Lakers Far From Contention + Are The Warriors Stuck? Tatum To Return?

Summary

Podcast Summary: Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective

Episode: Lakers Far From Contention + Are The Warriors Stuck? Tatum To Return?

Date: February 11, 2026
Hosts/Panel: Brian Windhorst (C), Tim Bontemps (D), Tim MacMahon (B)

Main Theme

This episode delves into the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers as they struggle to stay competitive, questions whether the Golden State Warriors are running out of moves to maintain contention, and updates listeners on Jayson Tatum's health as the Boston Celtics eye his eventual return.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Lakers' Reality Check and Organizational Future

Lakers’ Defense, Recent Loss, and LeBron’s Frustration

• Lakers lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder (without SGA), ending their three-game win streak and dampening optimism about recent defensive improvements.
• JJ Redick’s coaching adjustments (zone defense, mixing lineups) acknowledged positively, but broader problems persist (e.g., lack of sustained effort).
• LeBron James gave a candid, sobering post-game quote admitting the Lakers aren’t on the level of true contenders:
  • Quote: "You want me to compare us to them? That's a championship team right there. We're not. We can't sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can." (LeBron James, [04:30]).

LeBron’s Uncertain Future

• LeBron’s attitude reflects frustration—likely not with just a loss, but with facing possible exit from the Lakers not on his terms.
• Podcast speculates it's "very unlikely" LeBron returns to the Lakers next year, given necessary drastic roster changes and his $51 million contract ([06:36]-[07:01]).
• Tone: Somber, realistic, and admitting a power shift since the Lakers traded for Luka Dončić and made LeBron a secondary figure:
  • Quote: "For the first time in his life ... it wasn't about LeBron James, it was about Luka Dončić." (D, [07:01])

Lakers' Roster Rebuild: Challenges Ahead

• Lakers have cap space and some picks, but are missing multiple high-end two-way wings and a reliable center.
• Competition for quality centers is tight—many teams are searching for the same assets (discussed recent deals for Vita Zubac, Anthony Davis, Walker Kessler free agency, etc.) ([08:23]-[10:00]).
• Additional insight: Occasional NBA execs see the Lakers as missing "multiple steps" to true contention—even with Luka.

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2. NBA Centers Market: Walker Kessler and Future Targets

• Utah Jazz’s acquisition of Jaren Jackson complicates the future of Walker Kessler, who’ll seek a large new deal (~$25M+ per year).
• Restricted free agency tactics discussed: sometimes overpays happen if suitors sense the original team won’t match.
• Peyton Watson (Denver) and Kessler cited as possible cap-space targets for the Lakers or other ambitious teams ([09:01]-[10:00]).

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3. The Warriors: Stuck in the Middle?

Injury Setbacks and Roster Construction

• Warriors are without Steph Curry and Kristaps Porzingis (Porzingis: “out indefinitely”), undercutting playoff ambitions ([15:22]-[16:54]).
• Steve Kerr remarked, "We've never had a player like [Porzingis] here," driving expectations, but injuries nullify early optimism.

Trade Tactics, Asset Management, and Missed Opportunities

• Failed in their pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo; did land Porzingis, but at the loss of key trade assets/bargaining chips (expirings, Buddy Hield, Jonathan Kuminga).
• Questions arise if the Warriors are planning a payroll reduction or simply lacked the chance to keep building for a title ([18:02]-[20:40]).
• Panel exposes the “holding pattern” for the Warriors heading into summer. Play-in berth is the likely ceiling for this group; actual championship odds are remote ([18:02]-[20:40]).
  • Quote: "[W]ith this team as it is, they're maybe getting out of the play-in—and that's it.” (D, [19:00])
• Warriors tried, but failed, to construct a trade for Giannis; involved Draymond Green and possibly Kuminga, despite public denials ([20:51]-[22:15]).

Transparency in Management

• Hosts advise young GMs: “Don’t lie. Just say you can’t talk about it. Don’t be intellectually dishonest.” (C, [22:57])
• The importance of media relations and truthfulness, using Mike Dunleavy’s “accurate but not true” public comments as an example ([21:32]-[23:07]).

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4. Jayson Tatum’s Return: Hope Rises in Boston

G League “Rehab” and Media Spin

• Tatum practices with the G League affiliate (Maine Celtics) as part of his rehab, signaling positive progress post-surgery.
• Hosts mock the PR awkwardness: “When the Celtics put out the press release, they were like, he’s only going for like, 20 minutes, and he will be immediately recalled... Please don’t think that Jayson Tatum ... actually was sent down.” (C, [32:01])
• Debate on whether G League rehab is treated as demeaning—hosts draw parallels to MLB rehab assignments ([31:26]-[32:36]).

Quotes and Timetable

• Tatum: “I’m still just going through the progressions of rehab. I’m not saying that I’m coming back or not. It’s all about being 100% healthy and going through the plan.” ([34:10])
• Team is tempering expectations, but the consensus is that Tatum is likely to return before season’s end.
  • Quote: “It’s hard not to anticipate that Tatum is going to come back at some point this season.” (B, [36:23])
• Comparison to past injury rehabs (Paul George, Jamal Murray, Derrick Rose): progressing through practices, sometimes still not quite ready for real games ([38:16]-[39:33]).

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5. Notable NBA Scuffle: Pistons-Hornets Melee

• Major fight between Detroit and Charlotte leads to likely multi-game suspensions: Jalen Duren, Musa Diabate, Miles Bridges, Isaiah Stewart (“Beef Stew,” now with eight career ejections, the second-most for a Pistons player since 1988) ([40:17]-[46:39]).
  • Memorable Moment: “If you mess with the moose, you get the horns.”—Windhorst’s quip about Diabate ([41:46])
  • Quote: “This is something that could really derail some seasons. ... The suspensions are going to get longer as those guys jump in.” (B, [44:46])
• Hosts bemoan suspensions impacting two surging Eastern teams around playoff time and look forward to a possible spicy Detroit-Charlotte playoff matchup.

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6. Quick-Hitter NBA Topics

• Ruminations on the All-Star weekend, dunk contest decline, and three-point contest ascendancy ([48:00]-[48:56]).
• Closing in-joke: McMahon picks Dame (Damian Lillard) as his three-point contest winner for storyline reasons ([48:58]-[49:00]).
• Mention of the NBA's switching schedules, small anecdotes on confusing G League/affiliate team names, travel mishaps, etc.

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Memorable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• LeBron on Lakers’ status:
  • "You want me to compare us to them? That's a championship team right there. We're not. We can't sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can." – LeBron James ([04:30])
• Bontemps on Lakers’ rebuild:
  • "The Lakers obviously have a ton of work to do... It's also very hard work. They need multiple high level two way wing players. Those are really hard to find." ([07:09])
• Windhorst on Warriors’ situation:
  • "[W]ith this team as it is, they're maybe getting out of the play-in—and that's it." (D, [19:00])
• Advice to GMs on trade discussions:
  • "Don't lie. Just say you can't talk about it. Don't be intellectually dishonest." (C, [22:57])
• Tatum on his recovery:
  • "I'm not saying that I'm coming back or not. It's all about being 100% healthy and going through the plan." ([34:10])
• McMahon on the Hornets-Pistons fight:
  • "Oh, a significant brouhaha. One of the most violent brouhahas that we've had in recent NBA history. I mean, dozens of punches thrown, not just a couple, like, dozens." (B, [40:27])
• Windhorst’s horn pun:
  • "Let this be known that if you mess with the moose, you get the horns." (C, [41:46])

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Notable Segment Timestamps

• Lakers’ troubles, LeBron’s quote: [03:53]-[04:30]
• LeBron’s future and the new face of the Lakers: [06:36]-[07:09]
• Roster challenges for Lakers: [08:23]-[09:01]
• Jazz, Kessler’s free agency, and center market: [09:01]-[10:00]
• Warriors’ injuries and trade asset concerns: [15:22]-[20:40]
• Trade transparency advice: [21:32]-[22:57]
• Jayson Tatum update: [30:37]-[36:52]
• Fight recap: Pistons vs Hornets: [40:17]-[44:46]
• Trivia: Pistons’ ejections leaders: [45:27]-[47:04]
• All-Star weekend quick takes: [48:00]-[49:10]

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Tone and Language

The tone throughout the episode is candid, mildly irreverent, and blends ESPN-insider gravitas with the friendly banter typical of this panel. The hosts aren’t afraid to poke fun at NBA organizations’ PR moves, their own travel woes, and each other. When discussing the Lakers, especially LeBron’s future, the mood turns somewhat wistful and analytical; with Warriors, the vibe is weary realism; for the rest, the group’s trademark sarcastic edge and deep NBA knowledge shine.

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Summary Takeaways

• Lakers: Despite fleeting improvements, the Lakers are “far from contention.” Their greatest star (LeBron) is showing frustration and may be nearing his LA exit, while a full roster overhaul looms.
• Warriors: Golden State, battered and missing key players, seems stuck—no longer a contender, thin on assets, and entering a costly, uncertain summer.
• Jayson Tatum: His return is a genuine possibility and a major hope for the Celtics’ playoff aspirations, but lingering uncertainty remains.
• NBA Drama: The league continues to deliver spectacle, with a big fight promising suspensions and narrative twists—underscoring how off-court events can still impact playoff races.
• All-Star Weekend: Hosts agree the three-point contest is the real jewel, with the dunk contest in decline.

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This summary should equip both casual and die-hard NBA followers with a clear sense of the league’s shifting landscape, as dissected by three of ESPN’s top insiders.

Transcript

[A]

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[B]

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[C]

Hello and welcome to the HOOPP Collective podcast. We talk about the NBA which we're doing on Tuesday afternoon. Doing it a little bit earlier than normal because I'm getting on a flight to LA and I believe that there's so many stresses that you can, you cannot control when you travel. But one stress that you can control is how early you get to the airport. That's right, I said it. I'm an early airport guy. Joining us from New York City is Tim Bontemps.

[D]

Weren't you just in LA, Brian?

[C]

I was in LA 36 hours ago and I'm headed out. McMahon said come on out. And so here I go.

[D]

Sounds about right. Hello everybody.

[C]

Joining us from Los Angeles, where I'll hopefully be in that very hotel later Tonight is Ben McMahon.

[B]

Howdy partners. Just fully agree with you on the early arrival to the airport. If you gotta check a bag, I'm a two hours early guy. The best thing about being early is you can't be late.

[C]

Our friend of the pod, our co worker who's currently on paternity leave, OLM Young Masook. He thinks it's a failure if he's not walking onto the plane as they're closing the door.

[D]

So I would say sprinting out of the plane as the plane is not.

[C]

If, if, if there, if he doesn't hear final call while he's in the, in the terminal, he thinks that he's wasted time in his life.

[B]

And then you got to like elbow and move stuff around and the overhead bin like. Anyway, it's a bad, it's a bad policy.

[C]

Doesn't care. All right, McMahon, you were at the Thunder Laker game on Monday night at crypto arena. Crypto.com arena the Lakers had won three games in a row and you know they were, some feel that they were getting some traction. You know, they'd been changing up their defense recently. Their defense had been creeping into the, they really were like top 10 defense for like the last 10 games. JJ Redick had really been rolling up his sleeves and, and putting in some zone defense. You know, really trying to figure out ways to change his personnel. Part of it may have been because Aiden's been missing time lately, but that's neither here nor there. He'd been playing Maxi Kleba and it was like, wow, the Lakers. You know, because, you know, one of the things about the Lakers is every conversation that we have about them. You know, it's like, I'm like, well, I can't take them seriously if they're ranked 25th in defense. But I had to acknowledge, like, they were getting better. And I was talking to one of their coaches the other day and he was praising jj. He's like, JJ has done some of his best coaching this last month. Like, you know, and so now they get the Thunder. They get the Thunder at home without SGA and McMahon. Not only did the Thunder win, although Jalen Williams did come back and had a good finish. And I'll hear about you from that. But after the game, LeBron James says, remember when I, like, went viral because I said the Celtics were a championship team and the Luca led. The Luca led. Lakers or Mavericks were not.

[B]

The winner's tunnel is there the losers tunnel.

[C]

Well, I was a little bit triggered by the performance by your favorite Slovenian that night. Anyway, LeBron last night was like, you want to. You wanted me to compare us to them. That's a championship team right there and we're not McMahon.

[B]

Jackson Hayes is now my favorite Slovenian. Although didn't like the cheap. Didn't like the cheap shot on G Wiz.

[C]

No. But LeBron real quick as a side because we have to. Jackson Hayes was just completed the paperwork or whatever to become a Slovenian. He can join the Slovenian national team for Luka, which I'd like to say is one of the smartest things Jackson Hayes has ever done, because I think he's just secretly signed a contract extension. I don't actually mean he signed it aggregators, but it's sort of. It's sort of. It's going to tie him to Luca. Leave it at that. Sorry.

[B]

Shout out to Bill Duffy, the agent he shares with Luke, who I'm sure pointed out to him the potential benefits of that.

[C]

Wise work on all parties.

[B]

But here's LeBron's quote and. Okay, I'll just read it. You want me to compare us to them? That's championship team right there. We're not. We can't sustain energy and effort for 48 minutes and they can. That's why they won a championship. All right, a couple things. I wasn't in the Lakers locker moment to the Thunderside, but I was told LeBron was in a mood. You Know, kind of grumpy, you know, we're, he's an old guy, you know, it's, there's a lot going on, like a little bit grumpy. So consider that as the context. But what he said is a simple fact. That, dude, the Lakers got bounced in the first round last year and probably are getting bounced in the first round this year. They're not close to a championship team. And okay, sweet 10, 10 games of improved defense. They're a bad defensive team. I was talking to somebody last night, somebody you know from another team who was in the arena and he was like, I like an art for them on, on, on offense. But he didn't really fit with them defensively. And I'm like, no, he fits right in with them defensively. And then he said, he said, you.

[C]

Know, they were like, hey, what we need here is more one way players because can anybody go get us more one way players we got.

[D]

At least he's a shooter. At least he's a lights out shooter.

[B]

He said the Lakers stars will probably love Canard because he will space the floor. And when he's on the floor, they won't be targeting Luca or Austin Reeves or LeBron. That number 10 has got a bullseye on it. But man, we all understand the Lakers are a roster remodeling around Luca and Austin Reeves away from being in the conversation of contenders. And I think part of LeBron's grumpiness, and this is obviously speculation, I'm not inside his head. Part of his grumpiness is probably the realization that he's not going to be part of that. Like he's, it's very, I won't say it's, it's not going to happen for certain, but it's very unlikely that he's back with the Lakers next season. He's not going out in LA on his own terms. I mean, a guy like LeBron typically, every, every step of the way, I.

[C]

Don'T think, just for the record, I don't think anybody knows what's going to happen for next season.

[B]

So just, okay, the man's making $51 million. They got to drastically remodel the roster.

[C]

Well, that I agree. Well, that I agree.

[D]

He's not, he's not going to be making $51 million for the Lakers next season. That much is clear. I think the rest of it is up in the air and listen, okay.

[B]

But my point is none of it, none of it is on his terms for the first time in his 23 year career.

[D]

I mean, that's been the case from the moment Anthony Davis was traded for Luka Dodgic. Which is why this has been an awkward calendar year. Right? That's been the story of the Lakers ever since the moment that trade was made. When the Lakers were at the Garden a year ago. And for the first time in his life, probably since he was 8 or 9 or 10 years old, it wasn't about LeBron James, it was about Luka Doncic. And LeBron James was a secondary piece. And it's been like that ever since. The only change I would give to what you said before McMahon is a successful remodeling of the roster around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Because again, as I've said several other times and I think it bears repeating, the Lakers obviously have a ton of work to do to get to the level of these elite teams in the West. It's also very hard work. Like, I know they're in la, I know they have some cap space. I know they have a couple draft picks, but they need a lot of stuff. They need multiple high level two way wing players. Those are really hard to find. They need to get much better at center. That takes real assets. There are several teams. We just saw what the Pacers paid for Vita Zubots. We saw what, you know, we saw what the Wizards paid for Anthony Davis like to get a. Well, listen, they still took on the money and two first round picks. Like you could trade for Anthony Davis and have all the cap space go away if you want. Like there's a lot of teams around the league. You know, Atlanta doesn't have a center. They're looking for a center. There's a lot of teams around the league going, how are we going to find a big to plug in and have a chance to be a really good team? The Lakers aren't the only one doing that. Now obviously they have Luca who's going to turn that guy into a production machine. But it isn't just as simple as oh hey, the Lakers are going to go into the summer. They got their cap space, they got some picks. They're going to remake this roster and they're going to immediately be right up there with the Thunder and the spurs and the Nuggets and these teams in the West. Like it's going to be a real challenge for them to pull off this fix. And it's for all the reasons LeBron said. You watch them play the Thunder even without guys and it's just not. It's very obvious they're a clear level.

[C]

Or two below as a quick aside. So we're talking about this summer and centers. One thing that there's been some chatter about in the league in the wake of the Utah Jazz move to trade for Jaren Jackson. So though Jaren Jackson makes $50 million next year, Lowry Market is in the 40s. Walker Kessler restricted free agent I don't know how much are the Jazz going to be able to pay him?

[B]

Listen, here's what I'll tell you. The Jazz have a number in mind. I think they are comfortable in the 25 million per range and Walker Kessler and his reps at CAA believe he is worth much, much more than that. Now, some options have disappeared, but I'm just telling you that that's going to be a potentially very tense and extended restricted free agency process.

[C]

This is a conversation we'll have later. I would just say that restricted free agency sucks, but there's one narrow little lane on the far left lane of the highway. It's like the carpool lane if you can just get into it if you have the right pass, which is if you are deemed a gettable restricted free agent. In other words, teams believe that your team cannot match. You can sometimes get way overpaid. And I would say that Peyton Watson is trying to get in that lane from Denver because of what Denver has to pay to other people and their history of paying the tax that might be. If you're a Laker fan, you're thinking about what you're going to do with your salary cap space. That's a guy. And I would just say maybe the Jazz will go out there and say we're matching all offers on Walker Kessler. But if you're spending $90 million and they're two frontcourt players, even if you've got cap space, you can only go so far with what you're going to be able to do for Watson. I would, I would put Walker in in that list as well. Also, speaking of the Jazz and Jaren Jackson, I'm not defending Rich Paul as an agent. I'm defending Rich Paul as a podcaster. I would just say one he said months ago the Lakers were not a championship team and he was cracked for that. And now we have LeBron saying the same thing. I thought he was right then and I think LeBron is right now. The other thing is that Rich Paul now granted this was probably in LeBron's interest more than anything, but Rich Paul said the Lakers should gotten trade for Jaren Jackson and that that would rebalance their roster I know that they were never going to trade Austin Reaves. Okay? So I'm not, I mean, that's, that's pretty much what Rich Paul said. But, and Jer and the Lakers, you know, they couldn't trade three first round picks. They couldn't trade for Jaren Jackson. Right now I'm just saying Jaren Jackson was traded. Okay. And you know, if you're talking about a team that has Jaren Jackson on it, the Lakers with Luca, whatever you're going to do with the rest of your cap space, that's another, that would have been an intriguing pairing.

[D]

I guess I don't really like the fit. And I, I, I guess if we're giving Rich credit for saying the Lakers.

[C]

Center next year be better than Jaren Jackson.

[B]

Well, Jaren Jackson's not a center, first of all.

[D]

That's a complicated question. For that reason, like Jaren Jackson is, does not rebound and it wants to have the ball.

[C]

Like that's fair. I think you're both right. Will the big man the Lakers acquire next year be better than Jaren Jackson?

[D]

He might be better fit than Jaren Jackson.

[C]

Okay.

[B]

When Wendy thinks he's right, he wants to cut us off as quickly as possible. I don't like that. Wendy. Let me just say I don't think the issue was necessarily Rich's opinions on the podcast. If it was, you know, Paul Richard making those opinions as a podcaster, maybe.

[D]

He should call himself Paul Richard. Maybe he should go out there. Maybe that should be his moniker on there. Hey, it's Paul Richard and Max Kellerman.

[B]

It's a perfectly fine basketball point. I would even agree with him.

[C]

He mentioned him wearing a little mustache.

[D]

Yeah, mustache and a hat on. Do the Bobby Valentine glasses.

[B]

There's just a little, tiny, tiny conflict of interest given his day job.

[C]

And there was with Jaren Jackson as well. Because if Austin Reeves was traded for Jaren Jackson, there would probably be quite a bit of space for LeBron on those salaries as well. We want to, you know, it was with the gratitude that I'm sure we're feeling from the Wolves fans right after we question their team and, and the podcast that hope that came out on Monday, they slapped the Hawks around. Although a lot of people are doing that recently. Probably literally moments after we wrap that conversation about the Lakers. They will probably slap the spurs around on Monday night.

[B]

Tuesday night.

[C]

Tuesday night. Sorry. And Deandre Ayton will probably go for.

[B]

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[C]

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[B]

Foreign.

[C]

Are playing a back to back on Wednesday in Golden State, which will be on espn. The Warriors, Bon Thomas are in a situation right now where they obviously didn't land YAS10 Akumpo. They did land Chris Al Sporzingis, which is interesting. And Steve Kerr said something about the acquisition that I made me think. He said, we've never had a player like that here. And I was like, I agree. But Porzingis is out indefinitely and Steph Curry is out indefinitely. In fact, moments before this podcast, he was replaced on the All Star lineup with Brandon Ingram. By the way, McMahon I know you're not covering the All Star Game, but we haven't had a verdict on Luka yet. And if Luka is unable to play in the All Star Game, I think now that Alperen Shingun has replaced Giannis, Brandon Ingram has replaced Steph, we need a guard potentially for the international team. Dylan the villain. I think you should stick around for Dylan the Villain. You should cancel your plans this weekend.

[B]

I wrote about Dylan the villain earlier this year. We had.

[C]

No, I'm saying you've got to follow up.

[B]

I don't think I'll be canceling any plans. I think the IT department and I have some reservations down the coast a little bit and we're going to stick with those.

[C]

Enjoy that.

[B]

I'm sorry, I would say, hey, not only that, but the last game the Lakers have before the All Star break is against the Mavericks. And I think Luka wants to play in the All Star Game. I also think he enjoys lighting the Mavericks on fire at every opportunity. So I'm not saying he will play if the hamstring's not right. It's not right. But, you know, let's just stay tuned.

[C]

JJ Redick did say it was a mild hamstring injury. Anyway. Bontemps, Golden State now. I don't know when Steph's coming back. I don't know when Porzingis is coming back. They crossed the Rubicon into potentially offering Draymond Green in trades, although Mike Dunleavy somewhat ridiculously denied that that was the case. And I like Mike a lot, but I still say it was somewhat ridiculous.

[B]

Sleeping. You see me now? Sorry.

[D]

Yes. Sounds like the Verizon commercial.

[C]

Do you hear me now?

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Excuse me, McMahon. So where are the warriors at now? Bontemps, with the hand that they're holding.

[D]

For the listeners on the podcast of the podcast and not on the YouTubes. McMahon just disappeared and was a black screen, which is.

[C]

And I hope they don't edit it out. I want it to stay in. I just want the record.

[D]

Of course it's not going to get edited out. Come on. That's where that would make. That would mean we're a full experience podcast here. Well, hey, don't be, don't be hating on Jackson. As, as we said before, the best part of the pod is the. The setup beforehand. And the irony of this is we had a record, record fast setup where there were no issues and everybody was locked in and ready to go at the beginning.

[B]

Back to the Warriors.

[D]

The warriors, though, are in a very interesting spot because they are clearly not good enough to compete this year. To go back to the I don't think infamous is the right word, but the noteworthy Christmas Eve press conference that I went to in the Bay ahead of their Christmas Day game when Steve Kerr said a bunch of interesting things about his future, one of the things he reiterated was last year when we got Jimmy Butler, we made this run in the back half of the season. We went into the playoffs, think we had a chance. And our goal every year is to go into the playoffs thinking we're giving Steph a chance. This team doesn't have a chance. Like, they know Jimmy Butler. Kristas Porzingis is obviously a very talented player. When he played for the Hawks this year, I think he's played 17 or 18 games. They were very good. But the key, the key thing there is he played 17 or 18 games, he couldn't get on the court. He had his first introductory session with the media and said he hopes to get on the court after the All Star break. So look, even if Porzingis gets on the court with no Jimmy Butler with this team as it is, they're maybe getting out of the play in and that's it. And frankly, they're maybe only getting out of the play in because of how frankly downtrodden the Western Conference play in picture is going to be. Like, who are the other teams that are going to be in the play in?

[B]

Clippers, Blazers?

[D]

I mean, the Clippers are probably going to be there, but Kawhi gets hurt, who knows where they're going to be. And the teams below them are so clearly not trying to win that they might just get in by default. So I just don't. I mean, the warriors could probably have Steph sit out for two months, come back on April 1st and be basically in the same spot they're in now and then try to see if they could do some stuff in the playoffs. But I think the real truth of it is that they're just in a holding pattern until the summertime. And frankly, I thought the most interesting thing about that trade for Porzingis, while he is a good player, is that the warriors went from having trade ammunition in the summer in the form of expiring contracts and Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kaminga to having money that goes off the books, which is going to be hard for them to replace. And it makes me wonder what the overall path is in Golden State and are they potentially going to draw down their payroll a little bit? Because really, if you look at that trade, it was Atlanta saying We're going to get $33 million in expiring money to use in trades this summer and extend the asset. And the warriors were extinguishing the asset, frankly. Maybe you could resign Porzingis on some cheap on your deal, but you're not signing him to have him be a key part of your team going forward based on how little he's played.

[C]

Yeah, maybe Kuminga is awesome for the Hawks and they're like, oh, yeah, not only picking up this option, or maybe they'll say opt out and, you know, they'll resign them. But there's a good chance Kaminga could be on the move again this summer.

[B]

Yeah, and I, you know, I think that's interesting because, look, the warriors obviously did everything they could to try to get Giannis before this deadline and didn't happen. The fact that bontamps of what you were just saying makes me wonder if Mike Dunleavy left those discussions basically saying, okay, we weren't able to get it done. Now, when they were able to put the best package on the table, they're probably not. Wouldn't have been able to this summer when Miami gets access to the other picks and basically saying, okay, the Giannis thing isn't happening. That would be logical. Dunleavey denying that either Draymond or Jimmy were involved in the discussions. I don't know what he was doing there.

[C]

This is one of these things that a lawyer might say is accurate but not true. So it's one of those things where hypothetically. Did you hear what I said? Aggregators, hypothetically, let's say the Bucs and the warriors talked and they said, we've got four available first round picks and you could have young player X. I don't want to get aggregated. And, you know, maybe they never said the words, Draymond, you could be traded. Or maybe they never said the words. Well, they did say the words to Draymond because he came out and said. But they. Maybe they never said. Maybe Mike Dunleavy never said to John Horst we would include Draymond in the deal.

[D]

What's the apocryphal NBA question? Was it an offer?

[C]

Right, Exactly.

[D]

This comes up all the time. Was it an offer or was it just a discussion or a talk idea or whatever?

[B]

Do you think they were willing to give up Kaminga?

[C]

My thing is I'm fine with Dunleavy playing the game, but he was like, I would just say to any young general manager, it's totally okay to hold your cards, but I would say two things. Regarding the media, here's my free advice that nobody asked, but, you know, I've been around a little while. Don't lie. Just say you can't talk about it. Don't lie, and don't be intellectually dishonest. Those are my two things you can say. Everybody will understand if you say we can't talk about that.

[D]

The very simple answer to that question would have been, look, it's a fair question, but I'm not going to get into trade discussions. That's all you have to say. Because, by the way, our our new editor.

[B]

Let's not give advice on how to avoid direct questions. Go on.

[C]

And that was before Duke got beat by North Carolina.

[D]

Well, and it's like, you know, our now. I said new, but he's not new. That new now. Dane Beavers, he came over from the NFL and we were talking a couple months about ago about the trade deadline.

[C]

He said, Dane Beavers is our boss. Bon Temps just zooms through information.

[D]

I said, he's our new editor. I said, he's our new editor.

[B]

You said our new.

[D]

Did our new editor a few moments earlier.

[B]

Our new editor.

[C]

We didn't hear it. Keep going.

[B]

Anyway, good job, Bon Temps.

[D]

He came over from the NFL and he said one of the biggest things he's had to adjust to from doing the NFL trade deadline and NFL trade season compared to the NBA is in the NBA, you can look at the teams and you basically could see what the trades are because you have. It's like a jigsaw puzzle. And there's money on both sides. And with the warriors in particular, this trade could only literally be done two ways. One with Jimmy Butler and one with Draymond Green, and that was it. So if you were interested in Giannis, you had to trade one of them, like, end of story. So what are we doing here?

[C]

Right, and they had a meeting with. With Draymond to tell him about it. They didn't have a meeting with Jimmy, by the way. McMahon. How'd you like Bontemps? Just, you know, casually just giving a little wink to the new boss.

[B]

Oh, I mean, hey, listen, Bon Temps is one of the elite butt kissers in the media world.

[C]

I would not say that's true, because there are other people that I will not mention who are more elite at it.

[B]

Name one better than Bond Tims.

[C]

Not on this podcast at our company. Oh, I'm out. No, I will not.

[D]

I also don't want to have a dinner with executives this week. That's all I'm going to Say we'll just leave it at that.

[C]

Lunch. Lunch. It was dinner.

[B]

I had dinner last night.

[C]

Oh, yes.

[D]

Exactly what I was referring to.

[C]

Excuse me. Anyway, I will do what some general managers should do. I respect the question, but I just can't.

[B]

After you blurted out the answer. I like that.

[C]

Yeah. So the question to me really is the warriors do own their pick this year. They were trying to trade it. They own it so much. Steph is not right.

[D]

Well, don't even say they should try to tank because where the hell are they taking to?

[C]

Well, I agree that they should.

[B]

They're stuck at the play in.

[C]

Well, I'm saying though, like you're not rushing. Why are you rushing Steph back if you're stuck in the play in.

[D]

Like I said before, they should. They could have Steph sit out till April 1st and I think they might be in 9th.

[B]

Honestly, the only, the only reason I could give you that it would make sense for him to get back ASAP is if he cares about all NBA. That's, that's just an honest thing. And listen, you know, where is he?

[D]

I was thinking about that today. Where. Where is he for that?

[B]

I don't fault guys for caring about all NBA like, or MVP or defense player of the year. Like it's not a coincidence that when Mignyama came back when he did or Joker came back when he did. I assure you that Luka and Shay have their eyes on that.

[C]

Jokic is like questionable for all these games. He doesn't when. When Yoke.

[B]

When.

[C]

When Jokic is questionable. He plays well.

[D]

And by the way, the warriors play the Spurs Wednesday on our air and then they play the Celtics on Thursday going into the break. When Steph misses those games, he's already going to be at 17.

[C]

Wait a minute. The Celtics start a west coast trip right before the all star break?

[D]

That's what my app says. They play in Boston or they play in Golden State on Thursday night.

[C]

Well, I know that those Celtics often.

[D]

Oh no, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I. No, it's the, it's after. You're right.

[C]

Okay, I'm sorry. I've made mistakes.

[D]

So it's 16. No, thank you. Yes, I saw Wednesday, Thursday and I, I checked out mentally.

[C]

Well, it is normal for the Celtics to start a west coast trip.

[B]

By the way, what a comeback by the Warriors. I'm sure the Grizzlies front office was really disappointed that they went scoreless for the last four plus minutes to lose the game. They led by 10.

[C]

Well, I thought Bam Adebayo's comments on Monday were Bam said this is paraphrase. I don't have it directly in front of me, but you know, the Jazz beat the Heat on Monday and Bam said we got to do better against these teams that are trying to lose.

[B]

Yeah, you'd like to. When when both teams have the same goal, you'd like to be able to accomplish it.

[D]

By the way, I was at Nets Bulls Monday night in Brooklyn and Nets came away with a hard fought victory in that game and the Bulls, whether they're trying to tank or not, are not going to win a lot of games next couple of months.

[B]

The way to put that is the Bulls came away with a hard fought loss.

[D]

Trust me, I know.

[C]

Well, the Bulls, the Nets. You know, the Nets are really worried about winning because they deactivate Michael Porter. That's, that's the tell for that. I mean protecting his back and well.

[D]

And then they've got the Pacers on Wednesday. They might be going on a winning streak into the, into the All Star break.

[C]

Rick Carlisle gave an update on if it's a Zubak's ankle, it's going to be a while, gentlemen.

[D]

Did he go back to Croatia?

[B]

Yeah, I told him just give him paternity leave.

[C]

It would be like, I agree, like we announced.

[D]

Groundbreaking decision.

[B]

More advice. More free advice from the HOOPP Collective. Yeah, more HOOP Collective podcast after this.

[E]

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[F]

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[G]

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[C]

Jason Tatum on Monday the entire main Red Claws. Is that who they are? Bontemps.

[D]

They're now the main Celtics. They used to be the main red clause. Okay, they're now the main Celtics.

[C]

They had a road trip down. They shipped off to Boston so that they could come to the Auerbox center and practice with Jayson Tatum. Jason Tatum was quote unquote sent to the G League. The truth is when these situations happen, the G League gets sent to the big boys. And I like in the release, you know, everyone's so this is one like little bugaboo that I have. I think that the NBA team should you like. You know, when I was a junior reporter in Akron, Ohio, there was a double A team, the Cleveland Indians Guardians. Now then the Indians double A team was there and every now and then you would have a player come through.

[D]

Now we're aware, bro. We got your bobblehead at the game, remember?

[C]

Of course.

[B]

Ooh, recently found it in a box.

[C]

Back then they were the Akron Arrows. But like guys would go on rehab assignments down there. And one time I remember I went over and covered Brett Saberhagen made a start for the double A Red Sox affiliate that I think were the Trenton Thunder at the time. And he came and made up, you know, so it's not seen as demeaning to go to, you know, to go play in the minors, you know.

[B]

And it's not Playing. It's practicing. Because NBA teams aren't able to really practice.

[C]

I think they should play. No, I agree, but I'm just saying, like, it's considered demeaning to be sent to the G League. So, like, when the Celtics put out the press release, they were like, he's only going for like, 20 minutes, and he will be immediately recalled, called after. Please don't think that Jason Tatum, you know, three time, first team, all NBA, actually was sent down. We swear, like, I'm like, just act like a man. He's going to the minors to.

[B]

Nobody's confused about Jason Tatum being demoted.

[C]

To be clear, this happens. And I'm saying, grow up. Major League baseball guys have gone to the minors to do rehab assignments for decades. Anyway, sorry.

[D]

Well, I.

[B]

On a total aside, like, to me, there's a lot of value in having the G League, like, close, geographically.

[C]

Yes, teams have.

[B]

I know Sioux Falls is a beautiful place at this time of the year, and I would definitely want to go on, like, an all star weekend vacation there. But it's weird to me that the heats G League team is in Sioux.

[C]

Falls and has been for a long time. And it takes two flights to get there, as everybody from Miami who's made the pilgrimage knows. I'm sorry, it takes three flights, two connections to get there. In. In some cases, maybe not every case, but they love the relationship there. But yes, that's true. And by the way, I live in the upper Midwest and Bon Temps will tell you I'm going to a basketball tournament this weekend with my son in Sioux City, Iowa. And for like a week, I was telling people, yeah, I'm going to Sioux Falls for a month.

[D]

Not a week. A month.

[B]

Oh, that's why my whole thing was. I thought you were going to Sioux Falls.

[C]

No, I'm going to Sioux City. By the way, I figured that out two days ago. Man, I wish I figured out two.

[D]

Days ago instead of two days from now. When you drove. Drove through and kept going.

[C]

That's true. That reminds me, one time I was in this airport and this guy was. Was. Was devastated. He was all hectic because he was. He was booked on a flight to Cedar Rapids and he needed to go to Grand Rapids.

[D]

That's a problem.

[B]

So about Jason Tatum.

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

So I got.

[C]

By the way, did you see that there was a guy who was booked on a flight to Japan and ended up in Nicaragua last week? Now, that's something that. I did not see that either.

[D]

I did not see that either.

[C]

Anyway, I'm digressing. All over the place.

[D]

You really are. I have two quotes here from today. Tatum spoke Jason, Jason got asked whether he is, you know, whether what this practice meant in terms of his returning to play. I'm still trying to figure it out. I'm still just going through the progressions of rehab. I'm not saying that I'm coming back or not. It's all about being 100% healthy and going through the plan. And he later said he's taking things step by step and day by day, which is not exactly a surprise. Joe Missoula said it was great to see him take another step. He looked good. He's continuing in his progression, continue to be consistent in his progression of getting better. That was all boring, not really shocking from the Celtics. And it's all the theme of what this has been since he had surgery. 18 hours or 16 hours, whatever the timeframe was after he got hurt here in New York at the hospital. Assistant surgery. Martin o', Malley, I think, did the surgery. Very renowned foot doctor. And ever since then, his goal had been to play this year was all you kept hearing was he was going to do everything he could to play this year. Obviously him being back in practice is a great sign. Practicing with the Maine Celtics is great, I believe. I don't know this for sure because I wasn't in Boston, but I think the fact that he spoke today means he at least took part in some part of Celtics practice today, which is also great. He's not going to play against the Bulls in the final game before the All Star break on Wednesday. We'll see if he comes back, when he comes back, how much he could do if he does come back. But as we keep, as we've been saying for a month now, the fact that the Celtics are in the top three in the east without Tatum all year, with the potential for him to come back with other than James Harden, which Daryl Morey said wasn't a big deal, none of the top six or seven teams in the east adding anybody of consequence to their teams, it gives the Celtics a shot to do something I certainly never thought they would, and I don't think most other people did, which is really have a legitimate chance to make a run through the East. And you know, if Tatum could come back and be a solid contributor who could space the floor and rebound and play some defense and hit threes, even that would be a big boost for a team that's got a big hole at the power forward spot.

[B]

I get trying to temper expectations. Completely understandable. And you Know, I understand not wanting to make a commitment to, hey, I'm definitely coming back because he, you know, you got to see how his body feels, how it responds, all those kind of things. But the fact the guy is, you know, playing five on five with two months remaining in the regular season and the Celtics are where they are in the standings, it's hard not to anticipate that Tatum is going to come back at some point this season.

[C]

I remember when you remember when Paul George had that horrible injury and obviously a broken leg is a lot different than a torn Achilles. So he broke his leg in August and a similar type of situation. You know, the Pacers were one of the top teams in the league at the time and there was this sort of same thing like, you know, when's Paul George coming back? When's Paul George coming back? Oh, he's practicing, you know, when's he coming back? He did come back before the end of the season. But I remember Frank Vogel, who was the coach at the time, let me come into our practice, which is almost unheard of. I've only maybe been to maybe four, three or four NBA practices in my 20 year career where I'd be able to see the practice, not what they do at the end. And Frank Vogel let me watch a shooter or a scrimmage that Paul George did on an off day in Cleveland. And this was when people were saying, oh, he might be coming back pretty soon. And I watched him and he very, very clearly was not ready. And you know, he did come back a few weeks later and like, you know, it was sort of triumphant for him to get in, in that season. But so I just want to, you know, not that what's happening with Paul George happened with Jayson Tatum, but I will just say that just because a player is practicing doesn't mean they're quote, unquote close. However, I'm in agreement with you, McMahon, that it is obviously a sign of progress, which, you know, sometimes you hear guys are close and the next thing you know that you don't hear from them for a month. So the fact that we're getting progress signs, it's. It's relevant.

[D]

Well, and on the other side of it, we, a couple of years ago we had Jamal Murray tears, acl and he came back and was around the team and practicing. I think he practiced some and doing some stuff and didn't come back right that whole season. And if you go way back, like sort of the beginning of the end of Derrick Rose in Chicago was he tore his ACL in 2012. And then that whole next year, you'd go to Bulls games and he'd be out there, like, shooting around before the game and, like, going through full workouts on the court with all the fans there, and he just never came back and played. And I'm not. Again, I'm not saying that's what's going to happen here or not, but it would not be the first time that a guy would ramp up and then decide, you know what? I've got a very long career ahead of me. I got to make sure that I'm 100% right. Maybe the team doesn't clear him. Maybe he has a setback. Like, there's a thousand things that could happen.

[C]

Yeah, I mean, Michael Malone has. Has talked about this, you know, with us. I don't know if you said it on tv. I think he said it on tv, you know, when Jamal Murray was coming back, you know. You know, the controlled scrimmage, which is what Tatum has been doing, he's like, yeah, Jamal was doing controlled scrimmages, and he still didn't play. Now, it was later in the season, but in the next year, they won the championship, so.

[B]

And look, Tatum might get out there and, you know, he could have these controlled scrimmages for weeks, and he might just be at a point where he doesn't feel like he can be himself. Like, there's a difference between being physically able, you know, physically cleared, and then being ready to perform, you know, at the. At the level where you want to be, or even at the level where you feel like you can come in and make a significant positive impact. And so, you know, there's no certainties here, but this is a. It is a significant step to go from even the stay ready games where it's a bunch of, like, coaches and player development guys, to playing against professional basketball players, G leaguers or not.

[C]

While we're recording this, there hasn't been any. Any discipline handed down by the league after the little. McMahon, you're good at this. What would you. How would you term what happened in Charlotte?

[B]

Oh, a significant brouhaha. One of the most violent brouhahas that we've had in recent NBA history. I mean, this was, you know, I mean, dozens of punches thrown, not just a couple, like, dozens.

[D]

USA Dozens feel strong.

[B]

No, there were dozens of punches.

[D]

Dozens.

[C]

24 or more connected, but there were.

[B]

Dozens of punches throughout.

[D]

I. I think we're being a little dramatic.

[B]

Through multiple punches. Yeah.

[D]

Okay. He threw a couple.

[C]

So did my.

[B]

No diabate.

[C]

Was.

[B]

Was running around. Let's relax.

[C]

And then.

[B]

No Dozens of punches. Isaiah Stewart came in throwing haymakers.

[D]

There were.

[B]

There were at least four different flurries of punches.

[C]

By the way, shout out to friend of the pod, Jason from Charlotte, who you guys met last year in Akron. One of my friends who he longtime Hornet season ticket holder sits in like the fifth or sixth row in Spectrum Center. I had to think about it for a second. And first off, he told me that the energy in the arena last night was as strong as it's been in 10 years.

[B]

I can imagine number one seed coming to town, nine game winning streak.

[C]

Second thing he told me is that the moose, Musa Diabate, had to be literally carried out of the arena. And listen, let this be known that if you mess with the moose, you get the horns.

[B]

They don't have horns, they have antlers.

[C]

Okay. Thank you for your.

[D]

Oh, God.

[C]

So if you didn't see it, I'm sure you have by now, but basically I wasn't watching the game, so I don't know how intense the back and forth between Diabate and Jalen Duran was.

[D]

It would have been a pretty physical game. And you saw the one huddle after they pulled people aside. Jalen Dern was putting up three fingers, I think it was. He had been whacked three different times and they either hadn't called it or hadn't taken care of it. So he decided to take care of it himself.

[C]

So, yeah, so Jalen Dern, we will see what the suspension and not, you know, there's going to be multiple suspensions and multiple game suspensions. We'll see. Jalen Duran starts it by basically headbutting Musa Diabate, which just sort of indicated how much bigger Jalen Duran is than. Than the moose.

[D]

He had butted him and then he mushed him.

[B]

The mush. And it was. And Duran's got large hands, so like it was like a full facial.

[C]

McMahon, did you ever. Have you. Did you mush anybody in your days?

[B]

I've, I've, you know, not since my teenage days, but there were some bushes back in the day.

[C]

Okay. You were. You were guilty of some mushes.

[B]

I did a lot of things that weren't very appropriate. Yes, go on.

[D]

There's a reason you got sent off to boarding school. Just put it that way.

[C]

Post mush. Diabate lost it and came swinging. Got bontemps. Got a little close to the sideline there as well.

[D]

Well, there were a couple points when this almost got really bad. That was one of them. When Isaiah Stewart Came out and squared up. That had a chance to go really badly.

[B]

It had a chance. It did.

[D]

Well, I meant if he had really. I mean, Isaiah Stewart's a huge dude. If he had really connected it because could have been bad.

[C]

So when the moose came after Duran, he swung at him a few times. Duran backed up and he may get the lightest suspension is my guess because he could have escalated there. And he sort of, at one point he rose his arm, arms and then he just, he dropped them. Miles Bridges came. So they, they got separated and then Miles Bridges, you know, I guess having the abate's back when then went after Duran.

[D]

Miles Bridges initially shoved him. That was what started like he headbutted him and then mushed him. And Miles Bridges is the one who shoved Durin in the first place.

[C]

So then head bodybuilders went for round.

[D]

Two, then they got separated and Miles Bridges came around and took a swing at his head.

[C]

And that when Miles Bridges went for round two, that's when Beef Stew said I've seen enough and came charging in like a bull off the bench.

[D]

Which is a big no, no, that's an automatic. I mean that's a, that's an automatic game before you even start factoring in anything.

[C]

And then, then the swinging started.

[B]

Well, and I mean, date was throwing some.

[C]

It was throwing, I mean, Beef Stew swinging started and the, the announcer was like, here comes Beef Stew. It was like. And people have done some edits, you know, from a WWE stuff.

[B]

I mean, honestly though, like there is the WWE entertainment factor here. I hated to see it because this is something that could really derail some seasons. Like the suspensions might be announced by the time this comes out. I do believe the suspensions, it's funny. Like Dern, you could argue started it. Then Diabate really got it rolling. Then Miles Bridges escalated it and then Beef Stu took it to another level. And I think the suspensions are going to get longer as those guys jump in the mix.

[D]

That's the correct order of length too, I would say. 1, 2, 3, 4. Especially because of Isaiah Stewart's pretty extensive history at this point.

[C]

By the way, I saw this stat. Did you guys hear some trivia?

[B]

And now to present today's trivia question, the wiz of the quiz, Brian.

[D]

Windhorst.

[C]

So this was Isaiah Stewart's eighth ejection in his career. We don't have complete ejection information. It only goes back to 1988, apparently with ESPN research. Who. So beef stew has now eight ejections. That's the second most ejection. Demarcus cousins since second most for a Piston.

[B]

Oh, for a Piston.

[C]

Yeah. What piston?

[D]

Rashid Wallace.

[C]

Okay. What piston has more ejections than beef stew?

[D]

My first guess would be Rasheed Wallace.

[C]

Okay. That's your final answer. That's not the answer. Do you want to make one more guess? You won't get it. It's. It's a stunning. It's kind of a stunning one. He was a longtime. Katie.

[D]

Since 88.

[C]

I will give you two hints. He was a very longtime Piston, but they did not draft him. And he won a championship with the Pistons.

[D]

Well, all their good players. Time frame. Won a championship.

[C]

That's the thing. Lambert may have had more, but we'd only have it since 88.

[D]

Yeah, I'm going to say it was Tayshawn Prince.

[C]

Okay. You're on the right path, McMahon. You want to have one?

[B]

Ben Wallace.

[C]

I guess that would have been a great one. Even though Ben, you know, I was.

[D]

Going between Tayshawn Prince and Rip Hamilton.

[C]

How about again, according to ESPN research, You know, I'm not saying Richard Rip Hamilton.

[B]

What?

[D]

I was going to guess one of those too. Because of how you framed it. You would have been surprised.

[B]

I would never have guessed that.

[C]

I do remember some times where he would take off that mask and it went flying.

[D]

Yeah, that's fair. He would complain at the ref some.

[B]

That's fair.

[C]

So, yes, Detroit and Charlotte are two of the hottest teams in the league by eastern standards. High.

[B]

And that's why I hate this, because Diabate is going to sit some Miles Bridges who has significant history in terms of discipline with the league off court. But still, he's going to sit for. For a while. The Hornets had, you know, since Diabate's been in that lineup, they've played as well as anybody in the East. You know, the Pistons obviously are leading the east and have had. Have had a great season. I hate the seasons getting interrupted like this. I hate. I will say this. It does add a little bit of juice and sizzle to a potential Detroit Charlotte first round series. My goodness.

[D]

Sure does.

[C]

So we're looking forward to CAVS Philly Round 1, the Daryl Morey bowl and Charlotte Detroit Round 1.

[D]

If you could sign me up for those two series, these could go down.

[C]

This isn't just pie in the sky.

[B]

Yeah, yeah.

[D]

Be great. Lock it in.

[C]

What do these names mean to you? Bonteps, Carter, Bryant, Jackson Hayes, Keshad Johnson and Jace Richardson.

[D]

They mean that the dunk contest along with all star weekend should be sunsetted do you McMahon?

[C]

You have a pick there between those four?

[B]

No, I don't.

[C]

Can a seven footer win the dunk contest?

[D]

I mean, seven footers have won the dunk contest. Yes, Dwight Howard won but he's not seven foot.

[B]

He wasn't a seven footer. But I mean Larry Nance senior was a good 611 at least. Yeah, it was. No, I, I gotta tell you, I, I, I look forward to a nice Valentine's 6.

[C]

10. I'll get, I'll allow it.

[D]

The long, the long, the, the three point contest long ago became the signature event of all Star weekend and that's just the way it is.

[C]

All right, well who you picking in there?

[D]

They should let the rest of it go.

[B]

Dame for the storyline.

[D]

You guys know, with his torn Achilles not playing the season but going for a third three point championship.

[C]

You guys know who my favorite rookie non Cooper flag division is?

[B]

Oh, con knipple.

[C]

You know who I'm picking? All right, we'll see these guys next week. We got some, these guys are going to take a little all star break. Thank God. And we got some other folks coming up later this week on the hip collective. Thank you very much for watching and listening with us. As always, thank you to our producers Mark, Devon and Jackson. And thank you, McMahon and bottoms.

[B]

Adios, amigos.

[G]

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