at Donchardt is on an absolute tear.
[00:08:52] Look at it is absolutely killing the league right now. He has six consecutive 30 point trickle doubles.
[00:09:05] Okay, six consecutive not just trickle doubles 30 plus point trickle doubles.
[00:09:17] The other thing is that of those six, five of those are 35 plus point trickle doubles.
[00:09:30] Okay. Now the Mavericks right now currently they're sitting eighth in the West.
[00:09:38] So with all of Lucas Brainiens, which he has been absolutely spectacular this year, make no mistakes about what he is and what he has been this year.
[00:09:51] They still say eighth. And some of the problems are this is that when you get out rebounded by 20 to the Detroit Pistons, which is one of the worst teams in the league, that's a problem.
[00:10:04] When you get out, all offense of rebounded by 16 by the Detroit Pistons, that's not just a problem.
[00:10:16] That's a failure to execute. That's a failure to hustle. Okay.
[00:10:25] Now the Mavericks need more from PJ Washington and from other wings of the day defending depending on the matchups.
[00:10:35] So whether it's Derek Jones Jr. or Josh Green, Maxi Cleaver or Powell, they're going to need more.
[00:10:44] So Lucas and Kyrie, as far as the scoring punches concern have been absolutely spectacular.
[00:10:56] And there's a back again that's moving in next door. So sorry about that.
[00:11:02] Anyways, he's going to score a category. He's been really consistent. They're going to need the others to basically tap in and they're going to need to chime in with some points and some rebounds.
[00:11:16] That effort that they put out against the Detroit Pistons. Now it was a win, all of that, everything like that was still.
[00:11:26] You cannot have efforts like that.
[00:11:36] Now one thing that I will say about PJ Washington is that there is a lineup that does actually work.
[00:11:44] PJ Washington seems to be line of dependent. He's line of dependent on the most interesting player on the team.
[00:11:55] The numbers with Maxi Cleaver in PJ Washington, he is a plus 19.2 points per 100 possessions next to Maxi Cleaver.
[00:12:09] Far and away his best numbers.
[00:12:13] So there needs to be some sort of lineup where Maxi Cleaver is in it with PJ Washington so we can maximize what he is.
[00:12:22] Right now what he's giving them is not that great and they need him to be a lot better than grant volumes because right now he's putting up like grant Williams numbers.
[00:12:34] Now he's knocking down the three a little bit better than Grant did and obviously the vibes are a lot better because for some reason Grant could not get along in that locker room.
[00:12:48] I told you my theory on that go listen to the archive pods. I do a whole thing on this. There's a thing that goes back between Kyrie and Grant Williams when they were in Boston so I will tell you to go to the archive pods and listen to those.
[00:13:06] But Dallas is playing well but they're in a loaded west the West is absolutely crazy and there's quadrants of the West.
[00:13:16] And we'll get into a little bit later and how it all breaks down but you know it's interesting in every day the standings change and it's you wake up it's like okay who's in fifth.
[00:13:30] Who's in seventh we have no idea so you just have to wait till the standings come up. All right next on docket point Zion has been absolutely activated.
[00:13:45] Zion is averaging 6.2 assists per game over the last five.
[00:13:54] Williamson has played in 53 of the 64 games so far and he's averaging career high in assists.
[00:14:04] Zion is also averaging just a tick under 31 minutes of game. I think that's trending up as well and here's the other thing.
[00:14:17] You know I don't want to jinx it you know and I'm not trying to be funny right now I'm really saying this for real.
[00:14:24] I don't want to jinx it but we're heading towards a NBA playoffs with Zion Williamson in it healthy for the first time and I can't wait to see it.
[00:14:39] We can hard on him on this program for two reasons it's not about it's not about the play per se it's about what he's been able to do to win.
[00:14:53] He's been able to do to keep himself on the court it's always going to go out that because the talent is undeniable.
[00:15:03] The athleticism is absolutely off the charts and we needed get into a guy who did something really athletic over the last couple days as well too but Zion has been playing well all season
[00:15:20] and the pelicans did something that peaked my interest in the last game. Heco's really green started in the second half with tree Murphy and Larry as junior with Zion and Brandon Ingram and they had young as valetunis on a bench.
[00:15:39] Now this could be just a one off this could be no big deal whatsoever but that one I went absolutely crazy.
[00:15:51] I'm afraid that the third was hitting three like it was going on a style he's just like oh I'm wide open.
[00:15:59] Because the gravity that Zion has when he goes into the paint and he gets paint touches because of the fact that you can't stop him one on one.
[00:16:10] You're going to leave guys wide open and tree Murphy has been an absolute dagger from three left open.
[00:16:21] But the lineup was switching the lineup was long and it was just intriguing to me and I wonder if this is something that they will deploy in the playoffs.
[00:16:31] I just wonder if this is something that we will this was like a little preview to what we could actually see from them in the playoffs.
[00:16:41] I'll be very interested to see if this kind of lineup deploys sprinkled in throughout the rest of the season just to see what it looks like.
[00:16:52] The other thing about the creliquins is this is that they're both they're in top 10 and both offensive defensive rating.
[00:17:00] Usually that your recipe for a long playoff run now this is different because this iteration of the creliquins hasn't been really to the playoffs not with Zion now column has brandy ingram has some of the other crew has what.
[00:17:21] The rest of them with his own is a completely different team it just looks completely different they play completely different and when he's actually the point guard.
[00:17:32] It's a really hard to stop offensively because when he's engaged and he's getting paint touches.
[00:17:42] And using his his his scality and his his athleticism.
[00:17:47] It's just a long day at the office for whoever's defending him or the multiple that are defending him.
[00:17:58] Now this podcast personally is giving a lot of love to shut out to the Oklahoma City Thunder fans because you guys have shown us a lot of love on YouTube.
[00:18:12] You guys are showing us a lot of love on Twitter so we really appreciate it keep it up.
[00:18:19] We hope that we're your your national podcast of choice.
[00:18:23] I know there's a lot of people out there who do podcasts so we hope that the information is good and we give it OK see a lot of love.
[00:18:32] Another team that we talked a lot about because we really love the player of Tyrese Halliburton is the Indiana Pacers another young team on the rise.
[00:18:44] And we have been very interested in their development over the last couple seasons.
[00:18:52] Now a team that we have not given a lot of love to is the Orlando Magic in the Orlando Magic right now are sitting fifth in a congested east.
[00:19:08] Now right now as we speak I know their games going on is 624 Pacific Standard Time here on the west coast.
[00:19:14] Good evening to you but they are now a half a game behind the next set for but they are the team here right behind them or within a game and a half so a loss here there.
[00:19:34] You can go all the way back down to 8.
[00:19:37] Couple three game winning streak and you know ankle toys here there and you can find yourself in fourth place.
[00:19:47] So Indiana with Tyrese or me Orlando what I want to talk about them with this is this.
[00:19:56] Orlando has they do something different where everybody is going to really focus on how the offense has been and the offensive explosion that we've had has been this just crazy out taking offense which is all true.
[00:20:17] Orlando has cut their teeth on defense and probably kill might not be the analytical community darling but that guy can carry a team.
[00:20:36] Now we are he said they're fifth in the east and there you know right in the mix of everything.
[00:20:44] Apollo has been a big part of that.
[00:20:46] Apollo has improved his efficiency from last year to this year but honestly I don't even care about his efficiency at this point he's willing to put it up.
[00:20:58] In the other problem is this where's the shooting around Apollo big Carol at this point.
[00:21:08] Franz Wagner three point shooting has falling off a cliff.
[00:21:13] Let's let me read you the numbers on the starting lineup.
[00:21:19] Markelle folks at this current time shooting 10% from 3%.
[00:21:28] Sugs shooting a respectable 39.3% from 3 but that's with 5.2% 3.10% and usually those are the wide open ones of the wide open variety.
[00:21:44] Wagner is currently at 29.5% and that's on 4.93% again and Riddle Carter Jr.
[00:21:54] he's the one that's lighting up.
[00:21:57] He's shooting at a 40.5% cliff but it's only just a take under 3.3% shots again.
[00:22:07] So if they don't have anybody that is a volume 3. Shooter on the team now I know Cole Anthony comes in and we'll talk about him in a second but the thing that is amazing is that
[00:22:27] Bamcarra is world this team into a actual playoffs plot not a playing spot and I know there's time left.
[00:22:34] I know their games left but I just find it very impressive that that team the Orlando Magic had cut their teeth on defense
[00:22:48] and have given their chance to make it into the playoffs without being in the playing whatsoever.
[00:22:56] Because that's where I thought they would agree this year, I thought they would be kind of a playing team but they're showing us a little bit different this present time
[00:23:05] and it's really impressive to see and shout out to Paul Gunkale who've been playing his ass off.
[00:23:11] I see my brother keep playing him but I'm in a weird route before you.
[00:23:19] Cole Anthony speaking up, Cole Anthony is brought in to play off the bench this is something that he went to his coach in the all season and said listen I didn't buy into it last year but I'm going to buy into it this upcoming season and he has.
[00:23:38] I mean he's always in double digits and points he's always kind of a pest around the ball now there are some defensive assignments that he's just small and he's just going to get it up and there's somewhere he's just.
[00:23:52] I don't know he's loses his man for some reason but all in all the effort is there we call Anthony and that's all you can ask for here's a guy who's still very very young.
[00:24:06] And was willing to sacrifice because you couldn't tell Cole Anthony that he's not better than Mark Hill folds.
[00:24:17] I mean you could show him all the reasons but if he was real gassed up he had his partner telling him hey man you better than this guy and why you're starting.
[00:24:33] You know this could be a really uncomfortable situation for the Orlando magic but with Cole listening to Jamal mostly Jamal mostly is done a hell of a job with the Orlando magic because given a bunch of young guys and again they're all young just nobody under there's nobody over 25.
[00:25:01] Right and they're all playing defense they're all on the string.
[00:25:08] And yeah they're not the most efficient team definitely as far as the offense is concerned it's not the most prettiest to watch there's a lot of clank threes but they're finding a way to get it done and they're playing together and they're having a really good time with one another.
[00:25:27] Cole Anthony gave an interview not that long ago he was talking about some of the relationships he had on the team and just the vibes were good.
[00:25:37] Man I mean it goes a long way I mean when he helps that don't get me wrong but it's really impressive to see a young team buy in like this.
[00:25:49] Good news good news for the Philadelphia 76ers let's get into it right now.
[00:25:57] Right now Lorge reported that Maxi was eligible to come off the concussion protocol list and he would be available for Tuesday night's game against the mix and let me tell you something it couldn't have come at a better time.
[00:26:16] I don't know if you saw that abomination that happened over the weekend.
[00:26:22] Now I am an old guy I remember the mix in the Detroit pistons of the early 90s I do remember third basketball I do remember if you went into the pain area there was a chance that you could be decapitated I do remember a time.
[00:26:44] If you went into the lane and you were under six foot six there was a good chance that you would have to call your family members because they would have to start making funeral arrangements that was the 90s.
[00:26:59] Somehow somehow the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York mix took his way back.
[00:27:10] Back to a time where three point shooting was something that we scoffed at and perimeter play was for sock people because they had a game where 51 shots out the filly.
[00:27:29] 4973 over the weekend both teams shot in the 30s by the way.
[00:27:36] Feel go because it is the entirety of both teams they both shot in the 30s.
[00:27:42] Fili shot 39% and the New York mix shot 33% now all this being said these teams were definitely under manned.
[00:27:53] They were there's a ton of injuries on both sides we know about your own beat we just talked about Maxi coming back these those are two stars and team.
[00:28:06] So obviously it's going to be real hard to score if you guys who are constantly giving you will in being was giving you 36 before he left.
[00:28:18] And Maxi is like a 24 25 point again guy so yeah office gives real hard.
[00:28:27] You don't have either one of those guys in the team.
[00:28:31] And the mix are kind of the same predicament you know old GM and nobody hurt will have news on him a little bit later in the pot.
[00:28:38] Julie's Randall hurt.
[00:28:42] Mitchell Robinson hurt so does the time going on in plus they had some additions right you are working in boy on by Donovic you're working in Alec Burke.
[00:28:53] So there's a lot going on in New York so these offensive struggles can happen but let me tell you as somebody who lived through the 90s experience the 90s as far as the NBA is concerned.
[00:29:08] And I enjoy the retrospective that the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York mix put together one other Philadelphia 76ers note that I want to get to is the 76ers worked out.
[00:29:24] Kai Jones formerly of the Charlotte Hornets and also known as our IG guy as the infinity money man himself Kai Jones.
[00:29:39] If you don't know what I'm talking about go on YouTube or go no don't go on YouTube because you going YouTube you come with a front runner podcast collective that's what you're doing now go on IG.
[00:29:52] And search out Kai Jones in his videos when he's talking about infinity money.
[00:30:03] What we hope is that that young man got some counseling got some help maybe there's some issues going on and maybe he got his mind right because he's been away from the game for what was five months now.
[00:30:17] So the hope is is that he's better he's locked in if you can give the 76ers anything right now.
[00:30:27] That's a good deal because they need something because everybody's hurt.
[00:30:33] But they're getting maxi black which is great because that means we can score some points hallelujah hallelujah that is great.
[00:30:43] All right let's get into some of these playoff races a little bit shall we all right we talked a little bit earlier about how some of these races had little quadrants built into them.
[00:30:57] And what I want to go through with you a little bit is in the east four through eight right now they're all within two games of one another.
[00:31:08] So that would include the new york mix the Orlando magic both teams that we just discussed the failed off in 76ers we also discuss and we did a drive by on the Indiana Pacers and the zombie heat are back they're back again.
[00:31:28] By the way we need to get into Jimmy Butler's hairdo we got to talk about that a little bit later but right now we're going to let we're going to leave that alone.
[00:31:41] Again so the east is just super congested all these teams are you know GM dealt with one another and then towards the bottom you got the walls in the hawks.
[00:31:58] And they seem kind of set and then Brooklyn is behind them but they're like four and a half games out and I don't know if they have enough to get themselves into the plan.
[00:32:12] I think the hawks even without trade will see I think they should be able to hold them off but we don't we don't know.
[00:32:23] And then in the west it's the same situation but just in a different little part of the quadruple different so in the west what you have yes you have six through nine and six through nine is within two games as well those teams are the Phoenix Suns the Sacramento Kings.
[00:32:46] The Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers all those teams are within two games one another they're all playing each other is going to be a absolute blood bath to see who's getting in getting out of the out of the plan and who's playing those cells into the plan.
[00:33:06] My housing predictions on that in the next pod and speaking of the next part there will be a second pod later on this week on this fee guarantee we are back to two parts of week you deserve it you will get it and I will make sure bless you whoever that was you know listen we thought through sickness over here okay.
[00:33:36] We've caught through all kinds of things we part part through congestion we part through sinus we part through migraines no we don't I ain't going to lie to you I'm not part into a migraine that's not happening okay I'm just not going to lie to you on that one because when I get a migraine it's super bad fetal position
[00:34:06] dim lights not for sexy time for sleepy time trust all right now back to the basketball okay so we got the West is congested lot teams going on we also got in at the top of the west we have the thunder the nuggets and the T walls now the T walls who had the injury boy hit them call Anthony Towns our guy has a knee injury is going to be out for five minutes.
[00:34:36] For weeks is a menace is chair bless you again I'll tell you we'll part through sickness the nuggets are coming on obviously we took we're going to talk about them a little bit later the thunder we talked about in last part so if you did not
[00:34:56] if you're new to the program welcome I'm glad you're here so that means somebody did what we asked them to do be a friend telephane if you're being a friend and telling a friend thank you if you're new welcome but we did talk about the okay see thunder in last part and we talked about the brilliance of their young team how they are
[00:35:22] Ego lists and when we talked about some of their key players on that team so if you not heard that pod it's a good listen and I recommended highly
[00:35:35] so you got thunder nuggets T walls all within a game of half of each other we do know that the call Anthony Towns is there the clippers are kind of falling back a little bit but we didn't think they were going to keep up that torrent pace that they had early in the season where they went on that 26 and 5 run after they got heart and they were they started off like on five right so
[00:36:03] the clippers have been like seven and six in the last 13 some of that has been called yours missing time we know about us being out he has a fractured hand at this present time they just got a Vita Zwatch back
[00:36:19] back, um, provided Mr. Couple games here and there so this is the middle of the season where older teams teams that have been playoff proven
[00:36:33] a little bored you know okay this kind of eight well let's go ahead and knit that in the butt right now right we don't want to have these lingering injuries going into playoff
[00:36:48] so you can get your guys from raster gets some time off get them off their feet it's a good time to do it so I'm not even worried about the clippers even though they are now at three and a half games from the top slide
[00:37:03] and they are firmly in the four position so these standings are all just going to change over and over again it's like a snow globe we're just going to shake it and it's all going to look different
[00:37:19] so if you are watching hoops right now congratulations I can't wait to watch hoops after I get done potting but I am very excited about all these races
[00:37:35] and I'm going to tell you right now I think in the west I think the thunder and the nuggets are going to battle for that number one position
[00:37:45] do the nuggets want it and we'll talk about them a little bit later do they want it because if they want it I think they'll get it
[00:37:56] I'm sorry okay see I love you but at the end of the day the nuggets that's the definitive champions and we're going to give them their flowers because they are due their flowers
[00:38:10] but Minnesota might be the team that the clippers my eye if they really want to go ahead and kind of it depends on where Denver finishes
[00:38:26] and I think that's where the clipper is going to try to play this out because I think they're going to try to stay away from the nuggets as much as possible
[00:38:36] until they absolutely have to play them in the western conference finals if it all gets to that
[00:38:42] alright a couple other things that we need to get to shout out to my god Jacob this is something that he says all the time
[00:38:51] and we're going to go ahead and say this right now Toronto Raptors are you tanking weather
[00:39:00] the Toronto Raptors look like they have shifted into destination tankville
[00:39:07] they all will pick to the senate Antonio Squares that is top six protected and if for some reason they're in the top six they get to keep their pick
[00:39:20] now we all speculate it on how weak this draft is how terrible these draft is
[00:39:31] and yes it's not full chock full stars it's not chock full of light the absolute quam delacrame of your impact guys
[00:39:46] but we said it on this pile once and I'll say it again all the players that were traded for in the trade deadline were like the winged row player
[00:40:02] there weren't stars that guy traded no stars no real no when I'm talking about stars I'm talking about like the heavy hitter stars
[00:40:12] like we say one name and we know who you're talking about right LeBron KD you know all you have to do is invoke the name Curry
[00:40:25] you know when you say kawaii you don't have to say Leonard you know exactly who I'm talking about when I say that
[00:40:33] you know so in the we have role players and good rotation players you know top four top you know couple top four top three top guys go
[00:40:48] but nobody at the top of the food chain with this draft here is full of those guys that can be four or three eight on your rotation
[00:41:00] now some are more talented than others and they'll be you know starters some are going to be bench players and they're gonna have the games
[00:41:09] and they're gonna have games where we're gonna pull our hair out on them
[00:41:15] and there are a couple guys that have huge outside
[00:41:20] now a lot of people are Alexander Saur might be one I like the kid from France with the Shay he's six nine shoot it real well
[00:41:34] I'm a nambourant with him now my favorite player and I'll give you this for the tournament so if you are a guy who checks in on the tournament
[00:41:45] like every once in a while you're more of an NBA guy read Shepherd of Kentucky just go watch us YouTube go watch us
[00:41:59] watch us you're welcome read Shepherd of Kentucky is awesome
[00:42:09] but again Toronto looks like they're tanky and you know this draft it like I said written full stars or whatever
[00:42:17] but there's some guys in here that you can get and I can understand why they want to try to upgrade their talent base
[00:42:24] you know you're gonna hear names like saw Risse Shay, Holland and read Shepherd now they would have done this last year which you know you're you're a little late
[00:42:36] last year we had Wimby Brandon Miller, Kenake George, Scoot, Saur
[00:42:42] we got what the Thompson twins right so I do get credit to my side Jerry for actually pulling trigger
[00:42:52] and going ahead and starting his regal I just wonder why this year instead of last year where a lot of your high end talent different making guys were there
[00:43:04] and you decided not to do it but hey they're doing it now and maybe Messiah has keyed on a guy that he is targeting for the draft
[00:43:17] a couple of late breaking things and then there's one thing that I want to get to with Denver I'm going to tease in it all pod but I will get to it
[00:43:26] pershawn Shionia of the athletic mixed forward OG and the novy is expected to return to lineup as soon as Tuesday
[00:43:36] so well I gotta say about this is oh my god yes first of all the the garden hawk and the gardening as loud as it possibly can get New York I see you out there blue and orange skies
[00:43:58] put your teams in the air I all of it I understand understand what's going on in Gotham right now I get it but OG and novy coming back
[00:44:08] person just into this lineup is absolutely needed it also gives them the prerequisite size that they absolutely need that can actually score
[00:44:18] because I'm going to tell you right now the one thing that I'm really excited about is I will not have to see precious at you from the short corner
[00:44:31] short corner clank in threes as much as I did when OG and novy without so I'm really grateful to God that he has blessed us with OG and novy
[00:44:46] returning the health it excites me and excites me for the New York faithful out there you're getting your guy back
[00:44:57] shouts out to y'all I know y'all doing your damn thing out there and I cannot wait to see what playoff basketball with New York fans
[00:45:08] and some expectations what that's going to look like in Madison Square Garden come late April spring in New York city
[00:45:20] and the mix of playing basketball is a different animal and I don't know if America is really ready for what is about to happen
[00:45:30] because big fever is about to hit and everybody be better be ready for the propaganda because if you don't think Nick fan is coming out of the world
[00:45:43] work to talk about how they're going to the championship and they invoke the name of like all the pearl Monroe and Clyde Frazier in really great
[00:45:56] you got another thing coming because you're going here a lot of that but kudos to the dicks our guys are getting back healthy now we gotta see if you do this Randall can come back I hope so
[00:46:10] the one thing with that that shoulder that I will say is this I've had bad shoulders for a long period of time plays boys novy deal not going to get into all that but I'm also stupid
[00:46:24] I'm has some shoulder injuries the one thing it pops out here now whatever the with Julie's Randall as physical as he plays in as he utilizes his shoulder almost like a battering round to get his position in the post or to get to the basket
[00:46:44] because he kind of uses his shoulder to fend off the defender and then go up with the shot I wouldn't be so quick to try to rush him back I would try to kind of
[00:46:57] hey as long as we can stay out of the plan we are a little bit ahead of schedule let's see what we can do let's try to get Julius fully healthy and ready to go that would be my plan but I know the next fans are hungry
[00:47:18] they're hungry to have success in the playoffs they're hungry to get back and to really do the damn thing so I can't wait to see it and I'm looking forward to it
[00:47:30] now the last thing that I wanted to get to is the thing that I've been talking about all podcasts and it does refer to the defending champion Diverin nuggets
[00:47:41] and what I wanted to say was this continuity in an all time great have we all been just overthinking this
[00:47:55] Nicole the Yoke is right now is a 13.6 box plus minus and for the people who aren't familiar with box plus minus because I've been educated myself
[00:48:10] box plus minus is a good indicator to your true effect on again when it comes to a player
[00:48:19] and 11 plus box plus minus is considered MVP level again Nicole Yoke is at a 13.6
[00:48:34] now you ask me Vince where are other MVP candidates in your stupid box plus minus nerd-fess analytics well I will tell you
[00:48:51] we got Shade Gildges Alexander at a 10 flat box plus minus now according to a lot of people and even according to myself
[00:49:06] I consider him a very very strong candidate for the MVP and he is 3.6 below Nicole the Yoke
[00:49:20] you say well okay SGA he's young he's up and coming but give me somebody who's been sniffing around the MVP race for a while Vince give me somebody who's not new to the game he's true to the gang
[00:49:36] I got you there too look at dodges look at dodges has a box plus minus of plus 10.1 so he's 3.5 away
[00:49:50] from Nicole the Yoke so again they're the defending champions Yoke has insane chemistry with Jamal Murray who's a big shot he's a big shot taker and a big shot maker we all know that when it comes to playoff time he will knock down dagger 3s
[00:50:14] and just absolutely cut you up with the kicking roll game that he plays with Nicole the Yoke but then you get to the others because this is the thing is who do you who do you slack off of who's the guy that you slack off of well
[00:50:32] Aaron Gordon Aaron Gordon can be unleashed from the doctor squat and is an absolute cheat code and this works because of we have a 6 foot 10 sharpshooter who has the confidence of a number one he believes that he could be a batman okay
[00:50:55] and that's Michael Porta junior who is now flirt who like I say he has a confidence of a number one but he falls into a flourishing offensive ecosystem that he's played in for life four plus years
[00:51:12] and this team together now there have been different parts they've been missing because of injury or whatever but the group whether it's whole not whole they all kind of play for four years the core four so I'm talking about Nicole Yoke
[00:51:31] Aaron Gordon Jamal Murray and Michael Porta junior all four of those guys have played together in some sort of fashion for four seasons straight okay now this is the best part of the whole deal
[00:51:48] now we know how great Yoke it is we know what kind of devastating offensive weapon he is I told you about all the other casted characters the core four
[00:52:01] not one of those guys are 30 years old yet Aaron Gordon is the old man of the group he turns 30 before next season tips off but he's a healthy 29
[00:52:17] and the rest of my under 30 as well so Michael Porta junior is the baby like 25
[00:52:27] and then you throw in the defense of my did extras like Contabria's car well quote who's that absolute critical piece to what they do but in the grand scheme of things he's an absolute luxury item
[00:52:46] think about this here is your point of attack defender like the guy who's probably going to take the hardest role but he's also going to shoot 39% from three and being in championships situations before he even got to Denver
[00:53:06] remember he was on the bubble Laker championship team and then you throw in the young pieces of Peyton Watson and also Christian Brown and Kansas both those guys have shown excellent defense awareness they've also been able to control their role
[00:53:29] Christian Brown has struggled with his outside shooting Peyton Watson is still developing the outside shooting it's gotten better still not the level where he can get the real consistent minutes
[00:53:43] where he can really get into like the 20 plus a minute again type situation you got to play him in spurts but his effort and his energy defensive wise has been top notch and he's been an absolute pass to the opposition
[00:54:00] now the last thing that we're going to get to every show I've been talking about a mo and I seen a lot of basketball and what have you and today what I want to do is I'm going to give you not a player count but I'm going to give you what Yoke it's kind of reminds me of and people go like oh well
[00:54:29] well you know what go back in YouTube with yourself and get found out Yoke it reminds me of Larry Bert now you'll say Vince he's better than Larry Bert okay I got you there I'm not saying he's you know not saying he's worse whatever case you can I think we still have a long way to go we're just enjoying the ride that Nikola Yoke it's just taking us all at this point in time
[00:54:56] which I enjoy the ride because it's great basketball every single time but these are the reasons why I look at him and go in this really does remind me of Larry legend we pod even through breaking news updates that's one of the producers who just got alert on her phone is there breaking news is a breaking news no breaking news I thought those
[00:55:26] breaking news mind of being football never know never know in risk Yoke it reminds me about and this is the reason why he's the de facto point guard of the team at center so at 6 foot 11 300 pounds Nikola Yoke it's the point guard or the Denver Nuggets you're welcome not only is he the de facto point guard the creative
[00:55:54] passing and the angles that he can get to are just not normal in the reason why I say that is he has a distinctive advantage because one he sees again and he sees it like two steps ahead it seems like then everybody else it really does remind me of Bert in that factor
[00:56:17] and then just the angle of passes that he's able to get through defenders to a seemingly just wide open either shooter or cutter is absolutely amazing some of the bounce passes that he's thrown below hook shot passes that he throws for all you to Aaron Gordon it's just ridiculous he's an absolute sick man when it comes to great passing
[00:56:47] I'm not saying it's the prettiest thing in the whole world but the angles are ridiculous he's a prolific score he's average in 26 this dude could average 35 if he wanted to he has way too much fun assisting to average he would be bored if he averaged 35 that's the problem
[00:57:12] can you imagine a superstar think about all the in all your little your favorite NBA guys now ask yourself of those guys which one would not want to average 35 points again I wait
[00:57:35] I can tell a lot of head scratching I can feel it I can feel the head scratching I don't know what this gotta be one right hold on let's think about this who could it be now in the he liked to score he liked to score the rock
[00:57:56] step carry he liked to score the rock there's nobody yoke it doesn't care whether he scores assists read down it doesn't matter but just when you think he's just a lufan it's just it all doesn't matter to him there'll be a game or there'll be a player or there'll be a quote that Mike Michael Malone
[00:58:25] head coach of the different nuggets will kind of pass along to Nicole a Yoke and then we'll see him go 14 of 16 and scored like 38 points by the way 14 of 16
[00:58:40] and scoring 38 points is nutty I just let that kind of marini in your in your in your don't for a second this is the title output that this dude is putting up on a regular basis he's a great rewounder now I'm not saying that labor was the same exact style rebounder so pumpkin breaks
[00:59:10] okay Larry Burr was a great rebounder for small forward yoke it's a great rebounder for a center who also fashion himself to be a point guard I just don't understand the combination I just don't get it
[00:59:32] and then the other things is that he's extremely intelligent basketball wise he seems very savvy when it comes to media obligations and things of that nature less is more when it comes to Nicole a yoke it's when it comes to that
[00:59:48] and then the last thing is that he absolutely hates the media he doesn't want to do any media whatsoever I saw him in a hotel in a commercial with one of his young guys paid lots and I swear I swear I thought I got I was like how much money did they have to give this man to leave his horses to make this commercial
[01:00:15] which of his agents or his PR people aid him to the point where he finally said if I do this will you shut up and name me alone and let me get right to my horses then I will do it
[01:00:34] that's my Nicole a yoke it's impression listen not only do you get valuable information here at front line of podcast collective you get impressions so I'm multifaceted in a lot of ways all right and here's the last thing that I'll say while yoke it's
[01:00:56] he's a scariest player right now with a few seconds on the clock and the ball it is in his hands now you can tell me
[01:01:11] shea Gilger's Alexander skills you you can tell me that Steph Curry scares you you can even tell me look at dodges absolutely absolutely terrifies you but here's the one thing that's different with yoke it's going to be a good shot every single time it will be a good look
[01:01:39] whether he shoots it or somebody else shoots it it's going to be a good look you're not going to look at the end of the game and go and scratch your head and go
[01:01:49] why we take that shot we couldn't we couldn't got closer or nobody else was open you went for all one no that's not Nicole a yoke it's Nicole a yoke it's just going to be the guy who says
[01:02:05] oh you're going to guard me with three guys that means somebody's wide open go ahead knock that down so we can go home and I don't have to talk to media
[01:02:19] because that's what he does all right that's it I gave you an hour of prime time real estate on this pod
[01:02:30] I hope I dropped enough jewels of information on you oh I want to say this one thing I'm going to go ahead throw this proclamation out there right now let this be a record
[01:02:44] I don't care what level of posturing I don't care what whiskers you hear I don't care if it's on hoop height which shot out to my guys on hoop height
[01:03:00] my scotto I see you player um the grand james is not going anywhere so when you hear the fast nation with Philadelphia and you hear some sort of
[01:03:21] rude of entry or cake trade with the nicks don't believe it
[01:03:29] LeBron James was damn near sitting in the lap of governor jim bus the other night when you take the game off so I don't know if LeBron is going to get the max
[01:03:43] and I'm going to say this right now now I'm not one to count nobody's money that's not my job I don't care about that
[01:03:57] but if LeBron is really serious about winning the championship and he says that that's
[01:04:05] to keep his mind fresh he needs to be in a in a mode of chasing championship
[01:04:16] because he says it's his mind now it's not his body he said that if he prepares his mind his body will follow
[01:04:24] well
[01:04:26] LeBron if you go for every last dime this offseason you can almost gain a T-yo sell
[01:04:34] a non championship last two or three years with the lakers if you allow take a little less again
[01:04:47] player whatever you do is whatever you do I'm not going to sit here and boohoo either way
[01:04:54] but if you real serious while winning the championship you know the situation that the ligers in
[01:04:59] and if you take every dime it's going to make it extremely hard they're going to be less flexible
[01:05:06] to be able to do things to the roster to augment it to the level of where it needs to be for it
[01:05:13] to be a championship team and that's all I gotta say about that so there is your prerequisite
[01:05:20] laker rant I always give you one because I'm waker fan and that's how I go so you guys have
[01:05:28] been awesome and this cop this podcast has been great again I want to thank each and every last
[01:05:34] one when you guys for listening to this I want to thank everybody for participating and showing
[01:05:42] up and showing out on the youtube page we need more followers on twitter x be a friend telefan
[01:05:52] about the pod and we will see you on this feed later on this week y'all stay easy and we're out
